A Shetland-based pizza business is marking its first year in operation with the opening of a new permanent premises, following support from Business Gateway that has helped it grow from a mobile venture into a thriving community-focused enterprise. The Nomadic Pizzeria, founded by Nicholas Lundy, began in April 2025 as a mobile Neapolitan-style pizza business, travelling across the islands to host pop-up events in rural community halls. Nicholas, who is originally from Northern Ireland, launched the venture to meet new people after moving to Shetland, quickly building a loyal following as he brought freshly prepared pizza to communities across the islands. A family-run business, The Nomadic Pizzeria is supported by Nicholas’ partner, Beth Hawkings, and his son, Ieuan Hawkings. Creating an opportunity for his son to gain experience of a first job was a key motivation behind starting the business, which has since grown into a wider commitment to supporting youth employment across Shetland. The team now includes six employees aged between 14 and 18, many of whom are in their first roles, with the business providing flexible opportunities for young people to develop valuable skills and confidence in the workplace. Operating on a weekly rota, Nicholas prepares dough and toppings in advance before setting up in local halls, where customers can enjoy pizzas to eat in or take away. In areas where opportunities to gather can be limited, the pop-up model has helped breathe new life into underused community spaces, bringing people together and strengthening local connections. Over the past year, the business has hosted more than 80 pop-up events, travelled nearly 9,000 miles and served over 6,000 pizzas. The Nomadic Pizzeria has also expanded into corporate catering and weddings, which have proved increasingly popular and have become an important part of its growth. This success has now led to the opening of a permanent takeaway location in Lerwick, marking a significant milestone and the next phase of growth for the business. With plans to expand the team further, the business is also working towards extending its opening hours to operate Monday to Saturday. Business Gateway adviser Jeff Gaskell has provided expert one-to-one support throughout Nicholas’ business journey, helping Nicholas establish and grow The Nomadic Pizzeria while preparing for expansion. This has included market research to inform planning, specialist support in digital commerce and copywriting to strengthen the business’s online presence, and advice on recruitment, training and premises, which helped Nicholas establish the new Lerwick location. Nicholas Lundy, owner of The Nomadic Pizzeria, said: “What started as a way to meet people and become part of the community has grown into something far bigger than I ever expected. Travelling across Shetland and hosting pop-ups in community halls has been an incredible experience, and seeing people come together over good food has been the most rewarding part." “Opening our first permanent premises in Lerwick is a huge milestone and something we’ve been working towards over the past year. Business Gateway has been there from the beginning, offering guidance, practical support and helping me plan for the next stage. From building our online presence to finding the right premises, that support has made a real difference.” Jeff Gaskell, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Nicholas had a strong idea rooted in community from the outset, and it has been fantastic to see how that has developed over the past year. By combining a flexible business model with a clear understanding of his audience, he has built something that resonates across Shetland." “Our role has been to support that growth with tailored advice, from planning and digital development to premises and recruitment. The opening of the Lerwick location is a significant step, and I look forward to seeing the business continue to grow while maintaining its strong community focus.” To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here.

A Uttoxeter charity is urging local men to sign up for its annual free prostate cancer testing campaign which this week received funding support from digger giant JCB. The Rocester-based company, which also has three factories in Uttoxeter, donated £750 towards the charity’s annual testing event on Thursday June 4th at Oldfields Sports and Social Club. This is the 13th time Uttoxeter Lions has put on the free testing event which over the years has seen thousands of local men take up the potentially life-saving opportunity. This year there are 600 free testing slots available. The event kickstarts a weekend of fundraising celebrations on June 5th and 6th at the Party on the Pitch and Uttoxeter Beer and Cider Festival, with all proceeds going towards the £15,000 costs of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing campaign. Uttoxeter Lions’ Vice President, Terry Adams, said: “The test is just a simple blood test that is sent off for analysis by our partner the Graham Fulford Trust. Results are presented in a traffic light format. If it comes back green that’s fine, amber is ‘be careful and consult your GP if you have any unexplained symptoms’, and red is ‘go and see your doctor for further testing’. “When I got a red result, my GP gave me a second test for confirmation, before referring me to hospital for further testing. Fortunately, my cancer is not very aggressive, so I am currently under active surveillance with my Urology consultant." "I would urge everyone over 50 to take the test, because in the early stages you may have no symptoms of prostate cancer. Each year five per cent of the men we test need further tests or treatment. Some men with aggressive cancers run risk of dying if they are not treated." “There is no government screening programme for prostate cancer and we believe that men, irrespective of their financial standing, should have access to this service. We are proud that over the years we have helped many men, who would otherwise have needed extensive treatment, major surgery, or could have died, had they not attended our event.” Any men who are over the age of 50 from Uttoxeter and the surrounding area can book an appointment by visiting here. Tests are available, between 6pm and 9-30pm on Thursday June 4th, at Oldfields Sports and Social Club, Springfield Road. Attendance is by appointment only.

