Nestled on the banks of the River Thames in the heart of London, the Houses of Parliament stand as one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Officially known as the Palace of Westminster, this architectural masterpiece is far more than just a striking sight. It serves as the beating heart of British democracy, where laws are debated, policies scrutinised, and history continues to unfold. The building is steeped in tradition and significance, representing centuries of political evolution while adapting to the challenges of the modern age. The origins of the Palace of Westminster stretch back nearly a thousand years. Its site has hosted significant structures since the Saxon era, but it was in the 11th century that Edward the Confessor established Westminster as a royal residence. The Norman kings, including William the Conqueror, expanded its use, and it remained a primary royal dwelling until a devastating fire in 1512. By this time, Parliament had begun meeting at Westminster, and after the fire, the site transitioned fully to its role as the seat of governance. Today’s Houses of Parliament owe much of their grandeur to a second, catastrophic fire in 1834. This blaze destroyed most of the medieval palace, sparing only Westminster Hall, the Jewel Tower, and a few smaller structures. In its wake, the government launched a design competition to rebuild the palace. Architect Charles Barry and his assistant Augustus Pugin won with their Gothic Revival design, creating the structure recognised today. Completed in 1870, the building's intricate detailing and towering spires evoke a sense of both majesty and solemnity, perfectly complementing the serious work conducted within. At the heart of the Houses of Parliament are two chambers: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Each plays a distinct role in the legislative process, reflecting the UK’s bicameral parliamentary system. The Commons, characterised by its green benches, is the elected chamber, where Members of Parliament (MPs) debate and vote on proposed legislation. It is here that the Prime Minister and the Cabinet face questions and challenges from MPs, often producing lively and dramatic exchanges. The House of Lords, on the other hand, is the upper chamber, adorned with red seating and steeped in ceremonial grandeur. It consists of appointed life peers, bishops, and a small number of hereditary peers. The Lords review and amend legislation, offering expertise and scrutiny that complements the more politically charged debates of the Commons. Together, these two chambers form the cornerstone of British democracy, balancing representation and oversight. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Houses of Parliament is how tradition and ceremony permeate its daily operations. The annual State Opening of Parliament, for instance, is a dazzling event in which the reigning monarch delivers the Queen's (or King’s) Speech, outlining the government’s legislative agenda. This occasion features a blend of pageantry and symbolism, including the famous "search" of the cellars by the Yeoman Warders, a nod to the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Another enduring tradition is the Speaker’s procession, where the Speaker of the House of Commons walks to the chamber, preceded by the Serjeant at Arms carrying the ceremonial mace. Even the architectural layout of the chambers reflects symbolic divides; the red and green benches are separated by a distance just wider than two sword lengths, a nod to the historical need to prevent physical altercations between opposing factions. Westminster Hall, the oldest part of the palace, is another feature that demands attention. Dating back to 1097, it is a testament to medieval engineering and remains a site of immense historical significance. Over the centuries, it has hosted coronation banquets, the trials of figures such as Guy Fawkes and King Charles I, and, more recently, the lying-in-state of monarchs and notable figures. Its vast, hammer-beam roof is an architectural marvel, and its walls echo with the weight of history. Yet, for all its splendour and tradition, the Houses of Parliament face modern challenges. The building itself is in urgent need of restoration. Years of wear, combined with outdated systems and the toll of pollution, have left it in a precarious state. A massive restoration and renewal programme is underway, aiming to preserve its iconic status while ensuring it can function safely and efficiently for generations to come. This work is not without controversy, as debates rage over costs, timelines, and the necessity of temporarily relocating MPs and Lords during the renovations. The role of the Houses of Parliament in British life also continues to evolve. In recent years, its chambers have grappled with significant issues, from Brexit negotiations to the COVID-19 pandemic. These debates, often broadcast live, highlight the transparency and accountability that the institution strives to uphold. Meanwhile, the building itself remains a focal point for protests and demonstrations, reminding the public and politicians alike of its role as a forum for democracy. The Houses of Parliament are also a cultural treasure, attracting millions of visitors each year. Tours of the palace offer a behind-the-scenes look at the historic chambers and ornate corridors, while Big Ben, the clock tower that looms over the palace, remains one of the most recognisable symbols of London. Recently renamed the Elizabeth Tower in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, its resounding chimes are a comforting constant in a rapidly changing world. Despite its challenges, the Houses of Parliament endure as a powerful symbol of democracy, history, and the British way of life. It is a place where the past and present converge, where tradition meets progress, and where the voices of the people find their way into law. Whether as a seat of government, a historical landmark, or a cultural icon, the Palace of Westminster stands as a testament to the enduring values of dialogue, debate, and governance.

