LAVA Advisory Partners, a London-based M&A advisory, has announced five new hires – three Associate Directors, an Analyst and its first Operations Coordinator – as the company has continued to grow over recent months. Felix Neate, Joseph Sharp and Sunil Samani have all joined LAVA as Associate Directors. Neate trained in accountancy before joining PwC for four years, followed by almost five years at Coller Capital. In 2022, he entered the M&A sector as vice president of Dyer Baade & Company, where he honed his skills working with clients of all sectors and sizes, as well as developing a special interest in buy and build transactions. Sharp brings a wealth of experience in lower-mid market M&A, with a strong understanding of the needs and challenges of business owners and founders. Five years with Highstead Partners was followed by nearly five years with KPMG, first in New Zealand and then in Australia. He joined LAVA on his return to the UK, bringing a global perspective to the team alongside his vast deal expertise. Samani has vast experience in M&A having joined EY on an internship before going through the company’s graduate programme. He then spent several years working closely with private equity houses to rationalise their portfolios and transform their investments following the 2008 financial crash, before rejoining EY for a seven-year stint, holding senior positions in the company’s Strategy & Transactions team. Meanwhile, Cannelle Ramas joins LAVA as an Analyst. Ramas has moved to London from Paris, where she completed her Corporate Finance degree before completing several analyst internships across the M&A, venture capital and private equity industries. Most recently, joining at the start of February, Summer Bond has become LAVA’s first Operations Coordinator, heading up what is now LAVA’s third female-led department. Born in Tokyo and having lived in London, Athens, and Copenhagen before returning to the UK, Bond brings a range of professional experiences and a keen interest in the M&A sector as she joins the company to build its operations function from the ground up. Commenting on the new appointments, Simon Woodcock, Partner, said: “As a small team, welcoming five new faces to LAVA has already had a massive impact. Each brings a unique set of experiences and perspectives, as well as fantastic enthusiasm which aligns perfectly with our human-centric approach to M&A." “Bolstering our team with new Associate Directors, adding a new analyst and bringing in our first ever Ops Coordinator is hugely exciting and ensures our growth is sustainable, our team is diverse, and our clients receive the best possible results. We’re delighted to have Felix, Joseph, Sunil, Cannelle and Summer with us, and we look forward to seeing how their skills and personalities help drive us forward over the months and years to come.”

Aspray, a leading loss assessing and property claims management company, is proud to announce that brothers Ravi and Kapil Kumar have joined the business to provide expert assistance to property owners in Uxbridge and the surrounding areas. With extensive backgrounds in property and commercial finance, Ravi and Kapil bring a wealth of experience and understanding to their new roles. Their shared passion for supporting policyholders and guiding them through the often complex process of property insurance claims is at the heart of their decision to join Aspray. Ravi Kumar commented: “We are thrilled to join the Aspray network and to serve the Uxbridge community. Having worked extensively in property and finance, we understand how overwhelming property damage and insurance claims can be. Our aim is to help homeowners and business owners navigate this process with ease, ensuring they achieve the best possible outcome from their claims.” The brothers’ service, underpinned by Aspray’s established reputation, is designed to alleviate the stress of property damage claims for both residential and commercial policyholders. They will handle the entire claims process on behalf of policyholders, from initial assessment through to final settlement, ensuring the property is restored to its pre-loss condition as swiftly as possible. Kapil Kumar added: “Joining Aspray allows us to combine our skills in property and finance with a hands-on approach to helping people when they need it most." "We look forward to making a real difference for the local community by providing a service that prioritises trust, transparency, and exceptional customer care.” Ravi and Kapil’s arrival comes as part of Aspray’s continued commitment to growing its network of professional loss assessors across the UK, ensuring policyholders have access to experienced and localised support. Whether dealing with storm damage, water leaks, or fire-related claims, the Kumar brothers are ready to assist policyholders in Uxbridge and beyond with professionalism and care.

