No politics, no red tape: Ipswich traders take matters into own hands

Why it matters: The sold-out meeting on Wednesday, 5 March at The Hidden Garden Cafe at Puzzle Boutique aims to unite business owners who believe the town's economic future depends on collaboration rather than confrontation.

Who's involved: The call to action targets several business sectors:

• High street retailers

• Hospitality businesses

• Nighttime economy operators

• Creatives and entertainment venues

What they're saying: "This is about breaking bread together. It's about having each other's backs. It's about remembering that you don't need permission to succeed," one organiser Sam Parnell wrote in her announcement.

The bigger picture: Parnell believes Ipswich's business community has been fragmented by institutional barriers.

"For too long, fighting for Ipswich has meant fighting Ipswich. Fighting the institutions, the politics, the trolls and the gatekeepers who should be bringing us together, not keeping us apart," she stated.

The bottom line: The gathering emphasises practical support over bureaucracy, with Parnell concluding: "I know enough people who can help make things happen. But first, we need to talk. Let's start here. Let's start now."