Search Results

With bookings up 40% year-on-year, Britain’s Ocean City prepares to welcome over 10,000 passengers in 2024 Plymouth’s reputation as a must-see cruise destination is soaring with more than 10,000 passengers due to arrive by sea in Britain’s Ocean City this year. Known for centuries as a magnet for seafarers, adventurers and explorers, the city’s rich heritage is proving ever more popular as a port of call for today’s international cruise liners, with bookings up 40% from 2023. Plymouth is also enjoying growing fame for its warm welcome, thanks to Cruise Plymouth Ambassador volunteers meeting guests as they come ashore, greetings from the Town Crier and the rousing performance of Plymouth Maritime Corps of Drums plus the support of Plymouth Waterfront Partnership. Among the 14 vessels already confirmed this year are several making their first call to Plymouth plus several expedition vessels. They include the first visit by Ambassador Cruise Line with their ships Ambition and Ambience, and expedition vessels such as Seabourn Venture, Exploris One, Star Legend, and Le Dumont D'urville. The port will also welcome luxury cruise liners including Silver Dawn, Silver Spirit, Sirena and Seabourn Sojourn along with visits by German operator Phoenix Reisen with Artania, Amadea, and Amera. The first liner arrives in April and bookings continue monthly until October with cruise lines from the USA, Germany and France represented along with UK ships. More visits are in the pipeline for 2024 and inquiries are coming in for next year and 2026. The burgeoning cruise line business all adds up to a significant boost to the local economy and additional employment opportunities. Passengers and many members of the crew generate additional revenue by spending on everything from visiting attractions, taking tours and boat trips, and shopping in gift shops and other retail outlets, cafes and restaurants. The port also benefits from berthing, pilotage and harbour fees. Amanda Lumley, Destination Plymouth’s Chief Executive says: “Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City has been working hard to cement our reputation as a must-see port of call and a great many people are busy behind the scenes to make these cruise visits a huge success." “We recently hosted a two-day familiarisation visit by some cruise industry representatives, including cruise line executives, cruise media and a cruise line ship management representative, to showcase some of the top attractions we have to offer. Their tour included visits to the National Marine Aquarium, Mount Edgcumbe House and Gardens, the Mayflower Museum, Plymouth's award-winning Museum, gallery and archive The Box, the Elizabethan House living museum and Plymouth Gin Distillery". "We also took them on a walk through the historic Barbican with a stop at Mayflower Steps, an exclusive visit to the Royal Citadel, an overview of Plymouth Hoe and an experience out on Plymouth Sound to enjoy the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park – the first in the UK - onboard the Pilot boat." “The Cruise Plymouth Partnership pulled out all of the stops to ensure our cruise industry guests’ visit was memorable." “We’re also delighted to say the city has already achieved a reputation within the industry as one of the most welcoming ports for cruise ship visits. One passenger from Saga Cruises’ Spirit of Discovery said that, having been on over 50 cruises around the world, the welcome provided in Plymouth was ‘one of the best’ they had seen.” Glen Gardner, Destination Plymouth’s Cruise New Business Development Manager said: “Plymouth’s cruise business is going from strength to strength and enhancing the city’s reputation on an international level. “The familiarisation visits have proved very popular, and were incredibly well-received, with more already planned, and we are delighted to have also been able to offer the opportunity to visit the facilities at Millbay Dock, owned and operated by Associated British Ports (ABP), which are currently undergoing upgrades through a multi-million investment programme to improve berthing and passenger facilities that are due to be in place before the 2025 season." “A key element of our success is the fantastic welcome we give to all our cruise passengers and we’ll continue to ensure each cruise visit is a really special one.” The Cruise Plymouth Partnership was created in 2021 with a shared vision to increase the number of cruise ships visiting Plymouth. This partnership includes Cattewater Harbour Commissioners, ABP (Associated British Ports) Mill Bay, Destination Plymouth, The BID (Business Improvement District) – Plymouth Waterfront Partnership and Plymouth City Centre Company, and Plymouth City Council.

