The rapidly escalating conflict in Iran and across the wider Middle East is sending shockwaves through global energy markets, creating one of the most disruptive supply crises in recent memory. Over the past week, coordinated US–Israeli airstrikes and Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks have severely strained the region’s oil and gas infrastructure.

Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow shipping route responsible for roughly 20% of the world’s oil and gas flows, has fallen by more than 80%, with around 150 vessels stranded in Gulf waters as shipowners avoid the growing threat of attack. Qatar, one of the world’s largest LNG producers, was also forced to halt production at several facilities following drone strikes.

The market reaction has been swift. Brent crude has surged by between 8% and 13% within days, while European gas prices have recorded jumps of 38% to nearly 50% in response to the disruption. Analysts warn that if hostilities persist, oil could approach $100 a barrel, a scenario increasingly reflected in global trading sentiment.

For the UK, the implications are significant despite our limited direct reliance on Iranian imports. Britain’s energy bills are tied to global wholesale markets, meaning any shock to international supply routes is felt domestically. As fears surrounding shipping safety intensified, the UK’s benchmark gas price leapt by more than 50% in a single day. Experts note there is currently no immediate threat to UK supply, but prolonged turbulence could push up future electricity and heating costs.

This volatility is prompting urgent discussions about resilience, and shining a spotlight on renewables. Unlike fossil fuels, which are vulnerable to geopolitical tensions and shipping disruption, renewable energy offers local, stable generation insulated from international crises. Battery storage systems, commercial solar installations and on‑site generation provide predictable long‑term pricing at a time when the wider market is anything but predictable.

Energy researchers have already reported a clear shift – many of the UK’s largest industrial energy users are planning to self‑generate a significant share of their own electricity within the next few years to reduce exposure to global shocks. Farmers and landowners, who face rising fuel, grain‑drying and refrigeration costs, are increasingly adopting solar as a steady income stream and protection against price spikes.

As the Middle East crisis continues, one message is becoming clearer: countries that rely heavily on imported fossil fuels remain exposed to geopolitical risk. Those investing in home‑grown renewable energy will weather the storm far more effectively.

East Green Energy, a family‑run Suffolk‑based renewable specialist, works with homeowners, farms, estates and businesses to build exactly this kind of long‑term resilience.

If you’re concerned about rising prices or want to explore solar or battery options for your property, visit eastgreenenergy.co.uk or speak to their team about generating your own stable, home‑grown power  and reducing your reliance on volatile global markets.

Plans to build a 75,000-panel solar farm near a village have been given the go-ahead by councillors.

OPDE UK Limited's plans to build the 39-hectare site at Valley Farm, south of Hessett, near Bury St Edmunds, were approved during a meeting of Mid Suffolk's planning committee earlier today.

The solar farm, made up of around 75,000 solar panels, will have a 42-megawatt capacity, enough electricity to power 9,660 homes.

Other infrastructure, including two substations, a control room, converters and transformers, was part of the plans.

But the proposals attracted some concerns from local parish councillors, including in Hessett, Drinkstone, Gedding, Bradfield St George, and Great and Little Whelnetham.

Nine objections were also submitted from residents.

Their concerns included the solar farm's impact on the landscape, road network and the loss of agricultural land.

Gerard Artindale, a resident, told councillors the traffic assessment carried out as part of the plans was 'nonsense' and warned road damage would be enormous.

Suffolk County Council's highways team said the plans were acceptable, subject to conditions being added.

On the landscape issues, officers accepted there would be some harm, but concluded it could be mitigated.

Simon Betts, the agent, stressed the solar farm would save 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 over its 40 years of operation, at which point it would be returned to agricultural use.

In the meantime, however, 31 hectares of best-quality land would be taken out of use for food production, which several councillors were concerned about.

County Hall has remained empty since Suffolk County Council moved out of the site in 2004

A historic building that has been empty for 22 years could be converted into a new hotel as well as a museum, its new owner has said.

Ipswich County Hall is a Grade II listed site where the divorce of Wallis Simpson was granted in 1936 before her marriage to the then King Edward VIII.

Dr Sachin Karale, a local property investor, recently bought the site on St Helen's Street, which came with planning permission to convert it into 40 flats.

But he said from the moment he first stepped inside, he knew he did not want to see it turned into flats.

Dr Sachin Karale smiles at the camera while standing inside County Hall. He has dark, short hair and wears a navy blue suit and a white shirt and red talk.

