Few foods are as deeply woven into British culture as the humble potato. From golden chips served alongside battered fish to creamy mashed potatoes accompanying a Sunday roast, the potato has become a cornerstone of British cuisine. Its versatility, accessibility, and comforting nature have endeared it to generations, earning its place as one of the nation's most cherished ingredients. But the British love for potatoes goes beyond their utility in the kitchen; it’s a relationship steeped in history, resilience, and identity and the humble potato continues to hold its place as a staple of everyday life. The Arrival of the Potato in Britain The potato’s journey to Britain began in the late 16th century. Originating in the Andes mountains of South America, the potato was brought to Europe by Spanish explorers and gradually made its way to Britain. Initially met with scepticism and even suspicion, the potato eventually gained acceptance in the 18th century, thanks to its reliability as a crop and its ability to feed growing populations. Unlike other foods that required specific climates or conditions, potatoes thrived in Britain’s temperate weather and nutrient-rich soil. They became a vital crop for farmers, particularly in poorer regions, as they could produce a high yield and provide a substantial source of calories. A Food of the People The potato’s rise to prominence in Britain was fuelled by its role as a food for the working class. Affordable, filling, and easy to grow, potatoes became a lifeline during times of hardship. During the Industrial Revolution, they were a staple for labourers who needed inexpensive and energy-rich sustenance to power long days in factories and mines. Potatoes were also central to the British wartime diet. During both World Wars, food shortages meant that staples like bread and meat were heavily rationed. Potatoes, however, were readily available and encouraged as a substitute. Campaigns such as "Dig for Victory" urged citizens to grow their own potatoes, reinforcing the tuber’s importance as a symbol of resilience and self-sufficiency. The Versatility of the Potato Part of the British love affair with potatoes lies in their remarkable versatility. They can be boiled, mashed, roasted, fried, or baked, and they form the basis of countless dishes across the country. Chips : Perhaps the most iconic potato dish in Britain, chips are synonymous with the beloved institution of fish and chips. This simple yet satisfying combination has been a national treasure since the 19th century, offering a taste of comfort and tradition with every bite. Roast Potatoes : No Sunday roast is complete without crispy, golden roast potatoes. Often roasted in duck fat or oil and seasoned with herbs, they are a quintessential element of British culinary tradition. Mashed Potatoes : Creamy and indulgent, mashed potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs with everything from sausages in "bangers and mash" to shepherd's pie. Jacket Potatoes : A quick and hearty meal, jacket potatoes are baked until their skins are crisp and then loaded with toppings like cheese, beans, or tuna mayo. Crisps : The British obsession with crisps (potato chips) has created a booming industry, with a dazzling array of flavours ranging from salt and vinegar to more adventurous options like prawn cocktail and roast beef. This adaptability ensures that potatoes remain relevant in a constantly evolving culinary landscape. Cultural and Emotional Resonance For many Britons, potatoes evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort. They are woven into family traditions, holiday meals, and childhood memories. The act of peeling potatoes for dinner, sharing a bag of chips by the seaside, or savouring roasties at Christmas dinner carries emotional weight. Potatoes also symbolise resilience and resourcefulness. From wartime survival to modern budget-friendly cooking, they represent the ability to create something delicious and nourishing from modest ingredients. The Modern Potato Scene Today, Britain’s love for potatoes shows no sign of waning. The country continues to innovate with potato-based dishes, from gourmet interpretations of classic chips to loaded fries and potato salads. Artisanal potato crisps, often featuring locally sourced ingredients and unique flavours, have elevated the humble spud to gourmet status. Farmers are also developing new varieties of potatoes, emphasising sustainability, flavour, and resistance to disease. Popular varieties like Maris Piper, King Edward, and Desiree remain favourites for their reliability and taste, but there is growing interest in heritage potatoes that celebrate the crop’s history and diversity. Challenges in the Potato’s Future Despite their enduring popularity, potatoes face challenges in modern Britain. Changing dietary trends, including the rise of low-carb diets, have led some to question their nutritional value. However, potatoes remain an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre, particularly when prepared healthily. Climate change also poses a threat to potato farming. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events can disrupt growth cycles, making it essential for the industry to adopt sustainable practices. Why the British Love Potatoes The British love potatoes not only for their flavour and versatility but also for what they represent: comfort, tradition, and resilience. Potatoes have been a constant presence through centuries of change, adapting to new tastes and challenges while retaining their status as a beloved staple. The potato’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to bring people together—whether around a table laden with roast potatoes or at a chip shop serving crispy chips wrapped in paper. It is a food that transcends class, region, and time, reminding Britons of their shared history and the simple joys of good food. In the words of a famous saying, "You can’t have a bad day with a good potato." For Britain, the potato is much more than just a vegetable—it’s a culinary companion, a cultural icon, and a cherished part of daily life.

Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon that affects individuals across various professions and industries. However, its impact can be particularly pronounced in family businesses, where familial dynamics and the pressure to carry on a legacy can exacerbate feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy. Here, we explore the complex relationship between imposter syndrome and family businesses, shedding light on the challenges it presents and offering strategies for overcoming them. Understanding Imposter Syndrome Imposter syndrome is characterised by persistent self-doubt and the fear of being exposed as a fraud, despite evidence of competence and success. It often manifests as feelings of unworthiness and a sense that one's achievements are undeserved. In the context of family businesses, imposter syndrome can take on a unique dimension. The Family Business Dynamic Family businesses are built on a foundation of tradition, heritage, and often a strong sense of duty to preserve and build upon what previous generations have created. This familial pressure can create an environment where imposter syndrome is more likely to take root. Family members, especially those joining the business as the next generation, may struggle to assert themselves and their own identities, feeling that they can never live up to the achievements of their predecessors. Challenges of Imposter Syndrome in Family Businesses: Comparison to Family Elders : Imposter syndrome can be exacerbated when family members are constantly compared to previous generations. The weight of familial expectations can make it difficult for individuals to see their unique contributions and accomplishments. Navigating Succession : The transition of leadership and decision-making within family businesses can be particularly challenging for those dealing with imposter syndrome. The fear of making mistakes or being judged by family members can hinder effective succession planning. Decision-Making Paralysis : Those suffering from imposter syndrome may find it difficult to make confident decisions, fearing they will be exposed as incapable. This hesitation can impact the growth and success of the business. External Perception : The perception of being part of a family business can sometimes lead to others attributing an individual's success solely to their family ties rather than their skills and efforts, further exacerbating imposter syndrome. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Family Businesses: Seek Professional Help : Family members dealing with imposter syndrome can benefit from therapy or coaching to address and manage their feelings of self-doubt. Open Communication : Encouraging open and honest conversations within the family about imposter syndrome can help alleviate its effects and foster a supportive environment. Embrace Individuality : Recognise that each family member brings unique skills, perspectives, and ideas to the business. Embracing individuality can help mitigate the fear of not measuring up to family expectations. Set Realistic Goals : Establish clear, achievable goals and expectations to reduce the pressure on family members. Celebrate small successes along the way. Focus on Personal Growth : Encourage continuous learning and skill development to build confidence and competence, irrespective of familial expectations. Imposter syndrome is a common issue in many professional settings, and family businesses are not immune to its effects. Understanding the interplay between imposter syndrome and familial dynamics is crucial for both the well-being of family members and the success of the business. By addressing these challenges openly and adopting strategies to overcome imposter syndrome, family businesses can thrive and grow while maintaining their unique legacies.

