The University of York will lead a new multi-institutional partnership to explore the differences in how social security is designed and delivered across different parts of the UK. Households across the UK receive different social security support depending on where they live. Funded by the Nuffield Foundation, this major study will map the nature, extent and impact of the devolution on social security systems at national, regional and local levels.This will enhance understanding of the consequences for the millions of families across the UK whose experiences and outcomes differ depending on where they live. Regional differences Ruth Patrick, Professor of Social Policy in the School for Business and Society at the University of York, who is leading the study said: “It is common to talk as if there is a single UK social security system in the UK, but this has not been the case for some time. Devolution at the national, regional and local level all impacts on the social security a household will receive,” said Ruth Patrick, Professor of Social Policy in the School for Business and Society at the University of York, who is leading the study." “For example, a single parent family living in Birmingham could be hit by the Benefit Cap, but one living in Belfast or Glasgow is protected because of decisions made by their devolved national administrations. Despite the scale and nature of these differences, this issue has never been subject to sustained interrogation.” Alex Beer, Head of Portfolio Development at the Nuffield Foundation said, “Families across the UK receive different social security support. Although this difference is increasing, our understanding remains low. This strategic project will combine quantitative analysis, examining levels and trends across local authorities, with important qualitative insights into lived experience. In conjunction with engagement with policymakers at national and local levels, it will deliver a definitive account of devolved social security and identify opportunities for policy and practice improvement.” Real-time findings The project will share its research findings with policy makers in real-time, so that the findings can directly influence and improve policy and practice in a rapidly changing labour market and workforce. Professor Patrick said ‘‘There is a pressing need to improve social security in the UK. We need to better understand the differences in how social security is designed and delivered in different parts of the UK and use this research to support the delivery of better policies for families.” Collaboration for impact  Karen Rowlingson, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of York said: “I welcome this important award which will build on the great expertise at York in collaboration with other key partners in and beyond the university sector. Working in partnership across all four nations of the UK allows us to understand the challenges and learn from each other about what works, based on a robust evidence base." “Poverty continues to grow in uneven ways. It is only by understanding societal changes that we can achieve social change for public good. We are grateful to the Nuffield Foundation for funding this timely work, which has the potential to improve policy making and, subsequently, the lives of millions of families across the UK.” Project partners The project brings together expertise from seven universities across all four nations of the UK, who will work alongside the Resolution Foundation and Child Poverty Action Group. The universities are: Cardiff University The University of Edinburgh Heriot-Watt University University of Oxford University of Salford Ulster University University of York

Motoring fans were dazzled by a display of classic and supercars, as an impressive convoy of vehicles returned to Crieff Hydro Hotel in aid of the veterans’ charity, Erskine. The annual event gave dozens of veterans and their families the chance to ride in a vast selection of automotive gems from the Forth Bridges to Knockhill Racing Circuit, before arriving at the iconic Perthshire resort. More than 30 cars were involved in this year’s procession, including several rare Ferrari’s and Aston Martins, as well as beautiful Lotus and Porche vehicles. Wing Commander Ian Cumming MBE, Chief Executive at Erskine, said: “We are delighted that our Veterans have once again been invited to take part in the supercar drive." “The happy, smiling faces at being chauffeured around in such a dazzling display of classic and supercars are testament to just how special a day this has been." “We want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved, especially Bentley Cars Edinburgh, Mark Ryan from Driving Scotland, Stuart Gray from Knockhill and Stephen Leckie, CEO of Crieff Hydro, for sharing their passion for cars with our Veterans." “Our extended thanks go to all the drivers, the team at Knockhill Racing Circuit and staff at Crieff Hydro Hotel, your kindness and generosity is much appreciated”. Stephen Leckie, CEO of Crieff Hydro Hotel, said: “It was our pleasure to welcome back Erskine veterans and their families for what is one of the most exciting motoring events in the Crieff calendar." “The charity does an incredible job of supporting our military personnel and we are delighted to play a small role in providing a great day out for those who benefit from the service.” Mark Ryan, organiser and founder of Driving Scotland Car Club, added: “This will be the third occasion where friends from within the Driving Scotland Club and the wider network of friends have come together to deliver a memorable day for our Erskine Veterans." “The event recognises the service to our country from all our Erskine veterans, as well as recognising the care and support of the families and staff from Erskine." “A special thanks to Chris MacMurdo and Bentley Edinburgh for again supporting the event, providing a beautiful Bentley to lead the day and covering all costs for refreshments for everyone throughout the day. Many thanks also to Stephen Leckie and staff at Crieff Hydro Hotel for warmly welcoming the event and veterans for the second year now and providing such a wonderful back drop to finish off the exciting day." “Also, I’d like to say a big thank you to Stuart Gray and Knockhill Race Circuit in Fife for hosting the event and giving all of the convoy access to the circuit on the day. “It was really appreciated by all involved.”

