UK houses lost value in real terms in 2025 and significantly underperformed equities, according to new research by Rathbones, one of the UK’s leading wealth and asset management groups. Its annual report, “Don’t Bet the House”, which compares gains from investing in residential property with typical stock market portfolios, warns property is no longer a reliable investment for people seeking short or mid-term growth. Over the past year, UK house price growth has continued its slump, rising just 1.7% - only half the pace of inflation. Whereas a simple investment mix of 25% UK equities and 75% international equities rose by 11.8% before dividends, Rathbones analysis showed. This is not a one-year wobble. After adjusting for inflation, the average UK home was worth less in 2025 than in 2016, with the proceeds of a typical house sale buying less than they would have nearly a decade earlier. Adam Hoyes, Senior Asset Allocation Analyst and author of the research, said: “We believe there’s been a structural shift, with recent performance reflecting weakness in the drivers of UK house prices rather than short-term volatility. This is not a one-off, rather it extends a poor run for UK house prices going back almost a decade.” The report built on Rathbones’ 2025 analysis and examined recent performance of the UK housing market and fresh factors shaping UK house prices, including slower real income growth, higher mortgage costs, and a more demanding tax and regulatory environment around buy-to-let investments. It notes a particular collapse in London, where house prices fell in 17 of the 32 boroughs in 2025, a total 1.7% fall across the capital. This masks dramatic falls in some places, such as Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, where prices plunged 14% and 7% respectively. Charlie Newsome, Senior Investment Director at Rathbones, said: “We’re seeing many people selling their buy-to-let and other rental properties because they no longer make sense as short to medium-term investments, and they are putting that money into invested portfolios instead. Right now, residential property isn’t seen as a driver of wealth for later life and retirement for most people.” “Houses have a special role in British attitudes to wealth,” he continued. “But we need to think long term for our clients, helping them navigate economic shifts in order to still meet their goals.” Rathbones’ new research also examined house prices in the 25 local authorities in England with the highest density of second homes, given their common role in financial planning. It found that areas with high concentrations of second homes have also seen prices fall disproportionately, with 19 of the 25 recording declines in 2025, compared to 26% nationally. This had risen to 20 of 25 by the first quarter of 2026. In its first “Don’t Bet the House” analysis of investment in residential housing versus invested portfolios last year, Rathbones concluded that there was a golden age of property investing in the UK, from the mid 1980s, when returns exceeded other investments over thirty years. Longer-term trends however, before and since, lacked the policy and economic drivers of this growth, resulting in more sluggish growth.

Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce now operates from new premises at the heart of Slough town centre following a move facilitated by property consultancy Vail Williams. The Chamber, which has been supporting the regional business community for 75 years, is now based at the Plus X Innovation serviced office space at 2 Brunel Way. This follows a relocation after 13 years in SEGRO premises at 345 Edinburgh Avenue on the Slough Trading Estate. The Chamber signed a two-year deal on two office suites and 22 desks located just three minutes from the railway station and adjacent to Slough’s amenities and facilities. Vail Williams’ partner Guy Parkes was tasked with securing new premises for the Chamber, the Thames Valley’s largest business membership organisation. He said: “The Chamber is now based close to many of the businesses it represents and is well established in a vibrant and modern hub of labs, workshops, event space and offices populated by a mix of small to medium firms." “Plus X Innovation Slough has created a highly productive and collaborative work environment catering for a rich mixture of businesses and we had no hesitation in recommending the site to the Chamber.” The building comprises private offices, co-working spaces, meeting rooms, breakout spaces and a photography studio, as well as a host of facilities, including a café, gym, rooftop terrace and underground parking. Regular business support, networking, wellbeing and social events are held on site. Chamber chief executive officer Paul Britton said the new location kept the Chamber well connected