The University of Dundee has been shortlisted as Entrepreneurial University of the Year in the Triple E Awards for Europe. The Triple E Awards are a global recognition of efforts towards the quest for entrepreneurship and engagement in higher education. The awards aim to foster change in universities and to emphasise their role in their communities and ecosystems. The University of Dundee champions an entrepreneurial culture, with enterprise and engagement standing alongside teaching and research as key pillars of its activity. In 2023, the University was named the UK’s best for supporting spinout business, ahead of traditional powerhouses such as Oxford, Cambridge and UCL, in the independent report compiled by Octopus Ventures. This ranking was determined by factors such as number of patents, spin-out companies created and recent portfolio success, which for Dundee included the £2.2 billion IPO of Exscientia on the US NASDAQ, one of the largest ever UK university spin-out company exits. Dr David McBeth, Vice-Principal (Enterprise and Economic Transformation), said, “This recognition from the Triple E Awards highlights years of success for Dundee and the culture and environment we have established which encourages innovation and enterprise." “We have a strong track record in creating new businesses, with both our Centre for Entrepreneurship and our Research & Innovation Services being cited often as leaders in terms of innovative and impactful practices for supporting start-ups and spin-outs." “We are continuing to strengthen and invest in our innovation pipeline, including with the establishment of a new Life Sciences Innovation Hub in Dundee, a significant addition to Scotland’s capacity to grow and retain new companies.” The winners of the Triple E European Awards 2024 will be announced during the 2024 ACEEU Europe-Africa Forum in Lisbon, from 18-20 September. You can find out more about the Triple E Awards here .

Travis Perkins plc, the UK’s largest distributor of building materials and leading partner to the construction industry, has announced that it is fitting its latest batch of electric forklift trucks with a unique, industry-first ‘best in test’ sound alert, SIVAS, to improve safety for colleagues and customers in branch. A total of 1200 forklifts across the Group are now electric, and so far around 600 of these have now been fitted with a unique sound alert named SIVAS to address concerns about the electric forklifts’ operational quietness compared to their diesel engine counter parts, and the potential safety risk this could pose. This mirrors how warning sounds have been fitted into electric vehicles to warn off pedestrians and other road users. The SIVAS sound alert was developed as part of a sound study commissioned by Travis Perkins plc’s Technical Fleet Director, Karl Wilshaw, on behalf of the Group that was conducted by the University of Salford Manchester’s specialist acoustics testing team. The SIVAS sound alert came out top when tested by the Group’s forklift drivers based on its detectable and unique sound. “We developed three sounds based on our existing psychoacoustic expertise and tested them in highly realistic virtual environments with the Group’s forklift truck drivers. The SIVAS sound was selected from the shortlist of three based on its high level of detectability and positive reception by forklift operators,” explained Reader in Acoustical Engineering at the University of Salford in Manchester, Dr Antonio Torija Martinez. “This sound study has solved a problem that applies to so many in our industry, and so we plan to share this with the industry to promote best practice,” added HSE & Fleet Director at Travis Perkins plc, Richard Byrne. “Besides saving direct emissions, switching from diesel to electric forklifts also makes for a quieter work environment for colleagues and customers who visit our branches. Operationally, they are more reliable and incur less downtime, which means they also enable us to serve our customers more efficiently,” he continued. Electric forklift trucks can now be found in the Group’s Travis Perkins, CCF, BSS, Keyline and Staircraft businesses. The switching out of the Group’s diesel forklift trucks with electrics is one of the largest change programmes of its kind in the UK and forms part of the Group’s decarbonisation roadmap to meet its 1.5°-aligned, Science Based Targets initiative (‘SBTi’) accredited carbon reduction targets. This project is expected to further reduce scope 1 carbon emissions by up to 6,600 tonnes per annum, to the benefit of the communities the Group operates in.

