Better access to mortgages, banning “harsh” personal guarantees, and ensuring entrepreneurs can have a comfortable retirement will encourage more people to launch small businesses, research by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) shows. In new research published today (February 24), FSB found that a quarter (25%) of entrepreneurs say that being self-employed has made it more difficult for them to get a mortgage, while those who do succeed in securing one are often faced with higher rates and less favourable terms. On top of that, 16 per cent say savings or capital they would otherwise use to expand their business is being used to pay their mortgage. Entrepreneurs are also relying on various finance options to grow or stay afloat, including bank overdrafts (17%), credit cards (16%), and financial support from family and friends (9%). FSB’s report also highlights that the excessive use of personal guarantees, which make borrowers personally liable for business loans, are stifling growth, with some lenders requiring them for relatively small amounts, dampening entrepreneurs’ willingness to take risks. FSB has raised this with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is calling on the Treasury to regulate personal guarantees. With access to finance so constrained, saving for a pension is at the back of the queue for many entrepreneurs, with 37 per cent saying that they do not contribute to a pension, mainly due to cash flow constraints (cited by 32 per cent of those who said they hadn’t contributed to a pension scheme in the previous year). Recommendations include: Calling on the Financial Conduct Authority to enforce standardised documentation requirements across lenders to simplify the mortgage application process for the self-employed. A standardised approach across lenders would help the self-employed be better prepared when it comes to what information they will be required to provide to a lender. Lenders could also be encouraged to consider offering lower mortgage rates to self-employed people who have taken out income protection insurance. Including personal guarantees within scope of the FCA’s Consumer Duty, in order to deter the over-use of personal guarantees by lenders. Personal guarantees have a legitimate role in lending to businesses, but their over-use can have a chilling effect on the economy, causing limited company directors to put personal assets such as their homes on the line when taking on a loan. Increasing awareness of mixed equity and debt financing alongside financial institutions. The British Business Bank could promote options for mixed equity and debt financing as a first step into equity among self-employed people who want to take their business to the next stage. Commit to maintaining Entrepreneurs’ Relief (now called Business Asset Disposal Relief) at 14 per cent in the long run. It is currently due to increase from 10 per cent to 14 per cent in April 2025 and then to 18 per cent in April 2026. Many self-employed business owners struggle to make regular pension savings, so this relief is often key to funding their retirements, as well as encouraging investment in small businesses. Tina McKenzie, FSB’s Policy Chair, said: “People who decide to take a leap into the unknown by embracing entrepreneurship are taking on many risks – not least that of no longer being able to rely on a secure income." “Income volatility adds additional barriers to accessing finance products, such as mortgages and external finance for their business, and makes saving for a pension harder." “The impact of this should be minimised to encourage more people to take the leap without worrying that they will be locked out of common financial milestones as a result." “The dream of owning your own home is firmly entrenched in our national culture, while we all aspire to a comfortable retirement – but these things should not be a privilege reserved for those in conventional employment." “Keeping Business Asset Disposal Relief at 14 per cent could help entrepreneurs avoid erosion of their retirement funds." “As the Government develops its Small Business Strategy for publication later this year, it must cater to the needs of the self-employed." “Getting this right will enable entrepreneurs to do what they do best – innovate, adapt, and create. By solving the finance conundrum too many entrepreneurs find themselves in, we can help to unlock the growth we need to get the economy on track.”

St Austell Brewery is launching four limited-edition cask beers for 2025 with a special cinema theme. Shark Bait, Outta Time, Breakfast Club, Maverick, and Jingle All the Way complete the star-studded lineup, which is set to take centre stage in a selection of St Austell Brewery’s managed pubs, as well as in its leased and tenanted estate across the West Country, and in independent pubs across the UK throughout the year. The exclusive beers form part of St Austell Brewery’s Cask Club series, which sees its brewers experiment by bringing unique brews to life in its Small Batch Brewery. Shark Bait is light and zesty with flavours of passionfruit and stone fruits. Available from 3rd March, expect a clean, crisp, and fruity 3.9% session pale ale that’s the perfect thirst-quencher to enjoy on dry land. Outta Time is a 4.3% golden ale, featuring a mix of floral, herbal, and tropical hop flavours, which come together in harmony with sweet, oaty malt. Set your destination to the pub and get ready for a pint to remember from 6th March. Breakfast Club, a 4.5% golden ale, is a brewing collaboration between St Austell Brewery and Toast Brewing, a London-based craft brewery that uses surplus bakery bread to brew its beers. The fresh and fruity golden ale has been crafted with British Harlequin and Jester hops alongside Toast’s surplus bread crumb and will be available from 30th June. Maverick is an acceleration of orange, hops, and honey landing on bars from 1st September. Pale in colour and full-bodied, this 4.5% American IPA is brewed with Amarillo, Citra, and Cascade hops. Jingle All the Way will be the Christmas hero of the pub from 17th November. The premium 4.1% amber ale has a rich aroma of piney hops and raisin, toffee, and malt notes. With a deep and bittersweet finish, having been brewed with British ingredients including Challenger and Goldings hops, it’s the perfect tipple to ring in the festive season. Georgina Young, St Austell Brewery’s Brewing Director, said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new collection of limited-edition cask beers, inspired by some of the most iconic films in cinematic history." “This exclusive line pays tribute to legendary movies, blending storytelling with great flavours for an immersive drinking experience. Whether you're a fan of action-packed thrillers or timeless classics, there's a brew that should capture everyone.”

