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Senior living developer Charterpoint has sold a 66-bed care home scheme in Leicestershire to Octopus Healthcare Fund. Work is now starting on site to build the development at New Lubbesthorpe, a pioneering new community in Blaby. Charterpoint received planning permission for the scheme, along with a nearby mixed-use, two-storey local centre, from Blaby District Council last year. Now , in a deal brokered by Christie & Co, the two and three-storey care home development has been sold to Octopus Healthcare Fund, which invests in best-in-class care homes across the UK. Charterpoint MD Giles Nursey said: “We are very pleased to have secured a deal to sell this site to Octopus Healthcare Fund who will now take it forward through development and to completion." “This scheme will provide a modern, state-of-the-art care home, offering additional facilities at New Lubbesthorpe which has become a popular and vibrant community just 20 minutes from Leicester city centre.” The care home was designed by Franklin Ellis Architects. New Lubbesthorpe is a pioneering new community set in 325 acres of new parklands and wetlands, south of Leicester Forest East. It will eventually feature a total of 4,250 homes. Charterpoint, which is based at Edwalton near Nottingham, specialises in developing mixed-use, senior living accommodation, and primary care premises.

An award-winning Leamington pizzeria is reopening its doors to diners with a unique new look more than three years after the pandemic forced it to pivot into takeaway food. We Love Pizza has unveiled the two-storey dining space above its take-out business, in Regents Place, in response to customer demand.   It  marks a new chapter for Jose, Geanina and their team whose restaurant plans were thwarted just two months after the launch, in September 2020. Now they hope to build on the subsequent success of the takeaway business by welcoming customers back in. Jose explained: “We are trying to take people on a multi-sensory journey, from the visual side through to music playlists and even scent. Every room has a different aroma, from woody to citrus." "The different themes allow regular customers to have a new experience each time they come. The rooms range from Italian and Neopolitan and Amalfi coast through to more Industrial Urban vibes. Even the toilets have an exotic theme.” He added: “The original plan when we set up the business was actually to be more focused on the eating-in service. When Covid hit we realised we needed to pivot and takeaway was a lifeline and, ultimately, a great opportunity."   “When things started opening back up after the lockdowns we were ticking over nicely on takeaways and the business was sustainable but people were always asking for a table. It got us thinking again. We always wanted to welcome people in, that is what we think we do best – showcasing our product, showing our hospitality." “It was a great moment when we finally opened the doors again. We felt complete because we always thought that we were missing a piece of the puzzle here. Now we are delivering what we originally set out to, by welcoming people into our ‘house.’ We can invite people to come in full confidence that they will get an outstanding product at its very best.” The three vibrantly themed eating areas are the work of talented Leamington muralist Gemma Grao. Gemma commented: “We wanted to give each room its own personality, so that you each time you visit you have a different experience. From the traditional Italian lemon room, to the cool graffiti room and pizza oven, then to the tropical floral toilets…each room takes you on a different journey!" “We also wanted to tell a story on the walls, so to do this I created a timeline on the staircase to show the history of pizza making, and then one wall is painted with all of the traditional ingredients on, so you really get a feel for the history of pizza!" Jose and Geanina pride themselves on delivering ‘affordable quality’ to their customers by using only the best and most nutritious flour combinations and implementing exact temperature control and longer fermentation periods for the sourdough. Fresh ingredients are sourced directly from Italy – including tomatoes from the volcanic soils of Mount Versuvius - as well as locally. Keen to support local businesses as much as possible, they count among their drinks menu south Warwickshire brands Windmill Hill, BRUBL and Napton Cidery. Jose said: “It is the heart and science behind what we do that is the reason we’re passionate about it. Not only does it taste better, but is much healthier and much more digestible. We use less salt than most pizza restaurants and don't use to refined flour anymore.” The health and sustainability ethos is also evidenced in the restaurant’s partnership with the WaterAid charity. Sizeable monthly donations come from the sales of PH-regulated Kangen water which is both served at the table and used to make the dough. We Love Pizza’s vegan and gluten-free products have also become a favourite but it’s the unexpected cutlery item as part of the table setting which piques most interest. Jose explained: “We were inspired by one of the most recognised pizza chefs in Italy who uses scissors. Our product, especially our dough, is different from the mainstream pizza products – crispy on the outside and soft and airy on the inside, very light on the palette and thin in the middle. Scissors allow you to cut the pizza in a more efficient way without causing a mess and better showcasing the product. It’s much more practical but also a fun element. The customers love it." “We offer something that is more personal and different than the mainstream. It’s this character and not being afraid to be different that reflects the ethos behind what we do and that we’re most proud of.”

