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Leicestershire CCC is excited to announce the return of promising bowler Scott Currie on a season-long loan from Hampshire. The 6ft 5” tall seamer, who spent the final month of the 2023 summer with the Foxes, rejoins for the entirety of the 2024 campaign and will be available for selection in all three formats. Currie featured twice for the club in September, taking five wickets during County Championship fixtures against Sussex and Yorkshire. A product of Hampshire’s youth system, the 22-year-old has picked up 78 wickets from 47 first team appearances, while he has claimed 56 wickets at an average of 24.25 in the Second Eleven Championship. Currie impressed for his home county during this summer’s Metro Bank One Day Cup, snaring 14 wickets at 24.36 from eight matches, including three wickets against Leicestershire during the Foxes' two-run victory in the final at Trent Bridge. The former England Under-19 star has also made an impact in T20 cricket for Hampshire, helping the Hawks to the 2022 Vitality Blast title, while collecting 19 wickets at a miserly average of 12.84 en route to Finals Day in 2021. Discussing the move, Currie said: “I’m really looking forward to continuing my development in first team cricket, but more importantly, building on and trying to contribute to more success for Leicestershire." “The opportunity to play with the team in September was brilliant, and one I’m very grateful for. I enjoyed walking into a fresh environment and continuing to learn the game, and I’m very much looking forward to getting back involved with the boys." “It was fantastic to see what the One Day Cup success last season did for the group and the wider community of Leicestershire. There was also plenty to be pleased with in the Championship, and I know Alfonso (Thomas), James (Taylor), and the lads are hungrier than ever to get this club into Division One.” Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, added: “We are very excited to welcome Scott back to Leicestershire. He fitted in seamlessly with the team and has a bright future ahead of him. Scott is a threat in all three formats and possess an exceptional knowledge of the game for a young bowler. He has a strong relationship with Alfonso, and we are really looking forward to seeing him perform for the club next season.” Currie is currently in Australia, playing South Australian Grade Cricket League for Adelaide University. He will link up with his Leicestershire teammates in March. The Hampshire loanee becomes the fourth arrival at Uptonsteel County Ground this winter, following the permanent signings of Ben Cox, Liam Trevaskis and Ben Mike. Photo Credit: John Mallett. Image provided by Leicestershire County Cricket Club.

Team members at a Hampshire accountancy firm have shown their fun side with the launch of an exciting Christmas bauble competition in aid of charity. HWB Chartered Accountants is inviting clients, contacts, staff and members of the public to guess the exact number of Christmas baubles they have on display in their Chandler’s Ford reception. Managing Director Tracy Jenkins has filled a one-metre-tall, 300mm-diameter clear cylindrical tube with the coloured decorations of different shapes and sizes. A Christmas hamper worth £100 is the prize for the closest guess, whilst donations and the baubles will be going to HWB’s main charity, Mountbatten Hampshire. Tracy said: “This is a great way to brighten up Christmas and share some festive joy. With Christmas fast approaching, we thought we’d show our fun side, sprinkle a little cheer and help Mountbatten at the same time.” Glass baubles made to hang on trees first appeared in Germany in the 1500s. The most expensive bauble was sold in 2009 with a price tag of £80,000. It was made by a British jeweller and consisted of 18K gold and more than 1,500 diamonds. The world's biggest Christmas bauble was unveiled in Dubai in 2018, measuring almost 6.59 metres in height, 4.68 metres in width and weighing in at 1,100 kilograms. The word ‘bauble’ came into contemporary use from Middle English and earlier from Old French, where ‘baubel, babel’ meant ‘children’s toy’. Scholars believe the origin is the Latin ‘bellus’, an adjective meaning ‘pretty’. Entries to the HWB competition can be made on an iPad by calling in at the firm’s office in Mayflower Close, Chandler’s Ford, or online via the company’s social media channels. The baubles, in HWB’s corporate colours of blue, pink and turquoise, will be on display until Friday 15 December when a winner will be notified by email and announced. If there is a tie, entrants with the same answer will be drawn from a hat. Once the competition is closed, all the baubles will be donated to Mountbatten for them to sell on, so recycling their use. Caitlyn Sherry, Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser at Mountbatten, said: “With demand for our 24/7 services growing all the time, and with Christmas being a particularly challenging time for people living with death, dying and bereavement, we really appreciate gestures like this, so on behalf of everyone at Mountbatten, thank you HWB Chartered Accountants.” In another festive-themed competition in 2015, HWB challenged people to estimate how many brussels sprouts were on display inside a clear tube in the office. Tracy said: “This left an unfortunate aroma in the office, so we’re glad we won’t have the same problem this time around!” HWB Chartered Accountants, based at Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton, provides business and tax advice.