Property investor Dr Sachin Karale said the history of the building should be preserved

An aerial shot of County Hall in Ipswich, featuring a side shot of the building showing a smashed clock
Im,
A clock on the side of the building has been smashed

"The planning at the moment from the council is to make 40 flats," he said.

"My main strategy [normally] is to convert offices into flats, but this is such a beautiful building I can't see it get converted into flats.

"When I walked in first, I thought this is enormous. This should be used as function rooms, hotel rooms, and it will be beautiful.

"I would also like to make it partly into a museum, so people can come and visit and know the history of the place."

Two staircases side by side inside the building

The building was also previously used as a prison and a law court

A large 13-panelled window with different stain-glass colour crests on the panes.
The building became home to Suffolk County Council after the local authority's formation in 1974

The main structure of the former County Hall dates back to the start of the 20th Century, although some parts date back to 1837, and one small section to 1786.

It originally served as a prison and law court before later becoming a council building from 1906.

It was designed by William McIntosh Brooks, who wanted its appearance to reflect the justice administered within.

The building became home to Suffolk County Council after its formation in 1974.

In 2004, the council moved into Endeavour House on Russell Road, and County Hall has remained vacant ever since.

More recently it had been put up for auction before Karale later bought the site.

Part of the inside of County Hall, which is in need of refurbishment. The photo shows a large open stairwell with wooden panels throughout the room that need replacing.

The inside of the building needs refurbishment

A selection of doors left abandoned inside the building

A selection of doors has been left stacked up inside the building

Karale told the BBC he believed the project would cost up to £9m, and over the next few months he would finalise his plans before going to Ipswich Borough Council for approval.

He said he felt the building was of "national importance" and that it could encourage people to visit Ipswich, especially with the Regent Theatre nearby.

"The Regent Theatre has spent £3m recently and it has become so beautiful," he said.

"It would be really nice for those people to come and have a [hotel] room experience here [as well]."

Unemployment in the UK has risen to its highest level in nearly five years, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The unemployment rate increased to 5.2% in the three months to December 2025, up from 5.1% in the previous period.

Young People Hit Hardest

Young people are bearing the brunt of the slowdown. Unemployment among those aged 16 to 24 climbed to 16.1%, marking its highest level in more than a decade.

The data reflects weak hiring activity across the economy. At the same time, more people who were previously out of work are now actively seeking employment. The number of vacancies has remained broadly stable since mid-2025, meaning there are now more unemployed people competing for each available role — reaching a new post-pandemic high. Redundancies are also trending upward.

Wages Still Rising — But Growth Slowing

For those in work, wages continue to rise faster than inflation, but pay growth is losing momentum.

• Average wage growth slowed to 4.2%

• Public sector pay rose by 7.2%

• After adjusting for inflation, real pay growth stood at just 0.8%

• Current UK inflation is 3.4%

The Bank of England, which sets interest rates to control inflation, may have room for further rate cuts as wage pressures ease, according to economists.

Political Debate Intensifies

Businesses have pointed to policy measures introduced in Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent Budgets — including higher employer National Insurance contributions and an increase in the minimum wage — as factors increasing operating costs and slowing recruitment.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden acknowledged that “more needs to be done to get people into jobs,” with tackling youth unemployment a stated government priority. He said Labour is working to make apprenticeships more accessible to young people.

However, the Conservatives have sharply criticised the government’s record. Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately described the rise in unemployment as the “predictable result of bad decisions,” arguing that higher employment costs are making it harder for school leavers and graduates to secure entry-level roles.

Former Health Secretary Alan Milburn warned that young people risk being placed on a “downward escalator” of poor health, limited education opportunities, and long-term reliance on benefits.

Graduates Facing Tough Job Market

Recent graduates are already feeling the impact.

Lucy Gabb, who graduated from University of Cambridge in July 2025 with a degree in French, has applied for more than 50 publishing roles while working in a London café. She has secured only one face-to-face interview.

She describes the experience as “soul-destroying,” noting that entry-level jobs are increasingly competitive and often require experience that students struggle to gain while studying.

AI Investment Raises Long-Term Concerns

Some analysts are also monitoring the rapid growth in artificial intelligence investment. While AI may improve productivity in the short term, there are concerns it could reduce entry-level opportunities over time — particularly affecting young jobseekers trying to gain their first experience.

However, easing inflation and the prospect of falling interest rates could help rebuild business confidence and support renewed economic growth in the months ahead.

Additional reporting by Hannah Mullane.

