The use of external finance among smaller businesses in Wales grew substantially in late 2024 to 57% from 49% in late 2023, finds the 2025 Wales SME Access to Finance Report . The report by British Business Bank and Economic Intelligence Wales, aims to track the supply of, and demand for, finance across smaller businesses in Wales within the broader Welsh economic context, and sub-regional economic contexts. It is based on a bespoke survey of 500 smaller businesses in Wales, undertaken for the second time in October 2024. Credit cards were identified as the most commonly used finance type among smaller businesses in Wales, with a 25% usage rate. This was followed by Covid loans (23%) and business overdrafts (16%). The report also revealed 21% of smaller businesses in Wales anticipate needing additional finance over the next year, up from 16% in the previous year. Of these smaller businesses looking to secure finance, 56% said they were considering business loans and 37% grants, with almost half (46%) needing finance for working capital while 39% needed it for capital expenditure. While this potentially paints a more positive picture for growth among smaller Welsh businesses, it also reveals that a larger proportion need finance to survive. Regional Trends While 57% of smaller businesses in Wales were using external finance by late 2024, a figure comparable to other UK devolved nations, distinct regional trends reveal variations in financial confidence, requirements, and barriers. External finance usage rates were generally consistent across Wales, but South East Wales saw significantly lower grant uptake (3%) than other regions. This could reflect the region’s focus on innovation-led businesses in Cardiff and Newport, where many companies seek equity funding to support research and development, as well as easier access to a broader range of finance types and providers compared to businesses in more remote or rural locations. The scale of funding requirements also varied between regions. South West Wales, home to Swansea’s growing innovation hub, with strong business and academic links to Swansea University, had a higher proportion of businesses seeking more substantial finance, with16% of businesses who needed finance over the next year intending to seek more than £250k, including for research and development. On the other hand, smaller business in North Wales were the least likely to require more than £250k in finance (4%), which may reflect the prevalence of smaller enterprises in tourism and retail. Meanwhile, Mid Wales, with its rural and agriculture-driven economy, had fewer businesses anticipating the need for additional finance (14%), suggesting a more stable business environment with less immediate demand for expansion capital. Despite similar views on barriers to accessing finance across Wales, smaller businesses in South West Wales were slightly more likely to report difficulties (26%), compared to North Wales (20%), South East Wales (20%) and Mid Wales (15%). This could be attributed to the region’s ongoing economic transition from traditional sectors like agriculture and manufacturing to emerging industries such as life sciences and marine technology. In North Wales, the report finds that 18% of smaller businesses with debt feel their debt burden is unmanageable, possibly due to the seasonal nature of its tourism-driven economy. While investment initiatives like the North Wales Growth Deal and Anglesey’s freeport status aim to stimulate economic growth, businesses in the region may still be navigating financial uncertainty. Confidence To Secure Finance Businesses in the South West region also expressed the highest confidence (75%) in securing the finance they required over the next year, despite being more inclined to report difficulties in accessing finance than their counterparts based elsewhere. This optimism could be linked to major infrastructure projects such as the Celtic Freeport and Swansea Bay City Deal, which are expected to unlock new investment opportunities. In South East Wales the highest proportion of businesses (29%) expected growth. Business performance expectations followed similar patterns across Wales, but with some notable differences, where smaller businesses benefit from well-developed infrastructure and strong support networks. Conversely, North Wales had a greater share of smaller businesses anticipating contraction (18%) or trading difficulties (8%), potentially linked to economic uncertainty in tourism and retail. Giles Thorley, Chief Executive at the Development Bank of Wales: “This report provides timely and detailed analysis of the current finance landscape for small businesses in Wales.” “It’s encouraging to see that more Welsh businesses are accessing external finance, and that many are planning to grow over the coming year. We see first-hand the difference that the right funding at the right time can make and over the past five years, the Development Bank of Wales has supported 3,402 businesses across Wales, directly investing over £705 million and securing an additional £335 million in private investment—contributing over £1 billion to the Welsh economy. Our teams are based in communities throughout Wales and are ready to support more businesses with both loans and equity investment." “We’ve welcomed this opportunity for Economic Intelligence Wales to collaborate with the British Business Bank to improve the evidence base and, therefore, the understanding of access to finance issues in Wales as a whole, as well as in each of the Welsh regions.” Susan Nightingale, UK Network Director for the Devolved Nations at British Business Bank said: “Wales is home to a wealth of diverse and dynamic small business, with firms operating across a broad range of sectors, from cutting-edge fintech and life sciences, to manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture." “This Wales SME Access to Finance Report highlights the unique financial needs and ambitions of smaller businesses across Wales’ different regions, each shaped by its own economic strengths and challenges." “It’s encouraging to see more Welsh smaller businesses making use of external finance, demonstrating a strong appetite for investment and growth. That said, high levels of credit card usage suggest finance choices are driven by familiarity and ease of access as opposed to informed choices about what is most appropriate for the needs and longevity of the business. We all have a job to do, to continue to raise awareness of the range of finance options available and to ensure businesses, irrespective of where they are based, have equal knowledge and access to capital.”

