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# Ipswich Central bolsters board in bid to boost town centre
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/ipswich-central-bolsters-board-in-bid-to-boost-town-centre/
- Published: 2025-02-04T13:14:47.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:22:50.000Z
- Description: Ipswich Central has expanded its board with nine new local business leaders as it prepares to double down on street security and events to grow town centre footfall.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, BID, Tourism & Place, Town Centre & Waterfront, Business, #article, Ipswich Central, Doug Rintoul, Richard Brame, Professor Jenny Higham, Dione Walton, Rebecca Bird, Josh Wade, Kate Higgs, Mark Hubert, John Ferguson, Steve Flory, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters:** The Business Improvement District's board now totals 15 members, bringing together expertise from multiple sectors to shape the future of Ipswich town centre.

**The details:** The new appointments include:

- Doug Rintoul, Artistic Director at New Wolsey Theatre
- Richard Brame, Senior Director at Willis Tower Watson
- Professor Jenny Higham, University of Suffolk Vice-Chancellor
- Dione Walton, University of Suffolk Students Union CEO
- Rebecca Bird, Buttermarket Shopping Centre Manager
- Josh Wade, Head of Mergers and Acquisitions at OCS
- Kate Higgs, Director of Income Generation and Marketing at Ormiston Families
- Mark Hubert, owner of James St Peter menswear
- John Ferguson, world-renowned portrait photographer

![Steve Flory, Chairman of Ipswich Central](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1738674680-steve-flory-ipswich-central-1.jpg)

Steve Flory, Chairman of Ipswich Central

**What they're saying:** "As a stronger-than-ever board of business professionals, Ipswich Central's priorities for town centre businesses this year will be focused on enhancing street security around the town, hosting more events to bring visitors into the town centre and delivering seasonal campaigns that help businesses see more customers and income," said Steve Flory, new Ipswich Central Chair.

**What's next:** Ipswich Central's annual plan for 2025/26 will be shared before the end of March, ahead of the new financial year.

**The bottom line:** The strengthened board combines the existing expertise of five members with nine new board directors from diverse sectors as it looks to bolster town centre prosperity through enhanced security, events, and seasonal campaigns.

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