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Croxsons, a 150-year-old family business that manufactures premium glass packaging for the food and drink sector, has developed the country’s first British-made sparkling wine bottle. The Sovereign bottle has been designed to elevate and support the burgeoning English and Welsh wine-making industry closing the provenance loop from vineyard to bottle. Winemakers have until now relied entirely on imported bottles transported across Europe. The English and Welsh wine industry is one of the fastest growing agricultural sectors in the country with over 1000 vineyards (WineGB July 2024) and is estimated to be worth £422m in 2025 growing at a CAGR of 3.5% over the last five years (IBISWorld November 2025). Sales of sparkling wine have risen 187% since 2018, from 2.2m bottles to 6.2m in 2023 (WineGB), making this the perfect time to bring sparkling wine bottle production home. The Sovereign bottle will be produced in England and rather than the traditional green colour of European sparkling wine bottles, the British bottle will be made using a distinctive amber glass. This will give the bottle a strong shelf standout and clear British provenance. Tim Croxson, CEO of Croxsons commented on the launch; “We are incredibly proud to launch Sovereign, the UK’s first British made sparkling wine bottle, delivering improved sustainability while ensuring British drinkers enjoy wine that is British through and through." “Six generations of our family have been involved in the wine trade, beginning as a bottle supplier to the London wine trade 150 years ago, so it feels particularly fitting that we are now helping the English and Welsh winemaking industry deliver a truly British sparkling wine bottle.” The Sovereign bottle uses 77% recycled content which improves its sustainability credentials and with a shorter journey from factory to vineyard, it will reduce road-miles for millions of bottles traditionally transported from France, Germany and Italy. This launch builds on Croxsons’ wine expertise working alongside English wine brands including Lyme Bay and Ridgeview Wines. Matt Gayler, Operations Director at Ridgeview Wine said: “Seeing a UK-made sparkling wine bottle available to producers is a great milestone - it shows just how far the industry has come." “As we continue to build the reputation of English wine both at home and internationally, having domestically manufactured, high-quality packaging supports our identity, sustainability and ambitions."   “It’s a positive step forward and we’re grateful to those who’ve worked hard to make it happen.” The Sovereign bottle will be produced in March 2025 and can be ordered direct from Croxsons .

The UK’s most inspirational summer festival - combining ideas, music, comedy, food, wellness and nature - has announced the first wave of speakers, performers and experiences for its upcoming 13th edition: ALSO26. Taking place between 10th - 12th July 2026 at Park Farm, Compton Verney, Warwickshire, ALSO is one the country’s most family friendly festivals with activities and experiences for all age groups. Growing in visitor numbers year on year, the unique festival attracts thousands of visitors across the three days. The theme for the 13th edition is Oh Fortuna, playfully exploring luck and chance - asking how much fortune is already written and how much is down to luck. Heading up the impressive line-up is writer and BBC Radio 4 presenter, Claudia Hammond who will present the psychological toolkit for anyone feeling overwhelmed, tech commentator Jamie Bartlett will explain how to talk to AI and investigative journalist Oliver Bullough will take a deep dive into the global economy of money laundering. Curious, clever and creative, ALSO Festival collaborates with celebrated best-selling authors, revolutionary scientists and impassioned experts, allowing ideas to run wild and truly reconnect with nature via a sublime 17th century setting designed by Capability Brown. Festival goers can lose themselves in talks, tours, workshops, experiences and activities such as: - journey into the world of the Tyrannosaurus rex with Mark P. Witton look at the flavour of quantum physics with Prof. Ben Allanach explore the history of hand reading with award-winning historian Alison Bashford take a glimpse into the divine beauty of space with Prof. David Tong consider how mathematics shapes creativity with Marcus du Sautoy. be part of the Saturday Night Spectacular, exploring the O Fortuna theme with lights, lanterns, and a heavenly headdress masterclass take on friends in the Space Hopper Championships join the ALSO Art Club for a state of flow learn the Charleston with Fiona Ring Diccon Towns, ALSO Festival CEO and co-founder said; "ALSO25 throws open its gates this July for visitors to dive in and choose their own adventure. They can journey to the edge of human understanding at a Big SciTech session, get to grips with the inner workings of the human mind at a Psych+ talk, delve into the written word at one of our Great Literary talks, discover their new favourite band at a Future Music set or enhance their Blue Mind with time spent in, on or by the water." “This is a hand-built, next generation festival like no other in the UK. Who else offers the chance to have your ribs tickled at