Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame has teamed up with Leyton Orient FC to create a commemorative limited-edition British lager for the club’s pre-season friendly against Hearts of Midlothian. Leyton Orient will travel to Edinburgh for the match, which is part of Hearts’ 150th anniversary celebrations. The game has additional significance as it will also commemorate both clubs’ contribution in the First World War. Leyton Orient, known as Clapton Orient at the time, and Heart of Midlothian formed a close bond during the early period of the Great War when a number of players from each team responded to Lord Kitchener’s call for volunteers to form a New Army. These professional footballers inspired their loyal supporters to do the same, providing a huge boost to recruitment.  Players from Hearts and Orient led the way as the first professional footballers to volunteer en-masse for what would known as ‘Pals’ Battalions’, with Hearts joining the 16th Royal Scots - 'McCrae's Battalion', and the Os enlisting into the 17th Middlesex - 'The Footballers' Battalion'. To mark the occasion, Shepherd Neame, which was announced as the official provider of beer, cider, wines, spirits and soft drinks at Leyton Orient’s Gaughan Group Stadium in East London at the start of this month, has marked the occasion by creating a limited-edition British lager. The bottle design – voted for by the fans – pays homage to the kit that Clapton Orient wore at the time of the War, as well as those players who took up arms, with the front label featuring an image of the squad, and the neck showcasing the names of the players who volunteered. Shepherd Neame’s Brands Marketing Manager Rose Davis said: “We were delighted to work with Leyton Orient on the creation of this commemorative lager. Just 240 bottles have been produced, and we hope supporters from Leyton Orient and Hearts alike will enjoy this very special British beer.” Ravi Patel, Leyton Orient’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Our history is very important to us at Leyton Orient and we have been so pleased with the interest that Shepherd Neame have shown in it." "I know from speaking to their team that Shepherd Neame have close ties to the war effort as well and it is fantastic that our respective organisations can commemorate an incredible act of bravery from the club’s players during the First World War with a special beer. I’d like to thank all of our supporters who took the time to vote on their favourite design and look forward to seeing the finished product.”

Permasteelisa Group, the global leader in the design, construction and installation of technically advanced building envelopes, has been appointed by Mace at the City of London’s Salisbury Square Development. The contract will see the global specialist design, manufacture and install the façade to the new City of London Law Courts and City of London Police Headquarters. This comprehensive project, funded and delivered by the City of London Corporation, aims to strengthen the City's justice system and promote London's standing as a premier location for business and innovation. It will equip the City of London Police with a state-of-the-art HQ and operational base to police the square mile and protect the UK from the threat of economic and cybercrime. The buildings, which are eight and 10 storeys respectively have been designed by Eric Parry Architects. The façade of the City of London Law Court will feature granite and limestone and will represent a contemporary reworking of the historic civic buildings of the Square Mile. The City of London Police Headquarters will feature a bespoke, weather-resistant, steel and glass façade which will naturally 'mature' over time. This will give the building a distinctive colour which will blend in seamlessly with the brickwork of the adjacent building. The Group’s brands – Permasteelisa and Gartner will each play their part in delivering the project. The design and manufacture of the bespoke façade for the London Police HQ will take place in Italy, whilst Gartner brings to life the exterior of the Law Court building, in Germany. Permasteelisa’s colleagues in the UK will commence the on-site installation in the summer of 2025, with scheduled completion planned for September 2026. Liam Cummins, Permasteelisa Group’s CEO, comments: “We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver this exciting scheme in a thriving part of the historic Square Mile." “There is no doubt that the Salisbury Square Development will play a leading role in the future of the City of London and we are honoured to have been entrusted to work with Mace on its construction.” Permasteelisa Group is the leading global contractor in the design, engineering, project management, manufacture, installation and after-sales service of technically advanced building envelopes.