European logistics giant Crossbay has moved into the UK market, with the purchase of its first assets there. As part of the acquisition of four assets, Crossbay has purchased the 40,740 sq ft Aero 40 warehouse unit in Farnborough, north Hampshire. Property consultancies Vail Williams and JLL have been appointed to market the Southwood Business Park unit, which is likely to be available for occupation in Q2 2024. Leading logistics investor Crossbay is to spend significantly on refurbishing the prominently-located site when the current delivery company tenant vacates end of February. Crossbay is Europe’s largest logistics platform focusing on single-tenant distribution centres near the continent’s gateway cities. Launched by leading real estate investment manager MARK, Crossbay’s core geographies, include Paris, Milan, Madrid, Brussels, Amsterdam, Berlin and other leading European economies. Its first portfolio was sold to Prologis for €1.6bn. Ben Ryan, Crossbay Managing Director and Head of Asset Management, UK, said: “Aero 40 marks the bricks and mortar beginning of our journey in the UK. We are investing heavily in real estate to benefit, particularly but not solely, logistics occupiers of our many properties." “Urban logistics and supply chains are integral to everyday life as technology continues to change the way we live and shop and consumers want convenience, flexibility and speed as part of today’s on-demand culture." “Our well located and connected facilities close to key urban centres across Europe continue to thrive and we anticipate strong interest in Aero 40, in the strategic location of Farnborough” James Newton, Senior Surveyor at Vail Williams said: “Crossbay will refurbish the unit to a very high standard, making it energy efficient, BREEAM-certified and ready for immediate tenant occupation in Q2 2024." “It is a timely move by Crossbay as there is a real lack of mid-box industrial supply across the regional market and still signs of rental growth. This is a fantastic opportunity for occupiers seeking quality industrial space in already an under supplied market." “Aero 40 also has strong transport links, being just 1.3 miles from the M3. Farnborough, best known for its aerospace industry businesses, aviation links and air festival, is an excellent location because west London, south Oxford and the south coast are all within an hour’s drive." Following refurbishment, Aero 40 will benefit from 4 electric level access loading doors, new LED lights throughout, new welfare facilities, Grade A offices, 9m eaves and a large 38m deep secure yard. and 58 parking spaces. 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.

Loughborough Lightning have made three changes to their starting line-up ahead of this weekend’s Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby clash with Trailfinders Women at Loughborough University. Scotland international Helen Nelson missed out on the win away at Harlequins in Round 8 through injury but returns to feature at inside centre with Helena Rowland remaining at fly-half for Saturday’s match, which has been relocated to Epinal Way due to a frozen pitch at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens (kick-off: 2pm). Carmela Morrall misses out with a knock picked up in the thrilling 29-26 victory at The Stoop as wingers Georgina Tasker – who scored twice last week – and Bo Westcombe-Evans are partnered on the wings for the seventh league game this term. After beating six Quins defenders and making 116 metres with ball in hand, Chloe Rollie retains her place at fullback for Lightning’s third home league game of the 2023/24 season. Scrum-half Meg Davey wears the number nine shirt for an eighth successive league game while Bulou Mataitoga remains at outside centre. Red Roses star Catherine O’Donnell was a late withdrawal a week ago due to illness, but the influential lock – who scored twice in her last outing against Gloucester-Hartpury – returns at second row and packs down alongside Emma Wassell, who tops the league’s lineout takes so far with 36. Long-serving prop Katie Trevarthen returns to the starting line-up on the occasion of her 90th Lightning appearance, as Catherine Wells misses out through injury. She packs down alongside hooker Kathryn Treder, who has scored four tries in her last three games and played a key role in Lightning achieving a 100 per cent record from their 13 lineout throws against Quins – the highest success rate of any Allianz PWR game this season. The loosehead cover comes in the form of Isla Curphey, as she prepares for her first outing since the victory over Sale Sharks in Round 5. There could be debut in the front row as tighthead prop Tiwaah Adjei-Ansere is named among the replacements after joining from Buckingham RFC and impressing in training. The new signing provides cover for Christine Belisle who starts for a third successive match. Sadia Kabeya made the most tackles in Round 8 with 24 to top the league’s average successful hits made per match (21.5) as well as the dominant tackles per game table (2.7). The livewire flanker packs down on the openside with captain Rachel Malcolm ¬and Daisy Hibbert-Jones as the back row remains unchanged for a sixth successive game. Maja Meuller, Hallie Taufoou, Jess Weaver and Carys Williams-Morris retain their places on the bench. Abby Duguid switches from the starting line-up to the replacements and Lili Ives Campion comes in to form part of a six-player strong group of forwards awaiting their turn on the sidelines. “We are very lucky after a good win to be able to freshen up by bringing in someone of Cath’s [O’Donnell] experience,” said head coach Nathan Smith. “It is the same with Helen [Nelson]. Helen and Helena [Rowland] are two extremely experienced international players which we’re looking forward to play 10 and 12. It should add a little bit of a difference in variation of play which will be good to see." “We’re pleased and proud of how we turned things around against Quins to get the win but that will count for little if we back that up with a defeat." “We’ve got to go and back that up with another good performance in front of our supporters who we hope will come and cheer us on at Epinal Way.” LOUGHBOROUGH LIGHTNING v TRAILFINDERS WOMEN Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby, Round 9 Saturday 20 January 2024 Epinal Way, Loughborough University Kick-off: 2pm

