Proposals flow for new Fens reservoir on ‘landmark’ site
A new reservoir in the Fens moved a step nearer last week when Anglian Water and Cambridge Water’s updated proposals for the scheme were presented in a third phase of public consultation. The plans involve the creation of a new landmark natural attraction offering ‘water-based recreation’ along with walking, cycling and horse riding routes and views across the water. The project, on a site between Chatteris and March, has been designated as a nationally significant infrastructure project and would serve around 250,000 homes and cost an estimated £2.2 billion. If approved, construction could start in the late 2020s with full operation in mid-2030s. At peak construction – expected to last around 5-6 years – the project will need around 2,000 workers and when completed would enable the water companies to collect excess river water when flows are high and store it for use in dry summers. Geoff Darch, head of strategic asset planning at Anglian Water, said: “The new reservoir represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure water supply to our customers for future generations and create an exciting destination that will transform this area of the Fens.We will be creating space for wildlife, such as wetlands, alongside enabling new recreational and educational facilities and natural places for people to explore. It also means creating new jobs and providing opportunities for local communities and businesses.” The public consultation will run from 15 October to 10 December 2025.
Call for more devolved powers for councils to ‘unlock transformative growth’ in the region
The body representing local authorities in the region has made proposals ahead of the Autumn Budget calling for more devolved powers as a way to grow the economy and boost the clean energy and housing sectors. Local Government East’s “Opportunity East: One Year On” submission highlights the region’s strengths and its potential to deliver large housing growth and become a £235 billion economy by 2029 if the ‘right investment and devolved powers’ are secured. It says that delivering 227,000 new homes and major infrastructure requires empowered councils and calls for ‘fair allocations’ from the social and affordable homes programme, reform of local housing allowance and temporary accommodation subsidies. It proposes working with government to secure stability for offshore wind, designating Bacton and Freeport East as a hydrogen and CCS corridor and accelerate grid upgrades. The meet building targets and business growth, it calls for improvements to water supply and transport improvements including the Ely and Haughley rail upgrades and the A12/A47 projects.Cllr Deborah Saw, LGE lead member for infrastructure, growth and planning said: “With targeted support for our infrastructure priorities and fair funding, our councils can unlock transformative growth for the region and the nation.”
Photo: Cllr Deborah Saw and Wilten Construction team members at the Innovation and Skills Centre site at Gateway 14 in Suffolk. Right, Matt Stewart, Local Government East policy and programme manager.
Historic council hq building put up for sale in key town centre site
One of the biggest development opportunities in the wider region emerged last week when Hertfordshire’s County Hall in Hertford town centre was listed for sale. The 1930s former council hq building could be developed for residential, commercial or community use. The site spans around 26 acres and offers the equivalent of 225,000 sq ft of office space. The sale includes the original Grade II* listed main building, recent extensions, a Grade II-listed register office and a 1,000 space multi-story car park. The property served as the council’s hq since the late 1930s and is listed with Savills in Cambridge. Interested parties are invited to make an offer for the site by 4 December. Molly Eyles, associate at Savills in Cambridge, said: “… potential bidders will be expected to demonstrate their proposals will protect the building’s heritage and meet the county council’s requirements. It represents an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in the future of this important town centre site.” The original building was designed by architects Charles Holloway James and Stephen Rowland Pierce – who were known for large public works – and constructed by C.Miskin & Son of St Albans in 1939.
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Accountancy firm extends East Anglia footprint with Norwich-based acquisition
Accountancy firm Scrutton Bland has expanded its East Anglian footprint with the acquisition of Norwich-based Argents Chartered Accountants. It follows the firm’s recent acquisitions of Jacobs Allen in October 2024 and Tile & Co in February this year which together strengthened its presence across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. The acquisition of Argents will extend Scrutton Bland’s geographical reach into Norfolk and bolster its expertise in the agricultural sector where it sees growth opportunities. A team of 21 will join Scrutton Bland from Argents, led by Jon Spoor and Mark Johnstone, who both join as partners. Jason Fayers, managing partner at Scrutton Bland, which is part of Sumer Group, said: “Their reputation, expertise and local connections make them a great fit for our business, and together we’re in a strong position to continue growing our presence in East Anglia. This acquisition is another important milestone in our ongoing journey to build and grow, whilst delivering exceptional advice and support to clients across the region.” Argents will be rebranded as Scrutton Bland over the coming weeks and months.
