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Inner Farne, one of the Farne Islands cared for by the National Trust, has reopened for visitor boat landings, after a period of closure due to Avian Influenza. Visitor boats will be able to land on the Farne Islands for the first time in two years, with bookings now open with boat trip operators. The Farne Islands are a National Nature Reserve and are an internationally important home to approximately 200,000 seabirds, including the charismatic puffin, Arctic terns, and kittiwakes. The first migrating seabirds are beginning to return to the islands, just off the Northumberland coast at Seahouses, to breed. They’ll depart once their chicks are fully fledged, at the end of the summer. The colony was hit hard by bird flu in 2022, with rangers collecting over 6,000 dead birds, and although the disease was also present last year, there was a reduction of 39%, with 3,647 birds collected by the ranger team, giving some hope that immunity is building within the colony. Sophia Jackson, Area Ranger for the National Trust says: “We are really looking forward to welcoming people back to the islands today. The seabirds that return here each year are just so special, and the memories visitors take away with them, stay with them forever." “The last two years have been really tough, but we are keeping everything crossed that the birds are starting to build natural resilience to bird flu. We will continue to closely monitor the birds for signs of the disease over the coming weeks, in the hope that we can remain open for the whole season. But the health of our precious seabirds has to be our priority, so we do have a ‘closure plan’ that we’ll implement, should bird flu return.” The National Trust team will also continue to work closely with statutory agencies and other organisations, like the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) & Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), to keep across the latest research and updates so that we can put the right measures in place to look after the birds to the best of our abilities. With the islands reopening, visitors will once again be able to book a landing trip with one of the boat companies that operate out of the harbour at Seahouses to get unparalleled close-up views of the incredible wildlife that inhabits the islands. On arrival on the harbour at Seahouses, visitors booked onto a boat trip are asked to visit the National Trust admissions point to purchase a landing ticket or to show their membership cards. Laura Knowles, Visitor Operations and Experience Manager for the National Trust says: “We have been waiting a long time for this moment and we’re delighted to welcome visitors back onto Inner Farne and to share the wonderful wildlife of the island up close once again. The nature experience that this place has to offer really is exceptional. Sail-around tours will also continue to be available for those visitors that want to experience the magic of the islands from the water.” As well as the fascinating wildlife, visitors will also be able to get closer to the cultural history on the island, which has links with early Christianity and St Cuthbert, with access inside the beautiful St Cuthbert’s Chapel and exterior views of the Inner Farne lighthouse and the Pele Tower. Inner Farne is the only island to open to visitor landings this year whilst National Trust trials limited opening.

Lloyds Bank’s latest Business Barometer has found that business confidence remains high, with March’s figures unchanged month-on-month at 42%. In a promising sign of a return to economic growth, this month’s survey data reflects the continued confidence firms have demonstrated so far in 2024 and means the overall business confidence level remains well above the survey’s long-term average of 28%. Key Findings: Business confidence unchanged at 42%, continuing the positive trend since the start of 2024. Retail confidence rises to a 2-year high, offsetting less positive service sector outlook. Firms’ staffing expectations remain relatively strong but edge back from last month’s high. Yorkshire & the Humber most confident region, but significant falls seen in the Midlands. The Barometer – which measures businesses’ overall confidence by assessing their trading prospects and optimism for the economy – also found that results for these metrics remained at historically strong levels. The net balance for firms’ trading prospects was unchanged at 49%, the second-highest level since 2017. A further 59% of firms (up from 57% last month) signalled stronger activity for the year ahead, while 10% predicted lower output (up from 8%). Results for economic optimism improved, increasing by 1 point to 35%. This accounted for 56% of businesses who felt more positive about the economy (up from 54%) compared to 21% of businesses who felt less positive. It should be noted that most of this month’s survey results were collected before official GDP data revealed monthly GDP growth of 0.2% in