A new sustainability journal bringing together research and new ideas has been launched by the University of Dundee. Titled The Living Lab Journal , the collaborative journal aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice. Led by academics from across the University and published by the Botanic Garden, the publication is a cross-disciplinary platform, focusing on sustainability and environment from every viewpoint including academics, scientists, students, educators and the local community. It will focus on the complex challenges facing the world today and contributed articles are peer-reviewed by an editorial team of professionals and academics from across the University, as well as external subject specialists, ensuring a diverse and expert perspective. Kevin Frediani, Curator at the University of Dundee’s Botanic Garden, said: “Our impact on the planet is undeniable. Environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate change are pressing issues that require both immediate action and long-term strategy." “The Living Lab Journal seeks to address these concerns by creating a platform for thought leadership, evidence-based research, and innovative practices in sustainability.“ "At its heart, this journal aims to offer a voice to a wide range of contributors, all unified in their pursuit of sustainable development.” The first issue can be read online. It features articles focusing on issues including the University’s Daffodil DNA Project, curation of botanic gardens, the science of nature connectedness, education for social sustainability in early years, and sustainable development through computer-meditated communication. The open-access resource aims to provide a space for early researchers, staff and PhD students to have work published which could be more explorative than traditional journals, which usually require fully completed academic papers. Kevin added: “ The Living Lab Journal will serve not just as a repository of knowledge but as a catalyst for conversation, challenging ideas, and fostering new collaborations." “The challenges we face today – climate change, biodiversity loss, and the need for resilient communities – require creative solutions and collaborative efforts.“ This journal stands as a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets nature.“Together, with the Living Lab Journal as our platform, we will continue to push the boundaries of sustainability research, practice, and education.”

The RHS will use AI to help build a knowledge bank of cultivated plants for specific uses, such as pollination, pollution capture and water management, as it launches a new five year programme of work to commence in 2025. Plants for Purpose will see the charity work in collaboration with the University of Nottingham to develop a deep learning tool that will identify characteristics among the more than 400,000 different plant cultivars found in the UK that RHS and wider industry research has shown to be beneficial. For example, RHS research has previously revealed that rough surfaced leaves are most adept at capturing particulate pollution. Machine learning techniques that reliably quantify texture, can be used to identify specimens from the RHS herbarium - a vast collection of dried plant specimens - with hairs and scales. These plant trait matches will be cross checked by botanists and horticultural scientists and definitive guides will be published over the course of the next five years. The knowledge bank will also include plants for biodiversity, health and wellbeing, thermal regulation, and carbon capture, helping to grow the pool of plants used by gardeners and mitigating the effects of the biodiversity crisis, climate change and urbanisation. Alistair Griffiths, Director of Science at the RHS, said: "What we plant today needs to benefit us tomorrow so coupling RHS science with the University of Nottingham's technology to identify the winning traits of 400,000 potential garden plants could see a revolution in what we find in gardens, new developments and town and city landscaping." Dr Michael Pound, Associate Professor, School of Computer Science, University of Nottingham, said: “It's tremendously exciting to be part of a project that will deliver real impact for UK biodiversity. Deep learning excels when we have lots of data, and this is exactly what the RHS herbarium offers. The trained networks will study hundreds of thousands of images to draw out the key features that distinguish plants. These can then be embedded into tools that allow RHS scientists to identify potentially important varieties in seconds rather than months.” The RHS has also announced the first show garden to be managed using AI at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show next summer. The charity is already experimenting with the technology via its ChatBotanist tool, which is available to members and RHS Grow app users with the intention of freeing up advisors to conduct research that will inform planting choices and management techniques in UK gardens. Plants for Purpose is part funded by the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851.