Photo left to right: Mark Loveridge, Business Unit Director for Precious Metals Recovery at The Royal Mint and Jennifer Willis, DESA Deputy Head The Royal Mint has partnered with the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Defence Equipment Sales Authority (DESA) to provide an innovative and sustainable solution for the disposal of electronic defence equipment. It is estimated that around 7% of the world’s gold is contained within electronic waste and it remains one of the fastest growing waste streams in the world. The Royal Mint is using patented technology – created by Canadian based company Excir – to recover precious metals contained within circuit boards at ambient temperatures. The approach reduces the environmental impact of electronic waste and embraces the principles of a circular economy. The Royal Mint’s pioneering plant, designed to recover gold and other precious metals from electronic devices, is due to be unveiled this year. With shared commitments around sustainability and security, the partnership with DESA, part of MOD’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) organisation and the sole authority within the MOD for the sale of surplus military equipment from the UK Armed Forces, will mean that tonnes of retired and surplus defence equipment, which typically contains high levels of gold and other rare metals, will be securely processed at the South Wales plant each year. Minister for State for Defence, The Earl of Minto, said: “It is fantastic to see this new, innovative technology being used to recycle old defence equipment. Finding new ways to reduce the costs of disposing of our waste whilst minimising our impact on the environment is a valuable area of work. I very much look forward to seeing the positive impact of the new facility in Wales.” The innovative plant uses world-first patented chemistry from Canadian company Excir to recover gold with provenance, and extracts value from every element of the asset and its component circuit boards -including silver and copper - using other processes developed by the UK’s oldest company. These materials can then be purchased by The Royal Mint, to help fulfil its ambition of using sustainably sourced precious metals in its products or returned for reuse by MOD. Mark Loveridge, Business Unit Director for Precious Metals Recovery at The Royal Mint, said: “At The Royal Mint, sustainability remains front and centre in the decisions we make and the partnerships we form, and we’re pleased to announce a partnership with DESA, who will provide a regular source of materials to our Precious Metals Recovery Plant." “The Royal Mint’s new plant has the capability to recover gold and other precious metals from circuit boards in large quantities here in the UK, at ambient temperatures; safely recovering materials from the entire circuit board. We are proud to be working with partners from across the UK, including DESA, allowing The Royal Mint to become a leader in sustainable precious metals.” Richard Whalley, Head DESA, said: “DESA is constantly searching for new ways to improve our recycling portfolio by reuse, resale or, as in this case, by recovery of valuable metals which will return to the UK economy." “This innovative partnership with The Royal Mint, successfully delivered by our Innovation Team, is a key enabler for MOD’s continuing sustainability and circular economy journey. It is DESA’s pleasure to work with The Royal Mint to convert redundant non-saleable defence assets into a valuable resource, whilst also reducing disposal costs, minimising environmental impacts and securing the UK’s access to this new source of critical minerals. DESA looks forward to working with The Royal Mint over the months and years ahead to further develop this partnership and fully investigate the possibilities of this new process.” As The Royal Mint prepares to formally unveil its new Precious Metals Recovery Plant later this year, it is securing relationships with feedstock suppliers across the UK, who are supplying printed circuit boards from electronic devices, containing varying amounts of gold and other recyclable materials. Once fully operational, the multi-million-pound plant will be capable of processing up to 75 tonnes of electronic components per week - the equivalent of 75 small cars - producing hundreds of kilograms of gold each year.

