Think Big,
Grow Bigger
Explore the support, grants and programmes that help Suffolk businesses innovate, grow and create jobs.
LET’S MAKE YOUR BIG IDEAS HAPPEN.
Powering the UK, Feeding the UK, Connecting the UK
Suffolk Economy brings together businesses, investors and partners to drive sustainable economic growth across our county.
Growing Suffolk’s Economy
Our vision is to secure Suffolk at the forefront of UK innovation and industry, becoming an epicentre of technology convergence, skilled jobs and robust economic growth.
By strong collaboration between business, local government and sector leaders, we are focused on accelerating growth, attracting investment and creating opportunities that benefit Suffolk people and businesses.
Suffolk Economy provides the infrastructure, insight, support and connections to help you scale – locally and internationally.
What We Do
- Championing Suffolk at a regional and national level
- Supporting businesses to start, scale and innovate
- Attracting investment into key growth locations
- Connecting employers, skills providers and communities
How We Work
Suffolk Economy is led by the Suffolk Business Board, working with councils, education providers and industry to align investment, skills and business support.
OUR FOCUS IS ON
- Delivering the Suffolk Economic Strategy
- Coordinating business support and growth programmes
- Strengthening Suffolk’s investment proposition
- Amplifying the county’s economic strengths
Stay Up to Date
Sign up for insights, announcements and case studies from across Suffolk’s economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Suffolk Economy?
Suffolk Economy leads the delivery of the Suffolk Economic Strategy (Local Growth Plan). We coordinate business support, investment activity, skills development and strategic programmes designed to strengthen the county’s economic performance.
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Who are the Suffolk Business Board?
The Suffolk Business Board is a partnership of leaders from business, education, the public sector and the VCSE community. It is responsible for shaping and driving Suffolk’s economic strategy, informing investment decisions, championing business priorities, and providing strategic leadership.
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What are Suffolk’s key strengths and priority sectors?
Suffolk’s economy is driven by strong, high‑growth sectors including:
- Agri‑food & Drinks
- Clean Energy
- Ports & Logistics
- Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering
These sectors are central to our strategic goals, contributing to productivity, job creation, innovation and clean growth.
Suffolk’s sectors are strengthened by tech convergence: the integration of digital, AI, robotics, satellite and clean‑tech capabilities into traditional industries.
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How can I learn more about Suffolk’s economic strategy?
In 2025, we published our Economic Strategy, which sets out the county’s long‑term priorities, missions and investment areas. The strategy provides a blueprint for economic decision‑making, infrastructure planning, skills development and sector‑focused growth.
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What resources are available for Suffolk businesses?
Suffolk businesses can tap into a range of support programmes and grants to help drive growth and innovation. These include access to funding streams, expert advice, and connections to regional partners who can support expansion, skills development and operational improvement.
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What are the advantages and opportunities for investing in Suffolk?
Suffolk offers a strong, future‑ready proposition for investors. The county is home to thriving businesses across key sectors including agri‑food, clean energy, logistics, digital technology and advanced manufacturing. Investors benefit from a supportive economic strategy, well‑connected growth locations and future opportunities.
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What support can I get for skills development or workforce training?
Suffolk Economy works with employers, skills providers and partners to strengthen the county’s training and workforce development offer. Through programmes such as the Skills Hub and Skills Deal initiatives, businesses can access new and improved courses, help shape sector‑specific training, and collaborate on tackling shared skills challenges.
Latest News
Suffolk’s High Streets Matter!
Cllr Vicky Armstrong, Cabinet Member for Finance, Economic Development and Efficiency, Alan Ridealgh, Humber Doucy Brewing Co. and Ashley Cooper, High Streets Matter Project Manager.
Independent retailers and hospitality businesses in Suffolk’s market towns can now access expert advice, tailored training, peer networking and grant funding through the expanded High Streets Matter programme.
Backed by Suffolk Economy, the initiative will support 75 businesses to build resilience, attract customers and grow. The programme launched on 28 July in Stowmarket, with the first cohort focusing on businesses in Beccles, Brandon and Mildenhall before expanding to Sudbury and Stowmarket later this year.
Businesses taking part in the pilot have already seen results, with one Suffolk jeweller using the support to improve visual merchandising, strengthen marketing and reduce reliance on social media.
Cllr Vicky Armstrong said: “The small businesses that fill our market towns are a crucial part of Suffolk’s identity, and their success is felt by all of us. They create jobs, bring people into our town centres and give each high street its own unique character.”
Stowmarket Innovation Gateway opens its doors to ambitious Suffolk businesses
The Stowmarket Innovation Gateway has officially opened its doors, marking a major milestone for Suffolk’s innovation ecosystem and creating a new home for ambitious businesses looking to learn, develop and scale.
Funded by Mid Suffolk District Council and located at Gateway 14 in Stowmarket, the £18 million innovation and skills hub has been designed to support business growth, technology adoption and workforce development across Suffolk and the wider East of England.
The Innovation Gateway will be operated by Hethel Innovation, and offers companies a range of flexible workspace options including private offices, co-working space, meeting facilities and collaboration areas. Businesses based at the centre will also benefit from access to a year-round programme of support, training and networking opportunities designed to help them innovate, improve productivity and unlock growth.
