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Digger maker JCB threw the biggest birthday bash in its history at the weekend as more than 23,000 employees and their families partied to performances by Robbie Williams and Alex James. The venue for the 80th anniversary celebration was the picturesque Wootton Estate in Staffordshire just a few miles from where JCB’s business was founded in Uttoxeter on October 23rd, 1945. The two-day JCB Family Festival was an extravaganza of entertainment to thank employees past and present for all they have done to propel the company from a one-man operation to company that today employs more than 20,000 people worldwide at 22 factories. From sheep shows to celebrity cookery demonstrations, parachute displays, and ferret racing there was something for everyone. The world famous JCB Dancing Diggers took several bows over the weekend to loud applause from the crowds, who were also delighted by a fly past from a Hurricane and a Spitfire. In the stage area, hosted by comedian and actor Paddy McGuinness, a day of musical entertainment kicked off with the UK’s premier wartime group the D-Day Darlings – a nod to the era when JCB was founded just after the Second World War. As the day progressed, Taylor Swift, Abba, Take That and Oasis tribute acts put on spell binding performances. The loudest cheers were reserved for Alex James Brit Pop Classical who closed the show on Saturday night and Staffordshire’s own Robbie Williams who brought the curtain down on the weekend on Sunday. JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford said: “This whole event was to say thank you to every employee, past and present, for helping make JCB the global success it is today. JCB competes on the world stage and we could not have achieved that without the efforts of the whole team. It was a magnificent weekend and gave me particular pleasure that our two headline acts had links with Staffordshire, where our business began 80 years ago.” Robbie Williams was born in Stoke-on-Trent and rose to fame with Take That before going solo in 1996 and becoming one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Alex James’ wife Claire, a music video producer, hails from Trentham in Stoke-on-Trent. In true Robbie style, the singer picked a woman from the crowd on Sunday evening to serenade with ‘She’s The One’. The lucky lady was Jules Taylor, wife of Nick Taylor, Sales Director at Rocester-based JCB Finance. Jules had written ‘Robbie we love you’ on the reverse of a paper JCB carrier bag to turn it into a banner which she held over the barrier. After the concert, she said: “It was absolutely amazing – my legs were shaking! I’m a huge Robbie fan. I think he’s an amazing showman. I shouted to Nick to get the camera ready when he came near. I felt star struck. What an absolutely brilliant day.” Retired JCB employee Sue Finney, of Rocester, who used to work in the JCB Events team, said: “I think it is incredible that Lord Bamford has put on an event like this for the employees to enjoy.” JCB Merchandise Assistant Tracy Mottram, of Oakamoor, near Cheadle, said: “It was a brilliant weekend. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the event and it made us proud to work for JCB.”

The Tour de France, the world’s most famous cycling competition, gets underway on July 4, with a team time trial for the first time in 55 years, and XPO Logistics, a leading provider of innovative and sustainable end-to-end logistics solutions across Europe, is once again making sure the wheels of the race turn smoothly. XPO Logistics is also supporting the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, the increasingly popular women’s version of the Tour, which will ascend the fearsome Mont Ventoux for the first time in its history. The 113th edition of the Tour de France will take place from 4 July to 26 July, bringing together 184 riders across 23 teams. The race will cover more than 3,321 kilometres over 21 stages through Spain and France, spanning seven regions and 29 départements. This year's race will begin in Barcelona with the first opening-stage team time trial in 55 years. To support the event, XPO Logistics will deploy 45 trucks and 56 drivers to transport the infrastructure that keeps the race moving from one stage to the next. Each truck will travel thousands of kilometres throughout the Tour, including loading, race operations and unloading. Departing trucks will average 2,786 kilometres, while arriving trucks will average 2,592 kilometres. A pioneer in more sustainable transport, XPO Logistics will once again deploy its LESS® HVO solution throughout the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes. Using HVO biofuel injected into its fuel tank network, this solution reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 90%. During the 2025 races, LESS® HVO helped avoid more than 223,370 kg of CO₂ emissions. The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift starts on August 1 in Lausanne, Switzerland, and runs over nine stages in nine days until 9 August, with the Mont Ventoux climb on stage seven. Once again, XPO Logistics is supporting this event, with 16 drivers covering 1,178 kilometres, using HVO biofuel to reduce CO2 emissions during the tour. This year, an additional truck will be added to the fleet for the Tour de France to transport a departure village arch, and another truck will be provided for a caravan partner for Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. For both events, a festival parade of decorated vehicles, known as the famous Caravane du Tour, will precede the riders. The Tour de France stretches for many kilometres through the region, and ahead of the riders, key sponsors offer souvenirs to entertain the crowds lining the route. For many families, this is as much a part of the events as the races themselves. Guillaume Col, President – Europe, XPO