Digital staffing agency Coople has surveyed 1000 UK business leaders, inviting them to share their experiences of how economic conditions have impacted their staffing practices. The study revealed that nearly a fifth of UK businesses, at 18%, are not having open conversations with their staff about the economic situation and how employees’ jobs and the company itself might be affected. Of the 82% who are having these discussions, the methods by which these conversations took place varied. Team meetings were the most popular method, chosen by 41% of business leaders. 33% said they used email updates and company-wide meetings, and 30% opted for one-to-one discussions. Younger business leaders were more likely to openly discuss the topic. Only 9% and 10% of those in the 25-34 and 35-44 age brackets said they never communicated with their employees about this, compared to 26% of business leaders aged 45-54, 33% of those aged 55-64, and 51% of those who were 65 or over. The Impact Of Economic Conditions A quarter of UK business leaders responded to difficult economic conditions by making redundancies, at 25% of those surveyed. 19% had paused hiring. However, 56% had not made any changes to their number of staff. Business leaders based in London were more likely to have made redundancies, with 45% of those in the capital having done so. Younger business owners and decision-makers were also more likely to have made staff redundancies, at 30% of those run by 25-34 year olds and 41% of those run by 35-44 year olds. This is much higher than the 4% of business leaders aged 55-64 and 2% of those aged over 65 who gave this answer. Alternative Staffing Solutions 35% of business leaders said they had used alternative staffing solutions such as staffing agencies, freelancers, and contractors - and of this number, 85% said it was effective. Similarly to the statistics about redundancies, business leaders based in London and those that were under 45 were more likely to have used alternative staffing models. 45% of business leaders aged 25-34 and 47% of those aged 35-44, as well as 52% of those based in London, reported that they had worked with agencies, contractors and freelancers. Perhaps companies that are newer as well as those that operate in fast-moving markets are more likely to try alternative staffing solutions. Priorities The survey asked business leaders to say which factors were most important when making hiring decisions. The most popular answer was employee performance and productivity at 33%. 25% of the respondents selected future growth projections, with 22% choosing cost saving measures and a minority opting for industry trends at 15%. Business leaders based in London were more likely to say industry trends were a key consideration, with 23% of those based in the capital choosing this answer in the survey. Respondents were also asked to choose between cost-cutting measures and developing their workforce in times of economic instability. 33% said both were equally important to them, but 30% said they would prioritise cost-saving compared to 14% who would choose workforce development. This indicates that while most business leaders are prioritising cost reduction, when it comes to decisions specifically around hiring, employee performance is a key consideration, and to many, it’s just as important. Rufus Hood, Country Manager UK at Coople, comments: “These are definitely difficult times for UK businesses, with a full quarter of those we surveyed implementing redundancies, and nearly as many at 19% stopping hiring. It’s highly likely that these decisions were influenced by the strain of the current economic environment, with rising costs from suppliers and inflation affecting many businesses." “A higher percentage of these companies were in London or were led by younger business leaders - these are more likely to be startups or other businesses operating in competitive, and sometimes, volatile spaces." Over a third of the business leaders we surveyed had tried alternative staffing solutions, like working with agencies, freelancers and contractors. We were pleased to see that so many of these companies found it effective, with 85% saying that these tactics helped." "At Coople, we believe that flexible working is the best way to stay adaptable and agile, taking on additional support from trusted temporary staff when you need it.”

