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Hampshire Chamber of Commerce has strengthened its top team with the appointment of Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Donna, who also chairs the National Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, joins the Chamber’s board as a non-executive director following a unanimous resolution. She will work alongside Chief Executive and Executive Chairman Ross McNally, President Peter Taylor and fellow board directors to help shape the Chamber’s strategic growth as the county’s independent voice of business. Portsmouth-born Donna worked in banking and investment management before her election to Portsmouth City Council in 2008. She was the first woman to become Executive Leader, a role she held from 2014 to 2018. She was appointed by the Lord Chancellor as a Magistrate to the South East Hampshire Bench in 2005. At the time of her appointment, she was the youngest member of the judiciary in England and Wales. Since being elected Police and Crime Commissioner in May 2021, Donna has presided over a £500 million budget for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. In that time, she has recruited a new Chief Constable, funded 600 new additional police officers, committed to reopening police stations, and included the prevention of online crime and fraud among her business crime priorities. She hosted a cybercrime conference in Winchester last year with the National Crime Agency, UK banks and the South East Cyber Resilience Centre, sharing advice for Hampshire businesses on how best to protect themselves against fraud and cyber-attacks. Donna is also a business owner and has a long track record of sitting on the boards of companies. They include international shipping and port-based businesses and a large-scale commercial property management firm. She was also a director of Solent Local Enterprise Partnership for four years. Donna said: “As someone with over 25 years working in business and private enterprise, I’m delighted to be joining the board of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce as a non-executive director. The Chamber is a vital enterprise community supporting businesses with innovation, engagement and advocacy which I am honoured to be a part of." “I have spent the last 15 years supporting businesses and being an interface into government, delivering on my passion to grow the GVA of the South East region. The future growth of businesses across Hampshire is vital to the success of the 1.8 million people living and working in the county. When businesses thrive, communities thrive, providing us with the foundation to build a better, safer, more prosperous region for the next generation." “I’m looking forward to working with Chamber members to find collaborative solutions across the public and private sectors and to interface with the government where required.” Ross McNally said: “Donna understands business, was the leader of a major city in our region and will be a wise head to have around our table. Her experience, knowledge, ideas and energy will be invaluable. At the same time, she has expressed a strong desire to gain a better understanding of issues facing our members, including our many SMEs, so she can reflect that in her conversations with senior police figures. We look forward to working together with Donna in support of the business community.” Donna’s appointment comes as the Chamber has grown revenue from international trade services, engaged more than 300 businesses through its leadership of the Solent Local Skills Improvement Plan and strengthened its PEER network community of employer members. The Chamber’s other non-executive directors are: Peter Taylor, Chamber President and Senior Partner at law firm Paris Smith LLP; Ed Gould, Partner and Creative Director of creative communications agency Carswell Gould; Aaron Butson, Assistant Principal at Havant and South Downs College and chair of the Chamber’s Portsmouth & District business strategy group; Richard Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of The Business Magazine; Joe Jeffers, Finance Director of Hambledon, England’s oldest commercial vineyard, and previously Chief Financial Officer of Whiteley-based IT and communications provider Tailor Made Technologies; Mark Mills-Goodlet, Managing Director of Winchester Motor Group and chair of the Chamber’s Winchester business strategy group; Barry Smith, chair of the Chamber’s Basingstoke business strategy group; Mandy Boughton, Southampton-based Managing Director of Ancasta Yacht Services, part of the Ancasta group, Europe’s biggest boat and yacht sales brokerage; Andrew Kaye, Principal and Chief Executive of Fareham College; and retail banking expert Liana Broe, Local Enterprise Manager at NatWest and chair of the Chamber’s Andover business strategy group.

