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Talented young defender Ben Nelson has signed a new deal with Leicester City Football Club to the summer of 2027. The 19-year-old centre-back became the latest member of the Club’s Academy to make a First Team debut when he came off the bench during a Carabao Cup victory at Tranmere Rovers in August. Since joining the Club at the age of nine, Nelson has progressed steadily through the Academy in recent seasons, having made 41 appearances for the Under-21s side in Premier League 2, scoring two goals. Last season also saw him gain Football League experience with impressive loan spells in League Two for Rochdale, where he played 12 times, and a further 15 appearances for Doncaster Rovers during the second half of the campaign. An England youth international, Nelson first joined the First Team squad at Leicester City during the 2020/21 term, when he was part of the matchday squad for a UEFA Europa League game away to Zorya Luhansk as a 16-year-old in December 2020 – a campaign that saw him named the Club’s Academy Player of the Season.

The Office of National Statistics has recently released a report indicating a significant shift in the way businesses are approaching the concept of work. According to the data, as of late November 2023, 18% of businesses are either currently implementing or planning to implement increased homeworking as a permanent business model. The Office of National Statistics highlighted a trend, revealing that 56% of businesses cited improved staff well-being as the primary motivation for embracing this shift. This revelation not only signals a shift in workplace dynamics but also emphasises a collective commitment to enhancing the work life balance and overall job satisfaction of employees. The IOEE is an advocate for progressive work practices, welcoming this exciting development and recognising the positive impact it could have on the well-being and satisfaction of the workforce. The company believes that the increased adoption of home working as a permanent business model represents a game-changer in the way businesses operate, fostering a healthier and more balanced work life for employees. The key advantages of the well-being shift include: Enhanced Work-Life Balance : With the flexibility that comes with remote work, employees can better manage their professional and personal responsibilities, leading to a more harmonious work-life balance. Improved Staff Well-Being : The statistics affirm what many have believed – that a work environment that prioritises employee well-being leads to a happier and more engaged workforce. Increased Job Satisfaction : Providing employees with the autonomy to choose where they work can contribute significantly to job satisfaction, which in turn positively impacts overall productivity, efficiency and creativity. Environmental Sustainability : A reduction in the need for daily commutes translates to fewer carbon emissions, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly business model. Embracing home working aligns with corporate social responsibility goals and positions companies as champions of eco-friendly practices. Cost Savings for Businesses and Employees : Home working can result in substantial cost savings for both businesses and employees. Reduced office space requirements, utility bills, and transportation expenses contribute to significant financial benefits, fostering a more cost-effective and sustainable business model. Global Talent Access : Embracing remote work allows companies to tap into a global talent pool, breaking down geographical barriers. This expansion of the talent search can lead to a more diverse and inclusive workforce, bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to the table. The IOEE understands the importance of adapting to the evolving needs of the workforce and is committed to developing their practices, as the world of employment adapts. “Having a balanced approach to office based and home-based work improves my work life balance greatly. Being able to complete my tasks from my own home means I don’t have to miss out on fulfilling my job role, but I also don’t have to miss out on those special family moments. I always ensure that my work is completed to the same high standard, in order to enjoy the benefit of a hybrid working pattern.," explains Jonathan Harper, Communications Executive at IOEE. The IOEE advocates this new work paradigm, moving towards a future where work is not just a place but an empowering experience promoting skill development, a better sense of well-being and an increase in job satisfaction.

