COLUMN: Babergh District Council leader John Ward - 'We have had cause to celebrate in recent weeks despite coronavirus'

Despite the current crisis, residents and businesses in Babergh have had cause to celebrate over recent weeks.

Not only has Babergh been ranked as having the greatest life satisfaction in the county, but several of our businesses have been shortlisted in the inaugural Innovation Awards, and Sudbury’s Quay Theatre received funding to help secure its future.

A recent survey, conducted by the Office of National Statistics, investigated the life satisfaction of people across the country.

Residents from throughout the district ranked the region highly for its independent businesses and heritage, helping it to reach the top spot in Suffolk.

One key factor was the region’s ‘natural beauty’ which is especially important in the year when the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

I am always impressed when I meet with the communities, people, and businesses who work hard to make Babergh a place where people are proud to call home.

This is particularly significant in a year which has been dominated so heavily by Covid-19.

The pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have impacted us all, and for venues in the arts and cultural sector it has meant closing their doors to audiences.

Last week, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport announced the recipients of a Cultural Recovery Grant and I was delighted to hear that our very own Quay Theatre in Sudbury had been handed a lifeline, with £121,000 being awarded.

Funding will help the theatre with staff costs, introducing Covid-secure measures, becoming viable with reduced capacity and a host of other elements that will enable them to reopen their doors.

Coronavirus restrictions also meant that our inaugural Innovation Awards had to be postponed.

Initially planned as a black-tie event, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils still wanted to find a way to recognise and support the innovation that continues to take place in our small and high street businesses.

With more and more events, meetings and conferences taking place online, it was decided to lead by example and host the awards virtually instead – providing opportunity to celebrate the businesses leading their field with new ways of thinking, using new technology and supporting their customers.

We also realised that for many businesses, finding innovative solutions was essential during the lockdown period.

The virtual awards event will be held on Tuesday, November 3 and is open not only for the finalists, but also for any business owners who would like to benefit from one of the three workshops on offer or have the chance to speed network with other local businesses.

Further information about the event and how to book a free place can be found on Babergh District Council’s website.

In keeping with a new way of working, a new look Virtual High Street for Sudbury has been launched to help connect local businesses and their customers.

Created in partnership between Babergh District Council and Sudbury Town Council, the pilot website aims to help businesses who do not already have a digital presence.

Now that many people are choosing to stay and shop local, it is important that we continue to make our high street safe and welcoming, and the Virtual High Street can support visiting shoppers to the town with product listings, offers and even click and collect options.

There are already over 60 businesses signed up and the aim is to grow the Virtual High Street and welcome other Babergh towns onto the platform.

Not only have plans been taking shape for the town centre online, progress is also being made in developing plans for the future of Market Hill.

Over the last six weeks, local businesses, stakeholders, and disability groups have been invited to share their thoughts on this key Sudbury site.

The final part of this engagement activity is due to start at the end of October when local residents and the community will be able to submit their feedback on designs concepts for Market Hill.

Further details about the public engagement will be announced soon.

Coronavirus, and the subsequent restrictions, will affect our lives for a considerable amount of time to come.

However, we must not let this stop us from celebrating the positives on offer in life, or from working towards a brighter future for our district.

Businesses can attend the Innovation Awards virtual event by booking a free ticket here .