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BUSINESS: Cambridge office of Marks & Clerk support innovation

John Elworthy by John Elworthy
12:33pm, November 9 2023
in Business
News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -

Marks & Clerk

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Marks & Clerk is a leading global intellectual property firm. They provide businesses of all shapes and sizes with people whose legal, commercial, and technical expertise exactly meets their needs.

Their team of patent attorneys, trade mark attorneys, commercial lawyers and IP litigators has helped thousands of businesses all over the world protect, enforce, and maximise the value of their intellectual property.

 Its Cambridge office of European and UK patent attorneys are equipped with the necessary technical backgrounds to advise on inventions in all technical fields.

 Here’s their explanation of supporting breakthrough innovations: 

 As a prominent global intellectual property law firm, at Marks & Clerk we take pride in contributing to the advancement of breakthrough innovations in various technological domains.

An excellent example of the culture of supporting innovation through intellectual property protection is happening at our Cambridge office, where our attorneys actively engage with the local technology ecosystem.

Within this, as the sun sets on 2023, we will be authoring a collection of articles highlighting the significant advancements stemming from this renowned university city.

News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire -
Marks & Clerk

Cambridge is a city made for trailblazers. Propelled by the esteemed University of Cambridge – consistently ranked among the world’s top academic institutions – the city and the 20+ science research institutions that surround it stand as a pioneering hub of technological innovation.

Within the university, prestigious research departments like the Cavendish Laboratory and the Wellcome Sanger Institute drive cutting-edge research and revolutionary advancements in their respective fields of physics and genomics. Beyond the university’s contributions, Cambridge and its surrounding areas house renowned research institutes such as the Babraham Institute, Granta Park and the newly built Unity Campus.

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Many of the city’s wide-ranging institutions maintain professional ties with Marks & Clerk, with whom they operate on their intellectual property needs, from start-up to spin out, unicorn status to the point of exit.

At Marks & Clerk, we find it important to emphasise our pivotal role in assisting Cambridge-based innovators with the protection of their concepts. Over the next few months, our authored pieces look at some of the magnificent and ground-breaking innovations that have come – and are yet to come – from the city.

Robert Carpmael writes on The King’s College Wildflower Meadow and the future of agriculture, discussing how something grounded in tradition and pomp can continue in a field where technology and automation is outgrowing traditional Agritech methods.

Esther Ford will be discussing the upcoming COP28 summit in Saudi Arabia, and the role Cambridge plays in large sustainability projects in a turbulent time for politics and the environment. Rounding off the year will be Trade Mark Attorney David Kemp’s piece focussing on the role of trademark protection, as well as the importance of not only safeguarding the invention but also the brand.

We are excited to share these captivating stories with the CambsNews readership, shedding light on the remarkable endeavours unfolding across the Greater Cambridge region and highlighting the pioneering accomplishments of innovators, thought leaders, and organisations in this dynamic community.

As 2023 reaches its last quarter, we invite you to stay tuned to the Marks & Clerk website for the latest Cambridge: City of Innovation pieces. Be sure to check in with us regularly to discover the latest stories and developments shaping the future in the city of Cambridge.

To read more go this link:

https://www.marks-clerk.com/global-presence/europe/uk/cambridge/

 