with the business communities it represented and served across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon He added: “Our new office shows our commitment to being accessible, visible, and actively engaged in the business community, supporting business growth across the region." “Much of the economy is driven by creating confidence in employers, and customers. This new environment is another opportunity to energise our efforts to keep business moving in the Thames Valley." “Our Chamber has changed and modernised a great deal to reflect the needs of our members, customers and staff in recent years, and our new facilities will help accelerate that evolution. We are indebted to Guy and the Vail Williams’ team for securing these premises for us.” Vail Williams has been advising public and private sector organisations across the Thames Valley for more than 30 years. Photo: Landmark Building: Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce is based at the Plus X Innovation serviced office space at 2 Brunel Way, Slough, following a deal successfully concluded by property consultancy Vail Williams

A Lake District spa resort is to host Cumbria's inaugural Gingerbread House Festival, a national celebration and bold re-imagining of a centuries-old culinary and cultural tradition for creative bakers. Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa is working in partnership with Grasmere Gingerbread to deliver the event on the shores of Windermere over the weekend of 20-22 November. The festival, which has been endorsed by Cumbria Tourism, will showcase ‘gingerbread house’ designs created by a host of competitors, including bakers, confectioners, and individual creators and crafters from across the UK. The brainchild of Grasmere Gingerbread co-director Joanne Hunter, the launch of the Gingerbread House Festival has been marked with the opening of an official entry website to coincide with National Gingerbread Day. “As The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop is the best-known, real life gingerbread house in the country, our Lake District home is the natural location for a national celebration of ‘gingerbread house’ creations that are both eye-catching and edible,” she said. Mark Needham, general manager of Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa – a short distance from The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop – is thrilled to host the culinary competition which will raise funds for Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity. “The Gingerbread House Festival will bring together families, friends and visitors in the Lake District in a pre-Christmas gathering to celebrate exceptional British imagination, craftsmanship and creativity,” he said. For Ben Berry, managing director of English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, The Gingerbread House Festival is an example of Lake District businesses working collaboratively to enhance the tourism ‘offer’ to visitors and holidaymakers. “Grasmere Gingerbread has been a supplier across our venues for over 25 years, and as another family run businesses in the heart of the Lake District, we're proud to be working together with them,” he said. “We've always regarded their high quality, artisan produce as part of our collaborative efforts with suppliers to provide the very best for our guests. It is longstanding business relationships such as these that help us all to pool resources, come up with innovative, creative ideas and enhance what we all have to offer.” Gill Haigh, Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, said the event would further cement the county’s reputation for innovative and exciting tourism: “As Grasmere Gingerbread is synonymous with the Lake District, it is fitting that, together with Low Wood Bay, it will host the inaugural Gingerbread House Festival this November." “I am already looking forward to entrants using our inspirational landscape and scenery to create magical ‘gingerbread houses’ in the heart of Cumbria.” Entrants are encouraged to let their imagination go wild. From traditional country cottages, elegant stately homes and global cultural landmarks to famous pieces of brutalist architecture, iconic modes of transport or even ‘emergency’ accommodation, The Gingerbread House Festival will shed a spotlight on all kinds of ‘gingerbread house’ designs. “Although we are in the middle of summer and the dark nights of November seem a long way away, I would encourage people to start thinking about the kind of ‘gingerbread house’ they might wish to enter,” added Joanne Hunter. The Gingerbread House Festival will involve fabulous prizes, with the best entry winning the accolade National Gingerbread House of the Year 2026. To enter and find out more about The Gingerbread House Festival, visit here.