Sheffield have extended their main team title sponsorship by a further two years – and it will see the club obtain a slightly different name in 2024/25. ‘Tru Plant’ have backed the South Yorkshire side since they stepped up into the top flight of British Speedway three seasons ago. But the club will now be referred to as the Tru7 Group Sheffield Tigers as they begin the defence of their Premiership crown. Club co-promoter Damien Bates explained: “First and foremost we must go on record and say a huge, huge thanks to Guy Nicholls (Tru7 Group CEO & Owner) for agreeing to continue his sponsorship at Sheffield." “Guy has a real passion for Speedway as a sport and with him being a massively successful businessman himself, it really does mean a lot that he continues to see the advantages and benefits of backing Sheffield." “With him being Suffolk based, as well as also being the main team sponsor of Ipswich, we know why he had mixed feelings after last year’s Grand Final." “But from a business point of view, the exposure that gave him must’ve been unbelievable and he fully deserved that." “Rather than being sponsored by one of his group’s sub-divisions, Guy will be sponsoring both ourselves and Ipswich using his main business name for the foreseeable future." “The fact he’s agreed a two-year deal with ourselves says a lot if you ask me and hopefully another successful season for Sheffield can help Guy and his team reap the rewards once again also.”

Members of the public, including local residents, landowners and other stakeholders, have just under one week left to respond to London Gatwick’s consultation on minor changes to its Northern Runway proposal. The airport’s application to bring its Northern Runway into routine use, alongside its Main Runway, was accepted for examination by the Planning Inspectorate on 03 August 2023. Since then, London Gatwick has refined its proposal and identified three discrete changes to reduce its environmental impact even further, while also providing additional design flexibility.  The deadline to respond to the consultation is 23:59 on 21 January 2024. The airport proposes making the three separate changes to the Project. Detailed information on these changes and information on how to submit responses to the consultation is available on the airport’s website here . These views will be taken into account before the airport submits a request to amend its DCO application to the Planning Inspectorate. It will be for the Planning Inspectorate to decide if the changes can be made to the application and included in the examination. The airport’s Northern Runway plan would create around 14,000 new jobs and inject £1 billion into the region’s economy every year from increased tourism, trade, supply-chain, and other business opportunities. Tim Norwood, Chief Planning Officer, London Gatwick, said: “Our engagement with the public and stakeholders to date has been invaluable in helping us shape our Northern Runway plans. However, since the submission of our DCO application we have identified a number of small improvements we would like to make to our proposal. We are therefore asking for views on three discrete changes to our plans and would welcome any feedback people may want to make.” Information on the progress of this planning application can be found on the Planning Inspectorate website here