AAB, a leading professional services firm across the UK and Ireland, has announced the promotion of five team members into key leadership roles. This move not only underscores AAB’s dedication to fostering talent and commitment to excellence but also signals a continued trajectory of growth with 150 team members promoted across the 12 AAB office locations. The newly appointed individuals bring a wide range of experience and the new roles will be critical as the company expands its team across the UK and Ireland. Helen Daniels assumes the role of Audit Partner in the AAB Leeds office. Helen has been a key member of the Audit team specialising in owner managed businesses and the financial services sector. Lynn Gracie has accepted the position of Private Client Partner based in the AAB Aberdeen office. Leading the Private Client International Tax team, Lynn provides specialist tax advice connected to internationally mobile individuals, including Non-Residents and Non-UK Domiciles, providing holistic tax solutions across global jurisdictions. Gregor Angus, who joined AAB in March 2023 has been promoted to the role of Business Development Partner, North of Scotland. This appointment marks a commitment from AAB to drive further growth in the North of Scotland region across all service lines. Based in the AAB Aberdeen office, Andrea Begg has been promoted to Business Advisory Director. In her new role, Andrea will continue to deliver the highest standard of service and advice to owner managed and family businesses over a number of sectors. Andrea is also in the AAB tax investigations team. Assuming the role of Business Advisory Director based in the AAB Glasgow office, Gillian Rushton joined AAB in March 2016. Gillian provides business advisory tax services to a range of clients across all industries, as well as a being a member of both the AAB technology sector team and the tax investigations team. Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive Officer of AAB commented on the promotions: “Helen, Lynn, Gregor, Andrea and Gillian are dedicated team members at AAB and it is a great pleasure to recognise each of these individuals with their promotion to our leadership team." "We are committed to promoting from within, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to progress their career. As we continue to grow, their contributions will be pivotal in driving our vision forward and maintaining the high standards our clients know we can deliver to support their own business and individual growth.” Since securing investment from August Equity in 2021, AAB has trebled in size and now employs c1,000 people across 12 office locations in the United Kingdom, Ireland and the United States, with strategic plans in place to continue to scale the business rapidly, supported by the promotions.

A Highland woodturning business run by an 18-year-old is now able to produce products in a more streamlined way after the business owner accessed specialist start-up support from Business Gateway. Daniel Stewart began woodturning in 2020 when he was just 14, after being gifted a lathe by his granny. He now owns his own business, Daniel Stewart Woodturning. His skill is completely self-taught, with Daniel learning from videos online and perfecting his abilities, bringing a modern twist to a traditional craft. Woodturning is the process of shaping wood into functional and decorative items using a lathe. Unlike other forms of woodworking, where tools remain stationary, in woodturning, the wood is mounted on a lathe and rotated while a skilled artisan uses hand-held tools to carve and shape it. He began his business in 2020 and he now sells bowls and platters made from wood he finds on his estate, based in Garve. The products are all finished with Danish oil and beeswax which are both food-safe, so customers can use them however they like. Customers can also commission a custom piece of work that are tailored to their requirements. Daniel’s business also offers French polishing and furniture restoration services. Despite a steady stream of sales, Daniel faced limitations due to the equipment he was using. He was unable to afford an upgrade to more powerful tools that would enable him to work more efficiently. He approached Business Gateway, who gave him advice and helped him benefit from a Highland Council start-up grant. The funding allowed him to buy new equipment, meaning he could produce more products and could do so in a more streamlined way, saving him time and allowing him to create additional pieces. Daniel Stewart, founder of Daniel Stewart Woodturning, said: “The support I got from Business Gateway allowed me to purchase equipment I wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise. This has helped streamline my work and allowed me to create new products, as well as working quicker to produce existing products. The Business Gateway team has been really supportive.” Marianne Ross, Business Gateway adviser said: “Seeing someone as young as Daniel with his passion shows that owning a business is for all ages, no matter how young or old. It’s great to see how our support has helped Daniel create new products and bring in more custom to the business.” To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here.

