A Nottingham-based packaging giant has bolstered its current machinery fleet by investing in a £1.4m die-cutter. The Bobst Expertcut 106 PER 3.0 is the latest machine to arrive on site after a massive investment programme for the Nottingham headquarters. It had to be specially built from scratch in Switzerland, before making its way to The Wilkins Group in Colwick Nottingham. It is anticipated that the new addition will further increase productivity and efficiency in the production of folding cartons for the global brand and help deliver its full order book for 2025. The new machine is equipped with Bobst’s latest ‘Smart Feeder 2’ technology as well as an APT logistics system. This specialist machine die-cuts printed sheets and then strips the internal waste away and fully blanks the cartons onto the pallet, all at a tremendous 9,000 sheets per hour. It is expected that the new Expertcut 106 PER 3.0 will handle 40 million sheets annually. Joint managing director Justin Wilkins said: “Equipped with a Centreline system, this new equipment will allow for quick job changeovers, enhancing our productivity and ultimately enhancing our efficiency and delivery for customers." "It will ensure that we can maintain the quality that our customers are used to whilst adding to our order book for 2025." The commissioned Expertcut 106 PER 3.0 includes power register 3, which automatically controls the print register, ensuring a high-quality job every time. In addition to the ‘Smart Feeder 2’ technology, the machine boasts an independent feeder with electrical drive-shaft as well as ‘Quick Set’ and ‘Stop & Go’ functions. The Expertcut also has an APT logistics system, which automatically changes the pallets over and does not require any operator intervention. The Wilkins Group is a family run firm that produces food packaging for many of the UK's leading brands – including Pukka, Pizza Express, Harrods, and Cadbury’s to name a few. It also is credited with producing bespoke and award-winning items such as eco-friendly hangers and the iconic M&S light-up glitter gin bottles. Justin added: “We have bought many machines from Bobst over the years and this latest addition, with its enhanced features such as the APT logistics system, further expands and enhances our die-cutting capabilities. It will ensure that our ambitious plans for the future remain on track.” The new Bobst Expertcut 106 PER 3.0 marks the latest investment in The Wilkins Group’s UK headquarters. The die-cutting department now is unrivalled in the industry and the company is super proud of its achievements in this area.

Leading glass packaging company, Croxsons, has recently appointed Jim Harrower as their new sales manager for Scotland and Ireland. Jim brings over 15 years of experience in the FMCG drinks industry, including five years dedicated to glass packaging. Reporting to Matthew Winfield, Croxsons’ UK sales manager, Jim’s new role focuses on driving sales, expanding distribution and increasing market share of Croxsons’ primary packaging solutions across key sectors, including spirits, beer, food, non-alcoholic beverages and wine. Commenting on his new position, Jim said: “I was attracted to this role because of Croxsons’ excellent reputation and rich history in the packaging industry. The company’s strong values and commitment to its people make it an incredibly appealing place to work.” On a personal note, he added: “Joining Croxsons marks an exciting step in my career. I’m thrilled to continue working in an industry I’m passionate about, with a forward-thinking company that has a great culture. I’m looking forward to contributing to Croxsons’ success in Scotland and Ireland.” “With a proven track record and a passion for delivering value to customers, I’m confident that Jim will further strengthen Croxsons’ presence in these regions, ensuring the company continues to meet the needs of its diverse and growing client base. His appointment aligns with our ongoing strategic plan for growth,” said Croxsons’ CEO, Tim Croxson. Croxsons, a family-owned glass packaging company with over 150 years of expertise, provides bespoke glass containers and closures for the food and beverage industry worldwide. Headquartered in Surrey, UK, with a global presence, the company is recognised for its innovation, sustainability and exceptional quality.

