Leading UK plant nursery, Johnsons Nurseries Ltd, has supplied 29,000 woodland trees and whips to the 20,000-acre Swinton Estate in Masham, North Yorkshire, to create new woodlands in the north of England. Over 30 varieties of trees were supplied to the Estate, via The DTMS Group, which has been contracted to deliver the landscaping for the project. The varieties included Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies, Sorbus aucuparia, Quercus robur, Salix caprea, and Acer campestre. Trees were specifically selected and sited for water and biodiversity improvements and for their many climate benefits from providing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide to providing resources and habitat to wildlife. Funding for this project has come from the White Rose Forest via their Trees for Climate programme, part of the Government’s Nature for Climate Fund. The White Rose Forest is the Community Forest for North and West Yorkshire and works with landowners, businesses and communities across the region to provide support and funding for woodland creation projects that will benefit communities and the environment. Founded in 1921, Johnsons Nurseries has vast experience in contract growing for hotel developments on a large scale, having provided both Seaham Hall, in Durham, Grantley Hall in Ripon, Another Place in Ullswater and The Torridon, a 5-star luxury Scottish Highland Hotel, with substantial amounts of plants. Johnsons Nurseries’ marketing manager, Eleanor Richardson, said: “We were excited to work on this project in collaboration with the Swinton Estate, The DTMS Group, and the White Rose Forest. Johnsons has over 100 years of experience in sourcing and supplying the highest quality plants, finding the best species suited to our clients’ needs." "The trees that we supplied included a range of native species, from pines to oaks, enhancing the natural beauty of the estate and contributing to improving biodiversity and water quality.” Will Richardson, Forestry Advisor to the Swinton Estate said: “The Swinton Estate have a long-term ambition to increase tree cover by 50% over the next 20 years, creating around 350ha of new mixed woodland and wood pasture. This is driven by a desire to improve sustainability and nature conservation across the estate, sequester carbon and to produce sustainable crops of timber in years to come." "This has been the first phase of this programme, and we are delighted with the contributions made by the White Rose Forest, DTMS as contractors and Johnsons as tree suppliers in helping us to deliver this. We very much look forward to seeing the new woodland thrive and mature over the years.” DTMS Group’s Managing Director, Dan Lazenby added: “We at DTMS were excited to be given the challenge of planting such a substantial quantity of trees with a deadline fast approaching." "The team achieved this despite some very challenging conditions and received positive feedback in the process from our client, Swinton Estate. It was a great scheme to be part of and provided us with opportunities to develop all staff members, including our Horticulture apprentice." "We welcome any opportunities to work alongside fellow local businesses, especially when we are enhancing the environment in the process.”

easyJet and the world’s leading children’s organisation UNICEF have today announced the new phase of their partnership to support UNICEF’s goal of ensuring all children at primary and lower secondary levels are enrolled in school by 2030. easyJet and UNICEF’s ‘Every Child Can Fly’ campaign will raise vital funds to change millions of children’s lives, including contributing to UNICEF's target of providing access to learning opportunities for 114 million children and digital education for 148.6 million children around the world. The onboard collection by easyJet’s cabin crew is now running in time for the busy holiday period, which will see the airline fly over five million customers across its network, who will have the opportunity to donate onboard around 40,000 flights towards the ‘Every Child Can Fly’ campaign and support UNICEF’s work in education. In 2022, 70% of 10-year-olds in low- and middle-income countries could not read and understand simple text. This figure has worsened by 13% since COVID-19 school closures. UNICEF’s education roadmap aims to tackle the current global learning crisis by helping to ensure all children have the right to a quality education, including during emergencies. The new 'Every Child Can Fly' campaign will deliver fundraising efforts in the coming years to support UNICEF’s aspiration to achieve every child's universal right to learn by 2030. Johan Lundgren, easyJet CEO, commented: “We are incredibly proud to be launching our new ‘Every Child Can Fly’ partnership with UNICEF, which will support the delivery of impactful programmes to help children shape their future, alongside UNICEF’s crucial work protecting children in times of emergency." “It has been a privilege to have supported UNICEF for over a decade during which time our customers and crew have raised almost £17 million onboard our flights. I would like to thank any customers who are able to donate this Easter for their kindness and generosity in helping make a real difference to the lives of millions of children around the world.” Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive at The UK National Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) said: “Children around the world are affected by a growing learning crisis. Only 30% of 10-year-olds from low- and middle- income countries can read a simple sentence. Today, more than ever, children and their futures need to be protected." "Thanks to partners such as easyJet, UNICEF works around the clock to support children and build innovative programmes that give the most vulnerable children in accessing their right to learn. I would like to use this opportunity to thank the incredible team at easyJet for continuing to stand by children, as we announce the new phase of our partnership into the coming years. With enhanced access to quality education, every child can fly.” Since 2012, easyJet customers and cabin crew have raised nearly £17 million towards UNICEF’s appeals, enabling the child rights organisation to protect millions of children around the world from disease and keep them safe during emergencies. This includes over £400,000 for children and their families affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria last year, which provided vital funds for UNICEF’s work in the region, and a record-breaking £616,000 in a single month for UNICEF’s Ukraine appeal. The contribution of easyJet customers has already supported UNICEF to reach more than 169 million children to help develop relevant skills and build their futures. Since 2018, a fundraising total of £2.7 million has contributed towards UNICEF’s work to provide every child with an opportunity to access learning. This included providing educational materials such as textbooks and classroom kits to more than 137 million children so that children were able to keep learning, even during a conflict. With the new partnership, easyJet has also become a Founding Member of UNICEF UK’s Emergency Alliance alongside other businesses to support the delivery of UNICEF’s life-saving work in emergency settings. Members will play a key role in ensuring that UNICEF can support children and families before, during, and after an emergency, through financial contributions and awareness raising activities. UNICEF UK is calling on other committed businesses to become members of the Emergency Alliance. Olivia Colman, President at the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), commented: “Since working with UNICEF, I have witnessed the breadth of work that goes into making sure that the most vulnerable children and families are protected." "Whilst children are facing an unimaginable scale of unrest, timely initiatives like the Emergency Alliance offers hope that children will receive the help they need to lead healthy and happy lives.”

Sainsbury’s has revealed its ambitious new targets for decreasing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These have been verified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the global body that sets requirements for and approves emission reduction targets. Back in 2020, Sainsbury’s was one of the first UK retailers to set SBTi validated targets. The retailer had previously committed to reducing its absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 but has now pledged a 68% reduction within the same time frame. Sainsbury’s scope 3 emission reduction target of 30% by 2030 has now been turned into two separate commitments. It’s operational target, which includes areas such as transport, energy use and manufacturing sites, has been increased to 50.4%, demonstrating the retailer’s commitment to tackling GHG emissions generated across its value chain. Then for the first time, following new requirements outlined by the SBTi, Sainsbury’s now has validated targets which focus on scope 3 GHG emissions that come from forests, land and agriculture (FLAG). The retailer has pledged to reduce its FLAG emissions by 36.4% by 2030. Sainsbury’s bold new targets are part of its work towards becoming net zero in its own operations by 2035, and in its value chain by 2050, in line with its commitment to the Paris Agreement of limiting global warming by 1.5°C. Sainsbury’s, along with other signatories of the WWF Retailer Commitment for Nature, has asked its suppliers that are responsible for a high proportion of its scope 3 emissions to get approved science-based targets by the end of 2025. The retailer has also continued to work collaboratively with WRAP and other signatories to identify the biggest opportunities for collective action on emission reduction. Ruth Cranston, Director of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability at Sainsbury’s, said: “Getting our updated targets validated by the SBTi is an important step forward. The effects of climate change are already very real so it’s vital that we act now to reduce emissions and protect and restore nature to help us build a resilient future for all. Our ambition to achieve net zero by 2050 will require transformation across our whole business, supply chains, as well as how we help our customers to make more informed choices. We can't do this alone, so collaboration as an industry will be critical to drive the required change." Catherine David, Director of Behaviour Change and Business Programmes, WRAP said: “We welcome this move by Sainsbury’s, to collaborate on action towards net zero and set clear and validated targets." "We know that to achieve the scale and speed of GHG reductions needed, working to change how we produce and consume food is essential. We are delighted that, as signatories to Courtauld 2030 – a commitment based on collaborating to achieve key environmental targets around sustainable food production - Sainsbury’s are leading by example.” Sainsbury’s has taken big steps in recent years to combat its GHG emissions in its own operations and is also making progress across its value chain. Last month, Sainsbury's was the only UK supermarket to be awarded an A rating for its environmental commitments on climate change by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for the tenth consecutive year. Sainsbury's was also recognised by CDP as a 2023 Supplier Engagement Leader for work engaging with suppliers to tackle climate change. A few ways the retailer has reduced its scope 1 and 2 emissions include: Removing Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and natural gas across its stores through the introduction of more efficient refrigeration systems and