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Frozen food distributor Central Foods has moved into the top 50 businesses in the annual Northamptonshire Limited list which ranks the performance of 100 private businesses in the county. Compiled by accountants Grant Thornton and law firm Howes Percival, the list puts Central Foods at number 48 – up 20 places on last year’s ranking. The Collingtree-based firm has also been listed at number ten in the top 50 ‘ones to watch’ fastest growing businesses category. Central Foods MD Gordon Lauder said: “We are thrilled to have moved so far up the list of top 100 private businesses in Northamptonshire, and to also be considered in the top ten ‘ones to watch’. This reflects the hard work, skill and commitment of our team." “We founded Central Foods in Northamptonshire in 1996 and it’s been our home ever since." "We’re now the leading frozen food consolidator operating across the UK, supplying a wide range of frozen food to the UK food service sector, but we are proud to have our base in Northamptonshire and are delighted to have once again been recognised in the Northamptonshire Limited list." “The list features many worthy and exciting businesses who we are very pleased to be alongside, and it’s with great pride that we see ourselves gradually moving up the rankings.” Central Foods was first included in the top 100 list in 2017 and has gradually climbed higher each time a report is published. Northamptonshire Limited is part of an annual series of business analysis which seeks to highlight and celebrate some of Northamptonshire’s most successful, privately owned businesses, by turnover, and provide them with the recognition they deserve for their contribution to the region and wider UK economy. It was compiled using the most recent publicly available accounts, as of 16th October 2023, of Northamptonshire’s private businesses. The report shows that the top 100 privately owned businesses in the Northamptonshire Limited list had a combined turnover of £10bn. Central Foods is proud to be a catering partner across the whole food service sector, supplying to hotels, restaurants, bars, universities, schools, pubs, care homes, garden centres, leisure outlets and more. It currently sells to over 180 independent wholesalers, as well as larger national and regional wholesalers.

In a new survey of 400 small businesses by Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance to gauge the financial and emotional resilience of owner/managers, 1 in 4 respondents (24%) said their mental health had been directly affected by the stress of managing the finances of their business in the past year. While 1 in 4 is far from positive, this is a significant improvement from 49% in the same survey last year and underlines the tenacity and resilience of small business owners, as they continue to face challenging economic headwinds. Those who felt that their mental health had been impacted were more likely to be female than male, running their businesses in London and the South East, and aged 25-34. Tellingly, the survey also found that the owners/managers whose mental health had been affected were more likely to need new finance in the next year to support cashflow and 31% had taken on personal debt to help fund their business. Furthermore, 25% had backed out of a loan because it had a personal guarantee attached and 13% had been refused a business loan in the last two years. Todd Davison, MD of Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance says: “Although the cost-of-living crisis appears to be easing, the cost of doing business crisis has escalated in the past year, not least the cost of servicing existing loans. Those who want to refinance or access new funding are facing demands from lenders for personal guarantees for loans as small as £5,000 or £10,000. This can ramp up anxiety levels and as our survey has shown, some people rather walk away than make that commitment." “One way to address financial fears on a practical level is through Personal Guarantee Insurance which can offer small business owners greater confidence when securing a personal guarantee backed loan. This innovative insurance specifically for small businesses includes advice and mentoring support if a firm gets into financial distress as well as specialist mediation support when the debt needs to be settled. Ultimately it helps to keep business and personal life separate for small business owners and bring greater peace of mind.”