A leading PR agency based in Harrogate, Cause UK, has achieved B Corps certification. B Corps is a prestigious certification awarded for ongoing commitment to meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. The Harrogate-based agency was established in 2010 by sisters, Clair, and Ann Challenor-Chadwick, and specialise in supporting organisations that have positive impact. Its clients operate in the arts, charity, social enterprise, and public sector. The team also supports ethical businesses. Clair Challenor-Chadwick, MD of Cause UK, said: “We’ve always been more than a PR agency, and see ourselves as agents of change, supporting our clients to do meaningful work. Over the years, we’ve also helped create a social enterprise for veterans at risk of homelessness, raised over £1m for charities, and curated our own arts events, often aligned to a good cause.” In 2023, Cause UK’s international clients included Care Pakistan, whose mission is to enrol one million children living in poverty in school by 2025, and Free Tibet, a lobbying group highlighting continued human rights’ abuses. National projects included rewriting the website for the UK and Europe branch of Alcoholics Anonymous, to make it more accessible to all faiths, ages, and gender. It also launched the new Great Ouse Rivers Trust, with a major national media campaign across the BBC. In Yorkshire, key projects in 2023 included supporting the QED Foundation host their annual Asian Young Achiever Awards, delivering a major campaign for Inclusive Equal Rights UK to launch an Anti-Racism strategy for the city of York, and writing the annual Social Impact report for the north’s leading social investor, Key Fund. Clair has previous won an Institute of Directors’ award for her work in Social Value and Sustainability, and the agency won Best PR Agency at the Prolific North Awards in 2021 and Best Independent Business Award at the 2022 Harrogate Advertiser Excellence in Business Awards. The agency attracts five-star reviews on Google. Clair previously worked in marketing for fintech and private banking before moving to the third sector. Her sister Ann was a feature writer for regional newspapers in the Channel Islands and Lancashire before moving into PR. She still writes for publications across Yorkshire. Cause UK is also an Arts Council recognised infrastructure support agency, supporting many arts organisations, including Ilkley Literature Festival, CrimeFest Bristol, the Northern Aldborough Festival, and North Yorkshire Open Studios. The team also deliver its own cultural events. In recent years it has produced a stage play, curated a Dickens festival, and hosted a series of talks with celebrities including Chris Packham and Miriam Margolyes. This year, the team produced a new short film for Sky Arts, championing northern working-class classical musicians, commissioning new work from composer, Ben Crick. The team are advisors to the Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra, which it helped relaunch in 2022, and Paradox Orchestra. B Corporations are accredited by B Lab, a nonprofit network that’s transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. Its international network of organisations supports a collective vision of an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. It is awarded to businesses that strive to balance purpose and profit, using their operations as a force for good. Clair added: “B Corp is a rigorous process that demands Cause UK meets the highest standards of social responsibility and environmental stewardship. So, we’re incredibly proud to meet this milestone.” By obtaining B Corps certification, Cause UK joins a global community of like-minded organisations that are redefining success in business. She added: “In 2024, we aim to represent more businesses in order to afford us to support more good causes. We believe most businesses now take responsibility for people and planet, and we’re keen to work with those who share these values as part of our five-year growth strategy.”

One of Renfrewshire’s best loved bar and restaurants, The Coach House, has launched its annual Christmas toy collection for children and families in need. The venue which is operated by independent hospitality group Buzzworks Holdings, has once again joined forces with the Renfrewshire Toy Bank to ensure children in the local area don’t go without this festive season. The venue is calling for donations of both new and unopened toys suitable for young people of all ages, with a drop-off point situated at the venue’s main reception on 31 Main Street, Bridge of Weir. Francis Carr, general manager of The Coach House, said: “With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to put pressure on households across the country, we’re keen to help people in our community in any way we can this winter." “We’re once again proud to be supporting the Renfrewshire Toy Bank with our collection appeal, to ensure every child gets to experience the magic of Christmas - regardless of their situation. Our annual toy drive has enjoyed great success since it was launched in 2019, thanks entirely to the generosity shown by members of our local community." “This year we hope to encourage just as many people – if not more – to donate what they can and show their support to ensure every child in our area has a present under the tree this Christmas.” The toy collection is now open for donations seven days a week from 10am – 11pm, until Friday 8 December 2023.

