Charlotte Dujardin rounded off an excellent week at the I.C.E. Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival at Hickstead, winning a third Grand Prix title. The World number five brought her Grand Prix victor Imhotep back for Sunday’s I.C.E Horseboxes CDI3* Grand Prix Special, where she once again topped the leader board with 81.362%. Her mentor and team-mate Carl Hester and Fame were second with 78.660%.   Charlotte said: “I’ve had a fantastic week with both my horses, finishing off the show with the Special with Imhotep, and I felt like he did one of his best tests that I’ve done." The 11-year-old Imhotep picked up nines and tens for his piaffe and passage work, as well as his pirouettes and final halt. “There was a rider error in the ones [one-time changes] but apart from that I was absolutely thrilled. It’s great preparation to make these mistakes here and hopefully get them all out of the way. Each time you do a test you feel like you’ve learned something. By Paris, hopefully there’ll be no more mistakes.” At last year’s European Championships, Charlotte and Imhotep were part of the gold medal-winning team as well as picking up two individual bronze medals. Their impressive Hickstead performance this week will have no doubt helped their selection campaign ahead of this summer’s Paris Games, when Charlotte could go ahead of cyclist Dame Laura Kenny as the British female athlete to have won the most Olympic medals. Imhotep is the more likely contender for the Games, but in her Freestyle winner Alive And Kicking Charlotte has another potential championship horse in the making. “With Paris in mind, it’s something we’re really focusing on, we’re really busy trying to get everything in tip top shape,” she said. “They’re very different horses. Pete is like being on a spring, he’s extremely bouncy and very powerful, and he’s quite big and wide to ride. Whereas Audrey [Alive And Kicking] is smaller, much neater, and a totally different mover to Pete.” It was Charlotte's first time competing at Hickstead since the birth of her daughter Isabella in 2023.  “It has definitely put a perspective on my career. Before having Isabella, this [riding] was my life, and I was so focused on doing this all the time, whereas now being a mum has made me realise what’s important. Being a mum is the best thing in the whole world, she’s my number one priority. Going out there to compete is all about going out there to make her proud, so it’s fantastic that she can come and watch me here and be a part of it.” Photo Credit: Boots and Hooves Photography

The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group was named as the Training Provider of the Year at the West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2024, acknowledging its commitment to achieving excellence in Apprenticeships. Held at Cedar Court Hotel in Bradford on Thursday 9th May, the Annual Awards celebrated apprentices, employers, colleges, trainers and supporters across 14 categories. Judges praised the effective relationships the Group has built with employers and its ability to meet skills priorities with its Apprenticeship provision, whilst supporting its apprentices to successfully complete their qualifications and progress onto fulfilling careers or further studies. Sam Wright, Principal and Chief Executive at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won the Apprenticeship Training Provider of the Year accolade at the West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards, which is a testament the hard work and dedication of our staff." "Apprenticeships are vital in meeting the skills needs within our economy and colleagues go above and beyond to understand the demands and challenges faced within different sectors when it comes to designing and delivering our Apprenticeship provision. This tailored approach ensures both employers and apprentices are fully immersed and supported in their apprenticeships, resulting in positive outcomes and progression routes for all.” 18 months after merger, the Group was the one of the first in the region to receive a ‘Strong’ skills rating by Ofsted and secure good grades across the board. Employers also expressed their satisfaction with the Group’s Apprenticeship offer during consultations with Ofsted, enabling them to increase productivity, improve competitiveness and create a committed and competent workforce. The Heart of Yorkshire Education Group offers a range of Apprenticeship programmes in Business, Construction, Engineering, Healthcare and more. It works with over 500 employers to deliver its Apprenticeship provision, which includes SMEs, local authorities and national organisations such as Unilever, Coca Cola, Haribo, ENGIE, Burberry, Warburtons, the Emergency Services, Bosch, Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation, Mars and NHS Trusts. Find out more about the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group’s Apprenticeship offer here .

