Business in East Anglia

Monday 25th March 2019

Boost to region’s growing MedTech sector

A new report has been launched to help the region’s growing number of medical technology businesses sector navigate what has been described as the ‘often confusing’ pathway for firms to access the National Health Service.

The NHS spends £6bn a year on MedTech and there is significant growth potential for companies in the region. Cambridge ranks as the largest cluster of firms in the sector in Europe and the East of England has seen 27 life sciences sites set up over 2007-19 with over 1200 people thought to have joined the sector.

The new report from The Eastern Academic Health Sci...

Boost to genetics research and Oxford-Cambridge Arc from Spring Statement

The Chancellor’s Spring Statement included £45 million for genomics research in Cambridge and further measures to boost growth in the Oxford-Cambridge Arc.

The European Bioinformatics Institute (right) at the Wellcome Trust Genome Campus in Hinxton will benefit from extra cash from the government’s National Productivity Investment Fund to help Britain maintain its lead in genomics research. Steve Elsom, regional director for the East of England at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said the announcement on genetics research was: “…welcome news and a vote of confidence in the regio...

New sector deal set to make Norfolk and Suffolk centre for UK's offshore wind market

A new government and industry Offshore Wind Sector Deal which involves a central role for East Anglia in plans to invest £250 million was unveiled this week. It aims to boost the share of British electricity produced from offshore power to a third by 2030. Meanwhle, a new Offshore Wind Growth Partnership will be set up to develop the UK supply chain to take advantage of a predicted five-fold increase in global exports in the sector to £2.6 billion and a tripling in the number of jobs to 27,000 by 2030. It also aims to boost the UK content in home offshore wind projects to ensure compan...

Firms struggle with debts but fewer businesses show signs of distress

A significant number of businesses in the region are struggling to pay their debts by their due date and are renegotiating payment terms although overall signs of business distress amongst East of England companies fell over 2018.

New research from the Eastern branch of R3 showed that around 13 per cent of companies in the region are struggling to pay debts by their due date and the same share is renegotiating payment terms with creditors. Meanwhile, 6 per cent of local businesses say they would be unable to pay their debts if interest rates were to increase by a small amount and seven ...

Record year for new business start-ups in the region

Undeterred by Brexit and political upheaval, entrepreneurs set up more new businesses in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambs during 2018 than in any previous year. In Norfolk, 4,542 new companies were registered, ( up 3.3% on 2017); in Suffolk it was 4,292 (up 3.5%) and in Cambs, 6,786 (up 6.3%), according to figures from the Inform Direct Review of Company Formations, using Companies House and ONS data.

John Korchak (photo), director of operations at Inform Direct, said: "These record high figures for new company formations in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire show a very positive picture for...

Warning on cost to region of tariffs from ‘no deal’ Brexit

The East of England economy is facing heavy costs in the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit due to the collapse of international trade deals and from tariffs, the CBI has ...

Property & Construction

Strong interest in new Ipswich office space

The Maltings building which is currently being restored in Ipswich’s Princes Street has seen strong interest ahead of it being ready for occupation in April next yea...

Technology

Drug discovery business expands at Norwich's Innovation Centre

Inspiralis, a drug development business that grew out of research laboratories at Norwich’s John Innes Centre, has expanded into new premises at the Innovation Centre...

Regional Economic News

Cambridge tech and professional services set to bolster region’s growth

The East of England economy is set to grow slightly faster than the national average over coming years in the light of the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, thanks partly ...

Finance/Legal/Deals

Cambridge-based energy management company sold to private equity firm

Cambridge-based eSight Energy Group, a developer and supplier of energy management software, has been acquired by Bid Equity, a German private equity firm.

BID Equity ac...

Transport

Tough new regs loom on e-commerce distribution

Tough new regulations are on the way for those involved in e-commerce distribution activities in the UK, with significant penalties for non-compliance – and yet many c...

New Media, Marketing & Advertising

Anniversary at long-running Norwich design & PR business

A Norwich-based design and PR business which is thought to be the region’s longest running creative agency is marking its tenth anniversary since it rebranded as FOUR A...

