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Yorkshire Garden Centres branches out into North Yorkshire with two additional sites. Bradford-based Yorkshire Garden Centres has announced it is to operate two more sites in Yorkshire.  The two Dean’s Garden Centre sites at York and Scarborough will be added to the group that already has sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley in West Yorkshire. The Dean’s business dates back to 1968 when they opened the York store on a four acre site at Stockton on the Forest. This was followed by the acquisition of the eight-acre Scarborough site in 1986.  The business now employs over 100 people and all the roles will transfer with the sale.  Richard, Helen and Sarah, who are the second generation of the Deans family to run the business, will all enjoy a very well-earned retirement. Mark Farnsworth, MD of Yorkshire Garden Centres said: “We are delighted to welcome the Dean’s sites into the Yorkshire Garden Centres group in partnership with Altia Estates." "We are grateful to the Dean family for letting us take the business forward, and we intend to continue to use the Dean’s name, which has become so well respected over the years." "Whilst several members of the family retire, we are also really pleased that others have agreed to stay on and continue to work in the business.” Mr. Farnsworth added: “We set out our ambitions five years ago to grow the group and our four current centres employ nearly 450 people.  Planning was approved for a new site at Thorp Arch in the middle of last year but, very sadly, the delays due to the COVID pandemic and gaining Planning Permission meant that the scheme was no longer viable which was a real blow as we felt Thorp Arch was a great site.  Having established a strong management team, when the Dean’s opportunity came up we recognised it was a great way to continue our growth journey.” Richard Dean, a partner at Dean’s Garden Centre said: “We are pleased our Centres are joining the Yorkshire Garden Centre group. We have followed their progress with interest and feel that we have many shared values. Having grown up living on the York site, we’ve been involved in the business in some capacity or other from a very young age." "Now though is the right time for my sisters and I to retire, something that I personally was aiming to do in 2021, before Covid hit. The business can now move forward and provide, what will no doubt be an enhanced shopping experience for our customers. We wish the group the very best of luck as they move forward.”   “We are also incredibly grateful to Antony Harker of Altia Estates for the financial support and faith he has shown in us,” added Mr Farnsworth. Mr Harker commented: “We are delighted to support this opportunity and we wish the whole team at Yorkshire Garden Centres the very best.  I look forward to seeing the sites continue to grow and flourish under their management.” Yorkshire Garden Centres began with the acquisition of Tong Garden Centre by Mark Farnsworth and Tom Megginson in 2015. They invested £9m to turn Tong from an ailing centre with a disenfranchised team to one of Yorkshire’s leading garden centres. The Group’s strategy is to operate destination garden centres with a compelling mix of retail, food and play for all the family.

The team at a Bradford-headquartered garden centre group is celebrating after being shortlisted for two national HR awards.   Yorkshire Garden Centres Group has reached the final in both the Retail Company of the Year Award and the Innovation of the Year at the British HR Awards which celebrate organisations and individuals that are driven by delivering a world-class people experience . Yorkshire Garden Centre’s Head of People and Culture, Neil Barwise-Carr, is delighted with the news, adding:   “We have a great team at Yorkshire Garden Centres so we’re very proud that they have been recognised with a place in the final of not one, but two awards."   “We are delighted and proud that our commitment to the environment and sustainability has earned us a place in the final of the Innovation category and our commitment to nurturing and developing our team has been rewarded with a shortlist for the Retail Company of the Year award.”   Nate Harwood, Founder of New Possible and British HR Awards judge said: "With a 40% increase in the number of entries this year, judging was both a great privilege and a real challenge. Congratulations to all the Finalists who have demonstrated the passion, commitment, and talent at the beating heart of British HR." The stellar  lineup of 13 judges includes representatives from Shelter, The AA, Lloyds Pharmacy and Iceland Foods.   Yorkshire Garden Centres faces competition from Heron Foods, Holland & Barrett and Selfridges for the Retail Company of the Year Award and DHU Healthcare, Egress, inploi, Jaguar Land Rover, Live More Offline, Sedulo Group and Speedy Services for the Innovation of the Year Award. The winners will be announced at a celebration event in Central London on 16th April. The British HR Awards is powered by New Possible, a next-generation employee insight platform . New Possible helps leaders build healthier organisations by providing meaningful insight that can drive real change. The Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) group comprises Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley Garden Centres and the recently acquired Dean’s York and Scarborough. Otley and Bingley Garden Centres were known as Stephen H Smith’s before they were acquired by YGC in 2022.