January. One factor driving the sustained confidence overall is businesses’ reduced concern about supply chain disruption. Following disruption to international shipping routes, businesses had previously expressed concern regarding the cost of and ability to do business. However, these concerns have eased in recent months meaning overall business confidence now matches the highest level seen in 2023 (42%). Employment Insights Elsewhere, firms’ staff growth expectations remained positive albeit slightly down from last month’s high. Overall, 46% of businesses said they expect to increase their workforce (down from 49%), while 19% plan to reduce their headcount (up from 13%). The smallest firms – those with fewer than 10 employees and a turnover above £250,000 but below £1m – were the least likely, on balance, to plan to hire new staff. The resulting net balance fell to 27% from 36% last month, which is still above the long-term average of 22%. Businesses of all sizes also reported labour shortages this month. The survey’s figures for average wage growth could potentially indicate a gradual decrease in pay growth in the months ahead. The share of firms saying they expect to award 3% or more pay increases in the next 12 months fell slightly to 33% from 35%. In terms of pay in the past 12 months, there is further evidence of a downwards trend with the proportion of firms reporting 3% or more increases falling for the third month in a row (32%). Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking said: “With businesses reporting 42% confidence in March, this month’s figures maintain the recent improvement bringing a positive end to the first quarter of the year. Firms are showing increasing resilience which is reflected in their easing concern about supply chain disruption and energy prices." “Businesses also continue to signal optimistic hiring intentions, although slightly down on previous months. It’s possible the impending minimum wage rises in April are beginning to come into sharper focus for businesses – especially smaller firms." “Among the regions there was a mixed picture. Following unusually low confidence in February, London bounced back with a 14-point increase to bring the capital back in line with typical figures reported for the area, although the greatest confidence was shown by businesses in Yorkshire & the Humber who reported a 29-point rise, making it the most confident region overall. However, businesses in the Midlands saw a significant fall which seems to be an outlier compared to recent results." “Overall, the Barometer across the quarter suggests that we could begin to see more optimistic economic growth in 2024 than seen in recent years, although medium-term challenges remain.” Pricing Insights For the third month out of a possible four, businesses reported a fall in how much they expect to charge for goods and services – however, there could still be signs that inflationary pressures have not fully dissipated. Although only 60% of businesses expect to raise their prices in the next 12 months this is down from 61% in February. The net balance remains high from a longer-term perspective as firms indicate that maintaining or increasing their profit margins remains a key strategic priority. Sector Insights Services confidence fell 5 points to 40%, the first decline since December. That drop, however, was offset by rises in confidence in the manufacturing, retail and construction sectors. The gains in manufacturing (up 1 point to 41%) and construction (up 2 points to 40%) were relatively modest and confidence remained below levels seen at the start of 2024. Firms in the retail sector reported improved confidence (up 5 points to 45%), which was the strongest result for over two years. Paul Gordon, Managing Director for Relationship Management, Lloyds Bank Business & Commercial said: “Businesses have shown remarkable confidence in the first three months of 2024. For the third consecutive month our Business Barometer has shown that confidence among firms remains positive and that they are feeling confident about their prospects in 2024." “It’s similarly pleasing to see a strong set of results across the sectors – particularly in retail which has faced significant challenges over the last couple of years." “The results so far this year suggest that businesses are ready to invest in themselves and feeling optimistic about the economy, and we’re here to support them in any way they need.” Regional insights While the overall UK business confidence level remained steady, there were significant changes at a regional level. Yorkshire & the Humber became the most confident region (60%) with a 29-point rise, while London confidence rose 14 points (52%), after falling in February. The Midlands, however, saw significant negative shifts. Specifically, the West Midlands confidence fell 33 points to register the lowest confidence of any UK nation or region in March (17%), while notable falls were also reported in the East Midlands, Scotland and South West.