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News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire - East Cambridgeshire Council’s reservoir plan promises homes, jobs, and environmental gains Local reservoirs: the key to Cambridgeshire’s water security and growth East Cambridgeshire is at a crossroads. As climate change intensifies and the region’s population grows, the challenge of securing a reliable water supply has become urgent. A new report commissioned by the East Cambridgeshire District Council, prepared by the Eastern Powerhouse, lays out a bold vision: a network of local agricultural reservoirs, integrated with existing drainage infrastructure, to provide water resilience and unlock sustainable growth for the region. A pressing challenge Water security is not a distant concern for East Cambridgeshire. “It is a present and pressing issue that directly affects our ability to grow sustainably and provide the homes, jobs, and environment our communities deserve,” writes Cllr Anna Bailey, Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, in the report’s foreword. The proposal to create a local network of reservoirs is described as “a transformative opportunity” that could turn flood risk into a vital resource by capturing surplus winter flows and storing water for use during dry summer months. This approach, the report argues, would not only reduce pressure on drainage systems during heavy rainfall but also ensure a steady supply for homes, businesses, and agriculture when it is most needed. “It creates opportunities to restore wetlands, rewet peat soils, and enhance habitats for wildlife, making our water system part of a wider effort to recover biodiversity,” the report states. Climate risks and economic stakes East Cambridgeshire, situated within the South Level of the Fens—the UK’s largest coastal wetland—is highly exposed to climate-related risks. Rising sea levels, more frequent heavy rainfall, higher temperatures, and prolonged droughts threaten the region. The Fens have already experienced damaging events, including the tidal surge of 2013 and the drought of 2018. In 2022, a hot, dry summer caused water shortages. The report notes that “with adequate supply of water, the hotter weather will make the region’s agricultural sector more productive, representing an economic opportunity.” However, uncertainty over long-term water supply is creating a bottleneck for housing and inward investment, with major developments stalled due to concerns over water scarcity. The national and regional water challenge The East of England is one of the most water-stressed areas in the UK. Over-extraction from chalk aquifers and river systems threatens both ecosystems and long-term public supply. The region faces a projected water shortage of 800 million litres per day by 2050—about one third of current use. Yet, as the report points out, “the problem is not a lack of water,” but rather the capacity to store it and the ability of existing systems to respond dynamically to growth. Three major rivers—the Nene, the Ouse, and the Cam—deliver substantial excess water during the winter months. “Significant efforts have to be made in the region to pump excess water out into the North Sea, at great cost to Fenland farmers and taxpayers, only then to restrict water supplies for all users during the summer,” the report explains. The limits of centralised infrastructure While major infrastructure projects are in development, such as the proposed new reservoir near Chatteris, these solutions are years away. The Chatteris reservoir, led by Anglian Water, is projected to cost £2.2 billion and may not be completed before 2036. In the meantime, constrained supply is already halting or delaying new housing developments in Cambridgeshire. The report criticises the current regulatory system, which is “centred on 5 year price review periods,” for stifling innovation and leaving little room for place-based solutions. “Without reform, the system will continue to act as a brake on regional development,” it warns. A local solution: agricultural reservoirs The heart of the report’s proposal is a network of agricultural reservoirs, supported by local farmers and landowners, to supply incremental water demand until major infrastructure is delivered. There are already over 80 agricultural reservoirs across the district, with just seven farmers holding 5.4 million cubic metres of water in 24 mid-sized reservoirs—equivalent to 10% of the planned capacity at Chatteris. [ A recent technical study suggests that seven new mid-sized agricultural reservoirs could store 6 to 7 million cubic metres of water and could be built in under three years at a cost of £2–3 million each. The report highlights the cost-effectiveness: “A network of agricultural reservoirs would cost £4 to £5 per cubic metre of water compared with £40 per cubic metre from Chatteris.” Each reservoir, at 85% utilisation, could provide water for 7,000 people a year. Combined with demand reduction measures and interim supply from Grafham Water, this could meet projected housing growth over the next 15 years. Creating a local water market The development of agricultural reservoirs would also create a new “water market,” stimulating trade in water between farmers and into the local supply network. This would provide additional income for farmers and Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs), helping to stimulate the wider East Cambridgeshire economy. The report calls for public-private finance arrangements to share costs, risks, and rewards. A new water treatment works at Waterbeach is identified as a key component, with estimated costs ranging from £40 million to over £200 million, depending on scale. The report notes, “This is still a relatively small sum in the context of sustaining the continued growth of Greater Cambridge.” Reforming regulation and governance The report is critical of the current regulatory framework, which it describes as fragmented and siloed. It calls for “a