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A new report examining how the rising cost of living is impacting the sport and physical activity sector has found people from lower income backgrounds are more likely to have seen their levels of activity negatively affected. The rising cost of living and its impact on sport and physical activity was produced by experts at Sheffield Hallam University on behalf of Sport England to help activity providers understand the impact cost of living is having on their participants. Rising living costs in England have been caused by various factors including Covid, the war in Ukraine, supply chain problems and higher interest rates, as well as inflation and low wage growth. The report found: Participation rates in physical activity have remained stable compared to pre-Covid levels. The increased cost of living has led to people changing their behaviours in relation to activity, and these changes are unlikely to be reversed until household finances improve. People from the most deprived areas and from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to say their levels of physical activity have been negatively affected by cost-of-living increases. Club activities are nearing pre-Covid levels, but cost pressures, especially from rising energy prices, affect club finances which in turn, is making access less affordable for some. Some facility providers are reporting concerns regarding increases in utility costs and are responding by reducing sessions and increasing fees. Cost of living pressures are also having an impact on the sport and physical activity workforce with some people volunteering less due to time constrains, meaning that other people are volunteering more due to demand. Paid staff, especially those with low wages or in casual positions, are leaving for better opportunities elsewhere, while some employers are considering redundancies and closures due to budget constraints. David Barrett, research fellow in Sheffield Hallam University’s Sport Industry Research Centre, said: “We welcome being able to be report on this critical issue for Sport England, particularly as cost of living pressure continue to affect people’s ability to participate in sport and physical activity." “While the headline rate hasn’t changed significantly, there are some subtle but notable long-term shifts in participation patterns evident in the data. Covid brought into sharp focus the gap between the most and least active sectors of the population, and the combined effect of inflation, interest rates and energy prices has been to widen that gap." “One of the most interesting aspects of the research is the response of voluntary clubs to cost pressures. These organisations withstood the impact of Covid lockdowns by adapting their provision swiftly and decisively. Their ability to learn those lessons and continue to innovate in response to these new pressures with skill and ingenuity, proves that they are among the most resilient organisations in the sector.” Nick Pontefract, chief strategy officer at Sport England, said the report demonstrated how the cost of living was changing the way some people are choosing to engage with sport and physical activity. “Today’s report shows that in common with much of the economy, the cost of living is impacting on affordability of physical activity and sport particularly for the most disadvantaged,” he said. “While these headwinds inevitably impact all areas of life including work to increase physical activity and participation, the sector has been remarkably resilient and creative in sustaining opportunities for people to keep active." "We also know there are plenty of low and no cost options for getting active, whether that's running for free with parkrun, using outdoor gym equipment that can be found in many parks or simply going for a walk." “At Sport England, we’re doing everything we can to support the sector through this time.” Read the full report here:

Cameron Mason retained his national championship title on home turf in Falkirk, while Anna Kay secured her first elite title in the female race on the first day of the British National Cyclo-cross Championships. Corran Carrick-Anderson and Ella Maclean Howell secured the under-23 titles, while Cat Ferguson and Oscar Amey took the junior podiums after strong performances. Elite Open Cameron Mason (Cyclocross Reds) took his second consecutive national title in style after a brilliant solo effort that saw him cross the line a minute ahead of Thomas Mein (Hope Factory Racing), while Lewis Askey (Groupama-FDJ) came home third after a great battle with under-23 winner Corran Carrick-Anderson (T-Mo Racing). A rapid start saw the elite open race strung out in the opening lap, with Mein the front runner up ‘The Wall’. Mein was followed closely by Carrick-Anderson and Toby Barnes (Ribble-Verge Sport), with home favourite Mason and under-23 rider Dan Barnes (Team Spectra Cannondale) just behind. On the second lap, Mein went solo as Mason took it up a gear, overtaking others with ease and keeping the National Trophy winner in his sights. Just after a technical section, Mason made his move to overtake Mein and storm ahead in pole position. With only a handful of seconds between them, Mein kept calm and continued the chase with Mason in his reach. The two were comfortably ahead of the field, with Carrick-Anderson sitting in third as Askey, Dan Barnes and Simon Wyllie (Team Spectra Cannondale) chased. Mason racked up his gap to 30 seconds with Mein securely in the place for silver. The closing stages of the race saw Mason maintain his gap on Mein, while Askey caught and overtook Carrick-Anderson in the bronze medal position. Coming into the finish line, Mason finished one minute and 15 seconds ahead of Mein, shouting in relief to take his second national title – all the more special on home turf. North East rider Mein came in second with a smile, while Askey secured the third spot on the podium after a fantastic chase. Speaking after his win, Mason said: “What a crazy day! I really felt the pressure today and just wanted to do what I knew I could do. I know how to ride this course in order to get the most out of myself. My plan was to kind of let the race unfold and not go too deep, too early." "I’ve raced on this course for the last 10 years or so, but I am just happy to execute the plan and get it done. That's exactly why I ride a bike – the feeling of winning is just so awesome.” Carrick-Anderson came home fourth to see the Scotsman take the under-23 title, while Wyllie’s sixth place saw him take the silver, and despite dropping his chain three times, Dan Barnes was able to take the bronze with a seventh place finish. Elite Female Anna Kay (Cyclocross Reds) showed pure dominance from start to finish in the elite female race to take her first ever elite national title, while Ella Maclean Howell’s (Hope Factory Racing) second place also saw her win the under-23 title as Grace Inglis (Muckle CC) finished in a brilliant bronze position. Kay was off the front from the gun and led the pack by a huge margin within the first lap. Junior rider Imogen Wolff (Trinity Racing), Millie Couzens (Fenix-Deceuninck), Maclean Howell and Inglis chasing, and Nikki Brammeier just off the back of them. Kay continued to push on her lead, attacking ahead alone as Couzens, Maclean Howell and Inglis trailed 50 seconds behind, and Brammeier 20 seconds behind them. The Cyclocross Reds rider remained calm and composed in the final two laps, while a chasing Inglis started to put the power down, but Maclean Howell counterattacked and managed to get away as the solo chasing rider to Kay. The bell lap saw Kay maintain a 45 second gap as Maclean Howell continued to battle on alone behind, while Inglis and Couzens were neck-and-neck for the bronze. Kay raised her arms in elation as she crossed the finish line 50 seconds ahead of Maclean Howell to take the national title. A valiant battle for Maclean Howell saw her take second, while a last lap spurt from Inglis secured the bronze. Speaking after her win, Kay said: “I still don't believe it. It's my first elite title in any discipline, so I'm really happy. I knew it was going to be fast and I just felt good on the first lap, so I thought, ‘yeah, why not just go?’ It's such a good for spectators and it's good for us as riders because we get support everywhere.” Maclean Howell’s second place was enough to secure her the under-23 victory. A fourth place from Couzens allowed her to take the silver. Wolff’s commendable ride saw her finish in seventh place to round off the under-23 podium in bronze. Junior Female Cat Ferguson (Hope Tech Factory Racing) had a sensational ride to win the junior female race. She finished almost four minutes ahead of silver medallist Alice Colling (Shibden CC) as Esther Wong (Shibden CC) took the bronze. Ferguson fired off the start line, stringing out the bunch from the off to put the pressure on the pace. Summiting ‘The Wall’ for the first time, Ferguson was already 45 seconds up on the field, with National Trophy Series winner Colling and teammate Wong chasing behind, with the two working together well. On the second lap, Colling pushed on to form a gap ahead of Wong, while Ferguson extended her lead to over a minute. Ferguson continued to put the pressure on, gaining a two-minute advantage over Colling, who maintained the silver medal position from a chasing Wong. Coming into the bell lap, Ferguson was lapping the riders at the back and had almost three minutes on Colling, and took it to the limit to cross the line three minutes and 47 seconds ahead of second place. Ferguson crossed the line with a bow, asserting her dominance with clear enjoyment, while Colling took a sensational silver medal and Wong finished in third, 30 seconds back after a strong race. After her podium presentation, Ferguson said: “To come away with a title today is really special. It’s quite a challenging course physically and technically, so I wanted to just lead from the start and to see what gap I could get and just extend it throughout the race." "In that final lap, I just wanted to enjoy it and take in the crowd. There were so many people out there supporting me today and I’m just really grateful.” Junior Open Oscar Amey (GKR Racing) reflected his talent from the National Trophy Series to take the national title ahead of defending champion Sebastian Grindley (Trinity Racing), while his brother Alfie Amey (GKR Racing) took home the bronze. The junior open race kicked off the weekend, with the peloton firing off the start line. Oscar, Alfie and Grindley were the clear favourites, escaping off the front in the opening lap of the race. Grindley was spearheading the front of the race, but a slow bike dismount saw the Amey brothers make a big attack, but it wasn’t enough to get rid of the Trinity rider. With two laps remaining, Grindley and Oscar pushed on with Alfie unable to match the pace, taking the bell lap 10 seconds behind. The three were well ahead of the rest of the field with the medal positions practically decided. Oscar put the power down in the final lap, pushing on to forge a gap on Grindley, taking the technical sections with ease and clocking up the seconds on his lead. The GKR Racing rider crossed the line to take the win 10 seconds ahead of Grindley to claim the national title, while Alfie finished third 30 seconds behind him. Oscar said: “We were all kind of attacking each other for most of the race, and just on that last lap, I managed to get away from the technical section and just hold it to the finish. After Alfie made a mistake on The Wall, I tried to wait for him a bit, but Seb attacked on that section, so it just worked out really well.” Veterans In the veteran over-50 open race, Nicholas Craig (SCOTT Racing) was dominant from start to finish, firing off the start line with Ian Taylor (Shibden CC) hot on his wheel, with Nicholas Whitley (Team Enable - M.I.Racing ) chasing behind. On the second lap, Craig pushed on the pace, and formed a gap which he continued to extend with pure power, crossing the line over a minute ahead of Taylor to claim the national title. Taylor took the silver, while Whitley finished almost 20 seconds behind to round off the podium. Grant Johnson also had a dominant day, lapping the field in the veteran over-60 open race. Johnson stormed to the win ahead of Simon Hime (Finchley Racing Team) and John McGrath (Team TMC - Strada Wheels). Full Podium Results Elite Open Cameron Mason Thomas Mein Lewis Askey Elite Female Anna Kay Ella Maclean Howell Grace Inglis Under-23 Open Corran Carrick-Anderson Simon Wyllie Dan Barnes Under-23 Female Ella Maclean Howell Millie Couzens Imogen Wolff Junior Open Oscar Amey Sebastian Grindley Alfie Amey Junior Female Cat Ferguson Alice Colling Esther Wong Veteran Over-50 Open Nicholas Craig Ian Taylor Nicholas Whitley Veteran Over-60 Open Grant Johnson Simon Hime John McGrath Photo Credits: SWPix

Researchers led by the University of Oxford have developed a new test to assess how dangerous robotic lawnmowers are to hedgehogs. They hope this will lead to a certification scheme that will allow consumers to choose ‘hedgehog-friendly’ mowers to help protect these lovable mammals. Robotic lawnmowers are becoming increasingly popular, however many are concerned that running these, especially at night when most hedgehogs are active, could pose a threat to European hedgehogs. This species is already in serious decline, with reasons including habitat loss, road traffic accidents, intensive agriculture, and injuries from dog bites and garden strimmers. In recent years, many hedgehog rehabilitation centres have reported a significant increase in the numbers of hedgehog injuries caused by robotic lawnmowers. Lead researcher Dr Sophie Lund Rasmussen (University of Oxford), also known as ‘Dr Hedgehog’, said: "There is an urgent need to identify and phase out models of robotic lawnmowers that pose a threat to hedgehogs. Our new standardised safety test will greatly aid hedgehog conservation, by enabling manufacturers of robotic lawnmowers to ensure their models are 'hedgehog friendly' before they are put on the market." Dr Rasmussen was inspired to develop the test after carrying out collision tests between robotic lawnmowers and dead hedgehogs. The dead hedgehogs had been collected from hedgehog rehabilitation centres, and had been too injured or unwell to be saved. Dr Rasmussen said: "All the robotic lawn mowers I tested had to physically touch the hedgehog in order to detect it, and some did not even detect the dead hedgehog. In mild cases, the robotic mower would lightly nudge the hedgehog then change direction, but in the worst-case scenario, the machine ran straight over it with the blades still running, causing extensive damage to the hedgehog carcass." The new safety test uses specially designed hedgehog ‘crash test dummies’ to find out whether a robotic lawnmower would be capable of avoiding a real hedgehog, and if not, how much damage it would cause in a collision. To make sure the test was as realistic as possible, the researchers worked with a hedgehog rehabilitation centre in Denmark to establish how live hedgehogs, which had been in care and were ready for release back into the wild, tend to react to robotic lawnmowers. They