Hampshire business and tax advisers HWB Chartered Accountants has raised more than £8,500 for its chosen charity, Mountbatten Hampshire, through a calendar of activities. Colleagues at the Chandler’s Ford-based firm took part in skydives, marathons and tough mudder events as well as staging bake-offs and office parties. Caitlyn Sherry, Mountbatten Hampshire’s Corporate Partnership Manager, was on hand to receive a giant cheque at the office in Chandlers Ford. HWB Managing Director Tracy Jenkins said: “Mountbatten Hampshire is dedicated to providing care and support for people with life-limiting illnesses. We were delighted to be able to offer our support to such a worthwhile and crucial charity." “The county’s oldest and largest hospice, it has served the community for more than 45 years and is currently supporting around 1,000 families every day.” Caitlyn Sherry, Mountbatten Hampshire’s Corporate Partnership Manager, said: “Mountbatten Hampshire is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of HWB Accountants. Over the years, the firm has gone above and beyond with skydives, marathons, and even bake-offs and tea parties in the office, raising an incredible £8,592.20." “Support from organisations like HWB ensures Mountbatten can deliver 24/7 expert care and support to people experiencing death, dying and bereavement." “This gives patients and their families choices about the care they receive, providing the highest quality nursing, medical, and therapeutic care within our West End hospice and in people's homes.” Accountant Matt Cooper, one of HWB’s Associate Directors, overcame his fear of heights by undertaking a skydive to raise £2,415 for the charity by taking the plunge from 15,000 feet over Old Sarum in Wiltshire. The cause was particularly significant for audit and accounts specialist Matt as both his parents have been undergoing treatment for cancer for several years. Chartered accountants HWB, based at Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton, provides business and tax advice. Photo CHEQUE POINT: Presenting the proceeds of HWB’s fundraising activities to Caitlyn Sherry, of Mountbatten Hampshire, right, are, from left: HWB Managing Director Tracy Jenkins; skydiver Matt Cooper; Chris Ellison who ran the Southampton marathon; Ben Forster, part of the Tough Mudder team, and Zoe Handley-Greaves who did a skydive last year

Wakefield College and YPO have been shortlisted for a Supply Chain Excellence Award, acknowledging the life-changing work experience opportunities they are creating for young adults with learning disabilities or additional educational needs. The Supply Chain Excellence’s Workforce Planning Award recognises efforts to create a future workforce fit for purpose, mitigate the skills and talent shortages, enhance recruitment and retention, and attract new people into the industry through promoting diversity and inclusion, as well as working with schools and colleges. Since 2021, the joint work experience programme has helped a significant number of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) learners experience the workplace for the first time – enabling them to gain insight into the recruitment process whilst developing their vital skills and independence. To further reflect the real-life experience of gaining meaningful employment, a process was implemented where each student had to apply for their role through an expression of interest letter outlining their skillset and what they could offer YPO. After successfully completing an interview, each student was given the opportunity to focus on one area of their choice within logistics at YPO to ensure they got maximum benefit out of their placement. Adrian Field, Head of Logistics, YPO, said: “At YPO we’re always committed to going above and beyond, so we implemented the same approach for the work experience scheme, ensuring the maximum value is taken for both the organisation but also the students." "To do this, we introduced an application and interview process so that the students could gain practical skills and confidence which are essential for real-life job searching, before starting their roles. It was also important to us that our staff were engaged in the students’ learning and progression to develop their mentoring skills. This ensured the best possible outcome for the students and our staff and has seen YPO become the largest provider of work experience placements for SEND students at Wakefield College.” Each student is assigned a job coach from Wakefield College and a workplace mentor who is an experienced member of staff from YPO, who supports the student’s personal development and wellbeing. With the support of YPO Warehouse Supervisor, Phil Green, student Bruce was able to try varied roles across the business, including picking and packing, stock logistics and industrial cleaning. This led to Bruce securing a full-time role in Warehouse Industrial Cleaning Team at YPO, where he is continuing to build his skillset. Barry Nathan, Unison representative at YPO said: “We worked closely with Wakefield College to understand each learner’s personal needs so that we could offer a tailored and meaningful work experience programme, which would also benefit our staff and productivity." "The scheme is life changing for some of the students and to see them go on to secure full-time employment because of the training we provide them here at YPO is a testament to all the staff involved. The branch chair is heavily involved and gets just as much out of the experience as the students do.” Wakefield College, YPO and YPO Unison, continuously work collaboratively to support current students on the work placement and develop innovative ways to further expand the programme. Laura Lavender, Director of Inclusion at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “Evidence shows that students with additional needs have historically struggled in finding work initially, even though they are capable of sustainable employment when equipped with the right preparation and support." "Without the opportunities such as the YPO work experience placement, these young people are three times more likely to be unemployed than their counterparts without additional needs. That is why we value our excellent working relationship with the YPO and the life-changing opportunities it has given our Foundation Learning students, which has significantly boosted their confidence in the workplace whilst building their life and social skills.” In its 28th year, the Supply Chain Excellence Awards now stand alone as the standard for best practices in European supply chain management. The awards are known for their thorough judging procedure delivering valuable insights to entrants through feedback from esteemed judges, who collectively hold over 750 years of experience. The awards will take place on Monday 28th October 2024 at Grosvenor House in London.