An academic study which could play a crucial role in supporting companies to foster more sustainable practices has been published this week. Carried out by the University of Glasgow based Adam Smith Observatory of Corporate Reporting Practices in partnership with ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), the research explored the level of companies’ disclosures regarding their: Policies to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. What they identify as the main drivers. The goals they set to address the issue. The indicators they use to measure their progress in protecting biodiversity. The report, ‘Evidence on Companies’ Biodiversity Disclosures’, reveals the importance of how business activities affect biodiversity and what they are doing to reduce those impacts. Findings show companies generally provide a moderate level of biodiversity-related disclosures and they report on a variety of drivers of biodiversity loss, with water pollutants, terrestrial ecosystem use, and water use among the most common identifiers. Most companies cited goals of halting and reversing biodiversity loss, with waste-related goals being the most frequently cited followed by resource-related and restoration-related goals. However, location-based and direct-driver-related disclosures are less common, likely due to challenges in data and metrics required. The study showcases some excellent corporate practices in biodiversity reporting and areas that need improvement. The University of Glasgow’s Dr Evangelos Seretis, who is report co-author, said: “Businesses, governments and international organisations increasingly recognise the link between corporate operations and the natural environment, and this report highlights the growing importance of best reporting practices on biodiversity." "By addressing these issues, companies can play a crucial role in halting and reversing biodiversity loss and fostering sustainable practices.” Jessica Bingham, Regional Policy lead for ACCA said: “Nature-related reporting is increasingly recognised as an essential component of organisational reporting. The role of accountants in this domain is pivotal in driving sustainable business practices and ensuring long-term financial health and environmental stewardship.” ACCA Scotland Engagement Lead Susan Love said: “Alongside its net zero ambitions, Scotland has recognised the biodiversity crisis, with a vision to becoming ‘nature positive’ by 2030." "Finance professionals will have a crucial role to play in developing and measuring progress in organisations and businesses across Scotland. We’re delighted to be working with leading academics at the University of Glasgow to identify how we upskill and support those professionals to deliver change in Scotland and around the world.” From 2026 companies will be required to make significant effort and invest in biodiversity monitoring and reporting systems to collect and report this information. The key findings from this exploratory study will be of interest to regulators, standard and framework setters along with preparers and users of corporate reports. Since companies’ biodiversity disclosures vary in quality, it is important to test the cost of setting up systems to track and report on biodiversity impacts. Organisations like Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) could consider field-testing to evaluate these costs and challenges. Sharing clear examples of good reporting practices could help setting a standard for future biodiversity disclosures.

A revamped Peterborough shopping centre has taken another step closer to 100 per cent occupancy following a successful festive period and negotiations with a major retailer. Cassco Holdings Limited, the new owner of Ortongate Shopping Centre, in Orton Goldhay, has already invested in and supported the local community with a seasonal event and a series of charitable donations. It is now in the final stages of a deal with a large UK retailer on two of the remaining units. The name of the retailer will be disclosed upon the deal being signed but will signal another expansion of the facilities at the site. Just four 1,000 sq. ft units remain available to rent. Nottingham-based Cassco Holdings bought Ortongate Shopping Centre from ALB Group in September 2024 for an undisclosed sum. Since then, managing director Rob Cassidy has continued to invest in the out-of-town retail centre with the refurbishment of the remaining empty units. All shop fronts have now been upgraded with fit-out of the last units to be completed in accordance with new tenants' requirements. Rob, 60, said: “As a family firm, our focus has been to build and support the facilities that will secure a sustainable and growing retail centre at the very heart of this community.” Cassco Holdings owns several retail and industrial sites around the country and has already demonstrated the firm’s commitment to the Peterborough centre. Rob said: “Ortongate Shopping Centre is the beating heart of this popular residential area of Peterborough and it is now thriving. Our Christmas event was a great success and helped to increase footfall but it was just one part of our plan to draw this community together. We will continue to support its growth and build upon its thriving community spirit.” Some £20,000 was invested in the Christmas event, which included decorations, Christmas trees and lights, free Santa’s grotto with gifts for the children, and cash set aside for charity donations. Cheques totalling £2,000 have now been presented to local charities. Charities benefiting include Ortongate-based representatives from Goldhay Arts, YMCA, Mencap, and Sue Ryder. Laura Cassidy, manager at Ortongate Management said: “We are delighted to have become part of the local community and our aim is to foster this sense of inclusion by putting Ortongate Shopping Centre at the very heart of that. Supporting the work that these local charities do has been an absolute pleasure.” The shopping centre’s rise began when previous owner ALB Group took over the site in April 2023. At the time, it was barely half full. Investment and refurbishment work brought in more shoppers and traders alike and Ortongate soon surged to 80 per cent occupied. The group then sold the centre to Cassco Holdings Ltd. The new owner has vowed to continue the investment begun under ALB Group’s tenure. Arran Bailey, managing director of ALB Group, said: “Cassco Holdings shares our ethos when it comes to creating a sustainable and growing retail centre that serves the community." “We turned around the centre’s fortunes when we bought it almost two years ago and I’m delighted that the new owner has picked up the baton and continued this work.” Laura, 30, said: “Having worked with Arran on previous projects we were impressed by how he had turned the centre around in a relatively short period of time. It proves that with the right direction and investment, shopping centres like this have a promising future.” Cassco Holdings owns 45 units at the 50-unit centre. Retailers at the site include Poundland and Greggs plus a range of hair and beauty salons, as well as service industries such as a vets and a pharmacy are also located at the shopping centre. Interest in the final four ‘ready to move into’ units has already been demonstrated from both large and small retailers. Four 1,000 sq. ft units are available to rent through property agent FHP. These could be combined to create larger units. Laura added: “Community feedback and steady footfall over the Christmas period endorses our work and that of the previous owner. We aim to continue this trend.”

