The EpiCentre Champions Innovation and Collaboration at the West Suffolk Business Festival

The EpiCentre Champions Innovation and Collaboration at the West Suffolk Business Festival

The West Suffolk Business Festival returns from 29 September to 9 October, bringing together businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators from across the region for a packed programme of events designed to inspire growth, collaboration and new opportunities. The festival, delivered through a partnership of business support organisations across West Suffolk, has become a key fixture in the local business calendar, attracting more than 1,100 delegates in recent years.

As a long-standing supporter of the festival, The EpiCentre in Haverhill is proud to be hosting and supporting a range of events that reflect its commitment to innovation, skills development and business growth.

The programme begins with a Drop-In Clinic with Richard Stittle from Eastern Education Group, offering businesses the opportunity to discuss workforce development, training and skills challenges. The EpiCentre will also welcome members of the West Suffolk Manufacturing Group for a closed meeting, including showcases from manufacturing and AI-focused businesses based within the innovation centre, highlighting the strength of the region’s growing technology and advanced manufacturing sectors.

For businesses looking to raise their profile and strengthen their marketing activity, The EpiCentre will host “Get Noticed in a Busy Digital World” on 7 October. Delivered in partnership with the New Anglia Growth Hub as part of the West Suffolk Business Festival, the workshop will provide practical insights into digital marketing, social media, local search visibility, AI-driven content and modern communications strategies.

Recognising the increasing importance of AI for businesses of all sizes, The EpiCentre will also host the free workshop “Feeling the AI FOMO? Make AI Work for You Without the Faff”. Designed specifically for organisations that are curious about AI but unsure where to start, the session will offer practical, jargon-free guidance on how AI tools can support productivity, marketing and everyday business operations.

Beyond its event programme, The EpiCentre is also proud to sponsor the drinks reception at the West Suffolk Business Awards on 9 October. The awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals across the region and remain one of the highlights of the festival calendar.

Having seen a number of EpiCentre customers recognised at previous awards ceremonies, the team is looking forward to celebrating this year’s finalists and hopes to see many of its resident and alumni businesses shortlisted once again.

Helen Earl, Centre Manager at The EpiCentre, said:

“The West Suffolk Business Festival is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to connect, learn and discover new opportunities. We’re delighted to be hosting a range of events this year, from digital marketing and AI workshops to skills and manufacturing-focused sessions. It’s also a privilege to support the Business Awards and celebrate the incredible success stories emerging from across West Suffolk.”

Businesses interested in attending any of the festival events can view the full programme and register online via the West Suffolk Business Festival website. The EpiCentre’s events are open to businesses from across the region, whether they are established organisations, growing SMEs or ambitious start-ups looking to accelerate their growth.

For more information, visit www.businessfestival.org or www.epicentrehaverhill.co.uk.