Slight rise in output and optimism unlikely to ‘calm the nerves’ of businesses
Output and optimism indices ticked up in December but remained below historic levels as a result of rising inflation and supply chain pressures, according to a business trends survey from BDO. The firm’s output index increased by 0.08 points last month to 91.65, driven by slightly higher productivity in the services sector. Meanwhile, its optimism index rose by 0.25 points to 91.89 although it remains in contractionary territory, reflecting pessimism among services firms and a continuing decline in the manufacturing outlook. An inflation index fell for the second month running, falling to 117.91; a 0.52-point drop suggesting the index has approached a turning point, as it stands at its lowest level since last June. An employment index approached a one-year low as firms reined in hiring intentions. Peter Harrup, partner and head of East Anglia at BDO, said: “Although output and confidence levels grew slightly in December, the marginal upticks will do little to calm the nerves of UK businesses. Inflation and supply chain pressures are clearly being felt across the board, as employers pause recruitment plans and consider redundancies to manage rising costs. With an expected recession increasing pressure on the UK economy, firms will be looking for the right support from the Government as it works to encourage growth and confidence in the run-up to the Spring Budget.”
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Stansted Airport runway to be resurfaced
London Stansted’s single 3km runway is to be resurfaced in a five-month programme in a project managed by engineering firm Lagan. Work has started and will take place at night to minimise the impact on the local community and airport operations. Around 50,000 tonnes of asphalt will be laid over an area the size of 25 football pitches and 1,300 runway lights will be replaced with energy-efficient LEDs. Neil Thompson, Stansted Airport planning & development director, said: “Handling up to 50 aircraft movements an hour, the runway is obviously a key asset for the airport so it’s critical it is maintained to the highest standard at a busy international gateway such as London Stansted.” He added: “A project of this scale is very complex and clearly presents us with a number of operational challenges as during just six working hours each night, we will need to remove and replace around 100 metres of runway surface before safely re-opening it before the first flight is scheduled to take-off in the morning.”
Power quality consultancy moves to innovation centre
PureSine, a power quality consultancy for UK companies, is a new occupier at The EpiCentre innovation space at Haverhill. The company went live in August 2021 and its clients include Barclays, KPMG and Ionity, an electric car charging network as well as electrical contractors. Martin Smithson (right), PureSine’s co-founder, said: “The great thing about The EpiCentre is that as we grow, we can expand into larger space within the centre and after two years of lockdown it is great to be part of the business community there.” Smithson and colleague Dr Jim Bridgeman (left), have more than 25 years of experience in the electrical power industry. A growing part of PureSine’s business is in green energy, including solar and wind energy installations. Most of its work is undertaken at data centres and places that need analysis done regularly, including offices, hospitals and prisons, to make sure they are operating at a optimal power quality health and can reply on their power supply.
Lab space in demand at South Cambridge campus
Property developer Howard Group has let the last available space at The Works’ building, at phase 1 of the Unity Campus in South Cambridge to biotech company Chimeris UK. As part of the letting, Howard Group is fitting out the 8,000 sq ft space as CL2 wet laboratory space. Hao Zhang, co-founder and CEO, Chimeris, said : “We are very excited to move into our new home at Unity Campus, where we will embark on the next phase of Chimeris’ growth and transformative technology development.” Howard Group has three new wet lab buildings of 32,500 sq ft, 31,000 sq ft and 24,500 sq ft currently under construction and scheduled for completion in the third quarter, each providing a 60/40 lab/office split.
Cambridge MedTech firm features in start up index
Cambridge-based medical technology startup, ‘Poc Doc’ features in the 2023 Startups 100 index of disruptive new innovative businesses. Poc Doc’s system allowing testing for major conditions via a fingerprick. The business was founded by Vladimir Gubala, Steve Roest and Kiran Roest in 2020. The Startups 100, now in its 15th year, showcases new UK businesses which exhibit innovation, solid financials, market opportunity and a strong customer base. or following. In previous years it has highlighted well-known names such as Revolut, Bulb, Deliveroo and Notonthehighstreet.
New role created at Cambridge company with a focus on reducing carbon footprint
Cambridge company Domino Printing has appointed Jessica Büttner to a new role of group environmental impact manager with responsibility for analysing the company’s products to identify ways to reduce and offset their impact. She will play a key role in the company’s CSR strategy for sustainable growth and contributing to a responsible society. Jessica Büttner (photo, right) joined Domino Laser in 2013 as strategic purchaser, taking over responsibility for strategic purchasing in 2017 and then leading the supply chain management team in June 2019. She said: “I feel passionate about CSR and especially the environment and am committed to lead initiatives that will achieve our goals. Our current focus is the reduction of our carbon footprint as an organisation and to assess the life cycle of our products. There are so many more topics to tackle in the future so that Domino can be prepared for the challenges ahead.”
New partner appointed in audit and accounts team with focus on charities
Cambridge-based PEM, accountants, tax and business advisers, has promoted Nikki Loan to partner in its audit and accounts team, taking the total number of partners at the firm to 21. She joined PEM in 2021 after spending the last 25 years in the charity and not for profit sector and has provided audit services and accounting support previously with PwC and Deloitte. Her focus is on charities and non-profit organisations. Nikki Loan said: “I have enjoyed a key role in supporting the firm’s technical capacity and look forward to building on this as part of our commitment to audit quality. I will continue to bring my skills and enthusiasm to further focus on charities and non-profit organisations, working with our growing team of experienced charity specialists to deliver both audit and non-audit services.”
Housebuilder shortlisted for national award
Family-run housebuilding company Benett Homes, based at Nowton near Bury, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Roger Humber UK Large House Builder of the Year category in the Construction Awards of Excellence, organised by the National Federation of Builders. The category covers housebuilders creating more than 51 homes per year. Edward Parker, managing director of Bennett Homes, said: “…Our entry covered many different aspects of our operation including sustainability, commitment to energy-efficiency, use of technology and innovative ways to respond to the changing market. Of course we hope to be announcing further success in April when the winners are announced, but to have been selected for the shortlist is a great accolade in itself. It is very much a team effort and I’d like to thank our skilled and loyal team who have continued to go the extra mile.”
Photo: Edward Parker with the House Builder of the Year Award in 2019.