Starter Packs Glasgow has received a £500 donation from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust to support its mission of helping vulnerable individuals and families as they transition into new homes. The charity provides essential household items to those moving into social housing, people recovering from crises like house fires or floods, and those fleeing domestic violence. By assembling packs with items such as bedding, kettles, toasters, and toiletries, the organisation supports over 2,500 individuals a year, ensuring that each person starts their new life with the basic items needed to live comfortably. The £500 donation will help Starter Packs Glasgow purchase these much-needed supplies, and could cover the cost of 45 kettles, 33 toasters or 12 full packs. Jacqui Flynn from Starter Packs Glasgow said of the impact the Trust donation will make: “Starter Packs Glasgow has been supporting households across Glasgow and beyond for the last 23 years. From young care leavers, those leaving the armed forces, people beginning lives again after relationship breakdowns, violence and abuse, and families who have been or are at risk of homelessness, we supported over 2500 individuals last year." “Each year we see an increasing need for our service and this year has been no exception. Coupled with rising stock costs and running costs, it has been harder than ever for us to make ends meet. The £500 donation from Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is such a support to us and ensures that we can keep purchasing the essential items needed for our packs such as kettles, toasters and bedding.” The organisation also received a contribution from Allied Vehicles in the form of approximately £1,000 worth of kitchenware. These contributions will ensure that even more households can receive the essential support they need, offering a warm welcome to those in Glasgow and surrounding areas as they rebuild their lives. David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group said: "Everybody at Allied is delighted to support Starter Packs Glasgow and their incredible work.    By providing essential household goods, they play a vital role in helping families and individuals rebuild their lives after experiencing challenging situations. We hope this donation and the additional items will make a meaningful difference to those in need."