a super-smart comedy show, get to explore mythological forest installations inspired by Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fate or learn a new skill at a workshop.” Festival goers can enjoy the genre-defying sounds of Sheep, Dog & Wolf (Daniel McBride), whose avant-pop compositions mix experimentalism, folk and electronica. Tribo will bring their high-energy samba drumming. The return of ALSO’s Future Music Programme will offer the best way to discover up and coming musicians, while exceptional DJs will keep guests dancing from the lakeside Rum Bar to the straw-bale Bunker 54 before closing the weekend with Hoolla Music’s Ecstatic Dance. Dishing out the laughs will be multi-award-winning political comedian and activist Mark Thomas and lyrical wit from poet Luke Wright in Later Life Letter. Robin Ince returns to the Woods Stage and for a touch of French flair, Marcel Lucont presents his legendary show Cabaret Fantastique and hosts a panel reflecting on 10 Years of Brexit. ALSO26 delivers its most ambitious wellness programme to date, centred around the all-new lakeside Sanctuary Sessions. Numinity (founded by sisters Melissa and Holly) bring a curated series of transformative experiences designed to explore the festival's theme. There will be Neural Reprogramming Meditation to rewire limiting beliefs, a Manifestation Lab to map out your future, and Fortuitous Breathwork. Guests can also try Rasa Fire Yoga, Scented Yoga or go on a guided Scented Walk. Revellers can immerse themselves in the Blue Mind theory with the return of the ALSO Sauna - now upgraded with Ice Baths and Cold Plunges; Take to the water for SUP Yoga, enjoy Wild Swimming at its most magical with guided Dusk, Dawn, and Moonlight sessions under the stars. Families can choose from a Bat Walk in the Far-Out Forest or learn circus skills with Patches Circus School. Award-winning Warwickshire theatre group, Playbox will bring high energy musical theatre workshops and evening storytelling. There will be a Mini Beasties Safari, a Tiny Dancers Family Rave or kids can build a den with ex-Marine Dave Hamblett. And due to popular demand, the Festival Nannies are back to give parents some free time to enjoy themselves. There is plenty to entice foodies. Syrian-born chef, Imad Alarnab brings his Somerset House-based restaurant Aram to the fields for a special Sunday Long Table Lunch, as well as the Aram by Imad Deli which will be serving up incredible food throughout the weekend. River Cottage is putting on a legendary Woodland Long Table Lunch, Georgia Hearn hosts a demo and tasting with her book The Brunch Club and cooks up a Saturday night Feast of Fortunes and Award-winning chef James Whetlor returns to ALSO to for Friday night’s French Bistro. Tickets are available visit here .

A Hampshire accountancy firm has promoted a long-standing specialist as it gears up for an expected rise in tax-related enquiries from this April. Chandler’s Ford-based HWB has made Lyndon Howes an Assistant Tax Compliance Manager, the latest step on an in-house career that began straight from college in 2011. The promotion comes as HMRC prepares to extend its Making Tax Digital (MTD) scheme to cover self-employed and private rental income from April 2026. Southampton-born Lyndon, who was previously a Tax Senior, said the forthcoming MTD changes will impact individuals who are self-employed or rely on proceeds from private rent and have a qualifying income over £50,000. Lyndon Howes commented: “We anticipate quite a few clients will be affected. They will have to make sure they are registered for MTD and start reporting income on electronic quarterly returns with a final end-of-year submission after the fourth quarter. The aim of MTD is to give HMRC more of a real-time view of tax liability with those registered being required to use compatible software.” Lyndon joined HWB straight from Southampton’s Taunton’s College, since renamed Richard Taunton Sixth Form College, and initially worked in both tax and payroll. He is now a full-time member of the eleven-strong tax department which handles a variety of compliance and advisory activities for clients including individuals, trusts, partnerships and limited companies. On his promotion, Lyndon said: “It’s great news, lovely to be recognised and have the career progression. As always, I aim to play my part and help the team flourish.” Lyndon reports to Tax Compliance Manager Martin Back, who said: “Lyndon deserves the recognition for his hard work. He is an experienced tax professional and well-liked by our clients and team. Part of his new role will include responding to new client queries and helping to oversee the MTD for IT process, which I know he will do excellently.” As well as Lyndon’s promotion, the team is celebrating career success for colleagues George Vass and Danny Hockin who have both passed recent exams set by the Association of Taxation Technicians. The pair are now progressing to achieve the coveted status of Chartered Tax Adviser, the UK’s highest tax qualification, via the Chartered Institute of Taxation. Chartered accountants HWB, based at Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton, provides business and tax advice. Photo: Members of HWB’s tax compliance team, from left: Lyndon Howes, George Vass and Danny Hockin.

