The Autumn Budget introduced significant changes to the Inheritance Tax (IHT) system, specifically affecting how Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR) apply to family-owned businesses. These reforms are expected to have a major impact on family businesses and farms across the UK, particularly those with multi-generational ownership. With 5 million family firms in the UK employing more than 15 million people and contributing over £200 billion annually in taxes, the sector plays a crucial role in the national economy. Since 1976, the current IHT relief system has enabled family business owners to plan for the future with confidence, ensuring that their enterprises could transition smoothly to the next generation without significant tax burdens. However, the Autumn Budget changes could threaten the sustainability of many of these businesses. To assess the impact, Family Business United conducted a nationwide survey of family businesses in January 2025, revealing significant concerns across the sector. BUSINESS CONFIDENCE HAS DECLINED How do you feel about the future financial profitability of your family firm following the Autumn Budget? More confident 0% About the same 13% Less confident 87% GROWTH AMBITIONS HAVE BEEN IMPACTED Has the Autumn Budget affected your family firm's growth plans? Yes 80% No 17% Don't Know 3% BUSINESS PROPERTY RELIEF CHANGES ARE A MAJOR CONCERN Will the changes to Business Property Relief affect your business? Yes 82% No 9% Don't Know 9% RISING IHT LIABILITIES COULD FORCE BUSINESS SALES What do you estimate the IHT liability on shares passed to the next generation to be? Less than £1 million 16% Between £1 and £5 million 37% Between £5 and £10 million 17% Over £10 million 11% Don't Know 19% Will your business need to sell part or all of its assets to meet this liability? Yes 52% No 15% Don't Know 33% NATIONAL INSURANCE CHANGES ADD FURTHER FINANCIAL STRAIN Wil the changes to National Insurance Contributions impact your family business? Yes 94% No 3% Don't Know 3% What is the estimated additional annual cost to your business due to the increased National Insurance Contribution rates? Less than £10,000 12% Between £10,000 and £50,000 27% Between £50,000 and £100,000 12% Between £100,000 and £250,000 21% Between £250,000 and £500,000 14% Over £500,000 7% Don't Know 3% Not Applicable 4% HOW ARE FAMILY BUSINESSES RESPONDING? The results of the survey identified that family businesses are already making difficult strategic decisions in response to the financial pressures that they are facing. The top actions taken as a result of the changes introduced in the Autumn Budget: Reviewed/revised short-term business strategy - 58% Conducted/conducting full succession planning review - 53% Frozen new recruitment - 48% Frozen/reduced pay rises/bonuses - 47% Cancelled planned capital expenditure - 42% Considered selling the family business - 30% Cancelled already approved capital expenditure - 29% Reviewed headcount and implemented or plan to implement redundancies - 26% A CALL TO ACTION Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United who undertook the research underscores the gravity of the situation: "The family business sector has spoken, and the results are deeply concerning. The shift in emphasis from long-term planning to short-term survival is detrimental to the UK's growth ambitions." "Family businesses are the backbone of our economy, providing jobs, innovation, and stability. They need policies that enable them to invest in their future, support their employees, and continue contributing to their communities." "The changes to the inheritance regime fail to recognise that family businesses are often asset-rich but cash-poor." "The death of a shareholder does not generate liquid cash, yet these changes may force businesses to divert funds from growth initiatives - or even sell the business altogether - to meet IHT obligations." "As a community, we must continue to raise our voices, engage with policy makers, and ensure that decision-makers understand the full impact of these changes. Family businesses matter, and the consequences of these decisions will affect not just our sector but the entire UK economy."