A significant pay gap between private sector and UK government cybersecurity roles is jeopardizing national security by hindering the public sector's ability to attract and retain top talent, cyber security pioneers Naoris Protocol warn. Its analysis shows pay for key roles in cyber security can be nearly double in the private sector compared to the public sector and warns pay has to increase to help Government combat the development of artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and Metaverse which is massively increasing cyber threats. Data shows mid-level roles in the private sector such as Cyber Security Analysts and Penetration Testers in London offer between £50,000 and £70,000 annually. Senior positions, including Security Managers and Cyber Security Architects, see salaries ranging from £80,000 to over £120,000. In the public sector a recent posting for a Cyber Security Adviser at the Ministry of Defence listed a salary of £36,530 per year. More senior roles, such as the Head of Cyber Governance, Risk, and Compliance, are advertised with salaries starting at £67,820, the analysis by Naoris Protocol found. The pay gap has serious consequences, the Naoris Protocol study indicates. It cites a recent report by Spotlight on Corruption which found the National Crime Agency is struggling to recruit and retain staff with jobs in cybercrime units being left vacant. The report blames the loss of staff on low pay and poor morale, noting that NCA employees earn less than their counterparts in both the police force and private sector. A report from Government spending watchdog the National Audit Office (NAO) says independent assessments of 58 Government IT systems show “significant gaps” in cyber resilience and that the Government does not know how vulnerable at least 228 legacy ITsystems are to cyber attack. It warns that one in three cyber security roles were vacant or filled by temporary staff in 2023/24. David Carvalho, CEO & Founder of Naoris Protocol says: “The risks to UK national security from cyber crime are real and the potential costs and damage to critical national infrastructure are staggering." “It is vital that the Government can attract top talent for key cyber security roles and worrying that so many roles are left vacant. It is, however, not that surprising when skilled people can earn so much more in the private sector." “The UK Government needs to address the pay gap in order to safeguard the country’s digital infrastructure and competitive pay is essential to attract and retain the skilled people needed to combat evolving cyber threats.” Naoris highlights the role that Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) can play as a solution to growing cybersecurity challenges. In a significant step forward, Naoris Protocol has joined the DePIN Association, solidifying its position at the forefront of decentralized cybersecurity innovation. The company’s Post-Quantum powered Decentralized Security Layer Architecture is tailored to secure systems and validate assets beyond traditional cybersecurity perimeters. By fostering trust among devices, systems, and processes, Naoris Protocol empowers industries—from finance to healthcare—to transition from isolated silos to collaborative, decentralized models.

With the winter sports season well underway, one of the UK’s top ski holiday providers reveals that cross-border ski trips are booming in popularity. They allow people to expand their horizons by seamlessly skiing between different countries, and experience an entirely new culture and country in less than an hour, in some cases. Richard Sinclair, CEO of leading ski holiday provider SNO , says his team have witnessed a 60% increase in enquiries for cross-border ski holidays, with more skiers embracing the opportunity to ski the slopes of multiple countries in Europe on their annual trips. Known as ‘trip chaining’ (a growing trend in the industry in recent years), travellers are keen to combine multiple stops into a single leisure trip, and Sinclair shares that skiing holidays are no exception. “With ski conditions increasingly unpredictable, cross-border skiing expands your horizons, often doubling your chances of great skiing with access to more diverse, skiable landscapes." “In addition, as culturally enriching travel and ticking off your bucket-list becomes a focus, cross-border skiing doesn’t limit you to just one mountain, country, or culture. It’s an opportunity to maximise one trip and weave a richer tapestry of experiences that ultimately create a more memorable and epic ski holiday.” With exploration being the new travel mindset, this emerging ski holiday trend makes sense, with nearly half (49%) of travellers wanting to explore new destinations in the world, and 44% keen to discover more remote locations, according to recent reports. “In the current climate, when every penny counts, it’s another reason why cross-border skiing has captured skiers’ attention. It’s a savvy way to maximise your skiing and travel, as you’re bagging two ski resorts for the price of