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Following recent media speculation, J Sainsbury plc (“Sainsbury’s”) confirms that it is in discussions regarding a potential sale of Argos Retail Group Limited (“Argos”) to JD.com, Inc. (“JD.com”). Argos is the UK’s second largest general merchandise retailer, with the third most visited retail website in the UK and over 1,100 collection points. Sainsbury’s is committed to delivering the strongest and most successful future for Argos customers and colleagues and the Group’s ‘More Argos, more often’ transformation strategy is delivering solid progress. A transaction with JD.com would accelerate Argos’ transformation. JD.com would bring world-class retail, technology and logistics expertise and invest to drive Argos’ growth and further transform the customer experience. The terms of any possible transaction would include commitments from JD.com in relation to Argos for the benefit of customers, colleagues and partners. No agreement has been reached and there is no certainty at this stage that any transaction will proceed. A further announcement will be made if and when appropriate.

Amputees across Glasgow will have more opportunities to socialise, exercise and rebuild confidence thanks to a new programme of wellbeing activities run by Finding Your Feet. Finding Your Feet (FYF) is the only charity in Scotland dedicated to supporting people who have experienced amputation or were born with limb absence. Founded in Glasgow, in 2014, by quadruple amputee Cor Hutton, the charity now supports over 1,400 individuals - 472 of whom live in the Glasgow area - with emotional, social and physical programmes designed to reduce isolation and promote independence. The charity’s work includes counselling, peer support, hospital visits and regular fitness sessions for FYF members, known as Troopers. They also work closely with the University of Strathclyde and the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital to ensure services are informed by research and clinical practice. The activities are designed to help Troopers regain confidence, improve physical health and gain a sense of community. Many participants continue their fitness journeys independently, opening up space for others to take part. Steven, a Trooper and FYF Peer Support Volunteer, described the charity’s support as lifesaving. “I am under no illusions that FYF, through their Counsellor, has helped to save my life,” he said, “It has improved my wellbeing in every aspect.” As a charity, Finding Your Feet relies on donations to continue supporting people like Steven. A £1,500 donation from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust will help cover the cost of some of these activities, including counselling, volunteer coordination, and travel expenses for amputees who would otherwise struggle to attend. Cor Hutton, founder of Finding Your Feet, thanked the Trust for the donation, saying: “We are hugely grateful to Allied Vehicles Group and the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust for this generous award of £1,500. These funds will go directly towards supporting amputees in Glasgow through adapted fitness sessions, counselling, hospital visits and ongoing wellbeing support. Their backing helps us reach more people when they need it most and makes sure no one faces limb loss alone.” David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, said: “A great deal of our customers are amputees, and it’s likely many have been Troopers supported by Finding Your Feet. That shared connection makes this donation especially meaningful. We’re proud to help fund activities that build confidence, foster friendships and support people as they move forward with their lives.”

Passengers flying from London Gatwick are now the first in the world to enjoy GAIL’s before boarding, as the much-loved London brand opens its debut airport bakery in the South Terminal. Known for its handcrafted baked goods, seasonal sandwiches and expertly brewed specialty coffee, GAIL’s brings craft baking and carefully sourced food and drinks to Gatwick’s departure lounge. The new bakery offers a wide selection of breakfast items, pastries, sandwiches, salads, sweet treats, and hot and cold made-to-order drinks – all made with the quality and care GAIL’s is known for. The new opening features a spacious seating area, ideal for those looking to relax before their flight, as well as an exclusive travel-focused range designed specifically for airport passengers, including grab-and-go options and new gifting items – perfect for last-minute presents or a taste of London to take abroad. The opening of GAIL’s will also bring significant benefits to London Gatwick’s local community, with more than 70 new jobs created, including a number of roles through the Rise with GAIL’s programme, which supports career development in hospitality and incorporates 45 different training programmes across the business. Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick said: “We are delighted to be the home of the first ever GAIL’s airport bakery. GAIL’s is a firm favourite across London and beyond, and its arrival at London Gatwick reflects our commitment to offering passengers a wide range of high-quality, locally-inspired food options to get their journeys off to the best possible start.” Nick Ayerst, Managing Director, GAIL’s said: “We are thrilled to be opening our first airport location in London Gatwick’s South Terminal, building on the established success driven by new locations in London transport hubs. We’ve developed an extensive range to meet the specific needs of airport passengers and we look forward to sharing freshly baked, high-quality food and specialty coffee to those travelling through London Gatwick and beyond.”