There are few trees in the natural world as captivating as the magnolia. With their large, fragrant blooms and striking foliage, magnolias have long been admired for their beauty and resilience. These ancient plants, dating back millions of years, have a presence that is both regal and deeply evocative of the changing seasons. Whether found in manicured gardens or flourishing in the wild, their flowers—ranging from creamy whites and soft pinks to deep purples and even vibrant yellows—never fail to make an impression. Magnolias belong to the Magnoliaceae family, a lineage that has existed since before bees evolved, relying instead on beetles for pollination. This ancient method of survival is just one of the remarkable aspects of these trees, which have continued to thrive in diverse climates across Asia, the Americas, and even parts of Europe. Some of the most well-known species include Magnolia grandiflora, with its glossy evergreen leaves and large, lemon-scented flowers, and Magnolia soulangeana, the beloved saucer magnolia that bursts into bloom in early spring, often before its leaves appear. There is a certain magic in watching a magnolia tree come to life after winter. The buds, often covered in a soft, fuzzy coating, unfurl into petals that appear almost wax-like in their perfection. Their fragrance, sometimes citrusy, sometimes sweet and heady, drifts through gardens and parks, drawing admirers from near and far. These trees have long been symbols of dignity and perseverance, their enduring nature reflected in their ability to withstand extreme weather conditions and thrive in a variety of soils. Beyond their ornamental appeal, magnolias have also been valued for their medicinal properties. Traditional Chinese medicine has long utilised magnolia bark for its anti-inflammatory and calming effects, while modern research continues to explore its potential health benefits. The tree’s wood, known for its strength and fine grain, has been used in furniture-making and construction, further cementing its role as both a functional and aesthetic treasure. In literature and art, magnolias often serve as metaphors for beauty, strength, and renewal. Their brief yet spectacular flowering period reminds us of the fleeting nature of life’s most exquisite moments, while their deep roots and sturdy trunks speak of resilience and continuity. Whether growing in sprawling estates, tucked away in quiet urban courtyards, or lining the avenues of historic towns, magnolias bring a sense of grace and tranquillity to their surroundings. As spring arrives and the first magnolia buds begin to open, their timeless elegance is once again on full display. These trees, with their prehistoric origins and poetic presence, continue to captivate generation after generation. Whether admired for their history, their symbolism, or simply their stunning blooms, magnolias remain one of nature’s most enduring wonders.

M&S has announced a £50million investment in stores across the North west of England for the year ahead, creating 300 jobs and 100,000 total new square footage across its store estate in the area. The investment is another step forward in M&S’s store renewal and rotation programme, focussed on having the right stores in the right places and is a key strand in the business’s transformation as it reshapes for growth. At its half-year results, M&S announced that its store rotation programme is picking up pace as new and renewed stores are trading well, with relocations of Full Line stores more productive and renewal stores able to offer a full M&S Food range. The investment, which is spread across the next three financial years, will see three stores across the North west renewed to the latest format and five brand new stores in new locations so customers can do their weekly food shop with M&S. Cheshire In Cheshire, the full-line store in Gemini Retail Park in Warrington has been redesigned to cater to a wider range of customer shopping missions. The renewed store now features a refreshed Clothing and Home area and a larger Beauty department stocking the full range of M&S own brand products and third-party brands, a larger Food Hall offering the full Food range with a fresh produce section twice the size of the previous store, and a much larger in-store bakery offering takeaway coffee. M&S is aiming to have 180 higher quality, higher productivity full line stores that sell the full Clothing, Home and Food offer whilst also opening over 100 bigger, better food sites by FY2028. Just a few miles down the road from the new Gemini store, M&S plans to open a brand-new Outlet store in Warrington, along with a Click and Collect service. The new outlet is expected to open towards the end of Summer this year. Merseyside A brand new full-line store in New Mersey Retail Park in Speke, south Liverpool, will open, pending planning approval, and create over 100 new local jobs. The brand-defining store will replace the existing Food Hall and bring a bigger range of M&S products than ever before from Food to Clothing, Home and Beauty. Building on the success of the full-line city centre store in Liverpool One, which opened in 2023 and has since seen a 25% increase in Food sales, the new store in Speke New Mersey will bring the best of M&S to customers in the south of the city. New innovations in stores