The football associations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have been confirmed by FIFA as the sole bidders to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035. At the beginning of March, the home nations collectively expressed interest in the United Kingdom hosting the tournament following the FIFA Council’s recommendation that the 2035 tournament is hosted in Europe or in Africa. Earlier today, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced that the home nations had submitted the only declaration of interest to stage the event. Our chief executive, Mark Bullingham, said: “We are honoured to be the sole bidder for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035." “Hosting England's first FIFA World Cup since 1966, along with our home nations partners, will be very special. The hard work starts now, to put together the best possible bid by the end of the year.” Speaking at the UEFA Congress in Belgrade, Infantino had said: “I can confirm that, as part of the bidding process, we received one bid for 2031 and one valid bid for 2035. The 2035 bid is from Europe from the Home Nations." “The path is there for the Women’s World Cup to be taking place in 2031 and 2035 with some great countries in some great nations to boost even more the women’s football movement.” As well as the 12th edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the UK will also stage the men's UEFA European Championship in 2028.

Unilever has announced that it has received a binding offer from Vivera to acquire The Vegetarian Butcher. The brand was bought by Unilever in 2018 from founder Jaap Korteweg and has since then delivered strong double-digit growth on average, expanded to a presence in more than 55 markets worldwide - both in retail and in foodservice. As stated at their 2024 Investor Event, Unilever is looking to sharpen its portfolio for long-term growth and scalability, focusing on fewer, bigger brands. The chilled and frozen products of The Vegetarian Butcher require a distinct supply chain and sourcing model making them less scalable within the broader Unilever Foods portfolio. Additionally, the unique set of technological and R&D capabilities that drive the remarkable innovations of The Vegetarian Butcher, differs significantly from the requirements of the wider Unilever portfolio. This divergence makes a sale of the brand the best option for both Unilever and The Vegetarian Butcher. Heiko Schipper, President Unilever Foods: “Since the acquisition, The Vegetarian Butcher has delivered significant growth and launched many extraordinary products. The creative, impactful communication campaigns have fostered genuine love for the brand among consumers. These efforts have not only driven the success of the brand, but also reinforced the Unilever commitment to plant-based foods and breakthrough innovation." "I believe that The Vegetarian Butcher is poised for even greater success in the next phase of its journey under new ownership that is dedicated to plant-based meat replacements. This focused expertise will support the brand in its ambitious goal to become the Biggest Butcher of the World.” Rutger Rozendaal, CEO at The Vegetarian Butcher: “We are very excited for The Vegetarian Butcher to be joining forces with Vivera, as it will bring the opportunity to combine our strengths and deliver even greater value to our partners and our consumers." Willem van Weede, CEO Vivera: “The impressive and relentless dedication of the people of The Vegetarian Butcher have brought the vision of Jaap Korteweg to life on unprecedented scale and ‘sacrificing nothing’. Vivera is proud to unite with such like-minded believers in and experts of plant-based products, with the same big ambition towards a better and much more plant-based food chain." "We are looking forward to together accelerate this important transition, leveraging the complementary competencies of our both companies." The binding offer is subject to the usual closing conditions, regulatory requirements, and consultation processes. Completion is expected by Q3 2025. Financial terms of the binding offer are undisclosed.

