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Independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame has expanded its estate with the acquisition of historic seafront pub The Ship Inn in Herne Bay. The addition of the freehold property, which was part of the Stonegate Group portfolio, takes Shepherd Neame’s total of pubs and hotels to 296, across Kent, London and the South East. The Ship Inn will continue to be run by current licensees Alan and Michele Clarke, who already have another Shepherd Neame pub, the Chestfield Barn. The husband and wife team took on The Ship Inn in April this year, and welcomed the change in ownership. Alan said: “We have been running the Chestfield Barn for the past six years, and have always enjoyed a great relationship with Shepherd Neame during that time, so we were really happy to learn that they would be taking on this site as well." “We know Shepherd Neame’s team well, and are confident that we can work together to fulfil our ambitions for the pub.” The Ship Inn is thought to be the oldest building in Herne Bay, with parts dating back to 1385, and was once a renowned smugglers’ haunt. Located on Central Parade, it boasts extensive sea views, particularly from its large terrace area, which is a popular spot for al fresco drinking and dining. Alan said: “Things have been going really well at the Chestfield Barn, so Michele and I had begun looking for another opportunity to expand into a second site, and when The Ship Inn came up earlier this year, we decided to go for it. It is in a fantastic location and there was a huge amount of potential as it had been closed for a while and needed some refurbishment." “We have introduced the elements of our offer which have proved popular at the Chestfield Barn, including creating a delicious new menu of traditional pub classics and light bites. We have received a fantastic welcome from locals and are really pleased with how things are going so far.” Jonathon Swaine, Shepherd Neame’s Managing Director, Pubs, said: “We are delighted to expand our tenanted estate with the acquisition of this characterful pub. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Alan and Michele and supporting them in their efforts to ensure the pub goes from strength to strength.” The Ship Inn is open every day from 12pm, with food served from 12pm to 8.30pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 12pm to 5.30pm on Sunday. For information visit here.

A new truck is set to hit the world stage to thrill families and motorsport fans after digger maker JCB and entertainment giant Monster Jam ® announced a new partnership. The two family companies are joining forces to establish JCB as the official heavy equipment partner of Monster Jam - an alliance which has seen a new truck design added to the Monster Jam fleet known as JCB DIGatron. It was designed in conjunction with JCB’s engineering team and inspired by JCB’s iconic construction equipment and is set to make its debut at Monster Jam in January at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas - the city which is also the site of a proposed new JCB factory announced last month. JCB DIGatron will be driven by reigning Monster Jam World Finals® Racing champion Tristan England at events around the United States, wowing hundreds of thousands of fans. At selected events where DIGatron is participating, JCB will provide equipment to support track construction as well as a JCB 457 wheeled loader for recovery purposes. Juliette Feld Grossman, Chief Operating Officer, Feld Entertainment, said: “The Monster Jam and JCB partnership brings together two long-standing, family businesses that are both committed to providing the highest value to our customers, including performance and innovation. We are excited to welcome JCB into the Monster Jam family.” Alice Bamford, who is daughter of JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford, said: “Our family is delighted by the partnership between Monster Jam and JCB." "Our son, Otis, is the original Monster Jam fan in our family, and it is through his eyes that we realised how incredible it could be to join forces with another family business like Feld Entertainment as both companies share the same values of innovation, dedication, passion, and attention to detail. We are thrilled about the hours of entertainment that JCB DIGatron, with Tristan at the wheel, will bring to children, families, and our customers across North America!” About Monster Jam Unexpected, unscripted, and unforgettable, Monster Jam® features world-class athletes competing for championships on perfectly engineered dirt tracks that push these ever-evolving, state-of-the-art trucks to the limit. Beyond the 350 global live events each year, the Monster Jam brand extends off the track into the home through products, content, and merchandise that keeps the fun alive year-round. For more information, visit MonsterJam.com. About Feld Motor Sports Feld Motor Sports Inc., a subsidiary of Feld Entertainment Inc., is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting specialized arena and stadium-based motorsports entertainment. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Visit monsterjam.com, SupercrossLIVE.com, and feldentertainment.com for more information. About JCB JCB is the world’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment, with plants in the UK, USA, India, China and Brazil. JCB manufactures a range of more than 300 products including Loadall telescopic handlers, backhoe loaders, excavators, wheeled loaders, compact excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, aerial work platforms, rough terrain forklifts, and Fastrac tractors.