Highly rated young defender Caleb Okoli has joined Leicester City Football Club on a permanent deal from Serie A side Atalanta, subject to Premier League and international clearance. The 22-year-old centre-back, who represented Italy at the EURO U21 Championships in 2023, has signed a five-year-deal with the Foxes as Steve Cooper’s side continue their preparations for the 2024/25 Premier League season. Speaking to Foxes Hub, he said: “I think now is the right moment [for me] to make a step forward and a very big one. I’m very happy with the choice I made, so I’m very excited to start in the Premier League. Now I’m here in Leicester I’m feeling ready to start with my new team." “It was the right opportunity and it’s very important for me. The Premier League is the best league in the world. Leicester is a beautiful club, an important club and the two combined together, so I took this opportunity to come and express myself in the Premier League.” Born in Vicenza in Italy, Okoli joined Atalanta in the summer of 2015 and won the National Youth Super Cup (Primavera) with the Under-19s in 2019, before joining SPAL on loan for the 2020/21 season, making 16 appearances for the Serie B side and scoring once in a 2-1 victory over Lecce. The centre-back continued his development at Serie B level with a loan spell at Cremonese in 2021/22, featuring 27 times, before making his Serie A debut for Atalanta in a 2-1 win against Sampdoria in August 2022. He made 17 appearances for the Nerazzurri during the 2022/23 campaign, helping the side to a fifth-place finish and UEFA Europa League qualification. In September 2023, the 6-foot-3 defender joined newly promoted Serie A club Frosinone on a season long loan and went on to feature for them on 37 occasions in all competitions, building on an already impressive reputation. On the international stage, he has represented Italy at U19, U20 and U21 level. Okoli will now link up with his Leicester City teammates as pre-season gets underway and preparations begin for their return to Premier League football.

Colleagues at the UK’s largest private sector employer Tesco are in line for a bumper pay out after the strong performance of the Tesco Save as You Earn colleague share schemes. More than 20,000 Tesco employees, who are mainly shopfloor colleagues working in stores and distribution centres, will share in a windfall profit of more than £30m now that the schemes have matured. The windfall is created by the strong growth of the Tesco share price, which was £3.06 earlier this week. Colleagues who joined the schemes are able to buy shares at a discounted price of just £1.88 or £1.98 each and either keep them for the longer term or sell them and make a profit on each share. Colleagues who invested the maximum £500 a month into the share savings schemes stand to make a personal profit of almost £10,000 from the three-year scheme and nearly £20,000 from the five-year scheme, if they opt to sell the shares. A Tesco store colleague who invested the average £68 a month for the last five years stands to net around £6,640 from their £4,080 investment, a profit of £2,560. A total of 52,000 colleagues take part in a Tesco SAYE scheme, which is one of the largest in the UK, with different schemes maturing each year. Tesco workers have invested £63.5m in the schemes since 2019, and they report that they find it a great way to easily save from their monthly earnings, with many of them using the schemes to pay for expensive treats like holidays. The scheme is one of a host of benefits available to Tesco’s around 300,000 UK colleagues. The company recently introduced a pay rise for hourly-paid workers to £12.02 an hour, which is the biggest ever increase in store colleagues’ hourly pay in a single year, at 9.1%. Tesco has also implemented a series of family-related policies to support colleagues with their busy and demanding lives, including the right to request flexible working from the first day in role (ahead of legislation), a virtual GP service for colleagues and their families, as well as an enhanced Employee Assistance Programme to support colleagues with their emotional wellbeing. Emma Taylor, Tesco Chief People Officer, said: “It’s great news that more than 20,000 colleagues will benefit this year from our share schemes. This is just one of the many benefits available to our colleagues, and the strong performance of the schemes this year is a reflection of their hard work and the brilliant job that they do serving our customers every day. “Colleagues tell us they like this way of saving every month - and when Tesco performs well, they share in a multi-million pound payout or can keep shares bought at a discounted rate." "This year the schemes’ success is rewarding our colleagues with thousands of pounds in profit, helping to boost their savings for everything from holidays to house renovations.”