Lytchett Minster School’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has secured some heavily discounted storage thanks to two former students. Lucy and Sophie Maidman run Store and Secure in Hamworthy, Poole, and along with their colleague Kavan Wood made space available for their alma mater. The PTA is a dedicated group of parents, carers and school staff working together to support the school community. Its aim is to enhance the educational experience of all students by organising events, fundraising and fostering strong relationships between families and the school. Being so successful, the PTA has a great deal of stock for all the events it organises and runs. And now, thanks to the partnership with Store & Secure, it has somewhere to store everything. James Merrick, from the PTA, said: “We are so grateful to Store & Secure and to Lucy and Sophie, who have proved what generous people the school produces." “We now have a dedicated storage unit which is safe, secure and easily accessible when we need it. We are a new PTA team in our first year and while we've already organised several successful events, including the upcoming Summer Fayre, we're still very much in the early stages of our journey." “We're excited about building on this momentum and creating even more opportunities to support the school and its students in the years ahead - that's why the support from Lucy and Sophie means such a great deal to us." “As parents of current students and volunteers doing our best to support the school community, having access to secure storage removes a significant challenge and allows us to focus more of our time and energy on fundraising and organising events that benefit the students.” Kavan from the company said: “Both of my directors attended the school and have many happy memories from their time there. The school played an important part in their upbringing, so being able to give something back feels very special." “When I was approached about providing a storage space, there was no hesitation. I was delighted to offer a storage room to help the school and support the fantastic work it continues to do for local children and families” Photo: Kavan Wood (left) from Store & Secure with James Merrick from Lytchett Minster School PTA

Loughborough Lightning can today confirm they have signed Canada internationals Pamphinette Buisa, Chloe Daniels, Brooke Rempel, Kiki Idowu and Rachel Smith. All five players represented the Canucks in the recent Pacific Four Series, where they worked under Loughborough Lightning head coach Nathan Smith during a secondment period. Versatile fly-half/fullback Daniels and back row Buisa both join from Lightning’s Premiership Women’s Rugby rivals, Bristol Bears. Prop Brooke Rempel, hooker Kiki Idowu, and lock Rachel Smith all currently play their club rugby in Canada, and will be playing in England for the first time during the 2026/27 campaign. “It is a huge statement of intent for Lightning moving forward to sign these players,” said Lightning head coach, Nathan Smith. “We have stuck to our recruitment philosophy of having high-potential, high-character players, and we have certainly got five of them coming over from Canada. They are physically impressive, and the diligence they have to want to improve, want to become better players, fits into the Lightning programme." “During my time with Lightning, we’ve had some really positive experiences with Canadian players in the likes of Abby Duguid, Courtney Holtkamp (nee O’Donnell) and Krissy Scurfield. I am confident these signings will follow in their footsteps." “I am confident these players will help improve us as a squad and help us in making the next step to be increasingly competitive in Premiership Women’s Rugby – a league which is getting better and better by the year.” Pamphinette Buisa (back row) Versatile back row Buisa, aged 29, joins from Bristol Bears, whom she joined in December 2025. The powerful ball carrier made her Canada debut back in 2017 and has moved to 21 caps. Buisa has also represented her country in 7s, most notably in the 2020 Olympics. She has also been selected by Canada their final HSBC SVNS Series tournament of the season in Bordeaux this weekend. Smith said: “Pam is a physical freak! She is someone I have looked at the for the last two or three years. We have been close to bringing her over on a couple of occasions, and I am delighted to finally get her over the line." “We believe that, although she is an older player, there are still massive growth areas within her game. She has all the physical attributes to be a world-class player; we hope we can unlock the finer detail of the rugby side of her game to keep on progressing.” Chloe Daniels (full-back/fly-half) Alongside former Lightning player Krissy Scurfield, Daniels was a part of the Canada team that won a Sevens silver medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The 23-year-old has shone for many years on the HSBC SVNS circuit before coming over to England in January to join Bristol Bears. She earned her first three international 15s caps during this season’s Pacific Four Series. Alongside