Leeds-based fifth-generation luxury bedmaker, Harrison Spinks, has been awarded ‘Bed Manufacturer of the Year’ at the 2024 National Bed Federation Awards. The family-owned bedmaker secured the prestigious award for its continued product-related initiatives and development, after previously winning the same accolade at the NBF Awards in 2022. The judges commended the business for its financial performance, its revised export strategy and the retelling of the Harrison Spinks story and brand ethos, as well as its commitment to sustainability, including the company’s focused environmental achievements, helping it earn a third King’s Award for Enterprise. Nick Booth, Managing Director at Harrison Spinks said: “We’re delighted to win this highly respected award once again, which couldn’t be done without a fantastic team effort and everything that goes on behind the scenes at Harrison Spinks." “It’s incredible to get this recognition for all our hard work, and winning this is a testament to what goes into making each and every bed that Harrison Spinks produces, from the expert craftsmanship that goes into hand-stitching our mattresses and sewing each piece of fabric, to the unwavering commitment to product innovation and development – and of course, manufacturing everything responsibly and sustainably. This is why we believe we are cut from a different cloth." “Achieving this win for Bed Manufacturer of the Year is an acknowledgement of our standing in the luxury sustainable sleep market, while still maintaining our ethos of using responsibly and ethically sourced natural materials, allowing each product to be recycled at end of life and ensuring exceptional quality for our customers.” At the stand, the company showcased 15 completely new handcrafted Harrison Spinks models, including a special Limited Edition Pearl mattress to celebrate 30 years of its iconic Bed Tailor collection, all featuring the brand’s homegrown hemp and 100% recyclable Cortec™ spring systems. "Alongside these, three new luxury Somnus mattresses were on display, as well as a brand-new collaboration of headboard styles in a range of exclusive fabrics designed by Patrick Grant, designer and judge of BBC’s The Great British Sewing Bee." The luxury bedmaker also served drinks from its ‘Ha Ha Baah’ pop-up bar relocated from the Harrison Spinks farm, and gave out its own tote bags, woven in-house from its homegrown hemp. Harrison Spinks was also recently awarded a King’s Award for Sustainable Development, adding to its two current King’s Awards for Innovation and International Trade, and previously held Queen’s Awards, bringing the total number achieved by the company to eight.

British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL), the UK top fruit grower association, is delighted to announce Tesco is the 2024 apple retailer of the year. The award is based on BAPL member sales to British supermarkets from September 2023 to end of August 2024. As the last of the 2023 apple and pear crop has now been sold, BAPL can reveal the supermarket of the year. In the year starting September 2023, Tesco sold 26,705 tonnes of British dessert apples, only just ahead of Aldi that sold 26,008 and had topped the chart last year. Behind the two at the top came Sainsbury’s that sold 21,563 tonnes and Lidl that sold 18,096 tonnes. In addition to naming the apple retailer of the year, BAPL is also recognising the retailer that achieved the best year-on-year performance. That award goes to Lidl that managed to increase the volume of its apple sales from 2022/23 to 2023/24 (from 17,560 tonnes to 18,096 tonnes). Commenting on this achievement, Ali Capper, executive chair of BAPL, said: “Tesco came second last year, and we know they were motivated to go one better this year. We’re delighted they have achieved that. Lidl have also done really well to sell more British apples this year than they did last year – no small feat when you consider the slightly reduced volumes overall.” Several supermarkets also over-indexed for British apples – sold more than you would expect given their grocery market share. The outstanding performers there were Aldi (sold 21% of all British apples compared to their grocery market share of 10%), Lidl, (sold 14.6% of all British apples compared to their grocery market share of 8.1%), and Sainsbury’s (sold 17.4% of all British apples compared to their grocery market share of 15.3%). “This year’s crop is looking good and we’re hopeful that all UK supermarkets will work even harder this year to promote British apples and pears to their shoppers. Buying British over imported fruit saves on food miles, and we know consumers want British if at all possible.”