system that is more accountable, transparent, and responsive to place-based needs,” including legislative changes to empower IDBs and give local authorities a stronger voice in water planning. A new Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Water and Growth Board is proposed to coordinate water infrastructure planning and delivery, bringing together water companies, regulators, local authorities, and community representatives. Conclusion: a call to action The report concludes that “the water crisis facing the East of England is not only a constraint but an opportunity.” By piloting new models of local water management, East Cambridgeshire can accelerate delivery and enhance sustainability. The council commits to supporting the development of agricultural reservoirs as part of its corporate strategy to address water scarcity and unlock growth. The recommendations are clear: continue to promote sustainable water management, support the development of agricultural reservoirs, work with regional partners to fund feasibility studies, and promote this model as a national pilot. For government, the report urges piloting water market reform, amending legislation to empower IDBs, and expanding the statutory role of local authorities in strategic water planning. As the report states, “East Cambridgeshire is well-positioned to lead by example, showing how local leadership, when empowered, can drive sustainable transformation.” All information and quotes sourced from the East Cambridgeshire District Council’s July 2025 report, “A network of local reservoirs: Providing water resilience and security to unlock growth in the region.” Here are the key benefits of agricultural reservoirs, as outlined in the East Cambridgeshire District Council report: • Fast delivery: Can be designed, approved, and built within three years. • Cost-effective: £4–£5 per cubic metre of water, compared to £40 per cubic metre for large-scale reservoirs. • Flexible and scalable: Can be expanded incrementally to match local housing and employment growth. • Environmental benefits: Supports peatland rewetting, wetland restoration, and biodiversity; reduces carbon emissions by using gravity-fed systems. • Improved drought and flood resilience: Stores surplus winter water for use in dry months and reduces flood risk by easing pressure on drainage systems. • Economic boost: Provides extra income for farmers and Internal Drainage Boards through water trading; supports local agricultural productivity. • Unlocks housing and development: Ensures a reliable water supply, enabling new homes and jobs. • Local control and innovation: Empowers local authorities, farmers, and landowners to manage water resources and encourages innovative, place-based solutions. ‘East Cambridgeshire is ready to lead. This report is our call to action, for government, regulators, and partners across the region to join us in turning a local solution into a national exemplar’ Cllr Anna Bailey Leader, East Cambridgeshire District Council
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News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire - East Cambridgeshire Council’s reservoir plan promises homes, jobs, and environmental gains Local reservoirs: the key to Cambridgeshire’s water security and growth East Cambridgeshire is at a crossroads. As climate change intensifies and the region’s population grows, the challenge of securing a reliable water supply has become urgent. A new report commissioned by the East Cambridgeshire District Council, prepared by the Eastern Powerhouse, lays out a bold vision: a network of local agricultural reservoirs, integrated with existing drainage infrastructure, to provide water resilience and unlock sustainable growth for the region. A pressing challenge Water security is not a distant concern for East Cambridgeshire. “It is a present and pressing issue that directly affects our ability to grow sustainably and provide the homes, jobs, and environment our communities deserve,” writes Cllr Anna Bailey, Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, in the report’s foreword. The proposal to create a local network of reservoirs is described as “a transformative opportunity” that could turn flood risk into a vital resource by capturing surplus winter flows and storing water for use during dry summer months. This approach, the report argues, would not only reduce pressure on drainage systems during heavy rainfall but also ensure a steady supply for homes, businesses, and agriculture when it is most needed. “It creates opportunities to restore wetlands, rewet peat soils, and enhance habitats for wildlife, making our water system part of a wider effort to recover biodiversity,” the report states. Climate risks and economic stakes East Cambridgeshire, situated within the South Level of the Fens—the UK’s largest coastal wetland—is highly exposed to climate-related risks. Rising sea levels, more frequent heavy rainfall, higher temperatures, and prolonged droughts threaten the region. The Fens have already experienced damaging events, including the tidal surge of 2013 and the drought of 2018. In 2022, a hot, dry summer caused water shortages. The report notes that “with adequate supply of water, the hotter weather will make the region’s agricultural sector more productive, representing an economic opportunity.” However, uncertainty over long-term water supply is creating a bottleneck for housing and inward investment, with major developments stalled due to concerns over water scarcity. The national and regional water challenge The East of England is one of the most water-stressed areas in the UK. Over-extraction from chalk aquifers and river systems threatens both ecosystems and long-term public supply. The region faces a projected water shortage of 800 million litres per day by 2050—about one third of current use. Yet, as the report points out, “the problem is not a lack of water,” but rather the capacity to store it and the ability of existing systems to respond