Logistics, said: “The Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift are cultural cycling icons, and it makes us very proud to be once again a key part of the incredibly complex and enjoyable logistical challenge. We always have the very best drivers and teams working on these events, who consistently deliver where it matters most: precision, agility and absolute reliability. When the world’s biggest cycling race moves every day, they need a partner they can count on – and that’s exactly what we provide.” Guillaume Kleszcz, Logistics Director, Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.), said: "The Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift are among the world’s largest and most complex travelling sporting events. Delivering these races every day—from city centres to the summits of iconic mountains—requires logistics that are precise, agile, sustainable, and flawlessly executed." This is why we are particularly proud of our longstanding partnership with XPO Logistics. For 55 years, we have worked side by side, continuously innovating and adapting together to meet the evolving challenges of the event. This trusted collaboration is a key factor in ensuring that the excitement and spectacle of the races reach millions of fans across France and around the world every year." About XPO Logistics  XPO Logistics is a European leader in developing innovative and sustainable end-to-end supply chain logistics solutions. The company operates 206 sites across 14 countries and serves its customers with 20,000 trucks and trailers, 1,000,000 square meters of warehouse space, and 14,000 employees throughout Europe. The company’s European headquarters are located in Lyon, France.       XPO, Inc. (NYSE: XPO) is a leader in asset-based less-than-truckload (LTL) freight transportation in North America. The company’s customer-focused organization efficiently moves 8 million tonnes of freight per year, enabled by its proprietary technology. XPO serves 55,000 customers with 605 locations and 38,000 employees in North America and Europe, and is headquartered in Greenwich, Conn., USA.

A housebuilder with headquarters located across Scotland has been named as one of TIME magazine World’s 500 Most Sustainable Companies for 2026 for a third consecutive year. The recognition for Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland, part of Barratt Redrow, which is responsible for developments such as the significant 3,000 home community at Durieshill in Stirling, Otter Stone Manor in Aberdeen and West Craigs in Edinburgh underscores its industry-leading commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural environment and building great places that promote healthy and happy living for customers. This accolade places Barratt Redrow amongst a select group of companies across the globe recognised for their leadership in sustainability. Alison Condie, Regional Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Scotland, said: “It’s fantastic to know our work across Scotland contributes to a national legacy of building not only high-quality homes, but a more sustainable future. This achievement reflects the dedication of our teams to reducing our impact, innovating and creating communities that last." “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Being included on this global list is both an honour and a powerful motivation to keep pushing the boundaries of what responsible homebuilding can achieve.” In total, 62 UK-based companies received the accreditation in 2026, all of whom are setting the benchmark on sustainability performance, transparency and innovation. TIME and its research partner, Statista, used a transparent, multi-stage methodology to identify the world’s most sustainable companies. The process began with a pool of over 5,000 of the world’s largest and most influential companies. Following a rigorous four-stage assessment, the final ranking excluded unsustainable industries and considered factors like external sustainability ratings and commitments, corporate reporting practices, and environmental and social performance indicators. This comprehensive approach produced a ranking of 500 companies from over 30 countries. Working with highly skilled partners in the sector, Barratt Redrow is driving change across the organisation and its value chain to meet society’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, diversity and inclusion, and human rights. The business is committed to all homes being zero carbon in regulated energy use from 2030. At the University of Salford, Barratt Redrow and scientists are working together to rigorously test how climate change will affect the homes of the future. The research from Energy House 2.0 is being shared with housebuilders around the world to support their own transition to zero carbon. On site, the leading housebuilder is taking steps to reduce its operational footprint with a major focus on eliminating and reducing diesel use. This includes trials of hydrotreated vegetable oil as a lower-carbon fuel alternative, and trialling hydrogen telehandlers. Alongside this, it is improving site energy efficiency, expanding the use of renewable electricity and introducing tools to monitor emissions from construction activities. Barratt Redrow’s determination to be a quality, sustainable builder was recognised in June by the NHBC’s Pride in the Job Quality Awards with 122 site managers given awards in 2026 – more than any other housebuilder for the 22nd year running. Also, the housebuilder was awarded five stars by customers for the 17th year in a row. For more information about any developments in the county, visit the websites at Barratt and David Wilson Homes in New build homes & house developments for sale | Barratt Homes

Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame has been named Supreme Champion Family Business of the Year at the National Family Business of the Year Awards 2026. After scooping awards for London and South East Family Business of the Year and Hospitality, Hotel and Leisure Family Business of the Year, the Kent-based brewer was crowned overall winner at the ceremony, hosted on June 17 at the Royal Geographical Society in London. A total of 28 businesses were recognised at the event, which celebrates the outstanding contribution family-run firms make to the UK economy and the communities they serve. Shepherd Neame’s Director of Professional Property, John Barnes, and Wines and Spirits Development Manager, Moray Neame, collected the awards on behalf of the company. The judging panel praised Shepherd Neame's ‘strong governance, wider community engagement, deep history, sustainability credentials, purpose and values’, describing the business as ‘truly deserving’ and saying it ‘represents the true essence of what being an independent British family business is all about’. Family Business United Founder and CEO, Paul Andrews, said: “Shepherd Neame is a truly impressive example of a family business. Whilst they boast an incredible heritage, their continued growth, strength and resilience are testament to their clear purpose and values, brought to life through constant innovation and adaptation." “Thriving in this sector is a challenge, yet they continue to demonstrate that success comes from having a clear purpose, strong governance, a long-term perspective and an unwavering commitment to the communities they serve." “They are resilient, innovative and adaptive, and are quite simply a benchmark family business with exceptional leadership, strong values and a firm eye on where they are going." Shepherd Neame Chief Executive Jonathan Neame said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised in the Family Business of the Year Awards." “Shepherd Neame may be Britain's oldest brewer, but our approach is anything but old-fashioned." "We remain an independent family business, yet flexible and agile, and that has enabled us to survive and thrive. We are delighted to be named Supreme Champion Family Business of the Year.” About Shepherd Neame Shepherd Neame has been based in the market town of Faversham, Kent for over 300 years. Perhaps best known for great British classic ales such as Spitfire Amber, which carries the Royal Warrant, its diverse portfolio includes the Bear Island and Whitstable Bay collections. It also brews international lagers under licence including premium Thai lager Singha. The independent family business boasts an award-winning visitor centre and 286 pubs and hotels throughout London and the South East, from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline.

A retired Staffordshire firefighter is digging deep for the Poppy Appeal — by launching a JCB-themed badge to raise vital funds. Kelvin Chell, from Audley, Newcastle-under-Lyme, has designed a bespoke JCB digger-themed pin badge with all proceeds supporting the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. JCB and Fenton-based JCB supplier Rayne Engineering have joined forces to fund production of 1,300 of the badges, which will be available for a minimum donation of £4. Kelvin has a long track record of raising funds for military charities through his bespoke badge designs, having raised more than £140,000 six years for the Poppy Appeal. The badges will initially go on sale at the JCB Lakeside 5 and Fun run from 6pm on Thursday, July 9th, when hundreds of racers are expected to compete in the popular evening five-mile race and two-mile fun run course around the JCB World Headquarters at Rocester. Kelvin said: “I wanted to do something with a JCB theme to co-oincide with the company’s 80th anniversary year and because JCB is one of the great British success stories based in my home county of Staffordshire. It’s fantastic to have the support of both JCB and Rayne Engineering to bring the project to life. Every badge sold will help support veterans and their families, which is something very close to my heart.” Andrew Simmell, owner of Rayne Engineering, added: “We’re proud to support Kelvin’s efforts and to play a part in such an important cause. The Poppy Appeal does incredible work supporting the Armed Forces community, and this badge is a brilliant way to raise both funds and awareness.” The official launch took place at JCB’s World Headquarters in Rocester, attended by JCB employees Karl Sutton, who served with the 1st Battalion Staffordshire Regiment and Tim Constantino, who served with the 16th 5th Queen’s Royal Lancers. Also at the unveiling was retired JCB employee Gil Mould, who served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers attached to the Army Air Corps and is now a member of the Cheadle branch of the Royal British Legion. Tim Constantino said: “It is a real privilege to be involved in launching this initiative. Kelvin’s commitment to fundraising is inspiring, and these badges are a great tribute to both JCB and the Armed Forces community. I hope they prove hugely popular.” Annemarie Jones, Regional Poppy Appeal Manager for the Northeast and Northwest Midlands, said: “We are really grateful for Kelvin’s support over many years and we are very pleased that JCB and Rayne Engineering are contributing towards this year’s great fundraising initiative.” The fundraising effort continues JCB’s long-standing support for the Royal British Legion, including the unveiling of a special poppy-themed machine which was auctioned for the charity in 2018 to mark the centenary of the Armistice. Photo: Pictured left to right at the launch are Andrew Simmill, of Rayne Engineering; Annmarie Jones of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal; JCB employee Karl Sutton, retired firefighter Kelvin Chell; JCB employee Tim Constantino; Lord Bamford and retired JCB employee Gil Mould of the Cheadle branch of the Royal British Legion.