use of excess heat from the refrigeration systems to heat the stores Introducing 100% LED lighting across its entire estate, reducing lighting energy consumption by an average of 70% Using 100% renewable electricity across its estate and increasing the amount of on-site generation at its stores Launching its most energy-efficient supermarket in Hook, Hampshire, which uses half the energy of a similar-sized Sainsbury’s store and 25% less electricity Sainsbury’s has also been taking steps to reduce its scope 3 emissions, including: Introducing a new Taste the Difference Aberdeen Angus range in selected stores which offers a 25% lower carbon footprint compared to industry standard, making it the largest low carbon beef range ever produced in the UK Requesting suppliers to disclose their site level emissions and reduction plans through Manufacture 2030 and HIGG (sustainability and analytics platforms) to help identify hotspots and opportunities for decarbonisation in its supply chain Launching Smart Charge, a dedicated EV charging business, which will introduce over 750 bays in more than 100 Sainsbury’s locations by the end of 2024, making it one of the UK’s top five providers of ultra-rapid EV charging, helping to reduce carbon emissions by supporting the uptake of electric vehicles

The world’s leading centre for the study of Scotland’s national poet is being recognised at Buckingham Palace with the highest national Honour in further and higher education. The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes celebrate excellence, innovation and public benefit in work carried out by UK colleges and universities. Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, are to present the Prize to the University of Glasgow in recognition of the scholarship, range and impact of projects undertaken at the Centre for Robert Burns Studies, chiefly Editing and Curating Burns for the 21st Century. Prizes – which showcase the positive impact of research on education, the economy and wider society – are the highest national Honour awarded in UK further and higher education and are granted every two years. They are run by the Royal Anniversary Trust, an independent charity. Speaking outside Buckingham Palace today, academics from the Centre for Robert Burns Studies said: “It is wonderful to see the importance and impact of the Centre for Robert Burns Studies’ scholarship recognised here today. It means a great deal to us that our interdisciplinary work to research and sustain the educational, cultural and economic value of Burns’s phenomenal legacy has been awarded this very great honour. The Queen’s Anniversary Prize also emphasises Glasgow’s standing as a University at the forefront of the study of Scottish Literature and Culture.” Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, who will be presented with the prize on behalf of the University and Centre, said: “Today’s presentation is a testament to the outstanding scholarship our University provides to the world. The Centre for Robert Burns Studies is home to exceptional scholars who have rewritten our understanding and knowledge of Scotland’s national bard. I know they will continue their exceptional scholarship to better understand Scotland’s greatest poet and song writer.” He added: “The University is delighted to have the efforts of its Burns scholars recognised and this wonderful news means that the University of Glasgow now has six Queen’s Anniversary Prizes and has been successful in four of the past six rounds of the Prizes. I am proud of - and grateful to - everyone across the University who has played a part in this success.” Professor Jo Gill, Vice-Principal, and the Head of the College of Arts & Humanities at the University of Glasgow, said: “This prestigious prize deservedly honours the dedication and breadth of work of our world-leading staff and students over the last near two decades. Receiving the highest Honour in UK higher education is a remarkable achievement and reflects the College’s continued and ongoing commitment to support our outstanding research in the Arts and Humanities.” This is the 6th time that the University of Glasgow has won a Queen’s Anniversary Prize. Previously the University won in 1994, 1998, 2013, 2017 and 2021. The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes scheme is unique in the Honours systems in that it is granted to an institution as a whole (irrespective of the area of work recognised). This is the 15th round being celebrated with 22 Prizes awarded. The Prizes are managed by The Royal Anniversary Trust, which is an independent charity. The Trust was established in 1990 to create a national programme of educational activities and other events marking the 40th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession in 1992 and in appreciation of her many years of service as Head of State. Sir Damon Buffini, Chair of Royal Anniversary Trust said: “The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education are an integral part of our national Honours system, shining a light on the groundbreaking work taking place in universities and colleges across the UK. Congratulations.” Born in 1759 in Alloway, Ayrshire, Robert Burns is one of the world’s most celebrated and commemorated poets. His poems and songs have been translated into every major language including Russian, German, French and Chinese. Burns’s influence has extended far beyond Scotland with some 9.5 million people worldwide estimated to attend Burns Suppers annually. Burns’s version of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ – the New Year anthem - has been performed by everyone from Elvis Presley to Jimi Hendrix. In January 2020, a report by the Centre for Robert Burns Studies revealed Scotland’s national bard is worth just over £200 million a year to the Scottish economy and the poet’s brand is worth nearly £140 million annually.