One of Langen’s key philosophies is bringing iconic designs and engineering from the past and applying the latest technology, materials and manufacturing processes. The most notable example of this is the launch of the Two Stroke, the first road going production 2 stroke motorcycle in almost 30 years. Other more subtle aspects of the bike such as the twin rear suspension unit geometry, inspired by the Vincent Black Shadow, and their high strength aluminium trellis chassis system giving a nod to Spondon frames, are a testament to this philosophy of applying modern innovation to iconic ideas and designs. Delivering 185bhp and weighing only 185kg, the Lightspeed already has the credentials to be a class leading motorcycle, but the strength of the powerplant and overall design mean it can now be taken a step further. The 1980’s saw a surge of manufacturers applying forced induction to special models. Turbocharging motorcycles such as the CX650 and GPZ750 presented engineers and riders with new challenges. These challenges included ‘turbo lag’ resulting in an unpredictable and almost unmanageable power delivery and sacrificing low rpm control. Packaging and plumbing of the turbo unit and intercooler system presents its own challenges along with heat and gas flow management. Since the inception of the LS12 Lightspeed, the Langen team have engineered and package protected the bike to have the ability to overcome the historic challenges – resulting in a halo model based on 90% of the original Lightspeed model. The custom ECU and physical control system allows the turbo’s power delivery to be precisely controlled along with a separate ‘blow off’ control. The Lightspeed’s twin ride-by-wire throttle bodies enable a stronger low rpm performance and transition to boost. The full specifications have not yet been set but early tests of the turbo system on the dyno suggest that a 250bhp ‘road mode’ will give an unmatched rideability and acceleration experience. Full power mode is capable of producing upwards of 300bhp and will help to deliver their mission of the Langen Turbo claiming the title of ‘World's fastest production motorcycle.' Development is underway with the first pre-production bikes planned to be setting records at Santa Pod during Q4 2025. With only an exclusive number of Lightspeed Turbo’s due to be produced, they are sure to become the jewel in the LS12 lineup.

Average age of first-time buyer in the UK rose to almost 34 last year, according to Barclays’ proprietary data, as people increasingly have to delay purchasing their first home. Property prices and the cost of a deposit identified by renters as the biggest barriers to ownership, with three in four saying home ownership does not feel within reach in their lifetime. Barclays Mortgage Boost can help address the challenges facing first-time buyers, enabling family or friends to help make a first home affordable without them having to lend or gift money directly. Barclays is offering Mortgage Boost to new and existing customers, a proposition allowing family or friends to increase – or ‘boost’ – the amount that can be borrowed towards a home, without having to lend or gift money directly and without the need for a larger deposit. For example, if you have an income of £37,500 a year and a deposit of £30,000, then the maximum you may be eligible to borrow could be £168,375, which means that you could purchase a home worth up to £198,375. However, with Mortgage Boost and another person willing to join the application, the amount you can borrow could increase significantly. Say a parent joins, and they also have an income of £37,500 – then you could be able to borrow a total of £270,000, allowing you to purchase a home worth up to £300,000. Mortgage Boost is being offered amidst an increasingly difficult landscape faced by those looking to buy a property and could be of particular benefit to first-time buyers who face affordability issues, one of the most significant barriers to getting on the property ladder. According to Barclays’ proprietary data, the average age of a first-time buyer in the UK rose to nearly 34 in 2024, up from just over 31 only two years earlier, as people increasingly have to delay purchasing their first home. Barclays’ most recent Property Insights report identifies the main barriers to home ownership as high prices (40 per cent) and the cost of a deposit (37 per cent). It also highlights that people may be prioritising trying to save for a deposit over other major life moments, with nearly one in five (17 per cent) saying they would delay or decide not to get married, and one in ten (9 per cent) stating they would delay or decide not to have children in order to save more to buy a property. Renters are particularly pessimistic about their ability to save enough to buy their first home, with three in four saying it does not feel within reach in their lifetime and nearly six in ten (57 per cent) believing they would find it impossible to buy without financial help from a family member. Sian McIntyre, Managing Director of Life Moments at Barclays, said: “Buying a first home is a hugely important step in life and one that has unfortunately become tougher for many in recent years. We know people feel like they have to make huge compromises in order to save for a large deposit, and that family may want to help but