New figures show Ipswich has one of Britain's highest rates of working-age adults in employment, with only 12% considered economically inactive compared to the national average of 21%.
Why it matters: The figures from the Office for National Statistics demonstrate Ipswich's exceptional employment performance, with the town significantly outperforming the national average.
By the numbers:
Just 12% of Ipswich's working-age adults are economically inactive
21% is the UK average for economic inactivity
88% of working-age adults in Ipswich are either employed or actively seeking work
For context: Economically inactive means someone not currently in employment and not actively seeking work.
The bottom line: Ipswich's strong workforce participation rate positions the town as one of Britain's most economically active areas, with employment levels significantly above the national average.
Adam Littler, a 23-year-old computer scientist whose parents were brewers, has become the first person to complete both Sip'Swich drinks trails, visiting all 15 venues in just two days.
Why it matters: The Sip'Swich trails, organised by Ipswich Central in conjunction with Ipswich Borough Council, aim to showcase the town's brilliant selection of pubs and bars to a wider audience, helping people discover new venues they've never visited before.
The big picture: Littler, who moved to Ipswich six months ago, was awarded a limited edition Sip'Swich reusable cup and received a surprise £50 voucher from men's retailer James St. Peter's for being the first to complete both trails.
Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucherIpswich Central
What they're saying: "Having moved to Ipswich six months ago and loving a drink with friends, when I saw the trails being promoted in the local paper newsfeed it was right up my street as something to do!" Littler said.
By the numbers: The ambitious pub-goer visited 13 venues on Saturday 8 March before returning to complete the final two a couple of days later. He collected his prize less than a week after the trails launched.
The details: As a computer scientist with brewing in his blood, Littler scored each location on a 1-10 scale rating for enjoyment of the drink, price and atmosphere.
"The Arbor House and Crafty Fox were two venues that I was really impressed with for their friendly and knowledgeable staff plus recommendations they made. The Arbor House was an unexpected gem that I'd go back to, and, the Crafty Fox had a really lovely vibe about it," he said.
To make the challenge more interesting, Littler had a different type of drink in every venue, including wine at Boom Battle Bar, a cocktail at Cosy Club and a spirit at The Black Horse Inn.
Adam Littler was the first to complete the Sip'Swich trailAdam Littler
What's next: Littler plans to do the trail again with another group of friends so his girlfriend can also win a reusable cup. Meanwhile, the trails will run until the end of April or when all prizes have been claimed.
Ipswich is so lucky to have an incredible range of pubs and bars each with their own character and ambience. We devised Sip'Swich as a way of showcasing those places to a wider audience.
The bottom line: Further special prizes will be awarded over the coming weeks, including a voucher for a brewery tour donated by the Briarbank Brewery. Details and trail cards can be downloaded from www.allaboutIpswich.com/sipswich or collected from any of the 15 participating venues.
