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London Gatwick has seen a significant rise in rail travel among younger passengers, with more than half of the airport’s Gen Z passengers catching a train to their plane. New data reveals that 53% of 16 to 24-year-olds chose to reach London Gatwick by rail in the first three months of 2025 - up from 47% in 2024. This compares to 44% of all passengers in 2025, underscoring Gen Z’s growing commitment to sustainable and efficient transport. The figures also show that Gen Z passengers – the demographic born between 1997 and 2012 - were more likely to travel more than two hours to reach London Gatwick, with 17% doing so in 2024 compared to 14% of all passengers. London Gatwick is the best-connected UK airport by rail, with direct services to more than 120 stations and hundreds more within just one change. Up to 19 trains per hour leave Gatwick’s dedicated on-site station to London – an average of every four minutes, as frequent as the London Underground. As well as services connecting to central London in just 30 minutes, passengers can also directly reach places including Brighton, Cambridge and Reading. Nick Williams, Head of Passenger Operations, London Gatwick said: “It’s inspiring to see younger passengers embracing rail travel in such strong numbers. Gen Z is leading the shift toward more sustainable airport access and we’re proud to support that with excellent rail connectivity and frequent services to meet their needs.” Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director, Govia Thameslink Railway said: "Our Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink trains are a swift and sustainable way to reach London Gatwick, so it's refreshing to see so many younger people choosing us." "Many will also be attracted by the multi-million-pound redeveloped station, opened at Gatwick less than two years ago. This has wider platforms, a brand-new concourse, new lifts and escalators to make it bigger, better and more accessible than ever before." London Gatwick is continuing to invest in improving passenger experience and accessibility, making train travel an increasingly attractive option. Through its Sustainable Transport Fund (STF), the airport has supported improved frequencies, longer timetables and new direct connections, including funding the doubling of the Great Western Railway service from Gatwick to Reading to two trains per hour. The airport also helping fund its redeveloped train station, which offers double the available concourse space, wider platforms, new lifts, stairs and escalators. Alongside its excellent rail connectivity, London Gatwick is also served by an extensive local bus network – with up to 40 buses stopping at the airport each hour during peak times – while both National Express and Flixbus help connect London Gatwick with more than 50 destinations across the UK by coach.

Aylesford Electrical Contractors (AEC), part of the Metcor Group, has been shortlisted in two categories at the Electrical Industry Awards 2025: Renewable Installation of the Year and Contractor of the Year (turnover of over £5m). The double recognition reflects AEC’s rapid growth, technical excellence and leadership in delivering large-scale, future-proof electrical projects across the UK. The renewable nomination recognises AEC’s multi-site fleet EV charging installations delivered in partnership with BP Pulse, including strategic sites for Royal Mail (Coventry, Sittingbourne) and Currys (Tilbury). The programme combined rapid and AC charging, civil works, power upgrades, smart load management and scalable ducting for future expansion—delivered to tight deadlines without disrupting operations. Chris Porte, Head of EV Charging at AEC, said: “Fleet electrification succeeds when design, civils and electrical delivery work as one. Our team has built a playbook for complex EV rollouts that is safe, scalable and cost-smart—and we’re proud to see that recognised again by the industry.” Shortlisting for Contractor of the Year highlights AEC’s breadth beyond EV: complex emergency-lighting programmes across 40+ sites for global clients, resilience upgrades for data-critical environments (including UPS and generator integration), EICR testing, external lighting and LED retrofits, and control-panel and containment works—delivered with a strong safety culture and on-time performance. Philip Friend, Managing Director at AEC, added: “This recognition reflects the craft, care and pace our teams bring to every project. Whether we’re delivering power resilience, fleet EV charging solutions or installing thousands of emergency lights, our promise is the same: first-time right, safely, and tailored to the client’s needs.”