The 37-year-old, who has a record 374 first-team appearances, has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal which will take the scrum-half into his 19th season at the Club. One of just three players to have played more than 300 times for Quins, Care holds the record for most Club appearances, and stands alone as the only player to have scored more than 100 tries in the Quarters. A true Club legend, Care has been central to three of Quins’ most memorable days, starting the 2011 Challenge Cup triumph over Stade Francais, alongside the Premiership titles in 2012 and 2021. Renowned for his leadership, Care captained Quins during the 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons, leading the team to the Challenge Cup final against Montpellier, before helping the Club return to Champions Cup action the following season. On the international stage, Care achieved 101 caps for England across 15 years in Test rugby, including 15 tries and three drop-goals. The scrum-half retired from England duty earlier this year as a three-time Six Nations winner, achieving Grand Slam success in 2016, alongside Rugby World Cup selection in 2015 and 2023. Commenting on his new contract, Care said: “I’m excited to extend my contract with Quins for my 19th season at the Club. This is my home, I love everything about it, the rugby we play, our amazing fans, and the memories we have made together." “It was an easy decision to sign the contract, we have a great group of lads who I love playing with, and we’re building something very special. We have the best fans in the world, and I can’t wait to pull on the Quarters for another season and run out in front of a packed Stoop.” Director of Rugby Billy Millard added: “Danny has been an incredible servant to our Club and a true Harlequin, leading from the front with his exceptional professionalism, hard work, and determination to succeed. We love having Danny in our squad, he’s a great character and his infectious energy, alongside his experience, means he’s a hugely popular and important member of our Quins DNA.”

Wakefield Children’s University will be hosting a free event for families during May half-term, offering them to the opportunity take part in a range of exciting activities. Taking place at Castleford College on Wednesday 29th May 2024 between 10am until 2pm, May-Hem will include activities such as crafts, rugby games, interactive blaze pods, gymnastics skills, learning to play drums and ukuleles, mini tennis and so much more. The sessions will be delivered by tutors from the College and our Children’s University Learning Destination partners including Castleford Heritage Trust, Castleford Library, Girlguiding Whitwood Division, Hemsworth Dragons ARLFC Youth & Junior Rugby League, Phoenix Martial Arts, Rothwell Gymnastics, RSPB Fairburn Ings and St Aidan's, Studio 64, The Hepworth Wakefield, Wakefield City Cheerleaders, Wakefield Museum & Castles and Wakefield School of Tennis. Attendees can also book onto sessions within the College’s vast range of subjects, including Carpentry & Joinery, Mechanics and Forensic Science. Children’s University members will receive learning hours for attending the event while non-members aged 5-14 are also welcome to attend and find out more. James Pennington, Head of School Partnerships at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “The event is the perfect chance for Children’s University members and their and families and the public to enjoy a range of exciting and engaging activities delivered by some of the amazing businesses across the district. In addition to it being a free day out for families, May-Hem gives attendees an insight into the future careers which are available and how their local College can help them achieve those careers.” Wakefield Children’s University promotes extra-curricular learning for young people across the district. Pupils involved receive a ‘Passport to Learning’ which they use to collect stamps each time they participate in a learning activity such as an after-school club, with the aim of collecting as many stamps and hours as possible via the college and Learning Destinations. Once the academic year ends, the children’s achievements will be commended at an annual Children’s University Graduation Ceremony, hosted by the College and attended by parents and carers.

Four new Deputy Lieutenants have been commissioned in honour of their service to the local community by the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur OBE CStJ. The new Deputy Lieutenants are: Mrs Anita Elizabeth Darlison MBE Ms Rachel Tidmarsh Mr Ian Mattioli MBE Mr Graham Smith The Lord-Lieutenant is the official representative of His Majesty The King for the City and County of Leicester. The office of Lord-Lieutenant is military in origin and can be traced back to the mid 16th Century. The Lieutenancy has evolved since the days of raising local militia and today, through the appointment of Deputy Lieutenants, represents the diverse communities of Leicester and Leicestershire. Deputy Lieutenants undertake a wide range of duties and engagements including representing the Lord-Lieutenant and participating in Citizenship Ceremonies, attending remembrance services and parades, and helping to assess local organisations nominated for awards and honours. Appointing the four new Deputy Lieutenants, Mr Kapur said: "The Lieutenancy has enjoyed longstanding links with the uniformed services and with local community and voluntary organisations of Leicester and Leicestershire. These links are further enhanced following the appointments of these very deserving candidates." About the new Deputy Lieutenants: Graham Smith Graham was born and raised in Leicestershire and attended Uppingham School before studying at Aberystwyth University, and then joining the family business of Kirby & West. Graham has been a trustee on a number of local charities including Hope Against Cancer, and the National Forest Charitable Trust. Currently he is Chair of Trustees for AgeUK Leicester Shire & Rutland and for Scholars Academy Trust, as well as being a trustee of LOROS. He is a keen runner and has completed six marathons, and is a UK Athletics qualified official. He is married to Sharon, with a son Henry. Liz Darlison MBE Liz has enjoyed 40 years of clinical practice at the University Hospitals of Leicester (UHL). After brief spells in vascular surgery and