Ipswich.co.uk turns one: Our first year in numbers and five pledges to our readers

By the numbers: Here's just a snapshot of our year in numbers:

• 1,920 articles published: That's 37 articles per week with a team consisting of just one full-time and two part-time journalists.

• 528,479 visitors to our website: Our most-visited page was our 'Good news' section, showing that, despite common belief, good news does sell.

• Our content has been read an incredible 800,323 times: Every article has been read without a single distraction or banner ad.

• 4,067 subscribers to our newsletter: With 89.7% of subscribers reading at least one issue per month and just 0.2% unsubscribing.

• 331,625 people reached on Facebook: Generating 64,292 likes, reactions, saves, comments, shares and replies on our page alone.

Recognition: We've been featured regularly in the trade press, met the King and Queen alongside industry peers at Buckingham Palace, and nominated for best journalism-based website at the Future of Media Awards, with the awards due to take place next month. But, most importantly, we've been inundated with positive feedback and kind words from you, our readers. Nothing means more.

Funded by local businesses: There are no national advertisers on Ipswich.co.uk. Instead, our journalism is funded by 21 brilliant local organisations: All About Hearing, Attwells Solicitors, DanceEast, David Button Funeral Directors, Ellisons, Freeport East, Gipping Construction, Happiness Club, ICS, Insight Energy, Ipswich Central, Ipswich School, Kingsfleet, Menopause Vitamin Company, PLMR Genesis, RSZ Accountancy, Start Build & Grow, Suffolk New College, The Lanman Group and Upside Finance.

Without them, our journalism wouldn't be possible, nor would it be free.

What's next: Looking ahead, we have outlined five commitments to our readers:

1. We promise to continue scrutinising local government, holding elected leaders to account, and fighting for positive change.

2. We pledge to bring our journalism to the heart of the town centre through our first high street regeneration project.

3. We commit to expanding our community impact reporting, giving more voice to those working to solve our town's biggest challenges.

4. We commit to a youth-focused community journalism programme that ensures young people are represented and heard.

5. We promise to continue championing local businesses and entrepreneurs, telling their stories with the depth they deserve and putting them at the forefront of our town's regeneration.

How you can support us: Local businesses can join our Growth Partnership programme, supporting independent journalism while growing their brand, reputation and revenue. Email oliver@ipswich.co.uk to discuss how we can work together.

Readers can help by sharing our stories with friends, family and colleagues, and, if you're able to, considering a contribution of just £24 per year. Every penny funds more independent local journalism.

The bottom line: The numbers tell one story, but the real success lies in the community we've seen develop around the desire to better our town. Ipswich is a long way from perfect, but there are reasons to be hugely optimistic about its future.

Thank you to everyone who's been a part of our success over the last twelve months. We can't wait to see what the next twelve bring.