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The UK Agri-Tech Centre is excited to announce its dedicated Growth Week from 2-6 February, as part of its ‘Grow Your Own Way; We Mean Business When it Comes to Agri-Tech’ campaign.   The campaign aims to champion pioneering and innovative agri-tech businesses that are redefining the agricultural industry with new solutions, ideas and products to drive economic growth for the agri-tech sector.   As part of the campaign, the UK Agri-Tech Centre recently announced its new FASTA initiative, giving businesses access to a network of technical specialists, industry leaders and sustainable advisors to gain insights and guidance to refine MRV solutions, accelerate commercialisation and grow their business—all through one programme.   In addition, the Centre is introducing its Agri-Tech Solution Sprints, which deliver specialist, expert support to tackle business growth challenges and move innovation closer to market more quickly.   Registrations for the Agri-Tech Solution Sprints open on 9 February for forward-thinking micro, small and medium-sized businesses.   The Growth Week programme combines in-person events, virtual networking and expert-led discussions designed to tackle the challenges and unlock the potential of agri-tech innovation.   It will demonstrate the role of agri-tech in the supply chain as well as exploring international markets, providing insights and practical steps to help businesses succeed.   One element of Growth Week is the opportunity to explore export strategies, focusing on opportunities in the Middle East and New Zealand and sharing practical advice on scaling technology globally.   James Kayam, International Business Development Manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “International demand for high impact agri-tech has never been stronger."  “The Centre provides UK ventures a unique platform to showcase solutions that can also scale globally, opening the door to new export pathways in markets that are actively seeking sustainable, data driven technologies."  “We’re particularly excited to welcome a Canadian delegation to the UK during Growth Week through the Twin Pastures programme; their visit highlights the strength of UK–Canada collaboration and the real opportunity for businesses on both sides to accelerate knowledge exchange, collaboration and commercial growth internationally.”   As part of Growth Week, the UK Agri-Tech Centre will be hosting a networking breakfast at the Dairy Tech event on Wednesday 4 February from 9am, which will include a session on ‘Global Dairy Innovation: Emerging Technologies and Trends from Canada’, from 1.15pm, as well as a session on how to ensure agri-tech is fit for farms at 1.30pm.   Join us online or in person across the week.   Helen Brookes, Engagement Director at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “We really do mean business when it comes to agri-tech. Our ambition is to help the sector to grow through supporting agri-tech businesses; ensuring technology solutions are tested and trialled on-farm to be robust and relevant to meet industry challenges."  “This campaign celebrates the ingenuity and ambition of those in agri-tech who are committed to creating a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.”   For those who wish to learn more about the new campaign and how the UK Agri-Tech Centre has supported businesses to grow, visit here.

On a quiet industrial estate in east Leeds, among warehouses and ring roads, a familiar glow still flickers. It comes not from a screen but from polished chrome, curved glass and softly lit panels, the kind that once beckoned from American diners and British dancehalls. This is the home of Sound Leisure, one of the last companies in the world still manufacturing jukeboxes by hand. That such a business exists at all feels faintly improbable. That it thrives, exporting most of its products overseas and remaining family owned after nearly half a century, feels like a small act of cultural defiance. Sound Leisure was founded in 1978 by Alan Black, an electrical engineer with a fascination for the machines that once defined popular music culture. At the time, jukeboxes were already sliding into obsolescence, casualties of cassette tapes, home stereos and later digital media. But Black believed there was something enduring about the physical ritual of choosing a record, pressing a button and watching a machine come to life. Nearly five decades later, the company remains in family hands. Alan’s son, Chris Black, now runs the business alongside his wife, brother, eldest son and a workforce of skilled craftspeople drawn largely from the local area. From their Leeds factory, they craft wooden cabinets, wire electronics and polish metalwork that will end up in exclusive homes, bars, hotels and commercial locations across more than 45 countries. The machines themselves are unapologetically nostalgic. Many are modelled on classic American designs from the 1940s and 50s, complete with sweeping curves and glowing neon. But beneath the retro exteriors sit modern electronics, custom software and, in the majority of cases, the gentle crackle of vinyl. Sound Leisure was the first jukebox manufacturer worldwide to reintroduce a brand new vinyl playing jukebox, now its biggest-selling machine, a fact that neatly captures its willingness to lean into the past without becoming trapped by it. There is something quietly reassuring about the way the business operates. Apprentices learn traditional woodworking skills alongside newer technologies. Components are made and assembled on site where possible. Decisions are not rushed, and growth is measured rather than feverish. In an era of start-ups and scale-ups, Sound Leisure moves at a more human pace, concentrating on quality and honing its heritage. That rhythm has helped the company weather economic shocks, including the pandemic, which hit hospitality customers hard. While some