Rising number of farms put up for sale as cereal growers’ income is ‘squeezed’
More farms were put up for sale on the open market in England in the first half of this year than at any time in the period in almost 20 years, according to Strutt & Parker’s farmland database. The East of England has been among the regions which has seen more farms put up for sale. In total, 177 farms were publicly launched in the country in the first half, up from 167 in the period last year – which is 16 per cent above the five-year average. But the total acreage launched publicly remains relatively low at just under 58,500 acres, similar to last year. Sam Holt, head of estates & farm agency for Strutt & Parker (photo, right) said the market presented a mixed picture. He said: “Overall, the market remains resilient, but there are inconsistencies, with significant variations in supply, demand and the prices being achieved depending on location and quality.” He added: “We have seen renewed demand in some areas, with a notable increase in the number of deals struck over the past three weeks. The best-in-class farms and estates continue to attract strong interest and new buyers to the market and can attract multiple bids…..”. But he also noted: “In some of the more sparsely populated arable areas….the market is thinner than it used to be, reflecting the current squeeze on cereal growers’ incomes and 18 months of uncertainty around farming and taxation policy.” The data shows that the average arable value for the first half of 2026 was £10,500 per acre, down six per cent down on 2025 levels.
Government-backed bank invests £25m in ‘cutting edge’ Cambridge biotech firm
The government-based British Business Bank has invested £25m in Cambridge-based Alchemab in what is its largest direct investment in a life sciences company. Founded in 2019, Alchemab is a clinical-stage biotech company that discovers and develops novel antibody therapeutics by identifying naturally occurring protective antibodies in individuals who show resilience to disease. The company’s first asset, licensed to Eli Lilly, progressed from initial discovery to clinical entry within three years. The extra funds will enable the company to accelerate its research, expand its antibody database and advance two more wholly-owned programmes into the clinic. The extension round brings Alchemab’s total Series A investment to £109m. Charlotte Lawrence, managing director of direct equity at British Business Bank, said: “Alchemab sits at the cutting edge of UK scientific capability, integrating deep sequencing and lab-based validation to harness the body’s natural defences against disease. This landmark £25m investment demonstrates our commitment to providing the long-term capital necessary for the UK’s most innovative biotech firms to advance complex pipelines in the UK.”
Norfolk-based prize-draw business acquired by German group
A Norfolk-based prize-draw business, SevenCanyon, has been acquired by a German-listed company, Zeal. SevenCanyon operates several UK prize draw platforms, including 7days Performance, Redline Competitions and UK Carp Competitions. They involve digital prize draws and offerings with non-cash prizes such as houses, cars, and lifestyle products. The business made an operating profit of £10 million in the last financial year. Dr. Stefan Tweraser, CEO of ZEAL Network SE, said: “SevenCanyon is one of the most successful prize draw operators in the UK – we have known them for years. With the acquisition, we hit the ground running in a highly attractive and growing market. We also accelerate the implementation of our strategy to selectively diversify our business model through new products and new markets”.
Gaming business to open in historic Ipswich building where Dickens stayed
A virtual reality gaming experience, Another World VR Arena, will be the first new business to open in the historic Great White Horse Hotel in Ipswich which hosted Charles Dickens, King George II and Lord Nelson at various dates. Penn Commercial has been marketing the Grade II-listed building for owner and local property developer, John Howard. Penn Commercial’s Rachael Jackson said: “We are very proud to have been able to attract new businesses to the Great White Horse Hotel and to the town of Ipswich, bringing life back to this historic hotel….We have also secured a second national tenant for the property, details to be revealed soon.” Earlier this year, Ipswich Borough Council approved plans for the hotel to be converted into retail space on the ground floor, with 21 flats approved for the upper levels.
John Howard, who bought the building in 2025, said: “Ipswich is on the up, the football club is in the Premiership and there are lots of new things happening around the town, and money is being pumped into Ipswich. It is a good place to come and open a retail shop.”
Senior leadership promotions at professional services firm
Professional services firm Scrutton Bland has made two senior leadership promotions. Leisyen Cox, a key member of the firm’s risk & assurance team, has been promoted to partner and Elizabeth Nichols (photo, right) previously partner and marketing director, becomes chief operating officer. Scrutton Bland provides accountancy, audit, tax, risk and assurance and corporate finance advice from offices in Bury St Edmunds, Colchester and Ipswich and has been part of Sumer Group since 2024. Managing partner Jason Fayers said: “Leisyen has been instrumental in the growth and success of our risk & assurance team. Her dedication to clients, commitment to developing people and ability to drive results make her an outstanding addition to our partner group. Elizabeth has already made a significant impact across the business, and her leadership, strategic thinking and ability to deliver meaningful change make her the ideal person to take on the role of COO. Both promotions reflect the strength of talent we have within the firm and our confidence in their ability to help shape the future of Scrutton Bland.”
Businesses urged to join corporate running challenge
Jane Tomlinson’s Run For All, the running event organiser, is calling on local businesses and organisations to join the 2026 Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon Corporate Challenge on 27 September. The challenge invites teams of four or more to compete collectively – racing to achieve the fastest combined time – and will run alongside the main Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon. It is open to organisations of all sizes and abilities and entrants will receive a race day kit, bespoke team t-shirts and prizes for winning teams. The route will start and finish at Portman Road stadium. Participants are encouraged to raise funds for a charity of their choice or support one of the events partner charities: Ormiston Families, Ipswich Town Foundation FC, Autism Anglia, Suffolk Mind, RSCPA Suffolk or the Jane Tomlinson Appeal. Ian Fitch, partner at Larking Gowen, said: “We are incredibly proud to support one of the biggest community events in our town. While the promotion of health and wellness is a key focus of any marathon, (and as an avid runner, I fully appreciate the benefits of running) this event is also about fostering community spirit.” Enter a team into the challenge here. For standard entries into the Larking Gowen Ipswich Half Marathon, register here.
Photo: Alice Liley and Becky Ames
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