Leicestershire County Cricket Club has announced its intention to secure professional status for women’s cricket at Uptonsteel County Ground. The submission follows the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) major plans for the evolution of women’s cricket via the creation of a three-tiered domestic competition structure, starting from 2025. Under the proposals, eight counties will receive ‘Tier 1’ status, affording them the opportunity to professionalise their women’s outfit and compete in the ECB’s elite-level women’s T20 and 50-over competitions. Leicestershire CCC has developed a vision to elevate the women’s game to the pinnacle of county cricket, while creating an enduring legacy to empower women and girls to pursue their dreams in cricket. The Club has long signalled its unwavering commitment to growing women and girls’ cricket and creating equal opportunities, while Uptonsteel County Ground boasts some of the most revered training facilities in county cricket. In a major structural change, Leicestershire Women’s pathway recently transferred to the cricket pillar, aligning operational practices with the men’s setup in pursuit of becoming the best women’s pathway in the country. The move strives to replicate the success of the men’s structure, including the fundamental aim of producing homegrown, elite level cricketers - such as Stuart Broad, James Taylor, and Rehan Ahmed – all of whom have enjoyed flourishing England careers after graduating through Leicestershire’s Academy. The bid will also cement Uptonsteel County Ground as the permanent home venue for Leicestershire Women, who have increased the frequency of their matches on Grace Road year-on-year in recent seasons. Stephen Franklin’s side will once again feature across multiple ‘double-header’ matchdays alongside Leicestershire Men during this summer’s Vitality Blast, while plans to issue a dedicated changing room for the side are also underway. Discussing the tender, Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, said: “We are so blessed with the exceptional coaches and infrastructure we have at Leicestershire. By giving our women and girls the same knowledge, facilities, and opportunities, we are providing a rich platform for them to reach the highest level." “Our blueprint with our Men’s pathway has been immensely successful. We have produced a pantheon of England stars, and we are incredibly confident we can replicate that path with sustained success for our Women and Girls’ programme." “Leicestershire is one of the most diverse counties in the country. We believe achieving Tier 1 status will further enhance our ability to break new ground in the women and girls’ game and inspire new generations within every pocket of our communities.” Leicestershire’s bid is being supported by several high levels stakeholders in the county - including Leicester City Council, Leicester City Football Club, and Leicester Tigers – with a successful submission set to result in significant investment and the creation of jobs at the Club. Leicestershire County Cricket Club has today (Monday, 11 March) announced its intention to secure professional status for women’s cricket at Uptonsteel County Ground. The submission follows the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) major plans for the evolution of women’s cricket via the creation of a three-tiered domestic competition structure, starting from 2025. Under the proposals, eight counties will receive ‘Tier 1’ status, affording them the opportunity to professionalise their women’s outfit and compete in the ECB’s elite-level women’s T20 and 50-over competitions. Leicestershire CCC has developed a vision to elevate the women’s game to the pinnacle of county cricket, while creating an enduring legacy to empower women and girls to pursue their dreams in cricket. The Club has long signalled its unwavering commitment to growing women and girls’ cricket and creating equal opportunities, while Uptonsteel County Ground boasts some of the most revered training facilities in county cricket. In a major structural change, Leicestershire Women’s pathway recently transferred to the cricket pillar, aligning operational practices with the men’s setup in pursuit of becoming the best women’s pathway in the country. The move strives to replicate the success of the men’s structure, including the fundamental aim of producing homegrown, elite level cricketers - such as Stuart Broad, James Taylor, and Rehan Ahmed – all of whom have enjoyed flourishing England careers after graduating through Leicestershire’s Academy. The bid will also cement Uptonsteel County Ground as the permanent home venue for Leicestershire Women, who have increased the frequency of their matches on Grace Road year-on-year in recent seasons. Stephen Franklin’s side will once again feature across multiple ‘double-header’ matchdays alongside Leicestershire Men during this summer’s Vitality Blast, while plans to issue a dedicated changing room for the side are also underway. Discussing the tender, Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, said: “We are so blessed with the exceptional coaches and infrastructure we have at Leicestershire. By giving our women and girls the same knowledge, facilities, and opportunities, we are providing a rich platform for them to reach the highest level." “Our blueprint with our Men’s pathway has been immensely successful. We have produced a pantheon of England stars, and we are incredibly confident we can replicate that path with sustained success for our Women and Girls’ programme." “Leicestershire is one of the most diverse counties in the country. We believe achieving Tier 1 status will further enhance our ability to break new ground in the women and girls’ game and inspire new generations within every pocket of our communities.” Leicestershire’s bid is being supported by several high levels stakeholders in the county - including Leicester City Council, Leicester City Football Club, and Leicester Tigers – with a successful submission set to result in significant investment and the creation of jobs at the Club.