such as Liverpool One are supporting the retailer to deliver its Plan A as the renewed formats use the latest technology such as LED lighting and energy-efficient fridges: the store uses 44% less energy and 44% less carbon than the previous one. In Formby, M&S plans to open the doors to a brand-new Food Hall at The Point development, replacing the existing smaller Food Hall, offering a range of unbeatable quality and innovative products. The new store will support 60 local jobs. Lancashire M&S plans to open a new Food Hall in Lancashire on the North west coast in Thornton-Cleveleys, pending planning permission. The investment will triple the size of the Thornton-Cleveleys store, replacing the existing store with a 16,000 sq. foot Food Hall offering a wider range of fresh market-style M&S Food including an instore bakery, a wider selection of fruit and vegetables, and dedicated Flower and Wine Shops. In East Lancashire, M&S has submitted for planning permission to move its Blackburn store to Frontier Park retail hub, to bring customers a wider range of Food products. Greater Manchester The existing stores in Greater Manchester will grow, with a major extension planned for the full-line store in Middlebrook Retail Park in Bolton, and a fresh redesign for the Food Hall in Sale which was recently completed. An estimated 108 new jobs will be created for the extension in Bolton as the store expands into a vacant unit in Middlebrook Retail Park. A £2.1million investment in Sale has delivered a brand-defining Food Hall, now open with a larger bakery with a coffee-to-go counter and a brand-new Food to Order service. Will Smith, Property Director at M&S, said: “As we reshape for growth, we want to open new stores we can be proud of and that deliver the best possible shopping experience for customers. Our pipeline of stores for 2025 demonstrates our continued investment in market-leading stores as we deliver our transformation priorities. We have the opportunity in the North west of England to continue investing in market-leading stores, as part of our renewal and rotation strategy, offering great quality products with that touch of M&S magic and the trusted value our customers expect and deserve. “M&S already has many local supplier partnerships such as Park Cakes in Oldham who make the customer-favourite Colin the Caterpillar cakes, and these new stores will help showcase their products and support jobs throughout the supply chain.” M&S has 62 owned stores across Northwest England – spanning the region from Carlisle to Chester, as well as an additional 25 M&S stores in hospitals and travel settings including rail and fuel stations. This latest round of investment will enable the retailer to reach even more customers in the North west, delivering the very best of M&S with the latest store design and new in-store technology to offer a seamless omnichannel experience for customers. All new store plans are subject to planning permission.

Managers who lack emotional intelligence are much more likely to be manipulative, according to new research by emlyon business school . However, the researchers did not find any link between emotional intelligence of a manager and their likelihood to hold traits such as psychopathy (cold, reckless behaviour) or narcissism (self-obsession). This study was conducted by Christophe Haag, Professor at emlyon business school, alongside his colleagues; Clément Poirier, from Université Paris Descartes, and Lisa Bellinghausen, Generation QE, who were interested in identifying whether emotional intelligence is linked to manipulative personality traits in managers. In order to do so, the researchers studied over 200 managers to find a link between emotional intelligence and what they describe as the Dark Triad; psychopathy, manipulativeness, and narcissism. Firstly, the researchers evaluated manager’s emotional intelligence not only through a self-measuring approach but also through a QEPro performance test - the first performance-based test specifically designed for a population of managers - in order to ascertain whether they had, or did not have, emotional intelligence. Then, participants completed a questionnaire which allowed the researchers to identify their levels of psychopathy, manipulativeness and narcissism. Using this data, the researchers were then able to identify any links between emotional intelligence, or lack thereof. They found that managers who are highly emotionally intelligent are not more manipulative because emotional intelligence helps people understand and connect with others rather than exploit them. "Manipulative managers aren’t necessarily the most emotionally intelligent—they’re often the ones who lack true emotional awareness," says Christophe Haag. "Emotional intelligence isn’t about exploiting others; it’s about understanding emotions to build trust, not control. In fact, those who struggle to process emotions may resort to manipulation simply because they lack the skills to lead authentically." The researchers state that organisations should prioritise emotional intelligence training to develop ethical and effective managers. By helping leaders better understand emotions, reduce manipulative behaviours, and act with integrity, organisations can help to foster positive workplace relationships and prevent toxic leadership.