orders dried up, demand from private collectors and overseas buyers continued. The resurgence of vinyl culture, driven in part by younger generations and custom builds for celebrities and world-renowned brands searching for tactile experiences, has also given the jukebox fresh relevance. Yet this is not simply a story about retro fashion. Sound Leisure’s machines are expensive, long lasting objects, designed to be repaired rather than replaced. In that sense, they stand in contrast to much of modern consumer electronics. They invite use, attention and care, qualities that feel increasingly rare. The family nature of the business shapes its tone. There is little appetite for relocation or outsourcing, despite the pressures facing British manufacturing. Leeds matters, not just as a base but as a source of identity and labour. Many employees have been with the company for decades, while others are second-generation workers themselves. Asked why jukeboxes still matter, Chris Black often returns to the idea of shared experience. Streaming services offer infinite choice, but they are private and invisible. A jukebox, by contrast, is communal. It announces itself. It turns music into an event. As Chris explains, “It is a real privilege to do what we do, manufacturing products that stand the test of time, creating memories for generations of families around the world that last a lifetime. I am really proud of what we do, our team and the quality of the products that we ship all over the world from our home here in Leeds.” “Being a family business is not always easy, and the uncertainty of the past few years has been tricky, but we continue to look to the future and have lots of exciting plans for 2026 and beyond." "As a family business, it is personal and I take immense pride in all that we do. Building on the legacy of the business my father founded, and continues to be a part of, makes it all the more special. "Family business matters to the UK economy in so many ways, as does manufacturing, and we will continue to be a Yorkshire manufacturing family firm, hopefully for generations to come.” In a world dominated by algorithms and earbuds, Sound Leisure’s glowing machines feel almost radical. They remind us that technology can be beautiful, that objects can have presence, and that family businesses, given time, patience and purpose, can still carve out space for themselves even when the rest of the world has moved on. To that extent, Sound Leisure is an iconic and powerful blend of past heritage, present drive and determination, and future ambition, continuing to create memories the world over. For more information on Sound Leisure the jukeboxes read more here .

As Scotland kicks off a landmark year of sport, charitable organisations across the country are invited to apply for a share of a £63,000 fund from Barratt and David Wilson Homes. The newly launched 2026 Community Fund will support groups which promote healthy and active lifestyles, with funding of £1,500 provided to each organisation. Part of the UK’s leading housebuilder Barratt Redrow, Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland has launched its 2026 Community Fund, with a yearly focus on supporting healthy, active communities and delivering lasting, positive impact in the areas where they build new homes. Through targeted financial support, the £63,000 fund will back organisations that aim to strengthen communities by improving wellbeing and creating opportunities for local residents. By funding these initiatives, the Community Fund seeks to make a tangible difference to the lives of local people. Grants will be available exclusively to registered charities operating in the areas in which Barratt and David Wilson Homes build across the North, East and West of Scotland. Supported projects can include sports, physical activity and youth programmes, inclusive fitness initiatives, youth sports and coaching projects, improvements to local playgrounds and recreational facilities, walking or cycling trails and health and wellbeing activities that encourage people of all ages to lead more active lives. Alison Condie, Regional Managing Director for Barratt Redrow in Scotland, said: “At Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland, we’re committed to building more than just homes - we want to create thriving, sustainable communities. With Scotland preparing to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the national team heading to the FIFA World Cup, this fund is about supporting organisations that inspire healthier, more active lifestyles and make sport and physical activity accessible to everyone." “Our 2026 Community Fund will help support the fantastic work already taking place across the country, enabling local groups to deliver projects that make a real difference to people’s lives.” The launch of the 2026 Community Fund builds on Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ long-standing commitment to social responsibility and community engagement and reflects the excitement around Scotland’s upcoming sporting calendar. The housebuilders are creating a range of new communities across Scotland, including Barratt Homes’ Auchinleck Village in Glasgow, David Wilson Homes @ Otter Stone Manor in Aberdeen and David Wilson Homes @ St Andrews in Fife, just a stone’s throw from world-renowned golf courses and beaches. The Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland 2026 Community Fund is funded by the Barratt Redrow Foundation, the charitable arm of Barratt Redrow. Its mission is to help communities across the UK to thrive. Applications for 2026 funding will close on 30 October 2026 with successful applicants selected throughout the year. For more information about the Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland 2026 Community Fund including eligibility and how to apply, visit here . For more information about Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes, visit here and here .