cannot afford to." “Mortgage Boost can help answer these challenges, supporting people to buy their first home earlier and without giving up on their other dreams.” How Mortgage Boost works Mortgage Boost enables family or friends to join a mortgage application as a named party, but they won’t own the property or be named on the title deeds. Their income is used to increase the amount that can be borrowed under the mortgage, and they will be jointly and severally liable from the outset, along with the buyer. Booster(s) will be a full party to the mortgage and undergo full credit checks, and the mortgage will show on their credit report. The Booster(s) supporting the application will need to obtain Independent Legal Advice in order to ensure they understand the impact the mortgage could have on their own finances, credit history and ability to borrow. Mortgage Boost is available to both first-time buyers and existing homeowners and can be used across all Barclays standard residential products, so applicants have access to new purchase and remortgage rates offered. It can also be used to apply for buy-to-let mortgages. Mortgage Boost cannot be used alongside other special products or schemes, including Family Springboard, Right to Buy, First Home Fund, Help to Buy Equity or Mortgage Guarantee Scheme. All mortgages are subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. T&Cs Apply. The mortgaged property may be repossessed if the borrowers do not keep up repayments on their mortgage. For more information about Mortgage Boost, visit here .

A care home provider has completed the first phase of a complex new-build project to grow its capacity in Salisbury. Colten Care aims to create a ‘new standard’ in quality elderly care with a next-door extension to its 18-year-old Braemar Lodge home in the city’s Stratford Road. With construction and interiors now done, the extension has welcomed its first arrivals with 38 Braemar Lodge residents moving into new rooms. The way is now clear for a full refurbishment of Braemar Lodge, scheduled to take nine months. Once finished, the overall project will take the combined capacity of Colten Care’s provision in Salisbury to 95 bedrooms. Resident Joan Hills said: “I had been concerned about how it might go but now I’ve moved across to the extension, I’m delighted with how things are working out. I’m having my room all set up to my liking, with pictures being hung and so on, and getting back into my routine. The staff have been fantastic in ensuring as smooth a transition as possible. And my family, who have supported and visited frequently throughout the move, have been brilliant.” Relatives have also praised the new accommodation. Alison Larkham, daughter of 99-year-old Douglas Parish, said: “The whole process has been done with the minimum disruption and stress to him. Braemar Lodge staff have always had a smile on their faces when packing and moving contents from the old to the new.” Likewise, Shaign Hancock, son of Frances Hancock, said: “Mum was very nervous about the move, but she is coping incredibly well. What a fantastic build and it’s so thoughtfully designed.” The extension is on the site of a former charity-run care home which had been lying vacant before it was demolished in 2020. Groundworks began on the Colten Care project in November 2022 with construction and fit-out led by sister company Colten Developments and an array of contractors. Around 30 sub-contractor companies have been involved, employing more than 250 tradespeople. The extension is split over three floors, including a garden floor, and extends to 2,700 sq m or 29,052 sq ft. As well as ensuite bedrooms, there are training and staff rooms and a second-floor guest suite. The main entrance and reception area are accessed from road level. Mark Aitchison, Chief Executive of the Colten Group, which owns and operates 21 care homes in the south, all registered for nursing, said: “With the extension now open and Braemar Lodge residents having made the short trip next door, we have successfully completed the first phase of the project. This is great to see." “Phase Two will now involve the complete refurbishment of Braemar Lodge. Following that, we expect the combined facility to be fully open by the end of the year. It will incorporate all our expertise and knowledge gained over the last 40 years in building and operating care homes. It will set a new standard in elderly people’s care." “This is a major investment by us, one that will ultimately create new jobs in both Salisbury and the wider region.” Mark added that a key task during the build programme has been to minimise any disruption to Braemar Lodge. He said: “I pay tribute to Home Manager Jackie Cash and her team for continuing to deliver the high care standards that Braemar Lodge is known for, and I thank the residents for their support and advocacy during this period." “At the same time, we praise all involved at Colten Developments for progressing the build programme with care and consideration.” A ‘housewarming’ party for the extension, to include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, takes place for residents, families, friends and team members later in February. It will be held in the reception and balcony areas of the building and feature live music from Salisbury-based singer and guitarist Hamlet Peter.