tested the responses of fifty hedgehogs in an enclosed environment to a disarmed (bladeless) robotic lawnmower that was stopped 50 cm away from the hedgehog. Overall, the hedgehogs showed three distinct responses: running away from the mower; standing rigidly in front of it partially curled up; or sniffing the lawnmower inquisitively. Generally, younger hedgehogs were more bold than adult hedgehogs. Dr Rasmussen said: "Each hedgehog was tested twice and, interestingly, they tended to act more shyly on their second encounter. This is hugely important, since it suggests that hedgehogs may learn from their first encounter with a robotic lawnmower." "Potentially, if a hedgehog survives its first encounter with a robotic lawnmower, it is less likely to be injured in the future because this may cause it to avoid them. So, the more hedgehog friendly mowers out there, the more chance there is that the first mower a hedgehog meets is a hedgehog friendly one. If these hedgehogs meet a mower again later in their lives, they will then likely be more cautious." Using the findings, the researchers identified the key positions that a crash test dummy should be placed in, to simulate the main responses of a live hedgehog during a lawnmower safety test. The dummy was designed based on the initial collision tests, and is made from a soft rubbery plastic that closely mimics the body composition of a real hedgehog. The researchers intend to make the crash test dummy design publicly available for 3D printing, so that robotic lawn mower companies can use it in the process of developing hedgehog friendly robotic lawnmowers. Ultimately, they hope that the hedgehog safety test using the dummies will become integrated into the official testing protocols approving the robotic lawnmowers for sale on the European market. This could enable a certification scheme that will allow consumers to choose ‘hedgehog-friendly’ models. Dr Rasmussen added: "A key first step is to improve the sensors, so that they detect the hedgehogs and avoid them. Developing additional technologies such as camera recognition could eventually allow the robotic lawn mowers to detect hedgehogs at a distance and change direction before they get close. It is also important that the blades of the mowers are pivoting, so that they fold away under a protective surface when hitting something harder than grass." Dr Stephan Meyer, R&D manager at STIHL (one of the industry partners supporting Dr Rasmussen’s research) and member of the project team said: "STIHL highly values the effect of these findings on the development of robotic lawn mowers, and we are using the learnings from this interactive project to improve the situation for people and animals. The results of the studies will form the scientific basis for the development of a safety standard to protect hedgehogs." A spokesperson from Husqvarna, who manufacture robotic lawnmowers, said: "At Husqvarna we have a 30-year-old history in robotic lawn mowing and safety has always been our top priority. We were early to introduce the light-weight pivoting blades, which research has proven to be more 'hedgehog-friendly.' Today, technology is moving faster than ever and all learnings we can get from the research conducted by Dr Rasmussen and her team will help us develop functions that will even more help to cater for keeping wildlife safe in our home gardens." Phasing out robotic lawnmowers that are a threat to hedgehogs could have a significant impact on the survival of this iconic species. In the meantime, owners of robotic lawnmowers can help protect hedgehogs by checking for any hedgehogs on the lawn before turning on the mowers and only running these machines during daylight hours, since hedgehogs are predominantly nocturnal. Co-author of the study Dr Anne Berger (Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Germany), who has researched the frequency of hedgehog injuries from robotic lawnmowers in Germany, said: "Cut injuries from robotic lawnmowers are placing an enormous burden on many hedgehog care centres and using up important resources, as these injuries often require above-average care and treatment. Moreover, the majority of hedgehogs with cut injuries are found days or weeks after the accident happened and therefore have to endure considerable suffering, pain and harm until they are found. The development of 'hedgehog friendly' models could therefore help prevent a considerable amount of animal suffering." Fay Vass, Chief Executive at the British Hedgehog Preservation Society added: "We are pleased to have been involved in funding this important piece of research. The population decline of hedgehogs is alarming and unsustainable so it is crucial to find out which potential dangers are actually causing problems, and which are not. We can then focus our efforts on issues that are impacting on hedgehog numbers to help minimise the threats against them. Hopefully, the results of this work will stop or drastically reduce the risk of robotic lawnmowers causing harm to hedgehogs."

As the weather turns colder and the winter frost blankets the landscape, a vibrant array of winter greens emerge as nutritional powerhouses, packed with goodness and providing a welcome burst of healthy vitamins and minerals during the colder months of the year. From kale and spinach to Swiss chard and collard greens, these leafy wonders offer a plethora of benefits, making them a must-add to meals on the winter plate for many. Kale, often hailed as the king of greens, has a strong, robust flavour and exceptional nutrient profile, packed with vitamins and minerals like iron and calcium, supporting the immune system and bone health. Its versatility in salads, smoothies, or even baked as crispy chips makes it an easy addition to any winter menu and it continues to grow in popularity as a winter staple too. Spinach, another winter green hero, boasts a delicate texture and plenty of nutritional benefits as well. Spinach is rich in iron and magnesium and spinach promotes cardiovascular health and aids in preventing anemia. Whether sautéed as a side or blended into a comforting soup or included in a winter salad or pasta supper, spinach effortlessly elevates winter dishes. Sprouts, something that are often simply loved or loathed, again have plenty of goodness packed into them and are a versatile vegetable in the kitchen too. Perfect on their own as a side to a roast or sliced and added to other dishes (pastas and oven bakes), they add colour and texture to a dish too. Swiss chard, with its colourful stems and dark, leafy greens, adds a touch of elegance to winter meals. Swiss chard is full of vitamins A and K, as well as fibre, supporting eye health and aiding digestion. Its slightly earthy flavour enhances soups, stews, or can be enjoyed on its own as a sautéed side. Consuming winter greens during the colder months means eating produce that is in season which is good for the environment and helps people buy produce locally too, reducing food miles and the time taken from farm to plate at the same time. Winter greens can also be a good choice form a health perspective too as they are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which helps fortify the body against seasonal illnesses, providing a natural defense during the flu and cold season. Not only do they offer an array of health benefits, their seasonal availability means they are fresher, tastier, and more environmentally sustainable. Including winter greens in your diet adds a burst of colour, flavour, and nutrition whilst embracing seasonal produce so there are plenty of reasons to let winter greens become the star of your plate.

