Ipswich is set to host its second Ipswich Thrive: Business Festival, a dynamic celebration of entrepreneurship, collaboration, and innovation designed to strengthen the town’s economic growth and business community.
Building on the success of last year’s inaugural Ipswich Thrive: Business Week, this year’s expanded festival will run from Monday 9 to Friday 20 March, offering more than 30 events across Ipswich.
It is once again organised by Ipswich Borough Council in partnership with leading organisations including the Department for Work & Pensions, Ipswich Central, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, University of Suffolk, Suffolk New College, New Anglia, Business Growth Coaches Network, Tech East and Larking Gowen.
By bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, educators, and industry leaders, the festival aims to:
- Provide inspiration, practical support, and networking opportunities for businesses of all sizes.
- Boost local economic growth
- Encourage knowledge-sharing and partnerships
- Support digital innovation and future skills development
The festival features a diverse range of sessions tailored to meet the needs of start-ups, SMEs, and established businesses. Highlights of the programme of events include:
- Future of the High Street – Ipswich Central (Monday 9 March)
- Pitch Perfect: Local Media Masterclass – Ipswich.co.uk (Monday 9 & Wednesday 18 March)
- Marketing and Branding Workshop – Business Growth Coaches Network (Tuesday 10 Mar)
- AI + Human: The New Business Success Blueprint – Business Growth Coaches Network (Wednesday 11 March)
- Ipswich Jobs & Careers Fair – Department for Work & Pensions (Wednesday 11 March)
- Access to Finance & Venture into Investing – Anglia Capital Group (Thursday 12 March)
- Tech Mixer: Shaping Suffolk’s AI Future – Tech East & IJYI (Thursday 19 March)
- Women-led Growth Community Group – University of Suffolk (Tuesday 17 March)
- Confident Pricing & Social Media Strategy – Business Growth Coaches Network (Friday 20 March)
From networking breakfasts and executive dinners to hands-on workshops, career fairs, and tech innovation sessions, the festival is designed to spark ideas, build partnerships, and unlock new opportunities for growth.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council, said:
“We’re proud to be launching our second Ipswich Thrive: Business Festival, highlighting the achievements and potential of our local businesses. This builds on the incredible success of last year’s Ipswich Thrive: Business Week and reflects our commitment to supporting enterprise and driving economic growth. In response to all the positive feedback from 2025, we’ve extended this year’s programme of Ipswich Thrive events to run over a full festival fortnight.
“Whether you’re a start-up, an established company, or exploring new opportunities, this festival is an unmissable chance to connect, learn, and shape the future of Ipswich’s vibrant business community.”
For the full programme of events and registration details, visit: Ipswich Thrive: Business Festival – Monday 9 to Friday 20 March | ipswich.gov.uk