Williams Racing and Kraken are proud to announce that their pioneering and fan-focused global partnership will be expanded and extended into the 2025 Formula 1 season. Kraken, a leading crypto platform used by more than 13 million clients worldwide, joined Williams Racing’s mission to return to the front of the grid as Official Crypto and Web3 partner in 2023 – uniting two of the most trusted and longest-standing brands in our respective industries. Since then, the partnership has redefined fan engagement in Formula 1 both on and offline, harnessing the technology that powers cryptocurrencies to provide innovative fan experiences. The centrepiece has been our free Grid Pass digital collectible programme which unlocks perks and rewards for registered Williams fans. Kraken has also elevated Williams Racing Fan Zones across the world as Presenting Partner – giving almost 200,000 visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the team by meeting drivers, racing sims and seeing our cars up close. Additionally, Kraken led the development of two annual Rear Wing Takeover contests, which has put the design of the Williams rear wing into the hands of fans and given supporters the chance to have their digital collectibles featured on the car. For the third year of the partnership in 2025, Kraken will continue to bring its mission of accelerating the adoption of crypto to the forefront, with enhanced branding on the Williams Racing car to be driven by Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz – one of the most formidable driver line-ups on the grid. Kraken’s iconic logo will also feature prominently on driver race suits, helmet and team kit, and Kraken will continue as Presenting Partner at five fan zones to provide more memorable experiences for supporters. Kraken is the latest global company to commit to Williams this season as the team continues to strengthen on and off track. Williams has also welcomed Komatsu, VAST Data, Keeper Security, Globant and Mercado Libre as partners in 2024. James Vowles, Team Principal: “It is great that Kraken will be continuing with Williams for 2025 with an enhanced global partnership that puts fans first. Kraken were among the first major companies to back our transformation project in pursuit of championship success, uniting two long-standing and highly-trusted organisations in our respective fields, and have seen the progress we have made and the bright future ahead." "The partnership exemplifies our approach to build long-lasting relationships that deliver innovative and effective activations, and I look forward to working together in ways that bring fans even closer to the team in the year ahead.” Mayur Gupta, CMO, Kraken: "We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Williams Racing into 2025 and excited to build on the momentum we've created together for a third consecutive year." "Experiences at the intersection of Web3 and motorsports, like the Rear Wing Takeover contests and Grid Pass programme, are redefining fan engagement, giving back to supporters through both in-person and digital initiatives. Our shared commitment to putting fans first and driving progress is what makes this partnership so special, and we're looking forward to continue delivering thrilling experiences that bring the Williams Racing community closer to the action."

Winton’s Library Garden’s new viewing platform now has a new bench for its users. It means the oasis of green can be accessed by wheelchairs and pushchairs and those unable to descend the steps into the heart of the historic space. The tucked-away garden has been transformed and re-opened thanks to the BH9 Business Community, Winton Library Garden volunteers and the council. Having previously been shut due to anti-social behaviour, local businesses under the guidance of BH9 Business Community chair Emma Martineau and Winton Library Garden volunteers led by John Hallett spruced it up. These volunteers now keep it in good condition and a new bench has been installed on the platform. Emma, whose business community is a member of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: “It was extremely disappointing have the garden closed. So along with volunteers and help from the council, we collectively organised it to be brought back to life. And now with a new bench and viewing platform, those with mobility issues and parents of children in pushchairs can use it too." “The bench was installed following a grant from the County Infrastructure Levy and it has planters at each end of it. We are currently filling it with plants and bulbs that will flower next spring." “The garden has won the top regional award from the Royal Horticultural Society but we really want more volunteers to help take it to the next stage." “Anyone can turn up on Saturdays between 10am until 1pm and give us a hand. It is a real community asset and the more people involved the better.” Bill Perkins, President of Bournemouth Chamber, said: “It is gratifying to see one of our members go out of their way for the local people. Business plays an important role in our communities – much of it unseen – and this is a fine example of that." “The BH9 Business Community does great work in the Winton and Moordown areas and I’d encourage all local businesses to join." “They also received part of their BCTC membership payments back to help support BH9 operations.” Photo: BCP Council’s Matt Drum, BH9 Business Community Chair Emma Martineau and Winton Library Garden volunteer John Hallett

A stable policy environment is critical if the Government is to boost M&A activity, While views on the Labour Government’s performance are mostly mixed, with 49% expressing uncertainty, 18% of respondents believe it is doing a good job - marking the highest positive sentiment towards any government since the survey began. This compares to just 8% in 2023 and 3% in 2022, showing a notable shift in perception. Almost half (48%) of respondents think that fiscal policy should stay the same or it should loosen (40%). Meanwhile, respondents’ expectations about the BoE base rate also supports the general view that stability is possible, with 59% expecting the base rate to level out at a healthy 3-3.9% by Summer 2026. However, despite this early positive sentiment, over two thirds (64%) of respondents believe Labour will negatively affect the private equity industry. This apprehension largely stems from concerns around potential changes to capital gains tax, taxes on carried interest, and other wealth taxes. Commenting on the findings of the Investment 360 Index, Alex Marshall, Senior Partner at CIL, said: “There’s growing optimism among dealmakers, but this could quickly evaporate if tax increases are disproportionate and deter investors and entrepreneurs, who are crucial for driving economic growth.” “Despite the concerns over tax policy, our research highlights a relatively positive view of Labour’s performance. Nearly half of our respondents are from private equity, and they appear willing to accept some short-term pain to secure the long-term stability they crave. However, this balancing act is critical - the Government needs to raise revenue without stifling growth, and at the same time, the UK must increase spending to foster innovation.”

