I'm co-developing a new FREE inclusion conference for employers in Ipswich!

I'm currently collaborating with Sarah Arch of DisMantle Initiative, who's a specialist in disability and neurodiversity consultancy on a new kind of conference for Ipswich and Suffolk.

When Sarah reached to me last autumn to create a business-focused event on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB), I jumped at the chance! We both know that Suffolk struggles with understanding and embedding inclusion into their day-to-day activities.

However, with a fast-changing demographic and growth in our area of Ipswich and Felixstowe, we're passionate about supporting organisations and businesses to be better employers.

We're also very aware that diverse workforces, when people are appropriately supported and facilitated, productivity can improve which is great for employees, clients and the organisation.

So we applied for and secured funding from Ipswich Borough Council for its Ipswich Thrive Business Festival 2026.

The Festival offers a great variety of networking opportunities, workshops and conferences for the Ipswich business community to attend from the 9th-20th March 2026. The full schedule can be viewed at: www.ipswich.gov.uk/ipswich-thrive-business-festival.

Alt text: two promotional graphics side by side. One features Sarah, a white woman with glasses and strawberry blonde hair. The other is Elma, a Black mixed race woman with brown curly hair and glasses.

People and Productivity: Embedding Inclusion for Better Business

We're collaborating with University of Suffolk Unlocked Events, and we're delighted to offer delegates the lovely setting of The Hold - The Home of Suffolk Archives.

Importantly, the building is contemporary and offers accessible features.

We've designed the morning conference to be a supportive, friendly event, where delegates are free to ask questions, share concerns and, hopefully, be inspired. More here.

Our keynote speaker will be the brilliant Dr Shani Dhanda, an accessibility specialist and broadcaster. Shani will be joining a panel made up of local organisational representatives with lived experience.

People and Productivity is a new kind of business conference for Ipswich and Suffolk. We know the inclusion related activities deserve and need the investment of companies to sustain into the future, retain staff, and attract the best talent. Also, giving people a positive workplace is critical to everyone's wellbeing.

I've experienced the devastation that racism and bullying can have on people from marginalised communities,. And I've experienced it the most in Suffolk - I've worked abroad and in London and Cambridge.

It's time the we changed the game

DEIB is proven to benefit people and productivity. And this first-of-its kind event in Ipswich offers a safe space where people can explore how to create positive workplaces by embedding inclusion while also boosting business.

People and Productivity will bring employers together to learn how to embed aspects of DEIB into everyday business.

Our half-day conference promises a range of thought-provoking workshops, a panel discussion, and a keynote speech.

People and Productivity aims to be a compelling morning, giving you tools and inspiration to improve inclusion – and the bottom line.

Find out more here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/people-and-productivity-embedding-inclusion-for-better-business-tickets-1787933740949