Johnston Carmichael has agreed a new partnership with STAC (Smart Things Accelerator Centre), underlining the firm’s commitment to Scotland’s innovation economy and supporting the next generation of tech entrepreneurs. Based in Glasgow, STAC is Scotland’s industry-led accelerator for product-focused tech startups. It provides an 18-month programme combining mentorship, investment readiness, and access to world-class facilities to help founders launch, build, and scale globally competitive businesses. It aims to position Glasgow as Europe’s leading hub for transformative technologies such as IoT, robotics, AI, and advanced materials, bridging the gap between academia and industry and driving sustainable growth for Scotland’s tech ecosystem. As part of the collaboration, Johnston Carmichael will provide extensive support to the 35 businesses enrolled in STAC’s current programme. This will include finance, tax and fundraising expertise that helps businesses navigate complex financial landscapes and secure the capital they need to scale; one-to-one mentoring, enabling STAC’s founders to address strategic and operational challenges; and specialist workshops, covering critical topics for high-growth businesses, such as investor tax reliefs and Enterprise Management Incentives (EMI). The group will also get access to the firm’s technology specialists, including partner Neil Wilson, who is an expert in working with high growth businesses, and Stephen Oates, partner and head of entrepreneurial taxes. Calum Purdie, Head of Technology and Life Sciences, Johnston Carmichael, said: “Partnering with STAC allows us to build on our growing role in Scotland’s tech ecosystem. By sharing our expertise in finance, tax, and growth strategies, we aim to empower these businesses to scale successfully and contribute to Scotland’s reputation as a hub for technology and innovation.” To date, STAC has supported almost 90 early-stage companies, including Nooku, which has created a range of smart indoor air quality monitors designed to deliver healthier, happier homes. Since completing the STAC programme, Nooku has secured commercial collaborations with Dulux to showcase the measurable benefits of low-VOC paint and is joining with social landlord Wheatley Homes to install its indoor air quality technology in tenants’ homes. The Wheatley Homes initiative is part-funded by Innovate UK. Stefan Raue, COO and co-founder of Nooku, said: “Having access to Johnston Carmichael’s experts and network will be a huge boost for the founders taking part in STAC’s programme. Connecting with the right partners and receiving practical support is key to building a sustainable business.” Of the 35 businesses taking part in the current programme, 15 are spinouts from Glasgow University’s Infinity G initiative, several are spinouts from Strathclyde University, while the remainder were founded independently. Paul Wilson, CEO and co-founder of STAC, added: “Our mission has always been to create a centre of excellence for smart and connected technologies here in Scotland. Collaborations like this accelerate that ambition by giving founders access to the financial and strategic expertise they need to compete globally. Together, we’re building companies that will define the next era of innovation.” For more information about STAC and its programmes, visit here.