From the conception of Furniture Village in 1989, we always wanted a business where everyone who worked within it could share in the rewards of their efforts, over and above the standard practice of commission and performance related bonuses. With the share buyback in October 2022 resulting in the business becoming 100% family owned, we were able to implement a company wide profit-sharing scheme known as the ‘Family Partnership’. Given the results produced in 22/23, we were very pleased to be able to share approximately £1.25 million with all eligible employees across the business (around1000) in the inaugural profit share scheme payment, which was actioned in August last year. Marisa Keenan joined the business 25 years ago and works at our Group Head Office in Slough. She started in the accounts team before moving into marketing as our Advertising Executive and was later promoted to Campaign Manager. She said, “I am proud to work for Furniture Village, a family run business with family values at its heart. I am thrilled that our individual and collective hard work, commitment and dedication is being recognised with the employee profit scheme. This motivates the whole team and drives us to always perform at our best, which plays an important role in the continued success of the business.” Whilst we are all aware of the economic headwinds that face retail in general and big ticket in particular over this past year, there will always be a market for good quality, good value, home furnishings, presented well and served right. We are therefore very proud to announce improved results for the year ended June 2024. Our order intake last year was up some 3% on a ‘like for like’ basis, which together with improved margins and strong cost controls enabled us to produce an even stronger trading performance last year with profits in the order of £12.35 million, a record year outside the immediate post Covid period. Whilst the troubles in the Middle East and Suez in particular caused a degree of disruption to deliveries, our supply chain and fulfilment teams were able to work smartly to contain the disruption to a minimum. These results far exceeded the prior year and the budget we set ourselves and the additional profit generated has enabled us to double the amount paid out in our Family Partnership Profit Share scheme this year to around 1050 of our employees of circa £2.25 million! Profit before Family Partnership - £12.35 million Family Partnership profit share - £2.25 million Profit before tax - £10.1 million Cash - £40.0 million “Whilst these results are as yet un-audited, given the integrity of our financial reporting over the years, we have every confidence that our reported results will mirror these.” Eamon Wynne, CFO.  Peter Harrison, Chairman commented: “Improving performance is not a God-given-right, especially in the big-ticket sector, which is often more sensitive to economic and political fluctuations. However, our commitment to taking care of our customers and, most importantly, our own people has proven invaluable during these uncertain times. We firmly believe in bringing our people along with us, and these results are a testament to their extraordinary efforts, for which we are immensely grateful. The same goes for all of our highly valued suppliers whom themselves have battled against the same difficult trading conditions as a result of various economic and political challenges.”  Charlie Harrison, Managing Director said: "Once again, we have demonstrated that it is possible to be profitable and cash generative yet still ‘do it properly’, as we say. We have no borrowings and no external shareholders, but sufficient funds to continue to grow organically by investing in new and existing stores as well as online." "Throughout the years we have been very considered and deliberate in our expansion strategy and our plans are to continue to grow in a sensible, measured way, taking advantage of the right opportunities when they become available." "We have recently announced that we will be opening our first store in Edinburgh, Scotland on Boxing Day 2024 – swiftly followed by three or four more. Fully recognising the immense opportunities presented by ever improving technology, we are also investing substantially in a new ERP system which will be up and running in the next 18 to 24 months and we are similarly very grateful to Sci>Net and many of our own highly skilled personnel for helping us to bring home this project successfully.” Thank you, Peter and Charlie Harrison on behalf of the Board of Furniture Village Furniture Village Colchester store, opened December 2022