A Leicestershire based flooring specialist has helped Leicestershire County Cricket Club score the eco-deal of the century after boosting its sustainability credentials in a cricketing first. With the help of innovative resin floor manufacturer Abacus Flooring Solutions, the Cricket Club has turned waste plastics into brand new and stylish resin flooring in three areas of the club at the Uptonsteel County Ground Grace Road. Abacus Flooring Solutions, which has its head office in Loughborough, Leicestershire, made history by becoming the first company in the world to use waste plastic as a substitute bulking material in its industry-leading resin flooring instead of the traditional silica sand. It first used its patented invention in JCB’s global headquarters in Staffordshire, and was approached by Sean Jarvis, CEO of the Leicestershire County Cricket Club to create eco-friendly flooring solutions in the Grace Road Community Space Hub, the Friends of Grace Road Cafe and a section of the stadium. The move means that the cricket club is not only solidly achieving its sustainability goals, but it is also the first cricket venue in the UK to roll out the ground-breaking eco flooring solution, beating neighbouring cricket venue Trent Bridge and UK ‘home of cricket’, Lord’s. Nick Megson, managing director of Abacus Flooring Solutions, said: “We are already official partners of the club, so it has been an absolute pleasure to assist them in reaching their sustainability goals.” Two of the areas of the club benefiting from the make-over are in Friends of Grace Road maintained sections of the ground. The fund-raising organisation is run by a voluntary team who are passionate about the club. All profits from the cafe, alongside their fundraising efforts, are reinvested into the club and into refurbishments at Uptonsteel County Ground. Sean Jarvis, CEO of the Leicestershire County Cricket Club, said: “We are extremely proud to say that we are the first cricket club in the UK to get involved in such a project." “We are a green club and are constantly embracing ways to push the club forward in an environmentally sound way. Turning old plastics into usable materials is an excellent initiative and offsets our eco efficiency targets in terms of our sustainable waste policy.” The work, which was carried out during March and April this year in time for the season, included creating grey flooring in the Abacus Flooring Solutions sponsored section of the stand. Sean said: “As we continue to develop the club, we will be replacing some of the seats and if suitable, will be using the plastics from the old seats to create more new flooring within the ground.” While Abacus Flooring Solutions has already carried out other resin flooring installations at major football clubs such as Wembley Stadium, Manchester’s Etihad Stadium and King Power Stadium Leicester, this is the first cricket ground that the firm has worked with, ensuring that Leicester has beaten Trent Bridge and even Lord’s to the eco first. Nick Megson, who set up Abacus Flooring Solutions with his wife Amanda during lockdown four years ago, added: “It is immensely important to us that we tackle plastic waste in a sustainable manner. “We are so impressed by Leicestershire County Cricket Club’s environmental policy and the work that the club and the volunteers of Friends of Grace Road carry out. It has been a pleasure not only to work with these teams but also to provide the new sustainable surfaces at the ground.” Nick, who has worked in the resin flooring sector for more than three decades, said that the ground-breaking process involved grinding the waste plastic down to a powder reducing the plastic to a colourless dust, enabling Abacus Flooring Solutions to precisely match the final resin flooring to any colour. Abacus Flooring Solutions’ multi award-winning advancement not only changes the course of resin flooring production and vastly reduce the volume of plastic ending up in landfill or the world’s oceans, but it also removes silica sand – a dangerous substance when inhaled - from the entire process. The discovery could also transform many other industrial processes which have traditionally relied on silica sand as a ballast material.

