St Austell Brewery has launched its first low-alcohol IPA in cans, following the success of its launch in bottle six months ago. Proper Job 0.5% IPA, which made its debut in October 2024, is the result of over two years of careful development and taste testing. Led by Brewing Director Georgina Young, the team worked tirelessly to create an authentic low-alcohol version of its flagship Proper Job IPA. The result is a crisp, refreshing beer brewed with the same hops – Cascade, Willamette, and Chinook – as the original Proper Job, delivering the signature citrus, grapefruit, and pineapple notes that have made it a favourite among beer lovers. The canned version of the beer - which scooped a gold award in the Taste of the West awards earlier this year - makes it ideal for on-the-go drinking at festivals, events, and social gatherings. Georgina said: "Low and no-alcohol beers have been around for decades, but demand has surged over the past five years. More people are looking for a beer that still has great flavour but without the alcohol, especially for events and occasions on the go." “After such a successful launch six months ago and with the product already having won a gold award for its taste and top ratings from beer aficionados, now felt like the right time to make Proper Job 0.5% available to a wider audience.” As demand for low-alcohol beer continues to rise, Proper Job 0.5% IPA in cans is the convenient on-the-go choice for those looking for a full-flavoured, sessionable drink that doesn’t compromise on taste. Proper Job 0.5% IPA 4x440ml can pack will retail for £5.00 in Tesco stores across the South West from 31 March 2025, with a limited-time Clubcard promotion at £4.50.

Every year on 31 March, the world celebrates Eiffel Tower Day, marking the anniversary of the completion of one of the most recognisable landmarks on the planet. Towering over Paris at 330 metres, the Eiffel Tower has stood as a testament to human ingenuity and architectural brilliance for over a century. What was once a controversial structure, criticised by artists and intellectuals, has become the defining symbol of France, admired by millions. The Eiffel Tower was officially unveiled in 1889 during the Exposition Universelle, a world fair held to showcase France’s industrial prowess. Designed by Gustave Eiffel and his team of engineers, the iron lattice tower was a radical departure from traditional architectural norms. Originally intended as a temporary structure, it was set to be dismantled after 20 years, but its role in radio transmissions and its growing popularity secured its place in history. Today, it is not only a beloved monument but also a feat of engineering, surviving the test of time and evolving with modern technology. Eiffel Tower Day is the perfect occasion to reflect on the rich history of this global icon. In Paris, visitors flock to the tower to ascend its three levels, marvelling at breath taking panoramic views of the city. The experience is just as enchanting from below, where the tower’s intricate ironwork and shimmering evening lights make it one of the most photographed landmarks in the world. Those unable to visit in person can celebrate by exploring its fascinating past, watching films and documentaries that feature the tower, or even recreating its magic at home with a themed French evening. Beyond its architectural significance, the Eiffel Tower has become a cultural icon, appearing in countless books, films and artworks. It has witnessed moments of history, from wartime struggles to grand celebrations, and continues to inspire millions. Whether admired from afar or seen up close, the tower remains a symbol of romance, resilience and innovation. On Eiffel Tower Day, it’s impossible not to be captivated by the story of a structure that was once dismissed as an eyesore but is now one of the world’s most cherished landmarks.