Soaring cost of production over the past two years has meant that some of the UK’s leading horticulture businesses have shelved any plans for growth, putting the future of the UK’s fruit and vegetable industry at risk. Commissioned by the NFU, the new report by Promar International found that costs of production have increased by as much as 39% in the past two years. Key inputs including energy costs rising by 218%, fertiliser by 47% and labour costs by 24% are shown to be behind the hike. The crops impacted most by these increases include much of the UK’s favourite fruit and vegetables such as strawberries, tomatoes, apples and lettuce. The report also warned these production costs, along with the impacts of the ongoing global volatility, are seen as the ‘new normal’ and businesses aren’t expecting the situation to change any time soon. NFU horticulture and potatoes board chair Martin Emmett said: “I am seriously concerned to hear from growers they are thinking about cutting production this coming season while they continue to face uncertainty with costs, uncertainty around a long-term plan for where their workforce will come from and increasingly challenging relationships within their supply chain." “We are now facing the third year of unprecedented and highly volatile costs of production, coupled with ongoing uncertainty about the availability of permanent and seasonal workforce and supply chains that return little value back to growers." “Growers are doing everything they can to make sure the supply of homegrown fruit and vegetables are on supermarket shelves, but as highlighted in the report, there is likely to be further consolidation in production and distribution. If pressures continue as they are, it will be unsustainable for some businesses." “The UK horticulture industry strives to be the best in the world and has the positivity and drive to match this ambition. As we set out in our growth strategy in March last year, there are ten key building blocks which underpin the success of the sector. These include sustainable energy supplies, access to skilled labour, productivity investment, supply chain fairness and a range of other critical support necessary to create growth in the sector." “While it is positive That the Government consultation into the horticulture supply chain has now opened, many businesses are continuing to face difficult customer relationships with prolonged contract negotiations, and contract planning cycles out of sync with production cycles, making it tough for growers to plan long-term for their businesses. This needs to change." “To ensure we have a thriving UK horticulture sector, we need to see the Government back our fruit and vegetable growers with action and ambition as it set out in its own Food Strategy and match our ambition for growth. It is crazy to think that, at a time when we want people to eat more healthily, we are only 50% self-sufficient in vegetables and 15% self-sufficient in fruit." “As a start, we need to give our British growers certainty by having a consistent plan for seasonal labour, including a five-year rolling Seasonal Workers Scheme, as well as sustainable returns and longer-term contracts with key customers, the retailers.”

The Barclays report combines hundreds of millions of customer transactions with consumer research to provide an in-depth view of UK spending. Rising food prices propelled supermarket growth, while “shrinkflation” and “skimpflation” emerged as new challenges for grocery shoppers. Brits favoured pubs over restaurants for dining and drinking, with a notable boost from sports events and the King’s Coronation. Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras’ tour and Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ tour tickets, as well as blockbuster hits such as ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer’ fuelled entertainment sector. Unpredictable weather hampered clothing stores, while travel thrived as Brits booked post-pandemic holidays. Consumer card spending increased just 4.1 per cent year-on-year in 2023 – noticeably lower than the growth seen in 2022 (10.6 per cent) – as Brits cut back on new clothes, eating out and home improvements amid rising inflation and household bills. However, consumers continued to prioritise moments of joy and shared experiences, boosting travel, entertainment, and pubs & bars. New data from Barclays reveals that spending on essential items grew 3.9 per cent in 2023 compared to 6.3 per cent last year. This reduced increase was largely due to a -10.7 per cent drop in fuel spend, stemming from the decline in pump prices this year after they peaked following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. Barclays’ monthly Consumer Spend Index, which combines hundreds of millions of customer transactions with consumer research to provide an in-depth view of UK spending, reveals the top 10 trends that shaped consumer behaviour this year. 1. Savvy supermarket shopping ​ Rising food price inflation fuelled a 6.5 per cent increase in supermarket shopping, while food and drink specialist stores returned to growth (4.4 per cent) following a -1.1 per cent decline last year. Discount supermarkets performed particularly well, accounting for 15.5 per cent of all grocery spending – an all-time high, up from 14.5 per cent in 2022 – as savvy shoppers looked for ways to reduce the cost of their weekly shop amid rising prices. This behaviour peaked in September, when seven in 10 (70 per cent) claimed to be looking for cutbacks – over half (53 per cent) of these consumes were paying closer attention to price rises on specific items, 49 per cent were buying budget or own brand goods over branded goods, and the same proportion (49 per cent) were opting for more budget or value ranges1. 