Following a visit from Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty in October 2023, non-for-profit care provider, Harrogate Neighbours has responded to his findings and has opened its first ever Day Care Centre at The Cuttings. The Day Care Centre was officially opened by the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak. Guests were given an overview of the new facility now available, which includes themed activities, arts and crafts, classic puzzles and games, snooker, gardening, film screenings and access to local amenities in the community via a dedicated travel service. Clients who will attend the centre going forward will also enjoy a freshly prepared main meal and light tea to take home. The Prime minister spent time talking to clients about what the Day Care Centre will mean to them. He also spoke to staff about what it is like working at Harrogate Neighbours. The report by the Chief Medical Office named ‘Health in an Ageing Society’, highlighted a number of ways that care providers could support older people living in the local community. Social isolation was a common theme in the report, which Greenfield Court Care at Harrogate Neighbours has responded to with the opening of a dedicated Day Care Centre. The Day Care Centre will be held at The Cuttings and will be run by staff at Greenfield Court Care. It will provide a safe space for older people to enjoy a range of interactive activities and socialise with like-minded adults. CEO of Harrogate Neighbours, Sue Cawthray said, “Supporting vulnerable and older people is at the heart of everything we do at Harrogate Neighbours. Alongside the findings from Chris Whitty’s report, staff at Greenfield Court Care felt there was a need to open a dedicated day care centre which would support those living independently, but who would benefit from a safe place to socialize." “Welcoming the Prime Minister through our doors, was a great opportunity to showcase the vital services we provide for older people in the community to support an aging population. We would like to thank everyone who attended the official opening and we look forward to opening our doors, creating fun and enjoyment and tackling social isolation together.” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said, “It was a pleasure to meet the clients and dedicated staff at Harrogate Neighbours to celebrate the opening of their new Day Care Centre. The difference that the staff make to people’s lives is truly inspiring and I know that the Day Care Centre will go even further to help combat loneliness within vulnerable communities.”

The roll out of Gigahubs – boosting broadband access and speed in rural areas – has reached a big milestone in Leicestershire with over half successfully installed. Leicestershire County Council is working in partnership with the Government to provide more than 40 public buildings with access to high-speed connectivity. The first 25 sites have now been completed thanks to £1.5 million of government funding. The sites span Leicestershire and include Lutterworth Library in Harborough district, Asfordby Hill Primary School in Melton, and Witherley C of E Primary School in Hinckley and Bosworth. Councillor Pam Posnett, cabinet member for broadband, said “The installation of the first 25 GigaHubs allows residents in our rural communities to access the fastest broadband speeds on the market at their libraries and schools." “This will allow Leicestershire’s children living in hard-to-reach areas to have better access to the internet for their lessons and allow teachers to experiment with new innovative ways of learning. Residents needing to work or do homework from a library will also benefit from faster connections.” A further 18 sites are set to be completed by the end of March. The completed locations are: • Fleckney Library • Desford Library • Lutterworth Library • Barlestone C of E Primary School • Sherrier C of E Primary School • Lutterworth High School • Waltham on the Wolds C of E Primary School • Somerby Primary School • Asfordby Hill Primary School • Congerstone Primary School • Higham on the Hill Primary School • Witherley C of E Primary School • Old Dalby C Of E Primary School • The Market Bosworth School • Market Bosworth Library • St Peters C Of E Primary School Mkt Bosworth • Dunton Bassett Primary School • Ullesthorpe C Of E Primary School • Newbold Verdon Primary School • St Andrews C Of E Primary School Academy • Desford Community Primary School • Kibworth Recycling and Household Waste Site • Meadowdale Primary School • Lutterworth Recycling and Household Waste Site • Great Dalby School The GigaHubs programme is part of Project Gigabit, the UK government’s £5 billion programme to deliver lightning-fast, reliable broadband in hard-to-reach areas of the UK. Confirmed upcoming locations are below: • Ab Kettleby Primary School • Fleckney C Of E Primary School • Harby C Of E Primary School • Long Clawson C Of E Primary School • Highways Foxton • Market Harborough Recycling and Household Waste Site • Croft C Of E Primary School • Manorfield C Of E Primary School • Sharnford C Of E Primary School • Swinford C Of E Primary School • Sapcote Library • Stoney Stanton Library • Croft County Council office • Seagrave Village Primary School • Sheepy Magna C Of E Primary School • Stanton Under Bardon Community Primary School • Sileby Library • Nailstone Depot