With the growing number of animal and plant disease outbreaks around the world, the NFU, alongside the Rt Hon. the Lord Rooker, Defra Minister during the 2007 Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak and former chair of the Food Standards Agency (FSA), is calling for a cross-government biosecurity plan and sufficient investment1 to counter the biosecurity risks the UK faces. In one week in January alone, a total of 10 tonnes of illegal meat was removed from the UK’s food chain2. In the same month, Germany reported an outbreak of FMD and there have now been several more confirmed cases in Hungary and Slovakia. This comes when UK farm businesses are already under huge pressure from rising cases of Avian Influenza and Bluetongue. According to the government’s 2025 National Risk Register, FMD and African Swine Fever (ASF) are two of the biggest threats to biosecurity, mostly due to illegal meat imports. The National Audit Office estimated the cost of the devastating 2001 FMD outbreak to be over £8 billion, while the government estimates an ASF outbreak could cost up to £100 million. With the risk of animal and plant disease high, the NFU is asking for a clear plan and investment now to prevent potentially crippling costs down the line, and to protect domestic food production at a time when food security is so important. NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “Outbreaks of plant or animal disease pose a significant risk to the UK’s food security, which this government has repeatedly stated is critical to national security, especially when coupled with increasing global instability and the impact that can have on the UK’s food supply." “Disease outbreaks are not only a threat to the national economy, but the UK’s ability to trade. For example, the UK exported nearly £6 billion of animal and plant products in 2024 which relied on the UK’s biological security reputation." “As an island nation we have a natural advantage, but this means nothing without fit for purpose import controls which address the needs and concerns of different sectors. The recent outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease – a disease which still haunts the memories of so many in our sector – across Europe is hugely worrying for British farmers and we must do everything to prevent it crossing the Channel. And FMD is not the only risk. New breakouts of African Swine Fever and known plant diseases like Xylella and tomato brown rugose fruit virus continue to be reported across Europe. The risks are high and new threats are emerging all the time." “We have seen how disease can bring this country to a standstill – we saw it in 2001 and 2007 with FMD. This government has repeatedly said that food security is national security, and we can’t have food security without biosecurity. In the current economic environment, and with the pressure Avian Influenza and Bluetongue are already putting on the farming sector and government resources, it’s clear that the government cannot afford another disease outbreak." “Livestock businesses are worried that the current import controls don’t match the scale of the threat to the nation’s biosecurity and food safety. Meanwhile, fruit, vegetable and ornamental businesses importing young plants and plant material are concerned that inspections at border control points increase the biosecurity risk and cause long delays3, adding significant costs and jeopardising production." “In a more uncertain world, we require decisive action to secure Britain’s future, and the government is right when it says that its job is not to step back, but step up. It did just that when it injected a much needed £200 million into the biosecurity centre in Weybridge." “We now need to see a more comprehensive biosecurity plan, established across government including Defra, Department for Business and Trade and Home Office, and with the necessary investment behind it to minimise the risks to British farming and the food we produce as much as possible.” The Rt Hon. the Lord Rooker said: “Food is the UK’s biggest manufacturing sector and if one part of the sector is damaged by a disease outbreak, it can destroy the public’s confidence in the rest of it." “It’s relevant to note that it’s 25 years since the conception of the Food Standards Agency, which was created to rectify the disastrous collapse of food confidence following the BSE outbreak. The FSA restored people’s confidence in food and that must be maintained at all costs." “It should be central government which drives biosecurity forward, it’s not just up to Defra. But I’m not sure the awareness of the potential impacts is there." “This government has a habit of ignoring countryside issues, but this is not a countryside issue, it’s an economic one. If our food manufacturing sector is damaged, then the effect on the rest of the economy is enormous." “It must be taken seriously. If not, we’re in real trouble.”