The government outlines plans for the biggest expansion of nuclear power for 70 years to reduce electricity bills, support thousands of jobs and improve UK energy security – including exploring building a major new power station and investing in advanced nuclear fuel production. In the 2 years since Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, the government has doubled down on security of supply to protect the country from price volatility and hostile foreign regimes and bolster the UK’s energy independence. The Civil Nuclear Roadmap will give industry certainty of the future direction of the UK’s ambitious nuclear programme, on top of the government’s historic commitment to Sizewell C and world-leading competition to develop small modular reactor (SMR) technology. The roadmap sets out how the UK will increase generation of this homegrown supply of clean, reliable, and abundant energy by up to 4 times to 24 gigawatts (GW) by 2050 – enough to provide a quarter of the UK’s electricity needs. The plans include next steps for exploring a GW-scale power plant as big as Sizewell in Suffolk or Hinkley in Somerset, which are capable of powering 6 million homes each. The government will also invest up to £300 million in UK production of the fuel required to power high-tech new nuclear reactors, known as HALEU, currently only commercially produced in Russia. As the first country in Europe to launch a HALEU programme, the UK will lead the way from its North West production hub to provide the world with this form of uranium fuel, with the first plant aiming to be operational early in the next decade. This builds on the ambition to return uranium conversion to the Springfields nuclear fuel site, both of which are critical to pushing Putin out of the global market. An additional £10 million will be provided to develop the skills and sites needed to produce other advanced nuclear fuels in the UK, helping to secure long term domestic nuclear fuel supply and support our allies. The roadmap also includes a government ambition to secure 3 – 7GW worth of investment decisions every 5 years from 2030 to 2044 on new nuclear projects. The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: "Nuclear is the perfect antidote to the energy challenges facing Britain - it’s green, cheaper in the long term and will ensure the UK’s energy security for the long-term." "This is the right long-term decision and is the next step in our commitment to nuclear power, which puts us on course to achieve net zero by 2050 in a measured and sustainable way. This will ensure our future energy security and create the jobs and skills we need to level up the country and grow our economy." Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho, said: "Strengthening our energy security means that Britain will never again be held to ransom over energy by tyrants like Vladimir Putin. British nuclear, as one of the most reliable, low-carbon sources of energy around, will provide that security." "We’re making the biggest investment in domestic nuclear energy in 70 years. Our £300 million plan to produce advanced nuclear fuel in the UK will supply nuclear plants at home and overseas – further weakening the Kremlin’s grip on global energy markets." "From large gigawatt projects to small modular reactors, the UK’s wider nuclear revival will quadruple our nuclear capacity by 2050 – helping to power Britain from Britain." Plans to streamline the development of new power stations and introduce smarter regulation could speed up the overall process and, as a result, the delivery of nuclear power in the UK. This includes allowing regulators to assess projects while designs are finalised, and better join-up with overseas regulators assessing the same technology. Ministers will bring together the brightest and best from the nuclear industry and beyond as part of a ‘hackathon’ event to come up with ideas on how government and industry can accelerate new nuclear projects, while maintaining the highest levels of safety and security. These plans will help build new supplies of affordable and clean domestic power so the transition to net zero doesn’t mean higher prices, protecting households from global instability. The government is also today publishing 2 consultations, one on a new approach to siting future nuclear power stations and another on supporting the sector and encouraging private investment to roll out advanced nuclear projects. The proposals will attract investment in the UK nuclear sector by empowering developers to find suitable sites rather than focusing on 8 designated by government. Community engagement will remain critical to any decisions, alongside maintaining robust criteria such as nearby population densities. Following its launch last year, Great British Nuclear (GBN) will drive the UK’s nuclear ambitions forward, including through the game-changing SMR competition which will soon invite short-listed companies to tender. Unlike conventional nuclear reactors that are built on site, SMRs are smaller, can be made in factories, and could transform how power stations are built by making construction faster and less expensive. Alongside large gigawatt power stations, SMRs will play a key role in delivering on the expansion of UK nuclear capacity. As well as powering homes, innovations in the nuclear sector could provide direct heat for industry, energy for green hydrogen production, and medical isotopes for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Analysis by the Nuclear Skills Strategy Group suggests that to reach up to 24GW, the civil and defence nuclear workforce will need to double over the next 20 years – supporting around 80,000 additional skilled jobs across the UK. The Nuclear Skills Taskforce will shortly set out plans to meet the demand of an industry - already worth £6 billion to the British economy - which is likely to include increasing the numbers of graduates and apprentices and attracting mid-careerists with relevant skills and expertise. Minister for Nuclear Andrew Bowie said: "The government’s investment in nuclear will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of technological developments." "Our plans will give investors the confidence to back new UK projects, with a simpler process for locating new schemes and clear support for private sector companies developing innovative new technologies. " " By meeting a quarter of our electricity demand with nuclear, we will strengthen our energy independence, reduce bills and support jobs across the UK." The roadmap will also confirm plans for decommissioning to make sure they remain suitable for new nuclear technologies and protect future generations from bearing the costs. Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of Nuclear Industry Association, said: "We welcome the publication of the roadmap - the commitment to explore a further large-scale project beyond Sizewell C in parallel with the deployment of SMRs is very welcome." "We will need both large and small nuclear at scale and at pace for our energy security and net zero future. Allowing developers to engage with the government about Regulated Asset Base funding models should also make it cheaper to finance projects, cutting costs to the consumer. Decisions on 3-7GW in each 5 year period provide the greater clarity and predictability, which in turn enables supply chain investment and more UK content in the future fleet." "The commitments to maximise our use of regulatory assessments already undertaken overseas will help get innovative reactor designs into construction faster and reduce the duplication in regulatory activity that eats up time for no additional benefit." Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary of Prospect trade union, said: "Commitment to a long-term investment in new nuclear capacity is most welcome." "Nuclear is an essential part of a low carbon, secure energy strategy that should also deliver good, clean jobs at scale. Investment in both GW-scale power plants as well as SMRs is critical to ensuring a nuclear renaissance, as is reducing our exposure to Russian nuclear fuel production." "Prospect looks forward to playing an active role in delivering this mission that is critical to meeting our net zero and energy security goals." Babcock’s CEO for Nuclear Harry Holt said: "The UK’s Nuclear Roadmap will provide opportunities for the whole civil nuclear sector. Babcock, through our Cavendish Nuclear business, is committed to developing UK capability, jobs and skills and this is a great step in the right direction." Carol Tansley, Vice President of UK New Build Projects at X-energy, said: "We’re delighted this ambitious roadmap recognises the vital role in the UK energy mix for advanced modular reactors (AMRs)." "The announcement of funding for an advanced fuel enrichment facility is also a very welcome demonstration of commitment to deliver the next generation nuclear technologies in the UK. We look forward to engaging in the forthcoming consultations to create a blueprint for successful deployment." Gwen Parry-Jones, CEO of Great British Nuclear said: "Since Great British Nuclear started the SMR technical selection process last July, we have moved strongly forward and are on track to complete vendor selection later this year. Shortly we will invite the six companies we have selected to submit tenders." "The Civil Nuclear Roadmap provides a framework for GBN to help deliver more safe, clean and affordable UK nuclear power to UK consumers. Together with industry, we will enthusiastically take up the role the government has set out for us in delivering and advising across the UK’s nuclear programme. We are actively building GBN’s capability to take on the challenge ahead." Chris O’Shea, Group Chief Executive, Centrica, said: "The UK’s ambitious net zero targets will only be met if we utilise all of the tools at our disposal, including nuclear power generation. Centrica has invested in nuclear power generation for almost 15 years and we know the benefits it can create for customers and the country. We welcome the roadmap set out by the government today as we look to support the UK’s efforts to create a more secure, resilient energy system for the future." Dr Fiona Rayment OBE FNucI, President of the Nuclear Institute, commented: "I am delighted to see the publishing of the Nuclear Roadmap. It not only continues to provide a strong signal from government on nuclear, but reaffirms the only way to achieve carbon neutrality for energy whilst maintaining both energy and national security is through nuclear as a significant part of the UK energy mix." "Reaching 24GW by 2050 is achievable but challenging and recognising the need to address the skills and capability challenges in enabling this is key. The Nuclear Institute, as the professional membership body for the sector, assists in creating this capability and we are proud to support our nuclear workforce in the years ahead." Andrew Murdoch, UK Managing Director of Advanced Modular Reactor developer, newcleo, said: "newcleo welcomes today’s announcements by government which offer strong support for our sector and outline a clearer future for nuclear energy policy in the UK, be it big, small or advanced. We now look forward to participating in the government’s consultations on both siting and the routes to market for advanced technologies ahead of developing our first of a kind advanced modular reactor here in the UK by 2033." "newcleo is ready to invest billions of pounds of private money in the UK and create thousands of high value jobs in local communities with our innovative reactors. Today’s announcements help to provide the framework in which the industry and government can work together to realise the ambition to deliver 24 GW of much-needed nuclear power by 2050."

