There are several business support providers that offer independent, impartial information, advice and support, whether you are just starting out with a new business idea or running or growing an existing business.

Business Development and Enterprise at University of Suffolk
The Business Development and Enterprise team works with the University of Suffolk academic teams to support business engagement and enterprise in areas such as continuing professional development, consultancy, knowledge exchange and student enterprise.
Tel:01473 338424
Email: enterprise@ucs.ac.uk

Enterprise and Innovation Hub at Ipswich Library
Offers a range of bookable business space and events.
Tel: 01473 263827
Email: hub@suffolklibraries.co.uk

GOV.UK
The National Government website has all the information, guidance and support you need to help you start, manage or grow your business.
Business Support Helpline: 0300 456 3565

Great Business
The Government's new website offering support, advice and inspiration for growing your business.

Inspire2Enterprise
Inspire2Enterprise provides support and advice to anyone interested in setting up or growing a social enterprise.
Tel: 0844 9800 760
Email: info@inspire2enterprise.org

Job Centre Plus
Jobcentre Plus provides a wide range of information and services, like benefits, loans and grants and help with finding a job.
Tel: 0345 604 3719

Money Advice Service

The Money Advice Service is here to help everyone manage their money better. We do this by giving clear, unbiased money advice to help people make informed choices.
Tel: 0300 500 5000

New Anglia Growth Hub
Growing or starting a business? New Anglia Growth Hub advisers can help.
Tel: 01473 694821
Contact details

Papworth Trust
Papworth Trust is a leading disability charity. Their work includes providing a range of high quality services for disabled and disadvantaged people and campaigning for changes that disabled people want.
Tel: 0800 952 5000
Email: info@papworthtrust.org.uk

Start Build & Grow
Do you want to start or grow your business in Ipswich? Our experienced team of experts will be there with you from concept to launch, supporting your ongoing growth.
Email: hello@startbuildgrow.co.uk

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce
Offers start-up benefits for new businesses.
Tel: 01473 694808
Email: nicola@suffolkchamber.co.uk

@Business
Suffolk New College's specialised business team offers a simple and professional "One Stop Shop" for all your training needs.
Tel: 01473 382464
Email: business@suffolk.ac.uk

Suffolk Sourcing Platform and Suffolk B2B
Register on these two websites to be alerted to tender opportunities.

Trading for Good
Trading for Good is a national online platform that supports small to medium sized businesses in showcasing the good work they do. Simply join, and TfG will shout about the great work that you do - for charities, for your employees, your suppliers, the environment and for young people entering the world of work. It's completely free to join, and when you record the good work you do you will be able to use the TfG logo in your work - Trading for Good is recognised as the mark of a good business.

Useful contacts and resources

The Business contacts and resources page may provide useful research for businesses in the Ipswich area.

Business networks

There are a number of business networks that operate in Ipswich and the surrounding area. These can be useful when setting up or relocating a business.

24/7 Business Networking
A small 'learning group' teaching members how to use the popular Social Media platforms to promote their businesses. The group meets for breakfast on alternate Wednesdays 07:00 to 09:00 at The Cameo Hotel, Copdock, Ipswich.

Business Over Breakfast
Business networking club in Ipswich meets every two weeks on a Tuesday over breakfast

Creative Computing Club
Creative Computing Club provide technology skill sessions for all age participants in Suffolk.

Expert Circles
A group of experts that meets fortnightly to share expertise and give advice. It is an excellent way to build credibility as an established business or to help a start-up avoid some of the mistakes we all make!

Federation of Small Businesses
Largest campaigning pressure group, promoting and protecting the interests of the self-employed and owners of small firms.

HM Revenue & Customs
Offer a range of free services and workshops to help you understand your tax, National Insurance, VAT and International Trade responsibilities.

Innovation Martlesham
Innovation Martlesham, in association with IP-Network, hosts FREE networking events every month.

Ipswich and Suffolk Small Business Association
Friendly and very active, non-profit making organisation which is dedicated to the support of small and new businesses in the county.

Ipswich Junior Chamber
Membership of Ipswich Junior Chamber is open to all young professionals in the Ipswich area who would like to meet like-minded people and develop business relationships that can last the duration of their careers.

MENTA Coffee Means Business
A monthly relaxed and informal networking meeting for all local businesses.

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce
Suffolk Chamber of Commerce exists to serve and support the Suffolk Business Community through a combination of services, networking and lobbying activities.

Suffolk Developers
Software developers getting together to swap stories, build things and learn from each other.

Suffolk Internet Marketing Specialists
If you work in search engine optimisation and internet marketing in any way, shape or form you need to be a part of this popular group.

Sync Ipswich
SyncIpswich is all about getting Ipswich and Suffolk's technology communities together to form new ideas, new startups and push local business growth.

Ipswich and Suffolk Small Business Association
A membership organisation supporting local small business, networking events and the annual Anglia Business Exhibition.

Ipswich Game Developer Meetup
Monthly meetup to network and discuss game development.

Ipswich Waterfront Innovation Network
Monthly meetup free for local entrepreneurs and innovators, students, graduates and for those looking to start a business

Ipswich Creatives Meetup
Monthly gathering, where creative professionals can network, hear about projects, and give presentations

Calendar of networking events in the Ipswich area from a wide range of organisations and companies.

If you would like to add details of an Ipswich business network to this page please contact the Economic Development team.