Clancy has appointed Tom McGinness as an independent non-executive director to the infrastructure specialist’s Board. Tom will support Clancy as it pursues its long-term strategy as an independent, family-owned business. He brings decades of experience, having served as a senior partner for KPMG for 26 years, leading the firm’s tax advisory services for privately and family-owned businesses. He also held the role of the firm’s Global Chair of Family Business for five years from 2018 and is now Global Leader of ESG for KPMG Private Enterprise. He has worked with clients across a range of sectors and international jurisdictions, including the Wates Group, the Bestway Group and McLaren Automotive Limited. As part of his non-executive role, Tom will work with the wider Board to ensure the highest standards of corporate governance and to support Clancy’s long-term strategic priorities. Tom joins the Board from January 2024. Kevin Clancy, chairman at Clancy, commented: “Tom’s wealth of experience in advising family businesses on ESG and business planning will be extremely valuable in further bolstering the skills and expertise of the Board as we continue to grow our business. Tom has worked closely with us over the past couple of years in his role at KPMG and his new role will be a great opportunity to build on this relationship." “Our country’s infrastructure faces significant challenges, from unpredictable rainfall, rising temperatures, a growing population and the need to decarbonise our networks while maintaining affordability for customers. Clancy is in a good position to support our clients in managing these headwinds, and the Board plays a vital role in ensuring the right investment and decisions are in place to allow us to work as trusted partners for the long term.” Tom McGinness, non-executive director at Clancy, said: “Over recent years, I’ve been able to get to know the Clancy business and its people through my work at KPMG and I’m delighted now to expand that role as a non-executive director." "Clancy is at an exciting point in its history, having transitioned smoothly and effectively to its third generation of leadership. The nature of a family business provides a unique opportunity to take a long-term view on strategy – planning not just a few years ahead, but decades – and I’m looking forward to playing a part in continuing that success.”

The UK’s community bank, Metro Bank, gives every colleague a Day to Amaze – essentially a paid day off to support a local charity or good cause. Colleagues from Metro Bank’s Brighton store decided to use their Day to Amaze to help clean the local beaches as part of the Million Mile Clean Up originally created by UK surfers. Metro Bank colleagues Stephen Cotton, Jack Richardson, Jake Worrell, Alicia Curd, Ali Bain, Lester Ferguson and Robbie Chalmers collected bags of rubbish as part of the Million Mile Clean Up initiative which encourages volunteers to clean up Britain’s coastline and waterways.  Every year the programme mobilises one million volunteers to clean over 10 million miles of UK landscape. "We are local residents and were keen to use our Days to Amaze to help clear up the beaches,’’ explains Brighton Metro Bank Store Manager, Stephen Cotton.  “I was more than happy to do my bit. It’s something that I’ve wanted to do for a while now and will certainly be taking part again soon.’’ Metro Bank’s Brighton store is located at 82 North Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1ZA.

A beautiful summer spent exploring exotic botanical gardens has formed the inspiration for East London Parasol Company’s latest collection for 2024. Influenced more specifically by the Waterlily House at Kew Gardens, the new designs boldly combine shades of maroon, tawny, raspberry and violet with shades of marigold, orange, green and primrose yellow. From the beautiful new Sallie Round Bamboo Parasol, which is a magical and whimsical combination of lavender with hints of orange, gilded by hand painted gold decoration; the Archer Round Bamboo Parasol, which is a bright yet elegant orange with hints of apricot and green; to the Colette Round Bamboo Parasol, which boasts an opulent deep red, almost maroon, with tones of peach, olive and gold, to the Noa Round Bamboo Parasol - a dreamy blend of green melon and honeydew, making for the brands most romantic parasol yet; the entire collection emulates a sophisticated, awe-inspiring aesthetic that introduces earthy tones to a stylish summer look. East London Parasol Company’s round bamboo parasols are made by hand in over 20 separate stages by incredibly talented Balinese artisans who build every part of the parasols from scratch with sustainable fruit woods and bamboo using traditional techniques. The octagonal parasols feature water resistant canvas canopies, and the parasol frame is made from durable blonde wood with East London Parasol Company’s own designs of brass fittings, every part specifically made for East London Parasol Co. Each Octagonal Parasol is lovingly assembled to order here in the UK. Lucy Ferguson, Founder of East London Parasol Company, harbours a love of chevrons, which have become bigger and bolder this year with two seriously eye-catching new designs of printed zig zag parasols, which exude the vibe of bohemian Tangiers in its international heyday. They are both striking and chic. Lastly, the 2024 collection also includes two new designs in collaboration with Warner House, featuring beautifully reworked heritage prints. They have created a stunning regal ruby purple edition of the Elizabeth Octagonal Parasol, a recoloured classic Warner House Balmoral print, Citrine, which is a striking shade of yellow, and a sumptuous Peony Jade Green Octagonal Parasol, printed with verdant flora and soaring birds. The Warner House Octagonal Parasols bring together the best of British carpentry and Indian textiles. The canopies are screen printed and sewn from water resistant canvas in Jaipur, Rajasthan, while the Warner House Octagonal Parasol frames are made by carpenters in the UK using FSC certified sustainable ash wood. The rest of the brand’s Octagonal Parasol frames are hand-made with a beautiful blonde wood frame by carpenters in India to an equally high standard. For more information please visit www.eastlondonparasols.com