The nomination paper signed by Margaret Thatcher that led to her becoming leader of the Conservative Party is among a cache of historic material recently discovered in a cardboard box in Somerset. It belonged to colourful Tory grandee Sir Edward du Cann KBE who was chairman of the party’s influential 1922 Committee during the leadership race in 1975. The former party chairman had been encouraged to stand himself but his stepping aside led to the election of Thatcher and ultimately to Britain’s first female Prime Minister. Also among the cache is the historic document that changed the course of British history, confirming Thatcher as party leader. It is simply headed: ‘Election of a leader of the Conservative Party’ and is dated 11th February 1975. It carries the signatures of the scrutineers and that of Margaret Thatcher. She won emphatically with 146 votes. William Whitelaw came second with just 79 votes. The nomination of Thatcher was proposed by Keith Joseph – who had also stood aside – and his note confirming the nomination was seconded by Airey Neave, who was later murdered by the IRA. Thatcher wrote underneath ‘I consent to be nominated’ and she signed it ‘Margaret H [Hilda] Thatcher’ on January 27, 1975. This piece of House of Commons notepaper is of significant historic importance but there are other treasures. One is a letter to du Cann the month before Thatcher agreed to be nominated, imploring him to stand. Signed by some of the party’s big beasts, it stated: “For some time it has been increasingly obvious to a number of us that you have the qualities which are required in a new Leader: your warmth, your ability to present our case forcefully and sympathetically, your skill as Chairman, and, above all, the affection in which you are held by your colleagues, make it essential, as we see it, that you should offer yourself for the Leadership of our Party. Indeed, we consider it is your duty to do so.” But du Cann would not change his mind and within weeks the 49-year-old Thatcher headed to the first round of voting. The documents, found recently, are to be offered for sale at Duke’s of Dorchester on January 29th 2026. Other treasures from the archive include notes and records from du Cann, as well as correspondence relating to the leadership election with people including the former Prime Minister Edward Heath and the Prime Minister of the day, Harold Wilson. Also included is the nomination paper for the second round of voting and a folio of Thatcher’s signed nomination papers for Conservative party leadership ballots from later years. Guy Schwinge of art consultants Hanover Forbes said: “This cache of papers is of great historical importance. Margaret Thatcher was a trailblazer in every sense. Her philosophy - Thatcherism - changed the United Kingdom forever and the great personal ‘chemistry’ she enjoyed with Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev contributed to the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War." “Interest in the papers is expected from collectors and institutions in the UK and globally. It is 100 years since her birth and 50 since she became leader of the Conservative party. The cache contains the signed nominations of all candidates in both ballots for the party leadership." “Leading American institutions, such as the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, are expected to keep a close eye on the sale but will need an export licence to take the archive out of the country. The files and documents were discovered in a garage in Somerset.” Edward du Cann, who died in 2017, was an MP from 1956 to 1987, served as party chairman from 1965 to 1967 and chaired the 1922 committee from 1972 to 1984. After losing the second General Election of 1974, in October, the Conservatives had their knives out for leader Edward Heath. Because he was chairman of the 1922 Committee du Cann played a pivotal role in the machinations that led to a leadership contest. One meeting of the 1922’s executive committee took place in Milk Street and the plotters were dubbed the ‘Milk Street Mafia’. This period of huge importance is all covered with the documents that detail the beginning of Thatcher’s rise to party leader and from there Prime Minister, an office she held for more than eleven years, winning three general elections. The French President Francois Mitterrand famously described Thatcher - popularly dubbed as Mrs T - as having ‘the eyes of Caligula and the lips of Marilyn Monroe’. Another expert described the discovery as ‘utterly sensational’ and ‘without precedent’. Auction watchers expect the archive could significantly outstrip the pre-sale auction estimate of £100,000. She died in 2013.

A Shetland-based craft business has improved its online presence after accessing tailored support from Business Gateway. Uphouse Crafts, founded by Andrea Leask in 2019, is based in Aith on the Westside of Shetland and sells hand-sewn purses, bags and keyrings, as well as greeting cards featuring her artwork. Andrea took up sewing in 2017 to make clothes for her son and in 2019, she decided to start her own business creating bibs, peg bags and tote bags for others. Uphouse Crafts has developed into a thriving rural business that offers a range of handmade crafts and eco-friendly home décor. Working from a small studio at her house, Andrea is passionate about sustainability, reducing waste and inspiring creativity - values that run through every aspect of her work. Andrea finds enjoyment in the process of making things from scratch. As her skills developed, so did interest from others, and what started as a hobby evolved into a business with a loyal following. Sustainability is important to Andrea, so she uses natural and recycled materials wherever possible. Shetland influences Andrea’s work, which features puffins, seals, whales and nautical themes. She also makes hand-knit Shetland Fair Isle purses and some of her products feature Shetland Tweed Wool. Andrea turned to Business Gateway to take her digital marketing to the next level. She received one-to-one support from advisers Genevieve White and Rene Looper, as well as specialist consultancy in digital marketing and content creation from Tuminds. With guidance from a Digital Audit, Andrea made key improvements to her website, which helped increase her Google domain reputation score from 10-15 in a short space of time. The audit also led to a more streamlined browsing experience for customers. Through additional copywriting support, Andrea gained the skills to write more clearly and effectively for her audience, crafting copy that speaks directly to her ideal customer, tells stories about her products and services and with strong calls to action. Uphouse Crafts has also accessed further guidance through workshops and specialist market research on trends in the creative crafting sector. These insights, alongside Andrea’s entrepreneurial spirit, are helping position her business for continued growth. As her confidence grows, Andrea is also showcasing her work in person. She took part in the Shetland Wool Week Makers Market on the 4th of October 2025, where visitors were able to see her range of handmade crafts and meet her face-to-face. Andrea Leask, founder of Uphouse Crafts said: “Running a business in Shetland comes with its own unique challenges, especially when it comes to building an online presence and reaching customers beyond Shetland. I knew my website and communication needed work, but I lacked the confidence to make those changes on my own. The support from Business Gateway has been genuinely transformative - it helped me understand my customers better and gave me the tools to connect with them more effectively." “I no longer feel like I’m guessing. Every change I’ve made has been backed by trusted advice and it’s already making a difference. I now feel far more confident in how I present Uphouse Crafts and excited about what’s possible for the future.” Genevieve White, Business Gateway adviser, said: “From the beginning, Andrea has shown a genuine openness to learning and a real determination to strengthen her business. Her commitment to implementing every piece of advice has made her an absolute joy to work with." "She’s taken on feedback with enthusiasm and applied it quickly and thoughtfully, which will no doubt have a lasting impact on Uphouse Crafts. We’re excited to see how her business continues to grow and reach new audiences - both within Shetland and beyond.”