One of the south’s leading independent law firms has a new Managing Partner at the helm. ‘Renowned lawyer’ Lauren Day is stepping up to lead Ellis Jones Solicitors after a series of promotions, replacing long-standing colleague Nigel Smith in the top role. Solicitor Lauren, the firm’s Head of Dispute Resolution, became one of its first female Partners when she was promoted from Associate Solicitor in 2013 having qualified four years earlier. An equity partner since 2017, she has worked across both the legal services side of Ellis Jones as well as championing its strategic business development and marketing. Highly recommended for her professionalism and pragmatism in year-by-year editions of industry guides The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners UK, Lauren has built her reputation in her specialist areas: acting in contentious trust and probate claims and for property developers. Under her leadership, the firm now has one of the largest and most respected Dispute Resolution teams in the region. At the same time, she has played a leading role in shaping and delivering the firm’s strategic development and establishing new service lines including the development of teams focused on charities and LGBT legal advice. On her promotion to the top, Lauren said: “I feel extremely privileged to have had the opportunity to develop my career at Ellis Jones. As a firm we actively encourage people to progress, creating an environment where entrepreneurialism is encouraged and support and mutual trust are ever present. As a result, I and many others have dedicated their careers to the firm, indeed many of my fellow Partners trained here and have followed a similar journey to mine." "As Managing Partner, I look forward to playing an even greater part in helping the firm and our clients succeed. The legal sector is currently experiencing a great deal of change and uncertainty, but I am confident that by staying true to our culture and values and bringing personality to our work we will continue to succeed. I pay tribute to Nigel for helping to steer us to our present size and status after many years. Everyone at Ellis Jones owes him an immense debt of gratitude.” Nigel, who has been at Ellis Jones since 1986, is standing down from the role of Managing Partner after 27 years. He will remain on board as Senior Partner for three years after which he plans to become a consultant. Nigel said: “Congratulations to Lauren on her thoroughly deserved promotion. She is a renowned lawyer, consistently praised for her skills and expertise not only by her colleagues and clients but by her peers and independent legal industry commentators. At Ellis Jones, her work in growing our Dispute Resolution team to be regionally recognised and in helping to form and drive the strategy of the firm generally has been significant." “Lauren is particularly a driving force in our partnerships with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the Swanage Railway Trust and the BOWRA Foundation, a charity that does phenomenal work supporting people who have suffered brain injuries and are looking to recover through practical help and physical challenges." “Lauren has been, and continues to be, an inspirational figure for women within the legal industry, both locally and further afield. Since becoming a Partner, she has been the trailblazer for the exponential growth in the number of female members in our team. Of our current roll of more than 180 members of staff, around 72% are women. Among our 23 partners, nine are female.” Among her industry credentials, Lauren is Senior Vice President of Bournemouth & District Law Society, an associate member of the Association of Contentious Trust & Probate Solicitors and ranked as a Leading Partner for Commercial Litigation in the 2026 Legal 500 guide. In this year’s Chambers guide, Lauren is recognised as a key contact for Litigation. And in a Chambers High Net Worth Guide for Private Wealth Disputes published last year, she was praised for providing ‘clear and accurate advice’ and having ‘an excellent skill set for the resolution of complex disputes’. The authors wrote: ‘Lauren is extremely quick of thought, identifies key issues immediately and can run cases very effectively and economically for a client while keeping a sharp eye on the intended outcome’. Lauren’s promotion to Managing Partner and Nigel’s move to Senior Partner were announced in line with Photo 1 - Excellent Skill Set. Lauren Day, foreground left, is the new Managing Partner of Ellis Jones Solicitors, replacing Nigel Smith, standing right. The pair are pictured at the firm’s latest annual general meeting, held at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium. Photo 2 - Promotion. Solicitor and Head of Dispute Resolution Lauren Day has been appointed Managing Partner of Ellis Jones Solicitors.