Volvo Cars is expanding its sustainability strategy, setting new ambitious goals for 2030 and 2040. The company is also boosting its focus on biodiversity, and by 2025 the company aims to have 100 per cent of its debt linked to its Green Financing Framework or in a sustainability-linked format. “Taking actions to combat climate change is non-negotiable and going fully electric is an important step on our pioneering journey,” says Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars. “As we move to further reduce emissions throughout our value chain, we have a responsibility to do more and address our biodiversity footprint as well as help improve people’s lives. Our updated strategy has been designed to help us do just that.” Volvo Cars’ new sustainability ambitions for 2030 in short: Reduce its CO2 emissions per car by 75 per cent (compared to 2018 levels) Reduce energy usage in its operations per average car by 40 per cent (compared to 2018 levels) Reach 30 per cent average recycled content across its fleet, with new car models having at least 35 per cent recycled content Reduce water use in its operations by 50 per cent average per car (compared to 2018 levels) At least 99 per cent of all waste from its operations to be either reused or recycled Since the release of the sustainability strategy in 2019, Volvo Cars has made progress towards its climate action targets. For example, 69 per cent of company operations are now powered by climate-neutral energy compared with 55 per cent in 2019, and 100 per cent climate-neutral electricity is now used across its manufacturing plants globally compared with 80 per cent in 2019. Additionally, Volvo Cars has reduced its CO2 emissions per car by 19 per cent since 2018. Net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 Volvo Cars’ aim now is to reach zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. This expands upon our previous ambitions of being climate neutral by 2040, and clarifies the company’s intention to use carbon removals only to mitigate any unavoidable emissions. The company’s first priority remains to reduce real emissions before turning to carbon removals, and it encourages its suppliers to do the same. This will be underpinned by an ambition to achieve 100 per cent green debt or sustainability-linked financing of assets by 2025 – in recognition of the fact that finance plays a critical role in advancing sustainable development. 2030 is a milestone year for the company. By then it plans to be a fully electric car company while also aiming to reduce CO2 emissions per car by 75 per cent compared with its 2018 baseline. The company believes that through a combination of selling only fully electric cars and reducing emissions by 30 per cent from both its supply chain and operations, it will be on track to meet the CO2 reduction goals. Working towards becoming a circular business by 2040 At Volvo Cars, embracing the circular economy has been in focus since 2019. Recycled material already comprises a larger proportion of materials in newer Volvo cars than ever before. For example, nearly 25 per cent of all aluminium in the Volvo EX30 is recycled, while approximately 17 per cent of all steel and plastic in the car comes from recycled sources as well. Volvo Cars aims to use 30 per cent average recycled content across its fleet by 2030, and for new car models released from 2030 to contain at least 35 per cent recycled content. The company is also striving to ensure that by 2030, 99 per cent of all its waste is either reused or recycled compared with recycling 94 per cent of global production waste in 2022. Striving to be net positive and to contribute to a nature positive future Volvo Cars believes in taking a complete value chain approach to its impact on biodiversity. In addition to taking action to reduce impact, it will also pursue restorative actions. To uncover how Volvo Cars’ actions affect biodiversity, the company conducted an impact assessment using production and sales data from 2021 to estimate its annual biodiversity footprint using the ReCiPe model. Using the findings as a baseline, Volvo Cars is now setting a long-term ambition to strive to be net positive across its value chain and to contribute to a nature positive future. This will require a mixture of short-term and long-term measures that Volvo Cars is currently developing, such as avoiding and reducing the impacts of its value chain, designing a programme for restoration and conservation activities within ecosystems where it operates/sources from, and working together with supply chain partners to establish awareness on biodiversity issues. Help protect people’s lives within and beyond the value chain Volvo Cars wants to have a positive impact on society. The company has, for example, taken steps to help protect people by focusing on its injury rate (LTCR). The current injury rate (LTCR) is 0.07, an industry-leading effort, but the goal is to further reduce the workplace injury rate to 0.02 by 2030. Throughout its value chain, Volvo Cars is also working hard to help safeguard human rights through risk-based due diligence processes to trace, identify, assess and address human rights risks. Together with like-minded partners, Volvo Cars looks forward to unveiling new social and environmental initiatives in the year ahead, aimed towards helping protect people and the planet.

Nestlé Girvan has donated £1,327 to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), a vital life-saving charity. The donation was made to the RNLI Girvan Lifeboat Station, situated off the Southwest coast of Scotland, where the charity plays a crucial role in lifeboat search and rescue, lifeguard provision, water safety education, and flood rescue.   The Girvan factory team, responsible for supplying milk crumb to Nestlé’s confectionery factories in York and Halifax, engaged in various fundraising initiatives throughout the year, demonstrating their dedication to supporting the RNLI. They raised £1,052 by walking up Goat Fell, the highest point on the Isle of Arran. The team also raised an additional £275 through a Nestlé hamper and voucher raffle.  Operations Manager at the Girvan Factory, Fraser Haldane, wished to give thanks to the RNLI Girvan-based charity: “Nestlé is committed to being a force for good in our local community. We are thankful for the vital work of the RNLI and hope our donation supports their extraordinary efforts in ensuring the safety of our coastal areas."  John Tait, volunteer crew member and Treasurer at RNLI Girvan, said: “Once again we are grateful to Nestlé Girvan and their employees for selecting us as their chosen charity in 2023. Being associated with Nestlé, the world's largest food and beverage company, is an honour. Their ongoing local support has made a significant impact on local groups and charities, including our own. We thank you for your valuable contributions."