In Scotland, monthly home-owning costs have risen 93%, compared to 74% for renting, over the last decade with Scotland being one of only three UK nations or regions where owning a first home is cheaper than renting. The monthly cost of owning a home in Scotland for first-time buyers is now £953, saving owners £424 annually, compared to those renting an equivalent home, according to the latest Bank of Scotland Owning vs Renting Review. The latest analysis, based on the housing costs associated with a mortgage on a three-bed home compared to the average monthly rent of the same property type, found that monthly rental costs in 2023 grew by 8% to £988, while homeowning costs grew by 29% to £953. Since 2013, the monthly home-owning costs have risen 93% with the comparable renting costs up 74%. Graham Blair, Mortgages Director, Bank of Scotland, said: “First-time homeowners in Scotland are savings hundreds of pounds every year - £424 to be precise - compared to those renting in the country." “Getting on the property ladder is a major life goal for so many people and it's a big priority for us to help them get there. However, there are quite a few barriers to making the long-term investment in a property, including higher borrowing costs, alongside less homes available to buy. We're big supporters and participants in the Scottish Government’s affordable home ownership schemes, including shared ownership and the mortgage guarantee scheme, as we want as many first-time buyers as possible to secure a place to call their own.” First-Time Buyer Costs In 2023, the average costs of a home for Scottish first-time buyers was £196,998, with average deposits around 19% of the purchase price, one of the lowest of all UK nations or regions.

The number of UK sectors reporting output growth hit a 10-month high in February, with companies indicating rising demand and spreading business optimism, according to the latest Lloyds Bank UK Sector Tracker. In February, 10 of the 14 UK sectors monitored by the Tracker reported output growth. This was two more than in January (eight), the most since April 2023 (10), and pointed to a broadening out of expansion across the UK economy. Software services – which includes software consulting and data processing firms – saw output grow at the sharpest rate of any sector monitored in February (57.5), closely followed by financial services (57.4), which includes banks, insurers and investment services firms. A reading on the Tracker above 50.0 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50.0 indicates contraction. Meanwhile, technology equipment (43.2) and tourism and recreation (45.7) saw output contract at the fastest rates. Drivers Of Growth Output growth in the service sectors monitored by the Tracker was driven by growing demand. In February, the Tracker’s index for service sector demand, measured by volumes of new business, climbed to 53.5 – its highest level since May 2023. However, in manufacturing, new orders fell for an 11th month in a row (45.4). Tracker data suggests that manufacturing output growth was instead driven by firms running down backlogs of unfinished work, while businesses also indicated they were proactively increasing production in response to an improvement in underlying demand conditions. In February, the net balance of manufacturers that expect their output to be higher in 12 months’ time rose to the highest level since August 2023 as firms reported reduced recession concerns. Supply Chain Disruption Feeds Through To UK Firms Alongside broadening output growth, February data provided further indications that global supply chain disruption, along with wage pressures, were potentially starting to increase costs for UK businesses. In February, the Tracker’s composite index of input price inflation rose to its highest level in six months. This came as more manufacturers reported shipping delays than at any time since September 2022 (mentions of it were 6.36 times the long run average), while the number of businesses reporting rising shipping costs climbed to a 15-month high (4.97 times the long run average). As a result, the rate at which prices charged to customers rose also accelerated marginally in February, albeit less sharply than input costs, suggesting that businesses were not passing the full extent of cost increases onto their clients. Although the Tracker’s measure of wage cost pressures dropped to a four-month low in February (1.47 times the long run average), wages continued to be a cited as a key cost driver. Nikesh Sawjani, Senior UK Economist, Lloyds Bank, said: “Growth is continuing to spread to more and more parts of the UK economy as conditions improve." “This positive momentum, alongside recent GDP data showing the UK economy expanded in January, provides more evidence that early 2024 is less likely to experience the pattern of economic contraction seen in the second half of last year.” Scott Barton, Managing Director, Lloyds Bank Corporate & Institutional Banking, said: “It’s encouraging that we are seeing activity increase across more parts of the UK economy. Moreover, a further rise in output expectations across most sectors suggests these trends have further to go. However, the data also shows that the impact of renewed supply chain disruptions is a headwind that firms will need to carefully navigate." “Similarly, if firms are ramping-up production in anticipation of future demand, it’s critical that they consider how they can build the inventory they need and where to invest in their businesses while still protecting their working capital." “Getting this balance right will mean they can continue to be financially agile and able to mitigate against any sudden movements in the economy or external environment.”