Global engineering steel specialist, William Hare Group, is celebrating after seven of its projects were recognised at prestigious construction industry awards. The successes included three awards and a commendation at the Structural Steel Design Awards 2024, and a further three wins at the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) Awards 2024. Jointly sponsored by the British Constructional Steel Association and Steel for Life, the Structural Steel Design Awards saw prizes go to 8 Bishopsgate and n2 Nova Evolved in London and the Aviva Studios build in Manchester – with judges praising their ‘outstanding quality by showcasing structural steelwork at its finest’. A fourth William Hare project, Paddington Square in London, won a commendation, with judges praising ‘a landmark structure visible through layers of diaphanous steel and glass elevations’. Judges at the Structural Steel Design Awards, said of the 8 Bishopsgate project: “Eschewing the creation of a simplistic city icon, this 50-storey building successfully combines a fragmented form, determined by function and site constraints, with a rigorous structural system. Impeccably constructed through a Construction Management contract, this is a top-class project.” The project was also a big winner at the CTBUH Awards, with the 50-storey, 203-metre-high skyscraper winning the award for Best Tall Building by Height, 200–299m. Battersea Power Station Phase 2, a complex and challenging project for which William Hare supplied a total of 20,000 tonnes of structural steel – including one of the largest single pieces of steel ever manufactured in the UK – won the Construction Award. While the Structure Award was won by 21 Moorfields, a 17-storey all-steel structure erected over an operational London Underground station – which was described as a remarkable feat of engineering. Matthew Nesbit, Group Board Director at William Hare Group, comments: “We are delighted to have played our part in ensuring these buildings are recognised among the very best in the construction sector. We’re honoured to work with such fantastic colleagues from across our industry to help shape London’s skyline." “Some of these projects required complex and innovative solutions to ensure they came to fruition. For 21 Moorfield, the construction methodology demanded a temporary works solution that navigated the fully operational underground stations beneath. We needed to build in a very specific sequence that was derived by some very complex engineering assessments. A true test of the skills and ingenuity of our fantastic team.” William Hare Group was established in 1945 and provides value-engineered steel solutions to some of the world’s most innovative and sustainable construction projects. A family-owned and run business, it has a turnover of c£300 million and employs 2,000 people worldwide. Picture caption: The 8 Bishopsgate project in London has won two major industry awards.

British fabric manufacturer and woollen mill Hainsworth has teamed up with final-year BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring students at London College of Fashion, UAL on a project to create a unique jacquard cloth design. Hainsworth tasked students from London College of Fashion’s BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring course with creating a custom cloth, with the winning designers invited to weave and finish their fabric at the West Yorkshire heritage textile mill. Daniel Poulson, Course Leader, comments, “The London College of Fashion, UAL, is delighted to continue our collaboration with AW Hainsworth. Providing our BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring students with the opportunity to design and execute a fully bespoke jacquard weave in partnership with the Hainsworth team is a unique and valuable experience." "Seeing their ideas come to life at the mill, from fibre to finished product, has been rewarding for all involved. As course leader, I am grateful for the investment and exchange of knowledge and expertise throughout this creative process.” The winning students, Anna Zhou, Anastasia Inozemtseva, and Matilda Jonathan, were selected for demonstrating originality, quality craftsmanship, and sustainability. The three students visited the Hainsworth Mill in Yorkshire to see their designs woven on Jacquard looms, ready to transform into expertly tailored garments. These garments formed part of their graduate showcase presentation at Protein Studios in Shoreditch. Andrea Noble, Design and Product Development Manager at Hainsworth, explains, “The 2024 London College of Fashion Bespoke Jacquard Project was another huge success. The students were once again very engaged, professional, and clearly ambitious for a career in tailoring. I enjoyed discussing their creative concepts for their final collections, enabling them to find ways to develop artwork appropriate for jacquard patterning, which expressed and embodied their final collections." “All the students did an excellent job, but in the end, we chose our winners because they did a remarkable job of demonstrating originality, quality and craftsmanship while embracing a sustainability-focused approach. In addition to this, the students also considered how they would reduce fabric waste whilst crafting an expertly-tailored design suitable for their commercial clients.” The 2024 Bespoke Jacquard Project was also shortlisted for the University of the Arts London’s Knowledge Exchange Award. The Knowledge Exchange Awards recognise collaborations with external partners to create positive change through real-life challenges designed to co-create value for society, the economy and the environment. Hainsworth is a truly vertical woollen mill for over 240 years and one of the last remaining in Britain that can process a product from raw fibre to finished cloth entirely from their site in West Yorkshire. Designers, tailors and garment manufacturers choose Hainsworth’s premium woollen textiles from diverse industries, united in their desire for the best craftsmanship and true British provenance.