Contractor Clegg Construction has begun work on a refurbishment scheme to deliver a new specialist education school for Coventry City Council. The development of a new facility at the former Woodlands School will provide specially designed and much-needed additional space for pupils at Woodfield School and bring together primary and secondary aged pupils. Contractor Clegg Construction, known for design and construction excellence, has now commenced redevelopment work at the site in Broad Lane, Eastern Green, Coventry. As part of the £23 million project, Clegg will be creating outdoor play facilities, such as play areas and an outdoor forest school to enhance the specialist teaching spaces to support the needs of the pupils. The company will also be carrying out the internal refurbishment of the seven original buildings and provision of a new carpark. Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Coventry City Council, said: “Every child in the city deserves to have the best education they possibly can, and this new facility is going to offer that. The new design will provide the best possible learning experiences moving forward." “It’s really exciting that Clegg will soon be making a start on the construction work at the site. It’s going to be a huge asset for the pupils once it’s all finished and I’m looking forward to seeing the development work progress.” Michael Sims, managing director at Clegg Construction, said: “Clegg Construction has wide experience of delivering new and refurbished educational facilities and we are extremely proud to have been appointed to redevelop, reconfigure, and repurpose this site. The team at Clegg Construction is looking forward to work progressing on this project, alongside our delivery partners.” The new school is due to be completed in 2026. Other members of the project team include Glancy Nicholls Architects, civil and structural engineer BSP Consulting, and the client’s retained engineer Rambol and mechanical and electrical engineering consultants Couch Perry Wilkes, and Gillespies for landscaping. Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm, with its headquarters in Nottingham, specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. The company works with specialist private and public sector organisations of all sizes across a range of different sectors.

Responding to the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee’s vote to cut the base rate to 4.5%, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Chair Martin McTague said: “The cut in the base rate needs to be passed on by lenders to borrowers as rapidly as possible, to give small firms a bit of breathing space, and to enable more of them to think about growth and future plans, rather than just survival." “With inflation at a manageable level, elevated rates are a barrier holding back economic growth. The start of a sustained reduction trajectory will help. Market expectations of further rate cuts in the year will be welcomed by small businesses who will look forward to reduced borrowing costs and more finance options being available to them." “Ensuring that small businesses have access to the funding they need to invest and grow is a vital component of a healthy economy. Lower rates will play a huge role in unlocking expansion among small businesses, and we also want the Government to ensure that personal guarantees to limited company directors are properly regulated, so that what should be a business loan does not end up as a personal liability." “In addition, lower rates on mortgages and personal finance products will give small business owners some much-needed financial headroom, while giving a fillip to consumer confidence, which will benefit customer-facing sectors such as retail and hospitality." “A financial landscape that encourages small firms to take a chance on a new piece of equipment, bigger premises, or a training course to expand their skills is one that will help to deliver the economic growth that we all want and need to see as soon as possible.”