Arbikie Highland Estate Distillery is proud to announce its official certification as a B Corporation™ (B Corp™), joining a global movement of businesses that meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. Founded on the principle of field-to-bottle distilling, Arbikie has continually challenged industry norms. From cultivating its own crops, to distilling and bottling on-site, Arbikie’s approach has been rooted in sustainability and innovation from the outset. This vision has led to landmark achievements: Carbon-Negative Spirits  – Arbikie is home to the world’s first climate-positive spirits, Nàdar Gin & Vodka, made from peas. These spirits not only avoid emissions, but actively reduce carbon in the atmosphere. Green Hydrogen Power  – Arbikie is on track to become the first distillery continuously powered by green hydrogen, dramatically reducing reliance on fossil fuels and setting a new global benchmark for low-carbon distilling. B Corp™ Certification  – This recognition affirms Arbikie’s commitment to balancing profit with purpose, protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and operating with transparency. "Sustainability has never been a marketing slogan for Arbikie—it’s at the very heart of who we are," said iain Stirling, Arbikie Director. "Becoming a B Corp, producing the world’s first carbon-negative gin and vodka, and transitioning to green hydrogen energy are not separate projects, but part of a single vision: to prove that world-class spirits and environmental responsibility go hand in hand." "As a family business of over 400 years, it’s very important to my brothers and I that we build on what we inherited from our parents passing on a lasting, positive legacy from our generation to the next. " Arbikie’s Master Distiller, Dr Kirsty Black added “At Arbikie, sustainability has always been at the heart of everything we do - from field to bottle. Becoming B Corp certified is a proud moment for our team and reflects our deep commitment to sustainability, community, and crafting spirits with purpose. It’s an honour to stand alongside other businesses driving positive change across Scotland and beyond." Arbikie is now part of a growing community of over 10,000 businesses globally that have certified as B Corps. The B Corp community in the UK is the largest and fastest growing in the world, with over 2,500 companies spanning a range of different industries and sizes. Arbikie’s B Corp certification adds to Scotland’s growing reputation as a hub of sustainable innovation in food and drink, while reinforcing the distillery’s ambition to inspire positive change across the global spirits industry. As the world prepares to mark World Sustainability Day in October, Arbikie raises a glass to a future where craftsmanship, community, and care for the planet are inseparable.