Ahead of the opening weekend of the new season, Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR), in partnership with Getty Images, is aiming to change perceptions of women’s rugby by unveiling a curated photo series championing 10 of the game’s stars. The campaign, Powered Differently, shot by Tara Moore for Getty Images, is 100% powered by women to capture the stories of incredible rugby players with a range of backgrounds and unique talents from PWR clubs across the UK. The campaign has been created with an intentional and inclusive lens to visual storytelling for women and girls in sport. The imagery showcases women’s rugby in a new light, highlighting the powerful diversity that exists in the PWR, where any woman can find a representation of themselves on the pitch. This follows Getty Images’ VisualGPS research showing that 7 in 10 British consumers want sports organisations to do a better job at promoting female athletes. The shoot comprised of 10 players, from every team in the league, features, from left to right: Rachel Lund (Gloucester-Hartpury), Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins), Jodie Ounsley (Exeter Chiefs), Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears), Zoe Harrison (Saracens), Abi Burton and Ellie Green (Trailfinders), Detysha Harper (Sale Sharks), Amanda Swartz (Leicester Tigers) and Daisy Hibbert-Jones (Loughborough Lightning). The ambition is to raise the profile of the players beyond their rugby profile, capturing the incredible stories behind each player too. Getty Images guidelines for photographing female athletes prioritise a player-led approach, from conception to execution. The images in the series reveal the unique personalities and incredible stories of the players beyond the game, including Jodie Ounsley who wears a cochlear implant, and Abbie Ward the first player contracted by England to return to playing after having a baby, benefiting from the RFU’s newly installed maternity policy. Shaunagh Brown, Harlequins Women player and former England international comments: “The concept for the campaign is about us as people not just players. It’s really important that we’re able to express ourselves and show a different side and that we’re more than just rugby players. Often you can be found guilty of thinking ‘it’s just another picture what does it matter’, but actually when we see photos that truly represent us, it gives us confidence.” Abi Burton, star of the shoot and player for Trailfinders Women also adds: “I’ve never really done a photo shoot like this before but to work with such amazing photographers, stylists and make-up artists, it’s been such a unique experience. On previous shoots you would usually just wear your rugby kit and that’s about it, this time we’ve been able to express our true selves and people have been willing to listen to how we want to do it too which has been really powerful.” Earlier this year, Belinda Moore was appointed CEO of the PWR, taking responsibility for supercharging the growth of the domestic league. Moore has already led a rebrand of the league from Premiership 15’s to PWR and, together with this campaign, has the ambition to convert the broader momentum in the women’s game into value for the domestic league. Belinda Moore, CEO of Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby comments: “We’re entering a new era of women’s rugby and it’s fair to say that historically there have been a lot of stereotypes around the sport. I think what is so important about this campaign is that it tries to break some of those stereotypes and show off the incredible women that play in the PWR, that look great in their own right and have amazing personal stories." “They’re rugby players first and foremost but they’re also fantastic role models for the next generation of women and girls that can look at these women and say ‘that could be me’, and I think that’s an extraordinarily powerful thing for the sport to do.” Jacqueline Bourke, Senior Director Creative at Getty Images adds: “Breaking down stereotypes around women and girls in sport is a key focus of ours at Getty Images so we were delighted to partner with Premiership Women’s Rugby and bring our deep visual expertise and insights to their campaign.” In addition to the campaign amplifying the players profiles, the PWR has also secured a landmark first broadcast deal with TNT Sports, committing to showing more than 20 live games throughout the season. This means that at least one game will be shown live each game week working to make sure that women’s rugby can make the most of the growing number of women’s sports fans in the UK. The first match of the new season between Bristol Bears and Sale Sharks, kicks-off live on TNT Sports on Saturday 18th November at 12.30pm.