A major grant of around £5 million has been awarded to Surrey County Council and the University of Surrey to tackle poor health and health inequalities in Surrey. The investment from the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) is for a Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) that will bring together experts from the council, university and other partners to ensure a research-led and evidence-based approach to meeting health priorities. HDRCs are designed to centre around local residents who will influence policymaking by setting research priorities. The grant will enable evidence to be compiled for what works, for who and when to improve and protect the health of the population. Aiming to build the evidence for how to meet the needs of local people, the grant will facilitate research to inform how lifestyle, social, economic, built and natural environment factors (also known as the wider determinants of health) affect health, for example: poor housing conditions, food poverty and air quality. Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, said: “This ambitious project will facilitate a rigorous focus on health inequalities in Surrey. The substantial funding will ensure sustainability in our approach. We already work closely with the University of Surrey and this research programme will build on our existing relationship to provide people locally with better opportunities and outcomes.” Ruth Hutchinson, Surrey County Council’s Director of Public Health, said: “The NIHR grant is exciting as it will enable us to work more collaboratively with the University of Surrey, Districts and Boroughs and local communities to directly meet people’s health needs in Surrey, leading to better outcomes.” Professor Paul A. Townsend, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Surrey, added: “I feel privileged to be leading the University’s part in developing the Surrey Health Determinants Research Collaboration." “Our nationally and globally recognised strengths in healthcare research and practice, especially in the School of Health Sciences which will drive this project, our commitment to the communities of Surrey and our partnership with Surrey County Council will help us ensure locally-driven research priorities are driving real and positive change in tackling health inequalities." “This excellent award follows our recent launch of the Surrey Academic Health and Care Science Partnership, a collaborative health and care focussed consortium between the University, Surrey County Council, Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board and Health Innovation Kent Sussex Surrey. Surrey County Council already uses research to inform decision making, but together we will use the Health Determinants Research Collaboration to build the role of evidence in accelerating improvements in people’s health.” The HDRCs will help to stimulate economic growth, particularly in some of the most deprived areas of the country and contribute to the Government’s plans to take action for the longer-term resilience of the health and wealth of the country. Ten HDRCs based in local authorities across the UK will commence formally on 1 January 2025. Six further teams (including Surrey) will be given funding to undertake additional developmental work to enable HDRC status by 1 January 2025. Find out more here

There is an increasing risk that popular ‘smart’ Christmas presents could leave people vulnerable to cyber-attack and allow criminals to invade their privacy. That is the message from leading cyber-security company C3IA Solutions , which has said that the market is being flooded with cheaper, less secure products. Anything that can be connected to the internet presents a potential risk and users – which include businesses - are often unaware of the potential dangers. There are estimated to be more than 15 billion smart devices in use across the world and many criminals are committed to hacking them. These devices include doorbells, smart plugs, home assistants, tracking devices, smart locks and doors, modern televisions and children’s toys. Hannah Baverstock from C3IA Solutions, which is headquartered in Poole, Dorset, has been researching the dangers. She said: “The Internet of Things is the term for all those devices that connect to the internet. And while they are incredible pieces of tech that often make our lives easier, there are risks. And these risks are increasing because of the growing number of them and the types of company around the world producing them." “They are designed to seamlessly fit into our lives, but they do require maintenance to keep them secure. Many will use cameras or microphones and so are potentially capable of invading your privacy. We have also seen a new wave of products that are cheaper and less secure and can become vulnerable very quickly." “But there are things people can do to reduce the risks. Buy reliable, well-known brands that have websites, helplines and support. Check the reviews and buy products that have long support periods and receive regular security updates. All default passwords should be changed because they are easy to guess and often are available to find on the internet. And choose strong passwords – three random words is a good method." “Disable features that are not required and also pay attention to any associated apps. Sometimes the apps ask for permission to access your camera which the device doesn’t need, so deny it permission." “Most devices will connect to a home’s Wi-Fi and the router acts as the gatekeeper so it needs to be secure. Its default password should be changed, and any firewall should be enabled. It is also wise to change the SSID (Service Set Identifier) because this makes it harder for any hacker to guess the make of the router." “Millions of devices will be given as presents this Christmas which provides hackers with another attack vector. Whether they want to spy on you in a voyeuristic way or gain access to your passwords they will attempt to do it through poorly secured devices." “One thing they do is hack into multiple devices and use them as a botnet. A botnet is an army of devices that can be used to bombard targets with traffic and hide the activity of the hackers. If people ensure their devices are as secure as possible the hackers will quickly move on to a new victim." “Businesses too are often unaware of the risks that internet-connected devices pose even if their computer systems have good security.”