A Nottingham firm has parcelled up a unique cocktail delivery method at a ‘top-secret’ 1940s postal service-inspired bar in one of London’s trendy suburbs. The bespoke in-bar cocktail delivery method, which sees drinks orders whizzing over customers’ heads in tubes between bar and table, is believed to be a UK first. The pneumatic tube system has been created by Aerocom (UK) Ltd on behalf of pub chain Cahoots for its latest venture, Postal Office, in Borough Market, London. Cahoots is part of the Inception Group. Shaking up the concept of delivering customer drinks orders from mixologist to table, Aerocom (UK) Ltd managing director, Tom Hughes said: “We are innovators and always excited to create something unique for clients. Cahoots has certainly put its stamp on Borough Market with its latest bar and we are proud to be a part of its success.” Cahoots is designed to give the impression of being a ‘secret’ London network of 1940s-themed cocktail bars and pubs. The concept for the Borough Market bar’s theme was inspired by the postal service, which is where the very first pneumatic tube systems were used in the 19th Century. The result is a two-floored venue billed as the most immersive and interactive of Cahoots’ network to date. Entering the venue through a life-size ‘postbox’, guests are transported into the cocktail bar hideout, which has a similar atmosphere to an underground New York speakeasy. Alongside props like overflowing lost post, some suspicious rattling parcels and stacks of undelivered mail, there’s the special ‘Air Mail’ pneumatic tube system. Almost 100 metres of 110mm diameter tube has been installed in the venue, enabling cocktails to whizz overhead as they are delivered to guests from the bar to the tables. Customers place their order using a QR code scanned from their table then watch the drinks fly through a series of air-powered tubes. Over the sound of trains going overhead, and with flickering lights and moving carrier pigeons adding to the atmosphere, Tom said: “This wasn’t our usual call out but, when we learned what was needed here, we knew our designers would step up and deliver.” The Cahoots bar system, which is described as a ‘first-of-its-kind' installation, was delivered just in time for the Stoney Street bar’s October launch. Aerocom (UK) was originally approached by Cahoots specialist project manager Olly Draper who was searching for a unique way to deliver cocktails from the venue’s team of mixologists to customer tables that would align with the post office delivery theme. Aerocom (UK) Ltd is one of the UK’s largest suppliers and installers of pneumatic tube systems. However, its clients are usually organisations like hospital trusts and large logistics centres. Despite the unusual nature of the Cahoots project, Aerocom (UK) is no stranger to adapting its products to unique situations. Past projects using the pneumatic tube delivery system have included creating the ‘Diverter Dilemma’, a puzzle challenge at the National Explorium in Dublin, installing a snack, drink and prop delivery system for BBCs’ One Show, and individual projects for the Great Exhibition of the North, London Design Biennale and Jock Campbell Interactive in Milton Keynes. The firm also supplies automated guided vehicles (AVGs) for a similar client base as well as a unique fire suppression device, the MAUS Pro Stixx.

One of Scotland’s most successful hospitality groups, Buzzworks, has achieved a significant milestone, securing 8th place on the prestigious UK Fast Growth Index 2024, which celebrates the nation’s top 50 fastest-growing businesses. Selected from over 5.6 million businesses nationwide, Buzzworks’ top 10 placement highlights its rapid expansion and sustained success within the competitive hospitality industry. With 21 venues across Scotland and ambitious plans for further growth, the company continues to raise the bar for dining and entertainment experiences while maintaining its reputation as one of the UK’s leading hospitality operators. The recognition follows Buzzworks' continued expansion and success in the hospitality industry, driven by its dedication to delivering exceptional dining experiences while providing industry-leading staff benefits and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. Kenny Blair, Managing Director of Buzzworks, said: "We are very happy to be ranked 8th on the UK Fast Growth Index, which is thanks to the hard work of our exceptional team." "Looking ahead to 2025, we remain focused on expansion and innovation, with plans to further grow the business in Scotland. At the same time, we will continue to do everything we can to be a great employer and an asset to the communities we serve.” Buzzworks is no stranger to accolades. Just recently. the company featured on the Best Companies to Work For list for the ninth time, earning 60th place on the coveted ‘Best Large Company to Work For in the UK’ list – climbing six places from last year’s result. The group was also named the ninth ‘Best Company to Work For in Scotland’ and the ninth ‘Best Leisure & Hospitality Company to Work For in the UK’. Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, the founder of the UK Fast Growth Index, said: "The businesses listed in this year’s UK Fast Growth Index represent the best of British entrepreneurship. Their collective contributions are driving significant economic growth, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the UK economy. We are proud to celebrate their success and look forward to revealing their place on the lists at the awards ceremony this November." The award-winning company offers an aspirational dining and entertainment experience across Scotland through its other stylish brands – Scotts, Lido, House, Vic’s & The Vine, The Duke, Thirty Knots, The Bridge Inn, The Fox and Herringbone.