A regional law firm has announced a raft of nine promotions among key staff - eight women and one man - to help steer its development of client services and growth. Ellis Jones Solicitors, which has offices in Ringwood, Bournemouth, Poole, Swanage, Broadstone, Wimborne and London, has appointed solicitors Katy Sewell and Nicola Hall as Partners. Both work in the firm’s Wills, Trusts & Probate department, with Katy working from Ringwood and Nicola from Wimborne. At the same time, Bournemouth-based Family Law solicitors Georgina Emerson and Lauren Harley, and Chartered Legal Executive Diane Vincent, who works in Will, Trusts & Probate at the Poole office, become Senior Associates. Four solicitors have been promoted to Associate level. Family Law specialist Georgina McWilliam makes the grade in Bournemouth while Danielle-Elyse Fordham-Parsons, another expert in Wills, Trusts & Probate, steps up in Swanage. At the London office, the new Associates are Business Services lawyer Clementine Saulnier and Daniel Lewis, a member of the firm’s Banking & Finance Litigation team. Ellis Jones Managing Director Nigel Smith said: “Congratulations to all nine appointees on their much-deserved promotions. They joined us having qualified at various times in the past 17 years or so and each continually demonstrates a level of legal acumen that we are keen to foster and grow to help our clients." “Among them, there is a depth of expertise covering essential specialisms ranging from family disputes involving children to contracts governing cryptocurrency transactions." “For some appointees, their knowledge and skills have drawn independent praise and recommendations in the annual Legal 500 industry guide." “From the point of view of clients and prospective clients, promoting these deserving colleagues to Partner, Senior Associate and Associate levels will reinforce our growing reputation as a leading law firm.”

Global engineering steel specialist, William Hare Group, has reported a strong financial performance for year ending 31 December 2023. The Group has recorded a turnover for the year of £315.5m, an increase of £67.2m on the previous year and an EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation) of £9.8m – up from £3.4m in 2022. The company operates in the UK, as well as in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), India and Europe. It has a global reputation for offering engineered steel solutions and has one of the largest in-house steel manufacturing teams in the world. Established in 1945, it is looking forward to celebrating its 80th anniversary next year. Sue Hodgkiss CBE, the Group’s CEO and Chair, comments: “Our latest set of results is testament to the hard work and commitment of our talented workforce." “It is also down to a resurgence in international markets, as well as further growth in the UK. We are continuing to build our reputation with global clients and are increasingly recognised as one of the world’s leading engineering steel specialist." “We have taken a very prudent approach financially over the years, which means our balance sheet is a source of strength.” Matthew Nesbit, Board member and Director for the Group, adds: “We are delighted with this year’s results. As a business we have worked very hard to remain at the forefront of our industry during a time that has been challenging given ongoing inflationary pressures, project delays and a changing political landscape." “We are hugely grateful to work with some fantastic clients, who trust us to work with them to deliver some of the most significant and challenging projects in the UK and globally. Our order book is well diversified and in the best shape in our history, giving us much optimism for the future." “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our employees, customers and suppliers for their ongoing support. Without them, the business wouldn’t be in the position it is today.” William Hare Group was established in 1945 and provides value-engineered steel solutions to some of the world’s most innovative and sustainable construction projects. A family-owned and run business, it has a turnover of c£315m and over 2,000 people worldwide. For more information about the Group visit here . Photo caption: Matthew Nesbit, Board Member & Director.

