The University of Dundee has announced a wide-ranging set of proposals towards a recovery plan to address significant financial challenges and achieve a successful future. Professor Shane O’Neill, Interim Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said, “The current financial crisis has challenged us to ask some very fundamental questions about the size, shape, balance and structure of the University." “The measures we are now proposing would make an essential contribution in our becoming a more appropriately balanced and restructured institution." “Getting there will not be easy and we are determined to take on board all relevant lessons from the past and the various factors that contributed to the current position. We are committed to an external investigation into what went wrong, which will be co-sponsored with the Scottish Funding Council, and we will accept and act on the findings of that investigation." “Savings in capital and operational expenditure have already delivered more than £17 million of savings this year, some of them being recurrent savings. We will continue to exercise tight control on all expenditure." “We need to realise more savings and income from non-pay and operational expenditure associated with our estate and intellectual property." “In setting out our proposals towards a financial recovery and a sustainable future we have adopted an approach of frank realism and honest self-criticism in our assessment of the current situation and the challenges faced." “There is an urgency for us to act promptly and we will continue to work intensively with the SFC and other stakeholders to ensure delivery of the sustainable and successful future we need for this great University, which is integral to the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of the city, our region and beyond.” The proposals towards the full recovery plan also include: A proposed new academic structure from eight academic Schools to three Faculties A review of teaching efficiency to achieve a 20% reduction in module delivery A restructuring and streamlining of Professional Services A reorganisation of research into a small number of focused research institutes to minimise institution-funded research A review of leadership, executive and governance arrangements The proposed changes will require a significant downsizing of core funded staff. This rationalisation aligns to the reduction in the scale of our operations, our current and projected student numbers and the impact of teaching and research efficiency plans. Staffing reductions will be made in every school and directorate of the University, amounting to 632 full-time equivalent posts – 197 academic roles, 119 school-based professional services posts in schools, and 316 directorate roles-based professional services roles. The University is committed to seeking measures to avoid redundancies or to minimise their impact where possible. Opening a voluntary severance scheme and seeking volunteers for voluntary severance is one of the options available under the University’s Redundancy Avoidance Agreement and Code of Practice and is intended to mitigate compulsory redundancy. However, the scale of the required staff reductions mean that it is very unlikely that the need for compulsory redundancy will be mitigated entirely, noting the depth of the financial challenge we face. We are now moving formally into collective consultation on redundancy. The delivery of this aspect of the plan is contingent on further funding being secured. Background And Context The University announced in November 2024 that it was facing a financial crisis with an anticipated £30 million deficit, brought about by factors including a severe drop in international student recruitment, ongoing structural underfunding of higher education, cost increases, inflationary pressures and a range of other detrimental changes, including an increase in our National Insurance contribution. This was compounded by internal factors including but not limited to; A longstanding structural imbalance with the scale and intensity of the University’s research profile being significantly greater that can be sustained from the scale of teaching and commercial activity delivered Inadequate financial discipline and control Poor capital planning and investment decisions Weak compliance in financial control policies and lack of accountability The updated forecast, after taking actions to reduce operational spend and make immediate savings, is for a £35 million deficit for this year. There is a £63 million baseline recurrent structural deficit, requiring a larger improvement in the overall operating position to deliver surplus so that we can repay loans and rebuild a strong cash base.