A Dorset funeral group has raised more than £4,000 for two Rotary clubs in memory of its late chairman, Peter Douch. Wimborne Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Gros Islet in St Lucia have shared the amount raised by the company. Peter, who died two years ago, was a keen Rotarian and was a member of the Wimborne Club and the club in St Lucia, the island where his wife is from. Last year, Douch Family Funeral Directors – which includes seven branches in east Dorset – did a series of fundraisers. These included a yomp up Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon, quiz nights and sales of items including knitwear. Members of Wimborne Rotary Club received the cheque and said the money would go to local causes. Its president Sue Young said: “It is our 75th anniversary this year and Peter was a valued member of Wimborne Rotary for more than 30 years and we miss him greatly." “We are thrilled to receive this cheque which will be put to good use helping local people facing hardship.” Nick Douch, Peter’s son who now runs the family business, said: “My father was a very keen Rotarian and would visit Rotary clubs wherever he went.    My mother is from St Lucia and he divided his time between there and Wimborne – and was active in both Rotary clubs. The board of the Rotary Club of Gros Islet proudly receiving a certificate in recognition of a generous donation made by the Douch Family. “The staff made the decision to make the two Rotary clubs beneficiaries of last year’s charitable fundraising. We are extremely pleased with the amount raised and I’d like to thank everyone who donated.” Douch Family Funeral Directors has seven branches, in Wimborne, Ferndown, Parkstone, Blandford, Corfe Mullen, Swanage and Wareham. The late Peter Douch Top Photo:  (l-r) David Meaden (Wimborne Rotary Club Secretary), Sue Young, Rotary Club President, Nick Douch, Brian Dryden, Rotary Club master-elect

HMG Paints has renewed its partnership with Belle Vue Aces for the 2025 season. This year marks a particularly exciting chapter for Belle Vue Speedway, as the club and National Speedway Stadium will host an electrifying double-header of the FIM Speedway Grand Prix in 2025. This prestigious event reaffirms Manchester’s place at the heart of Speedway and sets the stage for an action-packed season ahead. Belle Vue Speedway holds the unique distinction of being the longest continually operating Speedway club in the world and enter the 2025 season as defending ROWE Motor Oil Premiership Champions, securing their title with a decisive and emphatic Grand Final win over Leicester in September 2024. HMG Paints, who celebrate their 95th anniversary this year, remains a family-owned manufacturer of industrial, commercial vehicle, decorative, and specialist products. This partnership between HMG Paints and The Belle Vue Aces, which began in 2022, unites two long-standing local institutions and showcases a shared commitment to both community and heritage. Belle Vue CEO Mark Lemon said: "We congratulate the family-run business on their 95th anniversary and look forward to the partnership and utilising their quality HMG Paints products to keep the National Speedway Stadium looking sharp as it enters its tenth anniversary, it's a perfect partnership." As part of the renewed partnership, HMG Paints will once again supply paints for use throughout the National Speedway Stadium in Manchester, ensuring the venue remains in top condition throughout the season. Many of the coatings featured in HMG Paints’ new ‘Sport Venues and Coatings Guide’ will be used across the stadium, providing long-lasting durability and vibrant finishes for this world-class facility. “As a proud Manchester-based company, we are thrilled to continue our sponsorship of Belle Vue Aces” said HMG’s Marketing Manager, Paddy Dyson “The club's commitment to innovation, excellence, and community engagement aligns seamlessly with our company values. With 2025 set to be a landmark year for Belle Vue Speedway, we are excited to support the team and wish them luck in the upcoming season.” For the 2025 season, HMG’s paint won’t only be around the track but also racing on it. HMG’s high-performance coatings and flexible PVC coatings will be on the bike of Ellesmere Port-based teenager Billy Budd, who will be making his highly anticipated NDL debut for The Cool Running Colts. To see a full list of HMG Paints products, which are Made in Britain accredited, and services visit www.hmgpaint.com via the website you can also find out more about the company’s history and partners. HMG’s products are available nationwide via its network of distributors.

