A new creative business has opened in South Uist this month, producing high-quality greeting cards and giclée prints with a distinctive artistic twist. Uist Graphics was founded by Frank Creighton and is now trading from newly secured premises in Daliburgh, South Uist. The business produces prints using a unique approach: digitally merging famous works of art with drypoint etchings of Scottish landmarks, including buildings and bridges. The result is a versatile range of made-to-order prints, that appeal to visitors and art buyers alike. Photography, taken by Frank, also forms part of the offering. The business displayed work at events at the Church of Scotland and Eriskay Hall in the run-up to its full launch, giving the wider community an early look at what Uist Graphics has to offer. In setting up the business, Frank worked with Business Gateway adviser, Theresa Irving, who provided one-to-one support and advice on his business plan and routes to funding. That support helped Frank move from concept to securing trading premises in a matter of months. Frank also accessed grant funding from the Outer Hebrides Digital Support Scheme (OHDSS), funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by the Comhairle's Business Gateway team. The funding allowed the business to purchase the digital equipment and tools essential to beginning production. Frank Creighton, founder, Uist Graphics, said: “South Uist is a fantastic place to launch a creative business and we are thrilled to be open. We wanted to create something unique that shares the beauty of the islands, celebrates the best of Scotland, and creates local employment here too." “Theresa has been a tremendous help, her experience and insight has given us the best possible foundation, and we look forward to continuing to work with Business Gateway as the business grows.' Theresa Irving, Business Gateway adviser, said: ”It is fantastic to see a new creative business open in the Outer Hebrides. Uist Graphics is a further endorsement of the area's growing creative scene, and Frank's vision and drive have made this a genuinely exciting project to be part of. We look forward to supporting the next stages of the business.” Uist Graphics also have a website in development which will go live as full production gets under way. To find out how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here.

A leading Scottish construction recruiter says the rise of the 'no-phone generation' is forcing employers to rethink how they hire, with many young candidates refusing to answer calls, relying on AI-written CVs and, in some cases, bringing a parent to interview. Donald Wynn, Managing Director of C&P Recruitment, says the recruitment process is becoming increasingly challenging as employers struggle to get to know candidates before they even reach an interview. His comments follow Prime Minister Andy Burnham's call for employers to rethink their reliance on video interviews, arguing they make it harder for young people to show their personality. He also criticised the growing use of AI to filter CVs. Wynn says the challenge starts even earlier, with many candidates reluctant to speak on the phone at all. Across Scotland, C&P Recruitment consultants are increasingly seeing candidates who communicate only by text, ignore voicemail messages and, in some cases, arrive at interviews accompanied by a parent. Wynn describes it as the rise of the 'no-phone generation'. The trend is backed up by recent research. A study published in May by iD Mobile and Mental Health UK found that 51% of Brits admit to feeling some level of anxiety when making or receiving calls. Artificial intelligence is adding another challenge. Wynn, who has worked in construction recruitment for more than 22 years, says AI-generated CVs often read well but reveal little about a candidate's personality, motivation or communication skills. Combined with a reluctance to speak on the phone, it leaves employers with very little insight before an interview. C&P Recruitment says its consultants are increasingly seeing: Candidates who communicate exclusively by text and will not take or return calls Parents contacting recruiters about vacancies on behalf of adult children, and occasionally attending interviews with them AI-written CVs that read well but reveal little about a candidate's personality, motivation or confidence Employers struggling to assess reliability and suitability when candidates will not engage directly Donald Wynn, Managing Director of C&P Recruitment, said: “We've reached a point where some young candidates simply won't answer the phone. Andy Burnham is right that a young person can't show you much through a screen, and he's right about AI-written CVs. But from our perspective, the challenge starts even earlier." "When a CV has been written by AI and the candidate won't take a call, you're left with very little to go on. You can't hear how someone talks about their work or what they're interested in." "I want to be clear that this isn't a criticism of younger people. They've grown up messaging, sending voice notes and posting online, so a cold call from a stranger is naturally going to feel daunting." "The responsibility is on employers too. If we want the next generation in this industry, we need to prepare and support them rather than write them off at the first missed call. That means being clearer about what the job actually involves day to day and giving people the chance to build that confidence.” C&P Recruitment works with employers across construction, engineering and property throughout Scotland. Earlier this year the business reported 21% growth and expanded through the acquisition of Clarke Bridges Resourcing.

