A year on from the devastation of Storm Babet, work commences at Framlingham Technology Centre

Flooding caused by Storm Babet may have impacted Framlingham Technology Centre, but it hasn’t dampened the business hub’s ambitious plans for nurturing a new generation of East Suffolk SMEs. With a major £720k refurbishment and upgrading project now underway, the plan is to usher in a new era of home-grown innovation, more local skilled jobs, and economic growth.

The ground floor of the centre sustained significant damage during the storm in October last year, impacting operations in that part of the building. Businesses were forced to relocate to higher floors, and sixteen staff were forced to sleep on makeshift beds as the storm battered the building.

Despite these challenges, the centre showed remarkable resilience. With a strong business continuity plan in place, the management team quickly moved affected businesses, minimising the disruption caused by the flood and storm damage.

The rebuilding project, undertaken by Suffolk-based contractors Mixbrow, will see a new reception and refreshment area, lounge, conference facilities and cutting-edge office, and workshop space. Part of the ground floor will also be transformed into a vibrant new hub and co-working space, offering businesses a modern, collaborative environment designed to foster innovation and growth.

Businesses will get access to top grade internet connectivity – capable of supporting high demand online commercial activity.

Framlingham Technology Centre chairman Tony Stockman is excited for the future:

“It was devastating to see the town so badly affected by the floods last year. But now it’s time to look forward. East Suffolk has so much untapped entrepreneurial talent. Many founders just need that little extra support to attract their first investors and secure those initial clients. That’s why we’ve invested so heavily. To create a space where local enterprises can reach their full potential.”

Firms will also have the opportunity to use the space as a virtual office too. That means access to a reception area and conference rooms where they can meet and greet clients, alongside a postal address and administrative support. “It’s a lower-cost way for agile and fully-remote operations to present a strong professional front. Something that’s vital to attracting new business.”

Supporting East Suffolk startups since 2001

Since its doors opened in 2001, Framlingham Technology Centre has become renowned as a hothouse where organisations thrive – with new products and partnerships often blossoming in the heady atmosphere of collaboration between tenants. It’s also brought major financial success to the region – with businesses seeing a combined annual turnover of over £16m in recent years.

“We’ve celebrated incredible success stories these last two decades,” Tony explains. “With many startups going on to make their mark nationally, and globally. We’ve also seen several businesses snapped up by international companies for £40m+. Not to mention the hundreds of local skilled jobs our tenants have created as they scale up.”

But Tony thinks the best is yet to come:

“I can’t wait to start spreading the word about some of the exciting and innovative businesses that are booking workspace with us. I think 2025 is going to be the start of something special.”

For updates on the redevelopment and refurbishment work at Framlingham Technology Centre, please visit the website

Photo credit:  Framlingham Technology Centre