Leicester College is delivering a new course in customer care and related key skills for Visit Leicester’s new Volunteer Tourism Ambassador programme. Tourism Ambassadors VThe volunteering scheme is aimed at getting a diverse range of people involved in showcasing heritage events, cultural activities, visitor attractions, venues, and hotels throughout the city. It offers participants a chance to get free training, learn new skills and gain access to tourism events while being part of a busy team promoting the best that Leicester has to offer. Along with welcoming visitors to the city, work could include providing information, guidance, and recommendations on what to see and do during their visit to the city; conducting tours; sharing local knowledge about the city’s history, culture, architecture and communities; and supporting the city’s annual festivals and events programme. More details of the tourism volunteer programme are available from Visit Leicester or by contacting Gitte Magielse, Leicester City Council tourism project officer. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and will need to be able to commit to a minimum of 12 volunteering sessions, spread over one year. Arbaaz Cassim, Business Development and Enterprise Manager at Leicester College, said: “Leicester College has a strong tradition in training students for the travel and tourism sectors, so we’re delighted to work in partnership with Visit Leicester on the customer services element of the programme. This will offer a unique opportunity for local people to help to promote their city.” City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “This is a lovely opportunity for people with an interest in tourism, culture and the city’s visitor attractions to get involved in this exciting volunteering project." "Tourism is a vital part of the city’s economy, bringing in millions of pounds every year, and will play a vital role in showcasing some of our highlights for visitors to Leicester."

British Cycling has published their first long-term sustainability strategy, which includes an ambitious target to achieve net zero by 2035 and to halve our carbon emissions by 2030. Developed with the support of renowned sustainability consultants Think Beyond, and contributions from across the cycling community, the strategy also sets out our vision to become world leaders in the delivery of sustainable events, and continue to advocate for more people to make short journeys by bike. In addition to its focus on reducing emissions the strategy champions the true power of the bike, recognising that if everyone in the UK who owned a bike cycled for journeys under five miles, rather than taking travelling by car, we’d save 10 million tonnes of carbon emissions and save the NHS £30.8 billion a year. You can read the strategy in full here . Our Impact A detailed baselining exercise found that the total carbon emissions equate to 10,824 tonnes of CO₂e –equivalent to the annual emissions of more than 850 UK citizens. This was then broken down into direct emissions from activities and resources own and control (scope 1), indirect emissions associated with the purchase of energy (scope 2), and indirect emissions from our value chain (scope 3). Of the emissions, they found that the largest contributions came from our supply chain (55%), business travel (34%) and electricity for our HQ at the National Cycling Centre (4%). British Cycling will be measuring the future progress against this 2022/23 benchmark year. Our Action British Cycling have already made good progress on a number of measures to reduce our carbon emissions. One such example is their ambition to transition their fleet of cars and vans to low and zero-carbon vehicles, with the support of the Official Partner Shell UK. Through Shell UK’s Avelia platform, which contributes to the cost of sustainable aviation fuels, they will inset 353.08 tonnes of CO₂e, abating all of the Great Britian Cycling Team’s projected air travel in 2024. Through the partnership with Shell UK, between July and November 2023 they were able to fully offset the 22,700kg of CO₂e from 7,100 litres of fuel in our fleet of cars and vans, using nature-based solutions. This offsetting involves supporting projects that protect nature and restore the environment, known as carbon credits. Recognising that cycle-sport events contribute significantly to our sport’s carbon emissions, they have created a new Planet Positive programme to provide funding and resources to grassroots event organisers to support them in delivering sustainable events and activities. Within the British Cycling community there are already some great examples of events taking innovative approaches to reduce their impact. The Otley Grand Prix round of the National Circuit Series has led the way through its provision of secure bike parking and focus on long-term partnerships to reduce wastage in printed branding, while Bournemouth BMX Club has pioneered an innovative jersey repair and recycling service in recent years. Highlighting the long-term commitment to making progress in this area, they have applied to become a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, having already been a founding signatory of the UCI Climate Action Charter. Ahead of the strategy’s publication, British Cycling External Affairs and Marketing Director, Caroline Julian, said: “Our first sustainability strategy is a celebration of the brilliant work already taking place in all corners of our community, and reflects our ambition to become a truly world-leading sports body in the fight against the impacts of climate change. “Working alongside our partners we’ve already made some really positive progress, and look forward to sharing this with our community over the years ahead. We’re grateful to the team at Think Beyond, who have provided invaluable support throughout the strategy’s development.”