one!” In light of the growing popularity of cross-border ski holidays, and the ski season well underway, Richard shares his top recommendations of the best destinations to experience cross-border skiing: Zermatt, Switzerland - Cervinia, Italy Nestled in the Matterhorn Ski Paradise in the Alps, skiers can maximise their winter getaways by exploring two firm-favourite winter sports destinations at once - Zermatt in Switzerland and Cervinia in Italy. The highest ski area in the world welcomes snowboarding and skiing year-round, with over 350km of pistes to explore for all levels, 52 lifts, and plenty of snow-related activities beyond winter sports. Both of these alpine havens have their own unique characters that make visiting them during one winter getaway the ‘best of both worlds’. Zermatt charms visitors with its old-world allure. Dotted with pretty timbered houses, chocolate shops, and world-class slopes, it blends alpine culture with fantastic winter sports opportunities, and aprés ski in all forms. In contrast, Cervinia is a relaxed, village whose charming streets can be explored leisurely, allowing you to easily stop in at hearty restaurants and boutiques when you’re not making the most of its ‘all abilities’ slopes. To get between each destination, cross their border via the Matterhorn Glacier Ride II cable car - the highest crossing in Europe. Visitors can opt for an ‘international’ lift pass to access both resorts, making it all the more simple to plan a cross-border ski getaway. Morzine, France - Champéry, Switzerland Within the Portes du Soleil domain there are twelve linked resorts - eight in France and four within Switzerland - offering keen winter sports enthusiasts the opportunity to ski between both countries seamlessly. The vast ski area has been hugely popular for decades and celebrated its 60th anniversary just last year. With over 600 kilometres of pistes to shred, visitors have plenty of choice, with something for every level. Morzine is one of the most popular places in the French part of Portes du Soleil - a traditional French mountain spot, it’s lined with timber chalets sheltered in the mountains. Expect plenty of pubs, clubs, and off-slope activities here - more than you can shake your ski pole at! Champéry, on the other hand, is home to cosy cafés and charming shops, loved for its quaint nature. In true Swiss fashion, a 100-year-old wooden railway runs through the town, presenting the opportunity to journey through the Rhone Valley uniquely. Not to forget the thermal baths and other unique attractions nearby, like a fairytale chateau at Aigle and thriving markets in Monthey. Hitch a ride on the Ardent gondola to get between both resorts. Easily reachable by bus from Morzine. Or, take several chairlifts from Morzine: the Mosettes chairlift on the French side, the Les Mosettes chairlift on the Swiss side, followed by the Crosets II chairlift. From there, take the Croix de Culet cable car to reach the centre of Champéry. Montgenèvre, France - Claviére, Italy Known as Via Lattea, or ‘Milky Way’ in English, this renowned ski area is formed of eight resorts spread across France and Italy. It has over 400 kilometres of varied slopes in the Italian Piedmont, as well as one resort in France - Montgenèvre. Soak in some French culture beyond the beauty Italian ski area of Via Lattea with a visit to Montgenévre. With varied terrain, it is one of France’s oldest resorts that remains well connected to some of Italy’s best ski villages, including Cesana and Claviére. The resort has 65 kilometres of ski runs and was the site of the first international ski race back in 1907. It maintains its old charm, with a laid-back atmosphere where you can cruise pistes while enjoying good food and company during a ski break. Montgenèvre experiences heavy snowfall, and is the easiest of the Franco-Italian alpine passes, making it perfect for ski getaways. The Monts de La Lune ski area within Via Lattea has 110 kilometres of slopes in itself, and a hugely convenient way to explore France and Italy, as it covers both Montgenèvre and Claviére. You can opt for ski passes for the Monts de La Lune, making it even more easy to cross into both countries during a ski getaway. Claviere boasts a traditional alpine atmosphere, with pistes for all abilities and a friendly setting with a lively aprés ski scene. It’s a popular spot for families, with good childcare options and ample dining choices to suit all tastes and preferences. Ischgl, Austria - Samnaun, Switzerland The Silvretta Arena, just below 3,000 metres above sea level, is spread between Ischgl in Austria and Samnaun in Switzerland. Within the coolest months of the year, Ischgl is the Tyrol region’s best ski resort. Samnaun is a charming Swiss village, within a duty-free shopping zone for travellers who can’t help but indulge in some retail therapy during a getaway. The Arena is the third-largest ski area in Tyrol, with over 230 kilometres of slopes and 46 lifts. Particularly popular with accomplished skiers and snowboarders who have experienced their fair