Fancy Bermudez and Buisa, Daniels has also been picked to play in Bordeaux this weekend for Canada 7s. “I feel like the fullback position is an area that we have not filled since the absence of Fran Goldthorp; it is an area that nobody has really nailed down,” said Smith. “I wanted to sign an out-and-out fullback, and she has got all the attributes to be a strong Lightning performer. I know she has had limited game exposure at Bristol, but from what I saw when she played for Canada was really impressive, and she fits into our style and brand of rugby." "She is not just your traditional 15; she can also step up in the first receiver’s roles, which we want all of our backs to be able to do.” Brooke Rempel (Prop) Tighthead prop Rempel made her Canada debut during the recent Pacific Four Series, where she was the youngest player in the squad at the age of 20. The former Brock Badgers, Brantford Harlequins, Ontario West forward proved her versatility, however, on her debut against USA, when she was selected as the tighthead replacement. Smith said: “Brooke is a high-potential player and fits our recruitment strategy perfectly. She played out in the Pacific Four Series against Australia and USA and was a dominant scrummager. She is not just dominant within the scrummaging; Brooke is a very good ball carrier and fits in with our way of playing. While predominantly a tighthead prop, she can play at loosehead prop too." “She has got all of the physical attributes to be a success in the PWR, and Lightning will help her, playing within our system will suit her, but then also the set piece, knowledge and understanding she will gain here will only improve her moving forward.” Kiki Idowu (Hooker) Idowu is another young Canadian who made her senior international debut during the Pacific Four Series against Australia, on occasion she marked with a try. She featured in the next two games too. The 21-year-old caught the eye when she scored a hat-trick of tries against England U21 earlier this year, when she played against her future teammates Kaya Acton, Tamsin Baynes and Amelia Williams. Smith said: “I’d heard about Kiki prior to my time coaching with Canada. She played against England U20s and she had done really well against them and then was called up into the Pacific Four Series squad, and I was pleased to be the person to hand over her first cap during that tournament." “Physically, she is exceptional in terms of her ball carrying and her jackal threat. She is a super talented player, who we are really lucky to have at Lightning." “Once she is in our environment, we can help with her rugby understanding, her rugby IQ. Kiki is already throwing in to the lineout well, the next stage will bemunderstanding more complexities of the set piece. I am looking forward to seeing that develop. She fits into the Lightning way of playing.” Rachel Smith (Second row) Smith made her debut for Canada against USA in May 2025, and was part of the squad that reached the 2025 World Cup final. She has since moved to seven caps for her country. Smith said: “Rachel really impressed me in the PAC4. Working with her, I saw how diligent she was around her setpiece. A growth area of her game is she wants to call the lineout, which is something that myself and Lill [Ives Campion] can develop within her game." “She is a big physical ball carrier who will fit into the game model we are trying to play. I am really excited to have her coming over to Lightning and I think she will make an impact in the PWR.”

Aberdeen-based brewery Fierce Beer marks ten years as an Aldi Scotland supplier, launching its latest beer, ‘Hometown’ ahead of the World Cup. Aldi Scotland is celebrating a decade of partnership with Aberdeen craft brewery Fierce Beer, one of its longest-standing craft beer suppliers. Over the past 10 years the duo have put more than two million beers into the hands of Scottish shoppers since the relationship began in 2016. Fierce was still in its first year of trading when Aldi Scotland became its debut retail customer, welcoming the brewery into its inaugural Scottish Beer Festival. In the decade since, the partnership has flourished, with the supermarket stocking over 50 different Fierce beers ranging from IPAs, lagers, stouts, and sours to low and no-alcohol options, and a run of collaboration brews under the 'Fierce and Friends' banner that brought together breweries from across the UK. Founded in Aberdeen with bars in both Aberdeen and Edinburgh, Fierce Beer produces an award-winning range of vegan and gluten-free beers across its core and seasonal lines, making craft beer accessible to a wide range of drinkers. The brewery has built a reputation for innovation, responding quickly to shifting consumer tastes and bringing new styles to a mainstream audience. Cloud Cover and Hop Property have been the standout sellers with Aldi customers throughout the partnership. More recently, the exclusive collaboration and festival releases, including the 'Fierce and Friends' ranges and IPA exclusives, have performed particularly strongly during Aldi Scotland's Beer Festival periods. Alongside the milestone, Fierce