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M&S Food announced another step forward in its Reshape for Growth strategy by appointing A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, one of the UK’s largest family-owned businesses, as its new primary wholesale partner for third party branded products. The new strategic partnership will help deliver a more consistent and reliable shopping experience for customers as M&S continues its journey to become a shopping list retailer. Blakemore will deliver directly to M&S’ regional distribution network with a new seven day a week service ensuring freshness and exceptional quality. Under the multi-year agreement, A.F. Blakemore will supply a selection of premium branded goods to complement M&S’s own brand offer. The new daily delivery service, with consolidated chilled and ambient supply, will improve product availability and increase operational efficiency. Partnering with family-owned A.F. Blakemore & Son, based in West Midlands, reflects a shared commitment to excellence, care and responsibility behind every product. The move underlines M&S Food’s longstanding commitment to family-owned businesses, with around 20% of its suppliers being family owned and operated. Alex Freudmann, Managing Director at M&S Food, said: "We are thrilled to be backing another British family business, working with A.F Blakemore & Son as our new, trusted wholesale partner. Blakemore will be providing an improved wholesale solution with a full seven days a week service that will increase availability for our stores and customers. As we reshape our business for growth and focus on improving availability and efficiency, choosing the right, trusted partners who can deliver on that is key." Carol Welch, CEO of A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, said: “At A.F. Blakemore & Son we are committed to delivering consistent quality, agility, and service, and it’s a privilege to partner with M&S to help accelerate growth of their Food business." "This partnership reflects the advances made in our wholesale and food service capabilities and the significant investment in our infrastructure, and product ranging. I want to take this opportunity to recognise the teams at AFB and M&S who have made this a smooth transition, and I look forward to building a strong, rewarding and high growth partnership.”

Brusco is proud to announce that it has been officially recognised as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces in Retail, Hospitality & Leisure 2025, earning a spot in the ‘Small & Medium’ size category. This recognition, awarded by Great Place To Work® UK, highlights Brusco’s unwavering commitment to creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to deliver the very best for customers every day. At the time of being awarded certification, 74% of our team said Brusco is a great place to work; this has since increased to 93%, compared to just 54% at a typical UK company. Being named on this prestigious list reflects more than just a positive workplace culture. For the Brusco team, it’s a celebration of the trust, collaboration, and shared purpose that fuels their work. For customers and suppliers, it’s a reassurance that the people behind the brand are engaged, passionate, and proud to deliver a positive experience across the board. Brusco is more than a workplace, it’s a people-first environment where employees are supported, rewarded, and given room to grow. From comprehensive health benefits and wellbeing support to specialist training and clear career progression, Brusco invests in its team’s personal and professional success. Hard work is recognised through awards, bonuses, and profit sharing, while community spirit is fostered through social events, volunteering opportunities, and an inclusive culture. “We are incredibly proud that Brusco has once again been recognised again as one of the UK’s best workplaces in our sector. Every individual contributes to our exceptional team culture, and we know that when our team thrives, our customers benefit too," says Jacqui Wren, Group People Director. “Our people are at the heart of everything we do, so earning a place on this list is something we’re incredibly proud of. It validates our belief that by investing in our culture and supporting our teams, we build stronger relationships with our customers and our communities." "This is not just an award for Brusco the company; it’s a recognition of the passion and dedication of our incredible people, adds Mark Armstrong, Managing Director. Brusco’s continued inclusion on the UK’s Best Workplaces in Retail, Hospitality & Leisure 2025 list reinforces the organisation’s commitment to putting people first, employees, customers, and suppliers alike, while continuing to grow responsibly and bravely impacting the industry.