Manchester United plc has announced that Richard Arnold has decided to step down as Chief Executive Officer of Manchester United after 16 years with the club. Patrick Stewart will take over as interim CEO, in addition to his existing role as General Counsel, with Richard continuing to provide transitional support until the end of December. A search process will be carried out for a new permanent CEO. Joel Glazer, Executive Co-Chairman, said: “I would like to thank Richard for his outstanding service to Manchester United over the past 16 years, and wish him all the best for his future endeavours. We are fortunate to be able to call on the deep knowledge and experience of Patrick Stewart to provide interim stability and continuity as we embark on a search for a new permanent CEO.” Richard Arnold, outgoing CEO, said: “It has been an incredible privilege to serve this great football club for the past 16 years. Through highs and lows, the constant has been the dedication of our employees and fans. I would like to thank all of them for their loyalty and commitment and wish everyone associated with the club the very best for the future.” Patrick Stewart said: “Together with my leadership team colleagues, my job will be to ensure that the club’s foundations remain stable while we embrace changes that can make us stronger over the long term, both on and off the pitch, and to support the search for a new permanent CEO.”

Five University of Dundee researchers have been named on a “who’s who” list of the world’s most influential academics. Experts from the University’s Schools of Life Sciences, Medicine, and Business have been named in Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers 2023 list. The annual list identifies researchers who have demonstrated significant influence in their chosen field or fields through the publication of multiple highly cited papers during the last decade. Their names are drawn from the publications that rank in the top 1% by citations for field and publication year in the Web of Science citation index. Of the world’s population of scientists and social scientists, Highly Cited Researchers are just 1 in 1,000, further emphasising Dundee’s achievement as home to five such individuals. The Dundee academics named in the prestigious list are: Professor Albena Dinkova-Kostova (School of Medicine) Professor Graham Hardie (School of Life Sciences) Professor Sudharshan Reddy Paramati (School of Business) Professor John Peters (School of Life Sciences) Professor John Raven (School of Life Sciences) Professor Lisanne Gibson, Vice-Principal (Research), said, “The University of Dundee has a proud track record of championing innovative, ground-breaking research. Our researchers are committed to sharing findings as widely and openly as possible, with this approach reflected through our high citations and reach." “To have our academics included in Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers list is a testament to their abilities and the importance of disseminating their contributions to the global research community.” David Pendlebury, Head of Research Analysis at the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate, said, “The Highly Cited Researchers list identifies and celebrates exceptional individual researchers at the University of Dundee whose significant and broad influence in their fields translates to impact in their research community and innovations that make the world healthier, more sustainable and more secure." “Their contributions resonate far beyond their individual achievements, strengthening the foundation of excellence and innovation in research.” Find more full text and openly available research from University of Dundee on the Discovery Research Portal here

Professor Dario Alessi, of the University of Dundee, has been awarded the Robert A. Pritzker Prize for Leadership in Parkinson’s Research by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), recognising his exceptional research contributions to the disease. Professor Alessi is Director of the Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU) and Professor of Signal Transduction in the University’s School of Life Sciences. The Robert A. Pritzker Prize for Leadership in Parkinson’s Research has been awarded annually by MJFF since 2011. This award to Professor Alessi includes a $200,000 research grant. “It is an incredible honour to receive the Pritzker Prize,” said Professor Alessi. “Having this award funding will be transformational to furthering our progress on Parkinson's research and moving us closer to finding treatments that cure the disease." "It also helps us achieve a key goal in the lab: giving students and other researchers fantastic opportunities to learn about research and become leading experts in this field.” Professor Alessi has a distinguished history as a global leader in the study of kinases, a class of cellular proteins that includes LRRK2, the most frequent cause of inherited Parkinson’s. In addition to running a lab focused on kinase research, he directs the Dundee Signal Transduction Therapy Unit, a collaboration between leading researchers in the University's School of Life Sciences and some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. He also leads an international research network team that explores the biology underlying genetic mutations in Parkinson’s disease. The team is part of the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) initiative, a coordinated research initiative which focuses on accelerating the path to a cure for Parkinson’s disease through collaboration, research-enabling resources and data sharing. Noting Professor Alessi’s work illuminating the pathobiology of the LRRK2 mutation and his pivotal role guiding MJFF’s LRRK2 funding and research strategy, Shalini Padmanabhan, MJFF’s Vice-President, Discovery and Translational Research, said, “Dr. Alessi has trailblazed areas of science that are key to our understanding of the genetics of Parkinson’s disease. This work provided a greater understanding of LRRK2 that is being leveraged in ongoing and future trials of therapies to inhibit LRRK2 and hopefully slow the progression of the disease.” Professor Alessi earned his Bachelor’s and PhD degrees from the University of Birmingham and carried out postdoctoral work at the MRC-PPU at Dundee. He has been a group leader in the MRC-PPU since 1997 and was appointed its director in 2012. He was elected as a member of the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO) in 2005 and as Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (2002), the Royal Society (2008) and of the Academy of Medical Sciences (2012). Throughout his career, he has been honoured with awards, including the EMBO Gold Medal (2005) and the Francis Crick Prize of the Royal Society (2006). This year, he was named as the winner of the prestigious Jeantet-Collen Prize for Translational Medicine and was awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