Rural communities are under siege from rising crime, and farmers are paying the price. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is calling for immediate and decisive action from Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and government to address the growing wave of equipment theft, livestock worrying and fly-tipping that is threatening livelihoods and food production across the country. As Spring approaches and the farming calendar enters a busy period, incidents of equipment theft, livestock theft and livestock worrying are increasing nationally. Recent figures from Defra¹ show over a million incidents of fly-tipping in the past year – a six percent rise on the previous period – highlighting the growing challenges rural communities face. Alongside fly-tipping, there has been a disturbing rise in machinery theft, fuel theft and incidents of hare coursing, which continue to cause distress and financial losses for farmers. In April last year, the government announced its rural crime strategy to stamp out crime and disorder, something which the NFU has long been calling for. The strategy included tougher measures to crack down on criminal activities such as equipment theft, sheep worrying and fly-tipping. The NFU is calling on the government to implement clear and practical recommendations to tackle rural crime2, including: Increased funding for rural policing and dedicated rural crime teams Greater use of technology, such as CCTV and vehicle trackers, to prevent theft Stronger penalties and more consistent sentencing for rural crime offences Better support for victims of rural crime Improved collaboration between police, local authorities and rural communities The NFU is also urging members to contribute to its response to the Sentencing Council’s consultation on new guidelines for dealing with hare coursing offences3. NFU Vice President Rachel Hallos said: “Farmers are bearing the brunt of rural crime. It’s not just an inconvenience – it’s devastating for farm businesses, families, and the wider rural community. The theft of essential equipment and livestock, relentless fly-tipping, and the growing menace of hare coursing leave farmers feeling vulnerable and unsupported. And this is happening at a time when family farms are already under immense pressure from soaring input costs, extreme weather events, and the looming burden of the family farm tax. We’ve been calling for action for years – now we need real results." “We need more investment in rural policing, tougher penalties, and consistent sentencing for those who target our communities, as outlined in the government’s own rural crime strategy. Farmers are proud of their work to feed the nation, and they deserve to feel safe in their homes and businesses. PCCs and government must step up and deliver the support our sector desperately needs." “But this isn’t just about government – the public has an important role to play too. We urge people to take precautions when walking near livestock, ensure their dogs are under control, and report any suspicious activity they see. By working together, we can help protect our countryside and those who work tirelessly to feed the nation.”

Loughborough Town Hall and Little Wolf Entertainment are celebrating a fantastic achievement as their 2023/24 production of Snow White has received four nominations at The Pantomime Awards 2025, hosted by the UK Pantomime Association. This recognition highlights the incredible talent and dedication of the cast and creative team who brought this festive spectacular to life. The nominations include: Best Pantomime (500-900 seats) – Snow White, Loughborough Town Hall Best Villain – Cara Dudgeon as The Wicked Queen Christopher Biggins Award for Best Dame – Matthew Siveter Best Newcomer to Industry – Emma Robertson as Snow White Simon Gibson, Venue Manager at Loughborough Town Hall, expressed his excitement: "Our pantomime has become a cherished tradition for Loughborough audiences, and we're thrilled to see Snow White receive such well-deserved recognition. These nominations celebrate the passion and talent that goes into making our productions so special and we’re already busy planning this year’s festive fun!” The announcement of these prestigious nominations adds to the excitement of Loughborough Town Hall's upcoming 2024/25 pantomime, Cinderella, Little Wolf Entertainment’s 11th consecutive pantomime at the venue. Returning to the Midlands for the festive season, the cast features the return of Best Dame nominee, renowned opera singer and comedic actor Matthew Siveter, who has delighted Loughborough audiences for the past two years. Running at Loughborough Town Hall from Saturday 22nd November to Sunday 4th January 2026, Cinderella has big dreams, but with her sisters digging their ugly heels in it’s going to take help from her best friend Buttons and a little magic from her Fairy Godmother to whisk Cinders from her pantry to palace by pumpkin, before midnight! Featuring sparkling sets, fabulous frocks, side splitting slapstick and not one, but two outrageous dames, this is an unmissable treat for the whole family. Morgan Brind and Alan Bowles, Co-Producers at Little Wolf Entertainment, added: "There’s SNOW doubt about it, we’re incredibly proud of our cast and crew, and these nominations are a testament to the magic we bring to Loughborough every Christmas." The winners of The Pantomime Awards 2025 will be announced at a star-studded ceremony at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking, on Sunday 13 April. The clock is ticking—grab your Cinderella tickets now and take advantage of Loughborough Town Hall’s early bird offer before it disappears at the end of the month! With tickets starting from just £17.50, don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic—after all, the shoe must go on!