Arkell’s Brewery is delighted to celebrate a remarkable milestone with long-standing licensees Jo and Keith Walkley-Pratt, who this year mark 30 years of running pubs with Arkell’s. Their story began in 1995 at their village pub, The Royal Oak in Bishopstone. A local newspaper even covered the moment, capturing Jo, Keith, and their baby daughter Ellie behind the bar as they began their first tenancy; a family story from day one. Five years later, they outgrew their village pub and took on the newly refurbished GW Bar in Swindon, which they ran for nearly a decade as a thriving corporate bar, restaurant, and hotel. Before relocating to The Bear in Wantage, they also managed The Rose & Crown in Ashbury with Jo’s parents. Over the past three decades, Jo and Keith have dedicated their lives to hospitality, building a reputation for warmth, professionalism, and community spirit. They have been at The Bear for 16 years, a 34 en-suite room hotel, restaurant, and pub. The en-suite bathrooms are currently undergoing a phased refurbishment, ensuring the hotel continues to offer modern comfort while retaining its historic charm. Today, their daughters Ellie, Sous Chef, and Georgia, Front of House Manager, lead the way at The Bear, but Jo and Keith remain closely involved, supporting them and keeping the pub a true family business at the very heart of Wantage. Jo Walkley-Pratt said: “From our very first meeting with James Arkell 30 years ago, we’ve always felt encouraged and supported. Arkell’s have stood with us through every scheme, refurbishment, and challenge as well as through the banking crisis, recessions, and pandemic. We’ve had an amazing time at each Arkell’s pub and can’t imagine doing anything else. With the garden parties, race days and Christmas parties, Arkell’s has always made us feel part of the family.” To mark the occasion, members of the Arkell family and brewery directors visited The Bear to personally congratulate Jo and Keith on their 30 years. James Arkell, Chairman of Arkell’s Brewery, reflected: “We were all thrilled to celebrate 30 years of Jo, Keith, and family with Arkell’s Brewery." "They are a highly professional, successful family, and we have enjoyed knowing them and working with them for all these years. It has been a pleasure. It’s fantastic that they have achieved such a length of service, and wonderful that it’s a real family affair.” For more information on Arkell’s Brewery visit here .

National security concerns are rapidly becoming a defining influence on corporate innovation strategies worldwide, according to the seventh annual International Innovation Barometer published today. The latest report by innovation funding consultancy Ayming  finds that national security concerns, from geopolitical instability to supply chain vulnerabilities, have become a top priority. Over two-thirds (67%) of small, and 85% of large, businesses are now integrating national security risks into strategic planning, with almost a quarter (23%) of companies reporting that these considerations have a significant influence on strategy. However, far from stifling creativity, these pressures are actively fuelling innovation. 81% of firms have effectively innovated in direct response to national security threats in the last five years, peaking at 91% in the Finance sector. The research points to a lasting trend, with nearly four-in-five (79%) businesses expecting to increase their investment in security-related innovation over the next two years. Innovation: Risk And Reward Cybersecurity tops the list of national security issues, which 54% of businesses cite as their biggest concern. However, it is also seen as the largest innovation opportunity (51%), reflecting a closer alignment between defensive priorities and commercial ambitions. The rise of dual-use innovation further underscores this shift, with over a quarter (26%) of companies developing innovations that serve both civilian and defence purposes. Nearly half (48%) of the Defence sector cites pressure for immediate results as the biggest barrier (48%) to innovation, suggesting that civilian industries will continue to drive strategic defence value. Njy Rios, Partner at Ayming UK, comments: “National security risks have shifted from a specialist concern to a core driver of innovation. The urgent need to protect infrastructure, supply chains, and digital systems is encouraging businesses to align R&D priorities with security goals, shaping a new era where innovation is measured not only by commercial impact but also by its contribution to stability and resilience." “As this trend accelerates, we expect to see unconventional partnerships emerge, with industries that once had little to do with defence now playing a direct role in it – in turn boosting their own performance.” Innovation: Enduring And Evolving Despite the volatile macroeconomic landscape, innovation remains a strategic imperative. The International Innovation Barometer finds that: ‘Enhancing operational efficiency’ is the top priority for businesses, followed by ‘driving innovation’ and ‘cost reduction’. 96% of businesses now have a dedicated innovation team, up from 78% last year. AI has become the top innovation priority, overtaking last year’s ‘new tools and technology,’ indicating its divergence from general technology. Talent shortages have emerged as the number one barrier to innovation, with the Energy sector hardest hit. Rios continues: “Even amid ongoing funding challenges and near-static budgets, the meteoric rise in dedicated innovation teams shows that businesses are prioritising innovation like never before." "At the forefront of this shift is AI – no longer just a subset of ‘technology improvements,’ but a distinct and dominant focus in its own right, driving speed, efficiency and strategic advantage.”