The Brewers Group has been recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work for the second year running! Published in partnership with WorkL, The Sunday Times Best Places to Work celebrates the UK’s leading employers — organisations that are creating exceptional workplaces where people feel valued, supported and inspired to succeed. This recognition is based on colleague feedback, measured through WorkL’s employee engagement survey. The survey evaluates organisations across six key areas that shape a positive workplace experience: Reward and recognition. Instilling pride Information sharing Empowerment Wellbeing Job satisfaction At The Brewers Group, our people are at the heart of everything we do. From career development opportunities and wellbeing support to a welcoming, team-focused culture, we’re committed to making Brewers a place where everyone can thrive. Our Group CEO, Simon Brewer says: ‘We’re grateful to The Sunday Times for naming us as a best place to work for a second year. Our vision for The Brewers Group is clear: to play our part in making the world a brighter place. This starts with empowering our people to develop a career where they feel valued and supported.’ Many colleagues build long-term careers at The Brewers Group, developing their skills across different roles and departments while being part of a supportive and collaborative team culture. If you’re looking to build a rewarding career with a company that values its people, we’d love for you to join The Brewers Group. The Brewers Group operates through several well-known brands: Brewers Decorator Centres, Wallpaperdirect, The Paint Shed, PaintWell, Promain, Albany and The Brewers Academy.

Alan Boswell Group has been named the UK’s leading insurance broker for online visibility and reputation, according to the latest industry report from Foliume. The UK Broker Index highlights insurance brokers across the UK and assesses digital performance across five key areas: client voice, digital presence, credentials, scale, and longevity. With a total score of 81.8 - over 10 points ahead of its nearest competitor - Alan Boswell Group secured the top national ranking. This recognition reflects a sustained, business-wide effort to strengthen the firm’s online presence, alongside its long-standing reputation for client service. Lee Boswell, Marketing Director at Alan Boswell Group, said: “This is strong independent validation of the work we’ve been doing across the business. It’s not just about marketing output. It reflects how our teams engage with clients, build trust, and consistently deliver excellent service across every touchpoint.” The Foliume report draws on a wide range of data, including customer feedback, search visibility, online credentials, and overall business footprint, providing a comprehensive picture of how brokers are perceived and discovered online. For Alan Boswell Group, the result reinforces its position as one of the UK’s leading independent brokers and underlines the growing importance of digital visibility in supporting client relationships and enabling clients to choose how they want to communicate with their broker. “Online visibility now plays a critical role in how clients choose their broker,” added Boswell. “To be ranked number one in the UK shows that our approach is cutting through in an increasingly competitive market.” With over 450 personnel, the Group continues to prioritise a personal, human-led service, allowing clients to choose how to interact with them, be that online, over the phone, or in person.

