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In the year that Virgin Atlantic turns 40, the airline will pay homage to its founder, Sir Richard Branson, by naming its latest state of the art aircraft in his honour. Ruby Rebel, registration G-VSRB, will salute Sir Richard and mark 40 years of Virgin Atlantic shaking up the travel industry. The airline’s fifth Airbus A330neo, which will enter service from May, will also feature a brand-new flying icon, inspired by Sir Richard and the rebellious spirit that’s always driven Virgin Atlantic to do things differently. The icon, whose features are inspired by Holly Branson, include nods to Sir Richard’s career and famed business ventures throughout its design, such as Virgin Records pin badges, a Tubular Bells charm bracelet, a Virgin Galactic rocket on the belt’s buckle and a Virgin Voyages anchor on icons boot. Another bracelet featuring the letters J, S, and H have been designed as a sweet gesture to his wife Joan and children Holly and Sam. The icon’s punk styling reflects the airline’s iconic Vivienne Westwood uniform, which is still rocked by its cabin crew today. Ruby Rebel symbolises Virgin Atlantic’s desire to do things differently, beginning in June 1984, when its first aircraft, Maiden Voyager, departed London for New York, bringing a flash of red to the skies. The airline’s focus has always been to deliver the best customer experience in a brilliantly different way. From being the first airline to introduce seat back TVs, the Premium cabin and fleet wide Wi-Fi, to flying the first world’s first Pride flight and the first 100% SAF transatlantic flight, Virgin Atlantic and its people continue to challenge the status quo. Shai Weiss, CEO Virgin Atlantic, commented, “Forty years ago, Virgin Atlantic flew our first customers between London and New York offering something different and realising our purpose to ensure everyone can take on the world. As we gear up to mark our Ruby anniversary in June, it’s an opportunity to look ahead to the next forty years." “So much has changed, but the one thing that’s remained constant is our incredible people and their unique red spirit, the red thread that keeps us flying miles above the rest. It all started with Richard on 22 June 1984, a pioneer with a vision to shake up the travel industry, putting people first and giving customers a choice" “Ruby Rebel embodies the rebellious spirit that’s always driven us to do things differently. And, the best is yet to come.” Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Atlantic Founder and President, commented, “When starting Virgin Atlantic, I went against everyone’s advice – and on paper they were right. They knew we’d be a tiny airline against much bigger players. But my attitude is that if you can create something that's better than what everybody else is offering, then you have a chance of succeeding." “Virgin Atlantic was created to provide a bright red, fun, friendly, fabulous choice that made flying better for everyone. We worked out in 1984 all the things we could do differently, from our planes, our Clubhouses, our in-flight experience and most importantly our people. Now, 40 years later that rebellious spirit lives on and will continue to drive us forward as we shake up the aviation industry for the next 40 years and beyond.”

London & South East Finance Awards: 65% of London finance professionals think economic instability will have biggest impact on them this year. A poll has found that over two-thirds of finance professionals and teams across London and the South East think that economic instability will have the biggest single impact on their operations this year. The London & the South East Finance Awards is a one-of-a-kind accolade which recognises those finance teams and individuals who have navigated less than favourable economic conditions to achieve some incredible things in the region. Businesses from across the capital and South East can now submit entries for the Awards – hosted by leading recruitment firm Robert Walters in partnership with ACCA, HSBC, CFGI and Mills & Reeve. Following on from the resounding success of its inaugural launch last year – the awards are now back for a second instalment, recognising outstanding individuals and teams in 22 categories. The deadline for entries will be Friday 5th July, applications will then be judged by a panel of the region’s industry leaders. Elliot Jackson, Director at Robert Walters UK comments: “Over 750 finance professionals, teams and businesses came together last year to celebrate the first London & South East Finance Awards – it was a fantastic night of amazing stories, celebrations and great company." “This year will be even bigger, an unmissable event for the finance community. Now is the time to start working on your entries!” Abdul Goffar, Director of ACCA UK comments: “ACCA is proud to be partnering with Robert Walters, HSBC, CFGI and Mills & Reeve for the second year of the London Finance Awards!. Last year gave us the unique opportunity