A North West food ingredients business has achieved a globally recognised certification which will enable it to extend its reach and work with larger manufacturers and major retailers. Innovative Food Ingredients, which supplies butchers, food manufacturers and regional retailers with spice mixes, rubs, marinades and sauces, has attained the BRCGS Global Standard for Storage and Distribution. The ‘AA’ grade awarded to the family run Lancashire business followed the completion of a successful audit by Foodchain ID. The firm worked with compliance experts Food Safety Assist to help guide it through the certification process. Already an established partner for international manufacturers Newly Weds Foods and AVO, meeting the requirements of the BRCGS global standard for storage and distribution will allow Innovative Food Ingredients broader scope for growth. This international standard provides a comprehensive framework to safeguard the safety, quality and legality of products during storage and transportation. Established nearly 20 years ago and adopted in over 50 countries, it is considered a benchmark of excellence in the food industry and is recognised by most top global brands and retailers. Innovative Food Ingredients commercial director Chantelle Brennand explains: “This a key milestone on the company’s road to further growth and underlines our commitment to food product safety, integrity and quality across our operations." “The scope and requirements of the standard, coupled with the stringent auditing process from a BRCGS registered certification body, means that we now have a much stronger standing with food manufacturers and major retailers in the sector. So the whole team is thrilled to achieve this international standard.” The ‘AA’ audit grade follows the company’s launch of the Butchers’ Collective and Taste Creation, two new business units to help meat retailers diversify their offering. The firm also has its own demonstration kitchen at its Poulton-le-Fylde base to showcase ingredients and recipes with webinars and educational culinary sessions. Director of Food Safety Assist Brian Humphreys adds: “Our role was to provide the Innovative Food Ingredients team with a comprehensive programme of support. That included a preliminary gap analysis exercise followed by detailed project implementation, staff training, internal auditing and attendance at the audit itself." “The work we’ve done together to achieve BRCGS certification ensures that the team has a more robust management system in place and set procedures to follow both now and in the future.” In recognition of the Innovative Food Ingredients team’s achievement, Merce Sanchez, Food Programme Manager at BRCGS commented: “Congratulations on passing your first BRCGS audit and achieving the highest audit rating of AA. This provides the strongest reassurance of safety and quality and demonstrates the commitment of the team to delivering excellence.” Innovative Food Ingredients helps UK food processors, farm shops and retail butchery sectors to enhance the quality of their product ranges. Products include oil-based marinades, sauces, crumbs and fillings, other functional ingredients such as butters and melts, plus traditional burger and sausage mixes and seasonings. As well as supplying traditional family run butchers and farm shops, it also works with food processors and retailers, offering a fully bespoke development service to satisfy specific client requirements. Above Photo: Chantelle Brennand and Peter Rushforth from Innovative Food Ingredients celebrate the BRCGS Global Standard for Storage and Distribution.

UKHospitality has pushed back against the idea of a Greater Manchester tourist tax, citing the harm it would do to visitor numbers and spend in the city. In an interview with the BBC, Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, said that tourists visiting Manchester should pay a mandatory “tourist levy”. Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: “It’s really disappointing that the Mayor of Greater Manchester doesn’t seem to appreciate the damage a mandatory tourist tax would have on the city as a destination, which modelling shows would reduce visitor numbers and spending.” "The impact assessment produced for the Welsh Government’s Visitor Levy showed that it would result in a reduction in visitors of up to 2.5% and would reduce visitor spend by up to £35 million a year." Kate continued: “It’s frustrating to see the oft-used comparison to other major tourist destinations charging visitors a tax used yet again, without recognition that those cities have a significantly lower rate of VAT – often half the 20% charged in the UK." “Our visitors are already taxed considerably more compared to other countries in Europe – we shouldn’t be adding to that burden." “The Mayor recognises the contribution residents make to public funding through council tax, but he overlooks the £94 million hospitality businesses in Greater Manchester generate in revenue for local services." “On top of this, there is a hotel-led scheme that funds a number of areas including street cleanliness and promoting Manchester as a destination." “Everyone can appreciate the challenging financial situation many local authorities find themselves in, but a tourist tax to top up day-to-day council spending is not the answer." “It would do further harm to our tourism competitiveness, hit consumers in the pocket and place further burdens on business." “I’m pleased that the Government has been clear that it has no plans to introduce a tourist tax and we will be holding them to that commitment.”