Openreach and EMR, a global leader in circular materials, are urging the public to help stop metal theft by reporting suspicious activity anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers. The appeal follows a series of incidents that have caused widespread disruption and cost the UK public more than £4.3bn over the past decade. With copper prices at an all time high – and forecast to rise further in 2026 – the company’s network has become an increasingly attractive target for criminals looking for a quick profit. Recent incidents include: January 2026 - Moulton Chapel, Lincolnshire: 2,500 premises hit by a major cable theft, with residents left unable to contact hospitals to check appointments and one business owner describing it as “going back to the dark ages”. May 2026 – Birmingham: Three men jailed after stealing cables which cut off phone and broadband services for c.5,000 people. May 2026 – Wateringbury, Kent: A member of the public called police when three vehicles were used to remove cables from fields, impacting landlines for vulnerable customers in the local village. Repairs are ongoing. Andy Shepherd, Director of Resilience and Integrity at Openreach, said: “It’s really disappointing that communities across the UK are paying the price for this criminal behaviour. Cable theft causes serious damage, unacceptable disruption to communities and can put vulnerable people at risk." “We’re working closely with partners and using proactive security measures to reduce the impact of this criminal activity, but we also need the public’s help. If you see anything suspicious, please call 101 or contact Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111.” A spokesperson for the independent charity Crimestoppers said: “Cable theft can have a serious impact on local communities, cutting people off from essential phone and broadband services, and disrupting daily life for homes and businesses." “The recent cable theft in Kent is a clear example of why it’s so important that anyone who knows something speaks up." “If you have information about cable theft or suspicious activity around telecoms infrastructure, and don’t want to give your details to the police, the charity Crimestoppers is here for you." “Contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously by completing a simple online form at crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling our 24/7 UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111. By sharing what you know, you could be helping to protect vulnerable people and vital services from disruption.” EMR, a global leader in circular materials, is helping recover, process and recycle metals through its nationwide network of UK sites and specialist cable recycling facilities. Bruce Miller, Commercial Director at EMR, said: “Copper is now recognised as a critical material, with demand continuing to grow as industries invest in new networks, infrastructure and low-carbon technologies. That makes responsible recycling more important than ever." “At EMR, we play a vital role in recovering and recycling the materials needed for the future, while helping ensure they remain in legitimate circulation. Metal theft causes significant harm — disrupting communities, damaging essential infrastructure and putting public safety at risk." “As one of the UK’s largest metal recyclers, we work closely with law enforcement and partners including Openreach and Crimestoppers to prevent stolen material entering the supply chain. By working together, we can help protect critical infrastructure, support local communities and ensure valuable resources are recycled responsibly.” As part of the initiative, EMR has strengthened its commitment to tackling metal theft by installing signage across all UK sites, reinforcing its policy to refuse any material suspected of being stolen. Through responsible recycling practices and transparent material traceability, EMR continues to support higher standards across the sector while helping keep critical materials in the right hands. Metal theft isn’t a victimless crime Openreach builds and maintains the UK’s largest telecoms network and, since April 2024, more than 100,000 people across the UK have lost the use of their landline and/or broadband due to copper theft with 153 km of cable stolen in that time – spanning almost the same distance as from London to Bristol. The impact is far-reaching for consumers and businesses: from home working and online shopping, to contacting vulnerable relatives, GP surgeries, hospitals and schools, and running smart lighting and heating systems. Repairing and replacing damaged cables is often complex and time-consuming, with engineers working around the clock – alongside local authorities and partners – to restore services as quickly as possible. Since April 2024, Openreach estimates 1.2 million working hours have been diverted to repairing theft-related damage – time that could otherwise have been spent upgrading more homes and businesses to the UK’s most reliable broadband technology – Full Fibre. Network theft costs millions to repair each year, causing disruption and anxiety for local communities and damaging the UK economy. How we’re tackling the problem Since April 2025, Openreach’s specialist security team has instigated 90 arrests, but theft volumes are expected to increase during the summer months. Targeted cables are often pulled out of the ground and laid out in fields to be cut up and transported, so drier ground makes this easier to do – reducing the risk of criminals’ vehicles getting stuck in saturated fields. A knock-on impact is often damaged or destroyed crops, meaning farmers face harm to their livelihoods as well as their connectivity. To deter criminals and reduce disruption, Openreach continues to implement measures including a mix of: • Forensic marking technology such as SelectaDNA • Rapid response security measures and network alarms • Close collaboration with Police, the charity Crimestoppers and partners like EMR. More information on how to report damage to Openreach’s network is available here. About Openreach Our wholesale broadband network – the UK’s largest – supports more than 680 service providers like BT, SKY, TalkTalk, Vodafone and Zen to provide broadband, TV, phone, data and mobile services to their customers. Any company can access our network through equal pricing, terms and conditions, and our team of around 25,000 people help deliver services to every community in the UK. Right now, we’re investing £15bn to build a new ultra-reliable Full Fibre broadband network to 25 million homes and businesses by the end of 2026. Work is on track, with the company intending to go even further - to as many as 30 million premises by the end of the decade - assuming conditions for investment remain supportive. We’ve already reached 22 million premises and we’re passing thousands more every week. And we're retraining thousands of our existing engineers to help build, connect and maintain the new network. Our new network will help Openreach and its customers to dramatically cut emissions, with research suggesting nationwide Full Fibre broadband could save 400 million commuter trips every year. We're also switching our commercial fleet - the UK's second largest - to zero emissions by 2031. We’re a wholly owned and independent subsidiary of the BT Group and for the year up to the end of March 2025, we reported revenues of £6.157bn. Find out more visit here.