Furniture Village is delighted to announce that it has recently exchanged contracts on its largest store to date, in a prominent location adjacent to the M8 just to the west of Glasgow. This will be the brand’s 58th store, following on swiftly from the successful opening in December 2024 of its first store in Scotland, on Straiton Retail Park in Edinburgh. The ‘Glasgow West’ store will be to the south of the Hillington Interchange at Junction 26 of the M8, occupying the former Peter Vardy CARZ showroom. The site commands an extremely visible position alongside Hillington Road, forming part of the wider regional centre including IKEA and Braehead Shopping Centre nearby, and next to a cluster of the most prominent car dealerships in Scotland, with Abbotsinch Retail Park only 5 minutes’ drive away. The store will provide approximately 50,000 sq ft of retail floorspace, supported by 20,000 sq ft dedicated to a warehouse at the rear for speedy fulfilment of customer orders. It will be one of the largest furniture stores in the country with its scale giving an opportunity to feature extended ranges of sofas, cabinet, beds and bedroom furniture as well as home furnishing accessories, together with re-imagined café bar areas for customers. It is planned that the store will open during June 2025. Charlie Harrison, Managing Director at Furniture Village, said: “Following the incredible success of our first Scottish store, which opened in Edinburgh in December 2024, we’re excited to announce the opening of our second location — right in the heart of Glasgow this June!" "After months of searching for the perfect spot, we couldn’t be happier to have secured a standout site on Hillington Road. Just a mile from Braehead Shopping Centre and highly visible from the M8, it’s a fantastic location to continue our expansion." "This will be our largest store in the UK so far, and we can’t wait to open the doors and welcome the people of Glasgow this summer.” The family-run business was awarded Retail Family Business of the Year at the 2024 Family Business Awards and continues to be recognised by the Best Companies Awards as a ‘world class business to work for’ with a Trustpilot rating of 5 stars. The new Glasgow store is set to open mid-June and is located on Hillington Road, a prime location which is visible from the M8 and close to the Abbotsinch Shopping Park. Top Photo:  Aerial photography of Furniture Village’s new Glasgow West store

Two entrepreneurs with a thirst for success have launched what is believed to be the world’s first subscription service designed to champion independent coffee shops. Friends Rob Oakley and Alex Baker, from Warwickshire, have teamed up to create Kuppso Coffee Club, a unique game-changing app which is set to inject a huge boost to the area’s café culture as well as its economy. The app has just launched in Leamington Spa and neighbouring Warwick but the pair hope to eventually take it UK-wide. It is rooted in their shared passion for community, encouraging more footfall away from national chains and into local independent coffee hotspots. Rob, who also runs his own marketing consultancy, said: “We don't want to be price led. We want to be entirely about community and supporting independents. I’ve been working with small to medium businesses, putting growth plans and marketing strategies together for them, so it felt quite well aligned in terms of what I've been doing for the past five years." “To date, Kuppso users don’t necessarily fall into a certain demographic. Coffee is the most consumed drink in the UK, therefore it will tend to attract quite a broad audience. They might be a remote worker, a creative, a fitness-conscious parent, or a cyclist—but they all share a love for quality coffee and indie culture and that, for us, is what it’s all about.” He added: “It's going to be difficult over the next year or so and hospitality businesses are going to really feel the squeeze. There's a few things that are really impacting hospitality – such as the National Insurance increase, minimum wage going up, as well as the price of energy and the price of coffee. The business rates relief will be going down from 75% to 40%. It's not an easy time for them so if we can improve the situation by bringing more people to their door, that’s great." “If you compare this as a marketing strategy in terms of the budget you spend, for example, through Facebook or Google, or a print advert and the sort of the footfall that you can generate off that, Kuppso is great because you're not really paying for that footfall. You're getting new people through the door. Yes, you’re getting discounts on the coffee through it, but it's that exposure you get as a business.” Simple to use, Kuppso allows customers to either subscribe or buy coffee packs, giving access to a range of hot drinks from a selection of independent partner venues with options for four, eight or 12 coffees a month – and by doing so users are rewarded with great coffee for as little as £2.50. It marks the latest partnership for the self-confessed ’coffee nerds’ who met whilst band members after leaving university – and they’re hoping it will be just as harmonious! Rob, 40, said: ”Alex and I have been working collaboratively with many similar clients, so we’re used to working really closely together. We're both really ideas people and the concept behind Kuppso is something that's always been in our minds. It's something that we both felt was interesting and different. It feels like a good fit in terms of the skillsets we both have." ”This model not only ensures affordable, high-quality coffee for our customers but also drives footfall, revenue and visibility for local businesses." “But also, I think it's the fact that we live in somewhere like Leamington and Warwick, where we've got these amazing little businesses, we’re both big fans of coffee and big fans of nice little Independent businesses. It all sort of ties in together as something that just feels right, but also quite compelling, and different and fun to work on.” Alex, 38, said: “Because it’s a subscription, it means there are people who are going to come back time and time again and everybody wins, really, because, as user, with your subscription you can get the coffee slightly cheaper and as a business, it attracts a repeat footfall and audience." “It's been really well received so far and the fact that in three months we've got 12 or 13 partners and a whole load more who want to join, it really shows that it's working.” Rob and Alex hope to build on what is set to be a successful launch in Leamington and Warwick, by introducing their app to other areas of Warwickshire in the coming months, starting with Kenilworth, Stratford and Rugby. The price point is also attractive to the customer who can expect to pay from as little as £2.50 per standard 12-ounce drink, depending on the length of subscription they take out. Everyone who downloads the app is gifted a free coffee and, in line with Kuppso’s sustainability ethos, a complimentary reusable cup, worth £25, is delivered to all new subscribers. And Rob and Alex are already brewing plans to later introduce extra benefits for subscribers including exclusive offers on the wider menu and corporate incentives.

