Mark Ashton will continue to work as CEO, but in addition he will also become the chairman of Ipswich Town Football Club after Mike O'Leary's retirement. O’Leary has served the club since the takeover by Gamechanger 20 Ltd in April 2021, and he mentioned extensive travel required in this position and him being almost seventy two years of age.

Looking back on his time at the helm, O’Leary said that he is proud of many accomplishments achieved by their club including a quick promotion to Premier League which was a “mission accomplished” for him. For Ipswich Town it means that a vital period under O’Leary’s guidance is over.

He thanked Mike for his support and friendship during this period Ed Schwartz, who owns most of shares in this company has also commended O'Leary for his commitment and immense services rendered to it.

With Ashton holding both positions, Ipswich Town will be guided through its next stage.

A sprawling 1.17 million square foot warehouse for a garden and homeware retailer has officially started its initial phase of operations in Suffolk.

The Range’s distribution centre, located at Gateway 14 in Stowmarket, commenced operations on Sunday, July 7, with the arrival of its first shipment from Asian manufacturers. This new facility has generated over 1,000 full-time permanent jobs and includes 28,750 square feet of office space.

Ian Lucas, General Manager, shared his enthusiasm: “It’s amazing to be finally operational. The site is state-of-the-art, incorporating advanced technology and environmental features. We’re thrilled to recruit locally from Stowmarket, which benefits the town and community.”

Lucas noted that certain areas, such as a canteen and a gym, are still under construction and are expected to open in the coming weeks.

Part of the larger Gateway 14 development owned by Mid Suffolk District Council, the site features parking for over 200 trucks and 800 cars. Following its acquisition of Wilko.com earlier this year, The Range will also distribute Wilko merchandise from this facility.

Gateway 14 is set for further growth, with £18 million in funding secured in May for a skills and innovation centre aimed at supporting businesses, creating jobs, and boosting the local economy. Additionally, Mid Suffolk District Council recently announced a £1.5 million fund to enhance Stowmarket town centre, made possible through the council’s investment in Gateway 14.

For more information on Gateway 14 click here.

The Sizewell C Community Fund is introduced by the Suffolk Community Foundation, calling on charitable organizations plus not-for-profits in East Suffolk to be beneficiaries of part of £23 million that will be distributed. The motive behind this initiative is the local communities affected by the construction of the nuclear power station at Sizewell C.

Key Points:

• Funding Allocation: An approximate £2 million shall be shared every year for a period of 10 years.

• Eligibility: The projects should be aimed at improving the welfare of the people living in the East Suffolk Council area. In particular, they should boost the economic and social aspects as well as quality of life for the residents.

Statements:
• Julia Pyke, Joint Managing Director of Sizewell C spoke about the long-term benefits for local communities and stressed that the fund is part of Sizewell C project's legacy.
• Melanie Craig, Chief Executive of Suffolk Community Foundation, was excited at the prospect that the fund would be able to help those who need it most— saying that charities are receiving less central funding despite rising demands— and noted how important this particular fund is because it can provide assistance despite high demand levels due to low availability of resources from other sectors.
• Additional Information: To learn more about this, such as what makes you eligible and how you can apply, please visit the Sizewell C Community Fund page on the Suffolk Community Foundation website.
These local projects being able to access funding through this program present a considerable chance— it promotes the development of the community and its members’ welfare in the area.

Trebor and Hillwood have completed a major industrial development, Access @ Eastern Gateway Ipswich. The project offers units ranging from 12,897 to 52,491 sq ft and is now ready for occupancy. This development enhances Ipswich’s commercial landscape, reinforcing the Eastern Gateway commercial park as the premier industrial and logistics hub in the area. Built by Magrock Ltd, the units meet high sustainability standards, including BREEAM ‘Excellent’ certification. Marketing for the new units is handled by Lambert Smith Hampton and Savills.

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 140 Years with the ‘C140 Project’

Introduction

The Suffolk Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the launch of the ‘C140 Project’, an ambitious two-year initiative commemorating 140 years of fostering business growth within Suffolk County. This exciting endeavour aims to showcase the rich history and vibrant evolution of Suffolk's business community, highlighting the historical journey of the Chamber and its esteemed members over the past 140 years.

Project Overview

The C140 Project is built around four key themes: Diversity, Trade and Infrastructure, History and Heritage, and "The Future." These themes collectively aim to reflect on the Chamber's significant contributions and pave the way for continued growth and resilience in Suffolk's business landscape.

Celebrating Diversity

A cornerstone of the C140 Project is the "Celebrating Diversity" initiative, which aims to illuminate Suffolk's diverse economy and foster an appreciation for its richness. This initiative pays tribute to the Chamber's dynamic legacy and its pivotal role in shaping the local business environment.