British Safety Council has announced that youth charity, Bolton Lads and Girls Club (BLGC) has become the latest beneficiary of its Keep Thriving funding to support its employee wellbeing. BLGC attended a free 3-hour workshop earlier this year to help them and other small and medium organisations (SMEs) develop a wellbeing strategy. The workshop was delivered by British Safety Council’s Being Well Together experts and, six months after attending, employers were invited to apply for funding with only the most effective and innovative proposals receiving approval. The funding, of up to £10,000, will enable BLGC to establish wellness initiatives, enhance mental health support and develop greener workspaces. Founded in 1889, BLGC runs one of the largest youth clubs in the country, welcoming more than 4,000 young people through their doors every year. Emma Hutchinson, CEO of Bolton Lads and Girls Club, said: “We are absolutely thrilled and so grateful to be awarded this support from the British Safety Council. At BLGC we have an amazing team who work hard to improve the lives of thousands of children and families in Bolton every year." "We’re living through some extremely challenging situations right now and the families we support experience some of the worst circumstances imaginable. The BLGC team is always ready to go above and beyond to support those most in need." “Our diverse staff include Mental Health Practitioners, Counsellors, Youth Workers, Sports Coaches, and many more. As a dispersed team working across the whole of Bolton, and with hybrid working now the norm, we don’t always get to spend a lot of time with our colleagues, so the support from British Safety Council’s Keep Thriving initiative will enable us to bring more staff together to enjoy a programme of wellbeing activities and staff development days." “This funding will help us to bring more people together, strengthen the support networks of our staff, and make sure everyone has access to wellbeing advice and activities throughout the year.” Commenting on the funding award, Mike Robinson, British Safety Council Chief Executive, said: “I am excited and proud that, as a charity, British Safety Council is supporting other charities in this way, and delighted that the Bolton Lads and Girls Club will now benefit". "In the third sector, we are all aware of how even a modest amount of funding can make a huge difference to charities which may lack the necessary resources for supporting employee wellbeing to a suitable degree." “BLGC showed in their application that it would use this money in imaginative ways, and that they would measure, evaluate and track the impact of their activities carefully. British Safety Council is dedicated to making sure no-one is injured or made ill through their work and we are delighted to support BLGC in their efforts to ensure the same for their own employees.” The 12-month funding was awarded to BLGC through British Safety Council’s Keep Thriving campaign, which seeks to improve the wellbeing of workers, within and outside of the workplace. British Safety Council will make one further award for 2023 in December and is once again offering any organisation employing up to 500 staff the chance to get free support to improve wellbeing in their workplace. As part of the Keep Thriving campaign, SMEs and micro-sized employers can apply to attend one of a series of free face-to-face workshops in 2024 to help them develop a wellbeing strategy. The sessions are delivered by British Safety Council’s Being Well Together experts and help employers explore why wellbeing matters to them, their people and their business, as well as exploring ways they can support workplace wellbeing. Free workshops, British Safety Council is again offering all employers who attend the opportunity to apply for funding of up to £10,000 to help them implement their wellbeing strategy.

National Grid has reached a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to help the UK plug its green skills gap and inspire the next generation of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) leaders through its £1.3m Schools Engagement Programme. Run in conjunction with social enterprise Connectr, the programme has reached more than 85,000 students, putting National Grid ahead of schedule to meet its target of engaging 100,000 students before 2025. Launched in 2020 as part of the £1 billion London Power Tunnels project, which is rewiring South London via 32km of deep underground tunnels, the joint outreach programme supports secondary school pupils in some of the Capital's most underprivileged areas with the tools and inspiration they need to pursue STEM-based careers. With newly released figures showing that National Grid’s £1.3m investment to date will contribute an estimated £4.1m in economic output by helping to reduce the likelihood of its participants falling out of education, employment, or training between the ages of 16 to 181. The programme includes a series of in-person STEM workshops, career talks, resources for teachers, and in-person work experience opportunities with the London Power Tunnels project team. And, out of the 85,000 pupils that have engaged with the programme so far, 651 young people have also taken part in work experience, with 95% of those reporting increased confidence, as well as improved communication and problem-solving skills. Across the programme, 91% of participants said they had a better understanding of the skills needed to pursue a career in STEM, while 61% were inspired to consider a career at National Grid. These numbers are promising given the energy sector alone needs to fill 400,000 new jobs before 2050 to hit the government’s net zero targets, with around 89,000 of these jobs predicted to be located in London and the South East2. Furthermore, the