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One in three UK employees in the UK are over the age of 50*, but a large proportion of this generation are being overlooked for workplace skills training opportunities and are being locked out of opportunities to upskill and re-skill in today’s rapidly evolving workplaces. Over half of over 55s haven’t received any management or leadership training in their current role. Employees in the 23 - 38 age bracket were most likely to have participated in management and leadership training in their current role, with two thirds (67%) having received training to support the development of their management or leadership skills in their current job. Over half of over 55s (55%) haven’t received any technical skills training on how to use digital tools and technologies, such as ChatGPT, from their employer in the past twelve months. This is over twice the number of younger adults aged 18 - 25 (27%) who haven’t received training in these critical areas in the past year. The findings are from Corndel’s Workplace Training Report 2024, based on research conducted with 1,000 UK employees and 250 HR decision makers at large organisations**. Furthermore, employees aged over 55 are also least likely to have received workplace training around ‘human’ management skills, such as empathy, mental health awareness and emotional intelligence, with only 25% who have received training in these areas in comparison to an average 39% across all age groups. Over 55s value professional development and aren’t confident in their current skills set Over half of over 55s (54%) say professional development is an important factor in their decision to stay with an organisation, suggesting employers need to shift their thinking around offering training and development for employees who are in their fifties and over. Worryingly, one in five over 55s (19%) don’t feel confident enough in their current skill set to find new employment or pivot their career if they were to lose their current job. In contrast, less than one in ten (8%) under 55s didn’t feel confident in their ability to find a new job or pivot their career with their current skill set. James Kelly, co-founder and CEO of Corndel, said: “Skills power people and power organisations. Without providing access to adequate training opportunities, we are not allowing this group of the workforce to thrive. And businesses are potentially losing out on the huge value that this experienced group of the workforce can add if they have equal access to ongoing technical and management skills training.” “Continuous learning and upskilling needs to be embedded into the UK’s workplace culture. In an era of the great ‘unretirement’, with thousands more over 55s working longer than ever before, alongside a time where both technology and working practices are evolving at lightning speed, people in all roles, at all levels of seniority and across all age groups should have the opportunity to enhance their skills and learn new skills to prosper in today’s workplace.” Over 55s case study: Robin Razzell, Data Analyst at Mitie Energy Robin Razzell is a highly experienced commercial project manager with a 24-year career spanning engineering, retail, and IT systems development and is currently a Data Analyst at Mitie Energy. Robin is currently enrolled on the Corndel and Imperial College London Data Analyst programme. Robin says: “I'm a believer in lifelong learning. Twenty or thirty years ago, career progression by the time I got to my level often plateaued. However, now, unless you are staying ahead of the curve, you essentially become redundant, because the environment in which we work is moving forward so quickly." "If you want to remain relevant to the workplace, you must upskill, it doesn't matter what age you are. Without that upskilling, you will shortly find yourself sidelined and of no more use if you're not educated about the current trends in the workplace environment.” AI Fundamentals training a core part of all Corndel workplace training programmes To help employees at all stages of their career upskill in the latest technology tools in the workplace, Corndel, the strategic workplace training provider, has recently introduced its ‘AI Fundamentals’ learning modules across all of its leadership, data and tech programmes at all levels of learning. The course is designed to be accessible to all employees, no matter where they are in their career, and is designed to empower and elevate professionals in an evolving and complex AI landscape. The course modules provide foundational knowledge of AI, its mechanisms and its potential, as well as ethical considerations and practical applications of AI tailored to each professional sector, ensuring learners can navigate the AI-powered future with confidence and responsibility. Notes * Restless **Opinium Research conducted an online poll on behalf of Corndel with 250 HR decision makers in organisations with 250+ employees and an online poll with 1,000 UK employees on 7th to 11th December 2023.