One of the UK’s largest commercial nurseries, Johnsons of Whixley, established over 100 years ago, has announced a rebranding to Johnsons Nurseries in a move that will secure the brand for generations to come. Founded in 1921 by war veteran Eric Johnson before being purchased by John Richardson in 1964, the now third-generation family business achieved a record sales turnover of £18.8m in its last financial year and has big plans for growth, with the rebrand defining its intention for moving forward. Graham Richardson, group managing director at Johnsons Nurseries, said: “We have used the generic term ‘Nurserymen’ as part of our branding for years, and it has been an accepted historical collective term that describes the profession and not a deliberate specific reflection on gender within the workforce." “We are proud of the diversity of our workforce and the contributions that all of our employees make.” “However, we are acutely aware of this being perceived as outdated and intend to phase out the term over time as we introduce our new brand. This is also an opportunity for us to solidify our place in the market and ensure that the quality and reputation of Johnsons products are maintained for future generations of our workforce, customers and stakeholders." “Our values remain the same as we aim to continue the legacy of professionalism and reputation that Mr Johnson and the Richardson family have built.” Johnsons was this year awarded the prestigious Plant Healthy accreditation for the third year running in recognition of its plant health quality and biosecurity practices. The scheme, which is backed by Defra, aims to improve biosecurity in the UK horticultural sector, focusing on UK ornamental and horticultural businesses and organisations, from nurseries and retail outlets to public gardens. The firm was included in the York Top 100 Businesses for the 6th year running, placing at number 26 this year. The annual report is produced by The Press, with partners York St John University and City of York Council. A trusted landscape supplier to the amenity sector, Johnsons provides plants and trees to a wide range of projects across the UK with recent projects including a five-star luxury hotel, Grantley Hall, a leisure and retail complex, Thorpe Park in Leeds, and the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.

Edinburgh Airport will welcome JetBlue to Scotland in 2024 as the airline launches its first ever Scottish route to New York. The airline will run a summer service from EDI to New York JFK from May to September 2024, marking the first time it has ever operated in Scotland. Flights will depart daily on an Airbus A321neo, giving passengers even more opportunity to see the bright lights of the Big Apple. The addition of this route further enhances connectivity to North America out of Scotland’s busiest airport after a strong 2023 where transatlantic capacity was up 51 per cent on 2019 levels. Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport, said: “It’s always a big moment when we welcome an airline to Edinburgh for the first time and the arrival of JetBlue will be an exciting step as we further strengthen our links to North America. Edinburgh and New York are both hugely popular places to visit and I’m thrilled that this new service will provide even more opportunities to connect between two of the world’s great cities." “It’s extremely important to us, as Scotland’s airport, that we continue to build on the momentum of 2023 and offer fantastic choice for our passengers. The arrival of this route allows us to do that – enhancing leisure travel, business links and allowing people more chance to reunite with family and friends across the pond." “I look forward to welcoming JetBlue to Edinburgh Airport and working closely with them to make this route to New York a success while developing our relationship with the airline further.” Minister for Small Business, Innovation, Tourism and Trade Richard Lochhead said: “I welcome the announcement of JetBlue’s new Edinburgh to New York JFK service – which I am sure will be welcomed by travellers in both Scotland and the US." “This is the first time JetBlue will serve Scotland, and this decision will help enhance our direct connectivity to the US and strengthen important links for business connectivity, exports, and inbound tourism. This announcement not only demonstrates the confidence that JetBlue has in the Scottish market, but also strengthens Edinburgh Airport’s case for establishing a US pre-clearance border facility to help make travel more seamless and provide added benefits for Scottish businesses and visitors.” Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland Chief Executive, said: “The arrival of this brand new seasonal route, which marks JetBlue’s debut in Scotland, is further evidence of the strong demand we are seeing from American visitors for 2024. The US is our most important global market bringing visitors who often stay longer and spend more exploring all our country has to offer." “Good connectivity helps makes Scotland a more desirable destination, boosting inbound tourism which in turn grows the wider visitor economy, helping create jobs and sustain communities. It is therefore vital we continue to make it as easy as possible for international visitors to come to Scotland.”

