Record attendance at farming conference amidst uncertainty over Autumn Budget
Record numbers attended a major farming conference in the region earlier this month amidst uncertainty grows over the impact of inheritance tax and other changes in the Autumn Budget on the sector. Tickets for the 2024 Larking Gowen Autumn Farming Conference near Bury sold out as farmers and rural advisers sought clarification on various issues. Larking Gowen partner Bruce Masson said: “The recent Autumn Budget has introduced new pressures for farmers. With a range of legislative and financial challenges, farming businesses are facing significant hurdles that are likely to continue. Looking ahead, the Government’s new ‘environmental’ tax on imported industrial goods under the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), set to take effect on 1 January 2027, may increase fertiliser prices by £50 per tonne.”
CLA East Director, Cath Crowther, added: “… The Chancellor’s recent actions broke all their pre-election promises. In a CLA poll which asked, ‘Were you optimistic for the future of farming in the UK before the Budget?’ 53% of farmers answered ‘yes’. Now, just 18% say ‘yes’, 64% ‘no’ and 18% ‘not sure’.
Gavin Lane, deputy president of the CLA and Norfolk farmer, added: “… We estimate 70,000 farms could be affected by this tax at any one time, and therefore it will have a much broader, far-reaching impact on the rural economy, which is why we are actively contesting the Chancellor’s statement.”
On a positive note, Brown&Co consultants saw opportunities for farms to put their business on a solid footing from environmental, social and governance and biodiversity net gain (BNG) schemes. “BNG… became a legal requirement on 12 February 2024. It may be a storm in a teacup, but there is potential for big, special or easy projects,” said Brown & Co’s Abigail Maynard.
Photo: Speakers at the 2024 Autumn Farming Conference were (l-r): Sam Steggles (The Goat Shed), Gavin Lane (CLA), Abigail Maynard (Brown&Co), Cath Crowther (CLA), Michelle Masson (Consultant), Emma Griffiths (Brown&Co), Edward Vipond (Troston Farms), Sally Key (Alan Boswell Group), Bruce Masson (Larking Gowen).
Ipswich Beacon Marina set for £2 million upgrade
Associated British Ports the owner and operator of the Port of Ipswich, has approved a £2 million investment to upgrade and enhance facilities at the Ipswich Beacon Marina. Subject to the expected planning approval, the project will include the construction of 14 new, fully-serviced berths on the northern side of the marina, alongside two purpose-built welfare buildings for boat owners with services for mariners. The plans also include space for the Ipswich Maritime Trust’s new window museum, upgraded wi-fi and other enhancements . ABP has also had to relocate 39 vessels currently berthed on the northern side of the marina to the opposite side of the Wet Dock ahead of the winter period. Paul Ager, divisional port manager (East Anglia) at ABP, said: “We’re thrilled that the ABP Board has approved this significant investment in Ipswich Beacon Marina, a strong vote of confidence in Ipswich Waterfront. These plans reflect feedback from customers, stakeholders, and the wider public, who have expressed strong support for upgrading berthing facilities on the northern side of the Wet Dock.”
Government support ‘essential’ to unlock potential of region’s renewables sector
The East of England’s renewable energy and clean technology sector is currently worth approaching £2 billion but continued government support will be essential to unlock the sector’s full potential, according to The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology’s latest annual report. It says meeting the UK’s ambitious net zero targets will depend on strategic investments in grid infrastructure, stable local incentives, and coordinated policies across government deparments. The report highlights the East Anglia Hub, the offshore wind complex of three wind farms, and Freeport East, the project in Harwich and Felixstowe set to become a hub for green hydrogen and offshore wind. The East of England renewable energy sector employs 11,053 people across 13 sub-sectors, and has an estimated market value of £1.87bn overall. The region’s largest employer is offshore and onshore win, accounting for 3,016 jobs with a similar number in biomass with 3,012 and biofuels with 1,240. The region’s wind industry has an estimated market value of £650m.
EastWind, the region’s offshore wind cluster, recently hosted an industry conference for the sector’s supply chain following the government’s latest contracts for difference allocation round in which three local offshore wind farms were awarded contracts. Lowestoft MP Jess Asato said, “The fact is we have this booming green and renewable energy sector already in Lowestoft, but also how do we plan for what’s coming down the track and make sure that we are going to make the most of it for local businesses and the supply chain here.”
Separately, Harwich Haven Authority has been awarded £500,000 from the Department for Transport’s Smart Shipping Acceleration Fund to conduct two feasibility studies that focus on efficiency, decarbonisation and pre-commercial smart shipping technology.
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Law firm expands insolvency offering with new partner appointment
Ashtons Legal is expanding its insolvency offering with the appointment of Laura Hook, as a new partner in the firm’s insolvency and corporate restructuring team. She will be based in the Cambridge office and will add further expertise to the dedicated insolvency specialists at Ashtons. Laura Hook is recognised in the Legal 500 as being “responsive, easy to work with and highly professional”. She started her legal career in East Yorkshire, completing her training contract with a niche insolvency firm and then working in the insolvency department of a regional law firm before joining a niche insolvency firm in London in 2015. She is also a member of the R3 personal insolvency committee, assisting with policy development and progress on the personal insolvency framework. Fiona Stuart, head of Ashtons’ insolvency and corporate restructuring team said: “Laura is highly regarded by both her peers and her clients and is a key part to our continuing dynamic growth.”
Laura Hook said : “I am looking forward to building on my experience of working in the London and South Eastern markets, and to developing and growing a talented team of legal professionals who share a passion for client focussed service.”
Photo: Ina Beurich (senior associate), Alice Trainor (associate), Laura Hook, Fiona Stuart (partner) and Summer Johnson (paralegal).
Law firm strengthens residential conveyancing team in Colchester
Law firm Ellisons has strengthened its Colchester-based residential conveyancing team with the appointment of Marion Knocker and Kelly Mclean. Marion Knocker joins as legal director and brings over 20 years of experience in the Colchester property market. She is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. Kelly Mclean, a chartered legal executive, rejoins Ellisons after initially qualifying with the firm in 2003, adds to the team’s depth of experience. Guy Longhurst, managing partner and head of real estate, said: “With sustained demand in the Colchester property market, we’re thrilled to welcome Marion and Kelly to Ellisons.”
Growth accelerator programme launched at innovation centre
The Epicentre innovation centre at Haverhill has launched a growth accelerator programme to help its clients’ growth with two options to suit startups, R&D spinouts, and established SMEs. They involve the EpiFund that works towards helping the centre’s clients apply for angel investment and the the EpiBoost that provides cash injections and tailored business support for companies at the centre. This intensive accelerator programme has already proven attractive, with both options having an application deadline of 31st January 2025. Innovation director Gary Jennings said: “At the EpiCentre you don’t have to go down the university spin-out route, you can be your own boss, you can get all the business support and the facilities you need, and with the EpiFund we can support your application to the most active business angel network in the UK.”