coronary care, she spent a decade in UHL’s respiratory unit. This led to an interest in service developments, research and lung cancer which became the focus for the last 24 years of her clinical practice. In response to patient need in 2004, Liz established the National Macmillan Mesothelioma Resource Centre which resulted in her being the founder of Mesothelioma UK, a national charity for mesothelioma. Liz continues to practice as a Consultant Nurse at UHL and is also CEO at Mesothelioma UK. Liz has honorary university positions in both Leicester and Sheffield, is very research active, keenly promotes nursing as a career and engages in education and training on many levels. Liz is a founder member of the International Thoracic Oncology Nurses Forum, a past chair, and now lifetime honorary member, of Lung Cancer Nursing UK, a long-serving previous board member of theBritish Thoracic Oncology Group and a current, first nurse member of the International Mesothelioma Interest Group board. Liz was awarded the Nursing Times Cancer Nurse Leader of the year in 2007, received a ten-year Achievement Award in 2012 from the British Thoracic Oncology Group and in the 2019 Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday honours list, Liz was awarded an MBE in recognition of her services to patients and cancer research. Rachel Tidmarsh Rachel was born in Sutton Coldfield and studied Geographical Information Systems at Kingston University. She began her working life at the National Remote Sensing Centre in Leicestershire. As an early entrepreneur, she founded Wildgoose Publications Ltd aged 23 later re-named BlueSky International Ltd, headquartered in Ashby. Today, BlueSky is the UK Government’s supplier of choice for aerial photography and elevation maps. In 2014 Rachel won Leicestershire’s Business Executive of the Year and is a member of Leicestershire’s Innovation Board as well as Director and founding member of the European Association of Aerial Surveying Industries. She is a proud mother to daughter Amelia and is a keen sports person and traveller, interests she shares with her partner Simon. Ian Mattioli MBE Ian Mattioli MBE is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Mattioli Woods plc. Ian has over 35 years’ experience in financial services, wealth management and property businesses and is the founder of Custodian REIT plc. In 2017 Ian was awarded an MBE for services to business and the community and in 2008 won the LSE AIM Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Ian was awarded the CEO of the Year Award at the City of London Wealth Management Awards in 2018 and was awarded an Honorary Degree (Doctorate of Laws) from the University of Leicester in 2022. Ian was appointed the High Sheriff of Leicestershire for 2021-22 and is a Director of Amati Global Investors and a Director of Maven Capital Partners. Through his Trust, the Ian and Clare Mattioli Charitable Trust, Ian and his family have helped families with the purchase of specialist equipment, built water wells and homes in Malawi, supported the Leicester Riders with helping them to build a new multiple and inclusive set of indoor courts, and it has helped Leicester Cathedral build its new cultural centre. The charitable trust has provided financial donations to both Leicester University and De Montfort University to help students who need financial and social support.

A former lawyer, and graduate of the University of Aberdeen, has launched his own self-storage business in Aberdeen, introducing keyless self-storage units to the city for the first time. Based in Bridge of Don Industrial Estate, Storage Den provides highly secure self-storage units for personal or business needs for Aberdeen residents. Its 70 storage units range in size, from 25 sq. ft. to 200 sq. ft, and are all individually alarmed with motion sensors and monitored with CCTV. The business currently provides solely indoor storage options, which are all accessible from 5am – 11pm, which customers can access through an easy-to-use tailored app, making the need for a key redundant. Storage Den plans to offer external storage options in the coming months. Founder, Brian Barbour, spotted a gap in the market for self-storage provision while living and working between Edinburgh and Denver, Colorado. Brian said: “I had acted on behalf of banking clients providing finance to self-storage companies and realised that despite the UK being the third-largest self-storage market in the world behind the States and Australia, there is still a lot of room for growth." “My parents have their own business, which I’ve always found really motivating, and I realised that I had spotted an opportunity to start up one of my own. After securing my own unit in Aberdeen, I approached Business Gateway for support.” Brian accessed a range of start-up support from Business Gateway, including one-to-one guidance from a dedicated business adviser, as well as an advice on marketing. Brian currently has seen strong demand since opening, with a mixture of business owners, families, offshore oil workers and students making use of the space available. Despite only launching in March this year, Storage Den was recently named out of more than 350 applicants as one of five finalists at Storers’ Den, a UK wide competition which encouraged self-storage operators under three years old with bold ambitions for growth to pitch for investment. Looking to the future, Brian now has plans to expand into other cities in Scotland and would eventually like to take Storage Den to countries in mainland Europe. Brian Barbour, founder and owner, Storage Den, said: “It’s been a busy year or so working to get my ideas for Storage Den off the ground. The industry standard for a storage facility to become mature is two years, and I’m trying to do this within the year. “I’d like to thank Business Gateway for their support, which has been invaluable for making my vision for Storage Den a reality.” Sean Cowie, Business Gateway adviser, said: “The launch of Storage Den not only marks a significant milestone for Brian, but it also represents a bold step forward for the local community. We're proud to have played a part in bringing innovative solutions to Aberdeen and look forward to witnessing the positive impact this new venture will have on the city's landscape and economy." To find out how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here .

