The college becomes founding partner of a new youth-led media brand created by and for 16 to 29-year-olds in Ipswich
Suffolk New College has become the founding partner of 1473, a new media brand created by and for young people in and around Ipswich.
Launched by Ipswich.co.uk, 1473 is written entirely by and for 16 to 29-year-olds. It will spotlight and champion the town’s young creatives, athletes, academics, campaigners and professionals, giving them a platform to talk about Ipswich in their own words.
The name comes from the town’s telephone area code, 01473. It also nods to 1473, believed to be the year Thomas Wolsey was born — the Ipswich butcher’s son who rose to become Lord Chancellor of England.
Suffolk New College was one of the first organisations to back Ipswich.co.uk when it launched in 2024. Today’s announcement builds on that relationship, with the college now backing 1473 as its headline sponsor.
Mary Gleave, Deputy CEO of Suffolk New College, said: “Suffolk New College is proud to launch this exciting partnership with 1473. Both Suffolk New College and Ipswich.co.uk are passionate about championing Suffolk and creating opportunities for people and businesses to thrive. By combining our strengths and networks, we can enhance support for learners and employers, strengthen community engagement, and help drive the economic success of our region.”
“Sponsoring a youth-led media brand lets us amplify the student voice, showcase young people’s perspectives, and celebrate their achievements through content created by young people, for young people. It also helps address local skills needs, raising awareness of career opportunities, apprenticeships and key employment sectors, while giving students valuable experience in media, digital and communication skills.”
“Most importantly, it helps retain young talent in Ipswich, highlighting the opportunities, employers and success stories available locally, and encouraging young people to build their futures in the town rather than looking elsewhere.”
1473 is edited by Nicola Sebastian, 23, who grew up in Chantry and joined Ipswich.co.uk as a reporter after completing a journalism degree at the University of East London.
Its early coverage has already featured a Suffolk New College learner. Diablo, a mechanics graduate from the college, was profiled as part of a wider piece on Ipswich’s Romanian community, sharing his ambition to become a police officer.
The partnership also supports practical opportunities for young people. Ipswich.co.uk took on ten work experience placements over the summer, working across both Ipswich.co.uk and 1473, with several going on to become regular contributors.
You can read 1473 at 1473.co.uk.