The Suffolk Business Board was established in May 2024 following the integration of New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership functions into Suffolk County Council. It comprises representatives from business, education, the voluntary sector and local government.
Business Board members:
Chair: Mark Pendlington
Deputy Chair: Cllr Matthew Hicks, Suffolk County Council
Doug Field, East of England Co-Op
Oliver Paul, Suffolk Food Hall
Lisa Perkins, Tech East
Peter Brady, Orbital Global
Kelly Boosey, Oxford Innovation
Leanne Gittins, LME Recruitment
John Dugmore, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce
Tom Ball, Ipswich Town Football Club
Hannah Bloom, Suffolk Community Foundation
Paul Ager, Associated British Ports
Marek Hornak, University of Suffolk
Nikos Savvas, Eastern Education Group
Cllr Richard Smith MVO, Suffolk County Council
Cllr Andy Mellen, Mid Suffolk District Council
Cllr Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council
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.
This includes the flagship Innovate2Elevate business growth programme, regular workshops and technology training sessions, networking events, and access to specialist innovation advice, research partnerships and peer networks.
The centre has a particular focus on helping businesses explore and adopt emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, digital tools and automation, while also providing access to skills development opportunities through partnerships with colleges, universities and industry experts.
The official opening brought together businesses, partners and stakeholders from across the region to celebrate the launch of the new facility and hear about its ambitions for supporting innovation-led growth in Suffolk.
Visitors were able to explore the building’s modern workspaces and collaboration areas, learn more about the support available through the Innovation Gateway, and connect with organisations that are helping to shape Suffolk’s future economy.
The event also featured a guest appearance from Penny, the AI avatar developed in partnership with SKC Studios, who helped showcase how emerging technologies can be used in practical and engaging ways to support business growth and innovation.
As businesses begin to move into the building and engage with its growing programme of activity, the Stowmarket Innovation Gateway is set to become an important focal point for collaboration, skills development and technology adoption in Suffolk.
Businesses interested in locating at the centre or accessing its support programmes can find out more at Stowmarket Innovation Gateway.
WHERE BIG
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