The flatlining of the UK economy has done nothing to dampen the appetite for growth and investment in new technology by young and confident small business managers, according to a survey by Purbeck Insurance Services), the provider of personal guarantee insurance to small business owners. More than 70% of small business managers/owners questioned, have either secured or plan to secure funding for their business in 2025, a big jump from 30% in 2024). What’s more, over half of these (51%) are prepared to put their own assets on the line for their business by signing a personal guarantee. 41% Need Finance To Support Cashflow Demand is highest among younger business owners aged 25-34, 76% of whom plan to secure finance this year. As the Federation for Small Businesses (FSB) reports a plunge in confidence amongst small business owners), Purbeck’s findings offer a more positive view. Indeed, the key reason given by those small businesses securing finance this year is to invest in new technology, closely followed by obtaining new equipment. Furthermore, 28% need funding for a business acquisition. However, 41% need it to support cashflow, up from 32% in 2024, and 20% to pay off outstanding debt. Demonstrating the sureness of UK small businesses still further, the amount of finance typically being secured is £100-£200k, only around 9% of businesses surveyed were seeking less than £50k. As the Government continues to push Nations and Regions investment funds), Purbeck’s survey also highlights that the hunger to secure finance is most evident in the North East, Scotland and Wales. More Younger Owner/Managers Become Personal Guarantors Meanwhile, 50% of those surveyed are already personal guarantors for a business loan or have plans to become one in 2025. This rises to 76% amongst 25-24 year old small business owner/managers. This figure could reflect the fact that younger business owners are more likely to know about the benefits of personal guarantee insurance (PGI) to mitigate the risk to their personal assets. The survey found that 75% of 25-34 year olds have heard of PGI, compared to 47% of 45-54 year-olds. Comments Todd Davison, MD of Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance: “Despite reports of a slide in business confidence among UK SMEs many remain sanguine about the need to invest for growth. Add to this the fact that more than half of those seeking funding are willing to put their personal assets on the line, and we begin to see a picture where UK SMEs still have a positive appetite for managed risk to better their businesses." “Challenges lie ahead, particularly with rising tax costs and increased labour burdens following last November’s budget, which will impact many SMEs. However, the encouraging sign is that many businesses are exploring new financing opportunities this year, signalling optimism and potential growth for the UK economy.” When securing a new personal guarantee backed loan, it is always advisable to secure personal guarantee insurance, meaning the business owners’ and directors’ personal finances won’t be at risk in the unfortunate situation of a business failure.

For millions across the UK, the cost of living crisis is no longer just a headline—it is an everyday reality shaping decisions about work, spending, and the future. Inflation, rising interest rates, and stagnant wages have created an economic climate that feels increasingly uncertain. Yet, amid the challenges, a shift is taking place. People are adapting, businesses are evolving, and new financial behaviours are emerging as Britons navigate this turbulent period. One of the most noticeable changes is the way people are spending—or, more accurately, how they are cutting back. Discretionary spending has taken a hit, with dining out, travel, and luxury purchases becoming less frequent as households focus on essentials. Supermarket shopping has changed dramatically, with own-brand products and budget retailers gaining ground over premium options. Shoppers are swapping convenience for value, seeking out discounts, and embracing a more strategic approach to their weekly shop. Loyalty to specific brands is waning as price takes precedence, forcing businesses to rethink their marketing strategies and pricing structures. Housing costs remain a major concern. For homeowners, rising interest rates have made mortgage repayments significantly more expensive, particularly for those coming off fixed-rate deals. First-time buyers face even greater hurdles, with high property prices and stricter lending criteria making homeownership feel increasingly out of reach. Meanwhile, renters are struggling with soaring costs, as landlords pass on higher mortgage expenses and demand continues to outstrip supply. The rental crisis has fuelled a growing demand for alternative living arrangements, with more young people staying at home longer and flat-sharing becoming a necessity rather than a choice. The job market, once buoyant in the post-pandemic recovery, is also shifting. While employment levels remain high, the nature of work is evolving. Many workers are prioritising job security over career progression, choosing stability in uncertain times. At the same time, employers are facing a talent shortage in key industries, leading to wage growth in some sectors but not enough to keep up with inflation. The cost of commuting has made remote and hybrid working arrangements even more desirable, with employees valuing flexibility as a way to manage expenses rather than just a lifestyle perk. Small businesses, often the backbone of local economies, are facing significant pressure. Higher energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and reduced consumer spending have forced many to rethink their strategies. Some are diversifying their offerings, while others are turning to community support and digital platforms to stay afloat. The shift towards conscious consumerism—where people choose to support local and independent businesses over large corporations—has provided a lifeline for some, but survival remains a challenge in an economy where margins are tight and costs continue to rise. Despite the difficulties, resilience is evident. Side hustles, once seen as a passion project or supplementary income, have become a financial necessity for many. From freelancing to selling handmade goods, more people are looking for ways to boost their earnings outside of traditional employment. Financial literacy has also gained importance, with a surge in interest in budgeting apps, investment platforms, and personal finance education as individuals seek to take greater control over their money. Government interventions, such as energy bill support and targeted cost-of-living payments, have provided temporary relief, but uncertainty remains over how long such measures can continue. Public confidence in economic recovery is mixed, with many questioning whether inflation will stabilise and whether real wages will rise enough to ease financial pressures. The UK’s economic climate may be tough, but it is also shaping a new way of thinking about money, work, and value. People are becoming more resourceful, businesses are adapting, and priorities are shifting. While financial pressures are unlikely to ease overnight, the resilience and adaptability of individuals and communities suggest that even in the hardest of times, change brings opportunity. The question now is not just how to survive the cost-of-living crisis, but how to build a more sustainable financial future in the long run.