Local businesses are being promised ‘major change’ as they’re asked to take to the ballot to vote for another five years of Stratford BID. It is hoped the bold new 18-point plan – including stepping up police patrols - will win the confidence of 382 traders to secure a fourth term for the body, from April 1st. Other pledges include introducing a calendar of new events; an evening economy strategy; training and seminars for independent businesses; extending the Park of Ride scheme; creating a new Food and Drink Guide and map as well as a new Independents Guide and Professional Services Guide for the area; relaunching the Stratford Lifestyle Magazine and relaunching the existing BID Area Employee Discount Card to an app. The board have also committed to the continuation of the Motor Festival, Food Festival and Christmas Lights switch-on event as well as support for events delivered by other stakeholders. It comes as the board announce they are extending the BID area to include The Maybird Shopping Park. This, they say, is ‘in response to police recommendation for a co-ordinated approach to successfully tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.’ All the changes have been made in response to feedback from local businesses as well as an independent review commissioned by the BID earlier this year. Deadline for votes is 5pm on February 22nd and The district council will be informed of the results of the ballot the following day. Bid Chairman Rich Jones said: “Stratford-upon-Avon has held Business Improvement District (BID) status since 2009 and I truly believe that retaining a BID is vital to the success of a thriving town centre and a well-connected business community." "With nearby BIDs in Leamington Spa, Coventry, Worcester, Cheltenham, Gloucester and Oxford we cannot afford to lose BID status after 15 years and I would urge local businesses to Vote Yes to a new five-year term and for a BID that has a renewed outlook and a new set of initiatives to deliver." “I would like to reassure local levy payers that Stratford-upon-Avon BID company is listening to local businesses on the future direction of the BID and we have made some major changes in recent months. This includes restructuring to ensure the BID is in line with industry best practice with a lean and efficient staffing structure. We have also restructured the Board and it is now made up of local businesses, as a business-led organisation should be." “We are pleased to announce that we have committed to funding additional town centre police. This initiative will enable businesses to have direct contact with the Police within the town centre, using the existing BID radio system, to address issues that affect them." “Town centres across the UK have been impacted by Brexit and the Covid pandemic and we appreciate that businesses are struggling. This is why we have taken the decision to bring the BID levy minimum threshold up to a rateable value of £15,000, in line with Small Business Rates Relief, meaning that a further 110 businesses will be exempt from paying BID levy for the next five years unless they choose to pay for voluntary BID Membership. This is not excluding smaller businesses but rather giving them the option of contributing and being involved, whilst all still benefitting." “We recognise the importance of constructive feedback and we value support from local business owners, this is why we have allocated new places on the board for businesses to join the board in 2024 and act as additional representatives for local businesses.” The BID board has been slimmed down from 16 to seven representatives, asking three councillors and three council officers to stand down as directors and observers, while making way for three new board positions for representatives from the retail and hospitality sector. Rich added: “The last five years have been very tough for everyone, as the country was first coming to terms with the post-EU reality, the pandemic hit and, many argue, changed things forever. Whether you adhere to that view, Covid certainly meant long periods of commercial inactivity and far fewer people in destinations like ours that rely upon visitor activity. Today, there are signs of sustained recovery, though it is likely to be a bumpy road that lies ahead." “We hope that businesses in Stratford-upon-Avon will vote to retain some of the current BID initiatives and support our new plans for the next 5 years. This is an exciting time for the town centre and we invite you to back the BID and Vote ‘Yes.’ ”

EarthSense, the Leicester-based air quality expert, today announced that its second largest network of Zephyr® air quality monitors in the UK will be deployed across Worcestershire to provide real time data that will help local authorities drive improved air quality policies to help mitigate the sources of pollution and improve public health. For the three-year monitoring project, with options to renew, EarthSense will provide a complete air quality monitoring solution including 24 Zephyr® monitors around the county combined with EarthSense's MappAir® modelling tool, MyAir® web app and API access. This solution will enable the local authority to disseminate public health information and alerts about poor air quality episodes and advise the public on interventions to reduce pollution and exposure levels. Bromsgrove District, Redditch Borough, Malvern Hills District, Worcester City, Wychavon District, and Wyre Forest District councils will benefit from the improved air quality monitoring through their shared service, Worcestershire Regulatory Services. The EarthSense solution, funded by a DEFRA Air Quality Grant, will significantly improve the accuracy of nitrogen dioxide monitoring and upgrade the monitoring of particulate matter and other pollutants over a three-year period. EarthSense will provide Worcestershire Regulatory Services with access to its MyAir® web app to allow residents to check air quality levels, which is important to those with health conditions such as heart and lung disease, as poor air quality conditions can impact their health. The data provided by the new system gives a clearer indication of air quality levels in the area and when vulnerable residents should limit their exposure. Tom Hall, Managing Director, EarthSense, said: “This is a milestone moment for EarthSense, with our second largest Zephyr® monitor network being used by our local authority clients to encourage people to change the way they behave so that they pollute less and help to make Worcestershire a better, cleaner and healthier place to live." The EarthSense Zephyr® is an iMCERTS certified real time air quality monitor that takes live measurements of ambient air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitric oxide (NO), ozone (O3), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10). Measurements are sent back to the MyAir® web application, where air quality data can be viewed, analysed, and downloaded. Used in combination with the MappAir® air quality model, users can pull various insights about areas of interest, such as pollution hotspots, peak times, and identify nearby sources contributing to elevated levels.