Food manufacturer Finedale Foods has launched a new website to showcase the company’s capabilities. The website details its services to the food manufacturing sector including scaled manufacture, small batch production and product development. Located near Norwich in Norfolk, Finedale Foods has wide expertise in chilled and frozen food manufacturing – working with retailers, food-to-go specialists, caterers and direct-to-consumer brands. Alongside highlighting its BRCGS AA+ accredited manufacturing facilities, the company’s new website showcases what Finedale Foods can offer its partners including the sourcing and procurement of ingredients, supply chain reliability, allergen control and a commitment to producing for diverse dietary requirements such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and halal diets. Its main contract manufacturing product categories include premium party food, sweet and savoury canapés, haute cuisine, snacks and treats, puddings and sauces, ready meals, food-to-go, thaw and serve or heat and eat. Among the company’s product format capabilities are miniatures through to over size, tray bakes, moulded, formed or encrusted, whole, pre-portioned or individually sliced, and bulk to individual wrap. Edward Miles, MD of Finedale Foods, which is based at Bunwell, said: “We are excited to be unveiling our new Finedale Foods website to showcase our capabilities to the wider food manufacturing sector. We have significant experience of working with partners across the food manufacturing industry and this new website highlights the services that we can offer. Whether it’s a start up or an established brand, we have the capability of supporting food manufacturers with their new product ideas or their existing ranges." “We are very proud of our BRCGS AA+ accredited facility that supplies branded and private label goods for a wide range of customers in the catering, wholesale and retail sectors.” Finedale Foods’ 20,000sq ft manufacturing unit offers flexibility - operating low risk and high risk areas to produce both cooked and ready-to-eat products. Among the brands produced at the site are Finedale Foods’ own brands Frank Dale Foodservice, the recently acquired George Adams 1910 brand, and Deli Santé, alongside a host of other brands.

Pride Park based NK Motors has reported a surge in sales since completing a £1m showroom refurbishment on the eve of its 20th anniversary in Derby. The Kia dealership, in Orient Way, has this week seen its 35,000th car driven off the forecourt since moving to its Pride Park home in April 2005. NK Motors, which also sells around 200 used cars every month from Pride Park and its other base in Chilwell, saw its sales of Kia cars from the Derby branch exceeded the 2,500 mark last year despite work being carried out on the revamp. The project took 12 months to complete and included the addition of six new upper-floor offices, a double mezzanine space upstairs and a make-over of its large showroom. As a result of the business’s increasing success, it is hoping to ramp up £100m in turnover this year compared with the already impressive £80m achieved in 2024. Group managing director Sanj Kumar puts the success down to the increasing popularity of Kia’s new model range and great choice of electric vehicles combined with his firm’s constant commitment to improving services for customers. “Kia cars have come a very long way since the early days, and customers love the quality, the high basic specification and the seven-year warranties that the manufacturer provides,” said Sanj. "But NK Motors’ success is also about how we treat our customers and the fantastic environment we provide for them at our Derby showroom." “As an official Kia franchise dealership, we have certain standards and guidelines that we must meet in terms of our showroom, branding and presentation. But with this latest refurbishment, we have gone above and beyond what we are required to do." “It’s an amazing space, and we’re extremely happy with the result – not least the car sales results which seem to have coincided with the completion of refurbishment work at the end of last year.” NK Motors Group also includes a car dealership in Eldon Road Business Park, Chilwell, Nottingham, very close to where Sanj’s dad, Nindy Kumar, launched the original business in 1981. The Eldon Road branch also sells a combination of used cars and new Kia vehicles. In those days, Mr Kumar senior launched his business as a car mechanic and MOT centre before expanding into used car sales. But it was Nindy’s foresight in striking a deal in 1999 to buy a batch of 150 Kia cars that truly launched the business and built its ongoing relationship with the South Korean car manufacturer. Sanj joined his dad’s business as a teenager in 1998, working in various roles, from vehicle technician to sales executive, in Chilwell before the milestone move to Pride Park in 2005. Nindy continues to play an active role in the family business. The NK Group now employs 120 staff across all businesses, while NK Motors has doubled its turnover in the last 10 years and is now forecasting another major leap in sales to £100m by the end of this year. The firm, which continues to offer Kia-approved workshop and servicing facilities on site, currently has over 600 cars in stock. The wider NK group also includes an inhouse construction team, a horse livery, a large commercial property portfolio and the hugely popular Nicco restaurant and bar, also in Pride Park. “We’ve come a very long way as a business since dad opened his garage in 1981,” said Sanj. “But thanks to a bit of luck, some shrewd business decisions and an awful lot of hard work, we’re still growing strong and have even bigger plans for the future.”

