Manufacturers raise a toast to festive year-end
Manufacturing companies in the East of England are enjoying a strong finish to the year helped by a healthy intake of orders – particularly in food & drink – and have high hopes for the opening months of next year. A Make UK/BDO survey of the sector showed a ‘historically strong’ balance on output of +40 per cent and a ‘very strong’ forecast of 56 pc for the first quarter of 2026. According to Make UK, the positive showing reflects the region’s strong exposure to the food and drink sector as it ramped up production ahead of Christmas. Investment intentions in the East also performed ‘fairly strongly’ at a balance of +30pc while recruitment in the region held up at a balance of +11pc is forecast to rise to +22pc in the first quarter. Chris Corkan, region director of Make UK in the Midlands, said: “After a period of considerable uncertainty in global markets, these figures are an encouraging sign that East of England manufacturers’ confidence is improving and, more importantly, being translated into growth and investment.”
Peter Harrup, head of manufacturing at BDO in the East of England, said: “This year has been a volatile one for UK manufacturers. Whilst the last quarter has shown solid signs of growth for the East of England, the sector needs to feel assured to enable them to put their hands in their pockets and invest.”
Firms stay optimistic on growth as price pressures ease
East of England private firms remain optimistic on growth over the year ahead despite seeing the first fall in new business for four months in November, according to a key survey by NatWest. Sentiment in the East was the strongest in 15 months and the second highest in the UK behind the South East. The NatWest East of England growth tracker dipped to 51.4 in November from 52.1 in October, signalling higher output for the seventh month running albeit at a weaker rate. The Budget was partly to blame for behind a fractional fall in new business in November. Meanwhile firms in the East cut their own charges for goods and services for the first time for over five years in November and input price inflation was the slowest so far this year. Lisa Phillips, regional managing director, Midlands and East, commercial mid markets at NatWest, said: “Despite the easing in demand, the 12-month outlook improved notably with overall confidence the strongest since August 2024. Reduced price pressures look set to encourage growth in the coming months, with charges for goods and services falling for the first time since the pandemic and cost pressures at their lowest of the year.”
Harwich-based steel fabricator sold to fast-growing group
Harwich-based specialist steel fabrication business Landguard Engineering has been sold to one of the country’s fastest growing steel engineering groups, Northern Industries Group, in a deal where Forward Corporate Finance advised the sellers, Peter Wilson and Hannah March. Founded in 2013 to provide employment in the port of Harwich, Landguard delivers end-to-end capabilities and is at the forefront in acoustic containerised solutions, data centre plant room systems and bespoke fabrication for industrial and energy applications. The sale broadens Northern Industries Group’s engineering and manufacturing footprint and strengthens its ability to deliver integrated solutions across its portfolio of companies. Landguard’s technical expertise will also enhances its offering in high integrity sectors including energy, infrastructure and mission critical markets. The Forward team, led by director Rob Dukelow-Smith and Ollie Geddes-Smith, acted as lead advisors to Landguard throughout the process. Peter Wilson, former chairman of Landguard, said: “Since I started the business with my great friend Andy March, our intention was to provide local jobs for young, local people in Harwich. In Northern Industries Rob and Ollie have found the right business to take Landguard to its next stage of development.”
Rob Dukelow-Smith said: “The business has an excellent reputation, an enviable customer base, and a highly capable team with a unique set of skills in the steel fabrication market. This transaction provides a great outcome for everyone involved, and we wish the team at Landguard and Northern Industries every success in the future.” Legal advice for the sale was provided by Sarah Lewis and Zoe Zhang at Prettys Solicitors.
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Colchester-based company strengthens position in precast flooring with acquisition
Colchester-based Milbank Group, a family-run investment company, has bolstered its position in the UK precast flooring market with the acquisition of CUBE6, a supplier of beam and block and insulated flooring systems based in March in Cambs. The deal fits with the group’s strategy to invest in well-established, values-led businesses with long-term growth potential. Both businesses will continue to operate independently and their models are seen as complementary – with CUBE6 focusing on supply-only solutions and Milbank offering a full-service design, manufacture, and installation capability. Chairman Sean Milbank said: “CUBE6 has built a reputation for reliability, technical expertise, and excellent service. Their approach and values align perfectly with ours, making them a great fit for the Milbank Group. We’re proud to welcome the team into our family of businesses and look forward to supporting their continued success.” Prism Corporate Broking, Birketts Solicitors, and Scrutton Bland Accountants advised Milbank on the deal.