The drawings and paintings of a renowned artist who has made North West England his home are being exhibited in the latest art gallery at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa near Windermere.    The works of Milan Ivanič have featured in numerous prominent international galleries in the UK, Europe, USA and Australia. His large-scale pen and ink drawings were selected for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, and his portrait ‘The History Men’ was included in the 2015 National Portrait Gallery’s annual exhibition.    Milan’s latest exhibition in the ‘Art in the Atrium’ gallery at the spa resort is called ‘Capturing the Northern Landscape’. It celebrates the love he has for his adopted home. He settled in the north of England in 1986 and ever since, the dramatic landscapes of Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire have been his inspiration. Many of the area’s vistas, rivers and walks are featured in his drawings and paintings on display.    English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues has partnered with Gavagan Art to showcase Milan’s drawings and paintings to a wider Lake District audience and give hotel guests and visitors the chance to see his work in the free, open exhibition.    Milan’s work derives from close engagement with the landscape and culture of the British Isles, while retaining an accent of central Europe and reflecting a respect for the traditions of classical European art. Some of his favourite Cumbrian landscapes feature in the Low Wood Bay exhibition, including views from Brantwood, Borrowdale, Killington, Lyth Valley and the Langdales.    Executive chairman at English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues Simon Berry says: “This is another wonderful local artist to introduce to our guests here at Low Wood Bay. Milan’s compositions over the past six decades consist of what he calls ‘drawing-paintings’ with a wide range of subjects, from spectacular landscapes through to portraits and figures depicting family life. His focus is on the interplay between struggle and celebration, often in abstract form, but always with a foothold in reality.”  Mary Gavagan from Gavagan Art adds: “Milan’s wife Roz says he was ‘the boy who couldn’t stop drawing’. His talent was recognised at an early age by his teachers in the former Czechoslovakia and he was encouraged to apply to the Hollar School of Art. From there he gained a place at the highly selective Academy of Fine Arts in Prague. Had he completed the course there, he would have become an ‘akademický malίř’, a state-recognised artist." “His life then took the most romantic of turns when he met Roz, who was studying in Prague, and he came to England with her in 1970. Roz and I both started working at Lancaster University in the mid-1980s, but it wasn’t until 2012 and a chance meeting with her and Milan that I discovered he was a talented artist of some renown.”    The latest exhibition in the ‘Art in the Atrium’ gallery at Low Wood Bay runs through to the New Year. The display also includes various works from the Woolwich based Dockyard Ceramics Studio, a London co-operative of artists. It features an array of sculptural and functional ceramics created by artists Jonquil Cook, Caroline Nuttall-Smith, Madeline Herbert and Richard Dickson.    Milan Ivanič grew up in the village of Sebuzín, where the river Elbe travels north through the mountains between the former Czechoslovakia and Germany. This was the landscape he loved and the subject of many of his early graphic works.    Before making his home in Lancaster with Roz, Milan lived and worked in Devon, Sussex, London and California. His artwork features in private collections in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Norway, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.    Roz Ivanič has written a book about her husband which is due to be published in November 2025. ‘Fields of Marks: The Life and Work of Milan Ivanič’ is his life story, illustrated with over 150 of his drawings, prints, paintings and other works.    It starts with the day they met in Czechoslovakia in 1968, when Milan was 21. Early chapters describe his upbringing with his parents, who moved from Slovakia to the Sudetenland at the end of World War II and worked on the railway and in a factory there.    The book tells how Milan left everything behind and came to England to marry Roz, and how he began a new life as a freelance artist from scratch in a different country. Every page of text is illustrated by one or more examples of Milan’s art.    For further information, visit here .