Leeds-based golf mental performance coaching company, Underpin Sports has appointed former Leeds United midfielder, Andy Couzens as its business development manager to lead its expansion across the north of England. The Yorkshire arm of Underpin Sports is dedicated to equipping players with the psychological tools and mental strength needed to overcome the pressure of competing at the very top of the game. Since his retirement in 2000, Andy has held senior positions at a number of retail and leisure brands such as REVIV Leeds and REVIV Global, through to experience in hosting events and match day hosting at Leeds United. Commenting on his appointment, Andy Couzens said: “I am truly honoured to join the Underpin team after knowing how heavy the mental pressures at the top of your game can be. Seeing the remarkable growth of the business, especially over the past year, makes this an incredibly exciting time to come on board." "The increasing need for mental performance coaching at the elite level aligns perfectly with my passion and I want to be part of the team helping get the best out of these athletes." Underpin has played a pivotal role in the mental performance development of some of the games rising stars across the globe, including Freddie Kjettrup who recently made his professional debut at the 2024 U.S. Open following a successful final qualifying in Alpharetta, Georgia. As business development manager, Andy will draw on his experience as an elite athlete and utilise his reputation within the professional world to increase the Underpin 72 Club – a corporate network benefiting from bespoke golf and business events through to commercial networking opportunities – across the north of England. Each 72 Club corporate member benefits from strategic partnership opportunities and the ability to help fund the mental performance coaching of Underpin players who are at the start of their golfing career and often under financial pressure. "I fully support the company’s vision and believe strongly in the importance of the right mental approach for elite amateur and professional golfers. I am confident that Underpin will continue to thrive in the north of England, becoming highly attractive to businesses seeking to expand their corporate network, drive new commercial opportunities, and support the future of those involved in the amateur and professional game.” Andy will be working closely with Underpin’s managing director Stewart Clough in growing the 72 Club corporate membership, further supporting the network of players associated with the company. Stewart added: “Having someone with Andy’s understanding join the team to support with our growth is fantastic. His experience of performing at the highest of the game means he can resonate on a personal level with the players we work with and be sympathetic to some of the challenges they may be facing." "His extensive sporting experience, networking with some of the biggest businesses in Yorkshire, will prove key to attracting more businesses to our corporate network and driving our growth." “There is a natural relationship between golf and business, and we’ve worked to build a company that captures the widespread passion for the sport while offering a compelling proposition to corporate organisations. Our 72 Club network has made significant strides, creating exciting new commercial opportunities for participating firms, and bringing Andy into the team will only strengthen this further.”

It’s easy to fall in love with Japandi interiors - they’re calming, minimalist and with purpose. With its close connection to nature, Japandi isn’t just about chic aesthetics but feeling at peace in your home. Amthal Karim, Head of Design at Furniture And Choice comments on how to style this trend like a designer. “Even though Japandi interiors may seem like the cool kid on the design block, it’s far from intimidating. It takes the most meaningful elements of Wabi Sabi philosophy and Scandinavian hygge to create a style that centres on comfort and tranquillity." Japandi’s strength lies in its simplicity. Its Scandi roots emphasise curating your décor while the Wabi Sabi connection values beauty in imperfection. This means that even though you have a minimalist interior that feels refined, there is a rustic element that makes the space feel lived-in and cosy instead of cold and uninviting. So what’s the best way to start? Decluttering your home is essential in bringing Japandi’s minimalist aesthetic to life. This is what makes Japandi interiors look so stylish without having to blow your budget. Putting purpose first when choosing furniture and accessories will help set the mood of your space. For example, choose a sofa or armchair with clean lines or soft curves to bring out Japandi’s sleek yet simple feel. Tie this together with soft upholstery like cotton, linen or boucle to amp up the cosiness. A neutral colour palette is essential in creating the Japandi look. Textured wallpaper in a neutral hue is one way to bring this element to life. If you prefer a light base for sofas go for cream, taupe, beige, oatmeal, ivory and light brown. You can also go darker with browns, stone shades and greys to make a more moody statement. However, it’s best to avoid ‘loud’ colours like red or orange to keep it understated. It’s no secret that traditional Japanese interiors exude a sense of peace and calm. This is because of its link to biophilic design where you bring the outdoors in through interiors - and Japandi is no different. One easy way is to incorporate wooden accents throughout your home like a coffee table, chairs or even a bowl. Besides wood, textures like stone tiling or linen upholstery also help create a