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Ellisons Solicitors

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Ellisons' new premises at Connexions on Princes Street, Ipswich

Ellisons Solicitors

Providing businesses and the people of Ipswich with trusted legal advice

Partnership to inspire Suffolk's next generation of female construction workers

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Ellisons Solicitors

Ellisons Solicitors

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

A ground-breaking collaboration between Suffolk Chamber and Women in Construction Anglia 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.

John Dugmore and Clare Friel
John Dugmore and Clare FrielWomen in Construction Anglia

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."

Ellisons' new premises at Connexions on Princes Street, Ipswich

Ellisons Solicitors

Providing businesses and the people of Ipswich with trusted legal advice

Ellisons' new premises at Connexions on Princes Street, Ipswich

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Ellisons Solicitors

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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Ellisons Solicitors

Ellisons Solicitors

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

Ellisons' new premises at Connexions on Princes Street, Ipswich

Ellisons Solicitors

Providing businesses and the people of Ipswich with trusted legal advice

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