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How to make the most of Ipswich Thrive Business Week

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With more than 30 events scheduled across nine days, here's your day-by-day guide to Ipswich Thrive Business Week.

Why it matters: The week-long business festival runs from 10-18 March and showcases Ipswich's diverse business community while providing valuable opportunities for growth, learning and collaboration.

Here's our day-by-day guide:

Ipswich Thrive Business Week
Ipswich Thrive Business WeekIpswich Borough Council

Monday 10 March

  • Uncover your strengths, weaknesses, and unique traits with the Personality Profiling Workshop by Business Growth Coaches Network (10:00-13:00)

  • Ping into Business brings you to a table tennis table where you have a 15 minute match against your colleague, and in that time explore future opportunities, plus networking by Table Tennis England (11:30-14:00)

  • Learn how to secure funding for your projects at the Grants Workshop by Business Growth Coaches Network (14:00-15:00)

  • Learn how to write and submit an Arts Council National Lottery Project Grant application at the Arts Council Project Grant Bootcamp (18:00-21:00)

Tuesday 11 March

Wednesday 12 March

  • Get your business cards ready for a morning of networking with small business owners at Meet the Members Networking by ISSBA (09:30-11:30)

  • Jobs, apprenticeships, training, career advice, skills bootcamps, volunteering and much more at the Ipswich Jobs and Careers Fair by the Department for Work & Pensions (10:00-13:00)

  • Learn the basics of starting a business and navigating the legal side of things at the 1st Steps and Legal Workshop by Business Growth Coaches Network (10:00-13:00)

  • Dive into the world of mergers and acquisitions at the M&A Masterclass by Business Growth Coaches Network & Affinia (11:30-13:00)

  • Learn how to predict and manage your cash flow at the Cashflow Forecasting workshop by Business Growth Coaches Network (14:00-16:30)

  • Discover new opportunities, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights to take your next step with confidence at the Join the Force Networking Event by EmpowerUs (17:00-19:30)

  • Showcase your games and partake in some informal games industry networking at the Ipswich and Suffolk Game Developer Meet Up by Game Anglia (19:00-21:00)

Thursday 13 March

Friday 14 March

Monday 17 March

  • Boost your selling skills and close more deals at the Sales workshop by Business Growth Coaches Network (10:00-13:00)

  • Learn how to spark innovation using AI with International AI expert Eleni Lialiamou at the Creating Innovation Using AI Workshop by Business Growth Coaches Network (13:15-16:15)

Tuesday 18 March

The bottom line: Early registration is recommended for these popular events, with many workshops offering limited places. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards and prepare a brief introduction about their business to maximise networking opportunities.

Business Growth Coaches Network

As a business owner, you’ll know the day-to-day challenges of running your business are wide and varied. BGCN's friendly team have all been there and experienced those hurdles – that’s why they can work with you to help you improve your business.

BGCN's Peter Basford and Andy Skinner
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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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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

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

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