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Fill/ Refill, a Northamptonshire family-run manufacturer has received over £600k of financing from Metro Bank to help it achieve its aspirations to be the most responsible closed-loop maker and supplier in the UK. The pioneering, independent business formulates, designs and creates a range of eco-friendly body, hair, laundry & household cleaning products in returnable and refillable screen-printed glass bottles and bulk containers. They supply an impressive network of independent zero waste and refill stores around the UK and their products can also be found on rinse and return via the popular Milk & More platform. All Fill/Refill products are registered with the Vegan Trademark and Cruelty Free approved by Leaping Bunny. It is also a certified B corporation and members of 1% For The Planet, donating 1% of turnover to environmental causes. The deal with Metro Bank is made up of a £600k invoice finance facility, a 50k overdraft and business credit cards. Phillip Kalli, Founder at Fill/Refill commented: “When we were looking for a bank, it was really important for us to find a team of people who could not only help us out with everything we might need as a business customer but also shared our commitment to the environment. We’re a manufacturer with a pretty unusual model and we wanted the option of invoice financing, alongside regular business banking facilities. Metro Bank were able to support all our idiosyncratic requests." "Most of all, we were looking for people that believed in what we are doing, with people who listened to our story and got as excited about what we do as we are!” Tom Kitching, Business Development Director at Metro Bank commented: “We love getting out to meet our customers and learning about what makes them and their business tick. By removing the headache of cashflow constraints, which can distract any business owner, we’ve let them focus on what they love, safe in the knowledge that their business banking needs are in safe hands. Fill/ Refill’s passion and enthusiasm for protecting the environment is inspiring and we’re delighted to support them on their mission.”

In the last year, almost half (42%) of parents and grandparents aged 55 and over have assisted younger family members with childcare. Those who have provided childcare spend the equivalent of a long workday (almost 9 hours) childminding per week. Parents and grandparents – the ‘Bank of Family’ – are offering childcare support to family members that is equal to around £38 billion per year, according to research from Legal & General and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr). Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that in 50% of working families both parents are employed full-time, and many are calling on their wider family for help. Almost half (42%) of parents and grandparents aged 55 and over have assisted their family by providing unpaid childcare in the past year. Those who have helped spent almost 9 hours a week on average helping to look after children or grandchildren. The value of this childcare is around £5,400 per year. It is just one of many forms of ‘soft support’ that the Bank of Family provide in addition to financial gifts. Legal & General’s research found that over a third (31.1%) of parents and grandparents welcomed adult children back home to help them save a deposit for their own home, avoiding an estimated £24,900 in outgoings. Legal & General has launched several Bank of Family resources to help parents and grandparents make informed decisions about the financial support they offer their children. Bernie Hickman, CEO, Legal & General Retail: “People assume that the Bank of Family is just about financial support. But as our research reveals, people depend on their parents and sometimes wider family for many things – including the gift of time. The recent childcare reforms to help families are a step in the right direction, but many people depend on their parents so they can continue to work." “For parents and grandparents providing support, managing these responsibilities while also navigating retirement, or the approach to retirement, can be a challenge. With the increased financial pressures of the cost-of-living crisis, it’s important those providing support take a considered approach and make sure it feels manageable.”

