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A top south coast lawyer has been appointed to a professional panel that helps and protects vulnerable people. Carla Brown, Partner and Head of Wills, Trusts & Probate at Ringwood-headquartered Ellis Jones Solicitors, has joined the Panel of Deputies, an official body that safeguards individuals who lack mental capacity and have no-one else to act for them. The appointment was made by the Office of the Public Guardian, an executive agency of the government in England and Wales that supports people without capacity to manage their property and affairs. As an official ‘Panel Deputy’, Carla joins an approved list of legal professionals who can be chosen by the Court of Protection to work with a vulnerable person as and when help is needed. To be approved by the Court, panel members have to be experienced legal professionals who can be trusted for their knowledge, insight and understanding. A Panel Deputy is appointed to a specific case by the Court when no other suitable person is available, willing or able to take on the role. Carla said: “This is all about safeguarding the interests of people who, for a variety of potential reasons, are simply not able to make certain decisions for themselves and otherwise have no-one to manage their affairs.” Congratulating Carla on her appointment, Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones Managing Partner, said: “In joining the Panel of Deputies, Carla is being recognised personally and professionally as an ideal lawyer to act on behalf of vulnerable adults who lack mental capacity. It reflects her extensive experience and commitment to many individuals in her legal work.” Carla is among several Ellis Jones colleagues who have recently been referenced in the prestigious Legal 500 directory of the UK’s top law firms and solicitors for 2026. She is also ranked in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide as a ‘Leading Individual’ in the top ‘Band One for Private Wealth Law in Southampton and Surrounds’. Ellis Jones, with 189 staff including 24 partners, has eight offices across the south coast in Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs (Poole), Dorchester, Ringwood, Swanage and Wimborne as well as London.

New research has revealed the scale of personal risk facing the UK’s entrepreneurs. One in three SME loans has a personal guarantee (PG) in place. With 36% of these loans for working capital to keep the business afloat, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is being urged to avoid any further measures that would raise operating costs and increase the burden on owners who have pledged personal assets as security. Small business owners are also facing larger risks than ever before. In particular, early-stage firms, face the steepest Personal Guarantee requirements relative to their resources. The research commissioned by Purbeck Insurance Services, the UK’s only provider of personal guarantee insurance, shows that the average personal guarantee-backed loan now stands at nearly £180,000, up 16% year-on-year. In young businesses under two years old, the average loan value has risen 52% to £165k in the past year. With 5.5 million SMEs forming the backbone of the UK economy, employing 16.6 million people and generating £2.8 trillion in turnover, the findings underline the need for greater awareness and protection when directors sign personal guarantees. A Growing Risk to Growth The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned that harsh personal guarantee requirements are stifling growth ambitions, as many firms decline finance opportunities for fear of personal loss . However, post-COVID lending patterns have only deepened the requirement for PGs, with challenger banks and non-bank lenders more likely to require PGs as standard practice. The Role of Personal Guarantee Insurance (PGI) Purbeck, the UK’s only specialist provider of Personal Guarantee Insurance, has seen record demand as business owners seek to mitigate these risks. PGI protects directors if a lender calls in their guarantee, safeguarding their personal assets while allowing them to access the finance needed to grow. Todd Davison, Managing Director of Purbeck Insurance Services, said: “Personal guarantees are now a structural feature of SME lending. When a loan is primarily to keep a business ticking over, the director who has given that guarantee faces heightened risk—especially as the cost of doing business continues to rise. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has a clear responsibility to protect the nation’s entrepreneurs." “Personal guarantees can also hold back investment and confidence. In some cases, firms opt for more expensive funding rather than sign a PG." “Personal Guarantee Insurance (PGI) offers peace of mind, enabling SMEs to borrow for growth without putting everything on the line. Just as many people take out life and buildings insurance when securing a mortgage, PGI applies the same principle to business borrowing—protecting personal assets if the worst happens. It’s not the only way to reduce risk, which is why seeking professional advice before accepting or rejecting a PG is essential.” Call for Action The UK Government has pledged to help businesses better understand personal guarantees. Purbeck Insurance Services calls for: Clear, practical education for SMEs on PG risks and alternatives. Fair and proportionate PG requirements from lenders. Plain-language disclosures so directors fully understand their obligations. Mainstream awareness of PGI as a legitimate protective option.