A milestone director appointment at one of the UK’s most prominent ingredients manufacturers is helping usher in a new era for the family business. Macphie Ltd has appointed Donald MacDonald to the role of Operations Director, overseeing the development of its two manufacturing facilities - Glenbervie near Stonehaven and Tannochside in North Lanarkshire. With Donald taking on oversight of operations, former Site Director, Ed Widdowson, has moved into the role of Strategy & Sustainability Director, and will look to aggressively pursue Macphie’s sustainability goals. Andy Stapley, Macphie CEO, says the appointment and subsequent changes are crucial for the future success of the business: “We’re at a generational crossroads. The business has come through a strong period of growth despite the recent economic challenges and the latest appointments will be instrumental in driving our business forward." “We have signed off a huge investment commitment to overhaul elements of our sites at Glenbervie and Tannochside to boost production and jobs, while also improving upon our sustainability credentials." “It’s also important to invest in talented individuals who will bring fresh ideas and energy to the business and help us to thrive in the market.” The move comes at a pivotal moment for the £70m+ business, and Donald will be leading a programme of works to expand and improve production across both Scottish sites. Originally from Argyll but now living in Glasgow, the father-of-four brings more than 20 years of experience leading operations, supply chain and engineering roles within the food industry. With a background in chemical engineering, Donald has held senior roles at Rio Tinto and Bakkavor. Prior to his move to Macphie he spent four years as Operations Director at Scottish Salmon Company. He said: “It’s been fascinating learning all about Macphie’s large portfolio of products. The global potential is enormous. This is a high-growth, high-ambition company. In many ways it feels like a 50-year-old startup, such is the energy and the appetite for positive change." “In the shorter term we have major investment programmes underway, and I’m getting heavily involved as we expand our manufacturing capacity in Scotland." “One thing I’ve already come to realise is there’s an incredibly strong team of people at Macphie, which has been supplemented in recent years with senior leaders from a range of different backgrounds. I’m delighted to be able to play my part.” Macphie, which has held B Corp certification since 2015, aims to be carbon neutral by 2035 and Ed will be instrumental in laying the groundwork to achieve this target over the next decade. Recently, the firm implemented sustainability incentives including the installation of solar panels at the Tannochside site, and upgraded to high-efficiency boilers across facilities, which is expected to reduce energy usage by 20-25%. As a member of the fourth generation of the Macphie family to run the business, Ed will help ensure that the family-owned company retains its heritage while continuing to innovate under his strategic direction. Ed said: “Donald’s appointment enables me to take on a much more overarching role to set the longer-term direction of the business." “We’re a truly unique business with headquarters in a rural setting like no other, meaning the people we work with are fundamental to everything we do. Its why so many have stayed with us for decades and they will remain a vital part of our success moving forward." “Reward and recognition are critical to our core values. We must continue to attract the best talent, and a key part of that is ensuring our facilities are at the top of the game, which will enable us to continue high-performance, high-quality manufacturing." “Our outlook is really positive and through those investments in people and our sites we are positioning ourselves for the next 50 years of success." Originally founded in 1928 in Glasgow, the company later relocated to Glenbervie, near Stonehaven, in 1973, it has since grown to have 250 employees with revenues of over £70m. The game-changing move to Glenbervie in the seventies came alongside forward-thinking sustainability initiatives by Macphie. In 1974, Macphie began treating the effluent at the Glenbervie site to be used in a sustainable way, which marked the start of an impressive green journey for the food firm – now the site features its very own wind turbines to power the factory sustainably. Sustainability is a key element of the fourth-generation family firm’s philosophy: it was among Scotland’s first businesses to achieve B Corp status in 2015, having successfully demonstrated an unwavering high standard of social and environmental performance. Macphie Ltd is now an internationally renowned ingredients manufacturer, producing a wide range of products across its core categories of sauce, bakery and ice cream inclusions, as well as offering plant-based and gluten-free options. Macphie’s vision is to be the go-to partner for food brands around the world, turning ideas and creativity into practical solutions. Its passion for making life easier for chefs and bakers is reflected in its “simply clever” strapline.