has a new beer landing exclusively in store. Hometown, a 4.2% Scottish lager, arrives on 8 June, ahead of Scotland's opening World Cup fixture on 14 June. Designed to capture the excitement and sense of occasion that a major tournament brings, it is crisp, refreshing, and easy-drinking, and something people can enjoy while watching matches at home with friends and family, while still carrying the bold character Fierce Beer is known for. The launch also reflects the growing popularity of limited-edition event beers that have become a significant part of the Aldi Scotland partnership in recent years. Craig Cargill, Sales Director at Fierce Beer, said: "Aldi Scotland was our very first retail customer, and that still means a great deal to us. Those early festival listings gave us a platform and a confidence we could not have built on our own." "Over ten years, the relationship has grown into something genuinely collaborative. We started with a festival slot and have since developed exclusive ranges, larger seasonal programmes, and projects like the 'Fierce and Friends' series together. Aldi has given us the space to innovate at scale, and that has shaped what Fierce Beer is today. “Looking ahead, we want to keep bringing exciting new beers to Aldi Scotland customers, exploring emerging styles and continuing to showcase the best of Scottish craft brewing. Above all, we want to keep making great beer accessible to as many people as possible.” Alan Leslie, Buying Director at Aldi Scotland, said: "Ten years with Fierce Beer is something everyone at Aldi Scotland can take real pride in. When we first started working together, they were a new brewery just finding their feet in retail. To see what they have built since, the awards, the venues, and the reputation for doing something different every year, is inspiring." "What has made this partnership work is the willingness on both sides to keep pushing. Over two million beers is a striking number, but what it really reflects is the quality and consistency Fierce has brought to the shelf, and the appetite our customers have shown for the exclusive and collaborative releases we have developed together. "Hometown is a timely addition. It is exactly the kind of product our customers will be reaching for ahead of the World Cup, and a fitting way to mark ten great years." Hometown Scottish Lager (4x330ml, £4.99) is available across all 113 Aldi Scotland stores from 8 June, while stocks last.

A North Lancashire hotel has strengthened its ties with a Portuguese drinks supplier with a port wine sampling evening and expert talk on the industry. Lancaster House Hotel hosted a delegation from the House of Sandeman, a leading producer of fortified port wines originating from the vineyards of the Douro Valley in Portugal, for an evening of insight, expertise and sampling. A group of 25 port wine enthusiasts participated in the event which included an enlightening talk on port wine production from Rui Santil, brand ambassador for the House of Sandeman. The group also enjoyed a tasting menu of delicious canapé treats in the hotel’s Dalton Suite, with each course or dish paired with a vintage, reserve or tawny port specially selected to enhance the flavour and enjoyment of their food. The partnership between English Lakes Hotels and the drinks supplier goes back more than 30 years, with the Lancaster venue’s Sandeman Bar being named after the Portuguese company when it first opened. On a flight home from Spain in the 1990s, former English Lakes Hotels director, Douglas Dale, struck up a conversation with fellow passenger David Sandeman, the managing director at the time. On discovering their mutual interests in the hospitality industry, Douglas proposed naming the hotel bar after the Portuguese company, as well as establishing a supplier relationship. Rui Santil commented: “It’s been great to visit the historic city of Lancaster and an honour to come to Lancaster House Hotel for an evening of port sampling in the newly refurbished Sandeman Bar." “Our connection with the hotel goes right back to when it was first opened in the 1990s and Douglas Dale’s chance conversation with David Sandeman, so it was a real pleasure to meet Douglas and raise a glass to the enduring relationship between the two family businesses." “It was also a lovely opportunity to talk to fellow port enthusiasts, share our knowledge on production and enjoy a range of our classic tawny ports.” Lancaster House Hotel general manager Emma Underwood added: “From our highly popular White Sandeman’s Port Cocktail as a pre-dinner drink to a 20-year-old tawny port evening nightcap, our port sampling evenings have always proved popular with hotel guests and local wine enthusiasts." “It’s fantastic that our longstanding relationship with the House of Sandeman has continued to flourish. This event was an opportunity to celebrate that and for participants to find out more about the history of port production from Rui and his team, as well as sampling some classic ruby, white and tawny ports.” For further information about upcoming port and cheese nights at Lancaster House Hotel, visit here.