Mayfair's oldest surviving pub is set to begin an exciting new chapter as the Coach and Horses undergoes a major refurbishment designed to enhance the customer experience while preserving the character and heritage that have defined it for almost 300 years. Just a stone's throw from Berkeley Square, the Grade II-listed Coach and Horses in Hill Street has welcomed generations of customers since 1744, earning its reputation as one of London's most authentic and characterful traditional pubs. The pub closed on Saturday (August 1), and will reopen on Tuesday, August 25 following completion of the refurbishment. Independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame has carefully planned the project to celebrate the pub's rich heritage while sensitively refreshing it for the future. Externally, the building will undergo a complete redecoration, featuring a bespoke handcrafted swing sign and a traditional red lantern above the entrance. The pub's iconic barrels will remain at the heart of its outdoor space, complemented by new heated awnings to ensure customers can enjoy the terrace throughout the seasons. Inside, refreshed décor, new flooring, wall finishes and carefully chosen furniture will create a warm and welcoming environment, while the pub's much-loved listed bar will be carefully preserved. The customer toilets will also be fully refurbished as part of the project. The reopening will also see the launch of a new food offer centred around speciality flatbreads and charcuterie boards, complementing Shepherd Neame's range of award-winning Kentish ales and lagers, premium English wines, spirits and soft drinks. Shepherd Neame’s Retail Operations Director Shane Godwin said: "The Coach and Horses is one of London's great historic pubs, and we're delighted to be investing in its future." "Our aim is to preserve everything that makes this pub so special while creating an experience that reflects modern Mayfair. The refurbishment will respect the building's remarkable heritage while enhancing the food and drink offer, improving customer comfort and ensuring the Coach and Horses continues to thrive for generations to come." "We look forward to welcoming customers back when we reopen later this month to enjoy the next chapter in the story of Mayfair's oldest surviving pub." The project forms part of Shepherd Neame’s ongoing investment in its premium London estate, following refurbishments at the Hoop and Grapes, The Tom Cribb, The Westminster Arms, The White Horse and Bower and the acquisition of the Bishops Finger in Smithfield. Find out more here.

Leading UK and Ireland professional services firm AAB has strengthened its Central Scotland leadership team with the appointment of Malcolm Crawford as Business Development Partner, and the promotion of Corporate Finance Partner Iain Walker to Head of Central Scotland. Malcolm joins the company with a strong track record in driving business growth, built over an extensive career in corporate and relationship banking. In his role at AAB, Malcolm will draw on the Group's breadth of expertise to help clients tackle complex challenges, seize growth opportunities and create long-term value. He will work closely with businesses across Central Scotland, connecting them to specialist advice and senior-led teams that deliver joined-up support across AAB's full range of services. Malcolm spent several years as Corporate Development Director for Barclays Corporate Banking in Scotland, having also held senior roles at Royal Bank of Scotland and Anglo Irish Bank. Skilled in deal origination, relationship management and supporting ambitious businesses through funding and growth, Malcolm has a deep network across Scotland's corporate, property and private equity markets. His appointment reinforces AAB's commitment to accelerating growth across the region, supporting clients and colleagues across its Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling offices. Further strengthening AAB's leadership presence in the region, Iain Walker has been appointed Head of Central Scotland. Alongside his role as a Corporate Finance Partner, Iain will help drive AAB's growth ambitions across the region, strengthening relationships with businesses, professional networks and communities. His appointment will support the continued development of AAB's services in Central Scotland, ensuring clients benefit from greater collaboration, deeper sector expertise and access to the full breadth of AAB's capabilities across the UK and Ireland. John Beevers, Head of Regions at AAB, commented: "As AAB continues to grow, it is important that we combine the scale, capability and expertise of a national firm with the strong local relationships and market understanding that clients value. Malcolm brings significant experience and connections from across Scotland's business community, while Iain's appointment builds on the strong relationships and market knowledge he has developed during his time at AAB. Together, they further strengthen our ability to support ambitious businesses across Central Scotland as they navigate growth, change and opportunity." Malcolm Crawford, Business Development Partner at AAB, said: "Joining AAB at such an exciting time for the Central Scotland team is a fantastic opportunity. I've long admired the firm's reputation for combining technical expertise with a genuinely personal approach, and I'm looking forward to building relationships with clients and helping them achieve