Go ahead for major energy-from-food waste redevelopment on Suffolk coast
Adnams has been given the go ahead for the redevelopment of a large anaerobic digestion facility near Southwold on the Suffolk coast to create renewable energy and handle food waste from the county as well as the brewer. The facility at Reydon, originally built in 2010, will process up to 49,000 tonnes of food waste annually saving almost 34,000 tonnes of carbon. It will also generate around 31 GWh of renewable gas each year, enough to heat 3,000 local homes and which will go into the national grid. The project comes ahead of legislation requiring local authorities to collect food waste from homes, brewery and hospitality businesses and the scheme means Suffolk will be self-sufficient for food waste processing. The plant will also supply green fuel for Adnams’ own HGV fleet and CO₂ for brewing operations. The planning approval follows a local consultation by Adnams and its partner Bio Capital, the UK’s largest producer of green energy using food waste. Jenny Hanlon, CEO of Adnams, said: “Securing approval for this hugely significant sustainability project in our county is a really exciting step for Adnams, and for Bio Capital. We have always placed great emphasis as a business on climate and community, so we’re very much celebrating the fact that our site will be redeveloped and will soon be helping homeowners on their own journey to achieving net zero.”
Separately, Centrica, the parent company of British Gas, is reported to be planning to take a 15 per cent stake in Sizewell C, the same size in the nuclear project as is owned by the French energy group EDF.
Improving economic outlook lifts business confidence in region
A better economic outlook drove up business confidence in the East of England by seven points to 53 per cent in June – above the national average – according to a business barometer survey from Lloyds. Firms in the East reported greater confidence in the economy, up 14 points at 46 per cent although optimism in their own business prospects was unchanged at 60 per cent. Meanwhile, a net balance of 45 per cent of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 19 points on May. Kirsty Sadler, regional director for the East of England at Lloyds, said: “Stronger economic optimism has driven the East’s confidence levels back above the national average. Across the region, businesses are focused on capitalising on growth opportunities. As just one example, we recently supported PIC Construction Group in Brentwood as part of its plans to boost turnover and create 100 new local jobs.” Nationally, business confidence increased by one point in June to 51 per cent as manufacturing and retail saw significant gains although construction and services weakened.
Cambridge display tech company recognised in government awards
Cambridge-based display technology company Porotech, is one of twelve SMEs to be named as winners in the government’s 2025 Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards. Recognised in the digital & technology category, Porotech is pioneering advanced semiconductor solutions that power immersive experiences through augmented reality glasses and AI-driven systems. The firm recently launched Porotech SpectraCore – a milestone in microdisplay innovation for AR applications – and is enjoying strong international demand for its solutions. Around 90 per cent of revenue comes from exports and partnerships with Amazon, Microsoft and Foxconn. Tongtong Zhu, co-founder and CEO, said: “We’re honoured to receive this award from the Department for Business and Trade, which affirms Porotech’s role as a global leader in next-gen semiconductor technology. In the UK we’re not just building chips; we’re building the infrastructure and supply chain for the future of augmented reality.”
Separately, OutSee, a Cambridge-based genomics and drug discovery company pioneering an AI-based predictive genomics approach to target discovery, has secured £1.8M in seed funding, led by Ahren Innovation Capital.
Backing for industrial strategy which cuts firms’ energy prices
The government’s new 10 year industrial strategy will provide a major boost for Ipswich jobs, skills and advanced manufacturing through targeted support and local leadership, according to Jack Abbott, the town’s MP and mission champion for the East of England. The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, includes action to cut energy prices by 25 per cent for key manufacturers, boost business investment, and modernise the skills system. It also involves enhanced support for Freeport East in Essex and Suffolk, specialised in advanced manufacturing. Mr. Abbott said: “This is a game-changer for Ipswich and Suffolk. By cutting energy costs and unlocking investment, this strategy will help local businesses grow, create high-quality jobs, and boost our economy.” The strategy aims to double UK business investment in growth sectors to £240bn annually by 2035 . It also envisages investment of over £20bn in R&D for growth sectors and 25 pc cuts in regulation costs and streamlining planning for major projects.