London Gatwick becomes first international airport to open dedicated electric vehicle charging station - Electric Forecourt® London Gatwick has become the first international airport to open an Electric Forecourt® a dedicated electric vehicle (EV) charging station, with the new GRIDSERVE facility available for all to use. The brand-new site has 30 high-power and low-power electric vehicle chargers available via contactless payment - ideal for passengers, staff, local residents, commuters, or business fleets - alongside high-speed Wi-Fi, a lounge area, Costa Coffee, Little Fresh convenience store and an interactive EV experience area. All charging bays are powered by 100% net zero energy, with the fastest chargers capable of adding up to 100 miles of range in 10 minutes. Visitors can also speak to a GRIDSERVE EV Guru to gain advice on which EV may best suit their needs, and take the opportunity to test drive an EV. Bronwen Jones, Development Director, London Gatwick said: “We are proud to be the first international airport to open a GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt®. The charging station has been placed in a strategic location and will be available to millions of passengers, commuters, staff, residents and businesses that pass through the area each year. “We are making sustainability part of everything we do here at London Gatwick and we are committed to creating a low-carbon economy by providing new infrastructure that everyone can use, so together we can reduce emissions. As we invest in our long-term, future growth additions such as GRIDSERVE are vital to London Gatwick’s ecosystem.” Toddington Harper, CEO, GRIDSERVE said: “As we launch our third Electric Forecourt® at London Gatwick, we mark a significant milestone in the evolution of sustainable transportation. We are excited to open our first charging facility at an international airport and help London Gatwick on its journey to net zero." “Our purpose at GRIDSERVE is to deliver sustainable energy on the scale needed to move the needle on climate change. By creating a destination where people can not only charge but learn more about EVs, we can give drivers the confidence to switch to electric. We look forward to welcoming current and potential EV drivers to our new London Gatwick Electric Forecourt®.” The Electric Forecourt® is located on the Ring Road South approach to London Gatwick’s South Terminal. The building is open every day from 4:30am to 10:00pm, with chargers available 24/7 year-round. The new GRIDSERVE facility follows the opening of London Gatwick’s new-look train station in November, doubling the concourse space, widening platforms and adding new lifts and escalators. These projects, alongside the airport helping to fund new hydrogen buses on the local Metrobus network and investing in doubling the Gatwick-Reading train service, contribute towards London Gatwick’s ambition for 60% of journeys to and from the airport to be zero or ultra-low emissions, by 2030. London Gatwick has recently achieved Level 4+ ‘Transition’ of the Airport Carbon Accreditation scheme - the only institutionally-endorsed, global carbon management certification programme for airports. Earlier this year, London Gatwick accelerated its commitment to be net zero for its own Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2030, 10 years ahead of its previous commitment. This ambition is in line with all other airports operated by VINCI Airports in Europe.

Scotland international Chloe Rollie returns to the Loughborough Lightning starting line-up for this weekend’s Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby trip to face Harlequins. The 28-year-old missed out on the trip to Gloucester-Hartpury due to injury but will feature at fullback in Saturday’s encounter at Twickenham Stoop (kick-off: 2pm). Rollie takes the place of fellow Scot Helen Nelson in the squad as the fly-half misses out due to injury. A reshuffle in the backs division sees Red Roses ace Helena Rowland switch from outside centre to wear the number ten shirt for the second time this season. Rowland’s place in the midfield is filled by Bulou Mataitoga, who carried for the second-most metres gained (174) in the league last weekend from fullback. She is joined in the centres by Carmela Morrall. The 19-year-old is one of six Lightning players to have started every league game this season and will extend that record at the Stoop on Saturday along with Christine Belisle, Emma Wassell, Megan Davey, Georgina Tasker, and Rachel Malcolm. Left winger and vice-captain Tasker stretches her record as being the only Lightning player to start every Allianz Cup and PWR match this season as she makes the XV for an eleventh time. Bo Westcombe-Evans, fresh from registering her sixth try in nine games this term at Gloucester-Hartpury, wears the number 14 shirt. The forwards remain unchanged with Catherine Wells, who made her Lightening debut in Round 7, going from the start at loosehead prop. Hooker Kathryn Treder starts for a fourth successive game hoping to add the three tries scored across that period. Tighthead prop Belisle completes the front row. Wassell packs down in the second row alongside last weekend’s two-try star, Catherine O’Donnell. Sadia Kabeya, whose 17 tackles at the Hartpury University Stadium moved her clear at the top of the league’s average tackles made per match (20.7), features at openside flanker in the back row with captain Malcolm and Daisy Hibbert-Jones at number eight. Among the replacements there is one change as fly-half Lia Green features for the first time since Round 1, as head coach Nathan Smith opts for a split of five forwards and three backs to face Harlequins. “This is a big block of fixtures for us where we will be looking to continue with the progress we have made in recent weeks and build on that momentum,” Smith said. “The energy in the camp remains positive and competition for places is fierce. Everyone is looking forward to the challenge ahead this weekend.”