2. “Skimpflation” and “shrinkflation”​ impact the nation “Shrinkflation” and “skimpflation” emerged as the main scourges of supermarket shoppers in 2023. ​At its peak in September, 76 per cent of consumers had noticed examples of shrinkflation, with chocolate (48 per cent), crisps (41 per cent), packs of biscuits (38 per cent) and snack bars (31 per cent) the most cited products impacted by this trend. In addition, more than one in five Brits (22 per cent) in July noticed that shrinkflation was also affecting alcoholic drinks, finding that some of the drinks they were buying – such as beers, spirits and tinned cocktails – were becoming weaker or containing less alcohol, yet still costing the same or more. Meanwhile, over half (52 per cent) of shoppers in August noticed that some of the food and drink products they were buying had been downgraded in terms of the quality or quantity of premium ingredients, yet still cost the same or more than they used to – otherwise known as “skimpflation”. These shoppers had mostly noticed the declining quality of clothing, chosen by 44 per cent, closely followed by toilet paper (43 per cent), and toiletries/cosmetics (37 per cent). 3. Heating hampers eating To offset rising household bills, Brits spent less on eating out in 2023, with restaurants seeing a -6.7 per cent decline compared to last year. This comes as almost half (47 per cent) of consumers in October said they were planning to cut down on discretionary spending so they could afford their energy bills throughout the autumn and winter, with eating out at restaurants (56 per cent) one of the most cited areas for cutbacks. 4. Events boost bars & pubs On the other hand, pubs, bars & clubs had a strong 12 months, up 5.9 per cent year-on-year. This growth was largely driven by major public and sporting events, including the King’s Coronation and Rugby World Cup, as well as rising beer and alcohol prices. The strong performance of pubs compared to restaurants also suggests that while out socialising Brits were opting for more affordable pub food instead of formal restaurant meals. 5. Entertainment economy thrives​ Despite inflationary pressures, Brits have been keen to spend on memorable experiences. The entertainment sector (up 7.5 per cent) was boosted by the release of ticket sales for major events including the Eurovision Song Contest, Taylor Swift’s ‘Eras’ tour, and Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ tour, with spending on shows and concerts up 8.6 per cent year-on-year overall. Meanwhile, blockbuster hits including ‘Barbie’, ‘Oppenheimer’ and ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ fuelled a 6.3 per cent increase at cinemas. ​ 6. “Streamflation” spurs subscriptions At-home experiences – or “insperiences” – proved popular, with digital content and subscriptions as well as takeaways and fast food rising 7.3 per cent and 8.1 per cent respectively year-on-year. This growth was driven by more consumers tuning in to watch the series finales of popular shows such as ‘Succession’, ‘Ted Lasso’ and ‘The Crown’, as well as many streaming services increasing their prices in 2023. 7. Unpredictable weather casts a cloud ​on the high-street Rising costs combined with inconsistent weather meant clothing stores had a challenging year, declining -0.5 per cent. This was largely due to the unseasonal weather in months including May, July and October leading Brits to hold off on making seasonal clothing purchases, as well as new clothes and accessories being one of the key non-essentials Brits said they were deprioritising. 8. Furniture takes a back seat If 2022 was the year for Brits investing in their homes, 2023 has been the year they sat back and enjoyed their grand designs. As a result, home improvements & DIY saw a -4.7 per cent decline year-on-year, while furniture stores saw a similar drop (-5.2 per cent), indicating that Brits have been making fewer big-ticket purchases and instead prioritising their spend in more experience-led categories. 9. Travel continues to cruise After a standout performance in 2022, the travel sector continued to thrive in 2023, seeing robust growth at both travel agents (10.4 per cent) and airlines (30.8 per cent). The sector’s success was also a lasting impact of pandemic, with a fifth (19 per cent) of consumers saying in November that they will be planning more holidays in 2024 because they’re still catching up on trips missed during lockdowns – a trend otherwise known as ‘revenge spending. 10. “Lipstick effect” lifts health and beauty Pharmacy, health & beauty retailers also enjoyed an uplift this year (5.6 per cent) – possibly thanks to the “lipstick effect”, where consumers prioritise small indulgences, such as cosmetics and self-care products, over big-ticket items during periods of economic uncertainty. The category’s boost is also likely due to pre-holiday purchases as well as increased demand for make-up and skincare compared to last year, when the pandemic’s lingering effects meant fewer Brits commuted into the office, reducing the need for appearance-related investments. Esme Harwood, Director at Barclays, said: “Brits prioritised memorable experiences and shared moments with loved ones this year, boosting pubs, travel and entertainment. Many were keen to make up for lost opportunities during the pandemic by booking holidays, treating themselves to concert tickets, and enjoying nights out with friends." “However, certain sectors saw noticeable cutbacks. Restaurants and clothing stores were hampered by the unpredictable weather, as well as the impact of rising household bills on consumers’ personal finances. Nonetheless, Brits' confidence in their ability to spend within their means has remained resilient, as they become more resourceful and adept in finding ways to balance their budgets.” Jack Meaning, Chief UK Economist at Barclays: “Although 2024 will be a tough year for the economy as a whole, the New Year is a time to look for the positives. We expect to see the Bank of England start easing interest rates from the middle of the year, and in fact, we’re already seeing mortgage rates come down in anticipation." "This is as the speed of price rises slows, which should continue to provide at least some boost to the spending power of people who have been squeezed through the cost-of-living crisis. 2024 will be a year of transition, from headwinds to tailwinds, but come next December we should be able to toast the New Year with more festive spirit.”