Herbs, often referred to as the green jewels of the plant world, have been an integral part of human civilisation for millennia. These humble plants, with their aromatic leaves and incredible versatility, have played a significant role in culinary, medicinal, and even spiritual traditions across the globe. Let's explore the fascinating world of herbs, delving into their history, diversity, uses, and the revival of interest in these natural wonders. Herbs have a rich history that predates recorded civilisation. In fact, ancient texts from China, Egypt, and India all mention the use of herbs for medicinal purposes. The Greeks and Romans used herbs both for flavouring foods and for their medicinal properties. In the Middle Ages, monastic gardens preserved and cultivated herbs, contributing to their widespread availability. Herbs encompass a vast array of plant species, each with its unique characteristics and properties. Some popular herbs include basil, mint, thyme, and rosemary, but there are countless others, ranging from the familiar to the exotic. From leafy greens to woody shrubs, herbs come in various forms and are known for their fragrant leaves, which are often the key to their use. In the culinary world, herbs are like the magic touch that elevates the flavours of a dish. Whether it's the sweet aroma of basil in a Caprese salad, the zesty kick of coreander in a salsa, or the earthy depth of rosemary on roasted potatoes, herbs add depth and complexity to our favourite recipes. They allow us to experiment with flavours, creating unique and memorable dining experiences. Herbs have been used for their medicinal properties for centuries, and today, this ancient wisdom is being validated by modern science. Herbs like ginger, turmeric, and chamomile have well-documented health benefits, ranging from anti-inflammatory effects to aiding digestion and promoting relaxation. The resurgence of herbal medicine has led to a renewed interest in harnessing the therapeutic potential of these plants. Aromatherapy, a holistic healing approach, relies heavily on the use of essential oils extracted from herbs. Lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint are just a few examples of herbs used to create essential oils with various therapeutic benefits, including stress relief, improved sleep, and pain management. The soothing scents of herbs can have a profound impact on mental and emotional well-being. In recent years, the trend of growing herbs at home has gained momentum. It's a rewarding and sustainable practice that allows individuals to have fresh, organic herbs at their fingertips. Even for those with limited space, windowsill herb gardens offer the opportunity to cultivate a wide variety of herbs. Some of the most commonly grown herbs include: Basil - Known for its vibrant green leaves and sweet, slightly peppery flavour. - Most commonly used in Italian cuisine, especially in pesto sauce. - Medicinally, basil is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Mint - Mint leaves are refreshing and possess a cool, crisp flavour. - Widely used in beverages like mojitos, mint juleps, and herbal teas. - Mint is also known for its digestive benefits and can provide relief from indigestion and nausea. Thyme - Thyme offers a warm, earthy flavour with hints of citrus and pine. - It's a staple in Mediterranean and French cuisines, used in dishes like roasted meats, stews, and soups. - Medicinally, thyme is considered to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Rosemary - Rosemary has aromatic, needle-like leaves and a strong, piney scent and flavour. - A key ingredient in roasts, poultry, and bread recipes, as well as a popular herb for infused oils. - Some studies suggest that rosemary may improve memory and cognitive function. Coriander - Characterised by its bright green, delicate leaves and a citrusy, slightly peppery taste. - A staple in Mexican, Indian, and Thai cuisine, often used in salsas, curries, and salads. - Coriander is also known for its potential to detoxify heavy metals from the body. Parsley - Parsley has vibrant, curly or flat leaves and a mild, fresh, and slightly peppery flavour. - It's a versatile herb used to garnish a wide range of dishes, including soups, salads, and pasta. - Parsley is a good source of vitamins, especially vitamin C and vitamin K. These favourite herbs are not only culinary delights but also offer a wide range of potential health benefits. Their flavours and aromas are deeply intertwined with various global cuisines, and their versatility makes them a must-have in any kitchen, whether you're an aspiring chef or a home cook. Experimenting with these herbs can add depth and complexity to your dishes and enhance your appreciation of the rich world of herbs. Herbs are not just a delightful addition to our gardens and kitchens; they are the embodiment of nature's wisdom, offering a myriad of benefits to our health, well-being, and culinary adventures. As we continue to rediscover the potential of herbs in various aspects of our lives, we are reminded of the profound connection between humanity and the natural world. So, next time you savour a dish infused with the aroma of fresh herbs or soothe your soul with an herbal tea, take a moment to appreciate these green treasures and the rich tapestry of history and culture they represent.

