Edmund Best, a British National Superstock rider for team SymCirrus Motorsport, has declared his support for The Bridge Homelessness to Hope, a Leicester-based homeless charity. Edmund competes nationally in British Superbike motorbike races for Market Harborough-based SymCirrus Motorsport. He recently donated a pair of tickets to a round of this year’s British Superbike series at a charity fundraiser event for The Bridge Homelessness to Hope and plans to support further activities in the future. The Bennetts British Superbike Championship is one of the greatest domestic bike series in the world and a producer of some of the sport's hottest properties. Bikes average more than 180bhp and are capable of reaching 200mph. Races take place at tracks around the country including Donington Park, Oulton Park and Brands Hatch. Edmund Best said: “I've seen how passionate the people involved in the charity are and wanted to get involved to help an important issue. I was delighted to be able to support The Bridge Homelessness to Hope by offering tickets to a lucky raffle winner for one of the exciting future rounds of the British Superbike series. The charity is dedicated to helping local people who are going through the difficult challenge of finding themselves homeless and I’d love to help out more in the future.” David Fawcett, Chief Executive at The Bridge Homelessness to Hope, added: "We’d like to thank Edmund for his support at the particular fundraising event and hope to work with him and his amazing SymCirrus Motorsport team in the future.” About The Bridge Homelessness to Hope: Based on Melton Street in Leicester, The Bridge Homelessness to Hope offers a range of specialist services to people experiencing homelessness in the city including mentoring and mental health & wellbeing support. For more information, visit .

AW Hainsworth, a British fabric manufacturer and woollen mill in West Yorkshire, has achieved Zero to Landfill status through recycling and waste reduction. The 240-year-old heritage textile mill, which creates exquisite woollen cloth, high-performing textiles, and iconic fabrics for customers worldwide, tracked and measured its waste to develop a plan to reduce it to zero. AW Hainsworth partnered with Reconomy, a circular waste management provider with excellent sustainability credentials and clear traceability for waste streams to reach this goal. Reconomy outsources management services to approved local providers to minimise transport costs and emissions and allow for quick and effective turnarounds when collecting. The recycling centre they use recovers 97% of all materials received and exceeds MRF Code of Practice requirements. The vertical manufacturer has invested in better machinery to manage on-site waste, installing energy-efficient plastic and cardboard balers, each sent to recycling. AW Hainsworth has also ensured the recycling process is as simple as possible, with improved signage throughout the mill and employee waste management education. During the past year, the textile producer has completed several projects to help reach its sustainability goals, increase operational efficiency, and reduce energy consumption and waste. A key example is using undyed yarns in partnership with some aviation customers to create sustainable seating and vertical surface fabrics. Using 100% undyed wool reduces energy, water, and waste effluent in manufacturing. AW Hainsworth has also analysed ways to reduce packaging waste from suppliers. This involved working with a regular yarn supplier to reduce the packaging weight by 79.92% and condensing the packaging to reduce freight space by 9.51%. Another supplier switched from shipping products in disposable dye cones to reusable ones, ensuring empty products no longer entered the waste stream. The supplier now collects and re-enters the cones into production, saving 936kg of cones from being sent to waste in 2022 and 948kg in 2023. This small switch resulted in nearly 45,000 cones being recycled. Other waste-saving steps include offering employees working technology equipment and recycling electronics through Revive IT. Amanda McLaren, MD of AW Hainsworth, explains: “As manufacturers, we know that our processes can result in high emissions. We continuously monitor our energy and water use and remain conscious of ways we can limit waste while continuing to operate efficiently and effectively. We also regularly review our manufacturing processes and their impact to identify areas for improvement." “We had already made good progress with improving waste reduction on smaller projects in specific departments. However, looking at our overall waste management process and strategy for site-wide improvements was important." “We started tracking our waste streams to measure what was being re-used or recycled and what was being sent to energy recovery, making significant changes and improvements. There is still work to do to increase recycling and reduce energy recovery, which will form part of our goals for waste management over the next three years.” The company has recently published their 2023 Sustainability Report, which documents the mill’s sustainability journey. Continuing on their path to becoming a more sustainable manufacturing business, a head of sustainability will join the AW Hainsworth team this year.