CEO appointed at Sizewell C
Sizewell C has appointed Nigel Cann as chief executive officer as the nuclear project’s focus shifts to the main construction phase. He has jointly led the company alongside Julia Pyke since 2023 and takes on the role following the project’s final investment decision and financial close. Julia Pyke, who joined Sizewell C in 2017, has decided to step down, having built the company with a financing model that incentivises cost efficiency. Nigel Cann has more than 40 years’ experience in the design, construction, and operation of nuclear plants. He has held plant manager positions at Dungeness B and Sizewell B and was station director at Hinkley Point B before becoming Hinkley Point C’s delivery director. He said: “I am confident that Sizewell C will serve as a beacon of innovation and inspiration for the nuclear industry while creating jobs, developing expertise, and delivering social value that will benefit the nation for decades.” The project is set to create 1,500 apprenticeships, and will deliver 70 per cent of its construction value to British suppliers.
‘Clearer skies’ point to moderately positive growth for 2026
After a year in which the global economy defied recession fears, the outlook for 2026 points to continued growth as trade uncertainty recedes and fiscal stimulus bolsters demand, says an investment outlook from Brown Shipley, a Quintet Private Bank. Titled Clearer skies, it says monetary policy is easing financial conditions, though market volatility is likely to persist. Daniele Antonucci (right, photo), chief investment officer at Quintet Private Bank, parent of Brown Shipley, said: “The recession many anticipated in 2025 never materialised, and policy intervention made the difference,” said Antonucci. “Rate cuts in the US and Europe, coupled with fiscal support, are boosting confidence and asset prices. These factors should keep growth moderately positive in 2026.”
Boryana Perfanova (far right), client investment specialist at Brown Shipley, said: “Artificial intelligence is another key theme. AI will profoundly reshape economies over the coming decades. While valuations are elevated, they are underpinned by strong earnings. Unlike in the dotcom era, today’s technology leaders are financing innovation primarily through cash flow rather than relying on debt.” See fuller details on the Brown Shipley investment outlook here.
Norwich-based insurance group wins ‘large business of the year’ award
Norwich-based insurance broker Alan Boswell Group won the ‘Large Business of the Year’ category at the Eastern Daily Press Business Awards 2025 and was named as runner-up for ‘Norfolk Business of the Year’. At an event at the Norfolk Showground, ABG was a finalist for ‘Large Business of the Year’, alongside other firms based in the county: Mills & Reeve, Norfolk Passport, and Blakely. Executive chairman Alan Boswell said: “This award is a testament to the ethos of the whole company and the hard work our team put in every day to deliver excellent service to our clients. It’s an honour to be recognised alongside so many great Norfolk businesses; congratulations to all the finalists and winners.” Other awards success for ABG this year, include ‘Insurance Broker of the Year’ at the British Insurance Awards 2025, ‘Best Landlord Insurance Provider’ at the National Landlord Investment Show Awards, and a third Which? Best Buy award.
See Profile Alan Boswell Group
Cambridge company raises funds for 40 different charitable causes
Cambridge company Domino has supported 40 different charitable causes in 2025 raising nearly £27,000 through employees’ fundraising projects and direct donations. The largest initiative involved 39 Domino employees and raised more than £3,000 for Movember, a global men’s health charity. Seasonal support saw a Christmas Jumper Day in aid of Save The Children and a visit by Domino’s Santa and Elves to Castle School in Cambridge with gifts for the pupils with special educational needs. Sharon Viccars, Domino internal communications manager, said: “Supporting our community remains a key commitment for us as a business and 2025 was no exception. As always, we are grateful and impressed by the inspiration and enthusiasm of our employees who have tackled challenges to raise funds for causes that are important, whether on our doorstep or further afield.” Causes in Cambridge helped over the year by the Bar Hill-based company include: Bar Hill Playground Development Project, Somersham Scouts, Bar Hill British Legion, St Ives and Bar Hill Cricket Clubs, Longstanton Colts Girls’ Football Team, Stretham Sporting Football Club, St Ives Golf Club Captains’ Day, Rotary Club of Cambridge and Chariots of Fire. British Heart Foundation, Papyrus Suicide Prevention, Stroke Association and Young Lives vs Cancer and for the second year running, the Children of Kabale in Uganda benefitted from funds to help establish a school.
Photo: Employees at Domino’s hq in front of science artwork created by students at Bar Hill Primary School to support Movember.
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