Ipswich Forum

On 22^nd October Suffolk Chamber in Ipswich Forum met at RT Infrastructure Solutions.

Nadine Wood, the company’s Operations Director and Christian Rouse, the company’s Training Manager introduced RT Infrastructure Solutions to the meeting; explained that the company not only helps to maintain the UK’s railways but also trains staff from other companies to maintain the railways. Nadine also highlighted the company’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant with 67% of RT Infrastructure Solutions’ staff being armed forces veterans.

Alastair Southgate, Regional Rail Lead at Transport East updated the meeting on the changing nature of railway use in the East of England. The meeting then discussed some of the issues with rail travel, including support for passengers with disabilities and rail connectivity in rural parts of Suffolk.

The meeting ended with Toby Warre, Head of Policy at Suffolk Chamber providing a briefing on Local Government Reorganisation in Suffolk and devolution for Suffolk and Norfolk.

Miles Vartan, Managing Director at Vartan Consultancy Ltd, who chaired the forum meeting said ‘It was great to see in Ipswich, such an amazing training facility. Also, RT Infrastructure Solutions deserve full credit for their commitment to employing armed forces veterans. Many companies in Suffolk and Ipswich, find it hard to find staff with the right skills. Employing armed forces leavers is a potential solution for many skills shortages; we would recommend that all employers consider signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant’.

A presentations by Natalie Howard of OCS, gave Suffolk Chamber in Ipswich members an opportunity to discuss the importance of businesses creating social value. Whilst a presentation by Emma Alderton of Suffolk Chamber provided members with an update on the many contract opportunities that there are in Suffolk and the links between tendering for contracts and social value; with Emma stressing that there are contract opportunities for businesses of all types, big or small.

Shaun Bailey of Jacob Bailey then spoke about the many things that make Ipswich a great place and the work that his firm is doing to create a brand to promote Ipswich. Shaun also pointed out that businesses can enrich life in Ipswich by supporting the creative sector and gave Jacob Bailey's support for the Brighten the Corners festival as an example of how the firm is providing social value in Ipswich.

Suffolk Chamber in Ipswich's Forum met over breakfast at the New Wolsey Theatre to find out more about Ipswich's thriving arts and culture scene.

Ipswich Chamber members heard about the growing economic impact of the Brighten the Corners Festival; the community work of the New Wolsey Theatre and Eastern Angles Theatre Company and the links between Dance East, Bobby Robson, the England football team and Ipswich Town FC. The Regent Theatre, which is East Anglia's largest theatre, revealed details of its exciting refurbishment plans. Also, David Ralph, chair of the Ipswich Vision Board, gave an update on the work of the board.

Mike Bowden, Head of Strategy Development at Cory Brothers and chair of Suffolk Chamber in Ipswich said: 'The meeting showcased some of the wide spectrum of arts and culture activities that help to make Suffolk, as well as Ipswich a great place to live and work in. This contribution needs to be celebrated and supported. ' 

You can view the meeting presentations here. If you would like to watch the videos in the presentations, the links are:

Brighten the Corners

Tune up project - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6Jpr3YkW7M 

Festival Review - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVI6VY9t-4c&t=3s 

Eastern Angles

https://vimeo.com/1013539412 

Dance East

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdWGJgs0AHE 

Responding to employers' needs

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce's Ipswich Forum met at Suffolk New College to find out how the college is using it share of the £ 4.7 million Local Skills Improvement Fund awarded to Suffolk and Norfolk.

Members were briefed about how the college has responded to employers' skills needs, which were set out in the Local Skills Improvement Plan prepared by Suffolk and Norfolk Chambers of Commerce. Initiatives include introducing ePASS+, a digital platform designed to focus on crucial soft skills, teaching digital skills in all subject areas, well advanced plans for a regional digital skills passport and bite sized courses.

Members also shared some of the skills challenges they are facing and the actions they are taking to address the challenges.

Paul Copsey, Commercial Director of Auditel, who chaired the meeting said 'It was really good to find out how Suffolk New College is working with Suffolk Chamber of Commerce to shape training courses to meet employers' needs. It was also good to hear from employers about the importance that they place on training and retaining staff'.

Mike Bowden Director of Marketing and Partnerships at Cory Brothers and Chair of Suffolk Chamber in Ipswich welcomed Chamber members and guests to the Innovation labs at the University of Suffolk Waterfront Campus.

Ipswich Borough Council Leader Neil MacDonald introduced us to the new Ipswich Borough Council Corporate Strategy which sets outs the council’s priorities.

Ipswich Borough Council Chief Executive Helen Pluck then set out plans for an Ipswich inward investment strategy which will be designed to attract new businesses and investors to Ipswich and grow existing Ipswich businesses, with the aim of bringing new and better jobs into Ipswich.

Chamber members were asked about thoughts on what would make Ipswich a better place for business and there was an interesting discussion around this question.  Helen’s contact details may be found on the presentation.

Chief Inspector Matt Breeze set out Suffolk Constabulary’s policing priorities for Ipswich, reminding us that although Suffolk and Ipswich have their issues, they remain very low crime areas in the national context.

Chamber members felt that although crimes rates in Ipswich may be relatively low, fear of crime was an issue.

Toby Warren, Senior Policy Officer at Suffolk Chamber of Commerce gave a presentation about Social Value and its importance for Suffolk businesses.  

Please let us know by email your thoughts and suggestions for future Ipswich forum meetings. We welcome suggestions about venues, topics and times for meetings.

Presentations

Proud of Ipswich - Helen Pluck and Cllr Neil MacDonald

Social Value - Toby Warren

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce members in Ipswich have given their views about how they can support the work of the Ipswich Vision Board at a meeting with David Ralph, the new chair of the Vision Board.

David told the meeting that Ipswich is already a great place to live and work but he recognises that there is still much to be done to make Ipswich even better. His first priority will be to make sure that the Town Investment Plan projects that have been offered Government funding are progressed, as this will help to create confidence that Ipswich is changing for the better.

Chamber members agreed that it’s important that businesses help to change perceptions of Ipswich so that more people want to work in Ipswich and it attracts more visitors. Members felt it was particularly important that students see Ipswich as a great place to study and work.

Paul Copsey, Chair of the Suffolk Chamber in Ipswich Forum said 'It’s great that David has a clear focus on what needs to be done to transform Ipswich'.

David said 'Suffolk Chamber of Commerce has a key role to play in making Ipswich a place that more people want to live in, work in and visit. I look forward to working with Chamber members to build on what Ipswich already has to offer'.