Property consultancy Vail Williams has helped secure planning consent for more than 100 flats on a landmark former library site in Maidstone, Kent, delivering essential homes in the town centre. The firm acted for Maidstone Borough Council regarding the former Kent County Council Springfield library site and offices. Vail Williams’ regional managing partner Suzanne Holloway, assisted by associate Elise Thompson, worked closely with planners at the council to deliver the regeneration project for the half-hectare site in the Ringlestone area of the county town. She said: “The scheme successfully gained planning consent, meaning the disused site will now become much-needed housing and landscaping with an improvement to on-site biodiversity.” Springfield Place will include two stepped blocks separated by a landscape-led public concourse, green areas and a play area, with car and cycle parking provision on site. There will be 103 dual-aspect one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with innovative technologies utilised to reduce carbon emissions both during construction work and for ongoing energy supply. The site is within walking distance of Maidstone East railway station which connects with London Victoria and the Kent coast. A sustainable travel plan will mean that residents are encouraged to take full advantage of public transport locations. The project is set to represent a key milestone in the council’s commitment to delivering truly affordable rented homes as part of its council housebuilding programme. Suzanne added: “This is good news for Maidstone and is a testament to the power of personable, collaborative working to get this project over the line. “All councils have new, mandatory housing targets which we must meet to deliver the government’s commitment to provide 1.5 million more homes to help tackle the most acute housing crisis in living memory – and Springfield Place is a key element in this.” The project has been developed as part of Maidstone Borough Council’s adopted capital programme, which prioritises affordable rented housing alongside private rented and market sale homes. Maidstone Borough Council has assembled its own development team to oversee the project, ensuring control over quality and alignment with community needs. The transformative residential development has been designed by leading architecture and landscape practice Bond Bryan, with project management and cost consultancy from Airey Miller Limited. A landscape-led design incorporates sustainable urban drainage systems, biodiverse roofs, and a 47% biodiversity net gain. The development also features high-quality public spaces, including a central plaza, enhanced woodland areas, and improved pedestrian and cycle links that reconnect the site with the wider community. While funding from the Social Housing Grant is still to be confirmed by Homes England, the project could represent a key milestone in the council’s commitment to delivering truly affordable rented homes as part of its council housebuilding programme. Councillor Simon Wales, Maidstone Borough Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness said: “Springfield Place is a testament to what can be achieved as it serves as a model for sustainable, inclusive development. It will help address the critical need for affordable housing in Maidstone, reducing the number of families currently on the borough’s housing register waiting for a home." “The council is currently discussing the availability of a Social Housing Grant with Homes England. This would help bring forward much needed affordable housing on site which will be essential to help reduce the number of households on the council’s housing register, currently waiting for a home.” Adrian Stubbs, Lead Architect at Bond Bryan, said: “Springfield Place is more than just a housing development; it’s a community-centric initiative that integrates the rich heritage of the area with modern design principles. By prioritising biodiversity, sustainability, and connectivity, this project aims to create a vibrant and inclusive environment for future residents.” James Hickmott, of Airey Miller said: “We are extremely proud to have provided project management and cost consultancy services and be part of this flagship development with Maidstone Borough Council to bring forward delivery of their strategic plan. We look forward to supporting MBC with the procurement of a main contractor in the coming months.” Vail Williams’ 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.

A Greenock business that has seen significant growth is now set to target the European market. LilyBee Ltd was set up in June 2021 by Katy Kennedy, who started to feel the onset of the menopause which affected her badly, meaning she had to take early retirement from her position as an ICU neonatal nurse at Yorkhill Sick Children’s Hospital in Glasgow. Looking to get through some of the debilitating symptoms she was experiencing, including sleeplessness and low energy, Katy created a magnesium cream in her own kitchen, which offers a natural solution for menopause symptoms and other ailments. With support from Business Gateway, her partner Robert and daughter Lauren, Katy went on to create her team, which now operates as a fully-fledged business, manufacturing and selling a range of creams and skincare products. The product range, which now includes a sea moss moisturiser and a bamboo skin polish, are all made from 100% natural ingredients, exclude any parabens or toxins and use packaging that is 95% biodegradable and 100% recyclable. Business Gateway has worked with Katy throughout her business journey, helping her to develop her business plan and being instrumental in helping her open her first premises. Having successfully operated in several high-growth markets over the last few years, with Amazon a main customer, Katy now plans to broaden LilyBee’s market even further by targeting Europe. Katy Kennedy, owner, LilyBee Ltd, said: “We’ve had such a great response to our initial products, and it feels like 2025 is the right time to take the next step in our business journey." “Business Gateway has been so supportive throughout our whole business journey – they helped us get our premises in Greenock and signposted us to a start-up grant that was crucial in helping us set up our operations. I look forward to their continued support as we broaden our market this year.” Mario Alonzi, Business Gateway adviser, said: “It’s been great to support Katy on her business journey, and I look forward to seeing LilyBee grow from a trusted wellness brand into an exciting new frontier in the animal care market." “LilyBee’s dedication to quality, innovation and natural health solutions is inspiring, and I have no doubt that their expansion will bring the same exceptional benefits to European customers.”