Sustainability campaigner, Mary Portas OBE, has been announced as headline speaker at the Yorkshire Sustainability Festival 2024. In a bid to encourage businesses to think twice about sustainability and come together to achieve ethical growth, Mary Portas OBE will be heading up the speaker stage on day one of Yorkshire Sustainability Festivals’ two day conference hosted later this year. Last month, Kevin McCloud MBE was announced as keynote speaker for day two. Kate Hutchinson, Founder of Yorkshire Sustainability Festival (YSF), said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have both Mary Portas and Kevin McCloud joining us for Yorkshire Sustainability Festival 2024. Mary will be taking to our speaker stage on day one of the conference which focuses on circular economy and I couldn’t think of anyone better to represent this category." "Mary’s passion and determination for driving innovation and conscious change for the good of our planet is persistent and I can’t wait to hear what she has to say.” “There’s no doubt that Mary will deliver an inspirational talk which is sure to set off lots of lightbulb moments (powered by sustainable energy of course!) for our audience of leaders from the public, private and third sector.” High profile businesswoman, Mary Portas OBE, famously known for her brand & retail expertise, is also a successful broadcaster, author and is Co-Chair of Better Business Act, an organisation set to change UK legislation for people, planet and profit. She is a relentless changemaker who asks questions, raises complex topics and has the conversations that people shouldn’t be avoiding if we want to live in a more sustainable environment. In a recent documentary with Kevin McCloud (speaker at day two of YSF) and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, The Great Climate Fight, Portas and her co-hosts suggested that despite the Government having a plan to combat climate change, they’re not taking the action required to meet those goals within the set timeframes. The Yorkshire Sustainability Festival is a two week festival of events (10th-19th June) featuring various round table discussions and a two day conference will bring together leaders from the public, private and third sectors all passionate and committed to building a sustainable future for Yorkshire and beyond. Mary Portas OBE will be speaking at day one of the conference, held at Cloth Hall Court in Leeds. The first day of the conference will be focused around a circular economy with tracks including manufacturing, SME support, economy and finance and waste. Key sponsors and partners of the event to date include: Leeds City Council, Alrose Productions, Beyondly, boxxe, Imageco and Severfield.

The Wildlife Trusts and Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) are joining forces to challenge the negative perception surrounding slugs and snails in gardens across the UK. The ‘Making Friends with Molluscs’ campaign, which starts today, aims to encourage gardeners to reconsider the role of these often-maligned creatures in their garden ecosystems. Slugs and snails have long been viewed as a gardener’s greatest foe, but this reputation isn't wholly deserved. There are around 150 species of slugs and snails in the UK, and only a small fraction of these pose problems for gardeners. The majority contribute positively to the garden ecosystem in a number of ways. By learning to appreciate and coexist with these creatures, gardeners can adopt a more environmentally friendly approach to gardening. While they may not be as valued as earthworms, slugs and snails provide several important services in our green spaces. One of their most significant roles is as nature’s clean-up crew; molluscs feed on rotting plants, fungi, dung and even carrion, helping to recycle nitrogen and other nutrients and minerals back into the soil. They can also clean algae off the glass of greenhouses, leaving behind their trademark trails. Many of our much-loved garden visitors, including frogs, song thrushes, and ground beetles, rely on slugs and snails as a key food source. They also make up part of a hedgehog’s diet. By supporting these molluscs, gardeners indirectly support a diverse array of wildlife. In addition, territorial slugs, such as leopard slugs, can be helpful in warding off other species of slug and therefore protecting plants from grazing. Follow these five tips to live harmoniously alongside slugs and snails: Provide shelter : Create habitats for slugs and snails by leaving log piles, mulch, and natural debris in garden areas. These spaces offer shelter and a food source for these creatures, and it may make them less likely to venture out into your vegetable bed. Selective planting : Choose plants that are less attractive to slugs and snails or are more resilient to their feeding habits, such as lavender, rosemary, astrantia, hardy geraniums, hellebores and hydrangeas. Barriers : Implement barriers – such as copper tape and wool pellets – which may provide some protection for vulnerable plants from slug and snail damage. Handpick and monitor : Regularly inspect plants for signs of slug and snail damage, and manually remove any you find, relocating them to your compost heap or areas with less vulnerable plants. Consider evening patrols with a torch, as slugs and snails are most active at night-time. Encourage predators : Create a haven for natural predators of slugs and snails, such as ground beetles, song thrushes, frogs, and toads, by providing suitable habitats, such as long grass, log piles and wildlife-friendly ponds. Predators help to naturally regulate slug and snail populations, keeping their numbers in balance. Helen Bostock, RHS Senior Wildlife Specialist, says: “The RHS wants everyone to help protect the plants, animals and fungi that benefit our gardens and protect the wider environment. While a small number of slugs and snails can cause damage to certain plants, overall they bring many benefits to the garden and contribute to a balanced ecosystem, whether that’s by clearing away rotting vegetation or providing a vital food source for more popular garden visitors such as frogs, hedgehogs and song thrushes. We hope that by highlighting the crucial work that molluscs do in our gardens we can help give them a well-deserved reputation makeover.” Kathryn Brown, Director of Climate Change and Evidence, The Wildlife Trusts, says: “I have always welcomed snails and slugs in my garden; they play such an important role in maintaining natural functionality. Many of them are detritivores, consuming dead plants, animals and fungi, recycling nutrients back into the soil and creating nutritious compost, great for growing vegetables, fruit and flowers." “The Wildlife Trusts want everyone to avoid using pesticides which can indiscriminately harm other creatures too. You can grow a range of plants that snails and slugs tend to not eat, such as onions and hardy herbs, instead of trying to control them." "These marvellous molluscs help to enrich and aerate the soil, and they’re also a great food source for other incredible animals such as newts and beetles.”

