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
Suffolk Economy brings you a monthly round-up of current opportunities for Suffolk-based businesses, including funding, support and more. If you have an opportunity you’d like to share, please contact suffolk.economy@suffolk.gov.uk
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £2.5 million for projects to develop vocational robotics skills courses. This funding is from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and aims to create and deliver course content and materials that will support skills, talent and training in robotics. This will address skills gaps for professionals able to specify, procure, integrate, operate and maintain robotics.
Farming, growing or forestry businesses based in England can apply for a share of up to £5 million for on-farm trial and demonstration projects, to improve adoption of new ideas or solutions in the agricultural sector.
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £7.6 million to enable career and growth opportunities in the tech sector. This funding is from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
UK registered businesses and research and technology organisations (RTOs) can apply for a share of up to £5 million for feasibility studies. These will make supply chains more resource efficient and resilient through addressing cross cutting challenges.
The 2026 Innovation Challenge is a global competition inviting innovators to present groundbreaking solutions that address real-world challenges and foster innovation to transform health and social care on the Isle of Man.
This year, the Challenge focuses on Health and Social Care, exploring how digital transformation, collaboration, and new technologies can strengthen services, improve user outcomes, and support a healthier, more connected Island.
By tackling key priorities across Working Smarter, Wellness, and Home First, the Innovation Challenge provides businesses with a platform to scale globally, create meaningful impact, and contribute to the Island’s reputation as a UNESCO Biosphere and a hub for innovation.
Our own Suffolk Economy grant programme is also open for applications.
You might be eligible for funding if…
Our priority areas for funding are digital transformation and adoption of new technologies, innovation and R&D, decarbonisation and sustainability.
All of the information and criteria is available on the Suffolk Economy website: Business Grants and Funding – Suffolk Economy
WHERE BIG
IDEAS HAPPEN.