The dynamism of the UK’s private sector has plunged to its lowest ebb for eight years as bigger firms hit the rocks and new company creation slows. Cynergy Bank's new Business Births and Deaths Index, released today, draws on latest ONS data to paint a sobering picture of the nation's economic health. In 2024, new company formations plummeted to 306,995, the lowest since at least 2017. Meanwhile, the average turnover of failing businesses reached its highest level in the same period, indicating that even well-established, bigger firms are not immune to the current economic turbulence. The employment outlook is equally concerning as new businesses aren’t hiring as many people as they used to. Job creation through new businesses barely outpaced losses from closures, with a net gain of only 13,754 jobs in 2024. This figure pales in comparison to the 348,845 net jobs created in 2017. Winners And Losers Cynergy Bank's Business Health Score, which measures the ratio of new businesses created to those lost, reveals a stark divide across industries: Agriculture : With a score of 0.52, the UK’s farming sector has been hardest hit, with only half of the closing businesses being replaced. Manufacturing and Production : These sectors are barely treading water with a score of 0.88. Wholesale Trade and Transportation : Both industries are struggling, scoring 0.89 and 0.86 respectively. However, amidst the gloom, some sectors are flourishing: Health and Social Care : Boasting a score of 1.34, this sector is thriving, possibly due to more private companies stepping in where the NHS is struggling. Education : the sector has a robust score of 1.31 and includes all types of education businesses from pre-primary to tertiary, special needs, sports and even driving schools Real Estate : With a score of 1.30, property-related businesses are showing remarkable resilience. Regional Disparities London continues to outperform the rest of the country with a score of 1.12, compared to the national average of 1.03. In contrast, the East Midlands and Wales are experiencing the most significant business closures, with scores of 0.94 and 0.95 respectively. Nick Fahy, Chief Executive of Cynergy Bank commented, "These figures present a sobering picture of the UK business environment and with the National Insurance increase looming in April, it’s hard to see it improving in the immediate future." “However, it's not all doom and gloom. Businesses in healthcare, real estate and education are booming. At Cynergy Bank, we're committed to supporting businesses across all sectors, particularly those facing headwinds, by offering tailored financial solutions and expert guidance to navigate these turbulent times."

Reward Funding has successfully completed a £360m re-finance as a key part of its strategy to increase its loan book to £500m in the next three years. Advised by international advisory firm Interpath, Reward has received a £100m debut private securitisation from an international bank, a £150m senior debt facility from Quilam Capital, together with £110m of new funding lines from existing partners Foresight and RMB. The landmark deal partially refinances Reward’s incumbent debt facilities whilst also providing liquidity and enhanced flexibility - enabling the business to support its continued expansion. With Reward providing high-performance, asset-secured funding to help entrepreneurs and businesses thrive, its increased lending capabilities will be a welcome boost to those firms needing to finance growth, innovate or seize new market opportunities. Nick Smith, group managing director for Reward, said: “Being able to bolster our credit lines by a further £360m is a hugely significant deal for the business and will also benefit those companies which rely on our support to fund expansion in challenging economic conditions. It gives us such a strong foundation to achieve our goal of a £500m loan book within three years." “Our whole ethos is built around working closely with entrepreneurs and SMEs to fund their ambition and offer a fast, agile funding solution that enables them to seize opportunities when they arise. This can only be made possible by the strength of our lending, and being on course to provide our busiest year of lending gives our new and existing clients that much-needed confidence and certainty in what remains an uncertain climate.” David Harrop, group finance director for Reward expressed delight at the transaction, commenting: “Successfully raising this level of institutional funding is a testimony to the business we have built at Reward. We look forward to working with our new and existing funding partners to provide further support to UK SMEs.” Jordan Blakesley, managing director at Quilam Capital, said: “Reward is a distinguished specialist lender that provides tailored asset-secured facilities to UK entrepreneurs and businesses. Our relationship with management spans almost 10 years and we are delighted to be supporting Reward’s growth journey with the first senior credit transaction following the announcement of our strategic JV with J.P. Morgan earlier in the month.” Jack Dutton, director at Interpath, who led the transaction alongside Olivia Dunning and Niamh Valentine from Interpath’s Debt Advisory team, said: “We have worked closely with Reward to understand their operational model and put in place a capital strategy that would allow them to continue to offer the flexible, dependable, and rapid approach to funding which has given them a pivotal role in the funding landscape for the SME community. It has been an absolute pleasure working with the team on this transformational financing, which introduces new institutional funding partners to the business.” Since launching in 2010 to fill the fast-growing void left by traditional funding, Reward has supported over 2,000 property investors and businesses and provided over £1.2bn in funding across its five product areas. Ashurst and Walker Morris acted as legal counsel to Reward.