Heritage apple trees at RHS Garden Rosemoor will be sampled this spring as part of a research project to recover lost West Country apples and identify varieties that hold important genetic traits for UK apple breeding and climate resilience. Leaves from RHS Rosemoor’s Devon Collection of apples will be sampled as part of the project led by Sandford Orchards and the University of Bristol, to ‘DNA fingerprint’ – or genotype - apples from rare and important orchards across England. The research project will examine ‘survivor’ varieties that have not previously been recorded but have been grafted in more than one location, along with individual trees that are likely the last of their kind. Every apple tree grown from a pip has a completely unique ‘fingerprint’, while trees that have been grafted share a ‘fingerprint’. If apples from two separate orchards are the same, and aren’t already recorded in an existing collection, this suggests that they were at one point grafted and therefore historically considered good varieties to grow, for example in cider making. Orchards are ecologically essential to Britain as oases for wildlife and a fantastic nectar source for pollinators. Traditional orchards have severely declined over the past century, with 80% of the UK’s small orchards having been lost since 1900*, which not only has a significant impact on wildlife but affects the diversity of the UK’s apples. RHS Rosemoor’s Devon Collection orchard is dedicated to conserving rare regional apple cultivars, while beneath the trees a wildflower meadow encourages pollinators to the area, which in turn boosts the apple harvest. Identifying and preserving forgotten or lost apple cultivars is not just beneficial to growers and cider makers from a flavour perspective but it is also of interest ecologically as they could hold important genetics that may aid the response of apple trees to climate change and less predictable weather patterns. The University of Bristol, funded by Defra, began by asking the public to send samples from apple trees in private gardens, which resulted in over 800 specimens being sent in. Since the start of the project the team has now ‘fingerprinted’ over 8000 samples. Lawrence Weston, RHS Rosemoor Professional Work Placement Student, said: “I may be biased but I really believe that the Devon Collection Orchard is one of the most fascinating features at RHS Garden Rosemoor, it is not just a beautiful place to visit but also somewhere that preserves and champions heritage varieties. It’s an honour to be able to contribute to such an exciting and important project, and one that can potentially benefit the UK apple industry as a whole.” Emeritus Professor Keith Edwards at University of Bristol, said: “When we first embarked on this project we were overwhelmed by the public interest. The sheer volume of samples we received by post is testament to the importance of apples in the UK’s food landscape. Identifying and conserving lost or rare apple cultivars is not just about safeguarding biodiversity, it can also boost the UK apple industry’s resilience in the face of climate change.” Barny Butterfield, Founder and Owner of Sandford Orchards, said: “The aim of this project is to find great apples, whether that be for fermenting, cooking or eating." "In identifying ‘survivors’ that have not been propagated or kept in a collection we have an opportunity to taste back in time and celebrate the incredible diversity of apples that are native to this country.”