easyJet has revealed it will base an additional aircraft at Glasgow from next summer - taking the airline's fleet at the airport to six. The move comes after the airline operated its biggest-ever summer flying programme in Scotland and flew a record seven million passengers to and from Scotland in its 2023 financial year. The arrival of a sixth aircraft at its Glasgow base will enable the airline to offer customers even more choice and greater connectivity across the UK, Europe and beyond, as well as creating around 40 local job opportunities at the airport. With the addition of the sixth aircraft, easyJet expects to have nearly 300 employees based in Glasgow including pilots, cabin crew and base management. A new greener neo aircraft will join two 156-seat Airbus A319, two 186-seat A320, and one 186-seat A320neo aircraft already serving the airline’s customers in Glasgow. Compared to the current generation of aircraft, the Airbus NEO brings significant environmental benefits and operational efficiencies compared to the previous generation of aircraft, resulting in at least 15% less CO2 emissions and 50% less noise during take-off and landing. easyJet’s Glasgow network has gone from strength to strength over the last year with new routes including Lisbon and Porto from Glasgow. The airline has already announced new routes for its 2024 financial year to Hurghada, Larnaca and Enfidha which will operate from Glasgow next summer. Ali Gayward, easyJet UK Country Manager, commented: “We are proud to be Scotland’s largest airline and are delighted to have carried a record seven million customers in our last financial year, offering a fantastic network of 84 routes across four Scottish airports - Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness." “We continue to see opportunity in Scotland which is why we are pleased to be basing an additional aircraft in Glasgow from next summer to offer our customers even more choice, like our new routes to Enfidha and Larnaca, providing more connectivity to popular destinations across the UK, Europe and beyond, all with great value fares and a warm welcome onboard.” Matt Hazelwood, Chief Commercial Officer at AGS Airports, said: “easyJet’s decision to introduce a sixth based aircraft is a huge endorsement of our continued recovery and testament to a fantastic relationship that stretches back more than 27 years to the airline’s inaugural flight." “This is a significant investment given that the introduction of a yet another based aircraft brings with it and will support approximately 40 new jobs at Glasgow Airport." “It has been a bumper year for both airport and airline not only celebrating the 40-million passenger landmark earlier this year, but we also welcomed a number of new routes which are proving popular with our passengers.”

Virgin Atlantic’s historic flight on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has taken off from London Heathrow to New York JFK, marking the culmination of a year of radical collaboration, to demonstrate the capability of SAF as a safe drop-in replacement for fossil derived jet fuel, compatible with today’s engines, airframes and fuel infrastructure. SAF has a significant role to play in the decarbonisation of long haul aviation, and pathway to Net Zero 2050. The fuel, made from waste products, delivers CO2 lifecycle emissions savings of up to 70%, whilst performing like the traditional jet fuel it replaces. While other technologies such as electric and hydrogen remain decades away, SAF can be used now. Today, SAF represents less than 0.1% of global jet fuel volumes and fuel standards allow for just a 50% SAF blend in commercial jet engines. Flight100 will prove that the challenge of scaling up production is one of policy and investment, and industry and government must move quickly to create a thriving UK SAF industry. As well as proving the capabilities of SAF, Flight100 will assess how its use affects the flight’s non-carbon emissions with the support of consortium partners ICF, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), Imperial College London and University of Sheffield. The research will improve scientific understanding of the effects of SAF on contrails and particulates and help to implement contrail forecasts in the flight planning process. Data and research will be shared with industry, and Virgin Atlantic will continue its involvement with contrail work through