Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has begun high-level masonry inspections to review the historic fabric at Dunfermline Abbey and Palace. Due to the scale of the site, specialist teams are using a number of different methods to access the property, including abseiling and a 73 metre Mobile Elevating Work Platform (MEWP) to reach the highest points of the Abbey spire. High Level Masonry Programme Manager at HES, Grant Black, said: “The inspections at Dunfermline Abbey are part of an ongoing programme looking at the impact of climate change on historic structures, in combination with other factors. The spire on the Abbey stands at roughly 40 metres high, making it the tallest site we’ve inspected so-far, which means we need to employ a number of different methods at the site to carry out the inspection programme." "These tactile inspections, which also involve checking masonry by hand, are helping us to examine the Abbey in different ways and will help to manage the site for future generations.” These inspections form part of a nationwide programme to assess the effects of climate change on sites with high-level masonry over 1.5 metres, in combination with other factors. Results from the surveys help to inform any necessary remedial repairs as well as future conservation work at sites across Scotland.  To help facilitate the works, a minor road closure on St Catherine’s Wynd, from the Life nightclub to the vennel at the Palace Gatehouse, will remain in place until 17 January to provide a safe working distance for the MEWP. Dunfermline Abbey, which dates back to the 11th century, will remain open whilst the inspections continue throughout January, with occasional safety cordons in place to allow the team space to work. Until 8 February, visitors to the site can also experience the David I: A Revolution exhibition, which marks the 900th anniversary of his crowning and explores the changes made across Scotland throughout his reign.

Leicester College is set to open a new Green Technology Hub at its Freemen’s Park Campus in March 2025. The Hub will feature state-of-the-art green tech equipment including air source heat pumps, solar panels, battery storage systems and EV charging stations. This will enable students, staff and employers to gain hands-on, practical experience with the latest green technology. The Green Technology Hub will support a range of Leicester College courses from Level 2 to Level 4, focused on renewables and green technology including: ASHP Full Set Straight On Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Sustainability, Pollution and Waste Management Understanding Impacts of Industry and Organisations on the Natural Environment Energy Conservation and Efficient Buildings and Structures Renewable Energy Sustainable Energy Technologies Sustainable Energy and Renewables The Hub is funded by the Government’s Local Skills Improvement Fund and will be fitted out by Quantum Training, a UK renewable training provider, which will also train Leicester College staff on the equipment. Nick Allen, Construction Area Manager at Leicester College said: “The UK currently faces a large green skills gap so the development of our Green Technology Hub represents a step in the right direction by helping to provide a new generation of skilled workers who can take advantage of the career pathways in the rapidly-growing UK green technology sector." “As well as being the cornerstone for our new green tech courses, this new Green Technology Hub development will provide an excellent opportunity for our current students, adult evening learners and for local employers who are looking to upskill their workforce.” Maria Gonella, Managing Partner at Quantum added: “The government’s Net Zero Strategy has targets of supporting 440,000 green jobs by 2030. This new job market has evolved and continues to evolve rapidly. Leicester College students will be among some of the first in the country to gain hands-on experience with green technologies, gaining a sound practical foundation in the basic principles of cleaner energy generation and energy saving technology.” Leicester College, along with its partners Loughborough College, North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College and SMB College Group, was successful in bidding for funding through the Government’s Local Skills Improvement Fund. The College has successfully been awarded funds to develop training programmes to meet local employers’ skills needs in key industries including the green sector. These programmes support four key aims: decarbonising transportation; green leadership skills; digital upskilling; and employer skills training.

