A charitable team of Windermere dragon boat racers has travelled to France to take part in an international festival, pitting their skills against paddlers from as far afield as Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Paddlers for Life Windermere, a charity dragon boat team of cancer survivors and their supporters, have sent a crew to the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission (IBCPC) dragon boat festival on Lac du Bourget, France’s largest natural glacial lake. The festival is part of the organisation’s drive to encourage the formation of dragon boat teams for breast cancer survivors, as well as increasing participation in recreational dragon boat paddling for healthier lifestyles. 170 international teams from 25 countries are competing in the event – with around 4,500 paddlers taking part. The team will paddle their dragon boat in a series of 500m and 200m races against other contenders such as the Dragon Lady crew from Florence, the Aurora boat from Spain and Dragons Abreast from Australia. Each event will consist of two heats or racing rounds, with the fastest crews qualifying for grand finals. The Paddlers for Life dragon boat team has been preparing for the regatta at their base at the Watersports Centre at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa. English Lakes Hotels has been supporting the charitable organisation since its inception in 2007. The idea was to bring patients and supporters together to build back strength and fitness and reduce the side effects of cancer treatment, notably lymphoedema. Dragon boat paddling is highly beneficial to the mental wellbeing of cancer patients and survivors too. One of the founding members of Paddlers for Life, Sandra Barlow, who is still paddling with the squad at the age of 83, explains: “International events such as this are an opportunity to raise awareness about breast cancer and the potential to continue to live a full and active life after diagnosis and treatment." “Low Wood Bay has played a big part in helping us in all sorts of ways. Without their support, we wouldn’t have been able to establish a base and grow to the point now where we have the capacity and equipment to take part in big events like the dragon boat festival in France. We’re also very fortunate to have a home base where we can paddle in such a spectacular setting on Windermere." “There’s great camaraderie and friendship and dragon boat paddling is a great way to free the mind and give us all a better sense of wellbeing. When the squad competes in France this week, we’ll give it our best but we’re not overly competitive. It’s the taking part that counts.” For further information about Paddlers for Life, visit here.

Award-winning, family-owned Hotel Sheraton in Blackpool, has teamed up with a local distiller to create two bespoke spirits exclusively for hotel guests. The bespoke Hotel Sheraton Gin and Vodka are produced by Lytham Gin, an award-winning independent distillery based in Lytham St Annes. Handcrafted at the distillery on Lancashire’s Fylde Coast, the new Hotel Sheraton Gin is infused with orange, vanilla and star anise, creating an aromatic and distinctive gin, while the accompanying premium vodka offers a smooth, classic serve. Both spirits have been created and bottled especially for the hotel, complete with their own bespoke Hotel Sheraton labels. The spirits are on sale from both hotel bars and as boxed gifts to purchase from the gift cabinet. Hotel owner Liz Brown said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have our own bespoke Hotel Sheraton spirits of Gin and Vodka created by the Lytham Gin Company. The gin, drunk together with an elderflower tonic is just the most delicious drink. I hope our guests enjoy it as much as I do!" “Our policy is to buy local and this is a perfect example of a collaboration between two great family-run Lancashire companies.” Sara Dewhurst, founder of Lytham Gin, said: “For us, this collaboration is about much more than creating great spirits. Lytham Gin was founded on a love of our local area and the idea of putting “A Little Bit of Lancashire in Every Drop.” “We’re incredibly proud to see that philosophy reflected in another local, award-winning family business that shares our commitment to quality, hospitality and Lancashire provenance." “There’s something particularly special about working with another independent family business here on the Fylde Coast. Hotel Sheraton has a wonderful reputation and a real sense of place, so creating their own gin and vodka has been an absolute pleasure. We hope their guests enjoy drinking a little bit of Lancashire while they’re here - and perhaps take some happy memories of the Fylde Coast home with them too.” The three-star hotel, on Queen’s Promenade, which last year marked its 10th anniversary, has also received the prestigious ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Award from VisitEngland placing it officially in the top 100 hospitality establishments in the country. Other accolades include Ranked to its highest position (number three) on TripAdvisor, from 92 hotels in Blackpool; Ranked number 11 in The Best Places To Work in UK Hospitality by Caterer Magazine; The Judges’ Award in the Lancashire Tourism Awards, in special recognition of the Be Really Kind philosophy. Liz and her team also keeping their fingers crossed after recently being shortlisted for the 2027 Large Hotel of the Year in The Lancashire Tourism Awards. Visit the hotel here.