Companies up and down the UK are opening up their facilities to their local communities as part of National Manufacturing Day today. (Thursday 25th September) Schools, colleges and people looking for a career change will have the chance to see first-hand the potential roles on offer in this exciting and diverse sector. National Manufacturing Day really does have something for all age groups, from younger students making subject choices to school leavers and more experienced workers looking at the possibilities of reskilling for a career in manufacturing. The national day of celebration will give visitors the chance to take part in a variety of hands-on practical sessions, speak to apprentices, current employees and managers while gaining an understanding of advanced manufacturing at its cutting-edge. Roles range from marketing, logistics, research and development, design and production. Manufacturing covers a wide range of sectors including aerospace, engineering, chemical and pharmaceutical, food and drink, defence, automotive and renewable technologies. And delivers some of the highest paid employment opportunities available, with training available at every level of the career path. Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers organisation said: “National Manufacturing Day is growing every year and is where the diverse sector comes together to celebrate British innovation and showcase the careers on offer to people of all ages across the whole of the country." “Our companies are at the forefront of technology development and global design, and we hope this fourth National Manufacturing Day will encourage people who have never thought of manufacturing as their future to come along to see what it is really like. This is a highly paid sector with good jobs which offer something for everyone. I started my career as an apprentice engineer, and it is a decision I have not regretted for a single day.” Chris McDonald MP, Minister for Industry said: “As a former steelworker, I share the pride in making things that defines our manufacturing communities. Manufacturing offers high skilled jobs, pays higher wages, accounts for the majority of innovation spend and punches above its weight in exports." “This government believes in British manufacturing and our Plan for Change includes our Modern Industrial Strategy, with manufacturing at its heart. I’d like to thank our manufacturing industry and workers for their contribution to the UK economy as we mark National Manufacturing Day.”

The Original Baker, an artisan producer of handcrafted sweet and savoury pastry products, has completed a major expansion project following substantial investment from the Olidor Group. The funding has doubled production capacity, enabled the launch of innovative new product lines, and created a wave of skilled and entry-level job opportunities, delivering fresh economic benefits to the local community. The investment has included the construction of an additional 22,000 square feet of production capacity at The Original Baker’s North Malton site, plus investment into new equipment and enhanced logistics capabilities to support expansion into e-commerce providing products to smaller independent cafes, retailers and delis who want to offer exception sweet and savoury bakery products to their customers. Recruitment is underway, with roles ranging from bakery operatives and quality controllers to supervisory positions and specialist food technologists. Mike Walker, Managing Director: “This is a landmark moment for The Original Baker. The investment from the Olidor Group has enabled us to grow sustainably while staying true to our artisan roots. This expansion has strengthened our position as the leading producer of artisan premium pastry and created rewarding careers for talented people in our community.” The Original Baker became part of the Olidor Group in 2023. Olidor Group is an investment business with a proven track record of nurturing ambitious brands in the food industry. It’s portfolio includes; Brusco Food Group, Karimix, Four Anjels, The Artful Baker, Porter Foods and The Original Baker. Andrew Ashby, CEO at Olidor Group, commented: “We invest in businesses with strong values, exceptional products, and clear growth potential. The Original Baker ticks every box. Together, we’re building on their artisan heritage while creating a strong future for the brand and the people behind it. The support and backing of a larger group have enabled The Original Baker to make long term investments that will cement their position as the UK’s leading producer of handcrafted sweet and savoury bakery products.” The expansion is expected to create 30 new jobs over the next 12 months, boosting the local economy and supporting the food manufacturing sector in North Yorkshire. The Original Baker will continue to work closely with local suppliers and farmers, ensuring that the business growth also benefits the wider rural economy. Founded in 2016, The Original Baker is known for its award-winning range of handmade pies, pasties, and sausage rolls, made using traditional techniques and the finest ingredients. The company’s “Bake It Right” ethos has earned it a loyal customer base and a growing reputation for exceptional quality. About The Original Baker The Original Baker is an artisan bakery based in North Malton, North Yorkshire, producing premium handmade pies, sausage rolls, and pastries for retail and hospitality clients across the UK. With a commitment to quality, craft, and community, The Original Baker continues to champion traditional baking methods while embracing innovation to meet growing demand.