As we enter the new year, a natural time for reflection is approaching – and many business owners may start giving serious thought to what the future holds for their company. Many owners will have reached the point where they are considering the direction in which their business is headed. Some may choose to put themselves and their family first and enjoy the fruits of their hard work through the years. Simon Daniels, Sales Director at KBS Corporate says “If you think the timing feels right to look beyond the responsibilities and pressure of running your own business, it is eminently achievable – with the right adviser alongside you – to complete an exit that fulfils all your personal objectives.” The first thing anyone should do when they have decided to sell their business is to prepare as thoroughly as possible for what can be a complex process. Check out their 10-point guide to make sure every aspect of your company is in ideal shape to maximise value and deliver exactly the outcome you are looking for. Know Your Goals Before embarking on the practical tasks, take all the time you need to realise what you really want from the sale. Is it definitely time to step away from the business completely and put your feet up? Or would you prefer an investor to work in conjunction with and grow your company further? Identify Any Potential Dealbreakers Another boundary to set at the earliest possible stage is any trigger for a red flag from your side during negotiations. Acquirers will inevitably have their own ideas about the structure of any deal they enter into – if you communicate from the get-go what would constitute a dealbreaker, a transparent and potentially smoother process is assured. Make Sure The Timing Is Right When you feel ready to make the big step of selling your business, or even if you are still weighing up whether to take the plunge, knowing the right time to test the water is particularly important. Understand What Your Business Is Worth A business valuation is influenced in several ways, from physical assets through to factors such as goodwill which are more difficult to quantify. Pitching at the right level is highly important – you want the blood, sweat and tears you have invested to be suitably rewarded, but should not price yourself out of the market. Enhance The Value Of Your Business Even if you have a figure in mind, there are still ways to increase the company’s attractiveness to acquirers – and potentially spark a bidding war. Minimise or pay off any debts, confirm all contractual and legislative requirements have been met, ensure the right staff are in the right roles and spruce up any premises ahead of visual inspections. Get Your Finances In Order Clarifying the exact financial position of your business will ensure you are firmly on the right track for the scrutiny a buyer will undertake in the form of due diligence. Identify regular revenue streams and opportunities for growth, ideally by way of a professional report which illustrates financial projections over the next few years. Decide The Best Marketing Approach Yours is unlikely to be the only business of its type on the market. What makes it stand out from the rest? Think through the unique selling points your company can offer, for example an exclusive service or product range or a continuous relationship with a prestigious customer or supplier. Keep It On The Downlow It is critically important that a business sale remains confidential until the correct time arrives for it to be revealed. If the news was leaked, staff would worry about their futures, rival companies may try to poach them, customers could go elsewhere and suppliers may question whether their contracts would be honoured. A Non-Disclosure Agreement signed by potential acquirers is the best way of ensuring complete discretion and protecting your company and its data. Understand The Tax Situation When selling a business, the biggest outlay can often be tax. If you sell your business for a profit, you will have to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on any proceeds above your tax-free allowance - although this can be mitigated by applying for Business Asset Disposal Relief to reduce your tax burden if you have owned the business for two years. Having the right tax adviser in your corner, with all the knowledge at hand to answer your questions and who can also conduct a full pre-sale review for you, is a huge advantage. Choose The Best Business Sales Expert Remember, you do not have to go it alone with a business sale. Expert guidance on everything we have covered above is readily available when you join forces with a leading adviser. An experienced business sales specialist who has built up a trusted reputation over time will have the required knowledge and breadth of contacts to source a wide range of potential acquirers and maximise the value of your company.

