Suffolk see's huge boost in economic growth from Tour of Britain
The county hosted stage 1 and 2 of the event
Suffolk has enjoyed a major economic boost thanks to the Tour of Britain, which passed through the county this week, attracting thousands of spectators and cyclists alike.
While exact figures are still being confirmed by East Suffolk Council, initial estimates suggest the event has brought £17million into the local economy.
For small businesses in towns along the route, the impact has been immediate. Carla Lynch, who runs the Whistle Stop Café in Woodbridge, says the buzz around the race has transformed her morning trade.
"It's been quite the build up. People have been getting really excited… the business side of it has been extremely busy. We've been very, very lucky, very lucky," she said.
Carla added that the event had drawn in between 200 and 300 customers in just two hours, a level of trade she describes as “really lucky.” For her, the benefits extend beyond just a single busy morning.
"We're hoping that our name will get out there and people will come back to Woodbridge, especially if they haven't been to Woodbridge before and come see us again, so returning customers hopefully," Carla explained.
Tourism has also seen a lift, with visitors exploring local shops, guest houses, and attractions in addition to following the race. Carla said: "We have a lot of tourists for days, but we also run a guest house. So we have a lot of holidaymakers who stay here. A lot of people who retire here. So Woodbridge seems to be bustling no matter what time of year."
The event has also brought a sense of excitement to the town itself, as local businesses and staff embraced the challenge of serving a large influx of visitors. "We love it. We thrive on being busy. We love a challenge. So the queue to the door for about an hour and a half was a real challenge, and we're all buzzing and all the team love it," Carla said.
For small Suffolk businesses, the Tour of Britain is more than just a spectacle – it is a vital opportunity to connect with new customers and boost local trade during a challenging economic period. "In general, just thank you for coming to Woodbridge. Thank you 'cause support and little local businesses really does mean a lot," Carla added.