Community Engagement

The C140 Project will engage the community through a blend of in-person and online activities. These include a dedicated website, social media updates, features in Chamber member emails, and coverage in the local press. Through these channels, the project seeks to foster a deeper understanding of Suffolk's business heritage and guide the Chamber's path into the future, emphasizing resilience, growth, and adaptability.

Leadership and Vision

Yvonne Hargreaves, leading the charge on this monumental project, expressed the Chamber’s primary objective: "Our primary objective with the C140 initiative is to delve into our rich history and heritage while uncovering the wider impact of our endeavors on the business landscape, individuals, and economy of Suffolk. We are thrilled to commemorate its enduring legacy and share the stories of our Chamber and its members, leaving behind a lasting legacy for generations to come."

Events and Digital Resources

Throughout 2024, the C140 Project will come to life through various events and digital resources, culminating in a lasting tribute to Suffolk's business legacy. Supported by funding from the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and the Heritage Lottery Fund, the C140 initiative stands as a testament to 140 years of impactful journey, shaping the past, present, and future of Suffolk's business community.

Historical Roots

The inception of the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce dates back to May 9, 1884, when Ipswich was a bustling hub of manufacturing, shipping, and trade. A group of Suffolk business leaders, including Ransome, Grimwade, Jefferies & Packard, recognized the power of unity to safeguard trade into Ipswich. Driven by the Ipswich Dock Commission, now ABP Ports, they forged a collective force for the greater good, realizing that a dedicated body was essential to champion matters of trade and address mutual interests.

Enduring Legacy

The Suffolk Chamber of Commerce emerged as a beacon of collaboration, understanding that the strength in numbers far surpassed individual efforts. This principle of unity has remained unchanged for 140 years, underpinning the Chamber’s ongoing mission to champion the interests of Suffolk's business community.

Conclusion

As we celebrate 140 years of resilience and influence, the Suffolk Chamber remains a vibrant force shaping the present and future. The landscape may have evolved, but the enduring principle that unity brings strength continues to guide the Chamber's efforts. Together, we are truly strong, carrying forward a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

Today is indeed a significant day in history, marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The Normandy landings on June 6, 1944, were a turning point in World War II and a testament to the extraordinary bravery and determination of the Allied forces.

The meticulous planning and execution of Operation Overlord, the codename for the Battle of Normandy, involved coordination among thousands of troops from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and other Allied nations. Their successful assault on the heavily fortified beaches of Normandy required immense courage and sacrifice, with many soldiers paying the ultimate price.

The heroism displayed on D-Day embodies the principles of freedom, unity, and perseverance. The soldiers who fought that day, as well as the countless individuals who supported the war effort behind the scenes, contributed to the eventual liberation of Europe from Nazi occupation. Their actions not only helped bring an end to the war but also set the stage for the rebuilding of a world committed to the ideals of peace and democracy.

As we commemorate this anniversary, it's crucial to reflect on the lessons of D-Day. The collaboration among diverse nations and the shared commitment to a common cause remind us of the strength found in unity. The resilience and courage shown by those involved in the Normandy landings continue to inspire future generations to strive for a world where justice and peace prevail.

In honouring the legacy of D-Day, we not only remember the past but also reinforce our commitment to building a better future. May the sacrifices of those who fought on June 6, 1944, continue to guide and inspire us in our pursuit of a more just and peaceful world.

Poppy Shop (RBL) : https://lnkd.in/eXEv2-5W

Donate to the Royal British Legion: https://lnkd.in/gdn54k5Q

They provide support for members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans, and their families. RBL are working hard to support the most vulnerable in our society, be it older veterans that they care for, those who suffer from social isolation, or those who are simply overwhelmed by the challenges associated with the cost-of-living crisis. ❤️

The highly anticipated Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, located at the Brook Hotel on Orwell Road in Felixstowe, Suffolk, is scheduled to open on June 27. This new restaurant will feature a menu blending English and French cuisine, including childhood favourites and seasonal dishes. The transformation of The Brook Hotel into a boutique-style hotel named Hotel Coco was announced in February, marking a significant development by the acclaimed chef’s company.

In addition to the steakhouse, the building will house a pub called The Queen’s Head, the first venue of its kind under a new brand, Marco Pierre White Ale House. The pub is set to open on July 4. While the exact opening dates for the hotel and pub are still to be confirmed, excitement continues to build around the project.

Andrew Vales, who was appointed as the general manager last month, expressed his enthusiasm about the new venture, emphasizing the goal of creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. He stated that the ability to start reserving tables would heighten anticipation for dining at the Marco Pierre White restaurant, which aims to offer great food in a welcoming environment without being pretentious.

