European software provider Forterro has continued its expansion into the window, door and façade industry, with the acquisition of BM Group. Founded in 1979 and operating from offices in Scotland and England, BM Group is the leading IT solutions provider in the UK and Ireland fenestration software sector. Its products include Evolution, the widely used uPVC order processing and fabrication solution, and Touch, its web-based management platform, which covers all sectors within the windows and doors market: uPVC, aluminium and timber. The BM Group acquisition is Forterro’s second in the fenestration sector. In November 2024 it announced the acquisition of Orgadata AG, a German company known for its innovative Logikal software for designing, calculating and producing windows, doors and curtain walls. The Orgadata deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals. Both companies will operate in the newly formed Forterro Windows and Doors business line.  Marcus Pannier, Regional President, Forterro, said: “Adding BM Group to Forterro Windows and Doors means we have an immediate and powerful presence in this market, and it is a perfect fit with our other acquisition in the sector." “BM Group is hugely innovative, and bringing it into Forterro means it can benefit from our experience in scaling and growing companies, taking that innovation to a bigger and broader market than would have otherwise been challenging.” In addition to its own products, BM Group is the sole reseller of Orgadata’s Logikal product in the UK. Logikal digitalises and simplifies processes around aluminium window, door and curtain wall designs so that companies can work more efficiently, and BM Group has implemented Logikal for nearly 20 years. BM Group’s Managing Director Graeme Bailey will remain with the company, focusing on integrating the BM Group teams into Forterro Windows and Doors, and Chief Technical Officer Jim Cronie will continue to drive product innovation. Bernd Hillbrands, the founder of Orgadata, will head up Forterro Windows and Doors following completion of the Orgadata transaction. “Forterro is the ideal partner for us, with shared values and culture and a focus on innovation and collaboration,” said Graeme Bailey, Managing Director, BM Group. “Being part of Forterro Windows and Doors means we are better placed to help our customers meet market challenges and realise their growth ambitions, with access to broader expertise, technology and support. Our understanding of Orgadata’s Logikal and implementation with customers was also pivotal to our successful alignment within Forterro.” “Forterro is an industrial software specialist – it’s a sector we know incredibly well, and the BM Group acquisition is timely, giving us further access to the growing window, door, and façade industry,” continued Marcus Pannier, Forterro. "Our mid-market expertise is second to none, and bringing BM Group to Forterro means that we start 2025 as we mean to continue supporting customers and achieving growth."

Lilli Ives Campion and Daisy Hibbert-Jones will both achieve significant milestones when Loughborough Lightning take on Gloucester-Hartpury this weekend. Second row Ives Campion, aged just 21, will run out at Kingsholm Stadium on Saturday (kick-off: 2pm) for her 50th Premiership Women’s Rugby game, and her 63rd outing overall in an African Violet shirt. The Red Roses international made her Lightning debut in April 2021 against Saracens aged only 17 and only seven players have made more appearances in the history of Loughborough Lightning. Number eight and co-captain Hibbert-Jones, aged 22, extends her remarkable sequence of not missing a league or cup match in 24 games as she makes her 50th competitive appearance for Lightning. “We’re delighted to see Lilli and Daisy reach these big appearance milestones in a fixture as big as taking on the defending champions in their own back yard,” said head coach Nathan Smith. “Both players are a credit to themselves and the club and are at the heart of what we’re trying to achieve here at Loughborough Lightning.” Lightning enter the Round 13 match with the same 23 players that secured a first-ever victory over Saracens last time out at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens. However Smith has made a first change to the starting line-up in four rounds as Courtney Holtkamp, who came off the bench in Sunday’s 22-17 win, makes the first start of her second spell at the club. Fellow Canadian Abby Duguid swaps places with Holtkamp to take her place amongst the replacements. Alev Kelter made the most dominant carries (11), post-contact metres (49), and beat the most defenders (nine) in Round 12 and no player has made as many dominant carries in a match this season. She continues her midfield partnership with Emily Scarratt, who became the first player to pass the 250-point mark for Lightning as her try and conversion moved her to 255 points scored in an African Violet shirt. The front row trios of Anne Young, Kathryn Treder and Laura Keates and back row of Hallie Taufoou, Sadia Kabeya and Hibbert-Jones stay in situ, as the pack look to build on their league-high 22 line outs stolen this season. Co-captain Rachel Malcolm, who made her return to action after ten weeks out injured last weekend, remains among the replacements. When she makes it onto the field, she will pull level with Carys Williams-Morris as the sixth-highest all-time Lightning appearance maker. PWR’s most prolific longer passer (587) Meg Davey remains at scrum-half alongside fly-half Helen Nelson in the crucial half-back positions. Winger Krissy Scurfield will seek to build on her incredible haul of six tries in two games – and nine tries in eight overall since joining Lightning – as part of the same back-three trio with Bulou Mataitoga and fullback Francesca Goldthorp. “Defeating Saracens was a milestone moment for us and one we enjoyed together,” said Smith. “But the challenge steps up a notch again this weekend against Gloucester-Hartpury. “There is a tremendous amount of confidence flowing through the group and we’re excited by the challenge ahead of us.”