Property consultancy Vail Williams has hired an experienced lease advisory specialist to bolster its Surrey and London regions as business demand continues to grow. Frank Perri has joined the Lease Advisory team in the firm’s Woking and Soho offices at Partner level after more than six years at the Lorenz Consultancy in London. He is one of three new partners announced by Vail Williams. Frank will focus primarily on working with clients within the Surrey and London market, working across all the major property sectors to provide clients with strategic lease advice. He also has a responsibility to exploring new business development opportunities for the firm. Frank’s key specialisms include lease renewals, rent reviews, lease restructuring, acting as an expert witness in arbitration and independent expert disputes and also acting as an expert witness in court disputes. He commented: “I am thrilled to have joined Vail Williams in Surrey and London and being part of such a progressive team in an area where there continues to be a tremendous amount of commercial property activity." “There are exciting times ahead and I am aiming to play my full part in ensuring Vail Williams’ ongoing commitment to providing clients with a second-to-none service is fully achieved." “Throughout my career, I have acted for a wide range of clients from a food manufacturer occupying more than 250,000 sq ft to a high-end fashion brand occupying less than 500 sq ft. Whoever the client, I enjoy achieving the best possible outcomes and lease terms for them." Surrey Regional Managing Partner Geoff Fallon said: “We welcome Frank as a great addition to our lease advisory team as business continues to expand. He is a hugely experienced operator brimming with exceptional ideas and I am expecting him to thrive in his new role." “With 10 years’ experience supporting clients with their lease advisory needs, he is widely considered to be an expert in his field and has experience working across all principal sectors, including offices, medical, industrial, retail and leisure.”  In London, Sarah Isherwood, who has been promoted from Associate to Partner, is hugely experienced in planning consultancy, and whose key projects have included healthcare facilities, town centre brownfield developments and suburban greenfield developments since joining Vail Williams as a graduate in 2014. James Lacey, Vail Williams Regional Managing Partner for London, said: “It is great to see the well-deserved promotion of Sarah. She leads a number of key client accounts and works closely with a variety of design teams with panache." “Sarah continues to show commitment to her own personal development and of others. Also, the London/Planning team continues to grow with a variety of career opportunities on offer currently.”  In Birmingham, building surveyor and project management specialist Craig Fillingham who has been promoted to Partner, has more than 20 years’ experience specialising in building, leading and managing multi-disciplinary project teams in the office, industrial and insurance claims management sectors. Birmingham Regional Managing Partner Carole Taylor said: “Craig is an extremely experienced building surveyor who covers our patches in both Birmingham and the north of the country. He has gone from strength to strength since joining us." “This promotion is richly deserved. He is a really good team player and provides an excellent service for clients who think of him highly, as well as having a mentoring role to support junior members of the team.” 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.

The vast majority of businesses are still not reviewing the risks posed by third party technology that they use and rely on, it’s been revealed. Leading Dorset cyber-security company C3IA Solutions said government statistics show how vulnerable businesses remain. Despite increasing awareness, particularly among medium-sized and larger companies, only about a tenth of all enterprises review supplier risks. Software, apps and other tech can create huge vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. And without reviewing them, it’s possible the supplied technology won’t work as it is supposed to. Lucy Dalley, from C3IA Solutions, said: “With the building of software and systems rapidly evolving, so are cyber-security threats. It is essential that the software we download and use is built with security in mind – as well as doing what it is supposed to." “The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has created eight principles to help evaluate and improve development practices, which are well worth reading. One further issue is that trust in computers is often absolute. In the same way that calculators’ sums are never questioned, some business leaders have the same trust in everything their computers do." “But software and apps are programmed by people and they are fallible, and on large projects bugs and gremlins can easily be incorporated. We recommend that when downloading and using third-party applications, it is important to understand if they are protected. " “Regular vulnerability assessments should be carried out on networks, as should code reviews and assessments, and penetration testing. Penetration testing is when experts attempt to gain access to a system to highlight its weak spots – it’s the same as getting an ex-burglar to try and break into your house." “The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2023 report showed that only 11 per cent of organisations carried out penetration testing to identify cyber-security risks. While figures show that cyber-security is better understood as an issue by bosses, there are still far too many organisations that don’t pay enough attention to it." “Often we get called into a business after it has suffered a cyber-attack, and the results can be devastating. A few tips to keep you as secure as possible include: downloading applications only from approved platforms, deny permissions for non-approved apps, keep apps up-to-date, use antivirus software, enforce mobile device management (MDM) in the workplace, and delete apps that aren’t used." “And achieving the government’s Cyber Essentials certification gives a basic level of protection as well as providing cyber insurance." “While the understanding of threats and potential issues with third party software and applications is increasing, it is still not embedded in businesses as it ought to be".