tranquil space and ground us in the present. When we talk about layering in Japandi design, this is where Wabi Sabi comes into play. It’s a lifestyle philosophy that celebrates the unique or handmade so bring in personal touches through soft furnishings, artwork or accessories. If you have pieces that have been passed down like old ceramics or trinkets from your travels, display them proudly. If you’re in the mood to shop, there’s always the thrill of browsing vintage markets and finding a piece (or three) with a piece of history attached to it. The best kept secret about giving Japandi a designer look is in the lighting. Get the ‘Japandi glow’ with round paper lantern lights or lamps which fit right in with the room’s clean, minimal aesthetic. Pendant lighting is also a good way to highlight specific areas of your home like your kitchen-diner or reading corner. Besides ceiling lights, table lamps are another option for brightening your interior giving you the flexibility to move the lamps around. Basically, you want to bring warmth and cosiness to your interiors to make it feel like you never want to leave home!” Read our guide to Japandi interiors for more ways to achieve this look at home. Credit Name: Amthal Karim Title: Head of Design

Today we can announce the host venues for this year’s Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men, as Britain’s national Tour heads from Kelso in the Scottish Borders to Felixstowe on the Suffolk coast, over six scintillating stages of racing. The Tour will take in the Scottish Borders, Tees Valley, South Yorkshire, West Northamptonshire and East Suffolk for its 20th edition, with hundreds of thousands expected to line the streets for Britain’s biggest free-to-attend sporting spectacle. Three new venues will join the route map for the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men – Barnsley, Northampton, and Lowestoft – alongside the return of five popular host venues, Kelso, Redcar, Felixstowe, Darlington, and Sheffield, the latter two of which have not featured on the route of the Tour for more than 15 years. The Route Taking place between Tuesday 3 and Sunday 8 September, riders will get underway in the picturesque Scottish Borders, which welcomes its tenth edition of the modern Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men. An opening leg will both start and finish in the cobbled market square of Kelso, which has twice before seen memorable stage finishes, with spectators due to be treated to a finishing circuit on this stage, giving the opportunity to watch the stage unfold. The race then crosses into England for stage two in the Tees Valley on Wednesday 4 September. An area becoming very familiar to cycling fans over the past few years, the stage will begin in Darlington, host of this year’s Lloyds Bank National Circuit Race Championships. It will be the first time that the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men has visited since 2009 when the town hosted its second stage start, while Redcar gets to host a stage finish, having hosted a start during the 2022 race. The stage will take in some of the popular Lloyds Bank British National Road Race Championship route, including the climb of Saltburn Bank, as it travels through the Tees Valley and North York Moors National Park, before a finish on the seafront in Redcar. The Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men returns to South Yorkshire for the first time since 2007 on stage three on Thursday 5 September. Having hosted stage finishes on three occasions, but not since 2006, Sheffield will host the stage start, with the finish of a tough day of racing coming in Barnsley. While the town is a first-time host of the Tour, it is no stranger to pro-cycling, having, like Sheffield, successfully held several rounds of the Lloyds Bank National Circuit Series. Details of the start and finish venues for stage four, which will see another new host venue for the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men, will be announced in the coming weeks. The penultimate stage of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men takes place in West Northamptonshire for a stage starting and finishing in the town of Northampton on Saturday 7 September. While the town has twice hosted stage finishes in the women’s race, this will be the first time that the men’s Tour has visited Northampton. Having hosted the opening stage of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men in 2012, this year sees Suffolk having the chance to host the final stage of the race for the first time, with the last stage, on Sunday 8 September, starting and finishing in East Suffolk. Starting from the promenade in Lowestoft – the UK’s most easterly settlement and the final new venue for the 2024 race – stage six will take in some of the roads familiar to the peloton from the Tour’s previous six visits to Suffolk. Sea Road in Felixstowe will hold the stage finish, the scene of an audacious stage victory by Wout van Aert 12 months ago which set him up for the overall race victory. Commenting on the announcement, British Cycling Events Managing Director, Jonathan Day, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing top-level racing and the joy of cycling to communities across the country in September, with six stages to showcase the very best of Britain’s character and terrain." “We’re enormously thankful to the local partners who are supporting the delivery of this year’s race, as we look to build on the momentum of June’s successful Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Women. I’ve no doubt that their communities will be out in force to welcome the riders, and make it another memorable week of racing to cap off a huge summer of cycling.” Councillor Scott Hamilton, Scottish Borders Council’s Executive Member for Community and Business Development, said: “I am delighted that we will once again be welcoming the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain back to the Scottish Borders and I’m incredibly proud that we’ll be hosting the first stage, entirely within our area. “The South of Scotland was recognised as a UCI Bike Region last year and also hosted various events as part of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. We continue to do all we can along with our partners to maximise the power of the bike for the benefit of everyone in the region, and the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain can help play its part.” Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It is fantastic news that our area will be hosting a stage of the Tour of Britain and we look forward to welcoming some of the world’s best riders. “This event will further grow our reputation as a great destination for cycling and showcase the amazing locations we have to offer such as Saltburn Bank.” South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard, said: “South Yorkshire is a place that loves a bike race, and even more, loves to welcome the world. We did it when we hosted the Grand Depart in 2017 and with the Tour de Yorkshire in 2017. So I know we will be out in force to cheer on the riders in the Tour of Britain, with thousands of people on the streets cheering the riders on across South Yorkshire." “From Redmires to Roche Abbey, Conisbrough to Cubley, the South Yorkshire leg will pass through our incredible cities, towns and villages, taking in some of our most beautiful landscapes. The Tour of Britain coming to South Yorkshire is another sign of confidence in our ability to big, exciting things, and in can't wait for us to be part of it.” Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “We are extremely excited to be hosting the world-class Tour of Britain race for the first time this September." “Events like this play an important role in bringing communities together and inspiring people to take up sport and live a more active and healthier lifestyle. They also provide a significant boost to our local economy and showcase our wonderful area to a global audience." “When previously hosting the Women’s Tour we saw a record number of spectators visiting West Northamptonshire and lining the route to show their support and we very much hope to witness that again this year as we celebrate all those taking part in the race." “As a Council we are committed to providing opportunities to get involved in sports and physical activity and by hosting this international event showcasing prominent cyclists we hope to inspire the next generation of budding athletes right here in West Northants.” Cllr Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for Communities, Culture, Leisure and Tourism said: “We are thrilled to see the return of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men this year, which is especially exciting as the entire final stage will be held within East Suffolk." “National sporting events such as the Tour of Britain bring huge benefits to the area, attracting visitors to the district and providing a real boost for local businesses and communities. We are looking forward to September and seeing this amazing sporting spectacle in our district.” More details of all six stages of the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men, including route maps and detailed timings, will be announcing in the coming weeks. Photo credit: SWpix.com

Medal winning Olympians such as Colin Jackson, Jamie Baulch and Rebecca Adlington OBE drink matcha tea to help cope with their busy schedules and a survey reveals it’s a growing trend. “Drinking matcha is a habit I link to helping me feel more focused” said silver medal-winning Olympian sprint and hurdling athlete Colin Jackson. Jackson, who won a silver medal at the 1988 Summer Olympics and is now preparing to present the BBC’s coverage of the 2024 games in Paris, said: “Drinking matcha is a habit I link to helping me feel more focussed. I drink it to freshen my mind and for a lift in energy.” In a survey by OMGTea of 127 British matcha drinkers, 88 per cent said they experienced an increase in energy from drinking matcha while 83 per cent said that matcha improved their focus. But the most positive response came when survey respondents were asked if drinking matcha regularly made them feel they wanted to lead a healthier lifestyle, to which 98 per cent responded: ‘yes.’ Meanwhile, fellow Olympian sprinter Jamie Baulch, who won a silver at the 1996 Olympic games, agreed that matcha improved his energy and focus. He said: “Matcha gives me a gentle boost and helps me feel revitalised. I find that matcha provides that pinpoint focus I need.” Katherine Swift, CEO of Brighton-based matcha company OMGTea, said: “Matcha green tea has been drunk by Buddhist monks for centuries and is known to help to still and focus the mind - it is regarded as a drink of meditation." “Samurai traditionally consumed matcha before battle, whereas Buddhist monks drank it for relaxation and to achieve a sense of Zen. It makes a lot of sense for people who need to focus and concentrate to drink matcha, whether they are Olympians, TV presenters, or just everyday people with busy lives." “In today's fast-paced world, many individuals facing challenges at work and home could benefit from better focus and an energy boost." “A good cup of matcha is a great way to start your day. If everyone drank a cup of matcha a day, I genuinely believe the world would be a better place.”