A family-run business has expanded both domestically and overseas, thanks to a £1.6 million funding package granted by HSBC. PCE Automation purchased a new site, next to Ellough Road in Beccles. This is going to give the company the chance to double its production while providing further scaling opportunities. The business, which manufactures bespoke automation solutions for pharmaceutical and medical sectors, has equipped the site with a range of new equipment. This has facilitated the hiring of 13 new staff members. The support of HSBC UK has allowed them to build their new premises to the highest standard so that they can expand far beyond their current factory. The new building is titled the Bryan Cook Engineering Centre. PCE Automation have anticipated that they are now going to see a sharp rise in turnover. The anticipated rate is 17.7% over the next year due to a huge increase in space. They also have plans to expand their HQ in the years to come. 

Adapt Engineering specialises in dip coating systems, and their acquisition has helped them to expand both their customer base and their medical equipment. Nicholas Young who is the head of banking for East Anglia, as well as the South Midlands has said that they are thrilled to be able to launch this new partnership with PCE and that they look forward to throwing their full support behind the business as they expand their presence. PCE Automation is currently a fourth-generation company and launched in the 1960s as a boat-building service. Last year, they won the King’s Award for Enterprise, which recognises their hard work and innovation over the years.

A multi-million-pound logistics warehouse has nearly been completed. The warehouse can be found at Great Blakenham. Bosses say that they are excited about the work that is taking place and that they are happy with the progress that is being made. The cladding is now up and the flooring is being poured. When the facility has been completed, it will provide 35,536 racketed pallet locations. They can be stacked nine levels high. 10,000 pallet spaces are to be handed over in around a week’s time. The facility is going to have 8,000 bulk-loaded pallets on various floors, along with space for barcoding, quality control and kitting. There’s going to be eight dock levellers, along with a 7.5-tonne hydraulic lift. This is going to be used to move cargo and people to the mezzanines. The scheme covers 59 car parking spaces, along with electric vehicle charging for 12 cars. You also have triple-storey offices, which cover over 6,600 square feet.

The company runs a warehousing service at a number of sites, including in Ipswich, Liverpool, Felixstowe and London. Louis Perrin, the director at Hemisphere has said that the new development is a huge step forward and that it shows how committed the company is to cutting down the amount of carbon in the supply chain. They are pleased at how progress is being made and it’s exciting to see that the vision as a whole is taking shape right now. They are eager to get the facility open and can’t wait for things to get moving again. To celebrate their achievements even more, they intend to open their doors in the summer, as the facility opens and they aim to provide a range of celebratory activities. They also want to give great insight into some of the strides they are making toward a more sustainable future. Curzon De Vere has said that they are very proud to be working on this project for the Hemisphere and they are also pleased to see the construction taking shape.

The Port One Logistics Park has over 80-plus acres for solar panels, and they aim to give power to car charging ports, office lighting and even fork truck operations.

Ipswich Borough Council have proposed a new development to revitalise the town while supporting a more vibrant community. An Aquatics Centre is going to be built in the area around Portman Road, with it poised to be a shining example of how the town is set to be more community-focused. The project, which is to be done in collaboration with Ipswich Town Football Club and the Suffolk County Council aims to enhance the area significantly. The Aquatics Centre is going to boast several facilities, supporting everything from sporting excellence to health and wellness. The project is also set to focus on eco-friendly principles, targeting a BREEAM rating of Excellent. A lot of this comes down to its sustainable design. The initiative represents more than the general creation of new facilities. It helps to symbolise a new era for Ipswich, ensuring that there are several benefits for the town centre. The enhanced green areas and public spaces are going to be new gathering places, which help to strengthen the fabric of the community in general.

The project is not only going to be a jewel for the community but a beacon for how leisure, sport and well-being are valued. This is set to be the start of a healthier and more vibrant Ipswich, as it helps to champion the spirit of the community. The Council is dedicated to making its vision a reality, ensuring that the benefits are enjoyed by both present and future generations. A significant amount of work has been undertaken at the grounds over the last few years and there have been a substantial amount of improvements during this time. They are proud to have an average attendance of 29,000 visitors this season, and there are hopes that this number is going to grow even more over the coming years. The general redevelopment of Cobbold Stand is helping to increase the capacity and it has been a part of the masterplan for the stadium.  The proposal for the Aquatics Centre and the masterplan is going to be submitted for planning approval which is a crucial milestone in the development as a whole. Subject to planning consent, it's anticipated that a report will be given later in 2024, with subsequent phases lined up to try and bring the new Aquatics Centre to fruition.