dynamically to growth. Three major rivers—the Nene, the Ouse, and the Cam—deliver substantial excess water during the winter months. “Significant efforts have to be made in the region to pump excess water out into the North Sea, at great cost to Fenland farmers and taxpayers, only then to restrict water supplies for all users during the summer,” the report explains. The limits of centralised infrastructure While major infrastructure projects are in development, such as the proposed new reservoir near Chatteris, these solutions are years away. The Chatteris reservoir, led by Anglian Water, is projected to cost £2.2 billion and may not be completed before 2036. In the meantime, constrained supply is already halting or delaying new housing developments in Cambridgeshire. The report criticises the current regulatory system, which is “centred on 5 year price review periods,” for stifling innovation and leaving little room for place-based solutions. “Without reform, the system will continue to act as a brake on regional development,” it warns. A local solution: agricultural reservoirs The heart of the report’s proposal is a network of agricultural reservoirs, supported by local farmers and landowners, to supply incremental water demand until major infrastructure is delivered. There are already over 80 agricultural reservoirs across the district, with just seven farmers holding 5.4 million cubic metres of water in 24 mid-sized reservoirs—equivalent to 10% of the planned capacity at Chatteris. [ A recent technical study suggests that seven new mid-sized agricultural reservoirs could store 6 to 7 million cubic metres of water and could be built in under three years at a cost of £2–3 million each. The report highlights the cost-effectiveness: “A network of agricultural reservoirs would cost £4 to £5 per cubic metre of water compared with £40 per cubic metre from Chatteris.” Each reservoir, at 85% utilisation, could provide water for 7,000 people a year. Combined with demand reduction measures and interim supply from Grafham Water, this could meet projected housing growth over the next 15 years. Creating a local water market The development of agricultural reservoirs would also create a new “water market,” stimulating trade in water between farmers and into the local supply network. This would provide additional income for farmers and Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs), helping to stimulate the wider East Cambridgeshire economy. The report calls for public-private finance arrangements to share costs, risks, and rewards. A new water treatment works at Waterbeach is identified as a key component, with estimated costs ranging from £40 million to over £200 million, depending on scale. The report notes, “This is still a relatively small sum in the context of sustaining the continued growth of Greater Cambridge.” Reforming regulation and governance The report is critical of the current regulatory framework, which it describes as fragmented and siloed. It calls for “a system that is more accountable, transparent, and responsive to place-based needs,” including legislative changes to empower IDBs and give local authorities a stronger voice in water planning. A new Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Water and Growth Board is proposed to coordinate water infrastructure planning and delivery, bringing together water companies, regulators, local authorities, and community representatives. Conclusion: a call to action The report concludes that “the water crisis facing the East of England is not only a constraint but an opportunity.” By piloting new models of local water management, East Cambridgeshire can accelerate delivery and enhance sustainability. The council commits to supporting the development of agricultural reservoirs as part of its corporate strategy to address water scarcity and unlock growth. The recommendations are clear: continue to promote sustainable water management, support the development of agricultural reservoirs, work with regional partners to fund feasibility studies, and promote this model as a national pilot. For government, the report urges piloting water market reform, amending legislation to empower IDBs, and expanding the statutory role of local authorities in strategic water planning. As the report states, “East Cambridgeshire is well-positioned to lead by example, showing how local leadership, when empowered, can drive sustainable transformation.” All information and quotes sourced from the East Cambridgeshire District Council’s July 2025 report, “A network of local reservoirs: Providing water resilience and security to unlock growth in the region.” Here are the key benefits of agricultural reservoirs, as outlined in the East Cambridgeshire District Council report: • Fast delivery: Can be designed, approved, and built within three years. • Cost-effective: £4–£5 per cubic metre of water, compared to £40 per cubic metre for large-scale reservoirs. • Flexible and scalable: Can be expanded incrementally to match local housing and employment growth. • Environmental benefits: Supports peatland rewetting, wetland restoration, and biodiversity; reduces carbon emissions by using gravity-fed systems. • Improved drought and flood resilience: Stores surplus winter water for use in dry months and reduces flood risk by easing pressure on drainage systems. • Economic boost: Provides extra income for farmers and Internal Drainage Boards through water trading; supports local agricultural productivity. • Unlocks housing and development: Ensures a reliable water supply, enabling new homes and jobs. • Local control and innovation: Empowers local authorities, farmers, and landowners to manage water resources and encourages innovative, place-based solutions. ‘East Cambridgeshire is ready to lead. This report is our call to action, for government, regulators, and partners across the region to join us in turning a local solution into a national exemplar’ Cllr Anna Bailey Leader, East Cambridgeshire District Council