Britain’s most successful female Olympian, Dame Laura Kenny, has today announced her retirement from the Great Britain Cycling Team, bringing down the curtain on an illustrious career spanning five Olympic and seven world titles. Having shown prodigious talent from a young age riding with Welwyn Wheelers, Kenny won her first European title at just 18-years-old in the team pursuit in 2010, and her first world title in the same event the following year. In the run up to the 2012 Olympic Games Kenny won two more world and European titles in the team pursuit and omnium, securing her place in the Team GB squad as London 2012 fever swept the nation. Kenny’s London heroics captured the heart of the nation, as she blazed to two gold medals at just 20 years of age. Alongside Dani Rowe MBE and Joanna Rowsell MBE, Kenny broke the team pursuit world record to take gold over the USA, before showing exceptional skill and maturity once more to secure victory in the omnium three days later. She repeated the double four years later in Rio, winning the team pursuit alongside Rowsell, Katie Archibald MBE and Elinor Barker MBE, and dominating the omnium once more with victories in three of the six events. After the birth of her first son, Albie, in 2017, Kenny showed her famous grit and determination to get back to full fitness for the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games. At the event she was part of another world record-breaking quartet which won silver in the team pursuit, before Kenny made history once more alongside Katie Archibald by winning gold in the women’s Madison, being crowned the first female Olympic champions in the event. With that medal Kenny became Britain’s most successful female Olympian and the first British woman to win golds at three consecutive Olympic Games. She was subsequently awarded a damehood in the 2022 New Year Honours list. On her time with the Great Britain Cycling Team, Dame Laura Kenny said: “British Cycling has been my second family since 2010. I had never moved away from home before and every single member of the team took me under their wing and made me feel at home." “I have been through every step of British Cycling’s pathway and I am so thankful for all the support they have given me over the years. Not only has British Cycling played a huge role in my professional career, it was also where I met my husband, Jason. They supported us into parenthood together and for that I couldn’t be more grateful. " “I will of course miss riding my bike, but I will miss the staff members and my team mates more. From lunch in with the mechanics to endless laps with the best teammates in the world; everyone at British cycling, I thank you. We did this together.” Paying tribute to Kenny, Great Britain Cycling Team Performance Director, Stephen Park CBE, said: “Laura hangs up her wheels as not just one of the sport’s greatest riders, but as one of the greatest sporting talents our country has ever produced. “All who have had the pleasure of watching Laura compete will pay witness to her peerless combination of craft and determination, which propelled her to become Britain’s most successful female Olympian and the first British woman to win gold medals at three consecutive Olympic Games." “Just as impressive, however, is the impact which Laura has had on her fellow riders on the Great Britain Cycling Team and the next generation of Olympic hopefuls. She has been a beacon of inspiration for so many, young and old, and I’m sure that the entire British cycling community will join me in wishing her the very best in the next chapter of her life." “From Welwyn Wheelers and our talent pathway to the very top of the sport, we’re so proud of everything that she has achieved, and I’m sure she will continue to be one of our team’s biggest supporters for many years to come.” Photo credit SWPix.