RMI’s Climate Impact Task Force, which is part-funded by Virgin Unite. The SAF used on Flight100 is a unique dual blend; 88% HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) supplied by AirBP and 12% SAK (Synthetic Aromatic Kerosene) supplied by Virent, a subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum Corporation. The HEFA is made from waste fats while the SAK is made from plant sugars, with the remainder of plant proteins, oil and fibres continuing into the food chain. SAK is needed in 100% SAF blends to give the fuel the required aromatics for engine function. To achieve Net Zero 2050, the innovation and investment needed across all available feedstocks and technologies must be harnessed to maximise SAF volumes as well as continuing the research and development needed to bring new zero emission aircraft to market. Virgin Atlantic is committed to finding more sustainable ways to fly, taking action across every part of the journey. Already operating one of the youngest and most fuel and carbon efficient fleets in the sky, Flight100 builds on the airline’s 15-year track record for leading on the development of SAF at scale. Collectively, industry and government must go further, to create a UK SAF industry and meet aviation’s 10% SAF by 2030 target, capitalising on the significant social and economic benefits it will bring – an estimated contribution of £1.8 billion in Gross Value Added to the UK and more than 10,000 jobs. Shai Weiss, Chief Executive Officer, Virgin Atlantic said: “Flight100 proves that Sustainable Aviation Fuel can be used as a safe, drop-in replacement for fossil-derived jet fuel and it’s the only viable solution for decarbonising long haul aviation. It’s taken radical collaboration to get here and we’re proud to have reached this important milestone, but we need to push further." “There’s simply not enough SAF and it’s clear that in order to reach production at scale, we need to see significantly more investment. This will only happen when regulatory certainty and price support mechanisms, backed by Government, are in place. Flight100 proves that if you make it, we’ll fly it.” Sir Richard Branson, Founder, Virgin Atlantic said: “The world will always assume something can’t be done, until you do it. The spirit of innovation is getting out there and trying to prove that we can do things better for everyone’s benefit." “Virgin Atlantic has been challenging the status quo and pushing the aviation industry to never settle and do better since 1984. Fast forward nearly 40 years, that pioneering spirit continues to be Virgin Atlantic’s beating heart as it pushes the boundaries from carbon fibre aircraft and fleet upgrades to sustainable fuels." “I couldn’t be prouder to be onboard Flight100 today alongside the teams at Virgin Atlantic and our partners, which have been working together to set the flight path for the decarbonisation of long-haul aviation.” Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Today’s historic flight, powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel, shows how we can both decarbonise transport and enable passengers to keep flying when and where they want. “This Government has backed today’s flight to take-off and we will continue to support the UK’s emerging SAF industry as it creates jobs, grows the economy and gets us to Jet Zero.” Sheila Remes, Vice President of Environmental Sustainability, Boeing said: “In 2008 Virgin Atlantic and Boeing completed the first commercial SAF test flight on a 747 and today we will accomplish yet another significant milestone utilising a 787 Dreamliner. This flight is a key step toward our commitment to deliver 100% SAF-compatible airplanes by 2030. As we work toward the civil aviation industry’s net-zero goal, today’s historic journey highlights what we can achieve together.” Simon Burr, Group Director of Engineering, Technology & Safety, Rolls-Royce plc, said: “We are incredibly proud that our Trent 1000 engines are powering the first ever widebody flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel across the Atlantic today. Rolls-Royce has recently completed compatibility testing of 100% SAF on all our in-production civil aero engine types and this is further proof that there are no engine technology barriers to the use of 100% SAF. The flight represents a major milestone for the entire aviation industry in its journey towards net zero carbon emissions.”

