The Index is based on a successful national initiative called the Inner City 100 Index, which was set up several years ago by leading independent think tank nef the new economics foundation. The Inner City 100 was a yearly index and research initiative that aimed to recognise the fastest growing inner city businesses in the country.

The Ipswich 100 Index combined elements of the Inner City 100 to create a report that recognises the achievements of businesses in the Ipswich area and is open to companies located in Ipswich or the surrounding area, whatever their size and business sector, who can demonstrate successful turnover growth over the past five years.