Property finance specialist MSP Capital is on track for more growth amid an exceptional rise in demand for its lending solutions from housing developers and other borrowers. The Poole-based firm is busy converting to loans around £122 million worth of customer enquiries since the start of 2026, its 45th year of business. Commercial Director Adam Tovey said: “That’s more than we’ve ever experienced at this point in the year before. Such heightened activity signals a clear shift in market sentiment. Developers and investors are increasingly confident that conditions are stabilising, and that now may be the right time to move forward with their plans, either by coming to us direct or through a broker." “Factors driving our record start to a new year are the downward trajectory on base rates, the release of pent-up demand among prospective buyers and greater confidence around property as an investment overall.” The bulk of the January enquiries have come from new clients keen to take advantage of MSP Capital’s recent decision to cut rates on bridging and development loan products. That was enabled by a landmark facility of £350 million agreed with investment partners J.P. Morgan and Pollen Street Capital last year in a bid to generate more flexibility for competitive lending. Alongside MSP Capital’s ongoing retained lines with Pollen Street Capital and Shawbrook Bank, the new agreement has increased total funding capacity to £485 million. And J.P. Morgan has the potential to provide additional funds in future, putting MSP Capital squarely in the driving seat to achieve a £750 million loan book ambition by 2030. Adam added: “It’s all about delivering the safe, robust financial strategies that help make development projects a reality on the ground. We have an experienced, expanding team ready to meet the demand for both development and bridging finance." “Their expertise is coupled with a robust infrastructure able to process high levels of volume in the market. We are known for our speed of decision-making and delivery of funds. Our autonomy as a principal lender means we can lend on the basis of sound underwriting logic but always with an entrepreneurial, solutions-driven approach that makes transactions more efficient and easier for the client.” With MSP Capital’s latest rate cuts, brokers and developers can access bridging deals from 0.75% per month up to 75% LTV and development loans from 0.80% up to 70% LTGDV. The reductions apply to individual loans from £100,000 to £10 million with pre-agreed credit lines available to support faster drawdown of up to £20 million to cover successive projects. Bridging terms are designed for timescales of up to 36 months while for development finance, covering new-build residential, terms can span up to 24 months. Reflecting its focus on relationship-led lending and tailored solutions, MSP Capital offers a dedicated account manager to guide each customer from loan application through to repayment. For more information, visit here .

St Austell Brewery has announced a year-long partnership with renowned endurance athlete Nick Butter and the immersive running retreat company he founded - Run Weekends. The collaboration will see Proper Job 0.5% - St Austell Brewery’s first low-alcohol IPA - featured at running events globally.   Run Weekends offers running retreats, trail running holidays and mountain adventures around the world. Each trip is designed for groups of relaxed, like-minded runners to explore new places, forge new friendships and connect with the great outdoors. It was founded by Nick Butter, who made a name for himself by becoming the first and only person to run a marathon in every country around the world.   The partnership will see Run Weekends participants enjoy Proper Job 0.5% at their events, as well the opportunity for people to get involved in competitions and pick up exclusive giveaways - including the chance to win a spot on any UK or European Run Weekends trip.   Since its launch in October 2024, St Austell Brewery’s Proper Job 0.5% IPA has already scooped four major awards, firmly establishing itself as one of the best-tasting low alcohol beers on the market. Brewed with the same care and character as the original Proper Job, it delivers bold, citrusy hop notes and a crisp, refreshing finish. It’s the perfect post run pint - all the flavour, none of the compromise, just without the alcohol.   Matt Heal, Senior Brand Manager at St Austell Brewery, said: “We’re thrilled to team up with Nick and Run Weekends. Our shared values make it an incredibly organic partnership grounded in Cornish roots, all about championing connection and the joy of living adventurously - qualities that our award winning Proper Job 0.5% celebrates in every sip.” Nick Butter, founder of Run Weekends added: “Cornwall is where my love of running began, so partnering with St Austell Brewery - a like-minded company - feels very special. Run Weekends are all about community, curiosity and pushing your limits in a healthy, sustainable way. Proper Job 0.5% is the perfect fit as a great tasting low-alcohol IPA. We cannot wait to share the work that has been happening behind the scenes.” The collaboration began at the first two retreats this year in Cornwall and will continue globally - from mountain adventures in the Dolomites to the Pembrokeshire trails in Wales.