Bridge of Weir, supplier of Fine Automotive Leather to the world’s most-respected luxury car brands, announces a new partnership with design and engineering consultancy, CALLUM. The agreement formalises a successful longstanding relationship between the two British-based brands, based on shared values of design-first innovation, industry-leading quality, and deep respect for heritage. Bridge of Weir has previously supported CALLUM, a business founded in 2019 by renowned car designer Ian Callum, with the creation of multiple ground-breaking luxury projects. In the automotive sector, the CALLUM Vanquish 25 – a reimagining of the iconic Aston Martin Vanquish – featured seats and panels trimmed in the finest Bridge of Weir materials, its luxuriously appointed cabin showcasing a range of completely bespoke leathers in beige, tan and dark blue. Through CALLUM, Prodrive has also trimmed its P25 with Bridge of Weir leather, CALLUM having designed a new interior for the limited-run model. In the product design world, the limited production series CALLUM Lounge Chair also featured a range of entirely bespoke Bridge of Weir leathers, available in colours including black, cranberry, fawn and bottle green, the material playing a key part in the company’s modern take on a design classic. In addition to sharing an ideological approach to creating the finest products using the most innovative and sustainable materials within and beyond the bounds of the luxury automotive sector, Bridge of Weir and CALLUM also benefit from a shared geography. With legacy roots for both sides being very much in Scotland, Bridge of Weir’s Advanced Design Studio and CALLUM’s industry-leading Design Studio are located within the same building in Warwick, in the heart of the British automotive industry in the Midlands. James Muirhead, Sales Director at Bridge of Weir Leather, said: “On behalf of the entire team, I am delighted to officially announce Bridge of Weir’s new strategic and creative partnership with CALLUM, a brand we all greatly admire for its cutting-edge, no-compromise approach to design, engineering and above all, quality." “Ian Callum and his team have a legendary reputation for pushing the boundaries of innovation. Having been proud to support CALLUM on multiple projects over the years, we are now pleased to take that relationship to the next level. With this partnership, Bridge of Weir looks forward to even closer collaboration with CALLUM, which will lead to the creation of world-class luxurious and sustainable products within and beyond the automotive sector.” Ian Callum, Design Director at CALLUM, said: “Throughout my career in the global automotive industry, I have always had the utmost respect for Bridge of Weir and the impeccable standards its expert team consistently sets. Few brands combine such a rich heritage with a passion for innovation so effectively. When we formed CALLUM, it was only logical that we would turn to Bridge of Weir to support us with projects such as the CALLUM Vanquish 25 and the CALLUM Lounge Chair." “Now, it is equally logical that we take this next step together in our relationship by forming a strategic partnership between CALLUM and Bridge of Weir. Bolstered by our shared geographical location, we look forward to setting new standards in luxury and innovation.” Bridge of Weir ensures that its leather production starts with responsible sourcing, with 100% traceability and zero risk of deforestation in the raw hide supply chain. The company's leather is the ultimate upcycled material, created through a 'circular' low-impact manufacturing process. Bridge of Weir utilises raw hides from the local beef and dairy industries, with over 98% sourced within the UK and Ireland. This upcycling approach prevents these hides from ending up in landfills, where they would emit hundreds of tonnes of harmful methane emissions each year. Since 2003, Scottish Leather Group, of which Bridge of Weir is a part, has reduced the average carbon intensity per hide by an impressive 90%. The group achieves this through the use of 100% renewable electricity and the conversion of process waste into energy. A new £14 million Super Tannery has also just been opened to further accelerate its sustainability leadership by investing in advanced tanning equipment that reduces energy and water use by 82% and 42% respectively. Bridge of Weir leather is the material of choice for the world’s leading automotive luxury brands, thanks to its quality, durability, versatility, and sustainability. To find out more about Bridge of Weir Leather, please visit here .