The borough was created on April 1, 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972 when three former districts – Barrow upon Soar Rural District, Loughborough Municipal Borough and Shepshed Urban District – were all abolished. Charnwood was formed, and Charnwood Borough Council followed soon after. To celebrate its golden anniversary, the Council will be highlighting everything that is great about the borough, including its landmarks, open spaces, businesses and its people, on social media and its other online channels. The Council will also be looking back on the past 50 years and is asking people from Charnwood and beyond to take part in the celebrations by sharing their favourite memories, moments or places about Charnwood on social media. Memories shared will be posted on social media channels and will also feature on a designated webpage. The Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Margaret Smidowicz, said: “The 50th anniversary of the formation of Charnwood is the perfect opportunity for the Council to reach out to the fantastic people of the borough and join together in celebrating everything that makes this such a wonderful place." “We want to involve our residents in the celebration of Charnwood and hope that you will share your memories and photographs and stories with us. I am looking forward to seeing your contributions and enjoying a nostalgic insight into what makes Charnwood such an amazing place.” Alongside the Council’s celebrations, Loughborough Library will be hosting their ‘50th Anniversary Exhibition 1974-2024’ from May 9 until July 27, 2024. The exhibition will be hosted in the Local and Family History Centre section of the library and will feature photos and monuments from the past half century. The exhibition has been collated by the Loughborough Library Local Studies Volunteer Group. The Council will also be looking at other opportunities to mark the milestone year.

The latest results from the annual UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS), led by wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation, the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), show that 2023 was a mixed picture for butterflies, with some species soaring while others continued worrying declines. Half the 58 species had a better than average year while the other half were below average at monitored sites. Species that flourished included Chequered Skipper, Brimstone, and Large Blue, which all recorded their best year since the UKBMS began in 1976. Another species recording its best-ever year was the Red Admiral, a migratory species that has begun to overwinter in the UK as the climate has warmed, making it a common visitor across all habitats, including gardens. Its numbers have increased by 318% at monitored sites since 1976. At the other end of the scale were the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and garden favourite the Small Tortoiseshell, recording their lowest numbers in the 48 years of monitoring, declining by 71% and 82%, respectively since 1976. Small Tortoiseshell had its worst year on record in England, second worst in Wales and joint fifth worst in Scotland in 2023, but did really well in Northern Ireland, logging its second best year. The Large Blue, which was reintroduced to the UK after becoming extinct in the 1970s, recorded its best year yet, showing the conservation work with this species is really working. Other species that had a remarkable year include Brown Argus, Marbled White, Comma, Black Hairstreak, and Holly Blue, which all ranked in their top three best years since 1976. On the other hand, Cryptic Wood White, Grizzled Skipper, Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Grayling and Scotch Argus faced significant difficulties. The Green-veined White and Ringlet both had a poor year, perhaps suffering ongoing effects from the drought the previous summer. The UKBMS, which began in 1976, is one of the world's longest-running insect monitoring schemes. Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, said: “Butterfly numbers fluctuate naturally from year to year, largely due to the weather, but the long-term trends of UK butterflies are mainly driven by human activity, including habitat damage and destruction, pesticide use, pollution and climate change. By monitoring long-term butterfly trends we can learn about the impact of climate change and other factors on our native wildlife.” Dr Marc Botham, Butterfly Ecologist at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, added: “Butterflies are an indicator species, meaning they can tell us about the health of the wider environment, which makes the UKBMS data invaluable in assessing the health of our countryside and natural world in general." "The mixed results this year emphasise the need for continued monitoring and conservation efforts to protect these important species and their habitats.” Dr James Heywood, Breeding Bird Survey National Organiser at the British Trust for Ornithology, whose volunteers contribute to the UKBMS, commented: "In 2023, thousands of skilled volunteers monitored a record-breaking 3,316 sites across the UK, gathering valuable data that will help to inform conservation decisions for the future. We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of those people who carry out the monitoring and help us to maintain this highly valuable study.” Chris Tuckett, Chief Officer for Strategy and Impact at JNCC, said: “The evidence produced through environmental monitoring, such as the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme demonstrates the vital role these schemes play in helping us understand the effects of pressures on the natural environment and, equally importantly, how efforts to address these pressures through nature conservation and recovery can be effective in reversing decline." “JNCC has supported these schemes, which involve thousands of dedicated volunteers, for over 30 years, and remains committed to continuing to support them in the future.” The UKBMS now records data on over 3,000 sites per year and the resulting dataset is a crucial resource for understanding changes in insect populations and has provided significant insights into almost all aspects of butterfly ecology. As the UK faces the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and other environmental pressures, the work of the UKBMS and organisations like Butterfly Conservation, the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, the British Trust for Ornithology and JNCC remains essential in monitoring and protecting precious butterfly populations and the habitats they depend on.

