Business

Business news

What are my rights if I get made redundant?

09:48 Andrew Papworth

Charlotte Bate, director of MAD-HR. Picture: Cherry Beesley, Simply C Photography

The Covid-19 crisis has put huge pressure on businesses across Suffolk, so much so that many are having to make difficult decisions about redundancies. But what happens if you find yourself at risk?

Look around ‘very special’ seven bedroom family home near Woodbridge

08:00 Angus Williams

The Red House, Yarmouth Road, Melton, near Woodbridge, is on the market with Savills for £1.5million Picture: PETER LAMBERT

The Red House - a “very special Grade II listed family home” near Woodbridge, has come on the market and could be yours for £1.5m.

Coast to Coast confirms closure of Ipswich restaurant

Yesterday, 13:49 Sophie Barnett

Coast to Coast at Ipswich Buttermarket is closing permanently following the impact of coronavirus. Picture: ARCHANT

The Coast to Coast restaurant in The Buttermarket Shopping Centre has confirmed it will be closing permanently due to the devastating impact of coronavirus.

Suffolk nursery put into special measures last year appoints liquidators

Yesterday, 19:00 Angus Williams

Tiddlywinks Day Nursery, in Trimley St Mary, was rated 'inadequate' by Ofsted in 2019 Picture: GOOGLE MAPS

A nursery near Felixstowe which was put into special measures last year has gone into administration making six people redundant.

Pubs group braced for ‘a year like no other’ as takings nosedive

Yesterday, 16:46 Sarah Chambers

The Swan, Adnams, Southwold. PICTURE: Jamie Honeywood

A pub group says it expects its managed estate to take a 40% dive in takings because of new social distancing rules.

Iconic Hadleigh store set for major new development

Yesterday, 20:00 Oliver Sullivan

It is hoped the development will aid local first time buyers while revitalising the town centre Picture: WINCER KIEVNAAR ARCHITECTS

A historic Hadleigh hardware store is set to be redeveloped into 14 apartments and new shops after major plans were approved by Babergh District Council.

Boots to close one of its stores in Hadleigh

Yesterday, 16:32 Sophie Barnett

Boots is closing a branch in Hadleigh High Street Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

Boots has confirmed that one of its two branches in Hadleigh town centre will close permanently.

Ad Feature Interest-only mortgages are causing concern for over-60s

Yesterday, 11:17 Peter Sharkey

More than 90pc of questions Peter Sharkey has received over the last few weeks relate to equity release, with a sizeable number concerning the repayment of interest-only mortgages. Picture: Getty Images

Inaccurate endowment policy forecasts have caused problems for millions, says finance expert Peter Sharkey.

Fred. Olsen vows to return ‘stronger than ever’ as people urged not to travel on cruise ships

Yesterday, 10:57 Angus Williams

Fred. Olsen has paused its cruises since March. Picture: FRED. OLSEN

Suffolk-based cruise line Fred. Olsen has vowed to return “better, safer and stronger than ever” after the government urged people to avoid travelling on cruise ships during the coronavirus crisis.

Fears that end of ‘spontaneous pint’ will put off pub customers

Yesterday, 09:17 Sarah Chambers

Fears that the new post-lockdown regime will take away the spontaneity of a pint at the pub may put off some customers, Matt Crawley suggests Picture: ANTONY KELLY

Hospitality businesses will need to perform a balancing act between customers worried that a visit to their local will be devoid of the fun factor versus those concerned about their health, an expert suggests.

The Hotel Inspector’s new Italian restaurant opening in July

Thu, 16:03 Matthew Earth

Watson and Walpole is taking the place of the closed Lemon Tree Bistro in Framlingham Picture: CONTRIBUTED

The new Italian restaurant in Framlingham fronted by TV presenter Ruth Watson will finally welcome its first diners later this month after the coronavirus outbreak delayed its opening.

Ipswich Frankie & Benny’s among two Suffolk sites closing

Thu, 15:10 Angus Williams

The Frankie & Benny's in Cardinal Park, Ipswich, is closing permanently. Picture: ARCHANT

Two branches of Frankie & Benny’s in Suffolk are to close as coronavirus deals the chain another blow.

Video 4,000 Boots jobs at risk as chain is hammered by coronavirus

Thu, 12:27 Angus Williams

People waiting to get iunto Boots in Ipswich town centre Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

Jobs in East Anglia are at risk as Boots has said it expects to cut more than 4,000 jobs because of the “significant impact” of Covid-19.

Business viewpoints

‘It’s been a big learning curve’ – Furloughed workers on life in lockdown as restrictions ease

Sunday, July 5, 2020 Emily Townsend

Keith Grinsted, from Sudbury, has spoken out over the furlough scheme Picture: KEITH GRINSTED

Suffolk workers have shared their experiences of the furlough scheme as more businesses start to welcome back staff.