Deloitte in Scotland has welcomed 75 people to its graduate, BrightStart apprenticeship and industrial placement programmes this month. It comes as the firm’s award-winning graduate programme ranked fourth in the Times Top 100 Graduate Employer list for the fifth year running. The new joiners will take part in a firm-wide virtual induction into the world of professional services, in which they will be introduced to Deloitte’s innovative GenAI platform, PairD, and participate in networking events with colleagues. They will then participate in an in-person, technical induction tailored to their specific business areas. These include audit and assurance; tax and legal; and the firm’s consultative businesses – strategy, risk & transactions advisory; and technology & transformation. Kevin Johnson, Early Careers Partner at Deloitte, said: “At Deloitte, we are proud to invest in Scotland’s future by providing a world-class early careers experience that supports, challenges and develops the next generation of professionals. Welcoming so many talented graduates and apprentices each year is a genuine privilege, and it is inspiring to see them grow and flourish as they embark on their careers." “Having started my own career in Deloitte’s Edinburgh office as a graduate, I have firsthand experience of the wealth of opportunities, mentorship, and learning available to our new starts. It makes me especially proud that we continue to nurture future leaders right here in Scotland, helping them to build rewarding careers that contribute to our communities and economy.” Finlay Warnock, who has recently completed his first year as a BrightStart apprentice in Deloitte’s audit team in Edinburgh, described his experience with the firm so far as “transformative”. He said: “When leaving school, I realised that university wasn’t the only way forward. Choosing a professional apprenticeship with Deloitte in Edinburgh has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. From the very beginning I was earning, learning and putting my skills into practice, with so much support through mentoring and structured training. In less than a year I’ve grown in confidence and developed skills I thought would take me years to achieve.” Deloitte’s early careers programmes offer technical training opportunities and professional qualifications. To find out more, follow this link.

Zoe Backstedt won her first under-23 world title in sensational style, dominating the field to take the win by one minute 50 seconds on her rivals, delivering Great Britain’s first medal on day two of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships. Millie Couzens also contested the under-23 women’s time-trial, finishing sixth overall, while Callum Thornley took a commendable fifth in the under-23 men’s event. Representing Great Britain on the road for the first time since doing the junior double in 2022, Backstedt came into the race with one clear goal and sprinted down the start ramp as if she were at the race’s end. Moving at pace in the first 10km, Backstedt hit the first time check in 16:17.30, banking an early lead of 16 seconds. As she continued to make her way with ease through the course, Backstedt showed how far ahead of her rivals she was, passing not one but two riders (Czechia’s Jula Kopecky and Luxembourg’s Marie Schreiber) on her way to glory. By the second time check, Backstedt was 34 seconds up on the field heading up the 1.3km, 6% cobbled climb. Where many riders have come unstuck here so far these championships, Backstedt took it in her stride and showed no signs of weakness as she continued her pace. As she approached the finish line, Backstedt’s success was guaranteed and she was able to celebrate another classy and dominant performance as she won the under-23 women’s world title. On claiming the rainbow jersey, Backstedt said: “It was such a brutal race, it was almost peak temperature of the day, so that didn’t help but I really just gave it everything I had and kept pushing until the end and I’m really happy to pull it off." “[The course] was the same but different to what I expected if that makes sense! I knew for sure that it was going to be super hard and that it was going to be basically down to the two climbs but the sections in between you did the first climb and descended. It was descending basically all the way to the cobbled climb then and there’s just two points where you could really kill yourself off and hopefully recover in between." “I’m really happy to pull this off and it’s been some time [since she last rode a world championships] but juniors was my last worlds [in 2022] so I came in with a little bit of hope from that event; ok it was a long time ago but it really gives me a little bit more motivation for pushing in every way.” Teammate Millie Couzens, who won the National under-23 time-trial event earlier this year, also delivered a