Business activity picks up but cautious firms still shedding jobs
Business activity in the East of England recovered strongly in June but firms are continuing to shed jobs amidst caution on the outlook for growth. Increased demand meant the East was the fastest-growing UK region in June; the NatWest East of England growth tracker business activity index rose steeply to 55.6 from May’s 51.4. It marked the fastest rate of expansion for over three years and was above the long-run trend. The volume of incoming new business rose for the first time since last November. But confidence has eased slightly since May and moved further below the long-run survey trend. The labour market remained weak with companies cutting workforces at a faster rate than in May. Meanwhile, the rate of input price inflation at private sector firms in the East eased further from April’s high to the lowest so far this year. Lisa Phillips, regional managing director, Midlands and East, commercial mid market, said: “The East of England was a key driver of the wider pick-up in UK growth in June, registering the strongest increases in both output and new business among all 12 nations and regions monitored…. The strong increase in activity did not bring with it renewed recruitment, however, as firms continued to shed staff at a marked rate. This partly explained why the 12-month outlook did not improve in June as companies clearly remain cautious on growth prospects.”
Firms hopeful for growth from new export markets
East Anglia’s mid-sized businesses are optimistic on plans to export overseas in the next year, despite the recent turmoil in global trade and tough economic challenges, according to a BDO survey. More than a quarter of East Anglia businesses cite better margins, profitability or cultural similarities in export markets as motivators. More than half said favourable trade agreements or government support in make overseas markets more attractive. Eastern Europe and Central Asia emerged as the most appealing regions for nearly two thirds of businesses to forge new trade and almost half were most interested in Asia-Pacific. Firms are keen to reduce dependence on the EU. As the government discusses favourable trade terms with the US, North America ranked as an attractive export region for nearly half of companies. But the survey also showed that overseas trade complications, including supply chain disruption and tariff uncertainty, are mounting. Peter Harrup (photo), regional managing partner at BDO in East Anglia, said: “These findings show the resilience of the East Anglia mid-market in the face of significant challenges and their potential to be a major international force for UK economic growth.” The survey also suggested that 53 per cent of regional companies are confident about their growth prospects over the next 12 months.
Cambridge-based advanced materials firm named East of England ‘tech innovator’
Cambridge-based Materials Nexus has emerged from dozens of local tech startups to be named the East of England Tech Innovator as part of KPMG’s search for the UK’s most exciting tech businesses. The firm specialises in the use of AI and quantum mechanics to revolutionise the discovery, modelling, and manufacturing of novel advanced materials. Product manager Thomas Moissinac said: “Having our roots in the vibrant Cambridge ecosystem – surrounded by world-leading research, talent, and innovation – has been instrumental to our progress. Our region proves that local innovation can drive global impact.”
Joe Faulkner, East Anglia office senior partner at KPMG UK, said: “We’re excited to see how Materials Nexus progresses at the UK final in London, where they’ll be representing the East of England’s capability on a national stage.” The competition has been running since 2013.
Photo (l-r): Joe Faulkner (KPMG), Thomas Moissinac (Materials Nexus) and Salvatore Di Maggio (KPMG).
Solicitors’ firm completes on major farm acquisition
Bury-based Greene & Greene Solicitors has completed a significant rural property acquisition, involving 2,724 acres of farmland, 12 residential dwellings, and 18 commercially-let premises. The transaction was completed in just over two months on 29 May. The deal was led by Jonathan Mathers (photo, left), partner in residential property & agriculture and James Southward (right), chartered legal executive in commercial property. Their combined expertise ensured a seamless process for the client, navigating the complexities of both rural and commercial property law. They worked closely with Michael Fiddes of Ceres Property and Jason Cantrill of Ceres Rural, the client’s rural land agents, to provide integrated legal and commercial advice on the acquisition. James Southward said: “This was an exciting and complex project mixing Jonathan’s skill in rural and residential property, and my own in rural and commercial property. It was great to successfully complete for the client and work closely with the professional team advising on the rural and farming intricacies to bring together the whole of the advice and guidance….”