Hendy Group, which operates multiple showrooms across Surrey and is the UK’s largest family-run car dealer business, has been named the UK’s top ‘New Car Retailer’ at this year’s prestigious Autotrader Retailer Awards. Now in their 18th year, the awards put a spotlight on those dealers that put customers first and are fit to be viewed as ‘the very best in automotive retailing’.   Announced at a ceremony held at London’s iconic Leadenhall Building (aka The Cheesegrater) last week, the annual Autotrader awards programme is widely regarded as one of the most respected independent assessments of excellence in motor retail. Hendy Group’s achievement is underscored by the fact that less than 1% of Autotrader’s circa 14,000 retailer partners across the UK become winners or finalists. Hendy came out top in the highly competitive ‘New Car Retailer’ category based on results from a comprehensive mystery shopping programme – one of the largest of its kind in automotive retail – plus a rigorous judging process conducted by an independent panel.   Commenting on the awards and the elite group of winners, Nathan Coe, Chief Executive Officer at Autotrader, commented: “It’s a unique and privileged opportunity for us to recognise and to celebrate the very best in automotive retailing. Winning a Retailer Award is tough. Our judging process is completely independent, it’s unbiased, and it’s data- and fact-based. So, to be a finalist, let alone one of just a small handful of winners, is a huge achievement, and thoroughly well-deserved by all of this year’s exceptional retailers.” Duncan McPhee, Chief Operating Officer at Hendy Group, added: “We are thrilled to be named Autotrader’s New Car Retailer of the Year 2025. This award is a testament to the dedication, innovation, and customer-first mindset of every colleague across Hendy Group. It reflects our commitment to delivering an exceptional car buying experience, and we’re incredibly proud to be recognised by such a respected name in the industry.” Hendy Group has 68 sites along the south coast of England, offering new and used car and van sales as well as servicing, MOT testing, parts, fleet management and much more. The Group has been providing a premium experience to customers for over 165 years, and now represents 25 different vehicle brands.

LEST WE FORGET: a team of JCB employees has unveiled a poignant Remembrance Day memorial which they hope will help raise funds for two charities.   The team of seven engineers and manufacturing specialists at JCB Earthmovers in Cheadle have designed and made the 5ft tall steel silhouette of a soldier standing before the grave of a fallen colleague, all mounted on a plinth bearing a poppy and the words ‘lest we forget’.   Now, they plan to make limited edition miniature versions of the memorial to sell to JCB colleagues – with funds raised being split between the Royal British Legion and the NSPCC.   Driving force behind the project, Manufacturing Engineer, Henry Poole, 23, said: “My girlfriend’s brother is a serving soldier and her dad was in the Armed Forces so after talking to them I thought it would be great to do something at work that really shows our appreciation in the run up to Remembrance Day - especially as it’s 80 years since the end of World War II.” Henry, of Cheadle, who joined JCB as an apprentice straight from school, said: “I knew we had the people and tools to make something special so I talked to my manager Craig Caddy and he was keen to support it." “It’s been a big team effort: I designed the silhouette, Craig organised the making and the painting, Fabrication Planners Richard Curran and Edward Capewell managed the laser cutting, Christopher Frost and Steven Forster did the welding and assembly and Kieran Edgerton painted it. I’m grateful to JCB for supporting the idea and I feel really proud to see our work standing in reception. It also feels great to be able to raise funds for two deserving charities as well.” The memorial will be displayed in JCB Earthmovers’ Cheadle reception area until Remembrance weekend, when it is hoped to move it to the town’s cenotaph as part of the Royal British Legion Remembrance Day service. Photo: Henry Poole, Edward Capewell, Craig Caddy, Richard Curran and Emily Thompson are pictured from left to right with the silhouette.