A project that aims to measure and monitor lamb performance, reduce farmers’ labour time and protect the welfare of lambs during the weighing process is underway thanks to an innovative partnership. The project, named ‘Lamb Monitor’, was created following a partnership between David Ritchie (Implements) Ltd. and the UK Agri-Tech Centre, with funding from Defra and the Transforming Food Production (TFP) Challenge Programme, run through Innovate UK – the UK’s innovation agency. The partners recognise that one of the most essential tasks involved in the production of lamb is the weighing of growing lambs in order to monitor their liveweight gain and suitability for sale. However, this is a time-consuming process and can be stressful to the lambs being gathered and weighed. Traditionally, weighing is carried out as often as once a fortnight, meaning the gap in daily live weight gain is not being monitored. The platform enables more frequent datasets to be gained with no additional stress. Such data would allow lamb producers to monitor growth rates, enabling advanced and accurate predication of lamb sales as well as providing information with which to alter feeding, grazing and breeding management. In order to turn lamb weighing into a less stressful and time-intensive activity, this project aims to design, prototype and validate on-farm an automated, in-field lamb weighing solution. Three different designs will be evaluated, with a walk-over weigher, creep feed attractant and climb on platform (designed to utilise a lamb’s play instinct), with a data-handling app being developed alongside which will work with all three designs. The project will also develop a metered feed creep system, which prevents the dominant animals getting more than their share of feed and provides a restriction on intake of feeds which could cause ill-health if over-fed. Using one of Ritchie’s trial farms and three of the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s satellite farms, Ritchie will construct initial prototypes for each design of weigher and commission them on-farm for validation. Farmers will continue to weigh their lambs as they currently do, with data gathered from this and the auto-weighers being compared to gain insights into the reliability and value of the data gathered from the auto-weigher, versus conventional weighing practice by the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s data and automation team. Lamb weight data will also be carried through to Ritchie’s existing auto-drafting equipment to allow for lambs with sufficient weight data to be drafted automatically, reducing lamb stress and operator time at drafting. Lifecycle assessment will be used to examine the differences in carbon intensity between lamb systems with and without auto-weigher solutions to quantify the difference high-resolutions Daily Live Weight Gain monitoring may bring. Charlie Brown, Product Development Manager at Ritchie, said: “We hope to bring some level of automation and improved efficiency to the sheep industry with this product." “The first prototype was created after farmer-led interactions resulted in us making efficiencies within the industry." “Following field trials and farmer feedback we are refining the product for our Mk2 trial of the prototype.” Hayley Gerry, Project Manager at the UK Agri-Tech Centre, said: “This project has enabled the UK Agri-Tech Centre to bridge a gap that the industry has identified where efficiencies could be made." “Using our farmer network, we are able to test and validate the prototypes in a commercial set up to allow for feedback from the farmers." “This will allow Ritchie to commercialise a product that will make farming more efficient.” Project Impacts Research conducted by CIEL in 2020 showed how using measures such as data capture and use can have significant impact on Green House Gases (GHG) intensity of lamb production. By finishing lambs at a younger age and reducing age at first lambing, amongst other factors, two hill farms had a 68% and 49% reduction in GHG emissions (kgCO2e/kgLW), and a lowland farm showed a reduction of 37% using these measures. In addition, Morgan-Davis et all (2018) estimated that precision livestock farming (PLF) tech can save farmers between 19% and 36% labour (£1.60-£3 per ewe) depending on the farm. This study did not include an auto-weigher, rather just performance recording using electronic identification and software packages. The ability to use a lamb-monitor to expand on this will only add to the savings PLF tech can afford. With regard to welfare, the sheep weigher will significantly reduce the time requirement for farmers by not having to gather and weigh regularly, allowing them to better use their time either on other needs in the enterprise or to help improve the work life balance of farms and farm workers. Improved animal welfare is achieved through less gathering and handling of sheep, ensuring a higher welfare food product is produced at the end as well as reducing the inherent risk in livestock handling to the farmers. To find out more about the projects the UK Agri-Tech Centre is working on, visit their website here