Manchester enjoyed a world record breaking feat on Saturday evening as Anna Morris produced a moment of magic on her way to the individual pursuit national jersey on an entertaining second day at the Lloyds National Track Championships 2025. Women's Individual Pursuit Anna Morris lowered her world record in the women’s individual pursuit final to a magnificent 4:24.060 in front of a vociferous home crowd in Manchester. After making the catch on Izzy Sharp (Lidl-TREK) just after the halfway mark in the gold medal race, Morris pressed on with conviction and such was her class, she comfortably held her nerve in the closing four laps to improve her previous best set at the Europeans just over a week ago. The Welsh rider said soon after coming off the track: “The motivation was really high, especially on my home track in front of a home crowd. I am feeling it a bit after racing at Euros, so I wasn’t sure how much I had left in me, but the crowd definitely carried me in those last four laps." “I was just trying to keep my head down in that last kilometre, trying to keep pedalling as much as I could, they felt like they were giving up, but I could hear the crowd, so I just tried to hold on." “So far, the 4km has gone pretty well for me. I think we’ll see that record keep coming down this year. There are a few other people who I am sure will be chasing after it this year. But I am really happy to have got the time here, in front of the whole team who have got me in a position to ride like this." “It is so special to have the opportunity to be riding in the rainbows. I just want to maximise that opportunity as best as I can. Euros and here will perhaps be the only opportunity I will get to ride in it this year, so I am pleased with how it has gone. Grace Lister (Hess Cycle Team) captured the bronze medal ahead of Sophie Lewis (DAS-Hutchinson-BrotherUK) to wrap up the podium positions. Men's Points Race Will Perrett (DAS Richardsons) stormed to the men’s points title to make it three in a row in a race which ebbed and flowed throughout, but ultimately, he took it by a point from Henry Hobbs (One Life Cycles), with Ben Wiggins (Hagens Berman Jayco CT) in bronze medal position. An active start saw a flurry of breaks quickly foiled, with TEKKERZ teammates Ollie Wood and Matt Bostock, Frank Longstaff (One Life Cycle), Finlay Tarling (Israel - Premier Tech), Charlie Tanfield, Wiggins, Hobbs, and brother Noah Hobbs (EF Education Nepo Development) making moves off the front. Perrett whacked down a sprint and went solo, gaining a quarter of a lap with 67 laps to go. Mark Stewart (Solution Tech Vini Fantini) and Wiggins, Bostock and Henry Hobbs bridged over to gain a lap and 20 points. Tanfield went solo as attacks continued, with Perrett, Henry Hobbs, Wiggins and Stewart chasing. While unable to bridge over to Tanfield, who took two laps solo and 40 points, Perrett broke away from the group to take the sprint points. He attacked over the bunch, gaining another lap, but was foiled. A last gasp effort saw Wood cross the line first to claim 10 points, but it wasn’t enough to put him on the podium. Perrett finished on 58 points to take the overall win and a third national title, as Henry Hobbs came second just one point behind. Wiggins rolled in with the main bunch to finish third in a dramatic finale. Speaking after the win, Perrett said: “That’s three on the trot now so it’s quite nice. I was pushed really hard for it this year. It was very much a slog at the end with the lap takes, and then it was all down to that final sprint. It was so close, and winning it by one point is really special.” Men's Team Sprint In the final, Team Inspired/GTRC made up of Lyall Craig, Harry Ledingham-Horn, Niall Monks and Matthew Richardson found themselves down on the time of Team Inspired B - including Marcus Hiley, Ed Lowe and Oliver Pettifer - in the first two laps. However, they had utilised these tactics though in the first round to qualify fastest for the final and it worked once again as a blistering final lap saw them claim gold by six tenths of a second. Team Inspired A had set the fastest qualifying time in the morning session with a time of 44.054 but with everyone upping their game as the rounds went on they narrowly missed out on a spot in the gold medal final and had to fight it out with ESV Manchester for the bronze, but they took it by over a second. Para-Cycling B Time-Trials Sophie Unwin and pilot Jenny Holl (Loughborough Lightning) completed the national championship double as they added the tandem 1km time-trial title to the pursuit from yesterday. The duo were over three seconds up at the bell and continued to motor away from the times set before them as they clocked 1.08.322 at the finish. It was a close run contest for silver and bronze as Amelia Robertson and Corrine Hall (Storey Racing) took the second spot by half a second with 1:12.225 ahead of Lora Fachie (Black Line) and Charlotte Deykin (Peterborough Cycle Hub). Holl said: “It’s really nice to race the nationals every year. Not only is it a win - which is always lovely - we’ve put out two rides which we can be really happy with.” Unwin added: “We came into this weekend just wanting to put in some good rides and showing what we’re capable of and I think we managed that. We went into that knowing it was all about the starting lap. If we put in a really good first lap, it would set us up for the