A top competitive shooter has acknowledged the ‘tremendous’ backing of a property finance firm as he celebrates the end of his most successful season. Under a rolling one-year contract begun earlier this year, MSP Capital agreed to support Chris Morgan financially on his busy programme of clay pigeon shoots. Over the summer, the Andover-based sportsman achieved success at seven county and regional championships. He won all his classes in five: the South of England Sportrap; Surrey County English Sporting; Buckingham County Compak; Dorset County Sportrap; and South West of England English Sporting. And he was second in class at both the South East of England English Sporting and the Hampshire County Compak, with placings decided by the smallest of margins. Chris was also well ranked at the sport’s World Championships in July 2025, coming 25th in his class out of 790 competitors. Having completed his eleventh year of competitive shooting, Chris said: “This has been my best ever season at county and regional level, surpassing my goals by a clear margin. I’ve had great competitive practice and really high scores. It has been a great season.” Chris described the support from MSP Capital as ‘tremendous’, adding: “When you have a backer who believes in you and is part of your journey, it’s huge. It’s that feeling of being on the same team, a relationship that works in a positive way." “MSP Capital gives me tremendous support. It leaves me excited and enthusiastic for the future. “And unlike other sponsors, MSP Capital is not from within the shooting industry, so that has created a buzz.” Discussing the preparation and mindset needed for competitive shooting, Chris said: “You have to prepare professionally, and to perform and win, you must aim to stay ‘in the zone’ in all aspects." “Initially, it’s natural to be aware of your responsibility to represent not just you but everyone who backs you, including being a brand ambassador for MSP Capital. But to be professional and finish the job, you have to get past that and just focus." “The mental side, the mindset, is vital as you establish your shooting technique and step up to compete. It includes how to build momentum from the beginning, how to breathe and how to relax while staying focused on the task of winning. You have to find a routine that works for you." “How to respond to pressure is another essential element. You can’t let your focus break, so you have to know how to deal with the situation if something’s not going well or you make a mistake. You learn ways of addressing that and moving on." “Strong mental preparation and fortitude is what helps you continually get better, and it’s what carries you over the line in the furnace of competition, being calm and putting in a lot of work in practice. At elite level, there are fine margins between winning and not winning. You have to work out what to do to push the odds in your favour.” When the season ended, Chris ran a series of clay pigeon shoots attended by more than 30 MSP Capital clients and suppliers. They included three coaching sessions at the Barbury Shooting School at Wroughton near Swindon with a fourth at the Spitfire Shoot, Stockbridge, Hampshire. Adam Tovey, MSP Capital’s Commercial Director, said: “Chris is not only a total professional when it comes to competitions but he is an amazing coach too. His sessions appealed to a mix of representatives from our customers and partners in the property sector. With his talent and help, every participant improved their level of shooting.” Adam’s comments were echoed by Leigh Bartlett, Chief Executive of MSP Capital, who added: “Our support for Chris is the latest example of our long-standing commitment to partner with people who begin as grassroots athletes and aim to thrive at the highest levels. We congratulate Chris on his amazing season, thank him for kindly sharing some of his expertise at the coaching sessions and wish him every success for next year.” Asked about his aims for next season, which begins in April 2026, Chris said: “I’m looking at major level competitions such as the GB and World Championships and more Compak championships. All are definitely within range, but it takes backing and so it’s great to have MSP Capital on board. I’m really looking forward to next season.”

Urban Pubs & Bars, London’s largest independent pub group, has announced the acquisition of Albion & East, a collection of distinctive all-day venues in some of the capital’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. The Albion & East business comprises four London venues: Teatro Hall in Ealing, Canova Hall in Brixton, Botanica Hall in Clapham Junction, and Serata Hall in the City of London. This announcement comes hot on the heels of several other openings and acquisitions since May 2025, including St. John’s Tavern in Archway, The Marlborough Head in Covent Garden, The Bald Faced Stag in East Finchley, The Highbury Barn Tavern and Bat and Ball in Covent Garden. Urban Pubs and Bars previously acquired Martello Hall from Albion and East in January 2025, investing into the site to launch The London Fields in February. All existing Albion & East team members will join the Urban Pubs and Bars family. The group will take on the business as a whole, supporting the teams and continuing to develop these unique venues as part of its expanding London portfolio. Speaking on the acquisition, Chris Hill, Managing Director of Urban Pubs & Bars, said: “Albion & East is a business we’ve long admired. Their venues share our passion for great design, fresh, high-quality food and drink, and genuine neighbourhood hospitality. We’re delighted to welcome their teams into the Urban family and look forward to supporting these outstanding venues through their next chapter.” Alongside this exciting acquisition, Urban is pleased to report that trading across its business remains materially ahead of the market with LFL sales of 8.7% since the start of the financial year (May), with sales approaching £100m in the last twelve months. About Urban Pubs & Bars Founded by Malc Heap and Nick Pring, Urban Pubs & Bars is backed by Davidson Kempner and Global Mutual. Known for its innovative and customer-focused approach, Urban Pubs and Bars is dedicated to creating distinctive venues that celebrate London’s diverse food, drink, and social culture.