A much-loved Nottingham city farm has received a cash boost following sharp rises in its operating costs. Stonebridge City Farm in St Ann's was named as the recipient of March’s charity donation by Colwick based The Wilkins Group in its ‘year of giving’ campaign. The packaging firm's 12-month campaign is championing a different Nottinghamshire charity each month during 2025 and making donations to lessen the impact of the current challenging economic climate. This week, Stonebridge City Farm received a cheque for £1,000, after staff at The Wilkins Group heard its plea for help. Stonebridge City Farm was established in 1980 as an urban farm dedicated to offering training, education and diverse volunteering opportunities particularly for individuals facing mental health challenges or learning disabilities. Justin Wilkins, joint managing director at The Wilkins Group, which makes food packaging for many of the UK's leading brands, said: “We know times are hard for so many people and organisations across the country at the moment. Stonebridge City Farm gives so much joy to visitors but its financial struggles due to the sharp rise in costs is heartbreaking." “We hope that our donation will help support the farm and its 200 plus volunteers so that it can continue to bring a little piece of the countryside to city residents.” The Wilkins Group announced its ‘year of giving' campaign in December. It kick-started the initiative with an innovative calendar and desk tidy that was sent to its customers. Each month, the calendar highlights a different Nottinghamshire charity, outlining its work and why The Wilkins Group would be donating towards each cause. Charities that have already benefited from support include Green’s Windmill, in Sneinton, and Papplewick Pumping Station, in Ravenshead. Justin said: “The idea of our ‘year of giving’ calendar and campaign has been a huge success. Our clients have loved it. While we may be a global brand, we are immensely proud of our Nottingham roots and want to support local attractions and charities to grow and flourish." Peter Armitage, CEO of Stonebridge City Farm, said: “It is amazing to see a successful Nottingham based business supporting our cause. I would like to express a huge thank you to The Wilkins Group. Donations like this one help us going forward at a time when it is so hard to raise money and much-needed funds.” The not-for-profit organisation launched a JustGiving Winter Appeal with a target of £30,000 to help with rising costs and maintenance. While 2024 was a record year for the centre, with around 100,000 visitors and the support of 300 volunteers, it was also a record year for rising costs. Justin said: "The work being done by Stonebridge City Farm and its volunteers is simply inspiring. To be able to support such a fabulous facility in our hometown, one that has been enjoyed by many of our team and their children and grandchildren, has been tremendous." “The farm is just 10-minutes' drive away from our Colwick headquarters. It is a fantastic use of green space in the city as well as a tremendously diverse education and volunteering space.” The Wilkins Group is dedicated to improving its local community spaces and mitigating the environmental impact of industry. Creating packaging designs and innovations that aim to reduce and ultimately eradicate single-use plastics within the industry, it is already leading the way in alternatives including board trays for food packaging, including the use of compostable materials, and 100 per cent plastic-free hangers. The Wilkins Group is a family run firm that produces food packaging for the likes of Pukka, Pizza Express, Harrods and Cadbury. It also is credited with producing bespoke and award-winning items such as eco-friendly coat hangers and the iconic M&S light-up glitter gin bottles.