The Black Talent Awards (BTA) has unveiled its 2026 finalists as the national platform prepares to mark its fifth anniversary, celebrating five years of recognising Black professional achievement, leadership, entrepreneurship and impact across the UK. Since its launch, the Black Talent Awards has recognised 95 winners across its programme. This year, more than 300 nominations were considered by an independent judging panel of 31 senior leaders drawn from sectors including law, technology, media, education and healthcare. The judging process also included 10 youth judges as part of BTA’s commitment to developing the next generation of leaders and bringing an intergenerational perspective to the Awards. The 2026 shortlist spans 15 categories, recognising professionals, entrepreneurs, employee networks and organisations working across industries including finance, STEM, education, professional services, media, public services, retail and social impact. The winners will be announced at the black-tie Chapter Five ceremony at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, on 2 October 2026. Five years of recognising Black talent What began as a grassroots initiative in Birmingham has developed into a national platform celebrating Black achievement across sectors, career stages and communities. The fifth anniversary provides an opportunity to recognise not only this year’s finalists, but the 95 individuals and organisations who have previously taken home a BTA award and the wider community that has developed around the Awards. For the BTA's, the milestone represents the continued importance of creating visibility for Black professionals and providing a national platform where achievement can be recognised and celebrated. Birmingham remains at the heart of that journey. Returning to Edgbaston Stadium for its fifth anniversary, the BTA reinforces Birmingham’s role as an important centre for Black talent, entrepreneurship, leadership and community. A growing national coalition The 2026 Awards are supported by organisations spanning banking, education, technology, automotive, entertainment, media and professional services. Birmingham City University is headline sponsor, with Lloyds Banking Group as Gold Sponsor; Vision for All and FD2i as Bronze Sponsors; and AXIOM JV as Media Room Sponsor. The Awards are further supported by Barclays Eagle Labs, Jaguar Land Rover, Merlin Entertainments, Purple Squared AV and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, bringing together Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor, Birmingham City University - and headline sponsor added: “Birmingham City University is proud to be the headline sponsor of this year’s Black Talent Awards. Being rooted in one of the UK’s most diverse cities means, we create opportunities for people from all backgrounds to succeed." The Black Talent Awards provide a powerful platform to celebrate the exceptional contributions and achievements of Black professionals, leaders, entrepreneurs and creatives across our communities." "Supporting their stories matters because representation matters; it inspires the next generation and helps us build inclusive organisations and communities. At BCU, our mission is to create and share knowledge for a better and more inclusive society. We are delighted to stand alongside the Black Talent Awards in celebrating those who are breaking barriers, creating change and inspiring others. We look forward to celebrating their achievements together.” Tim Campbell returns as BTA Ambassador Entrepreneur, adviser and BBC’s original The Apprentice winner Tim Campbell MBE returns as official BTA Ambassador for 2026. His continued involvement reflects the Awards’ commitment to placing experienced and successful Black professionals at the heart of a platform designed to celebrate achievement and inspire future generations. Denise Myers, Founder of the Black Talent Awards, said: “Chapter Five of the Black Talent Awards is about much more than reaching a five-year milestone. It is about recognising what happens when Black talent is seen, celebrated and given a platform." “BTA started as a grassroots initiative in Birmingham and has grown into a national stage for professionals, entrepreneurs and organisations making a real difference across the UK. To have recognised 95 winners over those five years is something I am incredibly proud of." “This year’s finalists represent the breadth of that journey. They are working in boardrooms, classrooms, businesses, communities and organisations across the country, demonstrating that Black excellence is not confined to one postcode." “Bringing the Awards back to Edgbaston Stadium for our fifth anniversary is incredibly meaningful because this is where The BTA's started. The story is now national." “Chapter Five is about celebrating how far we have come, recognising the people who are shaping Britain today, and looking ahead