The Government has announced that financial support will be available to communities like Charnwood which have been impacted by Storm Henk. The Council is awaiting more detail on how people can access the support, but we will communicate this as soon as possible. The best way to stay informed about this support is to sign up to the Council’s email alerts here . (in particular our Charnwood Now latest news email alert). The Government announcement said the financial support will be available to eligible areas in England that have experienced exceptional localised flooding. Help will be available for: 1. Flooded households in eligible affected areas, who can apply for up to £500 cash to help with immediate costs. 2. Households and businesses significantly affected, who will be eligible for 100% council tax and business rates relief for at least 3 months. 3. Small-to-medium sized businesses in eligible affected areas, who can apply for up to £2,500 from the Business Recovery Grant to help them return quickly to business as usual. 4. Eligible flood-hit property owners, who can apply for up to £5,000 to help make their homes and businesses more resilient to future flooding via the Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme. 5. Farmers who have suffered uninsurable damage to their land will be able to apply for grants of up to £25,000 through the Farming Recovery Fund towards repair and reinstatement costs for farmers adversely affected by exceptional flooding.

Cricket, a sport that has captured the hearts of millions around the world, has a history that spans centuries. Its evolution has been marked by significant phases that have not only transformed the game itself but also its impact on society, culture, and the global sporting landscape. Origins and Early Days : Cricket's origins can be traced back to 16th-century England, where it began as a simple rural pastime. The early form of the game involved hitting a ball with a basic wooden bat. It was a leisure activity enjoyed by communities, often with informal rules and variations depending on the region. Formalisation and Laws : The 18th century marked a pivotal moment in cricket's history with the formalisation of rules and regulations. The "Laws of Cricket" were established in 1744, providing a structured framework for the game. This laid the foundation for the organized, competitive sport that we recognise today. Growth and Spread : As the British Empire expanded, cricket naturally followed. It gained popularity in countries such as Australia, India, and the West Indies, contributing to its global reach. The sport became more than just a game; it became a symbol of British influence and culture. Test Cricket : In 1877, the first-ever Test match was played between Australia and England. Test cricket became the pinnacle of the sport, known for its rigorous five-day format. These matches are steeped in tradition and continue to hold a special place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts. Limited-Overs Cricket : The 1960s and 70s brought the advent of limited-overs cricket, particularly One Day Internationals (ODIs). This format made the sport more accessible to a wider audience, featuring colored clothing, floodlights, and innovations like fielding restrictions. It brought a refreshing dynamism to the game. The T20 Revolution : The 21st century witnessed a game-changing revolution with the emergence of Twenty20 (T20) cricket. Known for its fast-paced nature, explosive batting, and the rise of franchise-based leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL), T20 cricket brought a new dimension to the game. It not only appealed to existing fans but also attracted a younger, more diverse audience. Women's Cricket : While cricket had historically been male-dominated, the women's game gained prominence over the years. The Women's Cricket World Cup was established in 1973, marking a significant milestone. The women's game has since evolved, with more international exposure and a growing fan base. Technological Advances : The use of technology has significantly transformed cricket. Tools like the Decision Review System (DRS) and Hawk-Eye have revolutionised the way decisions are made, making the game fairer and more accurate. They have also enhanced the viewer experience, adding a new layer of excitement. Global Tournaments : Cricket's global tournaments, including the Cricket World Cup and T20 World Cup, have become major events, drawing worldwide attention. These competitions showcase the sport's diversity and talent while fostering a sense of unity among nations. Inclusivity and Diversity : Efforts have been made to promote inclusivity and diversity in cricket. Initiatives to increase women's participation, address racism, and promote equal opportunities have contributed to a more inclusive and representative sport. Commercialisation : Cricket has become a multi-billion-dollar industry, with lucrative broadcasting deals, sponsorships, and endorsements. The sport's commercial success has had a profound impact on the game's development and global reach. Future Challenges : As cricket continues to evolve, it faces challenges. Maintaining the integrity of the game, managing player workloads, and addressing issues like match-fixing and doping are critical concerns that cricket's governing bodies must address to ensure the sport's enduring popularity. In conclusion, the evolution of cricket is a testament to its adaptability and enduring appeal. From its humble origins as a rural pastime to becoming a global phenomenon, cricket's journey is a reflection of its ability to capture the imagination of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. As the sport continues to evolve, it is likely to see further innovations and adaptations, ensuring that it remains a cherished part of the world's sporting heritage.