Science has always been at the forefront of innovation and progress, and the United Kingdom continues to provide a fertile ground for individuals seeking dynamic and rewarding career opportunities in this field. In today's rapidly evolving world, science-based careers in the UK are more promising than ever. This feature delves into the exciting career prospects, sectors, and initiatives that make the UK a hub for scientific talent. Diverse Range of Disciplines : One of the key strengths of pursuing a scientific career in the UK is the immense diversity of disciplines available. From traditional fields like physics, chemistry, and biology to emerging areas such as data science, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy, there's something for everyone. The ability to choose a field that aligns with your passion and interest is a fundamental advantage. Thriving Research Ecosystem : The UK boasts a rich history of scientific discovery, with world-renowned universities and research institutions. These institutions offer exceptional resources, cutting-edge facilities, and opportunities for both fundamental and applied research. Researchers in the UK have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and collaborative environments that foster innovation. Attractive Funding Opportunities : Funding is often a crucial factor for scientists, and the UK offers numerous grants and scholarships to support research and development. Organisations like UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Wellcome Trust provide substantial financial support to scientists at various career stages. These resources make it easier for scientists to pursue their work and make meaningful contributions to their respective fields. Thriving Biotech and Pharmaceutical Industry : The UK has a robust biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector, providing career opportunities in drug development, clinical research, and biomanufacturing. With a growing focus on healthcare and life sciences, professionals in these sectors are in high demand. Moreover, the recent development of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments underscores the UK's role in global health advancements. Tech and Artificial Intelligence Boom : In recent years, the tech and AI sectors in the UK have experienced exponential growth. London, in particular, has emerged as a tech hub, offering lucrative opportunities in machine learning, computer science, and data analysis. Tech companies, startups, and established giants alike are continually seeking scientific talent to drive innovation. Renewable Energy and Sustainability : The UK's commitment to sustainability and combatting climate change has opened up significant career prospects in renewable energy and environmental sciences. The country's transition to cleaner energy sources, such as wind and solar, has created opportunities in research, engineering, and policy development for a sustainable future. Government Initiatives and Policies : The UK government actively supports scientific research and innovation through various initiatives, such as the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund and the Clean Growth Strategy. These programmes aim to drive economic growth and create jobs in science and technology sectors. Global Collaboration : The UK's international collaboration in scientific endeavors is unparalleled. Being part of global research networks and partnerships allows scientists in the UK to work on groundbreaking projects and have a worldwide impact. The United Kingdom remains an ideal destination for those seeking exciting and diverse career opportunities in science. With a thriving research ecosystem, generous funding options, and a range of fields to choose from, scientists can make a significant impact and contribute to global advancements. As the world continues to evolve, science in the UK is well-positioned to lead the way in innovation and discovery.

Insolvency-related activity has increased marginally in the South East after three months of decreases, says R3, the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body. Latest figures showed a slight rise in insolvency-related activities from 202 in November to 225 in December – these include administrator and liquidator appointments together with creditors’ meetings. This figure is also marginally down on the figure of 235 in December 2022. R3 has warned that current economic pressures remain a big challenge for businesses, following its analysis of data about insolvencies and start-ups supplied by business intelligence provider Creditsafe. Its findings also revealed the number of firms in liquidation which owed money to their creditors in the South East has dropped for the second month running, from 284 in November to 235 in December. The South East figure for insolvency-related activities remains the sixth highest for any part of the UK, behind Greater London, which has 539, the North West, 377, East Anglia, 326, Yorkshire & Humberside, 248 and the West Midlands, 239. Nationally, a total of 2,522 companies became insolvent in December 2023, down 7% on the previous month (November 2023). The total number of insolvencies decreased by 1% compared to December 2022, says Creditsafe. Neil Stewart, chairman of R3’s Southern and Thames Valley region, said: “The regional picture remains uneven with December’s rise in insolvency-related activities suggesting that some beleaguered