Lloyds Banking Group has made an annual donation of £35.2 million to its four independent charitable Foundations for 2024. The donation will be split between the Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, the Bank of Scotland Foundation, the Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland and the Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands Foundations, to provide support to vital local services in the communities that they operate. This year’s annual donation of £35.2 million is the largest since 2013 and an increase of 42% on 2023. In total, Lloyds Banking Group has donated £243m million to the Foundations since 2014 to help tackle social disadvantage in the communities that need it most. This includes over £131 million since 2020, at a time when other sources of income for charities are declining, and fundraising is increasingly challenging. The Foundations work with hundreds of small and local charities, providing funding and support to help people overcome complex social issues. In 2023, over 2,400 charities were supported through a mix of grant-making and colleague matched giving for their local fundraising and volunteering. Sir Robin Budenberg, Chair, Lloyds Banking Group: "Our four independent charitable Foundations play an incredibly important role in communities across the UK - maximising the impact of grassroot organisations with direct funding and support." "At a time when the demand for services provided by local charities is higher than ever, we will help protect and enhance their vital work by donating £35 million to the Foundations -our largest annual donation in the past ten years." "This funding will strengthen our Foundations' partnerships with hundreds of small charities across the UK - supporting millions of people who are most in need, and helping Britain prosper."

Younger drivers are more likely than older age groups to favour a subscription service for cars over ownership, according to new research from Deloitte. Key Findings: Gen Z and millennials more likely than others to favour car subscription service over ownership model One in five consumers of all ages (18%) prefer car subscription service and this interest increases among 18-34-year-olds (28%); Nearly a third (32%) of consumers say they would consider purchasing insurance directly from the manufacturer if given the option; Nearly three quarters of consumers (71%) say they expect to spend less than £30,000 for a new or used vehicle; 46% worried about the lack of public electric chargers. Based on responses from over 1,500 UK consumers, Deloitte’s Global Automotive Consumer Study found that whilst over half of consumers (52%) show no interest in car subscription models, one in five consumers of all ages (18%) were in favour and this interest increases significantly among 18-34-year-olds (28%). Jamie Hamilton, automotive partner and head of electric vehicles at Deloitte, said: “Vehicle subscriptions appeal to younger consumers because they provide flexibility and choice. They offer the advantages of having your own personal vehicle without the disadvantages of ownership." “Subscriptions also create a sustainable business model for used cars – increasing vehicle usage and giving consumers the choice to pause their membership when they don’t need their car.” When asked about buying a car, affordability remains a priority for consumers, with 80% who expect to pay less than £400 a month in a subscription for their next used or new vehicle. Meanwhile, nearly a third (32%) of consumers say they would consider purchasing insurance directly from the manufacturer if given the option. Of those consumers, nearly half (46%) said the primary benefit for this would be convenience, with 41% citing cost savings over current providers. Hamilton added: “Car manufacturers and dealers are looking at additional and new potential profit streams including bringing insurance products and subscriptions services inhouse, signalling potential disruption to the current business model." “For consumers, convenience, cost, and flexibility continue to be the most important characteristics when making decisions on their vehicles.” Interest in battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is softening – less than one in ten (9%) said they would prefer a new and used BEV as their next car, down from 11% last year. Recent sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders also shows that some car manufacturers are starting to lag behind their zero emission vehicle targets, which requires at least 22% of new cars to be zero-emission in 2024. More than half (57%) of consumers say that the most significant impact on their decision to purchase a BEV is lower fuel costs. Price remains a key barrier to adoption of BEVs, with nearly three quarters of consumers (71%) saying they expect to spend less than £30,000 for a new or used vehicle. Driving range is also prioritised when making the switch to electric, with a third of consumers (34%) who expect a fully charged BEV to have a driving range of at least 400 miles. Charging infrastructure continues to be a key concern for consumers, with 46% worried about the lack of public electric chargers. Hamilton commented: “One of the biggest issues in the uptake of BEVs alongside charging is affordability, and until we see schemes targeting this specific area, such as used car salary sacrifice arrangements to help stimulate growth, this will continue to deter consumers from making the switch to electric." “For those with access to charging stations, there is a desire for a more convenient payment mechanism, with 66% signalling they would prefer to pay with credit or debit card." “The availability of charging infrastructure however remains an issue, particularly for customers without access to off-street parking. For BEVs to integrate further into everyday life, greater accessibility to public charging points is required. It also needs to be easier for customers to make use of those charging points already in place.”

