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Local business leader 'flying the flag for Suffolk' named England's best SME director

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Rachel Garrett, Managing Director of Rendlesham-based CMG Technologies, has won the SME Director of the Year Award at the IoD England Director of the Year Awards in Birmingham.

The big picture: Headquartered in Rendlesham, CMG Technologies is the UK's only dedicated metal injection moulding (MIM) specialist, serving clients worldwide. Under Garrett's leadership since 2016, the company has seen significant growth and was acquired by global firm Indo MIM in 2023.

Rachel Garrett collecting her award
Rachel collecting her awardNutkins UK

Key details:

  • The award recognises outstanding initiative and sound management in businesses with up to £50 million turnover.

  • CMG Technologies was an early adopter of the four-day working week, which Garrett credits for increased profits.

  • The company specialises in metal injection moulding and 3D printing services.

What they're saying: "I am absolutely honoured to receive such a prestigious award. This really is a career highlight for me," Garrett said. She added, "While we may only be a small team, we're putting Britain back on the map for engineering and flying the flag for Suffolk."

Between the lines: Garrett's leadership style emphasises employee wellbeing and company culture, which she believes contributes to the firm's success.

The bottom line: This award recognises Garrett's individual achievement and highlights Suffolk's continuing stature in the engineering sector.

Health Minister meets Ipswich MPs over cancelled surgery plans

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The government minister responsible for primary care has met with Ipswich's MPs to discuss the cancelled development of a 'super surgery' in north west Ipswich. Stephen Kinnock MP held talks with local representatives following the scrapping of Cardinal Medical Practice's planned development at the former Tooks Bakery site.

Why it matters: The meeting signals high-level government engagement with Ipswich's primary care challenges, particularly in the north west of the town where the cancelled development was planned.

The big picture: The development at the former Tooks Bakery site was intended to create a new 'super surgery' that would embed healthcare services within the local community, aligning with the government's long-term NHS strategy.

Jack Abbott, Patrick Spencer and Health Minister Stephen Kinnock
Jack Abbott MP and Patrick Spencer MP met with Health Minister Stephen Kinnock on Saturday 30 NovemberOffice of Jack Abbott MP

The details: Jack Abbott MP and Patrick Spencer MP met with Health Minister Stephen Kinnock on Saturday 30 November:

  • Both MPs emphasised the need for improved primary care in north west Ipswich

  • The minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to community-based healthcare

  • The project was meant to align with recommendations from the Darzi Report on NHS strategy

  • No immediate solution was proposed

What they're saying:

  • "I will continue to work with local and national politicians and our local NHS to try and find a workable solution," said Jack Abbott MP

  • Patrick Spencer MP described the cancellation as "bitterly disappointing" for both the medical practice and local residents

  • Spencer added that the promised new 'super surgery' would "deliver exactly what the Government has committed to – health services embedded in the local community"

The bottom line: While the minister has reinforced the government's commitment to community healthcare, no immediate solution has been proposed for the cancelled development. Both MPs have pledged to continue working towards a sustainable solution.

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