North Glasgow community benefits from Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust donation The Barmulloch Community Development Centre (BCDC) were supported in putting on fantastic festive activities thanks to a four-figure donation from one of Scotland’s leading family businesses.   The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust received the application and were touched by the efforts of the group to make such a positive impact in the community.   The £2,000 awarded went towards events including a community afternoon tea, three children’s Christmas parties with the all-important visit from Santa, Mrs Claus and the elves and a gift to all of the children. Barmulloch Community Development Company Development Manager, Brian Land said: “We at BCDC want to thank you all at the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust so much for the continued support it has made a very positive impact in the community during some difficult times.” BCDC is a community development trust where people come together who want to make where they live better for everyone. BCDC came together to support communities in Ward 17, to offer important services and provide much needed premises. Their aim is make everyone aware they have something to offer, to inspire and empower them to maximise their abilities- all for self-development and community benefit. Allied Vehicles founder Gerry Facenna added, “It’s great to be able to support so many fantastic organisations through the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust. The communities local to our head offices have so much to offer and we were delighted to be able to support BCDC with their festive efforts.”

British Cycling have announced the star-studded line up that will head to Apeldoorn in the Netherlands to represent the Great Britain Cycling Team at the 2023 UEC Track Elite European Championships, from Wednesday 10 – Sunday 14 January. The 23-strong squad heads to Apeldoorn in fantastic form to kick off the final stretch of qualification events for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, and boasts eight current champions and 13 medallists from the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. After a breakthrough 2023 which saw her crowned sprint world champion, Emma Finucane will take to the boards in rainbow stripes alongside teammates Sophie Capewell, Katy Marchant and fellow Welshwoman Lowri Thomas, who will make her elite competition debut. Representing the men will be last year’s team sprint silver medallists Jack Carlin, Ali Fielding, Joe Truman and Hamish Turnbull. The women's endurance squad will return to the track after clinching the team pursuit world title for the first time in nine years back in August. Team pursuit world champions Elinor Barker, Meg Barker, Josie Knight and Anna Morris will look to add to their accolades, as will Madison world champion Neah Evans. Completed by 2022 European scratch race silver medallist Jess Roberts and young rider Sophie Lewis, the squad will be looking to assert their dominance in both the team and individual events. Following a crash which put them out of contention at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, the men’s team pursuit line up will be out in full force and aiming to gather those all-important Olympic qualification points. Elimination and scratch world champions, Ethan Vernon and Will Tidball, will be joined by world championship silver medallists Dan Bigham, Mark Stewart and Ollie Wood. Will Perrett will compete after taking a bronze medal in last year’s omnium, while Charlie Tanfield and Ethan Hayter return to the squad from injury. Great Britain Cycling Team Head Coach, Jon Norfolk, said: “The track squad enters 2024 with strong momentum from the previous season which saw nine world and 12 European medals won, and I’m excited to see what a good block of winter training produces out in Apeldoorn." “The women’s sprint squad are going from strength to strength, with a world record and numerous medals under their belts, both individually and as a squad. The men’s team pursuit squad are hungry to make up some qualification points after a disappointing crash at the 2023 world championships, and also secure their spot at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games." “There is real strength and depth in our current track squad, and the European championships will provide good competition experience as well as an opportunity for riders to showcase their abilities as we head towards Olympic selection.” Team pursuit world champion, Meg Barker, added: “Since winning the team pursuit world title in August we’ve had a really solid training block through the winter to get ready for the new track season, which starts with these championships. I can’t quite believe we’re going into the Olympic year wearing the rainbow bands and I can't wait to see what we are capable of as a team in 2024.” Great Britain Cycling Team squad for the UEC Track Elite European Championships: Women’s Endurance Meg Barker Elinor Barker Neah Evans Josie Knight Sophie Lewis Anna Morris Jess Roberts Men’s Endurance Dan Bigham Ethan Hayter Will Perrett Mark Stewart Charlie Tanfield Will Tidball Ollie Wood Ethan Vernon Women’s Sprint Sophie Capewell Emma Finucane Katy Marchant Lowri Thomas Men’s Sprint Jack Carlin Ali Fielding Joe Truman Hamish Turnbull