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of Brandon Douglas on a two-year deal from Halifax Panthers. The 28-year-old was in the Bulls’ Scholarship before moving to Castleford in 2013, making his first team, Super League debut against St Helens in 2016. Spells in South Yorkshire with Doncaster RLFC and Sheffield Eagles were sandwiched by two stints at Halifax, with his form in the 2025 Betfred Championship seeing him emerge as one of the competition’s best front row forwards. The boyhood Bradford fan believes Kurt Haggerty’s Bradford Bulls presents the right environment for him to unlock further levels. Brandon Douglas said: “I grew up watching the club in Super League, they’ve obviously been out of it for a few years but I’ve always enjoyed playing against Bradford. There have been multiple chances for me to come to the Bulls before but for one reason or another it hasn’t worked out but this time everything has fallen into place and I’m really happy." “There was interest elsewhere but I am a Bradford lad I grew up as a Season ticket holder playing for West bowling, my mum used to drop me off every week for games so it does feel like I am coming back home in that regard." “I’ve been playing in the Championship for the last 10 years and the ambition of most is to challenge themselves at the highest level and that opportunity has come available now. Having spoken to Kurt [Haggerty] and Jason [Hirst] at the club, I believe it is the right place for me to give the chance of playing in Super League a real go." “I have got plenty of rugby experience, I am 28 and moving into the prime of my career and this is a big challenge for me, the club and for everyone involved. Everyone has the right ambition and are saying the right things and hopefully we can gel together and thrive in this environment. I am hopeful this will unlock new levels to my game being in a Super League full-time environment and in regards to the team, there’s plenty of transition so I am sure we can help each other out.” Bradford Bulls Head Coach Kurt Haggerty said: “Brandon is a prime example of us as a club doing our homework. He's been one of the best prop forwards in the Championship for the last 3-4 years and he's got a huge reputation within the Championship." “A lot of people from the Bulls have pushed his name towards me, which made me do a lot of homework on him and I really like what I've seen. He's a big body, he's fit, he's desperate to be in a full-time environment and he was really keen to come and play for the Bulls." “I'm really happy to get Brandon over the line, I'm really excited to see where his journey can go. He’s at the prime age to kick on and learn what he needs to learn to make it as a full-time Super League player.”

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of Will Gardiner on a two-year deal ahead of our return to Super League in 2026. The 24-year-old made his first team debut for Hull FC in 2022 and has since featured 32 times for the ‘Airlie Birds’. Gardiner, who can operate as a prop or at loose forward, also had loan spells at Betfred Championship sides Doncaster RLFC and Featherstone Rovers throughout the 2025 campaign. Will Gardiner said: “I’m buzzing to have signed at this great club, I can’t wait to pull the jersey on and get in front of the fans they are a really loyal group. It’s obviously a massive club with a rich history and a loyal fan base and that really attracted me to the Bulls." “After having a chat with Kurt and hearing the way he wants to play with the group of players we are building, it really suits me and my game." “I like to think I am a hard-working player and I’ll do the tough stuff that is needed, I like to think I can bring a physicality to the team and play big minutes. I still have loads to improve on, I am only young but I am really hungry, I want to play first team rugby and I can’t wait to bring my style to the Bulls." “I had a tough year last year at Hull with injuries so I think moving into a new environment will help me put my best foot forward in my career and I think the Bulls will be the place to do that." “Everyone knows what the Bulls have brought in the past, hopefully we can replicate some of the times its had before. It is a really exciting time for me, the fans and everyone who supports the club." Bradford Bulls Head Coach Kurt Haggerty said: “Will has very much gone under the radar at Hull. He's had a pretty good year, he's big, he's English and he's a young front-rower who has got a lot of potential. There's a lot of work I think we can do with him and I think there's a potentially very good Super League player in there.”