economy suffers a loss of £1.5bn a year due to STEM skills shortages3, with businesses reporting limited awareness of the types of jobs available and a lack of meaningful work experience as key barriers. As an employer of more than 22,000 people, National Grid recognises the scale of this challenge and, through the programme, aims to help address the issue of social mobility and provide inspiration to students who may not have otherwise considered a career in the energy industry. Onur Aydemir, London Power Tunnels Project Director, said: "Growing our next generation of STEM leaders starts with our young people. The programme brings engineering to life for students, helping them to practice and develop solutions for complex problems." "It's a perfect fit with our aim to encourage and inspire young people to work on ground-breaking projects, showing them a STEM career is one with purpose and an exciting future." Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor of London for Planning, Regeneration and Skills, said: “The partnership between National Grid and Connectr is an excellent example of how organisations can help introduce young people to careers in the energy and technology sectors and it’s great that they have already supported over 85,000 students in first three years. More employers like National Grid are needed to help bring the workplace to the classroom.” Aliyah, a work experience student engaged through the programme, said: “I had the pleasure of meeting some incredibly funny and helpful employees from various disciplines. Their insights not only ignited my deep interest in understanding the intricate workings of the world, including physics, engineering, and climate sciences but also showcased the strength of interdisciplinary teamwork on the project. This experience has left me inspired, motivated, and eager to continue exploring ways to make a positive impact on our environment and society. Step by step, we march onwards on our path to net zero!” With the first few years of the school engagement programme now well underway, National Grid will be looking to stretch it further in years four and five, pipelining engaged students into school leaver roles at the FTSE 100 business. This will provide stable career pathways while also supporting the company’s drive to recruit from a pool of diverse talent. The Connectr partnership is one of a range of initiatives that National Grid is involved in that aim to encourage greater social mobility in the energy sector and earlier in November, the company was ranked as one of the top 50 UK employers in the Social Mobility Employer Index 2023. The index shows how various organisations perform in eight areas of employer-led social mobility and is an annual benchmarking and assessment tool for employers, run by the Social Mobility Foundation.

A Yorkshire-based property company, which specialises in buying homes for cash in just seven days, is eyeing further expansion having gained full shareholding ownership of the business after securing a £10.5m funding solution. The Property Buying Company based in Wetherby, is primarily utilising the facility provided by Reward Finance Group to buy out a London investment and lending company, which has owned a 50% shareholding in the business since 2017. The complexity and speed of the buy-out meant that it needed a lender that could offer the pace and flexibility of funding. The deal is the highest single lend provided by Reward, which specialises in providing tailored business finance and asset based solutions to SMEs across England, Wales and Scotland. The Property Buying Company was founded in 2012 by Karl McArdle and Jonny Christie and has rapidly grown into the UK’s largest house cash buyer. It guarantees a swift property transaction in any location nationwide to vendors facing a range of lifestyle circumstances, such as having recently inherited a property or needing a quick sale due to a chain break. The company is now looking to accelerate the next stage of its growth plans, with the funding allowing it to further bolster its systems, infrastructure and recruit, whilst being in a position to complete a significantly increased volume of property purchases in the year ahead. Karl McArdle, co-founder for The Property Buying Company, said: “We’re hugely grateful to the contribution made by investors who have helped us rapidly expand the business over the last 11 years." "It’s been an amazing journey. However, we’d always hoped to regain full shareholding to gain greater control over the direction of the business. Now feels like the right time to make that move as we enter a major phase of growth." “We turned to Reward as we needed a lender which understood our business and could provide a fast and flexible funding solution of this size and complexity which also involved taking 49 properties as security in a short space of time. The additional working capital will provide the catalyst for expansion and gear us up for what promises to be an exciting 12 months ahead.” Dave Jones, Reward’s founding director, added: “I’ve recently had the pleasure of spending a significant amount of time with both Karl and Jonny, to get under the skin of their business and structure a deal which is bespoke to their needs." "They’ve built up a fantastic business and so we’re really pleased to have been able to provide an agile finance solution that has enabled them to regain full ownership and fuel future expansion." “A single deal of this lending size, being in excess of £10m, is also a first for Reward and a real landmark for the business. We have now completed over 2,000 deals. However, it seems very fitting that this milestone has been achieved by supporting Karl and Jonny, as Reward also first started its own journey in Leeds at a very similar time to them.”