A new study by Markel Direct, the specialist insurer of tradespeople, has highlighted the loss of earnings construction workers experience due to injuries sustained whilst at work. The survey, which asked over 300 tradespeople, who had experienced workplace injury, about the impact of workplace injuries and illness revealed that half of respondents had lost income or a contract as a result of their injury. Of those asked, 35% miss 1-2 weeks of work a year due to work-related sickness or accidents. Based on the average day rate of £238, those that have had to take up to two weeks off work would be losing over £2380 annually. The study also explored the maximum amount of time tradespeople have had to take off due to an injury or illness, with the most common answer (23%) being four months. Based on the same day rate, those that had to take 4 months off for an injury could have lost up to £20,508 of income in that year. Despite the risk of injury - and accompanying income loss - in the construction industry, more than 4 in 10 tradespeople reported not having insurance to protect them against accidents on site, putting their finances and livelihood at risk. Rob Rees, Divisional Director at Markel Direct, commented: “Taking adequate health and safety precautions is key to staying safe, but it’s important to have a safety net in the event something happens." "Arranging insurance cover – such as occupational personal accident insurance – can help support you financially if you can’t work because of an injury on the job, minimising the impact of lost days on your income.” As well as personal cost, the economic cost of workplace injury and ill health in the construction sector was estimated at £1.3 billion for the year 2021/22, according to Health and Safety England (HSE) data. Faulty equipment, lack of PPE and poor site safety regulations are to blame for most injuries The survey also explored the most common causes of workplace injuries for tradespeople, with 44% of tradespeople reporting that “faulty equipment or tools” was the reason for their injuries in the workplace, whilst other reasons given were “Lack of PPE” (38%) and “Poor safety regulations on site” (36%). The most common causes of workplace injuries to tradespeople are: Rank Injury % Tradespeople 1 Faulty equipment or tools 44% 2 Lack of PPE 38% 3 Poor safety regulations on site 36% 4 Personal mistake 29% 5 Mistake or fault of others 16% 6 Injured while handling, lifting or carrying 13% 7 Not adhering to health and safety regulations 12% 8 Weather conditions 11% 9 Slips, trips or falls on same level 10% 10 Falls from a height 6% Source: Markel UK: Cost of Injuries in Trades 41% of respondents who had experienced an injury reported that it was as a result of a third party (such as a co-worker), whilst a fifth of respondents reported not always taking the necessary health and safety measures at work, potentially putting themselves at risk of harm. You can find the full study on the Markel Direct website here

For the second consecutive year, Horizon Care is proud to announce that we have been nominated for the prestigious Customer Service Award at The Yorkshire Choice Awards 2025! The Yorkshire Choice Awards celebrate and honour businesses, organisations, and individuals who have made significant contributions to the Yorkshire community across various categories. Horizon Care's nomination in the Customer Service category highlights the organisation’s commitment to customer service and the people it supports. Horizon Care provide specialist support in the community for people with learning disabilities, mental health and autism around Yorkshire and the Humber. Jamie Rankin, Managing Director at Horizon Care commented: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be in the running for the Customer Service Award at The Yorkshire Choice Awards 2025! At Horizon Care, we’re all about going the extra mile to make a real difference in the lives of those we support. This nomination is a huge shoutout to our amazing team, whose passion and dedication shine through every single day. We couldn’t be prouder!” The Yorkshire Choice Awards provide an opportunity for the community to recognise and celebrate the outstanding efforts of local businesses and individuals. Horizon Care encourages the Yorkshire community to show their support for health and social care by participating in the voting process and helping them achieve this well-deserved recognition.