A new poll from international recruitment firm Robert Walters , launched to coincide with Blue Monday has found professionals in the UK & Ireland are increasingly feeling that their employers are falling short in providing help with workplace wellbeing. 55% of professionals think employers should be doing more to help with employee wellbeing – whilst over two-fifths of senior leaders feel their increased spending on wellness benefits is going by largely unnoticed. Key Findings: 55% professionals think employers should be doing more to preserve employee wellbeing 70% professionals now expect more from employers in this space 58% of managers feel employees are more outspoken than 3 years ago 41% of companies feel their efforts go unnoticed by staff 28% of professionals state that wellbeing has become a ‘top priority’ for them this year Day Of Awareness Blue Monday – typically the third Monday of the year – was coined by a psychologist back in 2004 – as the ‘most depressing day of the year’ where a combination of post-holiday blues, failed new year’s resolutions, mounting financial pressure, and cold weather, all snowball together. Given this day always falls on a working day, there has been mounting pressure on companies to recognise the mental health of their employees – whether it is work-related or not. Chris Poole, Managing Director of Robert Walters UK comments: “We are seeing that the onus has shifted in recent years, ‘it’s no longer what can I do for a company?’ – professionals are beginning to ask ‘how can my company help me?’” “The rise in awareness in terms of employee wellbeing has not only caused employees to become more outspoken in terms of their own expectations in the workplace – but also shifted the spotlight onto employers, increasing expectations around what the leaders of companies should be doing to help their employees." Whilst budgets may be tight, 2024 is evidently not the year to turn a blind eye to money being spent on employee wellbeing.” Efforts Go Unnoticed? According to research from WTW, over a third of companies (36%) at the beginning of the year were planning to double their current spend on employee wellbeing initiatives, despite a turbulent economy and concerns around inflation. In spite of this only 11% of professionals feel that workplace wellbeing has become a priority for their employers – according to a recent Robert Walters poll. In fact, an overwhelming two-fifths (41%) of employers stated that their employees barely noticed the new interventions they’ve introduced to boost employee wellness. Companies ‘Wellbeing Washing’ Pressure mounts as companies are increasingly being accused of ‘wellbeing washing’ – the act of outwardly showcasing support for wellbeing awareness and mental health causes (such as via social media posts or celebrating awareness days) whilst not actively working to improve the wellbeing of their own workforce all year-round. In fact, Claro Wellbeing found that despite 7 in 10 workplaces ‘celebrating’ mental health awareness days – less than half of these companies actually offer adequate mental health support. Employees Demanding Change A resounding 70% of professionals stated they now expect more (e.g. benefits, working culture, empathetic leadership & ESG contributions) from their employers compared to 18 months ago – with less than a fifth stating otherwise. Interestingly, when asked, over half (58%) of managers thought their employees had become more outspoken in the workplace over the last three years. Findings from the poll also revealed that almost two-fifths (39%) of managers feel that employees are becoming more vocal when it comes to getting their needs met – with a further quarter (26%) claiming that employees are actually taking matters into their own hands. When asked how employees were ‘taking matters into their own hands’ in order to manage their own wellbeing in relation to work, some of the most popular methods were: picking the days they are in-office (56%) setting their own work hours (24%) pushing back on workload (10%). Chris comments: “For professionals in an increasingly hybrid world, having autonomy in deciding the days they are in the office & setting their own work hours can help them avoid burnout – which right now, is enemy number one in terms of productivity and satisfaction levels." “Whilst we are definitely seeing more of a push to return to the office, caution must be taken as to whether this is a positive or negative move for employees mental health and work-life balance.” When asked, over a quarter of employees stated that wellbeing had become a priority for them over the past year – however, almost two-fifths noted not believing it had become one for their employers. Chris comments: “Upscaling wellbeing interventions can be as easy and inexpensive as flexible work arrangements, improving access to mental health resources, setting up mental health employee resource groups (ERGs), offering paid sabbaticals, or even adding plants or introducing more natural light into the workplace.”

The final national champions were crowned on the second day of the 2024 British National Cyclo-cross Championships to round off a sensational weekend of racing in Falkirk. In the veteran categories, Paul Oldham, Kate Eedy, Alison Kinlock and Nicola Davies took victories, while Milo Wills, Peggy Knox, Guy Rorke and Olivia Poole were crowned the youth winners on a bright but freezing day at Callendar Park. Youth A tense under-16 open race saw Milo Wills (GKR Racing) cling on to the national title after a late crash saw him lose 40 seconds. Wills was the quickest off the line, and clocked a blistering first lap to be 20 seconds up on the field. Jody Mills (Inspire Racing Adaston Scape) was chasing behind, but couldn’t get close to Wills. A gaining Noah White (Mid Shropshire Wheelers) overtook Mills to sit in the silver medal position in the third lap. Despite a crash in the final lap, which saw his handlebars snap, Wills was able to compose himself and still finish 40 seconds ahead of White, who put in a valiant effort ahead of Mills in third. Peggy Knox (VICIOUS VELO) continued to show her dominance from the National Trophy Series to take her second national title in the under-16 female race. Knox won with ease, going from the gun to stay in front the entire race. She was joined on the podium by Aelwen Davies (TORQ Performance) in silver and Freya Mowbray (Scotia Offroad Race Team) in bronze. Guy Rorke (Peebles CC) battled and Rhuairdh Fulton (West Lothian Clarion CC) early on in the under-14 open race, before storming to the win in the closing stages to be crowned the national champion by 45 seconds. Fulton and Rorke were neck-and-neck early on, tussling for the front position. A crash saw Fulton lose his momentum, and he was overtaken by Wilfred Pugh (One Life Racing Hexham). Pugh clung on to take the silver medal, while Fulton had to settle for bronze on the day after a brilliant effort. In the under-14 female race, Olivia Poole (Deeside Thistle CC) used the momentum from her National Trophy Series win to take the national