An Inverclyde boat tour operator is setting sail for business growth ahead of the summer tourism season with support from Business Gateway. Originally launched in July 2022, the business, formerly known as Firth of Clyde Boat Tours, has gone from strength to strength, expanding its reach through the acquisition of the established Clyde Charters brand in May 2024. The strategic move has significantly boosted bookings and visibility, with the company now operating as the only full-time charter boat service in the Inverclyde and North Ayrshire area. Owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Ed and Paula Gatti, the business offers a range of wildlife, scenic and fishing trips across the Clyde, while also working with research groups, cruise operators and tourism partners to showcase the region. Since acquiring Clyde Charters, the business has experienced a surge in demand, supported by the brand’s strong existing following and reputation. Looking ahead, the company is targeting further growth through international partnerships, including attendance at VisitScotland’s Connect 2026 event, where they met tour operators and cruise line representatives from across the globe. Ed Gatti, co-owner of Clyde Charters, said: “Purchasing Clyde Charters was a major step forward for us. It gave us instant brand recognition and opened the door to new opportunities, particularly in the international tourism market." “We’re now in a position where we’re speaking directly with global travel companies and cruise operators, which could bring significantly more visitors into Inverclyde and the wider Clyde area. It’s not just about our business, but about supporting the local economy and showcasing everything this area has to offer.” As part of its growth plans, the business is exploring the potential to introduce a second, higher-spec charter vessel, which would enable expansion into private and premium tours, as well as corporate bookings and extended trips to destinations such as Argyll and Bute. In addition to its commercial success, Clyde Charters continues to play an active role in supporting skills development and environmental initiatives. Through partnerships with local schools, it offers work experience placements to young people, helping them explore careers in the maritime sector. The business also contributes to marine research and conservation efforts on the Clyde, working alongside universities and organisations on projects including bird surveys, seal populating monitoring and environmental DNA sampling. Ed continued: “We’ve always wanted to do more than just run tours. Being involved in research and conservation is incredibly important to us, and it also helps raise awareness of the amazing wildlife we have here on the Clyde." “With the support we’ve received, we’ve been able to grow the business in a way that benefits both visitors and the local community.” Through Business Gateway, the business has accessed a range of support since launch, including start-up advice, marketing guidance and connections to wider industry opportunities. This support has played a key role in helping the company scale and diversify its offering. Niall McClure, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Firth of Clyde Boat Tours, now trading as Clyde Charters, is a fantastic example of how ambition, innovation and the right support can help a business grow and evolve." “Their expansion into new markets, commitment to community engagement and contribution to Scotland’s tourism and environmental sectors highlights the vital role that small businesses play in local economies." “Through our network of advisers, resources and connections, we’re proud to support businesses like this at every stage of their journey.” To find our more about Business Gateway, visit here.

Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame is cheering on Pub Supervisor Michaela Hill as she prepares to represent England at the FIFG FootGolf World Cup in Acapulco, Mexico next week. Michaela, who has worked at Dartford pub The Wharf since 2024, has secured sponsorship from the Faversham-based brewer for the international tournament. Currently ranked among the top three players on the England FootGolf Tour, the 26-year-old recently helped the England squad secure victory at the Four Nations tournament in Wales. She first discovered FootGolf in 2019 after entering a tournament at the last minute while supporting a friend who was playing. “I came third in my first ever tournament, which was a surprise,” she said. “I then managed to make the UK squad for the Jansen Cup, which is like our version of the Ryder Cup, held at Celtic Manor in Wales later that year.” Michaela went on to complete in the Jansen Cup in 2022 in Florida and made the England squad for the 2023 World Cup, also held in Florida. She said: “It was a surreal experience with over 100 players. I was sharing the fairways with some of the world’s best.” FootGolf combines the rules and format of golf with football, with players aiming for birdies and avoiding bogeys while kicking a football into enlarged holes across tees, fairways and greens. Michaela explained: “It’s basically golf, but you kick a football and the holes are bigger!” The tournament starts on Wednesday (May 27) with two opening rounds, followed by a cut-off and a final ranking. Michaela, who is currently undertaking a Level 3 Hospitality Supervisor Apprenticeship with Shepherd Neame, will compete in the Individual category. “I'm very excited,” she said. “Representing England is always an honour. I've never been to Mexico before, so it's going to be a new experience, adapting to the climate and course conditions. English courses are quite different in order to cope with our lovely, rainy weather!" “I'm very grateful to Shepherd Neame for their sponsorship. It’s means a lot to represent both England and the company on the world stage.” Shepherd Neame’s Head of Brands, Rose Davis, said: “We are delighted to support Michaela on her journey to Mexico to represent England in the FIFG FootGolf World Cup. We are always proud to see our team members succeeding both professionally and personally, and wish her the best of luck in the tournament.” For more information visit here.