UK Agri-Tech Centre chief executive Phil Bicknell welcomed the positive emphasis Defra Secretary Steve Reed placed on the agri-tech sector at the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC). Opening the conference on Thursday (January 9), Mr Reed told delegates that ‘agri-tech and precision breeding are very important for the future of the sector’ and would receive the backing of the Labour Government. He added: “Our intention is to support these schemes because the future of the industry is dependent on getting them right.” Mr Bicknell said the Secretary of State’s focus on food production and sustainable farming businesses was crucial, adding that “It was great to hear him talk about the importance of agri-tech and precision breeding and the complexity and circularity of agricultural production." “As an evidence-based and science-led organisation, UK Agri-Tech Centre is ideally placed to play a key role given our range of academic expertise and our capabilities which enable on-farm test and trial.” Mr Reed also announced the imminent launch of ADOPT (Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies), the primary aim of which is to support on-farm trials of technology, systems and approaches that will improve the profitability, productivity and sustainability of farmers, growers and foresters in England. Due to be rolled out this spring, Mr Reed said ADOPT would fund farmer-led trials to bridge the gap between new technologies and their real-world application. For Mr Bicknell and the UK Agri-Tech Centre the announcement of ADOPT, which is part of the Farming Innovation Programme, was a hugely positive step. “ADOPT is so important because unless you can place innovation in the hands of end users, in this case farmers, and accelerate the pace of adoption then we are missing out on the opportunities which are out there,” said Mr Bicknell. “There are so many great ideas and potential within the agri-tech sphere that it is vital we narrow the gap between research and innovation and farmers themselves.” Mr Reed also used the conference to announce that secondary legislation would be introduced to Parliament by the end of March this year to ‘unlock new precision breeding technology,’ something which again prompted a positive response from the UK Agri-Tech Centre chief executive. The OFC is one of the most prominent fixtures in the farming calendar and UK Agri-Tech Centre was yet again a high-profile backer of the event, being one of its gold partners and sponsoring the Thursday afternoon session entitled ‘Adapting to a changing world.’ This session saw a host of engaging and thought-provoking presentations which set the scene about how agriculture was adapting to the myriad of challenges it faced.

Transport for London (TfL) reveals plans for four major artworks from contemporary artists to be introduced with its Art on the Underground programme this year, as the programme marks its 25th anniversary and continues to be at the forefront of ideas around art and public space. Since Art on the Underground came into being in 2000 the programme has had a renowned history of commissioning site-specific artworks. These existing works, which include Alexandre da Cunha's kinetic sculpture at Battersea Power Station Underground station and Mark Wallinger's Labyrinth across London Underground network, speak to people, places, and histories, placing trust in artists and the creative process. The new 2025 programme continues this tradition with a series of commissions, to be introduced over the course of the year, that encourage meaningful conversations between artists and the public and reflect on the history and movement of London today. In spring a large-scale collaborative artwork by Ahmet Öğüt will be unveiled at Stratford station and a new pocket Tube map will feature a design by Agnes Denes, based on her iconic work Map Projections. Later in the year, a new audio commission by Rory Pilgrim will be heard by millions of commuters at Waterloo station and a new painting by Rudy Loewe will be the ninth mural instalment at Brixton station, continuing TfL's series of commissions that respond to the rich history of murals in the area from the 1980s and the wider social and political history of mural making. Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: "Art on the Underground is renowned around the world for transforming London's Tube into a large public art gallery. Offering free art to the millions traveling every day, it builds on our rich history of inspiring art and design across the transport network and has become an integral part of London's story as a creative capital." "As we celebrate its 25th anniversary this year, there is so much to look forward to, with four brilliant new artworks being added to the network, as we build a better London for everyone." Eleanor Pinfield, Head of Art on the Underground, said: "Art on the Underground has been bringing leading international artists to the spaces of the Tube for 25 years. In 2025, we continue this tradition, with a series of thoughtful commissions that foreground interactions with art in daily life. Across 2025, the programme will interrogate how art can save us and what it means to gather together, in shared space and with local communities." "Seen and heard by millions, the 2025 programme is a response to London today, whilst always reflecting on our past and possible futures." A large-scale artwork will launch in March at Stratford Underground station on 18 March with artist Ahmet Öğüt in collaboration with New Contemporaries In Art. Öğüt is a sociocultural initiator, artist and lecturer, working across a variety of media. His new commission, Saved by the Whale's Tail, Saved by Art, will explore the role art plays in everyday life. Öğüt's project was inspired by an incident that occurred in 2020 when a train on the Rotterdam Metro overran the stop blocks at a station located on an elevated Metro line. A carriage, at risk of falling into the water beneath, was 'saved' by a 10-metre-high public art sculpture of a whale's tail, by architect Maarten Struijs, which prevented its fall. This visual metaphor for the power of art to save lives provided the impetus for a project that seeks to uncover many more stories. Encompassing a major installation alongside a call out to the public for stories that champion, interrogate and celebrate how art has saved lives, the commission culminates in a prize for the most moving submission, for which Öğüt has created a sculpture akin to an award ceremony trophy to be awarded later in 2025. A new pocket Tube Map launching in the spring will feature a new artwork by Hungarian-born American artist Agnes Denes. A conceptual artist who was a pioneer of environmental art in the 1960s and 1970s, Denes has worked across a wide range of media - from monumental land art, to sculpture, poetry and intricate drawings, which she calls a form of "visual philosophy". Denes has created an artwork for the 41st pocket Tube map cover that synthesises her interconnected interests in ecology, engineering, and public space. For her commission she has created an "electrified" rendering from her most iconic work, Map Projections, in which she reimagines the depictions of the earth in a series of different shapes. A new audio work at Waterloo Tube station will be heard from 30 June - 13 July, produced by artist and composer Rory Pilgrim with the Mayor of London's Culture and Community Spaces at Risk (CCSaR) programme. This programme realises an annual sound commission developed through an engagement with the CCSaR programme and the communities around Underground stations to spotlight the work of organisations who face structural barriers to sustaining space in the capital and to create and share resonances from across the city. The artwork will be heard through station speakers along the moving walkway connecting the Northern and Jubilee lines at Waterloo station for a two-week period in early July 2025. It will be heard by thousands of customers who pass through Waterloo station each day. A Turner Prize nominee in 2023, Pilgrim works collaboratively and in dialogue with others, across music composition, performance, film, drawing and text, reflecting and redefining how we come together to shape social change. A new mural will launch at Brixton Tube station in November by Rudy Loewe. Loewe's artistic practice responds to ways in which the state shapes our remembering of history and the intentional silences in institutional archives. Loewe forms narratives and makes space for different kinds of knowledge by inviting those voices suppressed by the dominant retelling of history. Their graphic approach to painting - featuring bold, flat colours - references their background in comics and illustration and often combines text, image and sequential narrative. Loewe's new work will be part of the Brixton Mural Programme and highlight the ways in which people gather and have gathered in Brixton and speaks to the sensorial experience that is Brixton today. Loewe is the ninth artist in the series of commissions at Brixton Tube station which, since 2018, has responded to the diverse narratives of the local murals painted in the 1980s, the rapid development of the area and the wider social and political history of mural making The 2025 programme follows a series of works introduced by Art on the Underground in 2024, including the permanent mosaic Angels of History by Quinlan and Hastings at St James's Park, London's only Grade-1 listed station, Three Women, a mural at Brixton Tube station by Turner Prize nominee Claudette Johnson, and A Taste of Home, a series of artworks in the rotunda at Heathrow Terminal 4 Underground station in June by British artist and photographer Joy Gregory.

