Launchpad for life sciences ventures to open on new campus building near Cambridge
Wellcome Genome Campus and Biolabs have set up a partnership as a launchpad for UK life science and technology ventures in a new building near Cambridge. The duo will create purpose-built incubator and accelerator facilities at The Sequence, the first new building being delivered as part of a major expansion at the Campus in Hinxton in south Cambs. It will provide 147,000 sq ft of lab-enabled workspace across three floors and is the first new building to take shape in phase one of the campus’ expansion. The site is home to Wellcome Sanger Institute, EMBL’s European Bioinformatics Institute and the UK’s new Health Data Research Service. Wider expansion plans will see the campus triple in size over the next decade, growing from 125 acres to 440 acres and creating an ‘ecosystem’ of research, commercial activity and residential. BioLabs, a US-based specialist space provider in the sector, will open on the campus in temporary facilities in September, ahead of the completion of The Sequence at the end of next year. Robert Evans, chief executive of Wellcome Genome Campus, said: “Wellcome Genome Campus is Europe’s largest and most concentrated hub of talent in genomics and computational biology, combining research with translation and commercial spinouts, conferencing and convening. Partnering with BioLabs to create new incubator and accelerator programmes will create a visible beacon for early-stage ventures at the intersection of genomics, data and AI, a key frontier field expected to transform healthcare globally.”
Extra defence spending could put proposed road schemes in the region at risk
Government plans to cut infrastructure capital budgets to pay for extra defence spending has put some some key new road and transport projects proposed in the region at risk. Major schemes proposed to ease congestion at the Copdock Interchange outside Ipswich, the A11 Fiveways roundabout at Barton Mills on the Norfolk-Suffolk border and the Norwich Western Link could be less likely to go ahead. Meanwhile, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a second A14/Orwell Bridge summit on problems along the road and to push for a more joined-up approach in lobbying for funding for solutions. Paul Simon, Suffolk Chamber’s head of public affairs, said: “Whilst there is clearly not one single solution available that will solve the capacity issues on the A14 and the economically damaging congestion and delays, it is heartening that many of the part-solutions do have widespread support from across the Suffolk system.”
Separately, the Port of Felixstowe has ordered a third batch of autonomous trucks from Shanghai Westwell Technology Co. increasing its autonomous truck fleet to 100 vehicles. The port has introduced autonomous trucks into mixed-traffic container terminal operations at Felixstowe, the first deployment of its kind in Europe. The port’s CEO Clemence Cheng said: “Felixstowe has led the way in deploying autonomous trucks safely at scale in a live port environment, and this latest order reinforces our commitment to innovation, operational resilience and our target of achieving Net-Zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035.”
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Suffolk managing print specialist expands into larger space with room to grow
A managed print specialist, Evolve Business Solutions, has doubled its warehouse and office space following its move to larger premises in Ipswich in 2024. The company has expanded from 2,250 sq ft to 3,350 sq ft, taking on neighbouring premises to provide additional warehouse storage, office space and capacity for future growth. The move follows an expansion at the business, which has recently increased its workforce, invested in its infrastructure and grown its customer base. Managing director Ross Cracknell said: “Many people think printing is disappearing, but that’s simply not what we’re seeing. Businesses are printing differently and they need solutions that are secure, efficient and flexible enough to support today’s way of working.” He added: “Whether staff are working from the office, at home or across multiple sites, organisations still need reliable document management. They also need software that keeps devices secure, protects sensitive information and helps reduce operating costs.”
Photo (l-r): Matt Eaton, Jack Wiles, Stephen Forster, Nicky Davies, Ross Cracknell.
See Profile Evolve Business Solutions
Businesses in region shortlisted for private business awards
Two companies in the East of England, Cera and Beyond Governance are amongst the businesses shortlisted at the Private Business Awards 2026, sponsored by BDO. Cera, a tech healthcare business with a base in Colchester, was shortlisted for CEO of the year, private business of the year and tech business of the year. Meanwhile, Beyond Governance, which is based at Ware in Herts, was shortlisted for CEO of the year and female business leader of the year. The awards recognise the best privately-owned or private-equity backed businesses in the UK with a turnover of more than £10 million. The shortlistings follow a successful year for the region in 2025, with Cambridge-based Cycle Pharma winning private business of the year and Jacyn Heavens of Norwich-based EPOS Now winning CEO of the year. Chris Atkinson, partner at BDO in East Anglia, said: “These companies – and the people behind them – continue to drive UK economic growth across every region and sector. The awards shine a light on the innovation, ambition and success that should be commended and will inspire other businesses.” The winners will be announced in London in September.
Accountancy firm signs on to sponsor Ipswich Book Festival
As part of its commitment to backing Ipswich’s City of Culture bid, accountants and business advisers Larking Gowen has signed on as principle festival sponsor of the Ipswich Book Festival. The firm is also marking 12 years of supporting the New Wolsey Theatre in the town. Over 1,000 tickets were sold for the first 2025 book festival, attracting one in three visitors from outside Ipswich. “Numbers like these are very encouraging when it comes to boosting the local economy,” said Giles Kerkham, not-for-profit partner at Larking Gowen. “A thriving local economy is good for everyone. The festival also offered lots of free activities for local schools and families, which aligns with our values as a firm of supporting people.”
Emma Lightfoot, a festival founder and a local business owner, said: “We were thrilled to have Larking Gowen support us in our inaugural year, taking a chance on a new event for the town. Their increased support in 2026 will allow us to grow the reach of the festival, which will benefit other businesses in the town and provide free opportunities for families and groups to engage with activities and events.” Some 46 per cent of local businesses in the tourism sector anticipate increase in profits for 2026, according to the recent Larking Gowen Tourism Business Survey.
- Discover more insights in Brown Shipley’s latest market and investment update: Recalibrating the path – Counterpoint July 2026
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