Ipswich has a stable and diverse economic base that has produced a thriving business community. It has a dynamic business culture, encouraging both traditional and high-tech enterprises and the town and its labour force are both flexible and adaptable, providing persuasive arguments for companies to locate here.
There are a variety of different sectors that are strongly represented in Ipswich including; Finance; Manufacturing; Transport and Logistics, Administration, and Technology.
The hi-tech sector in particular has seen rapid advances, encouraged by the proximity of one of Europe's fastest growing technology parks, Adastral Park (link opens in a new window). Home to BT and many pioneering technology companies and universities, this important base for technology research and development is located at Martlesham just a few miles from the centre of Ipswich.
Due to the continuing expansion of business and tourist activities, the services sector is also growing rapidly in Ipswich. There are now more hotels and restaurants than ever before, with more planned as part of new developments due for completion over the coming years.
The borough of Ipswich has a population of around 128,000, with 310,000 people living within 10 miles of Ipswich. Full details of the demographic breakdown for Ipswich, as well as statistics relating to education, health and the labour market among others, can be found on the Suffolk Observatory (opens in a new window), which is managed by the Suffolk Development Agency.
| Main Sectors |
% Ipswich |
% Suffolk |
% East of England |
| Agriculture |
0 |
0.5 |
1.3 |
| Energy |
0.6 |
0.9 |
0.4 |
| Manufacturing |
5.6 |
12.6 |
11.0 |
| Construction |
4.4 |
5.5 |
5.3 |
| Distribution |
23.2 |
24.7 |
25 |
| Transport |
6.9 |
8.1 |
6.3 |
| Finance & Admin |
21.6 |
15.9 |
20.3 |
| Public Admin & Education |
31.9 |
26.4 |
25.5 |
| Other services |
5.8 |
5.4 |
4.9 |
* Office for National Statistics figures for 2006
The following sources may be useful for locating further information on companies located in Ipswich:
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Ipswich Borough Council and Ensors Chartered Accountants produced this Index which recognised and celebrated the achievements of growing businesses in the Ipswich area.
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ISSBA is a non-profit making organisation which is dedicated to the support of small and new businesses in Ipswich and Suffolk. Members benefit from a wide range of business and social events helping make new contacts within the local business community.
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A full listing of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce members can be found in the Chamber online Directory, as well as in their annual Suffolk Business Directory.
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Useful Statistics sources
Useful Documents