New research reveals that the UK development industry is entering 2026 with cautious optimism but is still held back by deep-rooted staffing challenges that are slowing delivery and squeezing project viability. The Development Index – produced by real estate and construction hiring specialist, Cobalt Recruitment – captures the current challenges, along with the opportunities and pressures shaping the year ahead. A sector stabilising, but still under strain Drawing on interviews with industry leaders across the UK’s leading property developers, housebuilders, REITs, and investment firms, the report reveals unsurprisingly low sentiment in the market in 2025, but a quiet confidence across the development ecosystem going into 2026, with slow signs of improvement emerging. Softening finance terms, potential further interest rate reductions, and anticipated policy clarity, particularly around the National Planning Policy Framework, are helping to rebuild sentiment. Yet the challenges remain significant. Increased planning delays, staff shortages, constrained project viability, a shortage of viable schemes for lenders, rising cost pressures, and an acute lack of end occupiers and buyers, are all taking their toll on the market. Skills shortages remain a barrier to delivery While there is cautious optimism, this is at risk of being destabilised by growing skills shortages. The Development Index highlights a sector still grappling with evolving talent gaps across certain skills and locations in planning, land, development, technical, design, commercial, and delivery roles, coupled with a challenging market environment. Employers are increasingly seeking professionals who combine technical knowledge with commercial acumen, ESG fluency, and digital literacy, especially in AI-enabled appraisal and design tools. With the continued shift toward refurbishment and regeneration projects, which now represent more than four fifths of new schemes underway, the demand for professionals with skills tailored to complex refurbishment, sustainability standards and evolving regulatory frameworks, is also set to increase. Commenting on the report, Maria Sinclair, Managing Director of Cobalt UK, said: “The Development Index highlights a UK development market that remains ambitious but increasingly constrained in its ability to deliver. Economic pressures, planning complexity and ongoing skills shortages are emerging as significant risks to progress across the sector." "Moving from ambition to delivery will require a renewed focus on execution, with investment in skills, stronger development teams and access to the right expertise becoming critical to navigating uncertainty and unlocking growth." "At Cobalt, we see first-hand how the availability of experienced professionals can accelerate projects and support delivery. The Index is designed to support that discussion, setting out the key pressure points and what the industry must address to move forward with confidence.”

Best-selling Dorset author of ‘Motherkind’ Zoe Blaskey is to talk at the Tank Museum on ‘why becoming a mum changes everything (and why no one warned us)’. The renowned expert and podcaster who lives in Branksome Park near Poole is the keynote speaker at an event called ‘Bumps, Babies and Toddlers’. Zoe will draw on insights from interviewing more than 600 of the world’s leading experts alongside her coaching work with thousands of mothers. She will reveal why so many women feel overwhelmed, lost, or ‘not themselves’ in the early years - and why it’s not a personal failing, but an unspoken developmental stage. Zoe said: “I am very much looking forward to speaking at the Tank Museum and the talk will be relevant to mums-to-be and mums with children up to the age of five. Everybody is welcome." “I will be offering practical, compassionate, research-backed tools to help women feel more confident, more grounded and more themselves as they navigate what is a life-changing event. They will learn how to deal with identity shifts and how to communicate their experiences with their partners and family." “More than 90 per cent of mums with children up to the age of five say they feel invisible – but I will see them. I am hoping that those who attend will walk away feeling seen, validated, and deeply empowered - with a new language and framework for one of the most misunderstood transitions in a woman’s life.” Zoe will be speaking at 11am on Sunday January 25 at the attraction in Bovington. Her book Motherkind is a Sunday Times bestseller and her podcast of the same title has had more than six million downloads. Zoe will also be signing copies of her book. The museum’s first ‘Bumps, Babies and Toddlers’ is being held in partnership with Little Pickles Markets. The day will include a nearly-new sale, talks, Q&As and baby and toddler-friendly activities. The huge, award-winning museum includes a soft play area which is perfect for wearing out tots. The event will include sensory experiences, baby massage instruction and workshops focussing on perinatal health. Rosanna Dean, Director of Visitor Experience and Commercial at The Tank Museum, said: “As Dorset’s largest indoor visitor attraction, we’re delighted to host such a family-focused event for our wider community. The programme not only offers valuable support and guidance for new and expecting families, but also highlights the fantastic opportunities Dorset provides for this demographic. We are really excited to have such an impactful headline speaker, whose message is so important to women on any stage in their motherhood journey.” To encourage new visitors, the museum has a special offer for the day of the event - 50 per cent off entry as well as an Annual Pass. Rosanna added: “With a soft play, dressing up, and lots of play opportunities throughout our exhibitions, we know that young children will have a great time exploring again and again.” Find out more, read the full programme, and book online here .