Osprey Charging, the UK’s leading and fastest growing EV rapid-charging network, now has over 1,000 live public EV chargers available for use by the UK’s EV drivers. This expansion milestone builds on the tremendous success of 2023, which saw Osprey grow in scale by 150% in the space of just 12 months. With more than 1,000 charge points now active, Osprey is the third largest public rapid charging network according to Zap Map statistics. In the past 12 months, Osprey has launched flagship hubs in key locations such as Devon, Cumbria, Essex, Dunbartonshire, Carmarthenshire and Nottinghamshire. These hubs are not only strategically positioned but also offer accessible, high-powered and reliable public EV charging. As a testament to Osprey's dedication to meeting increasing EV charging demands, the accelerated growth witnessed in 2023 has seamlessly extended into the opening months of 2024, with Osprey launching more chargers than any other network in 2024. With hundreds of locations spread across both rural and urban locations throughout the UK, Osprey chargers have an outstanding reliability rate of 99%, while its straightforward charging experience has seen Osprey recognised as a ‘Driver Recommended Network’ by Zap Map for a fourth time. At the 2023 Transport and Energy awards, Osprey was named Best EV Charging Network, shortly followed by winning Chargepoint Network of the Year at the 2023 Electric Vehicle Innovation and Excellence Awards (EVIEs). Ian Johnston, Osprey Charging CEO, commented: “With over 1,000 public rapid EV chargers now available on the Osprey network, we are providing the essential infrastructure that drivers and industry are calling for to support the electric vehicle revolution. The rate of growth is matched by the highest standards of service offered to our drivers, through a reliable and easy to use nationwide network." “Recent findings from the House of Lords have highlighted the need to speed up the roll-out of charging infrastructure by tackling delays for funding and planning regulations, as well as the equalisation of VAT rates between domestic and public charging. Both recommendations are welcomed by Osprey as they will ultimately help deliver an improved customer experience for EV drivers.”

Savour the bold tropical flavours of Shepherd Neame’s new beer Rumour Mill (4.3% ABV) this spring. It is the latest beer released by the independent family brewer as part of its popular real ale initiative Cask Club. A juicy IPA, Rumour Mill combines four hops - Mosaic, Amarillo, Jester and Challenger - to create a complex fruity flavour with additional notes of citrus and pine. The pale golden brew is perfect to savour on a spring day with its light, refreshing finish. Its name, and eye-catching pump clip design, was inspired by an historic landmark in Shepherd Neame’s hometown of Faversham, Kent - Chart Gunpowder Mills. First established in 1760, it was the only complete water-powered gunpowder mill in the country and made Faversham an important centre of the explosives industry for many centuries. The mill closed in 1934, when production was moved to Scotland. Brewing Manager Rupert Hodgkins, whose signature features on the beer’s pump clip, said: “Brewing Rumour Mill with a collection of powerful hops has been a fun challenge for the team, using our expertise to ensure a well-balanced flavour profile and aroma, crafting a delicious pint that pairs perfectly with a sunny pub garden." “We’re excited for discerning drinkers to give this flavoursome beer a try!” Shepherd Neame’s Cask Club offers an exciting new range of limited edition innovative cask beers incorporating modern styles and flavours, while also celebrating some seasonal classics. Future ales in the Cask Club programme to look out for over the next few months include Go For Gold and returning favourite Late Red.