Lidl GB becomes first UK supermarket to introduce fibre-boosting sales targets across entire offering, increasing total fibre and wholegrain sold by 2026 and 2030 respectively. The discounter’s rewards app, Lidl Plus, will play a key role in meeting its targets, with recent promotions nearly doubling sales of fibre-rich products. Lidl has become the first retailer to apply WWF’s “Planet-Based Diets” methodology across all 31 countries to drive impactful change at scale. From wholegrains and beans to vegetables, Lidl aims to increase the proportion of plant-based foods sold by 20% by 2030, as it seeks to align with the Planetary Health Diet. Lidl GB is the first retailer to announce a fibre strategy that spans its entire product offering, setting out two key targets. By 2026, it plans to increase the tonnage of total fibre sold by 20%, and by 2030, boost the volume of wholegrains it sells to 25% of total grains. With nearly a quarter (23%)1 of shoppers actively seeking high-fibre products for their weekly groceries, the discounter’s new initiative is set to make it easier and more affordable for customers to improve their diets. Currently, only 9% of UK adults meet the recommended daily intake of 30g of fibre2, with lower-income households consuming even less, highlighting the need for this initiative. As part of its new targets, Lidl is working with suppliers to enhance existing recipes by incorporating more plant-based, fibre-rich ingredients like lentils, beans, and grains, whilst reducing fats and sugars. It will also seek to introduce new and exciting high-fibre products, boosting nutritional value and making everyday items healthier. Demonstrating its commitment to improving fibre consumption nationwide, Lidl became the first retailer to sign up to the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Action on Fibre initiative to help make higher-fibre diets more appealing for households. It has also turned to its rewards app, Lidl Plus, to offer monthly promotions on these products, making a fibre-rich diet more accessible and affordable. Recent promotions have nearly doubled sales of fibre-rich products such as wheat biscuits, oats, and granola, demonstrating the success and popularity of these initiatives. Overarching commitment to increase plant-based sales, in partnership with WWF Building on its new fibre focus, Lidl has also become the first retailer to implement WWF’s “Planet-Based Diets” methodology3 internationally across all 31 countries in which it operates, driving impactful change at scale. The WWF methodology will be used to measure and report on its product assortments and sales as it seeks to identify clear routes towards offering customers healthier and more environmentally conscious products, including vegetables, wholegrains, and plant-based protein foods such as beans and pulses. With its ambition to align with the Planetary Health Diet by 2050, Lidl’s new overarching commitment is first-to-market and sets out to increase the proportion of plant-based foods sold, including plant-based protein sources, wholegrains, fruits, and vegetables, by 20% by 2030. Supporting targets to enable healthy and sustainable food shopping choices To achieve this, Lidl has been working to ambitious targets, in addition to its fibre and wholegrain goals: By implementing measures such as reformulating products to improve their nutritional profile, removing designs that are attractive to children from less healthy items (including cartoon characters), and providing healthy recipe ideas on its website, Lidl hit its target of ensuring at least 80% of its sales come from healthy or healthier products by 2025, based on tonnage, ahead of schedule in 2023. To support a 35% increase in fresh fruit and vegetable sales by 2026, Lidl works closely with suppliers to enhance quality and freshness, prioritising British produce and local sourcing where possible, whilst offering weekly discounts on six fruit and veg lines. Additionally, it has introduced dedicated fruit and veg specialists across all its stores to ensure customers are getting the very best quality. As announced in October last year, through the expansion of its plant-based range, increased visibility in stores, and additional marketing, the discounter is looking to ensure plant-based protein sales (tonnage) account for 25% of its total protein sales by 2030. Richard Bourns, Chief