their ambitions." Iain Walker, Corporate Finance Partner and Head of Central Scotland at AAB, added: "I'm delighted to take on this new regional role alongside my Corporate Finance work with clients. It's a great opportunity to help shape AAB's growth across Central Scotland while continuing to do what I enjoy most – supporting clients through some of the most significant moments in their business journey. My focus will be on ensuring businesses across the region can benefit from the full breadth of AAB's expertise while continuing to receive the local insight, relationships and support that are so important to long-term success." The appointments come as AAB continues its rapid growth journey across the UK and Ireland. Backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, the firm now employs more than 1,800 people and generates over £200 million in revenue, having expanded through a combination of strategic acquisitions, investment and senior hires. More than 375 people are employed by AAB across Central Scotland (including Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling), bringing together deep sector expertise and a broad range of specialist services to support ambitious businesses and individuals at every stage of their journey. Photo L to R: Iain Walker, Corporate Finance Partner and Head of Central Scotland and Malcolm Crawford, Business Development Partner at AAB

“Our ultimate goal is to expose these resilient women to a diverse range of real-world work environments, providing them with the broad horizons and robust foundations they need to succeed.” – Lianne Kirman A Leamington group that works to support vulnerable women in the community is appealing for more businesses to partner with them in a new skills training initiative. The Esther Project’s She Rises employability pathway scheme, which gets under way later this month, offers mentoring as the next step to help women regain their confidence. Their first partnership is with Leamington’s Corner Cottage Bakery, where the focus will be on learning a variety of techniques, including baking, front of house and hospitality before putting them into practice and selling the baked goods in Esther Women’s Hub the next day. Lianne said: “This course is just the beginning of their journey. We are already looking at developing future training modules with other incredible local businesses and the course will also include additional modules such as interview techniques and CV writing, preparing the women for the world of work." “Our ultimate goal is to expose these resilient women to a diverse range of real-world work environments, providing them with the broad horizons and robust foundations they need to succeed, so we are keen to talk to other businesses who would also like to help us create other career pathways.” Corner Cottage Bakery owner, Sarah Thornber, said: “We’re incredibly proud to support The Esther Project’s She Rises initiative by offering women the opportunity to spend time in our bakery, learn new skills, and gain hands-on experience in a welcoming and supportive environment. My role will be to guide and train the ladies in a range of baking skills, including creating cakes, mastering the art of croissant making and learning the craft of sourdough bread." “We believe baking is about so much more than making bread and cakes. It’s a skill that requires patience, creativity, and confidence, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see someone develop new abilities and realise what they can achieve." "I hope these sessions provide not only practical skills but also a sense of achievement, self-belief, and the confidence to take the next step, whatever that may look like." “This project is particularly close to my heart. I understand how important it is to rebuild confidence and find a sense of identity and purpose after difficult experiences. Having someone believe in you and provide an opportunity to learn something new can be truly life-changing.” The latest eight-week course marks the next stage of their training which has also incorporated shifts working as a barista at Farmers Fayre in Stoneleigh. Nicola Reece, Managing Director of Farmers Fayre, said: “The Esther Project is our chosen charity of the year, and training days like this are exactly why being able to offer the ladies proper barista training isn't just a nice gesture - it's a genuine, transferable skill they can take into a café or workplace and build on. Seeing the engagement on the day and hearing their success stories afterwards is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do at Farmers Fayre." The Esther Project is a gender-specific organisation supporting those who have experienced trauma and adversity. It does this through a range of services, including counselling, one-on-one support, creative activities, employability opportunities and drop-in sessions for women facing mental health challenges, escaping domestic abuse, recovering from addiction, transitioning from prison, or experiencing homelessness. The Esther women’s hub, in Gloucester Street, offers a full programme of support, training, and employability opportunities - from counselling sessions in the dedicated therapy room, to creative workshops and trauma-informed courses, plus cooking classes in the kitchen. Anyone who would like to enquire about mentoring can contact: lisa@theestherproject.co.uk For further information about how The Esther Project can help, visit here.

