Manufacturing output volumes were broadly unchanged in the quarter to April, according to the CBI's latest quarterly Industrial Trends Survey. While a broad range of sub-sectors reported lower volumes in April, this was offset by higher output in the motor vehicles & transport equipment sector. Manufacturers expect output to fall marginally in the three months to July. Domestic orders fell through the quarter, as did the volume of new export orders, albeit marginally. Looking ahead, manufacturers expect the total volume of new orders to decline in the three months to July as both domestic and export orders are anticipated to fall. Half of respondents cited political or economic conditions abroad as a factor likely to limit their export orders in the quarter to July, the highest proportion since April 2021. Manufacturers reported increased cost pressures. Growth in average costs accelerated in the quarter to April, compared with January, while expectations for costs growth in the three months ahead remain firm. Domestic prices are expected to rise at an accelerated pace in the quarter to July, whereas export prices are expected to be unchanged. Sentiment across the manufacturing sector deteriorated in April and investment intentions for the year ahead are weak. Manufacturers expect to reduce spending on buildings, plant & machinery, product & process innovation, and on training and retraining, which saw the weakest balance since 2020. Manufacturers cited uncertainty about demand, inadequate net returns and labour shortages as key factors constraining capital expenditure. The outlook for employment remains poor. Manufacturing headcount fell in the quarter to April, at the fastest pace since October 2020, and manufacturers expect numbers to fall again in the quarter to July. Ben Jones, Lead Economist, CBI, said: "The recent downturn in manufacturing output appears to have eased, but manufacturers still seem gloomy about their prospects amid rising costs, an expected decline in new orders and heighted uncertainty around global economic conditions." "The combination of financial pressures, market instability and falling confidence is leading manufacturers to cut back employment and investment, with plans for spending on buildings, equipment, innovation and training all taking a hit." "The wider geopolitical environment is becoming increasingly challenging for exporters, with export optimism falling sharply for a second successive quarter and export order volumes now hovering around post-pandemic lows." "The government is right to make the case for global free trade, with the Chancellor in Washington this week at the IMF spring meeting reaffirming that commitment. The uncertainty around global economic conditions only increases the importance of getting it right in domestic economic policy." "Firms are already feeling the cumulative burden of rises in NICs and the National Living Wage - and tariffs represent another headwind for the business sector. The government needs to view every decision through the lens of kickstarting growth and incentivising investment." The survey, based on the responses of 389 manufacturing firms, found: Output volumes were broadly unchanged in the quarter to April , after falling in the quarter to March (weighted balance of -2%, from -18% in the three months to March). Firms expect volumes to fall slightly in the three months to July (-5%). A broad range of sub-sectors reported lower output volumes (14 out of 17 sub-sectors), but this was largely offset by higher output in the motor vehicle & transport equipment sector. Domestic new orders fell through the quarter  (-13%, from -20% in January) as did the volume of new export orders, albeit marginally (-4%, from -23%). Manufacturers expect both new domestic (-11%, from -33%) and export orders to decline in the three months to July (-18%, unchanged from January). The volume of total order books was reported as below "normal"  but improved slightly relative to March (-26% from -29%). At the same time, the volume of export order books deteriorated sharply in April (-41%, from -29% in March, the weakest since December 2020 with the exception of November 2024, when the balance stood at -44%). Business sentiment  continued to deteriorate in April (-33%, from -47% in January). Export optimism for the year ahead also weakened further (-35%, from -41%). Numbers employed fell in the quarter to April , at the fastest pace since October 2020 (-16% from -8% in January). Manufacturers expect numbers employed to fall again in the quarter to July (-11%). Investment intentions for the year ahead remain subdued . Manufacturers expect to reduce investment in buildings (-38%, from -42% in January), in plant & machinery (-33%, from -41%), in product & process innovation (-22%, from -26%), and in training & retraining (-20%, from -14%, and the weakest since April 2020). The main constraint on capital expenditure  was uncertainty about demand (cited by 58% of manufacturers), followed by inadequate net return (38%), and labour shortages (19%). Average costs rose in the quarter to April , at an accelerated pace (+48%, from +43% in January; long-run average of +19%). Costs growth is expected to accelerate in the quarter to July (+57%). Average domestic prices rose in the three months to April  (+13%, from +2% in January), and export price inflation was broadly flat (+3%, from -5% in January). Domestic prices are expected to rise at an accelerated pace in the quarter to July (+23%), whereas export prices are anticipated to be unchanged (0%). Stocks  of work in progress (-5%), and of finished goods (-4%) fell in the quarter to April. Whereas stocks of raw materials rose (+4%). Manufacturers expect stocks of raw materials  (-11%), of work in progress (-10%), and of finished goods (-6%) to all fall in the three months to July, although all at a slower pace than expected in January where all three categories were expected to fall at their fastest paces in four years.