St Austell Brewery has signed a three-year deal with the prestigious Rick Stein Restaurant Group to supply its beer in its venues. The two Cornish-born businesses have had close working relationships for many years, with the Stein family having run The Cornish Arms in St Merryn for 15 years, which is a St Austell Brewery owned pub. korev, St Austell Brewery’s flagship lager, is now on draught at eight of the 11 Stein’s sites across the UK, including in Padstow, London and Winchester. Bottled Tribute will also be available as well as Harbour Brewing beers, Arctic Sky and Daymer Bay - both to be supplied on draught in six of the Stein’s sites. St Austell Brewery took a minority share in Harbour in 2022, to help grow the company’s South West beer distribution. Lee Tinn-Stephens, St Austell Brewery’s Sales Development and Export Manager, said: “It’s fantastic to have solidified this Cornish-born partnership that extends beyond the South West." “It’s a hugely rewarding partnership that the whole team and I have been looking forward to. That’s because of what the Steins represent in Cornwall and beyond, in terms of quality food and establishments." “It’s great to be associated with Stein’s and have our beers, as well as Harbour beers, in their sites.” Jack Stein, Chef Director for The Rick Stein Group, added: “It's great to be working and forming closer ties with another longstanding Cornish business. I'm looking forward to an ice-cold pint of korev or two in our restaurants this summer.”

New research released shows that 45% of people are looking to increase their income by starting or growing a side hustle this year. NatWest is the official banking partner of Team GB and has joined forces with top British Olympians to deliver a Team Talk to inspire the nation to reach their personal and financial goals. As part of the partnership, the bank commissioned a survey* of 2,000 British adults to identify these goals and understand the motivations behind them. The research found that 64% of Brits are looking for ways to increase their income in 2024, from working longer hours (33%), to getting a new job (26%) and asking for a pay rise (15%). However, nearly half of those asked responded by saying they were interested in starting or growing a side hustle. As the UK’s leading bank for businesses, NatWest provides entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the services and expertise they need to get their business off the ground and succeed. James Holian, Head of Business Banking, NatWest, said: “These figures show we are an ambitious nation with great entrepreneurial spirit, and NatWest has all the tools needed to help business owners start, run and scale their businesses." “With over one million SME customers, we have a long track record of offering the right personalised support to help businesses across the economy.” Through the NatWest Accelerator programme, over 1,000 entrepreneurs have already benefited from access to a range of comprehensive support designed to grow their businesses, including one-to-one coaching, access to like-minded peers and expert advice. NatWest has fourteen accelerator hubs across the UK and online, making it easier than ever for entrepreneurs to access genuine expertise that is relevant to their business. This is helping to remove barriers to entrepreneurship, providing more opportunities for those wanting to start or grow a business this year to make it a reality and reach their goals. Notes *The survey of 2,000 Brits was conducted by Onepoll in February 2024 on behalf of NatWest The Team Talk is available on YouTube featuring Olympians Sir Chris Hoy, Max Whitlock, Helen Glover, Duncan Scott, Bethany Shriever and Emily Campbell.

Thomas Taylor Bowls has secured a Virgin Money funding package backed by government department UK Export Finance (UKEF) to help the family business continue its international growth.   Glasgow-based Thomas Taylor Bowls is the oldest bowls manufacturer in the world, with over 200 years of experience. They export to over 70 countries around the world and are the preferred supplier to a number of national teams including Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, Australia plus many more.   Their bowls, known for their expert craftmanship, have found favour with players across the world, from seasoned pros to enthusiastic newcomers. This widespread appeal speaks to the business’s commitment to quality and innovation. Following a recommendation by an existing Virgin Money customer, Thomas Taylor Bowls contacted the bank whose Business Direct, Trade Finance and Treasury teams worked closely with UKEF to structure a deal providing the specialised support the business needed to continue to grow internationally.   Virgin Money has provided a tailored funding package including foreign exchange services, international payments and a UKEF guarantee offered under its General Export Facility (GEF), which were all vital elements given the importance of international exports to Thomas Taylor Bowls’ strategy. The GEF product is a flexible, government-supported scheme that helps UK export businesses – especially SMEs – to access working capital facilities, helping to improve cashflow or speed up international trade growth.   Grant Heron, Managing Director, Thomas Taylor Bowls Ltd said: “The breadth of experience with the team at Virgin Money was exceptional. They understood our needs and put a great package together with UKEF to help us meet our full international aspirations and requirements.” Craig Wilson, head of FX sales & trade finance at Virgin Money said: “I’m delighted that we were able to support Thomas Taylor Bowls with a range of tailored products designed to help them continue their impressive record of international growth." "At Virgin Money we aim to ensure businesses have access to key specialists that can add value at the right time, and by bringing together the skills of our Trade Finance team, who are available to support internationally trading businesses, our Business Direct colleagues and UK Export Finance, we have delivered a winning package for the customer." Carol Harvey, UKEF Export Finance Manager for Fife and Central Belt including Edinburgh and Scottish Borders, added: “Thomas Taylor has shown that there is global demand for quality Scottish exports." "Our support is now helping this family business to take the next step in their exporting journey. Most of UKEF’s deals support smaller businesses like Thomas Taylor’s, ensuring that entrepreneurs and owners from all over the country can benefit from international trade.”

