The First “Suffolk Jelly”

What is a “Jelly”?

It’s a global movement to help freelancers, remote/ home office workers and others work from a friendly communal space for a day. Think of it as a pop-up office. It’s open to all and you’ll meet other local home based workers, freelancers and creative types. Or perhaps you already work in an office but just fancy a change of scene.. There’s more information about the movement at workatjelly.com.

Where is it happening?

We are really excited to be holding our first Jelly event at the Eastern Enterprise Hub on the Ipswich Waterfront. It’s a fantastic new building with stunning views over the docks. We are very lucky to have the run of this funky space for the day. There’s a kitchen, lots of break out spaces, a main room we’ll use as the open office (the glass square on the photo above), an area full of beanbags where you can relax and listen to some soap box sessions and a meeting room you can book on the day (seats 8).  Here are some photos of the space.

Can I come?

Jellies are open to all. There is no registration or payment required (although we will be taking donations for a charity at our first Jelly event .. we suggest £10 full day/ £5 half day – Thanks to @adamoc for this suggestion!). So, if you want to work out of a different and beautiful office for a few hours, meet some interesting people then you should come along. We provide the wifi, a desk, chair and great company you just turn up with a laptop. You can just appear on the day but its useful to have an idea of numbers if you’re on facebook you can register your interest here. Or email us!

What actually happens?

We’ll show you around and help get you set up. You can come and go as you please. There is no definitive time you must be there or leave. We’ll open the doors at 11am and will have a few soap box sessions throughout the day to help people mingle, learn, and network. These sessions will range from talking about social media to open data and hopefully lots more. Perhaps you have something to say for 10 minutes? Why not volunteer a soap box session. We hope to host more Jellies at different venues around Suffolk, so do come along, join in and find out what it’s all about.

Outline Agenda

When you arrive please press the buzzer inside the lobby and announce that you’ve come along for the “Jelly”. You’ll be buzzed in and can either take the scenic route via the stairs or nip up in the lift. One more buzzer on the 5th floor entrance and you’re in. We just need you to sign in and out on the 5th floor so we know how many bodies there are in the building. We’re not charging for attendance but if you’d like to we will be taking donations for the local charity “Out and About” on the day.

You can arrive and leave, return again or not at your pleasure.. this is an office space so please use it as such. There will be quiet working areas, a meeting room, a communal kitchen area and a networking area for you to choose between.

The networking area will have a series of people “getting on their soapbox” throughout the day to talk about something/ anything and for you to discuss and debate issues with each session will end with a speedy networking session.
Here’s the schedule as it stands.. it’s open to change!

11am – JELLY OPENS

11.30am – SOAP BOX I
Emma Jell introduces the Jelly, Suffolk Digital
Phoebe Rope Introduce EEHub
Speed networking

1.30pm – SOAP BOX II
Jamie Riddell Shiny new gadgets for you to explore
Judi Newman LocalGiving.com & Impact of Suffolk Twestival
Cathy Shelbourne Top 5 soapbox tips
Simon Grice BeLocal
Speed networking

3.30pm – SOAP BOX III
Steve Butterworth – Citizen Journalism
Steven Allman – Out and about
Stephen Aguilar-Millan – Why the World needs Futures
Speed networking

5pm – JELLY FINISHES

What you need

Suggested items to bring along on the day: laptop, paper, pen, friendly disposition, anything you want to show off or talk about.

We’ll be providing Teas and Coffee on demand, courtesy of the Hub ( thank you!)
Lunch: bring your own or there are cafes and a well known supermarket within 1 minute’s walk

Directions

From the Midlands and the North, take the A14 East towards Ipswich. From London and the South turn off the M25 at J28 onto the A12 to Ipswich then join the A14. Follow the A14 East (signposted to Felixstowe) to junction 56, (signposted A137 Ipswich Central). Follow the A137 and town centre signposted on approaching the town centre (after the Audi Garage & Felaw Maltings), cross over the river in the right hand lane. The Novotel Hotel should be directly ahead. Turn right at the roundabout into Star Lane (so Novotel now on your left) and stay in the right hand lane, signposted Felixstowe. After the third set of traffic lights the road bears round to the right. Take the left hand lane. Follow the road round to the left, still following signs to Felixstowe. At the traffic lights by UCS (large glass building) turn right onto Duke Street. At the next traffic lights turn right (by ‘Tax Assist Accountants’) and you will see our building ahead with a pay & display car park on the right. There is a car park next to Eastern Enterprise Hub which is £3.00/day or 40p an hour. More direction details the Eastern Enterprise Hub website.