Leicestershire’s return to Division One next summer will be boosted by the signing of South Africa star Keshav Maharaj. The world’s number one ODI bowler will join the newly promoted Foxes for the opening four months of the 2026 campaign, covering the first block of Rothesay County Championship matches and the entirety of the Vitality Blast. A revered left-arm spinner, Maharaj has claimed an astonishing 998 wickets across formats during his career, including 313 on the international stage for reigning World Test champions South Africa. The 35-year-old has 632 first-class wickets to his name - taken at 26.78 apiece - registering a career-best haul of 9/129 against Sri Lanka in July 2018. He has also shown his capabilities with the bat, amassing almost 6,000 runs across formats with two centuries in the longest form of the game. Maharaj’s stint with Leicestershire will be his third in county cricket, having previously excelled during spells with Lancashire and Yorkshire in Division One, during which he accumulated 55 wickets at an average of 18.2 from just eight County Championship appearances. Upon signing for the Foxes, Maharaj said: “I’m really proud to be joining Leicestershire. I’ve been digging into the history of the Club, and it seems like a very exciting time to sign." “The boys have done some exceptional work throughout the season and have built some great momentum heading into next year. It’s early days, but we’re tracking in the right direction, so who knows how far this team can go?" “I love playing county cricket. The competitiveness helps you adapt and improve your game, so I can’t wait to get stuck into that challenge and hopefully put in some big performances for the Foxes. I’m a competitor, that’s one of my biggest things. I like to be relentless in whatever I do but also be a calm character who can contribute to the culture in the changing room. Hopefully I can add those qualities to Leicestershire and help propel the team to what they want to achieve.” Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome Keshav to Leicestershire. Alongside his exceptional cricketing abilities, he will bring vast international experience, leadership skills, and a huge passion for the game – all of which will be fundamental to our changing room.” Maharaj becomes the second overseas addition to sign up for Leicestershire’s Division One comeback, joining Australian international Peter Handscomb for the 2026 campaign.

Local fruit grower John Myatt and his daughters Alex and Hannah of J. Myatt and Co. are set to star in M&S’ latest Farm to Foodhall campaign advert, on screens now. Based in Rochester, J. Myatt & Co. has been working with M&S for over 40 years and is behind their tree-ripened British plums. The advert sees superstar chef Tom Kerridge meet with John and the team to find out more about producing and picking the perfect plum. J. Myatt & Co. grows eleven varieties to ensure the longest possible British plum season, and each tree-ripened plum is left on the tree for longer to ensure maximum flavour. Each is then handpicked on the farm, depending on the deep purple and gold colour and feel of the fruit, ready to be packed and reach the shelves for customers. M&S’ Farm to Foodhall campaign spans TV, in-store and online advertising as well as social media. It follows Kerridge as he visits M&S farmers and suppliers across the UK to tell the stories behind a range of products. J. Myatt and Co. is also part of M&S’s Plan A programme for British farms, a five-year plan that will support soil health and biodiversity, including bird nesting and native plants, to preserve the farm for future generations. John Myatt of J. Myatt and Co said: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Tom Kerridge to the farm and share the hard work the team put into producing the best possible tree-ripened plums for M&S customers." "We are so passionate about growing the highest-quality fruit with the best flavour possible for customers. Our tree-ripened plums are a real family favourite and the natural tree-ripened sweetness, helped by the Kent sunshine, is unbeatable.” Pablo Martinez, Senior Food Technologist at M&S, said: “Our Farm to Foodhall campaign is all about showcasing the hard work of the growers behind the M&S products our customers see on the shelves. We are so fortunate to have a longstanding relationship with John and the team and their commitment and energy is infectious.”