New ways to detect skin cancer tumours without the use of invasive surgeries are being developed at the University of Dundee. Innovative research led by Dr David Bajek, for the University and NHS Tayside, could substantially reduce the need for biopsy surgeries to detect and treat skin cancers. Dr Bajek is developing a handheld device containing infrared lasers the size of a penny, which operates using a technique similar to ultrasound. This device can send light into the body and reflect it back, creating an image of the layers of tissue inside. The method, known as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), is already used by opticians looking into the eye but applying it to skin tissue is a more complex process. In the near future Dr Bajek’s device could not only be used to diagnose tumours, but also to more closely monitor areas which have previously been treated for cancer. Dr Bajek, a researcher for the University of Dundee’s School of Medicine and NHS Tayside’s Photobiology Unit at Ninewells Hospital, has received the Silver Award for Physics at STEM for Britain, in recognition of the importance of his work. He was shortlisted from hundreds of applicants from across the UK to present in front of MPs at Westminster, during which time a panel of prestigious judges from STEM industries selected winners. “I was surprised when the winners were announced,” he said, “I wasn’t expecting it." “There’s a lot of remarkable research going on and the judges must have had a difficult job picking the winners because the research comes from a wide variety of important fields in physics. I am passionate about what I do and they said that came across when I was talking about my work." “I’m really lucky that my desk [at Ninewells] is right next to where NHS patients are treated, which inspires me to do everything I can to help them.” Dr Bajek also researches treatments for skin conditions including photosensitivity, and the award was also in recognition of this area of his work. Through this he sees some patients whose conditions are so extreme that just two or three minutes outside can cause severe burns, rashes and pain. Other patients can be sensitive to UV emitted by lightbulbs and so even being inside in some environments can trigger symptoms. He added: “The thing that comes up time and time again with these patients is the lack of understanding at work or school." “They may ask to close the blinds or move their desk and they’re met with difficulties or objections. For a photosensitive individual, many aspects of daily life we take for granted, such as walks, picnics or holidays, can prove challenging or even dangerous." “It’s terribly misunderstood and people don’t realise how life-altering it can be.” In response to this, Dr Bajek is developing a number of medical and personal devices which will allow patients to monitor their exposure to light, as well as select the best protective clothing and sunscreens to manage their symptoms.

Nova Motorsport has signed exclusive partnership agreements for tyre supply of four Peter Auto historic racing series in Europe. Nova Motorsport is a new brand inspired by heritage and dedicated to technical excellence, which has acquired the assets of Avon Motorsport from Cooper Tire. The brand will supply tyres to drivers and teams competing in the prestigious Peter Auto historic Group C, prototypes in Classic Endurance 1 & 2 and 2.0L Cup grids. Nova Motorsport’s long-term partnership with Peter Auto commences with the 2024 season. Nova Motorsport's acquisition of all residual tyre stock from Avon Motorsport will ensure uninterrupted, consistent service and supply to competitors as the new company continues a longstanding and successful partnership previously held by Avon Motorsport. In addition to securing all existing Avon Motorsport product stock, Nova Motorsport has obtained Avon Motorsport assets, manufacturing licence and IP. Plus, the brand has assembled a hand-picked technical team, with various key members transferring from Avon Motorsport, where they had in-depth experience supporting the Peter Auto historic and classic racing series. James Weekley, Nova Motorsport Commercial Director, said: “Peter Auto is one of the most respected names in the historic and classic automotive racing community. Nova Motorsport is pleased to continue the relationship established by Avon Motorsport with the highly respected organisation. Historic motorsport is a crucial pillar of the Nova Motorsport business, and partnering with Europe’s premiere historic race championships is the perfect way to demonstrate this." “Our technical team has vast experience supporting the cars in Peter Auto's historic racing championships, which are some of the best historic cars in the world and include legendary 1980s Group C Le Mans cars and iconic 1960s Porsche 911 short-wheelbase models." "We look forward to supporting Peter Auto while developing Nova Motorsport globally and offering competition tyres of the highest quality. Our commitment to research and development ensures that our products deliver exceptional performance appropriate to the vehicles in historic and classic motorsport." Patrick Peter, Peter Auto Founder, said: “The arrival of Nova Motorsport is a breath of fresh air in the world of historic racing. We can now look forward with peace of mind, reassured by the quality of products and services that Nova Motorsport will deliver to our competitors on the Group C Racing, CER 1 and 2 prototypes, and 2.0L Cup grids”. Nova Motorsport is contracted to supply tyres through the brand’s French-based dealer Sodipneu the exclusive Peter Auto service provider to drivers and teams competing in the following four Peter Auto series: Group C Racing (Le Mans 24 Hours and the Sports Car World Endurance Championship cars from 1982 and 1993). Classic Endurance Racing 1 (Prototypes only) – 1966 – 1971). Classic Endurance Racing 2 (Prototypes only) – Up to 1981). 