to celebrate the finance professionals and finance teams who propelled many businesses to success in what was a very difficult year for many." “We cannot wait to hear the incredible stories and accomplishments of those powering the capital’s finance industry this year.” Matt Osborne, Head of Corporate Banking, London at HSBC comments: “HSBC are delighted to be supporting the London & South East Finance Awards for a second time. We welcome another opportunity to recognise and highlight the industrious work of our local finance community. I look forward to reviewing the applications of the capital’s finest financial talent.” Greg Taylor, Managing Partner at CFGI comments: “The continued challenging macro-environment has been difficult for many but it is often in these types of conditions that the excellent work of many finance professionals, teams and leaders, is particularly vital and there is much to be commended and celebrated." “The awards event last year was a truly special evening, celebrating the successes of finance professionals across London and the South east – one that we very much look forward to being a part of it again this year.” Andrew Secker, Partner at Mills & Reeve comments: “We are excited to be sponsoring the London and South East Finance Awards for the first time.” “Finance professionals and teams operate at the beating heart of business – so we look forward to being part of an awards programme that celebrates excellence, innovation and talent in finance within the city and South East." “Thanks to organisers Robert Walters and partners, CFCI, ACCA, and HSBC, for allowing us to come on board as the awards celebrate a second year.” London & South East Finance Awards – 2024 categories: • Finance Team of the Year - Retail • Finance Team of the Year - FMCG • Finance Team of the Year - Media & Publishing • Finance Team of the Year - Property & Real Estate • Finance Team of the Year - Tech, Telco & FinTech • Finance Team of the Year - Leisure & Hospitality • Finance Team of the Year - Pharma, Healthcare & Life Sciences • Finance Team of the Year - Energy & Natural Resources • Finance Team of the Year - Professional & Business Services • Finance Team of the Year - Investment Management • Accounts Receivable & Credit Control Team of the Year • Accounts Payable Team of the Year • Tax/Treasury Leader of the Year • Senior Finance Leader of the Year (Less than £50 million turnover) • Senior Finance Leader of the Year (£50-200 million turnover) • Senior Finance Leader of the Year (Over £200 million turnover) • Finance Leader of the Year (Less than £50 million turnover) • Finance Leader of the Year (£50-200 million turnover) • Finance Leader of the Year (Over £200 million turnover) • Rising Star of the Year (Qualified) • Rising Star of the Year (Non/Part-Qualified) • ESG Excellence Award

With spring approaching, the stunning vibrant colours of nature are emerging, and the flowers will begin to bloom shortly. From woodland bluebells to elegant roses and graceful lilies, flowers never fail to enchant us with their beauty. Yet, while it is true that flowers can make stunning subjects, capturing their essence takes more than just snapping a photo. As a photographer, there are several factors to consider to ensure that shots achieve a professional quality that draw the viewer’s eye. James Whitten, Marketing Manager at photoGuard says: “Flowers are captivating with their vibrant colours and delicate fragrances. No wonder they are one of the most popular subjects for nature photography.” Leading camera equipment insurer photoGuard shares some effective flower photography techniques. Timing It's better to take photographs of flowers outside as opposed to indoors if possible. This means photographers can take advantage of natural light and can capture the flowers in their natural habitat. If taking pictures outside, photographs should be taken in the early morning or early evening. Whilst it may seem tempting to take the photographs when the sun is shining, soft lighting makes for a clearer shot and better compliments the flowers. Additionally, taking photographs at this time greatly reduces the amount of shadow that will appear in the photograph due to the position of the sun. Steadiness While photographers can't control the weather, they can put certain measures in place to ensure their photoshoots are not disturbed too much by the weather. Whilst rainy days make for excellent photographs, wind can be a difficult element to battle in photography as it means the flowers will be moving slightly in the breeze. As a result, it can be hard to keep the camera focused. One way to address this is by placing an object outside the shot to block the wind and keep the flower still. Macro Don't be afraid to get up close when taking photographs of flowers. A closer shot can be achieved with a macro lens or even by zooming in nice and close can bring out details in a flower that often go unnoticed. Macro lenses can often be found for a reasonable price. “If you had planned to take photographs on a day and got hit with an unexpected shower, you'll be able to capture individual raindrops with this technique” adds Whitten. Read more flower photography techniques:

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has compiled a list of plants to correspond with Pantone Color Institute’s Colour of the Year 2024. ‘Peach Fuzz’ was the colour selected for the 25th year of the programme, which the Institute believes conjures an image and feeling of “our desire to nurture ourselves and others. It’s a velvety gentle peach tone whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body, and soul.” For gardeners planning to use this signature colour there is no shortage of peachy tones and textures to be found in horticulture, whether in the delicate petals of spring favourites such as Narcissus ‘Waldorf Astoria’, or the late summer beauty of Dahlia ‘Labyrinth’, or even indoors on a flowering cactus. ‘Peach Fuzz’ was found to be a match for colour 26D in the RHS Colour Chart – the tool for documenting plant colour worldwide. Curators of the RHS Herbarium have matched Pantone Peach Fuzz to a list of plants which can be grown in a range of spaces, big and small. Gardeners can experience the warmth and joy of ‘Peach Fuzz’ simply by introducing a few of these top ten matches into their gardens and homes: Chrysanthemum 'Salmon Enbee Wedding' : A half-hardy perennial that grows to 1m in height, with divided foliage and sprays of single flowers whose rays are yellowish-pink tinged with light coral pink, and creamy-yellow on reverse. Dahlia ‘Labyrinth’ : A tuberous-rooted perennial with dark green foliage. Its large, flamboyant flowers, up to 20cm across, have peachy petals, gently curled and twisted to reveal the darker pink undersides, and are produced from mid-summer to the first frost. Kniphofia ‘Toffee Nosed’ : Ideal for sunny banks and borders these exotic looking hardy perennials have slender leaves and ivory flowers turning a light toffee brown at the tips. Flowers between June and September and grows up to 100cm. Lilium rosthornii : A Chinese lily, with soft golden-orange blooms, which has only become available in recent years. Easily and readily grown in light- or part-shade in a humus-rich soil. Narcissus ‘Waldorf Astoria’ : A double daffodil with large flowers in mid spring. These have three rows of broad, white petals, interspersed with shorter, pinky-orange corona segments. Enjoys full sun or partial shade in a moist but well-drained position. Potentilla fruticosa 'Daydawn' : A spreading, bushy deciduous shrub to 80cm tall, with small, pinnate leaves and saucer-shaped pale yellow flowers tinged yellow and pink, from early summer to early autumn. Rebutia 'Apricot Ice' : A hybrid rebutia cactus, comprising barrel-shaped stems with soft, hair-like spines, and large, star-shaped orange blooms, which fade to apricot-pink. Easy to grow and makes a great beginner’s houseplant. Rhododendron 'Hanger's Flame' : A dazzling and lightly scented variety of the much loved shrub, with orange flowers that feature a slightly more golden tint on the upper lobes. Flowers in May and June. Rosa JOIE DE VIVRE ('Korflociol') : A small shrub reaching about 60cm in height. It flowers repeatedly through the summer and autumn. The scented blooms are double and rosette in form with a peachy pink and cream colour. Needs a moist but well-drained position in full sun. Verbascum 'Tropic Sun' : A tall perennial – reaches up to 1.5m - developing from a rosette of large leaves. The flowers are yellow flushed with peachy-orange with a red eye. For more information about the RHS herbarium and plants detailed above visit www.rhs.org.uk

A family-owned self-storage business in Poole is celebrating its second anniversary by offering free storage. Store and Secure in Hamworthy is run by ‘storage sisters’ Lucy and Sophie Maidman. Their stunning success means they are able to offer four weeks free storage as an anniversary special. Painted in a distinctive yellow colour, the huge facility on Blandford Road is named Joyce House after the sisters’ mother. Before moving into the self-storage business the family ran the well-known Maidman’, the removal firm. Lucy said: “Our official opening was two years ago and we have had so much help and goodwill that we wanted to give something back." “The business has done better than we’d dare hoped and to mark our second year we have a super offer of four weeks’ free storage. Many of our clients use their space to run online retail businesses, so this is a great opportunity for someone to try out a small business and see if it’s viable." “We take in all the stock for our clients so they can continue with their full-time jobs and use our facility for their side-hustles." “We are from Hamworthy and have sponsored a stand at Hamworthy United FC and we really do want to help our community where we can." “At Joyce House we have all types and sizes of storage as well as serviced offices. And we love people to pop in and say hello.”