Atlassian Williams Racing will race next year under a new identity that connects the team’s glorious legacy to its bold and ambitious future. From January we will become Atlassian Williams F1 Team – a name reflecting their sole purpose to race and win in the top echelon of motorsport. And their existing ‘W’ logo will be replaced by a 21st century reimagining of Frank Williams’ famous ‘Forward W’, first introduced in our founding year of 1977 and featured on every one of our nine Constructors’ World Championship-winning cars. It is the latest evolution for an iconic Formula 1 team that is one of the top three most-successful in the sport’s history – and has set a clear ambition to be a powerhouse again in this modern era of F1. Throughout almost 50 years in F1 Williams has forged a legacy built on independence, innovation and determination to win, attracting tens of millions of dedicated fans around the world. Now under the ownership of Dorilton Capital, with James Vowles as Team Principal and world-class drivers in Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, the team is driven to usher in a new era of success with the same passion and values at its heart as F1 continues to expand in global popularity. This transformation is already gathering pace, with the team sitting fifth in the 2025 Constructors’ Championship with 111 points – more than the past seven seasons combined. The team recently secured its first Grand Prix podium since 2021 in Baku, and first-ever Sprint podium in Austin. James Vowles, Team Principal, Atlassian Williams Racing: “I am proud that from next year we will be known as Atlassian Williams F1 Team and carry a logo on our car inspired by our founder Sir Frank Williams and deeply connected with our decades of success." “As a team we are inspired by our past but excited about our future, and committed to writing a new Championship-winning chapter in Williams’ history." “This evolved team identity reflects who we are, where we are going, and reintroduces our title-winning legacy to a growing F1 audience that was not following the sport when we were last dominant.” Marcus Prosser, Marketing Director, Atlassian Williams Racing: “With this new name and logo our rich history is being reimagined for the future. It is inspired by our past, confident about our future, and clear about our identity – a Championship-winning Formula 1 team with a burning drive to win again." “We hope our existing and loyal fans will love it. But we also hope it will connect a new generation to our incredible legacy, building the community of Williams fans that will carry us to our next victory.” About Atlassian Williams Racing For almost 50 years, Atlassian Williams Racing has been at the forefront of one of the fastest sports on the planet, being one of the top three most successful teams in history competing in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. With an almost unrivalled heritage of engineering and racing F1 cars and unforgettable eras that demonstrate it is a force to be reckoned with, the British squad boasts 16 F1 World Championship titles to its name. Since its foundation in 1977 by the eminent, late Sir Frank Williams and engineering pioneer Sir Patrick Head, the team has won nine Constructors’ Championships, in association with Cosworth, Honda and Renault. Its roll call of drivers is legendary, with its seven Drivers’ Championship trophies being lifted by true icons of the sport: Alan Jones, Keke Rosberg, Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve. The team has made history before and is out to make it again with a long-term mission to evolve and return to the front of the grid.

Seven accountants from Newbury swapped their calculators for running shoes as they took part in a prestigious race. The team, based at the town’s office of UK top 10 accountancy firm Azets, participated in the Basingstoke 10k run. Catriona Millar, Jenny White, Jason Collins, Cameron McArdle, Harry Collins, Chris Norris and Kristina Pallaiova all made it to the finish line in just over an hour. Azets’ Newbury office sponsored two of the race day barriers at the event which was organised by Destination Basingstoke and also featured a half marathon, 5k race and children’s event. Harry Collins, tax senior, said: “We all had a marvellous time – an excellent course, closed roads and a great atmosphere made this a real festival of running."“ "Some of us might even make the move up to the half marathon next year, although that might take a little more training!” Louise Rhoades, partner, accounts and business advisory services, said: “Events like this are the lifeblood of our community, bringing people together while also extolling the benefits of keeping fit." “Basingstoke is only a quick hop down the A339 from Newbury and we were more than happy to support the event.” Azets, the UK’s specialist business advisor to SMEs, is based in the centre of Newbury at Elizabeth House on London Road, conveniently placed just off the A4 and a 15-minute walk from Newbury train station. The team operates from a modern, open plan office with plenty of parking and provides a range of services tailored to businesses of all scales, encompassing sole traders to limited companies. Office managing partner is Neil Elsden, a Chartered Accountant with over 25 years' experience advising SMEs with their strategic and compliance concerns. Photo: On the run: The Azets team at the finish line of the Basingstoke 10k run with their medals, from left, are Catriona Millar, Jenny White, Jason Collins, Cameron McArdle, Harry Collins, Chris Norris and Kristina Pallaiova