As spring unfolds across the UK, for many students it brings more than just longer days and blooming gardens. Exam season looms—a period often marked by late nights, high anxiety, and relentless pressure. Whether it’s GCSEs, A-levels or university finals, exams have a way of tightening their grip on young minds, sometimes leaving students overwhelmed and burnt out. But while stress is a natural response to academic pressure, it doesn’t have to take control. With the right strategies and support, it’s possible not only to survive exam season, but to come through it stronger, more focused, and more resilient. Understanding the Stress First, it’s important to recognise that a certain level of stress is perfectly normal. In fact, it can be useful—helping to sharpen concentration, boost motivation and keep you alert. The trouble starts when that stress becomes excessive, leading to feelings of panic, hopelessness or fatigue. Signs can be physical (such as headaches or disrupted sleep), emotional (irritability, anxiety or mood swings), or behavioural (avoiding revision, withdrawing from friends or overworking without breaks). Being aware of these warning signs can help you intervene early, before things spiral. Planning, Not Panicking One of the most effective ways to manage exam stress is through careful planning. Creating a revision timetable can transform a chaotic workload into something manageable. Break your subjects into chunks and tackle them one at a time, allowing time for breaks, meals and sleep. Be realistic—cramming ten hours of study into a single day may sound productive, but it rarely is. The brain retains information better when it’s absorbed gradually, with plenty of rest and repetition. Finding Your Rhythm Everyone works differently. Some students thrive in the early morning; others hit their stride after lunch. Identify your most productive times and structure your revision around them. Equally, don’t ignore your body’s needs. Exercise, even a brisk walk, can dramatically reduce stress levels and improve mental clarity. Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet—not just caffeine and crisps—will keep your energy levels more stable and your mood more positive. The Importance of Rest Sleep is often the first casualty of exam stress. But sacrificing sleep in the name of revision is a false economy. A tired brain is less efficient, more prone to mistakes, and less capable of retaining information. Aim for at least seven to eight hours a night, and try to avoid screens before bed. If you’re struggling to wind down, consider calming rituals like reading, breathing exercises or a warm bath. Talking It Through It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one struggling, but you’re not. Talking to friends, family or teachers can offer both emotional relief and practical advice. Many schools and universities also offer counselling services or exam stress workshops—resources well worth exploring. Sometimes, simply knowing that others understand what you’re going through can make all the difference. Perspective and Positivity It’s also vital to keep perspective. Exams are important, but they are not the sole measure of your worth or intelligence. Mistakes and setbacks are part of learning—and life. Remind yourself of your achievements, not just your anxieties. Celebrate small victories along the way, whether it’s completing a difficult topic or sticking to your study plan for a week. Digital Detox In today’s hyper-connected world, the pressure to perform can be amplified by constant social media comparison. Seeing peers post about their revision routines, grades or panic attacks can create a false sense of competition. Taking regular breaks from screens—especially social media—can protect your mental health and help you stay focused on your own path. A Final Word Exam stress is real, and for many, it’s daunting. But it doesn’t have to be a solitary or overwhelming experience. With the right approach—planning, self-care, communication and perspective—it’s possible to navigate the pressure with confidence and calm. And remember: no matter the outcome, there is life beyond exam results. What matters most is your wellbeing, your effort, and your belief that you’re more than just a grade.