share of ski getaways, it has more advanced options that challenge and excite visitors. Skiers can take the Höllkarbahn chairlift - the longest of the the arena’s chairlifts - to the area where you can conveniently ski down to Samnaun from Ischgl. Or, visitors can make the most of the Sasshalunbahn to reach Samnaun, offering access to some of the best off-piste skiing in the Ischgl area. Other than being a charming Swiss village, Samnaun is home to fantastic attractions. The political centre of Samnaun, known as Compatsch, is home to a spa, 15th-century Gothic church, and theatre where skiers can soak in some culture when they’re not on the slopes. And nearby, just one kilometre away from Dorf in Samnaun, the world’s first double-decker tramway can be found too! Ischgl boasts stunning mountain views, with modern luxuries that have upgraded this old farming village to be a thing of the future - filled with nightclubs, smart hotels, and chic bars. It’s aprés ski scene is second only to St. Anton in Austria, and as one of the country’s highest altitude resorts, it’s the perfect place to ski in pristine snow across 240 kilometres of pistes. Its 44 high-speed lifts are state of the art too, making getting around all the more comfortable. La Rosière, France - La Thuile, Italy On the Little Saint Bernard Pass lies La Rosière in French Savoy, alongside La Thuille in the Aosta Valley of Italy. Forming part of the ‘Espace San Bernado’, as locals call it, the network between both ski resorts encompasses 160 kilometres of pistes, with exceptional mountain landscapes and a brilliant view of Mont Blanc. La Rosière is best known for its fantastic opportunities for beginners to learn the ropes of winter sports. This quiet French resort’s tranquil atmosphere is perfect for going steady on the slopes. Its traffic-free streets are home to eateries serving the finest French mountain cuisine, as well as plenty of diverse ski areas for everyone - from snow zones to jungle gyms. La Thuille equally is a peaceful environment in its quaint resort, which has evolved to encompass an original old alpine village with a purpose-built resort, to incorporate modern comforts. Dating back to the Roman era, there’s much transition and authentic culture in La Thuille to be discovered. The Aosta Valley is one of the few ski areas that still allows heliskiing in Italy, so it’s a fantastic destination to visit if you want to broaden your skiing horizons and experiences. It’s actually possible to get between both of these ski resorts in as little as 45 minutes, according to PlanetSKI, which takes a series of lifts to cross into Italy from France, with great views of Mont Blanc en route. SNO is one of the UK’s leading and fastest-growing ski holiday providers. Offering ski getaways to destinations across Europe and worldwide, its team of experts is able to recommend the best destinations to embrace cross-border skiing. You can find more information on the company’s website here

JST Ports & Logistics Holdings Ltd, located in Ayr, Scotland, has acquired Essex-based RFS Works Ltd backed by £11.7 million funding from Cynergy Business Finance. The transaction enables JST to enhance the breadth of its port and rail logistics service offering, whilst expanding its operations across the UK. JST specialises in providing neutral port handling and associated logistic solutions throughout the UK and Ireland. Similarly, RFS is a specialist provider of integrated material handling services with strength in rail logistics. The two companies have come together to showcase an expanded suite of services and marks the beginning of future expansion for the firm. The finance, both Receivables and plant and machinery (P&M) provided by Cynergy Business Finance, equipped JST with the necessary capital to part-finance the acquisition of RFS. The combined new business has over 200 employees, a fleet of over 100 machines, and combined revenues of c. £40 million. It also enables the business to expand reach across the UK, both in terms of broader network, and volume of hubs. Richard Jennings, CEO of JST Ports & Logistics Holdings said, “This acquisition marks a significant milestone for us as we continue to grow and diversify our operations across the UK. With the support of Cynergy Business Finance, we’ve been able to unite two industry-leading companies, broadening our service offering and creating new opportunities for future expansion." "We’re excited to embark on this next chapter and deliver even greater value to our clients.” Maxine Hennessy, Corporate Sales Director at Cynergy Business Finance said, “JST is a well-established organisation with a broad customer base. Their position in the market is significantly bolstered through its acquisition of RFS." "The funding provided demonstrates our commitment to empowering businesses with the right financial solutions they need to achieve their growth ambitions. We’re proud to play a role in JST’s continued success.” Other advisors that supported the deal include Shoosmiths LLP and Specialist Asset Finance Ltd.