whole ride and we managed that.” The men’s race belonged to James Ball and Steffan Lloyd (Wales Racing Academy) who got off to a strong start and took the gold in a time of 1.01.732, while there was joy for Mason Bradley (Born to Bike Racing Team) and Jack Pearson (BCC) who recorded a personal best time of 1.05.057 to clinch the silver. Frederick Ireland and Tom Cullen (Otley CC) claimed the bronze in 1.12.480. Firstly, Ball said: “It was the first one since Paris, so we were just happy to be back really and the crowd have been absolutely fantastic. It’s very special to be back.” Lloyd added: “Our game plan with the kilo is if you start fast, you’ll finish fast, so we put so much training and effort into that first lap of the event and then the rest takes care of itself. There’s a lot of preparation on the timing and strength work in the gym - it pays off.” Women's Keirin Lauren Bell (Team Inspired) secured her first national keirin title after a superb display of front-riding which saw her take the scalp of Emma Finucane (Team Inspired) in a fantastic curtain-closer to day two. As the derny left the track, Bell tried to put as much daylight as possible between herself and the rest of the field which worked a treat. The bell rang for the final lap, Finucane, who had dominated her heat and semi-final, was looking over her shoulder to see who was coming round but the rest of the field had left it too late to catch Bell who breezed over the line while they were left fighting for the silver and bronze. In the final bend Rhian Edmunds (Team Inspired) and Sophie Capewell (Team Inspired) attempted to make their move and come over the top of Finucane but she held onto second place with Edmunds settling for third. Bell said: “I looked behind and saw there was quite a gap between me and P2 so I squeezed on a bit because I thought if I go too early, I’m going to fizzle out towards the end. I knew when it got to a lap and three quarters, I knew I could go flat out then and hold on, so when it got to that point, I just thought I’m going to go, get my head down, hold on and it worked! “It just gives me confidence. Each race, taking that experience and the confidence going into the bigger races like internationals. I know that I can race well and I’ve got good legs to carry me to the end.” Para-Cycling C1-5 Pursuit Amelia Cass (Loughborough Lightning) put in a stunning display to claim the 3km pursuit national title in the C1-3 category, leaving everything on the track to take the victory with a time of 4.13.793. Cass had a margin of almost 30 seconds over Katie Toft (Storey Racing) and kilo champion Elisabeth Simpson, as Cass lapped Simpson twice on her way to the title. Cass said: “It is a brutal but great race, it is my favourite event. I’ve been a bit ill over the winter so there was really not a lot of expectation but to do a PB time I was really happy with - it was a couple of seconds [faster]. I can’t ask for anything more than that. It’s my first track nationals title so I’m buzzing.” Meanwhile, in the C5 category , Morgan Newberry (Loughborough Lightning) stormed to victory in 4km pursuit with a time of 5.12.473, as Rebecca Newark (Jadan Vive le Velo Glasdon) managed to hold onto second place and a silver medal ahead of Elsie Hughes (Secret-Training.cc). Matthew Robertson (Woolwich CC) was crowned the first national champion of the evening session, producing a dominant display to win the men’s C2 individual pursuit in a time of 3.39.461 with Callum Deboys coming in second in 4.00.306 to claim the silver. Meanwhile, in the men’s C3 individual pursuit, multiple Paralympic medallist Fin Graham put in a strong ride to take the gold in a time of 3.27.263 with Jacob Smith taking the silver in a time of 3.33.675 adding to his time trial title from Friday. Graham said: “I've not done a pursuit since Paris so I was just seeing where the legs were at. I feel like I'm in a pretty heavy training block right now so all things considered I think it was a well executed ride. With the nationals, it's always an honour to put on that jersey. The other boys are getting stronger so it's nice to have that competition so yeah to come out on top it's pretty special.” Racing in the rainbow colours, world champion Archie Atkinson got off to a blistering start and refused to take his foot off the gas as he impressively took home his second C4 gold medal and national jersey of the Championships in a time of 4.32.603. There was a close battle for second with Nicholas Fairfield narrowly edging out Josh Betteley with a time of 5.16.208 to 5.16.972. A delighted Atkinson added: "It was more of a mental battle, last year it didn’t go very well. I only got to like 4.9k, I had to actually finish the pursuit, that was the main thing. The time wasn't amazing. Currently, track isn't the focus so to pull off that is not too shabby. "I feel good, I'm over that period of having a bad time. I think it's a good refresh and restart for the next season." The last para cycling final of the evening saw B Xavier Disley win a close fought battle with William Bjergfelt to take the C5 pursuit victory with a time of 4.37.755 to 4.38.994. Going head-to-head in the final heat of four, the pair were closely matched throughout but Disley was carried by the loud Manchester crowd to the national jersey. Samuel Davies reached the podium as 4:39.301 secured him the bronze. Photo credit: SWpix.com .

