Rising investment in AI bolsters firms’ confidence for growth
Most firms in the East are confident they can grow in the second half helped by rising investment in new technology such as artificial intelligence. KPMG’s annual private enterprise barometer found that 83 per cent of the 125 firms it survey in the East are confident of second half growth, down slightly on the start of the year but compared to 80 pc nationally. Two thirds of firms saw areas such as AI, cyber security and broader digital transformation as key focuses, a 30-percentage point increase since the start of the year. KPMG said it signals how investment is shifting towards practical implementation of tech like AI to improve productivity, efficiency and growth. Meanwhile, nearly two thirds of businesses are looking to expand their service offerings and broaden their client base and over half are turning to their own balance sheets to help fund their growth plans, reflecting a growing preference to retain control. Joe Faulkner, East Anglia office senior partner at KPMG UK (photo), said: “It’s encouraging to see businesses across the East of England maintaining confidence despite the challenges they’re facing. There’s a real sense that businesses here aren’t standing still but continuing to invest, particularly in technology, because they know it’s critical to staying competitive.”
Groundbreaking event marks milestone on expansion of Norfolk prison
A groundbreaking event to mark a milestone on the expansion of HMP Wayland in Norfolk has been staged by contractor Wates Group alongside the Ministry of Justice and other partners. The scheme forms part of the government’s initiative to create 14,000 additional prison places and boost capacity in existing prisons by over 2,800 places. Construction on the project at Griston near Thetford started last August. It involves a new four-storey houseblock with 247 extra prison places, a new 1,200-capacity kitchen, 66 additional education places and a site-wide power upgrade. Classes to help prisoners develop new skills in areas such as construction, industrial workshops and an all-weather sports pitch and exercise areas also form part of the scheme. Wates will employ 10 prison leavers through the project and provide support for at least six months. It is also providing more than 3,500 training hours and creating 11 apprenticeships. Mark Craig, managing director for construction south at Wates, said: “HMP Wayland represents a significant milestone in our ongoing partnership with the Ministry of Justice to deliver modern, high-quality prison facilities. This expansion will provide much-needed additional capacity, while creating an environment that supports rehabilitation, skills development and long-term reintegration.”
High business costs threaten job opportunities for region’s young
Mid-market businesses in the region could provide vital employment opportunities for young people but high business costs and skills barriers risk derailing those plans. According to BDO’s bi-monthly mid-market tracker, most businesses in the region (88pc) are hiring for entry level roles within the next six months But many say higher employment costs and labour or skills shortages are one of the top challenges they face. Nearly a fifth are pivoting to hiring contractors, freelancers or consultants rather than permanent employees; potentially threatening the number of secure opportunities available for young people in the region. Most firms identified a gap in soft skills such as problem-solving, reliability, communication and relationship-building, whilst just over a quarter cited a lack of technical or industry-specific skills. Peter Harrup, regional managing partner at BDO in East Anglia, said: “New prime minister Andy Burnham has already vowed to give metro mayors powers to help the ‘lost generation’ of NEETs. For our new political leadership, addressing these challenges, as well as incentivising regional businesses to invest in hiring and training youth talent, should be a critical priority to avoid future skills shortages.”
Norfolk infrastructure business secures new majority investor
A Norfolk-based infrastructure business, EAST Solutions (Energy and System Technical) has secured a majority investment from Pallant Capital, a UK based family office, in a deal advised by FRP Corporate Finance. Founded in 2009, EAST Solutions provides turnkey high voltage engineering solutions and has built a strong track record delivering projects for a wide range of private and public sector clients. Pallant’s majority stake has provided an exit route for one retiring shareholder while enabling the existing management team to seek to expand. Ryan Symonds, partner at FRP Corporate Finance, said: “Electrification and renewable energy investment are driving growing demand for high voltage infrastructure services business with a proven track record in helping to modernise ageing infrastructure and installation of new assets.”
Michael Delgudice, managing director at EAST Solutions, said: “This investment marks an important milestone for EAST Solutions and provides a strong platform to continue building the business while maintaining the technical expertise, service quality and client focus that we are known for and that have underpinned our growth.”