The Pressworks building in Cheltenham has secured a major new tenant with engineering and environmental consultants Rappor moving into the newly renovated office space. A £3m refurbishment of the site on Ambrose Street was completed earlier this year after owners Boultbee Brooks Real Estate stepped in to give the old CPS House a new lease of life. Offering a total of 14,236 sq ft of modern, state-of-the-art, office space, the building has a contemporary design, has been constructed with premium finishes and materials, and has smart phone access control and fibre pre-installed. Rappor – which specialises in sectors such as infrastructure/ civil engineering, water and environmental management, landscape planning/ design and transport planning – has agreed to take the entire second floor and part of the first floor of Pressworks, plus exclusive access to the stunning roof-top terrace. At 6,250 sq ft, the deal secures roughly half of the site’s available space with Boultbee keen to stress that further, quality, office space is still available on the ground floor. James Whitcher, managing director at Boultbee Brooks comments: “This a wonderful building, expertly refurbished to a very high standard, and we are delighted that Rappor have agreed to make it their new home by taking up residency with us." “While Rappor has taken up a sizeable space within the building, we still have a wide range of quality options available for anyone looking for somewhere new which is not only perfectly situated in the town centre, but can meet the needs of any modern business.” Adam Padmore, managing director at Rappor, comments: “We are a business with growing ambitions which has seen us expand into what is now a multi-disciplinary service with both local and national reach." “From starting out with just the one small Cheltenham office, we now have six locations, and this move to Pressworks is crucial to the business as we look to not only maintain that growth, but also ensure that our dedicated staff have the perfect surroundings in which to facilitate it.” Described as the brightest new workspace in the city, the building – set between Ambrose Street and Chapel Street – has a long history of being home to many local businesses, ranging from a series of automobile garages to a coach painting firm and latterly a printers. Situated within a Central Conservation Area, the significant renovation works were supported by an Initial Heritage Appraisal report. Lancer Scott carried out the renovations, complete with fully air conditioned and comfort cooled offices, high spec toilets, LED with daylight dimming, shower rooms, car parking and a feature lift.

Former sport student at the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, Tyler Dupree, has been shortlisted for the Association of College’s Higher Education Student of the Year Award 2024. This comes as Tyler helped lead Wigan Warriors to victory against Hull Kingston Rovers in the Betfred Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford on Saturday 12th October 2024, which saw the team win by nine points to two. Tyler was a part of a historic moment for the club, as they celebrated back-to-back Betfred Super League Grand Final victories and winning every trophy on offer within the calendar year. In addition to the Super League trophy, they secured the World Club Challenge 2024, the Challenge Cup 2024 and the League Leaders Shield2024.Wigan Warriors lifting the trophy at the Betfred Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford on Saturday 12thOctober 2024. Tyler said about the experience: “I’m incredibly proud to be a part of such a pivotal moment in Wigan Warriors’ history, which has seen us become the first club in Super League to win all four trophies in one season. This has been a career-defining year for me, and it feels even more special to have my achievements recognised both on and off the field by being shortlisted for this award.” Tyler also made his debut for England in the International Rugby League 2023, when he appeared in the squad for the end-of-season series against France, featuring in the third and final test match at Headingley Stadium. He has also played for the likes of Leeds Rhinos, York City Knights, Featherstone Rovers, Batley Bulldogs, Oldham and Widnes Vikings, after starting his professional rugby career on a two-year scholarship with Salford Red Devils in 2016. To further enhance his professional rugby career, Tyler completed a Foundation Degree in Applied Sports Performance at the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group. This is where he developed the skills to refine his performance in professional rugby, including nutrition for sport performance, strength and conditioning, skills coaching and more. Sam Wright, Principal and Chief Executive at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “The Association of College’s Student of the Year awards celebrate unique students who truly go above and beyond to positively impact their college and community, and Tyler is a shining example of this. His positive attitude and work ethic are valuable assets not only on the pitch but also within the college community." "The dedication he’s shown towards gaining his degree whilst at the height of his professional sporting career demonstrates his well-roundedness and commitment to building a future beyond rugby.” The Association of College’s Student of the Year awards acknowledge those students from the Association of College’s member colleges across England who deserve recognition and will go on to inspire others.