TWYD & Co is pleased to welcome back Oliver Denton as Chief of Staff, where he will support Managing Partner David Twiddle in driving the firm’s marketing, PR, brand positioning, business development, and research efforts. Oliver previously worked with TWYD in its early days and has since built a diverse career spanning legal, higher education, charities, manufacturing, and textiles. His deep understanding of family enterprises - combined with a strategic approach to marketing and communications—makes him a valuable addition as TWYD continues to strengthen its presence in the market. “Oliver’s return is a significant step for TWYD,” said David Twiddle. “His insights into our work, coupled with his experience across multiple industries, will help us enhance our offering and deepen relationships with clients and our global talent network.” Oliver’s expertise in managing brand strategy and creating meaningful connections will be instrumental in supporting TWYD’s growth. “I’m excited to be back at TWYD & Co and to work alongside David again,” said Oliver. “The firm has evolved, but its mission remains the same—helping families in business thrive. I look forward to contributing to the next phase of growth.” With Oliver in this role, TWYD continues to build a team that understands the unique challenges faced by family enterprises and provides solutions tailored to their needs.

In a world that glorifies speed, productivity, and constant connectivity, an increasing number of people are seeking refuge in something far simpler: slow living. The concept is not new, but in recent years, it has moved from a niche movement to a mainstream lifestyle shift. More and more individuals are questioning the relentless pace of modern life and choosing to embrace a way of living that prioritises presence, balance, and joy in the everyday. The appeal of slow living is easy to understand. For decades, society has equated success with being busy. The more packed your schedule, the more emails in your inbox, and the less sleep you get, the more accomplished you are perceived to be. But as burnout rates soar and stress-related illnesses become increasingly common, people are beginning to ask: what is all this rushing really for? The slow living movement offers an alternative—one that encourages people to step back, reassess their priorities, and focus on what truly matters. At its core, slow living is about being intentional. It is about making conscious choices rather than simply reacting to the endless demands of daily life. This could mean eating meals without distractions, spending more time in nature, or carving out moments for stillness and reflection. It does not require a complete rejection of modernity but rather a shift in mindset—one that values quality over quantity, depth over speed, and fulfilment over mere achievement. One area where the slow living philosophy has gained significant traction is in our relationship with technology. The constant notifications, the pressure to always be available, and the endless scrolling through curated online lives have left many feeling disconnected from the present moment. Digital detoxes, screen-free weekends, and mindful social media use are becoming increasingly popular as people strive to reclaim their time and attention. Instead of documenting every experience for online approval, there is a growing appreciation for simply being present. The movement has also transformed the way people approach work. The traditional nine-to-five, office-based career path is no longer the default aspiration. Flexible working, freelancing, and remote jobs have allowed many to design lives that align with their values. Instead of structuring everything around work, more people are building work around their lives—choosing careers that allow them to prioritise family, hobbies, and personal well-being. Food is another area where slow living has made an impact. The rise of fast food and ready meals once symbolised modern convenience, but there has been a noticeable shift towards home cooking, locally sourced ingredients, and mindful eating. The slow food movement, which champions traditional cooking methods and sustainable agriculture, is an extension of this desire to reconnect with the way we nourish ourselves. Cooking is no longer just a necessity; it has become an act of self-care and creativity. Fashion, too, is embracing slowness. Fast fashion, with its rapid production cycles and disposable mentality, is facing increasing scrutiny. In response, the slow fashion movement encourages mindful consumption—buying less but choosing better, supporting ethical brands, and valuing timeless style over fleeting trends. More people are rediscovering the joy of investing in well-made, long-lasting clothing rather than chasing the latest fads. Despite its name, slow living is not about doing everything at a snail’s pace. It is about recognising that life is not a race, and that constantly chasing the next milestone can leave us feeling exhausted rather than fulfilled. It is about reclaiming time, making space for what truly matters, and appreciating life as it unfolds. In a culture obsessed with acceleration, perhaps the greatest luxury of all is learning how to slow down.