An inspirational youngster has been chosen to ‘Light up Loughborough’ and switch on the town’s Christmas lights in front of thousands of people. Amellia Baker, from Sileby, has been named the winner of the Light up Loughborough competition run by Charnwood Borough Council which organises the festive event on Sunday, November 26. The 11-year-old stood out to judges for the time she sacrifices to help her mum Vicky Wilson and dad Russ Baker, look after her nine-year-old sister, Imogen who has Angelman Syndrome. The rare neuro-genetic disorder causes developmental problems and leads to a child having learning difficulties, an abnormal sleep pattern and means they can be non-verbal. Amellia helps her parents look after Imogen, meaning she often misses out on school clubs, activities and social events with friends. The great news was broken to Amellia by the Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Margaret Smidowicz and Councillor Jennifer Tillotson at a surprise assembly at her school, Wreake Valley Academy, on Friday November 17. Amellia said: “I was really surprised to find out that I am turning on the Christmas lights as I didn’t even know my mum had entered me into the competition." “I can’t wait for Sunday, it will be a lot of fun to go up on stage and turn the lights on in front of all those people.” Mum Vicky, entered Amellia for being ‘a kind, caring, loving, young lady who never complains and is always happy to help with Imogen’. Vicky said: “Amellia is a very loving and caring, young lady. She often misses out on some social activities but never complains." “When I was sent the link to nominate Amellia, I felt this would be something that will show her how proud we are of her and appreciate everything she does and sacrifices to help me. All young carers are superstars!” Councillor Jennifer Tillotson, the Council’s lead member for economic development, regeneration and town centres was part of the judging panel and who attended the surprise assembly, said: “As always, it is a pleasure to read so many of the entries into the Light Up Loughborough competition and it was a tough choice once again." “Amellia stood out to us because of the work she puts into looking after her sister and the time which she sacrifices to help her parents. We were so inspired by her story and felt like she deserved a day of festive joy and happiness and hopefully this will lead to Amellia having a memory which will last a very long time." “I would like to thank everyone that entered this year’s competition and I look forward to seeing everyone and Amellia at the Christmas lights switch-on.” Mayor of Charnwood said: “It was an honour to be on the judging panel and to read so many stories about children across Charnwood. Amellia’s story stood out for all the work she does and the way she goes above and beyond for her sister.” The Light up Loughborough winner has also received a family ticket to this year’s pantomime, Peter Pan, at Loughborough Town Hall and a £50 Love Loughborough voucher. The Christmas lights will be switched on in Loughborough on Sunday, November 26 in a day of festive fun in the town. Market Place will host a wide range of stalls, food and drink stands and fairground rides from 11am and then from 12pm, a host of talented performers will be appearing on the main stage to entertain the crowds. The lights will then be switched on at 5pm by Amellia.

Unilever has announced it will grant a free non-exclusive license to the ice cream industry for 12 reformulation patents, following two successful pilots to warm up its last mile ice cream freezer cabinets. Access to these patents will help the industry reformulate ice cream products that remain stable at the warmer freezer temperature of -12°C, rather than the current industry standard of -18°C. It is hoped that by sharing these patents with other ice cream manufacturers the industry will be able to move towards more energy efficient freezer cabinets across the globe. Last year, Unilever announced its ambition to increase the temperature of its last mile ice cream freezer cabinets, whilst ensuring the same ice cream quality and consumer experience. Since then, research conducted at Colworth, Unilever’s Global Ice Cream R&D Centre and two pilots in Germany have confirmed an energy reduction of around 25% per freezer cabinet at the warmer temperature of -12°C, which is better for the environment, and means the freezers are cheaper to run. Andy Sztehlo, Chief R&D Officer Ice Cream at Unilever said: “We’re pleased to take this next step in our work to increase the temperature of our last mile ice cream freezer cabinets. By granting a free non-exclusive license to these 12 reformulation patents, we hope our peers and partners from across the ice cream sector will benefit and work to tackle emissions across the industry. We believe through collaboration, we can reduce the cold chain’s impact on the environment, whilst continuing to deliver the great quality ice cream products our consumers love.” Emissions from retail ice cream freezers account for 10% of Unilever’s value chain greenhouse gas footprint. Unilever’s Climate Transition Action Plan sets out the company’s roadmap to reach its climate targets, including achieving net zero emissions across its value chain by 2039, and a science-based target to halve the emissions impact of its products on a consumer use basis by 2030, against a 2010 baseline. When it comes to ice cream freezers, this includes reducing cabinet energy consumption through innovation of the main technical components (e.g., compressors), exploring programmes that will enable the freezers to be powered by renewable electricity, and working towards ‘warming up’ freezer cabinets. The international applications of these patents have been published today. Industry partners can contact IceCream.Reformulations@unilever.com to receive further information about obtaining a license.