A leading Dorset funeral group that invested heavily in two of its branches has seen its team grow to meet increasing demand from the communities it serves. Douch Family Funeral Directors has expanded the team at its two Lesley Shand branches in Corfe Mullen and Blandford. The Corfe Mullen branch was completely rebuilt in 2018 and the Blandford branch opened in 2015. Both have ceremony rooms available to local families and community groups. Emma Byron, who manages both branches, said: “We are really proud of what the Lesley Shand team has become. Five people working across two branches, supporting each other and the wider Douch Family when needed." "Our ceremony rooms are there for families arranging services but also for the wider community to use. Being rooted in these towns matters to us and we work hard to reflect that." “Our community outreach is important to us and being a long-standing family business means we really understand the communities we work in.” Nick Douch, managing director of Douch Family Funeral Directors, said: “The investment in both Lesley Shand branches has been worthwhile and it’s great to see the team grow in response to that. Being a family business we look ahead for generations, and our philosophy is one of service, transparency and doing right by the communities we serve.” Douch Family Funeral Directors operates seven branches across Dorset and offers a multi award-winning funeral plan. Photo: (l-r) Peter Short, Danielle Beechey, Emma Byron, Natalie Lanham Leanne Admini, Douch Family Funeral Directors have been helping families with funeral arrangements for over 100 years. Branches include Douch & Small, A E Jolliffe & Son, Albert Marsh, James Smith, Ives & Shand and Lesley Shand Funeral Service. They’re based in Wimborne, Ferndown, Wareham, Poole, Swanage, Blandford and Corfe Mullen.

A West Lothian award-winning gelato business is growing from strength to strength with support from Business Gateway, as it expands its offering and launches a first-of-its-kind 'churn at home' gelato kit. Villaggio Gelato, founded by Marguerite Spina, is a family-run gelato shop at the heart of Winchburgh Marina. Drawing on her Italian heritage and a commitment to quality ingredients, Marguerite produces small-batch gelato using traditional Italian machinery from her colourful beach hut, offering a variety of flavours to locals and visitors, while also supplying events and online orders. Since launching in 2022, Villaggio Gelato has sold over 15,000 cones and 1,000 tubs across its store and events, including weddings, farmers markets and corporate partnerships, with this growth also enabling the creation of two local jobs. Marguerite began Villaggio Gelato from her home, inspired by a long‑standing ambition to run a creative, family‑focused business that she felt truly passionate about. She trained at the University of Gelato and was mentored by Edinburgh ice cream specialist Joseph Boni, to develop her own signature recipe. What began as small sales to friends and neighbours soon gathered pace, with word spreading and customers travelling from across the central belt to try her handmade gelato. This early success gave Marguerite the confidence to open her first permanent premises at Winchburgh Marina, where Marguerite's ambition is to create not only an outstanding product, but a feeling where visitors can connect and be part of a community. In response to growing customer demand, Villaggio Gelato has recently launched a unique ‘churn at home’ gelato kit, allowing customers to create gelato at home. Initially inspired by a request from her brother who lived in London, the idea has evolved into a distinctive new product. The kit offers a simple way to make high-quality gelato, enabling customers to enjoy the taste of Villaggio Gelato wherever they are. Business Gateway adviser Tahrir Waswas provided one-to-one support from the outset, helping Marguerite develop her business as it expanded into retail premises and beyond. With guidance on premises and access to funding opportunities, Marguerite successfully secured a Digital Development Grant and a Trade Development Grant, part-funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The funding enabled her to invest in a professional website and attend a trade show, helping her build industry knowledge, expand her network and raise the profile of the business. Alongside this, Marguerite received ongoing support including advice on marketing, strategic planning and access to workshops and events. She completed the West Lothian Women in Entrepreneurship Programme, a four-week initiative delivered by Invest in West Lothian and Business Gateway, which provided valuable skills development and the opportunity to connect with other local businesswomen. Marguerite’s gelato has already gained industry recognition, with the business awarded five bronze medals across different flavours at the Royal Highland Show Dairy Championship Awards, highlighting the quality and consistency of her products. Marguerite Spina, owner of Villaggio Gelato, said: “Opening the beach hut was a defining moment for the business, and having Business Gateway’s support gave me the confidence to take that step and think bigger about what Villaggio Gelato could become." “Being guided towards funding opportunities came at exactly the right time. It allowed me to invest in the business, reach new customers and keep building momentum with fresh ideas." “The ‘churn at home’ gelato kit has been a really exciting step, inspired by customer demand, and it’s been rewarding to create a unique product that allows people to enjoy our gelato in a new way, wherever they are.” Tahrir Waswas, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Marguerite has shown real ambition in developing Villaggio Gelato into a business that continues to evolve and innovate. From establishing a strong retail presence to expanding into new product areas, her passion and commitment to growth has been clear throughout." “Our role has been to support that journey with practical guidance, helping with planning, premises and access to funding, while also connecting her with relevant programmes and opportunities. It’s great to see the business thriving and gaining recognition, and we look forward to continuing to support Marguerite as she builds on this success.” To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here.