A new report from Novuna Business Finance reveals that small businesses are expanding their definition of sustainability beyond traditional environmental goals. While businesses continue to focus on reducing their carbon footprint, they are also placing a strong emphasis on prioritising workplace diversity, supporting community engagement and creating an inclusive business culture.   Part Two of the ‘Small Business Perspective on Sustainability: Investment, Cost or Burden’ Report – explores diverse viewpoints that demonstrate sustainability’s far- reaching impact. While challenges like securing funding and meeting net zero targets are common concerns for small business owners, issues such as promoting inclusivity and fairness, building confidence in the people who work within the business and the important role that small businesses play in supporting the community are equally important considerations.   Across diverse sectors, including a Health Food shop, Utility service provider, Insurance company and Life Coach, the report explores the views of four small businesses. A selected number of case studies in our report are also available in full via Series Four of the ‘The Sustainable Business’ Podcast by Novuna Business Finance.’   Green Advice In Their Words Inspiring Change from the High Street:  Alwen Marshall Lewis, founder of Iechyd Da, shares insight on how positive change is possible on the high street. Her focus on eliminating single-use plastics and supporting local suppliers showcases how even modest changes can make a significant impact on both the environment and the community. Using innovation to drive change:  Joe Lawrence, Director of Libra Utility Services explains how strategic investment in eco-friendly machinery and vehicles has helped deliver and support the company’s net zero objectives. Joe also mentions the importance of listening to customers and how acting on this insight is a route to achieving growth.   Placing culture and ethics at the heart of the business : Steve Wardlaw, CEO of Emerald Life explains how small businesses can drive lasting change and how a small business’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility can demonstrate how sustainability can embrace social responsibility alongside environmental goals. Supporting a confident and empowered workforce: Rowan Ahmadi-Nameghi, founder of Grow reflects on how true sustainability starts within an organisation and is not just centred around the environment but the people within a business.   Jo Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance commented: “By listening to the diverse perspectives of small business owners across the UK we have gained a deeper understanding of how sustainability is integrated into their businesses. The personal stories we’ve gathered, shows that sustainability extends beyond environmental impact to become a core aspect of the business and its workforce. This view demonstrates that sustainability is not just a cost to the business but also a strategic investment that drives business growth and resilience." "We too at Novuna Business Finance take seriously our responsibilities to support society and to make a positive and sustainable difference to people’s lives. The fight against climate change – and the push towards a more sustainable world – are tasks that involve everyone working together. We remain committed to supporting SMEs in integrating and adopting these broad sustainability initiatives.”