Richard Fuller will join The Jockey Club’s Board of Stewards for 2025. The Board of Stewards effectively serves as The Jockey Club’s board of non-executive directors, with the historic title of ‘Steward’ used as a reminder of the organisation’s heritage. Fuller was elected a Member of The Jockey Club in 2019 and in the same year also took on the role of Chair at Kempton Park, having first been appointed to the racecourse committee there in 2016. His significant experience in business includes serving as a Board Director of pub and hotel operator, Fuller Smith and Turner PLC. He is also Chairman of the Point-to-Point Racing Company, Trustee of the Wavertree Education Trust and Chairman of the Cotswold Cider Company and a former Chairman of the Point-to-Point Owners and Riders Association. Fuller’s wife Charlotte trains jumps horses from home and they have two children, their eldest being the former professional Jump jockey Page Fuller. The Board of Stewards from 1st January 2025 will be: Baroness Harding of Winscombe (Senior Steward) The Lord Grimthorpe (Deputy Senior Steward) Mr Richard Fuller Mr Wiliam Rucker Mr William Sporborg Mr Tim Syder Mr Sam Waley-Cohen Lady Carolyn Warren Mr William Wyatt It is also announced that a further five Members of The Jockey Club have been elected: Emma Banks Co-Head of Creative Artists Agency’s London office, Emma is agent to music superstars Kylie Minogue and Katy Perry amongst others. A racecourse committee member at Sandown Park, she is a successful and enthusiastic owner-breeder with her star performer being Lady Bowthorpe, winner of the Group One Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood in 2021. Jeremy Bradbeer A qualified solicitor who currently serves as Chairman of a firm of headhunters operating in the legal profession, Jeremy has been a member of the racecourse committee at Nottingham since 2022, becoming Chair at the start of 2023. He was previously a racecourse committee member at Market Rasen and has acted as a raceday steward at a range of courses including Leicester, Southwell, Market Rasen and Pontefract. Johnny Eddis Managing Director of Rothschild and Co, Johnny has served as Chairman of the Racing Industry Accident Benefit Scheme (RIABS) for 10 years and as a Trustee of Racing Welfare for six years. An owner-breeder, his gelding Alarazi won the 2011 Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle at Sandown Park. Matthew Lohn Matthew has worked as solicitor for almost 30 years at Fieldfisher and was the firm's Senior Partner until 2019. He has a broad range of experience in sports law and has chaired disciplinary panels of the British Horseracing Authority and Rugby Football Union as well as the National Anti-Doping Panel. He has been Chair of Newmarket Racecourses since the beginning of 2024. Jayne McGivern One of the world’s leading construction executives, Jayne has more than 35 years of experience in infrastructure and urban redevelopment mega-project delivery, having overseen several high profile projects including the redevelopment of the former Millennium Dome, Wembley Stadium and more recently the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas. A racing and breeding enthusiast, she is also the owner of the 2015 Derby winner Golden Horn, who she purchased in 2022 and stands at Overbury Stud. Commenting on all of the appointments, Baroness Harding, Senior Steward of The Jockey Club, said: “We are delighted to announce the election of five new Members of The Jockey Club. They all bring them with them a wealth of experience from the wider world as well as a keen interest and involvement in the sport of horseracing." “It is also fantastic to be welcoming Richard Fuller to the Board of Stewards from the start of next year. His extensive involvement with Kempton Park over the past few years has been hugely valued and with a strong background in the hospitality sector and racing he will prove a great addition to the Board.”

Leading Scottish hospitality group Buzzworks has announced its recent collaboration with Mark Maynard, esteemed hospitality consultant, leadership coach, and keynote speaker, as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing company culture and driving sustainable growth. The partnership with Maynard Consulting, which specialises in hospitality, leadership, operations, and organisational culture, began in 2023, and was inspired by Buzzworks’ dedication to creating exceptional experiences for both employees and guests. Mark’s wealth of expertise, honed over decades of work with Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), has brought fresh insights and strategies to Buzzworks as it continues its journey of expansion and innovation. During a recent visit to the group’s central office in Kilmarnock, Mark shared his extensive knowledge on culture and business growth, drawing from his experience, taking the time to also visit a few of the group’s most popular venues. Kenny Blair, Managing Director of Buzzworks, said: “Mark’s recent visit provided invaluable insights into how we can enhance the authentic connections our team members create with guests." “One memorable highlight of Mark’s visit was his inspiring talk with the team, where he shared a story about the impact of small, intentional actions in shaping company culture. This moment resonated deeply with the team, reinforcing Buzzworks’ belief that every individual plays a critical role in the company’s success." “Looking forward, Mark’s guidance has helped us refine our strategies for sustainable, people-driven growth. We’ll also focus on developing training initiatives that align with his suggestions, empowering our team to deliver consistently exceptional experiences.” The partnership has already sparked new energy within Buzzworks, with Mark’s ideas influencing the company’s approach to guest interactions, team training, and internal processes. Following the collaboration, Buzzworks plans to implement strategies that prioritise the employee experience, ensuring that its culture remains the backbone of its growth. Mark commented: “It’s been an honour to get to know Kenny and the Buzzworks team, and I am thrilled to play a small part in the meaningful work they are already doing. I feel like a coach of a championship player, and my role is to further enhance their stellar performance." “I am struck by the organisation’s deep commitment to taking care of people – the team and customers alike – and I am thrilled that our work together has the potential to enhance the impact Buzzworks makes in the communities within which it operates.” The award-winning company offers an aspirational dining and entertainment experience across Scotland through its other stylish brands – Lido, Scotts, House, Vic’s & The Vine, The Duke, Thirty Knots, The Bridge Inn, The Fox and Herringbone.