Britain’s high streets face a critical moment, the Co-op has warned, as new research reveals 60,000 small shops and 150,000 jobs could disappear without urgent business rates reform. The findings, released ahead of the Autumn Budget, show around 7 in 10 UK adults (69%) lack confidence that the Government will deliver on its promise of relief for small businesses - despite repeated pledges in previous budgets.   If reforms are not delivered, 10% of small high street business owners say they would need to lay off staff, and 1 in 8 say they would be at risk of closure. That equates to tens of thousands of closures nationwide, with significant economic and employment consequences.   YouGov research also reveals that over 1 in 2 UK adults (56%) – equivalent to over 30 million people – see local shops as important to their wellbeing. Without them, 3 in 4 people say they “feel their community would lose part of its identity” (74%).   Co-op’s 6.9 million members are clear: they want thriving local shops, safer high streets and stronger communities. The On Your Corner, In Your Corner campaign responds to this mandate. Insight from Co-op's Big Survey shows 67% believe their high street is dying, 78% say it’s worse than five years ago, and 83% see it as vital to community wellbeing. Members are calling for more independent shops and community spaces—proof that protecting local retail is about identity and belonging, not just economics.   Shirine Khoury-Haq, Co-op Group CEO, said: “As we approach a critical Autumn Budget, there’s a real danger that the voices of small shops—and the communities they serve—are not being heard. Local shops aren’t just businesses; they’re part of the social fabric of Britain. For some, a visit to a local store is one of the few chances they have to chat to someone and feel connected." “This research shows a clear public mandate for action. Regardless of how they vote, the majority of people want the Government to do more to protect their high streets. This is an opportunity for the government to really prove to people that they will do what it takes to make a difference to people’s communities and to their wellbeing."   “The proposed system would improve the financial situation of 99% of retailers. How much they are protected from tax rises depends on decisions made in this Budget. To boost local economies, create jobs and provide community cohesion, we need inclusive growth. That means supporting the businesses on the corners, in the precincts, on the parades and the high streets of every community. In order for them to not only survive, but to thrive, the Government has to commit to the maximum levels of relief.”   Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said: “In the last year alone, business rates bills for convenience stores have increased by over £100m. These essential local shops are now facing significant further increases with the expected reduction of the 40% Retail and Hospitality Relief, coupled with next April’s revaluation, unless the Government commits to the full use of new powers to introduce a permanently lower multiplier for local shops."  “We’ve been calling on retailers throughout the summer to write to their MPs on the impact that business rates increases are having on their investment plans and have engaged directly with the Treasury to outline the difficult decisions that retailers are already having to make as a result of higher bills. It’s essential that the Budget includes a meaningful long term reduction in rates bills for convenience stores to incentivise investment and provide much needed certainty for the future.”   Benedict Selvaratam, owner of Freshfields Market in Croydon, Surrey, said: “The high street still matters. It’s where people meet, work, and live. Without rates relief and reform, we’ll see more closures, more risk-averse owners, and less investment in our towns. We were expecting government to follow through on their manifesto commitments, to look at redistribution, to ensure online giants pay their fair share, and to support bricks-and-mortar businesses.” Jack Matthews, owner of Bradley’s Supermarket in Quorn, Leicestershire, said: “We’ve always played an important role in the community. For many elderly people, sometimes we’re the only conversation they have in a day, and we’re proud to play that role. We need the government to deliver rate relief in the autumn budget. Losing a convenience store in a rural community could have a huge impact - and those are the stores that need government support the most.” Economic and policy context: 77% of small high street shop owners say business rates reform is essential for survival. Nearly half (44%) would struggle to grow without protections; 36% would freeze pay rises; 26% would halt hiring. 77% back an online retail tax to level the playing field with online giants.   The Government’s current proposal is to provide permanent business rates relief for small retail properties, replacing temporary pandemic measures. Co-op is urging the Government to commit to the maximum levels of relief in the Autumn Budget and to implement swiftly to give small shops certainty. The member owned retailer operates 2,300 Co-op shops across the UK and a wholesale network supporting 8,000 more, over 4,000 which are smaller independent retailers, placing it at the heart of thousands of neighbourhoods every day.   On Your Corner, In Your Corner is part of Co-op’s Social Value Strategy—a commitment led by 6.9 million members to stand firm on climate, opportunity and community. Since 2016, the Co-op Local Community Fund has shared £115 million with 39,000 community projects nationwide, supporting places where people can connect, access opportunities and thrive. Whilst, Making a Difference Locally (MADL) has raised over £18m for local charities and good causes through Co-op own-label product sales and in-store fundraising, ensuring funds stay within local communities.

