Resilient law firms keep busy with real estate and diversification projects
East Anglia’s legal market has continued to demonstrate its resilience following challenging conditions in recent years, according to the newly-published Legal 500 UK Solicitors 2025 rankings. While a long-predicted wave of insolvencies is yet to materialise, it says restructuring practices remain steady in the region, particularly in the SME and mid-market spaces. Cambridge, Norwich and Peterborough have all seen ‘notable real estate action’, with housing, commercial and mixed-use developments dominating law firms’ workloads. Firms have also been kept busy with work on biodiversity net gain and other diversification projects. The guide ranks almost 60 law firms across 40 practice areas in East Anglia, with over 300 rankings in total. Birketts and Mills and Reeve are the two firms in the market with over 30 rankings and also lead on individual rankings, with each firm having close to 90 lawyers featuring across the hall of fame, leading partners, next generation partners and leading associates tables. Ashtons Legal, Howes Percival and HCR Hewitsons also feature in the top five both in terms of total rankings and number of individuals ranked. See fuller details on the Legal 500 in East Anglia in the coming issue of Business in East Anglia magazine.
Growth slows in the region but firms stay confident on outlook for 2025
Business growth in the East of England slowed sharply in September and workforce numbers fell but firms remain positive on the outlook over the next year. The NatWest East of England growth tracker business activity index fell sharply from August’s 28-month high of 53.9 to 50.9 in September signalling only a marginal rate of expansion. New business growth also slowed and employment numbers fell for the first time in four years. Cost pressures in the private sector picked up in September and remained strong, driven by wages and shipping. Sentiment was the weakest since the end of 2022. Lisa Phillips (right), regional managing director, Midlands and East, commercial mid markets, said: “It is positive to see that, as we enter Q4, businesses in the east of England remain confident for 2025…. But the weaker new business and future activity indices are pointing to a slowdown in the fourth quarter, especially as firms will have to wait until at least November for another cut in interest rates and any boost to confidence that would bring.”
Norfolk garden buildings firm makes multi-million investment in new robotics
Norfolk-based Crane Garden Buildings is investing in a new multi-million pound state-of-the-art robotic spray line, the largest investment in the family-run company’s 50-year history. Founded in 1974 by David and Linda Crane the business has grown to what it says is the UK’s leading supplier of high-quality garden buildings. Based in Narford, the company is now run by their sons; James and Nick Crane and the new investment will eliminate half a million manual lifts each year. Owner James Crane said: “We’re not just surviving; we’re thriving. As a growing company, we’re looking ahead to the next 50 years. We’ve learned so much about this industry, and now we’re using that knowledge to ensure we remain a profitable, planet- and people-first company.” The firm is aiming for growth of 10 per cent pa over the next decade.
At a launch even Cllr Paul Bland, mayor of the Borough of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, said: “… The unveiling of their new multi-million-pound robotics line demonstrates Crane Garden Buildings’ forward-thinking approach and their dedication to sustaining growth and creating opportunities in our region.”
Photo (l-r): Cllr Paul Darby, James Wild, David Crane, Cllr Paul Bland, Cllor Lindsey Beech and Linda Crane
New facility opens to promote health and wellbeing on Cambridge Biomedical Campus
A new centre for health, ‘wellbeing’ and support services has been completed for AstraZeneca at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the city’s largest employment site. Construction group Mace handed over the building, The Hub, at a ceremony recently. It provides facilities and services to both employees and the public, and is designed for ‘relaxation and reflection’. It includes a café, bar, shop, fitness centre, treatment rooms, health screening and occupational health services, a nursery and preschool, and a garden, across a floor area of almost 3,700 sq m. Robert Lemming, managing director, public sector and life sciences, Mace Construct said: “Supporting all the people that contribute to the campus community and beyond to thrive and perform their vital roles, AstraZeneca’s newest building ‘The Hub’ will provide important services for their health, wellbeing and productivity.” The campus employs around 17,500 people in the healthcare and research sectors.