East Cambridgeshire Council’s reservoir plan promises homes, jobs, and environmental gains

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News for Peterborough and Cambridgeshire - East Cambridgeshire Council’s reservoir plan promises homes, jobs, and environmental gains Local reservoirs: the key to Cambridgeshire’s water security and growth East Cambridgeshire is at a crossroads. As climate change intensifies and the region’s population grows, the challenge of securing a reliable water supply has become urgent. A new report commissioned by the East Cambridgeshire District Council, prepared by the Eastern Powerhouse, lays out a bold vision: a network of local agricultural reservoirs, integrated with existing drainage infrastructure, to provide water resilience and unlock sustainable growth for the region. A pressing challenge Water security is not a distant concern for East Cambridgeshire. “It is a present and pressing issue that directly affects our ability to grow sustainably and provide the homes, jobs, and environment our communities deserve,” writes Cllr Anna Bailey, Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, in the report’s foreword. The proposal to create a local network of reservoirs is described as “a transformative opportunity” that could turn flood risk into a vital resource by capturing surplus winter flows and storing water for use during dry summer months. This approach, the report argues, would not only reduce pressure on drainage systems during heavy rainfall but also ensure a steady supply for homes, businesses, and agriculture when it is most needed. “It creates opportunities to restore wetlands, rewet peat soils, and enhance habitats for wildlife, making our water system part of a wider effort to recover biodiversity,” the report states. Climate risks and economic stakes East Cambridgeshire, situated within the South Level of the Fens—the UK’s largest coastal wetland—is highly exposed to climate-related risks. Rising sea levels, more frequent heavy rainfall, higher temperatures, and prolonged droughts threaten the region. The Fens have already experienced damaging events, including the tidal surge of 2013 and the drought of 2018. In 2022, a hot, dry summer caused water shortages. The report notes that “with adequate supply of water, the hotter weather will make the region’s agricultural sector more productive, representing an economic opportunity.” However, uncertainty over long-term water supply is creating a bottleneck for housing and inward investment, with major developments stalled due to concerns over water scarcity. The national and regional water challenge The East of England is one of the most water-stressed areas in the UK. Over-extraction from chalk aquifers and river systems threatens both ecosystems and long-term public supply. The region faces a projected water shortage of 800 million litres per day by 2050—about one third of current use. Yet, as the report points out, “the problem is not a lack of water,” but rather the capacity to store it and the ability of existing systems to respond dynamically to growth. Three major rivers—the Nene, the Ouse, and the Cam—deliver substantial excess water during the winter months. “Significant efforts have to be made in the region to pump excess water out into the North Sea, at great cost to Fenland farmers and taxpayers, only then to restrict water supplies for all users during the summer,” the report explains. The limits of centralised infrastructure While major infrastructure projects are in development, such as the proposed new reservoir near Chatteris, these solutions are years away. The Chatteris reservoir, led by Anglian Water, is projected to cost £2.2 billion and may not be completed before 2036. In the meantime, constrained supply is already halting or delaying new housing developments in Cambridgeshire. The report criticises the current regulatory system, which is “centred on 5 year price review periods,” for stifling innovation and leaving little room for place-based solutions. “Without reform, the system will continue to act as a brake on regional development,” it warns. A local solution: agricultural reservoirs The heart of the report’s proposal is a network of agricultural reservoirs, supported by local farmers and landowners, to supply incremental water demand until major infrastructure is delivered. There are already over 80 agricultural reservoirs across the district, with just seven farmers holding 5.4 million cubic metres of water in 24 mid-sized reservoirs—equivalent to 10% of the planned capacity at Chatteris. [ A recent technical study suggests that seven new mid-sized agricultural reservoirs could store 6 to 7 million cubic metres of water and could be built in under