Fifth-generation luxury bedmaker, Harrison Spinks, has published its 2025 Impact Report, which celebrates record progress in sustainability and social impact, including reducing emissions, planting thousands of trees and handcrafting hundreds of beds for children in poverty.   The report’s publication follows Harrison Spinks being awarded ‘Bed Manufacturer of the Year 2025/26’ at the National Bed Federation Awards – the company’s second consecutive win and fifth overall – recognising its leadership and significant advances in sustainable bedmaking and responsible manufacturing.   Highlights from the 2025 Impact Report: Enhancing the environment – At its Yorkshire farm, a historic orchard has been restored and 3,000 metres of native hedgerows planted, with more trees and songbird feed being introduced to increase biodiversity and wildlife. Over 160 volunteer hours were spent restoring rare Yorkshire wildlife and habitats through Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Wild Ingleborough restoration project – including a record 2,365 trees planted in one day. Supporting local communities – Mattress donations to local children's charity Zarach increased by 50%, delivering 360 beds for children living in poverty this year. The business also supports St George’s Crypt in Leeds, helping the homeless and people in recovery gain skills and employment – including hiring its first colleague through the charity. Colleague welfare – With the business now part employee-owned*, Harrison Spinks continues to prioritise colleague wellbeing through investments in training and long-term career development, including being involved in events to support women in the traditionally male-dominated industry. Reducing emissions – The company reduced direct (Scope 1) emissions by 10% and indirect (Scope 2) emissions by 37% in the last financial year, achieved by investments in infrastructure, improving heating systems and switching to renewable energy contracts. Waste reduction – Having achieved its goal of zero-production waste to landfill by 2025, Harrison Spinks has launched an ambitious new waste strategy to minimise incineration. Planned machinery upgrades will enable post-production waste to be repurposed into new mattress fillings. Responsible sourcing – Further initiatives to source traceable, certified natural materials, prioritising British fibres where possible, such as British wool, and traceable alpaca fibre, plus replacing horsehair with coir.   Nick Booth, Managing Director at Harrison Spinks, said: “This year has been one of real milestones. From our responsible sourcing strategy to supporting local families and restoring the Yorkshire landscape, we’re proving that the industry can create social value and positive change."  “Charities like Zarach and St George’s Crypt remind us that a good night’s sleep is a basic right, while projects like Wild Ingleborough show the power of protecting nature on our doorstep."   “Being named Bed Manufacturer of the Year for the fifth time is further recognition of everyone's hard work and commitment to doing things the right way. We're really proud of the progress we've made in sustainable bed making and responsible manufacturing, and we hope we can inspire others on their own sustainability journey.”   Read more achievements and commitments by the business in the full report here.

The UK Agri-Tech Centre is announcing that after a highly competitive recruitment process, Steve McLean has been appointed CEO, stepping into the role on 27 January 2026. Steve is currently Head of Agriculture & Fisheries Sourcing at M&S and brings with him a wealth of executive experience, including developing and leading change. He has a track record in the retail, agricultural and fisheries sectors, and has worked extensively across the supply chain. In looking forward to his new role, Steve reflected: “I’m honoured to be joining the UK Agri-Tech Centre at such a pivotal time for British agriculture." “The sector is undergoing rapid transformation, and the organisation plays a vital role supporting the development of agri-tech innovation, which helps farmers and food producers meet the challenges of sustainability, productivity and resilience." “I look forward to working with our partners across the industry to accelerate progress and deliver real impact.” Noting the ambitions for the business, and the momentum achieved by interim Chief Executive, Hannah Senior, UK Agri-Tech Centre Chairman, Dr Peter Quinn, said: “Steve’s appointment will be instrumental in building on Hannah’s success, providing strategic leadership to drive growth in the agri-tech sector, and supporting businesses to successfully develop and commercialise their products and services.” Whilst Hannah will step down as Interim Chief Executive, she will join the UK Agri-Tech Centre Board and will continue to support the business in her new role. Hannah said: “It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to work with the UK Agri-Tech Centre on an interim basis." “We’ve taken huge strides to make the business more impactful in supporting innovative companies to develop and commercialise their agricultural technologies, so I couldn’t be more pleased that in the new year it’s Steve, bringing his deep understanding of the value chain and the sector, who will be leading the organisation forward to an exciting future”. To find out more about the work the UK Agri-Tech Centre does, visit here .