To mark Intergenerational Week (April 24th – 30th April), not-for-profit care provider, Harrogate Neighbours teamed up with RHS Garden Harlow Carr and Richard Taylor Primary School for an interactive gardening event at The Cuttings. Bringing keen gardeners from different generations together, Andrew Willocks, Horticultural Specialist at RHS Garden Harlow Carr delivered an engaging and interactive gardening activity for six pupils and residents to enjoy together at The Cuttings. Tapping into the theme ‘knowledge is flower’, which will run next week during RHS National Gardening Week at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, the children and residents worked together to plant seasonal seeds which in time will produce flowers and vegetables. 11-year-old Katie from Richard Taylor Primary School said, “The event was amazing – I loved it. My favourite part was meeting everybody, they were so kind – and I loved the garden.” 10-year-old James added, “My favourite part was planting the lettuce – I would definitely come back again to help with the gardening!” Speaking on behalf of Harrogate Neighbours, CEO, Sue Cawthray said, “We know how engaged our residents are whenever we have visitors – especially the younger generation who share similar interests." “Residents in the gardening club at The Cuttings really enjoyed picking up some top tips from Andrew." "They find gardening really therapeutic and they loved the extra help from the children.” Horticultural Specialist at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Andrew Willocks added, “We were delighted to support such a wonderful event. It’s so important this day in age to have an outdoor area as can all enjoy – whether that’s to sit and relax in, or grow fresh fruit and vegetables.”

Oxford continues to see good demand for offices and laboratories, reflecting the diversity of the city’s science and tech cluster, but a lack of supply of Grade A space could send rents spiralling, says a regional property specialist. Mike Watson, Partner at property consultancy Vail Williams, believes the city has only around a year’s office and lab space supply left to support demand from the life sciences and biotech sectors. He said: “A lot of the growth in the Oxford office market has been driven by the lack of supply of Grade A office or laboratory stock, which has always been under-served here." “Given last year’s take-up figures, which were around 420,000 sq ft of lab space, there remains approximately 12 months’ worth of supply left.” Mike, who has 25 years’ commercial property experience in the city, added “This is driving rents up from the early £30s per square foot (psf) for traditional office space, to the mid-£60s psf – rising as high as £85 psf for lab space on some business parks." “The lack of availability of Grade A and super prime space could push rents on even further this year.” Mike, who works out of Vail Williams’ new Oxford office, added that last year life sciences accounted for around two thirds of overall office and lab take-up in the city." In 2023, Oxford University celebrated its 300th company creation, supported by its research commercialisation arm Oxford University Innovation (OUI), with 97 of its spinouts staying in or close to Oxford – the highest concentration anywhere in the UK. Mike added: “With a healthy pipeline of university spinouts seeking more than 10,000 sq ft of office or lab space, we will continue to see a fall in vacancy rates throughout 2024." “This lack or availability also represents an opportunity for landlords of Grade B stock to take up the slack and deliver more newly refurbished stock to market.” He said that although availability to meet client needs was sparse in central Oxford, despite the newly completed 65,000 sq ft Inventa laboratory and office building, there was better supply situated on out of town business parks. These include Begbroke Science Park, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, Howbery Business Park, Milton Park, ARC Oxford (formerly Oxford Business Park), Oxford North (for completion), Oxford Science Park and Oxford Technology Park. “It is an exciting time for the Oxford property market, and we are looking ahead to the rest of the year with a sense of excitement and anticipation – both with office and laboratory market in mind as well as the retail property market, for which we are cautiously optimistic." Vail Williams opened its new office in Oxford in February to meet growing business demand. Forming an extension of the firm’s Thames Valley region, it is headed by Richard Dawtrey, Partner and Head of Investment.

