Deal prospects improve as M&A market sees a ‘gradual recovery’
The region’s mergers & acquisitions sector is seeing a ‘gradual recovery’ with improving confidence amongst buyers and sellers and the prospect of a more active deal market in the year ahead, according to advisers BDO. Roger Buckley, partner, deal advisory – M&A- said: “The last six months have marked a period of transition for the M&A market. After a phase of uncertainty, we are now experiencing a gradual recovery. The recent uptick in activity at BDO highlights growing confidence and improved market alignment.” He added: “Mid-market transactions have been the backbone of activity across the regions. Strategic acquirers (UK and international) have continued to pursue bolt-on acquisitions, often targeting complementary capabilities, geographic expansion or operational efficiencies. At the same time, private equity investors have remained active, though with a sharper focus on asset quality than in previous years. Businesses demonstrating strong margins, recurring revenues and clear growth potential have commanded the greatest interest.” BDO advised on 41 deals across the Midlands and East of England in the first half of 2026, with a combined value of over £1.2 billion and involving 24 buy-side and 17 sell-side deals.
More farmland put up for sale but prices hold steady
More farmland has been publicly listed for sale in the East of England in the first half than in any other UK region although prices remain relatively stable despite a tougher market. Research from Savills shows that 13,974 acres of farmland were publicly listed for sale in the East, a 13 per cent rise on the first six months of 2025. Farmers looking for economies of scale to expand existing operations have been among the most active buyers. Non-farming buyers also provide strong competition, many driven by rollover relief from capital gains tax on business and property sales. Prime arable land in the East is currently trading at an average of £9,270 an acre, down one per cent on a year ago and grade 3 arable land sits at £8,785 an acre, down 3.1pc on last year. Oliver Carr, from Savills in Cambridgeshire, said there continues to be considerable variation in values – with some farmland in the region trading close to £14,000 an acre and others edging towards £7,500 an acre. Best-in-class farms were continuing to generate strong competition. Since March, farmers have faced shortages of rainfall and rising costs but the government’s Land Use Framework for England, recognises the potential of land for alternative uses such as infrastructure and energy.
Firms planning to recruit after upturn in demand boosts confidence
More than half of firms in the region are planning to increase recruitment after an upturn in demand helped lift business confidence in the East of England. It rose by 30 points during July to 53pc, according to a business barometer from Lloyds. Firms were more optimistic on both their own trading outlook and the economy as demand strengthened and hopes rose for new customers and contracts. A net balance of 61 pc of businesses in the region expect to increase staff levels over the next year, up 24 points on June and the highest level this year. Kirsty Sadler, regional director for the East of England at Lloyds, said: “The summer holidays is always a busy time for businesses in the East of England as both holidaymakers and local residents look to make the most of the good weather. Businesses clearly have that summer feeling too, having entered into this peak season with a renewed sense of confidence as levels surge back above the national average this month.” The survey taken over 1-16 July shows that business confidence in the East, at 53 pc is now above the 12-month average of 44 pc.
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Suffolk-based company secures globally-recognised sustainability rating
Muntons, the Suffolk-based malts producer, has been awarded a Platinum EcoVadis Sustainability Rating, the highest level and putting it in the top one per cent of companies assessed worldwide by the globally-recognised platform. The Stowmarket-based company made strong progress on labour & human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement and continued to rank among the best-companies in the country for environmental performance. Kate Dixon (photo, right), head of sustainability at Muntons, said: “… Achieving an increase in our score and returning to platinum reflects the continued progress we’ve made in embedding sustainability across our business. It demonstrates the increasing maturity of our approach and the breadth of initiatives being delivered by teams right across Muntons.” It is seventh year running that Muntons, which supplies malts for brewing, distilling, food manufacturing and home brewing, has secured an EcoVadis rating at either gold or platinum level.
New president of professional body aims to prove ‘tax is fun’
Barry Jefferd, tax partner at Huntingdon-based George Hay Chartered Accountants, has been appointed president of the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT). The association is the leading professional body for providers of UK tax compliance services and a charity. Completing the 2026/27 leadership team, Eleanor Theochari becomes deputy president and Richard Freeman vice president. Having been a member of ATT since 2009, Barry Jefferd joined the ATT Council in 2021 and currently serves as chair of the examination steering group. He is also a former chair of the Mid-Anglia branch. He said: “ ….my aim for the year is to share knowledge with those already in the profession, to inspire others to get involved in tax, to prove to as many as possible that ‘tax is fun’ and, ultimately, to ensure the ATT remains at the heart of the tax community.”
Separately, George Hay has appointed Sam Brown as audit & accounts director, strengthening its senior team as the firm expands its specialist support for businesses across the East. He will assist partners Samantha Green and Barry Jefferd with managing the Huntingdon office and joins from another established practice and brings almost 20 years’ experience in audit and accounts.