Colleagues from property finance lender MSP Capital have helped Poole Property Club celebrate its first birthday. They were among 90 club members who gathered at the Dorset town’s South Deep restaurant for sparkling party to mark the occasion. MSP Capital contributed directly to the success of the evening, and the networking opportunities it created, by acting as lanyard sponsor. Head of Broker Relations Arian Manouchehri said: “Poole Property Club helps property professionals to connect with each other, build new relationships and strengthen existing ones." “As a key player in the property and built environment sector, it’s a natural move for us to offer our support, wishing the club every success as it grows and develops.” Poole Property Club launched in April 2023 as a forward-thinking support network for property professionals and businesses working in Dorset and along the south coast. The bulk of member businesses are resident in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole region while developers and funders from across the UK and worldwide are also welcome to join. MSP Capital’s club sponsorship is part of the wider property industry support the fixed rate lender delivers through its ESG strategy Foundations for Better Futures. Jo Kelly, Credit Analyst at MSP Capital, said: "The anniversary event was great fun and provided an ideal opportunity to network on what was a relaxed and informal evening.” "Club founders Keeley Fox and Heidi Munro, who run four signature events a year, described the first birthday celebration as a ‘wonderful occasion enjoyed by everyone’.

Players and staff of UEFA Champions League (UCL) finalists Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid will pay no tax on UK earnings when they meet at Wembley Stadium on 1 June 2024. This is due to a one-off Income tax exemption announced by HMRC for the 2024 UCL final, which could save ‘accredited individuals’ participating in the event up to six days of tax liability between 28 May-2 June. The exemption applies to non-UK tax residents and is expected to benefit some 60-70 players and coaches whose attendance is accredited by UEFA, as well as match officials and other designated individuals involved with the final. Lee Stott, Tax Partner at UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm Azets, said: “The UK is fairly unique when it comes to sporting events for non-UK residents as we deem the income earned from the events undertaken in the UK as taxable UK income, as well as any portion of income relating to a sportsperson’s image rights, bonus payments and endorsements." “Non-resident football players and coaches are coming to the UK to carry out a ‘relevant activity’ – a sporting performance, in this case – and this is caught by the ‘Artistes and Sportsmen Article’ in the various tax treaties the UK has with countries around the world. “For example, a Spanish footballer will be Spanish tax resident and therefore we look to Article 16 of the UK/Spain tax treaty. This says that income arising to a sportsman who is resident in Spain which relates to activities undertaken in the UK can be taxed in the UK." "Therefore, a portion of the Spanish salary which relates to UK workdays would be taxable in the UK without this exemption offered by the Treasury. Non-playing staff are also exempt from tax under a different article under the tax treaties as employees, so do not require a special exemption." “Most developed countries in the world have some form of tax regime which catches ‘Sportspersons and Entertainers’ and the UK’s version is called the Foreign Entertainers Unit (FEU) regime.” HMRC’s announcement follows similar tax exemptions that were in place for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 final between England and Germany at Wembley and the London 2012 Summer Olympics, among others. Lee Stott added: “Regular tournaments such as Wimbledon or The Open do not get exemptions as they are only usually handed out for one-off special events in order to attract investment. This will be a welcome relief for any non-resident individuals participating in the 2024 UCL final.”