Discussions about leadership are everywhere – it’s all over LinkedIn, on podcasts and there’s plenty of quotes about vision, inspiration and ‘leading from the front’. In other words, business owners are told to ‘be a better leader’ without ever being shown what it actually means. They chase personality traits, attend motivational seminars and try to copy famous leaders without ever mastering the basics. As a result, a lot of people are trying to lead from shaky foundations. They’ve bought into leadership myths – well-meaning ideas which sound good on the surface but, in practice, lack substance and don’t deliver real results. Brad Sugars, founder of ActionCOACH, has led the brand since coming up with the idea for the business in his bedroom in the mid-1990s. From those humble beginnings, Brad has grown ActionCOACH into the world’s number 1 business coaching franchise. Here, he breaks down the leadership myths which commonly trip up business owners – and shares what it takes to really lead effectively. Myth 1: You Can Skip Management And Go Straight To Leadership There’s this idea that management is somehow outdated – a real thing of the past. It’s seen as rigid, bureaucratic and uninspiring. In contrast, leadership gets all the attention. People want to be visionaries, motivators, change-makers. But here’s the problem – you can’t build great leadership without the basics in place. I’ve walked into countless businesses with dozens of people holding managerial titles – but not a single one of them has been taught how to manage properly. Usually, they’d been sent on leadership courses, and these are useful – but leadership without management is like building a house without a foundation. Management is about process, structure and consistency. It’s what helps people do their jobs well, stay on track and feel capable. Without it, teams are left guessing. With it, deadlines get met without drama and leaders can focus on growth, not firefighting. Leadership, on the other hand, brings the energy – a leader’s role is about direction, focus and passion. But it’s crucial to remember, if your team doesn’t know what’s expected of them or how they’re being measured, no amount of inspiration will keep things on track. Myth 2: Leadership Is All About Personality Many people fall into the trap of thinking you have to be naturally charismatic or loud to be a good leader. They imagine leadership as a kind of ‘presence’ – something you either have or you don’t. In reality, leadership isn’t about being the most confident in the room – it is what you do and how you build. I break this down into three parts: Framework – do you have the right building blocks in place? This means a clear mission, vision, culture and goals. Skills – can you communicate clearly, make tough decisions, handle pressure and coach others effectively? Personality – this shapes your leadership style, but it’s not the driver of your effectiveness. When leaders bring together framework, skills and personality, they create a culture people buy into and teams which stay confident under pressure. You could read every leadership book out there, but if you’re unable to give feedback constructively, get your team aligned or make decisions when it matters, you won’t lead effectively – regardless of your personality. Myth 3: Leadership Comes With The Title It’s also easy to assume getting a promotion or stepping into a senior role automatically makes you a leader. But leadership doesn’t come with a job title – it comes with action. True leadership isn’t about power or status. It’s about responsibility. It’s how you turn up for your team, how you create clarity in the chaos and how you earn trust over time. Leadership is earned by consistency – showing up, creating clarity and taking responsibility when things go wrong. The impact of this? A culture of trust – people who want to go the extra mile because they want to, not because they’re told to. You don’t need a CEO badge to lead – and having one doesn’t automatically mean you’re leading your business well either. People follow clarity, consistency and courage – not job titles. Leadership is earned by what you do, not what your email signature says. Myth 4: Leadership Is Something You Master Once, Then You’re Done Next, we have the belief leadership is something you can complete – like passing a course or earning a certificate. But real leadership doesn’t come with a finish line – it’s not something you master once and never revisit. Markets evolve. Teams grow and change. Technology reshapes how we communicate, plan and execute. What worked last year might already feel outdated – holding on to those old methods is a fast track to failure. The best leaders don’t just accept change – they seek it out. They stay curious. They ask questions, welcome feedback and make space to reflect. They’re always sharpening their skills, exploring new tools and learning from successes – and, crucially, missteps. Great leaders understand they’re leading people – not processes. And people are never static. Motivations shift, team dynamics change and what inspires one person might not connect with another, which is why effective leadership needs flexibility. It requires emotional intelligence, self-awareness and the willingness to try something new – even if it means admitting you don’t have all the answers. This is why the best leaders keep adapting. They keep their teams motivated through change and build businesses where growth happens consistently without burning people out. Just remember, the moment you think you’ve got it nailed is usually the moment you start falling behind. So, What Does Real Leadership Look Like? Real leadership shows up in what you do every day – how you communicate, support your team and handle challenges. It’s critical to stay consistent and that is what builds trust and momentum. It all starts with good management. Your team needs clear direction, solid systems and the right tools. From there, leadership adds the spark – confident decisions, clear communication, focus and the ability to bring people with you. Your personality ties it all together, but it can’t carry the load on its own. Without the basics, even the most charismatic leaders struggle. The best leaders keep it simple – show up, keep learning and lead with intention. And when they do, the payoff is clear: clarity, consistency, momentum and trust. Not just inspiration for a moment, but a business which works and a team committed to build it with you.

