More than £18m is being invested to improve business skills in Suffolk as part of the Greater Ipswich City Deal.

The money will be used to fund projects set out in the City Deal such as a new youth employment centre and employer-designed projects that aim to cut youth unemployment in halve over the next two years.

Cllr Lisa Chambers, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for education and skills, said: ‘There are many opportunities available through this funding. It will enable young people a greater chance of finding a job and sustained employment, help provide our local workforce with extra training and ensure our skills system is linked to future growth opportunities.

‘I’m delighted to see the public and private sectors working together to ensure that young people in our area are helped to get a good, skilled job.’

The Greater Ipswich City Deal is part of a wider strategy to enhance the skills system across Suffolk and Norfolk, placing employers at the centre of decision making.