Brits are going wild for all things rhubarb with the classic dessert vegetable also now popular as a fragrance for air fresheners, washing up liquid, candles and even toilet paper. The taste and also smell of rhubarb has become so popular in the last few years that Tesco now has nearly 40 different food, drink and household products that feature the vegetable in some form. These include flavoured spirits such as vodka and gin; dessert pies; yoghurts; preserves; the classic rhubarb and custard sweets; the tinned vegetable in syrup; pressed rhubarb drink; fruit cordial; tonic water; anti-bacterial spray; tea lights; and a diffuser. And the latest related product to hit the shelves is the UK’s first ever rhubarb and custard hot cross buns. The vegetable has long been one of our favourite treats and the classic rhubarb and custard has been one of our most popular desserts since Victorian times. But it’s never been as popular as it is now with Tesco currently seeing demand for forced rhubarb – considered by food lovers to be the more tender and sweeter variety - currently rocketing by more than 200 per cent versus the same time last year. And Norfolk grower and food manufacturer Place UK, based in Tunstead, near Norwich, has also seen demand for forced rhubarb soar by more than 170 per cent since 2019. Tesco rhubarb buyer Paul Curtis said: “Rhubarb has very much become the flavour of the moment and besides being a classic dessert in crumble form with custard, is now considered one of the most popular flavourings and scents in many food, drink and household products." “Who would ever have thought that one day there would be rhubarb scented washing up liquid, candles and even loo paper! Right now is the peak of the forced rhubarb season, which lasts from the end of January until late March and it’s when rhubarb is at its sweetest and most flavoursome. And the current trend is creating record demand." While it used to be specifically grown in the famous rhubarb triangle around Wakefield, Morely and Rothwell in West Yorkshire, its popularity has encouraged more UK producers to grow it. The traditional UK forced rhubarb season lasts from January till end of March while the field variety is grown from April till the end of October. Norfolk grower Place UK, which has worked with Tesco to produce forced rhubarb for many years, now grows more than 25 tonnes of early season forced rhubarb a year. Place UK Head of Fresh Operations Dan Yordanov said: “Rhubarb is a tremendously versatile vegetable, and we’re not surprised to see it now gaining popularity in a wide variety of food and drink products. We’ve seen demand particularly grow for the forced variety which is currently in season and as a result we have planted around 30 per cent more in the last five years." “To give you some example of how popular it’s become, in 2019 we sold just under 25000 packs to the food retail and manufacturing industry and last year we sold more than 65,000 packs."

Cardiff & Vale College (Coleg Caerdydd a’r Fro) has found success using family run Celebration Packaging’s zero-touch disposable wooden cutlery dispensers. “We originally trialled the wooden cutlery dispensers in one of our College canteens and the feedback from customers was really positive,” says Anthony Ruston, Head of Department – Catering and Retail Operations, CF10 Retail Ltd, Coleg Caerdydd a’r Fro (Cardiff & Vale College). “Customers really appreciate that the unit keeps the cutlery in a more sanitary condition than just being placed in a traditional cutlery tray. “We have also found that we were using less cutlery as customers were just taking what they needed and there were less breakages. This trial was a success and the dispensers have been rolled out across all catering sites that we operate.” Hygiene, convenience and sustainability Celebration Packaging recently launched the revolutionary new zero-touch disposable wooden cutlery dispensers and they have been proving extremely popular with catering facilities managers across the UK, as they deliver a perfect combination of hygiene, convenience and sustainability. Celebration Packaging Director, David Oates commented: “We are proud to have launched the world’s most hygienic zero-touch wooden cutlery dispenser. For end-users, there are no levers or buttons to press, as they simply pull the cutlery handle from the dispenser. This creates a sanitary dispensing solution, significantly reducing the chance of contamination by bacteria, germs and viruses, which is common with traditional open cutlery trays and pots." “Meanwhile, operators have absolutely zero contact with the cutlery when filling the dispenser, which totally prevents cross-contamination.” Preventing wastage and over-consumption Celebration Packaging’s disposable wooden cutlery dispensers prevent wastage and over-consumption, as customers only pick the items they are going to use, rather than taking – and touching – multiple items. Ideal for self-service areas, takeaway and QSR restaurants, food kiosks, food courts, service stations and stadiums, the unit has a small footprint when placed on counters, or can also be wall or stand mounted. For operators, the high-quality, robust and aesthetically pleasing dispenser is designed to be easy to maintain as the transparent housing shows the cutlery level, and it is purely mechanical with no power or batteries required.  “These dispensers offer a professional minimalist, modern looking, practical and organised solution, especially when compared to messy and unorganised open cutlery trays or pots, which are often a hot-bed for germs, viruses and bacteria,” says David Oates. “But, perhaps the biggest benefit of these innovative new zero-touch disposable wooden cutlery dispensers is that consumers only touch the handle of the piece of cutlery they are going to use, so this is both a hygienic and a waste-saving solution.” Easy to use and maintain To load the hygienically packed factory-sealed cutlery refill pack, simply open the flap, press the red button and pull out the cartridge. The refill pack of knives, forks or spoons can then be placed in the corresponding cartridge, and the tape tab pulled off and the bag removed. Pull the trigger to release the first piece of cutlery, press the red button and push the cartridge back into the dispenser, which is now ready to use. Simple. Wooden cutlery is 100% natural and is the perfect alternative to the now banned single-use plastic cutlery. The dispensers are easily branded, creating an unmissable opportunity for operators wanting to advertise their brand or announce special promotions or events. The cutlery dispenser is highly versatile, allowing customers to tailor the unit by selecting any three cartridges to suit their cutlery requirements. They can choose from regular-sized or the newest smaller snack-sized knives, forks, and spoons – or a combination of both sizes. For instance, they may wish to feature a regular size knife and fork, with a smaller snack size spoon, or two of the smaller snack size forks and one regular larger size fork. Customers can build their own dispensers with a widely variable combination of regular and small snack size cutlery in any one dispenser.

A new, state-of-the-art 3G sports pitch at Testwood School in Totton has been officially opened by former student Aaron Phipps MBE, a Paralympic gold medallist. And former Saints FC and England player Louise Gardner, nee Cross, kicked the first ball on the new facility. With funding from the Premier League, The FA and the government’s Football Foundation, the surface will help turbocharge women’s and girls’ football. The community asset, which cost around £750,000 and meets World Rugby compliance standards, will also be available for local rugby club Tottonians to train on. Furthermore, two new artificial cricket pitches at the school will give local cricket clubs Totton and Eling, and Calmore, a new place to play and practise. The 3G pitch was opened by Aaron Phipps – a Paralympic golf medallist in wheelchair rugby – who cut the ribbon during a day of sport and celebration. He said: “Sport changed my life as a disabled athlete, and this is a fantastic facility which can be used in all weathers for a huge number of sports. It will hopefully change the lives of many who use it over the years to come.” The pitch is one of at least 30 set to benefit from The Lionesses Futures Fund – a £30 million cash injection from the Government and The FA delivered by the Football Foundation. It celebrates England women roaring to victory at the 2022 UEFA EUROs as well as their achievement of making the final at FIFA World Cup 2023 and will help meet the growing demand for women’s and girls’ football. Since the Lionesses lifted the trophy in 2022, 68,000 more girls are playing football than before the tournament. Too often, badly lit pitches, unsuitable changing facilities and late-night kick-off times put women and girls off taking to the pitch. Like every Lionesses Futures Fund site, the new pitch will prioritise access for women and girls through reserved peak-time slots. It will also increase the provision of disabilities football and participation for those from lower-socio economic groups. Louise Gardner who kicked the first ball on the pitch and played for Saints and England in the 1970s said: “I would have loved to have played on pitches like this when I was young. It was great fun to kick the ball and I hope everyone using the pitch enjoys sport as much as I did.” The pitch has replaced a previous one that was 18 years old, exceeding its expected lifespan by more than double and no longer meeting FA standards for hosting fixtures. The project has also been supported with additional funding from New Forest District Council and from partner organisations such as Pace Youth FC. James Cross, Community Facilities Manager at Testwood School, said: “The redevelopment of the new 3G Artificial Turf Pitch (ATP) and the installation of two new artificial cricket pitches marks a transformative step forward for our community." “This state-of-the-art facility will not only enhance sporting opportunities but also foster inclusivity, particularly for women and girls, offering them a space to thrive and play at the highest level. The partnership with local clubs such as Pace Youth FC, Tottonians Rugby FC, Totton and Eling Cricket Club, and Calmore Cricket Club underscores our shared commitment to supporting grassroots sport." “Together, we’re creating a legacy that will inspire future generations to stay active, build confidence, and be part of a strong, connected community." Tim Webber, Headteacher at Testwood School, said: "We are extremely pleased to host these great sporting facilities for the use of the community at Testwood School. I am extremely grateful to the Football Foundation, to New Forest District Council, and to our local partner sporting organisations for their part in making this happen." “This will benefit our students and the community immensely in playing sport, something that is such an important and fulfilling part of our lives. I am also very grateful to our staff, most notably James Cross and Jackie Barker for their hard work in managing this project." Robert Sullivan, CEO of the Football Foundation, said: “Thanks to the funding from the Premier League, The FA and Government, we’re delivering 30 pitches like this across the country to support the growing demand for football we’ve seen following the Lionesses’ inspirational success." “Like all Lionesses Futures Fund sites, the new 3G pitch at Testwood School will provide a safe, accessible and welcoming place to play for the local community in Totton to lace up their boots.” Top Photo: (l-r) Former Saints and England player Louise Gardner, Testwood School headteacher Tim Webber and gold medal-winning Paralympian Aaron Phipps cut the ribbon at the opening of the schools new pitch.

