University wins £2.5 million grant to boost computer games facility
Anglia Ruskin University has secured a £2.5 million capital grant to expand its computer games design facility in Cambridge. The funding from the Office of Students has been awarded in areas that will “offer a boost to local and regional economies and promote national growth”. Based in the Coslett building on ARU’s Cambridge campus, the facility will enable the university to double capacity and student enrolment in computer gaming by the 2028 academic year, providing graduates in a sector facing acute skills shortages. It will involve new classrooms and a large digital media and production space, similar to a professional computer games studio. UK consumers spent £7.6 billion on video games last year and the computer games industry supports over 73,000 jobs, including around 28,000 developers. Professor Catherine Lee, pro vice chancellor and dean of the faculty of arts, humanities, education and social sciences at ARU, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this funding from the OfS. This new facility will further enhance the experience for students on our computer gaming courses, support lifelong learning, and contribute to national and regional skills priorities in the creative industries.”
Businesses hoping for Budget boost amidst rising insolvencies
Local businesses will be hoping for measures which boost economic activity in this week’s Budget, as insolvency figures point to a ‘concerning upward trend’ at struggling companies, says the Eastern branch of R3. Insolvency Service figures show that corporate insolvencies in England and Wales increased by two per cent to 2,029 in October to stand 17pc up on the month a year ago. R3 Eastern chair Hayley Watson (photo) said: “These latest statistics are being published against a background of economic uncertainty, with businesses and consumers alike delaying major financial decisions until they can assess the outcome of next week’s Budget..…At the same time, creditors are becoming more proactive in forcing debts, borrowing costs remain elevated and consumer spending is subdued. These challenges underpin today’s insolvency rates and underline the need for positive, growth-focused measures in the upcoming Budget.”
Suffolk technology park submits planning application for major expansion
Port One Logistics Park, a development on a former quarry site in Great Blakenham near Ipswich, has submitted a planning application for the next phase of its expansion programme. It marks the start of a new chapter for the site, which will be renamed Port One Technology Park to reflect a focus on science, technology and high-tech industrial operations alongside commercial logistics. Phase one of the development is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026 and will create 1,000 full-time roles, with a further 3,000 positions create when phase two is delivered. More than £250 million has been committed to the site, with investments coming from Europe, the US, and the UK. Approximately 500 construction workers will also be on site at any one time.
Top 50 law firm opens new office in Norwich
HCR Law, a top 50 UK law firm which employs more than 1000 staff across the country, has expanded in the region with a new office in Norwich. Led by Frank Brumby, the new office on Crown Road in the city adds to the firm’s existing position in Cambridge. Since opening earlier this year, the firm’s Norwich office has appointed four new partners – Amy Walpole, a family law specialist; Nathan Muskett, head of the Norwich corporate team; Cara Keen, a specialist in commercial real estate deals and Robert Pyke, a commercial property specialist. HCR said it is negotiating a permanent office space to support future growth. Frank Brumby said: “Our investment in Norwich is a direct response to client demand across East Anglia…. We have bold ambitions for Norwich and the wider East Anglia market. We’re here to build lasting relationships and support the people and organisations driving the region forward.”
Photo: HCR Law, Norwich partners (l-r) : Robert Pyke, Cara Keen, Frank Brumby, Amy Walpole and Nathan Muskett
Separately, the private client team at law firm Howes Percival has been awarded gold employer partner accreditation by a global professional body STEP.
Port of Felixstowe takes delivery of autonomous trucks
The Port of Felixstowe has taken delivery of the first two units from an order for a further 34 autonomous trucks from Shanghai Westwell Technology Co. Thirty-four ATs, also supplied by Westwell, already operate at the port’s Trinity Terminal. Clemence Cheng, executive director of Hutchison Ports and Port of Felixstowe CEO, said: “…The new machines feature a step forward in LiDAR technology and marks the next phase of our journey using autonomous technology to support our experienced workforce. The improvements that have been incorporated in the new machines will now be retrofitted to our existing fleet to improve further the benefits they bring in terms of operational performance and efficiency.” The autonomous trucks at the Port of Felixstowe were the first of their kind in Europe to be operated in a mixed-traffic environment.
Innovation centre marks first five years of growth
More than 130 guests attended an event to mark the fifth anniversary of The EpiCentre innovation centre in Haverhill. Over the past five years, the centre has created more than 300 jobs, helped customers raise £150 million in grants and investments and provided over 2000 hours of business support. Jo Stevens, managing director of Oxford Innovation Space, which manages the centre, said: “… From day one, our mission has been to create a space where innovation thrives and businesses can grow….This milestone is not just about the past five years, it’s about the exciting opportunities ahead and the continued impact we will make together.”
Nic Rumsey of Jaynic, who built The EpiCentre in 2020, said: “A centre like this though is nothing without its occupiers. After five years, the Epicentre already has a long list of alumni we are very proud of, who freely attribute part of their success to the Epicentre’s nurturing environment.”
Photo: The EpiCentre management team
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