New assessment by conservation charity ZSL reveals the scale of the palm oil industry's traceability gap ahead of EU regulations, despite high ‘Zero Deforestation’ commitments. A new report published by conservation charity ZSL, the latest SPOTT assessment of 100 of the world’s leading palm oil companies offers a glimmer of hope. Over two-thirds of these companies have committed to zero deforestation ahead of the December 2024 rollout of the new European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). While the majority of palm oil companies have committed to tackling deforestation, there's a significant journey ahead towards achieving full sustainability and regulatory compliance. The assessment also revealed that less than 12% of the companies assessed have publicly disclosed the geolocations of their third-party supplier plantations – crucial data for verifying zero deforestation commitments. Imogen Fanning, ZSL’s Sustainable Business Project Analyst, explained: “Oil palm plantations are grown in tropical forest regions, teeming with diverse wildlife. Without the precise geolocation of these plantations, it's exceedingly challenging to verify companies' adherence to their commitments on protecting forests and wildlife." She continued: “The EUDR necessitates plantation geolocations, enabling operators and authorities to cross-reference coordinates with satellite imagery or forest maps, ensuring products adhere to the Regulation’s deforestation-free requirement.” According to SPOTT data, the traceability gaps in the palm oil sector deepen alarmingly up the supply chain. As of 2023, in addition to only 11.5% having disclosed maps for all third-party supplier plantations, which include independent smallholders, only 53.8% of companies had publicly disclosed georeferenced maps of their own estates and a mere 15.9% did so for scheme smallholders – the small-scale farmers managed by those companies. Smallholders contribute up to 30% of the global palm oil supply, and two-thirds of SPOTT-assessed companies source from these producers, making them central to the push for sustainable land management. Imogen noted: “While the EUDR doesn't dictate public map disclosure, it mandates comprehensive mapping of supplier plantations. The limited disclosures on SPOTT indicate a notable shortfall, impeding the verification of sustainable production practices. Such omissions could risk side-lining smallholders, compromising broader sustainable land management efforts." Acknowledging the EUDR’s potential impact, Imogen underscored the critical role of commercial companies in shaping a fair and sustainable future: “Given that the EU is the world’s third largest palm oil importer, its regulations, along with other impending ones, carry weighty implications, particularly for smallholders confronted with market access and equitable pricing challenges. It is imperative for companies to ensure fair compensation and invest in traceability for smallholders. Doing so prevents exclusion from supply chains, promotes sustainable agriculture practices, and supports the livelihoods of these crucial producers." Cultivated on just 6% of global land currently used for vegetable oils, oil palm delivers a staggering 40% of the world's vegetable oil. Hailed by many as a 'super-crop', it is 4 to 10 times more land-efficient than rivals and vital in many products from food to fuel. Yet, its rapid expansion in biodiverse tropical forests has dark shadows: deforestation, habitat loss, and declining biodiversity, alongside the exploitation of local communities. Imogen concluded: “Palm oil holds the potential to be a much more sustainably produced vegetable oil. However, its future hinges on the industry's commitment to refining its production and supply chains. Companies championing traceability and actively backing smallholders not only uphold ethical and environmental values but also unlock avenues to a more expansive, discerning market.” ZSL urgently calls on palm oil companies to map their supplier plantations and actively assist their smallholder suppliers in this endeavour ahead of the EUDR's 2024 implementation. Regardless of their export destinations, by supporting smallholders through plantation mapping, companies can pioneer the transition to a truly verifiably sustainable vegetable oil, guaranteeing no smallholder is left in