Trendsetting bakery Doughnotts is leapfrogging the competition by launching a 10p doughnut based on the ever-popular Freddo chocolate bar. The firm is launching its one-off ‘now or never’ sale in homage to the days when you could purchase a Freddo for just 10p. The last time the classic bar cost this little was in 2005 – when the average cost of an 800g loaf of white bread was 69p, Hurricane Katrina had struck the US and Tony Blair was Prime Minister. Doughnotts is celebrating the froggie-inspired chocolate treat by offering its mouth-watering Freddo Friday doughnut for just 10p on Friday, May 31st and Freddo fans, who can now pay up to 49p for the chocolate bar alone, will be hopping mad if they miss the price-busting offer. Lauren Quick, marketing manager for Doughnotts, said: “Freddo is an absolute favourite among chocolate lovers but there’s always such a furore over its rising cost. The price has multiplied massively since being relaunched by Cadbury’s in the 1990s, and people taking to social media are outraged.” Freddo, which originally launched in 1930, remained at 10p until 2005, rising to 25p in 2016 and 30p a year later. Its registered retail price is now 49p. As a result of these price hikes, Freddo bars have often been informally used in the UK to measure the cost of living and inflation rates. Lauren said: “We wanted to give our customers a bit of nostalgia, especially as Cadbury’s celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. So, in a nod to the treat, we have given Freddo an amazing doughnut ‘lily pad’ to sit upon. Who knew you could improve on this classic treat? It will be our cheapest doughnut ever.” Freddo fans will be treated to a classic Doughnotts doughnut with chocolate frosting, smothered in chocolate cake crumb and topped with the iconic chocolate bar. A chocoholics dream that weighs in at a tad over 650 calories. Lauren said: “It is a fantastic bargain and that’s why we’ve limited the Freddo Friday 10p doughnut to one per customer. But there will be plenty to go around. We recognise how tough the cost-of-living crisis has been for many people, so we think they will enjoy a bit of ‘price nostalgia’, even if it is for only one day.” Speciality doughnuts at Doughnotts, such as the ever-popular Biscoff and the Red Velvet doughnut, usually sell for between £2.95 and £3.95. Lauren added: “Our team of talented bakers has been working flat out to perfect these hand-finished Freddo-based treats, which will certainly make our customers jump for joy.” Doughnotts, which sells on average over 15,000 doughnuts every week, has created the ‘one day only - get it now or never’ offer to be rolled out across its eight East and West Midlands stores. These include stores in Nottingham, Derby, South Normanton, Lincoln and Cannock. Doughnotts also offers a nationwide online doughnut delivery service. Founded in 2015 by co-directors Wade Smith and Megan Scaddan, the firm has gone from strength to strength, becoming renowned for making speciality treats, often with a surprising twist. Other popular doughnuts from the firm include Weekend Billionaire, Intergalactic, Nutella Custard, and vegan selections such as Eton Mess, Apple Pie, and Cherry Bakewell. The innovative bakery is constantly evolving. Earlier this year, the firm launched a collaboration with street food vendor Working Man’s Kitchen to create the Nottsville Hot - a spicy fried chicken burger in a sweet-glazed doughnut bun that was sold at Nottingham Forest’s home games. The two firms have also combined to create a doughnut pizza. Freddo Doughnuts will have limited availability, so make sure you are early calling in for your old-school Freddo Friday 10p treat. To discover more about Doughnotts, visit.here .