Ingka Investments, the investments arm of Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer, aims to invest about €1 billion in companies that are increasing recycling infrastructure. Every year, the global economy consumes 75% more natural resources than the Earth can regenerate. This generates tremendous amounts of waste, yet less than 20% of waste is recycled. To support the transition towards a circular economy, Ingka is aiming to invest about €1 billion in companies that will contribute to recycling infrastructure. In doing so, we invest to recycle more end-of-life products into secondary raw materials. In 2017, Ingka Group established Circular Investments to invest in companies contributing to the transition to a circular economy with the focus to make a difference for plastics, mattresses, textiles, wood and food waste. We aim to grow profitable businesses that avoid millions of tonnes of CO2e and increase the availability of recycled material on the market. Since 2017, we estimate that our portfolio companies have recycled around 2.7 million tonnes of materials overall, avoiding over 9.4 million tonnes of CO2e. Lukas Visserm, Circular Investments Portfolio Manager, Ingka Investments adds: “To future proof our business we want to invest in financially and environmentally resilient companies." "When a product’s life at home ends, Circular Investments begins. Ingka Investments is committed to transitioning towards a circular economy and retaining the value of materials. For us, that means investing in companies that are developing technology or growing capacity to prevent waste or supply recycled materials.” Examples of avoided carbon emissions within Circular Investments’ portfolio include: RetourMatras recycles mattresses transforming them into valuable materials for reuse. They produce, on an industrial scale, repoliol, a circular alternative to replace fossil-based materials in new foam products and is used by various customers, including IKEA in 31 upholstery and mattress product lines. The business operates facilities in the Netherlands, England and France with a total annual capacity of 2.5 million mattresses. Recycled household plastics : Morssinkhof Rymoplast, the leading post-consumer plastic recycler, produces recycled plastics for products for both global and local brands. Our investment has contributed to Morssinkhof Rymoplast doubling its plastic recycling capacity to 515,000 tonnes per year. Today, Morssinkhof Rymoplast has 11 recycling facilities in Belgium, Germany, Poland and the Netherlands and has started construction of two new facilities in Belgium. Innovative technology : Next Generation Group is a group of companies supplying solutions that are both economically and ecologically efficient. Through its subsidiaries NGG offers a wide range of innovative and future oriented plastic recycling solutions, as well as advanced solutions for the treatment of organic waste. Peter van der Poel, Managing Director, Ingka Investments, said: “Our €1 billion ambition to invest in growing recycling infrastructure is crucial to Ingka Group’s broader sustainability strategy to go beyond our own operations. Through investments, we are committed to doing our part to ensure that valuable materials are recycled and reused in the production of new products." "What would help us go further is if legislation was stronger at prioritizing recycling over incineration and landfilling, for example by ensuring that Extended Producer Responsibility schemes were resulting in higher recycling rates. We also welcome eco-design regulations to encourage the demand for these recycled materials and we are actively collaborating with relevant authorities and other stakeholders to address these issues.” "Ingka’s ambition for Circular Investments is just one pillar of how we keep good things going – keeping products and materials in circulation at the highest value for as long as possible." "The more we reuse, repair, or recycle our products and materials and reduce the use of virgin materials, the more we help fight climate change and protect nature for the generations to come."