In the heart of the English seaside town of Blackpool, a dazzling spectacle transforms the coastline into a mesmerising wonderland each year. The Blackpool Illuminations, a world-renowned light display, captivates millions of visitors with its radiant charm. Let's embark on a journey to discover the magic behind this iconic event. A Tradition Like No Other The Blackpool Illuminations, fondly known as the "Greatest Free Light Show on Earth" have been illuminating the town's Promenade since 1879. This iconic event has a rich history, making it a cherished tradition for both locals and tourists. A Seasonal Spectacle The Illuminations typically run from late August to early November, transforming Blackpool's coastline into a radiant paradise. This extended period ensures that visitors from all around the world have the chance to witness the magic of the lights. A World of Light What sets the Blackpool Illuminations apart is the sheer scale and diversity of its displays. Stretching over six miles, the display features over a million bulbs that bring various themes to life. From sea creatures to popular cartoon characters, the range of displays is nothing short of astounding. Innovation and Technology Over the years, the Illuminations have embraced cutting-edge technology. LED lights now dominate the displays, offering not only more vibrant and dynamic colours but also significant energy savings. This eco-friendly approach ensures that the event remains sustainable and continues to light up Blackpool for generations to come. The Switch-On Event Each year, the grand switch-on event marks the beginning of the illuminations season. Celebrities, artists, and dignitaries are invited to pull the switch that sets the lights ablaze. It's a star-studded affair that garners attention and excitement worldwide. A Source Of Community Pride The Blackpool Illuminations are not just a tourist attraction; they are a source of immense pride for the local community. Residents and businesses come together to support and contribute to the event, making it a true celebration of unity. A Boost For Tourism Aside from the stunning displays, the Blackpool Illuminations provide a significant boost to the town's economy. Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses flourish during the Illuminations season, welcoming tourists from all over the world. Interactive Elements In recent years, organisers have introduced interactive elements such as the "LightPool" festival, which includes light-based art installations, 3D projection shows, and opportunities for visitors to become a part of the Illuminations themselves. Memories that Last a Lifetime For many, visiting the Blackpool Illuminations becomes a cherished memory. Families come year after year, creating traditions that span generations. It's a reminder that even in this digital age, the simple joy of dazzling lights can bring people together. The Blackpool Illuminations are not just a display of lights but a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the boundless creativity of humanity. Each year, as the nights grow longer, the town of Blackpool comes to life in a radiant symphony of colours and shapes, reminding us all of the magic that can be found in the simplest of pleasures.