With data sovereignty climbing the agenda for UK businesses, the team at Pulsant has shared their perspective on how evolving regulations are influencing data centre buying decisions and the strategic opportunities this presents. Data sovereignty has become a critical consideration for those selecting data centre solutions. The concept that data is governed by the legal frameworks of the country where it is stored or collected underpins two key legislative instruments: the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018) and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). While both laws obligate a minimum standard of sovereignty, they also define how personal data should be handled, covering its collection, storage, and processing. This dual focus means data centre decisions are increasingly shaped not only by compliance requirements, but also by how well they support a business’s ability to adopt and integrate advanced digital technologies. This is particularly important in the context of artificial intelligence and machine learning. These technologies require immense processing power. To support this, UK based high-performance data centres offer the optimal infrastructure providing faster data handling and reducing latency by keeping information processing local. UK based private cloud platforms are increasingly being used to help organisations take advantage of sovereign infrastructure. Built on networks of domestically owned and operated data centres, with access to secure partner ecosystems and direct links to public cloud providers, these solutions support compliance with evolving regulations while offering more predictable costs around data transfer and public cloud usage. Put simply, the ‘stick’ of data sovereignty lies in the significant penalties for non-compliance. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has established that improper transfers of personal data to overseas destinations can result in fines up to £17.5 million or 4% of global turnover, whichever is greater. Yet many businesses remain unaware that these penalties apply not just to data storage, but also to its movement. And with the forthcoming UK Data Protection Bill set to introduce even tighter restrictions, the associated risks are expected to increase. However, the ‘carrot’ is compelling. Adhering to data sovereignty best practices can accelerate the adoption of new technologies. Locating data processing closer to where it originates satisfies regulatory requirements while reducing latency, cutting dependence on remote infrastructure, and boosting both performance and resilience. Beyond regulatory adherence, PPC provides organisations with assurance that their data is not only retained within UK borders, but also safeguarded in an environment that prioritises security, uptime, and interconnectivity. In this way, data sovereignty becomes more than a compliance obligation it evolves into a strategic asset that empowers businesses to manage risk, accelerate innovation, and enhance operational resilience.

Sainsbury’s and Cranswick have announced a new ten-year partnership that will see all Sainsbury’s British pork, sausages, premium bacon and gammon, and cooked meats supplied through the UK producer. This will be made possible by the British farmers working for Sainsbury’s and Cranswick under the Sainsbury’s Pork Producer Group. The partnership will elevate welfare standards of the by Sainsbury’s British pork range beyond the industry recommended*, while still ensuring great value for customers. Taste the Difference pork will remain the same high-level RSPCA Assured standard that it has been for 17 years. The market-leading move includes direct investment in flexible farrowing accommodation, the area where pigs are housed during the birthing process, which will provide extra space for the sows and piglets. The introduction of AI technology will also allow for 24/7 monitoring of the animals and inform improvements to welfare. With a history of supporting British farmers and investing in British agriculture, it’s estimated Sainsbury’s will invest £50 million to implement these new high standards by 2030, with an additional £11 million being invested by Cranswick to help build the new sheds and housing for the pigs. Longer term contract and more financial stability will be provided for the 170 trusted farmers in the Sainsbury’s Pork Producer Group. This will give them the reassurance needed to invest in farms, factories and procedures, building resilience for the future. Sainsbury's and Cranswick aim to offer Taste the Difference pork that meets net zero by 2029, a stretching ambition, and by Sainsbury’s fresh pork that meets net zero by 2030. Working closely on environmentally sustainable practices, the new contract will allow for the continuation of current trials into the reduction of soya (a feed ingredient with a high environmental impact) and a focus on more sustainable cereal feedstocks. Rhian Bartlett, Sainsbury’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “This ten-year partnership with Cranswick means that we are able to place a bigger focus on animal welfare, financial security for our farmers and sustainable production of our pork range; all while protecting value for customers." Long term partnerships are not only key to the success of Sainsbury’s but also to the success and stability of the food industry we work in. They’re something we continue to prioritise as a business.” “Over the next 10 years we, in partnership with Cranswick and the farmers in the Sainsbury’s Pork Producer Group, hope to better prepare ourselves for unforeseen knocks such as price shocks and climate concerns. There is an ever-evolving relationship between retailers, farmers, and processors but we hope this news serves as a good example of what is possible when people come together in the food system.” Jim Brisby, Cranswick plc. Chief Commercial Officer, said: “The purpose of the new