Work starts on new business park in Colchester
Construction work has started on a new £15 million business park of warehouse units in Colchester on a site close to the A12. FCR Property, a client of Fenn Wright, is developing Systematic Business Park, a new industrial/warehouse scheme involving 30 high spec units, set across five and a half acres. Harry Ladds, asset manager at MCR Property Group, said: “Systematic Business Park offers a new proposition for businesses in Colchester in terms of central location, quality, versatility and scale. Demand for prime industrial space such as this across Essex continues to escalate through thriving sectors such as freight, logistics and manufacturing.” The development is on Old Ipswich Road in Colchester, just off jct. 29 of the A12, providing good access to local transport routes. The units range from 1,700- 4,867 sq ft, with larger combined unit available, providing the capacity and flexibility for businesses to adapt the space.
Sam Henderson, head of transactions (South) added: “The development is great news for the local economy, providing scope for businesses to evolve and grow, with opportunity to expand operations within the site if required.” Construction is set for completion in the third quarter of next year.
Firms more optimistic on the wider economy but recruitment plans ease off
Optimism amongst businesses in the East of England on the wider economy improved slightly in September but firms grew less confident on their own prospects and hiring intentions have been reined in. Overall confidence amongst businesses in the region their confidence held steady at 33 per cent, down slightly from August’s 36 per cent, according to a business barometer from Lloyds Bank. Companies confidence in their own business prospects in the East was down 11 points at 33 per cent although their optimism in the wider economy, actually rose by five points also to 33 per cent. But hiring intentions dropped significantly, down 23 points; although a net balance of 9 per cent of firms in the region still plan to expand their workforce in the next year. Dene Jones, regional director for the East of England at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said: “Business confidence in the East of England remains strong as firms show promising signs of rising optimism in the economy. As we head into the final quarter of 2023 many businesses will be looking to shift gear and establish new avenues for growth that will set them up for a successful 2024.”
He added: “There are reasons for optimism to be buoyant in the East. For example, recent progress on Sizewell C will likely be welcomed by many of the region’s businesses looking to seize on the supply chain opportunities the major project will deliver.”
Advisory group moves to new town-centre premises in Ipswich
Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has signed a new 10-year lease on offices in Ipswich town centre, signalling its long-term commitment to the region. The firm will move to its new 7500 sq ft town-centre premises in Franciscan House, Princes Street later this year, moving more than 140 members of staff and partners from its current offices at Ransomes Europark. Ahead of the relocation, the building will be refurbished to include collaboration areas, focus spaces, meeting rooms for visitors and technology to allow for hybrid working. Franciscan House also has strong environmental credentials. Peter Harrup, head of BDO in East Anglia, said: “Our investment in our office space will make it a really collaborative, modern and accessible space for both our employees and those visiting us for meetings and events. Our existing people and future hires will benefit from our new, town centre location within easy access to the railway station, shops, restaurants and the newly regenerated waterfront area. We recently welcomed 13 new apprentices and graduates to Ipswich and we will continue to grow our local presence over the next year.”
US group opens manufacturing site near Cambridge
US company Sherlock Biosciences has opened a new facility at Swavesey near Cambridge to produce up to five million hand-held diagnostic devices annually to help detect early signs of diseases. The device’s design was engineered in Cambridge and the company selected the area for its engineers and technicians. Sherlock Biosciences CEO Bryan Dechairo said Cambridge led the global diagnostic industry. Similar to a lateral flow test, the handheld device is aimed at consumers for over-the-counter use and uses DNA and RNA detection to diagnose diseases within an hour.
Major manufacturing milestone reached at Cambridge company
Cambridge-based Domino Printing has reached a major production milestone after manufacturing the 50,000th of its Ax-Series printer. In 2016 Domino launched and installed the first Ax-Series continuous inkjet printer – a pivotal moment in its history, marking the beginning of many long-lasting partnerships with some of the world’s biggest brands. Carl Haycock, Domino UK operations director, said: “A huge thank you to our entire team for their ongoing dedication and commitment to delivering the very best for our customers – here’s to the next 50,000.”
Photo: The Domino team at Bar Hill marks the delivery of the 50,000th Ax-Series printer.
Five hundred jobs on offer at London Stansted
Over 500 positions will be on offer at a London Stansted jobs fair on October 10 areas including flight crew, baggage handling, security, retail, and hospitality. The event at the Radisson Blu Hotel comes after Stansted saw the second busiest month on record in August. Employers at the fair include Ryanair, TUI, Swissport, Border Force, World Duty Free, and MAG London Stansted. The Airport Academy will also be present, promoting free pre-employment support programs and accredited training for job seekers. Nathan Mullane, the airport’s employment and skills manager, said: “The event will provide an excellent opportunity to meet employers, learn about job opportunities, and network.” The fair is scheduled between 10 am and 2 pm.