Charnwood will mark 80 years since D-Day with a special beacon lighting event at Queen’s Park in Loughborough. The event will take place on Thursday, June 6 with information stalls and activities taking place from 7.30pm with the lighting of the beacon around 9.15pm. A competition to find a local resident with a military background or a connection to D-Day has been ran by Charnwood Borough Council with the selected entrant being announced next week. The beacon located in Queen’s Park will be one of thousands up and down the country lit to mark 80 years since the Allied invasion during the Second World War. Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE, said: “I look forward to the beacon lighting to mark 80 years since D-Day and seeing residents and visitors in Queen’s Park. Charnwood has a rich military history and it is important that we mark this anniversary and pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the Allied invasion in 1944.” A number of information stalls including Culture Leicestershire, Sea Cadets and Loughborough Library Local Studies Group will be in Queen’s Park from 7.30pm with refreshments also available at Queen’s Park Café which will remain open during the event. The Granby Street gate to the park will remain open throughout the event to allow people to exit following the beacon lighting. All other entrances to Queen’s Park will close at 9pm. Beacon lightings and events to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day will also be taking place in Mountsorrel and Syston. The last beacon lighting to take place in Queen’s Park was in June 2022 to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

A local entrepreneur who launched a social media management company in lockdown, has been named Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the Midlands StartUp Awards 2024. Katie Wilber, who stepped away from her role as a wedding planner to establish Cotswold Connected in 2021, beat off stiff competition from across the region to win her category. Based out of the Ilmington home that’s been in seven generations of her family, the 28-year-old social media guru has helped a range of businesses achieve exceptional results - from small start-ups to international brands. One of her customers even went viral on Instagram with 2.9 million views, and gained nearly 10,000 followers over three months. Katie’s professional support has also enabled businesses to grow. Katie’s success comes after several years spent working in events, an industry which ultimately took its toll on her mental health but which also led her to the world of social media marketing. She said: “When I think back to the beginning of my business, the saying ‘sometimes you have to get knocked down lower than you have ever been, to stand up taller than you ever were’ comes to mind. It began when I was at my lowest and has made me stronger, more resilient and with more belief in myself than I ever thought possible." Alongside social media management, Cotswold Connected also offers social media training, auditing and event content creation. No strangers to awards recognition, Katie won Best Online Business at the Stratford Herald Business & Tourism Awards, in 2022. Of the latest accolade, Katie said: “This is a huge honour and recognition of years of hard work. With over ten years of marketing experience, specialising in social media, I'm passionate about using my expertise to help businesses grow. Many people find social media overwhelming with its constant changes, however, I love that about it." “Focusing on organic content, I take great pride in staying up to date with the latest news, trends and algorithm changes, ensuring that Cotswold Connected stays at the cutting edge of the industry.” The UK StartUp Awards were established to highlight the success of startups across ten UK nations and regions, including the Midlands, and to celebrate the achievements of entrepreneurs in all sectors of the economy. Katie will learn if she is the national winner of her category, at the finals in Tring in September. Harriet Rees, CIO at one of the Awards’ supporters Starling Bank, said: “Turning an idea into a successful business takes a lot of courage and dedication. Congratulations to Cotswold Connected on winning their category in the Midlands and making it to this year’s UK national final. Start-ups need certainty to plan ahead. It’s great to see so many thrive, especially in these challenging economic times.” Over 114,000 new firms were created in the Midlands in 2023 and according to Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, creator of the awards, this demonstrates the growing importance of entrepreneurs to the regional economy. He said: “Start-ups are the life of any economy and that is especially true in the Midlands where new businesses are contributing to job creation, innovation, and prosperity across the whole of this entrepreneurial region. “It’s been an honour and a pleasure to read the stories of those founders who have spotted the opportunity and taken the risk to launch their own venture. All of the winners have demonstrated that they deserve to win their categories and I’m looking forward to having the ‘best of the best’ from the Midlands competing at the UK final later this year.” Katie is happy to find herself back in wedding planning mode as she counts down to her own big day, in May next year.