John Good Group, a purpose-led group of businesses, which put people, planet and performance at the heart of its operations, is pleased to announce the construction of its new Head Office in Hull, set to be completed in early 2024. Founded in 1833, the sixth-generation family business has deep roots in Hull and a longstanding commitment to the local community. Passionate about the area, the company is eager to continue its growth and contribute to the local community while preserving its rich heritage and legacy. The new office aligns with the company's FastForward plans, which focus on growth and expansion whilst maintaining a strong focus on People, Planet, and Performance. The construction of the Head Office utilises sustainable materials, reinforcing the company's commitment to its Planet pillar. Sustainability has been at the heart of the new office build, even down to the boardroom carpet being made from recycled fishing nets. The new office will also feature several chargers to encourage employees to choose electric cars and participate in car-sharing initiatives. This eco-friendly infrastructure demonstrates the company's dedication to reducing its environmental impact and a greener future. This aligns with the recent announcement that John Good Group is operationally carbon neutral, with a commitment to further reduction plans. Designed to inspire collaboration and innovation, the new office space will serve as a hub for business activity and community engagement. It will provide a state-of-the-art environment that not only motivates the current team but also attracts top talent to the John Good Group. The new Head Office will be home to the John Good Group central services, Good Travel Management, and DAN Shipping with space to accommodate the company’s ongoing growth and success. Adam Walsh, Chief Executive Officer of John Good Group, says, “The move to Quarry House is an exciting one for the John Good Group and its people. One of our major ambitions is to be a company that offers its people the best opportunity for personal and professional development, and to help achieve that, you need a great working environment." "We have a very capable and growing team at the John Good Group and they all deserve a first-in-class place to work. The new location will help us retain and attract talent and act as a hub for our businesses and customers." "When you add a superb new office, into the beautiful grounds at the Hesslewood Business Park, you’ve really got the perfect combination and it will be a place we will proudly call home. Moving day can’t come soon enough!” The office will be strategically located at Hesslewood Office Park, a prime development owned by Brooklands Property Holdings. Established in 1957, Brooklands is a reputable, privately-owned property development and investment group, that provides exceptional services in the industry. This strategic location ensures a strong collaboration between the two companies, aligned in their shared commitment to excellence. Debbie Barbor, Chief Executive Officer of Brooklands Property Holdings, says, "We are delighted to see the John Good Group continue their journey at Hesslewood Office Park with the construction of their new Head Office." "They are dedicated to sustainability, community engagement, and growth which resonates with our values at Brooklands. We are excited to support their transition and provide a space that encourages innovation and collaboration, allowing the John Good Group to flourish whilst enhancing their contributions to the local Hull community and beyond." John Good Group's new Head Office reflects its commitment to the people of Hull, the environment, and its ambitious plans for the future. As the company prepares to move into this state-of-the-art facility in early 2024, it can embrace the opportunities and growth that lie ahead.

Retail sales volumes fell year-on-year in November for the seventh consecutive month, according to the latest quarterly CBI Distributive Trades Survey. Despite a slight uptick in sentiment, firms expect sales to decline again in December. Retailers also reported a reduction in headcount in the year to November, while investment is set to decline in the year ahead. Price pressures in the sector are expected to remain acute. The key survey findings included: Retail sales volumes fell in the year to November, but at a slower pace than last month (weighted balance of -11% from -36% in the year to October). Retailers expect an even slower decline in volumes next month (-6%). Sales were seen as disappointing for the time of year in November (-16% from -10% in October). Sales volumes are expected to fall short of seasonal norms to broadly similar extent next month (-15%). Sentiment amongst retailers recovered somewhat in November, with firms expecting their business situation to improve slightly over the next three months (+4% from -14% in August). Retailers expect to reduce investment in the next 12 months (compared to the past 12), but to a lesser extent than in August (-11% from -25%). Retailers reported a milder reduction in headcount in the year to November compared to the previous quarter (-11% from -20% in August). Employment in the retail sector is expected to be broadly unchanged next month (+1%). Retail selling prices continued to rise at a rapid pace in the year to November (+73% from +73% in August; long-run average of +41%). Selling prices are expected to maintain a similar rate of growth next month (+72%). Martin Sartorius, CBI Principal Economist, said: “Retail sales have languished in negative territory for much of 2023, reflecting the impact of strained household finances on the sector’s fortunes. Though sentiment has picked up slightly, firms do not feel that a revival in activity is imminent. Given the weakness in trading conditions, it’s little surprise that firms are scaling back on their investment ambitions.” “Retailers had hoped the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement would offer a reprieve from next year’s hike in business rates. While prioritising relief for SMEs and key sectors is understandable, many retailers are being left to contend with another increase in costs at a time when they are least able to afford them.” In addition, data from the survey showed: Retailers cut back on orders placed upon suppliers in the year to November, but to a lesser degree than in the previous month (-22% from -37% in October). Orders are expected to decline at a marginally faster pace next month (-26%). Retailers reported that stock positions were still “too high” despite softening in November (+13% from +27% in October). Stock volumes look set to remain similarly elevated relative to expected sales next month (+12%). Internet sales volumes continued to fall rapidly in the year to November, though the contraction has moderated compared with last month’s record rate of decline (-39% from -78% in October). Online sales are expected to fall at a broadly similar pace again next month (-42%). Elsewhere in the distribution sector, wholesale volumes fell in the year to November, but at a slightly slower pace than last month (-11% from -15% in October). Wholesalers expect the sales downturn to moderate further next month (-4%). Meanwhile, motor trade volumes grew slightly in the year to November (+6% from -5% in October). Motor traders expect volumes to fall next month (-15%). The survey included 131 respondents, of which 53 were retailers.

