IPSWICH THINGS TO DO

Spring Business Leaders Lunch 2026, Ipswich

Larking Gowen at Suffolk New College, Ipswich

Information - Spring Business Leaders Lunch 2026, Ipswich

Network with local business leaders and gain valuable insights from special guest speakers.
The Suffolk Business Leaders Lunch is a gathering of likeminded business leaders, entrepreneurs, and directors from across Suffolk, who are passionate about business, connectivity, and community. The aim of the lunches is to offer a place where knowledge, insights and networking provide a catalyst for action, and a safe ‘Chatham House Rules’ style of engagement exists.

They strive to share the voice of a local cause or charity and offer an after-lunch speaker to present their insights on thought leadership.

Join us at the March lunch for an engaging and insightful talk from Alan Pease, Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Suffolk New College. With over 20 years in Further Education, Alan is a highly respected leader known for his strategic vision, learner-first mindset, and ability to deliver lasting change.

Appointed CEO in 2023 after five years as Deputy Principal, Alan has led the college to record achievement rates, significantly above national averages. He has championed strong collaboration between education, employers, and communities, expanding the Industry Partner Programme to 179 organisations and positioning Suffolk New College as an early leader in T Levels.

Alan successfully guided the merger with the Otley Campus, strengthening land-based education, while driving financial resilience and strategic campus investment that has supported continued learner growth.

Passionate about transforming lives through education, Alan brings practical insights into leadership, partnership working, and institutional excellence — making this a compelling event for anyone interested in skills, growth, and the future of education in Suffolk.

We’ll also be joined by the Education, Engagement & Outreach Manager at Cancer Support Suffolk, Kimya Piper who delivers engaging talks on cancer awareness, early diagnosis, signs and symptoms, and screening programmes. She works closely with communities, health professionals, and partner organisations, offering practical insight into education, prevention, and collaborative approaches to improving health outcomes.