Shetland is due to get its first ever whisky distillery in 2024, after the business owners accessed specialist advice from Business Gateway. Lerwick Distillery will open its doors later this year, with a date to be announced. The concept that began more than a decade ago between friends Martin Watt and Calum Miller is nearing completion. They found a site for the distillery in 2022 and have been planning the build and eventual opening ever since. As well as Martin and Calum, who have established backgrounds in chartered accountancy and architecture, Lerwick Distillery also has Caroline MacIntyre and Ian Millar on board as sales director and master distiller respectively. Caroline has extensive experience in hospitality and sales, while Ian has worked in the whisky industry for over 50 years and has worked with a number of major whisky brands, including almost 25 years at William Grant & Sons. Scottish law dictates that a spirit cannot legally be called a whisky until it has matured for at least three years and one day, and the distillery plans to bottle a ‘new make’ spirit to cover operational costs for the first few years. This product will be called Haad Still – a traditional Shetland phrase for ‘hold on’, encouraging people to wait for the whisky to mature. In time, the distillery will also offer tours to customers, with tourists being a particular target market. Having secured the site in 2022, the team accessed business advice from Business Gateway after a recommendation from Shetland Islands Council, and met Business Gateway adviser, Diana Abernethy. Diana provided one-to-one support to the team in advance of distilling, helped raise their profile and signposted them to avenues to access vital funding. The business accessed a start-up grant from Shetland Islands Council, which contributed to photography costs for use on social media. The social media and imagery directly helped raise share capital towards the opening of the distillery. Martin and Callum’s initial funding target was to raise £1m, but they far exceeded this, and have been able to secure premises that are four times the original size they had planned. Martin Watt, Director of Lerwick Distillery said: "The support that we received from Business Gateway has been excellent. Diana was able to point out things that we had missed in our business plan, and gave us access to great contacts to help us develop." “If it hadn’t been for the funding Business Gateway signposted us to, we would not have raised enough share capital to be able to expand the business so quickly. The £4,000 funding resulted in an extra £682,000 share capital investment that really wasn't expected. We truly couldn’t have done this without Business Gateway.” Diana Abernethy, Business Gateway adviser said: “Shetland is the last area of the UK without a distillery, so to be able to help Martin and Callum reach the goal of being the first distillery on the island has been fantastic. It’s an exciting brand and journey they’re embarking on and will give such a boost to tourism in the area and the local economy.” To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here .

ADDED VALUE: Experienced Varun-Dev Gudka has joined property consultancy Vail Williams’ London-based Valuation & Advisory team. He is pictured, second left, with colleagues Partner Nigel Whitehurst, London Regional Managing Partner James Lacey and Partner Graham Saunders Property consultancy Vail Williams has appointed a new Partner to bolster its London-based Valuation & Advisory team as business demand continues to grow. Experienced Varun-Dev Gudka has joined from Knight Frank where he spent more than five years working in commercial valuation, having previously worked at Allsop for four years. Based at Vail Williams’ London West End office, he is responsible for growing the firm’s valuation offering in the capital in collaboration with the firms’ other service lines. His client base includes clearing and private banks, challenger lenders, Receivers’, property funds, asset managers, family offices and private investors. He undertakes valuations in various property sectors including retail, office, industrial, investment pubs and mixed-use schemes for a multitude of requirements, including loan security purposes, audit and accounts, Capital Gains Tax, transactional as well as matrimonial and probate valuations. Prior to becoming chartered, Varun-Dev gained valuable experience in commercial and residential agency and commercial asset management and auction trading. Varun-Dev, a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS), has 14 years’ real estate work behind him. He has a strong track record of property appraisals of individual lot sizes ranging from £500,000 to £150 million-plus and portfolios ranging from £5 million to £1.5 billion, throughout the UK. He said: “I was very quickly drawn in by the project London Regional Managing Partner James Lacey and the firm’s Head of Valuation Stephen Hobbs outlined for the London Valuation & Advisory service line." “I share the same vision as Vail Williams, to grow a London team from the ground up and firmly establish our place in the London market as we have across the UK. I am both overjoyed and excited to be joining Vail Williams.” James said: “All-rounder Varun-Dev brings with him experience and enthusiasm for business generation and property valuation spanning all commercial and mixed-use property sectors." “He is like a breath of fresh air and has already hit the ground running as a valued and popular member of our valuation team." “His expertise and effectiveness in handling valuations right across the board is an important asset as we seek continued growth of our London operations and the expansion of our offering.” Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy.