JCB apprentices are set to share their on-the-job training experience with an audience of at least 140,000 people as part of a live broadcast across the UK.   They will be put under the spotlight during National Apprenticeship Week when they host The Big Assembly – a programme which will be broadcast to students next week to highlight the fantastic opportunities apprenticeships offer.   The programme will be live-streamed into hundreds of UK schools and colleges from the JCB Quarry, near its World Headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire on Tuesday, February 6th before an invited audience of Year 10 students and teachers from three local schools – Blythe Bridge High School, Sir Thomas Boughey Academy and Chesterton Community Sports College, both in Newcastle-under-Lyme.   It will feature expert panel discussions with apprentices and business bosses about the benefits of the apprenticeship route as well as demonstrations of JCB machines in action.   The company was chosen to host the prestigious event in recognition of its investment in apprenticeships. In the past three years JCB’s Global Learning team have trained almost 500 apprentices in every aspect of the business. JCB Global HR Director Max Jeffery will be on The Big Assembly expert panel. He said: “JCB is one of the largest construction machinery manufacturers in the world and the company is on an ambitious growth route for the next five years. We invest £8 million a year in our Early Careers programme to ensure new talent is constantly evolving and helping us to remain world leading." “Every part of the company is involved in the scheme through 44 different apprenticeship routes which range from welding on the production line through to engineering design, software development and business administration."   “Last year we had more than 5,000 applicants for the programme which shows not only how keen young people are to pursue the apprenticeship route, but also how much they value the opportunity to build a career with a globally recognised brand such as JCB.”   The Big Assembly was watched by an estimated 140,000 people last year and schools, businesses, parents, and members of the public can register to watch this year’s event by going to the  website .   The event will be followed up by an Apprenticeships Open Day at JCB Global Learning Centre, JCB World Headquarters, Rocester on Saturday February 10th at 10am and 1pm. To book a place visit  here .

A family business with over 10 years’ involvement in the children's care sector is launching an alternative education establishment in Nottingham for teenagers who have been excluded from mainstream schooling.   Younas & Schofield Group is this week launching SHAPE (Safe Haven Alternative Provision of Excellence) in Alfreton Road, Radford, in an effort to improve the prospects of 14-16-year-olds who have been permanently excluded from school.   Many of these teenagers will have displayed signs of disruptive behaviour, violence, truancy, gang or drug-related offences, while others may have actually been the victims of bullying or suffer from anxieties that make mainstream schooling difficult.   SHAPE will become the first such centre for alternative provision (AP) launched under the Safe Haven brand, which also operates over 100 semi-independent homes, children's homes and supported living units across the UK that support vulnerable and disadvantaged young people.   Nottingham has the highest overall permanent exclusion rate in the country. Out of 151 local authority areas, Nottingham topped the table with 15 exclusions per 10,000 pupils in the 2020-21 academic year, according to Government data.   SHAPE, which currently has capacity for around 50 Key Stage 4 students, will offer a bespoke curriculum based on the needs of individual pupils, in addition to English and Maths, which are a statutory requirement.   Harvey Schofield, who has been appointed Head of Provision at the new centre, said: “The high demand for alternative provision is shockingly sad, not least in Nottingham."  “There’s a massive shortage of AP for youngsters who have been permanently excluded from mainstream schooling. We want to show these young people and their families that there is life beyond things like gangs and selling drugs."   “We will try to give every one of them the best chance possible for their future.”   Harvey (37) himself experienced a turbulent childhood in Nottingham, coming from what he describes as “a disruptive home with no role models and heavily involved in crime.”   He eventually ended up in young offenders’ institutions, until a supportive colleague later encouraged him to pursue a growing interest in education.   Since that point, Harvey has become a specialist in behaviour management and has plied his trade in alternative provision education ever since. He was formerly involved with Nottingham’s Stone Soup Academy, the second AP free school in the country to ever be awarded an Outstanding Ofsted rating.   With his new venture at SHAPE, Harvey will be leading a strong and carefully selected team of teachers, support and safeguarding staff.   With a maximum of eight pupils per class, teaching will be more bespoke than mainstream schools, with opportunities to learn about things like independent living, football, citizenship, the uniform services and employability, alongside more traditional subjects like art, history, geography and, of course, English and Maths.   The main building, which contains classrooms, a games room and cafeteria, benefits from a 2,500 sq ft warehouse, where Harvey also intends to teach construction skills, particularly in relation to renewable and sustainable energy.   Despite the fact that Harvey’s turbulent background mirrors that of many of the young people he supports in his profession, he said that the best mentors and educators could equally come from very advantaged, affluent backgrounds. “It’s all about how we behave as people in this environment,” he said. “That’s what will make a difference to these youngsters. In fact, the only behaviour that is more important than the students is our behaviour as teachers and people.”  The philosophy of setting good examples extends to SHAPE’s planned daily interaction with parents and guardians. Through a social media dashboard developed by Harvey - called The Sphere - parents, pupils, referrers, and staff can interact safely, to encourage involvement from all parties.   The communication tool will also offer advice and educational opportunities directed to parents, such as enabling them to complete their own English and Maths qualifications, perhaps to help set an example for their youngsters. Shamraiz Younas, the CEO of Safe Haven Support Care & Education Group, expressed great enthusiasm about the addition to their current offerings in place for vulnerable young people.   This venture holds special significance for him as it is located in the heart of his hometown, allowing him to give back in a personally meaningful way. He commented: “This opportunity is both rewarding and exciting. Moreover, we anticipate that this venture is just the beginning for the group, as we aspire to positively impact the lives of numerous young individuals across the country.” The group already has a nationwide presence, providing support to young people with accommodation and daily support, including a focus on fostering independent living for those aged 16-25.   SHAPE is launching tomorrow (Feb 1) with an open day, where key people involved in Nottingham’s education provision and pupil referrals have been invited to attend.

