Jimmy's Farm and Woodbridge Tide Mill up for tourism awards

Why it matters: The partnership aims to address the construction sector's skills shortage while increasing diversity in an industry where women currently make up only 15% of the workforce.

The big picture: The collaboration comes as the government commits £600 million to tackle construction skills gaps, with plans to train 60,000 skilled workers by 2029 to support the building of 1.5 million homes.

What they're saying: "This partnership represents a significant step forward in our commitment to bridging the gap between industry and education," said John Dugmore, CEO of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.

"We have been working behind the scenes on this partnership for some time, so the Chancellor's announcement on investing in skills in construction has come at the perfect time."

Details: The partnership will focus on:

• Enhancing skills development through collaboration with local education institutions and businesses

• Addressing barriers to work

• Promoting diversity and inclusion

• Facilitating engagement between industry and education

By the numbers: Women in Construction Anglia has made significant impact since launching in October 2024, engaging more than 600 individuals through events and initiatives aimed at inspiring the next generation of women to pursue construction careers.

What they're saying: Clare Friel, Founder of Women in Construction Anglia, said: "Our collaboration with the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce amplifies our efforts to inspire and support women in the construction industry."

"Since its inception we have been proud to collaborate with colleges across Suffolk but have aspirations to take our work across the region. Together, we can create more opportunities and drive meaningful change."

The bottom line: With this new partnership, Suffolk aims to remain "at the forefront of the construction sector," according to Dugmore, ensuring the county is "equipped with a diverse and skilled workforce ready to meet future challenges."