A family-owned craft drinks B-Corp, an electric vehicle company and a rapid diagnostic tests specialist are among the 2024 winners of the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards  announced today. Now in their second year, the awards celebrate the international sales success of small-medium businesses across the UK and provide a stepping stone for further growth and opportunity. Winners include Warner’s Distillery, an independent, family-owned craft drinks producer that creates 100% natural, sustainably sourced products crafted from ingredients grown on its farm in Northamptonshire. Awarded in the Agriculture, Food and Drink category, the B Corp accredited business’s range of spirits and non-alcoholic drinks are listed in major UK retailers and sold in over 30 countries, including the United States, Australia, China, and nations across mainland Europe.  The awards come after new figures from the UN’s body that leads on global trade show the UK was the 4th largest exporter of goods and services globally in 2022, moving up from 7th in the rankings in 2021.   Minister for Exports Lord Offord, said: “We’re proud of our British exporters and these Awards highlight some fantastic businesses punching above their weight and selling UK-made products around the world." “I hope the winners serve as inspiration to others looking to get onto the exporting ladder and encourage more businesses to showcase the incredible talent and innovation of UK businesses selling abroad.” Cabinet Office Minister Ester McVey said: “Selling overseas is key to driving economic growth across the UK. As part of the GREAT campaign, it’s wonderful to celebrate these businesses who showcase the best of what Britain and Northern Ireland have to offer the world.” The winning businesses have been drawn from a diverse range of 12 sectors across 10 categories: Agriculture, Food & Drink; Creative Industries; Education & EdTech; Financial Services and FinTech; Retail & Consumer Goods; Consultancy & Professional Services; Healthcare; Infrastructure & Engineering; Low Carbon Energy; and Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing & Construction. The latter five categories have been introduced as new additions this year to ensure that businesses from all sectors could enter. In the Low Carbon Energy category, Glasgow-based Munro Vehicles was recognised for its next-generation, fully electric commercial vehicles that are designed to help essential but carbon-intensive industries transition to net zero. The company, which exported to 16 countries in 2023, ranks as Scotland’s only “volume production” car company and plans to build 50 vehicles by mid-2024 before shifting to a new purpose-built site near Glasgow later in the year, creating up to 300 jobs. The Healthcare winners are pioneers CIGA Healthcare, a leading UK company specialising in rapid diagnostic tests including fertility tests, blood pressure monitors and blood glucose monitors. CIGA Healthcare’s products are supplied to national health services and international brands, such as Walmart and AmerisourceBergen, and the company’s international reach extends to over 80 countries, including the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Canada, and nations across South America. Within each category, three additional businesses were also awarded highly commended status for their inspiring business stories and exporting prowess. Marco Forgione, Director General of The Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) and judge on the panel for this year’s awards, commented: “The calibre of businesses that entered across all categories has been incredibly high and selecting a winner has been a tough job. We are delighted to offer an IOE&IT membership to these winners alongside the businesses that are highly commended and look forward to working with this year’s companies, helping them to grow and expand through international trade." “These awards provide an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the global trade success stories of small businesses from all Nations and regions – and we hope these winners will inspire even more budding business owners." “The evidence continues to tell us that businesses that trade internationally are more sustainable, more resilient, more innovative, employ more people and, ultimately, are more profitable. So, it is vital that these businesses are supported in their exporting journeys and that their success stories are celebrated.” In 2021, DBT launched the ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ campaign to celebrate exporting success from across the UK and tell businesses’ stories. The awards programme builds on this to further recognise and celebrate the global trading success of SMEs from across the UK. Winning businesses receive an invitation to an evening Parliamentary Reception and receive a year’s free membership with the Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE&IT). They will also win a digital badge, physical certificate and trophy and enjoy promotional activity across DBT channels, including individual profiles to share their export success.