Lecropt Nursery in Bridge of Allan and Dunblane’s Old Doune Road Nursery will become part of the newly-formed Fourwinds Group, founded by Tharfa Razzaq earlier this year, along with Bridge of Allan Out Of School Care. The two nurseries have been serving local families for 20 years, providing care for up to 88 children aged up to 5 years old. While the out-of-school care provider, which provides a breakfast and after school service for children aged between four and 12, was opened in 2006 and operates from the grounds of Bridge of Allan Primary School. This will be Tharfa’s first entry into the world of childcare service ownership, but she comes with plenty of experience. For the past seven years she has been a social worker for children and families, and also has a first-class honours degree in social work from the University of the West of Scotland. Already operating at full capacity and with ‘very good’ ratings from the Care Inspectorate, Tharfa plans to leverage her specialist experience to further enhance the offering of the nurseries and out-of-school care. It can often be a challenge for aspiring nursery owners to find a bank willing to support them. But Tharfa was helped with the purchase through a six-figure loan from Allica Bank, a challenger bank that focuses specifically on supporting established businesses in the UK and which has a dedicated childcare team. Tharfa says the opportunity to takeover the businesses was a dream come true: “I am absolutely delighted to have completed the purchase, meaning I can now turn my attention squarely towards how I can start enhancing further what we can offer local parents and children. Lecropt, Old Doune Road and Bridge of Allan Out Of School Care are all important community services, and I am so grateful for the welcome we’ve already been given." “Having not owned a nursery before, it was a challenge finding a bank open to talking to us. But thankfully, Allica were willing to sit down and listen to our plans and understand my experience and vision for the business. We are looking forward to working hand-in-hand with our relationship manager in the coming years.” Brian Bovell, Tharfa’s relationship manager at Allica Bank, said, “Bridge of Allan and Dunblane have got themselves an energetic and passionate new local business owner in Tharfa. She has some really impressive experience and big ambitions for what she can do to support parents and their children in the area. Allica will be there to help her every step of the way.”

The British Library and CBRE Global Workplace Solutions (GWS) have commissioned Naked Energy to deliver the UK’s largest solar heat project to accelerate the public building’s transition to renewable energy. The installation comprises 950 solar collectors across 712.5 m2 of the library’s roof space. It is expected to reduce the building’s CO2 emissions by 55 tonnes and generate 216 MWh of energy annually – the equivalent of powering and heating a community centre or swimming pool for a year. Naked Energy’s solar heat and electricity Virtu product range is the world’s highest energy density solar technology. The Virtu product range converts the sun’s energy into heat and electricity from the same collector. Naked Energy’s Virtu product range saves up to four times the amount of carbon as standard solar PV panels and are a key advance in decarbonising heat in sectors from manufacturing to hotels and leisure centres. The technology will supply sanitary hot water and space heating for the British Library, benefitting staff and visitors alike. Also, in a rare application of solar technology, the collectors will also be used to help to maintain the precise temperature and humidity conditions needed to preserve the national collection cared for by the British Library. The British Library is custodian of over 170 million items, ranging from newspapers and maps to sound recordings and patents, and is a living collection that gets bigger every day. During the planning phase of the installation, Virtu solar technology secured planning permission on the Grade I-listed building, as its unique low-profile design does not disrupt the Library’s architecture and remains invisible from street level. The British design and engineering business recently received investment from E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions and Barclays in the first close of its Series B capital raise, totalling £17m. The funding builds momentum for Naked Energy as they begin to accelerate the international rollout of their innovative solar heat technology in the face of rising global demand for renewable heat. Christophe Williams, Founder and CEO of Naked Energy said: “It’s an honour to partner with such an iconic British institution and be a part of their journey to meet their net zero goals." “The urgent need to decarbonise heat has long been under-recognised in the discussions over the UK’s move toward net zero. We hope that this project can serve as a catalyst to inspire others in the public sector to join the energy transition and move away from fossil fuels once and for all." “This project has been an immense undertaking and is an exciting step forward for the solar thermal industry in the UK.” Patrick Dixon, Director of Estates and Construction at the British Library, said, “The British Library is delighted to have benefitted from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme." “We have received two grants under the scheme, one of which provided the funds for our supply partners CBRE to work with Naked Energy to design and install this innovative technology on our Grade I Listed building in London." “This project is part of the Library’s commitment to environmental action and we are pleased to have formally launched our new Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy during Green Libraries Week." “The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme is run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix Finance. It provides capital funding to public sector bodies to fund heat decarbonisation and energy efficiency measures.” Jon Benford, Managing Director at CBRE GWS, added: “We’re incredibly excited to be delivering the largest solar heat installation project in the UK for our client, the British Library, and supporting such an iconic British institution on their net zero journey." “Working towards net zero emissions in a Grade 1 listed English Heritage building comes with its own unique challenges, and we’re proud of the role this project will play in both preserving the past and protecting the future.”