Beer has long been an integral part of British culture, weaving itself into the very fabric of the nation's identity. The British love affair with beer is a story that spans centuries, rooted in tradition, community, and a shared appreciation for the frothy brew. So why do Brits hold such a deep affection for beer? Historical Roots The history of beer in Britain dates back to Roman times when the invaders introduced brewing techniques to the native Celts. Since then, beer has evolved through the centuries, becoming an essential part of daily life. The British brewing tradition boasts a rich tapestry of ales, stouts, porters, and bitters, each with its unique flavour profile and brewing method. This historical depth has created a strong sense of pride and continuity among Brits, connecting them to their ancestors and the past. Pubs: The Heart of Community Life Pubs, short for "public houses," have been the epicentre for generations as part of the of British social life. These cosy establishments serve as gathering places for people of all walks of life to come together, unwind, and enjoy a pint of beer. The pub culture in Britain fosters a sense of community and camaraderie that is unparalleled. Whether it's a quiet afternoon pint, a lively night out, or a Sunday roast with friends, beer and pubs are inseparable. Beer Festivals The United Kingdom is known for its vibrant beer festival scene. Events like the Great British Beer Festival and the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) festivals draw thousands of beer enthusiasts each year. These gatherings celebrate the diversity of British beer and provide an opportunity for brewers to showcase their craft. Beer festivals have become a pilgrimage for many, allowing Brits to explore new flavours and bond over their shared passion. Beer as a Catalyst for Conversation Sipping a pint at the bar often leads to meaningful conversations. Beer acts as a social lubricant, facilitating discussions on topics ranging from sports and politics to family and work. The British propensity for "pub talk" is well-documented, and beer plays a vital role in these exchanges, breaking down barriers and encouraging open dialogue. Beer and British Cuisine Beer is not just a beverage; it's a culinary companion. The British have embraced the art of beer pairing, matching various beer styles with different dishes. From traditional fish and chips with a crisp lager to hearty steak and ale pies with a rich stout, beer elevates the dining experience and complements the nation's diverse cuisine. A Resilient Industry The British brewing industry has weathered its fair share of challenges, including wars, taxation, and changing consumer preferences. Yet, it continues to thrive. Microbreweries and craft breweries have sprung up across the country, offering innovative brews and reviving forgotten styles. This resilience has kept beer at the forefront of British culture. The love affair between Brits and beer is a multifaceted one, deeply rooted in history, community, and shared experiences. It is a cultural phenomenon that has stood the test of time, evolving and adapting to the changing tastes and preferences of each generation. "From historic ales to modern craft brews, beer remains an enduring symbol of British identity, uniting people in their shared appreciation for a well-pulled pint. Whether you're enjoying a traditional cask ale in a centuries-old pub or savouring a cutting-edge IPA in a trendy brewery, beer continues to be a beloved and cherished part of British life. Cheers to the enduring love affair with beer in the United Kingdom."

Glasgow Airport is enjoying its busiest period of the year with an estimated 600,000 passengers expected to pass through the terminal during the next three weeks. More than 150,000 passengers are expected to travel through the airport this weekend now that school is out for summer. During the next three weeks an average of 30,000 passengers each day will travel through Glasgow Airport on more than 240 flights. Many travellers will be heading for popular sunshine hotspots such as the Spanish Costas, the Canary and Balearic Islands, the Algarve in Portugal, Turkey and the Greek Islands. Long-haul destinations including Dubai, Toronto, Orlando and Cancun in Mexico are also proving popular. City-break destinations expected to be busy with Glasgow Airport passengers this summer include Barcelona, Dubrovnik, Paris, Amsterdam, Rome, Lisbon, Porto and Dublin. Additional staff will be on hand at peak times over the next few weeks to provide help and support to passengers as they prepare for check-in and security. Ronald Leitch, Chief Operating Officer at AGS Airports, which owns Glasgow Airport, said: “The Scottish summer has been pretty underwhelming so far and we anticipate that the airport will be busy over the next few weeks with passengers keen to head abroad for some much-needed sunshine." “There is always a fantastic atmosphere in the terminal, particularly now the school term has come to an end and thousands of families arrive at the airport each day to ahead off their holidays." “The next few weeks will be the busiest we have experienced since 2019. Given it is our peak period, we would remind passengers to arrive in good time for the designated check-in time stated by their airline." “As always, it’s important that travellers ensure they’re prepared for security and all liquids, gels and pastes being carried in hand luggage should be 100ml or less and presented in the clear bags provided ahead of security. Electrical items should be removed from bags and placed unobstructed along with smaller items such as keys, coins, watches and phones." “Small steps such as these really help to ensure our passengers pass through security as quickly and smoothly as possible so they can relax and enjoy the start of their holiday.” A number of new and improved retail and catering options have opened in the airport this year including city-based coffee specialist Tinderbox and Pret A Manger, while the popular Caledonia Bar has been completely refurbished.