Multi award-winning office and commercial cleaning company Cleanology has appointed accomplished executive Nick Platt as Chief Growth Officer. Nick has been headhunted to spearhead growth strategy and ensure Cleanology reaches a number of ambitious targets across the UK and Ireland. With a proven track record at scaling businesses and heading up high performing commercial teams, Nick’s wealth of experience further strengthens Cleanology’s Senior Leadership Team. The new recruit is also expected to play a prominent role as Cleanology deepens customer engagement and enhances its standing as a sustainability driven leader. His distinguished CV includes senior leadership roles at several leading brands such as Rentokil Initial and SPIE. Nick said: "Joining Cleanology at such a pivotal time in its growth journey is incredibly exciting. The team has built a strong foundation and I’m looking forward to helping take the business to the next level." Cleanology Co-Founder Dominic Ponniah described the new appointment as ‘a true heavyweight signing’ adding: “Nick’s energy, expertise and focus on results will help us achieve our next phase of growth. We are thrilled to have him on board’. In March multi-award winning Cleanology rebranded in a bold and exciting live launch marked by the projection of its vibrant new logo against iconic London landmarks, including Tower Bridge. The dramatic unveiling came at a pivotal moment for the company as it entered its 25th year of trading with a record-breaking £2m of new contracts being mobilised the same month. Cleanology’s much-heralded annual fundraiser for The Hygiene Bank has established itself as a ‘must attend’ event - attracting almost 200 guests each year - and raising an incredible £117,000 in its first four years. This year’s fundraiser for the charity, that aims to eliminate ‘hygiene poverty’, is being held on October 9 at 113 Chancery Lane, the Grade II listed home to the Law Society, in the heart of legal London.

“Young adults in the UK are brimming with entrepreneurial ambition, but a persistent barrier threatens to stall the next wave of small businesses: access to finance," says Joe Phelan, money.co.uk business loans expert. Data shows that over seven in 10 18- to 24-year-olds want to run their own business, with nearly a third describing it as a closely held dream. Retail, hospitality, and beauty dominate their sector choices, from bookshops to bakeries and pet care services. However, ambition and talent are not always enough if access to capital is limited. In 2023/24, for example, research shows 41% of 15- to 19-year-olds in London were living in households experiencing poverty after housing costs, a financial strain that can restrict access not only to funding but also to networks, mentorship, and business education, which are critical resources for aspiring entrepreneurs. Similar challenges are faced by young people across the UK, making it harder to turn ambitious business ideas into reality. Social mobility is at its lowest in half a century, making entrepreneurship an attractive (but challenging) route out of insecure employment. But, without support, many promising ventures may never get off the ground. Access to finance is routinely cited as the top hurdle for new business owners. Traditional lending routes can be slow, intimidating, or require extensive financial history, something many young entrepreneurs simply don’t have. Support to access finance, such as getting a business loan, could be the tipping point for Gen Z entrepreneurs. When funding is accessible, ideas that were once dreams can become viable businesses. For many young people, this is not just a career choice but a route to financial independence and stability. It’s a chance to turn ambition into tangible impact, creating jobs, services, and innovations that benefit local communities and the wider economy. Initiatives such as Small Business Saturday also play a role in supporting young entrepreneurs. Now in its thirteenth year, the campaign encourages consumers to shop small and support the UK’s 5.45 million small businesses. Small Business Saturday UK recently announced its list of the 100 most inspiring small businesses for 2025, showcasing a diverse range of ventures that highlight the creativity, resilience, and innovation of the UK’s independent sector. For young people dreaming of launching their own venture, such businesses show that success is possible across sectors, regions, and business models. The combination of Gen Z ambition, confidence, and accessible financial support could therefore herald a new era of small business growth in the UK. Building Financial Confidence As A Young Entrepreneur Access to finance is also about knowing how to apply. For many young entrepreneurs, having the right support to create a strong business plan, understand financial projections, and navigate credit checks can make all the difference when seeking funding. Education in these areas is vital. Simple tools such as eligibility checkers, free business plan templates, and credit score reviews can help Gen Z prepare before approaching lenders. This preparation helps Generation Z choose the right type of finance, whether that’s a traditional business loan or newer options like crowdfunding. "With the right mix of financial education and accessible funding routes, young entrepreneurs can gain the confidence and practical know-how they need to bring their ideas to life and to contribute to a stronger, more diverse small business landscape in the UK.”