A top real estate specialist has joined a London and south coast law firm to act for clients on property issues. Miles Lester has made Ellis Jones Solicitors’ Fleet Street office his latest base in a 20-year career since qualification. His appointment as Consultant Solicitor, tasked with leading both commercial and residential property specialisms, follows a series of property industry roles. He was a partner at central London law firms for 18 years, advising on the legal aspects of property sales, leases, landlord and tenant matters and land development. Among his most recent instructions, Miles acted for an investor on the acquisition and lease back of around 40 convenience stores. He has been regularly involved in the letting of commercial units for office, restaurant and nightclub use and has acted on both the acquisition and disposal of student accommodation including forward funding and development schemes. Miles joins Ellis Jones’ London team along with long-standing secretary Sarah Lodhi who has worked with him for more than 15 years. Miles said: “In my client instructions, I have worked ‘on the other side’ from Ellis Jones on property transactions for ten years or so. I knew of its success as a multi-department firm offering services of benefit to all kinds of clients." “It was Ellis Jones Partner and Solicitor Matt Clake who told me the firm was developing its London office and since I was looking for a new role, it has all been very good timing. The property market continues to be very active despite a challenging and turbulent few years and Sarah and I are both excited to play our parts in fulfilling a need for property law advice and experience." “Ellis Jones has a young, vibrant team and a great City location and we expect to be extremely busy given the rate of property transactions we see.” After a history degree from the University of Leeds and a Masters in War Studies from Kings College London, Miles completed a Legal Practice Course with the College of Law London and gained his solicitors’ qualification in January 2006. For her part, fellow Londoner Sarah expects in time to provide secretarial support for the whole London team alongside property instructions. Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones Managing Partner, said: “Miles is a senior lawyer with substantial knowledge and experience from across the property spectrum. Equally, we welcome Sarah as a key member of our London team too. Their arrivals support the continued growth and expansion of the London office and our portfolio of client services. I wish them both every success in their new roles.” Miles and Sarah’s appointments are the latest moves in a strategic expansion of Ellis Jones’ London office since early 2025. Ahead of the pair’s arrival, ten colleagues including Partners, Senior Associate Solicitors and others were working full-time from London following relocations and promotions. A number of other team members operate between London and Ellis Jones’ Dorset and Hampshire offices. As well as the property law specialisms, departments serving the Capital include Family, Employment, Banking & Finance Litigation, Dispute Resolution and Business Services. Miles and Sarah were introduced to many of Ellis Jones’ 187-strong team at the firm’s recent annual general meeting held at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium. Photo: New arrivals Sarah Lodhi and Miles Lester, left and second left, at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth with Ellis Jones Managing Partner Nigel Smith and Lauren Day, Partner, Solicitor and Head of Dispute Resolution. Property expert Miles is the latest lawyer to join Ellis Jones’ London-based team and Sarah is his long-standing PA.