A ‘blind stylist’ is launching a new colour analysis service to help Derbyshire women feel confident in selecting the clothing, hair colour and make-up that best suits their skin tone. Tilly Dowler, 26, began losing her sight at the age of 16. She was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a rare genetic eye condition that causes loss of central vision. However, that hasn’t stopped her fashion ambitions and now, alongside business partner Victoria Whittington-Parry, 38, the pair are launching a personalised colour analysis service from their pre-loved clothing store, Wanted Wardrobe, in Castle Donington. The question on many people’s lips though is how can a blind stylist carry out colour analysis? Tilly said: “How can I figure out what shades flatter individual skin tones with my sight condition? Victoria and I are a tremendous team and won’t let anything set us back.” She explained that, while she calls herself the ‘blind stylist’, at this stage of the disease's progression she does retain some sight. While she may have limited distance vision, seeing only outlines and shadows of people, she actually still has unimpaired colour vision at close range. This means that with the support of her business partner, Tilly’s ambition to empower people through confidence in clothing and colour choices has become a reality. The new colour analysis service works by offering an initial welcome and consultation to each client. Victoria, who has full sight, drapes fabrics of various colours around the client's shoulders and neck so that the colour reflects on their face. Photographs are taken at each stage and the pictures are then passed to Tilly, who scrutinises them by zooming in to check shades and best colour options based on the client’s eye, hair and skin colours. Once analysed, Tilly will assign them a ‘colour season’ and palette matched to harmonise with their natural tones. She said: “Once you’ve put someone into their ‘colour season’ and established their undertone - for instance, warm or cool tones, then it is possible to reveal a whole colour palette that can guide the client to the shades that accentuate their natural beauty. The right colours can brighten your complexion, make your eyes pop, and make you look younger.” At the end of the 45-minute personal session, clients leave with the range of colour swatches that represent the perfect shades for them when shopping for clothes or re-evaluating their wardrobe. Victoria said: “Armed with the knowledge of what really suits you, it is possible to create a perfect capsule wardrobe and, in doing so, cut a person’s wardrobe by 70 per cent." “By investing in pieces that truly suit you, you'll save money in the long run, create a streamlined, cohesive wardrobe where everything you own looks amazing on you, and you’ll reduce your environmental impact by making more sustainable fashion choices.” As well as finding the perfect colour range, the service can also pinpoint the ideal hair colour for your skin tones and even find that elusive ‘perfect red lip’. TikTok users will have already spotted the growing trend for using colour analysis with countless commentators extolling the virtues of focusing on identifying colours that not only suit an individual but also empower them. The trailblazing Wanted Wardrobe team knew this would be a service that would appeal to their existing customers and attract new clients to their Derbyshire store. Following an intensive three-day course in London, Victoria and Tilly extended their styling skills into colour analysis. The training was made possible thanks to a £4,700 Sir Thomas White Loan Charity grant. The grant also helped the business move to its new home in Borough Street, Castle Donington. Tilly and Victoria have been making headlines since they opened their pre-loved store in 2023. The fashion gurus have appeared on BBC's The One Show, run a charity event alongside ITV Dancing on Ice star and Paralympian Libby Clegg MBE, and now, these two amazing ladies have turned their gaze to colour analysis. Victoria said: “With International Women’s Day falling on Saturday, March 8, we decided to launch the service this month. However, we are seeing a lot of early interest from men, which is fantastic. We want to empower all people with their clothing choices and give them the confidence to follow their ambitions.” Tilly said: “This is a fantastic service for anyone. From those who have a job interview pending and want the confidence that the right clothes can bring, to those who need to regain confidence in what suits them." “Their appearance may have changed due to aging or illness, while others may have lost their confidence in their choices after, say, menopause or divorce. Others may just need a steer on what looks good. There are all sorts of reasons people are showing interest.” So, if you have ever wondered why some people just look great year-round, well it turns out it might not just be an eye for what suits them, there’s a science to it. And Victoria and Tilly have the key. A launch event for the new service and the store’s new spring and summer collection of pre-loved clothes takes place on Saturday, March 1, from 10.00am until 4.00pm. Customers can join Tilly and Victoria for a welcome drink and more details about colour analysis. The colour analysis service is usually priced at £75.00 but people who book during the launch event will pay £50.00. Customers who spend £20 or more on the day will be entered into a prize draw to win a free colour analysis.