BMW Group UK has reported combined registrations for BMW and MINI totalling 172,240 units in 2024, with over a quarter of these being fully electric. The BMW brand recorded 125,265 registrations (+12 per cent), securing its position as the UK’s leading premium automotive brand with a 22.6 per cent share of the premium sector. Battery electric vehicles (BEV) accounted for 26.9 per cent of BMW registrations and the brand registered more plug-in hybrid vehicles than any competitor in the premium segment, marking another year of strong growth in electrified models. MINI registered 46,975 units in the UK, with BEV registrations up 55 per cent on 2023, reflecting the successful launch of the new MINI product family. “Our performance in 2024 reflects the strength of our product line-up and the dedication of our retailer network,” said David George, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group UK and Ireland. “The BMW brand leading in the UK premium segment, coupled with over a quarter of BMW Group UK registrations being fully electric, demonstrates how innovative product and exceptional customer experiences continue to drive our success." “BMW will start a new chapter in 2025 with the introduction of the Neue Klasse. The first model of a new generation of vehicles will bring ground-breaking technologies to our line-up, striking new design and further accelerate our electric mobility journey,” George added. The BMW i4 led the brand’s all-electric sales growth with 12,953 registrations, up 45 per cent year-over-year. The first full year of sales for the BMW i5 saw 3,825 vehicles registered across both the Saloon and Touring models, with particularly strong uptake from corporate and fleet customers. The iX1 remained a firm favourite, achieving 5,790 registrations, while the first-ever BMW iX2 recorded 2,819 registrations in its first ten months on sale. With an extensive BEV line-up now spanning every major vehicle segment, BMW secured 20.4 per cent of the total premium BEV market in the UK last year and recorded an 18 per cent year-on-year increase in BEV registrations. In addition to its all-electric success, BMW’s wider model portfolio continued to perform strongly. The BMW 1 Series was the brand’s UK best-seller, with over 24,450 registrations (+7 per cent), following a mid-year update that introduced a refreshed design and new technology, including the introduction of BMW Operating System 9 and mild-hybrid efficiency enhancements. The BMW 3 Series also benefited from updates, with the 330e plug-in hybrid now offering up to 62 miles of electric range (WLTP, combined) and faster charging capabilities, contributing to a 31 per cent increase in 3 Series registrations last year. BMW experienced significant growth in its luxury class models, with a 48 per cent increase in 7 Series registrations, which includes the all-electric BMW i7. The BMW XM saw a 184 per cent rise in registrations compared with 2023, reflecting strong customer demand for bold design and innovative technology in the luxury and performance sectors. BMW M remained highly sought-after in the UK, with performance and high-performance vehicle registrations reaching 17,191 in 2024, a 7 per cent year-on-year increase. The BMW M2, refreshed in 2024 with enhanced chassis technology and increased power output, saw exceptional demand with registrations rising by 101 per cent to 1,505 units. MINI had a transformative year, registering 46,975 units, including a 55 per cent year-on-year increase in BEV registrations compared to 2023. This growth in all-electric registrations was driven by the introduction of a completely new model family throughout 2024. As production of individual models transitioned to the latest-generation offerings, overall UK volume for MINI was marginally down 1 per cent. The all-electric MINI Cooper, which launched in the spring, was key to this BEV growth with 6,141 registrations in its first seven months on sale. The new MINI Countryman also performed particularly well, with registrations up 7 per cent to 12,342 units, thanks to the model’s increased practicality and the introduction of an all-electric variant for the first time, which offers up to 287 miles of range (WLTP, combined). The MINI Aceman, an all-new and exclusively electric crossover, entered the market in the autumn and further strengthened the brand’s electrified line-up. “The UK remains MINI’s most important global market with a deep-rooted passion for the brand and 2024 has been a pivotal year with the launch of our next-generation product family,” said David Beattie, Director of MINI UK and Ireland. “Our customers have embraced our new models, with more of them than ever choosing a fully electric MINI for the first time last year. We look forward to building on this momentum as MINI continues its journey in 2025 with the introduction of the brand’s first fully electric John Cooper Works performance models.”