Scotch & Soda, the Amsterdam-based fashion brand, is proud to announce a collaboration with the Dutch institution Royal Delft, celebrating the intersection of contemporary fashion and centuries-old Dutch craftsmanship. Rooted in a shared appreciation for creativity, artistry and expressive design, the partnership brings together modern fashion sensibilities and cultural heritage in an exclusive capsule collection that reimagines iconic Delft Blue traditions through a contemporary lens. Founded in 1653, Royal Delft is renowned worldwide for its exceptional hand-painted Delft Blue ceramics, a craft that has been carefully preserved and passed down through generations. This collaboration draws inspiration from this rich heritage, translating its distinctive visual language into a modern fashion context while honouring the authenticity and artistry of the original craft. The men’s and women’s ready-to-wear collection features prints, jacquards and embroidery developed in partnership with Royal Delft. The Scotch & Soda design team delved into Royal Delft’s historical archives, using traditional motifs, patterns and techniques as a starting point for creative exploration. Through a meticulous design process, these references have been reinterpreted into prints and design elements that reflect both heritage and innovation. Each piece embodies a dialogue between past and present, where craftsmanship meets contemporary expression. The Scotch & Soda x Royal Delft collection is now available at scotchandsoda.com (EU & US) and select retailers with prices ranging from $48 to $268. For more information, visit here. or follow Scotch & Soda on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X. ABOUT SCOTCH & SODA Endlessly optimistic and inspired by the free spirit of Amsterdam, Scotch & Soda champions individuality, authenticity, and the power of self-expression to create the unique. Fusing the expected with unexpected details, Scotch & Soda is built upon a distinctive point of view, conversational pieces, and a bold approach to style to redefine everyday dressing. We dare to mix classic and contemporary, color and print and texture on texture. Grounded in practicality, upbeat designs and finished with bespoke detail, Scotch & Soda collections are created for you to make them your own. Our mission is to bring joy and inspire our customers to celebrate life and our global community, together. ABOUT BLUESTAR ALLIANCE Founded in 2006 by Joseph Gabbay and Ralph Gindi, Bluestar Alliance is a global brand management leader, overseeing a portfolio of premium fashion and lifestyle brands generating more than $14 billion in global retail sales. Bluestar Alliance is recognized for transforming iconic consumer names into dynamic, best-in-class lifestyle brands with worldwide reach. Its portfolio includes Off-White™, Palm Angels®, Dickies®, Scotch & Soda®, Hurley®, Justice®, Bebe®, Tahari®, Limited Too®, Brookstone®, and more—each re-energized through creative vision, strategic partnerships, and a deep understanding of global markets. With more than 600 licensees and a growing network of over 500 branded retail stores across North America, Europe, Australia, South America, India, Asia, the Middle East, and the United Arab Emirates, Bluestar Alliance continues to expand its global presence—most notably through the Bluestar Luxury Group, focused on building the next generation of luxury and lifestyle brands. Bluestar Alliance stands at the intersection of innovation, influence, and brand authority, shaping the future of how consumers experience brands around the world. ABOUT ROYAL DELFT The House of Stylish Delft Blue - Dutch Design since 1653 Since the 17th century, Royal Delft has been creating a world of high-quality Delft Blue, inspiring with centuries-old craftsmanship, innovation, and exclusive collaborations. The Dutch Design brand is world-renowned, known for its outstanding quality, iconic hand-painted objects, and stylish decorations. The original Delft Blue from Royal Delft is beloved and has become one of the most distinctive Dutch Design brands worldwide. The last remaining Delft Blue factory has endured thanks to continuous innovations in production methods, designs, and decorations. This is still evident today in successful and innovative Dutch Design objects, such as Proud Mary, and unique collaborations with brands and artists including Mercis (miffy), Moooi, Marcel Wanders, and Henk Schiffmacher. The iconic Delft Blue products are available in the Flagship Store and Brand Store in Delft, at national and international retailers, and online. Today, Royal Delft exports its products to over 20 countries worldwide. Each year, Royal Delft welcomes more than 145,000 visitors to its museum, where they can experience the rich history and craftsmanship of Royal Delft.