More than 40 students from a black background have graduated from a programme set up to help tackle inequality in research and encourage diversity at doctoral-level study. The third cohort of students to undertake the ASPIRE (Accomplished Study Programme in Research Excellence) programme were celebrated at an event at Sheffield Hallam University. The programme is a four-year research project led by Sheffield Hallam University in partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University and Advance HE, aiming to address the underrepresentation of black and black heritage research students. The event featured a keynote address by Professor Jason Arday, the youngest black person to be appointed as a Professor at Cambridge University. Senior university leaders, including the Vice-Chancellor, were also in attendance. The celebration also welcomed several notable guests, including Professor Charles Egbu, Vice Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University and Alison Lowe, Deputy Mayor for West Yorkshire Policing and Crime. The event marked a significant milestone for the mentorship program, which has guided 59 students to date, with 13 participants securing fully funded PhD positions. Jerome Smith, who was one of the 2024 cohort, said: “Through ASPIRE, I learned that I do belong in research and improved my confidence. I now understand the freedom and opportunities a PhD offers and the power it holds. I recognise that I represent not only myself but every student who looks like me and aspires to achieve. Ultimately, ASPIRE has set me on this path and provided opportunities I would have missed.” Rosie Archibald-Darcy, who also completed the programme, said: “These past six months with ASPIRE have been transformative. Juggling work, family, and health, being part of the ASPIRE community has been the highlight of this period. I've gained invaluable education and personal and professional development.” Programme Lead and Principal Investigator of the ASPIRE programme, Dr Francis Awolowo, said: “It is an honour to nurture and support Black scholars through the ASPIRE program, marking a significant milestone in our collective journey." "Empowering Black individuals to pursue doctoral education is a profound blessing. With ASPIRE, we envision a future with increased representation of Black researchers in UK higher education, a future that is more diverse, inclusive, and inspiring.” The ASPIRE programme is one of many ways Sheffield Hallam is achieving its vision of A Culture of Inclusion. This means creating a diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment in which everyone feels they belong, irrespective of background or identity. Professor Liz Mossop, Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, said: “It was an honour to speak at the ASPIRE showcase event, to a packed room of inspirational individuals. I reminded everyone that whilst there is much to celebrate, with the huge success of the ASPIRE programme in beginning to address the underrepresentation of black and black heritage students in research, there is still a long way to go in our equity and equality ambitions. It was a timely event, with the release last week of the Sheffield Hallam EEDI framework, where we clearly set out our ambition for the University around equity and diversity. Institutional and individual allyship is a key part of this.”

A comprehensive new study by Aquapak, ‘FMCG flexible packaging: accelerating the move from plastic to paper’, based on research with 100 UK packaging experts responsible for packaging R&D, technology, design and sustainability for FMCG brands, highlights their concern over the use of plastic packaging by their business and the impact of microplastics in oceans, waterways and living organisms, including humans. Over one third (37%) of respondents said that they are extremely concerned and 63% said they are quite concerned. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles up to 5mm in diameter that result from both commercial product development and the breakdown of larger plastics. In the last four decades, concentrations of these particles appear to have increased significantly and, as a pollutant, microplastics can be harmful to the environment and animal health. The majority (84%) of those surveyed said there should be much tougher regulations to help kerb the introduction of microplastics into the environment, with just 6% disagreeing with this course of action, and 10% didn’t know. Whilst the majority (92%) of those questioned plan to stop using plastic in their consumer packaging altogether and move to more paper-based materials, the timeframe for transition is still considerable, with only 6% expecting to achieve this goal by 2026, 27% by 2027, 35% by 2028 and 28% by 2029. However, on a more positive note, 86% said that their business is prepared to spend more on packaging to improve sustainability and end-of-life outcomes which, ultimately, will reduce the risk of harmful microplastics being released into the environment. Over a half (56%) said their business would be willing to pay 4% - 5% more for proven, environmentally friendly packaging materials, compared to existing plastics. One third said their business would pay between 6% and 9% more, and 8% said between 10% - 20% more. Taking a longer-term view, one quarter expect their business to increase its