Britain’s manufacturers are viewing the UK as a more competitive place to locate their activities compared to twelve months ago, with an increasing number believing they are moving ahead of their European rivals. However, they remain wary of the huge threat to their competitiveness posed by the economic behemoths of the US, India and China. The findings come from a major survey of over two hundred senior manufacturing executives published today by Make UK and PwC. The survey shows that after a very difficult few years through the pandemic and, the shock to energy prices, there are optimistic signs with companies more bullish about the prospects for manufacturing in 2024. As a result, the majority of companies are seeing opportunities outweighing the risks to their business. Key findings: Companies more confident about sector prospects but wary of UK and global economic conditions deteriorating Majority of manufacturers see UK as more competitive place to locate compared to twelve months ago Manufacturers see themselves moving ahead of European rivals though India, US and China set to dominate competition Opportunities coming from new products, digital technologies and expansion into new markets But significant risks from ongoing access to skills, increasing energy and employment costs Manufacturers are backing this belief with investment in new products, expansion into new markets and accelerating use of new digital technologies to improve their business. However, the survey also shows that manufacturers are wary of the prospects for both the UK and global economies, while significant challenges remain in the faces of increased energy and employment costs, as well as access to domestic skills. Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive of Make UK, said: “The last few years have been a rollercoaster of emotions for manufacturers, yet they have more than demonstrated their resilience time after time. We are now seeing some hope that conditions may be improving, amid a more supportive and stable policy environment, but this must be cemented within a long term industrial strategy." "While undoubted challenges remain, the accelerating use of digital technologies, our strength in innovation and expansion into new markets sets the scene for manufacturing to be at the heart of efforts to boost growth.” Cara Haffey, Leader of Manufacturing at PwC added: "After what has been a rocky few years for manufacturers, it seems there is a cautious optimism in the air." "In fact, our research showed that in the year ahead, more than half of them are planning to seize opportunities in new products, with more than a quarter (27.3%) hoping to explore uncharted territory, and expand into new markets." "For many, despite January's to-do list likely looming large, as the headwinds of sustained economic challenges, geopolitical instability, and steep employment and energy costs continue, the horizon seems brighter.” According to the survey more than half of companies (52.7%) see the UK as a more competitive place to manufacture. This compares to just under a third (31%) in the same survey a year ago following the political chaos of 2022. Less than a fifth (16.6%) believe the UK is not a competitive place in which to manufacture. Furthermore, almost a third of companies believe the UK is increasing its competitiveness against Germany and France (30.7% and 30.2% respectively) while more than a quarter believe the UK is moving ahead of Spain and Italy (29.3% and 28.3%). These figures are greater than those who see the UK’s competitiveness decreasing against EU rivals. However, by contrast, the share of companies who believe the UK is losing competitiveness against the US, India and China dwarfs those who believe the UK is gaining. The survey also shows manufacturers are bullish about their prospects for the coming year with more than four fifths (44.4%) believing that conditions in the sector will improve, while a fifth (20.5%) see conditions deteriorating. In addition, almost two thirds (62%) of companies see opportunities outweighing the risks this year while just 14% disagree. However, by contrast, more than four in ten companies (41.5%) see the UK economy deteriorating in 2024 compared to just over a third (36.6%) who see it improving. A similar proportion (37.6%) see the global economy getting worse this year compared to just under a third (31.2%) who see it improving. In the year ahead, more than half of manufacturers (52.7%) see opportunities in new products while more than a quarter (27.3%) are expanding into new markets and a similar proportion (26.3%) are net zero opportunities. Furthermore, digital technologies have the potential to boost productivity with almost three quarters of companies (71.2%) believing digitising operations will boost operational efficiency. In addition, more than half of companies (52.2%) see generative AI increasing the productivity of their workforce. However, more than half of companies still see risks from increased energy costs (53.2%) closely followed by the impact of political instability (43.9%). More than two thirds (36.1%) are still seeing supply chain disruption while a similar number (35.1%) see lack of access to domestic skills as a risk. The survey of 205 companies was carried out between 8 and 29 November.