Aldi has officially been crowned ‘Best Value Brand of the Year’ by the UK’s trusted consumer champion, Which. The supermarket giant fought off stiff competition from brands including Lidl to scoop the prestigious title, which recognises brands that offer outstanding value and high-quality products to customers. The highly scrupulous Which? judges commended Aldi in particular for“consistently providing high quality, budget friendly options”. The win comes following Aldi’s dominance in the Which? monthly Cheapest Supermarket comparison – where the discounter has come out on top every month in 2026. The beloved supermarket also took the title of ‘Which? Cheapest Supermarket of the Year’ for 2025, which consistently proves its value promise to UK families. From award-winning wines to everyday essentials and its famous Specialbuys aisle, Aldi continues to prove that great quality doesn’t have to come at a high price. Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be named ‘Best Value Brand of the Year’. At a time when household budgets are being squeezed, we are more committed than ever to providing our customers with the best quality products at the lowest possible prices." “This award is a testament to the hard work of our colleagues and suppliers, and we want to thank the millions of shoppers who put their trust in us and continue to choose Aldi.” A Which? spokesperson, said: “Aldi has secured this award by delivering the highest number of Which? Great Value products across the widest variety of test categories during the 12-month judging period. The supermarket consistently provides budget-friendly, high-quality options, ensuring consumers do not have to compromise on performance to save money on everyday essentials.”

Business Gateway has played a key role in supporting Central FM, a long-established local radio station serving The Forth Valley, as the business continues its growth and expansion across the region. Through a tailored package of support, Business Gateway provided Central FM with expert general business advice alongside access to specialist HR guidance, as well as coaching and mentoring training for the station manager, helping the company strengthen its internal structures and prepare for sustainable scale-up. A significant aspect of the support included facilitating a connection with Stirling Council, enabling Central FM to explore and benefit from local employment support schemes. This collaboration has helped the organisation better understand available funding and workforce development opportunities. In addition, Business Gateway assisted Central FM by signposting Andrew McMurray, station manager, to a STEP HR coaching programme to help develop his leadership skills and in turn better support and mentor the Central FM team. Business Gateway adviser Stephen Cranston provided dedicated guidance throughout the process, including signposting and introducing Central FM to a Youth Transition and Employer Engagement initiative. With Business Gateway’s support in navigating the process and connecting with the right people, Central FM was able to submit an application to the Flexible Skills Fund, which will support the station’s local news strategy, a key priority for both the business and the local community. Andrew McMurray, station manager for Central FM said: "The support from Business Gateway has been invaluable as we continue to grow. From expert advice to practical help with recruitment and connections to local initiatives, the guidance we’ve received has made a real difference to our ability to scale effectively." “What impressed me most was the additional support I was offered around training and mentoring. I went to Business Gateway with very specific objectives, but they saw that more could be done to help build our team and support me and I came away with so much more than I anticipated." Stephen Cranston, Business Gateway adviser, added: "It’s been a pleasure working with Central FM and supporting their ambitions for growth. By connecting them with the right resources and partners, we’ve helped position the business for continued success." Business Gateway continues to support businesses of all sizes across Scotland, offering access to expert advice, funding opportunities, and specialist services to help companies start, grow, and thrive. To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here.