Over the last two years, Perrywood Tiptree and Perrywood Sudbury have raised a grand total of £40,791 for local charities, schools and community projects.  Every two years, Perrywood chooses local charities or community groups to support. In 2023/24 £22,790 was raised for Hope for Tomorrow, The Red Rose Community Care Farm (The Befriending Scheme), Abberton Rural Training and Greenfingers. Fundraising activities by the Perrywood team and customers included a quiz night, prize draws, team Christmas jumper days, and tours and talks to gardening and community groups. An additional £18,000 was given as plant donations, gardening equipment and raffle prizes to other local charities, schools and community projects. In 2025, Perrywood is celebrating 70 years of trading with a brand new campaign aimed at supporting 70 local schools, charities, and community groups. The initiative aims to support the local community through donations of plants, tools and equipment which will help get 70 gardening projects underway during 2025. For more details, visit their website here . Louise Smith, Senior Communication Manager comments: “I am incredibly proud to be part of raising these valuable funds year after year. As part of our celebration of 70 years of trading in 2025, we’re thrilled to launch our brand-new charity initiative. The Perrywood team is excited to get started. We understand how important being outdoors and connecting with nature is for both mental and physical health. Through this campaign, we aim to empower local schools and charity groups to kickstart gardening projects that will benefit the wider community."

The Nero Group, the family owned and operated premium coffee house business behind Caffè Nero, has announced new partnerships with Waitrose and John Lewis. Building on their successful relationship established in 2021, Waitrose and the Nero Group have come together and developed a new cafe concept which will initially launch in five Waitrose stores. The cafes will offer customers a menu with quality food and recipes from Waitrose and coffee roasted specially for Waitrose by The Nero Roasting Company. There is also the opening of the first Caffè Nero in a John Lewis store, in White City, London. The 1500 sq ft store will seat 72 people and will offer the full range of Caffè Nero’s premium speciality coffees and its deli food. Customers can also expect the same warm welcoming experience they would receive from any Caffè Nero store on the high street. The first Waitrose stores to offer the new cafes will be Billericay, Godalming, Keynsham, Locks Heath and Stroud. The new Waitrose café concept provides customers with a full sit in café experience. Collaboration between The Nero Group and Waitrose started back in 2021. Since then the Nero Roasting Company has been supplying Waitrose’s 9 million myWaitrose loyalty customers with high quality roasted and blended coffee designed especially for them. Will Stratton- Morris, Caffè Nero CEO UK commented: “Our partnership with Waitrose continues to build and we’ve been delighted with the close working relationship we have grown. We have always seen the potential to deepen that relationship further and the launch of the new cafes in Waitrose is a key step in that process, as is widening the scope of our relationship with our first Caffè Nero store within a John Lewis store." "I’m excited that customers can enjoy the hospitality and premium coffee of a Caffè Nero within the unique shopping experience of John Lewis. It’s a perfect pairing and there is still so much scope for our partnership to continue to grow." Charlotte Di Cello, Commercial Director for Waitrose commented: “We’re excited to build on our successful partnership with the Nero Group with the launch of our new cafes. The initial tranche of five cafes will offer the best of Waitrose food together with coffee from The Nero Roasting Company, in a welcoming environment, served by our brilliant Waitrose Partners." "Our stores are hubs for local communities across the country and we know our customers love to have the option of enjoying a coffee, snack or meal after their shop.”