Private sector firms expect activity to fall in the three months to March (weighted balance of -24%), according to the CBI’s latest Growth Indicator. Expectations are now at their weakest in over two years. This pessimism was shared across all sub-sectors. Business volumes in the services sector are anticipated to decline (-18%), driven by predicted falls in both business and professional services (-13%) and consumer services (-37%). Distribution sales are expected to fall steeply (-35%), and manufacturers also anticipate output to fall (-31%), with expectations at their weakest since May 2020. The disappointing outlook comes as private sector activity fell again in the three months to December, at a faster pace than in the three months to November (-21% from -13% in November). Activity has been flat or falling since August 2022. Alpesh Paleja, CBI Interim Deputy Chief Economist, said: “There is little festive cheer in our latest surveys, which suggest that the economy is headed for the worst of all worlds – firms expect to reduce both output and hiring, and price growth expectations are getting firmer. Businesses continue to cite the impact of measures announced in the Budget – particularly the rise in employer NICs – exacerbating an already tepid demand environment." “As we head into 2025, firms are looking to the government to boost confidence and to give them a reason to invest, whether that’s long overdue moves to reform the apprenticeship levy, supporting the health of the workforce through increased occupational health incentives or a reform of business rates." “In the longer term, businesses will be looking to the industrial strategy to provide the stability and certainty which can unlock innovation and investment - and provide that much needed growth for the economy which can deliver prosperity for firms and households alike.” Key findings from our monthly Services Sector Survey showed: Business volumes in the services sector fell in the three months to December (-18%), with the pace of the decline accelerating from November, with volumes having generally been flat or falling since mid-2022. Within this, business & professional services volumes fell (-14%), building on the marginal decline in the three months to November. Consumer services volumes also fell sharply (-35%), at a broadly similar pace to November. Hiring intentions within the services sector are weak. Business & professional services expect headcount to fall over the next three months (-17%), with expectations at their weakest since September 2020. Consumer services companies also anticipate numbers employed to fall sharply (-49%). Price growth expectations have accelerated from November (+20%) and stand above the long-run average (+7%). Inflation expectations for bus

Nescafé has collaborated with the ultimate break-brand, KitKat, to create a delicious chocolate flavour latte to brighten up your next coffee break. The Nescafé KitKat Latte hit shop shelves in December 2024 and combines the best of both worlds, bringing together the rich flavours of Nescafé coffee with the signature chocolatey-wafer taste of KitKat. This indulgent coffee joins a full line-up of other Nestlé confectionery collaborations, including Aero Peppermint and Quality Street Green Triangle. The line-up is proving to be popular with consumers as both the Nescafé Peppermint Aero Mocha and Nescafé Quality Street Mocha are the top 2 best-selling new products across in-home coffee, year to date. Each crafted with fresh milk, the frothy lattes and mochas deliver a sweet taste, balanced aroma and creamy texture, with a serving coming in at under 100 calories when prepared according to instruction. Ingrid Hayes, Marketing Director for Nescafé at Nestlé UK & Ireland, said: “We are thrilled to continue our collaborations with iconic Nestlé confectionery brands. The chocolatey-wafer flavour of KitKat perfectly complements the aromas of Nescafé coffee. We’re excited to be bringing more unique and indulgent experiences to coffee lovers in the UK." “We’re also proud of the fact that real milk goes into the Nescafé frothy coffee range, produced here in the UK at our Dalston site, with milk sourced from dairy farms across Ayrshire and Cumbria.” Through Nestlé’s partnership with First Milk, the business works with 85 farmers in a dairy operative across Cumbria and Ayrshire to provide high-quality fresh milk for brands made in the UK, such as KitKat and Nescafé Frothy Coffee. Through the partnership, Nestlé’s goal is to lessen environmental impact by improving the sustainability and efficiency of the supply chain. Each farmer receives a ’sustainability bonus’ for taking practical measures that protect and enhance natural assets on their land**. Nescafé KitKat Latte is available in stores nationwide. Each portion comes in an individual sachet, making it easy to enjoy this delicious latte at home or on the go, any day of the week.