Message to the Prime Minister: Back Norfolk and Suffolk to drive UK growth
In a joint letter, the Norfolk and Suffolk Business Boards urge the incoming Prime Minister to:
- invest in nationally significant infrastructure including Bacton Energy Hub, the Port of Felixstowe and Ely Area Capacity Enhancement scheme
- strengthen access to business finance
- establish Norfolk and Suffolk as a national demonstrator region for innovation and technology
Together, these three commitments would enable Norfolk and Suffolk to make an even greater contribution to the UK’s economic growth, productivity, resilience and long-term competitiveness.
Lisa Perkins said: “Government should invest where Britain already has a competitive advantage. Norfolk and Suffolk are home to world-class strengths in energy, food, digital technologies and global trade. With targeted Government backing, our region can become a national demonstrator for innovation while helping to deliver the Government’s ambitions for growth while creating high-value jobs and attracting investment.”
Norfolk and Suffolk’s Joint Growth Proposition makes the case for the region punching above its weight across sectors that are critical for driving national growth. Through this message to the Prime Minister, they are offering to be a partner in delivering the Government’s growth agenda.
News and updates
Innovation Labs reaches major milestone
Businesses supported by Innovation Labs Group and the Future Tech Programme have secured £5 million in investment and £4 million in commercial contracts, as the Stowmarket-based initiative marks a series of milestones.
Across its programmes, Innovation Labs has supported more than 1,000 businesses, including 500 through pro bono support, helped bring over 100 digital innovations to life and generated more than 100 million PR impressions for early-stage companies.
The organisation is now launching a new business innovation support programme, offering free or discounted membership to selected applicants.
At a glance:
- £5m investment secured
- £4m commercial contracts won
- 1,000+ businesses supported
- 500 businesses supported pro bono
- 100+ digital innovations developed
- 100m PR impressions generated
Opendatabay: Building a global data marketplace from Beccles
One of the businesses to benefit from support through Innovation Labs is Opendatabay. What started as a self-taught software developer’s side project has grown into a successful Suffolk business helping organisations around the world access one of the most valuable ingredients in modern technology: data.
Founded by Beccles-based entrepreneur Justinas Kairys (pictured above), Opendatabay connects organisations developing AI and digital products with the data they need to test, train and build new technologies. The platform is now working with customers internationally, proving that globally ambitious tech businesses can thrive from a Suffolk base.
In our latest business spotlight, Justin shares his unconventional route into tech, the inspiration behind Opendatabay, and why Suffolk is a great place to build an innovative business. Read the full story.
2026 Adult Learner Awards: celebrating our winners
Our skills team hosted the 2026 Suffolk Adult Learner Awards on 25 June at Ipswich Town Football Club, celebrating the positive impact adult learning has had on learners as well as the hard work and commitment of those working in the sector.
Speaking about their experience with adult learning, runner-up Louise Carter said:
“Returning to education as an adult has given me confidence and opened up opportunities I never thought possible.
“Hearing about other people’s learning journeys on the awards evening was incredibly inspiring and reminded me that it’s never too late to learn and achieve your goals.”
Read more about the awards and meet the winners and runners-up.
Innovation Grant Mentoring: Unlock your potential
Suffolk businesses developing new products, services or processes are being encouraged to apply for the Innovation Grant Mentoring programme, which provides free specialist support to help businesses secure innovation funding.
Funded by Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex County Councils, the programme offers one-to-one mentoring, bid coaching and practical advice to help businesses strengthen funding applications, identify opportunities and bring innovative ideas to market.
Open to eligible small and medium-sized businesses, the programme has already helped companies across the region secure funding for research and development projects. Overall, innovation mentoring has unlocked £1.5 million of innovation funding for Suffolk businesses, generating a £9 return for every £1 invested.
Read the full story and find out if your business could benefit.
Hotel Folk: Investing in people, championing Suffolk
With six hotels across Suffolk and more than 350 employees, The Hotel Folk has built its reputation on great service, strong local roots and a commitment to developing its people. From a dedicated training centre to hands-on induction programmes, the business invests heavily in helping staff build the skills and confidence needed to succeed.
That focus on people has supported the company’s growth while maintaining a consistent guest experience. It has also helped The Hotel Folk navigate economic challenges, attract talent and continue showcasing Suffolk to thousands of visitors each year.
We caught up with CEO David Scott to find out why investing in people is central to the company’s success, and why he believes Suffolk’s visitor economy has even more potential to unlock. Find out more.
What’s coming up
Haverhill Business Networking
19 August, 9-10.30am, Haverhill EpiCentre
Free networking event in Haverhill to bring the business community together.
Full details and booking information here.
Winning UKDI Opportunities: From Bid Success to Pipeline Intelligence
27 August, 12.30-1.30pm, Online
Find out what UKDI looks for in successful bids and gain early insights and valuable hints and tips into upcoming opportunities to strengthen your business development pipeline.
Full details and booking information here.
The Fundamentals of Innovation Funding
10 September, 12.00-1.30pm, Online
The Innovation Grant Mentoring team are leading a lunchtime webinar that will explore the basics around innovation funding – why it exists, how it supports business growth, its benefits, and what makes a strong funding application. This practical and insightful webinar is designed to help innovative businesses understand and navigate the UK funding landscape.
Full details and booking information here.
Safari Networking Event
22 September, 9.30-11.30am, Ipswich Town Football Club
A friendly, informal environment for all business people in any job role to enjoy a physical networking session. This may specifically appeal to those new to networking, or those new to a role, wanting to make those much-needed business connections.