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IP-City Network - Dates For The Diary

The IP-City initiative was launched in the year 2000 as a progressive business-to-business network for companies involved in developing and implementing hi-tech business solutions. To revitalise enterprise and innovation work in the now flourishing hi-tech sector, the IP-City Network, led by Julian Harris, Chair of the Steering Group, has been working closely with a dedicated team at BT in order to host a series of high profile events based at Adastral Park, under the banner of Networking in the 21st Century.

This series of networking symposia is aimed at like-minded entrepreneurial small, medium & large companies in the greater Suffolk and Haven Gateway area who are keen to be part of an exciting new network connecting businesses across the East of England.  These events will stimulate the population of go-ahead companies to form a dynamic network of businesses dedicated to developing the economy and driving growth and investment in the region.

Plans for the Network include a series of high profile, monthly, quarterly and annual thought leadership events, a frequent enews letter, regular workshops to improve skills and know-how to develop best practice, business clinics to focus on ‘your company’, special business interest groups (SBIGS), a state-of-the-art web site promoting business successes and opportunities, jobs and resources and direct links to other international networks and a host of other business support activities. The Network will provide links to the established Cambridge & Norfolk Networks among other partners at day one, endorsing the regions reputation as a leader in technology and innovation.

The IP-City team are confident that NOW is the right time to connect companies in Suffolk and the surrounding area. At the recent launch of the new IP-City and BT “Networking in the 21st Century programme and the first event: Technology & Innovation in Action”, Julian Harris emphasised the importance of a thriving technology network, as well as the clear benefits for the region:  “I believe that this is the time to build on the good work and achievements of IP-City ….We now have the opportunity to create a vibrant technology hub, one that supports BT's impressive vision for the Suffolk Innovation Park, as well as the government's commitment of a thriving knowledge economy in the East of England.”

His views were echoed by both Phil Dance, CIO Technology for BT and senior manager at Adastral Park, and Peter McCarthy Ward, BT’s regional director for the East of England, who both featured as keynote speakers at the June event. Concluding the afternoon’s activities, Peter McCarthy Ward took time to emphasise the importance of the technology sector to the regional economy, and stressed how essential networking, and networks such as IP-City, are if businesses are to develop, grow and compete in the knowledge economy.

Following the success of the first in the ‘Networking in the 21st Century’ series, two further symposia are planned to take place over the next few months. The first will occur on the afternoon of Wednesday 17th October 2007, followed by a full day ‘finale’ - on Tuesday 19th February 2008.

As well as these more prestigious events, the IP-City steering group is also planning an informal networking reception to be held at the IP-City Centre on Tuesday 19th September. This early evening reception will be a great opportunity to hear from a top-notch speaker (to be confirmed shortly) before networking with a variety of contacts from the local area while enjoying a light buffet supper.

Put the dates in your diary now:
Tuesday 19th September 2007
Wednesday 17th October 2007
Tuesday 19th February 2008

And look out for further information coming soon!

If you are interested in attending any of the events mentioned above, would like to be part of the new IP-City Network, or would simply like to find out more, contact Jennie Dines, IP-City Secretary - jennie.dines@ipswich.gov.uk.       www.ip-city.com