The nation's biggest gardening charity has crowned Green Island Gardens in Essex as its champion. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced that Green Island Gardens, a 20-acre garden near Colchester, has been voted overall winner of the prestigious RHS Partner Garden of the Year Award 2024. The award, run by the nation's biggest garden charity, is based on the theme ‘Feel Good,’ and the Essex retreat is the fourth overall winner in the competition's history. The garden, designed by owner Fiona Edmond, was carved out among woodland destroyed in the 1987 Great Storm and now includes large island beds, Japanese, gravel, and water gardens, as well as extensive woodland gardens. The garden is also home to two National collections, Hamamelis and Camellia (autumn and winter flowering). It is loved year-round for its seasonal snowdrops, trilliums, bluebell and tree lily displays. The garden has been an RHS Partner Garden for just two years and is home to a tearoom, nursery, and terrace area. Fiona Edmond, owner and designer of Green Island Gardens, says, “We are so excited to have won this award, especially since there was such fierce competition. We are proud to be an RHS Partner Garden. The visitors really appreciate what we are doing here and are happy to wrap up warm to visit through the winter which is actually one of my favourite times of the year in the garden.” Green Island Garden was selected from six regional finalists after visitors chose their favourite gardens in six regions. The regional winners include: East Anglia and Midlands: Green Island Gardens, Essex North of England and Northern Ireland: Birkheads Secret Gardens Newcastle upon Tyne South West and Wales: Dyffryn Fernant Garden, Pembrokeshire Scotland: Gordon Castle Walled Garden, Morayshire South East and Channel Islands: Farringford Estate, Isle of Wight Overseas: Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum, Pennsylvania USA North of England and Northern Island winner Birkheads Secret Garden was designed and built in the 1990s to create habitats for wildlife in an open field with year-round interest. Along with stunning views across rural Durham, Birkheads Secret Garden features a formal Japanese-style Meditation Garden, cottage gardens, and a wildflower meadow. Dyffryn Fernant Garden, perched between the Preseli Hills and the rugged Pembrokeshire coastline, has won this year's vote for South West and Wales. Established more than two decades ago and blending perfectly into the surrounding landscape, the six-acre garden boasts a vibrant walled front garden, beautiful brickyard display, bog garden and Nickys’s Field, a geometric display of ornamental grasses, among others. Scotland’s regional winner, Gordon Castle Walled Garden, is one of the country's best-kept secrets. The recently restored eight-acre hideaway is nestled between the River Spey and the Moray Coast and is one of the UK’s oldest and largest kitchen gardens. The garden is home to a myriad of herbs, cut flowers, fruit and vegetables within its ancient walls. Southeast and Channel Island winner Farringford Estate is best known for its association with Poet Laureate Lord Tennyson, who called the estate home. Set within glorious countryside with views of Freshwater Bay, visitors are spoilt with historic parklands and the stunning Woodland Garden. A walled garden and Victorian-style greenhouse provide plenty of interest for all garden lovers. A new partner garden for 2024, Andalusia Historic House, Gardens & Arboretum, has won the Overseas Award. Located just outside Philadelphia, the garden is situated on the Delaware River. It was redesigned in 2017-18 by British designer Arabella Lennox-Boyd and is home to a curated collection of over 1,000 trees representing over 250 species, a Rose Garden and an Easter Garden, which comes to life in spring. Helen Feary, RHS Partner Gardens Manager, said: “The results of this year’s RHS Partner Garden of the Year show how much joy visiting a garden brings to people." "The winning gardens have all been lovingly created by their owners, and from the comments received with the votes, we can see how much they are loved by their visitors. I’d recommend a visit to them all.” Details of the 2025 RHS Partner Garden of the Year competition and how to vote will be revealed next spring. There are currently 220 gardens in the RHS Partner Gardens scheme, which allows RHS Members to visit non-RHS gardens for free at selected times of the year. They comprise some of the most famous gardens in the world as well as privately-owned hidden gems, and beyond the UK can be found in 9 countries across the globe, including Barbados, France, Japan, and South Africa. To find out more about RHS Partner Gardens, visit www.rhs.org.uk/partnergardens