One of Ipswich’s most recognisable pubs, thanks to its prominent position opposite the town’s railway station, has been put up to let.

The Station Hotel in Burrell Road is being marketed by Greene King, which is seeking a new operator to take on the historic pub, which dates back to the 1860s.

Situated directly across from Ipswich train station, the pub benefits from high footfall from commuters, visitors to the town and football supporters travelling to Portman Road with it being the dedicated away fan pub.

According to the listing, the pub is available on a standard five-year tenancy agreement, with an estimated weekly rent of £683.

The Station Hotel (Image: Newsquest)

Greene King forecasts an annual turnover of more than £500,000 for the business, highlighting its strong trading potential.

The Station Hotel includes a large internal trading area with flexible seating, allowing the space to be adapted for different styles of operation.

There is also a commercial kitchen, offering scope for a food-led business.

Externally, the property benefits from a garden, car park and electric vehicle charging points.

A purpose-built outdoor bar is also included, designed to help manage busy periods such as football matchdays and major events.

Greene King says the site would suit an experienced publican looking to run a high-volume, community-focused pub.

They said: “This opportunity suits a driven, hands-on operator who thrives in lively environments and enjoys the challenge of delivering great service even under pressure.

“The ideal person will feel confident managing large matchday crowds, leading a team at pace, and ensuring the pub remains safe, welcoming and well-organised at all times.

“Beyond football days, they will be commercially minded, customer-focused and committed to building repeat trade through excellent hospitality, a compelling food and drink offer and smart use of the pub’s flexible layout.”

By Tom Cann

A pump manufacturer which has its UK base in Suffolk has snapped up two related water sector businesses in Ipswich for an undisclosed sum.

A Suffolk-based company has been appointed as the primary supplier of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the Sizewell C nuclear power station project, creating 23 new jobs in the county.

Suffolk Safety Solutions, based in Bacton near Stowmarket, will supply essential safety workwear to Sizewell C’s growing workforce over the next three years. The contract covers items including hard hats, high-visibility clothing and protective eyewear, supporting the project’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of on-site safety.

The company is a joint venture between family-run PPE and workwear specialist Mathias & Sons Ltd and Suffolk-based portable accommodation provider Portable Space Ltd. The partnership builds on Mathias & Sons’ eight years of experience supplying the Hinkley Point C nuclear project, where a number of innovative safety solutions were developed and successfully trialled.

Those proven approaches will now be replicated at Sizewell C, with Portable Space providing complementary warehousing and logistics services. The newly created roles at Suffolk Safety Solutions will include warehouse operatives and delivery drivers, with further opportunities for apprenticeships also expected.

Jason Mathias, managing director of Mathias & Sons Ltd, said the contract marked a major milestone for the businesses involved.
“This represents a monumental achievement for our respective companies,” he said. “Through many years of collaboration and innovation at Hinkley Point C, we’ve gained a deep understanding of the unique demands of large-scale construction projects. We’ve used that learning to create a PPE model that embraces technology to enhance safety, wellbeing, efficiency and sustainability.”

Mark Dolman, managing director of Portable Space, said the partnership would deliver long-term benefits for the region.
“We’re excited to support these innovations at Sizewell C,” he said. “Our partnership with Mathias will create jobs and apprenticeships for local people in Suffolk and help drive long-term sustainable growth.”

The contract forms part of Sizewell C’s wider commitment to invest £2 billion in Suffolk businesses during the construction of the new power station, which is already under way on the county’s coast. To date, £581 million has been awarded to local suppliers.

At peak construction, Sizewell C is expected to support around 8,000 jobs, with approximately one-third filled by people from the local area.

Damian Leydon, site delivery director at Sizewell C, said safety and local economic impact were central to the project.
“Ensuring the highest standards of safety and protection for our workforce is our number one priority,” he said. “We’re pleased to partner with Mathias and Portable Space – two well-established UK companies – as we deliver this nationally significant project. This is also great news for local jobs and reinforces our commitment to supporting Suffolk businesses.”

The announcement follows a report published in December by global economic advisory firm Oxford Economics, which estimated that at the peak of construction Sizewell C could reduce local unemployment by between 1,700 and 2,200 people, potentially cutting Suffolk’s jobless rate from 2.7 per cent to as low as 1.7 per cent.

A technology company that sponsors Ipswich Town FC is set to take over one of Suffolk’s most celebrated office buildings.