Voluntary and community organisations across South Yorkshire are facing a growing gap between demand for their services and their capacity to deliver due to rising costs and funding and recruitment constraints, according to new research by Sheffield Hallam University. A survey of the region’s voluntary and community sector (VCS) highlighted financial concerns linked to increased costs and stretched funding; heightened demand for services and lack of capacity to meet this demand; and recruitment, retention and wellbeing of staff and volunteers. The research, carried out by experts in the University’s Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR) found that demand for the services of voluntary and community organisations (VCOs) has increased for 80 per cent of those surveyed over the last year. However, only half said that the level of service their organisation can provide has increased. Expectations are similar for the next 12 months, suggesting that there is a gap between the demand for the services of VCOs and their capacity to meet this demand. One of the charities surveyed as part of the research said: “[The] cost of living crisis has increased the level of support needed by our clients and also impacted on increasing our wages bill. However, funders do not take this cost of living into consideration and do not increase funding pots accordingly making this very challenging.” Just over half of organisations have taken actions in response to these challenges, including increasing the price of their services, making changes to the organisation’s aims and/or service focus, seeking expert advice or support and reducing the level or number of services they provide. Cathy Harris, research fellow in CRESR and lead author of the report, said: “This research highlights the value and impact of the voluntary and community sector across a range of areas, with organisations delivering important services in health and wellbeing, advice and training, community participation, and advocacy and awareness raising." "However, the research also raises concerns about the sustainability of the sector going forward. The cost-of-living crisis is resulting in increased demand for voluntary and community sector services." "At the same time, organisations themselves are struggling financially with the lasting impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and funding not keeping pace with increasing costs. This is further compounded by concerns about staff and volunteer recruitment, retention and wellbeing as a result of these challenges.” The report was commissioned by a partnership of VCS support organisations in South Yorkshire (Voluntary Action Rotherham, Voluntary Action Sheffield, Voluntary Action Doncaster, Barnsley Community and Voluntary Services, South Yorkshire Community Foundation, South Yorkshire Integrated Care System) to provide an up to date picture of the sector in the region. There are over 2,200 registered VCS organisations operating in South Yorkshire, with the majority being locally-focused charities. The sector makes an important contribution across areas like health, social welfare, education and community development with over 19,000 paid staff working in the sector plus over 50,000 volunteers. Read the report South Yorkshire VCSE: Understanding Value and Impact here

Hult International Business School is delighted to announce that its Apprenticeships provision at Ashridge has been commended by Ofsted following a week-long inspection in November 2024 at the Hult Ashridge campus in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. The inspectors rated the provision highly, with Hult achieving ‘Good’ in all categories. Ofsted recognised Hult’s strong focus on leadership development and the impact Hult apprenticeships have on apprentices’ skills and workplace performance. Inspectors praised the ‘expert teachers,’ who apply a ‘wide variety of teaching and learning strategies’ and ‘use their expertise skillfully’ to enhance apprentices’ understanding and leadership capabilities. The report also praised the program’s approach to tailoring lessons to apprentices’ real-world roles, with content that directly benefits them, including skills such as managing change and leading teams effectively. Level 5 apprentices rapidly develop the behaviours they need to become effective leaders and managers in their workplace, noted inspectors. " Level 5 apprentices rapidly develop the behaviours they need to become effective leaders and managers in their workplace " Ofsted inspectors, November 2024 Additionally, the inspectors emphasised the program’s effective use of ‘meaningful progress reviews‘, noting how they help both apprentices and employers set and achieve relevant, work-related goals. Ofsted also acknowledged the high level of achievement among apprentices, with a high proportion earning a distinction in their end point assessments. Dr. Matt Lilley, President of Hult International Business School, congratulated the apprenticeships team for their incredibly hard work. He noted that this outcome