Partner appointed at Cambridge-based accountants
PEM, Cambridge-based accountants, tax and business advisers, has appointed Jemma Gibbons-Riddell to partner in its audit and accounts team, taking the total number of partners at the firm to 21. She joined PEM in 2017 and is responsible for a broad range of SME clients in a variety of business sectors, including many property investment and development companies. She works closely with PEM’s virtual finance office and tax teams to ensure clients receive a holistic and commercial service. Jemma Gibbons-Riddell said: “…Cambridge is a prosperous city and PEM continues to grow and enhance the excellent service it provides to our clients and contacts.”
Managing partner Warren Tilbury said: “Jemma’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to growth and quality within our Accounts team. Her well deserved promotion to partner recognises the energy and commitment that she has shown since joining PEM.”
Agency wins five golds at regional PR industry awards
PLMR Genesis, based in Ipswich, won five gold awards at the CIPR PRide Awards in Cambridge last week. Having entered and been short-listed for six categories, the team won gold awards for: Low Budget Campaign (for Suffolk Show), Best Channel Delivery, Best Long-term Campaign (for Ingleton Wood), Best Long-term Client Care, Best Event – for the Social Worker of the Year Awards. Ali Straker, director at PLMR Genesis, said: “Winning these awards in recognition of the high-quality work our PR and digital teams deliver is a real achievement. I’m incredibly proud of the whole team.” PLMR Genesis is part of the national communications group PLMR, which was listed within PR Week’s Top 40 Agencies for 2023.
Ipswich-based agency win top PR awards
Ipswich-based agency Pier won top awards at the regional Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) PRide Awards 2023. They secured gold in PR Consultancy of the Year, Small PR Consultancy of the Year, and Consumer Relations Campaign, along with two silver awards. Pier managing director, Amy Bendall, said: “Pier has had an incredible year, winning new clients and working hard to create a robust and meaningful business.” The agency’s ‘Decluttering with Dilly’ campaign for HIPPO earned gold in the consumer relations campaign category. Its trade PR launch for Saputo Dairy UK’s Cathedral City Plant Based took silver in both corporate and communications campaign and best use of media relations. For Pier’s PR Consultancy of the Year win, the judges commended the agency’s “clear well-focused strategy and ambitious growth” along with its commitment to ESG performance. Pier is known for its work in the renewable energy and food & beverage sectors and clients include RWE, SP Energy Networks, Del Monte, Richmond, and Saputo Dairy UK. Founded in 2008 by Kate Bowden Smith, the firm now employs 13.
Historic building projects in Gt Yarmouth and Lowestoft benefit from Lottery grants
Restoration projects in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft stand to benefit from a National Lottery Heritage Fund allocation of £12.2 million for historic buildings and monuments across the UK. Bolstered by a near-£2 million injection from the Heritage Fund, the Ice House in Great Yarmouth is set to be reborn as the UK’s Centre of Excellence in Outdoor Circus and Arts (photo). Once a hub for storing freshly caught seafood destined for Billingsgate fish market and dating back to the mid-19th century, it played a key role in the town’s prosperity during the industrial revolution. Meanwhile, the Grade II-listed Lowestoft Town Hall, Suffolk, which has been empty since 2015, will be restored with a grant of £3.26 million. Led by Lowestoft Town Council, the venture aims to restore the building and make a substantial cultural, community, and economic impact on the town.
Housing developer wins health & safety award against international competition
Partnership housing developer Lovell in East Anglia has won a Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) award against international competition and highlighting the Norwich-based company’s commitment to health and safety. The company has secured an “Order of Distinction” for a series of 17 consecutive gold awards. The RoSPA Health and Safety Awards, now in its 67th year, attracted nearly 2,000 annual entries from nearly 50 countries, involving over seven million employees. The program evaluates participants’ comprehensive health and safety management systems, including leadership and workforce engagement. Simon Medler, Lovell’s managing director in East Anglia, said: “To have won this special accolade for 17 consecutive gold awards, and in competition with many other businesses throughout the world, is a great honour and is testament to the hard work and commitment to safety demonstrated by all our people.”
Cambridge charity showcases cutting-edge almshouses for seniors
Girton Town Charity (GTC) in Cambridge recently showcased 15 new ‘future proof’ homes for over 55s, as part of a regional meeting of almshouses professionals. Nick Phillips, CEO of The Almshouse Association, praised GTC for “leading the way” in the movement by funding and building new almshouses which are built to Passivhaus standards and have first-class sustainability credentials. He highlighted the ‘cutting edge design’ of the Dovehouse Court homes where residents live in a secure and warm environment, which has been well-designed, with a communal garden as well as individual raised beds to grow flowers and vegetables. GTC hosted more than 30 representatives of almshouse charities throughout East Anglia to the William Collyn Community Centre, followed by a visit to Dovehouse Court in the village. Latest research shows that people living in almshouses live on average two and a half years longer as they have a sense of connection with others as part of a sociable community. Ann Bonnett, chair of GTC said: “It was a great honour to be asked to host this regional meeting and to be able to share our journey in creating these almshouses for the future.”