great ride in the midday sun, initially second at the first intermediate, with 11 riders to go. Holding her position well and using the descents to gain speed and recover ahead of the 350m of climbing, Couzens kept her second place into the second time check. Losing a little time on the tricky cobbled climb, Couzens initially placed third as the crossed the line, holding onto the position for a good period until all riders had gone and she eventually took an impressive sixth place overall. Callum Thornley competed in a highly competitive under-23 men’s time-trial, with surprising results across the field, finishing an impressive fifth overall. Thornley started well, looking comfortable in a strong aero position, head tucked under to get every ounce of power and speed out of his efforts. With other competitors putting in some impressive rides around him, the Brit kept his cool and passed the first checkpoint in third ace, 10:15 seconds down on Australia’s Nate Pringle, with eight riders to go. By the second check, the gap had widened a little to 24.79 seconds and he sat in third before being overtaken by Mateusz Gajdulewicz (Poland) and dropping down to fourth. This put the pressure on in the final 13km to push hard and regain some ground if Thornley was going to get onto the podium. Thornley responded as needed and pushed hard heading into the final climb, managing to put himself in a strong position crossing the line in 39:36.34, overtaking Canada’s Walton Jones to be in second position while the final riders came through. After a fantastic effort, it wasn’t quite enough for the podium as the French and Swedish riders came across the line in medal positions, seeing Thornley finish fifth overall. Max Hinds, Dylan Sage, Erin Boothman and Abi Miller contest the junior rainbow jersey in the final day of individual time-trials. Photo Credit: SWPix

The historic Luton Hoo Estate is set to host a significant two-day auction, where a vast collection of hotel furniture, lighting, and art will be sold to benefit designated charities. The event, titled "The Luton Hoo Collection," will precede The Arora Group's multi-million-pound redevelopment of the iconic estate, which includes a Ryder Cup bid that has been submitted to be held at Luton Hoo in 2035. This landmark hybrid sale is a unique opportunity to acquire pieces with a storied provenance. The event, taking place both on-site at the hotel and via a live online webcast, will raise funds for a greater cause. Each winning bid will support charitable causes, with the beneficiaries and total amount raised announced publicly after the event. This initiative highlights the Arora Group's deep-rooted commitment to philanthropy and giving back to the community. Alison Griffin, Director of Charitable Services at Arora, emphasised the dual purpose of the event. "This auction is more than just a sale; it's a chance to give our furniture a second life and support meaningful causes in our community," she said. "We're thrilled to host an event that marries our commitment to the planet with our dedication to giving back." Auctioneer Simon Rose said, "We are delighted to be hosting this momentous event at the magnificent Luton Hoo Estate. This is a truly special sale, not only because of the sheer scale and quality of the collection, but also because it's a chance for buyers to acquire beautiful items while making a tangible difference." Prospective buyers can inspect the lots during a two-day public preview at the estate. The hybrid format ensures that a global audience can participate and contribute to the fundraising effort. Event Details: ● Preview Dates: November 10-11, 2025 ● Auction Dates: November 12-13, 2025 ● Location: Luton Hoo Estate, Farm Rd, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3TQ The full auction catalogue, photographs, and registration details are available here. Following the auction, The Arora Group, one of the UK’s leading hotel owner-operators, will begin redevelopment of the Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa. This ambitious project will transform the historic estate into a world-class luxury destination, operating under the globally renowned Fairmont Hotels & Resorts brand. Set within over 1,000 acres of tranquil parkland, Luton Hoo has a rich and varied past. The estate's transformation, a key part of the Arora Group's vision since its acquisition in 2021, will elevate the property to new levels of luxury and solidify its position on the global stage. The plans, which have received a significant portion of planning approval, include extensive upgrades and new facilities designed to enhance the guest experience and create a premier leisure and hospitality destination. "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," reiterates Surinder Arora, Founder and Chairman of the Arora Group. "The dream has been getting bigger, and we're now looking