This month, rangers at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve (NNR) in Cambridgeshire, cared for by the National Trust, will turn on taps across the site to allow water to flow from the lodes on higher ground to the lower laying fens, creating standing pools of water to create a winter wetland for wildlife, as well as sequestering carbon. A significant moment in the year for the site, the added water helps create wetland conditions for the winter months that will attract wildfowl including wigeon, teal, shoveler, gadwall, geese, egrets and sometimes whooper swans. Ajay Tegala, Ranger at the National Trust’s Wicken Fen, explains: “We have six taps which we turn on using a metre-long metal key, allowing water to flow through a pipe onto the fens. Because the lodes are higher than the surrounding ground, gravity enables the water to flow without having to resort to pumping." “There is immediate visual impact as water rushes through and swells up, forming a sort of miniature fountain. Then, water can be seen flowing." “A couple of days later, the spectacle continues when the standing water starts to attract a huge variety of wildfowl who find food and safety in these wetland areas. Roosting on water overnight helps them feel protected from potential predators, for example foxes, that are potentially put off by having to wade through water. A flowing river could wash birds away while they rest overnight, but the shallow depth of water on the Fen means that its relatively still, creating an ideal habitat.” Turning on the taps for winter also helps to restore rare fenland habitat that was lost due to agriculture-related drainage centuries ago, reinstating higher water tables that support wetland birds and wildlife and boosting biodiversity at this internationally important NNR. To date, more than 9,300 species, including a spectacular array of plants, birds and dragonflies have been recorded at Wicken Fen, making it one of the most species-rich places in the UK. The process of turning on the taps also helps mitigate the effects of climate change by improving the area’s ability to store carbon. Re-wetting or flooding peat soil enables it to sequester, or lock in, carbon, rather than it being released into the atmosphere. As found by an academic study published in the Journal for Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, re-wetting a part of the NNR called Baker’s Fen, an area of grassland grazed by herds of highland cattle and Konik ponies about one mile from Wicken Fen Visitor Centre, lead to a reduction of the area’s CO2 emissions by 80%. Over the last nearly one hundred years, the process of re-wetting has been monitored, and over the last thirty years water levels have been measured using dipwells at over seventy locations on the wider reserve. But in recent years, the site has faced new challenges in the form of weather extremes, such as the heatwave and drought last summer, which have added strain on the recovering peatlands. Alan Kell, Countryside Manager for the National Trust at Wicken Fen, said: “The abstraction we create by turning the taps is a great way to create fantastic winter wetland habitats, protect our peat soils and help them lock up carbon. Unfortunately, it’s a technique we can only employ during the winter months as there is insufficient water in the summer months.” The optimum water table to protect peatland soils and minimise carbon emissions falls on average between -10 to -30cm. But last year the water table dropped to a perilously low level of –1.6m on the undrained area of Fen at Sedge/Verralls Fen, which contains peat depths up to 4m. The low water levels will have caused the peat to oxidise and release carbon instead of sequestering it. Alan continues: “We know that Wicken Fen has a big role to play for climate action, but without sufficient water, it can quickly go from a fantastic carbon sink to a terrible carbon source. With droughts anticipated to become more frequent combined with the pressures of continued development and its associated water use, the availability of water is and will continue to be one of the biggest challenges to this site." Wicken Fen was the first nature reserve acquired by the National Trust in 1899 and has grown from two acres to a reserve that now covers over 2,000 acres to benefit both wildlife and people. The raised boardwalk and lush grass droves allow easy access to a lost landscape of flowering meadows, sedge and reedbeds, where visitors can encounter wildlife such as hares, roe deer, water voles and bitterns. Wicken is also one of the last remnants of undrained fen in East Anglia and has important environmental designations, and in addition to being National Nature Reserve, is a Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Ramsar wetland of international importance. Following this year's re-wetting, visitors will be able to enjoy a real wildlife spectacle through the colder months and admire the sight and sound of hundreds of birds that would otherwise not be at Wicken Fen, including hen harriers, cranes, bitterns.