Commercial Officer at Lidl GB, said: “As the first UK retailer to align its strategy with the science of the Planetary Health Diet, Lidl is committed to supporting healthy and sustainable diets and setting ambitious targets to ensure our food is good for both people and the planet." "We stand firmly behind the need for sustainable consumption as part of the net-zero transition and are committed to offering our customers an ever-expanding range of healthy, sustainable products at affordable prices. With WWF as an experienced partner by our side, we aim to make a greater impact on transforming the global food system—and hope that other supermarkets will follow suit.” Sophie Bauer, Head of Food System Transformation at WWF UK, added: “We welcome Lidl’s alignment with the Planetary Health Diet and the use of the WWF Planet-Based Diets Retailer Methodology. Adopting healthier, more sustainable diets is a crucial step in transforming the food system, which is the number one driver of wildlife and nature loss." "By setting public targets focused on increasing plant-based choices, Lidl is helping to support both human and planetary health. We hope this inspires other retailers to follow suit to make healthy, sustainable foods the easy and affordable choice.” This update follows Lidl’s announcement of a new five-year international and strategic partnership with WWF in June 2024 across 31 countries. In 2023, Lidl GB became the first discount supermarket, and the sixth UK retailer, to sign WWF’s Retailers’ Commitment for Nature – an agreement to work with WWF to halve the environmental impact of UK shopping baskets by 2030.

New analysis from UKHospitality reveals that a fifth of hospitality’s workforce will be dragged into the new employer NICs threshold for the first time. The regressive changes to employer National Insurance Contributions (NICS) will hit hospitality hardest, due to the high number of employees working part-time or flexibly. Currently, more than 1.2 million hospitality staff are not eligible for employer NICs. In April, that number will be slashed to just over 450,000 people. That’s more than 774,000 workers that will be newly eligible for employer NICs. In total, this will cost the hospitality sector £1 billion. Combined with £2.4 billion of other costs hitting in April, businesses are already taking hard decisions to cut investment, freeze recruitment, cut jobs, reduce hours or increase prices.

John Lewis Money has announced a multi-year partnership to become an Official Partner of England Rugby.  The deal sees John Lewis Money support the Red Roses and England Men’s team, starting with the upcoming Men’s and Women’s and Guinness Six Nations.  As part of the partnership, John Lewis Money will have its branding in key locations at the Allianz Stadium from Saturday 8 February onwards at home matches. John Lewis Money customers will soon be part of the action through tickets and exclusive experience giveaways.  James Mack, Director of John Lewis Money, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with England Rugby in what is going to be an action-packed year starting with the Guinness Six Nations just around the corner. With such a strong overlap between our customer base and rugby fans, England Rugby is the perfect partner to take our brand awareness to the next level."  “As well as a fantastic platform to connect with fans and support the growth of the game, we’re looking forward to sharing the benefits of this partnership with our customers and internal Partners alike. From matchday ticket competitions through to player meet and greets and community initiatives, we have exciting plans ahead and are already looking forward to further deepening our relationship with England Rugby over the coming months and years.”  Claudio Borges, RFU Executive Director of Engagement & Business Growth, said: “We’re really pleased to welcome John Lewis Money as a partner of England Rugby. There is great alignment between our two brands and we look forward to developing our relationship over the coming years.”  The sponsorship comes at a key time for John Lewis Money. It has new and vibrant branding and an exciting pipeline of product developments for this year.  John Lewis Money is the financial services arm of the John Lewis Partnership. With over 1.4 million customers, it offers a range of financial products including the Partnership Credit Card.