Fitness guru and TV personality Zack George, aka STEEL from Gladiators, will bring joy to children in Hull next week as part of a health and fitness initiative. On Wednesday, October 16th, Zack will surprise around 390 pupils at Anlaby Primary School in First Lane, Anlaby. His inspirational message on physical and mental health, fitness and hydration, as part of his Zactiv programme, will be shared with children at the school aged from 3 to 11 years old. Gemma Greer, headteacher at Anlaby Primary School, said: “I am very excited to meet STEEL, and I know the children will be too.” Friends of Anlaby Primary School, the Parent Teacher Association for the school, reached out to Zack after seeing and hearing good things about his visits to other schools. The educational messages he delivers appealed to Anlaby Primary School as they fit within the curriculum. Mrs Greer added: "Zack’s visit will help and inspire our primary school students to learn about healthy diets and exercise as part of their daily routine from a young age. I’m looking forward to the children taking on board his advice and implementing it into their lifestyles.” Zack, who was named the UK’s fittest man after winning the UK CrossFit challenge in 2020, launched Zactiv in June this year and it is already proving popular with demand surging from schools and sporting facilities across the country. The project champions Zack’s personal mission to supercharge health and well-being amongst UK school age children. It is supported in part by sponsorship from businesses that are keen to align their corporate social responsibility programmes with the future health of our nation. As well as focusing on nutrition, Zactiv is designed to help boost children’s confidence. It is a programme founded as the direct result of Zack’s own journey to fitness. At the age of six, Zack was severely overweight and as a result had a huge lack of confidence, mentally struggling with how he looked. He also had a bad relationship with food and binge eating. Benefitting from a dose of tough parental support in his teens, combined with his own nerves of steel, Zack embarked on a mission to get fit and healthy. He completely changed his lifestyle and his hard work paid off. Within years he was crowned the UK’s fittest man – among a host of other accolades in the world of fitness. The real-life superman, from Sileby, Leicestershire, now has more than 230,000 followers on Instagram but has become a major household name this year for appearing in one of BBC TV’s prime-time Saturday night entertainment programmes. Zack said: “When I go into schools and sports facilities, the children just go insane. Seeing someone in their school or club who they may have seen on TV just the weekend before... they just lose their minds." “I want to use that current fame for the greater good, as this is an extremely personal mission. I want to use my story and profile to inspire children and young people to take charge of their own health and show every single kid that anything is possible." “Armed with the knowledge of what is healthy and how to stay active, they, like me, can achieve great things physically and mentally.” Statistics show that one in five children leaving primary school in the UK is obese. Less than one-third of children take part in the recommended levels of activity for their age, and obese children are four times more likely to develop diabetes – a disease that has increased in children by 50 per cent since 2006. Teaming up with sports hydration brand Actiph, Zack’s workshops recount his own story, offer health and nutrition advice, answer questions and share mindful breathing exercises and confidence-boosting tips. He said: “I want to give back and I hope that my story will inspire any of those children struggling with their weight or fitness and show them just what can be achieved.” He added: “I’ve been in a fortunate position to do some amazing things as a result of turning my fitness and health around. If I can make a difference and help even one child to become fitter and healthier it will be an absolute privilege.” Delivering the workshops with his current partner firm, Actiph has allocated 30,000 water bottles to be distributed to school children as part of the emphasis on the importance of hydration. In order to take the scheme to as many schools as possible, Zack is offering businesses the chance to join him on his mission. Zactiv is actively looking for health-conscious commercial partners with aligning principles, to sponsor the programme and help get the nation’s children fitter and ready for the future. Photo credit: Matt Melling