Coronavirus

Region’s tourist attractions bracing themselves for fight for survival

Tuesday, June 23, 2020 Jake Foxford

Clacton Pier boss Nigel Brown fears the future of the pier will be in jeopardy if it cannot open soon Picture: NIGEL BROWN

Suffolk and Essex tourist destinations are desperate to open as they fight for survival after lockdown.

‘It’s been a lot busier than expected’ – Ipswich trader on high street return

Saturday, June 20, 2020 Oliver Sullivan

The Hot Sausage Company is trading while wearing PPE and enforcing social distancing Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

A high street trader said he had been surprised by the number of shoppers who had returned to Ipswich town centre since non-essential retailers were allowed to reopen following the coronavirus lockdown.

Gallery Then and now: see Ipswich town centre before and after lockdown

Wednesday, June 17, 2020 Will Jefford

Shoppers queued to get into Primark from 7.30am on the day non-essential shops reopened in Ipswich Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN

Thousands of keen shoppers came to Ipswich to hunt for the best bargains as non-essential stores reopened on Monday - but how different does the town centre now look, compared to lockdown a few weeks ago?

Boss of seven Suffolk pubs – including Butt and Oyster – says industry needs more help

Monday, June 15, 2020 Tom Potter

The Butt & Oyster at Pin Mill Picture: ARCHANT

The owner of Deben Inns, which runs a string of well-known pubs in Suffolk, says he fears for the future of the industry unless the Government provides more support during the Covid-19 crisis.

Independent shop owner calls for free parking to help get businesses moving following pandemic

Saturday, June 13, 2020 Katy Sandalls

Jill Barrett is leading a campaign for free parking Picture: MICHAEL GRIST

A director of one of Suffolk’s best known independent stores is launching a campaign for free car parking to help small businesses fight back following the coronavirus pandemic.

Four Adnams pubs set to reopen on July 4 - but which ones?

Friday, June 5, 2020 Oliver Sullivan

Suffolk brewery Adnams is aiming to reopen four of its pubs on July 4 as coronavirus lockdown eases Picture: SARAH GROVES

Adnams beer fans will soon be able to get their hands on a freshly poured pint as the brewery looks to reopen four pubs on July 4.

New dentist where you can watch Netflix during procedures to open in Ipswich

Friday, June 5, 2020 Sophie Barnett

Tooth Club is the new dental clinic coming soon to Ipswich this summer Picture: CHARLOTTE BOND

A new dental clinic is opening in Ipswich following a “shortage” of accessible practices in the area – hoping to serve around 6,000 people every year.

Clacton Pier boss calls for more tourism support, including two-day bank holidays

Sunday, May 10, 2020 Jake Foxford

Clacton Pier boss Billy Ball wants to see Westminster support the UK tourism industry after the pandemic Picture: TENDRING COUNCIL

The tourism industry in Essex needs major government support after lockdown – that is the message from the boss of Clacton Pier.

East Anglian farmers’ leader heads to France to start a new life

Wednesday, May 6, 2020 Sarah Chambers

Off to France: National Farmers' Union East regional director Rachel Carrington Picture: WARREN PAGE/PAGEPIX

The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has chosen a new regional leader to succeed its current director – who is off to start a new life in France.

New drive-thru Burger King plan for Ipswich retail park

Wednesday, April 8, 2020 Oliver Sullivan

Plans have been revealed for a new Burger King restaurant in Ipswich Picture: GOOGLE MAPS

Plans have been revealed for a new drive-thru Burger King restaurant at an Ipswich retail park, which would bring dozens of new jobs to the area.

Houseboat getaway on the River Deben offered up for sale

Saturday, April 4, 2020 Sarah Chambers

A 50ft Dutch barge moored on the River Deben is being offered up for sale through Clarke and Simpson Picture: JONATHAN SIMPER

A 50ft Dutch barge has been put on the market with a freehold price tag of £49,900.

Anger as insurance company refuses to pay out on coronavirus

Sunday, March 29, 2020 Mark Langford

Dale Watts is angry at the insurance industry for refusing to pay out on coronavirus. Picture: DALE WATTS

A self-employed trader has blasted the insurance industry for refusing to pay out on coronavirus.

Farmer co-operative appoints new award-winning chief executive

Thursday, March 26, 2020 Sarah Chambers

Andrew Knowles, who has been appointed chief executive of Suffolk-based farming cooperative Fram Farmers Picture: ANDREW KNOWLES

A veteran of the foot-and-mouth crisis of 2001 is set to head up Framlingham-based farmer co-operative Fram Farmers.

The 24-year-old who wants her clothing business to break down barriers for breastfeeding mums

Sunday, March 22, 2020 Mariam Ghaemi

Elis Merton and her 11-month-old daughter Penelope Picture: CONTRIBUTED

A mum who struggled to find fashionable breastfeeding-friendly clothes has come up with her own designs and is seeking the public’s support to help launch her business.