The percentage of UK small business owners predicting growth (33%) has dipped to a nine-month low, according to the latest quarterly data from Novuna Business Finance . Whilst 45% see Q1 as a standstill period, there is a four-year high in the percentage of small businesses saying they will contract by the end of March (13%) and the percentage of enterprises that fear closure in the next three months has hit a two-year peak (8%). The findings are from Novuna Business Finance’s Business Barometer study, which has tracked the growth forecasts of more than 1,000 small business owners every quarter for the last 11 years. Following the Bank of England cutting interest rates and reducing its economic growth forecasts for 2025, the new Novuna Business Finance data reveals that UK small business owners are already gearing up for contraction, with major falls in growth forecasts already registered across many key regions – where there has been abrupt change since the start of 2025. In London the percentage of small business owners predicting growth has plummeted from 57% to 39% in just three months – presenting a two-year low point in confidence for enterprises in the Capital (since Q2 2023 The North East was one of the regions that saw a post-election resurgence in small business confidence during the second half of 2025. This quarter, the percentage of North East small business owners that predict growth has fallen sharply back from 36% to 25%. A similar picture emerges for the East Midlands, where growth forecasts have fallen from 37% to 31% since last quarter Growth forecasts are a serious concern in the South West and Wales, these two regions now falling significantly behind all other UK regions (17% and 16%). Scotland bucks the trend prevalent in England. For Q1 2025, the percentage of small business owners predicting growth has hit a five-year high at 36% (the highest figure in Scotland since Q3 2019). Double Election Impact? Whilst the latest data suggests the confidence boost that followed the new UK Government taking office last July has now worn off, the new US administration taking office has also been met with concern in recent weeks. An additional Novuna Business Finance survey found that more than seven in 10 small businesses (77%) said they were fearful of how the new US administration could have a ripple effect for UK small businesses in 2025. Chief among small business concerns were the possibility of tariffs on UK exports to the USA (43%) and concern over the impact on UK economic growth forecasts and interest rates (33%). Sector Analysis Whilst growth outlook held firm in many sectors, Q1 2025 saw significant falls in small business growth outlook for the manufacturing, retail, IT and hospitality sectors. Growth outlook in manufacturing fell to its lowest level since Q4 2023. Joanna Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance comments: “Over the last 11 years, our research suggests that small businesses are remarkably resilient when it comes to their quarterly growth forecasts. The fall for this quarter represents a reverse on a gradual upward trend over the previous six months. Of concern are signs of more small businesses predicting contraction for the next three months - and some even fearing closure. “From the Business Barometer study over the last decade, it is clear that there are often fine margins between businesses that predict growth or contraction and decline." "Now is a time for small businesses to be supported, so caution and contraction can be replaced by confidence and belief." "At Novuna Business Finance, we are serious about helping established small businesses put plans in place to achieve their true potential and, midst the market uncertainty, small business confidence this year will be key to the new Government delivering on its pledge to deliver economic growth.”

Leonard Curtis has helped secure a transformative funding package for Forma-Care (UK) Ltd, a major supplier of continence care products to the NHS. This strategic finance deal takes support from the brokerage to over £5m in the last few years and will enable the Durham-based business to pursue its ongoing growth plans, enhance product offerings, and navigate supply chain challenges. Forma-Care first approached Leonard Curtis seeking a funding solution to address its unique financing needs six years ago when the business was launched. Since then, the team’s deep understanding of Forma-Care’s operations and trusted partnership with its leadership has proved instrumental in crafting a tailored financial strategy. The firm required a ‘single- debtor’ arrangement without personal guarantees, requiring a bespoke approach to demonstrate ledger performance and future growth potential. Leonard Curtis worked closely with funders, including Cynergy Business Finance and Abcor Finance, to secure the funding line. An additional line will follow, ensuring Forma-Care has the resources to maintain robust supply chains and invest in new product development. Wayne Dobson, managing director of Forma-Care, said: "Leonard Curtis has been with us since the very start, and the team’s unwavering support has been instrumental to our success." “This funding package will allow us to continue growing, innovating, and meeting the evolving needs of our customers.” Phil Trueman of the funding division at Leonard Curtis said: “The package we have helped the business secure puts them on a firm financial footing to continue its development journey.”