Nestlé's Tutbury factory, home to the iconic Nescafé coffee, opened its doors to the community on Tuesday 29 April, hosting a special afternoon tea to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. The event brought together 102 pensioners from the local area for a memorable afternoon filled with camaraderie and nostalgia. The celebration featured a delightful VE Day Afternoon Tea, complete with entertainment and a display of historical memorabilia, including a 1943 Willy’s Jeep, a Citroen u23 army lorry, a 1934 Riley Monaco car and two WWII motorcycles. The afternoon’s schedule included an introduction from Factory Manager, David Guest, a two-minute silence followed by The Last Post, a very moving moment, played by a single musician while veterans stood to remember the events of 80 years ago, and concluded with a sumptuous afternoon tea. Guests were treated to entertainment by musicians from the factory and had the opportunity to explore memorabilia, along with a display of vintage military vehicles. The event created a meaningful occasion for attendees to chat, share stories, and foster new connections with fellow community members. Two local community members and the factory manager smiling and talking at afternoon tea. Jane Downes, Staff Shop Assistant at Nestlé Tutbury, and one of the team on site who carefully organised the event, said: “It was a privilege to host this special celebration for our local pensioners. The spirit of VE Day is a reminder of the importance of community and connection, and we are proud to honour this significant milestone together.” Anita and Chris, local residents who attended the event, said: “We’ve had an amazing afternoon. The food was beautiful, the cakes delicious and the atmosphere wonderful. We enjoyed the music and even had a little sing-along. We took a walk outside to have a look at the vehicles – a true walk down memory lane." “We would like to say a huge thank you to Nestlé for putting on the event and for making us feel such a part of the community” The VE celebrations at Nestlé Tutbury also welcomed notable retired employees, including Anthony Ball, who was featured in the Nescafé Behind the Beans campaign. Nescafé was first produced at Nestlé’s Tutbury factory in 1959, but the site has been an integral part of the Staffordshire and Derbyshire community for over 120 years, having originally opened as a milk factory by Nestlé in 1901. It was one of the first factories built by Nestlé in the UK. Today, the Tutbury factory can produce an impressive 170,000 jars of instant coffee every 24 hours. It stands as a Centre of Excellence for Nestlé coffee brands, including Nescafé Original, Nescafé Gold, Nescafé Azera and Nescafé Dolce Gusto, housing all forms of coffee production including freeze dried, spray dried, and pod technology on one site.

Sainsbury’s has successfully launched the first of 14 retail sites that it recently acquired for conversion into Sainsbury’s supermarkets with the opening of its new supermarket in Felixstowe. A key ambition of Sainsbury’s Next Level strategy is to offer more food choice to more customers in more locations, building on the strength of its winning combination of quality, value and service. The new stores it has acquired are in strategic target locations like Felixstowe, which will grow Sainsbury’s supermarket coverage across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Over the next two years Sainsbury’s ambitious pipeline of new supermarkets will add over 400,000 sq ft of new space to its estate – representing its most significant investment in new supermarket space for many years. Combined with Sainsbury’s plans to open another 25 new convenience stores in each of the next two years as well, the retailer’s exciting growth plans will bring more than 700,000 more people within a ten-minute drive of a Sainsbury’s store. The new stores will also deliver substantial benefits to local communities by connecting new locations to Sainsbury’s renowned network of charity, community and volunteering initiatives, both regionally and nationally. Last year Sainsbury’s raised around £34 million for good causes and redistributed more than 18 million meals to people in communities that needed them most through its food donation partnerships with Neighbourly and Olio. Last autumn it was announced that the 14 sites, which are predominantly former Homebase stores, also included two stores Sainsbury’s had acquired from East of England Co-op. Since then Sainsbury’s has been working at pace to convert them into brand-new Sainsbury’s Superstores, with the first one opening in Felixstowe today and the second expected to launch in Brightlingsea later this year. The new Felixstowe supermarket is Sainsbury’s first-ever store in the East Suffolk town and represents a multimillion-pound investment by the retailer. Its arrival means almost 23,000 more people in the area now live within a 10-minute drive of a Sainsbury’s supermarket. Located at 189 Hamilton Road in a converted part of the Great Eastern Square shopping precinct, the 19,000 sq. ft store features a much larger shop floor than before, which will showcase Sainsbury’s very latest supermarket offer. As well as transferring team members from the previous store to the new one, Sainsbury’s has recruited 42 new colleagues, more than doubling the size of the store team and creating jobs for local people. The new store team are already off to a strong start in the local community after they teamed up with Litter-free Felixstowe and members of the public to take part in a litter-pick to clear up rubbish around the town on Saturday 19th April. Sainsbury’s gifted a limited-edition shopping bag featuring a design by Amelia Peacher, a pupil at nearby Felix Primary School, to the first 500 customers to visit the store on Thursday. Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Chief Property and Procurement Officer & Managing Director of Smart Charge, said: “We were delighted to open our fantastic supermarket in Felixstowe today, putting Sainsbury’s on the doorstep of customers in the town for the first time." “It was also an exciting moment for our business as today’s launch marks the first of many brilliant new supermarkets we plan to open over the next two years, following our strategic decision to acquire 14 new sites for conversion into Sainsbury’s last year. Our bold plan is driven by our belief in the strength of Sainsbury’s offer and our commitment to bringing more of our delicious, high-quality and great value food within easy reach of more customers." “We’ve worked diligently to transform the Felixstowe site into a new Sainsbury’s store in just a few months and we will continue to convert many more of the sites we’ve acquired for launch over the next two years, as well as opening more new stores from our existing pipeline of purpose-built supermarkets.” Nick Cordingley, Sainsbury’s Felixstowe Superstore Manager, said: “I’m thrilled that I’ve been given the chance to lead the fantastic team at our first ever Sainsbury’s Felixstowe store and we’re really pleased with the response we’ve had from customers and the community already. We’re looking forward to welcoming many more customers through the doors over the next few weeks, and to playing an integral part in the local community for years to come.” Sainsbury’s Felixstowe is the 3rd new supermarket the retailer has opened in 2025, following the launch of its Bishopton and Alsager stores in February.

After a strong first quarter, business confidence fell by 10 points in April to 39%, according to the latest Lloyds Business Barometer, though it remains higher than levels seen in first quarter and above the long-term average of 29%. The decline was driven mainly by a drop in economic optimism, falling 13 points to 28%. Fifty-five per cent of businesses felt more optimistic about the economy, down from 60% last month, while 27% were less optimistic, leaving the net balance for economic optimism down thirteen points to 28%, the lowest level seen since the start of the year. Business confidence falls by 10 points to a three-month low Levels of confidence remain above the long-term average following rises in first quarter Economic optimism declined but remains higher than in January Trading prospects and staffing expectations saw a moderate fall The North East of England saw business confidence rise 16 points Trading Prospects Businesses’ own trading prospects declined by seven points to 50%, remaining close to last year’s high of 56%, which was the highest level since 2017. The Lloyds Business Barometer surveys 1,200 businesses monthly, providing early signals about UK economic trends both regionally and nationwide. Data this month was collected between 1 – 14 April. The results show that businesses confidence levels in April remain above the long-term average of 29%. Employment Insights Businesses reported a slight decline in hiring intentions, falling three points to 37%. Despite this dip, it remains one of the strongest levels since the pandemic. Pay expectations eased this month, but those businesses predicting larger wage increases remain around the same level as seen this time last year. Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Commercial Banking, said: "With the announcement of global tariffs from the United States on 2nd April and the market volatility that followed, it is unsurprising that business confidence saw an impact this month." "However, economic optimism remains higher than at the beginning of the year, showing businesses’ resilience in the face of recent challenges and overall confidence is still well above the long-term average of 29%, an average taken from over 20 years of analysis." Sector Insights Confidence fell across the four broad sectors. Manufacturing confidence remained broadly unchanged from last month, falling by one point to 38%, while the construction sector saw the largest decrease in business confidence this month, declining 22 points to 26%. Retail confidence also fell by 13 points down to 45% and the service industry fell seven points to 40%, both now at three-month lows. Regional Insights Two of the UK’s 12 regions and nations reported stronger business confidence, with the North East seeing the highest confidence levels, with the next biggest increase by the East of England. The North East saw a significant increase of 16 points to 59%, sitting above the region’s three-month average, while the East of England increased 13 points to 42%. Paul Kempster, Managing Director for Commercial Banking Coverage, Lloyds Business & Commercial said: “The business barometer this month reflects the current volatility and challenges that exist in today’s economic climate. As we’ve seen over the past decade however, UK businesses are resilient, managing through a number of challenging economic headwinds, so it is heartening to see that businesses in the North East and the East of England are more confident in April than they were in March." "We are committed at Lloyds to support businesses with a range of financial services designed to help firms navigate the ever-changing economic landscape. Helping them to seize opportunities as they arise and achieve their growth ambitions.” Pricing Insights Businesses price expectations increased this month, rising seven points to 68% in April. Seventy percent of firms expect to raise their prices in the next 12 months, while an unchanged 2% plan to reduce them.