In August 2025, Roger Baird concluded his three-year tenure as SOPA Chairman Roger has had a significant influence on the organisation, bringing about financial stability, enhanced membership services, and a strategic plan that provides clear direction for the next five years. Following five years as a board director, Jean McLean has recently been appointed as the new Chairperson and has already hit the ground running, supporting the team and the board. Jean farms in partnership with her husband Robert, son John and brother-in-law Michael at New Deer and Turriff, Aberdeenshire. A total of 740 acres is farmed between the two units with organic conversion commencing in May 2020. A herd of 180 Holstein cows is the primary enterprise with all youngstock reared on farm for either replacement dairy heifers or through to finished beef cattle. Spring barley and grass are also grown with both crops used totally on farm. Jean and family also keep a flock of Beltex ewes for producing breeding stock, while purchasing organic store lambs in the autumn to be sold as prime lambs. Jean has previously served as a member of the local Holstein Club, the NFU Milk Committee, the Red Tractor Dairy Board, and the North East Milk Producers Association. Jean became a director of SOPA in October 2020 and has since played an active role in supporting the co-operative’s membership and growth. Jean is delighted to take on the role and said: “It is an honour to be appointed Chairman of SOPA. Since converting our own farms to organic production in 2020, I have seen first-hand the benefits it brings for our land, livestock and customers. Roger Baird has put SOPA in a strong position with a clear strategic plan and a dedicated staff team, and I thank him for his significant contribution." "I look forward to building on that progress and ensuring SOPA continues to support its members, champion the value of organic food production, and strengthen the role our sector plays in a sustainable future for Scottish farming.”

Responding to the announcement that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) showed flat growth in July, and rose by 0.3% in the three months to July, Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Tina McKenzie, said: “July’s flat GDP result is a disappointment, and is another sign that the economy is stuck, rather than firing on all cylinders. Small business owners will now be hoping to see accelerating growth over the second half of the year." “Small firms’ confidence going into the summer months was at a low ebb. Flat or near-flat growth, with only a small uptick over the previous three months, is not enough to allow small firms to cope with increased costs. Too few firms will be able to invest to drive the expansion that is needed for the economic recovery we all want to see, which will be contingent on their success." “July’s Small Business Plan, which FSB worked on extensively in partnership with the Government, contains a wealth of great proposals to help get small businesses on the growth track. We look forward to seeing them put into action as soon as possible." “The Autumn Budget is a huge opportunity for the Government to make life easier for small firms, to everyone’s benefit. Making business rates fairer for small businesses must be a priority, to reduce the burden of this day-one cost that discourages new openings and deters investment, suppressing the recovery of high streets. The Government should expand Small Business Rates Relief and make full use of new powers to deliver permanently lower multipliers for small retail, hospitality and leisure firms." “Increasing the VAT threshold would encourage greater levels of economic activity, and would lead to additional tax revenue in the crucial final year of the Chancellor’s fiscal rules, according to the OBR and the Treasury." “In the meantime, however, the Employment Rights Bill threatens to be a real brake on growth if it is passed unamended. Extending protections against unfair dismissal to the first day of employment means putting massive risks on small employers’ shoulders. If making one hiring error can lead to a vastly expensive, stressful, and time-consuming tribunal process in an already overloaded system, too many businesses considering expansion will understandably decide it’s a risk they don’t want to take." “To stop these tentative growth shoots being crushed by the Bill, with over nine in ten small employers concerned by its draft provisions, a serious rethink is needed before it is signed into law.”

