TOWN TALKS with Terry Baxter

There’s a big effort underway to get businesses in Ipswich ready for reopening from Monday. 15th June. Adapting to the current social distancing measures in place isn't going to be easy for the town centre; however Ipswich Central is working closely with Ipswich Borough Council and other key partners to help our local business community to get back on their feet.

This episode was recorded over Zoom to enable the speakers to follow social distancing rules.

For all restaurants, pubs and bars the social distancing measures put in place to help contain the Coronavirus outbreak have hit hard; with many temporarily closing their premises. However many eateries are quickly adapting and taking dynamic action to keep their businesses operating. Grant Owen, owner of The Forge Kitchen, speaks to Terry about how they have adapted and their plans for the future.

The entertainment sector is struggling with affects of COVID-19 but Sarah Holmes (CEO of New Wolsey Theatre) has innovated by hosting a ‘Big Night In’ of digital performances with some 25,000 people tuning in. Sarah joins Terry remotely on our podcast to discuss how our theatres and artists can get back on their feet as social distancing is phased-out.

Terry speaks to Tom Hunt, MP for Ipswich, about the Government's Stronger Towns Fund which could be key for Ipswich and town centres across the county as we look ahead at a "new normal" after coronavirus. Discussing this and much more in our first TOWN TALKS episode (this podcast was recorded remotely as the host and guest are following social distancing guidance).