to the next chapter.” Finalists for the Black Talent Awards 2026 This year's finalists span 15 categories and represent employees, entrepreneurs, and organisations at every career stage: Charity & Change Employee of the Year Bob Clarke — MAMA Youth Project Leila Thomas — Urban Synergy Youth Empowerment & Social Mobility Charity Sarah Chitongo — Black Blossom Alliance CIC Public Sector & Services Employee of the Year Gianina Harvey-Brewin — University of Roehampton Mark Corbin — West Midlands Combined Authority (Transport for West Midlands) Sandra Simpson — Coventry City Council and West Midlands Associate Directors for Adult Social Care Marketing, Media & Creative Employee of the Year Joelle Owusu-Sekyere — Penguin Random House Lee Dasilva — TUI Myvanwy Evans-Davis — Louder Than Words ERG (Employee Resource Group) of the Year Barclays Bank UK PLC Microsoft UK&I TUI UK&I Retail, Leisure & Supply Chain Employee of the Year Alisha Cohen — McDonald's Andrew Kyte — TUI Marcus Hunter — Dunelm Plc Rickey Devonish — JD Sports Group Rising Star of the Year Jenny Daniel — UKRI Jessica-Mary Onuoha — Anglia Ruskin University Nadia Kanyike — Amentum UK & International Professional Services Employee of the Year Dr Chris C Aniche PhD — Curling Moore Solicitors & Advocates Emma Osman — Google Cloud Kizzy Augustin — Mishcon de Reya Small Business of the Year Creative Rhino Mahogany Inclusion Partners Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation People & Culture Employee of the Year Mabinty Esho — Comic Relief Professor Amos Fatokun — Liverpool John Moores University, UK Tiger de Souza — Macmillan Senior Leader of the Year Dr MaryAnn Ferreux — Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex Kizzy Augustin — Mishcon De Reya Tunji Akintokun — Pathos Communications plc Entrepreneur of the Year Aggie Yemurai Mutuma — Mahogany Inclusion Partners Carla Willis-Brown — Syncdin Simone Bell — Simone Bell Counselling Excellence in Education DGCL Digital Cloud Academy SEN Bytes The Open University Social Impact Organisation of the Year Black British Initiative (BBI) VISION FOR ALL CIC Walsall Black Sisters Collective STEM Employee of the Year Chinyere Simon — Deloitte Kelvin Ibrahim — Citibank United Kingdom Kwadwo Benko — Microsoft Financial Services Employee of the Year Alexander Matambo — Bloomberg Carleen Dussard — Barclays Bank PLC France-Lise Nsimba-Lay — Coutts There will also be a Special Recognition Award and Trailblazer Award, which will both be announced on the night. Find our more about the awards visit here.

A Leicester artificial intelligence start-up developing a pioneering approach to conflict resolution has completed its founding leadership team with the appointment of experienced AI entrepreneur Ed Brown as Co-Founder and Technical Director. Brown (pictured left with Lizzie Soden and Dr Greg Scorzo) joins AOT-AI (Art of Thinking AI) with an equity stake and seat on the board, bringing more than six years' experience designing AI applications, machine learning systems and technology platforms for both start-ups and established businesses. His appointment marks a significant milestone for the Leicester company as it continues developing AOT FISTBUMP, an AI-powered dialogue platform designed to help people better understand the beliefs, misunderstandings and behaviours that underpin conflict. Founded by Lizzie Soden and Dr Greg Scorzo, AOT-AI combines philosophy, behavioural science and artificial intelligence to create technology that supports, rather than replaces, human decision-making. Its proprietary Values-Embedded Architecture has been designed to ensure AI remains aligned with human ethics and values throughout the decision-making process. Brown's arrival completes a founding team bringing together expertise in philosophy, creative strategy and advanced AI engineering, providing the technical capability to accelerate product development while the company pursues strategic investment and research funding. Originally trained as a structural engineer, Brown moved into data science before co-founding Appally, a workplace support platform for neurodivergent employees that reached the Tech Nation Rising Stars final and participated in the prestigious Bethnal Green Ventures accelerator programme. More recently, he founded EB Data & AI Solutions, developing bespoke AI applications and automation systems for growing businesses. The three founders first met through Leicester's thriving start-up community, where discussions around technology and entrepreneurship quickly evolved into a shared vision for a different kind of artificial intelligence. Ed Brown, Co-Founder and Technical Director at AOT-AI, said: "What convinced me to join was the ambition and originality behind Art of Thinking and FISTBUMP. This isn't simply another AI application. It's a vision for how AI and humans could interact in a fundamentally different way, particularly within conflict