Leadership isn’t what it used to be. The days of the all-knowing, sharp-suited executive barking orders from a corner office are largely gone – or at least, they should be. In today’s fast-moving, socially conscious and increasingly digital world, being a good business leader demands a very different set of skills. It’s no longer just about strategy and results – it’s about people, purpose, and the ability to navigate uncertainty with authenticity. The 21st century has ushered in challenges and changes no previous generation of leaders had to face. Climate change, economic volatility, geopolitical instability and the rise of artificial intelligence are reshaping industries at a pace that’s hard to keep up with. Add to that a workforce that increasingly values inclusion, wellbeing and work-life balance, and the blueprint for effective leadership looks markedly different from what came before. One of the most critical qualities today’s leaders must possess is emotional intelligence. This isn’t just about being “nice” – it’s about being self-aware, empathetic, and able to build genuine, trusting relationships with people at every level of an organisation. A leader who listens, who understands the pressures their team is under, and who leads with compassion is far more likely to inspire loyalty and motivation than one who operates through fear or formality. Adaptability is another non-negotiable. If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that agility and resilience are key to survival. Good leaders are those who can pivot quickly, make difficult decisions under pressure, and keep a clear head in the midst of chaos. But more than that, they’re able to guide their teams through change with clarity and transparency, even when they don’t have all the answers themselves. It’s also impossible to ignore the role of purpose in modern leadership. Employees and customers alike are increasingly drawn to businesses that stand for something beyond profit. Leaders must now be able to articulate not just what their company does, but why it matters. That sense of purpose needs to be embedded in every aspect of the organisation – from how it treats its employees to how it engages with the wider world. It’s not enough to tack on a mission statement. People can spot inauthenticity a mile off. Diversity and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords either – they’re business imperatives. A good leader actively cultivates diverse teams and ensures that all voices are heard. That means addressing bias, creating equitable opportunities, and fostering an environment where people feel safe to be themselves. It’s not easy, and it requires constant learning and humility, but the payoff – in terms of innovation, engagement and performance – is undeniable. And then there’s communication. In a world of constant connectivity, the ability to communicate clearly, confidently and consistently is more vital than ever. Leaders must be visible, accessible, and willing to engage in honest dialogue. They must be able to tell a compelling story – one that aligns their team, attracts stakeholders, and builds trust over time. Above all, good leaders in the 21st century must be human. That means showing vulnerability when it’s warranted, admitting mistakes, asking for help, and leading by example. It means recognising that success is no longer defined solely by quarterly earnings or market share, but by the lasting impact a business has on its people, its community, and the planet. Leadership today is a balancing act – between tradition and innovation, results and relationships, strength and softness. It’s about standing up for what’s right while lifting others up alongside you. And though the demands are high, the opportunity is even greater. Because when business is led with integrity, empathy and purpose, it becomes a force not just for profit, but for progress.

A leading specialist in agricultural and commercial insurance, Dallas Scott Davey (DSD), has appointed Toby Baker as part of its strategic growth and ongoing specialisation in estates and farm insurance. DSD is part of Yorkshire headquartered insurance broking and risk management firm, TL Dallas. Toby, a highly experienced rural risks insurance broker, will be an integral part of the Lincoln team, heading up the company’s expansion into Northamptonshire and the surrounding counties. Toby lives in Pilton, Northamptonshire, and joins DSD, which is part of the TL Dallas Group, following a long and successful career at Lycetts. He will focus on serving farming and estate clients across Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Warwickshire, and beyond. As part of DSD’s expansion strategy, the company also plans to establish a satellite office within a livestock mart, providing a local physical presence to better serve clients in the region. “I’m thrilled to be joining DSD at such an exciting time for the business,” said Toby. “The family and employee-owned company’s commitment to providing specialist agricultural insurance solutions aligns perfectly with my experience and passion for supporting rural businesses. I look forward to growing the client base and offering tailored insurance solutions across the region.” Ed Davey, co-founder of DSD, said: “Toby’s wealth of experience in farm and estate insurance makes him a fantastic addition to the team. His deep understanding of rural risks and his commitment to outstanding client service will be instrumental in strengthening our presence beyond our Lincolnshire heartland. We are delighted to have him on board.” Since its launch in Lincolnshire in late 2021, DSD has rapidly expanded, establishing a strong client base across the UK. The firm operates from Plowright House, located on the University of Lincoln’s former agricultural campus at the Riseholme Estate - an ideal hub for an agricultural insurance specialist. In addition to its expertise in agricultural insurance, DSD also offers specialist insurance solutions for businesses, with a particular focus on the health and care sector and sports clubs. With a growing team and an emphasis on exceptional customer care, the firm continues to expand its footprint, and has recently partnered with the Lincolnshire Football Association, Lincoln City Football Club and the Lincolnshire Care Association to provide a range of insurance solutions.