business owners may have ceased trading as the year drew to a close." “Although some supermarkets experienced exceptional results in the run up to Christmas, with discounters Aldi and Lidl enjoying spectacular sales levels, the same cannot be said for all sectors and we anticipate further insolvency activity in January for businesses whose poor festive trading may have been the last straw." “We continue to see a reduction in energy costs and an ongoing fall in inflation – down to 3.9% in the latest figures – which is positive news, albeit that inflation is still substantially above the Government’s 2% target and global energy prices remain volatile." “The near future is looking rosier for this region than some other parts of the country but rising costs, cautious spending, creditor pressure and wage demands still seem likely to hold back growth overall.” Neil, a Regional Associate Director at insolvency litigation financing company Manolete Partners, added that the Creditsafe figures for December demonstrated continuing unpredictability and that more companies would need to seek professional help. He said: “Businesses across the South and Thames Valley would be wise to remain alert and engage expert help, guidance and support at the first sign of business distress. Without decisive action, circumstances can quickly become irrevocable and some kind of insolvency procedure can become unavoidable." “Therefore, decision makers and business leaders need to keep a lookout for warning signs because the earlier issues are addressed, the more options are available for a better outcome.” “These warning signs include maxed-out borrowing, cash flow problems, supply difficulties, late wages, delays in paying suppliers and HMRC chasing tax payments. Experienced, accomplished and skilled help is available – make sure you use it before it is too late.” The latest Creditsafe data shows a slight, increase in the number of companies with invoices that had gone past their payment deadline from 57,174 in November to 57,208 in December. The 12-month high remains 60,831 in February. Meanwhile, the number of late payments made by companies owing money was down from 481,272 in November to 473,328 in December. The number of start-ups in the South East was down from November’s 6,270 to 4,743 in December, which is traditionally the quietest month for such activity. The 12-month high remains 6,948 in March. Creditsafe is a multinational business intelligence provider with services including company credit scores and credit report information. R3’s Southern & Thames Valley region includes Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Dorset, Wiltshire and Berkshire.

Medical practices are among tens of thousands of businesses in the UK which have wasted time on a now-obsolete way of calculating holiday pay entitlement. Firms must revert to a former calculation from this April for part-time or irregular hours workers, scrapping the current ‘calendar method’ they had only just implemented last year [2023]. H-J Dobbie, head of HR Consultancy of UK Top 10 accountancy firm Azets, said: "There was uproar in medical practices at a briefing seminar for them by us – all of them had switched to the calendar week method." “Now, following a U-turn in employment regulations, they must revert to what they preferred using before – a calculation whereby holiday entitlement accrues at 12.07% of hours worked in each pay period.” New provisions in The Employment Rights (Amendment, Revocation and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2023 means a reversion to the system that holiday entitlement accrues at 12.07% of hours worked in each pay period. This followed Government consultation after a Supreme Court decision in 2022 which turned holiday entitlement calculations on their head and left businesses reeling from the consequences. The outcome of the Harpur v Brazel case in July 2022 led to a sea change in the correct way to apply the regulations from the previous method of calculating holiday pay based on 12.07% of salary (‘the 12.07% method’), which was accepted as standard, to the so-called ‘calendar week method’. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) launched a consultation seeking views on proposals to pro-rata holiday entitlement for part-year and irregular hours workers based on the annual hours they work. Proposals at the time leaned towards the holiday entitlement calculation returning to the 12.07% formula, albeit with some changes, which led to common belief that the law had created unintended anomalies in need of rectification and simplification. H-J said: “Companies that changed to the new system will have wasted hundreds of hours getting to grips with the calendar week method, which proved to be a ridiculous scenario and a really big headache for payroll teams." “Ultimately, it is good news as the new rules are clear and fair, but not great for those businesses that made a change and have now got to change again. Companies who changed system are absolutely exasperated at this complete U-turn." “Payroll software was unable to cope with the calendar week system and thankfully, because of the uncertainty and the fact it was out for consultation so soon after that court case ruling, I don’t think anybody invested the time or the money in actually developing new software." “It would be interesting to find out how many companies made that switch and now will have to switch back – how much it