Family businesses play a pivotal role in economies around the world, accounting for a significant portion of global GDP and employment. What sets these enterprises apart from their non-family counterparts is their unique blend of business strategy and familial values. At the heart of this blend lies culture—the shared values, beliefs, and traditions that shape how family businesses operate, make decisions, and adapt to challenges. The significance of culture in family businesses cannot be overstated, as it influences leadership, succession planning, employee relationships, and long-term sustainability. 1. Defining Culture in the Context of Family Businesses Culture in a family business is a reflection of both the family’s heritage and the company’s operational ethos. It encompasses the values passed down through generations, such as trust, loyalty, hard work, and innovation. This culture often serves as the foundation for decision-making and the company’s approach to stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the community. Unlike non-family businesses, where corporate culture is often shaped by professional managers, the culture in family businesses is deeply personal and intertwined with the family’s identity. 2. Driving Stability and Continuity Family businesses often have a long-term orientation, prioritizing stability over short-term profits. This focus is deeply rooted in their cultural values. Many family businesses pride themselves on preserving the legacy of their founders, which fosters a sense of purpose and commitment across generations. For instance, a family that values philanthropy may prioritize community-oriented projects, enhancing their reputation and strengthening customer loyalty. Such cultural traits provide a consistent framework for decision-making, ensuring continuity even during turbulent times. 3. Leadership and Decision-Making The influence of culture on leadership is profound in family businesses. Leaders in these enterprises often embody the family’s values, serving as role models for employees and younger family members. This can lead to a more cohesive and motivated workforce, as employees align with the company’s mission and vision. However, cultural biases can also hinder decision-making, especially if leaders prioritize familial ties over merit, potentially stifling innovation and growth. Balancing tradition with modern management practices is key to navigating such challenges. 4. Succession Planning and Generational Transitions One of the most critical aspects of family businesses is succession planning, where culture plays a pivotal role. Families with a strong culture of mentorship and education are better equipped to groom the next generation of leaders. In contrast, a lack of openness or communication can lead to conflicts and inefficiencies. Clear cultural values, such as respect for elders and a commitment to the business’s success, can guide smooth transitions. Many family businesses also integrate rituals or storytelling traditions to instil a sense of responsibility and pride in younger members, ensuring the business remains in capable hands. 5. Employee and Stakeholder Relationships The culture of a family business often extends to its relationships with employees and other stakeholders. These companies tend to foster a familial atmosphere, emphasizing loyalty, trust, and mutual respect. Employees who feel valued and connected to the business’s mission are more likely to contribute positively, enhancing productivity and innovation. Additionally, the cultural emphasis on building long-term relationships often extends to suppliers and customers, creating a network of trust and reliability that strengthens the business’s position in the market. 6. Challenges and Cultural Adaptation Despite its benefits, culture in family businesses can present challenges. For example, resistance to change is common in families that prioritise tradition over innovation. As businesses grow and expand, they may encounter cultural clashes, particularly when hiring non-family executives or operating in diverse international markets. Adapting the family culture to embrace inclusivity and modernity without losing its core values is crucial for long-term success. 7. The Role of Culture in Sustainability Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important focus for family businesses. A strong culture rooted in values such as environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and ethical practices can position a family business as a leader in sustainable development. This not only ensures the business’s longevity but also enhances its reputation and aligns it with contemporary consumer expectations. Culture is the backbone of family businesses, shaping their identity, guiding their decisions, and influencing their relationships with stakeholders. While it provides stability and a competitive edge, it also requires careful management to address challenges and adapt to changing environments. By embracing their cultural heritage while remaining open to innovation, family businesses can ensure their continued growth and relevance across generations. In a world where trust and authenticity are increasingly valued, the cultural foundations of family businesses offer a unique advantage, enabling them to thrive in both local and global markets.