A hotel employee has notched up a century of customer and colleague testimonials for going the extra mile in her work. Ilse Bujok, the reception manager at The Wild Boar near Windermere, is the first person from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues to reach the milestone as part of the hotel group’s +1 initiative. The customer service led programme is designed to raise standards and encourage creativity and innovation amongst team members. The +1 initiative is all about recognising the small acts of extra care, service and kindness occurring each day across its venues. Perhaps a bit like a player of the match award in sport, it seeks to recognise the efforts of staff to go over and above normal service for guests and colleagues. Every month team members are nominated for activities or performance that exceeds guest or colleague expectations. Ilse is the very first member of staff to attain 100 +1 award nominations and the first recipient of English Lakes Hotels Platinum award for reaching that milestone. She has also been rewarded with £250 worth of English Lakes Gift Vouchers to mark her customer service excellence achievement. Highlights along the way have included Ilse finding a guest’s lost wallet which they had left at Windermere golf club, and rescuing a stray dog which ran into The Wild Boar on its own. Giving the stray a bowl of water, Ilse’s first thought was to ring around the local farmers and sure enough, she managed to find the owner. English Lakes Hotels managing director Ben Berry explains: “We all know how good it feels when someone highlights a good piece of work you have done.  Now  imagine that happening 100 times. It’s quite an achievement and a real feather in the cap for Ilse and the team at The Wild Boar.” “The +1 award scheme is a great source of motivation for me,” adds Ilse. “It’s nice to hear from colleagues or guests that they think I’m doing a good job.” The hotel group also awards silver, gold and champions awards to team members who achieve over 10, 25 and 50 +1 nominations respectively.

A property finance firm has dived in to support a giant mermaid-themed art trail aiming to raise vital funds for local children’s hospice care. Thousands of families will be able to follow The Great Tail Trail next year thanks to sponsorship from businesses including Poole-based lending specialist MSP Capital. The public trail, featuring 40 sculpted tails in locations across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole region, is a fundraising initiative for Julia’s House children’s hospice charity. Mermaid tails have been specially chosen as they represent the Mermaid Suite at the charity’s hospice in Corfe Mullen, where families can spend time together when their child is at the end of their life. Once the trail is finished, the sculptures will be auctioned to raise vital funds to support the life-changing care Julia’s House provides across Dorset and Wiltshire. MSP Capital’s Community Committee chose Julia’s House as one of its core charities to support in 2024, continuing a relationship going back over several years. Speaking after a launch event in the Rockwater restaurant at Branksome Chine beach, MSP Capital’s Associate Director of Credit, Lee Merrifield, a Community Committee member, said: “This trail promises to be a lot of fun for children and families. The designs will be beautiful, decorative and colourful, and the tails will become landmarks and talking points." “We already support Julia’s House, for example through our annual beach volleyball tournament in Bournemouth, and everyone in our team is thrilled to be on board with The Great Tail Trail." “Aside from being part of a fun, summer initiative, we know the fantastic work that Julia’s House does for children and families and we’re keen to do what we can to support them." “With all the business sponsorship of the trail, and the auctioning of the sculptures at the end of the trail season, hopefully The Great Tail Trail will raise a substantial sum towards essential local children’s hospice services.” Delivered in partnership with public art specialist Wild in Art, the 40 giant tails will be designed and completed by specially commissioned local artists later this year, ahead of the trail going live across the BCP area for eight weeks from 5 April to 1 June 2025. Eleanor