A Derbyshire beauty salon is celebrating after winning top prize in its category at the industry’s biggest national beauty awards ceremony in London. Elegant Touch Beauty, based at Mercia Marina, near Willington, South Derbyshire, was named Large Salon of the Year at the glittering event hosted by Professional Beauty magazine on Sunday night. It is the first time the business has entered the annual awards. The prestigious award comes on the back of a year in which owner Anna Inglis tripled the size of her operation by moving to larger premises on the marina’s iconic Boardwalk development last summer. Anna launched Elegant Touch Beauty in 2012 at the age of 18 from a rented salon space in Hilton, South Derbyshire. She relocated to Mercia Marina two years later and now employs more than 10 staff at the larger premises.  Anna (33), who took almost her entire team to the black tie awards ceremony at The Brewery, in Chiswell Street, London, said: “We are all just blown away on the night when we heard our name being called out. It was exciting to even be shortlisted, but to be named overall winner was just amazing.” Professional Beauty magazine received hundreds of entries for the Large Salon of the Year category, which was whittled down to five shortlisted candidates from across the UK. Awards judge Sara Shoemark visited the Mercia Marina business in November, declaring her treatment at Elegant Touch to be one of the best massages she had ever had and describing her visit to the salon as “flawless”. When the award result was announced by celebrity compere Jamie Laing, the TV presenter of ‘Made in Chelsea’ fame, he introduced the winning salon as “beautiful, with highly trained staff and an exceptional level of care.” Anna said: “Just to receive that feedback was incredible. But to go on and win the award at our very first attempt proves that we must be doing something right for our lovely customers.” The salon has always aimed to go above and beyond in terms of client experience. As such, it offers welcome trays, an extensive beverage menu, free goodie bags, birthday rewards and VIP incentives. As well as salon treatments such as massage, nail treatments and waxing, it offers non-invasive body sculpting, IPL and the latest skincare transformation treatments such as HydraFacial. In an unprecedented move, Anna closed the salon for two days so that the team could attend the recent awards ceremony in London, with the exception of an apprentice who is under 18. Elegant Touch Beauty is not alone at Mercia Marina in terms of awards success. Neighbouring business Lotus Indian Kitchen’s gongs include a Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice Award, while The Boardwalk development itself won national architecture awards after it opened in 2015. Similar plaudits are likely when the marina’s landmark Promenade development, which includes 15 luxury waterside apartments, is completed next year. The marina has also won countless Visit England tourism awards and David Bellamy Gold Conservation Awards over the years. Robert Neff, general manager of Mercia Marina, said: “We are so pleased for Anna and her wonderful team at Elegant Touch Beauty. Their customer service is second-to-none and they fully deserve this fantastic award recognition." “The salon has an exceptional draw from all parts of the county and beyond, and makes a wonderful addition to the marina’s retail offering. It’s great to see yet another national award being added to the marina’s tally!”