Flowers have held a special place in the hearts of people throughout history. They are not just nature's artwork but also symbols of love, beauty, and expression. In the United Kingdom, a country renowned for its gardens and green landscapes, flowers hold a unique significance. Let's delve into the UK's favourite flowers, exploring the cultural, historical, and personal connections that make these blooms so beloved. The Rose: A Symbol of Love and Tradition The rose, often dubbed the "Queen of Flowers," reigns supreme as one of the UK's favourite blooms. Roses hold a rich cultural significance, symbolising love and passion. They are a popular choice for bouquets, especially on romantic occasions like weddings and anniversaries. English gardens are often adorned with rose bushes, showcasing a diverse array of colours and fragrances. Notable rose gardens include Sissinghurst Castle Garden in Kent and Rosemoor Garden in Devon. The Daffodil: A Burst of Springtime Sunshine Daffodils, with their bright yellow petals and distinctive trumpet-shaped flowers, are synonymous with spring in the UK. These cheerful blooms bring a sense of optimism and renewal after the long, grey winter months. Daffodil festivals, such as the one held in March in the town of Thriplow, Cambridgeshire, celebrate the arrival of spring and the beauty of this quintessential British flower. The Poppy: A Symbol of Remembrance The poppy holds a special place in the hearts of the British people, especially during Remembrance Day on November 11th. The red poppy is worn to commemorate the soldiers who died in World War I and subsequent conflicts. The Tower of London's installation of ceramic poppies in 2014, known as the "Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red," was a poignant and visually stunning tribute. The Bluebell: A Woodland Wonderland Bluebells carpet the woodlands of the UK with their delicate, nodding heads in the springtime. These native wildflowers create enchanting, fairy-tale-like scenes and are a cherished sight for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. Ancient woodlands like the Bluebell Forest in Sussex offer a mesmerizing display of these blue beauties. The Lavender: A Fragrant Favourite Lavender, with its soothing fragrance and beautiful purple spikes, is another beloved flower in the UK. It is often used in gardens for its aromatic qualities and is also harvested for its essential oils. Lavender fields, such as those in the Cotswolds, attract visitors from around the world who come to immerse themselves in the scent and beauty of this purple paradise. The Lily: Elegance and Grace Lilies, known for their elegance and grace, are a popular choice for weddings and other formal occasions. Their pristine petals and sweet fragrance make them a symbol of purity and renewal. Stargazer lilies, with their bold pink and white petals, are particularly favoured for their striking appearance. The Orchid: Exotic Beauty Orchids may not be native to the UK, but they have captured the hearts of many with their exotic allure. These intricate and diverse flowers come in various shapes, sizes, and colours, making them a sought-after choice for indoor decoration. The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in London houses a remarkable collection of orchids, showcasing their beauty and diversity. Flowers have a profound impact on the cultural, historical, and personal lives of the people in the UK. Whether it's the timeless romance of roses, the vibrant optimism of daffodils, or the solemnity of poppies, each flower holds a unique place in the collective heart of the nation. These beloved blooms not only beautify the landscape but also serve as a source of inspiration and connection for the people of the United Kingdom.

But 64k vacancies remain, worth £6bn in lost output Key findings: Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland see manufacturing jobs increase. In contrast every English region bar the East of England has seen manufacturing jobs fall. Every region and nation bar one shows double digit output growth in the last decade. Yorkshire & Humber, North East and South West the best performers. Every nation and region bar the South East has a higher than average dependence on manufacturing as a share of its economy. West Midlands the only region still below pre-pandemic output. The three devolved nations of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have seen a significant growth in the number of manufacturing jobs in the last year, in contrast to every English region bar the East of England which has seen a fall.   