Collins, MSP Capital Marketing Executive and, like Lee, a Community Committee member, said: “We’re supporting The Great Tail Trail to help bring fundraising and sponsorship to Julia’s House, while creating a family-friendly focal point for residents and visitors to be inspired by art. The more visitors it attracts, the more money comes into the local community, benefiting all." “We’re really looking forward to selecting our design and seeing the sculpture on display alongside the others on the trail. Julia’s House is such a fantastic charity and one that we’re pleased to support through our ESG strategy Foundations for Better Futures launched last year. A key strand of Foundations is to support our local community and the charities that operate in it.” Caroline Attreed, Corporate Fundraiser for Julia’s House, said: “The Great Tail Trail will be one of the biggest interactive public art trails that BCP will have ever seen, sparking imagination and adventure among those taking part." “We couldn’t hold such a huge, family-friendly initiative without the support of companies such as MSP Capital. They are one of our long-standing supporters and their help, as ever, is incredibly important.” Founded in 1981, MSP Capital is a principal bridging and development lender offering funding solutions to property professionals up to £20 million.

An historic building at the heart of Cheltenham’s stunning spa town, rescued and refitted in a multi-million-pound renovation project, is ready to welcome its first tenants. Pressworks on Ambrose Street is now available for let after owners Boultbee Brooks Real Estate stepped in to refurbish CPS House and gave the building a new lease of life. With a total of 14,606 sq ft of modern, state-of-the-art, office space available, the site offers three fully self-contained units, set over three floors and comes complete with a new roof-top terrace. Each unit has a contemporary design, constructed with premium finishes and materials, and has smart phone access control and fibre pre-installed ready for occupation. Described as the brightest new workspace in the city, the building – set between Ambrose Street and Chapel Street – has a long history of being home to many local businesses, ranging from a series of automobile garages to a coach painting firm and latterly a printers. Situated within a Central Conservation Area, the significant renovation works were supported by an Initial Heritage Appraisal report which stated that the old building ‘did not enhance the historic character or appearance of the area’ and that it had ‘a negative impact upon (the area’s) character and appearance’. The £3m renovation has completely transformed both the exterior and interior, while also maintaining the aesthetics of the surrounding area. Initially the site for a group of houses, they were steadily sold and turned into business premises with the likes of Avery’s Automobiles setting up in 1929 before Mann’s Motors took over in 1938 and then both Cheltenham Re-Finishing Co Ltd and Prior’s Garages operated in the 1950s. Taylor & Young printers eventually developed the ‘Printing Works’ on its current footprint through the 1960s and 1970s and it had been used as offices before being purchased by Boultbee Brooks and transformed into a modern office hub. Lancer Scott carried out the renovations, complete with fully air conditioned and comfort cooled offices, high spec toilets, LED lighting with daylight dimming, shower rooms, car parking and a feature lift. The ground floor provides 5,737 sq ft of office space, the first floor 6,232 sq ft, while the second floor is 2,637 sq ft. James Whitcher, managing director at Boultbee Brooks comments: “Set in this pretty and historic spa town, Pressworks has been brought back to life with a stunning renovation that fits in perfectly with its wonderful surroundings." “We are delighted with the results. This is an historic building in the heart of the town and we have been able to transform it from the old, tired building that it was, into a modern and state-of-the-art office complex." “Cheltenham may be full of beautifully preserved Regency Architecture, and boast a thriving cultural scene packed with a wide range of independent and International festivals, but it also has a thriving business community and Pressworks will sit nicely within that.”