Hampshire accountants HWB have promoted Nick Whitemore to Associate Director, a little over a year after he joined the practice. Nick is the latest of three colleagues at Chandlers Ford-based HWB to progress from Business Advisor to associate level in the past 18 months. He will work closely with clients who seek accounts, advice and tax services including individuals, owner-managed businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Nick has been working across HWB’s client base, particularly SMEs, as a Senior Business Adviser since he arrived from top ten regional accountancy group Azets in October 2022. “Time has flown by,” said Nick, a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants who has more than a decade of post-qualification experience. “It’s great to be part of the HWB team. Everyone is enthusiastic about providing the best for our clients while winning new business too." “I’ll still be very much involved on the client side, growing relationships, but I’m delighted to have been afforded this opportunity to step up. I’m very excited about the challenge.” Among the responsibilities of his new role, Southampton-born Nick will attend monthly directors’ meetings and work more closely with the ten-strong board led by Tracy Jenkins, Managing Director. Tracy said: “Since joining us, Nick has demonstrated and applied his skills, insight and professional experience for our clients’ benefit." “We are always looking to promote and encourage growth amongst our team and Nick’s promotion forms part of our overall company strategy based around the strength of our business advice services.” Nick’s promotion comes as SMEs and other businesses continue to face challenges and uncertainties caused by the ‘cost-of-doing-business’ crisis, characterised by high borrowing costs, energy bills and other pressures on the bottom line. Nick said: “Whoever is in government after the prospective general election this year, I suspect we will see even more change to the business environment coming over the horizon." “Because of that, it remains crucial for businesses to stay in touch with their professional advisers and secure the best financial and tax management plans to underpin their operational activities and investment programmes.” Nick, who has an honours degree in Business & Finance from Southampton Solent University, lives in Eastleigh. Away from work, he enjoys scuba diving, travelling and music. Chartered accountants HWB, headquartered at Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton, provide business and tax advice.

Showcasing excellence in the industry, the annual British Pool & Hot Tub Awards, presented by SPATA (Swimming Pool and Allied Trade Association) and BISHTA (British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association), highlight businesses dedicated to achieving the highest standards. These companies adhere to the trade association's guidelines and uphold an industry-recognised code of ethics, setting them apart as top-tier professionals committed to elevating standards within their field. These awards acknowledge companies for their exceptional work, honouring technical expertise and aesthetic achievements, and establish an inspiring showcase of award-winning projects for consumers to explore. It instils confidence in consumers, knowing that as members of the trade association, every company must adhere to British and European standards and conduct business ethically. This year's awards ceremony took place as an integral part of the Industry Gala Evening organised by the BSPF (British Swimming Pool Federation). Held at the Coventry Building Society Arena in the West Midlands, the evening is part of SPATEX, the UK's exclusive international showcase for pool, spa, and wellness. This year's VIP guest was competitive swimmer Joe Litchfield, who is set to participate in the Paris Olympics 2024, fuelled by his lifelong love for swimming. With a distinguished career, he has earned titles as county, regional, and National champion. In 2022, he won two silver medals at the Commonwealth Games and a bronze at the World Championships, followed by a gold with his team at the subsequent World Championships. His outstanding achievements led to his recognition as the Guest of Honour at the 2024 Wet Leisure Industry Gala Evening. Centurion Leisure, a distinguished member of SPATA located in Hornchurch, Essex, secured the following prestigious SPATA Awards at the 2024 British Pool & Hot Tub Awards ceremony. • Residential Outdoor Liner Pools under £75,000 (SILVER STANDARD) • Residential Outdoor One-Piece Pools (GOLD STANDARD & SILVER STANDARD) • Residential Outdoor Concrete Pools under £125,000 (SILVER STANDARD & SILVER STANDARD) • Residential Outdoor Concrete Pools £125,000 and Over (GOLD STANDARD) • Residential Indoor Freeboard Pools under £150,000 (GOLD STANDARD) • Residential Indoor Freeboard Pools £150,000 and over (GOLD STANDARD & GOLD STANDARD) • Special Requirement Pool of the Year (SILVER STANDARD) • Commercial Pools (GOLD STANDARD) • Inground Spas (Overall Winner GOLD STANDARD & GOLD STANDARD) • Paul Kite Award for Pool Star of the Year (FINALIST - Kerry Blunden) • Dick Millward Trophy for Pool Contractor of the Year (WINNER) Before being submitted to the specialised panel of judges from the pool industry, all entries undergo a review for their technical merit to ensure they meet industry standards as a minimum requirement. With 22 SPATA award categories available, the entries for this year showcase the pool industry's extensive talent and the unwavering dedication to the quality and service of the trade association’s members. Chris Hayes, Managing Director of SPATA and BISHTA, praised the winning companies for their exceptional quality of work and expressed optimism for their continued success. The event received generous support from various partners and sponsors, underscoring the industry's collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence. Supporting the 2024 British Pool & Hot Tub Awards, the Partners and Sponsors are; Adtrak, AstralPool UK, Certikin International, Complete Pool Controls, Dantherm Group, Dryden Aqua, EVi Pools, Fairlocks Pool Products, Golden Coast part of Pollet Pool Group, Heatstar, HTH T/A Innovative Water Care, Jacuzzi, Nsure, Oase, Plastica, Spawer, Sprayed Concrete Solutions, SPN and What Pool & Hot Tub Magazine.