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Rapid transit system contractor takes space at Knowledge Gateway
Milestone Infrastrastructre, the main contractor for the first phase of Colchester’s £99m Rapid Transport System, has signed a lease to base itself at the University of Essex’s Knowledge Gateway. The company will occupy a floor in Clingoe House (photo) at Parkside until August 2025. Alan Babbage, senior contracts manager at Milestone Infrastructure, said: “Having a base at the University of Essex’s Knowledge Gateway, just a stone’s throw away from the construction site, positions us ideally to oversee the delivery of this important infrastructure project, which will significantly enhance the transport links and accessibility between the university and the city centre.” The company’s team on the project involves 14 engineers and commercial staff and will be joined by health and safety specialists, environmental teams, and partnership companies, including Essex County Council and subcontractors.
Colchester-based private investment company acquires Scottish business
Privately-owned investment company Milbank Group, based at Earls Colne near Colchester, has added to its diverse portfolio with the acquisition of a Scotland-based liquid products company, Superfine Manufacturing. Founded in 1963 and based in Forfar, Superfine offers a wide range of formulations and products for different industries. Julie Milne, who takes on the role of managing director of Superfine, said: “With a strong foundation already in place, my focus will be on building upon the great work that has been done, fostering innovation and sustainability, and ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional products for our customers.” The acquisition was led by Prism Corporate Broking, Birketts Solicitors, and Scrutton Bland Accountants.
Corporate finance firm shortlisted for multiple awards
PEM Corporate Finance (PEMCF) has been shortlisted for multiple awards at the Insider Central and East Dealmakers Awards held in Milton Keynes. They include corporate finance advisory firm of the year, deal of the year (£10m+) for a majority sale of shares of Orbital Fabrications and dealmaker of the year (Philip Olagunju). The team also sponsored the award for the transaction services team of the year. Philip Olagunju, partner and head of PEMCF, said:“ I’m incredibly proud to lead an amazing team here at PEMCF, and it’s encouraging to receive this industry recognition. On a personal note, I’m very happy to have been shortlisted for dealmaker of the year for the 6th consecutive year, which is testament to how consistently active we’ve been as a team over that period.”
Growth hub expands service with new appointments
Business support service New Anglia Growth Hub is expanding its team with the appointment of two new advisers with specialisms in high growth, retail and strategy. Roxy Seabourne (photo, right), is a high growth specialist with more than 15 years of experience as an entrepreneur and business owner. Alexandra Hemen, also newly-appointed, has built a career in retail operations and strategy, most recently as head of retail for Adnams. James Moore, senior high growth business adviser, said: “Our team is actively reaching out to businesses seeking support and who may be eligible to join our high growth programme which is free to participants. Business owners and managers will gain access to expert analysis of their business and its prospects, and our advisers will help them identify and develop plans that will yield the strongest, most sustainable growth.”
New land and planning director appointed
Lovell has appointed an experienced new land & planning director, Ian Reilly, responsible for securing new land and development opportunities for the firm across East Anglia. His previous roles included group head of planning at Allison Homes. Simon Medler, regional managing director for Lovell, said: “With over 20 years’ experience in the sector, and already having established relationships across the region, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge, connections and experience to Lovell. I’m confident that Ian will play a key role in securing our future pipeline and I look forward to working closely with him to achieve our growth plans across the region.”
Cambridge company appoints new talent & diversity director
Cambridge company Domino has appointed Donna Murray as talent & diversity director base at its Bar Hill hq. She has responsibility for the company’s organisational, talent and diversity strategies, building on developments to date and leading future initiatives on inclusion and the appointment comes as the UK marks National Inclusion Week (23rd-29th September). Donna Murray developed her HR leadership career in Schlumberger, before joining Johnson Matthey as global talent director. Her most recent role was with First Quantum Minerals as talent, diversity & inclusion lead. She said: “My goal now is to keep listening, learning and understanding all the work that’s been done so far, and start building a plan to take it even further, ensuring we continue to create an inclusive environment where everyone can be themselves and thrive.”
Agency marks second year as sponsor of Suffolk Punch Trust with donation
Property agency Penn Commercial has marked its second year as a major sponsor of The Suffolk Punch Trust, with a donation of £1,000 at the charity’s site at Hollesley near Woodbridge. Under the sponsorship deal, signed in July 2022, Penn supports the trust as its corporate charity for 12 months, donating £15 for every commercial property transaction carried out. Vanessa Penn, managing director of Penn Commercial, said: “With four new foals and a number of prestigious prizes in 2024, including at the Suffolk Show, the trust continues to go from strength to strength, and we know that our donation will be put to good use in the maintenance and upkeep of these magnificent Suffolk horses.”