Access School, based at Holbrook Villa Farm, Harmer Hill, Shrewsbury, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Midlands Region ARC Alex Timpson Award in recognition of its work with in helping pupils adapt and learn to their educational setting, particularly those children who may have suffered trauma earlier in their life. The school, part of the Family Care Group, which provides fostering, educational and care services for young people across Shropshire, specialises in meeting Special Needs Educational requirements for young people aged from 6 years to 16 years. The school site has been converted from a working farm to provide a rural setting which is calming and therapeutic for pupils, particularly those who may have struggled in a mainstream school setting previously. The ARC (Attachment Research Community) award is given to one school in each region of the country, which in the view of the judges has made the most significant steps forward in improving the learning experience for its pupils and improving practice for trauma awareness amongst its staff. Among the measures put in place by Access School are: Specialised training for all staff in Secure Base and trauma informed working, delivered by an experienced team of therapists on site The introduction of Fabulous Spaces which provides areas of interaction for staff with the pupils ensuring they are surrounded by trusting adults in a safe space Animal care and land-based studying which allows pupils to develop empathy through caring for living things. Access school is also currently working to transform itself into an officially recognised ARC training hub, which will enable it to provide training to local sites to deliver Trauma Informed Practice. The regional award nomination follows success for the school last year when it was awarded Gold status by ARC for its outstanding work with children with special educational needs. Sarah Earing, Head Teacher at Access School, said: “Understanding past trauma and the way it can have an impact on a young person in school is so important. So for us at Access it has become a fundamental part of our approach to teaching here." “If we can make a positive impact with the way we teach and work with pupils, help to develop their confidence more and allow them to reach their full potential then we are definitely succeeding.” Sarah adds: “For this reason we are now also working to be become recognised as an official training hub for trauma linked teaching. This will hopefully enable to us to transfer our knowledge and experience to other local schools in the Shropshire area.” For more details on the Arc Alex Timpson regional awards click here: Learn more about how to become a foster carer here: Photo Captions: Photo 1: Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator Sumer Jones and Therapeutic Practitioner Laura Watton from Access School Photo 2: Sarah Earing, Head Teacher at Access School

Little’s Chauffeur Drive, proudly celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026, has introduced bespoke Mercedes-Benz Grand Tourer Sprinters to its fleet, further strengthening its premium group travel offering across Scotland and the UK. Already well established in delivering high-quality group transport, the addition of these 16-seater vehicles enhances capacity while elevating the onboard experience for luxury travel. Built by specialist coachbuilder EVM UK and finished in Little’s signature burgundy livery, the new Grand Tourer Sprinters have been specified to combine comfort, practicality and a refined travel environment, in line with the company’s consistently high service standards. Enhancing Group Travel Experience Now in service, the Grand Tourer Sprinters offer a flexible, high-spec solution for a wide range of journeys, including corporate events, conferences, luxury touring, airport transfers and private itineraries. Key features include: Executive seating for up to 16 passengers plus chauffeur Bespoke leather interiors with generous legroom Saloon-style tables for meetings and working on the move Panoramic windows creating a bright, spacious interior Extensive luggage capacity and full-length overhead storage USB charging at every seat Onboard fridge and integrated PA system The vehicles are designed to support both business and leisure travel, delivering a smooth, comfortable and well-coordinated journey experience. Designed Around the Client Experience The introduction of the Grand Tourer Sprinters enhances Little’s group travel offering, bringing added comfort, space and flexibility as the business continues to invest in its services during its 60th anniversary year. Heather Matthews, Managing Director of Little’s Chauffeur Drive, said: “We’ve seen continued demand for high-quality group transport across a wide range of client journeys. These vehicles allow us to build on our existing service, while offering an enhanced level of comfort, space and flexibility.” Kenneth Good, Head of Special Operations and Director, added: “The Grand Tourer Sprinters give us greater flexibility in how we support group travel, from corporate requirements to more tailored touring itineraries. As always, the focus is on delivering a smooth, well-managed experience from start to finish.” About Little’s Chauffeur Drive Founded in 1966, Little’s Chauffeur Drive is a second-generation, family-owned luxury transport provider celebrating 60 years of service excellence, this year. Headquartered in Scotland, with bases in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, it is Scotland’s largest chauffeur drive operator, delivering premium travel across the UK and in over 125 countries worldwide. With a fleet of more than 40 luxury vehicles, Little’s specialises in corporate and executive travel, airport transfers, bespoke chauffeur-driven tours and complex event logistics. Operating 24/7 with an experienced in-house team, the company is known for its personal service, precision and reliability, building long-standing relationships with a diverse international client base.