is a great achievement for the staff and leadership, all of whom should feel proud of their efforts, adding ‘We’re excited to continue delivering impactful programs that support apprentices in their leadership journeys.” Mark Coleman, COO of Hult Ashridge campus, said: “We’re particularly proud that Ofsted recognise our efforts to support apprentices with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), helping them to develop the confidence and skills to succeed both personally and professionally, and to go on to champion SEND support for colleagues in their workplace." We’d like to thank all the apprentices who gave their time to speak to the Ofsted inspectors. And to all our apprentices we’ve had the privilege of supporting, whose tenacity and ambition is inspiring. We’re proud to be part of their leadership journeys.” This Ofsted recognition underscores Hult’s ongoing commitment to developing future leaders that make a measurable impact in the workplace. Find out more about Hult Apprenticeships at Ashridge here

Leading the way in innovation, Waitrose has launched a supermarket first fish “en papillote” range for food loving customers. Inspired by the classic French style of cooking, the fish is delicately folded into hand-crafted parchment paper parcels, then steamed to perfection with its own natural juices. Requiring no hands-on preparation, it’s ready to serve in as little as 20 minutes. Inspired by customer insights and designed to overcome the renowned ‘fish fear’, where many feel unsure how to cook fish, or are put off by its smell and texture - this range delivers the best in flavour and quality. The fish is expertly crafted to steam in the tray, with the parchment paper retaining the natural juices of the fish, infused with aromatic seasonings, creating a rich, flavour packed sauce, ensuring a perfectly tender fish dish every time. Natalie Kelsey, product developer at Waitrose comments: “We are delighted to launch the first fish 'En Papillote' to the market - an easy, healthy and delicious option that suits our customers' busy lifestyles." "Overcoming the dreaded ‘fish fear’, this style of cooking allows the freshness of the ingredients to truly shine. As the perfect mid-week solution, I love to serve mine with wholegrain rice, egg noodles or veggies for the perfect balanced meal.” This new launch also taps into the growing popularity in French cuisine, with searches on TikTok for ‘French recipes’ racking up a total 169k views in the last week alone. We’ve witnessed a surge in new restaurant openings such as Josephine, which offers a culinary journey through France, as well as French influencers such as Alexandra Stacey who inspire seasonal French cooking so people can recreate French cuisine and cooking styles at home.

After three months of stagnation, the UK economy saw a modest growth, largely thanks to increased activity in pubs, restaurants, and the construction sector. According to official data, the economy expanded by 0.1%, following contractions in the previous two months. This return to growth will be a positive indicator for the government, especially after recent financial market turbulence led to soaring borrowing costs and a drop in the pound's value. However, the growth was less than economists had anticipated, with declines noted in manufacturing, business rentals, and leasing. Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, UK Business, BT, comments: "Today's figures are a welcome sign of resilience for the UK economy. And this week’s AI announcement by the Government is a clear example that technology is a lever to help turn this resilience into recovery. Small businesses, the engine room of the UK economy, will be at the heart of this – and supporting their tech-enabled growth will also boost our international competitiveness." "Sustained growth, however, will require more than just policy changes. Large businesses have a vital role to play by sharing expertise and resources with small firms, especially to bridge the digital skills gap. Only through collaboration can we underpin long-term productivity improvements across the economy." "We must also make the case for tech modernisation clear to all businesses. A fifth of UK SMEs still rely on outdated technologies, showing there’s significant untapped growth potential. By embracing innovation, these businesses can unlock the full power of our digital economy," concludes Chris. Michael Brown Senior Research Strategist at Pepperstone, adds: This morning's UK GDP figures pointed to the economy having returned to growth in November, expanding by 0.1% MoM, snapping a run of back-to-back monthly contractions which had begun at the end of the third quarter. Clearly, though, such an anaemic pace of growth is hardly worth celebrating." "Furthermore, it remains important not to over-extrapolate from a single month's worth of data, particularly with recent sentiment surveys continuing to point to a huge degree of pessimism, and caution, from businesses and consumers alike. This, though, is unlikely to show up in 'hard' data until figures for the early months of 2025 are released. Overall, risks to the UK outlook continue to tilt to the downside." "Furthermore, the figures do nothing to change the narrative in the grand scheme of things, in that the UK continues to grapple with a grim macroeconomic backdrop, of largely stagnant economic growth, combined with stubborn price pressures. On top of this, after the recent sell-off across the Gilt curve, Chancellor Reeves's fiscal headroom has been all-but-eroded, likely leading to further tax hikes and/or spending cuts as 2025 progresses, thus posing a further stiff growth headwind," concludes Michael. Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “November’s nearly-flat growth in GDP offers little comfort to small firms, and it reflects the difficult trading conditions they have been consistently reporting." “However, yesterday’s news that inflation rose by less than expected will give small firms a measure of hope that interest rates could fall in the near future, something that is badly needed." “The Government must now make good on its statements that growth is its number one priority. Its recent call for regulators to put forward suggestions for growth-friendly changes they could make is one small businesses will welcome. Support for small firms must also be at the core of the three strategies which will be unveiled this spring: the Industrial Strategy, the Small Business Strategy and the Trade Strategy." “Looking ahead, the proposed changes in the Employment Rights Bill are much less promising. With nine in ten small firms expressing concern about the Bill, and with two-thirds saying they are preparing to hire fewer staff, the Bill risks dampening growth, and harming the economy by reducing employment levels and deterring expansion." “The forthcoming Spending Review must be used by the Government as an opportunity to look at how to support small businesses. Small business owners, limited company directors, and the self-employed should be shielded from future tax rises, as it is small and medium-sized businesses who are the ones with the greatest potential to grow, if given the right conditions," concludes Martin. Isaac Stell, Investment Manager at Wealth Club said: "The UK economy spluttered back to life in November with growth of 0.1%, following two months of negative growth in September and October. The small amount of growth achieved in November will likely take further heat off a chancellor that has been under significant amounts of pressure over the last few weeks." "Services output, the engine room of UK economic growth grew by 0.1%, Construction output grew by 0.4% and Production output declined by 0.4%." "The latest figures will be welcomed by the Government, however small they are, and when coupled with yesterday’s inflation undershoot provide a small glimmer of hope. However, Reeves and co will not want to hang out the bunting just yet as challenges certainly remain in the form of upside surprises to inflation and businesses having to shoulder significant rises in national insurance contributions come April." "However, with an economy that is far from firing on all cylinders, and inflation, for the moment moderating, much needed rate cuts from the Bank of England look like a real possibility.” Commenting on the modest rise in UK GDP offering a glimmer of encouragement, Douglas Grant, Group CEO of Manx Financial Group, said: “A modest rise in UK GDP offers a glimmer of encouragement, but challenges remain, particularly for SMEs. High inflation continues to squeeze costs and consumer spending, while geopolitical instability and fragile supply chains demand diversification and sustainable practices." "SMEs must prioritise agility in adapting to potential fiscal and regulatory changes, managing cash flow, and leveraging cost-effective AI and digital tools to boost efficiency." "Upskilling workforces and embracing flexible labour models will also be crucial in attracting and retaining talent. With investment hesitancy rising, adaptable lending strategies and a focus on resilience are vital to navigating this uncertain economic landscape." “The current challenges facing SMEs is reflected by research from Manx Financial Group which reveals that nearly a third of UK SMEs have paused or scaled back operations due to financial constraints. Although this marks an improvement from 40% in 2023, significant hurdles persist. Access to external financing remains a challenge for around 10% of SMEs, highlighting the need for a more stable and inclusive lending environment. With the SME lending landscape rapidly evolving, Labour must urgently recalibrate its policies to better support these essential businesses." As Douglas concludes: “Given SMEs’ role in driving growth, employment, and innovation, the Labour Government must foster a supportive lending environment for their resilience and expansion. Both traditional and alternative lenders are key to this, as inadequate financing could hinder recovery amid rising taxes, geopolitical tensions, and cost-of-living pressures."