Structural engineers at BSP Consulting have been describing how they worked on the impressive life-sized sculpture of a Lancaster Bomber. The project honours Royal Air Force crews of World War Two and is a tribute to mark the historic link that Lincolnshire shared with RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War. The 29-metre-high art installation - On Freedom’s Wings – has been erected in a field at Norton Disney, between Newark and Lincoln, close to the A46. BSP Consulting designed the main structure of the plane, the podium and the foundation. It has been tilted to give the impression that the Lancaster Bomber is in flight and heading home to RAF Swinderby – a former close-by RAF station. Managing Director Carl Hilton has been describing how the BSP team of structural engineers undertook the design work on this impressive monument. “In 2018, we were selected to explore the possibility of designing a life-sized Lancaster art installation on a hill in Lincolnshire,” he said. “ A little bit different we thought from the usual schools, commercial offices and industrial parks that we are involved with in our day-to-day work." “Our approach was to digitally scan a real Lancaster aircraft and create a detailed 3D model. To do this, we visited the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby, where we had the privilege of studying Just Jane - one of only three working Lancasters worldwide. The resulting model allowed us to integrate a structural steel framework and apply the necessary loadings, primarily the self-weight of the frame and the wind forces acting on the structure." “By simulating stresses and deflections, we could test different configurations and refine both the inclination and height of the aircraft. After much iteration, we, as a team agreed on the most striking position, one that ensures the Lancaster can be clearly seen from the nearby A46." “Fast forward seven years, and this vision has now become reality with the installation at Norton Disney. This project has been the result of many people devoting their time, expertise, and energy to move it forward through each stage. The lift and final construction marked the culmination of that collective effort. A huge well done to everyone involved - it has been a true collaboration of professionals, all united by the desire to achieve something remarkable." “The team at BSP Consulting is pleased to have played our part.” The steel structure is being dubbed the East Midlands’ equivalent of the Angel of the North. Thousands of motorists are expected to see On Freedom’s Wings every day as they drive by along the dual carriageway. Although the sculpture is now in place, work is continuing on the site on landscaping, CCTV, entry system and a car park. It will be open for visitors in the autumn, once the site is complete and safe. Until then, people are being encouraged to stay away from the site. BSP Consulting is based in Nottingham and with offices in Derby and Leicester. On this installation the company has worked closely with Timmins Engineering & Construction, Hutchinson Engineering Services and Jessops Construction. The Bomber County Gateway Trust, which first mooted the idea of creating a life-sized monument of a Lancaster Bomber in 2017, is still fundraising to collect the remaining funds needed for the sculpture, which has cost almost £1m. To donate visit Bomber County Gateway Trust - JustGiving

Harrisons, a leading UK manufacturer of nonwoven wet and dry wipes, has once again been recognised with Planet Mark Business Certification, marking the third consecutive year that the company has achieved the sustainability standard. The recognition highlights Harrisons’ ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental impact and building a more sustainable future for professional wiping solutions. Between April 2024 and March 2025, the company achieved a 52.9% reduction in its Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions at its Romford site, thanks in part to a switch to renewable electricity at its Romford site. Harrisons also expanded the scope of its measurement to include more areas of its value chain - giving a fuller and more transparent picture of its carbon footprint. In achieving its third consecutive certification, Harrisons has taken several steps forward to reduce its environmental impact, including: • Switching to 100% renewable energy at the Romford site, cutting electricity-related emissions by almost 90%. • Partnering with a new third party logistics provider, Magnum Logistics, meaning all raw materials are stored in a BREEAM-certified building with 25% solar panel roof coverage. • Installing 80% LED lighting at the Romford