Leisure, Tourism & Hospitality

Tourism & leisure businesses urged to join survey

Tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses are being urged to take part in Larking Gowen’s 12th annual tourism and leisure business survey, which launched this week . A...

Other news . . .

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Business Profiles

Begbies Traynor

Begbies Traynor is the UK’s leading business rescue and recovery specialist, principally serving the mid market and SME’s. In the UK we operate from a national network of offices, providing a premium quality service based on individual commitment, knowledge and expertise, offering a range of services needed to address the problems faced by underperforming businesses. The Cambridge office was set up five years ago and is ran by partner Mary Currie-Smith who has spent nearly 30 years in the profession. Why choose Begbies Traynor? If you have personal or corporate financial challenges requiring informed advice and input; if you’re a creditor or professionally...

SGA Video and Events

Award-winning creative communications for major brands & small businesses. Creating a video to post on an iphone or putting on a company event isn't always enough to get your business to where it needs to be. With 30 years' experience in the video and events industry we understand what it takes to get your organisation noticed, your goals met and your business booming. Priding ourselves in our ability to solve your problems creatively, we will work with you from initial concept through to delivery and beyond, to ensure that you connect with your audience meaningfully, strategically, on-budget and with maximum return on...

Barclays

At Barclays, we are fully committed to supporting our clients, in particular, helping them to fulfil their growth potential. In this Brexit era many businesses will be reassessing their plans for growth and may need to re-plan or increase the resilience of their finances. It's in times like these when strong banks should stand tall and help ensure the stability in our economy by continuing our commitment to lend – and that is exactly what Barclays is doing. We continue to enjoy working with existing and new clients and aim to ensure they are at the heart of everything we do....

Norwich Research Park

Dedicated to the businesss of life sciences, Norwich Research Park is the premier location for excellence in food, health and the environment. Set in over 230 hectares of parkland Norwich Research Park is home to over 12,000 people, including 40 science and technology based businesses and 3,000 researchers and clinicians. A thriving science and innovation park, it is a partnership between four research institutes - namely the John Innes Centre, the Institute of Food Research, the Sainsbury Laboratory and the Genome Analysis Centre as well as the University of East Anglia and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals. Facilities are varied and incorporate a...

Gotelee Solicitors

Since the 1880’s, Gotelee Solicitors has been a major name in the local market place in and around Ipswich. The firm also has offices in Hadleigh, Felixstowe and new offices in Melton and Woodbridge. The Gotelee offer is broad-based in all offices. Of particular interest to the SME and the family-owned business market, Gotelee services include helping business owners: - on all business and commercial law issues, from start-up through to exit - with the management of any employment issues or disputes - when buying, selling or leasing premises, property or land - deal with any commercial disputes and their resolution - with any regulatory,...

Larking Gowen

At Larking Gowen, we see ourselves as more than purely chartered accountants. We’ll look after all your tax and finance issues, and we’ll be trusted business advisors with a friendly one-to-one service you can count on. Whatever you do, whether you’re a large organisation or an individual, Larking Gowen can help you protect your wealth and reach your financial goals. Our expertise Our partners are all qualified accountants covering a full range of specialist areas including personal tax, VAT, corporate finance, business strategy and business recovery. We have teams of experts with years of experience who can help you with all accountancy issues. Knowing...

Barclays Wealth & Investment Management

At Barclays, we work with wealthy individuals in the Eastern region to create banking, investment, wealth advisory, financing and lifestyle solutions that closely match our clients’ unique financial objectives. We are the gateway to the best of Barclays – benefitting from a local presence with a global offering, which allows us to bring together the best thinking, advice and solutions from across the global bank to support our Eastern clients. With a broad range of local clients – from entrepreneurs to Lottery winners – our wealth and investment management offering needs to be as bespoke as our clients’ needs. This...