2.0L Cup – 911 Short wheelbase 2.0L FIA pre-66 (Single make championship). In addition, Nova Motorsport will continue to supply the hugely successful Avon CR6ZZ tyre in other series if permitted within the regulations. Nova Motorsport aims to quickly establish its presence in global motorsport and the racing community. By concentrating exclusively on the historic and contemporary motorsport and specialist tyre sectors, the brand will leverage its extensive knowledge and expertise to create tyres to deliver success in ultra-demanding racing conditions. The new company’s expertise will enable tailored tyre offerings to meet the specific needs of diverse racing categories. In addition, the brand is committed to substantial investments in research and development to ensure Nova Motorsport continues to supply exceptional products for those competing in historic and classic motorsport.

Angharad Greaves, a student at Leicester College, has won the Midlands heat of the SPARKS Female Skills Competition. Leicester College hosted the regional heats of both the SPARKS and HIP Female Skills Competition 2024, nationwide contests that look for the best up-and-coming talent amongst women studying Level 2 and 3 electrical installation, and plumbing and heating courses. Students from colleges across the Midlands came to Leicester College’s Freemen’s Park Campus on Tuesday 5 March 2024 to compete in either HIP - for plumbing and heating students, or SPARKS - for electrical installation students - in a live practical installation. After a close race, Angharad Greaves from Leicester College was named the winner of the SPARKS competition, with Kaci Riley from Loughborough College coming in as the runner-up. Daisy Turner from Barking and Dagenham College, and Sophie Maguire from City College Norwich were named as the HIP competition runner-up and winner, respectively. The winners received a gift voucher from e-on for merchandise. They will now go on to compete in the grand final at Stephenson College in Coalville on 18 April 2024 to determine the ultimate HIP and SPARKS champions. Angharad Greaves, who is studying on the Level 3 Electrical Installation course at Leicester College, said: “I was very surprised but thrilled to win. The quality of the competitors’ work was so high, so it was a bit surreal hearing my name being called!" “I’ve always had an interest in electrics but didn’t think I’d be where I am today. Courses like this one at Leicester College didn’t feel as accessible when I was 18, so I never thought it was an option. But I’m proud of myself for enrolling on the course and pursuing my dreams." “I'm so grateful to Leicester College’s electrical team for putting me forward for the competition and for their support in getting me through it. I'm sure no matter the result at the final, it'll be another brilliant day so I'm looking forward to it.” Verity Hancock, Principal at Leicester College, said: “We were so pleased to host the Midlands heat of the national HIP and SPARKS Female Skills Competitions this year. Our own electrical, and plumbing and heating courses are very popular with all students with an increasing number of women studying." “It’s been encouraging to see so many talented students competing and we’re delighted that our own student, Angharad came out on top. Competitions like these not only boost confidence but give women more opportunities to get industry experience to help them succeed in their careers.” The competitions are run by HIP and SPARKS Magazines, publications that support the next generation of learners and lecturers in the construction, engineering, and hairdressing and barber trades. The competitions run every year to not only seek upcoming talent along electrical and plumbing students, but also to help them network with other learners in the same trade, learn new skills and win prizes along the way. Zoe Tanner, Managing Director at SPARKS, commented: "The calibre of skill each competitor demonstrated has been incredible! They should all be immensely proud of themselves for taking part." "The positive outcomes from the competition have been remarkable. Last year's winner and runner-up went on to enter and win their regional heats in this year’s SPARKS Learner of the Year competition. This is a clear indication that initiatives like this can act as a stepping stone, empowering women to participate more confidently in mixed-gender competitions and in the industry as a whole.” The competition is supported by leading industry names such as Megger, Aico, Electric Center, The IET, Milwaukee, Schneider Electric, Prysmian, Snickers, Fix Radio and the National Electrotechnical Training (NET). Glenn Scholfield, Technical Training and Support Manager at Aalberts IPS (formerly Pegler Yorkshire), was one of the judges for the HIP competition. He said: “We are delighted to see so many women that have signed up to compete this year. I think women-focused contests encourage more competitors, whereas we see fewer women signing up if they have to compete against men. “There has been a really good standard in the finals this year. I’ve been particularly impressed with the attention to detail. As the sector become less gender-dominant, we hope to see many more of these students pursue careers in plumbing, electrics and other trade sectors.”

