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Frank Bruno headlines 'invaluable' Ipswich business networking event attended by 200

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Boxing legend Frank Bruno and broadcaster Alan Brazil were the star guests at a major business networking event in Suffolk that attracted 200 local business owners.

The big picture: The networking event, held at Ufford Park on Thursday, marks another significant milestone for Longfields Circle, a business network spun out of Longfields Insurance earlier this year to facilitate better business collaboration across the region.

Frank Bruno and Alan Brazil
Boxing legend Frank Bruno and broadcaster Alan Brazil were the star guests at Ufford ParkBecky PayneLongfields Circle

Details: The event follows the network's launch event earlier this year which featured a Spitfire flypast.

  • Former heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno was interviewed by sports broadcaster Alan Brazil.

  • The event partnered with Combat2Coffee as its chosen charity, with thousands of pounds were raised for the charity during the evening.

What they're saying: Luke Broadley, founder of the Longfields Circle and owner of Longfields Insurance, said: "This was another tremendous success. Business networking doesn't need to be stale or boring. The Longfields Circle is transforming how businesses in Suffolk and East Anglia connect and collaborate."

Local business owner Ross Cracknell of Evolve Business Solutions praised the approach: "Being part of the Longfields Circle has been invaluable, we've made some great connections and it's all about collaboration and doing things in a new way."

What's next: The Longfields Circle has promised more events for 2025, though details have not yet been announced.

The bottom line: The event demonstrates growing momentum for the new business network, which has now delivered two major events featuring high-profile guests since its launch.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Mountain bike stolen from outside Anglia Retail Park restaurant

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in Ipswich.

The bicycle was taken between 10.20 and 10.30 on Thursday 6 March from outside the restaurant at Anglia Retail Park.

The blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen
Police are appealing for witnesses after a blue Boardman mountain bike was stolen from outside Tim Hortons in IpswichSuffolk Constabulary

Ipswich Police shared the appeal on social media, asking anyone with information to come forward.

Officers have assigned the crime reference number 37/12273/25 to the case.

Anyone who witnessed the theft or has information about the stolen blue Boardman mountain bike is asked to contact police via their online reporting system at https://orlo.uk/2zoxs or by calling 101, quoting the crime reference number.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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