At Lidl GB, we are incredibly proud of the strong and long-term relationships we’ve built with British producers over the last 30 years. We remain committed to supporting British farmers now more than ever and over the last year announced investments of £1bn into the British egg industry, £1.5bn into the British beef industry as well as £500m investment into the British pork sector and £70m into British root veg suppliers. By the end of the financial year, we will have invested a total of £21bn in the British food industry, exceeding our original five-year commitment by 40%. As a supermarket, we are one of agriculture’s biggest customers and being able to buy British sourced produce is incredibly important to Lidl shoppers. With two thirds of our products sourced from British suppliers, including 100% of our everyday fresh beef, pork, poultry, milk, butter, cream and eggs, it’s important that we help British farmers, food producers and suppliers thrive now and in the future. Providing security and long-term investment for British agriculture is key to helping ensure that farmers can continue to produce affordable and increasingly sustainable food for generations to come. We are concerned that the recent changes to the Inheritance Tax (IHT) regime will impact farmer and grower confidence and hold back the investment needed to build a resilient, productive and sustainable British food system. We, therefore, support the call by the farming community to pause the implementation of those changes and to consult with industry to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome. We will be raising our concerns with Government at any opportunity we get.

Plenty of people enjoy a walk in the great outdoors and nothing beats a blast of fresh air, the sound of birdsong and a walk in the countryside. For many of us, a walk includes getting close to nature and an opportunity to take a break from the pace of everyday life and hedgerows are an integral part of the experience, coming to life in the spring and a have for all manner of creatures too. Often describes as the living threads of the British countryside, hedgerows quite literally weave through the fields, villages, and motorways, shaping the landscape and providing sanctuary for countless species. Many hedgerows have been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years, and they have helped to define the landscape, especially in rural areas but today, these green corridors are under threat. The steady decline of hedgerows in the UK is not just a loss of scenery but also giving rise to a profound environmental crisis, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity, farming, and even our efforts to combat climate change. In the past hedgerows were planted for numerous reasons including defining boundaries for towns and villages as well as to outline ownership of agricultural land. Despite being introduced for practical reasons there were plenty of benefits, not least providing shelter for animals from the weather, protecting the land from soil erosion and providing a natural habitat supporting a diverse array of wildlife too. Research has shown that across the UK over 2,000 species are known to depend on hedgerows for food, shelter and for breeding purposes including mice, hedgehogs, beetles and bats. Today, we are at an environmental crossroads as many hedgerows are disappearing due to modern day farming methods, urban development, neglect and removal for other purposes such as commercial activities associated with wind and solar farms. It has been estimated that the UK has lost an estimated 50% of its hedgerows since the Second World War. The consequences are significant as their loss results in the species that depend on them struggling for survival. Birds such as the yellowhammer and linnet, once common sights in rural Britain, have become increasingly scarce. The absence of hedgerows also reduces biodiversity at a fundamental level, creating fewer opportunities for pollination, pest control, and nutrient cycling—services vital to the health of farmland and ecosystems. Hedgerows are also important when int comes to the environment as they play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by capturing and storing carbon. Research has shown that well-managed hedgerows can sequester as much carbon per hectare as woodland, making them an essential tool in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. They also act as natural barriers against flooding, slowing water flow and helping to prevent soil erosion. Without hedgerows, the countryside becomes more vulnerable to extreme weather events—a concern that grows more urgent in light of the UK’s increasingly unpredictable climate. Efforts to address the decline of hedgerows are gaining momentum, but they face significant challenges. There are regulations in place that seek to protect existing hedgerows, requiring permission for their removal, yet enforcement can be patchy. Conservation groups like the People’s Trust for Endangered Species and The Wildlife Trusts have long campaigned for better management and restoration, but their work requires sustained funding and public support. Public awareness also plays a crucial role. Hedgerows are part of the everyday scenery for many of us as we enjoy a walk outside but their loss can go unnoticed amid broader environmental concerns. However, campaigns that engage communities in hedgerow conservation—through initiatives like planting projects, science surveys, and school education programmes—could foster a sense of connection to these vital green corridors, and a greater awareness and understanding of the risks associated with their removal and loss from the landscape. James