Down on the Lizard, in deepest Cornwall, a landscape-scale coastal project to recover rare species is starting from the ground up. Funded by Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme the National Trust is honing in on the important conservation of the vital micro habitats found on cliffs and bare rocks, in ditches, pools and trackways. In these often overlooked places, tiny lichens, liverworts and the smallest plants are key to the ongoing success and survival of the whole landscape. The Lizard is one of the most biodiverse places in the country, with many unique species finding refuge on semi-natural heathlands and grasslands and along the coastline. But, worryingly many species that make the Lizard such a special place for nature seem to be in decline, and even facing extinction. Much of the Lizard is in the care of the National Trust, Natural England and Cornwall Wildlife Trust – the three partners in the Lizard National Nature Reserve (NNR). The National Trust and Natural England are working closely together on this project, with the overall aim of recovering species across the entire 2,400 hectare NNR. Many so-called ‘Lizard specialities’ are to be found nowhere else in the UK, and 15 of these key species are central to the success of this new project – from very rare, crusty lichens and rosettes of black crystalwort to wild asparagus, dainty yellow centaury and pygmy rush. Using a diverse approach of different land management practices, including using multiple species to help manage the land – this unique project aims to restore and revitalise not only the Lizard rarities but also the unique wider landscape. Detailed surveys by the University of Bristol and local botanists, dating back to the 1970s set an unparalleled baseline against which to assess change. Unfortunately the results from four years ago, indicated the habitats and species were struggling. Seth Jackson, National Trust Project Manager of the Lizard Rarities Project explains: “A 2020 review suggested that 40% of the most important plant species appear to be in decline. And many of the Lizard specialities, such as twin-headed clover, upright clover and dwarf rush, have become fragmented and lost from up to 50 sites surveyed in just 40 years." “The most important and urgent task is to expand wild populations, encourage natural recolonisation and cushion the expected impacts of climate change. Working closely with tenants, graziers and the local community will ensure a joined-up and long-term sustainable approach to habitat management, along with a programme of monitoring and surveys to improve the understanding of Lizard flora and fauna." “Here on the Lizard, despite the wonderful landscape and the rich biodiversity it supports, we are not immune to the pressures that climate warming and habitat change bring, and many rare species are struggling." “With this welcome funding from the Natural England Species Recovery Programme we can really start to protect both species and microhabitats. while linking together the whole landscape." “In some cases, the positive impacts may be seen almost immediately, with annuals such as yellow centaury taking advantage of the newly created scrapes and disturbed ground. For other species, it’s more about providing the space and conditions for them to move through the landscape and colonise new areas, rather than being confined to well-managed ‘hotspots'. From the smallest outcrop to the wider heath the Lizard can be shared by both wildlife and people into the future.” Karen Shelley-Jones, Natural England Species Recovery Programme manager said: “We are delighted to be working with the National Trust on this project which epitomizes what our Species Recovery Programme is all about – delivering targeted bespoke action to reduce the risk of extinction for some of our most threatened (and often overlooked) species.” There is much work to be done. The serpentinite rock on the Lizard is of national importance for lichens, and these are at risk from encroaching ivy which has to cleared by hand. Wild asparagus is being crowded out by a creeping blanket of invasive, non-native species Hottentot fig and purple dewplant along the cliffs at Lizard Point. And the caterpillars of Grayling butterflies feed on bristle bent and sheep’s fescue – both of which grow well here after targeted heathland burning and the cutting of firebreaks. These firebreaks will be created to protect isolated species from the impacts of fire. Summer wildfires are increasingly common as the climate warms and pose a real threat to fragmented populations confined to small areas. They also encourage other plants to grow, such as pale dog violet and devil’s-bit scabious. Additionally, targeted scrub clearance will also link up existing botanical hotspots, reinstate previously scrub-free grassland slopes and remove encroaching scrub from rock outcrops and historic quarries. Mechanical pond digging and scrape creation will create new microhabitats, including fresh habitats for annuals that require bare, disturbed ground to germinate. Alongside this work, there will be the controlled heathland burns and pony and cattle grazing to help create a mosaic of different heathland habitats that benefit a wide range of Lizard wildlife. Ben McCarthy, National Trust Head of Nature and Restoration Ecology, said: “As the pressures on our natural environment continue to mount we need to adopt new approaches to successfully conserve nature." “Whilst the Lizard has always experienced the full impact of the weather rolling in across the Atlantic, it is the more pernicious impact of a warming planet, invasive species and atmospheric pollution that is accelerating the loss of our most threatened habitats and species." “The work we’re doing on the Lizard looks to adopt more adaptative approaches to tackle these major drivers of biodiversity loss – specific targeted action where necessary, but more broadly looking to kick start natural processes that give our most threatened species the best chance to respond to these modern-day pressures." “By working closely with our partners we are able to deliver more adaptive approaches at the scale necessary to ensure the Lizard remains one of our most spectacular landscapes with its unique wildlife.” Andrew Byfield, Technical Adviser to the National Trust, added: “The Lizard is one of the most exciting lowland coastal landscapes in the county, with a great many nationally rare and threatened species." "By addressing the fate of these threatened plants and animals that together make this place so special, the project is also protecting the whole landscape, and also supporting the more common ones.”