Allied Mobility, the UK’s leading wheelchair accessible vehicle manufacturer, has been announced as the Official Accessibility Partner for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and an Official Partner for Team Scotland, reinforcing the Games’ commitment to inclusivity. Allied Mobility will provide a fleet of their wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) for competing Para athletes when the Games return to the city from 23 July to 2 August, hosting 10 days of electric sporting events and the largest Para sport programme in Games history. The Games will unfold across an eight-mile corridor, staged within four iconic venues where Allied Mobility will also support with funding for dedicated signage to highlight accessible routes to spectator areas. Alongside Allied Mobility’s Official Accessibility Partnership, sister company Mobility Solutions will also be providing a range of wheelchairs and electric scooters for public use at the Games. Both are part of Glasgow-based employer, Allied Vehicles Group, which employs over 800 staff in the city and across Britian and Europe. The partnership was announced at one of the Games’ venues, Scotstoun Stadium, with Allied Chairman, Gerry Facenna and Managing Director Peter Facenna, as well as, Jade Gallagher, Chief Operating Officer at Glasgow 2026 who met Commonwealth silver medallist Sean Frame who is set to compete for Team Scotland in the T54 1500m. Para Athlete, Sean Frame commented on the partnership: "Allied Mobility being involved in the Games and supporting disabled athletes is absolutely amazing and it will be invaluable to the athletes selected to compete. It will make it so much easier and less stressful not having to worry about transferring out of our day chairs as we have to do in normal cars. It will also make it a more relaxing and enjoyable experience when travelling to different venues during the games." "These are my second games representing Scotland and I am very excited and very proud to get to compete in my home city of Glasgow." Jade Gallagher, Chief Operating Officer, added: “Accessibility is central to our venue planning for Glasgow 2026. We're hosting the largest Para sport programme in the history of the Commonwealth Games and we need our operations to match that ambition." “Para athletes and visitors across Glasgow will benefit from Allied Mobility’s partnership and expertise in accessibility, helping in part to make the Games inclusive.” Gerry Facenna added: “As a wheelchair accessible vehicle manufacturer that has been helping to support the independence of people with disabilities for over three decades, we’re extending our commitment to providing accessible travel at this year’s Games, ensuring Para athletes and Commonwealth Teams can travel comfortably, confidently and with ease to competition venues." “It’s also important that businesses like ours support Glasgow to host fantastic events like this in our great city.” Tickets for Glasgow 2026 are on sale now via here.