partnership is to provide a total supply chain approach delivering a robust and differentiated consumer offer across British pork related categories including fresh joints and steaks, sausages, cooked meats and premium bacon and gammon." “The partnership provides a secure supply chain that is fit for the future, facilitating improved welfare standards, delivery of our joint sustainability targets and a fair return to over 170 valued farmers." “This long-term contract will also give us the confidence to continue to invest in our farms, processing factories and people, to deliver the highest quality, technical standards and innovation to support Sainsbury’s in the provision of good food.” This is one of the latest changes made by Sainsbury's to invest in the future of British farming, animal welfare and agricultural sustainability. Other leading moves made by the retailer include the move to sourcing 100% free range woodland eggs, lowering chicken stocking density to improve chicken welfare and introducing a beef range with a lower carbon footprint. *Red Tractor pork standards - Pork standards - Red Tractor Licensees

A new project which enables farmers to optimise the use of livestock manure and nutrients while reducing costs and environmental impact is underway following a collaboration of industry experts. The project, called ‘Nutrient Utilisation and Recovery through Supercritical Extraction’, or NURSE, is led by collaborators including Kairos Carbon Limited (lead), Cranfield University, Royal Agricultural University and the UK Agri-Tech Centre and is part of Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme, delivered in partnership with Innovate UK. It aims to develop an advanced hydrothermal technology to process livestock wastes — to recover the valuable nutrients they contain — producing carbon-negative, non-leaching fertiliser, while separating the carbon for permanent sequestration. The UK produces approximately 140 million tonnes of livestock waste annually, most of which is spread on farmland. The work of the project will help to reduce emissions by stripping out any carbon before fertiliser is applied to the land. Less than 50% of applied nutrients, such as phosphorus, are taken up by crops when livestock waste is spread on land. Meanwhile, farmers’ fertiliser costs are increasing while fertiliser resources, such as phosphorus, are being depleted. By formulating non-leaching fertiliser, which enables more of the nutrients to actually be absorbed by plants, the project aims to keep farmers’ costs down and reduce waste of resources. It is vital that farmers are given new tools to recover and reuse valuable nutrients, whilst also reducing their environmental impacts. What Are The Wider Impacts? The technology directly benefits farmers and their impacts through recovering critical materials from livestock waste in condensed form for targeted use as low-leaching, sustainable fertiliser, reducing costs and improving yields. It also allows for better management and processing of waste, the destruction of organic pollutants and the extraction of carbon for capture and storage, all while being energy-neutral. These benefits directly meet UK requirements to improve the management of the tonnes of livestock waste produced, most of which is in England. Kairos’ analysis demonstrates they can profitably achieve UK-wide coverage of livestock waste sources. Kairos aims to reduce emissions from UK agriculture as well as prevent pollutants and nutrients from entering water sources. It also aims to prevent air pollution from livestock waste and many other sources of agricultural pollution. In addition, Kairos’ technology will support creation and safeguarding of hundreds of skilled jobs across its supply chain including farming and agronomy, such as protecting rural communities, and chemical engineering, such as fabrication and maintenance. The technology can expand to additional industries such as sewage sludge, municipal waste and hazardous chemicals, removing more emissions, pollution and making more nutrients available for agriculture. Megha Raghavan, CEO of Kairos Carbon Limited, said: “It is critical that we find ways to turn wet organic wastes from a problem into a resource." “This technology has the potential to prevent environmental contamination, fight nutrient depletion and remove billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making it a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.” Dr Stuart Wagland, Reader in Energy and Environmental Chemistry at Cranfield University, said: “Developing novel thermochemical processes to manage challenging wet wastes, dealing with emerging contaminants and recovering nutrients will have a significant impact across the UK and we are excited to be involved in this project.” Dr Karen Rial-Lovera, Associate Professor in Agriculture and Dean of Agricultural Science and Practice at the Royal Agricultural University, said: “This innovation seeks to support our growing need for sustainable nutrient management in agriculture. “By repurposing waste products into a targeted fertiliser, the project has the potential to reduce contamination, waste and improve crop yields.” Charlie Bowyer, Farm Technology Specialist at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “Manure is an invaluable source of on-farm nutrients in livestock systems, but it is not without its challenges." “Challenges around cost-effective and sustainable manure and slurry storage and point and diffuse air and water pollution are all serious issues facing farms producing manure. “Furthermore, the east-west arable/livestock divide has led to an asymmetry in the availability of organically-derived nutrients in farming systems. "Technologies to effectively process manures to eliminate storage issues whilst adding value by concentrating or stripping nutrients are sorely needed and this project takes a step towards developing a fascinating process to achieve just this.”

