Economic Development and inward investment

Economic Development service

The work of the Economic Development team is delivered under 4 broad headings outlined below, with some examples of the type of work undertaken for each one.

Strategy

This encompasses our work with partners (including the drafting and negotiation of Strategic Economic Plans and Growth Deals).

It also includes work carried out as members of the Suffolk Growth Partnership which brings together all of the Suffolk local authorities to oversee the growth agenda in the county.

Business support

We are partners in a region wide service called Invest Norfolk & Suffolk. This includes dealing with enquiries from national sources such as DIT.

We provide advice to, and participate in decisions on, New Anglia LEP’s business support programmes. Key grant funds available:

• Growth Through Innovation Fund (GTI) - up to £25k at 50% intervention rate
• Business Transition to Net Zero (BTTNZ) - £25k up to £250k at 20% intervention

Sector Support

Our work on energy provides support for the Digital Tech Industry Council and Tech East in promoting and growing the internationally significant local cluster.

As well as, County Council’s involvement in: 

• the Lowestoft / Great Yarmouth Enterprise Zone
• the delivery of business support and supply chain management for the offshore renewables and wider energy sector through SCC’s OrbisEnergy centre
• working with partners to deliver the GENERATE Energy brand generate-energy.co.uk promoting the all energy assets of our region to an international audience.

Locations for growth

We have worked with partners in Suffolk and across the wider region to deliver a number of growth locations generating new businesses and jobs.

• The Space to Innovate Enterprise Zone comprises 6 sites across Norfolk and Suffolk - a business rate discount for eligible businesses for five years, simplified planning procedures and greater Government support for high speed broadband. The Enterprise Zone is projected to generate 9,000 new jobs by 2025, along with 4,500 additional indirect jobs. 
• Freeport East will be a hub for global trade and national regeneration as well as creating a hotbed for innovation that will have impact across the UK (Freeport East - Felixstowe | Harwich | Gateway 14)

Get information about reducing the cost you spend on energy, travel and waste visit the Business Advice Service on Green Suffolk.

Contact us

Email economicdevelopment@suffolk.gov.uk available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.