A highly popular aviation display is returning to Windermere this September in a partnership between a spa hotel resort and the flight crew of the historic seaplane, Waterbird. Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa will be the take-off station for the renowned seaplane, an exact replica of the prototype which first flew from Windermere in 1911. Subject to weather conditions, the seaplane’s demonstration flights will take place on the evenings of 4 and 5 September 2026. In preparation for the ‘Wings over Windermere’ flight displays, Waterbird will taxi along the shoreline to the spa resort waterfront. The aircraft will then take off from the water in front of spectators on Low Wood Bay’s lawns and fly at heights of up to 100 feet. Displays begin at 6:45pm on both evenings, with the bonus of a flypast by an aircraft of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight scheduled to take place between 5:15pm and 5:45pm on 4 September. There will also be a flypast from another seaplane, the Aviat Husky, and the displays will benefit from a professional commentator. After each display, spectators and aviation enthusiasts can meet the Waterbird pilot, chief engineer, flying display director and event organiser to chat with them about the seaplane project in the conference centre at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa. This year's Waterbird pilot is Lieutenant Commander Chris Gotke, a serving Royal Navy pilot and graduate of the Empire Test Pilots' School at Boscombe Down, where he leads fixed-wing operations. English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues managing director Ben Berry says: “Seaplanes are a big part of Windermere’s heritage and my late grandfather Michael Berry OBE had a passion for the Short Sunderland flying boats. He even went as far as fitting out a boat of his own with sonar equipment in a bid to track down the wreckage of the Sunderland aircraft scuttled on the lake at the end of World War II." “He was also involved in a campaign to establish commercial seaplane operations from the lake to boost tourism." “I know he would have taken immense pride in seeing Waterbird flying in front of the resort and our overall support for the project. That’s just one reason the team and I at Low Wood Bay are so proud to be supporting the Windermere Waterbird flying displays with our event hospitality, lakeside accommodation, conference facilities and safety boat cover from our watersports activity centre.” Chairman of the Lakes Flying Company Ltd Ian Gee added: “Having stayed at the spa resort last year, we got into talks with English Lakes Hotels about the potential for making the lawns of Low Wood Bay the main vantage point for this year’s flight demonstrations." “We’re looking forward to these flight displays with a great deal of excitement and anticipation, especially in light of the venue’s historic interests in seaplane aviation and of course the Berry family’s connections with water speed records.” In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Low Wood Bay was at the centre of ambitious proposals to introduce seaplane services on Windermere Michael Berry OBE was involved in a campaign to establish commercial operations from the lake. A Tiger Moth seaplane landed at the hotel’s waterfront in 1979 and a four-seat Cessna also made a visit in 1983. But the plans for a ‘water taxi’ service connecting Windermere with regional airports, alongside scenic leisure flights over the Lake District, never took off. Waterbird’s flights on Windermere involve extensive planning, including consultation with the Lake District National Park Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority to attain flight permissions and licences. For more information about the displays, visit here or here.

High net worth investors regard taxation and Government policy as the biggest threat to their wealth – way ahead of economic and geopolitical issues, new research from Wealth Club, the UK’s leading non-advised investment service for high-net-worth individuals, shows. Nearly half (47%) of the respondents cited higher taxes as the biggest threat to their wealth while more than a quarter (26%) highlighted Government policy as the biggest threat substantially ahead of geopolitical events (9%). Macroeconomic and market risks such as higher inflation and volatility were only seen as a threat by around 3% while 6% fear slow economic growth. Estimated average wealth of those surveyed is around £4.5 million. Investors are pessimistic on the economic outlook for the UK in general and on taxation, interest rates and inflation specifically. Seven in ten (70%) said they were not very confident or not confident at all about the UK economy over the next 12 months. Nearly six in ten (58%) expect the Bank of England to raise interest rates over the next 12 months, while nearly two thirds (63%) expect inflation to increase over the same period. Almost all (97%) believe taxes will definitely or probably increase over the next 12 months. They are most concerned (22%) about a rise in inheritance tax while 21% are worried about the introduction of a wealth tax and 18% about an increase in capital gains tax. They are more optimistic about the UK stock market – more than a third (34%) believe it is undervalued and offers attractive long-term investment opportunities while 36% believe it is fairly valued. Alex Davies, Founder and CEO of Wealth Club, said: "It is deeply worrying that millionaires now see tax and Government policy as a bigger threat to their wealth than inflation, market volatility or geopolitical events. That is an extraordinary finding and suggests confidence in the UK's economic direction is already at a very low ebb." “Investors understand that markets rise and fall. They can diversify, invest for the long term and take sensible steps to make their finances more tax efficient. But there is only so much individuals can do when the perceived threat to their wealth comes from Government policy itself." “Governments inevitably face difficult choices and must balance the public finances. However, they should also recognise that every increase in the tax burden and every policy change that makes Britain a less attractive place to save, invest and build businesses risks further undermining confidence." "That should concern ministers because confidence is ultimately what drives investment, entrepreneurship and long-term economic growth.”