Solent Freeport has sponsored a major global networking event designed to open pathways towards international partnerships for businesses across the region. Maritime UK Solent’s International Partnership Opportunities event was held at Lakeside North Harbour, Cosham, Portsmouth. The event brought together industry leaders, innovators and experts to discuss international trade and partnership possibilities for the region’s thriving maritime sector. Attendees also participated in a dynamic workshop led by industry representatives, with interactive sessions exploring current international trade regions, port cities, and the exciting new markets that could drive future growth. A Solent Freeport trade delegation was on hand to help visitors discover the region’s potential as a global trade hub and the opportunities for inward investment. Mick Essex, maritime exports specialist at the Department for Business & Trade, spoke of upcoming trade missions with eastern European countries, Korean shipbuilders, Turkey and Singapore. Adrian Went, consultant and former Managing Director of Woolston and Portchester-based Griffon Hoverwork, gave an overview of the advantages and pitfalls of working in the export market – where Griffon have thrived. Ian Thomas, Co-Director of Waterlooville-based consultancy Crested Crane Connections, discussed the ‘immense opportunities’ in Africa where, by 2050, one in four global consumers will live. Melanie Trenchard, Hampshire-based UK Director of Fairfax City Economic Development Authority in Virginia, USA, said potential trading prospects with businesses and organisations in the Washington DC area were manifold. The event also heard about opportunities surrounding London International Shipping Week next September which is attended by thousands of international industry decision-makers and investors. Business Development Manager Paula Gibbons was in attendance. Solent Freeport Chief Executive James Hassett, one of the keynote speakers, said: “The real benefit of an event like today is the chance for us to get out of our usual relationship where we talk predominantly to government and our usual stakeholders and reach out to the wider business community." “This programme is all about growth and investment and for us to be able to get face to face time with people who are likely to come to the area or are invested in the area is key to us having future success." “Today represents an initial first step as we try and build some momentum into building some networks up so that we can have ongoing dialogue rather than staged dialogue over a period of time. We are a service-based industry in a service-based economy, so it is really key that our customers and our clients are able to reach out and give us information.” Stuart Baker, Managing Director of Maritime UK Solent, said: “This is an important international-facing event. We know we are the strongest maritime cluster in the UK and what we want to understand from today’s event is how our businesses want to trade and where our businesses want to trade globally." “It is a changing, dynamic world and we need to forge new trading relationships and perhaps resurrect historic trading relationships as well due to the changing geopolitical environment." “This is a great chance to understand where the key opportunities are for businesses, particularly for Solent Freeport, which has a big role in terms of encouraging inward investment and international trade into some significant tax sites in coastal areas." “For Maritime UK Solent we want to understand our business base and we want to make sure we can connect this region with other maritime regions globally. We want to develop an international strategy around how we understand what industry in this area wants, where they want to trade and how we can facilitate that.” Solent Freeport is one of eight areas of England that have been created by government to boost investment into parts of the country that have historically missed out, benefitting from a generous package of incentives. It will enable the region to capitalise on its strengths in a highly competitive global market and ensure the unique geographic advantage of the region is maximised for UK plc. A strong track record of international trade through the Solent already evidences credentials as the nation’s global gateway. Maritime UK Solent is the private sector-led representative body for the Solent’s outstanding maritime sector. It aims to connect with Solent maritime businesses and international investors, recording valuable contacts and interactions that will support future collaborations and investment into the region. International Opportunities: Maritime UK Solent’s International Partnership Opportunities event, sponsored by Solent Freeport, was held at Lakeside North Harbour, Cosham, Portsmouth. Pictured, from left, are Melanie Trenchard, Adrian Went, James Hassett, Mick Essex, Carla Modley, Lorna Wagner, Paula Gibbons, Stuart Baker and Ian Thomas

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the renewal of their longstanding partnership with 39 Steps Consulting. A valued sponsor and supporter of the club, 39 Steps Consulting continues to play a key role in backing the Bulls as the team prepares for an exciting 2025 season. 39 Steps Consulting, a trusted name in business consulting/development, have entered into their 10th year of being a part of the Bulls’ sponsorship family. Their unwavering support highlights a shared commitment to excellence, collaboration, and community engagement. Ian Stafford, Bradford Bulls Commercial Manager who is sponsored by La Romantica Beds, expressed his gratitude for the partnership renewal: “We are incredibly pleased to continue our partnership with 39 Steps Consulting. Their long-term support has been instrumental in helping the club achieve its goals, both on and off the field. It’s partnerships like this that enable us to build a stronger future for the Bulls, and we’re excited to continue working closely with the team at 39 Steps Consulting.” Richard Hannay of 39 Steps Consulting said: “39 Steps Consulting is proud to renew our sponsorship of Bradford Bulls. As long-time supporters of the club, we’ve seen the progress the Bulls have made in recent years on and off the field and are excited by what is to come. We look forward to continuing our relationship and supporting the Bulls’ ambitions both on and off the field in 2025.”

