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
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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
Norfolk & Suffolk have landed at the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) with a joint investment offer showcasing more than 60 development and regeneration opportunities for potential investors.
UKREiiF brings together more than 16,000 investors, developers, local authorities and partners from across the UK’s real estate and infrastructure sectors. With a dedicated Norfolk & Suffolk Pavilion and packed schedule of events, the region is ready to show exactly what makes it stand out from other areas.
Visitors to the pavilion will also be able to meet Penny, an interactive AI avatar with facts and insight about what’s powering Suffolk and Norfolk’s economies. Developed by Suffolk company SKC Studios, based in Haverhill, Penny is clear evidence of the innovation and creativity coming from our region.
Using regional data and insight, Penny will help investors quickly understand Norfolk and Suffolk’s skills base, business support landscape and delivery environment.
UKREiiF is a chance to highlight why investors should be looking to Norfolk and Suffolk, given the region’s nationally significant role in clean energy, advanced manufacturing and global trade.
During the event, Norfolk & Suffolk will launch a new joint growth proposition, setting out the two counties’ shared ambition and strengths, and highlighting the area as a compelling place for growth and investment. It will be available to download via QR code at the pavilion.
The pavilion programme will feature an inspiring line-up of business leaders who are driving real change and sustainable growth across Norfolk and Suffolk. Key themes include trade, infrastructure, town regeneration, energy investment and culture.
Norfolk Business Board Chair Nick Steven-Jones and Suffolk Business Board Chair Lisa Perkins are attending the event alongside representatives from across the public and private sectors, including local district councils.
Nick Steven-Jones commented: “Norwich and Ipswich both have fast growing economies and the businesses of the future are being built here. UKREiiF is a superb place to get in front of investors, developers and key decision-makers, and let them know about the opportunities on offer here.”