Two entrepreneurs with a wealth of experience working in some of London’s top restaurants have launched their first UK restaurant venture in Leeds, after securing a £110,000 business funding deal from Reward Finance Group. Alexander Jarvis and husband, Clement Cousin, have utilised the facility provided by Reward, an alternative finance lender, to purchase the former Little Monk site on Town Street in Horsforth, recently opened as Bavette Bistro. Alexander has enjoyed a successful culinary career since leaving college as a trained chef in 2007. His experience includes working as a commis chef at former Michelin guided Knightsbridge restaurant Racine, and more recently as group managing director and head chef for The Culpeper Family Hospitality Group. Clement moved from rural France to London in 2012 and has amassed over 10 years of front of house experience in a range of restaurants and bars, including being restaurant manager at The Culpeper Family Hospitality Group where he met Alexander. The business partners spent over six months seeking a suitable location for Bavette Bistro and needed a lender that could offer the pace and flexibility of funding when the right location arose. Speed of lending was also needed to ensure the refurbishment work could be completed within a tight timescale, whilst the working capital will help support the business during the first few months of trading. Reward specialises in providing tailored business finance and asset based solutions of up to £5m to property investors and SMEs across the UK. Alexander Jarvis, director of Bavette Bistro, said: “Having both worked in the hospitality industry most of our lives, we decided it was time to look into opening our own venture. The bistro is ideally located in the centre of Horsforth’s thriving bar and restaurant scene and will offer a seasonally-led menu of dishes to cater for around 36 covers.” “The funding provided by Reward is integral to financing the property lease purchase, complete the necessary redevelopment work to create a welcoming neighbourhood bistro and provide the working capital security while we build our reputation. We’re excited to have launched our first bistro in Leeds and we plan to succeed in an area of business that we are hugely knowledgeable and passionate about.” Alan Sanderson, one of Reward’s underwriters, added: “It’s great to support such a diverse range of SME businesses across the region, especially two hugely talented entrepreneurs who have drawn on their extensive experience in the restaurant industry to launch their first business venture." "Alexander and Clement have worked for some of London’s finest restaurants and bars and will no doubt thrive in such a high footfall area with a well-established line up of eateries and bars.” “The deal is a great example of our flexibility and speed of lending and our ability to support a new business in the hospitality sector – something that mainstream lenders aren’t doing as frequently at the moment. We look forward to following the success of Bavette Bistro as it no doubt goes from strength to strength.”