Inner Farne, one of the Farne Islands cared for by the National Trust, has reopened for visitor boat landings, after a period of closure due to Avian Influenza. Visitor boats will be able to land on the Farne Islands for the first time in two years, with bookings now open with boat trip operators. The Farne Islands are a National Nature Reserve and are an internationally important home to approximately 200,000 seabirds, including the charismatic puffin, Arctic terns, and kittiwakes. The first migrating seabirds are beginning to return to the islands, just off the Northumberland coast at Seahouses, to breed. They’ll depart once their chicks are fully fledged, at the end of the summer. The colony was hit hard by bird flu in 2022, with rangers collecting over 6,000 dead birds, and although the disease was also present last year, there was a reduction of 39%, with 3,647 birds collected by the ranger team, giving some hope that immunity is building within the colony. Sophia Jackson, Area Ranger for the National Trust says: “We are really looking forward to welcoming people back to the islands today. The seabirds that return here each year are just so special, and the memories visitors take away with them, stay with them forever." “The last two years have been really tough, but we are keeping everything crossed that the birds are starting to build natural resilience to bird flu. We will continue to closely monitor the birds for signs of the disease over the coming weeks, in the hope that we can remain open for the whole season. But the health of our precious seabirds has to be our priority, so we do have a ‘closure plan’ that we’ll implement, should bird flu return.” The National Trust team will also continue to work closely with statutory agencies and other organisations, like the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) & Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), to keep across the latest research and updates so that we can put the right measures in place to look after the birds to the best of our abilities. With the islands reopening, visitors will once again be able to book a landing trip with one of the boat companies that operate out of the harbour at Seahouses to get unparalleled close-up views of the incredible wildlife that inhabits the islands. On arrival on the harbour at Seahouses, visitors booked onto a boat trip are asked to visit the National Trust admissions point to purchase a landing ticket or to show their membership cards. Laura Knowles, Visitor Operations and Experience Manager for the National Trust says: “We have been waiting a long time for this moment and we’re delighted to welcome visitors back onto Inner Farne and to share the wonderful wildlife of the island up close once again. The nature experience that this place has to offer really is exceptional. Sail-around tours will also continue to be available for those visitors that want to experience the magic of the islands from the water.” As well as the fascinating wildlife, visitors will also be able to get closer to the cultural history on the island, which has links with early Christianity and St Cuthbert, with access inside the beautiful St Cuthbert’s Chapel and exterior views of the Inner Farne lighthouse and the Pele Tower. Inner Farne is the only island to open to visitor landings this year whilst National Trust trials limited opening.

Lloyds Bank’s latest Business Barometer has found that business confidence remains high, with March’s figures unchanged month-on-month at 42%. In a promising sign of a return to economic growth, this month’s survey data reflects the continued confidence firms have demonstrated so far in 2024 and means the overall business confidence level remains well above the survey’s long-term average of 28%. Key Findings: Business confidence unchanged at 42%, continuing the positive trend since the start of 2024. Retail confidence rises to a 2-year high, offsetting less positive service sector outlook. Firms’ staffing expectations remain relatively strong but edge back from last month’s high. Yorkshire & the Humber most confident region, but significant falls seen in the Midlands. The Barometer – which measures businesses’ overall confidence by assessing their trading prospects and optimism for the economy – also found that results for these metrics remained at historically strong levels. The net balance for firms’ trading prospects was unchanged at 49%, the second-highest level since 2017. A further 59% of firms (up from 57% last month) signalled stronger activity for the year ahead, while 10% predicted lower output (up from 8%). Results for economic optimism improved, increasing by 1 point to 35%. This accounted for 56% of businesses who felt more positive about the economy (up from 54%) compared to 21% of businesses who felt less positive. It should be noted that most of this month’s survey results were collected before official GDP data revealed monthly GDP growth of 0.2% in January. One factor driving the sustained