at an investment of £160m to £170m, which will create more than 350 extra jobs. Our acquisition of Luton Hoo was always with the intention to curate a luxury leisure and hospitality experience on the existing estate, and we are confident that this investment will bring significant economic benefit to Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas." The redevelopment will be carried out over the next few years, with the hotel set to relaunch under the Fairmont flag upon completion. The Arora Group has a strong, proven partnership with Accor and its Fairmont Hotels & Resorts brand, having successfully launched the Fairmont Windsor Park. This new project will build on that success, bringing the same level of prestige and quality to Luton Hoo. The transformation of the estate is expected to attract new visitors from both domestic and international markets, putting Central Bedfordshire on the world stage and ensuring the long-term viability and success of the historic property. The auction, which is set to be one of the largest of its kind, will feature approximately 3,000 pieces of furniture and hotel assets. These items, offered to the highest bidder over a two-day sale, are being deaccessioned from the 267 bedrooms and public areas across the estate's various buildings, including the historic Mansion House, Parkland Wing, Country Club, and Warren Weir. The sale will also include assets from the hotel's Spa, fitness centre, and food and beverage operations, as the property prepares for a full closure at the end of September 2025 to commence the multi-million-pound redevelopment.

Scotland’s national business support service is spotlighting the pioneering business as part of this year’s National Innovation Week A breakthrough in assistive technology for people living with Parkinson’s disease is reaching more patients thanks to business support provided to StrydAR, the pioneering business behind a world-first pair of medical glasses designed to reduce the impact of Parkinson’s symptoms. StrydAR’s innovative glasses use visual cueing technology to project a simple horizontal line into the wearer’s upper peripheral vision. This bypasses the impaired part of the brain and sends a signal directly to the motor cortex, leading to improved posture, balance and the quality of walking. The scientifically-proven technique can also reduce freezing episodes, which are a leading cause of falls for people with Parkinson’s. Unlike invasive treatments such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), StrydAR’s glasses offer an instant, non-invasive improvement across all four stages of Parkinson’s, with a pilot study by Robert Gordon University showing that 70% of participants reported perceived moderate to life-changing benefits. At present, the Parkinson’s Walking Glasses are not available with prescription lenses. This means that patients who normally wear glasses will need to remove them before using the device and allow a short adjustment period before walking. The team is working with an optical specialist, Oxford Opticals, to develop a prescription option.  The business, which currently serves 60 patients across the globe, has been featured in Parkinson’s UK’s Tech Guide, and is currently the only business in the world offering this medically-certified product. To improve patient access and support, StrydAR has recently enhanced its online service after its founder, Scott McLeod, who is based in Lossiemouth, approached Business Gateway for support. With backing from his local adviser, Lorna Williamson, Scott successfully secured a £5,000 digital grant to develop an AI assistant for StrydAR’s website and streamline customer management through automation. This upgrade has made it easier for patients and families to explore the glasses and received tailored guidance. Business Gateway also connected Scott with a specialist business consultant, Evelyn Walker, who is currently helping him and his team develop a new business plan as StrydAR continues to grow. Scott McLeod, founder, StrydAR, said: “Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological disorder, affecting over 10 million people globally, with no cure yet available. Our glasses really are transforming lives – the moment our customers put them on, they can notice a difference." “Thanks to the guidance and support we’ve received from Business Gateway, we’ve been able to strengthen our online service and focus on scaling our impact, making the technology simpler and responding directly to the needs of people with Parkinson’s.” Lorna Williamson, Business Gateway adviser, said: “We’re very proud to have been supporting the team at StrydAR on their business journey. The business is a shining example of how innovative technology, guided by lived experience and scientific research, can deliver real and lasting improvements for people with long-term conditions.”