French pâtissier Tipiak has committed to using Fairtrade chocolate and free-range eggs in its sweet and savoury pâtisserie. The ingredients switch has been made as part of the foodservice provider’s pledge to boost the ethical credentials of its authentic ‘thaw and serve’ products. All chocolate used in Tipiak’s sweet products is now Fairtrade, while all products made with egg now contain free-range eggs. Marie-Emmanuelle Chessé, international development project manager at Tipiak, said: “We regularly look at the recipes and ingredients of our sweet and savoury pâtisserie to see if we can improve them in any way." “I am delighted to announce that Tipak is now solely using Fairtrade chocolate in all chocolate products and that we have committed to using only free-range eggs in anything that is made using egg. This is a positive move for our customers, who can promote the fact that we have updated and improved our ingredients to their own customers.” Tipiak specialises in exquisitely French sweet and savoury pâtisserie, supplied frozen to the UK food service sector via frozen food distributor Central Foods. Its range includes petits fours, gluten-free macarons and a selection of different savoury canapés. Tipiak’s ‘thaw and serve’ products are used across the food service sector in a variety of settings including afternoon tea, buffets, wedding, graduation and other event catering, plus as accompaniments to hot beverages and as light desserts. Its macarons are made to a traditional French recipe and are gluten free – making them suitable for coeliac customers and those who avoid gluten. Products available in the UK which now feature Fairtrade chocolate include chocolate macarons (one of the flavours in the French macarons selection), chocolate heart-shaped macarons (which feature in the heart-shaped macarons alongside strawberry heart-shaped macarons) and chocolate petits fours in the Classic French petits fours selection. Savoury range items that now include free-range egg include traditional Chicago canapés, Provencal bistro canapés and luxury temptation canapés, while the sweet pâtisserie products containing free-range egg include French macarons, pop macarons fruits and the heart-shaped macarons, plus the classic French petits fours.

Council decision makers are set to invest over a quarter of a million pounds, to kick start the district’s newest country park at Welbeck. The Council’s Cabinet is expected to give the green light to a phased approach to developing the country park. This will see phase one get underway immediately and be delivered in just three years. Councillor Jack Hemingway, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said: “Welbeck’s new future is as a country park." “These plans reinforce our long-term commitment to making this happen. The first phase will see the creation of circular walking trails, natural woodlands and grasslands, cycling trails and links to existing trails in the local area. As well as bird hides and other places for wildlife watching.” Outline work has already been done on the Council’s plans, which were created based on public views gathered from a survey carried out last year. Welbeck Country Park will be built in phases over several years, as new sections are restored and released. With the initial work focused on areas of land that the Council own. Plans also include the creation of a ‘Friends of’ group to help guide and manage the creation of the park. Councillor Hemingway added: “Phases 2 and 3 will then take us through the next ten plus years, where there is huge potential for its future. Anything from a visitor centre and toilets, to a café and a cycling hub." “In time Welbeck will become an important destination for recreation, a haven for nature, a valuable green space and source of biodiversity. It’s days as a landfill site must come to an end.” The Council’s Cabinet will be discussing the plans at their meeting on Tuesday 19 March. The meeting will be live streamed and can be watched live or later at Wakefield Council - Cabinet meetings - YouTube

Chairman of the Scottish food ingredient firm Macphie is stepping down this spring. After 17 years as chairman, Alastair Macphie, great nephew of the company’s founder, is stepping down from the role, but will continue as a non-executive director where his intimate knowledge of the business will add value to the long-term capital investment decisions. Alastair Macphie joined the business in 1987, taking over from his late father as managing director in 1995. In 2007 he was made chairman and went on some years later to appoint the firm’s first non-family managing director. In 1995, Macphie’s turnover was £14m and since then has grown to current year revenues exceeding £73m, delivering record growth over the last three years. Alastair Macphie said: “In four years, Macphie will mark 100 years in business. This is a remarkable achievement and one we look forward to celebrating." “It has been 29 years since I first took on the role of managing director and it has been amazing watching the company grow. Despite the recent challenges, last year we reported record sales, double-digit growth, and healthy profitability." “In recent years we’ve strengthened our leadership team with several key appointments – including my nephew Ed Widdowson as strategy, people and sustainability director - to lay the foundations for the next 100 years. Ed is the fourth generation of the family to be involved in the business.” Alastair continued, “I indicated to the board some time ago my ambition to step down this year and we’ve been working at getting the business into great shape with strong leadership and a clear growth strategy; with that in place, now is the right time to make this transition”. Macphie CEO Andy Stapley said: “Alastair has been a reassuring constant at Macphie, providing wise counsel, dedication and passion for the business and our people." “He has overseen huge changes in the company, investing in the manufacturing capability and our people, making sure the business stays ahead of its time, leading on sustainability and meeting the changing needs of our customers.” Alastair’s stepping down follows last year’s completion of a £5m refurbishment of its Glasgow factory, while plans are advancing for major upgrades to its Glenbervie facility. Future focus As of 1 April, Norman Soutar will take on the role of chairman, with Andy Stapley, who has been in post since 2018, as CEO. Soutar first joined the business as a non-executive director in late 2022. Soutar has had a highly successful executive career in the food sector, bringing over 30 years of leadership experience with household names such as Baxters, Auntie Bessie’s, and William Jackson Food Group. Soutar said, “I’ve known Macphie for many years, and I’m delighted to take up this appointment and look forward to supporting the business with its ambitious plans.” On stepping back from the business Alastair still has plenty to keep him busy. He continues to chair the Macphie family non-food businesses and holds several non-executive directorships. It will also allow him “to concentrate his efforts in the community”. In 2020, Alastair Macphie was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Kincardineshire, a role which he holds for the next 12 years. Macphie is an internationally renowned ingredients manufacturer that was established in 1928 and now employs more than 250 people across its three sites. Its vision is to be the go-to partner for food brands around the world, turning ideas and creativity into practical solutions. That and its “simply clever food” strapline reflects its passion in making life in the kitchen and bakery easier. Sustainability has been a key element to the fourth-generation family firm. It was among the UK’s first businesses to achieve B Corp status in 2015, having successfully evidenced an unwaveringly high standard of social and environmental performance.