A partnership between Surrey County Council, Metrobus (Go Ahead), West Sussex County Council, Kent County Council and London Gatwick has won a bid for funding to launch a new fleet of 43 hydrogen powered buses. The Department for Transport has awarded the partnership over £10 million, which combined with £11.6 million from Metrobus (Go Ahead) and almost £3 million from the other partners brings the total for the project to over £24 million. Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said, “I am delighted that we have been successful in our joint bid to fund 43 new hydrogen powered buses. This is great news for Surrey residents and for everyone else travelling in and out of the three counties." “This is part of our continued commitment to make our buses greener following previous investment including £32.3m for more ultra-low and zero emission buses and £6.3m for more ultra-low and zero emission community transport minibuses. A further £9m is being invested in bus priority measures to ensure Surrey buses turn up on time, and £1.4m in improving information for passengers at bus stops." “We also recently launched the Surrey LINK card which gives young people half-price bus travel and expanded our on-demand Surrey Connect bus services to cover areas where there are no fixed bus routes, giving more options to travel by bus for our residents.” The buses will operate across a wide area of Surrey, Sussex and Kent to connect rural areas with local towns and London Gatwick. Destinations will include Caterham, Dorking, Redhill, Burgess Hill, Crawley, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, Horsham, Worthing, Brighton, and Tunbridge Wells. When fully operational, it will be one of the biggest fleets of hydrogen powered buses in the country and the only one operating in rural areas. Nick Hill, Commercial Director, Metrobus said, “We are delighted to be awarded match funding from the government’s ZEBRA 2 fund for 43 new hydrogen buses making our hydrogen fleet one of the biggest in the country. Our contribution to this project is £11.6 million which we consider to be a critical investment in providing zero emission buses on the Metrobus network for our customers." “Buses are one of the most sustainable ways to travel. Hydrogen buses release zero emissions at the tailpipe, helping to reduce carbon emissions and create cleaner air for everyone." “This project is an excellent example of what can be achieved through partnership working by putting the transport needs of local people first.”

Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is proud to announce its latest contributions to the community, focusing on supporting educational and social growth in two Glasgow primary schools, and a youth sports coaching programme. With grants totaling £3,000, the Trust is funding initiatives at St Mary's Primary School in Maryhill, St Joseph’s Primary School near Glasgow City Centre and Winning Scotland, a charity that builds confidence and resilience in Scotland's children and young people. St Joseph’s Primary School, located close to Glasgow City Centre, will receive a grant of £1,000. towards the creation of a school library, a project designed to develop a love of reading among young people. Recognizing the school's diverse linguistic background, with 32 languages spoken among its students, the grant will help purchase books in various languages and essential library furniture. Ciara Lynch, from St Joseph’s Primary expressed the school’s gratitude for the donation. “Reading is crucial for learning and development and yet many children are missing out on the joy of reading and the benefits it brings; we don’t want our young people to miss this opportunity.” "We have 32 different languages spoken in our school so we want to buy books in a range of languages to suit this diverse community; this will have a great impact on our school and young people. A further £500 grant will go to St Mary’s Primary School in Maryhill. This funding aims to alleviate the financial burden on families by supporting the costs associated with the Primary 7 prom, leavers' day out, and the traditional leavers' hoodies. Located in a deprived area of Maryhill, the grant ensures that every child can participate in these significant milestones without financial stress on their families. Kerry Finn, of the St. Mary’s Primary School Parent Council said the donation would make the P7’s last weeks of primary school memorable ones. She said, “I would like to thank the whole team at Allied Vehicles for helping the P7s at St Mary's Primary with costs for leaver events. This will help our families and the children will have an amazing sendoff thanks to Allied Vehicles.” Winning