Health and wellbeing continues to be an important focus at Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club with the launch last week of its new Reformer Pilates Studio. The state-of-the-art four-bed studio is the latest addition to the 14th-century family-owned hotel in Stratford-Upon-Avon, supporting mindful movement, strength training, flexibility, and low-impact fitness in a calm, modern environment. Co-owner and General Manager Beverley Haynes, said the inspiration came following her own frustrating customer experience. She explained: “I couldn't find the experience I wanted, most reformer classes near me were either part of a monthly paid gym membership or on a high street. While this is great to see in terms of high street regeneration, they came with no parking, no space to grab a coffee afterwards, no garden or outdoor space to sit in, no changing rooms with showers to freshen up before heading back to work and nowhere to sit and open my laptop and get on with my day." “And there were often far too many reformer beds crammed into one class, with instructors stretched thinly across a packed room. I loved the workout but just didn't love the whole experience.” She added: “Here, after class you don't have to leave, you can sit outside in the garden with a coffee, enjoy a healthy breakfast or lunch, answer a few emails or simply spend 20 minutes doing absolutely nothing." “We also made a deliberate decision to keep classes small, which means more individual coaching, more attention to technique. You're never going to be just another person in a packed room. The Reformer Edits is designed for people who don't just want to exercise, it’s somewhere they will actually look forward to spending time here.” The studio forms the latest chapter of Beverley’s plans to widen the hotel’s wellness offering and follows the launch of the wellbeing rooms last year, spaces which can be hired for a variety of workshops and therapies including counselling, coaching and classes. The Reformer Pilates classes are run by four instructors and are geared to all levels, from Beginners, Strength and Flexibility, through to Athletic, Pre/Post-Natal, Mobility and Balance. Visitors will be in the professional hands of a team including Jessica Daromas, from Alcester, Amy Edwards from Warwick, Tyra Moore from Solihull and Chloe Mason from Stratford. Reformer Pilates works on Core Strength (Building deep stability and a stronger, more supported torso; Lean Muscle Tone (Lengthening and toning muscles without heavy weights); Flexibility (Increasing the range of motion and unlocking tight joints over time); Better Posture (Improving alignment and undoing the effects of desk work); Stress Relief (Slow, controlled movement that calms the nervous system) Functional Strength (Building real-world power without the strain of heavy lifting) and Injury Prevention (Supporting recovery and protecting the body for the long term.) Beverley said: “I’ve spent over three decades in the hospitality business and it’s getting tougher every year, business rates, cost of food and drink and every square meter of our business has to earn its place but it also has to improve the guests’ experience." “This was an opportunity to create a space that encourages people to slow down, move well, stay longer and enjoy the experience, rather than just ticking another workout off the list!” The studio is open from August 11th. Further information is available here.

Accountability, an Edinburgh-based financial services and accounting business, is celebrating a trilogy of national accolades: being named a Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026, achieving B Corp certification, and becoming one of the first organisations in the UK to be accredited as a flexible workspace. Since it was established in 2012 by Rosie Berridge, Accountability has set itself apart from competitors by putting people first and focusing on doing business in the right way. An accounting service with a difference, Accountability has supported over 130 businesses across the UK to grow through its bespoke professional expertise and financial services. With an 83% annual client retention rate, and 87% of new clients coming through existing client referrals, Accountability’s approach to business is resonating with the industry. Founder, Rosie Berridge, said: “At the end of last year, Xero published research that showed two in five small business owners don’t know if they’re making a profit. Sadly, this statistic is all too relatable for us, as many of our clients have faced this exact problem before coming to us and learning how to understand their finances in a way that makes sense to them." "Through our work we support business owners to thrive, not just survive. We act as an outsourced finance department and provide customised support to allow them to focus on growing their business while we help them to understand the numbers behind them." "From automating finance workflows, to bringing clarity to numbers and restructuring reports so they provide insights business owners actually need, we provide a flexible service that takes the stigma and guesswork out of running a business. It’s this approach to business that has seen us grow from a team of five in 2020 to a team of 17 today and has ensured clients not only stay with us, but also refer us to other business owners in need.” Alongside its professional approach to supporting clients, Accountability’s recent B Corp Certification and Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026 Small Organisation accreditation demonstrate its deeply embedded employee-focused culture. The business puts people