AW Hainsworth, a British fabric manufacturer and vertical woollen mill based in Pudsey, has appointed Paul Dudley as its new Head of Engineering and Sustainability. This newly created role will focus on shaping AW Hainsworth's Engineering and Sustainability strategy and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the organisation. Paul joins AW Hainsworth with an extensive engineering, environmental, and health and safety management background, having spent the last 28 years predominantly working in the furniture industry. He previously worked for a German textile machine manufacturer in Leeds and has a vast knowledge of textile machinery and processes. Paul has successfully led sustainability projects such as IS0 14064 accreditation and implemented energy-saving initiatives in his previous roles. Paul comments:  “Joining AW Hainsworth feels like returning to my roots in textiles. The company’s rich history, manufacturing excellence, dedication to its workforce and environmental impact align perfectly with my passion for sustainability. I’m excited to help embed a sustainable culture in all areas of the business and to be part of a company that heavily invests in the interest of the workforce while putting environmental impact at the heart of everything it does.” In his new role, Paul will focus on several key sustainability initiatives to reduce the company’s carbon footprint, increase employee well-being, and enhance overall efficiency. His initial efforts will include benchmarking data to guide the company’s sustainability strategy and exploring energy-saving operations for various systems and processes. Amanda McLaren, Managing Director at AW Hainsworth, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Paul to our team. His expertise and dedication to sustainability will be invaluable as we continue integrating environmentally responsible practices into our operations and making significant investments towards evolving into a more sustainable business while maintaining our heritage of quality textiles.” Founded in 1783, AW Hainsworth is known for producing iconic British woollen cloth and high-performing textiles. The company’s rich heritage includes furnishing royal interiors, palaces, and the House of Lords. Hainsworth cloth is also worn by royalty and the military and is chosen by designers, tailors, and garment manufacturers from diverse industries. The specialist textile company is the parent company to Hainsworth Fabric of a Nation, Hainsworth Protective Fabrics, Hainsworth Toptable, Natural Legacy by Hainsworth, John Atkinson, Hainsworth Technical Felt, Northern Rubber by Hainsworth, and Replin by Hainsworth.

A family-run independent pet shop has opened in Aberdeen after the business owner accessed expert support and signposting to funding from Business Gateway. Based in Haudagain Retail Park, Pets & Care offers a wide variety of live animals, pet supplies and services, ranging from food and treats to toys and grooming products. The shop also offers a range of natural food and treats, including raw products. Its team of staff are experienced pet care experts and are all on hand to help answer any questions for first-time pet owners or seasoned professionals. The shop, which officially opened in November, is owned by husband-and-wife team, Otto and Agnes Varga. Originally from Hungary, Otto and Agnes moved to Scotland over 9 years ago. With over 20 years of experience in charge of pet stores in Hungary, and as a former employee of the UK’s leading pet care business, Otto spotted a gap in the market to open his own shop in Aberdeen and approached Business Gateway for support. Otto and Agnes accessed a suite of Business Gateway’s start-up services, including one-to-one support from a dedicated business adviser, as well as advice on their business plan, marketing, and HR. The couple also received advice on managing financial projections and cashflow. Business Gateway was also able to signpost the duo to funding from ABZ Works, which was essential to help purchase the necessary equipment to open their shop to the public. Looking to the future, the couple now have plans to increase the number of live animals they have for sale and are looking to incorporate the sale of fish. Otto Varga, Owner, Pets & Care Ltd, said: “It was always my dream to open my own pet store. We spotted a gap in the market after noticing a real lack of independently owned pet shops in Aberdeen. I wanted to give customers a one-stop-shop experience in Aberdeen where they can purchase all of their accessories, toys and food." “Although I have lots of experience in the sector, I had never run my own business, so the support I’ve received from Business Gateway has been invaluable. I can’t thank our adviser enough.” Keith Smith, Business Gateway adviser, said: “I met with Otto before Pets & Care opened to discuss his business plan and have kept in regular contact with him over the last six months. It’s been really rewarding for me to see his business idea become a reality." “I look forward to continuing to work together in the months ahead as the business begins providing new lines of products.”