Expanding property consultancy Vail Williams has opened a new office in Oxford to meet growing business demand. The office, forming an extension of the firm’s Thames Valley region, is headed by Richard Dawtrey, Partner and Head of Investment. Two new members of staff – experienced Partner Mike Watson and Surveyor Clark Tersol, have been recruited, both from Cluttons in Oxford. Historic and listed building specialist Chris Bailey has been appointed to cover building consultancy and other hires are in the pipeline, including support staff. The Oxford team is being augmented by senior colleagues Guy Parkes (agency), Sarah Isherwood (planning), Dan Pearce (valuation) and Roland Browning (occupier advisory) all of whom are already active in the Oxfordshire marketplace. Vail Williams will initially be located at New Barclay House in Botley and is offering a comprehensive, full-service proposition in Oxford. Managing Partner Matthew Samuel-Camps said: “This further strategic growth is aligned with our Business Plan, enhancing our offer geographically and synergising perfectly with our current office footprint, particularly that of Birmingham, London and Reading." “Richard, who had six years’ commercial property experience at a national firm based in Oxford before moving to Vail Williams, has kept in touch with his old client base and is clearly the perfect person to lead our city team." “There is no denying that Oxford and Oxfordshire are significant growth areas and bringing in Mike was crucial to the process. He has worked in Oxford for 25 years, has a second-to-none reputation, knows the city’s property market inside out, is an expert on the city centre and, in particular, acts for a number of the colleges.” Matthew added: “Oxford is a significant and world-renowned educational centre with a high growth wider region – including in Bicester, Abingdon, Banbury and Didcot where there has been substantial investment – and of course the significant business growth witnessed in the city itself allied to the university, especially in the life science markets." “We already have a high quality, established client base in the region and will be seeking to build on our existing presence by offering a multi-disciplinary approach, as well as our expanding sector expertise in residential, energy and environmental and town centre re-purposing.” Richard will also continue to act as Head of Investment, servicing clients in the south east and midlands regions and is also tasked with expanding the sector. Vail Williams employs 175 people, of which more than 50 are partners, based across its 12 offices in the Midlands and south of England (Oxford, Birmingham, Crawley, Brighton, Woking, Heathrow, Leeds, London, Portsmouth, Reading, Southampton, Bournemouth). Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy.

