Strategy and Insights

Suffolk Economy: A clear vision for Suffolk’s economic future
Suffolk’s economy is forward‑looking, diverse and packed with potential. Our strategy and insights bring together the latest evidence, data and analysis to help businesses, partners and investors understand where the opportunities lie – and how we’re working together to create a resilient, inclusive and high‑performing economy.

Download the Economic Strategy

Suffolk’s 2045 Ambitions

Our Economic Strategy sets out bold goals for 2045, grounded in Suffolk’s existing strengths and focused on shared long‑term prosperity.

By 2045, Suffolk aims to:

  • Add £14 billion to the economy
  • Have 45,000 more people qualified to Level 3+ skills
  • Grow the workforce by 35,000 people
  • Significantly increase average wages across the county
  • Remain a place where businesses that start here, thrive here

These ambitions guide our work and shape the decisions we take today.

What drives Suffolk’s economy?

Suffolk is home to more than 30,000 businesses, an ambitious workforce and a strong foundation of high‑growth and future‑focused sectors.

RECENT ANALYSIS SHOWS:

  • £23bn GVA – up from £21bn, representing 9.2% economic growth year‑on‑year
  • Carbon emissions down 9.1%, outperforming the national rate
  • 8,100 people gained Level 3+ qualifications in 2023–24
  • 3,200 new entrants joined the workforce, 10% of our 2045 target
  • Strong performance in key sectors including clean energy, agri‑food, ports & logistics, and advanced manufacturing

This evidence helps us understand where Suffolk is strongest – and where we can go further.

High‑growth, Emerging 
and Value Sectors

Our Economic Strategy identifies three groups of sectors, all contributing 
to Suffolk’s long‑term prosperity.

High Growth Sectors

  • Clean Energy
  • Agri‑food & Drink
  • Ports and Logistics

These sectors are already powering national growth — from offshore wind and nuclear to digital supply chains.

Emerging Growth Sectors

  • ICT & Digital Creative
  • Life Science & Biotech
  • Financial Services

These sectors have strong potential for expansion, supporting innovation and high‑skill jobs.

Value Growth 
Sectors

  • Advanced Manufacturing 
& Engineering
  • Construction
  • Health & Social Care
  • Visitor Economy

These sectors employ large numbers of people and offer opportunities to improve productivity and job quality.

EPIC Suffolk: Our framework for Growth

At the heart of the Strategy is EPIC Suffolk, a guiding framework for investment and decision‑making.

E – Economic Wellbeing
Ensuring financial resilience and improved living standards for all.

P – Productivity
Driving innovation and boosting economic efficiency.

I – Inclusivity
Creating fair access to opportunities and shared prosperity.

C – Clean Growth
Leading the UK in sustainable, low‑carbon innovation.

EPIC shapes how we prioritise funding, design programmes and build 
a stronger economy for every community.

Our Mission‑led Approach

The Suffolk Economic Strategy focuses on three missions where the county can lead nationally:

Power Clean Growth

Positioning Suffolk at the heart of the UK’s green transition — nuclear, offshore wind, hydrogen, bioenergy and clean‑tech innovation.

Sustain the Nation

Championing a smart, productive agri‑food system that supports food security, sustainable farming, and advanced agri‑tech.

Deliver Smart Logistics

Strengthening Suffolk’s role as a national gateway for trade — powered by digital logistics, low‑carbon freight corridors and global connectivity.

These missions are practical and actionable, grounded in the work already underway across Suffolk’s clusters and communities.

Tech Convergence: Suffolk’s Competitive Edge

Suffolk is pioneering a powerful area of economic transformation: tech convergence.
By integrating digital, AI, robotics, clean‑tech and satellite applications into established industries, Suffolk is unlocking new opportunities for:

  • Smarter agriculture
  • Greener manufacturing
  • Data‑driven supply chains
  • Innovation in energy and space technology

This cross‑sector innovation is a major driver of future growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the Suffolk Economic Strategy?

    Our Economic Strategy Suffolk’s long‑term plan for clean, inclusive and sustainable growth. It sets out our missions, priorities and evidence base to drive investment and support a thriving economy.

  • How is Suffolk Economy performing?

    Our Annual Review provides updated data each year, including GVA growth,
    workforce trends, sector performance and progress against our 2045 ambitions. We
    are making good progress against the ambitions set out in our Economic Strategy.

  • How is the Strategy being delivered?

    Delivery is coordinated through our Investment and Delivery Plan — a rolling
    programme of interventions aligned with the EPIC framework.

  • What sectors are driving growth in Suffolk?

    Our High Growth, Emerging Growth and Value Growth sectors all contribute to a
    strong and diverse economy.

  • How can partners get involved?

    Partners can engage through sector groups, cluster activity, events, data sharing
    and collaborative projects.

  • How do I stay updated?

    Sign up for our newsletter and follow Suffolk Economy on LinkedIn for the latest
    insights, funding opportunities and events.