Local sporting talent in Charnwood has been celebrated at an awards ceremony. The Charnwood Sports Awards recognised the work and dedication of individuals, clubs, coaches and volunteers across the borough. They also highlighted workplaces and schools making a difference to health and wellbeing. The awards, organised by the borough council’s sport and active recreation team, Active Charnwood, took place at Burleigh Court in Loughborough on Monday December 4. Among the winners were 10-year-old twin sisters Katie and Emelia Corns, who represented the UK at this year’s World Dwarf Games in Cologne, Germany. Katie and Emelia won the Junior Sportsperson of the Year after they participated in 11 sports, both individual and team, winning a staggering 17 medals between them. Paralympian Jonathan Broom-Edwards MBE, a Loughborough University graduate, won Senior Sportsperson of the Year award after overcoming a hamstring injury to win gold at the Para Athletics World Championships in Paris. This year’s awards also saw Ashmount School in Loughborough pick-up the Let’s Get Moving Wellbeing at Work award for encouraging staff to take part in a range of weekly sports and wellbeing clubs. There was a total of nine categories including the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust Special Recognition Award which recognises inspirational people or groups who have gone above and beyond and made outstanding achievements, in the face of adversity. The Joe Humphries Memorial award went to went to Ann and Jerry Bullock who are the founders and organisers of a weekly volunteer led wellbeing walks at Gorse Covert in Loughborough which has recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Councillor Liz Blackshaw, the Council’s lead member for communities, said: “A massive congratulations to all the winners and runners-up at this year’s Charnwood Sports Awards. “They provide a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the borough’s sporting excellence and those who encourage our communities to stay active. It was an honour to hear about the hard work and dedication of all of the nominees this evening." “Thank you also goes to our partners and the organisations which have kindly supported this year’s awards.” This year’s awards were supported by Efficiency East Midlands (EEM), Active Together, Serco, Fusion Lifestyle, Loughborough College, Loughborough University, South Charnwood Schools Sport Partnership Network and idverde. The winners also included Loughborough Rugby Club, Wenlo RDA Young Volunteers, Joel Wolfe, Nick Shaw and Sanjit Sudarsan. The 2023 winners and runners-up are: Club of the Yea r Winner: Loughborough Rugby Club Runner-up: Loughborough College Flag Football Team Runner-up: Loughborough Swimming Club Runner-up: Safe Well Happy Group Joe Humphries Memorial Trust Special Recognition Winner: Ann & Jerry Bullock Runner-up: Leandra Whelband Runner-up: Phil Williamson Lets Get Moving Junior Ambassador of the Year Winner: Wenlo RDA Young Volunteers Runner-up: Amelia Trahar & Jessica Brooker Runner-up: Chichi Jamu Junior Sports Person of the Year Winners: Katie & Emelia Corns Runner-up: Harry Donald Runner-up: Dahnon Ward Lets Get Moving School Sport Award Winner: Joel Wolfe Runner-up: Ashmount School Runner-up: Hannah McClay - Ward Outstanding Contribution to Sport Physical Activity & Health Winner: Nick Shaw Runner-up: Gorse Covert Health Leaders Runner-up: Mark Riches Runner-up: Phil Williamson Lets Get Moving Senior Ambassador of the Year Award Winner: Sanjit Sudarsan Runner-up: Andy Moore Runner-up: Pauline Young Senior Sports Person of the Year Award 2023 Winner: Jonathan Broom-Edwards Runner-up: Daniel Powell Runner-up: Mary Cholhok Lets Get Moving Wellbeing at Work Award 2023 Winner: Ashmount School Runner-up: Loughborough College Active Team Runner-up: Watermead Day Nursery

A section of historic canal towpath in Loughborough has been officially reopened following a government-funded project to make it better for walkers, cyclists and visiting boaters. Charity, the Canal & River Trust, has worked in partnership with Loughborough Town Deal to improve a popular 2km stretch of the River Soar towpath running between Moor Lane Bridge and Belton Lane. The revamped puddle-free path provides a green, traffic-free route through the town, enabling people to spend relaxing time by water on the popular route to work, university and the shops. To mark the official reopening of the path members of the Town Deal Board and representatives of the Trust gathered on Friday 1 December to walk a section. The improvements have been funded by UK Government through Loughborough Town Deal, which awarded a £885,000 grant. The towpath has been widened and resurfaced, making it suitable for year-round use by walkers, cyclists and those with buggies. Access points onto the path have also been improved making the route more welcoming and connecting with other local walkways. As well as widening and resurfacing the towpath, the project has installed 24 additional moorings for visiting boats and strengthened a 100-metre stretch of canal bank between Moor Lane and Little Moor Lane. With research showing that time spent by water can help people feel happier and healthier, and with more people looking for