Wakefield’s famous Rhubarb Festival returns on 21- 23 February with a packed programme of events for all the family. The hugely popular food and drink market returns with over 50 chalets where people can sample and purchase local and regional treats. Families can take part in workshops and cooking demonstrations as well as enjoy lively street entertainment and music. Cllr Hannah Appleyard, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, and Sport said: “Our famous Rhubarb Festival is a fabulous celebration of our famous pink vegetable, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to enjoy the packed programme of events for all of the family to enjoy." “We’re all set for another wonderful weekend so put the date in your diary and come and be part of the celebrations.” Expect a whole new programme of chef demos including Wakefield’s very own Karen Wright, double BAFTA award winning TV presenter and home chef Sam Nixon and award-winning chef Rachel Green. Families will love the free workshops, as well as fun street entertainment from Ruby Rhubarb, Ruby & Barb, and the Rhubarb Fairy! Live music programmed by Wakefield Music Collective will be on every day at the Rhu-Bar, with a variety of local pop, folk, and rock artists. The Rhubarb Food & Drink Trail is in partnership with Wakefield Bid, with restaurants and bars around the city putting on rhubarb-themed food and drink throughout the weekend. Find out more information at https://expwake.co/RhubarbFest

The Family Business Research Foundation (FBRF) has published a landmark report, ESG in Family Firms: A Review of Research, Regulations, and Practice Guidance, which offers vital insights into how family businesses can navigate the evolving landscape of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) requirements. Drawing on extensive research and interviews, the report evaluates ESG regulations, voluntary standards, and practical frameworks tailored to UK family businesses. It reveals how family firms, known for their long-term orientation and deep community ties, are uniquely positioned to leverage ESG as a competitive advantage while meeting regulatory and stakeholder demands. Key Findings: 1. Navigating Regulatory Changes Family businesses face growing pressures to align with stringent ESG regulations, including the UK’s upcoming adoption of International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards by 2026. The report underscores the importance of preparing for mandatory ESG disclosures and avoiding reputational risks such as greenwashing. 2. Going Beyond Compliance Voluntary certifications like B Corp and frameworks such as ISO 26000 are helping family firms enhance credibility while fostering innovation and stakeholder trust. 3. Opportunities for the Next Generation Younger family members are emerging as champions of ESG practices, driving ecological and social initiatives aligned with family values. 4. Practical Implications The report includes detailed guidance on integrating ESG into business strategies, focusing on data management, stakeholder communication, and crafting compelling ESG narratives. Call to Action for UK Family Businesses The report emphasises that embracing ESG is no longer optional but a strategic imperative. Sir Michael Bibby, Chairman of the Family Business Research Foundation, notes: "Family firms must act now to integrate ESG into their core strategies. This report provides a practical roadmap to safeguard their legacy while ensuring sustainable growth and compliance in an increasingly regulated environment." Read the full report here

Optimism in the FS sector fell at the quickest pace since September 2022, according to the latest CBI Financial Services Survey. That is despite business volumes growing at a faster pace in the quarter to December. The quarterly survey, conducted between 21 November and 9 December 2024, showed that FS firms expect a similarly quick pace of volumes growth over the next quarter. Investment intentions were mixed, with around two-thirds of firms reporting that “other” factors, mainly linked to the cost implications of Autumn Budget measures, were likely to limit investment over the next 12 months. Key Findings: Optimism in December, compared with three months ago, fell at the fastest pace since September 2022 (weighted balance of -28% from -13% in September). Growth in business volumes picked up in the quarter to December (+32%) after a modest increase in the three months to September (+6%). Firms expect a similarly quick pace of volumes growth over the next three months (+32%). Average spreads fell at a survey-record pace in the quarter to December (-62% from -55% in September) and are expected to decline at a slightly slower rate over the next three months (-57%). The value of non-performing loans increased in the quarter to December (+18% from 16% in September) at the fastest rate since March 2021. Their value is expected to rise at a broadly similar pace over the next quarter (+21%). Profitability fell at a more modest pace in the quarter to December (-14% from -43% in September). FS firms expect a significantly quicker drop in profitability over the next three months (-55%). Headcount declined at a quicker rate in the quarter to December (-25% from -15% in September). Firms expect headcount to fall at a similar pace next quarter (-26%). Firms expect to increase IT investment in the next 12 months (compared to the last 12). However, capital expenditures on land & buildings and vehicles, plant & machinery are expected to fall. Around two-thirds of firms reported that “other” factors were likely to limit capital expenditure over the next 12 months (65%, near last quarter’s record high of 66%). Comments highlighted that companies are most concerned about the impact of substantial cost increases from the Autumn Budget on investment. Louise Hellem, CBI Chief Economist, said: “FS firms faced a challenging end to 2024, marked by a record-fast decline in spreads and the quickest increase in non-performing loans over three years. These adverse conditions contributed to a fall in both profits and optimism, despite a pick-up in business volumes growth. The survey also highlighted widespread concerns among firms about the potential drag on investment from rising costs following the Autumn Budget." “With much global uncertainty, low fiscal headroom and an urgent need to inject momentum into the economy, delivering a comprehensive financial services strategy and implementing the Mansion House reforms in full is vital to achieving the UK’s growth ambitions. The financial services sector is a vital asset that underpins our economy and provides the stable framework firms need to invest and grow.”