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Norfolk car making jobs ‘at risk‘
Norfolk-based sports car manufacturer Lotus has said it has no plans to close a plant following reports it was looking at opening a new plant in the US and stopping production at its plant at Hethel near Norwich, potentially putting up to 1,300 jobs at risk. The group, which is controlled by Chinese car group Geely is said to have recently paused production at Hethel in the light of supply chain issues. Lotus Technology has recently been reporting losses.
Major refurbishment planned at Bury St Edmunds store
Glasswells, a Suffolk-based home furnishing and removals company, is planning a £500,000 refurbishment of the ground floor of its Bury St Edmunds store. The investment will enhance the store’s cookshop, gifts, lighting, bedding and bath departments. Managing director Paul Glassswell said: “We’re committed to delivering a shopping experience you can truly enjoy. This refurbishment is part of our ongoing investment in enhancing the store’s ambience and delivering an exceptional customer journey.”
Bank relocates Colchester branch to prime business park
Property agents Fenn Wright has let 1 The Oaks, Apex 12, Colchester to Handelsbanken, a relationship bank with a branch in Colchester since 2010. The relocation from Colchester centre to Apex 12 provides Handelsbanken with modern, energy-efficient office accommodation, improved access for customers and on-site car parking. Located just off the A12, Apex 12 is a pime business park offering high-quality office space in a landscaped environment. ‘’This location marks an exciting new chapter in our journey. Our new office space has been thoughtfully designed with sustainability at its core featuring energy-efficient systems that reduces our environmental footprint, complements our cultural heritage, while creating a modern and comfortable working environment for our team and visitors alike,” said Russell Felstead, branch manager. Founded in Sweden in 1871, Handelsbanken operates a decentralised model with branches across Britain.
See Profile Fenn Wright
University returns to Royal Norfolk Show
The University of East Anglia returned to the Royal Norfolk Show 2025 with a range of exhibits and stories that showcase its research and roots in Norfolk’s communities. UEA was a major feature in this year’s STEMM Village and main university marquee, highlighting innovation across science, health, climate, and culture. Meanwhile post grad student Georgia Oliver was named the second recipient of the Norfolk International Scholarship at the Royal Norfolk Show. She will explore how environmental land management schemes are supporting or hindering the adoption of sustainable practices on Norfolk farms.
Insurance group renews sponsorship of girls and women’s football league
Insurance company Alan Boswell Group has renewed its sponsorship of the Cambridgeshire Girls and Women’s Football League for the 2025/26 season. Women’s and girls’ football has grown rapidly in recent years, boosted by the Lionesses’ 2022 Euros victory, with a 56pc rise in participation and over 50pc more teams registered in the past four years. It will mark the 21st season sponsored by Alan Boswell Group, alongside its sponsorship of other grassroots sports teams and Cambridge United F.C. Lee Boswell, marketing director at Alan Boswell Group, said, “As a group, we have supported grassroots and professional sport for many years and recognise the contribution it brings to the local community. Women’s football has gone from strength to strength over the last few years, and we look forward to seeing that continue with the Women’s Euros taking place this year.”
Photo: Under 9s League Cup Winners of the Alan Boswell Group Cambridgeshire Girls and Women’s League 2024-25.
See Profile Alan Boswell Group
Conference and events bureau recognised with green award for sustainability initiatives
Meet Cambridge, the conference and events bureau for the city and surrounding area, has been awarded the Silver Award at the University of Cambridge’s annual Green Impact Awards, for its commitment to progressing the sustainability agenda. The award recognises Meet Cambridge’s impactful sustainability initiatives over the past year, including strong team engagement through weekly discussions, clear signage, and visible reminders that encourage environmentally conscious choices – including a plastic-free pledge aimed at reducing waste. Sarah Maycock, sustainability lead at Meet Cambridge, said: “We’re thrilled to have achieved the Silver Award this year. Sustainability is a core value for us, not just in our office practices, but also in how we inspire and collaborate with our venues and clients.” The Green Impact Awards are part of a United Nations programme led by SOS-UK (Students Organising for Sustainability), marking environmental achievements of university departments, colleges, and partner institutions. This year’s ceremony took place at Newnham College.
Meet Cambridge sustainability lead Sarah Maycock and Andrew Bell, Head of Meet Cambridge collect the award.
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