England reaching Euro 2024 final impacts Suffolk businesses

The Three Lions reached the final of the competition by defeating the Netherlands 2-1 on Wednesday night thanks to Ollie Watkins' late winner.

Throughout the tournament, businesses have reported that they have seen a boost in custom since the competition started, particularly when the Three Lions play.

Paul Simon, head of public affairs and strategic communications at Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said: "The hospitality sector in Suffolk has taken quite a hammering over the last four or five years and so any outside influences that help boost both footfall and sales is very welcome indeed.

Paul Simon, of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce (Image: Newsquest)

"Quite a few of our members in the sector are reporting boosts during England games – as many did during Ipswich Town’s successful 2023/24 season.

"Many are anticipating a very busy and profitable Sunday to come."

Bury St Edmunds-based brewery Greene King has 16 pubs across the county, all of which have been showing the competition with a great atmosphere throughout England matches.

Greene King chief executive Nick Mackenzie said: "The Euros has provided a great boost to the hospitality sector as communities have come together in their local pub to cheer on their national team.

Greene King boss Nick Mackenzie (Image: Adam Smyth / Greene King)

"With England reaching a second consecutive Euros final, we expect this Sunday to see our biggest crowds of the tournament as the nation comes together and hopes to witness history."

Felixstowe Business Improvement District manager, Kate Cain, said: "Felixstowe has embraced the accumulative feel good factor that progressing in an international tournament brings and many of our businesses have really extended their hospitality.

"Beach Street and Mannings have created Felixstowe’s first Fanzone in The Shed, The Grosvenor in Ranelagh Road have added outdoor screens to their already impressive collection and home of the Seasiders, Felixstowe and Walton FC in Dellwood Avenue, have added to their outside viewing areas also."

England's Ollie Watkins wheels away in celebration after scoring the late winner against the Netherlands. (Image: PA Wire)

In Ipswich, the borough council has confirmed that there will not be a big screen broadcasting the final anywhere in the town.

Previously, a big screen has been put up in the Cornhill broadcasting major UK events, such as the Wimbledon finals last year and the Women's World Cup final, which was also between England and Spain.

This year, however, the council has said the events, parks and security teams are already busy this weekend with the Global Rhythm Festival in Christchurch Park, another significant event for the town.

Frank McFadden, Steven Wells and Gus Chrysomalis (Image: Tom Cann)

Ipswich pub owner Steven Wells of the Shamrock in Tacket Street, said: "The atmosphere has been incredible.

"We were at capacity for the semi-final and when that second goal went in, the place erupted.

"We have a good community feel and as a pub owner, seeing what we see during the semi final, it really puts a smile on your face.

"We've had a fantastic atmosphere, everyone has enjoyed themselves and we are really looking forward to Sunday and the final."

Lee Walker, CEO of Ipswich Central (Image: Ipswich Central)

Lee Walker, Ipswich Central chief executive, said: "England getting to the Euro 2024 final is something that we should all be coming together to watch with family, friends and fellow football supporters to really give this momentous occasion that all important atmosphere as we cheer our national team on.

"Many pubs and bars will be screening the final so it would be great to see our town centre businesses full of supporters enjoying this momentous occasion.

"Many venues around the town will be showing the match as our collective voice cheers 'Come on England!'"