The client added: “…we found your advice and guidance to be a perfect mix of legal precision and commercial good sense…”
Law firm invests in new Colchester hq to create ‘future-facing environment’
Regional law firm Fisher Jones Greenwood is planning to relocate its Colchester head office to a newly-refurbished flagship space at Severalls Business Park. The move this August marks a major investment in the firm’s future. The 6,000 sq ft, three-level premises will feature modern facilities for more accessible, collaborative and technology-enabled legal services.“This move represents more than just a change of address – it’s a statement of intent,” said Paula Fowler, chief executive officer at Fisher Jones Greenwood. “We are investing in a space that supports our people, reflects our values, and enhances the experience for every client who walks through our doors. It’s about creating a future-facing environment where our teams can thrive, and our clients feel truly supported.” The new space features flexible work areas, quiet zones, sustainable elements and tech-ready meeting spaces. It will serve as a central hub for FJG’s full-service legal offering including family law, conveyancing, private client, employment, immigration and commercial services. The move coincides with the launch of Lawfront’s new Client Contact Centres – a group-wide initiative aimed at streamlining client onboarding and enhancing service delivery.
See Profile Fisher Jones Greenwood
Accountancy firm wins national award for ‘supportive and balanced’ work environment
Larking Gowen, chartered accountants and business advisors, has won an award for Best Benefits to Support Work-Life Balance at the Employee Benefits Awards 2025 in London. Julie Grimmer, managing partner at Larking Gowen, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this award. It is a testament to our ongoing commitment to creating a work environment that supports the well-being and work-life balance of our employees. This recognition is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire team.” Larking Gowen faced stiff competition from the likes of Lloyds Banking Group, PepsiCo UK&I, and Bosch UK Holdings. Its innovative approach, including the use of annualised hours, impressed the panel of 24 judges.
Photo: Chloe Alexander (left), head of the people team and right, Julie Grimmer with members of the Larking Gowen team.
Industrial investment opportunities available in resilient market
With demand for high-quality logistics and manufacturing space staying steady, two significant industrial investment opportunities are currently for sale on Freebournes Industrial Estate in Witham. The established estate, off jct 22 of the A12, offers access to the M25, East coast ports and Stansted Airport, along with rail links to Liverpool Street. Francis House, Freebournes Road, Witham (photo) is available as a long leasehold industrial investment. With a guide price of £7 million, it comprises 88,405 sq ft of high-quality space with a modern warehouse and parking for around 80 vehicles. The property is let to Crittall Windows on an unbroken 10-year lease from March 2022, generating a passing rent of £495,000 pa. Meanwhile, a substantial freehold site comprising two modern industrial/warehouse buildings – Soprema House and 20 Freebournes Road – totalling almost 92,000 sq ft are available on a site of around 3.63 acres. James Wright, associate partner at Fenn Wright, said: “Freebournes Industrial Estate remains a key location for industrial investment in Essex. These two properties offer investors secure income from established tenants and the potential for long-term capital growth in one of Essex’s most resilient industrial markets.”
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Brewing group becomes patron of Suffolk Chamber
Bury-based pub company and brewer Greene King has become the latest patron of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce. Jo Kreckler, group communications director at Greene King, said: “We recognise the vital role the chamber plays in driving growth, innovation, andcollaboration across Suffolk. We look forward to working with the chamber for the benefit of its members on our joint aims to highlight our county’s potential on the national stage and build a stronger, more connected Suffolk for the future.”
Growth in all practice areas lifts turnover at law firm
Law firm Howes Percival, which has offices in Cambridge, Norwich and five other centres, increased turnover by 22 per cent to £41.7 million in the year to end-March. It marks a rise in turnover of over 77pc in the last four years at the firm. Growth has been across all practice areas, with the corporate and banking team and newly-formed commercial, technology and IP increasing by 27-29pc, commercial property by 26pc and private client by 17pc.
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