Atlassian Williams F1 Team and Kraken are pleased to announce that they have renewed their long-term partnership, in a mark of the brands’ continued commitment to extraordinary fan experiences online, on-track, and in their world-leading Fan Zones. Kraken, one of the world’s longest-standing crypto platforms trusted by millions of clients globally, first joined Williams as Official Crypto and Web3 partner in 2023. As partners, Williams and Kraken have harnessed the technology that powers cryptocurrencies to deliver some of the grid’s most engaging fan activations – including the Grid Pass digital collectible programme which unlocks perks and rewards for registered Williams fans, and with Kraken acting as Presenting Partner for Fan Zones around the world to give supporters the chance to meet drivers, race sims and see cars up close without needing to attend races. Since 2023, Kraken has also put the design of its rear wing branding location into the hands of fans via annual Rear Wing Takeovers – including the 2025 memecoin showdown that put Pengu on the car in Singapore. For 2026, onwards Kraken will take up a new position on the car, being at the leading edge of the FW48 with striking branding on the front wing. Heading into 2026, the two brands will build on this momentum through Fan Zones and a host of other crypto and web3 collaborations, as Kraken drives forward its mission to accelerate the adoption of crypto. Kraken is the latest global company to renew with Williams as the team builds a reputation for long-lasting commercial partnerships that are helping the team to transform on and off track in pursuit of World Championship success. Over the past two seasons the team has announced major renewals or extensions with leading global brands including Duracell, Gulf Oil International, VAST Data, and Keeper Security. James Vowles, Team Principal, Atlassian Williams F1 Team: “It’s fantastic that Kraken has chosen to renew its partnership with Atlassian Williams F1 Team. Kraken has been instrumental in helping Williams bring our passionate fans closer to the team, and Kraken’s long-term support for our mission to return to the front of the grid gives us further momentum as we enter F1’s new regulations era.” Mayur Gupta, Chief Growth & Marketing Officer, Kraken: “We first partnered with Atlassian Williams F1 Team in 2023, and as we now enter our fourth year together, the partnership has become an important touchpoint in our shared success across our respective industries. Kraken has grown and evolved significantly since the partnership began, mirroring Williams’ achievements on the track." “At its core, this partnership is built on a shared belief that technical excellence and high-performance systems in service of the mission are the keys to success. Just as Formula 1 necessitates engineering the right foundations to compete at the highest level, Kraken is focused on building a secure, resilient, and scalable infrastructure to enable the future of open finance." "Together, Kraken and Williams share the same mindset: investing in the fundamentals, continuously improving performance, and striving for perfection. This shared approach lays the groundwork for success and enables Kraken’s clients and Williams’ drivers to win.”

Key points: New Greek Family Vanilla Kefir 450g launches into Waitrose and Ocado Greek family kefir with 12 live bacteria cultures Lactose free Strong and growing kefir range for Tims Confirmed listings Tims has expanded its fast-growing kefir range with the launch of a Greek Family Vanilla Kefir (450g), now available in most Waitrose and on Ocado. The new Vanilla variant builds on the strong momentum of Tims Greek Family Kefir range, responding to increased consumer demand for flavoured functional dairy that delivers both taste and health benefits. Produced using a unique Greek style kefir process, the range contains 12 live bacteria cultures and is lactose free, broadening appeal to shoppers seeking digestive health benefits without compromising on texture or flavour. The product delivers a thick, creamy consistency more commonly associated with Greek yogurt. Kefir continues to gain traction as shoppers look to incorporate gut health into everyday diets, and Tims reports strong growth across its kefir range, driven by quality and delicious milder taste. The new listings in Waitrose and Ocado strengthen the brand’s presence in premium and online retail, supporting further growth within the expanding cultured dairy category.   Tims Launches 150g Greek Family Kefirs into Morrisons Key points: New 150g Greek Family Natural and Vanilla Kefirs Featuring as a Morrisons ‘wigig’ - supported by a multibuy promotion Greek family kefir with 12 live bacteria Lactose free Tims has further extended its Greek Family Kefir range with the launch of new 150g single-serve formats in both Natural and Vanilla. The two SKUs have launched as a paired listing into Morrisons, supported by an introductory multibuy promotion designed to drive trial and encourage repeat purchase within the kefir category. The new 150g formats respond to growing demand for portion-controlled, on-the-go functional dairy, while retaining the core credentials of the Greek Family Kefir range: • Greek-family production • 12 live bacterial cultures • Lactose free • Thick, creamy texture and balanced flavour By broadening format choice, Tims aims to unlock new consumption occasions, from breakfast and snacking to lunchboxes, while supporting category growth through accessible pricing and promotional activity.