resolution." "Greg and Lizzie's conviction in the broader potential of the technology, combined with the complementary skills the three of us bring, gives this project a genuine opportunity to create something distinctive." The appointment also reinforces Leicester's growing reputation as an emerging centre for AI innovation, with AOT-AI joining a rapidly expanding community of technology businesses, university research and start-up support programmes helping to establish the city as a hub for responsible artificial intelligence. The company is currently part of the Leicester Startups incubator programme and has established academic partnerships with De Montfort University, providing independent methodological rigour and ethical oversight as the technology develops. Lizzie Soden, Co-Founder and Creative Director, said: "We've found someone who understands not only how to build sophisticated AI systems, but why this technology matters. Ed thinks deeply about how artificial intelligence can strengthen human understanding rather than replace it." "That combination of technical excellence and shared values made him the ideal person to join us as a co-founder." Dr Greg Scorzo added: "Working with Ed on the prototype has been seamless. He's contributing far beyond software engineering. He's thinking about architecture, deployment and how the technology can work effectively in real-world settings." "Our backgrounds are very different, but together they create a unique combination of philosophical thinking, human-centred design and technical expertise." AOT FISTBUMP is currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, with development focused on building a robust prototype while the company progresses applications for strategic investment and research funding. The company is SEIS eligible and is seeking investors who share its ambition to develop ethical AI capable of improving human understanding across sectors including workplace mediation, legal services, education and public services.

Electronic waste recycling specialist Intelligent Waste Management Ltd (iWaste) stepped out of its comfort zone to deliver vital stone to one of Britain’s most famous royal palaces. The Reading-based company shipped between one and two tonnes of Pooil Vaaish stone from a quarry on the Isle of Man to historic Hampton Court Palace in West London. This followed on from a long-standing professional relationship which has seen iWaste regularly collect e-waste from the Palace for a decade. iWaste’s HGV Driver Gavin Costello led the firm’s five-day operation to collect the stone which will be used to help preserve The Chapel Royal, where Kings and Queens have worshipped for centuries. Gavin has just celebrated 10 years with iWaste, which was founded in 2013, and is the company’s longest-serving employee. He drove one of the company’s 18-tonne vehicles to fetch the last remaining stock of the stone from the quarry, which has now closed, utilising specialist loading and packing techniques to prevent damage. After two ferry crossings, four overnight stops and more than 500 miles on the road, the stone was delivered safely and securely to Hampton Court Palace, where it will play an important role in preserving the historic royal building which Henry VIII made his home. Pooil Vaaish is a black limestone unique to the Isle of Man and was much favoured by 17th century architect Sir Christopher Wren, who used it in St Paul’s Cathedral, among other buildings. Pronounced ‘pool vash’ it has been quarried on the island’s Scarlet peninsula since the 1300s. The stone transforms from a matt grey colour to a reflective black when polished. iWaste Director Sam Mountain said: “Projects like this demonstrate that logistics is about far more than simply moving goods from A to B. Every collection requires meticulous planning, careful handling, specialist load restraint, and a commitment to protecting valuable and often irreplaceable materials throughout every stage of the journey – a standard we set ourselves for our normal collection services." “We are incredibly proud of Gavin, for his professionalism, attention to detail and commitment to safety throughout the operation. He was the perfect person for the job. From the initial collection on the Isle of Man to the final delivery at Hampton Court Palace, every stage of the project was completed with the highest standards of care.” A spokesperson for Historic Royal Palaces said: “We are indebted to iWaste, with whom we have had a successful working arrangement for a decade, for going the extra mile to deliver us this vital component." “This stone will help us, as custodians, to go on preserving our most iconic royal palaces for generations to come. The Chapel Royal, which dates from 1518, is a perfect example of this.” International façade design and engineering consultancy Fortis Facades Ltd was also involved with ensuring the project ran successfully.

Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame is joining forces with one of Kent’s most iconic entertainment venues, becoming official drinks partner of the historic Margate Winter Gardens ahead of its reopening next year. The seaside landmark is being extensively refurbished by fellow independent family business Westwood One Theatre Group, with Shepherd Neame set to supply its award-winning ales and lagers when the Winter Gardens reopens in 2027. To celebrate the latest phase of the redevelopment, the Winter Gardens is hosting a Summer Weekender at The Green, off Fort Promenade, this weekend (Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23). Saturday’s ‘all-day party’ will include DJs, saxophonists, food stalls and an Aperol Spritz pop-up bar, while Sunday will offer a programme of family entertainment including choirs, children’s entertainment, yoga classes, inflatables, balloon modelling and a toy and book area. Shepherd Neame will be at the event on Sunday offering free merchandise and samples of the newest addition to its Whitstable Bay collection, Whitstable Bay 0.5% Pale Ale. The Summer Weekender event will also give local residents the opportunity to meet the team behind the new Winter Gardens and find out more about the venue ahead of its official reopening. The concert hall originally opened in 1911 and has welcomed some of the biggest names in music, including The Beatles and Blur. It closed in 2022 following the Covid-19 pandemic before being acquired by Westwood One Theatre Group in November 2025. The theatre group, which also owns The Granville Theatre in Ramsgate, has embarked on an extensive programme of works to restore the landmark venue and create a new destination for live entertainment. The renovation includes a reconfiguration of bars and amenities, an exterior extension, blackout glass frontage, and rooftop bars. The main hall’s capacity is increasing from 2,100 to 3,000, while a new 1,000-capacity performance space will provide a dedicated home for smaller shows and emerging artists. The venue is scheduled to officially reopen in March 2027, when visitors will be able to enjoy Shepherd Neame’s award-winning ales and lagers alongside a programme of live music and entertainment. Shepherd Neame Head of Brands Rose Davis said: “We’re thrilled to partner with the iconic Margate Winter Gardens as official drinks supplier ahead of its reopening next year." “The Winter Gardens has a long history of hosting world-famous artists, and we are proud to be part of this exciting new chapter for such an important Kent landmark.” Westwood One Theatre Group Managing Director Zahra Tarjomani added: “We have spent a lot of time getting to know the team behind Shepherd Neame and share their family-focused ethos and love for Kentish produce. We are very excited for this partnership and look forward to the magic it will bring.” Find out more visit here.

One of Scotland's leading family-run hotel and leisure groups is celebrating three decades of award-winning success on the Ayrshire coast this month. The Irvine-based Simpson family is the driving force behind SimpsInns, which now owns and operates a collection of top hotels, restaurants, bars, spa, golf, and leisure activities, including The Waterside Hotel & Spa in West Kilbride, The Gailes Hotel & Spa in Irvine, and The Loans Inn at Troon. Established in June 1996 by Malcolm and Karen Simpson, The Loans Inn (formerly The Bruce Inn) was the first hotel in the SimpsInns portfolio. The Gailes in Irvine opened in 2002, followed by the group’s third hotel, The Waterside, in 2011. Golf and gym facilities were added to the collection in 2014. SimpsInns' debut spa opened at The Gailes in 2021, followed by The Waterside five years later in 2026. The family-owned firm has gone from strength to strength over the thirty years, thanks to an ongoing programme of investment and a dedicated team of over 300 hospitality professionals. Today, the next generation of the Simpson family are supporting their parents, Malcolm and Karen, with the next chapter of the SimpsInns success story. Jack Simpson (32) was just two years old and Lee Simpson (30) wasn’t born when the company was founded in the mid 1990s, but they’re now part of the senior management team, leading some of the most ambitious investment projects in the company’s history. As part of its 30th anniversary year, SimpsInns has just launched Scotland’s ultimate new spa break destination, just 40 minutes south of Glasgow. Boasting commanding sea views over the Firth of Clyde towards the Isle of Arran, The Waterside Hotel at West Kilbride now offers a stunning new sea-view spa and restaurant following a major £3 million development. The opening of Si! Spa at The Waterside is part of SimpsInns’ wider ambition to enhance its reputation for offering the best spa and leisure experiences across the Ayrshire coast region. Looking back on the last 30 years, Malcolm Simpson from SimpsInns, said: “While much has changed over the last thirty years, our commitment to great food, warm hospitality and exceptional service remains at the heart of everything we do." “Looking back at where we started and seeing where we are today, we’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. Our success is very much owed to our dedicated team and a constant focus on ongoing investment across each of our venues." “We’d like to thank all our entire team, guests, suppliers and friends who have continued to support SimpsInns over the last three decades." “We look forward to what the next thirty years has to bring as we celebrate our special anniversary year and the launch of Scotland’s ultimate new spa break destination at The Waterside in 2026.” Malcolm’s son, Jack