BUSINESSWOMEN from the beauty, fashion and hospitality sectors in Ipswich have raised more than �1,100 for charity by organising a lunch and fashion show.

The event, in support of the Suffolk Foundation, was organised by Emma Lloyd of Marianna Boutique, Sue Clarke of Viking Mariners, Sarah Gregory of Flawless Image and Cara Gill of the Salthouse Harbour Hotel, where the event was held.

Guests at the event, for which a waiting list had to created, such was the level of interest, were treated to a two-course lunch and everyone left with a goodie bag of treats that celebrated the vibrancy of the Ipswich Waterfront business life.

Judi Newman, development director of the Suffolk Foundation, spoke to guests at the lunch, thanking them for their generosity and highlighting hidden social problems only a stone’s throw from the hotel.

“It is fantastic to see how successful the regeneration of the Ipswich Waterfront has been,” she said. “The beauty of this special event is that it gives us an opportunity to support some of the very hard-hitting charities that are tackling homelessness and drug addiction within five minutes from here. We are so grateful to the local businesses who have pulled together to make such a difference for their local community.”

Emma Lloyd said: “Many of us have supported The Suffolk Foundation for some time, and this seemed like a very special way to host an event that would both celebrate all that is great about the thriving beauty and fashion industry in Ipswich whilst at the same time recognising that there are many challenges that we can all help support in our local community.”