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Freeport East invests nearly £1m to boost local businesses and skills

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Freeport East is injecting almost £1 million into East of England businesses and education organisations through two new funds to support small businesses and strengthen opportunities in high-growth sectors like clean energy.

The big picture: A total of more than £980,000 investment will be split between two funds:

The Freeport East Clean Growth Fund

Supports local businesses in clean energy and other target sectors. Recipients include companies working on railway engineering, vertical farming, green hydrogen storage, and AI for engine decarbonisation:

  • MKC Rail in Clacton: Railway engineering efficiency

  • Acer Resources in Colchester: Vertical farming

  • Rux Energy in Harwich: Green hydrogen storage

  • Automotion in Felixstowe: AI for diesel engine decarbonisation

  • Versatile RobotX in Colchester: Fruit-picking robots

  • Insight Energy Renewables near Ipswich: EV charging infrastructure

  • Revolve Labs in Stowmarket: VR healthcare training

  • University of Suffolk: Support programme for local innovators

The Freeport East Innovation and Skills Fund

Focuses on building access to innovation and skills opportunities. It supports education providers, logistics training, business support, and student mentoring programs.

This includes a consortium of further education providers led by Suffolk New College that will provide a range of specialist skills support across the Freeport East area. The support is designed to help learners of all ages pursue future opportunities in growth sectors.

Freeport East Clean Growth Fund
The Freeport East Clean Growth Fund will help learners of all ages pursue future opportunities in growth sectors in the regionFreeport East

Why it matters: This significant funding boost could create new jobs and drive innovation in key industries across the region, including Ipswich and surrounding areas.

What they're saying: Steve Beel, Chief Executive of Freeport East: "Investing in local businesses and growing our workforce is investing in the future of the East of England."

Ivan Henderson, Deputy Leader of Tendring District Council and Freeport East Board member: "This initiative will not only stimulate economic development but also create new opportunities for innovation and skills enhancement across the region."

The bottom line: This investment aims to position the East of England, including Ipswich, at the forefront of high-value sectors like clean energy, trade, agritech, and digital technologies.

Unplanned closure on Henley Road causes morning travel disruption

News

Sections of Henley Road in Ipswich have been closed today despite notices initially indicating only temporary two-way traffic signals would be in place, leading to confusion for motorists.

The details: The partial closure allows City Fibre to carry out 'unclassified work' on the road.

  • Henley Road is closed in one direction at the Valley Road traffic lights for traffic heading towards Henley

  • A full closure is in place between Ipswich Sports Centre and Dale Hall Lane

  • Ipswich Sports Centre remains open and can be reached from the Valley Road end of Henley Road

A section of Henley Road between Ipswich Sports Centre and Dale Hale Lane have been closed
A section of Henley Road between Ipswich Sports Centre and Dale Hale Lane have been closed for City Fibre worksOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Yes, but: Despite large 'Road Closed' signs blocking the entrance to Henley Road at the Valley Road traffic lights, hundreds of drivers have been observed attempting to access the closed sections before making U-turns and heading back onto Valley Road.

The bottom line: Restrictions are expected to be in place until Friday, 10 January. Those travelling in the area should plan alternative routes.

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