Over the past year, around 20% of workers in the UK have taken time off work due to poor mental health caused by pressure or stress. The long stretch after the festive period often leads to more employees taking time off, leaving others to work overtime just to keep up with the workload. Experts reveal 5 coping strategies as the UK runs the risk of becoming a ‘burnout nation’ which can be caused by a number of factors. Contributors to feeling burnt-out at work including having a high workload, not feeling supported or listened to, lack of work-life balance, feeling stressed and pressured, and even being bullied or harassed. Not only can you be experiencing these struggles at work, but factors in your personal life can also contribute to feeling burnt-out such as the cost-of-living crisis, relationship problems, and health issues. Feeling burnt-out at work can have a serious effect on your mental and physical health and ultimately cause you to have to take time off work. The new year brings new challenges, and work can often feel overwhelming. With this in mind, the experts at the all-in-one mental health solution Meditopia have outlined wellness tips to help you deal with these pressures and reduce the risk of experiencing burnout. 5 Ways To Cope With Burnout: Inform Your Line Manager Of Your Concerns According to Mental Health UK around 20% of workers have taken time off work due to poor mental health caused by stress. This statistic emphasises the importance of speaking up and asking for help whenever you start to feel overwhelmed at work. Be open and honest about how you are feeling and the effect this is having on your mental health. Ask for support and don’t be worried about asking for help with your work if you need it. This will help alleviate some of the pressure and stress you’re experiencing. Outline What Good Mental Health Looks Like To You Take some time to think about what you're feeling and why. Then outline what you perceive to be good mental wellbeing and what needs to be done to achieve a good sense of mental well-being. Reflect on what is directly causing you stress and anxiety at work and away from work. Create a mental well-being plan to establish what you and others can do to offer support. Set Boundaries Setting boundaries will ensure a better work-life balance. Define the hours you want to work and do not work beyond these hours. Make sure to switch off when you finish working, go for a walk, read a book, or watch your favourite TV show. It is also important to switch off during the weekends and annual leave, this is your own time and are not obligated to think about work. If your workload has increased due to more employers being on annual leave, be honest with your manager and ask for flexibility regarding deadlines. Get Enough Sleep Adults need around seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Lack of sleep can affect mood and further increase feelings of anxiety and irritability. Sleeping whilst worrying about work can be difficult and you may find it hard to switch your mind off before going to bed. The best thing to do is to wind down for a couple of hours before going to bed. Avoid screens as the blue light can disrupt sleep and try not to drink any caffeinated drinks in the afternoon. Spend time in the evening doing something that relaxes you, read a book, or do some yoga and meditate. Take Annual Leave Make the most of the annual leave you are given and take it when you are feeling overwhelmed or experiencing the symptoms relating to burnout. Continuing to work when you are feeling burnt out and exhausted is going to negatively impact your mental and physical health, causing you to have to take time off to recover. Your mental wellbeing is most important. Fatih Mustafa Çelebi, Co-founder and CEO of Meditopia, adds, “Feeling burnt-out at work affects your mental and physical well-being and can cause you to feel unmotivated towards the work you do." “According to Mental Health UK 35% of working adults admit they do not feel comfortable letting their line managers know they are experiencing stress and anxiety at work." "Therefore, it is even more important to encourage employees and employers to have open and honest conversations around burnout and how to manage feelings of stress and pressure in the workplace.”

Sports, Media and Entertainment group R3 Sport is bidding to transform padel tennis in the UK with the launch of its premium professional padel tennis cup offering the most prize money ever paid for a padel tennis tournament in Great Britain. Its R3 Bullpadel Cup 2025, launched with Bullpadel Spain, will promote the sport across Men, Women and Juniors with the ambition of creating padel tennis stars for the future and helping to build a GB team to potentially compete in the 2032 Olympics in Brisbane. The aim is to rival the global padel powerhouses of Spain, Sweden and Italy with a target of establishing GB players in the padel world top 20 within five years. Launching the Cup will help further boost the profile of sport in the UK and enable padel tennis players to compete more regularly at home and become better known. R3 Sport is already seeing success with players it sponsors – Catherine Rose has seen her world ranking soar from outside the top 300 to 116 in the past 12 months after a series of wins against players ranked 69th, 100th and the U18 World No.1 at tournaments in Doha, Sydney and Melbourne as well as wins in 2024 on the FIP Circuit for Christian Medina Murphy the UK No1 and R3 player. The Cup will be played over a maximum of six events, delivered in conjunction with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and International Padel Federation (FIP), this