More firms planning to recruit amidst hopes of improving economy
More companies are planning to hire staff in the East of England this year as the economic outlook improves despite a slight weakening in firms’ confidence in their own prospects in December. A business barometer survey from Lloyds showed that a net balance of 49 per cent of businesses in the region said they expected to increase staff levels over the next year; up 22 points on November. Boosted by rising hopes for the performance of the overall economy – up five points to 34 pc– the survey indicates overall business confidence in the region rose one point to 44 pc in the run-up to Christmas. This was despite a four point dip in firms’ confidence in their own business prospects month-on-month to 54pc. Meanwhile, more businesses in the region will be focusing on investing in staff training in 2026; up from 24pc last year to 44pc for the year ahead. The other top target areas for growth are investing in new products or services and new markets. Kirsty Sadler, regional director for the East of England at Lloyds, said: “The East of England’s businesses will be looking to build on this momentum as we approach a new year.” Nationally, firms’ confidence in their own trading prospects dropped slightly but optimism in the wider economy climbed by 11 points to 42pc. Construction saw the sharpest improvement and manufacturing was also up.
Cambridge and Norwich emerge as top hotspots for jobs
Cambridge and Norwich have been named among the UK’s top hotspots for jobs, according to a new study. It shows Cambridge well ahead of all other cities with 11,135 job vacancies per 100,000 people while Norwich ranks ninth with 4,698 roles available. The study by digital agency E Innovate found that university towns dominate employment rankings, with Manchester (7,827 vacancies) and Oxford (7,345) taking second and third positions . London was ranked in 18th place (4,186 vacancies). Broadland in Norfolk ranked as the toughest area for job-seekers with 290 vacancies per 100,000 residents. Karim Salama of E-Innovate, said: “These figures expose a massive gap in job opportunities across UK regions, highlighting the north-south divide clearly. University cities have become employment powerhouses by attracting knowledge-based businesses that are looking for graduates, specifically in tech and business sectors.”
Home improvements firm takes space in Felixstowe to showcase products
A&B Glass Home Improvements has taken a long-term lease on the ground floor of a Felixstowe property at 2, Hamilton Road arranged by Penn Commercial for a local private client. Founded in 1981 and employing almost 250 people, A&B Glass is based in Sudbury with depots and offices in Norfolk, Essex, Kent and Gloucestershire. Most of its windows and doors are made at a 90,000 sq ft Sudbury factory, which has a capacity of 2,000 doors and windows per week. As well as new build and commercial arms, the firm has a strong local retail division. Owner Paul McManus said: “…we have recently completed a number of domestic projects in the town, and we are also currently working on newbuild and local authority sites in Felixstowe, Ipswich and surrounding areas…For some time, we have wanted a physical presence in Felixstowe to showcase our exquisite range of uPVC and aluminium products, and we think that our new site on Hamilton Road in Felixstowe will be perfect for that.”
Rachael Jackson of Penn Commercial added: “We cannot wait to see how A&B Glass’ plans come to fruition, and how they rejuvenate this promising unit at the seafront end of Felixstowe’s main high street.”
Law firm’s founder retires and hails ‘bright new dawn’ under next generation of leadership
The co-founder of regional law firm Fisher Jones Greenwood has retired after four decades at the helm. Tony Fisher, who founded FJG in Colchester 42 years ago with partner David Jones, signalled that “a bright new dawn” lay ahead for the firm as it begins a new chapter under a forward-thinking leadership team. He described the appointment of Charlotte Knappett in a re-shaped senior partner role working alongside CEO Paula Fowler as a “milestone”. Tony Fisher, who has steered FJG as partner, CEO and chair and is also a human rights lawyer, will continue in a consultative role over the coming year at the firm. He said: “It’s now more than four years since we joined Lawfront and nearly two years since our new management team took their positions as heads of their departments and members of the board. As I reach my fifth decade in the legal profession, it’s been an absolute inspiration and a privilege to help grow the firm over the past 42 years into something that we can all be proud of now. I’m very confident that FJG will continue to achieve great success over the coming years.”
He added: “Charlotte has been with the firm for over 24 years and has devoted herself to maintaining our culture of respect and a focus on excellent client service. I want to give special thanks to Paula who has been a huge asset to FJG – it has been a pleasure to see the firm grow together.”
Photo (l-r): Fisher Jones Greenwood’s CEO Paula Fowler, co-founder Tony Fisher, and senior partner Charlotte Knappett
