Run by owners, for owners
Our committee are volunteers who run, or work in, local businesses. No head office and no shareholders — just people who know the ups and downs of life at the coalface.
Celebrating 40 years · 1986–2026
Where Suffolk’s small businesses grow together.
ISSBA is the not-for-profit network run by business owners, for business owners. For 40 years we’ve helped local firms find customers, suppliers, advice and friends — over a cup of coffee, not a sales pitch.
- Non-members welcome
- No weekly commitment
- 100% volunteer-run
- Years supporting Suffolk business
- 40
- Member businesses, from sole traders to established firms
- 100+
- Business people at our annual exhibition
- 600+
- A year to join (+VAT). Less than 85p a week
- £44
Why ISSBA
Networking that feels like community, not a sales pitch.
ISSBA isn’t a franchise or a corporate club. It’s been run by local business owners, for local business owners, since 1986 — so it’s friendly, affordable and focused on what genuinely helps small firms grow.
Friendly, never forced
Come along whenever it suits you. Our networking mornings are relaxed, welcoming and refreshingly free of hard sell — with no weekly commitment.
Properly local
Meet accountants, engineers, marketers, makers and more from across Ipswich and Suffolk: your next customers, suppliers and sounding boards.
Remarkable value
Membership starts at £44 + VAT a year. And because we’re not-for-profit, what you pay goes back into the network.
Membership benefits
Membership that works as hard as you do.
One modest annual subscription puts your business at the heart of Suffolk’s small business community.
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Meet the Members networking
Regular mid-morning networking at venues across Ipswich and Suffolk, typically with 40–50 local business people.
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Cheaper exhibition stands
Save up to £95 + VAT on a stand at the Anglia Business Exhibition. For a micro business, that more than covers a year’s membership.
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Members’ directory listing
Be found by local buyers with your own listing in the ISSBA online directory.
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Monthly newsletter
Stay in the loop, and share your news, offers and events with the whole network.
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A sounding board
Mutual support from people who’ve been there — whether you’re hiring, pricing or planning your next move.
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Recommend a friend
Introduce a new member and you’ll both get a month’s membership free. There’s no limit.
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A real say
Vote at the AGM, stand for the committee and help shape what ISSBA does next.
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Charity of the Year
Back a local cause together. In 2026–27 we’re supporting Suffolk charity Brave Futures.
Getting started
Three easy steps to a stronger network.
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Come as our guest
Grab a guest invite to our next Meet the Members morning. Non-members are always welcome.
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Join from £44 + VAT
Pick the membership that fits your business size and sign up online in a few minutes.
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Show up and grow
Get listed, get known and get involved. The more you put in, the more you’ll get back.
Events
Get out from behind the desk.
From relaxed networking mornings to East Anglia’s largest B2B exhibition, there’s always a good reason to come and say hello.
Next date announced soon
Networking · Members & guests
Meet the Members
Friendly mid-morning networking over tea or coffee, at a different venue each time. Pop in, meet 40–50 local business people and leave with new contacts — no hard sell required.
Recent hosts include Basepoint Ipswich, Suffolk New College’s Otley campus and the Suffolk Enterprise Centre at Felaw Maltings.
Get your guest inviteExhibition · Free entry
Anglia Business Exhibition 2027
12
May 2027Wednesday
Members
AGM & Networking
Our annual general meeting, followed by networking. Free for members — come and have your say on the year ahead.
Across Suffolk
Members’ events
Seminars, launches, exhibitions and charity balls, hosted by ISSBA members.
See the events calendarAnglia Business Exhibition · 30 years strong
One day. One room. 600+ business people.
Every May, ISSBA brings the region’s business community together at Trinity Park for the Anglia Business Exhibition — East Anglia’s largest B2B exhibition. Exhibit, sponsor or simply come along: entry is free, with speed networking all morning and awards in the afternoon.
- Wednesday 12 May 2027 · 10am–5pm
- Trinity Park Event Centre, Felixstowe Road, Ipswich IP3 8UH
- Free entry — pre-register for a free parking pass and goody bag (while stocks last)
- ISSBA members save up to £95 + VAT on stands
“I found the event to be beyond my expectation. We picked up some good leads and interest.”
“We had a great day as always – everything was spot on for us – thank you!”
“Such a great and lovely event – incredibly run!”
Membership
Simple pricing. Serious value.
One annual subscription, priced by the size of your business.
1–3 staff
£44/year
+VAT
That’s less than 85p a week.
Secure online sign-up. Questions? Call 07810 370141.