Scotland is a charity that builds confidence and resilience in Scotland's children and young people. The Trust has approved a grant of £1,500 to enhance delivery of a physical activity focused project called ‘On Our Marks’. On Our Marks improves the health, confidence, and life skills of 300 children in Primary 1 and 2 in 10 north Glasgow primary schools - Barlornock, Barmulloch, Chirnsyde, Elmvale, Miltonbank, Saracen, St Catherine’s, St Martin’s, St Monica’s and St Teresa's. The funds from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust will help to mentor and train young sports coaches recruited from sports students at Glasgow Kelvin College. As well as providing a sustainable source of physical activity provision in the local schools, this approach increases the practical knowledge, delivery experience and employability skills of the students, helping them to build networks in their local area and boost future employment prospects. Richard Orr, Director of Partnerships at Winning Scotland thanked the Trust for its support, saying, “We’re thrilled that this support from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust will enable us to continue building our training and mentoring relationship with Glasgow Kelvin College." "Supporting sports students to deliver the On Our Marks physical activity project in local primary schools has multiple benefits – helping children stay fit and healthy, developing the employability skills of students and creating opportunities in the local community.” Gerry Facenna, owner and founder of Allied Vehicles, said of the donations, "We're delighted to support these vital educational and social initiatives in Glasgow's schools and communities. The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is committed to making a positive impact, and it makes me very proud to see our contributions help foster a love of reading, support meaningful school milestones, and promote health and resilience among young people."

Delivery of the new Halifax Leisure Centre has moved a step forward, as the latest designs have been submitted for planning approval. Calderdale Council has refined the designs to ensure the project is financially sustainable whilst delivering fantastic new leisure facilities in a central location, which are accessible and affordable, support people’s health and wellbeing, boost the local economy and contribute to climate action. The revised plans take into account all opportunities to reduce costs in the context of national inflation pressures. They include: 1. A six-lane swimming pool with spectator seating, a learner pool with a viewing and seating area, a refurbished eight-court sports hall, a 120-station fitness suite, two multi-functional studios, a dedicated cycling studio, a children’s soft play and adventure area, a tag game arena and a café and community area. 2. A wet changing village and a Changing Places facility for disabled people, and separate dry change facilities for sports hall and gym use. 3. Energy-efficient, sustainable features to contribute to Calderdale’s Climate Action Plan and the borough’s target for net zero carbon emissions by 2038. For example, air source heat pumps to provide energy-efficient, low-carbon heat. The design updates will be considered as part of a ‘non-material amendment’ to the existing planning application. Subject to approval, the designs will then be developed in more detail. CouncillorTim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Deputy Leader, said: “Moving forward with the Halifax Leisure Centre plans highlights our ongoing commitment to an ambitious future for the town. One where more people can be active and healthy in modern, energy-efficient leisure facilities, which add to the wider regeneration that’s helping Halifax to thrive." “We have balanced this level of ambition with work on cost reduction to keep most of the original designs the same, but with some tweaks that will enable us to deliver this exciting project within the available budget, given the significant financial pressures facing all councils.” Councillor Jenny Lynn, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, added: “We know how important it is to have great leisure facilities in Halifax that all our diverse communities can use and afford." “We are confident that the updated designs for the new Leisure Centre uphold the Active Calderdale mission to get more people active more often, supporting the clear link between physical activity and health and wellbeing, and reducing inequalities.” Calderdale Council was awarded £12.2 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to support the development of the new Halifax Leisure Centre.