at the heart of everything it does, operating a highly flexible working policy and sharing 15% of its net profits amongst the team. It’s this attitude to work and building a workplace that evolves with the needs of its employees that has seen it recognised by Flexibility Works Scotland as one of the first ten accredited flexible workplaces in the country. Berridge added: “When I founded Accountability I did so because I knew the traditional model of ‘once a year accounting’ doesn’t give small business owners the support they actually require - they need someone available throughout the year with real understanding and insights on their business." "Whether we’re supporting a new local startup or helping an established business untangle a financial mess left behind by previous advisors, our philosophy is simple: we put people first. We firmly believe in running our business with integrity, flexibility and a strong sense of community. Securing B Corp status and being recognised by the Sunday Times proves that when you genuinely look after and care about your team and clients, business growth naturally follows.” Committed to supporting the local community, Accountability also donates a percentage of profits each year to charity. This year, the business will donate 5% of its annual profits to Give Blood 4 Good, a Scottish charity set up to encourage as many young adults across the UK to donate blood as possible, to ensure everyone who needs a blood transfusion can receive one. Alongside this profit share, the team is also participating in a number of additional fundraising activities, from skydives to a Munro challenge, with an overall donation target of £12,000. Last year saw Accountability donate £3,265 to Cancer Card. As part of its ambition to support businesses of all sizes to understand and recharge their finances, Accountability is running a free three-part webinar series this August. Taking place on August 5, 12 and 19, the webinars will run for 45 minutes over lunchtime and deep dive into topics such as how to supercharge Xero, how to access the insights every business needs, and how to customise your financial support to enable your business to grow. For more information on Accountability, or to sign up for the upcoming webinar series, visit here.

A Nottingham project focused on theatre, film and audio has received a cash donation from a global packaging firm. Hothouse is a charitable organisation based in Bakersfield Community Centre in Nottingham. Formed in 1998, it has provided a range of creative projects for young people and adults in the area. Now, thanks to a charitable donation from home-grown family business The Wilkins Group, it has added £1,000 to its funds, helping Hothouse continue delivering creative projects for the local community. Guy Jones, of Hothouse Theatre, said: "This donation will help us continue offering creative opportunities that build confidence, skills and community connections for people in Bakersfield and beyond." Over time, Hothouse has evolved to provide and promote a range of creative projects. It set up its first Film Club on the Brickyard Estate thanks to funding from Children in Need, has since staged fringe productions through Hothouse Theatre, publishes an online magazine, and supports community projects through film-making and promotional video production. Guy said: “We work with individuals of all ages and abilities, as well as with community projects. We use the creative process involved in producing theatre, drama, film and audio pieces to help develop confidence, aspiration, and skills, and to address issues within the community.” Justin Wilkins, joint managing director of The Wilkins Group, said: “Hothouse is an inspiring organisation. When we heard about the work it does, we knew it was a charity we wanted to support with a donation." “The charity’s work is inclusive, empowering, and a little different, which is what makes it so special. We love that there is freedom to try new things, build confidence and share their ideas through a range of creative projects. It's a fantastic charity that’s making a lasting difference.” This is the second year that The Wilkins Group has pledged to support different local charities every month for a year. So far in 2026, the Colwick based business has donated a total of £7,000 to creative charities including, Robin Hood Theatre Company, Nottingham Youth Orchestra, Carlton Operatic Society and Young Creatives Nottingham, as well as giving to St John The Baptist Primary Academy. The Wilkins Group is a family run business which has grown from humble graphic design beginnings based in a rented building in Talbot Street, Nottingham, to a global firm. Remaining true to its founder’s ethos, it still has its UK headquarters in Nottingham, making it one of the East Midlands’ major employers, while also prioritising giving back to the community and workforce that has helped build the firm’s reputation and success. Dedicated to improving the environmental impact of industry, the business creates packaging designs and innovations that aim to reduce and ultimately eradicate single-use plastics within the industry. It is already leading the way in alternatives including the use of compostable materials and oven safe board trays for food packaging. The Wilkins Group produces food packaging for brands including Pukka, Pizza Express, Harrods and Cadbury. It also is credited with producing bespoke and award-winning items such as eco-friendly coat hangers and the iconic M&S light-up glitter gin bottles. For more information on The Wilkins Group, visit here. For more information on Hothouse Theatre, visit here.