The findings come in the Make UK/BDO Annual Manufacturing Outlook Report which shows that, in the twelve months to March 2024, the number of manufacturing jobs in Wales increased by 13,000, 10,000 in Scotland and 2,000 in Northern Ireland. By contrast, every English region saw a fall manufacturing jobs in the same period with the East of England being the only region showing a slight rise. This meant the sector saw an overall fall of 34,000 jobs in the twelve months to March. (1) According to Make UK, the increase in Wales is likely to have been driven by the significant supply chain in the Aerospace & Defence sectors which have seen strong growth in the last year. The Transport Equipment sector (mainly aerospace) accounts for 15.5% of manufacturing in Wales, the largest sub sector. In Scotland, the increase is likely to have been driven by the growth of renewables investment, especially offshore wind. However, despite this fall, the pressure on finding skilled people is still severe as 64,000 vacancies remain in the manufacturing sector, accounting for some £6bn per annum in lost output according to Make UK analysis. (2) In response, Make UK is urging the new Government to make tackling skill shortages and, reforming the technical education system, the centrepiece of its industrial strategy. Commenting Verity Davidge, Director of Policy at Make UK, said: “Industry remains critical to the growth of the economy, providing high value, high skill jobs and aiding the process of creating wealth across the UK. The new Government has made a welcome bold statement of its intent to tackle the UK’s anaemic growth at national and regional level." "It should now back this with a radical, cross government, long-term industrial strategy which has the need to tackle the UK’s skills crisis at its heart. This mission critical vision should be allied with the local growth strategies and priorities of each region, including infrastructure and innovation, together with other measures to ensure the UK is now fully open for business.” Richard Austin, Head of Manufacturing at BDO added: “Over the last few years, manufacturers across the regions and nations have faced multiple external shocks and changing policy priorities." "They have shown great resilience in overcoming these challenges. There is now an exciting opportunity for the sector to work with the new government on the development of a new long-term industrial strategy. This could help address longstanding skills shortages, boost infrastructure, improve productivity and unlock vital investment to help drive economic growth and prosperity.” The report also analyses the growth in output across each nation and region over the last decade, as well a comparison between pre and post-pandemic levels of output. It shows that, despite the challenges posed by Covid, Brexit and the energy crisis, every English region bar one has shown double digit growth in Gross Value Added (GVA) since 2013. Yorkshire & Humber has seen the best growth in output in that period (40%), followed by the North East (30%), and South West (27%). This compares to the average growth in manufacturing GVA across the UK overall in the same period of around 23%. (3) Furthermore, the report highlights the importance of manufacturing to regional economies with every area in the UK, except for the South East & London, seeing an above average contribution from manufacturing to its local economy. For example, the North East may have the smallest share of overall manufacturing output in the UK (around 4% of total manufacturing), but industry accounts for almost 15% of the region’s total output. The East Midlands has the highest share of manufacturing in its regional economy at almost 16%, while the West Midlands and Yorkshire & Humber also have a significant contribution above the national average. According to Make UK, this highlights the importance of the new Government’s industrial strategy to raising the performance of regional economies and, addressing inequality, given manufacturing jobs are better paid than the national average. The survey also shows that every region and nation has returned output above pre-pandemic levels apart from the West Midlands due to the downturn in the automotive sector and the transition of supply chains to electric vehicle production.

The UK's leading Out of Home media and infrastructure company, Clear Channel UK , released a new study focusing on diversity in advertising and inclusive shopping experiences. The study of 2,000 respondents conducted via OnePoll revealed that Gen Z is more inclusive than older generations, especially when it comes to race and disability representation in media. According to the research, Gen Z considers the following groups greatly underrepresented in advertising: race and ethnicity (42%), people with disabilities (40%), plus size models (36%), older age groups (30%), neurodiverse (30%) and LGBTQI+ (27%). In comparison, only one in four (24%) of all Brits think that race, disability (31%), plus size models (28%), older generations (35%) and LGBTQI+ (16%) are underrepresented in the media. Despite an estimated 15-20% of the population being neurodiverse, as well as rising awareness of the subject, only one in five (20%) Brits think that neurodiverse people need more representation. Women also