It’s that time of year when honey bee swarms start taking flight across the UK. Swarming is usually limited to a couple of months but many may not survive without your help. The UK charity, the British Beekeepers Association (BBKA), has launched its annual Swarm Savers initiative with thousands of trained beekeepers across the country on standby to safely rescue and rehome honey bee swarms completely free of charge. While swarming is a natural and vital part of a honey bee colony’s life cycle, up to 80 per cent of swarms perish if they don’t find a suitable home - a statistic that underscores the urgency of public awareness and support. With the growing threat of the yellow-legged asian hornet - a predator that can decimate honey bee colonies - supporting the survival and safe rehoming of these swarms has never been more important. Commenting on the situation, Diane Drinkwater, chair of the BBKA said: “There’s something truly magical about witnessing a honey bee swarm. It’s how a colony reproduces; a natural marvel where thousands of bees work together to protect their queen and find a new home. But without help, many never make it.” What should you do if you see a swarm? Stay calm. Despite the noise and size, swarming honey bees are usually docile. Their main focus is protecting their queen and not hurting humans. Keep a safe distance and do not attempt to move or destroy the swarm. Correctly identify whether it is a honey bee swarm - if you’re unsure, take a clear photo and contact a BBKA swarm collector. You can find identification resources here. Use the BBKA's interactive Swarm Map to locate a local volunteer swarm collector Diane Drinkwater added: “We know many people are fascinated or concerned by swarms but by knowing what to do, we can all help honey bees and make sure they’re around for generations to come.” Honey bees are the only insect to swarm in the UK and the BBKA beekeepers are unable to help with the removal of the nests of any of the other more than 250 species of bees found in the UK.

In the heart of an English spring, few sights rival the enchantment of a wisteria in full bloom. Draped over centuries-old cottages or winding its way along garden walls, this romantic climber transforms even the simplest façade into a floral spectacle. With its cascades of lilac, violet and occasionally white or pink flowers, wisteria evokes a sense of timeless elegance—a living curtain that sways gently in the breeze and perfumes the air with its delicate scent. Wisteria may appear effortlessly graceful, but its beauty is the result of both patience and care. Often taking several years to flower after planting, it demands commitment. Once established, however, it rewards gardeners with a breath taking display that grows more impressive each year. Pruning is essential—not just to coax out those abundant blooms, but to keep its powerful growth under control. Left to its own devices, wisteria’s twisting stems can become unruly, even damaging structures with their weight and determination. Despite its assertive nature, wisteria has an undeniable charm. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, weaving itself into the landscape like a thread of poetry. In Britain, it has long been a staple of classic garden design, its blooms a signal that warmer days have arrived. Whether trained over a pergola or climbing the walls of a Georgian townhouse, wisteria brings a touch of grandeur wherever it grows. There’s something deeply nostalgic about it—perhaps it’s the way it recalls a gentler, slower time, when gardens were nurtured not just for practicality, but for beauty and wonder. Today, as more of us turn to our outdoor spaces for solace and joy, the allure of wisteria feels as strong as ever. It's a plant that asks for time, care and attention, but gives back tenfold in breathtaking colour and old-world romance.