In today’s competitive job market, attracting the right talent is more important than ever. According to a recent State of the Global Workforce 2024 report, only 10% of UK workers were found to be feeling engaged with their jobs, while a staggering 90% were feeling detached from their roles, and likely hopping onto the “quiet quitting” trend. That being said, an essential first step in building a strong, engaged workforce is a well-crafted, thoughtful job description. A poorly written one not only fails to inspire but can actively drive away top talent. David Banaghan, Co-Founder and Interim CEO at Occupop , recruitment software experts says: “Candidates are looking for clarity, transparency, and a reflection of the company’s values from the outset. When these elements are missing, they may interpret it as a sign of poor organisation or a lack of commitment to employee wellbeing, which can be an immediate deterrent." "Crafting a clear, compelling job description isn’t just about filling vacancies quickly—it’s about building a solid foundation for successful, long-term hires.” Here, we’ll explore some of the most common job description red flags businesses should avoid when hiring. No Salary Information One of the most glaring red flags is the absence of a salary or salary range in job descriptions. With transparency becoming a priority, especially in the UK, job seekers are increasingly turned off by “competitive salary” tags that reveal little. Research from the Guardian shows that job postings with clear salary brackets are more likely to engage high-quality candidates, as it removes guesswork and promotes trust. David says: “Clear compensation details are essential, not only to attract top talent but to level up transparency and build credibility. While companies might wish to stay flexible, offering a pay range can show candidates that you’re respectful of their time and committed to fair compensation.” Overly Long List Of Responsibilities Many companies mistakenly believe that listing every possible responsibility will appeal to candidates seeking a challenge. However, an excessive list can be overwhelming and implies a lack of focus within the role. David adds: “Candidates may interpret it as a sign they’ll be expected to wear too many hats or face unrealistic expectations. Clarity in responsibilities doesn’t just make the job appealing—it shows candidates that the company has a structured, well-defined role in mind." "A clear breakdown of primary and secondary responsibilities provides a more realistic picture of the role, making it easier for candidates to see themselves in the position. Focus on essentials and avoid long, laundry lists that might deter highly qualified applicants.” Vague Job Titles With terms like “ninja,” “guru,” or “rockstar” making occasional appearances in job titles, businesses may hope to inject creativity, but these labels often confuse applicants and lead to lower-quality applications. Straightforward titles yield a greater response, particularly when they align with standard industry terminology. In addition, vague or creative titles can be misinterpreted as gimmicks or an attempt to mask a lack of clarity about the role itself. David notes: “A title should immediately tell candidates what they’ll be doing and at what level. A clear title, such as “Digital Marketing Manager” rather than “Marketing Rockstar,” not only improves searchability on job boards but ensures candidates know what to expect.” Unrealistic Experience Requirements We’ve all seen the listings asking for five years of experience in a tool that’s only existed for three, or entry-level roles requiring extensive experience. These unrealistic qualifications are a major red flag for applicants and can deter promising candidates from applying. This tactic also feeds into a wider debate on fairness in hiring practices. Setting expectations that few can meet might signal an unwelcoming or elitist culture, and candidates may shy away from organisations that seem disconnected from the realities of the current job market. David stresses: “Realistic, flexible qualifications help ensure the role is accessible to a wider range of candidates, ultimately promoting diversity and innovation within the team. Instead of limiting your pool with overly strict requirements, focus on key skills that are truly essential for the role.” Lack Of Company Culture Insight Job descriptions that fail to convey any information about the company's culture, benefits, or values are often overlooked. Today’s candidates want to know more than just job requirements—they’re keen to understand a company's mission, its workplace environment, and what kind of values it upholds. A lack of cultural insight is a missed opportunity to draw in candidates who align with your ethos. David advises: “Culture insights are a powerful draw for candidates who want to feel connected and motivated. Including a brief section on company values, team activities, or growth opportunities can make a role stand out to someone looking for a meaningful workplace.” Using Language That Implies Burnout Phrases like “high-pressure environment,” “fast-paced,” or “ability to handle stress” might seem motivational to some employers, but they can sound like burnout risks to candidates. People seeking a new role in today’s job market are increasingly wary of work environments that emphasise relentless pace or stress without indicating support. Language that communicates a supportive, growth-oriented environment—like “collaborative,” “innovative,” or “dynamic”—is far more appealing. David concludes, “The words you choose say a lot about your company culture. Candidates are looking for companies that value their wellbeing as much as their productivity. Adjusting language in a job description can go a long way in fostering interest from top candidates who want to thrive, not just survive.” Crafting a job description is about more than listing duties and requirements; it’s an opportunity to showcase your company’s values and attract high-quality candidates who align with them. By avoiding these common pitfalls, companies can improve their chances of attracting motivated, qualified candidates who are ready to contribute to the team’s success.