The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust has donated a four-figure sum to assist a vital charity which provides comprehensive support to families with children undergoing cancer treatment. The Emma Cameron Foundation has been a pillar of support for families coping with the devastating impact of childhood cancer. Established in memory of Emma Cameron, who battled osteosarcoma (bone cancer) until her passing in 2011, the foundation channels Emma's spirit of resilience and generosity by offering financial assistance and support to families in similar circumstances. With a deep understanding of the financial hardships that accompany a child's cancer diagnosis, the foundation was created to provide the numerous forms of support that Emma and her family were grateful to receive during her treatment. Operating on an annual budget of £60,000, the Emma Cameron Foundation support everything from funding for real hair wigs, trips to Lapland, support for social workers, facilitating end-of-life care at home in partnership with CHAS - a service that was not available to Emma but is now a critical form of support for families - to providing supermarket vouchers to help with immediate needs. Funding these essential services has become more challenging in the wake of the pandemic, with the foundation now relying entirely on self-generated fundraising and donations due to the depletion of reserve funds. The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust has donated £2,500 to fund these supermarket vouchers, which will cover the Emma Cameron Foundation’s annual cost for provision of this service. Alan Cameron, Emma’s father, founder of the Emma Cameron Foundation said, "From our experience with Emma we know that having a child in hospital with cancer is expensive, adding more worry and issues to the most basic concerns about their diagnosis. There are so many financial consequences to a child’s cancer diagnosis, and we are trying to minimise this impact and let families focus on their child’s health." “We work with the hospital social workers who are aware of the impact a child’s cancer diagnosis has on each family. They identify the families most in need and the vouchers funded by the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust will be used to help families who are having to stay away from home, have extended periods in hospital, make emergency pyjama / toiletries purchases, and more.” Jennifer Miller, Corporate Sales Manager and Charitable Trust committee member at Allied Vehicles Group said, “We are honoured to support the Emma Cameron Foundation's shopping voucher scheme with a donation of £2,500. With this contribution we aim to alleviate some of the burdens these brave families face, ensuring they have one less worry as they focus on their child's health and well-being."

Baked Earth Bakery has launched two new flatbread wraps for the food service sector. The fully baked, round Turkish style wraps and the Greek style wraps can be packed with tasty ingredients to make a light lunch or a food-to-go snack or used as an accompaniment to dips. Both suitable for vegans and vegetarians, the Baked Earth flatbread wraps are available to the catering sector via frozen food distributor Central Foods and warmed from frozen in 4-5 minutes in an oven or in a few minutes under the grill. They can also be defrosted and eaten cold. The flatbreads are an ideal replacement for tortillas for food service professionals who are keen to offer their customers something extra special. Dan Butt, MD of Nottingham-based Baked Earth, said: “We have been baking flatbreads for almost 35 years, continually innovating and creating new and exciting products for our food service customers." “We are very pleased to have launched the Turkish and the Greek style flatbreads. They are tasty, versatile and just perfect for the latest trends in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.” Both approximately 200mm in diameter, the Turkish style is topped with brown and yellow linseeds and kalonji (black onion) seeds, while the Greek style is embedded with ancient grains, such as linseeds, sunflower seeds, millet, wheat flakes, oat flakes, barley flakes and crushed rye. For more information visit www.centralfoods.co.uk