More than 1,200 Hendy Group colleagues gathered in Bournemouth this month for its annual awards which this year also marked 165 years since the company was founded. Comedian Russell Kane acted as host for the event at the Bournemouth International Centre with Hendy Group chief executive Paul Hendy paying tribute to the exemplary performances from individuals and teams, and pledging a bumper year ahead. He thanked colleagues and manufacturers for their tremendous support over the years and promised significant plans for the future as the group continues to expand. “2023 was the biggest year for the company in terms of revenue and growth and this year we are looking at a turnover of more than £1.2 billion,” Paul told guests. “We’re 165 years old and we are just getting started.” There were awards presented to colleagues working across the business which represents more than 20 automotive brands across the south coast across more than 70 dealerships. The key Hall of Fame award was this year presented to two colleagues in recognition of the tremendous contribution they have both played in the business. Group ICT manager Steve Nicholas and director of estates and IT John Hendy were both inducted into the Hendy Group Hall of Fame. Steve joined Hendy in 1983 at IT manager and Paul said he had played a pivotal role in the development of the IT team. John joined the family business in 1994 and Paul said that he had been instrumental in helping the business grow and plays a key role in all estate development work. John Hendy was also involved in the Team of the Year Award with the Property & Estates Team honoured for their work in the field of acquisition, new sites, and major project work during 2023. Tunbridge Wells Langton Road was named Site of the Year with colleagues praised for their outstanding performance across all brands and their customer care. Individual winners included Ollie Clayton, the company’s first sales apprentice who picked up the Apprentice of the Year award and Sales Colleague of the Year was Sanjay Sivarajah who works at Poole MG. Sales manager of the year was Martin Witt-Smith, also at the group’s MG site in Poole. There were three awards for colleagues working at the group’s Villeneuve Way site in Eastleigh with Chris McLuckie named Technician of the Year, Graham Biggerstaff Aftersales Colleague of the Year, and Steve Davie Aftersales Manager of the Year. The awards also recognise those in support roles with Lucy Beardsley named Support Function Colleague of the Year and Oliver Halstead Support Function Manager of the Year. The final award was for the Hendy Hero 2023 which was awarded to Andy Yates for his running endeavours which included taking part in the 90km Comrades Marathon in South Africa. Andy completed this for the second time in 2023, raising vital funds for Hendy Foundation.

Leicestershire CCC has relaunched its flagship partnership with The Lionheart Educational Trust, opening the Club’s doors to more than 12,000 school students across the county. First established in 2022, the unique partnership will provide an unparalleled insight into the world of professional cricket for the Trust’s family of 14 schools, demonstrating how the sports industry covers far more than being an athlete. Each student will be rewarded with the opportunity to redeem a FREE bespoke Club Membership, granting access to all seven home County Championship fixtures, Family Funday during the One Day Cup clash with Glamorgan, and a dedicated Lionheart Trust T20 day featuring both Leicestershire Men and Women in a thrilling Friday double-header. The project is also set to see Lionheart’s students play an integral role in the Foxes’ future, with a trust-wide project tasking all 14 schools with designing Leicestershire’s 2025 T20 Blast shirt. The final five designs will be showcased during the Lionheart Trust-themed T20 day, where the power will then be handed over to the Foxes fans to select their favourite creation. Alongside creative and matchday experiences at Uptonsteel County Ground, the multi-faceted partnership will also see Leicestershire’s professional coaches deliver sessions at Martin High throughout the Spring term, with Leicestershire Men’s all-rounders Ben Mike and Tom Scriven, alongside Leicestershire Women’s bowler Aimee Colquhoun, leading January’s launch session. Discussing the partnership, Leicestershire CCC CEO Sean Jarvis said: “Teaming up with Lionheart is a massive game-changer for the Club. I see great initiatives across the country, but it’s amazing to create what we believe to be an industry-leading project at Leicestershire." “Grassroots cricket is incredibly important to us, so it’s brilliant to see our players out in the community helping students fall in love with cricket. Creating this link will grow vital support for both the Club and the game, and hopefully inspire a new generation of Leicestershire supporters.” Neil Lewis, Head of Enterprise at Lionheart Educational Trust, said: “Our partnership with Leicestershire County Cricket Club supports Lionheart's young people to experience all-important holistic opportunities, in addition to their academic studies." “We’re pleased that, as well as the resilience and teamwork skills gained through cricket coaching opportunities, our partnership also goes beyond the game including fantastic matchday experiences and the exclusive opportunity to design the Club's T20 kit for 2025.”