The RHS has published its gardening predictions for the year ahead, drawing on member enquiries, show and garden trends, and unique industry insight to suggest what and how the UK’s 30 million gardeners will be growing in the year ahead. In 2025 the charity predicts gardeners will be tearing up traditional planting choices with front gardens and urban areas reimagined for a greener future. While gardening will increasingly have a purpose, it will also be sure to include plenty of fun and frivolity as people grow in ways that matter to them. Guy Barter, Chief Horticulturist at the RHS, said: “Gardens never stand still and 2025 is likely to see not only new, exciting planting choices but new ways of designing, growing and maintaining spaces. The EV revolution could usher in significant changes to what front gardens look like while city centres could be punctuated by many more growing spaces that serve the dual purpose of providing refuge for people and wildlife but also all important flood proofing capabilities.” 2025 RHS Gardening Predictions 1. More Edible Perennials Fruit trees and shrubs as well as perennial vegetables will continue to grow in popularity owing to their reliable annual bounty, low maintenance, and provision of shape, structure and habitat for wildlife. 2024 was the year of the blueberry owing to it being easy to grow on compact bushes with attractive flowers and autumn colour. Honeyberries, a new crop bred from the blueberry that is oval in shape, requires even less attention and is increasingly available across the UK, including via RHS Plants, meaning it will start to appear in gardens and community growing spaces very soon. 2. From Community Water Butts To Sponge Cities Community gardens are increasingly at the centre of local water capture and storage, helping to meet the needs of the immediate space but also local people during extended dry spells. The proliferation of smaller scale growing spaces in more urban areas is also seen as valuable protection from flash flooding with plants helping to slow the flow of rainwater before being soaked up by the soil – nature’s largest natural water butt. 2025 is expected to see a growth in so called ‘sponge city’ capabilities as developers and councils increasingly cotton on to the broader benefits of planted spaces. 3. Green Infrastructure Goes Green As research continues apace to evidence the benefits of plants, they’ll start to feature in towns and cities in more creative but practical ways. Green roofs and walls will be sought out to provide all important thermal regulation for buildings, reduce flooding and sewage spills by capturing and slowing the flow of water, boost habitat provision, filter the air within spaces and along polluted roads and be used to cool solar panels on roofs to ensure good functionality, known as hortivoltaics. RHS Plants also now sells small modular green wall systems suitable for internal and external use owing to consumer demand. 4. Border And Basket Planting Alternatives Bed In 2025 will see a continued shift away from traditional bedding plants towards more long lived, less thirsty and robust varieties, particularly in community gardens and public landscapes. Salvias, heather and dahlias have proved particularly popular alternatives with community gardening groups over the last 12 months, requiring little maintenance but providing the same sought-after pops of colour and pollinator appeal. 5. Front Gardens On The Front Line​ With ever increasing numbers of electric cars on the road, homeowners will be looking for landscaping options that provide easy access to charging points. Permeable paving and gravel gardens flanked with low maintenance plants are low cost, and prevent pooling or run off of rainwater, making them an ideal option in dense, urban areas. 6. Gardeners Start Small 9cm potted plants have proved popular in 2024, being cheaper than the standard 2 or 3L potted varieties and meaning gardeners can dabble with a greater variety of plants for the same price. These smaller plants take a little longer to reach maturity but have been effectively used in the new Piet Oudolf Garden at RHS Garden Wisley which is already well established just one year on. 7. Carnivorous Plants Take A Bite Of The Market Carnivorous plants have long been popular among younger gardeners and loved for keeping house-bound insects in check. The advent of new peat-free formulations in 2024 is expected to benefit UK based propagation and breeding with increased availability, variety and appeal for sustainably minded growers. This is welcomed by retailers who have found it difficult to import these plants in the quantity needed from abroad. 8. Gardening For The Fun Of It 2024 saw a noticeable ripping up of the rule book with people growing in ways that reflected their interests and personality rather than just for aesthetics or subsistence. This theme is set to continue in 2025 with a garden for dog lovers and one to inspire artistic creation set for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, while a new sustainable garden complete with composting toilet will open in the spring at RHS Garden Wisley. The RHS’ Your Space, Your Story campaign will help to showcase creative and personal approaches to design over the next 12 months. Clare Matterson, Director General of the RHS, said: “The UK’s 30 million gardeners hardly conform to type. You just have to look at the wide variety of gardening styles on display at our shows and down our streets to see that inspiration can be taken from anywhere, something the RHS will be celebrating in 2025 through the theme of Your Space, Your Story. But issues of sustainability increasingly unite this difference with plants chosen not only for the emotional response they illicit but their broader environmental benefits.” For growing advice, inspiration and news visit the RHS website www.rhs.org.uk