WineGB has announced their inaugural WineGB Rising Stars Awards – an initiative to acknowledge and celebrate the next generation of UK wine industry professionals. Also announced is the very welcome return of The Vintners’ UK Wine Apprentice Award, awarded by The Vintners’ Company. Rising Star nominations cover categories across the wine industry. An impressive number of nominations were submitted for Viticulture and Winemaking, receiving 11 and 8 names respectively. Nominations were also received for those working in business, marketing and tourism. Special acknowledgement is also being awarded to a candidate contributing to a sustainable approach to their work. WineGB members and those in the wider wine trade were invited to nominate members of their team that demonstrate unwavering dedication, a commitment to improvement, and an exemplary work ethic, combined with impressive expertise in their field. The candidates are around the age of 30 and under, already working, and committed to a long-term career in the wine industry. The return of the Vintners’ UK Wine Apprentice Award brings a further opportunity for wine producers of the future. Generously funded by The Vintners’ Company, the purpose of the Award is to help an aspiring individual to learn more about wine production in the UK, providing an opportunity to undertake courses in viticulture and winemaking at Plumpton College in Sussex over a two-year period. The winning candidate will also be given the opportunity to study for a WSET qualification at an appropriate level. The award winners will be revealed at the WineGB Dinner hosted by the Vintners’ Company and taking place Vintners’ Hall on Wednesday 31st January. Nicola Bates, CEO of WineGB commented: “There is a wealth of skills and talent in our industry and it’s vital that we publicly acknowledge and celebrate the stars of the future who will continue to shape the industry." "We hope that recognition through these awards will motivate and inspire future generations. We also want to use these awards to help demonstrate the opportunities there are for a career in the wine industry of Great Britain.” Ian Harris MBE, Chairman of the Trade Liaison Committee of the Vintners’ Company added: “The growth, vision and quality we’re seeing in the UK wine sector is inspiring. The Vintners’ Company is delighted to continue its support for the industry. We’re particularly proud to help nurture the career of a future industry star through providing support to study at Plumpton College through The Vintners’ UK Wine Apprentice Award.”

The nominations for this year’s BRIT Awards with Mastercard were revealed in ‘Bring on The BRITs with Mastercard: The 2024 Nominations’, a 30 minute special streamed across the BRITs' official Instagram and Facebook. Host Yinka Bokinni took viewers through the category shortlists, with a few guest appearances from nominated artists and fellow broadcaster Jack Saunders. The winners - who will each receive an award designed this year by visual artist and painter Rachel Jones - will be revealed at The BRIT Awards with Mastercard on Saturday 2nd March at The O2 arena, broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX. For 2024, The BRITs increased the number of nominees for both Artist of the Year and International Artist of the Year from five to ten, a change aimed at improving representation and inclusion. More than half (55%) of the 2024 BRITs nominations feature women – either as a solo artist or as part of an allwoman group. This figure rises to 57% when including women in mixed gender groups. A new genre award category R&B Act has been introduced for 2024, which along with Alternative/Rock Act, Dance Act, Pop Act, Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act, collectively showcase the versatility, creativity and diverse styles of music in the UK. The winners of the genre awards will be determined by a public vote exclusively through Instagram, which will open on Thursday 1st February at 12 noon and close on Thursday 15th February at 6pm. To vote, fans can either head to the BRITs page on Instagram (@BRITs), and comment on the category Reel of their choice using an artist specific hashtag, or by creating a Reel and using the @BRITs tag, and the artist specific # in the caption. Further information on the vote will be announced soon. Taking the title of the most nominated artist in a single BRITs year, RAYE leads the charge with an incredible seven nominations in total – a first by any artist since The BRITs began in 1977, eclipsing the record to date of six held by Gorillaz (2002), Craig David (2001) and Robbie Williams (1999). In recognition of what has been a spectacular year for the independent artist, singer/songwriter and BRIT School graduate, she is nominated for: Artist of the Year, Mastercard Album of the Year, Best New Artist (along with Mahalia, Olivia Dean, Pink Pantheress and Yussef Dayes), Pop Act, R&B Act, and receives two nominations in Song of the Year with Mastercard. Six-time BRIT winner Dua Lipa receives three nominations this year; for Artist of the Year, Pop Act and Song of the Year with Mastercard, and is the first artist confirmed to perform on the main show on 2nd March. Dua Lipa last performed at The BRITs in 2021. Central Cee and J Hus both receive four nominations, with Central Cee up twice for Song of the Year with Mastercard. Along with RAYE, Dua Lipa, Central Cee and J Hus, this year’s Artist of the Year category also sees nominations for Arlo Parks, Dave, Fred again, JessieWare, Little Simz and Olivia Dean. Nominees for Mastercard Album of the Year include Blur, Little Simz and Young Fathers, who each receive three nominations in total. Also up for three awards are Calvin Harris, Dave and Olivia Dean. The International Artist of the Year category is another immense showdown of global talent; with nominees Asake, Burna Boy, Caroline Polachek, CMAT, Kylie Minogue, Lana Del Rey, Miley Cyrus, Olivia Rodrigo, SZA and Taylor Swift. Olivia, Miley and SZA are also all nominated for International Song of the Year. Other artists up for more than one award include: Fred again.., Mahalia, Pink Pantheress and Yussef Dayes. 