Few cuisines have captured the hearts and palates of the British quite like Italian food. From hearty bowls of pasta to thin, wood-fired pizzas, Italian dishes are celebrated in homes, high streets, and fine dining establishments across the UK. But what is it about Italian cuisine that has struck such a deep chord with the British people, and how did this gastronomic love affair begin? A Taste of La Dolce Vita The British fascination with Italian food is rooted in more than just its flavours; it’s tied to an enduring admiration for the Italian way of life. Italy evokes images of sun-soaked vineyards, vibrant piazzas, and leisurely meals shared with family and friends—a stark contrast to the often grey and hurried pace of British life. To embrace Italian cuisine is, in many ways, to embrace a slice of la dolce vita, the sweet life. At its core, Italian food represents simplicity and authenticity. Unlike French haute cuisine, which can feel elaborate and intimidating, Italian cooking is grounded in accessibility. A handful of fresh ingredients—ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, creamy mozzarella, and a drizzle of olive oil—can come together to create a dish that feels both luxurious and unpretentious. This simplicity resonates deeply with British cooks, who appreciate recipes that are easy to replicate at home without sacrificing flavour. The Evolution of Italian Cuisine in Britain Italian food first arrived in the UK in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, brought over by Italian immigrants settling in cities like London, Manchester, and Glasgow. These early pioneers opened cafés, gelaterias, and restaurants, introducing the British to spaghetti and espresso. However, it wasn’t until after World War II that Italian cuisine began to gain widespread appeal. In the post-war years, affordable package holidays opened up Europe to the British middle class. For many, a trip to Italy was their first taste of foreign cuisine and culture. Returning home, they longed to recreate the meals they had savoured abroad, from rich lasagnes to delicate tiramisu. This demand coincided with a broader post-war shift in British culinary habits, as rationing ended and palates expanded. The 1960s saw the rise of Italian restaurants in Britain, catering to a growing appetite for Mediterranean flavours. Establishments like Carluccio's and Pizza Express brought Italian dining to the high street, offering everything from authentic risottos to thin-crust pizzas. By the 1980s and 1990s, Italian ingredients like pasta, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese were becoming household staples, transforming the British pantry. Today, Italian food is ubiquitous in Britain. Supermarkets stock a dizzying array of fresh and dried pasta, jarred sauces, and Italian-inspired ready meals. Meanwhile, high-end Italian restaurants continue to thrive, serving regional delicacies like Sicilian arancini and Tuscan ribollita to discerning diners. The Appeal of Italian Food One of the reasons Italian cuisine has flourished in Britain is its adaptability. Italian dishes can be easily modified to suit British tastes, dietary preferences, and even budget constraints. Spaghetti Bolognese, for instance, has become a British classic—so much so that many don’t realise it’s a far cry from its Italian origins, ragù alla Bolognese. Similarly, pizzas in the UK have evolved to include creative toppings like chicken tikka and pineapple, much to the horror of Italian purists. Beyond its versatility, Italian food also holds a universal appeal. Its comforting flavours and hearty portions make it ideal for family meals, romantic dinners, or casual gatherings with friends. It is food that brings people together, emphasizing shared experiences over formality. Moreover, Italian cuisine aligns with contemporary culinary trends. Its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple preparation mirrors the growing demand for healthy, sustainable eating. Dishes like Caprese salad and grilled vegetable antipasti celebrate the natural flavours of their ingredients, offering a refreshing alternative to heavily processed foods. The UK's Top 10 Favourite Italian Dishes Source: The Stag Company Spaghetti Bolognese Pizza Margherita Lasagne Pepperoni Pizza Pizza Calzone Bruschetta Tiramisu Pasta Al Salmone Caprese Salad Pappardelle Con Funghi Italian Food as a British Staple Italian food has become so ingrained in British culture that it’s easy to forget it’s an import. Pizzas are now a takeaway staple, rivalling