British Airways is proudly celebrating the launch of its new lounge design concept with the opening of two new lounges on its global network, marking a significant step change in the airline’s premium offering. Working in partnership with global architecture and design firm Gensler, these openings debut the flag carrier’s new design concept that will serve as the vision for future lounge developments. Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, said: “We’re thrilled to be unveiling our new design concept with new lounges in both Miami and Dubai. These unique spaces have been created with our customers in mind and are the next step in our extensive lounge transformation plan. Whether they’re looking to relax, dine, work or enjoy a drink at the fully staffed bar, there’s something for everyone. “We’re proud to bring our brand to life in these spaces, having blended our British originality with each destination’s unique character. This approach has allowed us to make the most of brilliant talents from around the world. We’re grateful to all the teams, both within British Airways and our partners, who’ve helped make our vision a reality. We are incredibly excited to welcome our customers to these new lounges.” Rooted in hospitality, the new design concept establishes a cohesive architectural identity that connects British Airways lounges worldwide. Drawing inspiration from the airline’s heritage and the character of each destination, the spaces are designed to feel welcoming, intuitive, and restorative, creating moments of calm, connection, and delight for customers wherever their journey takes them. Reflecting the airline’s playful side, ‘look-up’ moments feature across British Airways’ lounges, adding a touch of surprise to the experience. Upon arrival in Miami, for example, guests are greeted by a floor mural that, when viewed through the mirrored ceiling, reveals the words ‘London Calling’ as a homage to the airline's home. MIAMI This is the first time in decades that the airline has had its own lounge available to customers in Miami. Opening today, it spans 13,000 sqft, becoming the largest lounge outside of London solely operated by British Airways. Located in Terminal E, directly above its departure gate, the space is a celebration of the airline’s British originality, charm and wit, combined with features that have taken inspiration from the city, such as its Art Deco design and iconic buildings. With large windows along its walls, this lounge has sweeping views across the airfield and makes use of the beautiful Miami skies and light. The airline used Miami-based contractors, such as TGA Consulting, Nunez Construction and Bermello & Ajamil architects, as well as US-sourced materials that reflect both quality and craftmanship. Drinks with a view A striking full-service bar serves as the focal point of the lounge and is carefully positioned in front of windows that flood the space with light. Experienced bartenders are on hand to craft a selection of classic cocktails and mocktails, including a Prickly Margarita – unique to this lounge - as well as a large range of spirits and beers, including local ale. In the zone Designed with versatility in mind, the layout of the lounge offers five distinctive zones that flow seamlessly into each other while offering individual spaces. In addition to the central bar, it includes a main dining space, focus pods, and a lowered central lounge with partitions for those looking for a private space. Two shower suites and colourful striped washrooms, inspired by traditional Miami deck chairs, provide travellers with a refreshing reset, complete with a reception and amenities. Britain meets Miami in the kitchen The lounge features a self-serve dining area offering locally-sourced dishes that champion seasonal Miami produce with a British twist, all freshly prepared in the new state-of-the-art restaurant-style kitchen. Customers can expect local papaya and lacinato kale salad with toasted coconut and citrus honey vinaigrette, and seared South Florida flounder fish with lemon, Kalamata olives, fried capers and rice. Concorde Dining Room Guests travelling in First are invited to enjoy an elevated à la carte dining experience in the exclusive Concorde Dining Room. Alongside a more personalised service, the experience includes a range of dishes such as Wagyu beef strip loin with roasted trumpet mushrooms and a truffle reduction or roasted diver scallops. Champagne and English Sparkling Wine, including Pommery, Cuvée Louise 2005, is also available for guests. DUBAI Located in Terminal 1 at Dubai International Airport and spanning nearly 5,800 sqft, the new space offers customers an elevated experience that blends contemporary British design and the rich spirit of the UAE. Brought to life by local contractor Al Tayer Stocks, the new space nods to traditional Middle Eastern style, featuring sweeping arches, patterned metal panelling, and mirrored walls that have taken inspiration from local architecture. A full-service bar acts as a focal point of the space as part of the new design concept. A blend of British and Middle Eastern design Customers are welcomed by a framed entrance leading into a space that balances warm hospitality and