Stowmarket-based Halo will move its global headquarters to the Willis Building in Ipswich, which has been occupied by the insurance firm Willis since it opened in 1975. The building will remain partly occupied by Willis’ successor company, WTW, which will retain a smaller presence.

The Grade I listed, curved glass building was designed by Lord Norman Foster and is widely regarded as one of the most revolutionary office buildings of its era. Foster’s later work includes London’s Gherkin and Stansted Airport’s main terminal.

Halo founder Paul Hamilton said the move would support the company’s ambition to employ 800 graduates by 2030, describing the opportunity as “creating something very special in Suffolk”.

“I think there is a whole ecosystem around Halo,” he said. “As we position ourselves as Europe’s number one agentic AI software platform, other technology companies will gravitate towards Suffolk.”

Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can achieve specific goals with limited supervision.

Hamilton added: “Being able to provide one of the most progressive employment opportunities in the world for young people in Suffolk is a real privilege.

“We deliberately stay out of Silicon Valley, Miami, New York, London and Singapore – all the places conventional business wisdom tells you to go.”

Halo was founded in Hamilton’s mother-in-law’s spare room and now employs around 200 people across two offices in Stowmarket. The company first appeared as Ipswich Town’s shirt-sleeve sponsor in 2023 and now features prominently on the front of the club’s home kit.

“Ipswich is the natural choice,” Hamilton said. “Half of our team live in Ipswich, within a 10-minute walk of the new office.”

The move is expected to begin this spring, while Halo will continue to operate an office in Stowmarket.

Explaining the choice of location, Hamilton said: “Why the Willis Building? It’s iconic. We looked at many buildings, but there was just something different about this one. We could see ourselves here for the rest of our years.”

The Willis Building celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025. Hamilton said he could “see this being Halo’s home for the next 50 years”.

The building’s distinctive interior, featuring yellow and green finishes, forms part of its Grade I listing and was designed to promote openness and collaboration. When it opened, the building included a roof garden and an indoor swimming pool, which remains in place but is no longer in use.

It was once described by architect Zaha Hadid as “a timeless classic – a vision of what is possible”.

Halo’s workforce has an average age of 24.2, with many graduate trainees born and raised in Suffolk.

Graduate employee Bethan Manning, 24, from Mildenhall, said she expected to move to a major city to secure a technology role.

“I fully expected that to land a graduate job like this I’d be moving to London or another big city,” she said. “Instead, I can stay close to family and friends and still build a great career.”

Dan Sheridan, 21, who grew up in Ipswich and recently graduated from the University of Nottingham, said the move was a statement of long-term commitment.

“It’s my first proper workplace, and you really feel invested in,” he said. “I’m proud of the move – and being close to the football ground is a bonus.”

Alice Davis, 23, an economics graduate who previously worked at Ipswich Hospital, said Halo’s growth could help prevent young people leaving the county.

“I love Suffolk and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else,” she said. “What’s exciting is that the tech hub is expanding beyond Cambridge.”

Jack Abbott, Labour MP for Ipswich, described the move as “massive” for the town.

“This isn’t just about culture and events,” he said. “It’s about economic rejuvenation – increased footfall, stronger local businesses and a renewed sense of confidence.”

A WTW spokesperson confirmed the arrangement would be a sale-and-leaseback deal.

“Our intention is to align our Ipswich office with WTW’s wider global real estate portfolio,” the statement said. “WTW colleagues will continue to be based in the Ipswich office following the sale.”

Sizewell B Power Station, near Leiston, has been providing 3pc of the UK's power since it started generating in 1995.

Each year the station unveils a number of apprentices and this Saturday, January 24, the site on the Suffolk coast is opening the doors of its visitor centre between 9am and 1pm for anyone interested in learning more about this year's scheme.

Steven Day, apprentice co-ordinator at Sizewell B, said: "Our apprentice schemes are always extremely popular.

"They provide two years of specialist nuclear college training and then two more years of on-the-job training.

"It's always been a popular scheme and we are expecting a huge amount of interest again this year."

Staff in a variety of roles are being sought this year.

Mr Day added: "We are looking for six people to train as engineering maintenance apprentices, two to ultimately join our chemistry team and two more nuclear engineering apprentices.

"We are also looking for people interested in joining our training scheme for process computing and HR.

"With Sizewell C development now in full swing and Sizewell B looking at keeping generation going until at least 2055 there has never been a better time for Suffolk youngsters to consider roles in nuclear."

Employers are being encouraged to get involved in a scheme which helps ex-offenders into work as it launches in Suffolk.