Every membership includes
- Meet the Members networking
- A listing in the members’ directory
- Monthly newsletter and member news
- Up to £95 + VAT off ABE stands
- A vote at the AGM
- Recommend-a-friend rewards
- Support from people who’ve been there
Exhibiting at ABE2027? For micro and small businesses, the member stand discount alone more than covers your first year.
All prices, per year + VAT: 1–3 staff £44 · 4–10 staff £55 · 11–50 staff £109 · 51+ staff £236 · Charities £44 · Students £37
Already a member? Recommend a friend and you’ll both get a month’s membership free — and there’s no limit.
How it worksAbout ISSBA
Forty years of Suffolk businesses backing each other.
Since 1986, ISSBA has existed for one reason: the mutual support of small businesses in Ipswich and across Suffolk. We’re independent, not-for-profit and run entirely by volunteers — funded by members’ subscriptions and sponsorship, and steered by an elected committee of local business people.
Today we’re around 110 member businesses strong, from accountancy and engineering to financial services, consultancy and marketing.
- 1986ISSBA is established in Ipswich, run by business owners for business owners.
- 1996Our first business exhibition — today’s Anglia Business Exhibition.
- 202640 years strong, and still run entirely by volunteers.
- 2027ABE2027 at Trinity Park on 12 May. See you there.
Meet your committee
Every one a volunteer, every one a local business person.
- Graham BartonChair · Barton Electrical
- Amanda-Jane FrankDeputy Chair
- Jamie SteelTreasurer · Larking Gowen
- Merie SennettAdmin & ABE organiser · Spartan Consultants
- James DaveySales Masters Guild
- Chris CheneryChenery Creative
- Lisa HainsworthKeyflex Properties
- Oliver BrockLeading Motion
- Dick CalvesbertIndependent member
- Gaynor MarshCo-opted · Suffolk New College
Charity of the Year
2026–27
Brave Futures
Each year our committee chooses a member charity to champion. This year we’re proud to support Brave Futures, a specialist Suffolk service helping children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse to manage the impact of trauma and rebuild their lives.
Sponsorship & patronage
Put your brand at the heart of Suffolk business.
Reach hundreds of local decision-makers and show you’re backing the small business community that keeps Suffolk working.
Only 3 places
40th Anniversary Patron
£850 + VAT for the year
- Your logo on the ISSBA website
- Mentions at ISSBA events
- Advertising in the ABE brochure
- Social media and newsletter features
- Free ISSBA membership, discounts and a video feature
Meet the Members sponsor
From around £60 + VAT
Cover refreshments or room hire — or sponsor the whole morning. Present to a room of 40–50 local business people, with your logo on event promotion and the ISSBA website.
Sponsor a networking morningABE2027 sponsorship
600+ business people on the day
Put your name in front of 600+ business people at East Anglia’s largest B2B exhibition. Sign up early for the most PR before, during and after the day.
See sponsorship options (opens in a new tab)FAQs
Questions? We’ve got answers.
Can’t see what you’re looking for? Email mail@issba.co.uk or call 07810 370141 — a real person will get back to you.
Who can join ISSBA?
Any business in Ipswich and the surrounding parts of Suffolk — from sole traders and start-ups to established firms. We also offer membership for charities and students.
How much does membership cost?
Membership is an annual subscription based on business size: £44 for 1–3 staff, £55 for 4–10, £109 for 11–50 and £236 for 51+. Charities pay £44 and students £37. All prices are plus VAT.
Can I come to an event before I join?
Absolutely. Non-members are welcome at our Meet the Members networking mornings — it’s the best way to see what ISSBA is all about. Get your guest invite.
What happens at a Meet the Members morning?
Relaxed networking over tea or coffee, usually from 9.30 to 11.30am, with typically 40–50 local business people. Sponsors sometimes give a short five- or ten-minute talk. Places are £10 per person.
Is ISSBA a chamber of commerce?
No. ISSBA is an independent, not-for-profit association, run by volunteer business owners and funded by members’ subscriptions and sponsorship. We work alongside partner organisations to support local business growth.
How does Recommend a Friend work?
When someone you recommend joins, you both receive a month’s free membership. Ask them to mention your name when they sign up. There’s no limit — recommend twelve new members and you could enjoy a full year free.
How do I renew my membership?
We’ll remind you by email six weeks and three weeks before your renewal date. Log in, go to ‘Your Invoices’ under ‘Your Membership’ and pay by GoCardless, PayPal, debit card, BACS or cheque.
Get started
Come and meet us — the kettle’s on.
Tell us a little about you and we’ll send your guest invite for our next Meet the Members morning, or help you choose the right membership. No obligation — just a friendly hello.
- mail@issba.co.uk
- 07810 370141
- Epsilon House Business Centre, Masterlord Office Village, West Road, Ransomes Europark, Ipswich IP3 9FJ