exclusivity. Artisanal finishes such as fluted marble, antique mirrored ceilings, and bespoke detailing create an inviting and sophisticated space. The lounge’s ‘look-up’ moment is a chandelier framed by a mirrored ceiling in the main dining area, with the iconic British Airways speed marque embedded above. Lighting and mirrors are used throughout to reflect light, bringing a sense of openness to the space. Washrooms feature locally sourced geometric tiles, while seating incorporates British heritage fabrics, adding character and comfort. Fusion of Middle Eastern flavours and British classics The lounge has a dedicated self-serving dining area offering a range of options including an Arabic breakfast, mezze selection, cakes, and cheeseboard. Customers can indulge in a selection of premium Champagnes and English Sparkling wines, along with expertly crafted cocktails, such as a Dubai Chocolate Martini, and Bucks Free Fizz, made using fresh orange juice with Lyre's Classico Grande Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine. Coffee Planet, a UAE-founded coffee brand renowned for its premium Arabica beans, is available along with Birchall, the airline’s new global British tea partner. Concorde Dining Room Customers travelling in First can also enjoy top notch service in the exclusive Concorde Dining Room, accessible via a dedicated entrance. The à la carte menu features Middle Eastern signature dishes such as Arabic mezze and sweet dessert, Umm Ali, and British Original favourites including the famous Concorde Wagyu burger and Scottish smoked salmon. This exclusive area features a variety of seating, from table, to bar, to armchair. Ashley Dowell, Design Director, Senior Associate at Gensler, said: “We are honoured to have partnered with British Airways to carve the path for the global lounge concept being introduced around the world." "Hospitality driven and inspired by the heritage of British Airways, combined with the rich vibrancy of each location, the lounges will reflect a global journey framed through a British lens. Welcoming, intuitive and bold, the new lounges offer a surprising retreat for travellers to relax, work and socialise in the midst of their travels.”

One of Nottingham’s most historic green spaces has received a cash boost thanks to local packaging giant The Wilkins Group. As part of its ‘12 Months of Giving’ initiative, the Colwick-based company has donated £1,000 to St Ann’s Allotments, a unique city centre haven where gardening meets community care and connection. St Ann’s Allotments are no ordinary gardens - they date back to 1551 and are recognised as the largest surviving area of detached Victorian town gardens in England. Spread across 75 acres with more than 700 plots, the site is Grade II listed and dotted with historic summerhouses, glasshouses and even a Grade II listed shed. Today, the allotments remain a nationally important green space, combining centuries of heritage with a thriving community hub in the heart of Nottingham. Under the care of dedicated manager Paul Paine, the gardens have become a sanctuary for people from all walks of life, many of whom are facing challenges such as loneliness, those recovering from addiction, mental health issues, ADHD or autism. Paul, who has been involved in the project for 25 years, said: “Our allotments are about so much more than growing food. Every day we see people arrive here low in mood, stressed or isolated, and leave feeling lighter, calmer and more connected. Gardening and nature have an extraordinary power to heal. This donation will make a real difference, helping us to buy seeds, tools and materials that keep the gardens thriving.” The allotments are famous for producing not just the traditional apples and plums, but also lesser-known fruits such as quince and edible hawthorn, as well as herbs, nuts and plants often unfamiliar in the UK. The produce is used in their innovative ‘Dig and Dinner’ project, where community members forage, cook alongside professional chefs, and share nourishing meals, which are often the only hot dish some participants will eat that day. Alongside food growing, the site offers classes in basket weaving with willow harvested on-site, and activities in its eco-friendly straw bale building with a woodburning stove at its heart. Justin Wilkins, joint managing director of The Wilkins Group, said: “Nottingham is our home, and our year of giving is all about shining a light on the small charities and community groups that make a huge difference right here on our doorstep. St Ann’s Allotments is a hidden gem, a place of calm, creativity and care that changes lives every single day. We’re proud to play a small part in supporting Paul and his team.” The £1,000 donation is one of 12 being made by The Wilkins Group during 2025, with each month dedicated to a different Nottinghamshire charity or community cause. The Wilkins Group, a family-run firm founded in 1963, produces food packaging for leading names such as Pukka, Pizza Express, Harrods and Cadbury. Alongside its Nottingham headquarters, it operates plants in China, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and has won awards for its innovations in reducing single-use plastics across the industry.