Ashtons Legal

Ashtons Legal is an award winning law firm with a strong focus on customer service. The legal teams provide a wide range of advice to businesses and private individuals regionally, nationally and internationally from offices across East Anglia. Ashtons Legal has specialist lawyers ready to help clients with: agriculture and estates, commercial property, corporate and commercial services, construction, dispute resolution, employment law, franchising, HR advice and transport and regulatory matters family law and mediation, private client matters including wills, powers of attorney, probate and tax and trusts, residential conveyancing, French legal services and inheritance disputes medical negligence, personal injury and industrial disease claims. Ashtons Legal...

Rapleys

Established in 1951, Rapleys is a property & planning consultancy offering comprehensive professional and agency services, on a personal and value added basis. We work across the UK, with offices located in Huntingdon, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, London and Manchester. Our national office network is strategically located to deliver a service based on local and regional knowledge but with a national understanding and focus of the wider commercial property market. We are highly active in the East Anglian region, managing the work from our Huntingdon and London offices. We provide a fresh and different perspective to the commercial property and planning process by...

Genesis PR

Genesis is a leading regional PR agency providing award winning strategic advice and tactical implementation for today’s digital world. Our services span the full PR and marketing mix and our team comprises qualified PR, marketing, digital and social media experts, including former journalists. Using our unique i-thinking methodology, we develop and implement strategies to achieve our clients’ goals, crafting the right PR and marketing elements to deliver impact, influence action and inspire audiences. What makes us special Genesis is a PR Week Top 40 PR Agency Outside London – the only one in the East of England to feature in the 2018 list. We...

Cambridge Cluster Map

The Cambridge Cluster Map is a big data resource highlighting the data on the cluster of businesses located within 20 miles of Cambridge, UK, and accurately maps the growth of the Cambridge sub-region over time. It is a free-to-access online resource which shows the vibrancy of the Cambridge technology and life science cluster, revealing the true extent of the success of the ‘Cambridge Phenomenon’. Created by Cambridge Ahead in partnership with Barclays, working with the Centre for Business Research (CBR) at the University of Cambridge, the map can be viewed at www.camclustermap.com The source, methodology and granular nature of...

Newsmakers Reputation Managers

At Newsmakers we deliver a comprehensive PR and Reputation Management service, tailored to meet the specific marketing requirements of your brand and organisation. Our experienced team of professionals are committed to maximising every opportunity you have to communicate your message and enhance your profile. With a long and successful track record, working with clients in East Anglia, the East Midlands and London, we have the knowledge, media contacts and proactive approach to make a real contribution to your communications strategy. Our goal is always to make your brand and help your people deliver a positive and professional representation of your values. An essential...

Penn Commercial

Since its launch 12 years ago, Penn Commercial has grown to become one of the most respected commercial property agents in the east of England. The team of six, which is based in Fox's Marina, offers a wide ranging and award winning service to clients in a variety of sectors. The team is made up of negotiators, property managers and administrators and supported by consultants providing additional specialist services. Managing director, Vanessa Penn, said: "One of our key strengths is that we have a finger on the pulse of what is going on locally. We know where the demand is and how to...

Cozens-Hardy LLP

Cozens-Hardy has been operating from its Norwich city centre premises for over a century, offering a wide range of legal services to businesses and private individuals. This leading practice has built a reputation for honesty, integrity and exemplary standards of service and is committed to supporting its clients with cost effective, clear solutions to all their legal needs. The firm’s highly experienced and personable commercial department provides a comprehensive range of legal services to clients of all sizes including limited companies, PLCs, LLPs, partnerships, sole traders, farming sector businesses, manufacturers, retail/wholesale services and professional service firms. Their main commercial services include: · Establishing...

Creative Sponge

We are Creative Sponge and we are a full service marketing agency based in the heart of Norwich. Our client list includes Anglian Water, business enterprise agency Nwes, Whitlingham Adventure and Holt Hall, Premier Education Group, M+A Partners, Jarrold Training, the AST Group, Pumpkin Tree Organics and ZSEA (Banham Zoo, Africa Alive and the Dinosaur Adventure Park). We also have a number of London based clients, including Warner Bros and The Daily Mail Group, which we service from our London base. As you can see, we work with a diverse range of clients in both the B2B and B2C arenas. Our...