The Abbey Hotel in Battle was named Pub of the Year in the annual Shepherd Neame Pub Awards, held at Canterbury Rugby Club. A total of 15 awards were given out at the event, which celebrates exceptional achievement in the teams across its 300-strong estate. Three were individual awards, which this year included Bar Person of the Year for the first time. Winning licensees Sharon and Gordon Thompson took on the Abbey Hotel eight years ago, with help from their grown-up children and partners, and today run a total of four pubs with Shepherd Neame. Their other sites are The Castle Hotel in Eynsford, The Woolpack in Chilham and The White Horse, Maldon. The hard-working family take a hands-on approach to all their pubs, tackling extensive renovations themselves and striving for excellence in every element, from the décor and service to the quality of food and drink served. Sharon and Gordon’s son Charlie and daughter-in-law Kate run the Abbey Hotel, where they met six years ago. Sharon said: “Their attention to detail is so good. They are a credit to themselves with what they have brought to the business. The Pub of the Year award is something they really deserve.” The family also celebrated winning Best Accommodation Offer for The Castle Hotel, which is run by Sharon and Gordon’s daughter Elizabeth and fiancé Jacob Harper. Sharon paid tribute to her family for their efforts, describing herself as ‘very proud’. She said: “They work so hard, all of them do. We couldn’t do it without them and I cannot stress enough how much it is a team effort, all of us working together." Managed Pub of the Year went to The Market House in Maidstone, which was praised for providing excellent service, top quality food and drink, and creating a regular following for the live music it hosts every week. General Manager Matt Green, who has worked at the pub, taken on by Shepherd Neame in 2017, for more than a decade, said: “I’m from Maidstone; I know the clientele; I know the business in the town, we are just trying to push and push to make it the best environment for the people of Maidstone.” The Bear in Faversham took the award for Tenanted Pub of the Year. Praised as an ‘all round proper pub’, it serves a quality range of Shepherd Neame beers, a varied home-cooked menu and organises regular themed nights and events. Licensees Tim and Lacey Stowell started running the Faversham town centre pub five years ago. Lacey said: “We have an amazing team and we couldn’t do it without them. We also get an enormous amount of support from Shepherd Neame.” The award for Apprentice of the Year went to Andy Hawkes, General Manager at The Limes in Faversham, who was 52 when he joined the hospitality industry and started his apprenticeship last year. He said: “I’ve just got three months to go in my apprenticeship now and I’ve learned so much. I’m overwhelmed to receive this – coming to Shepherd Neame was a great decision for me.” The Best Food Offer was given to the Castle Inn, Bodiam, which has been run by licensees Wendy and James Mills for more than 20 years, with James working alongside Head Chef Bob Leeper in the kitchen. Judges were impressed by the team’s ability to offer an extensive menu, from traditional pub fare to restaurant-style dishes, while also retaining incredibly high levels of quality and service. Chef of the Year went to Andy Proctor, who has been at The Marine Hotel in Tankerton for six and a half years – one of the busiest kitchens in the company’s estate and one of the most creative, with a particular focus on seafood due to the site’s coastal location. “We are passionate about food and work really hard as a team to do what we do, every day, and it’s really cool to be recognised with this award,” he said. Hannah Grantham of The Spitfire in Kings Hill was named Best Barperson of the Year. She is one of Shepherd Neame’s Service Champions, supporting team members at other sites to deliver the highest standards, and is popular with customers. She said: “This award is really for my General Manager, Chris Peach, as he is amazing and without his support, I couldn’t do the job.” A shoutout in this category also went to Jemima Woolnough of The Wharf in Dartford. The Best Beer Offer was awarded to the team at The Parrot, Canterbury, which was praised for consistently high quality beer and an excellent selection of cask ale rotated frequently, tested daily and delivered with passion and love. General Manager Francis Williamson said: “I’ve worked for Shepherd Neame a long time and this is the award I’ve always wanted.” The Best Wine Offer went to the team at The Duke of Cumberland, Whitstable, which has an extensive wine list, with a special focus on English still and sparkling wines, to complement its coastal food offer. General Manager Tina Kennedy said: “The English wines we serve are phenomenal and we get more compliments for them than anything. We undertake regular wine training as a team so that we can share our passion with customers, and also recommend wines to pair with food.” The Customer Service Pub of the Year went to the Old Ivy House, London, which was praised for making customers and the team alike feeling valued. The pub aims to offer something for everyone, from jazz performances and live band karaoke to parent and baby pub quizzes, and also sponsors a local five-a-side football team. Business partners who run the pub, Kate Davidson and Del Currie collected the award. Kate said: “We just try to make a pub that we’d go to ourselves.”  