Following the announcement of the government’s ‘New Deal for Farmers’, NFU President Tom Bradshaw has given his response. Mr Bradshaw said: “There are positive elements to this announcement, but it fundamentally fails to recognise that the industry is in a cash flow crisis with the lowest farmer and grower confidence ever recorded. That’s today. Many are worried about making it to the end of 2025, never mind what happens 25 years down the line." “Devastating inheritance tax changes, national insurance hikes, crippling cuts to direct payments1 and delays to environmental schemes mean many businesses won’t survive to benefit from the ‘New Deal’ that has just been announced." “It’s great that government thinks farming and growing businesses should be more profitable and sustainable in the long-term. It’s also good to hear the government say the primary role of farmers and growers is to produce food, but how is it going to ensure food production is profitable when thousands of farmers and growers are questioning whether they’ll still be in the industry in the next year?" “The agricultural transition, which began with the previous government’s Health and Harmony consultation in 2018, assumed that the loss of direct payments would be offset by farmers getting a proper financial return from environmental schemes, significant improvements in productivity, and increased returns from fairer functioning markets. This has not happened." “The government must now face up to the reality of the fierce policy headwinds and challenging market conditions the industry is facing into and act to secure the future of British farming. Its first priority as a matter of urgency must be to pause and consult on changes to Agricultural and Business Property Relief and review the delays and challenges to agri-environmental schemes." “To have a genuine reset moment with farmers and growers after the inflationary budget, all of these issues need to be addressed. Only then can the government’s long-term vision be achievable." "As we go through the detail of today’s announcements, we will continue to engage with Defra and stand up for the voice of British farming.”

Directors of troubled companies struggling to repay COVID loans may be ‘sleepwalking’ into director disqualification if they don’t take the right advice at the right time. The warning comes from Mike Pavitt, Council Member for the Southern and Thames Valley Region of R3, the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body. He said: “COVID-related loan repayment difficulties have not gone away, especially with new tax burdens anticipated in the Spring, and nor, it seems, has the Insolvency Service’s appetite for pursuing director disqualifications linked to them." “My main fear for directors who have just been doing their best to service legacy COVID-related debts in difficult circumstances is that they fail to seek the right advice early enough and sleepwalk into a disqualification." Latest figures from the Insolvency Service (IS) show that in 2023/24, 68% of director disqualifications related to COVID loans, while the 2024/25 year to date is running at 76.5%, with the expectation of a total of 1,200 disqualifications this year. If a director is disqualified, they may also be susceptible to a compensation order, even if they have already lost vast sums of money because they have been involved with an insolvent company. Mike, also a former chairman of R3’s Southern & Thames Valley region, added: “Our analysis of the figures shows that the rate of disqualifications related to COVID loan abuse is higher than ever. Also, the average length of director disqualifications is going up significantly and is now 9.3 years, compared to 7.4 years only two years ago, an increase of 25.7%." “These statistics support some of our members’ observations on the ground that the Insolvency Service has this year recommended a higher proportion of cases for disqualification action, notwithstanding that the directors involved may already have settled (without admission) any potential claims advanced against them in the name of the company or its liquidators." “In the past, such evidence of willingness to compensate any disaffected creditors would often have tipped the scales when considering whether the public interest justified disqualification. Directors may perhaps be forgiven, therefore, for concluding that the Insolvency Service have somewhat shifted the goalposts, at least where COVID-related loans are involved." “Businesses obviously welcome action being taken against directors who applied COVID-related loans toward an improper purpose. Such action potentially enhances compensation rates for creditors and acts a deterrent to similar misfeasant behaviour in future.” However, Mike noted one has to bear in mind that many of the COVID-related loans were taken out with a self-certified application at a time when published guidance was confusing and when even a rudimentary eligibility check by the lenders would likely have revealed if an established company was ineligible, for example because they should have had published accounts which supported the stated turnover figure, but the accounts themselves did not. He also felt it was highly unlikely that the Government would provide loans of the scale and type offered during the COVID pandemic in the future without additional checks and balances being involved. Mike, Lead Corporate Restructuring & Insolvency Partner at law firm Paris Smith in Southampton, added: “The Insolvency Service are still pursuing and processing many cases centred around COVID-related loans." “If you have a company which is heading towards insolvency and which is unlikely to be able to repay all of its COVID-related lending, you should avoid any temptation to simply dissolve the company or sell the business for a nominal amount to an unregulated company promising to manage the problem away, and instead seek legal advice from a qualified and regulated source.” R3’s Southern & Thames Valley region includes Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Dorset, Wiltshire and Berkshire.