Despite the race to attract and retain top talent heating up this year, company financials will still be taking centre stage for many businesses. Concerningly, only 1 in 10 professionals feel like their employer will be listening to what their employees want. In a recent survey – from global talent solutions business Robert Walters – 69% of professionals stated that company financials will be the leading factor driving change in their workplace – followed by the wider economy (12%), what workers want (10%) and competitors (8%). Chris Eldridge – CEO of Robert Walters UK and Ireland: "The war for talent is intensifying, and businesses can no longer afford to stand still. The most forward-thinking companies are already doubling down on adaptability, digital transformation, and a human-first approach to stay ahead. In an era where workplace change is being shaped by employee demands more than ever, the ability to discern key employee values and apprehend them to create a culture where top talent thrives will define the winners and losers of this evolving landscape." As businesses brace for the workforce of tomorrow, the latest Talent Trends 2025 report from Robert Walters reveals the game-changing shifts redefining hiring, leadership, and workplace culture. From AI-powered recruitment to ‘window working’ and human-centric leadership, here’s what’s shaping the future of talent: AI in Hiring – 3 in 10 companies are integrating AI, but while automation accelerates hiring, the human touch remains irreplaceable. Smart businesses will balance tech with human judgment. People-First Leadership – Organizations that embrace empathy, flexibility, and purpose-driven leadership are 2.6x more likely to achieve business success. Candidate Experience is Everything – 83% of professionals say a poor interview experience can change their perception of a business. Companies must treat applicants like valued customers. Hybrid Work Reimagined – As the quest for flexible work continues, a variety of concepts will be trialed and tested from the 4-day week to ‘window working’ - offering structured flexibility to maintain engagement and productivity. Climbing the Career ‘Lattice ’ – The traditional career ladder is out. Employees are opting for lateral moves, cross-functional growth, and skills-based progression over rigid hierarchies. The ‘Un-Retiring’ Boom – Over 2.8m retirees in the UK have re-entered the workforce, bringing invaluable experience to multi-generational teams. Future Skills Are Key – 39% of job market skills will change by 2030, with businesses needing to upskill employees in both tech and soft skills to stay ahead.

Gin has long been a staple of British drinking culture, from its notorious ‘Gin Craze’ in the 18th century to its more refined presence in classic cocktails like the G&T and the Martini. But in the past decade, this once-humble spirit has undergone a spectacular transformation, evolving from a straightforward juniper-based tipple to an exciting, artisanal industry filled with creativity, innovation, and an ever-growing fanbase. So, what’s behind the gin boom, and why does it show no sign of slowing down? A Renaissance In A Glass Gin’s resurgence can be traced back to the early 2000s when a shift towards craft spirits and premium drinking experiences began to take hold. Traditionally dominated by big-name distilleries like Beefeater, Tanqueray, and Bombay Sapphire, the market started welcoming a new wave of small-batch distillers eager to put their own stamp on the spirit. The introduction of the Gin & Tonic revolution played a key role in changing perceptions. Once dismissed as a simple pub drink, the G&T was given a makeover with the rise of premium tonics, most notably Fever-Tree, which launched in 2005 and emphasised high-quality, natural ingredients. Suddenly, gin was no longer just an old-fashioned choice—it was a sophisticated and versatile drink. The Craft Distillery Explosion One of the biggest drivers of gin’s popularity has been the growth of independent distilleries. Changes in UK licensing laws in 2009 made it easier for small producers to obtain distilling permits, and a new wave of craft gins flooded the market. From the floral and citrusy notes of Hendrick’s, which pioneered the use of rose and cucumber, to the bold, herbaceous character of Sipsmith, Britain’s gin scene quickly became one of the most diverse in the world. Today, the UK boasts over 800 gin distilleries, a staggering increase from just a few dozen in the early 2000s. The Flavour Revolution One of the most striking aspects of gin’s revival has been the explosion of flavoured gins. While juniper remains at the heart of all gin, modern distillers have pushed the boundaries with everything from rhubarb and ginger to elderflower, pink grapefruit, and even Parma Violet. This trend has particularly resonated with younger drinkers, who are drawn to vibrant colours, fruity profiles, and Instagram-worthy serves. Pink gin, for example, has become a category in its own right, with brands like Gordon’s Pink and Whitley Neill Raspberry dominating shelves and bar menus. Cocktail Culture And The Rise Of Home Mixology Another key factor in gin’s success is the revival of cocktail culture. As more people embrace home mixology, gin has become a go-to ingredient thanks to its versatility. Classic cocktails like the Negroni, French 75, and Bramble have all contributed to gin’s growing reputation as a sophisticated and exciting spirit. The pandemic further accelerated this trend, as lockdown bartenders experimented with new flavours and garnishes, driving demand for premium gins, tonics, and cocktail kits. Sustainability And Ethical Drinking As consumers become more conscious of what they drink, many gin brands are responding with a focus on sustainability and ethical production. Distilleries such as Silent Pool, Warner’s, and Arbikie are leading the way with organic ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and zero-waste production methods. Some brands even use surplus food products, such as Discarded Spirits Co., which creates gin using waste banana peels. What’s Next For Gin? While gin’s meteoric rise has led some to predict a market saturation, demand remains strong, and distillers continue to innovate. Emerging trends include barrel-aged gins, which borrow techniques from whisky production, and low-alcohol and alcohol-free gins, catering to the growing mindful drinking movement. With gin festivals, distillery tours, and tasting experiences more popular than ever, it’s clear that gin’s appeal is far from waning. Whether you prefer a classic dry gin, an experimental botanical blend, or a bold fruit-infused variety, there’s never been a better time to explore this endlessly versatile spirit. So, pour yourself a glass, add a wedge of citrus or a sprig of rosemary, and raise a toast to gin’s golden age. Cheers!