The University of York will lead a new multi-institutional partnership to explore the differences in how social security is designed and delivered across different parts of the UK. Households across the UK receive different social security support depending on where they live. Funded by the Nuffield Foundation, this major study will map the nature, extent and impact of the devolution on social security systems at national, regional and local levels.This will enhance understanding of the consequences for the millions of families across the UK whose experiences and outcomes differ depending on where they live. Regional differences Ruth Patrick, Professor of Social Policy in the School for Business and Society at the University of York, who is leading the study said: “It is common to talk as if there is a single UK social security system in the UK, but this has not been the case for some time. Devolution at the national, regional and local level all impacts on the social security a household will receive,” said Ruth Patrick, Professor of Social Policy in the School for Business and Society at the University of York, who is leading the study." “For example, a single parent family living in Birmingham could be hit by the Benefit Cap, but one living in Belfast or Glasgow is protected because of decisions made by their devolved national administrations. Despite the scale and nature of these differences, this issue has never been subject to sustained interrogation.” Alex Beer, Head of Portfolio Development at the Nuffield Foundation said, “Families across the UK receive different social security support. Although this difference is increasing, our understanding remains low. This strategic project will combine quantitative analysis, examining levels and trends across local authorities, with important qualitative insights into lived experience. In conjunction with engagement with policymakers at national and local levels, it will deliver a definitive account of devolved social security and identify opportunities for policy and practice improvement.” Real-time findings The project will share its research findings with policy makers in real-time, so that the findings can directly influence and improve policy and practice in a rapidly changing labour market and workforce. Professor Patrick said ‘‘There is a pressing need to improve social security in the UK. We need to better understand the differences in how social security is designed and delivered in different parts of the UK and use this research to support the delivery of better policies for families.” Collaboration for impact  Karen Rowlingson, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of York said: “I welcome this important award which will build on the great expertise at York in collaboration with other key partners in and beyond the university sector. Working in partnership across all four nations of the UK allows us to understand the challenges and learn from each other about what works, based on a robust evidence base." “Poverty continues to grow in uneven ways. It is only by understanding societal changes that we can achieve social change for public good. We are grateful to the Nuffield Foundation for funding this timely work, which has the potential to improve policy making and, subsequently, the lives of millions of families across the UK.” Project partners The project brings together expertise from seven universities across all four nations of the UK, who will work alongside the Resolution Foundation and Child Poverty Action Group. The universities are: Cardiff University The University of Edinburgh Heriot-Watt University University of Oxford University of Salford Ulster University University of York

Motoring fans were dazzled by a display of classic and supercars, as an impressive convoy of vehicles returned to Crieff Hydro Hotel in aid of the veterans’ charity, Erskine. The annual event gave dozens of veterans and their families the chance to ride in a vast selection of automotive gems from the Forth Bridges to Knockhill Racing Circuit, before arriving at the iconic Perthshire resort. More than 30 cars were involved in this year’s procession, including several rare Ferrari’s and Aston Martins, as well as beautiful Lotus and Porche vehicles. Wing Commander Ian Cumming MBE, Chief Executive at Erskine, said: “We are delighted that our Veterans have once again been invited to take part in the supercar drive." “The happy, smiling faces at being chauffeured around in such a dazzling display of classic and supercars are testament to just how special a day this has been." “We want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved, especially Bentley Cars Edinburgh, Mark Ryan from Driving Scotland, Stuart Gray from Knockhill and Stephen Leckie, CEO of Crieff Hydro, for sharing their passion for cars with our Veterans." “Our extended thanks go to all the drivers, the team at Knockhill Racing Circuit and staff at Crieff Hydro Hotel, your kindness and generosity is much appreciated”. Stephen Leckie, CEO of Crieff Hydro Hotel, said: “It was our pleasure to welcome back Erskine veterans and their families for what is one of the most exciting motoring events in the Crieff calendar." “The charity does an incredible job of supporting our military personnel and we are delighted to play a small role in providing a great day out for those who benefit from the service.” Mark Ryan, organiser and founder of Driving Scotland Car Club, added: “This will be the third occasion where friends from within the Driving Scotland Club and the wider network of friends have come together to deliver a memorable day for our Erskine Veterans." “The event recognises the service to our country from all our Erskine veterans, as well as recognising the care and support of the families and staff from Erskine." “A special thanks to Chris MacMurdo and Bentley Edinburgh for again supporting the event, providing a beautiful Bentley to lead the day and covering all costs for refreshments for everyone throughout the day. Many thanks also to Stephen Leckie and staff at Crieff Hydro Hotel for warmly welcoming the event and veterans for the second year now and providing such a wonderful back drop to finish off the exciting day." “Also, I’d like to say a big thank you to Stuart Gray and Knockhill Race Circuit in Fife for hosting the event and giving all of the convoy access to the circuit on the day. “It was really appreciated by all involved.”