The family of a British WW1 soldier who survived being shot in the forehead then went on to be awarded the Victoria Cross has decided to sell his medals. James Ockenden also kept an archive of ephemera relating to his wartime heroics which is also part of the auction lot. The soldier from Portsmouth, Hants, received his VC – the highest award for gallantry – just weeks after being awarded the Military Medal in October 1917. The Victoria Cross, Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal 1914-1920, Victory Medal, WWII Defence Medal, George VI Coronation Medal, Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal and Belgium Croix de Guerre Medal. He single-handedly took out a German machine-gun nest - killing the crew - then forced the surrender of an entire garrison at a farm, having killed a further four enemy combatants. On December 5th he was presented with his Victoria Cross by King George V and was later given the Belgian Croix de Guerre medal. The lot will go under the hammer at Nesbits saleroom in Portsmouth – yards from where Ockenden lived. It will be offered on May 21st with an estimate of £220-260,000. The sale comes shortly after the Imperial War Museum in London announced it was to close Lord Ashcroft’s display of VCs – the biggest in the world. Also included in the auction is a reunion menu signed by 30 other VC recipients, a letter from Portsmouth City Engineers Departments regarding the naming of a new street called ‘Ockenden Close’ – which still exists – and dog tags, photographs, invitations and other items. Auctioneer John Cameron said: “We received instructions in 2021 to value the medals and associated collection for probate purposes and, as a keen military historian, it was a career high point."  “I was astounded at all of the paperwork and associated items and felt very privileged just to hold the medals in my hands."  “The following year I visited the Ypres battlefields with some friends including Alan Lashley, WW1 historian and author of a book on ‘The Portsmouth Pals’." “Al knows the battlefields like the back of his hands and took us to the farm where James Ockenden earned his VC." “Sergeant Ockenden was one of those heroes who let his actions do the talking." “He was one of nine children and was born in 1890 to Alfred and Mary Ockenden. In 1909, having worked as a draper’s assistant, he went to his local recruiting office and was sent to join the Royal Dublin Fusiliers." Ockenden, second from right, seated, with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers “He served in India and then after the First World War began he found himself as part of the disastrous Dardanelles campaign at Gallipoli in Turkey." “In April 1915 he landed on ‘V’ beach at Cape Helles which turned into a bloodbath during which he was shot in the head." “After recuperating he served in Egypt and while on leave married his sweetheart Caroline – or Carrie as he called her. They had met at a bus stop and went on to have three daughters and a son." “Shortly after his wedding he was on the Western Front and on September 28 1917 carried out an astonishing action during the opening salvos of the Third Battle of Ypres for which he was awarded the Military Medal." “He led his men into a trench to relieve another company who had become trapped and disconnected from their officers. Despite being spotted and the enemy putting up a huge barrage, Ockenden succeeded in the daring rescue." “And it was just six weeks later – aged 26 - when he carried out his extraordinary action that led to his VC." “He was acting company sergeant-major on October 4 when he rushed a machine-gun nest, killed its crew and captured it. Not content with that he then rushed to a farm where a German garrison was embedded." “Under heavy fire he was able to kill four of them, upon which the sixteen remaining soldiers surrendered." “After the war he was honourably discharged on medical grounds and went on to work as a crane operator at Portsmouth dockyard and then as a school caretaker." “Ockenden attended reunions and was always pleased to meet old comrades." “When World War Two began he volunteered again and served in the Home Guard, qualifying for the WWII Defence Medal. In 1960 ‘Ockenden Close’ in Portsmouth was named after him." “It is incredible that his medals and other ephemera have stayed together over so many years." “The family have decided that now is the right time to sell. It has been an agonising decision for them and they are doing so to help out their daughter and granddaughter – Ockenden’s great-granddaughter and great-great granddaughter." “They know some might have negative views but believe James Ockenden would approve, as a man who always put others before himself.” Company Sergeant Major James Ockenden VC MM died in 1966 aged 75. Wearing his VC and MM His medals are: The Victoria Cross, Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal 1914-1920, Victory Medal, WWII Defence Medal, George VI Coronation Medal, Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal and Belgium Croix de Guerre Medal. They are all mounted for wearing. Other items include a silver badge which is ‘Sir Alfred Butt’s Invitation to VCs’ and Ockenden’s name is on the back. There are two VC and GC Association membership cards and rule book, cuttings, and a Princess Mary 1914 Christmas tin. There are signed photos, discharge certificate, a military field map dated 26th August 1917 showing trench positions and a telegram of congratulations on his VC, amongst much else.   The citation: For most conspicuous bravery in attack. When acting as Company Serjeant-Major and seeing the platoon on the right held up by an enemy machine gun he immediately rushed the machine gun, regardless of his personal safety, and captured it. He killed the crew with the exception of one man, who made his escape. Sjt. Ockenden however, followed him, and when well in front of the whole line killed him and returned to his company. He then led a section to the attack on a farm. Under very heavy fire he rushed forward and called upon the garrison to surrender. As the enemy continued to fire on him, he opened fire killing four, whereupon the remaining sixteen surrendered.