Global Brands, the Chesterfield-based drinks producer behind the likes of Hooch, VK, and Franklin & Sons, has announced it is supporting Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner on her “Don’t Risk The Drive” campaign – aiming to combat drink driving over the festive period. The campaign, which is set to launch on 3rd November, is designed to encourage locals to plan ahead of any festivities this Christmas – such as exploring public transport routes, having a designated driver for the night, booking taxis or enjoying 0% alternatives – to combat levels of drink driving in the region. Global Brands LTD, whose drinks are stocked in over 200 venues across Derbyshire and which also operates the Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel in Chesterfield, has pledged its support to the campaign, in a move which will see it introduce bespoke no & low menus for designated drivers and non-drinkers in its local venues, as well as for its customers nationwide that serve its soft drink and mixer brand, Franklin & Sons. The drinks producer is also offering 100 free cases of Franklin & Sons Pressed Raspberry Lemonade to its existing customers nationally, as well as supporting promotional artwork for these venues, to drive awareness of the campaign. Zehra Gezer, Head of Corporate Marketing at Global Brands, said: “We know that, as a large drinks producer, we have a duty of care to our communities on both a national and regional scale, and this is a responsibility that we hold seriously." “We are grateful to have the opportunity to work collaboratively with Derbyshire Constabulary to combat this important topic and make a meaningful impact for our local area. We hope other local businesses will follow suit and get behind this important campaign.” Steve Perez, CEO and founder of Global Brands, Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel, added: “The advancement in no and low drinks over recent years has been remarkable and there are now plenty of brilliant alcohol alternatives available both at our Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel, as well venues across the country." “We’re proud to support the Police and Crime Commissioner on this important campaign. There’s no reason anyone should risk getting behind the wheel after a drink, and I’d urge everyone to think ahead this Christmas – plan your journey, enjoy the celebrations, and make sure everyone gets home safely.” Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts said: “We are all proud to work with Global Brands to highlight the importance of planning ahead and taking care when going out in our city, towns, villages, and rural communities." “I want residents and visitors to enjoy everything Derbyshire has to offer – to connect, celebrate, and catch up with family and friends. But during this busy season, I hope everyone remembers that just one lapse in judgment can have devastating, lifelong consequences." “No matter the temptation, it is never worth it. Please, don’t risk the drive. I’m urging the public and businesses to join us in making sure everyone gets home safely. This campaign is about planning ahead, knowing your options, and removing the opportunity for recklessness – avoiding harm to yourself and others." “I’m proud to see Global Brands leading the way. With the company’s significant local and national presence, I really value the support given - promoting this campaign and the practical steps it is taking to increase low and zero-alcohol options across their venues." "This leadership sets a powerful example for the rest of the industry across Derbyshire and beyond. As a partnership it demonstrates what can be achieved when both public and private sector partners work together to raise awareness, change behaviours, and ultimately save lives on our roads.” Photo: L-R, Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner and Steve Perez, CEO and founder of Global Brands, Casa Hotel and Peak Edge Hotel

Contractor Henry Brothers Construction has staged a topping out celebration to mark completion of the main building frame for the £25m Global Conservation Centre the company is delivering at Twycross Zoo. Due to open in 2027, the state-of-the-art facility is set to become a world-first hub for conservation research, education, and collaboration, strengthening Twycross Zoo’s role as a leading UK charity dedicated to protecting endangered species. The centre has received £18million from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, the largest single Government grant ever awarded to a UK zoo, and is being built by Henry Brothers Construction in partnership with Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and leading UK universities. Ian Taylor, MD at Henry Brothers Construction, said: “We are very proud to be delivering the Global Conservation Centre at Twycross Zoo. The topping out of the orangutan building marks a milestone in the construction of this exciting development which will also feature a two-storey building with lecture theatre, research and teaching spaces, and a science lab, along with a two-storey residential facility." “The Henry Brothers team is thrilled to be working with our partners on a world-class project that will make a game-changing contribution to the fight against extinction for endangered wildlife and we are looking forward to progressing with the other elements of this state-of-the-art scheme.” For guests attending the topping out event, it was the chance to view the site from the highest point and celebrate the completion of the main building frame. Craig Dunkerley, CEO of Twycross Zoo, said: “Reaching this stage of the Global Conservation Centre is a landmark moment for Twycross Zoo. This isn’t just about bricks and mortar, it’s about the bold future we are building for wildlife, and the extraordinary opportunities it will create for scientists, students, and conservationists to work together to protect endangered species. The centre embodies our vision to inspire the next generation of wildlife heroes and make a lasting impact on global conservation.” Dr Rebecca Biddle, Chief Conservation Officer at Twycross Zoo and Vice Chair of EAZA added: "Once complete, the Global Conservation Centre will feature a 200-seat lecture theatre, classrooms, wildlife gardens, and a science lab overlooking a new orangutan habitat. A 24-bedroom residential wing will host visiting experts and students, helping train the next generation of conservation leaders." “This facility will allow scientists, educators, and conservationists from across the globe to work alongside the species we are striving to protect, developing practical solutions for some of the world’s most threatened wildlife. By connecting our research and education programmes with the new Indonesian-themed land, including a world-class orangutan habitat, the centre will offer unparalleled opportunities to learn, collaborate, and act for conservation.” Designed with sustainability at its heart, the project will also benefit the local community, creating 90 new jobs and generating an estimated £3.9 million in GVA per year.