Small business bulletin for East Anglia

Local News 2 Jan 2025

Local small business news from Candy Richards, your FSB Development Manager. Updates cover Ipswich, Stowmarket, Bury St Edmunds, Southwold, Felixstowe, Newmarket, Norwich, King’s Lynn, Diss, Cromer, Thetford, Great Yarmouth and surrounding areas. Last update Wednesday 27 November 2024.

In summary

2025 is going to be an action-packed year with lots of networking events in the pipeline. To keep up to date, make sure you’re following us on Facebook; search for FSB East Anglia.

We know that many members are concerned about forthcoming changes to employment legislation. We are actively engaging with Government to share our members’ experiences and to make the case for greater protection for small businesses. To get involved email [email protected].

Featured news and events 

Business grants for rural West Norfolk businesses

Do you run a business based in rural West Norfolk? If so, you could be eligible for a grant to help your business grow. Grants are available between £10,000 and £100,000 to help fund new products or facilities such as equipment to help reduce your businesses’ carbon emissions, the purchase of food processing equipment, or the conversion of farm buildings into commercial or other business use.

To find out more, get in touch with Grant Adviser Sally Lomax.

 

Grow your business for good with FSB’s latest bootcamp

Our popular bootcamp series is coming to Peterborough featuring a brilliant line-up of expert speakers to help you hone your skills in marketing, AI, and fraud prevention. And with plenty of networking sessions built into the day, there will be lots of opportunities to mix and mingle with local entrepreneurs to grow your connections. With limited tickets available, make sure you don’t miss out!

Book your ticket now.


In other news 

Norfolk & Suffolk digital skills group

Do you run a small business in the digital sector and would like to help shape local business support and skills development?

The Norfolk & Suffolk Digital Sector Skills Group facilitates impactful discussions on skills development within the region's digital sector. By bringing together businesses and stakeholders invested in the digital industry and the digitalisation of the economy, the group aims to drive workforce development, support in-work progression, and enhance learning opportunities through innovative curriculum development. To get involved, email Victoria Nieto Felipe or Toby Matthews.

Networking events for Suffolk businesses

New Anglia Growth Hub is running a number of free networking events for small businesses across Suffolk.

The first two events of 2025 take place on 23 January at The Bull Hotel in Woodbridge and 27 February at Be Well Barn near Eye. To book a ticket and keep up to date with the latest events, click here.

 


Still in the news 

New grants for East Suffolk businesses

East Suffolk Council has released new grants to support small businesses in rural areas to improve their premises, become more energy efficient, or invest in new technology or machinery. These 100% capital grants range between £15,000 and £30,000.

To find out more, visit the website.

 

Free workshops to help grow your business

New Anglia Growth Hub has launched a number of free workshops to support small businesses. From digital marketing to social media, financial planning support to LinkedIn training, there are a wide range of workshops to help you up-skill.

Find out more.

More news and activity near you 


Get in touch

Candy Richards

Your FSB Development Manager for East Anglia is Candy Richards. If you'd like more information about the topics above, or if you have news about this area that you'd like to share, please get in touch.