year hosted at some of the highest quality padel venues in the UK. The events will be open to the public to experience the sport along with food and entertainment, padel merchandise stands and opportunities to get close to the professional players. The first event is expected to be held in April 2025, culminating with the Cup Finals in December 2025 and the launch of the R3 Bullpadel Super League for 2026. R3 will be announcing a number of high profile partners of the tour in the coming weeks and months. Jonathan Rowland, co-founder and chairman of R3 Sport said: “Padel tennis is surging in popularity but needs an event to take it to the next level which the R3 Bullpadel Cup will do. All sports need role models for young players to aspire to be and the Cup is designed to achieve by providing current players with the platform and finances to be the best they can be." “We want to help the sport meet its potential as well as getting British players into the world top 20 and helping to build a strong GB team so that the country can be competitive when padel is as expected included in the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.” The number of active padel players in the UK has grown significantly. As of 2023, there were around 129,000 regular players up from just 6,000 in 2019. The number of padel courts in the UK has increased from around just 50 in 2019 to over 350 by 2023, with plans to reach 1,000 by 2029. Sam Kemp, Managing Director of Operations, Tournaments and Events of R3 Sport said: “We will be the first to offer regular, competitive opportunities for junior padel players in the UK - a vitally important step for the development of our future professional players and of the sport more broadly." “With such strong growth of padel tennis in the country, now is the right time to launch the Cup.” Tom Murray, Head of Padel at LTA said: “Through more regular top-level domestic competition, we want to give British players more chances to showcase their skills, and for those looking to pursue careers playing padel, more regular opportunities to compete against the country's best on home soil." "This stronger domestic tour offering, combined with a more developed junior competition structure, will help to boost not only our current crop of British performance padel players, but also the next generation, looking to follow in the footsteps of current British number ones Aimee Gibson and Christian Medina Murphy.” Fernando Manzanares, Head of Sponsorship at Bullpadel said: “We’re delighted to support R3 Sport in the delivery of a series of premium tournaments for top British padel players. Bullpadel has a background of supporting elite competition and players and we are excited to bring this support to padel in the UK.”

Analysis of the Bank of England’s data in Ebury’s SME Borrowing Tracker shows that SMEs decreased their debt by £4.4 billion across 2024, reinforcing nearly three years of falling debt among SMEs, following the significant ‘debt pile’ accumulated during the pandemic. However, the final three months of 2024 marked the first quarterly uptick in SME loans outstanding since the pandemic (Q4 2020), in a sign that perhaps SMEs are once again seeking out credit to invest and support their growth ambitions. It also points to improved confidence among lenders, with appetite for lending improving, particularly among challenger and specialist banks. Between 31st December 2023 and 31st December 2024, SME debt fell by a net sum of £4.4 billion, from £175.4 billion to £171.9 billion. When compared to the total outstanding amount at the close of 2020 (£202.1 billion), current debt levels are now 17% or £33 billion fewer. The borrowing boom triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic saw net loans of £47.3 billion accumulated in 2020 as businesses sought financial help to survive the unprecedented economic restrictions. With the Bank of England dramatically hiking interest rates in 2022, and in turn, surging the cost of borrowing, SMEs have been rushing to minimise their debt exposure. The majority of SME lending during the pandemic was provided through the government-backed Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) schemes, of which Ebury was an accredited lender. The Government’s own figures2 show that £25.9 billion was loaned out to around 100,000 firms under the CBILS scheme – under a third (30%) of CBILS facilities have been repaid. That business support was launched amid a broader package of help including additional loans, the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, capital repayment holidays, extended overdrafts and asset-based finance. Phil Monkhouse, UK Country Manager at Ebury, commented: “The Bank of England’s 50 basis points of rate cuts in 2024 have eased borrowing costs, giving SMEs some relief and renewed confidence that rates are moving in the right direction - encouraging many to access credit and re-invest in their businesses to accelerate their growth plans." “But challenges remain. Many SMEs are still managing high debt repayments after years of rising costs and economic uncertainty, with many still repaying the significant debt accumulated during the pandemic." "Unlike larger corporates, they have tighter margins and fewer buffers against shocks, making financial resilience critical." “With Trump’s protectionist policies threatening operational costs and the UK’s own growth outlook on shaky ground, there could be more instability on the way." "In this environment, SMEs must remain adaptable—ensuring they have nimble hedging strategies, seamless access to finance, and the right financial tools to protect against volatility and seize opportunities as they emerge.”