2024 also sees the first BRIT nomination for The Rolling Stones in over a decade; having been nominated four times previously in 1977, 1995, 1996 and 2013. Other artists nominated for a 2024 BRIT award include: Becky Hill, Billie Eilish, CASISDEAD, Charli XCX, Doja Cat, Ed Sheeran, Foo Fighters, Lewis Capaldi, Noah Kahan, Paramore, Peggy Gou, Rema, Stormzy, Tate McRae and Tyla. In December, The BRITs announced the winner of the 2024 Rising Star supported by BBC Radio 1 award as The Last Dinner Party. They join the list of incredible artists who have won the award in previous years including Adele, Florence + The Machine, Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding, Emeli Sandé, Griff, and last year’s winner, FLO. The winners of Songwriter of the Year and Producer of the Year will be revealed over the coming weeks, along with other show announcements. Damian Christian, Managing Director and President of Promotions at Atlantic Records (part of Warner Music UK) and Chair of the BRIT Committee for 2024 said: “This year's BRIT nominees really highlight the incredible breadth and diversity within British music. From breaking artists to returning greats, and with artists spanning so many genres, this year's shortlist really feels like it has it all. I'd like to congratulate RAYE on her record-breaking seven nominations, as well as every other artist up for an award - I hope to see you all on the night!" Dr. Jo Twist OBE, BPI Chief Executive and Yolan Da Brown OBE DL, BPI Chair said in a joint statement: “We congratulate all the nominees on their deserved recognition of a brilliant year in music, and in particular RAYE on her exceptional achievement of a record seven nominations, underlining a truly outstanding 12 months for her." " It’s also wonderful that women overall have performed so strongly across so many of the awards categories. We shared in last year’s disappointment that women were not represented in the British Artist of the Year nominations, and it’s heartening to see such a strong showing in the BRITs 2024 nominations. With such an exciting new generation of diverse talent coming through, we hope and will continue to work towards more balanced representation increasingly becoming the norm rather than the exception.” The BRITs Voting Academy, responsible for determining the shortlists and the overall winners for The BRIT Awards (bar Rising Star, Songwriter and Producer awards which are voted on or decided by separate panels), is refreshed annually, drawing on updated member data, to ensure relevance and diversity across its participants. The Voting Academy is composed of approx. 1300 individuals drawn from across the music industry, including artists, managers, media, producers, publishers, record labels, retailers and more. For 2024, The Voting Academy achieved a balanced split of men and women and included a number of members who identified as non binary or who preferred not to specify their gender, whilst a quarter of its members identified as Black, Asian or ethnic minority background. The Academy and the voting process is overseen by Civica – an independent voting scrutineer. This year, The BRITs are teaming up with Music Declares Emergency to amplify the NO MUSIC ON A DEAD PLANET campaign. This campaign has the support of thousands of artists including some of the biggest names in music and this new partnership with The BRITs will give music fans a way to get involved in positive climate action. Music fans can get involved now by heading to nomusiconadeadplanet.org to sign up for monthly climate action challenges and music giveaways! Mastercard returns as headline partner of The BRIT Awards for the 26th year, bringing cardholders closer to their passion for music through a range of BRITs experiences. Mastercard continues to partner with the BRIT School to support and celebrate the next generation of creative talent. Also revealed today are new partnerships for The BRITs in 2024. Hilton will be this year’s Official Hotel Partner, and this collaboration will see the leading hospitality company associating with the biggest night in UK music with a unique ‘Stay on the Red Carpet’ moment, where nominees, performers and presenters will be invited to engage in some ‘pillow talk’ before their big night begins. Media were invited to an official Nominations Event earlier today at the London Hilton on Park Lane, which has recently undergone a multi-million-pound renovation. The partnership builds on Hilton’s ongoing commitment to supporting the music industry. In the UK, Hilton’s Secret Socials events have offered music fans and Hilton Honors members an exclusive opportunity to see global artists like they’ve never seen them before. BRITs fans will be able to bid for the eagerly anticipated first Hilton Secret Socials event of 2024, where lucky winners will be delighted with an intimate performance from a surprise BRIT nominated artist. There is a new shine at The BRITs this year. TRESemmé will debut at the awards as the Official Haircare Partner as well as named partner of the Best New Artist category. This partnership will coincide with the TRESemmé Lamellar Shine launch and include an on-site presence backstage at The BRITs with gifting opportunities, shiny content, influencer partnerships and much more. The BRIT Awards 2024 with Mastercard will take place on Saturday 2nd March - once again back in a primetime Saturday night slot - and will broadcast live on ITV1 and ITVX - from The O2 arena.