St Austell Brewery’s Tribute (4.2% ABV), has won two medals at the prestigious International Brewing Awards 2024. Tribute - St Austell Brewery’s longstanding flagship pale ale - is still making waves in the world of beer, 25 years since it was first brewed. The beer scooped a bronze medal in the cask ale category (3.9%-4.3%) and a silver medal in bottle (2.9%-4.3%). The International Brewing Awards are often dubbed ' the Oscars of the brewing industry'; an award is a recognition by fellow professional brewers that a beer is an outstanding commercial example of its style. The competitions were first run in 1888 and have constantly developed to reflect the global market for beer. Georgina Young, brewing director at St Austell Brewery, said: “To win these accolades is a very proud moment for the team and testament to the effort put in to brewing such a timeless, quality beer which can stand up to both old and new beers entering the competition and still hold its own." “It’s particularly special that both packaged Tribute and cask Tribute have been recognised as best-in-class; we’re proud champions of cask beer and continue to shout about how important it is to British brewing. Tribute is a great example of how brilliant cask beer can really be when it’s brewed and treated with the care and attention it deserves.” Tribute has stood the test of time; it was launched to commemorate the 1999 solar eclipse. It was originally a one-off special named Daylight Robbery, but proved to be so popular it was reintroduced as Tribute and has since won various awards over the years. The zesty and fresh pale ale brewed with specially sourced ingredients, including Cornish Gold malt and hops from the UK and the USA, is one of the nation's best loved cask brands, sitting in the top 10 best-selling cask nationally. Tribute was also the best performing premium ale brand across the Off Trade in 2023*. *Source: Circana/SIG BWS/Actual Value Sales growth 52wks to 30/12/23 vs YA.

Leading UK plant nursery, Johnsons Nurseries Ltd, has supplied 29,000 woodland trees and whips to the 20,000-acre Swinton Estate in Masham, North Yorkshire, to create new woodlands in the north of England. Over 30 varieties of trees were supplied to the Estate, via The DTMS Group, which has been contracted to deliver the landscaping for the project. The varieties included Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies, Sorbus aucuparia, Quercus robur, Salix caprea, and Acer campestre. Trees were specifically selected and sited for water and biodiversity improvements and for their many climate benefits from providing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide to providing resources and habitat to wildlife. Funding for this project has come from the White Rose Forest via their Trees for Climate programme, part of the Government’s Nature for Climate Fund. The White Rose Forest is the Community Forest for North and West Yorkshire and works with landowners, businesses and communities across the region to provide support and funding for woodland creation projects that will benefit communities and the environment. Founded in 1921, Johnsons Nurseries has vast experience in contract growing for hotel developments on a large scale, having provided both Seaham Hall, in Durham, Grantley Hall in Ripon, Another Place in Ullswater and The Torridon, a 5-star luxury Scottish Highland Hotel, with substantial amounts of plants. Johnsons Nurseries’ marketing manager, Eleanor Richardson, said: “We were excited to work on this project in collaboration with the Swinton Estate, The DTMS Group, and the White Rose Forest. Johnsons has over 100 years of experience in sourcing and supplying the highest quality plants, finding the best species suited to our clients’ needs." "The trees that we supplied included a range of native species, from pines to oaks, enhancing the natural beauty of the estate and contributing to improving biodiversity and water quality.” Will Richardson, Forestry Advisor to the Swinton Estate said: “The Swinton Estate have a long-term ambition to increase tree cover by 50% over the next 20 years, creating around 350ha of new mixed woodland and wood pasture. This is driven by a desire to improve sustainability and nature conservation across the estate, sequester carbon and to produce sustainable crops of timber in years to come." "This has been the first phase of this programme, and we are delighted with the contributions made by the White Rose Forest, DTMS as contractors and Johnsons as tree suppliers in helping us to deliver this. We very much look forward to seeing the new woodland thrive and mature over the years.” DTMS Group’s Managing Director, Dan Lazenby added: “We at DTMS were excited to be given the challenge of planting such a substantial quantity of trees with a deadline fast approaching." "The team achieved this despite some very challenging conditions and received positive feedback in the process from our client, Swinton Estate. It was a great scheme to be part of and provided us with opportunities to develop all staff members, including our Horticulture apprentice." "We welcome any opportunities to work alongside fellow local businesses, especially when we are enhancing the environment in the process.”