Simpson, is part of the senior management team at SimpsInns. He added: “As we look to the future, our focus remains on continued development across the business. We want to maximise the opportunities ahead of us, while never losing sight of what got us here in the first place - delivering great experiences and maintaining the high standards our guests expect." “Equally important is continuing to invest in our people, developing our team and creating opportunities for them to grow alongside the business. After 30 years, we're as ambitious as ever and excited about what the next chapter holds for SimpsInns.” Many famous faces have walked through the doors of SimpsInns’ venues over the last three decades, including actors James Nisbet and Robson Green; musician, Pete Docherty; TV personalities, Mark Wright and Jean Johanson; news presenter, Naga Munchetty; footballer, Ally McCoist; and Swedish professional golfer, Alexander Norén. A motion was recently passed in the Scottish Parliament to recognise Simpsinns for the Best Spa Hotel in Scotland accolade at the Scottish Hotel Awards 2026 and in recognition of SimpsInns’ achievements as one of Scotland’s leading hospitality businesses over the last 30 years. For more information on the SimpsInns Group, visit here. Photo: Credit SimpsInns

Bank of Scotland Business Barometer paints an interesting picture of Scotland’s relationship with AI. More than half (54%) of Scottish businesses plan to increase investment in AI skills, and 47% believe that failing to adopt AI within three years will put them at a competitive disadvantage. Yet only 48% currently use AI, compared with 61% across the UK – and among those already using it, lack of understanding (25%) is the biggest barrier to getting more value from the technology. Lindsay Ratcliffe, chief innovation and transformation officer at Edinburgh-headquartered AI-native digital transformation organisation CreateFuture, argues that the answer isn’t simply more AI investment or making more specialist hires. Businesses need to get much clearer about what they actually want to achieve with AI. Commenting on the findings, Lindsay said: “Scotland doesn’t have an AI ambition problem. Businesses clearly recognise the opportunity and are prepared to invest. The bigger risk is that companies spend heavily on AI skills and technology without having clear strategic goals about where AI can accelerate to create real business advantage." “Lack of progress can often be attributed to lack of ownership. Who owns the AI agenda?" “The organisations taking the lead are those who recognise AI is not a technology problem - it's a cross-functional opportunity that sits all across the executive functions. AI capability isn’t just about having specialists in the building. It’s about people across a business understanding where AI can genuinely make something better – whether that’s the customer experience, a product or an internal process – and where it can’t." “My advice to Scottish business leaders is simple: don’t start with an AI strategy, start by identifying the problems holding your business back. Then ask where AI could make a measurable difference, put the right people around those problems and prove the value. Then scale what works." “Scotland already understands that AI will matter to its competitiveness. The priority now should be turning that intent and investment into something tangible. Otherwise, we risk spending more on AI without closing the gap between adoption and achieving actual business value.”

Bath Rugby and St Austell Brewery have entered the next phase of their long-standing partnership, marked by major bar refurbishments across the Tribute Stand to elevate the matchday experience as the club enters the final quarter of the 2025/26 season. St Austell Brewery - Bath Rugby’s official beer partner since 2022 - has worked closely with the club to refresh key fan areas at their stadium known as The Rec, including redesigning two fully branded bars and updating wayfinding throughout the stand. The improvements give greater prominence to the St Austell Brewery’s award winning line up, featuring Tribute Pale Ale, korev lager, and Bath Rugby Stout - a new addition poured at the stadium from late 2025. The partnership continues a long-standing connection between Bath Rugby and the St Austell Brewery family, building on a relationship first established through Bath Ales’ sponsorship of the club in 2014. Since Bath Ales joined St Austell Brewery in 2016, that shared commitment to the South West and its rugby community has continued to grow. The bar upgrades form part of a wider investment from St Austell Brewery across The Rec which includes new digital screens in the Swift Half, boosting brand visibility and allowing for more dynamic content on matchdays. St Austell Brewery also remains the exclusive supplier of draught and bottled beer, lager and cider throughout the stadium. Dan Crabb, Sales and Distribution Director, St Austell Brewery, said: “We’re proud to continue building on our partnership with Bath Rugby. The Tribute Stand is an important space for both the club and supporters - the revamped bars give us a brilliant platform to showcase our beer brands whilst also backing local sport. With the season heading into its final stages, we’re excited to bring even more energy and great experiences to The Rec.” James Bibby, Commercial Director, Bath Rugby added: “St Austell Brewery has been a committed partner for many years, and their investment in the Tribute Stand and the Swift Half will make a noticeable difference to fans on matchdays. We’re delighted to take this next step together and further our shared ambition to keep improving the supporter experience at Bath Rugby.”