Paralympic gold medallist Natasha Baker made a winning return to the dressage arena after a 20-month absence from competition, following the birth of her baby boy Joshua in 2023. Riding Keystone Dawn Chorus, Natasha picked up a double of para-dressage victories at the I.C.E. Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival. On Tuesday, she headed the Agria CPEDI 3* Grand Prix A Grade III test with 74.833%, and repeated her win today in the Grand Prix B with 73.333%. Natasha said: “It’s really good to be back in competition, and ‘Lottie’ was amazing - she really looked after me. Today she was feeling absolutely pumped and ready, and that did lead to a couple of small mistakes, but I'm so happy for my first competition back in such a long time." Natasha has had the ride on Lottie since 2019, and they were part of the gold medal winning team in Tokyo. The pair also won individual silver and bronze at last year’s World Championships in Herning. “She is the kindest, sweetest, cuddliest horse,” said Natasha. “She's just the absolute dream to look after, she's so well behaved but also really brave and confident.” Though her return to competition resulted in a double of wins, their path back into the arena hasn't always run smoothly. “I had a really bad start to the year, unfortunately my Nan was really poorly so I didn't manage to ride a lot in January, and that's just pushed things back a little bit with our preparations. But the last few weeks have gone really well, and Lottie has been feeling amazing. Now I need to get better and stronger, to be able to cope with all of Lottie’s movement.” Becoming a mum has also brought its own challenges. “I'm not going to lie, I thought parenting would be easier to balance than it actually is! I really want to make sure I balance it well, and to make sure I don't miss anything with my son. I want to be there for all of his ‘firsts’, but I also want to be back out performing and being the best that I can be. So it's a juggle, but I'm sure every parent will understand that. Becoming a mum has been a real adventure – I love challenges and this is probably the biggest challenge that I've ever had. But coming into that arena yesterday was just awesome.” Natasha’s son Joshua recently celebrated his first birthday, and he now has an important role of being the number one supporter for his mum. “Yesterday I came out of the arena feeling really happy with my test, then I saw him and just bawled my eyes out,” said Natasha. “It’s amazing being back doing my day job but with him on the sidelines. His dad has also taken time off work so he can be here looking after Joshua while I compete.” A strong showing today will no doubt be a boost to her hopes of selection for this summer's Paralympic Games in Paris. If Natasha gets selected, it will be her fourth Games, and another chance to help Great Britain retain their record of team gold medals. “I had no expectations, I didn't know how Lottie was going come back or what the judges were going to think of us after such a long time out of the arena. But luckily, they seem to still love her. We've got another couple of internationals this year and then we have to see if the team still wants me!” Natasha will be back in action in Thursday’s Freestyle, when she will be revealing brand new music. “It's like nothing I've ever had before, really pop and upbeat. If you're not singing it for the rest of the day, I'll be disappointed!” she added. The I.C.E. Horseboxes All England Dressage Festival takes place at Hickstead (7-12 May) with free admission and parking for spectators. Watch the livestream on Horse & Country TV. Photo credit Spidge Photography

Small business confidence made a welcome return to positive territory for the first time in two years, the first evidence that the small business community has now come out of the late 2023 recession, according to FSB’s Small Business Index (SBI) for Q1 2024. Key Findings Rise in small business confidence could signal end of recession, new report finds. The headline confidence reading jumped up over 20 points, to reach +5.5 points in the first three months of 2024. Manufacturing was the most positive sector at +19.2 points. This is a good indicator that the shallow recession recorded at the end of 2023 is firmly in the past. However, challenges remain for the hospitality and food sectors, which recorded -11.8 points. The headline confidence reading jumped up over 20 points to reach +5.5 points in the first three months of 2024, up from -15.0 points in the final quarter of last year. Outside of COVID waves, this is the first confidence reading above zero since 2018, which makes it significant and important that it be sustained. The gap in confidence readings among major sectors was notably narrower compared to the previous quarter, showing a gentle rising tide across the whole economy. The most positive sector is manufacturing (+19.2 points), getting over a tough last quarter, with the least positive being accommodation and food services (-11.8 points) – a 31-point difference. Sectors showing significant improvement from Q4 2023 to Q1 2024 include retail and wholesale (-29.8 points to +2.1 points), manufacturing (-26.2 points to +19.2 points), and professional, technical and scientific firms (-4.7 points to +14.3 points). Accommodation and food services made the largest recovery, going from -73.0 points in Q4 to -11.8 points in Q1. The only major sector to see a decline in its confidence score between quarters, meanwhile, was information and communication, which saw a fall from +24.4 points in Q4 to +7.1 points in Q1, down by 17.3 points. Crucially, this