easyJet and the world’s leading children’s organisation UNICEF have today announced the new phase of their partnership to support UNICEF’s goal of ensuring all children at primary and lower secondary levels are enrolled in school by 2030. easyJet and UNICEF’s ‘Every Child Can Fly’ campaign will raise vital funds to change millions of children’s lives, including contributing to UNICEF's target of providing access to learning opportunities for 114 million children and digital education for 148.6 million children around the world. The onboard collection by easyJet’s cabin crew is now running in time for the busy holiday period, which will see the airline fly over five million customers across its network, who will have the opportunity to donate onboard around 40,000 flights towards the ‘Every Child Can Fly’ campaign and support UNICEF’s work in education. In 2022, 70% of 10-year-olds in low- and middle-income countries could not read and understand simple text. This figure has worsened by 13% since COVID-19 school closures. UNICEF’s education roadmap aims to tackle the current global learning crisis by helping to ensure all children have the right to a quality education, including during emergencies. The new 'Every Child Can Fly' campaign will deliver fundraising efforts in the coming years to support UNICEF’s aspiration to achieve every child's universal right to learn by 2030. Johan Lundgren, easyJet CEO, commented: “We are incredibly proud to be launching our new ‘Every Child Can Fly’ partnership with UNICEF, which will support the delivery of impactful programmes to help children shape their future, alongside UNICEF’s crucial work protecting children in times of emergency." “It has been a privilege to have supported UNICEF for over a decade during which time our customers and crew have raised almost £17 million onboard our flights. I would like to thank any customers who are able to donate this Easter for their kindness and generosity in helping make a real difference to the lives of millions of children around the world.” Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive at The UK National Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) said: “Children around the world are affected by a growing learning crisis. Only 30% of 10-year-olds from low- and middle- income countries can read a simple sentence. Today, more than ever, children and their futures need to be protected." "Thanks to partners such as easyJet, UNICEF works around the clock to support children and build innovative programmes that give the most vulnerable children in accessing their right to learn. I would like to use this opportunity to thank the incredible team at easyJet for continuing to stand by children, as we announce the new phase of our partnership into the coming years. With enhanced access to quality education, every child can fly.” Since 2012, easyJet customers and cabin crew have raised nearly £17 million towards UNICEF’s appeals, enabling the child rights organisation to protect millions of children around the world from disease and keep them safe during emergencies. This includes over £400,000 for children and their families affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria last year, which provided vital funds for UNICEF’s work in the region, and a record-breaking £616,000 in a single month for UNICEF’s Ukraine appeal. The contribution of easyJet customers has already supported UNICEF to reach more than 169 million children to help develop relevant skills and build their futures. Since 2018, a fundraising total of £2.7 million has contributed towards UNICEF’s work to provide every child with an opportunity to access learning. This included providing educational materials such as textbooks and classroom kits to more than 137 million children so that children were able to keep learning, even during a conflict. With the new partnership, easyJet has also become a Founding Member of UNICEF UK’s Emergency Alliance alongside other businesses to support the delivery of UNICEF’s life-saving work in emergency settings. Members will play a key role in ensuring that UNICEF can support children and families before, during, and after an emergency, through financial contributions and awareness raising activities. UNICEF UK is calling on other committed businesses to become members of the Emergency Alliance. Olivia Colman, President at the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), commented: “Since working with UNICEF, I have witnessed the breadth of work that goes into making sure that the most vulnerable children and families are protected." "Whilst children are facing an unimaginable scale of unrest, timely initiatives like the Emergency Alliance offers hope that children will receive the help they need to lead healthy and happy lives.”