crown. The Scottish rider rode with determination to take the victory, finishing just over 40 seconds ahead of second place Emma Knox (Verulam – reallymoving.com ). Eva Gibson (4T+ Cyclopark) finished in a comfortable third to round off the podium. Veterans Paul Oldham (Hope Tech Factory Racing) led from the off in the over-40 veteran open race, finishing 30 seconds ahead of a closing Lewis Craven (Wheelbase CabTech Castelli), while Adrian Lansley ( Pedalon.co.uk ) took the bronze after a fantastic ride. Kate Eedy (Team Empella) also demonstrated her dominance in the over-40 veteran female race, leading from the first lap to take an incredible solo win. Helen Jackson (Kendal Cycle Club) crossed the line second to secure her place on the podium, while Jennifer Andrews (Cycle Club Ashwell) came home in the bronze medal position. In the combined over-50 and 60 veteran female race, Alison Kinloch (Shibden Cycling Club) crossed the line first to take the title ahead of Reifen Racing’s Lucy Siddle, with the two working together throughout the race, and Kinloch just pinching the win in a sprint to the line. Helen Pattinson (Montezuma’s Race Team) finished third to round off the over-50 podium, while Nicola Davies ( www.cyclocrossrider.com ) took the over-60 title. Sally Reid (Magspeed Racing) and Elizabeth Clayton (RT23) claimed silver and bronze respectively after battling the cold conditions. Full Podium Results Veteran over-40 open Paul Oldham Lewis Craven Adrian Lansley Veteran Over-40 Female Kate Eedy Helen Jackson Jennifer Andrews Veteran Over-50 Female Alison Kinlock Lucy Siddle Helen Pattinson Veteran Over-60 Female Nicola Davies Sally Reid Elizabeth Clayton Under-16 Open Milo Wills Noah White Jody Mills Under-16 Female Peggy Knox Aelwen Davies Freya Mowbray Under-14 Open Guy Rorke Wilfred Pugh Rhuairdh Fulton Under-14 Female Olivia Poole Emma Knox Eva Gibson Photo Credit: SWPix

Global economic prospects remain subdued and fraught with uncertainty, according to the latest Chief Economists Outlook released by the World Economic Forum, as the global economy continues to grapple with headwinds from tight financial conditions, geopolitical rifts and rapid advances in generative artificial intelligence (AI). Key Findings: More than half (56%) of chief economists expect the global economy to weaken in 2024, with seven in 10 saying pace of geoeconomic fragmentation will accelerate, according to the latest Chief Economists Outlook. Two-thirds said industrial policies will create new growth hotspots, but majority warns of rising fiscal strains and divergence between higher- and lower-income economies. Generative AI is seen to increase productivity and innovation, with experts notably more optimistic about AI-enabled benefits for high-income economies. More than half of chief economists (56%) expect the global economy to weaken this year, while 43% foresee unchanged or stronger conditions. A strong majority also believe labour markets (77%) and financial conditions (70%) will loosen over the coming year. Although the expectations for high inflation have been pared back in all regions, regional growth outlooks vary widely and no region is slated for very strong growth in 2024. “The latest Chief Economists Outlook highlights the precarious nature of the current economic environment,” said Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director, World Economic Forum. “Amid accelerating divergence, the resilience of the global economy will continue to be tested in the year ahead. Though global inflation is easing, growth is stalling, financial conditions remain tight, global tensions are deepening and inequalities are rising – highlighting the urgent need for global cooperation to build momentum for sustainable, inclusive economic growth.” Regional Variations The outlook for South Asia and East Asia and Pacific remains positive and broadly unchanged compared to the last survey, with a strong majority (93% and 86% respectively) expecting at least moderate growth in 2024. China is an exception, with a smaller majority (69%) expecting moderate growth as weak consumption, lower industrial production and property market concerns weigh on the prospects of a stronger rebound. In Europe, the outlook has weakened significantly since the September 2023 survey, with the share of respondents expecting weak or very weak growth almost doubling to 77%. In the United States and the Middle East and North Africa, the outlook is weaker too, with about six in 10 respondents foreseeing moderate or stronger growth this year (down from 78% and 79% respectively). There is a notable uptick in growth expectations for Latin America and the Caribbean, sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia, although the views remain for broadly moderate growth. Geopolitical Rifts Compound Uncertainty About seven in 10 chief economists expect the pace of geoeconomic fragmentation to accelerate this year, with a majority saying geopolitics will stoke volatility in the global economy (87%) and stock markets (80%), increase localization (86%), strengthen geoeconomic blocs (80%) and widen the North-South divide (57%) in the next three years. As governments increasingly experiment with industrial policy tools, experts are nearly unanimous in expecting these policies to remain largely uncoordinated between countries. While two-thirds of chief economists expect industrial policies to enable the emergence of new economic growth hotspots and vital new industries, a majority also warn of rising fiscal strains (79%) and divergence between higher- and lower-income economies (66%). AI Takes The Spotlight Chief economists expect AI-enabled benefits to vary widely across income groups, with notably more optimistic views about the effects in high-income economies. A strong majority said generative AI will increase efficiency of output production (79%) and innovation (74%) in high-income economies this year. Looking at the next five years, 94% expect these productivity benefits to become economically significant in high-income economies, compared to only 53% for low-income economies. Almost three-quarters (73%) do not foresee net-positive impact on employment in low-income economies and 47% said the same for high-income economies. The views are somewhat more divided on the likelihood of generative AI to increase standards of living and to lead to a decline in trust, with both being slightly more likely in high-income markets. About The Chief Economists Outlook Report The Chief Economist Outlook builds on the latest policy development research as well as consultations and surveys with leading chief economists from both the public and private sectors, organized by the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the New Economy and Society. It aims to summarize the emerging contours of the current economic environment and identify priorities for further action by policy-makers and business leaders in response to the compounding shocks to the global economy. The survey featured in this briefing was conducted in November-December 2023.