Expanding electronic waste recycling specialist Intelligent Waste Management Ltd (iWaste) has reported a 35% year-on-year increase in turnover as business continues to grow. The Berkshire-based company is also investing heavily in infrastructure, vans, people and a new bespoke, cloud-based management portal which has driven an ambitious move to a paperless operation. This comes in a year in which iWaste, which employs 35 people, also celebrated its 10th anniversary and moved to bigger premises outside Reading to facilitate strategic business growth. iWaste provides electronic waste collection services, secure data destruction, electronic recycling equipment and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) disposal for corporations, public sector organisations and businesses across the UK. Director Sam Prentice said: “We have come a long way from our beginnings 10 years ago. We are a growing concern, gaining market share, discovering new revenue sources and continuing to move in an upward trajectory and remain ahead of our growth target." “We have put a great deal of time, effort and investment into growing the business and we are now seeing this come to fruition, thanks in a huge part to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in iWaste." “But we are not resting on our laurels and there is much hard work ahead as we strive to achieve our aspirational plans of being the leaders in our field and the go-to company for all aspects of electronic waste management." “We are very much a problem solving company and clients turn to us because although we may not be the cheapest we get all aspects of any job done quickly and methodically to their satisfaction." “The expansion of the 15,000 sq ft new site at Arborfield Cross last April has also been key to our 35% increase in turnover and it has completely re-energised the business.” iWaste occupies a 15,000 sq ft unit at the Ducks Nest Farm commercial estate in a rural setting three miles south east of Reading, with potential to scale up. The premises has 24-hour security, a detached warehouse building, a one-third acre yard and easy motorway access for HGVs and vans via the nearby M4. The company also has a regional, northern depot in Preston, Lancashire. Operations Director Sam Mountain, who co-founded the business in 2013, added: “We have invested heavily, around £250,000, across the business, particularly in becoming a paperless operation and we have a bespoke and unique portal – designed and engineered internally – which has automated the business effectively." “We have pushed forward with new vans, increased staff numbers, facilities, training, and improved processes and streamlining which enhances efficiency and provides our customers and future customers with a second-to-none service." “In our sector there are a lot of people doing a similar thing and you have to stand out to make progress – the elements we have put in place will enable us to do this with our experienced staff, competitive pricing, better turnaround times, strict compliancy and environmental credentials.” iWaste has B Corp certification, known as the gold standard for sustainability, which measures a business’s entire social and environmental impact, is awarded by global non-profit network B Lab and is held by just 6,300 companies worldwide. The company, which appointed long-term advisor and experienced business leader Sue Warden-Owen as a non-executive director last year, also endeavours to boost the Berkshire economy by hiring staff locally whenever possible. iWaste is AATF (Approved Authorised Treatment Facility) licensed by the Environment Agency, the highest accreditation in the waste industry. The company is also a trusted supplier to large national waste companies and facility management companies.