A shoutout also went to The Parrot in Canterbury in this category. The Heart of the Community award went to The Oak on the Green in Bearsted, which aims to be at the centre of everything that happens in the village, from supporting local charities and football teams, to providing hampers for the elderly. The award was collected by General Manager Paul Stewart, who said: “We have got a fantastic community, and they support the pub. We are the pub of the village, and we are incredibly proud of that.” Turnaround Pub of the Year was named as the Carpenters Arms, Eastling, a tiny pub with a huge following since a trio of dedicated friends - Sarah Neaves, Madeleine Bioletti, and Mark Perkins – took it on last year. The Lifetime Contribution award went to The Pepper Box, Ulcombe, which has been run by the same family for more than 60 years. The current licensee, Sophie Pemble, follows in the footsteps of her parents Sarah and Jeff Pemble, and grandparents Jack and Betty Wood who first came to the Pepper Box in 1958. There were two awards for Outstanding Contribution. The first went to The Alma, Painters Forstal, which has been run by Clare and Richard Annand for the past 13 years, with help from their sons, and is a hive of activity with quiz nights, music and even a spot of bat and trap. The other went to the Market Inn in Faversham, which has been run by David and Sue Pott for almost 20 years, and who are taking a well-earned retirement next month. A hub for local music, along with bat and trap in its huge beer garden, it will be taken on by Tim and Lacey from The Bear in Faversham. Chief Executive Jonathan Neame said: “Our industry has experienced a very challenging time in recent years, but I never cease to be amazed by the resilience, creativity and positivity of our dedicated team members and pub partners." “These awards offer well-deserved recognition for our people, from those just starting out with us to those who have been part of our Shepherd Neame family for many years. We are proud that our pubs continue to be among the best in the country, and it is important to come together for this annual celebration of our achievements.”   Full list of winners: Apprentice of the Year:  Andy Hawkes – The Limes, Faversham: Andy Hawkes with Managing Director, Pubs, Jonathon Swaine. Chef of the Year: Andy Proctor – The Marine Hotel, Tankerton: Andy Proctor with Managing Director, Pubs, Jonathon Swaine. Best Bar Person: Hannah Grantham – The Spitfire, Kings Hill: Hannah Grantham with Managing Director, Pubs, Jonathon Swaine. Best Beer Offer: The Parrot, Canterbury: General Manager Francis Williamson with Managing Director, Pubs, Jonathon Swaine. Best Wine Offer:  Duke of Cumberland, Whitstable: General Manager Tina Kennedy with Managing Director, Pubs, Jonathon Swaine. Best Food Offer:  Castle Inn, Bodiam: Licensees James and Wendy Mills with Director of Tenanted Pub Operations Greg Wallis. Best Accommodation Offer: Castle Hotel, Eynsford: (l-r) Elizabeth Thompson and fiance Jacob Harper who run The Castle Hotel, Director of Tenanted Pub Operations Greg Wallis, Sharon and Gordon Thompson. Heart of the Community:  Oak on the Green, Bearsted: General Manager Paul Stewart with Managing Director, Pubs, Jonathon Swaine. Outstanding Contribution:  Alma, Painters Forstal: Licensee Clare Annand with her two sons and Chief Executive Jonathan Neame. Outstanding Contribution:  Market Inn, Faversham: Licensees David and Sue Pott with Chief Executive Jonathan Neame. Turnaround Pub of the Year:  Carpenters Arms, Eastling – not present at the ceremony Lifetime Contribution:  Pepper Box, Ulcombe – not present at the ceremony Customer Service Pub of the Year:  Old Ivy House, London: Licensees Kate Davidson and Del Currie with Director of Tenanted Pub Operations Greg Wallis. Tenanted Pub of the Year: The Bear, Faversham: Licensees Lacey and Tim Stowell with Chief Executive Jonathan Neame. Managed Pub of the Year: Market House, Maidstone: General Manager Matt Green with Chief Executive Jonathan Neame. Shepherd Neame Pub of the Year:  Abbey Hotel, Battle

British Cycling and Lloyds Bank have announced a major long-term partnership which will see Lloyds Bank become British Cycling’s new Lead Partner. The multi-year commitment will see Lloyds Bank immediately become the Title Partner of the reimagined Tour of Britain events, as well as a suite of pioneering new events that are part of British Cycling’s recently launched major events vision. These brand-new events will include the delivery of an international urban cycling festival featuring BMX freestyle, and the development of a national track league concept, helping British Cycling to capitalise on the inspiration and success of the nation’s best riders. Through the partnership, Lloyds Bank and British Cycling will work together to give people, families and communities the inspiration to move forward and achieve their goals. The long-term partnership will include supporting more people of all ages and abilities to access cycling and encourage a more healthy, inclusive and prosperous Britain. Lloyds Bank will also become the Title Partner of all British Cycling’s elite National Series and National Championship events, and the Lloyds Bank logo will feature on the Great Britain Cycling Team kit. British Cycling CEO, Jon Dutton OBE, said: "As two British institutions, British Cycling and Lloyds Bank have a natural affinity and we share a commitment to supporting a more healthy, inclusive and prosperous Britain. In the last twelve months, a third of UK adults have ridden a bike and we want to see more people experiencing the joy of cycling." “Through this partnership with Lloyds Bank, we can embark together on a journey to not only champion the sport but also harness its potential to deliver liberating experiences to families and communities nationwide. We are collectively committed to tackling social inequality and inspiring a nation to move together towards a healthier and more inclusive future."  