From Ipswich to Ipswich: Queensland Meets Suffolk

President of the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce in Queensland Australia, David Wiltshire, recently visited Suffolk, strengthening the growing bond between the two chambers and exploring opportunities for future collaboration. David was welcomed by John Dugmore, CEO of the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, and Councillor Stefan Long, Mayor of Ipswich, who showcased Suffolk’s rich heritage, thriving business community, and the diverse opportunities across the wider region.

The visit included a tour of Trinity Park, Ipswich Waterfront, Christchurch mansion, and a visit to Ipswich Town Football Club’s historic home grounds, highlighting both local sporting culture and the wider civic pride found throughout Suffolk.

John Dugmore, CEO of the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, (UK) added: “It was a real pleasure to welcome David to Ipswich and to showcase Ipswich, our county town and its rich heritage and history, alongside the work the Chamber is doing to support our business community. We are proud of the diverse range of businesses we represent across the county, and it was great to share that story with our counterparts from Australia. This visit has highlighted just how aligned our ambitions are and what can be achieved when chambers work together across borders. It marks an important first step in building a meaningful relationship between our two Ipswich’s.”

David Wiltshire, President of the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce (Queensland), said: “It was fantastic to visit Ipswich and see the excellent work the Suffolk Chamber is doing. I am very encouraged by the potential opportunities for collaboration in the future. The warm welcome I received truly highlights the Ipswich to Ipswich connection. From Trinity Park to Ipswich Town Football Club and the town’s local star, Ed Sheeran, it is a great city. Perhaps one day we might even see Ed Sheeran gig in our Ipswich Down Under, further strengthening the cultural ties between our towns.”

The visit also highlighted the symbolic link between the two towns through cultural icons. In Suffolk, Ed Sheeran continues to inspire local pride with his concerts at Portman Road, while Ipswich, Australia, has launched initiatives, including a new mural, inviting him to perform locally, a playful nod to the shared identity between the towns.

This Ipswich-to-Ipswich visit demonstrates the potential for meaningful international collaboration, cultural exchange, and community-to-community engagement across Suffolk.

The Suffolk Chamber looks forward to building on this relationship, seeing opportunities grow, and exploring how both regions can learn from each other to strengthen economic and cultural ties.

Image Credit: Suffolk Chamber of Commerce
Image Caption: John Dugmore, CEO of the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, David Wiltshire, President of the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce & Councillor Stefan Long, Mayor of Ipswich