A North Lanarkshire-based engineering company providing high-quality service and engineering solutions to the global subsea and submersible industries is preparing to accelerate its international growth, following a period of intensive support from Business Gateway. AquaTitans, which designs and delivers specialist solutions for customers operating in demanding subsea environments worldwide, has worked closely with Business Gateway adviser Robert Kilpatrick, whose one-to-one support has played a pivotal role in shaping its growth strategy. Through regular mentoring and strategic guidance, Robert has supported the business across a wide range of areas, from long-term growth planning and risk management to navigating operational challenges and securing funding. As part of this support, the company successfully secured a £16,754 grant from the North Lanarkshire Council Business Growth Fund, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and North Lanarkshire Council. The funding enabled investment in capital equipment and international market development, including the creation of modular exhibition stands and interactive demonstrators to showcase the company’s product portfolio. The grant also supported the company’s participation in the Ocean Sciences Meeting, a major international conference hosted at the Glasgow SEC in February 2026. The event provided a significant opportunity to reach new global markets and customers. The business also benefited from several days of strategy consultancy via the Business Gateway Expert Help programme. This support helped the company’s senior leaders develop its strategy for growth in new and international markets, as well as focussing on improved quality management systems and process development. Commenting on the support, Alan Green, Project Director, at AquaTitans, said: “Business Gateway has played a valuable role in the development of AquaTitans. Robert’s one-to-one advice and encouragement pushed us to think wider about growth and opportunities we might not otherwise have considered. He would say he played a small part, but for us it’s been far more significant. The relationship and support have been highly beneficial.” Business Gateway adviser Robert Kilpatrick added: “It’s been a pleasure supporting AquaTitans as they take the next steps in their growth journey. They have strong technical capability and a clear opportunity to scale internationally, and it’s great to see them secure funding and build confidence to pursue those ambitions.” With investment now in place and several successful outcomes resulting from the Ocean Sciences Meeting, the company is well positioned to expand its international footprint and continue delivering high-quality engineering solutions to the global subsea and submersible industries. To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here. Photo: Image left to right Millie Rutherford, Product Design Engineer William Arthur, Engineering Director Alan Green, Project & Operations Director Roisin Simpson, Economic Development Officer, North Lanarkshire Council

The Munnelly Group has announced the appointment of Tom Emery as Managing Director of Weston Analytics, reinforcing the growing importance of technology, data and innovation within their business strategy. Tom brings more than a decade of experience in operational leadership, utilising data and analytics to drive service transformation and performance improvement within complex and high-volume environments. In previous roles at both Heathrow and Wilson James, Tom has managed large operational portfolios across critical service operations, along with digital transformation programmes and business improvement initiatives across aviation and transport, security, and workforce operations. In his new role at Weston Analytics, Tom will lead the continued development of digital and analytical capability across the group with a focus on creating scalable solutions that help businesses operate smarter, make faster decisions, and unlock greater value from data and operational intelligence. Weston Analytics utilises the latest technology and innovations to generate business value; its Fatigue360 platform was implemented at Transport for London in 2023, with TfL recently investing in additional user licences. Tom’s approach will combine operational credibility with a strong focus on innovation, bringing together technology, people, process, and insights into a more connected operating model. As part of Munnelly Group’s senior leadership team, Tom will guide Weston Analytics through its next phase of growth as digital capability becomes ever more central to the future of construction and infrastructure. Commenting on his appointment, Tom Emery said: “I’m excited to join the business at such an important stage of its growth journey. There is a huge opportunity to build on the strong foundations already in place and evolve our digital and analytics capabilities into something that creates value for clients and external partners whilst supporting the group internally." "What excites me most is the combination of ambition and opportunity. My focus is to build scalable products and leverage my passion for data to improve operational visibility and create a more connected, insight-led way of operating across the business.” Paul David Munnelly, CEO of the Munnelly Group, said: “Our ambition at the Munnelly Group is to be the delivery partner our clients turn to first across the full project lifecycle, and that depends as much on the technology and data we bring as it does on the people we put on the ground." "Weston Analytics sits at the heart of that ambition. Tom’s appointment as MD reflects both the central role we expect the business to play in delivering Target2030 and the confidence I have in him personally to lead it through its next phase of growth.” The Munnelly Group: Established in 1982, The Munnelly Group is a vertically integrated delivery partner to the construction and infrastructure sectors, operating as an extension of its clients across the full project lifecycle – from RIBA Stage 0 through to Stage 7. With its core strategic philosophy of ‘One Group, One Mission, One Standard’, the Group’s eight specialist trading businesses – Munnelly Support Services, Guardior, MacRail, Bishopsgate Group, City Calling, Weston Analytics, Bridgehead Consultancy and Severn Partnership – deliver integrated workforce, logistics, safety, security, rail, technology and consultancy solutions across major projects throughout the UK. With a strong focus on innovation, collaboration and operational excellence, The Munnelly Group supports clients in delivering safer, smarter and more sustainable construction and infrastructure projects. Photo: Tom Emery has been appointed as managing director of Weston Analytics, a part of the Munnelly Group.