Lloyds Bank CEO Consumer Relationships, Jayne Opperman, said: “We’re thrilled to be at the starting line of our partnership with British Cycling." “The values Lloyds Bank share with British Cycling, alongside the wide reach of the sport, creates an opportunity for us to harness the power of cycling to get people, families and communities moving, and inspire them to achieve their goals. Putting the wheels in motion, we aim to deliver impact by developing exciting new activities for people to get involved in and we look forward to sharing more details as the partnership gets underway.” British Cycling Commercial Director, Darren Henry, added: "We recognise the immense opportunity that this pioneering partnership presents to deliver transformational growth. This collaboration not only secures vital support for our major events vision but also underscores the significant role cycling plays in shaping our national sporting landscape." “With Lloyds Bank's commitment, we stand poised to unlock new avenues of growth, innovation, and accessibility within the sport, ensuring that cycling continues to thrive at all levels for years to come." Katie Archibald, world and Olympic gold medallist, said: British Cycling partnering with Lloyds Bank is really exciting as it means we can inspire even more people of all ages across Britain to get on a bike and experience the joy of cycling. From world-class events to grassroots initiatives, it’s clear that this new partnership will be a game-changer, bringing even more excitement and inclusivity to cycling." “Starting with the Tour of Britain Women next month, I can’t wait to see the positive impact it will have from our communities through to elite level. I’m particularly excited about the development of a new national track league concept and look forward to hearing more!”

The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Claire Coutinho MP, paid a visit to JCB to see for herself the progress being made by the British manufacturer of construction equipment and agricultural machinery on decarbonisation using hydrogen combustion engine technology. The Energy Secretary’s visit started at JCB Power Systems, Derbyshire, where a team of more than 150 engineers are actively engaged in developing hi-tech hydrogen combustion engines for use in JCB machinery. More than 120 engines have been produced so far and many machines powered by these super-efficient engines are currently undergoing evaluation. Ms Coutinho said: “It was terrific to visit JCB to see their pioneering hydrogen combustion engines powering a new generation of diggers. Countries around the world are queuing up to work with brilliant UK businesses, like JCB. It’s our great British tradition of innovation that is creating well-paid jobs across the country and helping us export our world-leading climate change tech." "When it comes to Net Zero, I want Britain to reap the rewards and prosperity it can bring rather than punishing hard working families and businesses. It is incredibly inspiring to see the levels of innovation, dedication, and enthusiasm throughout JCB.” Ms Coutinho met JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford who is personally spearheading JCB’s hydrogen developments. He explained to the Energy Secretary that JCB had already successfully launched a range of battery-electric compact machines, with more than 20,000 battery-electric machines already sold. He went on to highlight that battery-electric technology was largely unsuitable for heavier equipment due to the higher energy demands, and the longer working hours of such machinery in remote locations where access to grid connections is limited. At JCB’s Staffordshire proving ground, the Energy Secretary was shown a hydrogen-powered JCB Loadall telescopic handler at work. After sitting in the cab of a hydrogen-powered JCB backhoe loader, she tried her hand at the quick and easy task of refuelling the machine with hydrogen, which took only a matter of minutes thanks to a purpose-designed mobile refuelling bowser. Ms Coutinho added: “JCB hydrogen combustion engine technology is cutting edge, and it’s going to help Britain stay at the front of the race when it comes to climate change.” Lord Bamford said: “It was a pleasure for the JCB team to show the Secretary of State the wonderful progress that JCB’s British engineers are making in developing a zero-carbon solution to power our machines of the future." "They will need to be powered by something other than fossil fuels and super-efficient, affordable, high-tech hydrogen combustion engines with zero emissions can be answer for the construction industry and agriculture. What’s more, they can be brought to market quickly using our existing supply base.” JCB’s emergence as a leader in zero-emission hydrogen technology comes as governments around the world continue to unveil strategies to develop the infrastructure needed to support the use of hydrogen to drive down CO2 emissions. JCB has manufactured engines since 2004, producing around 200 per day at its UK plant in Derbyshire and 200 per day at its plant in Delhi, India.