still remains in positive territory. Tina McKenzie, FSB’s Policy Chair, said: “Having small business confidence back in positive territory in the opening months of 2024 is a relief, after two years of it being underwater, and following on from a particularly difficult end to last year." “The rebound in confidence levels in most sectors is a good indicator that the shallow recession recorded at the end of 2023 is firmly in the past, and small businesses are keen to look ahead to expansion and better trading conditions." “Challenges do of course remain, especially for hospitality firms, whose outlook – though it made a strong recovery when compared with the end of last year – is still some way behind the other major sectors.” Revenues and growth Revenues reported over the first quarter declined slightly when compared with the final quarter of last year, perhaps unsurprisingly as we exited the so-called ‘golden quarter’. But the same businesses report accelerating ambitions for revenue/growth for the next quarter. Over three in ten small businesses (32.0%) said their revenues increased in Q1 2024, while two in five (40.5%) reported a fall in their sales volumes. This marks the eighth consecutive quarter with a negative net balance of firms reporting revenue growth, and underlines that many small firms are dealing with uncertain finances following the shallow recession experienced at the end of last year. Revenue expectations for the coming quarter were, however, notably brighter – nearly half (45.7%) of small businesses expect their revenues to be higher in Q2, with just under a quarter (23.6%) bracing for a drop in revenues, giving a net balance of 22.1%. By contrast, the Q4 survey found that almost exactly the same proportion of small businesses were expecting revenues to grow (31.6%) as contract (32.0%). Growth expectations also rose, with 52.4% of small businesses predicting they would expand in the next 12 months, up from 48.2% in Q4, and the highest reading on this measure since Q4 2021. The share of small firms predicting that they would contract fell from over one in seven (15.0%) in Q4 to one in eight (12.6%) in Q1. The domestic economy retained its place as the most-commonly cited barrier to growth in the first quarter of 2024, mentioned by nearly two in three small firms (64.6%), up from 61.8% in Q4. Consumer demand kept its second-place spot, cited by over one in three firms (35.6%), up from three in ten (30.7%) in Q4. Access to appropriately skilled staff increased notably, from a fifth (20.7%) in Q4 to a quarter (24.8%) in Q1. Cost pressures Inflation continued to take a toll on small businesses, with over four in five (83.7%) saying the cost of running their business was higher overall in Q1 2024 than in the same period in 2023, a slight increase on the 82.5% of small firms who said the same thing in Q4. There was a welcome drop in the proportion of small businesses who said their costs had significantly increased, going from a quarter (24.7%) in Q4 to 22.8% in Q1, continuing the decline on this measure recorded since it hit a height of 38.3% in Q4 2022. Utility costs kept their spot as the most commonly-cited factor driving cost changes in Q1, mentioned by over half (55.2%) of small firms – a distinct fall from the 62.5% who pointed to utility costs in Q4. Labour costs climbed upward as a driver of costs, going from 45.7% to 48.1%, with inputs in third place at 36.5%, down from 41.6% in Q4. Rent reached a new record as a driver of cost changes, cited by 26.4% of small firms, the highest reading in the SBI’s history, beating the previous record of 25.3% from the same quarter last year. Access to finance Despite the lack of movement in the base rate, the situation has improved slightly for small firms seeking finance, with around one in six (16.5%) describing the availability and affordability of new finance as good, up from one in seven (14.5%) in Q4; likewise, the proportion of small firms rating it as poor fell from 52.0% in Q4 to 46.0% in Q1. The rates on offer to successful finance applicants also decreased, with twice as many small firms offered a rate of up to 4% compared with the previous quarter (8.3% in Q1 against 4.2% in Q4), while the percentage being offered a rate of 11% or more fell from its record high of one in three (33.4%) in Q4 to around a quarter (26.1%) in the most recent survey. Tina McKenzie added: “While revenues over the first quarter suffered in comparison with revenues recorded during the previous three months, thanks to festive spending levels, the outlook for the next quarter is far sunnier, which is encouraging." “Small firms may finally feel able to leave the survival mode they entered in order to cope with the successive blows of the pandemic, the cost of doing business crisis, and soaring energy bills." “The domestic economy remains a big challenge as far as expansion plans are concerned, but if it performs better than expected, that could give small businesses the opportunity they have been waiting for to grow and flourish." “The small business community took a big hit to its numbers in the wake of covid, with a loss of around half a million businesses. While there has been some recovery in the numbers since then, there’s still some way to go to make up lost ground." “Politicians of all parties need to think about how they can give a real impetus to growth and investment, from start-ups to scale-ups. We’d also like to see banks and other financial institutions thinking about how they can treat small firms in a way that is fair and supportive, to help them achieve their ambitions – to everyone’s benefit.”