Sainsbury’s has revealed its ambitious new targets for decreasing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These have been verified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the global body that sets requirements for and approves emission reduction targets. Back in 2020, Sainsbury’s was one of the first UK retailers to set SBTi validated targets. The retailer had previously committed to reducing its absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 but has now pledged a 68% reduction within the same time frame. Sainsbury’s scope 3 emission reduction target of 30% by 2030 has now been turned into two separate commitments. It’s operational target, which includes areas such as transport, energy use and manufacturing sites, has been increased to 50.4%, demonstrating the retailer’s commitment to tackling GHG emissions generated across its value chain. Then for the first time, following new requirements outlined by the SBTi, Sainsbury’s now has validated targets which focus on scope 3 GHG emissions that come from forests, land and agriculture (FLAG). The retailer has pledged to reduce its FLAG emissions by 36.4% by 2030. Sainsbury’s bold new targets are part of its work towards becoming net zero in its own operations by 2035, and in its value chain by 2050, in line with its commitment to the Paris Agreement of limiting global warming by 1.5°C. Sainsbury’s, along with other signatories of the WWF Retailer Commitment for Nature, has asked its suppliers that are responsible for a high proportion of its scope 3 emissions to get approved science-based targets by the end of 2025. The retailer has also continued to work collaboratively with WRAP and other signatories to identify the biggest opportunities for collective action on emission reduction. Ruth Cranston, Director of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at Sainsbury’s, said: “Getting our updated targets validated by the SBTi is an important step forward. The effects of climate change are already very real so it’s vital that we act now to reduce emissions and protect and restore nature to help us build a resilient future for all. Our ambition to achieve net zero by 2050 will require transformation across our whole business, supply chains, as well as how we help our customers to make more informed choices. We can't do this alone, so collaboration as an industry will be critical to drive the required change." Catherine David, Director of Behaviour Change and Business Programmes, WRAP said: “We welcome this move by Sainsbury’s, to collaborate on action towards net zero and set clear and validated targets." "We know that to achieve the scale and speed of GHG reductions needed, working to change how we produce and consume food is essential. We are delighted that, as signatories to Courtauld 2030 – a commitment based on collaborating to achieve key environmental targets around sustainable food production - Sainsbury’s are leading by example.” Sainsbury’s has taken big steps in recent years to combat its GHG emissions in its own operations and is also making progress across its value chain. Last month, Sainsbury's was the only UK supermarket to be awarded an A rating for its environmental commitments on climate change by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for the tenth consecutive year. Sainsbury's was also recognised by CDP as a 2023 Supplier Engagement Leader for work engaging with suppliers to tackle climate change. A few ways the retailer has reduced its scope 1 and 2 emissions include: Removing Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and natural gas across its stores through the introduction of more efficient refrigeration systems and use of excess heat from the refrigeration systems to heat the stores Introducing 100% LED lighting across its entire estate, reducing lighting energy consumption by an average of 70% Using 100% renewable electricity across its estate and increasing the amount of on-site generation at its stores Launching its most energy-efficient supermarket in Hook, Hampshire, which uses half the energy of a similar-sized Sainsbury’s store and 25% less electricity Sainsbury’s has also been taking steps to reduce its scope 3 emissions, including: Introducing a new Taste the Difference Aberdeen Angus range in selected stores which offers a 25% lower carbon footprint compared to industry standard, making it the largest low carbon beef range ever produced in the UK Requesting suppliers to disclose their site level emissions and reduction plans through Manufacture 2030 and HIGG (sustainability and analytics platforms) to help identify hotspots and opportunities for decarbonisation in its supply chain Launching Smart Charge, a dedicated EV charging business, which will introduce over 750 bays in more than 100 Sainsbury’s locations by the end of 2024, making it one of the UK’s top five providers of ultra-rapid EV charging, helping to reduce carbon emissions by supporting the uptake of electric vehicles