A Lancashire hotel venue has struck up a new business partnership with a social enterprise which helps people who are homeless get back into employment. Lancaster House Hotel has taken delivery of a new range of delicious shortbread biscuits supplied by specialist bakery Half the Story. And as the name suggests, there’s more to the tale than meets the eye. The biscuit manufacturer also creates supportive job roles for those who are trying to make a new start after experiencing homelessness. By providing employment, Half the Story helps its employees to earn a wage, develop their skills, build a career path and find somewhere to live. The partnership came about after executive chairman of English Lakes Hotels Simon Berry and managing director of Half the Story Matt Parfitt met at an entrepreneurship conference, where they were both speaking about how business can be a force for good in their respective communities. Lancaster House Hotel general manager Emma Underwood says: “It’s rewarding to get involved with an enterprise which not only improves the offer here at the hotel but also makes a positive impact in the community." “One of the biggest causes of homelessness is unemployment, and access to new job opportunities is a huge barrier to getting people back on their feet too. So we’re thrilled to be working with Half the Story." “Not only do our guests get to enjoy a tasty treat with their teas and coffees, but they are also helping to make a lasting difference to someone’s life and future job prospects." “The biscuits are already proving very popular with guests, with the shortbreads coming in original flavour, lemon and chocolate chip. And wherever we stock the biscuits, there’s explanatory branding to tell the other half of the social enterprise’s story.” Catherine Onions from the Half the Story bakery adds: “The idea behind the enterprise is that every single biscuit we bake and sell brings hope, purpose and dignity back to the lives of those who have experienced the despair of homelessness." “And it’s not just about finding them a new home. Permanent, long term job opportunities and skills development are vital ingredients to helping people make a new start. Our aim is to provide sufficient hours and wages so our team members have the skills, backing and confidence to leave supported accommodation and begin a positive new chapter in their lives.” Half the Story is a joint venture between Grace Enterprises, which provides supportive employment for those with multiple barriers to work, and Green Pastures, which helps secure housing for the homeless. For further information, visit here.

An innovative North West construction company’s headquarters has switched to becoming energy self-sufficient thanks to solar power. Evolution’s team has fitted photovoltaic panels to its Blackpool HQ in a statement of the company’s commitment to renewable technology. Led by Managing Director JJ Fitzgerald, Evolution’s vision is to have a positive impact on people, places and the planet. The work is also helping Evolution towards its accreditation to offer the latest renewable technology solutions to clients whether that’s social housing, private housing or sheltered housing across the North-West. The company’s own staff fitted 46 panels to the roof of its offices at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone. The panels provide enough energy to power Evolution’s offices, which host 12 members of staff, as well as its fleet of electric vehicles. JJ Fitzgerald said: “Sustainability and finding new ways of working to leave positive impacts on communities is what drives us as a business. This is a project we are particularly proud of and excited about.” Evolution had to secure permission from Blackpool Airport, which is located near to its offices at Avroe Crescent, Squires Gate, prior to starting work to ensure the fixings could withstand strong winds and the panels would not produce glare. The initiative is also being used by Evolution towards its MCS registration - the recognised industry standard for low-carbon energy technology products and their installation - so it will be able to offer green energy solutions to clients. JJ said: “MCS registration will give our clients peace of mind that they are receiving the highest quality service from a knowledgeable team." “We look forward to being able to make these services available to our customers and to deliver this next chapter in Evolution’s growth.”