For many, the arrival of spring is a time of renewal, warmth, and blossoming landscapes. However, for the millions of people who suffer from hay fever, it signals the start of months of sneezing, itchy eyes, and relentless congestion. While often dismissed as a mere seasonal nuisance, hay fever—officially known as allergic rhinitis—can have a significant impact on daily life, turning the simplest outdoor activities into battles against nature. Hay fever occurs when the immune system overreacts to airborne allergens, such as pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. In response, the body releases histamine, triggering symptoms that range from mild irritation to debilitating discomfort. Although it is often associated with spring and summer, hay fever can strike at different times of the year, depending on the type of pollen a person is sensitive to. Tree pollen tends to peak in early spring, while grass pollen, the most common trigger, dominates the summer months. Weed pollen lingers into autumn, meaning some sufferers experience symptoms for much of the year. Despite its name, hay fever has nothing to do with hay and is not caused by a fever. The term dates back to the early 19th century, when it was believed that exposure to hay during the summer harvest was responsible for the condition. Today, medical understanding has advanced significantly, yet there is still no cure. Treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms through antihistamines, nasal sprays, and lifestyle adjustments. Many sufferers swear by traditional remedies, such as local honey, in the hope that gradual exposure to pollen will build resistance, though scientific evidence for this remains inconclusive. With climate change affecting pollen seasons and air pollution exacerbating allergic reactions, hay fever appears to be on the rise. Urban areas, once thought to be a refuge due to fewer plants and trees, can often be worse for sufferers, as pollution particles can make pollen even more potent. Changing weather patterns mean that pollen seasons are becoming longer, leaving many people struggling for extended periods. For those afflicted, avoiding pollen entirely is nearly impossible, but there are ways to reduce exposure. Checking daily pollen forecasts, keeping windows closed during peak times, and showering after spending time outdoors can help minimise symptoms. Wearing sunglasses can prevent pollen from getting into the eyes, while drying clothes indoors rather than outside can stop pollen from clinging to fabrics. Many sufferers also find relief in air purifiers, which filter allergens from indoor environments. Despite the frustration it causes, hay fever does not have to overshadow the joys of spring and summer. Advances in treatment, greater awareness, and simple preventative measures mean that sufferers can still enjoy the outdoors without dreading every change in the wind. While nature may not always be kind to those with allergies, understanding the condition and managing symptoms can make all the difference between months of misery and a season still worth savouring.

MG Motor UK has made significant progress in the first quarter of 2025, achieving its best opening to a year, with 24,641 new vehicle registrations representing a 6.5 percent increase over the same period in 2024. March registrations were notably strong with 15,876 deliveries including a 91.8 percent lift in sales to private customers. Growth was driven by the highly popular MG ZS SUV which secured 9,041 registrations and was the UK’s ninth best-selling car during the opening months of 2025. The ZS Hybrid+ model, introduced in the second half of 2024, was also the top-selling Hybrid in the UK. The MG HS continued to perform strongly with 9,738 registrations, making it the UK’s seventh best-selling vehicle. Total UK market share for MG in 2024 was 4.18% and the brand has progressed further with 4.24% of the UK market in the opening quarter of 2025. Key Findings: MG Motor UK achieves strongest first quarter sales MG ZS SUV is UK’s ninth most popular car and best-selling Hybrid model 24,641 customer deliveries in 2025 so far MG HS continues strong performance: second MG in top 10 registrations Guy Pigounakis, Commercial Director for MG Motor UK, comments: “The new ZS Hybrid+ has proved to be a notably popular choice with business and private customers and, alongside the MG HS, is central to our ambition to offer UK motorists an extensive choice of petrol, advanced and efficient hybrid and electric cars which will always be highly-competitive when it comes to overall value.” “That choice is now further extended with the recent introduction of the MGS5 EV which is based on the award-winning MG4. We’re confident this SUV will appeal to customers considering their first EV and maintain our reputation for delivering accessible, fun to drive and practical electric cars.”