Fast-growing electronic waste specialist Intelligent Waste Management Ltd (iWaste) has made three strategic new hires as business demand increases. The Berkshire-based company has bolstered its IT and sales teams with the appointments of Dan Price, Joe Hartley and James Massey. Dan was previously an apprentice at iWaste, which provides electronic waste collection services, secure data destruction, electronic recycling equipment and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) disposal for corporations, public sector organisations and businesses across the UK. He left seven years ago to explore other options and has now returned as IT Technician Team Leader, heading an IT department of four people which was created around him. iWaste Director Sam Prentice said: “Dan was previously with us as an apprentice at the start of his career and has returned to the fold with a wealth of experience in IT, business and essential life skills under his belt from other roles across the region." “We are glad to welcome Dan back home. He is a valuable team member, part of our senior management team and doing great things with his department – and is also responsible for IT assets and data security, which means hard drives, GDPR and items coming inside the building." “We interviewed many different people for the role and Dan was the outstanding candidate, a perfect fit with our business ethos. He is solid and hardworking, a natural leader and is applying a lot of the ideas he learned elsewhere." “Dan was one of our first apprentices in the early days of the business when we were very much in our infancy with just a few members of staff and one van on the road. I admire him that he has gone on this journey and is now back with us.” Dan commented: “I always regretted leaving, although I felt I needed to have different experiences. I am hugely proud of what I accomplished while I was away but I am glad to be back among the iWaste family." “It is almost as though I haven’t been away – except for the fact that the business has grown tremendously and we have smart new premises – and I have been welcomed back with open arms." “My aim is to not only run my department prudently, professionally and with care, but to ensure that iWaste continue to offer the second-to-none customer service for which we have become rightly renowned.” iWaste, headquartered at Ducks Nest Farm in Arborfield, near, Reading has also appointed keen sportsman and former Oxford United scholar Joe Hartley as Sales Executive, reporting to Sales Manager Ed Starnes. Part of the company’s growing sales team, he is tasked with building relationships, opening new avenues and generating revenue streams from new and existing clients. Sam added: “Joe is the most incredibly enthusiastic sales guy I have seen in 20 years in this business and has hit the ground running. He has augmented our really strong team, which is cohesive, hungry, competitive and extremely hardworking.” James Massey has also recently joined iWaste as a Junior IT Technician. The company, established in 2013, has also invested heavily in infrastructure, vans, people and a new bespoke, cloud-based management portal which drove an ambitious move to a paperless operation. Last year iWaste, which employs 35 people, also celebrated its 10th anniversary and moved to bigger premises outside Reading to facilitate strategic business growth.

A Bracknell entrepreneur whose business was inspired by her son following his brain tumour diagnosis, has been named among the UK’s Top 100 Most Impressive Female Founders. Kimberley Shamtally has made the list of Small Business Britain’s ‘f: Entrepreneur #IAlso100’  campaign, for her success with Muscle Mechanics. The business was established during the height of the pandemic in 2020 and produces pain-relief balms and mood-enhancing inhalers. The research and development of the hand-made muscle balms was based on a real life need to help her son Jenson overcome the pain he endured through rehabilitation after surgery caused long term complications for his mobility. Kim said: “During major surgery to remove the tumour, disaster struck. A brain injury developed into Posteria Fossa Syndrome. Jenson lost all mobility and couldn’t eat, sleep, walk or move his head. To most this would be the sort of devastating blow that would end a hero’s journey. But not Jenson." “He kept fighting. For two years he pushed and fought to regain his physical skills. However his nemesis then clawed its way back into his life – the tumour had returned.” She added: “Throughout Jenson’s process of recovery the Muscle Mechanics products have been incredibly helpful in keeping him calm.” As a sports massage therapist and aromatherapist, Kim Shamtally had been providing customised pain relief balms and soothing essential oil blends to her clients for 15 years to help ease muscle aches between massage sessions. Deeply aware that her work was not just helping relieve muscular aches and injury but also help support creeping mental illness that can come with struggling through muscular recovery, she worked to make these more widely available. It has also caught the attention of local football clubs looking to find ways to improve physical recovery from matches. Muscle Mechanics can be seen at various sporting events across the UK. The latest accolade follows on from a series of successes last year, including winning Product of the Year at The Business Success Recognition Awards; Female Entrepreneur of the Year finalist at The Surrey Business Awards and finalist for Innovation of the Year at last week’s Thames Valley Business and Community Awards when. She will now go on and compete for the national awards in April. Jenson himself won a True Inspirational Hero Award in London in 2022 and The Pride of Bracknell Forest Award last year. Jenson, now aged eight, has since undergone more than 70 weekly chemotherapy sessions and requires around-the-clock care but is now walking independently with the use of a walker. Kim has also worked with oncology patients at The Royal Surrey County