Suffolk's newest
innovation centre
A place where ambitious businesses access the space, expertise, community and practical support they need to adopt emerging technologies and build a competitive edge.
The Gateway to smarter business
Something significant is happening to the economy. Emerging tech and AI adoption among UK businesses accelerated from 23% in 2023 to 54% in 2026. Firms deploying AI report a net productivity expectation of +71% compared to those sitting on the sidelines. A UK government study found that 56% of businesses using AI report higher employee productivity, and around a third report increased profits.
But the gains are not evenly distributed. AI adoption among large firms sits at around 52%. For small businesses, the figure is closer to 17%. Most SMEs are either waiting, unsure where to start, or experimenting without a clear plan. The technology is there. What's missing is the support to deploy it effectively.
This is the gap Stowmarket Innovation Gateway exists to close.
We are Suffolk's newest innovation centre — a place where ambitious businesses access the space, expertise, community and practical support they need to adopt emerging technologies and build a competitive edge. From AI and automation to agri-tech, clean technology and digital transformation, this is where technology stops being a concept and starts delivering results.
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A building designed with purpose
Designed by architects Frank Shaw Associates and rated BREEAM Excellent, Stowmarket Innovation Gateway is a statement of intent. Built to the highest standards of sustainability, with a green roof, solar panels and materials chosen to reflect the future economy it exists to support.
Inside, 44 flexible offices, coworking space, meeting rooms, boardrooms and conference facilities sit alongside collaboration areas, a café, and commissioned artwork - all connected by 10Gbps synchronous fibre, one of the fastest business internet connections available anywhere in the region. The building is designed to root a forward-looking business community in the town it serves.
Located at Gateway 14 on the A14 at Junction 50, the centre sits within the Freeport East designation, giving businesses registered here automatic access to a suite of financial incentives including no employer NICs on new hires for five years, accelerated capital allowances and no business rates.
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Owned by the community. Run by the experts
Stowmarket Innovation Gateway is owned by Mid Suffolk District Council and managed by Hethel Innovation, one of the East of England's leading business growth specialists, with decades of experience helping ambitious companies scale.
Hethel's onsite advisory team is available to all tenants and members at no additional cost. Think of it as having a specialist innovation research and growth team built into your tenancy, connected to a network that includes the National Hub in Generative AI.
Register your interestBuilt for growth. Designed for success
Workspace
Flexible offices, coworking, meeting rooms and conference space for businesses of all sizes.
Business Support
Tailored innovation support and a connected growth network, built around your business.
Skills
Practical programmes and workshops to build capability in AI and emerging technologies — for businesses and the wider community.