The decisions defining tomorrow: Ipswich Business Summit 2026

Join us for the first annual Ipswich Business Summit ABOUT THE EVENT In partnership with Ipswich.co.uk, Suffolk Director Magazine is hosting the first annual Ipswich Business Summit at DanceEast on Ipswich’s waterfront on Tuesday 1st December from 2:00 pm onwards. This year's theme will be centred around the question, "Is it too late for Ipswich?" Our answer: no, but the decisions that settle it are being taken now - locally, regionally and nationally. We will be bringing together just under 200 business owners, directors, partners and senior decision-makers for one afternoon of honest, evidence-led and constructive conversation, which will take a proper look at the future of our county town, and what it means for businesses operating in and around it. WHAT TO EXPECT 2.00 pm: Arrival, registration and networking in the Foyer at DanceEast, where delegates will gather for refreshments. 2.45 pm: We move into the theatre for part one of the event, where Oliver Rouane-Williams (Founder and Managing Editor of Ipswich.co.uk) and Sue Wilcock (Founder and Managing Editor of UK Director Magazines) will welcome guests and introduce the speakers. There will be three keynotes addressing three key areas: · The Politics: A decision on whether to proceed with devolution is due in November. If it goes ahead, the first Norfolk and Suffolk mayoral elections could follow as early as next May. Either way, the outcome matters for business. What would devolution mean, and what if it does not happen? What did businesses in other devolved regions do early to win a seat at the table? And what should businesses here be doing now to make sure they are heard, whichever way it goes? · The Infrastructure: An expert view of what it will take to grow our local economy. Where we are now, the key schemes and discussions, what is likely to happen next, and the threats and opportunities for local businesses. · The Place: Evidence-led optimism, with a critical friend's honesty. Where Ipswich is now as a town, where it is headed, and why it is worth investing in. 3.45 pm Break for networking and refreshments in the Foyer area. 4.30 pm Back in the Theatre for part two, the Q&A session. Chaired by Sue Wilcock and Oliver Rouane-Williams, this is your turn to ask what you came to ask. Our panel of experts will take questions from the floor in a Question Time-style discussion. 5.30 pm Main event closes 6.00 to 7.30 pm Christmas drinks reception, where guests can continue the conversation over a glass of wine and canapés. COST Tickets are £30.00 + vat and are limited to two tickets per company. Please note that if you are a business club member and are interested in attending, email [email protected] for your free ticket. GETTING THERE Parking St Peter's Dock Bridge Street Ipswich IP1 1XH For further details, click here Duke Street Ipswich IP3 0AQ For further details, click here Train DanceEast is approximately a 10-minute walk from Ipswich Train Station. BROUGHT TO YOU IN ASSOCIATION WITH Affinia: With over 300 years’ combined sector experience, Affinia is the fastest-growing fully integrated accounting services platform in the UK, focused on providing critical recurring services to SMEs and owner-managed businesses. Purpose-led and purpose-built, Affinia take time to understand what matters to you, providing full-service, professional expertise in a down-to-earth way. It is focused on delivering exceptional outcomes for clients, colleagues and its communities to help people prosper. https://www.affinia.co.uk ICS: As an award-winning IT provider, ICS is proud to support businesses across East Anglia with reliable IT and Telecoms solutions. They believe technology should help you work smarter, not harder, so they take care of your IT while you focus on running your business. https://icshelp.co.uk Limitless Film & Media: Founded in the Summer of 2018, Limitless specialise in providing both high-quality bespoke video solutions for brand-focused social media and TV advertising. With its First Class Honours degrees in filmmaking, it is a powerful weapon in the age of modern advertising, where as much as 96% of people turn to videos to learn more about a product or service! As part of its working relationship, Limitless puts an emphasis on collaboration with you, to not only ensure it understands your brand inside and out, but to give you the trust that it can deliver the best product it possibly can at a price that doesn't sacrifice growth, no matter the size of your company. www.limitlessfilmandmedia.co.uk Unmatched : Based in the heart of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, Unmatched is a proudly regional HubSpot agency with deep local roots and a growing national client base. It stays connected to its local community while delivering expert HubSpot consultancy and services to businesses across East Anglia, London, Cambridge, and beyond. Unmatched is proof that the best HubSpot Diamond Partner UK doesn't have to be in the capital - it just has to know its stuff. https://www.unmatched.agency