Ahead of World Tourism Day, 27 September, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has presented a plan to shore-up tourism in the UK through reviving high streets and town centres by better supporting small businesses on them to start-up and flourish. The move will advance economic, social and cultural enrichment to local areas across the UK, including job creation. With almost half (44%) of all small tourism and hospitality businesses being on, or next to, the high street in the UK, reimagining and reviving high streets for the future is fundamental to a thriving tourism industry. Over half (57%) of small hospitality businesses say that the establishment of new tourist attractions or cultural events in the area would be one of the biggest opportunities for the high street, according to a large-scale survey by FSB. Now, FSB’s blueprint, The Future of the High Street, sets out achievable recommendations to make high streets more accessible and attractive, offering a wider range of experiences from innovative small businesses to bolster tourism. FSB Policy Chair Tina McKenzie said: “Small tourism and hospitality businesses bring in revenue and create employment, but they also establish a better market for small businesses across other sectors." “High streets are more than just commercial spaces; they’re destinations in their own right and are inextricably linked to our tourism industry. To support the industry we must do more, as a nation, to make radical policy change to breathe a new lease of life into our high streets.” Recommendations put forward include availability of affordable commercial space, which FSB says will not only fill vacant sites but also provide opportunities for small firms eager to launch on the high street; and calls for local authorities to create specialised funds to support pop-ups, markets, and temporary use initiatives for first-time businesses. This would encourage new ventures and help with their transition onto the high street. Tina McKenzie said: “Attracting tourism to more high streets throughout the country by having modern and well-planned infrastructure, such as transport and parking; a unique variety of tourist attractions such as independent retailers, eateries and experience, would fuel economic growth. Every high street has a unique heritage and feel, but they all have one thing in common – the need for policies to make them safer, more peaceful, cleaner and more appealing and exciting.” FSB also says that the Department of Culture, Media and Sport should work to encourage VisitBritain, Visit England and local visitor economy partnerships to prominently feature Britain’s local high streets as destinations in international tourism campaigns. This would invigorate the potential for tourism in new localities outside the typical tourist hot spots. In 2023, 38 million international tourists visited Britain, spending £31.1bn, with an average spend per visit of £819. Visits were below pre-pandemic levels by seven per cent.

Two colleagues at property consultancy Vail Williams have cycled 330 miles in two days to raise more than £6,000 for six regional charities. Ben Duly and Matt King took on the challenge of riding between nine of the firm’s regional offices in what they called the ‘Tour de VW’. Beginning in Bournemouth, Team VW called in at Southampton, Portsmouth, Crawley, London, Woking, Reading and Oxford before finishing in Birmingham. Ben, associate in the South Coast region, and Matt, business rates reference in the Gatwick region, were joined on the road by colleagues from each of the offices for either whole legs or short distances. The money raised is being split between charities in each of Vail Williams’ regions, supporting the likes of seriously ill children and their families, women who have experienced abuse and volunteer-led projects delivering positive change. Ben and Matt said: “Participating in this challenge was both exciting and humbling, with the stretch from Reading to Oxford the toughest – both physically and mentally. It wasn't just about cycling the distance, there were so many logistics to manage along the way." “We covered 330 miles in 22 hours, with 15 colleagues joining us along the way. What kept us going throughout, were thoughts of the charities and people that we would be helping, as well as the support of our colleagues at each of the offices on route." “We are so proud of what we have achieved, and whilst the total is still being confirmed, we're delighted that all the hard work has paid off, with more than £6,000 raised in total so far." There is still time to donat e.

Award-winning construction property consultants, Coreus Group, has expanded its operations by setting up a new regional office in the recently refurbished BLOK building in Bristol. Joining the likes of Basekit, 5 Values Consulting, RWK Goodman and Irwin Mitchell Solicitors, the latest arrival at BLOK, Castle Park has taken up a 1,500 sq ft space. BLOK is a contemporary office hub located in the heart of Bristol’s bustling commercial district boasting excellent transport networks via road, rail and the nearby international airport. Now at 65% capacity, the site offers 70,000 sq ft of modern office workspace and a further 11,000 sq ft of welfare and amenity space, including a communal lounge, meeting rooms, a courtyard garden, roof terrace, private gym and ‘Rewired’ a spin-off from local independent brewer, Left Handed Giant, is due to open in the coming weeks. Real Estate specialists, Boultbee Brooks, purchased the tired-looking 1980s-built property in 2021 and through an extensive £12m refurbishment, has breathed new life into what is now a most welcome amenity-rich addition to the Bristol business community. The process of ‘reimagining instead of rebuilding’ has prioritised sustainability and occupier experience, reflecting in the extensive building certification which includes BREEAM, very good EPC A, Fitwell 2* and Activescore Platinum. Coreus Group specialises in delivering highly bespoke property construction and development consultancy services across the UK and recently won Employer of the Year at the Bristol Property Awards and was named in the Sunday Times Best Place to work awards for 2024. The experienced team is currently providing construction consultancy services on a number of projects across the region. Managing Director, Andrew Clancy, comments: “We are a south west based company with a national reach and moving into BLOK is very much the next step on our exciting journey as it provides us with the perfect platform from which to deliver our services." “We absolutely love the space. Our newly fitted out office provides a modern working environment, but most importantly it is a place where our employees actually want to come to work.“We needed a base which not only offered the best in workspace amenities, but which was also set in a prime location and BLOK fits those criteria. The fact it has also been refurbished with sustainability in mind and the ESG credentials were fundamental for our choice of office.” Boultbee Brooks Managing Director, James Whitcher, comments: “We have created one of the most amenity-rich workspaces in the city of Bristol, with units available at a very competitive price point. It is proving very popular within the region’s business community and we are delighted to welcome Coreus Group as the latest member of our BLOK family." “The sheer calibre of the tenants who have decided to make BLOK their home proves that this is very much the place to be in Bristol and we look forward to welcoming more businesses over the coming months.” Further space is available on flexible terms and layouts from 1,000 sq ft up to 12,000 sq ft via Savills and CBRE real estate services.

Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce is signing up more than five new members a month and now has almost 200. The long-standing trade association brings together large and small businesses, sole traders and individuals. It has been the voice of business in the town for 100 years and its board of directors is keen to advance the case of is membership. It provides networking opportunities, business and educational seminars, government advocacy, marketing and promotional campaigns. Bill Perkins, Chamber president, said: “We now have a dynamic board of directors who are really making a difference. There is a new energy which in part due to recently-joined members who are helping drive the association forward. The town’s business community is under pressure and the Chamber and our growing membership proof that we are helping.” Ron Wain of Deep South Media, a Chamber patron, said: “Deep South Media sponsored the latest BH Banter networking event and it was hugely productive. There was a room full of entrepreneurs representing diverse enterprises of all sizes.“ "The informal atmosphere at the Collingwood Hotel was ideal for the purpose and various leads were generated and business done." "Indeed, Deep South Media, directly as a result of the event, has subscribed to anew tech platform being designed by a Chamber member. I’d urge people to join and take advantage of what it has to offer.”

Reward Funding has raised £24,000 for Andy’s Man Club. The funds will support the charity dedicated to saving lives by supporting 200 free groups, with over 1,600 volunteers, working with around 5,000 men each week to help break down stigmas and provide a safe, judgement-free environment to talk. Throughout the year-long fundraising, Reward’s team took on various challenges and events, including the Manchester Marathon, Leeds 10k, a darts tournament in Birmingham, Ryder Cup sports days in London and Manchester, a charity quiz and a mental health breakfast with Andy’s Man Club – all efforts spanning its five UK offices engaged the community while raising awareness among business partners and guests. Luke Ambler, founder of Andy’s Man Club, said: “With suicide rates amongst men sadly still on the rise, we are hugely grateful to Reward and its team for working so hard over the last 12 months to raise vital funds." "With the invaluable support of companies like Reward, who go the extra mile to make a difference, we are able to encourage more men to open up about their problems and challenges. Raising an amount of money this size is priceless when you think of the opportunities it now gives us to engage with more men needing help and ultimately save lives.” Nick Smith, Reward’s group managing director, added: “When we first heard about Andy’s Man Club and the fantastic work it has done to save so many lives over the last eight years, we knew they would be the perfect charity partner. Suicide is sadly the biggest killer of men under 50, and the attempts by its volunteers and support groups to tackle the problem are vital." “The way the charity has been able to harness the power of talking and provide such a supportive environment to men of all ages is truly inspiring and we’re proud our fundraising efforts have helped make a difference." “We are also proud to have raised £170,000 over the last seven years supporting our corporate partner charities plus additional local causes, continuing Reward’s legacy of community support and changing lives.”