Hospital. She added: “Combining exercise with the right recovery tools can improve the experience of how the body can cope with everyday aches and pains. More importantly, it keeps my son focused on his mission to become as physically independent as possible." “Creating Muscle Mechanics Balms is a family business where each person truly understands what it takes to become more resilient." “I hope that Jenson’s courageous and resilient energy serves as an example of how you can rise up from the worst of circumstances. I hope our products can help others in their own fight with pain, whether its big or small, mental or physical.” “This award is an incredible moment to shine the light on female business owners and their impact on local communities.” From AI companies to female-run tradeswoman platforms and sustainable fashion designers, the f: Entrepreneur ‘#IAlso100’ line-up particularly showcases trailblazing female founders who lead purpose-driven businesses alongside a roster of other responsibilities, such as volunteering, mentoring and community support. Launched in 2017 by Small Business Britain – the leading champion of small businesses in the UK - the f:Entrepreneur campaign aims to raise greater awareness of the impact of incredible female business owners across the country, and help provide inspiration and role models to the wider small business community. Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain, said: “Congratulations to Kimberley and each of the phenomenal women featured in this year’s #IAlso100.”    “It is so important that we call out the incredible contribution of women running businesses across the UK. As well as growing economic prosperity, they are also having a tremendous, wider positive impact on local communities too. Despite all of the challenges of recent times, it is fantastic to see female entrepreneurship continuing to grow and flourish in the UK, and we must do all we can to encourage and build this further.”

Hampshire accountancy firm senior Steven Hughes is putting his audit work on hold for a week by flying to Albania to participate in the biggest event on the world amateur snooker calendar. Emerging green baize star Steven, 22, who works at HWB Chartered Accountants hopes to pocket the World Snooker Federation (WSF) Championship title which offers direct qualification to the World Snooker Tour. The prestigious open tournament is being staged in Golem, south of the capital Tirana, from February 3 to 11, with Steven drawn in a tough group of four in the 210-player competition. Included in the tournament line-up is Tony Knowles, a three times semi-finalist in the World Professional Snooker Championship in the 1980s and ranked second in the world in 1984/85 behind Steve Davis. Steven said: “I can’t wait to get started and have been counting down the days until the tournament starts. It really is the biggest occasion in the world for amateur players and a stepping stone to the professional game.” Having previously played the same tournament in Malta and Sheffield, Steven is travelling with a group of snooker-playing colleagues to Albania. He is taking just one cue, his ‘prized possession’ and packs it in a ski case for safety. Steven, who joined HWB Chartered Accountants in Chandlers Ford four-and-a-half years ago aged 17 straight from Barton Peveril College, Eastleigh, has the advanced section of the ACA (Associate Chartered Accountant) exams to complete to become fully qualified. His audit work encompasses a wide range of sectors, including sports, maritime, logistics, automotive, leisure industrial and manufacturing and he hopes to eventually work in an advisory capacity for businesses utilising the skills so far learned. He said: “HWB is a really good firm to work for. The training programme is exceptional and I believe learning while working is definitely the best way forward, quicker than purely academic routes, and I would recommend it to anyone considering a career in accountancy.” Officially ‘retired’ from junior snooker because of his age, Steven plays and practises at Churchills Club in Eastleigh and Chandlers Ford Central Club and competes at least three times a week in local leagues, including the Southampton & District Social Clubs Super League. Sponsored by Aquatec Plumbing & Heating of Chandlers Ford, he is advised by Hampshire-based coach Tim Dunkley and renowned performance coach James Lake, who is based in Beijing, China. Steven has also now gained his World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) tournament director qualification – the youngest person in Europe to do so – meaning he now has the knowledge to run world-officiated tournaments. He is also currently the youngest qualified referee for the English Partnership for Snooker and Billiards (EPSB). Referring to his sporting heroes, he said: “I still admire Ronnie O’Sullivan – the greatest of all time. Obviously, he occasionally says some stupid things – such as his recent run-in with Ali Carter at the Masters final – but he has earned the right to be a bit arrogant and he certainly draws attention to snooker.” HWB Director Michaela Johns said: “We wish Steven all the luck in the world and hope he will bring home the trophy for all his colleagues to see. We will be following the tournament online to check his progress." “He is a popular and valued member of staff who is dedicated and hard-working; seeing him compete in sport at the highest level internationally gives us great pride.” Chartered accountants HWB, based at Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton, provides business and tax advice. ETL GLOBAL, HWB’s parent company, has expanded its network with the addition of AEcO Business Solutions in Tirana, Albania. The firm specialises in guiding businesses at all stages of their lifecycles, offering expertise in tax, accounting, and legal services. This integration underscores ETL GLOBAL’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the Balkans, aligning with the overarching goal of being the number one service provider for SME all across Europe.