Alex Peal Managing Partner, has announced the appointment of Katy Rabindran as Business Tax Partner, based in our Oxford office. Katy brings over 20 years of experience advising businesses on their tax affairs, taking an approach that ensures her advice aligns with wider tax strategies. She focuses on delivering practical and relevant guidance. Prior to joining the firm, Katy worked at Grant Thornton UK and BDO UK, where she supported a range of clients across several different sectors. Katy will play a key role in supporting businesses with their tax planning, advising on how to take advantage of tax reliefs for Research & Development (R&D), patented products and processes, targeted reliefs and more. Her joining reflects the continued growth of our Business Tax offering and strengthens our ability to provide high-quality innovative tax advice to clients. Commenting on joining the firm, Katy Rabindran, Business Tax Partner, said: “I'm excited to join the James Cowper Kreston team and to support our clients to achieve their goals. I look forward to working with the Business Tax team and getting to know our clients to bring my experience and perspective to all our relationships." Phil Snell, Partner and Head of Business Tax at James Cowper Kreston commented: “Katy is a fantastic addition to our growing team and her expertise as a tax specialist will be instrumental in enhancing the wider Business Tax services we provide to our clients.” Alex Peal, added: “We are delighted to welcome Katy to the firm. Katy’s appointment is an important step in the continued development of our Business Tax offering and growing team. Her extensive experience and insight will play a key role in supporting our clients and driving the next phase of our growth.”

This Pride Month (June), regional homebuilder Allison Homes has donated £500 to Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre for the fourth consecutive year. Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre is an inclusive space in the heart of Leicester city centre, dedicated to celebrating diversity, fostering community and providing support for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. The charity offers a range of support services and hosts events, workshops and social gatherings throughout the year. Allison Homes’ £500 donation will assist with the general running costs associated with the centre, helping the charity to connect with more people in need of support across Leicestershire and Rutland. The housebuilder first supported Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre in June 2023 and has made annual donations every Pride Month since, with the total donation amount now standing at £2,000. Carla Hills, Interim Centre Manager at Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre, said: “We're incredibly grateful to Allison Homes for supporting Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre for the fourth year in a row. It is brilliant to be able to count on their continued support and to see a regional business recognise the importance of investing in local charities and community organisations." “This donation will help us continue providing vital support, information and services to around 800 LGBTQ+ people each year across Leicestershire. We are delighted to have Allison Homes alongside us on that journey.” Karl Edwards, Managing Director at Allison Homes East Midlands, said: “Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre carries out vital work in our community, ensuring everyone has a safe space to turn to if they need support, guidance or to connect with peers. We take great pride in donating to the charity for a fourth time, helping them to continue offering their important services." “At Allison Homes, we make annual Pride Month donations across all of our regions. As a business we strive to create inclusive communities for both our residents and employees, and will continue to foster an open culture where people of all identities feel supported and heard.” Allison Homes’ East Midlands region operates from Castle Donington. In Leicestershire, homes at St Mary’s Chase in Stanton under Bardon, Markfield and Finney Meadows in Shepshed are available now, and a further two developments, Auster Meadows in Rearsby and Gynsill Grange in Anstey, are coming soon. In the neighbouring county of Nottinghamshire, Allison Homes East Midlands is delivering new homes at Hayes View in Cotgrave. To find out more about Allison Homes, visit here. For more information on Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre, visit here.

