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
It’s encouraging to see the momentum behind Suffolk’s economy continuing through the summer months, with new investment, business support and innovation opportunities creating tangible benefits for businesses across the county.
This month’s newsletter highlights several examples of that progress. From the expansion of the High Streets Matter programme, helping independent businesses strengthen and grow, to the opening of the Stowmarket Innovation Gateway, we are continuing to invest in the places, people and ideas that will shape Suffolk’s future economy.
We’re also proud to be making the case for greater national investment in our region, advocating for the infrastructure, innovation and business support needed to unlock further growth.
What gives me confidence is seeing the strength of collaboration across Suffolk. Businesses, local authorities, educators and partners are coming together with a shared focus on creating opportunities, improving productivity and ensuring our county remains a great place to live, work and invest. Thank you to everyone contributing to that effort, and I hope you enjoy reading this month’s updates.
Lisa Perkins, Business Board Chair
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.”
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.
In a joint letter, the Norfolk and Suffolk Business Boards urge the incoming Prime Minister to:
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.
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:
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.
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.
WHERE BIG
IDEAS HAPPEN.