will cost in terms of systems and human hours, and whether there will be any chance of recompense." “It is coming in, subject to Parliamentary approval, for holiday years from 1 April 2024 so theoretically anybody’s holiday year that starts in January won’t be hit until 2025. The other good news is that rolled up holiday pay will be deemed allowable again for those that want to be paid for any accrued holiday rather than take it, as long as the holiday pay is shown separately on the payslip." “It removes the farcical situation where people had to be given a shift they wouldn’t in any case work just to book time off and be paid for holiday supposedly requested and taken.” The Harpur v Brazel case involved a visiting music teacher employed by the Harpur Trust at Bedford Girls’ School who took the trust to an employment tribunal on a deduction from wages claim over her holiday pay and the case ended up at the Supreme Court. The court ruled in her favour and held that the 12.07% method meant that if Ms Brazel worked fewer hours in any term her accrued holiday would amount to less than 5.6 weeks a year, which was a breach of the Working Time Regulations 1998 (WTR). The court judged that every worker, including part-year workers, should receive at least 5.6 weeks’ paid holiday for each year they remain engaged on a permanent contract, and this should be calculated on the calendar week method, not on a percentage of the hours worked. H-J added: “I think most companies will be as keen as possible to get back to the 12.07% method because it is so much simpler to calculate, although it should be noted that the 52-week rule for average pay calculations is not changing." “In terms of human hours, if you know that your employees worked 100 hours over the last month, 12.07% of that is a very easy calculation, round it up to the nearest hour and there is their holiday entitlement. Otherwise, you have to go all the way back, calculating average weekly hours over 52 weeks – and that was only weeks when work was carried out – so you potentially go back further, possibly up to 104 weeks.” The calendar week system caused controversy when it was introduced, not least because of situations such as the example of one permanent employee at a school who worked three weeks a year (as an exam invigilator) but who was still entitled to 5.6 weeks’ holiday pay – around double her salary in holiday pay. The HR Consultancy at Azets, the UK’s specialist business advisor to SMEs, was swamped by queries from concerned businesses worried about whether to switch systems. H-J’s pragmatic advice then was for companies to sit tight on the 12.07% method - if they accepted the small risk of this being challenge - and see what developed after the consultation. This proved to be correct.

Wellbeing encompasses a state of being healthy, happy, and comfortable, both physically and mentally, and is fundamentally important for both leisure and business travellers alike. Often, UK hotels are well-equipped with gyms, swimming pools and spa areas, complete with hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and healthy food options. However, the pursuit of well-being during travel extends beyond hotels alone. Over recent years, there has been a notable shift towards prioritising considerations for health and wellbeing and recognising the impact of airport experiences on overall journey experiences. To shed light on this matter, this study by Good Travel Management delves into the available facilities and healthy food options across all twenty-four domestic airports in the United Kingdom to reveal the best UK airports for wellbeing facilities. To accomplish this, Good Travel Management identified all the UK domestic airports and the latest available data for ten data points, including lounges, private resting and shower facilities, quiet zones, business buildings or areas, spas, and other services such as beauticians or hairdressers, their own meet and greet carparking services, fast track, if healthy food options are available and average review scores from both TripAdvisor and Google Reviews have been covered to provide a comprehensive tick chart and overall score out of five. The Best UK Airports for Wellbeing Facilities In top position is London Heathrow Airport with an overall score of 4.1/5. Although in ninth place for average review score (3.15/5), London Heathrow has ten lounges, eight of which have shower facilities which can provide a great way to refresh during flight layover periods. Heathrow Airport also has multiple quiet zones, a Be Relax Spa offering massages, nail care and beauty services, Bradley Smith Hair Express Bar and Regus Express Business Lounge, offering a relaxed atmosphere, dedicated to work. When it comes to healthy food options to keep you fuelled for your journey, London Heathrow has Pret A Manger in all four terminals, offering salad and protein pot options. For fresh seafood connoisseurs, Caviar House and Prunier Seafood Bar can also be found in all four terminals. Other options in various terminals include Leon, Wondertree, Yo Sushi, Wagamama, Giraffe and Itsu. When it comes to health and wellbeing, London Heathrow really has something for every wellbeing need. Birmingham Airport’s commitment to providing a range of amenities and services caters to the diverse needs of travellers. With a score of 3.2/5, this airport holds second place, and its facilities accommodate travellers looking for a place to