Simpsons Malt Limited, the independent, fifth-generation malting and merchanting business and Certified B Corporation, has successfully completed SAI Platform’s Farm Sustainability Assessment (FSA) third-party verification process, achieving Gold performance level across its entire UK malting barley procurement. A total of 678 growers – all directly contracted through agricultural merchanting division McCreath Simpson & Prentice – now form a single Farm Management Group (FMG) for malting barley following an audit of the group in late 2025. The achievement marks a significant milestone for sustainable sourcing within the UK malting barley supply chain and builds on the company’s distilling wheat Farm Management Group achieving 100% FSA Gold performance level in 2024. Together, this means that all of Simpsons Malt’s directly contracted malting barley and distilling wheat purchases are now verified at Gold performance level. For farmers within the group, which spans from the Highlands of Scotland down to the south of England, achieving FSA Gold verification independently confirms they are operating to first-class sustainability standards across a wide range of environmental, social and economic criteria. This includes soil and nutrient management, crop protection, biodiversity, community impact and employee welfare. It also demonstrates engagement with a Simpsons Malt-led continuous improvement plan, while showing compliance with a trusted, globally recognised framework that assesses the whole farm business rather than individual crops. For Simpsons Malt’s distilling and brewing customers, meanwhile, the verification provides confidence that malting barley processed at both its malting sites – Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland and Tivetshall St Margaret, Norfolk – has clear assurance and supply chain traceability. It is also helping to support these customers towards meeting their own sustainable sourcing objectives. Ben Gothorp, Sustainability Manager at Simpsons Malt Limited, said: “Achieving 100% FSA Gold performance level across our UK malting barley procurement is a huge achievement and it wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment and hard work of all our contracted growers." “It means that every tonne of malting barley that we purchase from contracted UK growers is now verified to the highest FSA standard, highlighting significant progress being made with sustainability on-farm and giving confidence to our distilling and brewing customers in how their raw materials are sourced.” One of the growers involved in the audit process, Jim Macfarlane of Thornhill Farming Partnership in Foulden, Scottish Borders, added: “Audits are an important aspect of modern-day agriculture and I like FSA as it looks at the whole farm business and recognises the practical steps farmers are taking to improve sustainability, while maintaining productivity." “Being selected for audit has been a positive experience as it has helped me stay on top of my game and I’m grateful for the support of the Simpsons Malt sustainability team, who were available to answer any questions that I had throughout the process.” Jessica Joubert, Capability & Assurance Manager at SAI Platform, said: “It’s inspiring to see a fifth-generation family business like Simpsons Malt Limited pair deep-rooted tradition with a clear commitment to sustainable farming." "Achieving 100% FSA Gold verification across such a large malting barley grower base – and doing the same for their distilling wheat supply chain – is an exceptional accomplishment and sets a new benchmark for the UK. Congratulations to Simpsons Malt and their farmers on this outstanding achievement.”