John Good Group’s DAN Shipping & Chartering Ltd, has acquired Arthur Smith (Grimsby) Ltd, a prominent shipping services provider in the ports of Grimsby and Immingham since 1936. Sixth-generation John Good Group, with three centuries of trading to its name, has deep roots in the maritime industry since its inception in 1833. The acquisition of the fifth-generation family business, Arthur Smith, serves to strengthen both the heritage of the company and the operations of the Maritime Division as a whole. The acquisition of Arthur Smith is a pivotal expansion for the Maritime Division of John Good Group and a strategic move into the offshore sector. Arthur Smith, under the leadership of David Smith & James Smith, will be integrated into the operations of the Maritime Division, alongside DAN Shipping & Bay Shipping. David Smith, comments on the integration, "Joining with DAN Shipping opens a new chapter for us. It's an opportunity to blend our expertise in offshore and renewables work with Dan Shipping’s longstanding reputation for service and John Good’s significant backing and areas of expertise in marketing, finance and HR." Adam Walsh, CEO of John Good Group, shares his perspective, "This acquisition brings expansion in our Maritime Division both in the quality of people and business, but also a strategic move to enter the offshore and renewables markets." "Welcoming five new team members from Arthur Smith, we're not just growing in numbers but also in our capabilities and reach. I’m really pleased for Steve Pullen, Paul Haste, Mark Mullins, Kevin Parker who worked on the deal, and the wider team at DAN Shipping, for getting this one over the line." “It’s also a bonus for the group, because we know how special family businesses are, and the completion of this process sees us welcome a fifth-generation business, into our sixth-generation family business. Family businesses, with all the heritage and values that go with them, are things to be cherished and I’m delighted to be welcoming the Smiths into our business and look forward to working with them to build a business for the future."

Williams Racing announces a new multi-year partnership with Keeper Security. Keeper, the leading provider of cloud-based zero-trust and zero-knowledge cybersecurity software protecting passwords, secrets, connections and privileged access, joins Williams as an Official Partner on the eve of the Miami Grand Prix. Trusted by thousands of businesses and millions of individuals globally for its cybersecurity software, Keeper’s branding will appear on driver overalls and the FW46 piloted by Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant in the current Formula 1 season and beyond. To mark the inauguration of the partnership, Keeper’s branding will be on the front wing for this weekend’s Miami GP. Race fans will also see the Keeper brand displayed across the Williams F1 car, garage, trucks and screens used by the team and drivers. Research has found 74% of data breaches include a human element, with the majority caused by weak or stolen passwords. Password management mitigates these risks, and Keeper will become Williams Racing’s Official Password Security Partner. Keeper joins a roster of Williams Racing partners that has grown significantly in 2024 as the team continues to strengthen and transform in pursuit of a return to winning ways. Since the turn of the year Williams has also unveiled new partnerships with Komatsu and VAST Data and renewed ties with Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts. James Vowles, Team Principal, Williams Racing: “Our data is one of our most important assets and protecting it is paramount. Maintaining hundreds of passwords to keep our information safe and data protected requires robust and trusted systems." "Keeper is the solution to these concerns, providing proven security for your information, and it is great to welcome them to Williams. Keeper also embodies the ethos of the team: excellence, pioneering innovation and relentless determination to succeed.” Darren Guccione, CEO and Co-founder, Keeper Security: “Partnering with Williams Racing presents an exciting opportunity to showcase Keeper Security's cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions on the global stage." "The technological advancements and relentless pursuit of innovation synonymous with Formula 1 mirror Keeper's mission to deliver next-generation protection for individuals and organisations worldwide. When seconds matter, both on and off the track, Keeper is driving powerful cybersecurity solutions that position our customers ahead of cybercriminals in the ever-evolving digital landscape.”