A new survey, carried out by the agricultural wellbeing charity, Farmstrong Scotland, has found that farmer and crofter wellbeing is lower than the Scottish population. More than one-third of respondents fell into the low wellbeing category, when compared to the most recent Scottish Health Survey (2023). Furthermore, the 569 respondents demonstrated that, broadly, their wellbeing increased with age, with young respondents reporting the lower scores. The sample, which was carried out by an independent research agency and evenly split between men and women, received representation from every region in Scotland, and provided a similar profile to the 2024 Agricultural Census. To give a more typical reflection of the agricultural sector, the results were weighed against the data collected in the Census. Whilst 26% felt that their ability to cope with the ups and downs of farming has got worse in the last year, 21% felt it had got better, with taking time to notice the small things, learning something new and helping other farmers and crofters all cited as positive impacts. The amount and quality of sleep, and the balance between work and leisure, were identified as two areas that had significantly declined over the last twelve months, with respondents looking for advice on how to manage their tiredness, fatigue, sleep and stress. Commenting on the importance of the survey, Farmstrong Programme Director, Alix Ritchie, said, “This survey is vital for the future development of Farmstrong Scotland. The findings, alongside the foundation research back in 2018, and future surveys will inform the development of the programme, and ensure that services are tailored to meet the needs of the Scottish agricultural and crofting community." “We have already started this work, and just last month published a new resource that offers guidance for better sleep, a dedicated webinar and podcast, all supported by our wellbeing expert partners and the UK’s longest-standing sleep charity, Sleep Action.” The impact of scientifically backed resources, and story-led content produced by Farmstrong was identified in the survey, with 62% of those who had engaged with the programme, reporting a positive impact on their health and wellbeing. One significant resource was the stress management guidance, which found 93% of those who had downloaded it cited a positive impact. Other noticeable elements were the farmer stories, Blether Together podcast series, and the walk and talk events. “I would like to express my thanks, on behalf of the wider Farmstrong team, to all those who completed the survey, promoted it and shared it with their wider networks. These results are key for the future of the charity, ensuring we grow, develop and secure fundraising so we can continue to support farmer and crofter wellbeing in Scotland.” To find out more or read the full summary report, click here .

Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, marked the official start of above-ground construction of the new main building by signing the first steel column erected on the company’s extension site at Goodwood. The signed steel column is the first of 437 that, together with beams and other supporting members, will form the internal framework of the new 40,000 square-metre (430,500 sq ft) facility. The columns vary in size according to their location and function, but typically stand 12-13m (c. 40 feet) high. They will be lifted in by crane, guided into position by staff on the ground and securely bolted to the concrete foundation pads which were cast on the site earlier this year. Adopting the same pattern used for the foundation pads, Rolls-Royce’s technical construction & engineering partner is placing the first columns on the site’s northern elevation, then gradually working their way southwards. The finished framework will be clad with sustainable materials, carefully selected for their longevity, low environmental impact, aesthetic value and ability to blend in with the surrounding landscape. Like the existing manufacturing plant, the new building will have a living roof, providing an important new habitat for birds and insects; it will also generate its own renewable energy, using air-source heat pumps for low-level heating and a bio-solar roof to produce electricity. Once complete, the building will house a new Exterior Surface Finish Centre (paint shop) together with a range of new equipment and dedicated areas for Bespoke and Coachbuild commissions, as well as production of the marque’s new generation of battery-electric motor cars. The Chief Executive’s personal signature of approval on the work recalls the practice on the marque’s assembly line, whereby individual elements such as doors and chassis components were signed off with a chinagraph pencil by a supervisor before progressing to the next stage of assembly. This practice was also followed by Sir Henry Royce himself, who personally inspected and signed off every design produced by his team. The columns represent the first permanent above-ground elements of the new building. The site is already home to a group of temporary offices, known as the Construction Hub, which acts as the central headquarters for the Site Strategy team and independent contractors working together on the extension project. At £300 million, the new extension represents the largest single investment in the Home of Rolls-Royce since it opened in 2003. It will help safeguard thousands of jobs and boost Rolls‑Royce’s contribution to the UK economy, which currently stands at over £500 million annually. Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars adds: “Today’s signing ceremony is an important symbolic moment for this landmark project. We wanted to formally mark the start of construction on the main building, which is so central to our future, and to the enormous economic contribution Rolls-Royce Motor Cars makes to the local, regional and national economies" "The work will continue at pace, with a target to complete the structure within the next nine months; we can then move on to fitting-out and installing the new equipment and facilities we need to support our rapidly growing Bespoke activities, complex Coachbuild commissions and growing portfolio of battery-electric motor cars.”