The Munnelly Group has announced strong annual results for the year ending 2025, with the business demonstrating ‘resilience and strategic discipline’ in what continues to be a challenging market environment. One of the UK’s leading construction and infrastructure delivery partners, the multi-brand group has continued to deliver stability, growth and exceptional value to its clients, despite sustained margin pressure and industry-wide uncertainty. Key figures from the annual results for 2025 include: Turnover: £167m. Profit Before Tax: £1.55m. EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation): £2.26m. Cash Reserves: £7.3m, representing a 35% increase year-on-year. No third-party borrowing. Last year, the business moved to ensure future continuity with a leadership transition, which saw long-term CEO Phil Munnelly move into the new role of Chairman and be replaced by his son, Paul David Munnelly. Throughout 2025, the Group has continued to expand into new markets, deepen client partnerships and invest in technology and ESG initiatives to future-proof the business. This strategic repositioning has strengthened the Group’s role as a delivery partner across the built environment, supporting projects from early engagement through to completion. With a healthy order book, strong liquidity and a diversified operating model, the Munnelly Group now enters 2026 well-positioned for continued growth, investment and expansion. Phil Munnelly, Chairman of the Munnelly Group, commented: “These results reflect more than financial performance. They demonstrate the value of diversification, disciplined decision-making and a relentless focus on operational excellence. In a difficult market, the Group has remained resilient, adaptable and well-positioned for the future.” Graham Fisk, Group Finance Director, added: “Maintaining a strong balance sheet with no third-party borrowing has been a key priority. This financial discipline gives the Group the flexibility and confidence to invest, adapt and pursue growth opportunities as markets evolve.” Paul David Munnelly, Group CEO, added: “The Munnelly Group enters 2026 from a position of strength. With a strong balance sheet, diversified service offering and clear strategic direction, the Group is focused on continued investment in people, systems and capability." “Alongside organic growth, the Group will also actively explore selective, disciplined acquisition opportunities that align with its long-term, sustainable and risk-managed strategy, as we further strengthen our position across the built environment.” Established in 1982, Munnelly Group has evolved into a leading multi-business organisation, delivering innovative solutions across technology, geospatial surveying, preconstruction consultancy, access control, security, resourcing, payroll and construction logistics. Photo:  CEO Paul David Munnelly and Group Chairman Phil Munnelly.

Aldi, the UK’s fourth-largest supermarket, is to invest £370 million this year to open new stores across Britain. This includes the development of new stores in Southam in Warwickshire, Hastings in East Sussex, and Amersham in Buckinghamshire, with the supermarket targeting 40 new store openings this year. This forms part of Aldi’s £1.6 billion two-year investment programme announced last year, as the retailer works towards its long-term ambition of operating 1,500 UK stores. The investment follows an equally busy store opening programme in 2025, which saw Aldi open new stores including Kirkintilloch in East Dunbartonshire to Eastbourne, East Sussex, and in locations such as Fulham Broadway in London and Deeside in Wales. Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer at Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “Our unwavering commitment is to make high-quality, affordable groceries accessible to everybody. But we recognise that there are still areas without an Aldi store, so our expansion plans for 2026 are designed to address some of these gaps as we work towards our long-term goal of 1,500 UK stores." "We’ve always believed that access to high-quality affordable food is a right, not a privilege, and that’s why it’s our mission to make this a reality for customers up and down the UK.” The supermarket recently released new figures showing that families in over 200 UK towns are paying up to £2,437 more per year on their grocery shopping simply because they lack access to an Aldi supermarket.* Aldi has been named the UK’s cheapest supermarket by consumer group Which? for the fifth year running. Last week, Aldi also won The Grocer’s ‘Super Grocer 33’ – a survey comparing the price of a 33-item basket of groceries at all major UK supermarkets – for the seventh consecutive time, highlighting its position as the best value for British shoppers. Earlier this month, the supermarket announced it was increasing its already-market-leading pay rates for store colleagues, with Store Assistant rates rising to £13.35 an hour nationally (and up to £14.30 with service) and £14.71 within the M25 (rising to £15.03 with service), effective from 1st March 2026. Those interested in applying for jobs at Aldi can visit here .   *View link