Property consultancy Vail Williams is helping to brighten up grey days in Oxford by working with an artist to transform empty retail premises in the city with vibrant artworks. Vail Williams’ Oxford-based partner Mike Watson acts for various Oxford Colleges which have extensive portfolios of properties in the city and beyond. He was introduced to Oxfordshire artist Kathryn Croxson by Lincoln College, and it was agreed that she could create artworks on the windows of retail premises he was marketing. Mike, who has 26 years’ experience in Oxford, said: “I’m delighted with Kathryn’s unique creations. The paintings have created a great deal of interest and have almost become the equivalent of a Vail Williams ‘to let’ sign." “The retail market presently is quite buoyant, but despite this, even if the vacant units are under offer and working through solicitors, there can be a delay in occupancy leaving dead frontages for a period of time." "One of the challenges of retail property, therefore, is keeping the environment around vacant units looking engaging and positive. A void can potentially leave the area looking a little sorry for itself, which can impact other tenants' trade and, from the landlord's perspective, potentially hit rents." “Kathryn's creative spin on window dressing not only enriches the environment but also helps to mitigate the negative impact of a void period to some degree. I love what she is doing and, where appropriate, I hope to work with her across the various retail portfolios with which we are involved." “The vibrancy and uniqueness of the displays she has created to date are amazing and genuinely add something special to what can be a low point in a property's lifecycle.” Vail Williams is currently marketing 14 retail premises in the city on behalf of various clients and Kathryn’s artwork can, so far, be found in High Street, Turl Street and New Inn Hall Street. Kathryn, who specialises in art and textile design, said: “A city such as Oxford with its history, heritage and passion for the arts deserves to look at its best for shoppers, students and visitors. My style is very much centred around using vivid colours and these paintings certainly brighten up our streets – especially judging by the reactions of passers-by." “The artwork is temporary, of course, but I have plenty of pictures of the painted shopfronts to preserve them and may even put on an exhibition one day.” Hywel Morse, land agent for Lincoln College, said: “We had no hesitation in supporting this scheme to bring some colour to the city’s streets. It is a fantastic way of ensuring that art can be brought to the people." “Lincoln College has been part of the fabric of Oxford for almost 600 years and we seek to give something back to the community whenever possible – this artwork is an excellent example of that.” The college, founded in 1427 by Bishop of Lincoln, Richard Fleming, is in the heart of the city on Turl Street and accommodates around 600 students. Alumni include John Radcliffe, John Wesley, Rishi Sunak, John Le Carré and Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr Seuss). Award-winning Australian-born artist Kathryn’s love of vivid hues and intriguing prints was first ignited when she studied graphic design, followed by spells in architecture and fashion. Her travels across Turkey, Argentina, Bolivia and Australia fuelled her love of colour and unique patterns. She and other artists had previously transformed an empty Oxford shop into a festive scene last December. Vail Williams has seen business expand after opening an office in Oxford a year ago. The office is headed by partner Richard Dawtrey, also the firm’s Head of Investment. The entry into the Oxford market saw the firm, which now has twelve offices across the UK, bridge the gap between its London, Reading and Birmingham offices, with its premises at New Barclay House in the city. The firm’s full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy. Above Photo: Flower Power - Vail Williams’ Oxford-based partner Mike Watson with Oxfordshire artist Kathryn Croxson at one of the retail premises in the city which she has transformed with her brightly coloured artwork