fish and chips in popularity. Pasta night is a weekly ritual in many households, and a glass of Prosecco is a go-to choice for celebrations. Even traditional British chefs, from Jamie Oliver to Nigella Lawson, have championed Italian recipes, further cementing their place in the nation’s culinary landscape. Interestingly, this love affair is not one-sided. Many Italian chefs and restaurateurs have found Britain to be a fertile ground for their talents, introducing regional Italian specialties to an appreciative audience. British diners, increasingly adventurous and well-travelled, are eager to explore beyond the familiar flavours of spaghetti carbonara and margherita pizza, seeking out lesser-known dishes like orecchiette with broccoli rabe or Venetian seafood risotto. The British love affair with Italian food is a testament to the enduring power of good food to transcend borders. What began as a curiosity about foreign flavours has blossomed into a deep appreciation for a cuisine that embodies warmth, simplicity, and joy. Whether it’s a humble bowl of pasta or an elaborate Italian feast, these dishes offer more than nourishment—they offer a taste of Italy’s spirit. As British palates continue to evolve, Italian cuisine remains a constant source of inspiration and comfort, proving that some romances are truly timeless.

According to the latest government statistics, the number of registered company insolvencies across the UK has decreased to 23,872, reflecting a reduction of 5% compared to 2023. After some significant swings over the last five years – mainly as a result of the business disruption from Covid lockdowns and the impact of unravelling the government support schemes - the statistics for 2024 show a return to a more typical ‘normalised’ number of companies entering formal insolvency procedures. In 2024, there were 23,872 registered company insolvencies compared to 25,163 in 2023 and 22,129 in 2022. These three post-Covid years follow the significant reduction in total company insolvencies in 2020 of 12,631 and 2021 of 14,058. The increased numbers in 2022 and 2023 were driven by the number of small companies that survived because of government-backed Covid support schemes in 2020 – 2021 but were unable to do so once they came off that ‘life support’. This is reflected in the increased number of smaller businesses that were placed into liquidation in 2022 and 2023. Head of Insolvency Operations at Leonard Curtis Carl Faulds comments: "While the return of a ‘normalised’ market is welcome there are still substantial risks ahead, particularly for medium-sized business because of the proposed increases in employers’ national insurance and the minimum wage from April this year." "The sectors likely to be hit hardest are multi-site hospitality and retail organisations, where the rising employment costs follows on from other cost increases, including utilities and the wider effect of high inflation over the last three years." "The government believes that the increases in employment costs can be offset by greater use of technology, but apart from larger supermarkets introducing self-checkouts, we have yet to see how this will be applied, particularly for the smaller operators in these two sectors." Stephen Goderski, Partner at restructuring and insolvency firm PKF Littlejohn Advisory, notes that while a decline in insolvencies is welcome news, businesses are not out of the woods yet. He states: “A reduction in insolvencies is encouraging, but the real challenge is what lies ahead. With national insurance contributions set to rise in April, businesses will see their payroll costs increase, putting further strain on cash flow at a time when many are already stretched. The question is whether the government’s economic strategy will provide the stability and support businesses and SMEs need or whether uncertainty will continue to dominate the landscape." “Larger businesses and SMEs remain vulnerable in this environment. Although some relief is coming, businesses are still waiting for clear signs of sustainable growth and improved trading conditions." "If uncertainty lingers, there is still a risk that insolvencies could rise again in the months ahead.” Stephen emphasises the importance of maintaining this momentum by continuing to act swiftly when financial difficulties arise: “Proactive measures, such as seeking professional advice and reassessing financial strategies early and often can significantly enhance the chances of long-term viability." "For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), this approach is vital to ensure their role as the backbone of the UK economy remains strong.”