HMG Paints is combining its passion for Art and the local environment by supporting an upcoming exhibition entitled “River Stories” focusing on the River Irk, the very river that runs through the heart of the companies Manchester site. The exhibition being produced by Fiona Brehony, in collaboration with Liz Wewiora and Many Hands Craft Collective and in partnership with Manchester Histories, commences on 16th February 2026 at The Hub, Manchester Central Library. This multidisciplinary exhibition explores the River Irk through sound, image, and community storytelling. It will combine field recordings (including from HMG Paints), collaborative documentary film, and creative works from Many Hands Craft Collective, all rooted in the river's industrial, social, and ecological significance. John Falder, HMG Paints Chairman, commented: “We’re delighted to be supporting this incredible project which brings together artists, community groups, and heritage organisations to explore the environmental, historical, and emotional dimensions of this vital local waterway.    It's been a pleasure to welcome Fiona onto our site over the last year or so and we’re excited to see the result of her work and delve deeper into the rich history of the River Irk.” Having a river running through a paint site might not sound like a perfect scenario but HMG have embraced the river as a key feature since moving to Riverside Works in 1958. In fact, the business even won an award for its work with the river having been awarded the Waterside Regeneration Award in the Northwest Business Environment 2003 scheme, organised by the Mersey Basin Campaign. Like the river and the local environment, HMG has also been supportive of the local arts and is well known for its iconic ‘Dreadnowt’ sculpture by artist Jonathan Woolfenden, which was erected in 1993, at the entrance of the New Era Woods, which were planted by HMG in the 1980’s. However, HMG’s engagement with the arts doesn’t stop there, the business also hosted Mancunian artist Max Hague who developed a series of works utilising salvaged paints and materials from HMG’s production. They also collaborated with Interactive Arts students from the Manchester School of Art, Ryan Higgins and Adam Renshaw as part of their project to explore the colours and history of the Adoration of the Magi Tapestry which was designed by Edward Burne-Jones and made by William Morris in 1894. When it comes to Manchester Central Library this isn’t HMG’s first engagement with the landmark building as HMG also supplied over 6000 litres of paint for the refurbishment of the library in 2014, including for the iconic Wolfson Reading Room. The decorative coatings produced by HMG and used at the library were the launchpad of a new business area which has seen significant growth since 2014. "It's been a privilege to work with HMG Paints over the past year, recording the extraordinary sounds of their water-based paint machinery and the river itself at their Riverside Works site. These recordings form a vital part of the exhibition's soundscape, connecting the industrial and ecological life of the River Irk,” said Fiona on the exhibition. “I'm particularly grateful to HMG for welcoming me to install and document a durational cyanotype work at the site - a piece that responds to the river's flows, the changing light, and the paint factory's relationship with the waterway. HMG's decades of environmental custodianship of the Irk, including their Waterside Regeneration Award, is an important part of the river's ongoing story that we're celebrating in this exhibition. Their support makes it possible to bring these layered histories - industrial, ecological, and community-based - to public life at Manchester Central Library." A durational cyanotype is an art project using the slow, extended UV light exposure of the cyanotype process to create images that reveal over time, often representing evolving data or natural processes. The cyanotype produced by Fiona at HMG paints will be featured in the exhibition for visitors to see. Visitors will be able to access the exhibition at Manchester Histories Hub located on the lower ground floor of Manchester Central Library.

Aldi Scotland has awarded £2,500 to Gogar Park Young Curlers through its Scottish Sport Fund as part of a special one-off Champion’s Award launched to celebrate Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Gogar Park Young Curlers will use the funding from Aldi Scotland to invest in essential equipment, including sliding shoes, brushes, coaching aids and team uniforms. This support will help the club provide more inclusive and accessible entry-level opportunities, ensuring that every child has the chance to take part in the sport, regardless of their access to equipment. Mihoko Pooley, member of Gogar Park Young Curlers, said: “This funding from Aldi Scotland will make a huge difference to our club and the young people who take part in our sessions. Curling can be difficult to access without the right equipment, so being able to provide shoes, brushes and uniforms will help us welcome more children and give them the best possible start." Founded in 1979, Gogar Park Young Curlers is a junior curling club based in Edinburgh with around 70 members under the age of 21, mainly from Edinburgh and the Lothians. The club operates weekly Sunday morning sessions at Curl Edinburgh between September and March, supported by volunteer coaches and parent helpers. Young curlers from the club compete in a wide range of internal and national competitions, from Under 12s to Under 21s leagues, travelling across Scotland from Stranraer to Inverness. The club has a strong track record of developing elite talent, with former members Jennifer Dodds and Bruce Mouat going on to win Olympic gold and silver medals at Beijing 2022 and set to represent Team GB again at Milano Cortina 2026. Pooley continued: “With the Winter Olympics coming up in 2026, there is a real buzz around curling just now. This support will help us build on that excitement, grow participation and continue our proud history of developing young curlers.” The Scottish Sport Fund Champion’s Award was introduced as a celebratory extension of Aldi Scotland’s long-running sports funding initiative, recognising a single club that demonstrates a strong commitment to developing young sporting talent. The award aims to harness the national pride sparked by Scotland’s return to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and invest it back into grassroots sport. Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup was a huge moment for the nation, and we wanted to celebrate that success by giving something back through our Scottish Sport Fund." “The Scottish Sport Fund Champion’s Award recognises clubs that go above and beyond to support young people, and Gogar Park Young Curlers is a fantastic example of that commitment. We are proud to support the next generation of sporting champions across Scotland.” Aldi Scotland introduced its Scottish Sport Fund in 2016 to support individuals of all ages and abilities to get involved in physical activity in their local communities. Over the past decade, the retailer has supported more than 650 clubs across Scotland, donating over £500,000 to improve access to sport at a grassroots level.