UK business leaders understand the value of implementing new technology, but they don’t know how to measure it, according to new research from Deloitte. In a new report, Measuring Value from Digital Transformation, 1,600 global business and technology leaders across six different industries were surveyed about their technology investment strategies. It found that three-quarters of UK respondents (74% vs 68% globally) believe that digital transformation - the adoption and implementation of new technologies - is the single most important investment they can make for their organisation. Data analytics (90%), cloud data centres (73%), and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (68%) are the technologies which generate the most value back to an organisation. However, the research also revealed that UK organisations are finding it harder to generate value and return on investment from their technology investments compared to global peers. Across the 12 different technologies examined, there is on average an eight percentage-point gap in value created by UK organisations using technologies compared to the global average. Mark Lillie, global technology strategy & transformation leader at Deloitte, commented: “Technology leaders are under pressure to deliver value and growth for their business. However, implementing and creating value from new technologies, whether that’s a cloud system or a generative AI tool, can face many potential pitfalls. While it is acknowledged that these digital capabilities are vital for an organisation’s long-term strategy, competitiveness and commercial success, their perceived complexity and costliness means that these projects often fall at the first hurdle.” Barriers To New Tech And Growth Potential Despite having high ambitions, 30% of UK respondents said that their organisation lacked a digital transformation strategy “to a large extent.” Dependency on legacy systems (37%), difficulty securing funding (33%), insufficient data (31%) and inadequate cross-departmental communication or silos (31%) are perceived to be key barriers to creating value from digital transformation projects. Across every category, the barriers were more pronounced for UK respondents compared to the global average. Lillie added: “Many UK organisations are now bearing the burden of not updating their tech, with those relying on legacy systems and code struggling to connect old technology with new. At the same time, technology leaders are struggling to secure the funding and investment they need from executives and boards to enact the changes they need to make." “Any technology investment needs to look at productivity not just as a cost-cutting measure but also as a way to unlock long-term growth opportunities. Through clear communication of easy-to-understand KPIs, business leaders will be better-equipped to make informed and impactful investment decisions and, crucially, maximise growth and productivity value.” Monetisation And Assessment Timelines Deloitte’s report also revealed some of the key challenges facing leaders trying to monetise the digital technology that they have implemented. Nearly four-in-ten respondents (38%) cited disruption of the traditional business model as the biggest challenge to monetisation. This was followed by the inability to benchmark against peers to know how much to invest (29%) and protecting intellectual property and regulatory barriers (both 27%). Lucinda Clements, UK lead partner for technology strategy and transformation at Deloitte, commented: “Investment in new and innovative technologies can create future value throughout an organisation – even in areas where it was not necessarily intended or expected." “By using a more comprehensive framework of KPIs, spanning a number of measures including financial performance, growth, customer impact and workforce metrics, technology leaders can reveal the full value of any investment into the latest technologies– much of which is likely not currently being captured by existing measurements.” When it comes to value assessment, UK organisations tend to think more short-term than their global counterparts. More than three-quarters of UK respondents assess the value gained from digital transformation within just a year (77%), twelve percentage points higher than the global average (65%). At the same time, 19% of UK respondents assess the value gained within two to three years, compared to 31% globally. Clements added: “For business leaders to fully realise the return on investment for using innovative technology or implementing a new IT system, they must consider the long-term implications. The results of true digital transformation are worth the wait.”