confidence overall is businesses’ reduced concern about supply chain disruption. Following disruption to international shipping routes, businesses had previously expressed concern regarding the cost of and ability to do business. However, these concerns have eased in recent months meaning overall business confidence now matches the highest level seen in 2023 (42%). Employment Insights Elsewhere, firms’ staff growth expectations remained positive albeit slightly down from last month’s high. Overall, 46% of businesses said they expect to increase their workforce (down from 49%), while 19% plan to reduce their headcount (up from 13%). The smallest firms – those with fewer than 10 employees and a turnover above £250,000 but below £1m – were the least likely, on balance, to plan to hire new staff. The resulting net balance fell to 27% from 36% last month, which is still above the long-term average of 22%. Businesses of all sizes also reported labour shortages this month. The survey’s figures for average wage growth could potentially indicate a gradual decrease in pay growth in the months ahead. The share of firms saying they expect to award 3% or more pay increases in the next 12 months fell slightly to 33% from 35%. In terms of pay in the past 12 months, there is further evidence of a downwards trend with the proportion of firms reporting 3% or more increases falling for the third month in a row (32%). Hann-Ju Ho, Senior Economist, Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking said: “With businesses reporting 42% confidence in March, this month’s figures maintain the recent improvement bringing a positive end to the first quarter of the year. Firms are showing increasing resilience which is reflected in their easing concern about supply chain disruption and energy prices." “Businesses also continue to signal optimistic hiring intentions, although slightly down on previous months. It’s possible the impending minimum wage rises in April are beginning to come into sharper focus for businesses – especially smaller firms." “Among the regions there was a mixed picture. Following unusually low confidence in February, London bounced back with a 14-point increase to bring the capital back in line with typical figures reported for the area, although the greatest confidence was shown by businesses in Yorkshire & the Humber who reported a 29-point rise, making it the most confident region overall. However, businesses in the Midlands saw a significant fall which seems to be an outlier compared to recent results." “Overall, the Barometer across the quarter suggests that we could begin to see more optimistic economic growth in 2024 than seen in recent years, although medium-term challenges remain.” Pricing Insights For the third month out of a possible four, businesses reported a fall in how much they expect to charge for goods and services – however, there could still be signs that inflationary pressures have not fully dissipated. Although only 60% of businesses expect to raise their prices in the next 12 months this is down from 61% in February. The net balance remains high from a longer-term perspective as firms indicate that maintaining or increasing their profit margins remains a key strategic priority. Sector Insights Services confidence fell 5 points to 40%, the first decline since December. That drop, however, was offset by rises in confidence in the manufacturing, retail and construction sectors. The gains in manufacturing (up 1 point to 41%) and construction (up 2 points to 40%) were relatively modest and confidence remained below levels seen at the start of 2024. Firms in the retail sector reported improved confidence (up 5 points to 45%), which was the strongest result for over two years. Paul Gordon, Managing Director for Relationship Management, Lloyds Bank Business & Commercial said: “Businesses have shown remarkable confidence in the first three months of 2024. For the third consecutive month our Business Barometer has shown that confidence among firms remains positive and that they are feeling confident about their prospects in 2024." “It’s similarly pleasing to see a strong set of results across the sectors – particularly in retail which has faced significant challenges over the last couple of years." “The results so far this year suggest that businesses are ready to invest in themselves and feeling optimistic about the economy, and we’re here to support them in any way they need.” Regional insights While the overall UK business confidence level remained steady, there were significant changes at a regional level. Yorkshire & the Humber became the most confident region (60%) with a 29-point rise, while London confidence rose 14 points (52%), after falling in February. The Midlands, however, saw significant negative shifts. Specifically, the West Midlands confidence fell 33 points to register the lowest confidence of any UK nation or region in March (17%), while notable falls were also reported in the East Midlands, Scotland and South West.