The past few years have been a veritable rollercoaster ride for HR leaders, marked by redundancies, a paradigm shift in traditional working models, and economic volatility. Looking ahead to 2024 promises further changes and challenges, while some trends from the previous year remain relevant. Last year, employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, diversity, equality, and inclusion were at the top of organisations’ priority lists. Organisations had to learn to adapt and respond flexibly to the changing HR landscape. A look into the future shows that many of these trends will continue to play a key role and even evolve. Digital staffing platform Coople have published a list of 6 HR trends that businesses should be aware of in the coming year, based on their own expert knowledge, statistical research, and changes to employment law. Gen AI – Integration Of Artificial Intelligence In The Workplace It will hardly surprise anyone to hear that artificial intelligence has become one of the biggest trends in HR. Generative AI, such as ChatGPT and similar technologies, are changing the way we manage talents and organise workplace dynamics. According to a Gartner survey, 76% of HR leaders believe their organisation will fall behind in the next 12 to 24 months if they don’t implement AI solutions. From recruitment to staff development to employee productivity, HR professionals can optimise many processes with the help of AI. At the same time, a balance needs to be achieved between efficiency and a human touch. Upskilling, Reskilling, And Professional Training For Employees In 2024, HR teams will need to identify the skills required for their organisations to thrive in an era where technology and AI are becoming more powerful. This requires an understanding of the effect of transformative technologies on existing roles, as well as knowing what will help employees work together with AI. 89% of HR leaders believe that career paths in their organisations are unclear for most employees. This uncertainty is only increased by the additional challenge of rising turnover rates in an already competitive labour market. In a rapidly changing labour market and an increasingly complex business world, it is important to continually update and expand employees’ skills and knowledge. Offering or supporting further training also helps to increase the attractiveness of the company as an employer and strengthen employee loyalty. Temporary work can be a useful way for employees to build on and continue to develop their existing skills by taking on flexible placements in different workplaces, improving their employability with each new experience. Focus On Generations: The Challenges Of The Older Generation Over the past year, the UK employment rate for people between 50 and 64 has begun to increase, after dropping from 2019’s record high of 72.5% down to 70.7% in 2022 during the Covid pandemic. It is now back up to 71.3% and could continue to increase. The expertise of older workers is in demand, and thanks to targeted training programmes such as the government’s ‘returnerships’ scheme, more of these skilled workers are either back in previous sectors, or entering new roles. At the same time, Generation Z is increasingly stepping into the spotlight, while millennials are stepping up into management positions. This represents an exciting challenge when it comes to balancing the needs and circumstances of both groups of employees in terms of corporate culture and working life. Flexible Working Models Managing the opportunities and challenges associated with flexible working models will be a focus for HR professionals, particularly in large organisations with geographically distributed employees. More and more organisations are offering their employees flexible working hours, remote working, and other forms of flexibility. This has many benefits, such as a better work-life balance for employees, increased motivation and productivity, and the ability to attract talents from all over the world. Flexibility is also seen as an important factor in the attractiveness of an employer and can be an advantage in the competition for skilled labour. For an increasing number of employees, flexibility is a must-have, as it enables them to manage their time and resources in a way that suits them as well as organising which and how many projects they are working on during their day. Returning To The Office Forcing employees back into the office doesn’t work, as the figures show. When trying to encourage employees to return to the office, HR professionals need to ensure that the benefits of working in the office are clear. It’s about creating opportunities for collaborative productivity, professional development and networking that can’t always be replicated 1:1 from home. More Salary Transparency Fair pay is an important part of the employee experience. The EU directive on pay transparency, which came into effect last year, is very likely to influence many UK companies as part of a wider global trend towards greater transparency, although they will not be legally bound by the new directive. The UK government introduced a pay transparency pilot scheme in 2022 which aimed to close the gender pay gap, which the EU directive also addresses. Participating employers in the UK government’s pilot scheme agree to list the salary in the job description, as well as to stop asking applicants’ previous salary at the interview stage. Thanks to the New Work movement, employees are increasingly becoming the focus of companies. The topics of work-life balance, workations, and workplace wellbeing are gaining in importance. Diversity also remains a key factor for employers to attract talent, as well as branding themselves as employers who value diversity. Equality and inclusion are crucial to promoting diversity and require a high degree of sensitivity and soft skills from HR managers. In 2024, HR leaders will need to understand these trends, manage them effectively, and ensure a balance between innovative technology and human qualities. This is the only way they can successfully meet the challenges of the constantly changing world of work.

Sainsbury’s has today launched Smart Charge, a brand-new, dedicated EV charging business that will give drivers access to ultra-rapid EV charging points across its stores. This bold move illustrates the retailer’s commitment to the EV industry while providing an exciting new service for drivers. In new research commissioned by Sainsbury’s, 80% of EV users admitted to avoiding long journeys because of not wanting to charge at public EV charging stations, describing the main frustrations as chargers being broken (40%), not enough charging bays (36%) and speed of service (33%). Designed to mitigate these frustrations, Smart Charge will initially feature over 750 cutting-edge ultra-rapid charging bays rolled out across more than 100 stores by the end of 2024, putting Sainsbury’s in the top five providers of ultra-rapid charging in the UK. Ultra-rapid is the fastest type of EV charging currently available on the market but a third (32%) of EV drivers surveyed said they have yet to benefit from using it. Designed to be extremely speedy, reliable and easy to use, Sainsbury’s 150kW Smart Charge bays allow users to fully charge their vehicle in as little as 30 minutes, providing enough power to travel up to 200 miles. Many of the chargers can also charge even faster if a driver’s vehicle battery can accept higher charger speeds, up to 300kW. Smart Charge also offers the perfect solution to the one third (32%) of EV drivers who expressed frustrations at having to wait with nothing to do at public chargers. With Smart Charge, customers can make the most of both the speedy service and the option to pop into a Sainsbury’s store to pick up some groceries or grab a coffee while they wait. While 74% of EV users currently use multiple EV charging brands, a huge 94% said they would prefer to use just one trusted and reliable brand. When asked why, the top reasons included reliability (63%), convenience when planning long trips (54%) and awareness of cost upfront (53%). Recognising the desire for a trusted EV charging brand in the UK and the benefits for customers of being able to charge their vehicles while doing their shopping, Sainsbury’s believes the convenience, speed and reliability of Smart Charge will represent a game changer for EV users. Already available at more than 20 Sainsbury’s stores, Smart Charge offers spacious, accessible bays open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year which are compatible with fully electric vehicles. New charging hubs will be added to the Smart Charge network throughout the UK regularly, with service information and new openings published on www.smartcharge.co.uk . Patrick Dunne, Sainsbury’s Director of Property, Procurement & EV Ventures, said: “As EV ownership continues to grow, it’s shocking to see that an incredible three quarters of EV drivers still suffer range anxiety and many have avoided journeys as a result." “With our new network of easy-to-use and reliable charging points conveniently located in our supermarkets, Smart Charge will make a real difference to EV drivers in the UK. As one of the few providers to be focusing exclusively on cutting-edge ultra-rapid 150kW+chargers, customers can be in and out in as little as half an hour and avoid waiting longer with less powerful alternatives. What’s more, they can even grab a coffee or pick up some groceries while they’re there." “We’re committed to helping to reduce carbon emissions and offering a national EV charging service forms part of this pledge. Our new charging points are powered by the same 100% renewable electricity that powers the rest of our estate." Anthony Browne, Minister for Technology and Decarbonisation, said: “Businesses play a crucial role in the delivery of EV infrastructure, so it’s great to see Sainsbury’s embracing ultra-rapid technology which will benefit EV drivers." “Together with industry we’ve supported the installation of over 52,600 chargepoints across the UK, an increase of 44% from last year.” Smart Charge is the first and only EV charging business to be fully owned and managed end-to-end by a UK supermarket. As of today, Smart Charge is available at around 200 ultra-rapid charging bays at just over 20 Sainsbury’s locations. The state-of-the-art charging technology and equipment is provided by Kempower. The service is intended to help advance the uptake of electric vehicles in the country, supporting the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy. The launch represents another step in Sainsbury’s ambitious commitment to achieving Net Zero across its value chain by 2050.