The men and women from Wakefield Council’s gritting team will soon be parking up their gritters for the last time as another winter season comes to an end. The team have spread 2949 tonnes of grit, gritted 24000km of road and stocked up 384 grit bins. Cllr Matthew Morley 1Cllr Matthew Morley, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Highways, said: “Our dedicated winter team have worked hard throughout the colder months to keep our roads safe. “We’re very grateful for their commitment to turn out, night or day, in freezing and sometimes snowy conditions. We’ve had some quite disruptive snowfall, and the team did a brilliant job to keep our district moving.” The team of 36 drivers have worked in rotas 24 hours a day keeping the focus on the priority gritting routes, which are main roads that cover 40% of the entire district network. These routes support the emergency services, buses and the majority of traffic. The drivers are supported by six controllers and assistant controllers who monitor the forecast and decide when they need to go out gritting. Cllr Morley continued: “We also know our Snow Wardens have been out clearing snow and ice on their local streets. They have collected multiple bags of salt and equipment from us to help their neighbours. A huge thank you to them and everyone else who has helped us during the winter months. If you are able to come and join our army of Snow Wardens, please get in touch.” Snow wardens are provided with grit, gloves, snow shovel and high vis jacket. To sign up to become a Snow Warden call 0345 8 506 506 or go to www.wakefield.gov.uk/winter Staff are always on standby ready to go out if any unseasonable weather hits.

A Dundee academic has been awarded a prestigious national prize for his work on neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinsons. The University of Dundee’s Professor Ian Ganley was awarded the 2025 Hooke Medal from the British Society for Cell Biology (BSCB) at a ceremony in Liverpool. Professor Ganley, from the University’s MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU), was recognised for his lab’s work into understanding autophagy. Autophagy is a “self-eating” pathway inside a cell which stops damaged and potentially toxic cellular components building up – a dysfunction found within many diseases, including Parkinson’s. Professor Ganley’s team has focused on one particular cellular component called mitochondria, and how damaged mitochondria impact the brain. Accumulation of damaged mitochondria can contribute to Parkinson’s disease, however accurately measuring these components has been a significant challenge to scientists for many years. Through their research, Professor Ganley and his team have developed a tool called a mito-QC, which causes damaged mitochondria to be shown as a red colour under the microscope, meaning scientists can track them in a way that was not previously possible. This revolutionary technology has since been licensed to multiple pharmaceutical companies, as well as being used in hundreds of research labs worldwide. Using this tool the team were also able to identify potential drugs which can target this pathway, and pharmaceutical companies have been able to design their own drugs using this technology, some of which are now in clinical trials. Professor Ganley said, “This process is implicated in many diseases, particularly in Parkinson’s. We’ve shown we can find it and now target it with clinical drugs.” The Hooke Medal is awarded every year by the BSCB and recognises an emerging leader in cell biology who has made an outstanding contribution to UK Cell Biology. It was presented by Professor Laura Machesky, current president of the British Society for Cell Biology. Professor Ganley added, “I’m humbled to be placed among the many great scientists who have received this award. “Science is very much a team effort. While it’s myself who is named on this medal, it represents all of the fantastic collaborative work of everyone in the lab, the support of the School of Life Sciences, and of the wider University too.” As well as collecting his medal, Professor Ganley gave a presentation outlining his work at the ceremony. Professor Dario Alessi, Director of MRC-PPU, said, “I am absolutely thrilled for Ian and his exceptionally talented, dedicated research team on receiving this highly prestigious award. Their work has significantly advanced our understanding of the machinery that regulates autophagy and mitophagy, shedding light on their critical links to human diseases such as Parkinson’s." “The Mito-QC technology developed by Ian’s group has not only revolutionized the assessment of mitophagy but has also become a widely adopted tool, utilized by hundreds of research teams worldwide.”