Brits plan to take an average of three holidays next year, spending an average £3051.90 on their main holiday and visiting two new countries, according to a new extensive report into how Brits will holiday in 2025. The new nationwide report by airline easyJet and easyJet holidays reveals how Brits will travel in 2025. ‘Low-cost Luxe’, AI-tinerary planning and ‘Holiday Hopping’ amongst the Top 15 Travel Trends of 2025 revealed! Key Findings: 96% of Brits say holidays are now an essential spend in their annual budget with 35% of holidaymakers planning on spending more on a trip overseas this year On average Brits will jet off on three trips, spend around £3,000 on their main holiday, and visit two new countries in 2025 Four in five Brits (82%) want to expand their horizons and visit new countries as a priority in 2025 Extensive report from airline easyJet and package holiday company easyJet holidays features contributions from travel expert and podcaster Holly Rubenstein, influencer Tonia Hope and travel blogger Vicky FlipFlop Using AI to plan travel itineraries, ‘holiday hopping’ across multiple locations in one trip and ‘country ticking’ for globetrotting bragging rights are some of new emerging holiday trends identified in the research. The new report, which is co-authored by a panel of travel experts, surveyed 2,000 British holidaymakers, and was compiled by the UK’s largest airline easyJet and package holiday company easyJet holidays and explores where Brits will be travelling, how they will be booking, and the types of holiday and experiences they are craving. Data from the ‘Great British Holiday Audit’ shows that a third (35%) of holidaymakers are planning on spending more on a holiday this year, whilst 82% of Brits said exploring somewhere new was their number one holiday priority in 2025. The core findings of ‘The Great British Holiday Audit’ reveal: Where Brits Will Be Travelling: Montenegro, Cape Verde and Slovenia have emerged as some of the new alternative destinations that Brits will be travelling to this year82% would be interested to swap a traditional European holiday destination for something further afield, like Egypt, Tunisia or Turkey due to the fantastic value they offer. The most popular type of holiday booking is the classic beach break (61%). Around half of the nation (47%) will opt for at least one city break in 2025, whilst a further four in five (79%) will be pursuing a holiday that takes in the earth’s natural phenomena like the Midnight Sun in Norway during the Summer and the Northern Lights, or escapes centred in nature like walking in the Dolomites. Travellers are planning as early as possible to take advantage of the best available deals, with 46% of Brits planning their trips up to 18 months in advance. The new trends in how Brits will be travelling, identified by the panel of experts and the British public, point to ‘Low-Cost Luxe’, where travellers are swapping their 3-star Italy and Spain for 5-star resorts in Turkey and North Africa, spending the same money but holidaying in a little more luxury by targeting great value comparable destinations. ‘Country Ticking’ also emerged as a new trend, with the rise of apps like ‘been’ showing off all the countries you’ve been to. In 2025, holidaymakers are keen to score bragging rights on the number of countries they visit with most planning to visit at least two new countries next year. Over half (53%) of Gen Z and Millennials will always visit a new country when they go on holiday, compared with 17% of Boomers. How Brits Will Be Holidaying: 97% of those surveyed said that holidays are more important to them than ever, so it is no surprise that a third (33%) of Brits plan to take more holidays than in 2024, averaging three vacations in 2025, with the typical break lasting 12 days. 38% of family holidays will be planned by mum, a quarter (25%) by dad, and nearly three-quarters (72%) of Brits admit that their children’s wishes will shape their holiday plans and where they go. Hotels (51%) were overwhelmingly named as the top accommodation choices for Brits, whilst nearly two-thirds (63%) would consider booking a budget friendly destination such as Turkey or Tunisia, so they can stay in a higher rated hotel. When it comes to package deals, all-inclusive trips will be the choice for Brits, with booking data showing over half (56%) are going all in on a beach break. Four in five (81%) Brits would choose to stay in an all-inclusive hotel for a month in the winter if it was cheaper than staying at home. ‘Multi-Generational Holidays’ emerged as a key trend, with the family holiday lasting longer into life than ever before, as 97% parents want to continue to travel with kids after they’ve left. 30% of families are planning multi-generational holidays in 2025, with 80% of holidays tailored to appeal to all family members going away together. A rise in ‘Holiday Hopping’ is predicted by experts, with nearly two thirds (62%) of Brits planning on taking this approach to holidaying. The trend sees people travelling in to one city and out of another, to see as much of an area or country as possible. For example, flying into Rome and out of Pisa to maximise sightseeing across Rome, Florence and Pisa, with a bit of Tuscany along the way. Travel trends also point to ‘AI-tinerary Planning’, with 41% of Brits planning to harness AI to help plan their holiday itineraries, short cutting hours of research. What Brits Will Be Doing On Holiday: People’s passions will be fuelling Brits holiday choices, with over a third (38%) of those who partake in sporting pursuits choosing holidays where they can run, cycle, and hike. In fact, keen runners are heading to