investment in packaging material with better recyclability and end of life outcomes dramatically, 40% expect it to increase slightly and 35% expect it to stay the same as today. Dr John Williams, Chief Technical Officer at Aquapak, said: “Microplastics are one of the most problematic consequences of plastic in the environment. The truth is that we are only just starting to fully understand the damage they are causing to the food chain and the long-term effects they will have. Our research shows that the FMCG sector is very conscious of the problem, but the pace of change remains slow." “New packaging materials such as Hydropol, an innovative polymer developed by Aquapak, already exist which do not harm the environment when they come to the end of their useful life and still provide the functionality and product protection needed. In the case of Hydropol, it breaks down without the formation of harmful microplastics.” Hydropol – performs like plastic, recycles like paper Aquapak Polymers Ltd specialises in designing and manufacturing new polymer-based material technologies that uniquely deliver both performance and environmental responsibility at scale. HydropolTM, is a groundbreaking high-performance polymer developed by Aquapak’s own research chemists that enables product and packaging design to meet all necessary functional and performance requirements, whilst increasing recycling, reducing harmful plastic pollution and supporting the circular economy. When extrusion coated or laminated onto paper, HydropolTM adds strength and barriers to oxygen, oil and grease, and its solubility allows 100% paper fibre recovery through paper recycling mills. Hydropol does not form harmful microplastics Hydropol is currently defined as a plastic and like all plastics as breakdown occurs it fragments into smaller pieces - technically defined as microplastics. However. unlike most conventional plastics these small pieces are not harmful and go on to biodegrade safely thanks to the presence of chemical functional groups, common in natural materials such as starch and cellulose. These allow for continuous breakdown without the formation of toxins, or the subsequent absorption of toxins from the environment associated with conventional plastics. There is an abundance of academic research carried out in this area. The means Hydropol is marine-safe. Hydropol is hydrophilic (waterliking) and has no natural tendency to attract toxins or form toxic microplastics and is itself non-toxic to marine fauna. A two-year marine toxicity study on zebra fish larvae showed this to be the case and there is further ongoing research at the University of Portsmouth. To download the report, visit here .

Leeds-based creative marketing agency ThinkOTB has enhanced the premium award-winning brands, Very Lazy and Newman’s Own, with a refresh of their online presence for UK and US markets. Both brands are owned by English Provender Company (EPC), which produces award-winning dressings, chutneys, and mayonnaise. Newman’s Own’s dressings and marinades was established by the Hollywood movie star, Paul Newman, in 1983. It uses all natural ingredients. Consumers can feel good about purchasing the products as all profits are donated to charity – over $580 million has been donated to thousands of charities around the world. Jo Waddington, Managing Director of ThinkOTB, said: “EPC are passionate about fine quality ingredients and are true innovators. They wanted us to give the website of this iconic brand a more modern feel, while aligning to its brand and US presence.” ThinkOTB has been delivering integrated award-winning brand and communication campaigns to clients for thirty years. It has worked with numerous well-respected UK and global brands including Google, Visa, and Dulux. Based in Headingley, the agency is named for its approach by ‘thinking outside the box’ and is known as one of the UK’s most creative agencies. Joanne said: “It was a real privilege to support the Newman’s Own brand and help be part of Paul Newman’s incredible legacy. Proceeds from his dressings range go to thousands of charities around the world, the main one in the UK being Over the Wall, which supports young people with health challenges and disabilities to take part in holiday camps.” The Oscar-award winning American actor was dedicated to helping make the world a better place. Newman’s Own was one of the first food companies to focus on high-quality ingredients you could find in your own kitchen. Joanne said: “The website is focused on recipe inspiration, not e-commerce, and we have considered market nuances in terms of product range, content, language, and messaging and have included their social feeds in the new design.” The Very Lazy brand is known as Very Easy in the States. Think OTB’s work consisted of designing the Very Easy website for the American market to help EPC expand into new global markets. Joanne said: “Research shows that the name Very Lazy in the US was not popular, the new Very Easy website, will launch on the East Coast in late spring.” The product range features chopped ingredients and a chilli boost range. It’s known to help cooks get ‘maximum flavour with minimum fuss’ with hacks such as chopped garlic, ginger, and chillies. ThinkOTB has created a website that includes a brighter colour palette, recipes, and messages to reflect American language and tastes.