Photo left to right: Mark Loveridge, Business Unit Director for Precious Metals Recovery at The Royal Mint and Jennifer Willis, DESA Deputy Head The Royal Mint has partnered with the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Defence Equipment Sales Authority (DESA) to provide an innovative and sustainable solution for the disposal of electronic defence equipment. It is estimated that around 7% of the world’s gold is contained within electronic waste and it remains one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world. The Royal Mint is using patented technology – created by Canadian based company Excir – to recover precious metals contained within circuit boards at ambient temperatures. The approach reduces the environmental impact of electronic waste and embraces the principles of a circular economy. The Royal Mint’s pioneering plant, designed to recover gold and other precious metals from electronic devices, is due to be unveiled this year. With shared commitments around sustainability and security, the partnership with DESA, part of MOD’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) organisation and the sole authority within the MOD for the sale of surplus military equipment from the UK Armed Forces, will mean that tonnes of retired and surplus defence equipment, which typically contains high levels of gold and other rare metals, will be securely processed at the South Wales plant each year. Minister for State for Defence, The Earl of Minto, said: “It is fantastic to see this new, innovative technology being used to recycle old defence equipment. Finding new ways to reduce the costs of disposing of our waste whilst minimising our impact on the environment is a valuable area of work. I very much look forward to seeing the positive impact of the new facility in Wales.” The innovative plant uses world-first patented chemistry from Canadian company Excir to recover gold with provenance, and extracts value from every element of the asset and its component circuit boards -including silver and copper - using other processes developed by the UK’s oldest company. These materials can then be purchased by The Royal Mint, to help fulfil its ambition of using sustainably sourced precious metals in its products or returned for reuse by MOD. Mark Loveridge, Business Unit Director for Precious Metals Recovery at The Royal Mint, said: “At The Royal Mint, sustainability remains front and centre in the decisions we make and the partnerships we form, and we’re pleased to announce a partnership with DESA, who will provide a regular source of materials to our Precious Metals Recovery Plant." “The Royal Mint’s new plant has the capability to recover gold and other precious metals from circuit boards in large quantities here in the UK, at ambient temperatures; safely recovering materials from the entire circuit board. We are proud to be working with partners from across the UK, including DESA, allowing The Royal Mint to become a leader in sustainable precious metals.” Richard Whalley, Head DESA, said: “DESA is constantly searching for new ways to improve our recycling portfolio by reuse, resale or, as in this case, by recovery of valuable metals which will return to the UK economy." “This innovative partnership with The Royal Mint, successfully delivered by our Innovation Team, is a key enabler for MOD’s continuing sustainability and circular economy journey. It is DESA’s pleasure to work with The Royal Mint to convert redundant non-saleable defence assets into a valuable resource, whilst also reducing disposal costs, minimising environmental impacts and securing the UK’s access to this new source of critical minerals. DESA looks forward to working with The Royal Mint over the months and years ahead to further develop this partnership and fully investigate the possibilities of this new process.” As The Royal Mint prepares to formally unveil its new Precious Metals Recovery Plant later this year, it is securing relationships with feedstock suppliers across the UK, who are supplying printed circuit boards from electronic devices, containing varying amounts of gold and other recyclable materials. Once fully operational, the multi-million-pound plant will be capable of processing up to 75 tonnes of electronic components per week - the equivalent of 75 small cars - producing hundreds of kilograms of gold each year.