European cities such as Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin, to run in marathon-style events. This trend is particularly popular amongst younger holidaymakers, with two-thirds of Gen Z and millennials (65%) basing their holiday on sporting pursuits, and 73% of Gen Z are planning holidays around their hobbies. Two-thirds (66%) of Brits would consider pursuing ‘Musical Missions’, following their favourite acts around the continent. Stars touring in 2025 include Bruce Springsteen, James Blunt, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, who will be looking to follow on from the Eras Tour that took European destinations by storm. ‘Jetflix and Chill’ is on the cards for over half of (55%) holidaymakers, which rises to four-fifths (81%) of Gen Z who are picking their experiences and destinations inspired by their favourite TV streaming shows. From Stanley Tucci exploring Italy, to true crime afficionados, holidaymakers are exploring the backdrops, locations and cultures of their favourite shows and documentaries. ‘Nostalgia Travelling’ - over half (51%) of Brits surveyed said they have revisited a childhood holiday destination as a holiday, and 73% would consider doing so in 2025. easyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis said: “This year will mark 30 years since easyJet came onto the scene to democratise travel and since then we have seen many changes to the way people holiday." “We are always responding to new trends to ensure we offer what our customers are looking for, with many of those uncovered in our new travel report also coming through in customer behaviour." “And we’ve launched over 40 new routes from the UK to help customers discover new destinations with more flights further afield offering great value luxury." “Ultimately, we know how much people value their holidays and it is clear that they are considered not just a priority but essential to so many.” easyJet holidays CEO Garry Wilson said: “As one of the UK’s major holiday providers, it’s our mission to make it easy for customers to experience brilliant beach holidays and city breaks at unbeatable prices. We work hard to make sure we are offering the very best holidays and meeting our customers’ needs, whether they want to fly and flop, discover a new city, travel solo or with extended family, so we’re pleased to see the top 2025 trends, evidenced by our Great British Holiday Audit, mean we will continue to deliver for our customers in 2025 and beyond." Report co-author, journalist and creator of the UK’s Number 1 travel podcast The Travel Diaries, Holly Rubenstein said: “It’s clear that holidays and travel are now a non-negotiable for many households and discovering new and exciting places is firmly on the horizon for 2025. Holidaymakers are determined to see more, experience more and share more – not just on their social media feeds - but together in real life." "Every day of annual leave is being used creatively to maximise the time that can be spent exploring and relaxing.” The Top 15 Travel Trends that have emerged from the ‘easyJet and easyJet holidays Great British Holiday Audit’ are: Low-cost Luxe  - travellers seeking luxury experiences at reduced costs by choosing great value destinations with 5* quality. AI-tinerary Planning  - using new AI tools to create highly personalised travel itineraries, and saving research time. Country Ticking  – inspired by the likes of apps like ‘been’, as well as general intrigue in exploring new destinations and countries, scoring bragging rights by clocking up new countries each year and more stamps in your passport. Holiday Hopping  - travellers are maximizing their holidays by flying into one city and out of another to explore multiple destinations within a country or region. Self-Care Journeys  - travelling for relaxation and escaping the everyday, to switch off and aid your mental health, whether that's for hiking, forest bathing, spa retreats or just some peace. Small City Seeker  - Travelling to smaller cities to avoid the crowds and experience somewhere more unique than the usual big hitters. Destinations throughout Europe have a variety of smaller cities that still offer activities, culture and experiences in spades, i.e. Girona instead of Barcelona, or Rimini instead of Rome. Multi-generational Holidays  - family trips are extending into adulthood, with grandparents joining the party too. More Adventure Maxing  - Maximising long-weekend travel (2–3-day trips) around Europe by using fewer days of annual leave to see more places. Jetflix and Chill  - TV and film is inspiring all sorts of travel, ranging from true crime fans, cooking and foodie shows, documentaries and mythology, for a thematic experience. Nostalgia Travelling  - tapping into the trend of nostalgia, holidaymakers are revisiting locations from childhood to recreate cherished memories and connect with their personal history. Trailblazer Travel  – choosing adventurous destinations that no one you know has been to that still provide stunning landscapes and friendly prices e.g. Georgia, Slovenia, and Montenegro. Gourmet Getaways  – being inspired to visit destinations based on viral food trends and unique culinary experiences. Acti-vacation  – choosing holidays and locations to participate in sporting events, such as marathons or bike races across Europe. Month-long Escapes  - retirees and those with flexible schedules are increasingly opting for month-long stays abroad to escape unfavourable weather. Musical Missions  – planning a holiday around following a favourite music artist on tour or attending an international music festival, so you can combine music and a trip abroad for the same price.

