Planners are exploring options to create a ‘hotspot for technology’ in Stowmarket – a scheme which could put the town on the map for potential investors.

%image(15310866, type="article-full", alt="Gerard Brewster, MSDC's cabinet member for economy, said the move was "excellent news" for Stowmarket Picture: ARCHANT")

Mid Suffolk District Council (MSDC) has appointed a consultancy company to scout out potential sites for a brand new technology hub in Stowmarket.

Nautilus Associates, a business consultancy that specialises in technology, is set to identify a suitable site, or multiple sites, in or around Stowmarket which could house the new development.

The company will also research the type of faciltities which might benefit the area and create a business plan for the hub.

Before the plans are finalised, MSDC will be releasing a survey to local businesses to seek their opinions on introducing an enterprise centre to the town.

Those who would like to be included in the survey should email kim.duffy@nautilus.uk.com.

The move comes as part of MSDC’s Open for Business Strategy, which was approved by the council’s cabinet earlier this year.

Gerard Brewster, MSDC’s cabinet member for economy, said: “This work is excellent news for Stowmarket, and could be the first step towards turning our largest market town into one of Suffolk’s hotspots for technology. It’s early days, but this study will identify just what a new tech hub could look like: with excellent rail and road connections and sitting in the centre of our county, Stowmarket is perfectly placed to lead the way for all of Suffolk.”

Rachel Eburne, Green Group leader at MSDC, also voiced her support for the project. She added: “It is important that we are doing something for small businesses and start ups because they provide a lot of employment across Suffolk.”

Kim Duffy, director of Nautilus Associates, said: “We were delighted to be selected to deliver this commission on behalf of Mid Suffolk District Council. The area has access to some significant growth opportunities. New community and house building programmes and the ever-expanding digital, agri-food and creative sectors add to the mix of huge potential for smaller and innovative firms to develop new and exciting products and services.

“We are keen to explore the options and to recommend the right kind of facility that will provide first-class accommodation for start-ups and growing companies across Stowmarket and Mid Suffolk, offering all the support they need to help them thrive and prosper.”

Nautilus have previously worked on OrbisEnergy, Suffolk’s flagship innovation hub for offshore renewables, the King’s Lynn Innovation Centre for advanced engineering and agri-tech, and in scoping innovation facilities for marine logistics in Harwich.