relax in one of their three lounges across two terminals, those that are seeking an efficient and hassle-free security clearance with the fast track option, meet and greet services or healthy food options including salad and protein pots from Pret A Manager and Giraffe’s bowls for the soul, this airport ensures a satisfying travel experience for its passengers, this airport has you covered. Newcastle Airport secures the third spot with an overall score of 3/5. Setting it apart from other UK airports in a particularly distinctive feature – the Private SnoozePods in their Aspire Plus Lounge. These exclusive SnoozePods offer a one-of-a-kind experience, providing travellers with a choice of single or dual occupancy, and within each pod, a Smart TV with on-demand services is available for ultimate relaxation and entertainment. London Gatwick Airport takes fourth position with a score of 2.6/5 and an average review rating of 2.7/5. While it offers half the number of lounges compared to London Heathrow, the airport does not fall short in providing two quiet zones where travellers can find solace and unwind. Additionally, visitors can indulge in the AeroSpa. Considering the immense yearly football, it was hardly surprising to find both the main London airports securing a place in the top five rankings. London City Airport secures the fifth position with a score of 2.5/5, while boasting a commendable average review rating of 3.35/5. Despite having fewer facilities and just one terminal compared to its neighbouring airports, it has still managed to impress travellers, earning its spot in the top five rankings based on customer experiences. Notably, the airport offers an AeroSpa, fast track, and meet and greet services to enhance the overall travel experience. For health-conscious travellers, London City Airport doesn’t disappoint, as its single terminal provides three excellent food options. One can relish a variety of salad and protein pots at Pret A Manger, enjoy the nutritious offerings of Soul and Grain, featuring salad, snacks, and breakfast pots, and savour a good selection of healthy choices for both breakfast and the day’s menu at the Cabin Bar. Despite its relatively smaller size, this airport ensures that travellers have access to quality services and appetizing healthy food choices, earning its place among the top-ranked airports. The wide variety of facilities available in UK airports is positive to see, especially with well-being a crucial factor to a positive airport and travel experience. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, airports will likely further embrace and prioritise health and wellbeing considerations to enhance their passengers’ travel experiences. This shift in focus is a response to the growing awareness of the importance of mental and physical health, both in everyday life and during the travel experience. Rather than merely being hubs for transportation, airports are transforming into holistic spaces that cater to the well-being of their passengers.

After a long and successful career in the construction industry, and with more than 20 years at the helm of Clegg Construction as managing director, Simon Blackburn has announced his retirement. Michael Sims has stepped up to become MD from his previous role as commercial director, with Darren Chapman and Ross Crowcroft continuing in their roles as operations director and pre-construction director respectively. The change in leadership comes as Clegg Construction has secured its strongest carry-forward order book, with more than £82m secured turnover for 2024. Simon, who joined Clegg Construction in 2002, before becoming MD two years later, will remain as a group director until the end of May 2024 in support of the new generation of leadership which will take the business forward into 2024 and beyond. “Over the last 20 years I’ve been extremely proud to lead a business that has delivered in excess of 7,000 student beds, 1,500 apartments, 1,000 care home beds, 750 hotel bedrooms and more than one million square feet of industrial schemes,” he said. “Projects have included new builds, refurbishments, re-cladding & extensions, providing education facilities for primary, secondary, further, higher and vocational training, advanced manufacturing centres, research and development labs, offices, distribution, storage, libraries, leisure facilities, hotels, residential developments, community centres, places of worship, sports facilities, retail buildings, archives, courtrooms, the odd glulam replacement here and there, a raft ride, a cable-ski and even a crematorium." “I am pleased to be handing over the business with a record level of carry forward workload and I congratulate Michael on his new role as managing director and wish him, and the other directors, all the best for the future.” Michael Sims, who joined Clegg Construction in spring 2021, bringing to the business over 20 years of industry experience with key expertise in commercial and risk management and contract negotiation, paid tribute to his predecessor. “I am proud to have been appointed to follow in his footsteps and take up the reins as the new MD for a company that is so well regarded and has such a long history." “Alongside the other directors, I look forward to building on Simon Blackburn’s legacy and continuing to provide design and construction excellence to our clients across the country.” Clegg Construction is a Midlands, Yorkshire and East Anglia-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. Part of Clegg Group and the sister company to Clegg Food Projects, Clegg Construction has been trading since the 1930s. Its headquarters is in the Lace Market, Nottingham. For more information visit www.cleggconstruction.co.uk

