From Surviving to Thriving – The High Street Revolution inspires businesses in Ipswich

Business leaders, local authorities, and digital innovators came together on Thursday, 13 March 2025, at From Surviving to Thriving: The High Street Revolution, an event designed to reimagine the future of town centres and showcase the progress made by Digital Ipswich, a Towns Fund project.

With a packed audience at central Ipswich venue Arlingtons, the event sparked dynamic discussions on strategic partnerships, digital engagement, and AI-driven solutions that can transform high streets and boost local economies.

Attendees heard inspiring Lightning Talks from industry leaders including:

Scott Russell, founder of a local coffee brand that still bears his name, who shared insights on recruitment and his entrepreneurship journey.

Joshua McGovern and Nana Parry of Cluso wowed guests with their dynamic modern approach to surveys and customer feedback, with the aim of increasing the number of participants who provide feedback, alongside maximising data analysis of customers’ feedback using the power of voice.

Robert Clasper and Nathan Still from JC Decaux, a global leader in outdoor advertising, took part in an engaging Q&A session. Robert and Nathan discussed how they can work alongside councils to provide community services and help local authorities reach town centre audiences using digital hubs, such as those now sited in Ipswich.

These expert speakers emphasised the necessity to think strategically and bring to the forefront innovative new ways to engage audiences, capture feedback, act dynamically, and create a fun and attractive environment that can and will support the revitalisation of high streets and town centres.

The event also featured an interactive Innovation Showcase at the Buttermarket Shopping Centre, where attendees explored cutting-edge digital engagement with Urban Tech Creative and their ‘phygital’ retail experience, The Immersive Technology Consultants with their Proto Luma AI-driven data experience, and Zubr’s augmented reality (AR) binocular technology.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Councillor Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council’s Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, says:

“This was one of many highlights of the Council’s first-ever Ipswich Thrive: Business Week, delivered to give inspiration, foster connections, and provide opportunities for collaboration. I’d like to thank all the speakers and those who attended, as well as the Digital Ipswich team who organised the event.

“For an audience including local business owners, landlords, property agents, and other Ipswich town centre stakeholders, this was a perfect way to showcase the vision needed, and the tools available, to revitalise local economies, enhance visibility, and create thriving, connected communities.”

The event formed part of Ipswich Thrive: Business Week, a series of events held between 10 – 18 March and coordinated by Ipswich Borough Council to celebrate the town’s dynamic entrepreneurial spirit alongside encouraging future collaboration and innovation.