Williams Racing welcomes premium fitness brand Built For Athletes as Official Luggage Supplier, equipping the team with high-performance bags and luggage for the 24-race Formula 1 season ahead. As part of Williams’ commitment to bring fans closer to the team than ever before, the limited-edition co-branded collection will also be available to buy – meaning supporters can get their hands on the same travel gear used by our engineers and pit crew as F1 criss-crosses the globe. Uniting two performance-driven British brands, the five-piece collection comprises the signature Built For Athletes 35L backpack in iconic Williams Racing navy, a crossbody bag, a 20L roll up, and a 60L and 90L suitcase, all adorned with a logo patch. Special edition patches to mark key races and celebrate Williams’ rich heritage as one of the three most successful teams in F1 history will be used by the team throughout 2025 and will be available for fans to collect. The collaboration builds on a raft of new licensees announced over the past year as Williams continues to strengthen on and off track in pursuit of future championship success. Built For Athletes follows Pedal Mafia, Abercrombie & Fitch, SunGod, Coachbuilt Whisky, HalfScale Cars and LEGO in joining forces with the team. James Vowles, Team Principal, Williams Racing: “We are pleased to welcome Built For Athletes to Williams Racing as our Official Luggage Supplier as we prepare to go racing in 2025. With the demands of a 24-race schedule in 21 different countries, high-quality luggage is an essential component for Formula 1 teams and Built For Athletes bring proven performance and a commitment to excellence and innovation that matches our own.” Nick Costello, Founder of Built For Athletes: “We are excited to be expanding our partnerships further in the sport of F1 and supporting the Williams Racing Formula 1 Team through the relentless schedule of the 2025 race season. The range is perfectly curated to provide premium yet practical bags and luggage for all nature of trips, and there’s plenty more to come throughout the year.”

A local Edinburgh business is brewing up success with its unique coffee blend after accessing support from Business Gateway. Georgia and Grant Fraser launched Cortino in August last year, blending their passions of coffee and Scottish whisky to create one-of-a-kind barrel aged coffee, delivering distinct and exciting flavours as they aim to change the traditional coffee experience. Cortino’s coffee beans, which are sourced from Brazilian farms, rest in whisky barrels sourced from across Scotland, infusing them with a rich and smooth depth of flavour. The beans are then roasted locally in Edinburgh, with every batch of coffee offering a distinct profile. With backgrounds in sustainable product design, Georgia and Grant are determined to ensure Cortino delivers environmentally conscious coffee, using sustainable packaging and partnering with responsible suppliers. Throughout their start-up journey, local Business Gateway adviser, Lee Briggs, has supported Cortino, providing one-to-one support and advice across business planning, marketing insights and routes to funding. Lee has also introduced Georgia and Grant with local contacts, and signposted events and scaling opportunities. Having enjoyed a successful launch last year, with Cortino’s coffee proving popular at a host of local markets and trade shows, Georgia and Grant now have their sights set on a year of growth in 2025, aiming to scale up the business and bring their unique brew to a new audience, with a number of exciting whisky collaborations in the works. This has been made possible thanks to support from Business Gateway, which helped them to successfully apply for grant funding worth £4,000 which will be put towards marketing activities and trade show events as the pair gear up for a bumper year. Georgia Fraser, co-founder, Cortino, said: “Business Gateway has provided fantastic support that has allowed us to start Cortino on the best possible footing." “Lee has been an invaluable resource for us. His insight and connections have enabled us to access funding and develop a robust strategy for scaling up this year. He has always been on hand to answer any questions or guide us to where we need to get to.” Lee Briggs, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Georgia and Grant’s passion to create a unique new product is a brilliant example to anyone looking to start up their own business. Their drive and determination to make their product the best it can be and deliver it sustainably by making the most of the local knowledge has seen their efforts rewarded greatly." “We look forward to supporting the team as they gear up for an exciting year in 2025.” To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here . To discover more about Cortino’s unique blends, visit here .