For the first time in history a dog has got involved with designing a Garden at the world famous RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Monty Don’s beloved golden retriever, Ned, has played a key role in the creation of his owner’s RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden. Monty, designer of the RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden, called on the helping paw of Ned to create some of the pathways that will feature within planting in his Garden at RHS Chelsea. The move ensures that dogs are integral to the design and highlights the symbiotic relationship between dogs and gardens. Jamie Butterworth, who is creating the Garden with Monty, laid out the RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden at his nursery, Form Plants near Woking, and Ned randomly ran through pots and plants to create the paths that will feature in the Garden. Jamie Butterworth said: “To keep the garden as authentic as possible, Monty enlisted the help of Ned to design the paths that intersect through the planting. Ned followed his nose and forged the routes that we will now copy at the Show." “We had imagined that Ned would create sweeps and curves through the planting, or at least that is what we had designed. However, every time he ran off, he returned to Monty via the same route, and as such we have changed the designs accordingly." “So Ned actually designed not just part of the garden, but possibly the most detailed and complex aspect.” The RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden is the first garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show to be designed by Gardeners’ World’s Monty Don, whose deep affection for dogs is widely known. Monty is creating the Garden with the team at Form Plants, led by Plant Expert and Horticulturist Jamie Butterworth. Clare Matterson, RHS Director General, said: “We feel very lucky to have one of the nation’s best loved gardeners and one of the nation’s best loved dogs designing our RHS and Radio 2 Dog Garden at RHS Chelsea this year! As a nation of gardeners and nation of dog lovers we hope this garden makes people smile both when they hear about it and when they see it." “With everything going on in the world today we wanted our garden at RHS Chelsea this year to be really uplifting and bring some much needed joy to everyone.” With the nation’s dog owners wanting beautiful spaces for them and their furry friends; the RHS and BBC Radio 2 Dog Garden will inspire the millions of dog lovers at home to create green havens for them and their pets. Monty wants the garden to be both an exemplar of all the things that dogs love regardless of horticultural fashion and a beautiful space that any dog owner would love.

An ambitious Land Use Framework (LUF) needs to give food production the same priority as delivering legislated environmental targets, otherwise the ability to continue producing food for the nation could be put at risk, the NFU said. In its submission to Defra’s consultation on the LUF, the NFU recognises the growing number of competing demands for land use, including housebuilding, energy, leisure and recreation and critical national infrastructure. However, it highlights that food production cannot be overlooked, especially when the country faces significant global challenges. The NFU says it wants to lay the firm foundations for a sustainable and profitable future, supported by a multi-functional land use strategy. First and foremost is a target for British food production, just as the government has rightly legislated for targets on the environment. NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “With the UK population set to increase by 10% by 2050, the huge number of competing demands for land use, including housebuilding, energy, leisure and recreation, and critical national infrastructure, will only continue to grow." “The geopolitical tensions and the vulnerability of global food supply chains, alongside an unpredictable climate and extreme weather, are making food production at home and abroad so much harder. We should not be adding to this by taking land out of production and assuming we can maintain the same levels of production." “As the government has repeatedly stated, food security is critical to the nation’s resilience, so it’s vital we invest in homegrown food production and ensure we make the best use of every hectare of our agricultural land." “That’s why we’re asking for targets for British food production and for our countryside to remain a multifunctional, dynamic space; one that creates a thriving, profitable farming industry and enables Britain’s farmers and growers to produce sustainable, affordable food alongside carrying out important work for the environment and nature recovery, creating more jobs and supporting greener energy security. We cannot allow food to become the poor relation.” Mr Bradshaw also highlighted the huge pressures UK farming has faced over the past 18 months, with farm businesses also held back by domestic policies. He added: “We have taken a battering; volatile input costs, higher employer national insurance rates, reductions in direct payments and the family farm tax have all left their mark. The closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) has also threatened the livelihoods of numerous farmers, especially upland farmers and tenants, and undermined the ability of farm businesses to produce food and deliver environmental services." “But we now have the opportunity, through the LUF, to make the best use of our most productive agricultural land. As we highlight in the NFU Blueprints, by investing in British farming - the backbone of the food and drink sector - which contributes £148 billion to the national economy, we can lay the foundations for the future of our industry, so farmers can continue producing food alongside caring for the precious environment and deliver the growth our economy badly needs." “Alongside this, we need a trade policy with a robust system of core standards for food imports that protect farmers and consumers from imported food that would be illegal to produce here.”