The 2024 Bournemouth Area Hotel Association (BAHA) Recognition Awards have officially been launched. Those in the industry will find out who the winners are at a ceremony to be held at Bournemouth’s Marsham Court Hotel in October. The awards celebrate the loyalty and hard work of all staff members across the industry from every level. NFU Mutual New Forest, IOW & Bournemouth agency has been secured as the headline sponsor for the awards. Darren Seward from the agency said: “We are NFU Mutual’s largest hospitality agency in the UK. This sponsorship allows us to give a bit back to the sector. With us, insurance is personal and we understand the issues that hospitality faces." “We look after B&Bs and cafes right through to some of the biggest hotels in the area.” Prior to the official launch at the Captain’s Club Hotel and Spa in Christchurch, Tim Seward, outgoing BAHA chair, handed over the reins to Rosie Radwell at the AGM. He gave an overview of his four years in the hot seat which saw the industry devastated by the Covid pandemic. And latterly a lack of workers and cost of living crisis has put extra pressure on the hospitality sector in the conurbation. Despite the challenging conditions, it was heard how BAHA has been instrumental in delivering government-funded projects. These include staff training, defibrillators being put in hotels, marketing campaigns and the youth mobility scheme to help increase the number hospitality staff. Tim said: “I am proud of what we have achieved together as a committee over the last four years. We are now facing a further challenge with the cost of living; however, we are working collaboratively on solutions to help our industry’s future." “Although we have had many challenges as hoteliers, BAHA has led the way in what I understand has been the biggest journey the association has seen for a number of years, and we should all be proud of what we have accomplished.” New chair Rosie, who runs the Marsham Court Hotel, said: “The committee members volunteer a lot of their time to make the area better for all and the work they have all accomplished over the last four years, under Tim Seward’s leadership, has been immense." “Looking forward, we will continue to build on the work that has been accomplished and will begin exciting new projects. NFU Mutual Bournemouth have agreed to be our sole headline sponsor for the next three years for the BAHA Recognition Awards, which shows what importance they place on them.” Rosie said things she would be focusing on include collaborating with the Destination Management Board (DMB), the four Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and BCP Council - and for the hotel industry to lead the way towards an Accommodation BID. She also wants to create an events calendar for the BCP area, to work more closely with the wider region and make sure it is represented through a Local Visitor Economy Programme (LVEP), and to continue to promote the industry to young people as a career. BAHA’s officers for 2024/25 are: • Chair: Rosie Radwell, Marsham Court Hotel • Vice Chair: Theo Iakimov, Miramar Hotel • Vice Chair: Michael Matthews, Hilton Hotel Bournemouth • President: David Bailey, Hospitality professional • Past Chair: Tim Seward, Holiday Inn Bournemouth • Treasurer: Zoe Westwood The committee for 2024/25 are: • Jacqueline Entwistle, Real Recruitment Solutions • Sandra Graham, Trethowans Solicitors • Tim Lloyd, Captain’s Club Christchurch • Des Simmons, Bournecoast • Andrew Slaney, East Cliff Cottage • Mike Harrison, Hospitality Professional • Darren Seward, NFU Mutual • Carlo De Rosa, Ibis Styles • Eytan Krips, Hotel Collingwood • Dr C. Giousmpasoglou (Babis), Bournemouth University • Claire Clarke, Bournemouth & Poole College • James Dixon-Box, Marsham Court Hotel

Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care has confirmed his retirement from international rugby with 101 caps for England and 15 years of loyal service. The 37-year-old, who has a record 369 Quins appearances, has called time on his Test career after five matches for England during this year’s Guinness Six Nations, including his 100th cap in the 23-22 win over Ireland. Born in Leeds, Care made his England debut at the age of 21, replacing Richard Wigglesworth in the 37-20 defeat to New Zealand in June 2008. A regular in the England squad over the next decade, Care won the Six Nations in 2011, before helping England to the Grand Slam in 2016 and Six Nations title in 2017. He was also a key part of the touring squad that whitewashed Australia in the summer of 2016. Care also featured at two Rugby World Cups, earning selection for England in 2015, before being called-up to the 2023 World Cup in France, making six appearances and helping Steve Borthwick’s side to the World Cup semi-final against South Africa. Retiring as just the sixth men’s player to achieve 100 caps for England, Care hangs up his international boots with 15 tries from his 15 years, alongside three drop-goals. Harlequins Director of Rugby Billy Millard commented: “We’re incredibly proud of Danny and everything he has achieved for England. He’s been the ultimate professional for the past 15 years and worked extremely hard to fight his way back to achieve 101 caps. It’s a huge testament to his character, hard work and professionalism and we congratulate him on a fantastic England career and look forward to his continued impact at Quins.”