‘Surge in activity’ as business owners reshape finances ahead of tax rises
Changes in last November’s Budget have ‘triggered a surge in activity’ among business owners to reshape their financial strategies ahead of expected tax and policy changes, according to wealth manager Brown Shipley. It comes alongside new research from the firm showing that the East of England has the highest level of inheritance as a source of wealth in the country and a strong propensity for contributing to pensions and making wills. The wealth manager says entrepreneurs nationally are ‘acting now, not later’ and a third are fast‑tracking profit extraction ahead of the dividend tax in April and overhauling structures. Meanwhile confidence has taken a hit, with sentiment sliding across major indicators and tax/volatility fears running notably higher among entrepreneurs than other wealthy individuals. The research from Brown Shipley, a subsidiary of Quintet Private Bank, shows that the East has the highest level of inheritance as source of wealth at 35 per cent (vs. a national average of 25 pc) and the highest pension-accmulation contributors at 48 per cent (vs. a national average of 36pc). Meanwhile the region has the strongest will-making behaviour in the country, at 70pc. Read full version here…
New construction waste recycling site to open in Norfolk
Building materials group Breedon is to open a new construction waste recycling site at Costessey, west of Norwich – along with one in Manchester – as part of what it says is a ‘circular economy’ expansion. The new sites will turn waste materials such as stone, brick and rubble into recycled aggregate and will open in March. Breedon has a network of five ‘inert waste sites’ across the UK which have been operating for more than a decade for landfill and quarry restoration activity. Chris Burgess, circular economy commercial manager at Breedon, said: “These new sites mark a crucial step in how we’re developing our offering of more sustainable products and solutions through developing our commitment to a circular economy approach. By repurposing unused space at existing operations, we’re creating practical routes for clean construction materials to be recovered and reused, while continuing to serve our customers with the products they rely on today.”
Cambridge Tech Week launches with aim to ‘ensure breakthroughs scale globally’
Cambridge Tech Week 2026 has been launched with a new theme: “How Deep Tech Changes the World: The Ecosystems Powering Impact” ahead of the event on 14-18 September. Last year, the event attracted 5,000 delegates. Michaela Eschbach (right), CEO of Cambridge Wireless, which runs the event, said: “Cambridge continues to generate world-class deep-tech innovation. The challenge now is ensuring those breakthroughs scale globally and deliver meaningful impact. Cambridge Tech Week 2026 will focus on the ecosystem conditions that make that possible. From capital and talent to infrastructure and policy alignment, we will examine what it truly takes to power deep tech at global scale.” The organisers say that the value of the ‘Cambridge tech ecosystem’ now tops £176 billion, close to a fifth of the UK tech sector. The region has become a global centre for deep-tech investment spanning AI, life sciences, quantum computing, semiconductors and climate technologies. Last year, Cambridge-based technology companies raised over £930 million and the cluster now generates £35bn+ in global revenues each year and supports more than 210,000 jobs worldwide.
Tourism businesses urged to take part in regional sector survey
Tourism, leisure hospitality and retail businesses across East Anglia are being invited to take part in the 20th anniversary edition of Larking Gowen’s tourism business survey. Created in 2006, the survey gathers views from businesses that attract or rely on visitor spending and is a benchmark for regional performance, helping local authorities, destination organisations and industry leaders understand the the sector. It collects information about business confidence, visitor patterns, staffing, investment, marketing activity and trading conditions which are combined to create a set of trends. Chris Scargill, tourism, leisure and hospitality partner at Larking Gowen, said: “The survey gives businesses a place to speak openly about the challenges they face and creates a practical record of how the sector adapts and responds. We hear from large operators, small family run firms, charities and attractions of every size. Every response adds real value. I encourage any business that works with visitors or guests to take part because their experience matters and it strengthens the wider regional picture.” To take part in the survey, go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L3X5J3X and the deadline is Sunday 29 March.
Suffolk firm beats national groups to win industry awards
Ipswich-based Evolve Business Solutions, a provider of technology and leasing solutions, has won two major titles against competition from national groups at the BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions UK Partner Excellence Awards 2026. Evolve was named the winner of both the operational excellence award and the partner excellence award (outstanding contribution to office equipment). Evolve was up against multi-million-pound national consolidators and manufacturer-owned giants that dominate the managed print and office technology sectors. Ross Cracknell, MD at Evolve Business Solutions, said: “Taking home these awards while stood against the biggest names in the UK industry is a massive achievement and a testament to the sheer quality of our team. It proves that you don’t need a massive corporate footprint to deliver world-class results.”
Photo (l-r): Evolve staff – Jack Wiles, Michiel Stahlie, Linzy Vesey and Ross Cracknell.
See Profile Evolve Business Solutions
Conference & events bureau facilitates event to thank charity volunteers
Meet Cambridge, the city’s official conference and events bureau, recently facilitated a special event at Gonville & Caius College to thank volunteers at the Red Hen Project, a charity that supports children and families in north Cambridge. For over 28 years, it has provided practical help in times of crisis alongside longer-term 1:1 family worker support. The connection was made through the With Purpose Network, a platform that links local businesses with charities. Jen Rutter, at the Red Hen Project, said: “Because of the connection made through Meet Cambridge and the With Purpose Network, this celebration was able to happen. That simple introduction has had a real ripple effect. We were able to bring all our volunteers together in one place for the first time, which was significant for our small charity.”
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