The world’s leading centre for the study of Scotland’s national poet is being recognised at Buckingham Palace with the highest national Honour in further and higher education. The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes celebrate excellence, innovation and public benefit in work carried out by UK colleges and universities. Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, are to present the Prize to the University of Glasgow in recognition of the scholarship, range and impact of projects undertaken at the Centre for Robert Burns Studies, chiefly Editing and Curating Burns for the 21st Century. Prizes – which showcase the positive impact of research on education, the economy and wider society – are the highest national Honour awarded in UK further and higher education and are granted every two years. They are run by the Royal Anniversary Trust, an independent charity. Speaking outside Buckingham Palace today, academics from the Centre for Robert Burns Studies said: “It is wonderful to see the importance and impact of the Centre for Robert Burns Studies’ scholarship recognised here today. It means a great deal to us that our interdisciplinary work to research and sustain the educational, cultural and economic value of Burns’s phenomenal legacy has been awarded this very great honour. The Queen’s Anniversary Prize also emphasises Glasgow’s standing as a University at the forefront of the study of Scottish Literature and Culture.” Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, who will be presented with the prize on behalf of the University and Centre, said: “Today’s presentation is a testament to the outstanding scholarship our University provides to the world. The Centre for Robert Burns Studies is home to exceptional scholars who have rewritten our understanding and knowledge of Scotland’s national bard. I know they will continue their exceptional scholarship to better understand Scotland’s greatest poet and song writer.” He added: “The University is delighted to have the efforts of its Burns scholars recognised and this wonderful news means that the University of Glasgow now has six Queen’s Anniversary Prizes and has been successful in four of the past six rounds of the Prizes. I am proud of - and grateful to - everyone across the University who has played a part in this success.” Professor Jo Gill, Vice-Principal, and the Head of the College of Arts & Humanities at the University of Glasgow, said: “This prestigious prize deservedly honours the dedication and breadth of work of our world-leading staff and students over the last near two decades. Receiving the highest Honour in UK higher education is a remarkable achievement and reflects the College’s continued and ongoing commitment to support our outstanding research in the Arts and Humanities.” This is the 6th time that the University of Glasgow has won a Queen’s Anniversary Prize. Previously the University won in 1994, 1998, 2013, 2017 and 2021. The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes scheme is unique in the Honours systems in that it is granted to an institution as a whole (irrespective of the area of work recognised). This is the 15th round being celebrated with 22 Prizes awarded. The Prizes are managed by The Royal Anniversary Trust, which is an independent charity. The Trust was established in 1990 to create a national programme of educational activities and other events marking the 40th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession in 1992 and in appreciation of her many years of service as Head of State. Sir Damon Buffini, Chair of Royal Anniversary Trust said: “The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education are an integral part of our national Honours system, shining a light on the groundbreaking work taking place in universities and colleges across the UK. Congratulations.” Born in 1759 in Alloway, Ayrshire, Robert Burns is one of the world’s most celebrated and commemorated poets. His poems and songs have been translated into every major language including Russian, German, French and Chinese. Burns’s influence has extended far beyond Scotland with some 9.5 million people worldwide estimated to attend Burns Suppers annually. Burns’s version of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ – the New Year anthem - has been performed by everyone from Elvis Presley to Jimi Hendrix. In January 2020, a report by the Centre for Robert Burns Studies revealed Scotland’s national bard is worth just over £200 million a year to the Scottish economy and the poet’s brand is worth nearly £140 million annually.