A pair of aspiring colleagues at a south coast law firm have taken the next steps in their careers by qualifying as solicitors. Ellis Jones Solicitors has welcomed the formal qualifications for Tayla Baird and Victoria Simpkin who work in its Employment and Business Services departments respectively. Victoria joins two other team members at the firm who have passed the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in the past six months. Introduced in 2021, the SQE is a centralised assessment route designed to achieve consistently high practice standards in England’s legal profession. Preparation involves balancing the demands of day-to-day work with rigorous study ahead of a two-stage exam process. Victoria joined Ellis Jones as a Legal Secretary in 2015 working as a paralegal before starting her solicitor training. Based in Bournemouth, she covers a wide range of business-related legal issues including shareholder agreements, trademark applications, Companies House filings, selling and buying businesses, prize competition assistance and company restructure advice. Tayla, who is based at Ellis Jones’ London office, completed a Masters in Law in 2020 and has qualified after completing a training contract at the firm. Her caseload includes advising on workplace disputes and employment tribunal claims. Before focusing on the Employment department, Tayla spent part of her training contract in Ellis Jones’ Banking & Finance Litigation and Family law teams. Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones Managing Partner, said: "Congratulations to Victoria and Tayla on their hard work and much-deserved solicitor qualifications. It is immensely pleasing to see team members with an interest in furthering their legal careers do so well.” The firm, which has eight offices in Bournemouth, Dorchester, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage, Broadstone, Wimborne and London, has a policy of providing training contracts and other professional development opportunities. Alongside senior staff, its 190-strong team includes graduates, legal executives, paralegals and placement students. The first Ellis Jones team member to qualify as a solicitor through the SQE route was Leah Sharman in the Banking & Finance Litigation department in autumn 2024. Leah was followed earlier this year by Daisy Kershaw in Wills, Trusts & Probate. Two other Ellis Jones colleagues, Wai Chan in Banking & Finance Litigation and Matt Rushent in Contentious Trusts & Probate, also qualified as solicitors through their training contracts in 2024.

A major new grant will help to establish the University of Glasgow as one of the UK’s leaders in atom-by-atom of analysis of materials which could support human habitations on the Moon and beyond. UKRI’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has provided the University with £5.3m in new funding to support the establishment of an on-campus atom probe tomography (APT) facility. The new facility, which will be called the Space Nanomaterials Atom Probe, or SNAP, will be the first of its kind in Scotland and one of just six in the UK. It will be the UK’s only facility to offer access to next-generation atom probe equipment and will be the only atom probe worldwide to specialise in space science challenges. Atom probe tomography is a uniquely powerful analysis tool which allows researchers to examine the composition of materials down to the atomic level. It uses an ultra-precise laser to shear off individual atoms, which are then pulled into a detector and analysed for information about both their chemical composition and their original position in the material. The data collected by the process produces a highly-detailed 3D atomic model of the original sample. The SNAP facility will help scientists to see in exquisite detail how materials developed to withstand the rigours of future space missions react to long-term exposure to the vacuum, along with extreme changes in temperature, and exposure to harsh radiation. The versatility of the atom probe tomography equipment makes it ideally placed to analyse a wide range of materials. Once the SNAP facility opens in 2028, it will also help to provide insights into the composition of materials which will enable advanced new devices for the quantum, semiconductor and energy sectors. Dr Luke Daly, of the University of Glasgow’s School of Geographical & Earth Sciences, led the bid for funding and will be project lead for the installation of SNAP. Researchers from the University of Oxford and the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC) will co-lead the project. He said: “Atom probe tomography provides unique data that's unobtainable in any other way, so we’re delighted to have received this funding from EPSRC to set up a facility that will provide services right at the cutting edge of atomic characterisation." “The UK’s booming space sector will benefit from access to SNAP, which will provide new insights into how materials are affected by space weathering. When