> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Council launches business week to boost town's economy
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/council-launches-business-week-to-boost-town-s-economy/
- Published: 2025-02-14T07:53:32.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:21:48.000Z
- Description: Ipswich's first dedicated business festival aims to showcase local entrepreneurship and foster new partnerships across sectors.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Business, Councils, Business Events, #article, Ipswich Borough Council, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters:** The initiative aims to promote collaboration and innovation within Ipswich's business community, with more than a dozen events planned across the town.

**The big picture:** Ipswich Borough Council is organising the Ipswich Thrive: Business Week from March 10-18, designed to bring together businesses of all sizes to celebrate success and shape the town's economic future.

![Ipswich Borough Council Leader Neil MacDonald with business leaders in Ipswich launch the new festival](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1739485782-ipswich-thrive-business-week-1.jpg)

Ipswich Borough Council Leader Neil MacDonald with business leaders in Ipswich launch the new festival (Ipswich Borough Council)

**What they're saying:** "This week is an unmissable opportunity for local businesses to come together, celebrate success, and shape the future of our vibrant community," said Cllr Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council Leader.

**The details:** The week-long festival will include:

- Panel discussions and keynote speeches from industry leaders
- Workshops and training sessions for small businesses and entrepreneurs
- Networking events to promote collaboration
- Business expos showcasing local businesses and start-ups

**By the numbers:** The programme features more than a dozen business events throughout the week.

**Supporting voices:**

- Tim Robinson, Chief Operations Officer at Tech East, called it "a great opportunity to network, to make new partners and contacts"
- Doug Rintoul, Chief Executive of the New Wolsey Theatre, described it as "a brilliant boost of energy into economic growth"
- Craig Parry, business development manager at IJYI, emphasised that "the collaboration side of things is really important"

**The bottom line:** The initiative aims to embrace digital innovation, forge strategic cross-sector partnerships, and rethink community engagement in the town, according to project manager Nicki Bramford.

### Independent local journalism is expensive to produce

It's free for you to read thanks to the generous support of our partners.