a local escape on their doorstep, the works make it easier and more appealing for people to get out and explore the local canals and other routes on their doorstep. Welcoming the improvements, Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, chair of Loughborough Town Deal, said: “I am delighted to see another Town Deal backed project being completed. The improvements to the historic canal in Loughborough will be enjoyed by local communities and visitors to the area for many years to come and will form part of the Town Deal’s legacy." “The Town Deal has already helped to regenerate part of the town centre, create the Careers and Enterprise Hub, expand free wi-fi in the town, create an augmented reality heritage trail and support the expansion of SportPark in Loughborough. The completion of the canal project is another important milestone for us." “I would like to thank the Canal & River Trust for all their hard work and congratulate them for bringing much needed improvements to Loughborough’s waterways.” Alan Leather, partnerships manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “As a charity it’s so important that we work with other organisations to keep our historic canals alive. This project is a fantastic example of how we can work together to make canals more welcoming and attractive not only to local people but also visiting boaters, which bring important economic benefits to the town.” The canal improvement is one of 11 projects Loughborough Town Deal is supporting after securing £16.9 million from the Government’s Towns Fund . In total, the projects are worth over £40 million of investment for the town.

Craig Herd from Sainsbury’s Bank has been named the 2023 UK Young Banker of the Year during the final of the competition held at London’s Mansion House on 7 December 2023. Launched in 1987 by the Chartered Banker Institute, the awards recognise and reward those individuals who reflect the qualities of customer-focused, ethical professionalism promoted by the Institute and expected by society. This year, Young Bankers from around the UK were asked to present an idea they could develop in their organisation that could improve outcomes for customers, colleagues, and communities. These ideas were to reflect their vision for the future of the banking profession, whilst being consistent with the ethos of the Chartered Banker Institute and the UN Principles for Responsible Banking. The winner of the competition is presented with a trophy, £1000 in prize money, plus £1000 for a charity of their choice. After scooping this year’s title, Craig Herd commented: “I’m delighted to have had this opportunity to champion the needs of customers living with dementia. The number of people diagnosed with dementia is increasing every year in the UK, and research shows that customers living with dementia and their families need more targeted support from the banking industry." "Being able to raise my idea of Dementia Safe on such an esteemed platform will start conversations in the industry on how we better support customers living with dementia. The proposals from my fellow finalists show the very best of our industry, and giving young bankers the opportunity to develop and present these ideas will continue to have a positive impact on not only banking but wider society. ” This year’s winner was announced by Alderman Sir Peter Estlin, who commented: “The Young Banker of the Year competition is an excellent opportunity to not only celebrate some of the future leaders of our City, but to showcase the abundance of talent that exists across the sector too." "By grappling with, and finding solutions to, some of the key issues being discussed in the City - like how to deliver sustainable growth - these young professionals are pushing boundaries, challenging accepted wisdom, and devising strategies today that will benefit us all tomorrow." "My congratulations to Craig and the other finalists. They are a credit to themselves, their businesses, and the City as a whole.” Simon Thompson, Chief Executive of the Chartered Banker Institute, added: “All four finalists personified the ethical and professional ethos of the Chartered Banker Institute and the values underpinning the UN Principles for Responsible Banking. Congratulations to Craig, our Young Banker of the Year, and to all our finalists for presenting their ideas for aligning banking with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The future of our banking sector and profession is bright if tonight’s Young Bankers are anything to go by.” The competition also offers an Audience prize for the candidate who, in the opinion of the attendees, best personified the high, professional standards expected of bankers through their presentation. The winner of this year’s Audience Prize was also Craig Herd from Sainsbury’s Bank. Steve Pateman, President of the Chartered Banker Institute on presenting Craig with his award, commented: “I would like to congratulate Craig, for winning the Audience Prize and on becoming, the 2023 Chartered Banker Young Banker of the Year. I pay tribute to all four finalists tonight, for their inspirational ideas. There has been much to be proud of and it leaves me with enormous confidence in the future of our banking profession.”