Would you consider a relationship with someone who lived miles away? There’s a lot to weigh-up in these situations. Sometimes it may occur organically and you’re already in a relationship when your partner receives an opportunity to go away to study, work, or they receive an overseas posting. Or you join an online dating site and gradually form an attachment, not initially minding that they live a significant distance from you. It may have seemed attractive, perhaps even convenient at the outset, with not too much disruption to your regular life, but as the relationship progresses it’s less easy to accommodate. Long distance can be hard for several reasons. An important component in any growing relationship is physical touch, however fleeting it may be; a pat on someone’s arm, a jokey nudge, a playful tap on the bum as they pass by. And then there are the cuddles that may or may not comfortably lead to something more. Also, non-verbal cues, like a wink, a meaningful glance, a subtle intake of breath, are more apparent and relatable to when you’re physically in each other’s company. A growing sense of intimacy is enhanced through regular presence; enjoying a meal, laughing as you share the washing up, grumbling when the duvet’s being hogged or your sleep’s disturbed by your partner’s snores. Then there’s the natural toing and froing of conversation, perhaps remembering something you want to share, which can’t happen as easily long-distance. That affectionate kiss as you leave in the morning or enquiring after their day happens naturally in person. So much has to be agreed and scheduled when trying to navigate a long-distance relationship. Dealing with a lack of touch in a long-distance relationship can require patience and ingenuity. Using Face-time and Zoom can enable a couple to see each other and engage in intimacy, albeit from a distance. Sharing fantasies, describing how they feel, what they want on-line can go some way to help alleviate sexual tension and frustration. Planning themed meet-ups online can be fun and add a frisson to those occasions. But it’s often the familiar hugs, the routine ‘leaving the house’ kisses or affectionate touches that are missed in a long-distance relationship. Various research papers recommend nine hugs each day as the optimal number for maintaining good emotional health. Being sure to hug friends and family members can compensate a little if you’re missing warmth and emotional touches in your life. Maintaining an emotional bond can feel more contrived when it’s being done online. Emotional connection encompasses so many things, from the length of time you’ve been together, significant moments like anniversaries, birthdays, life events, as well as the times of illness, family crises, work-related issues and special holidays. There’s a connection and shared bond formed during these experiences, as you gradually learn to tune into what each other is thinking and feeling, then discovering how various experiences affect each one. Talking together as you share and listen constructively helps to build strong emotional connections, especially over a long distance. Being there for each other ‘through it all’, being reliable, supportive and their strongest ally also means that you sometimes have to appreciate those times when you give more than you receive, and other times when you’re the one in need of extra support. Long-distance often requires extra effort, honouring plans to keep in touch on a regular basis and treating the relationship as an important priority. But sometimes there’s a need for greater tolerance, flexibility and understanding. If your partner seems busy, preoccupied or less available it’s not necessarily that there’s something wrong or they’re losing interest in the relationship. There may be other preoccupations, areas of stress in their life and they need their interaction with you to be light and fun, not filled with serious questions about what’s on their mind. Effort is required to maintain a successful relationship when you’re apart for long periods of time. Life ‘at home’ continues for both, but when a pair are continuously detached from each other’s day-to-day lives both have to decide how much mundanity they routinely share with each other. Irritations, like minor issues at home, may seem trivial, tedious or too irrelevant to talk about, even though these are a normal part of daily life and possibly the most momentous thing that’s happened since last speaking. But, what to talk about instead? Losing the inclination and desire to chat or share thoughts, perhaps even becoming bored at the prospect of trying, gradually having less and less to discuss, being regularly late or unavailable, all are signs that the relationship is becoming too much effort. Also, feeling under pressure to speak every day can place a lot of stress and tension on a long-distance relationship. Whilst it’s true that we make time for things that are important to us, it’s also important to understand that sometimes life gets in the way. An ongoing, long-distance relationship has to fit into our regular lives, yet shouldn’t become an item on each day’s ‘to do’ list. Otherwise keeping in touch can become another chore, as opposed to an eagerly anticipated part of the day. Some flexibility and understanding has to be applied, making allowances for each other’s schedules and timetables, appreciating that external demands may suddenly require immediate attention, or an unanticipated invitation might be something they’d like to attend. Having access to texting and What’s App can enable regular communication, without always having to talk. Texting without needing a reply, sending a simple heart emoji, or ‘thinking of you’, can be a special touch that brings a smile to the recipient’s face. Or sending a thoughtful gift of something they’d previously mentioned. Positive feelings can be evidenced in several ways in a long-distance relationship. Remembering to follow up on your conversations, referencing what’s previously been discussed, provides reassurance that you’re loved and cared for, that your conversations are thought about after they’ve ended. Asking questions and showing an interest in what’s happening demonstrates ongoing interest. Little touches and extra effort make all the difference in providing comfort and reassurance, especially in a long distance relationship. About the Author - This piece was written by Susan Leigh, Counsellor and Hypnotherapist Find out more by visiting her website here .