Great Yarmouth offshore wind hub secures £15 million loan
The National Wealth Fund is to make £15 million loan to help fund an operations and maintenance (O&M) centre in Great Yarmouth to support major offshore wind projects off the east coast. Construction is already underway on the £28 million project which will create an estimated 650 jobs and will involve 240 m of river quay refurbishment, a new pontoon for crew transfer vessels and other upgrades. Norfolk County Council, Great Yarmouth BC and the ministry for housing, communities and local government is delivering the project. Lorna Pimlott, from the National Wealth Fund, said: “ NWF’s loan will provide the council with the low-cost financing it needs to deliver the necessary refurbishments and upgrades to the site, supporting local jobs and cementing Great Yarmouth’s strategic position in the UK offshore wind supply chain.” Meanwhile, RWE recently confirmed it would base the O&M facility for the three windfarms in the Norfolk Offshore Wind Zone in Great Yarmouth. The windfarms, sited 50-80 km off the Norfolk coast will power more than four million UK homes.
Sports club to invest £340,000 to create new padel courts
Ipswich Sports Club is planning to make a major £340,000 investment in four state-of-the-art padel courts – three of which will be covered – following the success of its current pop-up facility for playing the game. Alison Hosford, chair of the club, said: “Padel is the fastest growing sport in Europe and is gaining momentum across the UK. It is accessible, social, and less technical than tennis, making it hugely appealing across all ages. At Ipswich Sports Club, demand has grown rapidly since the introduction of the first pop-up court, doubling the footfall of members and non members over the last year.” Work on the new courts is scheduled to begin in October/ November with completion expected by next spring. The pop-up court will be temporarily relocated during construction ensuring play continues.
Cambridge group raises $13.3 million to progress disease candidate
Cambridge-based Mission Therapeutics has raised $13.3 million to progress its Parkinson’s Disease candidate through clinical trials. The financing will support the full execution of a new study of patients with the disease. It comes after successful completion of Phase 1a studies of MTX325, a first-in-class and potentially disease-modifying treatment for Parkinsons Disease in healthy volunteers. Dr Anker Lundemose, executive director at Mission Therapeutics, said: “Thanks to this additional $13.3m from our investors, we can now make the next vital steps progressing MTX325 into PD patients with this essential Phase 1b clinical trial.”
Insurance group takes on nine new apprentices
Insurance and financial planning company Alan Boswell Group has appointed nine new apprentices to its Norwich and Cambridge offices as part of a long-standing programme. The recruits will be working towards the level 3 insurance practitioner – junior broker apprenticeship, gaining hands-on experience across multiple departments and learning directly from the group’s 450-strong team. Since launching in 2010, the scheme has been designed to give trainees the skills and knowledge to build lasting careers in insurance. Many of those taking part have stayed on and 24 former apprentices are still employed at the group today. Gillian Anderson Brown, HR director at the group, said: “Our apprenticeship scheme continues to play a vital role in nurturing young talent and providing them with opportunities to learn and grow in the insurance sector. We look forward to supporting them as they embark on their careers with us.”
Photo: Group personal lines trainer, Michelle Fincham, and talent acquisition officer, Jana Mills with the 2025 apprentice cohort
See Profile Alan Boswell Group
Law firm recognised in new legal guide
Law firm Fisher Jones Greenwood has again been recognised in the Chambers UK Guide 2026 to the legal sector. Department rankings for the firm include corporate/M&A: SME/owner-managed businesses – East Anglia; Band 1 (retained from 2025); family/matrimonial – East Anglia, Band 2 (retained from 2025). Meanwhile, individual rankings include Ashton Carter- corporate/mergers & acquisitions: SME/Owner-managed Businesses – East Anglia; Band 1 (retained from 2025) and Tony Fisher – senior statesperson – (Band 1 in 2025). They also include Charlotte Knappett – Band 4 (retained from 2025) – family/matrimonial – East Anglia and Joe Sandercock – associate to watch (second ranking), litigation – East Anglia. Ashton Carter (photo), partner & head of corporate and commercial, said: “Retaining my Chambers ranking this year is incredibly rewarding on a personal level, but it’s the retention of the team’s Band 1 ranking that is truly gratifying and shows that the team here continues to offer an exemplary level of service and expertise.”
Chamber to deliver qualifications for business support professionals
Suffolk Chamber of Commerce has been officially recognised as an SFEDI Awards Approved Centre. The accreditation from the UK’s standards-setting body for enterprise and entrepreneurship enables the chamber to deliver nationally recognised qualifications for business support professionals, including advisers and mentors, and those working in enterprise or economic development roles. John Dugmore, chief executive of Suffolk Chamber, said: “We’re looking forward to helping professionals across the region grow and succeed. This accreditation is an important step in providing practical training and recognised qualifications that make a real difference to businesses.”
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