BYD is celebrating another year of phenomenal growth in the UK. The company, which officially launched in the UK in March 2023, increased its volume by 658% to over 8,700 cars in 2024 – making it the UK’s fastest growing car brand. In March 2023, BYD UK launched with the ATTO 3 C-segment SUV and since then has launched four new models in under two years – with the eagerly-anticipated SEALION 7 joining the line-up in the coming months. The company has grown from 14 retail sites to 60 retailers across the UK, with plans to add more sites in 2025. The company’s best-selling model remains the ATTO 3, with the BYD DOLPHIN hatchback being BYD’s best-selling car in the retail sector. Steve Beattie, Sales and Marketing Director, BYD UK: “In the past two years, BYD has gone from strength to strength and I’m immensely proud of the hard work and dedication of our team and retailers. BYD aims to bring high-tech and high-value cars to UK customers, and it’s fantastic to see more people choosing BYD.” Brand awareness continues to grow with brand recognition increasing from 1% in 2023, to 31% in 2024. A huge contributor to brand growth was the company’s sponsorship of the EURO 2024 football tournament which reached a global audience of over a billion. Brand awareness also received a significant boost thanks to the launch and media campaign in Q4 2024 of SEAL U DM-i, which has quickly established itself as a core model in the BYD UK range. BYD will continue investing in brand awareness throughout 2025. While BYD passenger cars is relatively new to the UK, BYD has a long and successful history in the UK thanks to its commercial vehicle division. BYD introduced its first fully-electric buses on UK roads in 2014, and now has over 2,000 buses in operation in major cities across the country. Plus, since 2016, BYD has provided 1.8GWh of battery energy storage to the UK’s national grid.

In the world of gardening and horticulture, there exists a unique and fascinating movement that has captured the hearts of enthusiasts and artists alike. The Bonsai movement, with its origins deeply rooted in ancient Chinese and Japanese traditions, has evolved into a global phenomenon that transcends mere gardening. It is a fine art form that involves sculpting and nurturing miniature trees, offering a glimpse into the delicate balance between human intervention and the natural world. So let's take a look at the history, philosophy, and enduring appeal of the Bonsai movement. A Brief History Bonsai, which means "tray planting" in Japanese, can trace its origins back over a thousand years. The practice began in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) and later spread to Japan, where it was further refined and embraced as an integral part of Japanese culture. Initially, Bonsai was reserved for the elite and was often associated with imperial gardens and temples. However, over time, Bonsai became more accessible to the common people, evolving from an exclusive art form to a shared passion among enthusiasts. Today, it has become a global movement, transcending cultural boundaries. Philosophy and Aesthetics At its core, Bonsai is a living art form that embodies several philosophical principles. One of these principles is "Wabi-sabi," which celebrates imperfection, asymmetry, and the passage of time. Bonsai artists aim to create trees that evoke a sense of natural beauty, even in their small, meticulously shaped forms. The process involves careful pruning, wiring, and styling to achieve the desired appearance while maintaining the tree's health. The Bonsai artist must also consider the tree's age, its history, and the environment it would naturally inhabit. This holistic approach to the art form demonstrates a deep respect for nature and a harmonious coexistence between the artist and the tree. The Appeal of Bonsai The enduring appeal of Bonsai lies in its ability to encapsulate the grandeur of nature in a diminutive space. It allows individuals to connect with nature on a profoundly intimate level, fostering patience, mindfulness, and a sense of stewardship. For many, the process of caring for a Bonsai tree is meditative, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Furthermore, Bonsai transcends cultural and generational boundaries. It brings together people from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and shared passion. Bonsai clubs and exhibitions around the world provide a platform for enthusiasts to showcase their creations, learn from one another, and preserve the traditions of this art form. Preservation and Innovation While the Bonsai movement is deeply rooted in tradition, it is not stagnant. Bonsai artists continue to innovate, experimenting with new styles, species, and techniques. The art form has evolved from the classical Japanese styles to include new approaches, such as naturalistic and abstract designs. These innovations keep Bonsai relevant and exciting for new generations of enthusiasts. The Bonsai movement is not merely about cultivating miniature trees; it is a philosophy, an art form, and a way of life. Its rich history and enduring appeal highlight the profound connection between humans and nature. As Bonsai continues to spread across the globe, it reminds us of the beauty that can be found in the smallest of things and the wisdom of preserving ancient traditions while embracing innovation. In a world driven by speed and scale, Bonsai teaches us to slow down, appreciate the beauty of imperfection, and find harmony with the natural world.