Aldi is set to open nine stores in the capital this year as part of a £55 million investment within the M25. Building on its promise to bring unbeatable value to even more Londoners, the supermarket has revealed four of the locations set to welcome new Aldi stores in the next 12 months. Shoppers in Wimbledon, Fulham Broadway, Caterham and Orpington are all set to benefit from a new Aldi store in 2025. The openings form part of Aldi’s £650 million investment in Britain in 2025. The investment also includes upgrades at some of its existing locations within the M25, including an extension to its Colindale store. Aldi has a long-term ambition to open another 100 stores in London, creating around 3,500 new jobs. Jonathan Neale, Managing Director of National Real Estate at Aldi UK, said: “We strongly believe that everyone in Britain should have access to high quality food at our unbeatable Aldi prices. But we know that there are still thousands of shoppers in the capital that don’t yet have access to an Aldi nearby." “We don’t think it’s fair that so many people still have to make do with big prices at other supermarkets, which is why London continues to be a real focus for us as we work to bring even more Aldi stores to shoppers across the capital.” Aldi has been named by Which? as officially the UK’s cheapest supermarket of the year for 2024, the fourth year in a row the supermarket has picked up the title.

More than eight in 10 small businesses (88%) say there are areas of sustainability that are more important to them at the start of 2025 than they were a year ago – but many cite financial obstacles to fully achieving these goals, according to new 2025 research by Novuna Business Finance . Between Christmas and New Year, Novuna Business Finance asked a representative sample of 255 small business owners which areas of sustainability had become more important to their enterprise than it was a year ago. Topping the list of findings was reviewing the energy usage - with many businesses intent to review their water use, heating and possibilities for making greater use of renewable energy. Other top green considerations included; switching to greener forms of transport (29%) and investing in new equipment and sustainable infrastructure (18%). Beyond green and Net Zero issues, many small businesses see sustainability in the broadest sense. Nationally, 27% of small businesses said that improving working conditions and contracts for all employees (treating employees fairly) was more important to them than it was a year ago. Other sustainability issues rated more important for 2025 included: Creating jobs locally (32%), investing in local suppliers/contractors (16%) and having a positive social impact in my immediate community (27%). Whilst the depth and range of sustainability goals prioritised for 2025 was significant, many small businesses also voiced concerns over the obstacles to achieving them. The top obstacles to investing in sustainable initiatives in 2025 included: Paying for high energy costs (55%), coping with rising fuel costs (47%), the prosect of rising inflation/interest rates (40%) and the economic impact of Government policies (i.e. budget changes to National Insurance) (48%). More broadly, more than seven in 10 small businesses (77%) said they were also fearful on how the Trump presidency could have a ripple effect and adversely impact the outlook for UK small businesses in 2025 and beyond. More than one in four small businesses (26%) feared the prospect of the new US administration placing less importance on climate change and the need for businesses to do their bit to work towards Net Zero targets. The possibility of increased market volatility impacting the UK was also a major concern and on two counts: 33% were concerned about the impact on UK economic growth forecasts and interest rates, whilst 22% feared the impact on their own trading relationships. Regional Findings Around the UK, the commitment of small businesses to sustainability for 2025 is particularly strong in the East Midlands, West Midlands and in the North – the very regions that reported quarter on quarter increases in growth forecasts during 2024 [see notes to editors]. This suggests a possible correlation between businesses that are growing and those that invest in sustainability as part of their strategic planning. The opposite could be said for Wales, where small businesses placed less importance on many sustainable initiatives factors and are consistently below the national averages. Jo Morris Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance commented: “It is positive to see so many small businesses starting 2025 with a positive commitment to sustainable projects and for the vast majority to rate sustainability as more important than it was a year ago." "This suggests that UK small businesses are not following external trends on these issues, rather they have their own sense of the important role that responsible businesses can play in positively supporting climate action, looking after staff, being financially resilient and to positively make a difference in the local community." "Small businesses are doing more than attempting to be green in 2025 – they are true leaders in the sense that they are actively engaging with sustainability in the full meaning of the word." "We will share more small business stories on sustainability through our podcast this year - a project that shines a light on inspiring small business success stories from around the UK.”