Bridge of Weir, supplier of Fine Automotive Leather to the world’s most-respected luxury car brands, announces a new partnership with design and engineering consultancy, CALLUM. The agreement formalises a successful longstanding relationship between the two British-based brands, based on shared values of design-first innovation, industry-leading quality, and deep respect for heritage. Bridge of Weir has previously supported CALLUM, a business founded in 2019 by renowned car designer Ian Callum, with the creation of multiple ground-breaking luxury projects. In the automotive sector, the CALLUM Vanquish 25 – a reimagining of the iconic Aston Martin Vanquish – featured seats and panels trimmed in the finest Bridge of Weir materials, its luxuriously appointed cabin showcasing a range of completely bespoke leathers in beige, tan and dark blue. Through CALLUM, Prodrive has also trimmed its P25 with Bridge of Weir leather, CALLUM having designed a new interior for the limited-run model. In the product design world, the limited production series CALLUM Lounge Chair also featured a range of entirely bespoke Bridge of Weir leathers, available in colours including black, cranberry, fawn and bottle green, the material playing a key part in the company’s modern take on a design classic. In addition to sharing an ideological approach to creating the finest products using the most innovative and sustainable materials within and beyond the bounds of the luxury automotive sector, Bridge of Weir and CALLUM also benefit from a shared geography. With legacy roots for both sides being very much in Scotland, Bridge of Weir’s Advanced Design Studio and CALLUM’s industry-leading Design Studio are located within the same building in Warwick, in the heart of the British automotive industry in the Midlands. James Muirhead, Sales Director at Bridge of Weir Leather, said: “On behalf of the entire team, I am delighted to officially announce Bridge of Weir’s new strategic and creative partnership with CALLUM, a brand we all greatly admire for its cutting-edge, no-compromise approach to design, engineering and above all, quality." “Ian Callum and his team have a legendary reputation for pushing the boundaries of innovation. Having been proud to support CALLUM on multiple projects over the years, we are now pleased to take that relationship to the next level. With this partnership, Bridge of Weir looks forward to even closer collaboration with CALLUM, which will lead to the creation of world-class luxurious and sustainable products within and beyond the automotive sector.” Ian Callum, Design Director at CALLUM, said: “Throughout my career in the global automotive industry, I have always had the utmost respect for Bridge of Weir and the impeccable standards its expert team consistently sets. Few brands combine such a rich heritage with a passion for innovation so effectively. When we formed CALLUM, it was only logical that we would turn to Bridge of Weir to support us with projects such as the CALLUM Vanquish 25 and the CALLUM Lounge Chair." “Now, it is equally logical that we take this next step together in our relationship by forming a strategic partnership between CALLUM and Bridge of Weir. Bolstered by our shared geographical location, we look forward to setting new standards in luxury and innovation.” Bridge of Weir ensures that its leather production starts with responsible sourcing, with 100% traceability and zero risk of deforestation in the raw hide supply chain. The company's leather is the ultimate upcycled material, created through a 'circular' low-impact manufacturing process. Bridge of Weir utilises raw hides from the local beef and dairy industries, with over 98% sourced within the UK and Ireland. This upcycling approach prevents these hides from ending up in landfills, where they would emit hundreds of tonnes of harmful methane emissions each year. Since 2003, Scottish Leather Group, of which Bridge of Weir is a part, has reduced the average carbon intensity per hide by an impressive 90%. The group achieves this through the use of 100% renewable electricity and the conversion of process waste into energy. A new £14 million Super Tannery has also just been opened to further accelerate its sustainability leadership by investing in advanced tanning equipment that reduces energy and water use by 82% and 42% respectively. Bridge of Weir leather is the material of choice for the world’s leading automotive luxury brands, thanks to its quality, durability, versatility, and sustainability. To find out more about Bridge of Weir Leather, please visit here .