Every year on 27th March, people around the world embrace their creative side for International Scribble Day—a fun and light-hearted celebration that encourages everyone, regardless of age or artistic skill, to pick up a pen, pencil, or crayon and start scribbling. This joyful day reminds us that self-expression through art isn’t about perfection but about creativity, imagination, and having fun. The Story Behind the Scribbles International Scribble Day was inspired by the children’s book I’m Not Just a Scribble by Diane Alber, which tells the story of a little scribble learning about acceptance and self-worth. The book’s message—that everyone has value, and creativity should be encouraged rather than judged—has resonated with teachers, parents, and children worldwide. What started as a day primarily for schoolchildren has grown into a global celebration of artistic freedom. It’s a day to let go of rules, embrace the unpredictable, and enjoy the simple act of making marks on a page. Why Scribbling Matters Scribbling isn’t just a child’s pastime—it’s a crucial part of development and self-expression. For young children, scribbling helps with motor skills, coordination, and early literacy. It’s often the first step towards writing and drawing, a way of making sense of the world. But scribbling isn’t just for kids. Many artists and designers start their creative process with loose sketches or doodles. Even in adulthood, doodling and scribbling have been linked to stress relief, improved focus, and enhanced creativity. Whether it’s in the margins of a notebook during a meeting or an abstract swirl on a scrap of paper, these seemingly random marks can unlock fresh ideas and inspiration. How to Celebrate International Scribble Day There’s no right or wrong way to celebrate—just grab a pen and start scribbling! Here are a few fun ideas: Let Loose on Paper – Forget about straight lines and structured drawings. Just scribble freely and see where your imagination takes you. Turn Scribbles into Art – Challenge yourself to transform a random scribble into a face, an animal, or an abstract masterpiece. Encourage Kids to Create – Teachers and parents can set up a scribble station with crayons, markers, and paper to let children explore their creativity. Doodle for Relaxation – Take a few minutes to doodle mindlessly and enjoy the calming effects of putting pen to paper. Share Your Scribbles – Post your creations on social media using #InternationalScribbleDay and celebrate creativity with others. A Celebration of Imagination International Scribble Day is a reminder that art isn’t about being perfect—it’s about having fun, expressing yourself, and enjoying the process. So whether you’re a child discovering the joy of drawing or an adult reconnecting with your creative side, today is the perfect day to let your imagination run wild. Pick up a pen, make a mark, and see where the scribbles take you!

Frozen food distributor Central Foods has once again been named in the top 100 businesses in Northamptonshire, taking a position in the top 50 for the second year running. Compiled by accountants Grant Thornton, law firm Howes Percival, and business news publisher All Things Business, the Northamptonshire Limited list ranks the performance of 100 private businesses in the county. MD of Central Foods Oli Sampson said: “It is great news that Central Foods has once again been ranked in not only the top 100 businesses in Northamptonshire but has retained a position in the top 50. This report makes fascinating reading and reveals that the companies ranked in Northamptonshire Limited 2024 have a combined turnover of £10bn, which is up 16% on the previous year." “As one of the country’s leading frozen food distributors to the food service sector, Central Foods is really proud to have been included and showcased as part of this report.” Now in its twelfth year, the report reviews the county’s largest privately owned companies, based on turnover. Central Foods, based at Collingtree, was ranked at number 49 in the Northamptonshire Limited 2024 report, based on turnover, and 43rd in terms of the most profitable. The company was first included in the top 100 list in 2017. Central Foods is one of the UK’s leading frozen food distributors, offering a range of sweet and savoury products to the food service industry. The company currently sells to over 200 independent wholesalers, as well as larger national and regional wholesalers. Based in Northamptonshire, Central Foods is proud to be a catering partner across the whole food service sector, supplying to hotels, restaurants, bars, universities, schools, pubs, care homes, garden centres, leisure outlets and more.