A Dorset funeral group has revealed a sharp increase in families choosing its ceremony rooms over traditional crematorium chapels. Douch Family Funeral Directors, a family-run business with a legacy spanning over a century, invested heavily in modern ceremony rooms at its branches in Ferndown, Parkstone, Blandford and Corfe Mullen. These rooms provide families with an affordable alternative to expensive crematorium services, allowing them to host personalised funerals and wakes in the same venue. They are designed to offer a cost effective, yet dignified way to say goodbye to loved ones. Each room is equipped with cutting edge technology and two of the branches also offer live streaming for those unable to attend. Managing director Nick Douch said: “Our seven branches are very much connected to a past that goes back more than a century – but as a family business we have always looked forward." “The nature of funerals has changed and increasing numbers of people are opting for less traditional arrangements." “Direct cremations have become popular, but many families find them too impersonal. With this trend in mind we invested heavily in our own ceremony rooms creating a middle ground that balances affordability with dignity." “Demand has been higher than we anticipated, as families appreciate the flexibility, comfort and cost savings our ceremony rooms provide. Families really do value the service and for some without these options there would be no service." “The rooms are also community assets and we host bereavement groups and other meetings, further demonstrating our commitment to supporting local communities. Additionally, we’ve partnered with venues such as Kingston Country Courtyard in the Isle of Purbeck and the Italian Villa at Compton Acres in Poole, expanding the possibilities for families to honour their loved ones." “At one time services were held either in a church or crematorium, but now there are many options available and we have diversified to reflect that – particularly with our ceremony rooms.”

Johnsons Nurseries Ltd is proud to announce the successful completion of its autumn/winter Plant Identification Training Programme, an initiative aimed at enhancing employees' plant knowledge and skills. This seasonal training programme exemplifies the company’s commitment to fostering professional development and building expertise within its team. 25 Employees who completed the programme were formally recognized in a special ceremony, receiving certificates awarded by Group Managing Director Graham Richardson and Production Director Robert Richardson. The programme builds on a year-round dedication to education, complementing earlier spring and summer Plant Identification Sessions. Together, these programmes provide employees with an in-depth understanding of a wide range of plant groups across all seasons. In addition to Plant Identification Training, employees have had the opportunity to engage in Plant Health Training and enrol in the Bespoke ‘Introduction to Horticulture’ Course at Askham Bryan College. These initiatives ensure employees are equipped with a robust skill set that encompasses plant care, identification, and overall health management. Outstanding Achievements Throughout the programme, employees demonstrated outstanding dedication. Simon Harrison and Ed Greaves achieved a perfect score of 20/20 in every session and 100% attendance. High scorers included Hannah Reilly, Sarah Perry, Kristian Kuzsel, Rolanda Peleckiene, Ashley Robinson, and Judah Muawuli, all of whom consistently excelled. The most improved participants were Ashley Robinson, Rolanda Peleckiene, Chris Pearce, and Tom Laws, showcasing their dedication to growth. New team members Liam Williamson, Charlie Binge, Richard Knowles, and Judah Muawuli made impressive contributions and achieved high scores despite being new to the company. Looking Ahead Group Managing Director Graham Richardson said: "Johnsons remains committed to ongoing employee development. Plans for 2025 include expanded training opportunities, such as the next round of the ‘Introduction to Horticulture’ Course at Askham Bryan, more Plant Identification Sessions, and more Plant Health Training." "Our investment in our team reflects our belief that a knowledgeable workforce is key to delivering the best possible service. We’re excited to continue building on this success.”