The Islay Spirits Company, producer of The Original Islay Rum and the island's first dedicated rum distillery, has agreed a distribution partnership with Kirsch Import, one of Germany's leading premium spirits importers. Under the agreement, Kirsch Import will take the brand’s core portfolio of rums into new accounts across Germany, building on the distillery's direct-to-consumer sales, which already ship domestically in the UK from its website. The core range comprises three expressions: The Original Islay Rum Barrel Aged rested in ex-peated Islay whisky casks; The Original Islay Rum Geal pure single white rum; and The Original Islay Rum Peat Spiced smoked over a peat fire. Islay is famous globally for its whisky, but rum has been made at The Islay Rum Distillery since production began in January 2022 in the restored Old Lemonade Factory in Port Ellen, led by head distiller and distillery manager Ben Inglis. In May this year, the distillery released its first single cask expression, The Original Islay Rum Sherry Wood, limited to 390 bottles. The German deal follows a run of international recognition for the business. The Original Islay Rum Barrel Aged took Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2026, scoring 98 points, won Gold at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2025, and was awarded 3-stars at Great Taste 2026, the world's largest food and drink awards, judged by more than 500 food and drink experts. Kirsch Import was founded in 1976 by Dieter Kirsch and is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The family business, based near Bremen, is now run by second-generation Christoph Kirsch and supplies retailers and the hospitality trade across Germany with more than 4,500 spirits, including one of the country's most extensive whisky portfolios. Andrew Crook, Director at The Islay Spirits Company, said: “As a family-owned, independent business, we feel very closely aligned with the Kirsch Import team. They share our values in good, honest business and they have seen the magic of The Original Islay Rum." “Germany is one of the most knowledgeable spirits markets in the world, and its drinkers already have a deep affection for Islay whisky. Kirsch has spent 50 years earning the trust of that audience, and there's no better partner to introduce our rum to it.” Christoph Kirsch, Managing Director at Kirsch Import, said: "Fifty years in this business makes you careful about what you take on. We get offered a lot of rum and say no to most of it, but this is their own spirit, distilled in Port Ellen, not bought in and dressed up. Islay is home ground for us. We have sold whisky from that island to German drinkers for decades, so we know the audience will be curious about this one." For further information about The Original Islay Rum, visit here.