Booty Bsc (Hons) PhD MCIEEM, Senior Ecological Consultant and Team Lead at Thomson Environmental Consultants adds: "In 2023 the latest State of Nature report found that only 14% of important habitats for wildlife were in a good ecological state. Intensive land use for farming was identified as a main driver, which has a direct and clear effect on perhaps our most unassuming of these habitats: the hedgerow." "The UKs hedgerows have faced historic large scale removal, and continue to face this and other pressures. Neglect results in hedgerows becoming tree lines, which changes the way they function in the landscape and the species they support. Mis-management can prevent hedgerows functioning to their full potential by over-cutting or cutting at inappropriate times of year both for hedgerows and other species relying on them. Squeezing hedgerows, by not allowing sufficient space either side for field layers to develop reduces the effectiveness of hedgerows as wildlife habitats and corridors. Activities close to them can harm the hedgerow root system. The majority of our hedgerows are situated within farmed landscapes, where practices such as spraying can reduce the variety of plant species within hedgerows, or over fertilising can cause more common plants, well adapted to higher nutrient levels, to become dominant and outcompete rarer species." "Due in part to shifting baseline syndrome the health, structure, complexity and functionality of our hedgerows is being eroded at an alarming rate." "We know from the ecosystem services approach that this is resulting in lost natural processes which may cost the economy vast sums each year in provisioning, regulating and supporting services such as pollination, erosion protection, nutrient control, flood prevention and pest control." "A healthy hedgerow can support a large variety of native wildlife, including some of our rarest and most highly protected. This extends from the plants which comprise a hedgerow, to invertebrates which feed directly on them and shelter within them. Birds, many of which are adapted to arable landscapes, nest and feed within hedgerows and their surrounding low-level vegetation, making hedgerows vital to birds in decline such as yellowhammer and linnet. Hedgerows are a refuge within the landscape for mammals such as brown hares, hedgehogs and badgers which will also feed within them and may take advantage of hedgerow shelter and banks to create setts. With reduced density, structure and field layer in a hedgerow, the reliant plants, invertebrates, birds and mammals cannot be supported in sustainable numbers. " "Healthy hedgerows at their best form a connected network across our landscape, retaining critical links across even our most barren and degraded areas. These are the arteries and veins across the green desert of the farmed landscape." "A prime example is our hazel dormouse, an iconic and charismatic woodland, scrub and hedgerow dweller. Dormice live at low density and require woodlands to be well connected by healthy hedgerows for dispersal, genetic resilience and survival. Bats use hedgerows in a similar way to navigate through the landscape using echolocation, while feeding on invertebrates. When hedgerows become gappy, thin and lacking in density and structure, the value of these habitats is dramatically reduced and species reliant upon them are less able to travel safely through the landscape in search of food, shelter or to breed." "The good news for hedgerows is that we can readily reverse the degradation and loss if we decide it is important enough to us all and to our economy." "We have the knowledge to reinvigorate existing or replant lost hedgerows giving them the space, management and conditions to thrive. By reconnecting our landscapes we can nature to thrive once more," concludes James. Ultimately, reversing the decline of hedgerows is about more than saving a specific feature of the countryside; it is about protecting the intricate web of life they support. It is about recognising that the health of our ecosystems, our farms, and even our planet depends on these unassuming yet vital hedges. As you next walk through a countryside path lined with brambles, berries, and birdsong, consider the quiet importance of the hedgerow beside you. It is a reminder that some of the most vital elements of our environment are also the most fragile. In a world where environmental crises feel overwhelming, protecting and restoring hedgerows offers a tangible way to make a difference—one hedge at a time.

John Lewis has been granted the Royal Warrant of Appointment as supplier of Household Goods and Furnishings to His Majesty King Charles III. Peter Ruis, Executive Director of John Lewis, said: “It’s a proud moment to be recognised by His Majesty with his Royal Warrant." "For 160 years, we’ve been focused on offering excellent customer service and the highest quality products, and the Royal Warrant is testament to the hard work of Partners across John Lewis and our suppliers.” The announcement also reflects John Lewis’ ongoing commitment to supporting its local communities, whilst also championing high environmental standards. The Royal Warrant is a mark of recognition to companies who have regularly supplied the Royal Household for at least five years. The awarding of The King’s Warrant follows that granted by Her late Majesty The Queen to John Lewis Reading and John Lewis Oxford Street, whilst Peter Jones in Sloane Square held Royal Warrants of appointment from The former Prince of Wales and from The late Duke of Edinburgh. The news follows the announcement in May that His Majesty had granted Waitrose his Royal Warrant of Appointment as Grocers and Wine & Spirit Merchants.