Heathrow has announced an increase in its pioneering carbon cutting scheme for a fourth year. In 2025, £86m will be available to airlines through the airport’s SAF incentive scheme, targeting 3% of aviation fuel used at Heathrow to be SAF - amounting to 187,000 tonnes. Heathrow continues to lead on SAF use in the UK, with the incentive 1% above the UK mandate. The SAF mandate came into effect 1st January 2025. SAF, a fuel alternative to traditional fossil-based kerosene, can cut lifecycle carbon emissions by 70% on average by utilising feedstocks such as used cooking oil and other waste materials. The scheme encourages airlines to switch to SAF by approximately halving the price gap between kerosene and its cleaner alternative, making SAF more commercially viable for airlines. In 2025, the scheme aims to reduce lifecycle carbon emissions from flights by over 500,000 tonnes. This is equivalent to over 800,000 economy class passengers round trips from Heathrow to JFK. The 2025 incentive aims to align with Heathrow’s target to be 1% above the UK mandate in 2030: achieving 11% SAF use at the airport. Integrating SAF into the fuel supply is a crucial step in the airport's journey toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Heathrow has also published its ‘Nature Positive Plan’ which outlines its commitment to better understand, and where possible, reduce Heathrow’s impacts on nature. This is important for tackling the global biodiversity and climate crises. Key commitments include: using nature-based solutions to solve Heathrow’s challenges wherever feasible; expanding nature networks around the airport to support ecological resilience; improving biodiversity management; supporting nature-based carbon removal; and being the first airport in the world to commit to adopting the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) recommendations for annually reporting on our impacts and dependencies on nature. Alongside the Nature Positive Plan, Heathrow is updating its sustainability strategy, ‘Connecting People and Planet’ (Heathrow 2.0). The refreshed plan introduces more ambitious goals in areas where significant progress has been achieved, while adopting realistic yet stretching targets in response to evolving circumstances and data-driven insights. It highlights clear progress and increased ambitions in priority areas, including reducing noise impacts, improving air quality, and supporting the local community. Director of Carbon Strategy, Matt Gorman said: “Sustainable Aviation Fuel is no longer a future promise—it’s a proven solution that is powering flights worldwide. Our SAF incentive scheme, part of our Connecting People and Planet sustainability strategy, has made significant progress and we're now exploring options to set a long-term incentive signal to 2030." "We are delighted that Government has moved so quickly to legislate the SAF Mandate. We must now accelerate legislation for the SAF Revenue Certainty Mechanism to ensure we can build a domestic industry that will help decarbonise and drive economic growth.”

The increase in Employers National Insurance Contributions is a significant cost for the family business sector which collectively employs 13.8 million people across the UK. These increases, irrespective of the sector in which a family firms operates represent an increased cost of doing business that will undoubtedly have consequences for many businesses, and for some result in the need for cost savings, redundancies and possible closures, especially in the labour intensive sectors such as retail and hospitality. Family Business United , an organisation that champions the family business community across the UK worked with Cetin Suleyman, partner at accountants Goodman Jones  to look at the financial impact that the changes could have. Prior to the changes announced in the Budget, based on an average salary of £36,000 a year before taxes (based on the November 2024 Government data for average salary in England & Wales across all sectors) the cost of Employers NICs was £3,712. With the changes announced this rises to £4,650 per person, an increase of £938 a year per employee. Due to the very nature of the different sizes of family businesses and a significant proportion employing less than 10 people, assuming that one in ten people employed in family firms are affected by the changes, that would be 1.38 million employees which at a cost of £938 per employee would result in increased contributions from family business employers of £1.3 billion a year. However, we know form the Oxford Economics report into 'The UK Family Business Sector 2021-22' that 149,858 family firms employ more than 10 employees which would create a cost of £1.4 billion a year, assuming they all employed 10 staff. We can also see that there are 18,303 employing more than 50 staff and 1,516 over 250 staff so this figure is clearly an underestimate of the full cost and burden on the family business sector. Size of Businesses Number of Firms Small family firms (10-49 employees) 130,039 family firms Medium family firms (50-249 employees) 18,303 family firms Large family firms (250+ employees) 1,516 family firms Total family firms 149,858 family firms Source: The UK Family Business Sector Report 2021-22 (Oxford Economics) As Paul Andrews, Founder & CEO of Family Business United explains, "This is a large burden on the family business sector and a cost that goes direct to the bottom line in family firms across the country. For many, coming after all the economic uncertainties of the past few years, Brexit, the global pandemic, supply chain issues and rising energy costs it could be the final straw. It will certainly result in different decisions being made in family business boardrooms across the country." "Family businesses pride themselves on taking the long term view and building businesses to pass on to future generations, safeguarding jobs for their employees too, many who will be descendants in families that have worked in the business for generations too." "However, they also need to be financially sustainable and we are already hearing of large family business employers have to change their plans for the future in order to afford the increases they are being faced with. Family businesses already contribute significantly to the Exchequer in terms of the taxes they pay and we have to be fearful that the increase to NIC's will result in firms reducing their investments, cutting back on recruitment and looking at their staffing models." As Cetin adds "When the increase in National Insurance is factored in with the increase in National Minimum Wage outstripping inflation by 400% many businesses will have stark choices to make." "Projecting the financial impact is one thing, but a more fundamental pivot will be around accelerating the use of technology, and particularly AI, to replace jobs and reverse rising employment costs. For family businesses, this could go completely against their key principles of people and purpose, but failing to look at all of the options could prove very costly indeed."