In Scotland, monthly home-owning costs have risen 93%, compared to 74% for renting, over the last decade with Scotland being one of only three UK nations or regions where owning a first home is cheaper than renting. The monthly cost of owning a home in Scotland for first-time buyers is now £953, saving owners £424 annually, compared to those renting an equivalent home, according to the latest Bank of Scotland Owning vs Renting Review. The latest analysis, based on the housing costs associated with a mortgage on a three-bed home compared to the average monthly rent of the same property type, found that monthly rental costs in 2023 grew by 8% to £988, while homeowning costs grew by 29% to £953. Since 2013, the monthly home-owning costs have risen 93% with the comparable renting costs up 74%. Graham Blair, Mortgages Director, Bank of Scotland, said: “First-time homeowners in Scotland are savings hundreds of pounds every year - £424 to be precise - compared to those renting in the country." “Getting on the property ladder is a major life goal for so many people and it's a big priority for us to help them get there. However, there are quite a few barriers to making the long-term investment in a property, including higher borrowing costs, alongside less homes available to buy. We're big supporters and participants in the Scottish Government’s affordable home ownership schemes, including shared ownership and the mortgage guarantee scheme, as we want as many first-time buyers as possible to secure a place to call their own.” First-Time Buyer Costs In 2023, the average costs of a home for Scottish first-time buyers was £196,998, with average deposits around 19% of the purchase price, one of the lowest of all UK nations or regions.

The number of UK sectors reporting output growth hit a 10-month high in February, with companies indicating rising demand and spreading business optimism, according to the latest Lloyds Bank UK Sector Tracker. In February, 10 of the 14 UK sectors monitored by the Tracker reported output growth. This was two more than in January (eight), the most since April 2023 (10), and pointed to a broadening out of expansion across the UK economy. Software services – which includes software consulting and data processing firms – saw output grow at the sharpest rate of any sector monitored in February (57.5), closely followed by financial services (57.4), which includes banks, insurers and investment services firms. A reading on the Tracker above 50.0 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50.0 indicates contraction. Meanwhile, technology equipment (43.2) and tourism and recreation (45.7) saw output contract at the fastest rates. Drivers Of Growth Output growth in the service sectors monitored by the Tracker was driven by growing demand. In February, the Tracker’s index for service sector demand, measured by volumes of new business, climbed to 53.5 – its highest level since May 2023. However, in manufacturing, new orders fell for an 11th month in a row (45.4). Tracker data suggests that manufacturing output growth was instead driven by firms running down backlogs of unfinished work, while businesses also indicated they were proactively increasing production in response to an improvement in underlying demand conditions. In February, the net balance of manufacturers that expect their output to be higher in 12 months’ time rose to the highest level since August 2023 as firms reported reduced recession concerns. Supply Chain Disruption Feeds Through To UK Firms Alongside broadening output growth, February data provided further indications that global supply chain disruption, along with wage pressures, were potentially starting to increase costs for UK businesses. In February, the Tracker’s composite index of input price inflation rose to its highest level in six months. This came as more manufacturers reported shipping delays than at any time since September 2022 (mentions of it were 6.36 times the long run average), while the number of businesses reporting rising shipping costs climbed to a 15-month high (4.97 times the long run average). As a result, the rate at which prices charged to customers rose also accelerated marginally in February, albeit less sharply than input costs, suggesting that businesses were not passing the full extent of cost increases onto their clients. Although the Tracker’s measure of wage cost pressures dropped to a four-month low in February (1.47 times the long run average), wages continued to be a cited as a key cost driver. Nikesh Sawjani, Senior UK Economist, Lloyds Bank, said: “Growth is continuing to spread to more and more parts of the UK economy as conditions improve." “This positive momentum, alongside recent GDP data showing the UK economy expanded in January, provides more evidence that early 2024 is less likely to experience the pattern of economic contraction seen in the second half of last year.” Scott Barton, Managing Director, Lloyds Bank Corporate & Institutional Banking, said: “It’s encouraging that we are seeing activity increase across more parts of the UK economy. Moreover, a further rise in output expectations across most sectors suggests these trends have further to go. However, the data also shows that the impact of renewed supply chain disruptions is a headwind that firms will need to carefully navigate." “Similarly, if firms are ramping-up production in anticipation of future demand, it’s critical that they consider how they can build the inventory they need and where to invest in their businesses while still protecting their working capital." “Getting this balance right will mean they can continue to be financially agile and able to mitigate against any sudden movements in the economy or external environment.”