Coventry foodbank marked its 15th anniversary last week, with a special visit from the Lord Mayor of Coventry, who met with staff, volunteers, and clients to recognise the charity’s impact and dedication. The event signalled a significant milestone in its mission to support individuals and families facing food poverty across the city. Founded in 2011, Coventry Foodbank has grown from a small community initiative into a vital service supporting thousands of local people each year. Over the past 15 years, the organisation has worked in partnership with local churches, schools, businesses, and referral agencies to provide emergency food parcels and compassionate support to those in crisis. During the visit, the Lord Mayor, Councillor Rachel Lancaster, toured the foodbank facilities at The Halo Centre in Binley, and spoke with volunteers to learn more about their experiences, as well as the increasing demand for food support in the city. Canon Gavin Kibble MBE, the Founder of Coventry foodbank commented: “Coventry foodbank is a lifeline for so many residents during difficult times. Reaching 15 years is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the hard work of the volunteers, staff, and supporters who give their time and resources so generously.” “Over the last 15 years, we will have seen both the challenges our community faces and the extraordinary kindness of those who step forward to help. The Lord Mayor’s visit was a real honour and a wonderful opportunity to recognise everyone who has made our work possible.” The anniversary also served as a chance to thank the foodbank’s volunteers and donors, whose ongoing support will enable the organisation to continue responding to rising levels of need. In 2025: 22,265 people were fed by Coventry foodbank (14,660 adults and 7,605 children) 137.5 tonnes of food was donated to the foodbank, and 140 tonnes were given out 787 people were helped by the Pathfinder Team, who made over 2,300 phone calls to support and signpost foodbank clients There is normally a foodbank centre open somewhere in the City of Coventry six days a week. Demand on the foodbank goes up in the winter months, with some people having to make the difficult choice between heating or eating. Coventry foodbank partners with a wide range of care professionals who identify people in crisis and issue them with a foodbank voucher. Foodbank clients bring their voucher to a foodbank centre where it can be redeemed for three to five days’ of emergency food. Volunteers meet clients over a warm drink and can signpost people to other organisations to help resolve the longer-term problems that might cause someone to need to use a foodbank. The Lord Mayor said: “For fifteen years this centre has been a place of hope, dignity and community. The support they provide to people across Coventry – often at the most difficult moments in their lives – cannot be overstated. Their commitment ensures that no one in our city is left to struggle alone, and that is something truly worth honouring.” She added: “I know the work of a foodbank is not easy, particularly at challenging times, yet their determination, compassion and belief in the power of the community continues to make an extraordinary difference. You are a testament to what Coventry stands for – solidarity, kindness and resilience.” Anyone who needs support from Coventry foodbank, should visit here .

Another big name is set to make Wakefield’s City Fields it’s new home as Aldi confirms plans to open a store at the site’s District Centre.   Councillor Jack Hemingway, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “Aldi will be another great addition to City Fields and the local area. The new store will give residents more choice about where to shop and create job opportunities for local people." “It’s great to see global brands showing confidence in our district as a place to invest and do business. Residents have waited patiently for new facilities at City Fields. I’m pleased that we’re seeing them start to come through and look forward to more announcements very soon.”   Aldi currently operates 1,052 stores across the UK and employs in the region of 45,000 staff, making it one of the largest supermarkets in the country.   Mark Stringer, Aldi Real Estate Director, said: “We’re delighted to confirm our plans to open a new Aldi store at City Fields, building on our strong existing presence in Wakefield and our long-term commitment to serving customers across the city." "City Fields is an exciting development and we’re pleased to be part of the vision for the new District Centre. We are working closely with the developers of this scheme to progress our new store as the wider project moves forward."   "We’re proud to continue investing in Wakefield and to bring even more residents access to the high-quality, affordable groceries they expect from Aldi.”   The City Fields Site is currently being prepared for construction to start, with more announcements from prospective new leisure and retail businesses expected to follow.   Daniel Newitt, Director at Stirling Investments, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to bring forward the new District Centre at City Fields, as we know how important this is for local people. And Aldi is another great addition to the site.” With groundworks already underway it’s expected the site will be ready for new businesses to move into the new District Centre before the end of 2027. Photo : Councillor Jack Hemingway, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth

Property consultancy Vail Williams has appointed a valuation specialist in Oxford to meet growing business demand. David Grove joins as an associate at the office, which opened just under two years ago as an extension of the firm’s Thames Valley region. Bringing 30 years’ experience, David provides valuations for secured lending and for pension, accounting and probate purposes as well as for commercial, retail, residential and education sector estates, along with lease advisory work. Richard Dawtrey, who leads the Oxford office, and is Vail Williams’ lead partner of investment, said: “David’s remit is valuation work for secured lending and other purposes, supporting clients with market-focused advice across a range of property assets." “His strong understanding of local and regional markets makes him a trusted adviser within the Oxfordshire property landscape.” David said: “Vail Williams has a high quality, established client base in and around Oxford and I look forward to providing well-rounded, pragmatic consultancy to lenders, investors, landlords, occupiers and professional advisers.” With 13 staff supporting its Oxford office, located at New Barclay House in Botley Road, Botley, the business has ambitious plans to further expand the team this year with further lease advisory, agency and building consultancy capability. Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy. Last year the firm launched a new three-year business plan aimed at further innovation, service excellence and sustainable growth. Photo: Property consultancy Vail Williams has a new joiner at the firm’s expanding Oxford office. From left, Vail Williams’ David Barden, Regional Managing Partner for Thames Valley, with David Grove, New Valuation Associate at Oxford, and Richard Dawtrey, Head of Oxford office