Leonard Curtis has secured a £15 million refinancing and growth facility for Charles Trent Limited, providing increased working capital and long-term headroom to support continued expansion, investment in innovation and the scaling of its circular-economy operations. Charles Trent has been at the forefront of automotive recycling for 100 years. It is the UK’s largest family-owned vehicle recycler and salvage business, with processing capability of up to 52,000 vehicles per annum and is a recognised leader in the automotive circular economy. The business operates from two principal sites in Poole, Dorset, purpose-built to support high-volume, low-waste vehicle dismantling. ESG considerations are embedded throughout the operation, from building design to production processes and machinery. Solar panels generate on-site renewable energy across its 100,000 sq ft facility, while its newest production building has been independently assessed as delivering materially improved carbon efficiency compared with standard industrial benchmarks, setting a new standard within the UK sector. Charles Trent is also the first UK dismantler to provide verified CO₂ saving certificates across all sales channels, allowing customers to clearly quantify the environmental benefit of reused automotive components. The business’ consistent focus on operational innovation has attracted strong interest from lenders and investors, particularly its lean, repeatable processing model, which is designed to be scalable across multiple locations. Investment in technology, sustainability and production capability remains central to the company’s long-term growth strategy. Led by CEO Marc Trent, the business undertook a strategic review of its banking arrangements to ensure its funding structure aligned with its growth ambitions. While the previous lender had supported the business over many years, the priority was to secure a partner with the appetite and understanding to support the next phase of expansion. The transaction completed a full refinance of the incumbent lender, with challenger business bank Allica Bank providing a three-year revolving credit facility of approximately £15 million. The deal was led by Dave Rushton, Regional Lead at Allica Growth Finance. Marc Trent, CEO of Charles Trent Limited, commented: “This funding marks an important moment for Charles Trent. As we move into our 100th year, we’re proving that a family-owned business can lead the way in scale, sustainability and innovation." “The investment gives us the headroom to accelerate growth, back our people, and continue building world-class circular-economy infrastructure. What matters most to me is working with funding partners who understand not just where we’ve come from, but where we’re going. Allica and Leonard Curtis clearly get that, and this facility puts us in a strong position for the next phase of our journey.” Dave Rushton, Regional Growth Finance Lead at Allica Bank, added: “Charles Trent is a strong example of a long-established business that has successfully evolved through sustained investment, innovation and operational discipline. Marc and the management team have a clear strategy for growth, underpinned by scalable infrastructure and a credible ESG proposition." "We’re pleased to support the business with flexible funding that enables continued investment, while maintaining the stability needed to deliver its long-term plans.” Mike Dinnell of Leonard Curtis provided debt advisory support. Commenting on the transaction, he said: “We’re pleased to have supported the refinancing and secured growth capital for the business. Significant investment has been made in production facilities, technology and innovation, delivering benefits not only to Charles Trent but across the wider automotive supply chain." "The business has the capability to drive meaningful change in the UK and European automotive circular economy, and we look forward to working alongside Allica Bank as those plans are delivered.” The management team comprises Marc Trent, Neil Trent, Alison Hopkins, Martin Scott and James Bawa, who will lead the business through its next phase of growth. Tim Stone, Craig Hardman and Martin Logan of Steele Raymond advised Charles Trent Limited, while Edward Sundeland, Partner at Pinsent Masons, advised Allica Bank.