The number of growing UK sectors held steady in March, according to the latest Lloyds UK Sector Tracker. Compiled using exclusive PMI survey data from around 1,300 private sector companies (between 12th – 27th March), the report shows that four sectors saw output growth, the same number as in February. Four out of 14 UK sectors said output grew in March, holding steady month-on-month. The number of sectors reporting a rise in demand (as measured as new orders) also remained unchanged at two. Real estate services expanded for the first time this year, with firms citing an increased volume of property purchases ahead of the new Stamp Duty Land Tax thresholds. Sectors seeing increased cost pressures (10) cited higher staff and materials costs. Real estate services expanded for the first time this year, with firms citing a flurry of property purchases ahead of changes to Stamp Duty coming into force [on 1 April]. The other sectors reporting growth in March include food and drink manufacturing, software services and financial services. While overall services reported an uptick in growth in March – due to rising demand in the financial services and software sectors – UK goods production fell. Six out of its seven manufacturing sectors monitored by the Tracker saw a drop in output. Cost pressures The number of sectors reporting increased cost pressures (such as materials and wages) rose marginally month-on-month (10 in March versus nine in February), and although the UK Composite PMI survey’s overall measure of cost inflation fell (63.6), it remained slightly above its 2024 average (60.7). As businesses continue to find ways to drive efficiency gains, seven of the fourteen monitored sectors increased their prices charged at a faster rate in March. Tourism and recreation, technology equipment, chemicals, and food and drink manufacturing reported the highest increases, largely due to materials and wages costs. The performance of the growing sectors monitored by the Tracker helped to drive the Composite PMI reading for the UK economy up slightly in March to 51.5 (versus 50.5 in February). A reading on the Tracker above 50.0 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50.0 indicates contraction. Nikesh Sawjani, Senior UK Economist at Lloyds said: “Amid ongoing geopolitical and macro-economic challenges, the number of sectors reporting month-on-month growth held steady at four. The fact that this has risen from one since the start of the year illustrates the hard work that businesses in all 14 sectors – including those who did not report growth this month – are doing to drive efficiencies, protect their bottom line, and safeguard customer loyalty.”

A Surrey-based process filter manufacturer is set to exhibit filters, housings and filtration solutions at a major international trade fair in Poland. Amazon Filters is bringing four in-house experts to the FiltraTEC expo in Warsaw to discuss how best to optimise the value of industrial filtration technologies and filter applications. Among FiltraTEC attendees will be senior decision makers from a host of sectors in Poland and across Eastern and Central Europe that rely on safe, robust filtration processes. They include water supply and treatment, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, OEM, renewable energy, oil and gas and nuclear. Organisers of the event, to be held at the Ptak trade fair centre in Warsaw from 13 to 15 May 2025, anticipate around 7,000 visitors from 15 countries. Jan Gradoń, General Manager for Amazon Filters in Poland, said: “We expect to engage with the owners and directors of manufacturing companies as well as production managers, process engineers, service technicians, biotechnologists, food production directors and many other industry specialists." “These delegates will all have a need for mission-critical filtration equipment that ensures their processes are safe, reliable, cost-effective and compliant with the requirements of their industry regulators.” Jan will be accompanied on the Amazon Filters stand, B5.25, by two colleagues from the firm’s Polish office, Pawel Wlodarczyk, Sales Engineer, and Pawel Kmuk, Technology Manager – Production. Joining them from Amazon Filters’ main production centre in Camberley, Surrey, will be Alex Lowther, Lead Proposals Engineer. The team will display and discuss products such as the recently launched SupaPore TMB membrane filter, specifically designed for hot operating conditions in pharmaceutical and biotech production processes such as sterile air venting and large-scale fermentation. Another innovation they will highlight is the use of sustainable polypropylene in flagship filter ranges SupaSpun II, SupaGard, Contour and VisClear II. These are all widely used in critical filtration processes in the various industries represented by FiltraTEC delegates. Jan added: “We want OEM manufacturers and other expo visitors to understand the huge range of industrial process applications we can support because of our investment in production capacity and skills to enable the best, most flexible technical filtration solutions." “We anticipate lots of conversations about filter media, fibres, components, assembly techniques and equipment.” For more information on FiltraTEC, visit Largest Industrial Filtration Fair in Poland 2025 - FiltraTEC Expo.