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Suffolk leaders unite to boost county's influence on government

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Over 100 leaders from Suffolk met last week to strategise how the county can better align with the new Labour government's priorities and get us to the "front of the Government funding queue.”

The big picture: The "Suffolk Convention," held at BT's Martlesham research centre, brought together MPs, business leaders, council officials, and representatives from the health, voluntary, and media sectors.

Key points:

  • The event was organised by Suffolk Chamber of Commerce.

  • All eight Suffolk MPs attended.

  • Delegates discussed how to improve Suffolk's standing with Westminster and Whitehall.

  • A panel of experts provided insights on Suffolk's current perception in government circles.

The Suffolk Convention delegates
Over 100 delegates attended the Suffolk Convention on October 18th at BT's Adastral ParkSuffolk Chamber of Commerce

What they're saying: John Dugmore, Suffolk Chamber's chief executive: "The Suffolk Convention brought together some of the most influential people in the county into one room.

He added: "The delegates took advantage of this opportunity to explore whether and how we wanted to more effectively than ever before influence Government and especially one still very much at the start of its term. The answer was unequivocally positive and I believe Suffolk will be better placed, more focussed and able to persuade Government to help us make our fullest contribution to national prosperity.”

Paul Simon, head of public affairs at Suffolk Chamber: "What was so impressive about The Suffolk Convention was the desire among delegates to speak with one Suffolk voice and to coordinate this more joined-up approach as soon as possible."

Between the lines: The convention identified clean energy as Suffolk's best opportunity to align with government priorities.

Panel discussion at the Suffolk Convention at BT's Adastral Park
Panel discussion at the Suffolk ConventionSuffolk Chamber of Commerce

What's next: Suffolk Chamber plans to develop a "One Suffolk Voice" campaign to coordinate lobbying efforts across all government departments.

The bottom line: By acting swiftly at the start of the new government's term, Suffolk aims to secure a prime position for funding and support, particularly in clean energy development.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

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Computer scientist son of micro-brewery owner first to complete Ipswich pub trail

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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 voucher
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 sitting in a cafe
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.

Lee Walker  from Ipswich Central said:

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.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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