Consumer card spending increased 1.6 per cent year-on-year in 2024 – noticeably lower than 2023’s 4.1 per cent growth – as Brits limited food & drink and ‘big ticket’ purchases, and prioritised spending on affordable treats and experiences that bring them joy. New data from Barclays reveals that essential spending grew just 0.9 per cent in 2024, down from 3.9 per cent last year, as spending on fuel fell while supermarket growth slowed. Non-essential spending increased 1.9 per cent, as consumers’ strong appetite for ‘little luxuries’ boosted health and beauty, entertainment and digital content, but still lagged behind 2023 levels (4.2 per cent). The Barclays Consumer Spend report, which combines hundreds of millions of customer transactions with consumer research to provide an in-depth view of UK spending, reveals the top 10 trends that shaped consumer behaviour this year. 1. Entertainment 'Spendanova' For Experience-Loving Brits Brits prioritised spending on memorable experiences in 2024, with the entertainment sector enjoying a 5.8 per cent uplift. Those who spent on entertainment in 2024 each spent £343 on average. Spending on live shows and concerts increased 6.7 per cent thanks to ticket sales and attendance at major musical events such as The Eras Tour, Sabrina Carpenter, Coldplay World Tour, and Oasis’s reunion. Growth in spending on entertainment reached a 2024-high in September, up 14.4 per cent, when Oasis fans rushed to buy tickets for the much-anticipated tour. This was the highest growth seen since July 2023 (15.8 per cent) when Eras Tour tickets went on sale. Beyond live entertainment, blockbuster hits such as Wicked, Wonka, Gladiator II, Paddington in Peru, Deadpool vs Wolverine and Inside Out 2 drew Brits to the silver screen in the latter half of the year; cinemas enjoyed a 22.8 per cent boost in November. 2. Treatonomics And The ‘Lipstick Effect’ Cutbacks continued for countless consumers, but many adopted a “treat yourself” attitude in 2024. Nearly half (46 per cent) of Brits say they prioritise spending on small, affordable, mood-boosting luxuries such as pastries and cosmetics, even while tightening budgets. Among this group, baked goods were a particularly popular ‘pick-me-up’, chosen by 43 per cent at an average monthly spend of £22 each, with cookies and pistachio desserts among the year’s top trending treats. Demand for little luxuries also boosted pharmacy, health and beauty retailers, up 7.1 per cent, further demonstrating the impact of the ‘lipstick effect’, where shoppers prioritise cosmetics purchases, even when limited spending. ‘Beauty spenders’ splashed out £291 each on average in 2024. ​ 3. Double-Dip Shrinkflation Shrinkflation emerged as one of supermarket shoppers’ top scourges in 2023, while this year saw ‘double-dip’ shrinkflation bite. Two thirds (64 per cent) of cost-conscious Brits noticed ‘double-dip’ shrinkflation in 2024, where products go through two or more rounds of size reductions without a corresponding drop in price. According to this group, the five most cited products hit by ‘double-dip shrinkflation’ were chocolate (54 per cent), crisps (39 per cent), packs of biscuits (34 per cent), snack bars (32 per cent) and sweets (32 per cent). 4. Brits Find Creative Ways To Save Consumer confidence in household finances showed tentative signs of recovery this year, reaching an average of 69 per cent, up from 64 per cent on average in 2023. Brits took control over their finances and embraced new ways to save; almost a quarter (23 per cent) say they have participated in or would consider participating in a “no-spend” challenge, which involves refraining from making non-essential purchases, such as takeaways, coffees and clothes. Almost half (45 per cent) said they were cooking more at home to save money, while setting clearly defined spending goals (such as saving for a holiday or building an emergency fund) and planning expenses in advance (37 per cent and 36 per cent respectively) also proved to be popular. 5. Television Thrives Demand for digital content soared in 2024, emerging as the year’s strongest performing category, up 13.2 per cent – nearly twice the 7.3 per cent increase seen in 2023. Brits swapped nights out for nights on the couch, helped by the return of Bridgerton, House of the Dragon, and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and newer offerings such as Supacell, Agatha All Along and Baby Reindeer. “Streamflation”, the rising price of streaming subscriptions, also took effect; 59 per cent of Brits expressed concern about their digital subscriptions becoming more costly. Despite this, only 27 per cent of those cutting down their discretionary spending said that they would reduce their spending on the category. 