Updated proposals launched for new Cambridge innovation district
The Crown Estate has launched a public consultation on updated proposals for Cambridge Business Park, its major mixed-use scheme planned for the north east of the city, in response to local feedback. The scheme aims to create a new innovation district with up to 1.7 million sq ft of flexible lab and office space – potentially supporting over 8,000 jobs- along with over 10 acres of leisure and new public space. The new proposals involve four distinct ‘character areas’: a main square (photo) with labs, state-of-the-art workspaces, science on show, shops, cafes and restaurants; a cluster of experimental workspace; a mixed-use neighbourhood and a community green space, with play areas, sports facilities, labs and a new water course. Matthew Sampson, regeneration director at The Crown Estate, said: “Our proposals reflect community feedback and aim to create a place that brings together science, community and national prosperity for Cambridge’s future.” The third consultation will run until December 7th.
Suffolk coastal theme park acquired by new owner
Pleasurewood Hills, the family attraction theme park near Lowestoft has been acquired by an experienced leisure group, Premier Attractions in a deal where Norfolk-based law firm Rogers & Norton advised the buyer. The park has been bought by Freddy Stokes and his two brothers Spencer and Davis at Premier Attractions, from a French company Looping Group. The new owner has plans to invest further in the theme park and expand its offering. Freddy Stokes is a Yorkshire-based showman with a family history in the leisure and fairground industry and wide experience in live entertainment and visitor attractions. The deal was led by Matthew Evans, corporate and commercial solicitor, with oversight from Alistair Ponder, head of corporate and commercial at Rogers & Norton. Freddy Stokes said: “Rogers & Norton have become an integral part of our team and are now on the journey with us as we look to expand our business portfolio and acquire more parks across the country.’’
Matthew Evans said: “We’re proud to have played a role in facilitating the transaction and look forward to continuing to support the business as it grows and develops.”
Norfolk plastic packaging manufacturer bought by expanding group
Norfolk-based plastic packaging manufacturer, Coda Plastics, and its parent company have been acquired by Newship Group, a family-owned group operating in the sector. Founded in 1973, North Walsham-based Coda Plastics supplies rigid plastic packaging to customers ranging from start-ups to brands such as Imperial Leather and Revlon. For Newship, the deal marks a significant step in expanding its portfolio, creating a comprehensive packaging solutions business with pan-European reach. Its businesses, include Beatson Clark, a glass packaging manufacturer, and Pont Europe, a European distributor of rigid packaging. FRP Corporate Finance’s Norwich team were lead sell-side advisers. Through a competitive process, the team, led by director Alex Hunton and assistant manager Cameron Robertson, identified Newship as a potential acquirer. Alex Hunton said: “The team at Coda Plastics has built itself a great reputation in the market. This deal will enable it to build on its progress and take its growth to the next level.” Legal advice was provided by Birketts (sell-side) and Browne Jacobson (buy-side).
Farming conference to look at sector in ‘time of major change’
The 2025 Larking Gowen Autumn Farming Conference is moving to a series of four morning events in venues in Norfolk and Suffolk in December; at Fakenham, Norwich, Diss and Ipswich. Larking Gowen partner Bruce Masson said: “The agricultural sector is entering a time of major change and political decisions made this year will shape the industry for years to come, with wide-reaching social and economic implication. The Autumn Farming Conference will help delegates to navigate this evolving landscape, with insights into the latest political developments from leading industry experts, IHT mitigation strategies and the changes to pensions legislation which will come into force during 2027.” Other topics covered will include SFI updates, Environmental Land Management Schemes and topics arising from the November Budget. The conferences are on: Tuesday 2 December at Hintlesham Hall, Ipswich; Thursday, 4 December at Fakenham Racecourse, 8 December at Best Western Brome Grange, Eye, Tuesday, 9 December, Larking Gowen, Rouen Road, Norwich. Details of the event are at www.larking-gowen.co.uk/AFC and tickets, costing £16.96, can be booked on-line.
East Suffolk businesses ‘build up local connections’ at awards ceremony
Over 170 local businesses were represented at the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce East Suffolk Business Awards earlier this month at the Ivy House Country Hotel in Lowestoft. Fourteen awards were presented to companies including Aura Brands (large business and winner of winners); Woodbridge Vets (medium business); Africa Alive (growing business), The Lord Kitchener Memorial Holiday Centre (tourism & hospitality); CODE Hair Consultants (customer service); JoJo’s Kitchen & Bar (family business) and MJ Training East (small business). Mat Waters of Lovewell Blake and chair of the chamber’s East Suffolk forum, said: “Our awards allow us to come together to celebrate and recognise the fantastic businesses we have here in East Suffolk and provide the perfect opportunity for our sponsors and our guests to further build up their local connections and partnerships”. Recognition lifetime achievement were given to Gary Harrold of Customs Support Group, Felixstowe and Martin Murkett of Tick Solutions, Lowestoft.
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