ScottishPower Renewables and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar have completed a major construction milestone at the £4 billion East Anglia THREE offshore windfarm, with all 95 foundations now installed off the Suffolk coast. Weighing in at 1,200-1,800 tonnes, standing 67-84 metres tall and with a diameter of up to 10.6 metres, the monopiles are the largest to be installed from a jack-up vessel in Europe. The installation of all 95 transition pieces – 20 metres in height, 8 metres in diameter and weighing more than 400 tonnes – has also been completed. With turbine installation already under way, offshore and onshore construction will continue at pace over the coming months, clearing the way for East Anglia THREE to become fully operational by the end of 2026, delivering 1.4GW of home-grown clean power to the UK. Charlie Jordan, ScottishPower Renewables CEO, said: “East Anglia THREE is our biggest windfarm ever and the completion of the foundation installation is a true engineering triumph. You only have to look at the numbers – more than 200,000 tonnes of steel anchored spot on into a seabed area the size of almost 43,000 football pitches – to get a sense of what we’ve achieved so far. It’s mind-blowing." “And there’s more to come as the installation of the 95 turbines, with huge 115-metre blades – the biggest built and used here in the UK ­– crosses the halfway mark and we move ever closer to bringing the windfarm’s 1.4GW of clean energy to life." “ScottishPower Renewables and Masdar are not just powering millions of homes with homegrown renewable electricity, we’re energising a cleaner, greener and more prosperous future for us all with almost £2 billion invested in the domestic supply chain, thousands of jobs supported during construction and around 100 jobs delivered during the windfarm’s lifetime. That’s not just delivering a positive impact, it’s creating a powerful legacy.” Husain Al Meer, Executive Director, Global Offshore Wind and UK at Masdar said: “The completion of foundation installation at East Anglia THREE is a significant milestone and a remarkable engineering achievement. It reflects the strength of our partnership with ScottishPower and the expertise of the project team and contractors, particularly Seaway7, who are working together to deliver one of the UK’s largest offshore windfarms." “East Anglia THREE is Masdar’s first 50:50 offshore wind joint venture in the UK and forms an important part of our long-term commitment to the UK offshore wind industry. With electricity demand accelerating, offshore wind will be essential to delivering affordable, home-grown power at scale. Once operational, East Anglia THREE will provide 1.4GW of clean energy, helping to meet rising demand and strengthen the UK’s energy security.” The foundation installation was delivered by Seaway7, with East Anglia THREE the first foundation installation campaign completed by its jack-up vessel, Seaway Ventus. Lloyd Duthie, CEO Seaway7 said: “We are proud to have supported ScottishPower Renewables and Masdar in reaching this important milestone for East Anglia THREE. The completion of the foundation installation campaign reflects the strength of collaboration and demonstrates what can be achieved when experienced teams work together with a shared commitment to delivering the energy transition." "With the foundations now in place, Seaway7 continues to progress the installation of inter-array cables to bring East Anglia THREE another step closer to delivering clean, reliable power to more than one million UK homes.” East Anglia THREE is the second project to be developed as part of Masdar and Iberdrola’s €15 billion strategic partnership and the first with ScottishPower in the UK. The almost £2 billion invested in the UK supply chain includes foundation design by Wood Thilsted, the manufacturing of the turbine blades at Siemens Gamesa’s factory in Hull, vessel charters from Norfolk-based NR Marine Services and OEG, and support from metocean and seabed consultants Partrac. East Anglia THREE is supporting 2,300 jobs during construction and will create around a hundred long-term roles in the East of England. Its 1.4GW capacity will produce enough homegrown clean power for more than 1.3 million homes, providing greater energy security for the UK.

PE-backed corporate restructuring firm Leonard Curtis has appointed Mark Hickford as Director in its London office, further strengthening the firm's restructuring and insolvency capability as it continues to grow its presence in the mid-market. Mark joins from EY-Parthenon, and brings over 15 years of experience advising boards, management teams and wider stakeholders, from mid-market businesses through to larger national and international organisations. A qualified accountant and an appointment taking Insolvency Practitioner, Mark’s experience spans a broad range of restructuring matters, including cash flow and liquidity reviews, insolvency options analysis, contingency planning, accelerated M&A and formal insolvency appointments. He has experience across a range of sectors including retail, higher education, real estate and automotive, and is also well versed in creditor-side roles, including law of property act (LPA) and fixed charge receiverships. Having worked closely throughout his career with lawyers, banks and asset-based lenders, these relationships will be central to his focus at Leonard Curtis. The appointment builds on a period of strong growth and reflects the firm’s continued ambition to attract senior talent, following the investment by PE house Pollen Street Capital last year. Alex Cadwallader, Director, said: " We are delighted that Mark has joined us. His approach and drive will be a great addition to our expanding restructuring team in London and across the group. In recent times we have delivered some significant and positive outcomes for our clients in this growing space and Mark will only add to our skillset and experience." Mark Hickford said: "Leonard Curtis is on a clear positive growth trajectory and is becoming increasingly prominent in the mid-market restructuring and insolvency space - I am excited for the opportunity to be a part of it." “After meeting with the team, I felt the business was a great fit for me. It was clear this was somewhere I could make a difference and help continue the momentum the business has built in recent years. I am looking forward to leading engagements and working with great clients on interesting situations."