The borough was created on April 1, 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972 when three former districts – Barrow upon Soar Rural District, Loughborough Municipal Borough and Shepshed Urban District – were all abolished. Charnwood was formed, and Charnwood Borough Council followed soon after. To celebrate its golden anniversary, the Council will be highlighting everything that is great about the borough, including its landmarks, open spaces, businesses and its people, on social media and its other online channels. The Council will also be looking back on the past 50 years and is asking people from Charnwood and beyond to take part in the celebrations by sharing their favourite memories, moments or places about Charnwood on social media. Memories shared will be posted on social media channels and will also feature on a designated webpage. The Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Margaret Smidowicz, said: “The 50th anniversary of the formation of Charnwood is the perfect opportunity for the Council to reach out to the fantastic people of the borough and join together in celebrating everything that makes this such a wonderful place." “We want to involve our residents in the celebration of Charnwood and hope that you will share your memories and photographs and stories with us. I am looking forward to seeing your contributions and enjoying a nostalgic insight into what makes Charnwood such an amazing place.” Alongside the Council’s celebrations, Loughborough Library will be hosting their ‘50th Anniversary Exhibition 1974-2024’ from May 9 until July 27, 2024. The exhibition will be hosted in the Local and Family History Centre section of the library and will feature photos and monuments from the past half century. The exhibition has been collated by the Loughborough Library Local Studies Volunteer Group. The Council will also be looking at other opportunities to mark the milestone year.

The latest results from the annual UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS), led by wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation, the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), show that 2023 was a mixed picture for butterflies, with some species soaring while others continued worrying declines. Half the 58 species had a better than average year while the other half were below average at monitored sites. Species that flourished included Chequered Skipper, Brimstone, and Large Blue, which all recorded their best year since the UKBMS began in 1976. Another species recording its best-ever year was the Red Admiral, a migratory species that has begun to overwinter in the UK as the climate has warmed, making it a common visitor across all habitats, including gardens. Its numbers have increased by 318% at monitored sites since 1976. At the other end of the scale were the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and garden favourite the Small Tortoiseshell, recording their lowest numbers in the 48 years of monitoring, declining by 71% and 82%, respectively since 1976. Small Tortoiseshell had its worst year on record in England, second worst in Wales and joint fifth worst in Scotland in 2023, but did really well in Northern Ireland, logging its second best year. The Large Blue, which was reintroduced to the UK after becoming extinct in the 1970s, recorded its best year yet, showing the conservation work with this species is really working. Other species that had a remarkable year include Brown Argus, Marbled White, Comma, Black Hairstreak, and Holly Blue, which all ranked in their top three best years since 1976. On the other hand, Cryptic Wood White, Grizzled Skipper, Pearl-bordered Fritillary, Grayling and Scotch Argus faced significant difficulties. The Green-veined White and Ringlet both had a poor year, perhaps suffering ongoing effects from the drought the previous summer. The UKBMS, which began in 1976, is one of the world's longest-running insect monitoring schemes. Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, said: “Butterfly numbers fluctuate naturally from year to year, largely due to the weather, but the long-term trends of UK butterflies are mainly driven by human activity, including habitat damage and destruction, pesticide use, pollution and climate change. By monitoring long-term butterfly trends we can learn about the impact of climate change and other factors on our native wildlife.” Dr Marc Botham, Butterfly Ecologist at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, added: “Butterflies are an indicator species, meaning they can tell us about the health of the wider environment, which makes the UKBMS data invaluable in assessing the health of our countryside and natural world in general." "The mixed results this year emphasise the need for continued monitoring and conservation efforts to protect these important species and their habitats.” Dr James Heywood, Breeding Bird Survey National Organiser at the British Trust for Ornithology, whose volunteers contribute to the UKBMS, commented: "In 2023, thousands of skilled volunteers monitored a record-breaking 3,316 sites across the UK, gathering valuable data that will help to inform conservation decisions for the future. We are incredibly grateful to each and every one of those people who carry out the monitoring and help us to maintain this highly valuable study.” Chris Tuckett, Chief Officer for Strategy and Impact at JNCC, said: “The evidence produced through environmental monitoring, such as the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme demonstrates the vital role these schemes play in helping us understand the effects of pressures on the natural environment and, equally importantly, how efforts to address these pressures through nature conservation and recovery can be effective in reversing decline." “JNCC has supported these schemes, which involve thousands of dedicated volunteers, for over 30 years, and remains committed to continuing to support them in the future.” The UKBMS now records data on over 3,000 sites per year and the resulting dataset is a crucial resource for understanding changes in insect populations and has provided significant insights into almost all aspects of butterfly ecology. As the UK faces the ongoing challenges posed by climate change and other environmental pressures, the work of the UKBMS and organisations like Butterfly Conservation, the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, the British Trust for Ornithology and JNCC remains essential in monitoring and protecting precious butterfly populations and the habitats they depend on.