seem to be more in favour of diversity than men. For example, 41% of women would like to see older ages represented more in advertising compared to just 29% of men. On average, roughly 10-15% more women than men expressed interest in seeing disabilities, plus-sized models and neurodiversity in advertising. People who identify as non-binary came out as the most inclusive when it comes to older ages, plus size models, race and ethnicity and neurodiversity with 50% of respondents preferring to see them being represented. The study revealed that authenticity/tokenism (26%), lack of normalisation (25%), offensive stereotypes (25%), poor representations of the culture (22%) and failure to acknowledge cultural differences (19%) are the common issues people find in inclusive advertising. The study also revealed simple steps for how marketers can make advertising more inclusive and accessible, in this case sensory-friendly: simple messaging (38%), clearer layouts (36%), sensory optimisations e.g. reducing sounds/brightness (34%), using clearer fonts (29%), choice of formats e.g. text, audio, video (18%) and using muted colour schemes (16%). Key findings from the survey: Only 48% of Brits are aware of sensory-friendly shopping hours. Younger generations are more aware of sensory-friendly shopping hours than older generations - with 18-24 (59%) and 25-34 (53%) at the top of awareness funnel. Gendered awareness of sensory-friendly hours: non-binary (83%), women (53%), men (51%). Only 38% of neurodivergent people are aware of sensory-friendly shopping hours. Overcrowding (61%), loud music (46%), bright lights (22%), in-store announcements (12%) and bright colours (11%) are the biggest sources of discomfort for shoppers. People aged 45-54 are the most likely to leave a store because of overcrowding (68%), followed by 25-34-year-olds (64%). 18-24 (31%) and 25-34 (30%) are more likely to leave the store because of the bright lights than any other age groups. 65 and older (50%) are more likely to leave the store because of the loud music. Neurodivergent (49%) people are more likely to leave the store because of loud music than neurotypical people (45%). Half of neurodivergent people (50%) would leave the store because of loud music, 37% because of bright lights and 1 in 3 (36%) because of in-store announcements. Only one in five (21%) Brits are satisfied with their in-store shopping experiences. British customers claim the following adjustments would make the stores more accessible and improve their shopping experience: turning down music (50%), limiting foot traffic (31%), priority queuing (25%), dimming lights (24%), quieter till scan sounds (18%), no overhead announcements (15%). Nine in ten Gen Z think the stores need to prioritise sensory adjustments to make them more accessible. Turning down loud music in stores is the preferred sensory adjustment for people aged 25 and over. The most desired sensory adjustment for 18-24s is limiting foot traffic in stores (39%). Ben Hope, Marketing Director at Clear Channel UK, said: ‘’We strongly believe in creating inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their differences, and OOH advertising is one of the best ways to achieve that." "As a company, we are committed to making a positive change through our Inclusive Channel and encouraging brands to embrace diversity and normalise inclusive advertising planning. Such an approach would not just help embrace inclusive messaging, but also unlock untapped potential when it comes to reaching new audiences’’.

All hail Paella! The traditional Spanish dish (36 percent) made of rice, saffron and chicken or seafood, has been voted the best loved holiday food of all time, according to a poll of 2,000 Brits by Med deli brand, unearthedⓇ. The origins of Paella can be traced back to the nineteenth century, where it was originally made in the region of Valencia - and took its name from the wide, shallow pan it is usually made in, on an open fire – yet despite chorizo NOT being part of an authentic Spanish paella, a QUARTER of Brits love to add it to their baked rice dishes. In fact, Spanish (32 percent) and Italian (58 percent) food emerged as the top holiday cuisines to recreate at home, with a massive 70 percent trying to eat a more Mediterranean diet, according to thepoll. Overall, 78 percent of those polled are having fewer holidays abroad, due to the increased cost of living – and are instead creating their favourite vacation dishes in their own kitchens. Traditional Mexican Tacos (24 percent) came second on the list of dishes that remind us of our travels, followed by Spaghetti Carbonara (23 percent). Yet, despite our love for sunshine dishes, such as tortilla and pastel de nata, a third (29 percent) have experienced a cooking fail when trying to recreate them at home. Olives (22 percent), Chorizo (22 percent), Tortillas (22 percent), Beef Bourguignon (21 percent) and Hummus (21 percent) also featured high. One in five (21 percent) Britons love freshly caught Calamari (21 percent), while a further 20 percent say that you can’t beat Spanish Patatas Bravas made up of crispy, fried potatoes in a spicy tomato sauce. Greek Tzatziki (20 percent), sweet Churros with chocolate (18 percent), Moussaka (18 percent), Turkish Baklava (16 percent), Pastel De Nata (13 percent) and stuffed peppers (16 percent) also remind us of travels. Italian ravioli is the favourite for one in five (18 percent), while a sixth (15 percent) believe pesto is the best holiday food ever. 37 percent say they have attempted to recreate their favourite holiday dishes at home, with 43 percent even bringing ingredients back with them in the hope of whipping up their favourite holiday bites. However, despite the time and money, eight in ten (78 percent) confess that the result tasted NOTHING like the original, with one in three (29 percent) going a step further and saying that it is ALWAYS a disaster. Paella (22 percent), Spanish Tortilla (nine percent), Moussaka (seven percent), Hummus (six percent) and Ratatouille (six percent) are the homemade versions that end up in the bin most frequently. One in twenty (three percent) admit they always end up making a mess of Pesto, while three percent can never seem to get Ravioli right. Carrie Hollis Patel from unearthedⓇ said: “The research proves Mediterranean flavours are the top choice for Brits, with Spanish and Italian dishes dominating the list of best loved holiday foods." “From a saffron rich seafood paella, to sweet gordal olives, an oozing Spanish tortilla, or creamy spaghetti carbonara – food provokes nostalgia, evoking memories of travel. So it is no surprise that Brits are recreating their favourite dishes, at a time when foreign travel is out of reach for many." “We just hope you aren’t one of the 29 percent who have had a holiday recipe disaster. If you are, come to our events at Divertimenti Cookery School or try our ready to eat Med deli range it’s fuss free and full of Mediterranean flavour”. More than half (56 percent) of those surveyed, make a point about trying local food when they are on holiday, while one in three (29 percent) ALWAYS choose a destination based on the cuisine. The 30 Best Loved Holiday Foods, According To Britons Paella - 36% Tacos - 24% Spaghetti Carbonara - 23% Olives - 22% Chorizo - 22% Tortilla - 22% Beef Bourguignon - 21% Hummus - 21% Calamari - 21% Patatas Bravas - 20% Tzatziki - 20% Churros con chocolate - 18% Moussaka - 18% Ravioli - 18% Baklava - 17% Turkish Delight - 16% Stuffed peppers - 16% Pad Thai - 15% Pesto - 15% Frankfurters - 14% Charcuterie - 14% Bratwursts - 14% Souvlaki - 13% Key Lime pie - 13% Pastel de nata - 13% Iberico ham - 13% Macarons - 12% Dim Sum - 12% Ramen - 12% Coq au vin - 11%

Passengers across London and the South East will have the choice of 223 destinations from 56 airlines at London Gatwick this summer, with 14 new services launching ahead of the UK school summer holidays. New routes recently underway include short-haul flights to Gothenburg (Sweden), Vagar (Faroe Islands), and Ponta Delgada (Azores, Portugal), while a new service to Varna (Bulgaria) starts today, with Salerno (Italy) due to start on 13 July. New long-haul options include Halifax (Canada), St John’s (Canada), Beijing (China) and Erbil (Iraq), alongside Guangzhou (China) starting on 20 June and Singapore starting on 22 June. Additional services to Jersey (Channel Islands), Skiathos (Greece), and Rome (Italy) are also now operating. Stephanie Wear, VP Aviation Development, London Gatwick said: “It’s fantastic that London Gatwick can offer passengers such an exciting range of destinations this summer, whether for holidays, visiting family and friends, or business trips." “As we work towards our vision of becoming the airport for everyone, whatever your journey, we are committed to providing passengers as much choice as possible. We are delighted to continue growing our already extensive network and welcome new airlines including ITA Airways, Atlantic Airways, Azores Airlines, Singapore Airlines and FlyErbil." “We are looking forward to welcoming passengers as they fly from London Gatwick this summer. Once at the airport, 95% of passengers on average fly through security in less than five minutes and can experience great retail and food and beverage offerings.” From 18 August, Air India will also launch a new flight between London Gatwick and Bengaluru, while services to destinations including Bangkok (Thailand), Islamabad (Pakistan) and Rovaniemi (Finland) will begin later in the year. London Gatwick is investing in its long-term future and its planning application to bring the airport’s existing Northern Runway into routine use, has now entered the examination phase with the Planning Inspectorate. This low-impact plan will improve resilience, reduce delays, and provide a significant boost to the national and regional economy by supporting trade, tourism, and new jobs.