Helping Suffolk businesses navigate challenge, build resilience and unlock growth
Over the past three years, YTKO has been proud to deliver the Suffolk element of the New Anglia Growth Hub, working with entrepreneurs and SMEs across the county to help them start, grow and adapt in a changing economic environment.
During a period marked by rising costs, shifting markets and economic uncertainty, the programme provided businesses with practical advice, learning opportunities and valuable connections.
YTKO’s Suffolk Legacy Report highlights the impact of this work and the difference it has made to businesses across the region.
Our Impact at a Glance
Behind every statistic is a business owner working hard to grow their organisation and contribute to Suffolk’s economy.
Supporting Businesses Across Suffolk
From Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds to Lowestoft, Felixstowe and rural communities across the county, businesses engaged with the programme to access:
• One-to-one business advice
• Workshops and learning opportunities
• Networking and peer connections
• Guidance on funding and investment
This flexible approach ensured businesses could access the support most relevant to their needs and stage of development.
Real Voices from Suffolk Businesses
“The support has been genuinely helpful, approachable and easy to access. I’ve found the guidance practical and confidence-building, and it’s made a real difference to how I approach planning and developing my business.”
Ipswich Client
“Working with the team helped us focus on the future and gave us the confidence to grow.”
Andy Glass, Founder – 955 Creative Ltd
“The Suffolk Growth Hub helped me see the opportunities for the business much more clearly and gave me the confidence to take the next steps.”
Charlotte Gidding, Founder – Brownie & The Bean
These are just a few of the many businesses who benefited from the programme’s practical support and expertise.
Supporting Businesses Through Economic Change
When the programme began in 2023, many Suffolk businesses were still recovering from the pandemic while also facing rising inflation and increasing costs.
Through tailored advice, workshops and networking opportunities, the Growth Hub helped businesses:
- strengthen financial planning
- improve marketing and digital capability
- explore funding and investment opportunities
- connect with other entrepreneurs and advisers
As the economic landscape evolved, the programme introduced new initiatives including Growth Accelerator masterclasses, the Scale-Up Programme and training in business resilience and AI adoption.
Strengthening the Suffolk Business Ecosystem
A key part of the programme’s success was collaboration with partners across Suffolk.
Working with local networks, professional advisers, universities and business organisations helped ensure entrepreneurs across the county could access the advice and connections they needed to succeed.
This collaborative approach helped strengthen the wider Suffolk business ecosystem, creating stronger relationships between businesses, support organisations and regional partners.
Download the YTKO Suffolk Legacy Report
The Suffolk Legacy Report provides a detailed overview of the programme, including:
- the challenges facing Suffolk businesses
- how the programme evolved to meet those challenges
- case studies from local entrepreneurs
- the impact delivered across the county
- the lasting legacy for Suffolk’s business community
Download the full Suffolk Legacy Report
Thank You to Suffolk’s Business Community
We would like to thank the many entrepreneurs, partners and organisations who contributed to the success of the programme.
While the programme itself concludes in March 2026, the relationships, knowledge and confidence developed through the Growth Hub will continue to benefit businesses across Suffolk for years to come.
About YTKO
YTKO is one of the UK’s most experienced business support organisations, with more than 40 years’ experience helping people start, grow and succeed in business.
Through partnerships with local authorities and regional organisations, YTKO delivers programmes that support entrepreneurship, innovation and economic growth across the UK.