A Derbyshire family bakery is bringing back a ‘gone but not forgotten’ treat, and customers are going ‘quackers’ at the thought of it. Connoisseurs of all things baked have been championing the return of a popular product after its space on the bakery counter has been left empty for the past few years. Now, there is good news on the horizon, as Derbyshire and Notts based Stacey’s Bakery plans to reintroduce the much-loved and missed ‘Ey Up Me Duck’ gingerbread treat. Stacey’s Bakery, which has shops in Ilkeston, Eastwood and Heanor, created the tasty biscuit back in 2017, and it quickly became a customer favourite. Taking its name from the world-renowned local greeting, Ey Up Me Duck – a phrase even adopted by mega stars such as Angelina Jolie when she greeted Derby actor Jack O’ Connell with it at an awards ceremony - the treat is both region-endorsing as well as cute and, of course, delicious. The cake is in the shape of a duck and is a combination of some of the treats that customers of the bakery love. It contains favourite flavours including flapjack, congress tart filling, spices, jam and Stacey's much-loved gingerbread. So, where has the little cutie been hiding all these years? David Stacey, owner of the century-old family bakery, said: “Unfortunately, Covid sent the little gem into hiding. We stopped making them around Christmas 2019, to temporarily make way for traditional festive treats." “We would have brought them back ready for the spring and Easter in 2020, but Covid hit and, as everyone knows, things went crazy. We just didn't bring them back after that.” However, now the little ducks are getting ready to get back into the swim of things. David said: “We were constantly asked when they would return. We listen to our customers, and always intended to bring back this favourite as soon as it was possible." “They are more labour intensive than the other gingerbread items, but they are totally worth it. We’ve now got all of our ducks in a row and are ready to release the ducks again." “The new year may have started with a traditional duck race, but, in this case, it is the customers who are racing to pick up one of these treats.” More information can be found at www.staceysbakery.co.uk

In recent years, a remarkable transformation has taken place in the way people approach fashion. A new movement has gained momentum, challenging the traditional shopping experience and reshaping the industry's future. The trend in question is the surging popularity of buying preloved clothing, and it's no longer just a niche market; it's a cultural shift. Sustainability As The Catalyst The rise in preloved clothing shopping can be largely attributed to a growing environmental consciousness. As consumers become increasingly aware of the negative impact of fast fashion on the planet, they are seeking more sustainable alternatives. This awakening to the consequences of the textile industry, from excessive waste to pollution, has inspired people to explore second-hand options. Economic Benefits Another driving factor behind this trend is the economic advantage it offers. Preloved clothing is often significantly more affordable than brand-new items. Savvy shoppers are discovering that they can build a unique and stylish wardrobe without breaking the bank. Moreover, vintage and preloved pieces can be of higher quality and have a timeless appeal. Fashion As Self-Expression Preloved clothing shopping also empowers individuals to express their personal style. The hunt for hidden gems and the thrill of finding a unique piece that tells a story can be as rewarding as donning the clothes themselves. This trend encourages individuality and the rejection of cookie-cutter fashion. Online Marketplaces And Thrift Stores The rise of e-commerce has significantly facilitated the accessibility of preloved fashion. Online marketplaces, from Poshmark to Depop, have made it easier than ever for sellers to reach a wide audience and for buyers to discover hidden treasures. Traditional thrift stores and charity shops are also seeing a resurgence in popularity, with consumers appreciating the treasure hunt experience they offer. Celebrities And Influencers Leading The Way Notably, celebrities and influencers have played a pivotal role in normalizing preloved fashion. By showcasing their own preloved outfits, they have destigmatized the idea of wearing second-hand clothing. The influence of public figures is pushing the trend into the mainstream. Challenges And The Future While the growth in preloved clothing shopping is undoubtedly positive, it's not without its challenges. Ensuring the authenticity of preloved items and addressing issues of size inclusivity are ongoing concerns. However, as this trend continues to evolve, these challenges are likely to be met with innovative solutions. The surge in people buying preloved clothing is a testament to the evolving values of sustainability, uniqueness, and self-expression in fashion. As consumers increasingly appreciate the impact of their choices, this trend is expected to keep gaining momentum, reshaping the fashion industry and paving the way for a more eco-conscious and individualistic future.