Skip to main contentEnter
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

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

Green light for Suffolk's £14bn economic strategy – but can it deliver?

News
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

Suffolk County Council has approved a new £14 billion economic strategy, marking the start of an ambitious journey to reshape the county's future. The plan's success will depend on attracting substantial private investment and developing the local workforce.

Why it matters: The approval moves Suffolk from the planning to the implementation phase of a significant economic transformation. The strategy aims to generate £14 billion in additional economic growth by 2045.

The big picture: The approved plan positions Suffolk to become:

  • A hub for clean technology and innovation

  • A leader in sustainable growth

  • A more competitive region for investment

  • A county with higher-skilled, better-paid jobs

Challenges ahead: Several critical hurdles lie ahead:

  • Attracting £4 of private investment for every £1 of public funding

  • Training 45,000 more people to Level 3 (A-level equivalent) or higher qualifications

  • Getting 35,000 more people into the workforce

  • Improving infrastructure to support growth

What they're saying: Council deputy leader Cllr Richard Smith MVO sees the strategy as transformational, promising "better jobs, improved infrastructure and greater access to skills training, creating opportunities for everyone."

Behind the numbers: The strategy reflects input from "hundreds of leaders" across business, local authorities, education, health and voluntary sectors, according to Suffolk Business Board chair Mark Pendlington.

Looking ahead: While the strategy has secured council backing, delivering on its targets will require:

  • Significant private sector buy-in

  • Major infrastructure improvements

  • Substantial workforce development

  • Long-term commitment across political cycles

The bottom line: Suffolk has set ambitious targets for economic transformation. The real test lies in turning today's approval into concrete results through sustained investment, development and collaboration.

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

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

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

News
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

Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

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

Load next article