Brits are going bananas for exotic fruit with papaya now the fastest growing fruit in the UK. Demand for the orange-coloured fruit, which is mainly grown in tropical climates within South America, has rocketed by nearly 160 per cent in the last year. Not only is papaya being increasingly eaten as a treat on its own but it has also become very popular as an ingredient used to add excitement to healthy fish, chicken and salad dishes. Kiwis, mangos, passion fruit and persimmons are other fruit that are currently spearheading record demand for exotic fruit in general. In the last year tropical fruit has become the fastest growing sector of the UK fruit market with demand soaring by nearly 30 per cent in a market now worth £460 million a year. The fastest growing tropical fruit in 2024 are: Papaya – up by nearly 160 per cent Kiwis – up by nearly 90 per cent Mangos – up nearly 80 per cent Passion fruit – 50 per cent Persimmon – 45 per cent Dates – 35 per cent Coconut – Up by 15 per cent Tesco exotic fruit expert Maksim Ivanov said: “Not so long ago pineapples, coconuts, passionfruit, pomegranate and nectarines were still considered exotic to your average shopper." “But now, as those fruits have become more mainstream buys, shoppers are turning to more unusual varieties with which to excite their taste buds and even impress their friends at dinner parties." “A key factor driving UK sales of tropical fruit is the fall in the price of travel and the increase in Caribbean and Far Eastern countries such as Thailand as popular holiday destinations." “Many people try exotic fruit out there and then are interested in buying them back home.” Papaya is a rich source of Vitamin C which protects cells from damage and also helps form collagen. It is important for normal bones, gums, teeth, and skin and also helps the immune system and nervous system function normally. As such, it counts towards our 5-a-day recommended intake of fruit and vegetables. Growing interest in exotic fruit is good news as it has been reported that most of the UK population continues to consume less than the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day; only a third of adults and just 12 per cent of 11–18-year-olds meet that number (UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey, years 9-11 (2016-19).

JCB secured Silver in the prestigious 'Machine of the Year' award at the LAMMA agricultural machinery show – the largest event of its kind in Britain – at NEC Birmingham last week (15/16 January, 2025). The all-new JCB Telemaster TM280S telescopic wheeled loader was recognised for its productivity, operator comfort and innovative engineering ahead of a host of other new farming machines launched at the show. JCB Agriculture Managing Director, John Smith, said: “No stone has been left unturned in developing the new TM280S as a highly capable, operator-friendly materials handling machine for farming and related industries, so we’re delighted this has been recognised by the LAMMA show organisers with this award." “It’s testament to everyone’s work carried out at factories across the JCB group that we now have a very competitive addition to our market-leading range of telescopic wheeled loaders with appeal to new farming customers at home and overseas.” JCB’s Telemaster machines are the only ones of this type engineered and built in Britain –manufactured at JCB’s Earthmovers factory in Cheadle, Staffordshire, the TM280S features an innovative chassis design, and a unique transmission engineered and manufactured at JCB Transmissions, Wrexham and a 130hp DieselMAX engine designed and built at JCB Power Systems, Derby. Together with a spacious cabin from JCB Cab Systems at Uttoxeter, the newcomer offers farmers a powerful and highly productive machine in a mid-size package that will be perfect for daily chores on dairy, beef and other livestock farms. Its telescopic boom lifts 2.75 tonnes to 4.8 metres and the unique DualTech VT transmission provides flexible and highly controllable hydrostatic drive when working at low speed before switching to direct mechanical drive at travel speeds for maximum power-efficiency and fuel economy. Standing just 2.6 metres tall – a key objective to ensure the machine can enter traditional farm buildings with low doorways – the new model provides great all-round visibility from its central driving position so that operators can work with confidence in and around farm buildings to get jobs completed quickly during a busy farming day.