three years at a cost of £2–3 million each. The report highlights the cost-effectiveness: “A network of agricultural reservoirs would cost £4 to £5 per cubic metre of water compared with £40 per cubic metre from Chatteris.” Each reservoir, at 85% utilisation, could provide water for 7,000 people a year. Combined with demand reduction measures and interim supply from Grafham Water, this could meet projected housing growth over the next 15 years. Creating a local water market The development of agricultural reservoirs would also create a new “water market,” stimulating trade in water between farmers and into the local supply network. This would provide additional income for farmers and Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs), helping to stimulate the wider East Cambridgeshire economy. The report calls for public-private finance arrangements to share costs, risks, and rewards. A new water treatment works at Waterbeach is identified as a key component, with estimated costs ranging from £40 million to over £200 million, depending on scale. The report notes, “This is still a relatively small sum in the context of sustaining the continued growth of Greater Cambridge.” Reforming regulation and governance The report is critical of the current regulatory framework, which it describes as fragmented and siloed. It calls for “a system that is more accountable, transparent, and responsive to place-based needs,” including legislative changes to empower IDBs and give local authorities a stronger voice in water planning. A new Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Water and Growth Board is proposed to coordinate water infrastructure planning and delivery, bringing together water companies, regulators, local authorities, and community representatives. Conclusion: a call to action The report concludes that “the water crisis facing the East of England is not only a constraint but an opportunity.” By piloting new models of local water management, East Cambridgeshire can accelerate delivery and enhance sustainability. The council commits to supporting the development of agricultural reservoirs as part of its corporate strategy to address water scarcity and unlock growth. The recommendations are clear: continue to promote sustainable water management, support the development of agricultural reservoirs, work with regional partners to fund feasibility studies, and promote this model as a national pilot. For government, the report urges piloting water market reform, amending legislation to empower IDBs, and expanding the statutory role of local authorities in strategic water planning. As the report states, “East Cambridgeshire is well-positioned to lead by example, showing how local leadership, when empowered, can drive sustainable transformation.” All information and quotes sourced from the East Cambridgeshire District Council’s July 2025 report, “A network of local reservoirs: Providing water resilience and security to unlock growth in the region.” Here are the key benefits of agricultural reservoirs, as outlined in the East Cambridgeshire District Council report: • Fast delivery: Can be designed, approved, and built within three years. • Cost-effective: £4–£5 per cubic metre of water, compared to £40 per cubic metre for large-scale reservoirs. • Flexible and scalable: Can be expanded incrementally to match local housing and employment growth. • Environmental benefits: Supports peatland rewetting, wetland restoration, and biodiversity; reduces carbon emissions by using gravity-fed systems. • Improved drought and flood resilience: Stores surplus winter water for use in dry months and reduces flood risk by easing pressure on drainage systems. • Economic boost: Provides extra income for farmers and Internal Drainage Boards through water trading; supports local agricultural productivity. • Unlocks housing and development: Ensures a reliable water supply, enabling new homes and jobs. • Local control and innovation: Empowers local authorities, farmers, and landowners to manage water resources and encourages innovative, place-based solutions. ‘East Cambridgeshire is ready to lead. This report is our call to action, for government, regulators, and partners across the region to join us in turning a local solution into a national exemplar’ Cllr Anna Bailey Leader, East Cambridgeshire District Council

East Cambridgeshire Council’s reservoir plan promises homes, jobs, and environmental gains

November 6, 2025
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November 2, 2025
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When Will It End? Peterborough’s Rent-Free Radio and the Council That Forgot to Invoice

November 1, 2025
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