Ipswich businesses back Ipswich Central for another five years

Ipswich businesses have voted overwhelmingly to renew the Ipswich Central Business Improvement District (BID), giving the organisation a fresh five-year mandate to continue delivering tangible improvements for businesses in the town centre.

The ballot saw a turnout of 63%, 91% of businesses voting in favour by number and 94% by rateable value, comfortably exceeding the statutory thresholds and securing an absolute majority across both measures. This represents a strong and unequivocal mandate from the business community. 

The result means Ipswich Central will continue delivering targeted investment in town centre safety, marketing, events and business support until 2032, building on a programme of delivery that has already seen significant impact across the town centre. 

Ipswich Central has delivered a wide range of initiatives aligned to its “action not words” approach, including funding additional town centre patrols tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) and shop lifting and schemes to support business safety, delivering high-profile events and campaigns that have driven footfall, supporting hundreds of businesses through direct engagement and advice, and investing in marketing activity that has reached millions of people. 

Lee Walker, Chief Executive of Ipswich Central, said: “This result means an enormous amount to all of us. We know this is one of the most challenging trading environments many businesses have ever experienced. Costs continue to rise and every pound matters. That businesses have chosen not only to continue investing financially in Ipswich Central, but to place their trust in us for another five years, is something we will never take for granted.

“I’d like to thank every business that took the time to vote, whether they voted for us or against us. Every vote and every business matters. We will continue to represent the interests of the whole town centre and to listen carefully to feedback as we shape the next five years together.

“This result isn’t the finish line; it’s the starting point. We now have the responsibility to repay that trust every single day through hard work, delivery and collaboration. Our commitment remains simple: to continue delivering real, visible improvements – from safer streets and stronger business support to campaigns and events that drive footfall – and to make Ipswich an even better place to work, visit, invest and enjoy.” 

Steve Flory, Chair of Ipswich Central, said: “I am incredibly grateful to the businesses that have placed their confidence in Ipswich Central. Achieving an absolute majority by both number and rateable value demonstrates clear, broad-based support from across our business community, from independent traders to larger organisations.

“This Board which has overseen the BID for two years, sees this result as both an endorsement of the work delivered over the past five years and a responsibility to go further. Through our ‘action not words’ approach, we have focused on practical delivery – improving safety, supporting businesses, driving footfall and strengthening Ipswich’s profile – and we are committed to building on that momentum. 

“We look forward to continuing to work with businesses of every size, alongside our partners, to ensure Ipswich has a town centre that reflects the ambition of the people and organisations it serves.” 

Melanie Willis, Communications Manager at Ipswich Central, added: “This result allows us the opportunity to continue telling the story of Ipswich in a positive, authentic and ambitious way. In the two years I have been working with the team, we’ve delivered campaigns and events that have attracted many thousands of visitors into the town centre, generated significant online reach and engagement through All About Ipswich channels and directly supported so many of our superb local businesses. 

“Marketing a place is about far more than promotion, it’s about creating reasons for people to visit, encouraging them to stay longer, and helping people feel safe in and proud of their town centre. Whether it’s delivering events, seasonal campaigns or collectively showcasing our businesses, we’re excited to continue building positive momentum for the benefit of the town and its brilliant businesses.” 

Over the next five years Ipswich Central will continue to invest in enhanced town centre safety measures, including additional patrols and partnership working with police and local authorities; expanded marketing and events programmes designed to increase footfall and dwell time; direct business support and engagement; and projects that strengthen Ipswich’s reputation as Suffolk’s county town and a great place to live, work, invest, set up a new businesses or visit with family and friends. 

Notes to Editors: 

• Ipswich Central is the Business Improvement District (BID) for Ipswich town centre and has been working to champion the town for at 20 years. 
• The existing five-year BID term ends on 31 March 2027, with new BID term running from 1 April 2027 until 31 March 2032. 
• The ballot achieved 91% in favour by number and 94% in favour by rateable value, securing an absolute majority across both measures.