Selby College has announced a range of Learning Destinations across the district for its recently launched Children’s University. The Selby Children’s University works with schools to encourage their pupils to take part in learning activities outside school hours. To help deliver the programme, Selby College has secured a wide variety of Learning Destinations in the local area including Carol Saunders Swim School, Chelles Dance Academy, Glazed and Confused Ceramic and Art Studio, Goole Gymnastics Club, KCMA- Kris Crump Martial Arts, Miss Hannah’s School of Dance, Perfect Pitch Stars Performing Arts, Rainbows at Barlby and Osgodby Methodist Church Hall, Sign with Sarah-Jade and The Painting Pot. Elaina Wynne, Studio Owner of The Painting Pot, said: “Children’s University is a wonderful charity dedicated to fostering a love of learning in children by promoting participation in extra-curricular activities both in and outside of school and we couldn't be more excited to be part of their mission." “At the Painting Pot, we believe in the power of creativity to inspire and educate young minds. By becoming a Learning Destination provider for Selby’s Children’s University, we're committed to providing a level playing field of opportunity for children of all backgrounds to explore their artistic talents and unleash their imagination through pottery painting. We can't wait to welcome more young learners to our studio and embark on this exciting journey together.” James Pennington, Head of School Partnerships at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “We are delighted to have a diverse range of Learning Destinations on board to provide high-quality learning opportunities and experiences for Selby Children’s University pupils. Our aim is to inspire them to try something new and explore particular areas further, helping to develop their learning, confidence and skills. We hope to welcome more Learning Destination providers in the Selby district in the near future.” Four schools in the local area have already signed up to become Children’s University members including Airmyn Park Primary School, Athelston Community Primary School, Hemingbrough Community Primary School and Selby Community Primary School – with more schools in the pipeline. The Children’s University Trust is a charity which works with schools to encourage the participation of extra-curricular activities for students aged 5-14 years old in primary and secondary education. Each Children’s University works with a broad network of local authorities, educational institutions and charities to co-ordinate the delivery of the learning initiative in the local area. Pupils involved receive a ‘Passport to Learning’ which they use to collect stamps each time they participate in a learning activity such as an after-school club, with the aim of collecting as many stamps and hours as possible. The diverse learning opportunities include activities led by the College, the pupil’s school and other Learning Destinations, with activities completed either at home or online. Once the academic year ends, the children’s achievements will be commended at an annual Children’s University Graduation Ceremony, hosted by the College and attended by parents and carers. To find out more and get involved in Selby’s Children’s University, please visit here.

Hampshire firm HWB Chartered Accountants has made three strategic promotions to facilitate future growth as business demand grows. The trio, Jenny Cull, Will Churcher and Brendon Reis, have all been named as Business Advisors as the Chandler’s Ford based firm bolsters its business strategy and planning offering. HWB Chartered Accountants Managing Director Tracy Jenkins said: “These promotions are part of our continued growth and succession planning for the future. It is also to do with talent retention and aligned with our strategy of promoting from within whenever possible." “These promotions are thoroughly deserved, and we are pleased to promote the three of them. Jenny, Will and Brendon will now work closely with our team of directors to offer advice, guidance and practical help to our growing client portfolio.” Jenny joined HWB’s accounts and audit department in 2012 as an 18-year-old trainee, the youngest employee in the firm at that time, straight from Barton Peveril College. She completed her AAT apprenticeship studies in-house, before moving onto her ACA exams and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2017. Southampton-born Jenny has worked across a variety of sectors, including manufacturing, the motor trade, hospitality, logistics, the film industry, academy schools and corporate clients, as well as taking on responsibility for the training for the firm’s audit training and development across the board. Will Churcher, who joined in 2017, initially applied for HWB while he was studying AAT at college. Will continued to work through AAT and ACA, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2023. He has subsequently worked on a range of clients in various sectors, including academy schools, construction, property management, recruitment, and retail. His focus moving forward will be helping clients to develop while ensuring that they are compliant with reporting requirements. In addition to this, he will be overseeing HWB’s Business Services and Innovation team who offer a range of services including management accounting, bookkeeping and VAT returns. Brendon Reis, who joined in November 2017, has worked with a variety of clients ranging from property management, architecture and design firms, fire engineering, design, goods manufacture and construction businesses. He started working with HWB after he finished at Winchester University studying Accounting and Finance and was seeking a place to work, train and take his ACA exams. His current responsibilities include acting for academy schools and corporate clients. Chartered accountants HWB, based at Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton, provides business and tax advice.