satellites and other space infrastructure are exposed to radiation, solar wind, and cosmic rays in space, they can fail. By visualising this damage at the atomic scale, we can develop new materials that are more resilient to these challenging conditions.” Dr Daly, a planetary science researcher, has previously used atom probe tomography techniques to analyse fragments of ancient asteroid samples brought to Earth by space missions, helping to unravel the mystery of the origins of the Earth’s water. The University of Oxford’s Dr Paul Bagot, who is co-investigator on the project, said: “I’m delighted to be part of the team bringing the first atom probe system to Scotland. This instrument will not only advance cutting-edge space-related research at Glasgow, but it will also be closely integrated within the growing UK APT community - SNAP will boost the opportunities available to researchers in the UK interested in the potential of APT, and our team will ensure current and future generations of scientists utilise this important new acquisition.” Professor Eric Yeatman, Vice Principal and Head of the College of Science & Engineering, said: “We’re grateful to EPSRC for helping us to establish SNAP through a funding bid which was overseen by my predecessor as Head of College, Professor Dame Muffy Calder. SNAP is the newest addition to the University of Glasgow’s expanding suite of advanced analysis, characterisation and fabrication facilities. It will help further establish the University as a one-stop shop for cutting-edge materials development and testing, enabling characterisation from centimetre to atomic scales.” Professor Dame Muffy Calder of the School of Computing Science said: “It’s a testament to the University’s breadth and depth of expertise across a wide range of disciplines that we’re able to establish an atom probe tomography facility here in Glasgow. SNAP will help enable breakthrough developments not just for our space scientists, engineers, geologists and chemists but researchers working across the UK and beyond.”

Dispatch manager Alan Smedley has retired after an impressive 50 years of working at Luke Evans Bakery in Derbyshire. He started working at the Riddings-based company as a van lad at the age of 16 in March 1975 – getting up at 2.30am to start his shifts. After passing his driving test at 17, Alan was later given his own van round, in and around the Matlock and Wirksworth areas, before moving to the position of dispatch manager, covering the night shift, about 25 years ago. Now aged 66, he has retired after exactly 50 years with Luke Evans. And, after his stints as a van driver starting work in the early hours and also being the night shift dispatch manager working from 7pm to 3.30am, Alan truly has worked around the clock for Luke Evans Bakery. “It’s been a lovely job. I will miss the people. I have had some very, very happy times at Luke Evans,” said Alan. “I have met with many different people from all different backgrounds, it’s unbelievable. I have spent all my life there. It’s all I have ever known. It’s been a lovely place to work.” He has seen so many changes in his 50 years with the company. “When I first started, we were delivering to little village corner shops – sometimes four or five in a village. Most of those have now gone,” he added. He praised the way that the current owners of the historic bakery – David and Helen Yates – had moved with the times, finding new outlets and developing the business so that it continues to thrive. Alan’s favourite Luke Evans Bakery products are the bread and cobs, and he’s also partial to an Eccles cake and the custards. “Luke Evans is a quality product. Out of everything, the bread and the cobs are my favourite. It’s a different product to mass-produced bread,” he added. Now that he has retired, Alan, who lives in Ironville, Derbyshire, with his wife Carol, a midday supervisor at a Riddings Infant and Nursery School, plans to spend more time on his hobby of collecting wood for storing and burning, which he enjoys with his brother Malcolm. “We’re obsessed with wood. Over the last four weeks we have fetched six tonne of weight in wood,” he added. “We have seven massive log stores.” Chairman of Luke Evans Bakery David Yates said: “Alan was always a very conscientious driver, and many of his van lads went on to have their own career with Luke Evans. He was famous for his level of customer care, visiting some of his best accounts twice a day, rather than the normal once." “He has always been a valuable member of the team, and will be greatly missed by all those who worked alongside him. We wish him well in his retirement.” Alan was presented with a Montblanc pen and a corporate hospitality day at Doncaster Races to mark his retirement. Luke Evans Bakery has been a family bakers since 1804, and supplies both retail and catering customers across the East Midlands. It is one of the oldest family bakers in the country and operates 24 hours a day, producing high quality bread and cakes.