Harlequins have confirmed wing Louis Lynagh will depart the Club at the end of the season to pursue his international aspirations in Italy. The Academy product, who joined Quins at U13 level and since achieved 27 tries in 58 senior appearances, will join URC side Benetton Rugby ahead of the 2024/25 season. Lynagh made his senior debut in 2019 and enjoyed his breakout season in 2020/21, making 11 appearances and scoring six tries. The wing touched down in the Semi-Final against Bristol Bears, before scoring twice in the Final to guide Quins to the Gallagher Premiership title. Harlequins Director of Rugby Billy Millard said: “Louis has been a pleasure to work with and we have been proud to see him develop from our Academy to the first-team squad. He has certainly had some great moments in his short career to date and is a popular figure across the Club." "His 2020/21 season in particular showcased his ability and try-scoring strength. We’re excited to watch his career develop further at Benetton and potentially for Italy. We wish him the very best as he seeks to build his career in Italy.” Speaking ahead of his departure, Lynagh added: “It’s been a difficult decision to leave my boyhood club, but I feel the time is right for a new challenge in Italy. I have loved my time at Quins and made lifelong friends, working with some of the best players, coaches, and staff, and achieving the ultimate Premiership success in 2021. I would like to thank all the Quins fans who have supported me over my career, it’s been amazing to play in front of a packed Stoop every week, and I can’t wait for a massive finish to our season.”

Apprentices working at Yorkshire-based gritter manufacturer Econ Engineering, have urged more young people to follow in their career footsteps as they learn a valuable on-the-job trade.   During National Apprenticeship Week, two young employees at the company’s Ripon-based assembly plant have spoken of the exciting opportunities their roles have provided.   Oliver Merrin and Jacob Condie are in the middle of their specialist apprenticeships with Econ, the UKs leading manufacturer of winter maintenance vehicles, and believe the experience is providing them with the best possible start to their careers.   Family-owned and run since 1969, Econ – which has a workforce of around 240 – has welcomed a continual string of apprentices to their team, learning their trade both on the factory floor and at technical college.   Oliver Merrin, 19, started his apprenticeship back in 2021 as an Apprentice Welder, and is grateful for the opportunity that it has given him and said: “I have been at Econ for two-and-a-half years and a typical day would be making up the frames and welding them. The frames are what the gritters, the hot boxes and the de-icers sit on." “It is a good way to get into a trade and that is what I was looking for. Welding is quite a hands-on thing to do and I thought it would be right up my street… and it was."   “Econ is a very well-structured company, there is a lot you can learn here. Everyone is very welcoming, if you get stuck with anything then you can ask anyone in the factory and they will help you out."   “The key is to not let the college work pile up, so that you have a lot to do before the deadline. Crack on with it straight away so that you do not fall behind."   “My mentor here at Econ, Darren, has been great from the very start and the college itself has plenty of resources for us to use. If anyone is thinking of what they should do after school, then I would definitely suggest an apprenticeship.”   Jacob Condie, 25, who is in the middle of his IT apprenticeship, echoed the thoughts of his colleague: “Typically in a day, I respond to tickets from my colleagues here and essentially looking over the systems to make sure they are running properly. “My manager is really supportive and helps with anything that I might need." “My advice would be for people to look out for all the opportunities that you can get and just go for it. You won’t regret it.”   Econ Engineering Managing Director, Jonathan Lupton, who himself worked his way up from the factory floor as an apprentice before taking over the reins of the family business, said: “From the very earliest days of Econ, we have employed apprentices within the business and we are proud of the fact that so many of them have gone on to work for the business for many years." “After leaving school at 16, I worked my way across many of the various Econ departments as an apprentice, learning from those people who knew their jobs inside out and who could teach me valuable lessons about every aspect of the company."   “It made me the person I am today and if university is not for you, then learning a trade through being an apprentice is certainly something I would advocate.”