One of Cumbria’s leading independent accountancy firms, Lamont Pridmore, is urging small and medium-sized businesses across Cumbria and the North West and beyond to take a closer look at finances beyond the summer. Whilst the schools will soon break up for holidays, for many businesses in the region, Summer is a period of relative hustle and bustle, rather than relaxation, as visitors flock to the region. Even those not linked to the region’s tourism and leisure industry can see busier months in the summer as they support the local economy or take advantage of the good weather. Lamont Pridmore says that businesses shouldn’t take this period for granted and must prepare for seasonal trade slowdowns, delayed payments from clients taking annual leave, payroll complications from temporary staff, and depleted cash reserves as the rush comes to an end. Success isn’t shared across industries either, and for some, the summer can be a period of additional pressure as staff take time off or other businesses wind down. Chris Lamont, Group Managing Director and Partner at Lamont Pridmore, said: "We speak to business owners throughout the year who are confused about why they feel under pressure during summer when their accounts look healthy. The honest answer is that profitability and cashflow are two very different things and summer has a particular habit of exposing that gap." The pressures vary by sector, but the pattern is familiar across many parts of the economy. In hospitality, a surge in footfall can mask the fact that suppliers still expect payment within agreed terms, while staff costs rise sharply as operators take on seasonal workers to cope with demand. In construction, longer days and dry weather should in theory mean more productive sites, but project delays, stretched payment chains and holiday leave among both client contacts and site staff frequently disrupt cashflow timing. What these sectors share is a mismatch between when money is earned and when it needs to be paid out. Summer can intensify that mismatch in ways that many businesses do not fully anticipate or lead to a period of confidence followed by a period of relative inactivity. Late payment is a persistent problem for SMEs at any time of year, but summer can make it worse, as decision-makers go on holiday or accounts teams run on reduced cover. A new study by accountancy technology developer Sage released this month showed that nearly half of all SME invoices were overdue (49 per cent) in the first quarter of 2026. For a business carrying overhead through July and August, even a two-week delay across several clients can tighten cashflow significantly. "We always encourage clients to take a proactive approach to credit control throughout the summer," said Chris. "As things get busier, it is easy to overlook but chasing payment before your contacts disappear for two weeks is not aggressive, it is prudent." “The businesses that come through summer in good shape tend to be the ones who have done the groundwork in June." The firms that navigate summer with the least disruption are typically those that treat cashflow as an active management exercise rather than something to review after the event. They use the busier months to build resilience by building consistent habits, such as maintaining a cash buffer that reflects the seasonal rhythm of the business rather than a standard one-size figure, reviewing debtor days regularly and acting early when they start to stretch; having a clear picture of fixed costs across the summer period and communicating openly with their adviser when they anticipate a squeeze rather than waiting until it has arrived. "There is no shame in finding summer difficult, even if it feels like you should be enjoying it," said Chris. "Some very well-run businesses have genuinely tough months. What we try to help clients do is see it coming, plan for it and have the right conversations early enough that the options are still open."

British Airways has opened its doors, and phonelines, to its refreshed Newcastle contact centre after a huge £17 million refurbishment, showing the airline’s long-term commitment to its presence the North East. Bamburgh Court is the largest of British Airways’ two UK-based contact centres, employing around 700 colleagues. The site plays a vital role in supporting BA customers across the globe. Originally opened in 1992, the newly refurbished space hosts a range of functions including UK Sales and BA Holidays, customer relations, accessibility services, social media operations and digital delivery teams. The building now houses a state-of-the-art Learning Academy; a purpose-built space for immersive learning. Expert teams design and deliver training rooted in real operational and customer needs to ensure a consistent, high-quality experience across the entire customer journey. The investment reflects British Airways’ continued confidence in the region, with a focus not only on modernising facilities for colleagues but also on strengthening skills, career opportunities and long-term economic contribution in the North East. Not only has the site been redeveloped, British Airways continues to invest in regional talent through apprenticeship and early careers programmes to create meaningful, long-term career journeys. Since 2022, BA has recruited three cohorts of apprentices in Newcastle, bringing in 20 apprentices, with most progressing into permanent roles. Beyond apprenticeships, colleagues at the site are supported through internal development programmes covering leadership, operational management and emerging areas such as data and AI, with 19 colleagues currently undertaking internal apprenticeships. Tim Monk, Director of Customer Care at British Airways, said: “The reopening of our Newcastle contact centre marks an important milestone for British Airways and reinforces our long-standing commitment to the North East. This site, and its people, play a critical role in supporting our customers across the globe. Our £17 million investment ensures we are providing a modern, collaborative environment for our colleagues." “Just as importantly, we are proud of the opportunities we are creating for talent here – from apprenticeships and early careers programmes to ongoing development for our people – helping to build skills, support social mobility and create long-term careers in the region.”