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Businesses invited to share insights in regional tourism survey

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Larking Gowen has launched its Tourism Business Survey 2025 for businesses to contribute opinions and gain insights into the tourism industry.

Why it matters: The survey aims to gather valuable information from retail, leisure, hospitality and tourism businesses across the region to help shape the future of the sector and inform strategic decisions. It comes as the movement to transform the town's fortunes and accelerate its regeneration gathers pace.

Steve Flory, Becky Ames, Christopher Scargill, Cathy Frost and Marcus Neal at the Larkin Gowen Ipswich Thrive event
Steve Flory, Becky Ames, Christopher Scargill, Cathy Frost and Marcus Neal at the Larkin Gowen Ipswich Thrive eventLarking Gowen

The details: Businesses in retail, leisure, hospitality and tourism are encouraged to participate in the survey, which can be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TBS25EB.

Becky Ames, Partner at Larking Gowen, emphasised the importance of industry participation: "The survey is a great opportunity for you to give your opinions and get your voices heard."

The initiative was announced during an event at St Stephen's Church as part of Ipswich Thrive week, where business, cultural and media leaders gathered to discuss supporting tourism in the town and broader region.

What they're saying: "Ipswich needs all our support now. It can't be done in isolation, we have got to work with the community and the council. It's about a new high street centred around experiences," said Cathy Frost, owner of Loveone giftshop and Director of the Saints Community Ipswich.

Steve Flory, who recently took over as Chair of Ipswich Central , said: "We want to create and promote activities in the town for the benefit of the business and wider community. We want to get more people in, and have more events. Our legacy is to make this happen. We'll get this town back to where it should be."

The bottom line: Local businesses and cultural organisations are collaborating to transform Ipswich into a destination town, with the tourism survey offering a chance for businesses to contribute to regional growth. Survey results will be announced in due course.

Complete the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TBS25EB.

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Local migration exhibition competing for global heritage award

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Suffolk Archives' community-led project about migration stories is in the running against attractions from 15 countries for a prestigious museums award.

The "Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk" exhibition has been shortlisted for Community Engagement Programme of the Year at the 23rd annual Museums + Heritage Awards.

Why it matters: The nomination recognises Suffolk's approach to documenting and celebrating diverse cultural histories through community collaboration.

Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to Suffolk
Arrivals: Celebrating Migration to SuffolkSuffolk County Council

The details: The free exhibition explored historical and contemporary migration experiences to Suffolk since the end of World War II, including:

  • Oral history recordings

  • Stories of migrant entrepreneurs

  • Archive materials from the Ipswich and Suffolk Council for Racial Equality

  • Narratives about Jewish refugees, Polish soldier Marion Laskowski, and the Windrush generation

  • Examples of traditional clothing from around the world

From the community: The exhibition featured "The Journey" – an art installation consisting of 125 birds made from sustainably sourced plywood, each decorated to represent a unique migration story.

What they're saying: "This nomination reflects the incredible collaboration between Suffolk Archives, local community groups, and artists. It's a wonderful acknowledgment of how migration stories have shaped our county's history and brought together diverse voices in a meaningful way," said Councillor Philip Faircloth-Mutton, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Equality.

Anna Preedy, Director of Museums + Heritage Awards, said: "This year's shortlist truly reflects the breadth and depth of the cultural sector and its determination to deliver first-class visitor experiences for all."

By the numbers: The global awards include entrants from across the UK and 14 other countries ranging from Norway and Egypt to Australia.

The competition: 'Arrivals' is competing alongside exhibitions from Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust, Manchester Museum, The Landmark Trust, and Historic England.

What's next: The winners will be announced on 15 May.

The bottom line: Suffolk Archives' latest exhibition is "Departures", which explores emigration from Suffolk. It runs at The Hold, on Ipswich's Waterfront, until 31 May, with a programme of tie-in events. Visit www.suffolkarchives.co.uk for more details.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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