England Rugby has launched its new strategy for the next four years (Plan 2030: More than a Game) setting out a clear, ambitious and realistic plan to grow the game, enrich lives and ensure rugby continues to thrive at every level across the country. The strategy recognises that while rugby remains one of England's most popular sports, the world around it is changing fast, and presents a plan focused on making sure the game continues to thrive for future generations. Built around four connected goals – Play, Perform, Follow and Fund – the strategy reflects rugby’s unique values, its deep community roots and world in which the sport now operates. The four big goals are: Play: getting more people playing rugby, for longer The strategy puts participation at its heart; with a focus on making rugby relevant, accessible and enjoyable for all ages. With an overall goal of attracting an additional 50,000 registered players (from a base of 290,000 currently), the strategy sets out a plan to grow the game in schools and colleges, expand age-appropriate and inclusive formats such as T1 Rugby, and improve experiences at key transition points where players are most likely to drop out. Perform: consistently winning senior international competitions Success on the international stage remains a powerful source of inspiration. England Rugby will strengthen alignment across the professional game, invest in coaching and performance pathways, and continue to lead globally on player welfare and safety. The aim is not only to consistently win senior international competitions, but to do so in a way that inspires future generations and supports a thriving domestic game. Follow: building a new generation of passionate fans In an increasingly competitive sport and entertainment landscape, the strategy recognises the need to deepen connections with existing supporters while reaching new audiences and targets an additional 500,000 passionate fans of our national teams (from a base of 5.2m currently). By telling compelling stories, evolving matchday experiences and investing in world-class digital content, England Rugby aims to grow and diversify its fanbase, turning interest into long-term loyalty. Fund: investing sustainably in the whole game To support growth from grassroots to elite, England Rugby plans to invest £500 million back into the sport by 2030 – a multiyear commitment for investment across all aspects of the sport. This includes investment into the community game; diversifying income streams and maximising the long-term value of Allianz Stadium, while making responsible investment choices that secure the game’s financial future. Delivering these goals will require change. The strategy identifies four critical areas of focus where England Rugby will do things differently: Making it easier for clubs and volunteers to run the game, reducing complexity and supporting those who give their time to rugby. Breaking new ground as global leaders in the women and girls' game, on and off the field, from performance and welfare to governance and innovation. (A standalone women and girls' strategy was launched in 2025 which you can read here) Ensuring rugby remains relevant to young people, reflecting how they live, play and engage with sport today. Relentlessly pursuing the safest possible version of the game, protecting rugby’s physical identity while constantly learning and improving. The strategy is rooted in the belief that rugby is more than just a sport. It is a force for good, a source of belonging and a game that connects people and communities across England. Bill Sweeney, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Rugby in England has made real progress over the last few years, but we also know the environment we’re operating in is more competitive and more complex than ever. This strategy is about building on our strengths, being honest about where we need to improve, and setting a clear direction for the next stage of the game’s development." “Our four goals – Play, Perform, Follow and Fund – reflect the whole rugby ecosystem. From getting more young people playing and supporting our clubs and volunteers, to winning on the international stage and investing sustainably in the game, this is a joined-up plan for long-term success." “We’re ambitious, but we’re also realistic. Delivering this strategy means doing some things differently; modernising how we work, staying relevant to young people, and continuing to lead the world on player welfare and safety. Above all, it’s about working with the rugby family to shape the future of the game together.” Sir James Wates CBE, Chair of the RFU Board said: “Rugby is a unique sport, built on values, connection and community, and that responsibility sits at the heart of this strategy. Our role is to protect what makes rugby special, while ensuring it continues to thrive in a changing world." “Clubs and volunteers are the lifeblood of our game, and this strategy recognises the growing pressures they face. Making the game easier to run, strengthening trust across the system and supporting those who give their time is essential to rugby’s future." “This is a strategy grounded in our vision that we believe rugby in England can emerge stronger, more relevant and more connected by 2030.”