6. Brits Continue To Pull Up A Bar Stool Brits continued to flock to bars, pubs and clubs in 2024, as the sector recorded a modest 3.6 per cent year-on-year increase, fuelled by a summer of sport and a desire for festive socialising, with Brits that ventured to the pub spending £344 on average each throughout 2024. Growth at pubs outperformed restaurants in 2024, which were up just 1.7 per cent in comparison, suggesting Brits opted for more casual, relaxed socialising in the last year. 7. Grocery Slowdown Growth in supermarket spending slowed to 1.3 per cent, down from 6.5 per cent in 2023. In a year of determined budgeting, cost-conscious shoppers continued to look out for loyalty scheme discounts and supermarket deals. Encouragingly, Barclays Consumer Confidence data found over a third (36 per cent) of shoppers have noticed food prices rising at a slower rate in recent months. 8. Easing Pressure On Household Finances There was welcome relief for households as concerns about inflation and the cost of energy bills both began to ease at the midway point of the year. Spending on fuel declined -7.0 per cent while spending on essential categories overall grew by just 0.9 per cent. This led to Brits’ confidence in their household finances reaching 71 per cent in April, the highest level since November 2021 (72 per cent). 9. Brits Take To The Skies Travel sector spending stayed strong in 2024, up 6.9 per cent, but lagged behind 2023, when growth reached 15.2 per cent. Holidaymakers spent £1,117 on average each on travel, and travel agents (7.9 per cent) and airlines (7.5 per cent) both saw significant uplifts in the period. The strong demand for travel was also highlighted by holidays ranking #1 in a list of discretionary spending priorities, chosen by 22 per cent of respondents. Three in 10 consumers (28 per cent) have already booked a getaway for 2025, with almost a quarter (23 per cent) of these holidaymakers booking early to save money, and one in three (31 per cent) choosing to visit a new destination they’ve not been to before. One in five Brits say they adopt a ‘treat yourself’ mindset when travelling, while 37 per say that when they go on holiday, they tend to spend more than they had planned to. 10. Homeowners Choose Sustainability Over Style Spending on home improvements & DIY dropped -7.3 per cent year-on-year, while furniture stores also recorded a -2.2 per cent fall, indicating that Brits have been making fewer home décor purchases, instead favouring experience-led categories. Whilst energy bills remained below 2023 levels, the energy price cap rise and colder weather kept home heating on the agenda. A quarter of homeowners (25 per cent) reported making energy efficiency improvements to their home in 2024. Of those making changes, over half (52 per cent) are seeking to reduce long-term energy use and a fifth (19 per cent) hope to increased the value of their property. Karen Johnson, Head of Retail at Barclays, said, “2024 demonstrated Brits’ strong appetite for experiences very clearly, spending selectively elsewhere in order to find room in their budgets for the moments and treats that the most matter to them." “From The Eras Tour to the much-anticipated Oasis reunion; blockbusters at the cinema to quality content on the couch; pastries to lipsticks and planning trips abroad, Brits collectively said ‘yes’ to joy in their spending, even against a backdrop of rising bills and living costs." “This conscious consumerism will continue to shape spending in the new year, with entertainment likely to maintain its momentum, as Brits continue to embrace their ‘new essentials’.”

Specialist Hair and Beauty training provider Kleek Apprenticeships has proudly announced the opening of its new Hair Academy in Camden, London. Located on the ground floor at 1a Harmood Street, the new apprenticeship centre brings Kleek Apprenticeship’s award-winning, outstanding hairdressing and barbering training to the heart of the capital. As Kleek Apprenticeships celebrates 25 years of delivering excellence in hair and beauty training, they look forward to working with salons and apprentices throughout London and surrounding areas. With around 100 apprentices ready to begin their journey, Kleek continues to build on its legacy, having trained over 8,000 apprentices who have benefited from the exceptional training provided by Kleek Educators and their employer salons. The new Academy has been meticulously designed to provide an inviting and inspirational salon environment. Here, learners will gain invaluable practical experience whilst mastering all the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to become qualified hairdressers and barbers. Tina Ockerby, Managing Director of Kleek Apprenticeships said: “Kleek Apprenticeships has created an amazing space that fulfils the needs of both new talent and businesses across Camden and Greater London as a whole. The London Academy alongside our Colchester and Maidstone Academies, reinforces our impressive country-wide growth and significantly enhances our presence across the South-East.” The Hair Academy marks Kleek’s sixth location. As a specialist apprenticeship provider, Kleek operates academy centres across England in Colchester, Darlington, London, Maidstone, Newcastle upon Tyne and Stockton-on-Tees. Each year Kleek supports over 800 learners while working with more than 500 salon and spa businesses to help them achieve success by upskilling their workforce through the various hair and beauty apprenticeship training programmes on offer.

British Cycling and Alé ink a four-year partnership: the reputed Italian brand becomes the official on-bike clothing partner. British Cycling and Alé are pleased to announce that they have signed a brand new partnership. The esteemed Italian clothing brand, Alé becomes the official on-bike clothing partner for the next four years. Alé will use its classic Italian craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail to deliver its trademark high-quality cycling apparel for the entire Great Britain Cycling Team and non-Olympic disciplines for both training and competition, as well as provide jerseys for national series and championship winners. The partnership will see riders kitted out with a comprehensive on-bike package across all seven Olympic and Paralympic disciplines, as well as non-Olympic disciplines. Additionally, the collaboration between GBCT and Alé will see the continued development of performance kit, to not only maintain, but further the industry-leading standards of kit that have come to be expected of the team. The new partnership brings with it a modern twist on the classic white racing jersey with the iconic GBR panel and the addition of asymmetric arm designs, bringing the red, white and blue to the right arm band, along with the team’s ‘inspire the nation’ mantra emblazoned along the inside collar. In a nod to the past, the navy training kit is back featuring a tonal triangle-based pattern and stealth GBR branding across the chest. Performance Director for the Great Britain Cycling Team, Stephen Park CBE said: “As GBCT, we are renowned for our world-leading training and competition apparel and needed a partner that would be able to not only meet our current performance level but work with us to continuously develop these standards as we start our preparations for LA 2028." “Alé have already expressed their commitment and excitement in working with our in-house team to progress further innovations in fabric, design and aerodynamics, so athletes feel proud and confident in the new jersey as they head out to inspire the nation.” Alessia Piccolo CEO of APG, the company to which Alé belongs, said: “For Alé, it’s a huge honour to be the Official Partner of British Cycling. For over three decades, we have equipped champions, bringing innovation, passion and high-quality apparel to the roads of the WorldTour." “This new collaboration with the Great Britain Cycling Team represents a unique opportunity to continue creating increasingly high-performance garments across all of GBCT’s disciplines, crafted with expertise and one we’re incredibly excited and proud to take on.” Chief Commercial Officer for British Cycling, Darren Henry said: “We are delighted to be entering into this new chapter with Alé as our official on-bike clothing partner for the next four years. We welcome them into the growing portfolio of commercial partners at British Cycling and we look forward to working with them to help grow their brand in the UK market.” Photo Credit: British Cycling

Contractor Clegg Construction has strengthened its board with the promotion of Dan Manley to commercial director. Dan, who joined the business in July 2021, had been internally responsible for managing the commercial department, and now formally takes over the board-level commercial and risk management duties within the business. Working alongside pre-construction director, Ross Crowcroft, and operations director, Darren Chapman, and reporting to managing director, Michael Sims, Dan will provide key input into business strategy and oversee system changes and improvements. His role includes managing the surveying teams and resources - ensuring the Clegg Construction surveying team provides fair, accurate and real-time cost information to clients, and maintaining good relations with the company’s supply chain. Managing director of Clegg Construction, Michael Sims, said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dan Manley as commercial director of Clegg Construction. His appointment strengthens our board team as we launch into 2025 with our newly refurbished offices and an encouraging pipeline of work across a range of different sectors, and spread throughout the East Midlands, Yorkshire and East Anglia." “On behalf of the team at Clegg Construction, I would like to congratulate Dan on his new role and welcome him to the board.” Dan has wide experience in main contracting, having worked in the past with the likes of GF Tomlinson and McLaren before joining Clegg Construction three and a half years ago. Dan, who enjoys spending time with his children and following motor racing and football outside of work, said: “I am very excited to be beginning the latest stage in my career with Clegg Construction. The company has a great reputation in the sector, and I am proud to have been appointed as commercial director, supporting my fellow directors as we look forward to the future.” Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. The company works with specialist private and public sector organisations of all sizes across a range of different sectors.