Recent forecasts by Gartner indicate that global end-user spending on security and risk management is expected to reach $215 billion in 2024, reflecting a substantial 14.3% growth from the previous year. This surge underscores the increasing complexity of digital risks facing businesses today. Since the average cost of the breach is getting higher each year with more companies experiencing this problem, NordLayer cybersecurity expert shares that this year, data breaches in the healthcare industry will still be prominent, remote work will raise challenges, and generative AI will be a cyber threat, among others. “Almost all of the attacks today are caused by the human element, since it is a person who clicked on a phishing link or is connected to a public Wi-Fi. As long as we don’t pay attention to basic cybersecurity, we will have a high cost of breaches and a flourishing ransomware industry,” adds Carlos Salas, a cybersecurity expert at NordLayer. Top 5 Cybersecurity Trends Of 2024 “While there is no panacea that would cure all cybersecurity ills, staying informed about what danger is awaiting can minimize these risks. The growth of AI impacts other types of cyberattacks, making them more effective and easier to create. So, prevention and education should really pay off this year,” says Salas. Salas has identified the top 5 cybersecurity trends awaiting in the upcoming year: Rising data breaches in healthcare : Strict regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) set strict rules for patient data protection in the healthcare sector. However, despite this, healthcare continues to face the most cyber breaches. Besides, such breaches are also the most expensive. Security challenges in remote work : The hybrid work model introduces new cybersecurity risks, with various devices and networks expanding the perimeter for cyber threats. In addition, the shift towards hybrid work presents cybersecurity challenges, including issues with remote device security and compliance with data privacy laws. Generative AI as a cyber threat : Deepfakes, a type of generative artificial intelligence, have become a new menace in cyberspace. For instance, deepfake video technology has already been developed and used for phishing schemes. Also, with the help of AI chatbots, it is much easier to create more convincing phishing scam scenarios. Cyber attacks on a national level : The shadow of 2016 cyber intrusions haunts the 2024 U.S. presidential elections, raising concerns about cybersecurity in the political landscape. On the other side of the globe, Russian cybercriminals disrupt Ukrainian and European supply chains, while a new group, "Cyber Toufan," backed by Iran, targets Israeli companies. Past examples show nation-state cyber warfare is growing in sophistication, impacting international relations. Human error as a leading cause : Human error remains a predominant factor in cybersecurity breaches, accounting for 95% of incidents. What is worse, targeting individuals with appropriate access to a company's data is the goal of social engineering attacks, which are getting more focused. What Are The Ways Of Staying Safe Online? Salas advises first following basic cybersecurity hygiene: “Always use multi-factor authentication (MFA) for working tools and network access. Also, secure remote devices with VPNs. This will help employees working abroad to stay secure, too. Lastly, enforce strong, regularly-changed passwords.” Speaking of investments for 2024, Salas recommends looking at a few things when considering cybersecurity solutions: “There is no pill that will help protect your business from various cybersecurity threats. All of the purchased tools must go hand-in-hand with the right culture and attention, so invest in your employees' cybersecurity education.” “When considering network security, make sure to assign minimal user privileges in line with Zero Trust principles. Employ intrusion detection systems/intrusion prevention systems (IDS/IPS) for in-depth threat tracking,” Salas says. “Lastly, conduct regular security system tests and risk assessments, and ensure staff are trained to detect phishing attacks.”

Stricken UK winter vegetable growers hit by recent storms and flooding have been given a helping hand by Tesco. The supermarket is temporarily accepting slightly smaller sprouts, cauliflowers, cabbages and leeks to help UK farmers struggling with the devastating weather conditions that have affected their livelihoods. As a result of the rainfall and poor growing conditions these winter vegetables may be slightly smaller than usual but will still have the same great taste. Farmers will still supply Tesco with more of their crop and avoid having to sell at lower prices on the open market. The move will also help Tesco keep British produce on shelves for customers and reduce the risk of shortages. The heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding starting in the late autumn and continued through Christmas and into the New Year. The floods have mainly affected growers in Lincolnshire, East Anglia, Cornwall and Scotland. Tom Mackintosh, Tesco Fresh Produce & Horticulture Director said: “By accepting slightly smaller sprouts, cauliflower, cabbages and leeks, we can support the fresh produce industry while ensuring that customers are able to continue to buy British winter vegetables." "We’re pleased to be able to provide support to our growers, farmers and suppliers who are facing really challenging harvesting conditions.” Tesco’s technical team worked closely with suppliers to ensure that Christmas vegetables would not be in short supply. Sprouts were a particular problem due to their size and some were growing underwater due to the flooding. In order to dry the wet sprouts Tesco worked with growers to develop a new innovative drying method, using cool air blowers to literally blow the water off them in their storage pallets. East Midlands, and Lincolnshire in particular, have been particularly hard hit since the storms and flooding started in October. One of the area’s biggest growers of winter vegetables, TH Clements, said that they have only had a handful of dry days since October which has made harvesting extremely difficult. TH Clements Commercial Director John Moulding said: “This is the worst flooding we have had this century and we have lost about 20 per cent of our total winter crops including sprouts, cabbages, cauliflower and leaks." "It’s been a very tough time for us for more than three months both physically and financially in having to pull the vegetables out of the muddy fields. We have literally had to race against the clock to get the vegetables pulled out of the ground to stop them from rotting." "The flexibility that Tesco has given us has allowed us to maximise the amount of product we can get on their shelves therefore guaranteeing greater availability for shoppers.”