Britain’s most successful female Olympian, Dame Laura Kenny, has today announced her retirement from the Great Britain Cycling Team, bringing down the curtain on an illustrious career spanning five Olympic and seven world titles. Having shown prodigious talent from a young age riding with Welwyn Wheelers, Kenny won her first European title at just 18-years-old in the team pursuit in 2010, and her first world title in the same event the following year. In the run up to the 2012 Olympic Games Kenny won two more world and European titles in the team pursuit and omnium, securing her place in the Team GB squad as London 2012 fever swept the nation. Kenny’s London heroics captured the heart of the nation, as she blazed to two gold medals at just 20 years of age. Alongside Dani Rowe MBE and Joanna Rowsell MBE, Kenny broke the team pursuit world record to take gold over the USA, before showing exceptional skill and maturity once more to secure victory in the omnium three days later. She repeated the double four years later in Rio, winning the team pursuit alongside Rowsell, Katie Archibald MBE and Elinor Barker MBE, and dominating the omnium once more with victories in three of the six events. After the birth of her first son, Albie, in 2017, Kenny showed her famous grit and determination to get back to full fitness for the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games. At the event she was part of another world record-breaking quartet which won silver in the team pursuit, before Kenny made history once more alongside Katie Archibald by winning gold in the women’s Madison, being crowned the first female Olympic champions in the event. With that medal Kenny became Britain’s most successful female Olympian and the first British woman to win golds at three consecutive Olympic Games. She was subsequently awarded a damehood in the 2022 New Year Honours list. On her time with the Great Britain Cycling Team, Dame Laura Kenny said: “British Cycling has been my second family since 2010. I had never moved away from home before and every single member of the team took me under their wing and made me feel at home." “I have been through every step of British Cycling’s pathway and I am so thankful for all the support they have given me over the years. Not only has British Cycling played a huge role in my professional career, it was also where I met my husband, Jason. They supported us into parenthood together and for that I couldn’t be more grateful. " “I will of course miss riding my bike, but I will miss the staff members and my team mates more. From lunch in with the mechanics to endless laps with the best teammates in the world; everyone at British cycling, I thank you. We did this together.” Paying tribute to Kenny, Great Britain Cycling Team Performance Director, Stephen Park CBE, said: “Laura hangs up her wheels as not just one of the sport’s greatest riders, but as one of the greatest sporting talents our country has ever produced. “All who have had the pleasure of watching Laura compete will pay witness to her peerless combination of craft and determination, which propelled her to become Britain’s most successful female Olympian and the first British woman to win gold medals at three consecutive Olympic Games." “Just as impressive, however, is the impact which Laura has had on her fellow riders on the Great Britain Cycling Team and the next generation of Olympic hopefuls. She has been a beacon of inspiration for so many, young and old, and I’m sure that the entire British cycling community will join me in wishing her the very best in the next chapter of her life." “From Welwyn Wheelers and our talent pathway to the very top of the sport, we’re so proud of everything that she has achieved, and I’m sure she will continue to be one of our team’s biggest supporters for many years to come.” Photo credit SWPix.

Lloyds Banking Group has made an annual donation of £35.2 million to its four independent charitable Foundations for 2024. The donation will be split between the Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, the Bank of Scotland Foundation, the Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland and the Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands Foundations, to provide support to vital local services in the communities that they operate. This year’s annual donation of £35.2 million is the largest since 2013 and an increase of 42% on 2023. In total, Lloyds Banking Group has donated £243m million to the Foundations since 2014 to help tackle social disadvantage in the communities that need it most. This includes over £131 million since 2020, at a time when other sources of income for charities are declining, and fundraising is increasingly challenging. The Foundations work with hundreds of small and local charities, providing funding and support to help people overcome complex social issues. In 2023, over 2,400 charities were supported through a mix of grant-making and colleague matched giving for their local fundraising and volunteering. Sir Robin Budenberg, Chair, Lloyds Banking Group: "Our four independent charitable Foundations play an incredibly important role in communities across the UK - maximising the impact of grassroot organisations with direct funding and support." "At a time when the demand for services provided by local charities is higher than ever, we will help protect and enhance their vital work by donating £35 million to the Foundations -our largest annual donation in the past ten years." "This funding will strengthen our Foundations' partnerships with hundreds of small charities across the UK - supporting millions of people who are most in need, and helping Britain prosper."