Ipswich is a 'regional city' with a population of around 128,000, which is expected to grow to at least 150,000 by 2021. As the county town of Suffolk and the most progressive and fastest growing regional centre in the East of England, Ipswich is aware that working with, rather than in competition to, its regional partners is key to success.
In order to achieve the targets set by the Government and to maximise opportunities for businesses, residents and visitors, Ipswich promotes a number of strategic alliances and partnerships.
The two main partnerships in which Ipswich is currently involved are Regional Cities East (RCE) and the Haven Gateway Partnership (HGP). Both of these alliances link areas that believe that collaboration not competition is the key to successful growth and development. Both benefit from strong government support and partner buy-in.