site, with plans to reach 100% coverage by end of 2025. • Reducing material waste at the Romford site by 46% during the reporting period. Commenting on the achievement, Stephen Harrisons said: “Three years of Planet Mark certification is another fantastic milestone. It reflects the progress we’re making on our sustainability journey and marks another big step forward in what has been a landmark year for the business." "Alongside the launch of our Industrial Range, our new logistics partnership with Magnum, and the acquisition of Ecotech’s business and assets, this is yet more evidence that Harrisons is setting the standard in wiping.” This year Harrisons also expanded its range of sustainable wiping solutions, launching the plastic free Prem 100 and Tech 100, made with Sontara ® materials, as part of its new Industrial Range. This added to their existing sustainable offering which includes J-Cloth® Compostable wipes - produced with 100% natural biodegradable fibres from PEFC-certified sources. and the Sontara EC® Green – a compostable wipe made from 100% cellulosic and renewable material. Looking ahead, Harrisons will continue working with Planet Mark to measure and improve its environmental performance and social impact year on year. It has already started working with The Hygiene Bank to eliminate hygiene poverty by donating 15,000 wipes every month to individuals and families who struggle to afford daily cleaning essentials.

Wildlife crime across England and Wales is being systematically overlooked, under-recorded, and inadequately addressed, leaving thousands of wild animals unprotected. This is the stark warning contained in a new report published today at the Wild Summit by animal welfare charity Naturewatch Foundation, titled Policing Wildlife Crime: Make Wildlife Count. Drawing on Freedom of Information (FOI) responses from 33 police forces and a detailed survey of 128 frontline officers and call handlers, the report exposes serious gaps in how wildlife crime is recorded, investigated, and prosecuted. Among its most alarming findings are: Over 4,400 wildlife crime incidents were recorded between August 2023 and October 2024. The actual number is believed to be significantly higher, but poor and inconsistent recording practices make it impossible to know the true scale. 78% of recorded cases resulted in ‘No Further Action’. Only 16% of officers surveyed had experience with wildlife or animal welfare prosecutions. 90% called for more face-to-face training, and 81% believe wildlife crime should be made notifiable. 87% do not believe wildlife crime is dealt with robustly by the courts. The report’s findings are accompanied by an open letter to DEFRA, the Minister for Policing, and all Chief Constables and PCCs across England and Wales, calling for urgent reform. Jim Clark, Wildlife Crime Campaign Manager at Naturewatch Foundation, said: “The report highlights a disturbing pattern: wildlife crime is consistently treated as a low priority, despite the significant impact it has on biodiversity, public safety, and the rule of law. Inconsistent crime recording also means we still do not know the true scale of the problem, and if we cannot count it, we cannot combat it.” “This lack of urgency not only enables wildlife crime to persist unchecked but also signals to offenders that these crimes carry little consequence.” Ultimately, the findings in this report highlight an urgent need for reform. Making wildlife crime notifiable would allow for consistent national data collection, better trend monitoring, and stronger enforcement, improving outcomes for both wildlife and communities. Naturewatch Foundation is also calling for: A commitment from DEFRA to review and strengthen wildlife protection legislation to close current loopholes and reflect the seriousness of wildlife crime. The establishment of a standardised, mandatory wildlife crime recording framework. Clear prioritisation of wildlife crime from Police Forces, including assigning and properly supporting dedicated Wildlife Crime Officers. Investment in specialist training and resources to ensure frontline officers can respond effectively. Adoption of standardised crime recording practices to ensure consistent, transparent, and usable data. With campaigners, policymakers, academics, businesses and charities gathering today at the Wild Summit, Naturewatch Foundation hopes this report will fuel the urgent conversations needed to ensure the UK’s wildlife receives the protection it so desperately needs. Jim adds: “If we are serious about tackling the biodiversity crisis and building a society that respects all life, wildlife crime must be taken seriously at every level of policing and government.”