M&S has officially opened its transformed Pantheon flagship store in the heart of central London. The iconic Oxford Street building with its distinctive green ‘PANTHEON’ lettering is set to be one of the capital’s most popular shopping destinations. The transformed flagship store offers the very best of M&S Food, Fashion, Home and Beauty over four floors and almost 100,000 square feet of transformed modern shopping space. The Fashion, Home and Beauty floors have been completely renewed with a new R&D concept, creating a new blueprint for future stores. M&S will use the store to test and learn with successful features rolled out across the wider estate over time. Store renewal and rotation is a key priority as M&S reinvests for growth, ensuring the right stores are in the right place, with each store offering the best possible shopping experience for customers. Pantheon is one of six stores M&S is renewing in the capital this financial year, alongside four brand new store openings. Across the UK, two new full-line stores, 18 new Food stores, four extensions and a number of renewals are planned. The store has remained open while work has been underway, with the lower ground fresh market-style foodhall opening last August and Womenswear and Beauty in January. This morning, the store’s remaining two upper floors have been unveiled, showcasing the latest Menswear, Kidswear, Lingerie and Home collections. Dedicated rooms across each floor showcase curated collections, with dedicated product moments, zoning and architectural features, all supported by ambient lighting, a colour palette of signature heritage green and warm neutrals, bespoke scents and curated playlists. Key features include a brand-new bespoke suiting offer, a first for M&S menswear, enabling customers to create a made-to-order suit in-store, dedicated Body Shop lingerie room, Babywear room, Beauty Hall offering beloved M&S ranges and third-party brands, including K-Beauty. An M&S x Kelly Hoppen homeware edit also features within a bespoke section of Home, designed by the renowned interior designer herself. Across the store, customers will find new, easy to shop product displays, bold digital screens providing outfit inspiration and a seamless Click & Collect, payments and services experience. The final Pantheon store reveal comes as M&S celebrates 100 years in the fashion industry by launching its debut London Fashion Week (LFW) collection this autumn. Stuart Machin, M&S Chief Executive, said:  “In 2019, we built the blueprint to modernise our Food business, with a new food format designed to capture the soul of a fresh market. We started at Clapham St John’s Road and have renewed 160 of our food stores since then, including here at Pantheon." "Now we’re taking that same approach into Fashion, Home and Beauty. Pantheon on Oxford Street, where we’ve had a store since 1938, is our first full-line flagship and our R&D store for Fashion, Home and Beauty. It’s where we’re testing how we make shopping our ranges easier, more curated and more inspiring, from clearer product moments to how the store looks and feels overall." "It’s a good example of our strategy to protect the magic and modernise the rest, holding on to the quality, style and value people know and trust us for, while making the experience more modern." "We’ve still got a lot to do modernising our estate, with 25 years of catching up to do. But Pantheon is a big step forward.” Over 100 guests, including M&S Ambassadors, joined Chief Executive Stuart Machin and members of M&S’ leadership team for a preview of the store on Sunday evening.

M&S has announced the roll-out of ten new lower emission DAF XD electric trucks across its supply chain logistics fleet, including one first-of-its-kind electric truck. As part of its Plan A roadmap to Net Zero by 2040, M&S has committed to move to low carbon logistics, increased use of new technologies and cleaner fuels. M&S is introducing new technologies to its fleet with a vehicle fitted with an integrated inverter that draws power from the vehicle’s main battery and converts it to supply the trailer’s refrigeration unit. Developed through the eFREIGHT 2030 project, part of the UK Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure programme, this marks the first deployment of this technology on a DAF truck in the UK and reduces the need for diesel-powered refrigeration on chilled journeys. By enabling refrigeration to run on electricity rather than diesel, this innovation is a significant step forward in the transition towards fully electrified transport operations. The new vehicles build on M&S’ electric fleet expansion and join 8 other zero-tailpipe emission battery electric HGVs and five battery electric Rigids. Five of the new vehicles are already in service and a further five will enter operations this year. Mick Pethard, Group Fleet Manager at M&S, said: “Adapting our logistics network is vital in achieving our Plan A Net Zero ambitions. We’re committed to reducing carbon emissions from our transport and, through collaboration with Gist and DAF, we are able to trial new technologies, reduce carbon, save energy and drive operational efficiencies across the business.” M&S continues to innovate and invest in projects to reduce carbon emissions across its operations as part of its Plan A roadmap to Net Zero, including work to modernise its supply chain and trial technologies that can help lower the impact of moving products to depots and stores.