New £6.6 million building for pupils with special needs opens in Essex
A new SEND Sixth Form for pupils with complex needs, Glenwood Rise in South Benfleet, has opened after Morgan Sindall Construction completed a £6.6 million building project, let through an Essex County Council framework. It features five classrooms, a dining space, catering training centre, meeting room, and specialised sensory rooms and has capacity for 40 students. Dame Rebecca Harris, MP for Castle Point, joined staff from the school, the council and Morgan Sindall at an official opening ceremony earlier this month. The new sixth form has been constructed using a SIPS frame and brickwork façade for efficiency and durability. Ryan Liversage, area director for Morgan Sindall Construction in Essex, said: “Thanks to our understanding of South Benfleet and expertise in building SEND facilities, we know that this sixth form will provide an inspiring educational experience in a sustainable, high-end environment.” The new sixth form is part of Glenwood School, a £15.4m specialist secondary school that was completed by Morgan Sindall in 2017.
Law firm recognised in private wealth guide
Law firm Birketts, has been recognised in the Chambers High Net Worth 2026 guide, with rankings across private wealth, landed estates, high value residential real estate, and family/matrimonial finance categories. The firm has also retained rankings for London private wealth law and UK-wide family/matrimonial finance: high net worth, alongside its new Bristol private wealth law ranking and improved Norwich private wealth law ranking. The firm’s Band 1 department rankings were retained in: Cambridge and surrounds private wealth law; East Anglia private wealth disputes; Essex private wealth law; Ipswich and surrounds private wealth law; national leaders (outside London) private wealth law; national leaders (outside London) real estate: high value residential; UK-wide landed estates. Louise Long, partner and head of private client advisory at Birketts, said: “To see Norwich achieve a Band 1 ranking is a particularly proud moment and reflects the hard work, dedication and expertise of so many people across our private client advisory team.”
Industrial units at Peterborough fully let
Coningsby Park, a development of refurbished industrial units 2.5 miles north of Peterborough city centre, is now fully occupied after the final unit was let to Billie Fins, a specialist children’s swim school. The business has taken a new 10-year lease on two units covering almost 6,300 sq ft. James Anderson, associate at Savills Peterborough – which secured the letting for Indurent – said: “Billie Fins will bring a unique and complementary use to the now fully let estate, the letting demonstrates the continued strength of demand for well-located, high-quality industrial accommodation in Peterborough.”
Cambridge summer reception reflects wealth manager’s ongoing commitment to region
Brown Shipley hosted more than 200 clients and professional intermediaries for its annual summer reception held on the historic lawns of St John’s College, Cambridge. The event brought together guests for a great evening of conversation, networking and reconnecting in a stunning setting, accompanied by live music from Magio Strings whose contemporary interpretations of popular music provided the perfect backdrop to the occasion.
Guests also heard from Paul Moonlight, Client Investment Specialist, who shared his latest perspectives on the global economy and financial markets. His presentation explored Brown Shipley’s investment outlook, including developments in the Middle East, ongoing market volatility, along with the opportunities and considerations arising from the continued evolution of artificial intelligence.
Simon Smith, Head of Private Bank South at Brown Shipley opened the evening with a welcome address, reflecting on the importance of maintaining strong, long-term relationships.
The discussion also covered the resilience of global markets, longer term investment themes and the importance of maintaining a disciplined approach in an increasingly complex environment. This reception reflects Brown Shipley’s ongoing commitment to supporting and engaging with clients, professional advisers and the wider East Anglia business community, while providing a valuable forum for sharing insights, strengthening relationships and encouraging meaningful conversations.
Photo- top (l-r): Simon Smith, Head of Private Bank South, Brown Shipley; Robert Kitchen, CEO Brown Shipley; Paul Moonlight, Client Investment Specialist Brown Shipley; Dominic Kohler, Head of Investment, Wealth & Commercial Strategy Brown Shipley.
Below: The Eastern team at Brown Shipley.
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