Inspirational achievers have been named among the finalists in the sixth Ladies First Network Business and Inspirational Women Awards. Finalists, selected from hundreds of nominations from across the UK, were invited to an independent judging day in Leamington Spa, ahead of a prestigious awards ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club, in Warwickshire, on June 13th. New categories are also among those being contested this year, including Sustainable Business Leader, Trailblazer of the Year and Inclusivity Leadership with a special Inspirational Women Award going to The England Women’s football team, The Lionesses. The Awards were unveiled at The House of Commons in January and are headed up by Ladies First directors Tracey McAtamney from Balsall Common and Karen Massey from Leamington Spa. Tracey said: “With over 300 nominations entering this year, each and every finalist should be exceptionally proud of their achievements." “We strive to make every finalist feel special and like a winner, with goodie bags, certificates and professional head shots on interview day. A huge thank you to Mallory Court, the Awards Team, all of our judges and sponsors Edwards Wealth Management Ltd, Alsters Kelley Solicitors and Pertemps for a fabulous day!" “We are beyond excited to announce that we are presenting our 2024 Inspirational Woman Award to the England Football Team." “The Award is in recognition of their outstanding leadership which embodies true spirit, determination, unity and excellence. Also, for their profound impact on the world stage, inspiring and capturing young hearts around the globe!” Vying for to top Business Woman of the Year award are: Elinor Perry - Pentlands Accountants and Advisors, in Leamington; Jackie Allan – Revolve, in Leamington; Jaide Ellery-Martin – Jaide’s Stage Studios Limited, in Rugby; Louise Adkins – Share Haulage, in Rugby and Marie Quarterman – The Education Network, in Birmingham and Nina Attfield – Lustrelash in Wellingborough. For the full list of finalists visit here: This year’s awards are also supporting The Giles Trust Brain Tumour Fund, established in 2015 by former England cricketer Ashley Giles MBE and his wife Stine, who was diagnosed with three brain tumours over 12 years. The charity raises funds for research, pioneering equipment and support for patients. Photo credit: Karen Massey Photography.

A message posted by the RAFSC & TSW (Royal Air Force Servicing Commando and Tactical Supply Wing Association) has gone viral, resulting in hundreds of cards being sent to mark Group Captain Stanley Clarke’s milestone birthday. The message posted on the Association’s Facebook page, followed by 1,200 people, asked supporters to send Stanley a 100th birthday card with the message "let's fill up his care home with cards". A fabulous response meant that Stanley, a former Servicing Commando, RAF Pilot and Station Commander of Swanton Morley, awoke on his 100th birthday to over 850 cards sent from former service men and women, supporters and well-wishers from as far afield as the USA, Canada and Australia. The initial post was shared over 34 times, attracting over 72 likes and a comments section filled with gratitude for Stanley’s years of service. The post was also shared across multiple military veteran sites across all services. One comment summing up the thoughts of many and drew on the spirit of the Royal Air Force motto “through adversity to the stars” - “HBD have a fantastic day sir! Per Ardua Ad Astra” Reflecting on the response to his birthday, Stanley said, "I just want to say thank you so much to everyone who sent me these wonderful cards and gifts, this was totally unexpected and overwhelming but very much appreciated" Stanley joined the Royal Air Force as an electrical fitter apprentice at 16 in 1940. He volunteered for Commando training in 1942 and then spent the war in North Africa and Europe. Stanley retired from the Royal Air Force in 1979 and now lives at Harcourt Gardens care home in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Alongside the unprecedented number of cards received from people nationwide, Stanley also opened his card from King Charles III on his birthday. Stanley celebrated his big day with a party with friends and family who travelled from Australia and Canada and an afternoon tea was arranged by staff at Harcourt Gardens. Adelina Pangilinan, home manager at Harcourt Gardens commented, “The cards just kept on coming, it was quite amazing. “Nobody knew just how well the request would be received and it was absolutely wonderful to see the look on Stanley’s face when we delivered him the cards." “It’s clear to see that Stanley, alongside all the other brave and admirable veterans are part of a very tight knit community and it’s wonderful see the support and admiration for him.”