A Calderdale school has received the borough’s highest level of recognition for their work to promote and support the health and wellbeing of pupils, staff, families and the wider school community. New Road Primary School in Sowerby Bridge has achieved the top level award in each category of the Calderdale Healthy Schools award programme, which recognises the work that schools carry out to support children and young people be healthy. The primary school provides a high-level of support for its pupils, across the programme’s key themes of mental and emotional wellbeing, physical activity, and food and nutrition. The school’s exceptional work to support the physical and mental health of pupils and staff, together with the focus on healthy eating has led to it becoming the first school to achieve Gold level awards in all three Healthy Schools criteria. This incredible achievement has been recognised by Calderdale Council, with a new level of ‘Diamond’ status being created for schools which achieve excellence in every Healthy School category. As the first school to achieve this accolade, a special Diamond award was presented to New Road Primary School by the Council’s Director of Public Health, Debs Harkins. Examples of the school’s good work include a weekly family fitness session where young people and their parents and carers are active together, daily active lessons, and pupils growing, preparing and eating their own produce. A specialist Learning Mentor is employed to support not only pupils’ needs but also those of parents and carers, whilst the school shares information regarding community initiatives such as food discounts and any locally run free services such as holiday clubs and activities. To receive the awards, the school was required to produce evidence including links to curriculum learning, from which it was clear that school’s ethos is based on a broad and balanced curriculum where children learn about the benefits of being healthy and how to make healthy choices. The approach is further supported by visual displays throughout the school, including an entire wall of the school hall that shows photos of pupils, parents and staff enjoying being physically active in their lives outside school. Pupils speak confidently and knowledgeably about how to be healthy and active, and staff are passionate about supporting pupils to know how to make healthy choices. Headteacher at New Road Primary School, Sharon Harwood, said “I’m extremely proud of our achievement of being awarded the Healthy Schools status at New Road, especially as the first school in Calderdale to receive the Diamond level." “Reaching this high standard is a clear reflection of the commitment and dedication of the whole school community working together. Our staff are continually implementing unique and creative initiatives that our children and families embrace eagerly." “Promoting positive attitudes and encouraging healthy behaviours is not just a priority for our children to follow whilst they attend primary school, our aim is to instill these choices so our children understand the importance of maintaining them into their adult lives.” Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Councillor Tim Swift, said: “New Road Primary school has really gone above and beyond to demonstrate their commitment to the Healthy Schools programme, supporting pupils, staff and the wider school family to be healthy and active and embedding wellbeing support and an understanding of nutrition into the school’s curriculum." “Their efforts were so impressive we’ve created a whole new tier for the programme, so the school now holds Diamond status – an incredible achievement, of which the school should be very proud.” Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Councillor Adam Wilkinson, said: “It’s really great to hear about the creative and varied initiatives implemented at New Road School and how they’re helping to shape the health and wellbeing of the whole school community." “It’s especially inspiring to hear how the pupils themselves speak knowledgeably about the importance of living healthy, active lives and how they’re encouraged to share their favourite ways to keep active, inspiring others to make healthy choices.” The Calderdale Healthy Schools award programme supports the Vision 2024 for Calderdale, with improved health and wellbeing outcomes creating more resilient communities where people can reach their potential. The programme has been developed in partnership with schools and provides a clear framework to enable them to demonstrate their commitment to young people’s health and learn from each other.

The Venture Capital Trust Association (VCTA), which campaigns for the vital role played by Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) in supporting the UK’s entrepreneurial economy, has appointed Chris Lewis as Chair. Chris brings over 25 years of wider industry experience to the Chair. He is currently Chief Financial and Operating Officer at Pembroke VCT, which manages more than £200m in VCT assets, spanning a diverse portfolio of over 40 growth-stage companies. Prior to joining Pembroke in 2019, Chris was the Chief Financial Officer at Downing LLP, which was an active investor in growing businesses through its VCT and EIS products. He has also worked in professional services, with KPMG & EY, and with a Family Office. “It is a privilege to be representing the VCT industry as Chair of the Association, taking over from Will Fraser-Allen of Albion Capital. He has done a brilliant job representing our members’ interests culminating in the recent extension of the Sunset clause which is key to continued success of VCTs.” said Chris. “The VCT scheme is a vital part of the UK’s funding ecosystem. The government’s recent extension of the VCT scheme until at least 2035 will come as a relief to thousands of ambitious entrepreneurs across the UK who could benefit from investment and support from VCTs as they scale up.” Chris added, “Our members currently support over 1,100 highly innovative, rapidly growing start-ups and scale-ups. These businesses create economic impact and employment opportunities throughout the UK." "It is crucial that these companies are able to access the equity finance that they need to continue growing and innovating. I am delighted to be able to promote the great work across the VCT industry and the interests of the entrepreneurs that they support.” Will Fraser-Allen, outgoing Chair of the VCTA and Managing Partner of Albion Capital, commented: “I am pleased to welcome Chris as Chair. He has a wealth of experience in supporting growing companies through venture capital investment, as well as advocating for the growth and impact of the wider industry. I am confident that the VCTA will continue to grow and go from strength to strength under his leadership.” The VCTA is the industry body representing twelve of the largest VCT managers in the UK. Together, these managers constitute over 90% of the VCT industry, with over £5.5 billion of collective funds under management.