An Orkney family business has enjoyed a dramatic increase in sales and social media followers, after one of its products appeared on James Martin’s Saturday Morning, which showcases recipes and products to a range of celebrity guests. The Orkney Gin Company, founded by husband-and-wife team Gary and Andrea Watt, uses a traditional process to distil its spirits, which include gin, vodka and Scotland’s first akvavit. The team hand-picks its base botanicals, distils the spirits slowly up to eight times, and hand-fills and corks its Selkie Folk inspired bottles, which are designed in-house in a nod to Orkney’s history and folklore. Wholesalers make up the majority of The Orkney Gin Company’s customer base, but its products are also sold by Trade, John Lewis, Amazon and other online outlets, as well as its own website.   After securing their operating license in 2015, Gary and Andrea initially approached Business Gateway for support in starting-up, and received advice on their business plan and help to secure their first premises. Gary Watt, Co-owner and Distiller at The Orkney Gin Company, said: “We’re passionate about our Orcadian roots and about gin, so we knew we were capable of creating something amazing when we first approached Business Gateway for help to set-up." “We truly thought our business would remain a local one, but we’ve enjoyed steady demand over the years, which snowballed after we won our first World Gin Award.” The business saw a particularly large spike in sales after its Aatta gin, Christmas Old Tom gin and Orkney Akvavit appeared on James Martin’s Saturday Morning programme in late 2023. Gary continued: “We were approached by James and his team at a Country Living Fair in 2022 and couldn’t quite believe it. We are a small-scale family business at heart, so were very proud that someone with James’ profile liked our gin so much.” As well as a sales increase, The Orkney Gin Company has also secured additional trade customers, and has grown its website subscribers and social media following since the programme’s broadcast. The business also saw a sales increase for its Orkney Akvavit. Looking ahead, Gary and Andrea are now turning their attention towards securing larger premises to keep up with product demand, with the overall goal to introduce a visitor centre to make the most of Orkney’s tourism. Gary said: “We would love to open up a visitor centre in Orkney, and will certainly be reaching out to Business Gateway for advice on this next step in our journey. They’ve already signposted us to various Covid Bounce Back funding schemes, which have been so helpful for keeping our operations afloat. “Business Gateway has been a great support to our business operations over the years, so I’ve no doubt their continued support will be valuable as we enter this next chapter.”

The KaterBake bakery range at Central Foods has been expanded with the addition of five new donuts for the food service sector, including a gluten-free version. Ahead of National Doughnut Week 18th to 26th May, frozen food distributor Central Foods is launching sugared donuts, mini sugared donuts, chocolate iced donuts, mini chocolate iced donuts, and the gluten-free midi sugared donut under the KaterBake range. The ring-shaped, cake-style donuts are suitable for vegetarians and simply need thawing before serving. Gordon Lauder, MD of Central Foods, said: “Doughnuts and their American-style donut counterparts have been one of the greatest success stories of recent times, with huge innovation in the sector." “We’re delighted to be expanding our popular KaterBake bakery range with the addition of these five new ring donuts for our food service customers. The inclusion of a gluten-free ring donut means that coeliac customers don’t miss out on these popular sweet treats." “Our new cake-style donuts have a slightly denser texture, meaning they provide a more filling treat. But donuts are more than just a sweet treat; caterers can use them to decorate a freak or milkshake, an ice cream sundae, include as a component of afternoon tea or even to ‘sandwich’ savoury items, such as chicken burgers, to make unusual flavour mash-ups that can go viral on social media! The only limit with donuts is a chef’s imagination!" “Frozen donuts are ideal as operators can defrost them as needed, ensuring there is always a ‘fresh’ supply to hand and reducing wastage.” The KaterBake range is Central Foods’ own-brand of bakery products for the food service sector and includes speciality bread and morning goods such as flatbreads, crumpets, waffles, bao buns and yum yums. Central Foods was founded in 1996 and is one of the UK’s leading food service frozen food distributors. The company is proud to be a catering partner across the whole food service sector, supplying to hotels, restaurants, bars, universities, schools, pubs, care homes, garden centres, leisure outlets and more. Based in Collingtree, near Northampton, it currently sells to over 180 independent wholesalers, as well as larger national and regional wholesalers. For more information, visit www.centralfoods.co.uk