Shetland is due to get its first ever whisky distillery in 2024, after the business owners accessed specialist advice from Business Gateway. Lerwick Distillery will open its doors later this year, with a date to be announced. The concept that began more than a decade ago between friends Martin Watt and Calum Miller is nearing completion. They found a site for the distillery in 2022 and have been planning the build and eventual opening ever since. As well as Martin and Calum, who have established backgrounds in chartered accountancy and architecture, Lerwick Distillery also has Caroline MacIntyre and Ian Millar on board as sales director and master distiller respectively. Caroline has extensive experience in hospitality and sales, while Ian has worked in the whisky industry for over 50 years and has worked with a number of major whisky brands, including almost 25 years at William Grant & Sons. Scottish law dictates that a spirit cannot legally be called a whisky until it has matured for at least three years and one day, and the distillery plans to bottle a ‘new make’ spirit to cover operational costs for the first few years. This product will be called Haad Still – a traditional Shetland phrase for ‘hold on’, encouraging people to wait for the whisky to mature. In time, the distillery will also offer tours to customers, with tourists being a particular target market. Having secured the site in 2022, the team accessed business advice from Business Gateway after a recommendation from Shetland Islands Council, and met Business Gateway adviser, Diana Abernethy. Diana provided one-to-one support to the team in advance of distilling, helped raise their profile and signposted them to avenues to access vital funding. The business accessed a start-up grant from Shetland Islands Council, which contributed to photography costs for use on social media. The social media and imagery directly helped raise share capital towards the opening of the distillery. Martin and Callum’s initial funding target was to raise £1m, but they far exceeded this, and have been able to secure premises that are four times the original size they had planned. Martin Watt, Director of Lerwick Distillery said: "The support that we received from Business Gateway has been excellent. Diana was able to point out things that we had missed in our business plan, and gave us access to great contacts to help us develop." “If it hadn’t been for the funding Business Gateway signposted us to, we would not have raised enough share capital to be able to expand the business so quickly. The £4,000 funding resulted in an extra £682,000 share capital investment that really wasn't expected. We truly couldn’t have done this without Business Gateway.” Diana Abernethy, Business Gateway adviser said: “Shetland is the last area of the UK without a distillery, so to be able to help Martin and Callum reach the goal of being the first distillery on the island has been fantastic. It’s an exciting brand and journey they’re embarking on and will give such a boost to tourism in the area and the local economy.” To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here .

ADDED VALUE: Experienced Varun-Dev Gudka has joined property consultancy Vail Williams’ London-based Valuation & Advisory team. He is pictured, second left, with colleagues Partner Nigel Whitehurst, London Regional Managing Partner James Lacey and Partner Graham Saunders Property consultancy Vail Williams has appointed a new Partner to bolster its London-based Valuation & Advisory team as business demand continues to grow. Experienced Varun-Dev Gudka has joined from Knight Frank where he spent more than five years working in commercial valuation, having previously worked at Allsop for four years. Based at Vail Williams’ London West End office, he is responsible for growing the firm’s valuation offering in the capital in collaboration with the firms’ other service lines. His client base includes clearing and private banks, challenger lenders, Receivers’, property funds, asset managers, family offices and private investors. He undertakes valuations in various property sectors including retail, office, industrial, investment pubs and mixed-use schemes for a multitude of requirements, including loan security purposes, audit and accounts, Capital Gains Tax, transactional as well as matrimonial and probate valuations. Prior to becoming chartered, Varun-Dev gained valuable experience in commercial and residential agency and commercial asset management and auction trading. Varun-Dev, a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS), has 14 years’ real estate work behind him. He has a strong track record of property appraisals of individual lot sizes ranging from £500,000 to £150 million-plus and portfolios ranging from £5 million to £1.5 billion, throughout the UK. He said: “I was very quickly drawn in by the project London Regional Managing Partner James Lacey and the firm’s Head of Valuation Stephen Hobbs outlined for the London Valuation & Advisory service line." “I share the same vision as Vail Williams, to grow a London team from the ground up and firmly establish our place in the London market as we have across the UK. I am both overjoyed and excited to be joining Vail Williams.” James said: “All-rounder Varun-Dev brings with him experience and enthusiasm for business generation and property valuation spanning all commercial and mixed-use property sectors." “He is like a breath of fresh air and has already hit the ground running as a valued and popular member of our valuation team." “His expertise and effectiveness in handling valuations right across the board is an important asset as we seek continued growth of our London operations and the expansion of our offering.” Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy.