Why I Created the Suffolk Tourism, Hospitality & the Arts Network.

22 Jul

Some ideas arrive because you spot a gap.

Others arrive because you miss something.

The Suffolk Tourism, Hospitality & the Arts Network was born from both.

I've always had a genuine passion for tourism, hospitality, arts and heritage. Long before I founded Ducks In A Row, I spent almost 15 years working in the travel industry. My final role was as Holidays & Day Excursions Manager for a coach company, where I was part of the senior leadership team.

It was a job I absolutely loved.

I designed holidays and day trips, created itineraries, negotiated group bookings with hotels, worked closely with some of the UK's best visitor attractions and helped produce the holiday brochures that landed on thousands of doormats every year. There was something incredibly satisfying about taking an idea, shaping it into an experience and then watching people head off to make memories.

What I loved most wasn't just selling holidays.

It was showcasing places.

Helping people discover somewhere new.

Telling the stories behind the destinations.

Creating experiences that people would remember long after they got home.

Then Everything Changed

When I left that world to establish Ducks In A Row, I naturally began networking across Suffolk.

I met fantastic business owners from every imaginable sector.

But something kept nagging at me.

Where were the people working in tourism?

Where were the museums, theatres, galleries, attractions, heritage organisations, independent cafés, vineyards, artists and creative businesses?

Where were the conversations about everything we have right here on our doorstep?

For a county with such an incredible wealth of history, culture and visitor experiences, I couldn't find a space where everyone regularly came together.

So, in 2024, I stopped looking.

I decided to create one.

Building a Community

The Suffolk Tourism, Hospitality & the Arts Network was never intended to be another networking event where people stand in a room exchanging business cards.

I wanted something different.

I wanted people to experience Suffolk.

To walk behind the scenes.

To hear the stories.

To discover places they may never have visited before.

To make connections that lead to collaborations rather than sales pitches.

Since launching the network, we've been welcomed by some incredible venues, including:

Easton Farm Park
Christchurch Mansion for a private viewing of John Ferguson's exhibition
Shotley Vineyard
A cruise along the River Orwell aboard the Orwell Lady
Finbow's Tap
Felixstowe Ferry Sailing Club
The New Wolsey Theatre
DanceEast

Every venue has brought something unique.

Every host has shared their passion.

Every morning has reminded me just how much talent, creativity and ambition exists across Suffolk.

Can I Pick a Favourite?

People often ask which event has been my favourite.

Every single one has been special for different reasons.

John Ferguson's exhibition at Christchurch Mansion was unforgettable. His work was extraordinary and I still think someone needs to persuade him to write a book.

Then there was our morning aboard the Orwell Lady, hosted by my lovely friend Emma. Sunshine, the beautiful River Orwell, brilliant conversations and seeing Suffolk from the water. It really doesn't get much better than that.

Those moments are exactly why this network exists.

Keeping It Accessible

One thing was important to me from day one.

I never wanted cost to prevent someone from attending.

Networking shouldn't only be available to those with large marketing budgets.

Whenever possible, we secure sponsorship so tickets remain completely free.

I'm incredibly grateful that Larking Gowen has generously sponsored our next event on Friday 11 September at Brighten The Corners, meaning attendance is once again free.

If you work in tourism, hospitality, arts, culture or heritage, I'd love you to come along.

We're also looking for a couple of engaging speakers to share what you're currently working on. If you've got an exciting project, exhibition, event or initiative you'd like others to know about, we'd love to hear from you.

Looking Ahead

Our final network event of 2026 will be hosted by the wonderful Green Wolf Café.

We're currently looking for:

A sponsor to cover tea and coffee (around £100).
A couple of inspiring speakers from the tourism, hospitality, arts or heritage sectors.

It's a relatively small investment that helps bring an entire community together, encourages collaboration and shines a spotlight on the brilliant work happening across Suffolk.