Brussels sprouts. Few vegetables spark as much debate around the dinner table as these miniature green orbs. Loved by some and loathed by others, they are perhaps one of the most polarising foods in Britain. Yet, when prepared well, Brussels sprouts are not only delicious but also a nutritional powerhouse and a proud feature of British culinary tradition. The History of Brussels Sprouts Despite their name, Brussels sprouts did not originate in Britain but are believed to have been cultivated in ancient Rome before becoming popular in Belgium during the 16th century. The vegetable earned its name from the Belgian capital, Brussels, where they were widely grown and revered. By the 19th century, Brussels sprouts had spread across Europe and made their way to Britain, where they became a staple of winter meals. Today, Britain produces thousands of tonnes of Brussels sprouts annually, with many gracing our plates at Christmas dinners. Nutritional Powerhouse Often overshadowed by their reputation for bitterness, Brussels sprouts deserve a closer look for their impressive nutritional profile. They are part of the cruciferous vegetable family, alongside broccoli, kale, and cauliflower, and are packed with health benefits: Rich in Vitamins : Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health. High in Fibre : Just a handful of sprouts can help improve digestion and support gut health. Antioxidant Properties : These little vegetables contain powerful antioxidants, including kaempferol, which may help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases. Low in Calories : For those mindful of their calorie intake, Brussels sprouts are a perfect option, being both filling and low in energy. In fact, just 100 grams of Brussels sprouts provides over 100% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C. The Great Brussels Sprout Debate For many, Brussels sprouts conjure up memories of limp, boiled vegetables served at school dinners or family meals. Their infamously bitter flavour arises from glucosinolates, a naturally occurring compound that protects the plant from pests. However, bitterness can be avoided with proper preparation. In recent years, the humble sprout has undergone a culinary renaissance, with chefs and home cooks alike discovering creative ways to bring out its sweet, nutty, and savoury qualities. How to Choose and Store Brussels Sprouts When selecting Brussels sprouts, look for firm, compact heads that are bright green in colour. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and less bitter than larger ones. If possible, choose sprouts still attached to the stalk, as they stay fresher for longer. To store, keep them in a perforated bag in the fridge, where they’ll remain fresh for up to a week. Avoid washing them until just before cooking, as excess moisture can lead to spoilage. Cooking Brussels Sprouts to Perfection The key to unlocking the flavour of Brussels sprouts is to avoid overcooking. Boiling them for too long not only makes them mushy but also enhances their sulphurous smell, the very trait that has earned them a bad reputation. Instead, try these modern methods to elevate your sprouts: Roasting : Toss halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 200°C until they’re golden and caramelised. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra indulgence. Sautéeing : Pan-fry sprouts with butter, garlic, and crispy pancetta for a rich, savoury side dish. Shaving : Shred raw sprouts finely and toss them into a salad with apples, walnuts, and a mustard vinaigrette. Steaming : For a lighter approach, steam sprouts until tender and serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and toasted almonds. Stir-frying : Add Brussels sprouts to Asian-inspired dishes with soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger for a tangy twist. The possibilities are endless, and experimenting with different flavours and textures can turn even the staunchest sprout sceptic into a fan. Brussels Sprouts Beyond the Plate Interestingly, Brussels sprouts have uses beyond cooking. Their hearty leaves and cold-weather resilience make them a popular crop for sustainable farming. What’s more, their high nutrient content has caught the attention of the beauty industry, with some skincare brands incorporating Brussels sprout extracts into their products for their antioxidant properties. A Seasonal Star Brussels sprouts may have endured years of culinary misjudgment, but they are now experiencing a well-deserved revival. As versatile as they are nutritious, they prove there’s much more to this vegetable than meets the eye. Whether roasted, sautéed, or shaved into a salad, Brussels sprouts have earned their place as a winter staple worth celebrating.