Multi-award winning commercial and office cleaning company Cleanology has promoted Juliet Widdicombe to be its new Managing Director. The move marks a meteoric rise for Juliet who only joined Cleanology four years ago as Operations Director before achieving a promotion to Associate Director two years ago. The top post is a reward for South African-born Juliet establishing herself as an integral member of the leadership team and impressing with her dedication, innovation and people-first approach, which has played a key role in shaping the family owned 1400 employee business during a period of significant growth. Juliet said: “The most enticing factor about working at Cleanology is that it allows you to be brave. We have a dynamic leadership team which isn’t scared to push forward and back bold decisions. We are constantly pushing boundaries to elevate the business as well as the wider industry and there is a real shared ambition across the business to keep raising standards for our clients and our people." “We have also made a substantial investment into our new Learning & Development department this year to create clear pathways for our staff. The feedback already from new staff is that they have never previously experienced training of such depth and support. We attach huge importance to this because we want a committed, motivated and happy workforce with genuine opportunities to progress." Juliet added: “I’m especially excited to now be leading the Operations and Business Support Teams as we continue driving customer excellence across the business. We have also welcomed some amazing new directors into the Operations Team who bring years of experience, energy and talent, and I am confident that we will collectively achieve our objectives over the coming years." “In the four years I have been at Cleanology I have come to really value the stakeholder relationships I have developed. These strategic partnerships are vital for us and deliver consistent quality for us. There is an alignment in our approach to sustainability and social impact and we continue to hold one another to account." Cleanology, which is headquartered in Vauxhall, South West London, and has regional offices in Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Scotland, enjoyed an outstanding 2025 winning new business in a range of sectors from law and education to leisure and energy. Juliet, is based in Sevenoaks, Kent, and in her limited free time enjoys watching her young family at various sporting events and is an avid Arsenal supporter. Mark Little was recently appointed as Cleanology’s new Chief Executive Officer. He is also playing a pivotal role supporting the £25 million turnover company’s ambitious plans to double in size. A successful 2025 saw Cleanology win dozens of new contracts across multiple sectors, including the company’s biggest ever mobilisation with over £2 million of new contracts mobilised in just one month. Welcoming Juliet to her new post, Mark said: “Juliet’s promotion marks an exciting new chapter for Cleanology. She has made a tremendous impact since joining the business and brings real passion, operational expertise and a people-first leadership style to everything she does." “As we continue our ambitious growth journey, Juliet will play a vital role in strengthening our Operations Team, supporting our people and ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional service and customer excellence for clients nationwide. There is fantastic momentum across the business right now and Juliet is absolutely the right person to help lead Cleanology into this exciting next phase.”

James Smith joins Atlassian Williams F1 Team after a decade of AI and data leadership at Google. James holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of St Andrews and spent 10 years at Google and DeepMind, where he led product and platform teams at genuine scale – including building Android’s data platform, adopted by over 3,000 engineers and informing performance decisions across three billion devices. He went on to co-found Human Native AI, a VC-backed start-up focused on data and AI, which was acquired by Cloudflare earlier this year. Throughout his career, James has combined deep technical expertise with practical product and delivery – building high-performing teams, shipping AI at scale, and leading organisations through complex technological change. James will further strengthen Williams’ senior leadership at a time when the team is investing in all areas to compete at the front in Formula 1. Technology is central to the team’s ambitions, with an outstanding portfolio of technology partners including Atlassian, Anthropic, VAST Data, Airia, Brillio and Keeper Security helping to deliver performance on track. James Smith, Chief Information Officer commented: “I am excited to be joining Atlassian Williams F1 Team at a moment when data and AI are becoming increasingly important to performance both on and off the track." "Williams has an exceptional history, but what appeals to me most is the ambition for the next phase: building the systems, products and culture needed to compete at the front of the grid. I hope to bring my experience from Google, DeepMind and from founding Human Native to help the team move quickly, use AI pragmatically, and turn complex ideas into practical advantage.” James Vowles, Team Principal commented: “Success in Formula 1 has always been about combining technological innovation with the best people to deliver on track. With the technology developing at breakneck pace, the latest battleground in F1 is the ability to harness data and AI across all parts of the team." "James has spent his career at that frontier – at Google, DeepMind and building his own company from the ground up – and I am delighted to welcome him to Atlassian Williams F1 Team as we continue to put technology at the heart of our ambitions to compete at the very front.” About Atlassian Williams F1 Team Atlassian Williams F1 Team is one of the world’s most iconic Formula 1 teams. Founded in 1977 by Sir Frank Williams and Sir Patrick Head, the team has won nine Constructors’ World Championships, seven Drivers’ World Championships and 114 Grand Prix races – making it one of the three most-successful teams in history. Based in Grove, Oxfordshire and competing at the pinnacle of motorsport, Williams continues to build for the future of Formula 1 through world-class engineering, racing excellence and a commitment to bringing fans closer to the sport than ever before.