The UK recruitment market saw a notable uplift in September, with contract roles rising by 10% year-on-year and 18% month-on-month, reaching their highest level recorded so far in 2025. That’s according to the latest Hiring Trends report from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), produced in partnership with Bullhorn. Contract placements also rebounded, up 11% month-on-month and 8% year-on-year, indicating that the contingent recruitment market has entered Q4 in a stronger position than it began the year. Meanwhile, permanent roles also showed signs of optimism, climbing 27% month-on-month to return to pre-summer levels, although they remain 7% below September 2024 figures. Placements for permanent jobs rose 12% between August and September, remaining on par with last year’s performance. Samantha Hurley, Managing Director at APSCo UK commented: “The September data paints a promising picture for the UK’s professional recruitment sector, particularly in the contract market. The rise in contract roles and placements reflects the agility businesses are adopting in response to economic uncertainty and evolving workforce demands." “While permanent hiring has seen a healthy month-on-month recovery, the year-on-year dip suggests that employers remain cautious about long-term commitments. However, the stability in permanent placements compared to last year is encouraging and points to a steady recalibration of hiring strategies." “As we move into the final quarter of 2025, we expect contract hiring to continue playing a pivotal role in workforce planning, especially in sectors where project-based work and specialist skills are in high demand. The data also reinforces the need for recruiters and employers to remain flexible and responsive to market shifts, ensuring they can attract and retain top talent in a competitive landscape.” Andy Ingham, SVP Sales, EMEA & APAC "September closed out Q3 with a promising bounce back from the August lull. The contract market was a clear standout, with jobs up 10.4% year-over-year and placements rising by 8.7%, which paints an optimistic picture for temp employment." "While the permanent market saw its expected jump from August, it has settled back into the steady, incremental growth we've seen throughout the year. As we move into October, we are hopeful that these trends will continue, setting us up for a strong start to Q4."

World Mental Health Day, a new Workplace Emotional Safety Report from career platform Zety reveals that despite growing awareness, many employees still feel unable to express emotional distress or vulnerability at work. The findings highlight how “corporate masking” i.e. the habit of concealing stress, frustration, or sadness to appear professional - remains a widespread reality. Key findings: • Nearly 1 in 3 workers have cried at work due to stress or overwhelm. • 67% admit to hiding emotions to maintain a professional image. • 44% feel judged when they show signs of stress or exhaustion. • 1 in 4 wouldn’t feel safe telling their manager if they were struggling. • Only 32% describe their workplace as emotionally or psychologically safe. According to Dr. Jasmine Escalera, Career Expert at Zety: “Even as we talk more about mental health, many people still wear a mask to work every day. Emotional authenticity is far too often treated as a weakness, when in reality, it’s one of the strongest foundations for well-being and trust.” Emotional Strain and Burnout Workplace pressures are fuelling unsustainable levels of stress: 1 in 4 feel emotionally drained multiple times a week, and 1 in 10 say they feel this way daily. Key causes include conflict with managers or colleagues (29%), lack of recognition (28%), and toxic culture (23%). Nearly half (44%) say they feel judged when showing stress or emotion. Barriers to Speaking Up Employees often silence themselves after being invalidated: 1 in 3 have been told to “calm down” or “toughen up.” 21% say colleagues dismiss their emotions, while 14% say peers are unaware altogether. 36% have reported a false reason when taking a mental health day, and 7% avoid mental health leave entirely. The State of Psychological Safety The data shows most employees work under restraint: • Only 32% rate their workplace’s psychological safety as high. • 58% say it’s moderate, while 10% rate it low. • 1 in 3 feel uncomfortable expressing negative emotions at all. The data suggests that while companies may acknowledge mental health in policy, few have addressed the deeper issue of emotional culture - how employees actually feel about expressing themselves. What This Means for Employers The report highlights a clear gap between employee needs and organizational support. Workers lean more on peers, friends, and family than on managers, HR, or counsellors. This signals that traditional support systems aren’t trusted or accessible. Dr. Escalera adds: “When workers hide their emotions, organisations lose something critical - human connection. Building cultures where people can show up honestly goes beyond being a perk, it’s a necessity for sustainable performance, and above-all worker wellbeing” The report aligns with global trends showing high rates of workplace stress, burnout, and emotional fatigue - issues that continue to drive turnover and disengagement worldwide. Zety’s findings call for employers to go beyond awareness campaigns and foster genuine psychological safety, where mental health and emotional expression are seen as part of healthy, high-performing teams. To view the full report with more information, please visit here . Methodology The findings presented are based on a nationally representative survey conducted by Zety UK using Pollfish on July 30, 2025. The survey collected responses from 1,023 U.S. workers, examining their experiences and perceptions related to emotional safety in the workplace, including stressors, burnout, barriers to expressing feelings, coping strategies, and overall psychological safety. Respondents answered different types of questions, including yes/no, scale-based questions where they indicated their level of agreement with statements, and multiple-choice where they could select from a list of provided options. The sample consisted of 50% female and 50% male respondents, with 15% Gen Z, 33% Millennials, 35% Gen X, and 17% Baby Boomers.