Little Hearts Matter, the only charity in the UK & Ireland dedicated to supporting and empowering anyone affected by the diagnosis of a single ventricle heart condition (or half a heart), has announced a major new awareness campaign to promote the life-changing work they undertake every day, as part of its 30th Anniversary in 2024. Based in the Midlands, but working across the UK, Little Hearts Matter’s support often starts at the point of diagnosis, where parents receive the devastating news that their unborn child has an incurable, life-limiting heart condition, and follows them through every step of their half a heart journey. This includes their first heart operation at just a few days old, into life at home and beyond. Since its inception in 1994, Little Hearts Matter has played a crucial role in advocating for awareness, providing resources and offering a supportive community for individuals and families affected by this condition – and this is what they hope the 30th Anniversary awareness campaign will further promote. Newly-appointed CEO, Lisa Davies, comments: “We’re incredibly proud to announce the 30th anniversary of Little Hearts Matter and using this milestone to not only promote our work, but also tell the stories of some of our most incredible members.” She continues: “When the charity first launched in the nineties, the diagnosis of a single ventricle heart condition was a bleak one. Since then, technology and knowledge of the condition has progressed immeasurably and whilst diagnosis today still signals an exceedingly difficult path ahead, there is support and hope. And it this hope we want to share through our stories.” Two such stories are Hannah Palmer and Jordan Parnell, who both live with the single ventricle heart condition – more commonly known as ‘half a heart’ – and, against the odds, will also turn thirty this year – a feat never thought possible when the charity first launched. Hannah is currently studying towards a Forensic Psychology degree and is also one of the Trustees at Little Hearts Matter. Diagnosed with an incredibly rare form of the condition, she was born without her right ventricle (it’s more common for those affected to be born without their left ventricle) and her parents were originally told that it was unlikely Hannah would live past the age of fifteen. Now on the cusp of celebrating double that age and turning thirty later this year, Hannah, who is based in Newport, Wales, is incredibly grateful for the role Little Hearts Matter has played throughout her life – both for her and her family. “Although my parents were aware of LHM when I was first diagnosed, it wasn’t until I had my Fontan surgery when I was nine, that we properly connected with the charity and I’ve never looked back.” She adds: “To finally meet people who were like me and going through the same challenges at the same age, was amazing. We’ve supported each other through our teenage years and moving into adulthood, sending messages when people have been in hospital and providing a shoulder to cry on when needed. It’s just really nice to know we’re not on our own." “I honestly wouldn’t be who I am today without Little Hearts Matter. The charity, and the people I’ve met through them, have changed my life.” Jordan is Managing Director at CV Technical in Hinckley, Leicestershire, and was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome at birth. “Little Hearts Matter has been there for me and my family throughout my entire life. It had obviously just started when I was born, but was a hugely invaluable source of support from the moment of my diagnosis and continues to be today. So much so, that CV Technical has nominated them as our main charity beneficiary for 2024.” To find out more about Little Hearts Matter and the work they do, please visit here .

A family-run business based in Lanarkshire has successfully expanded its services to offer the latest drone technology across the UK after its owners accessed support from Business Gateway. Horizon Drone Surveying Ltd provides state-of-the-art drone surveying services using the latest technology to deliver high-resolution images and data in the most challenging of environments, including land, sea, and in the air. Horizon Drone Surveying’s team includes certified pilots who use equipment and techniques to provide a wide range of drone surveying services, including aerial photography, thermal imaging, topographic mapping, and site surveying. The business, launched in April 2023, was founded by John and Robert Garvie, who were on a mission to use technology to deliver precision and accuracy in surveying while ensuring safety and efficiency. With John and Robert both coming from a background in health and safety, they felt strongly about providing a quality surveying service that was safety focused and approached Business Gateway for support to elevate their start up. The pair were introduced to a business adviser, Debbie Dawkins, who has provided them with ongoing one-to-one support, which included help with developing a business plan, and advice on maintaining cashflow. John and Robert also attended workshops, including trading online and Wordpress for beginners, which allowed them to pick up the skills required to develop a website. Through Business Gateway, John and Robert were signposted to funding, and secured £1,000 from the South Lanarkshire Business Start-up Grant, as well as £1,000 from South Lanarkshire Council’s Micro Business Support Grant. This funding was critical to purchase the equipment required, as well as a subscription service for drone mapping software. Thanks to the support, and the grants received, John and Robert have been able to begin trading properly, and have successfully grown their business to offer a range of surveying services. Looking ahead to the future, with an overarching goal of promoting their business to a wider audience, John and Robert will receive fully-funded consultancy support from a marketing expert which will help with SEO and advertising. John Garvie, Horizon Drone Surveying Ltd, said, “The support from Business Gateway in the background has been invaluable. Our adviser is always on the end of the phone for advice, a chat or to direct us to other resources to continue our grow as business owners and operators. With Business Gateway’s continued support, I’m confident we can continue to grow into a sustainable business and contribute to our local communities.” Debbie Dawkins, Business Gateway adviser, said: “We have been able to support Horizon Drone Surveying Ltd with a range of Business Gateway’s start-up services, which have helped John and Robert get their feet off the ground. It has been fantastic to watch the business expand and develop this year, and I look forward to watching them continue to grow in the future.”