Responding to the global tariffs announcement from US President Donald Trump, Hampshire Chamber’s Chief Executive and Executive Chairman Ross McNally said: “The government needs to keep its negotiations with the US going, stay calm, keep a cool head and take a pragmatic approach. Businesses in Hampshire and elsewhere need and deserve reassurance that our politicians are doing all they possibly can to achieve the best deal for the UK." “A deal with the US has to suit both sides – free trade has to be fair trade and bring bilateral benefits." “While there is understandable concern about what the US has announced, particularly among steel, aluminium and car manufacturers, the reality is that many UK products will attract a lower tariff than those from other countries. That gap creates a potential opportunity for our exporters to drive competitive advantage." “At the same time, it could incentivise investment into the UK from overseas countries who can manufacture here and face a lower tariff on their own sales to the US. Of course, there are risks too including the possible displacement of trade by global companies who feel they are locked out of the US and therefore choose to target the UK through product dumping in our market." “Any trade war is simply a lose-lose for the global economy and the UK will not be immune, so Ministers need to factor all these issues into their negotiations. Retaliatory tariffs should only be a last resort. Many firms, especially SMEs, will now be facing difficult decisions, and potentially tricky discussions on what deals they can do with US customers." “We therefore urge government to do all it can to provide practical support to them. And that is why we welcomed the Chancellor’s Spring Statement announcement of more export finance to help firms tap into overseas markets." “We have free trade agreements with other parts of the world such as the Asia-Pacific trade bloc and so government must support firms looking to exploit all opportunities.”

Freemasons in Bournemouth and the New Forest donated more than £100,000 to local charities and good causes in just 12 months. Two celebration evenings – at Bournemouth and Lymington – saw dozens of recipients collect cheques and explain what their organisation does in the community. As well as donating to national Masonic charities, local lodges raise money to support groups in their communities. The New Forest event was attended by the Mayor of Ringwood, Councillor Rae Frederick, the Mayor of New Milton, Councillor Alvin Reid and the Deputy Mayor of Lymington and Pennington, Councillor Colm McCarthy. The Bournemouth evening was attended by town mayor, Councillor George Farquhar, and mayor-elect, Councillor Jackie Edwards. Councillor Farquhar said: “It is like a homecoming attending the Freemasonry in the Community events because of all the friendship and fraternity. I’m glad Freemasons are spreading their message. They’ve been around for 400 years and they need to be here for another 400 years.” Chris Lockwood, who heads the Freemasons in Bournemouth and the New Forest, said: “We are very grateful to all the dignitaries who attended the two events. And we are grateful that so many charity representatives were able to attend, receive a cheque and tell the packed rooms a little bit about what they do." “As well as donating to national Masonic charities that donate millions of pounds across the country, every lodge raises money for local charities. These are often small groups that work in our communities and the events allow them to explain what they do." “These evenings also enable charities to meet each other, network and often new relationships are formed. We heard much about the increasing pressures people are facing with the cost-of-living rising and we will continue to do our best for the communities we live in.” The total raised and distributed was £106,000. Above Photo: Mayor of Bournemouth, Councillor George Farquhar, Mayor-elect Councillor Jackie Edwards and Chris Lockwood holding the cheque for £106,000