As a major generator of employment it helps drive the economy creating wealth and jobs. We maintain close links with the local community, working with local authorities, regional organisations, charities, schools and other stakeholder groups.
The port is a long-term supporter of local schools having contributed for many years as part of Hutchison Ports’ Dock School programme. Dock School was first introduced in 1992 to provide support and assistance to the schools in the port’s vicinity. Proposals that have received our support have included the refurbishment and restocking of two school libraries and the creation of a new science pond.
In more recent years we have sought to combine the Dock School programme with Go Green, a global environmental initiative undertaken by Hutchison Ports in partnership with members of the maritime community and local stakeholders such as government departments, NGOs and schools. Our recent Go Green activities have included tree-planting in local schools and annual support for the Marine Conservation Society’s Beachwatch initiative. Volunteers from the port collect and record litter from the beach adjacent to the Port Viewing Area.
We were the initiators and a Founding Partner of the Port Community Fund. The Fund was one of the first port-related initiatives of its type in the country when it was founded in 2008. Since then it has raised more than £750,000 to donate to dozens of good causes locally. Managed by The Suffolk Community Foundation, the Fund will consider applications from voluntary and community groups in Felixstowe, Ipswich and the surrounding area whose primary aim is to improve the quality of people’s lives.
Further information on the Fund and details of how to apply for a grant are available at portcommunityfund.co.uk