the shadows. Using ZSL's free online SPOTT platform, downstream businesses and financial institutions are urged to identify and address EUDR-related reporting gaps and actively encourage palm oil companies to elevate their sustainability commitments and ensure verification is made possible through geolocation-based mapping. ZSL believes nature can recover, and that conservation is most effective when driven by science. We call for science to guide all global decisions on environment and biodiversity and build a healthier future for wildlife, people and the planet. Find out more and support ZSL’s world leading, collaborative science and conservation work at www.zsl.org

A cat loving care home resident has been knitting blankets in time for winter - for homeless cats in Leeds rescued by the RSPCA. Leeds local, 79-year-old Barry Hudson a resident at Seacroft Green, has knitted six blankets so far, alongside oven cloths, dish cloths, peg bags, and baby blankets for expecting care staff at the 76-bed home in Seacroft which provides residential, nursing, dementia and working age adult care. A keen knitter, Barry was introduced to his favourite hobby by his mother when he was just 16-years-old. Barry said, “My mother taught me to knit when I was a school-boy. The headmaster at my school wrote to my mother requesting that I should learn to knit at home as it would be therapeutic for me – I’ve not stopped since then!” Care staff at the home reached out to their local RSPCA to arrange for the blankets to be delivered in time for winter. The RSPCA responded with a personalised certificate and medal for Barry to thank him for the warm blankets. Barry has always had a love for animals. As a young boy and only child, he grew up with six cats, six dogs, rabbits and an adopted donkey called Ned. As an adult, Barry had three cats he loved dearly called Bindy, Baby and Fluffy. “I love all animals and want to help them. There are so many animals that need a home – so I want to at least, at the bare minimum make them comfortable.” Wellbeing Team Leader, Sam Enright said, “We’re all amazed at Barry’s passion and commitment to knitting the blankets for the cats. He’s a true inspiration at the home as he not only knits and donates blankets, but he also hosts an annual Christmas concert at the home to also raise money for the RSPCA." “Our wellbeing team are always looking for ways to support residents’ passions and hobbies and we’re delighted we could help Barry fulfil his goal to knit and donate the blankets.”

Barclays is issuing an urgent warning as new data from the bank reveals a 22 per cent increase in money lost to purchase scams during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales last year. Purchase scams, where people buy goods which never arrive or aren’t as advertised, resulted in shoppers losing £970 on average over last year’s Black Friday period. With the bank’s latest research showing that over half (55 per cent) of Brits plan to make purchases during this year’s sales, Barclays is urging shoppers to take precautions, particularly as changes in behaviour – due to increased pressure – can leave them more vulnerable to scams. Barclays research reveals that during Black Friday, 41 per cent of Brits feel pressure to purchase items as quickly as possible to avoid losing out on the best deals, and 42 per cent would gladly buy from unfamiliar sellers if they had particularly good prices, rather than shop on safer and more reputable sites. Additionally, 30 per cent feel the pressure to buy more items than they normally would, to make the most of the deals available. People are also not doing sufficient research before making purchases. Almost nine in ten (91 per cent) Brits don’t check whether the seller is registered on Companies House, and another nine in ten (87 per cent) don’t look to see if a business has a valid address. Additionally, almost half (46 per cent) will not read customer reviews. Dr Peter Brooks, Chief Behavioural Scientist at Barclays, says: “People act differently under pressure, and scammers will take advantage of the way shoppers behave during Black Friday sales." “Sales are typically all about speed, and scammers will play on people’s emotions to instil a sense of time pressure or create a perceived scarcity for an item. They will also bank on people not doing the appropriate due diligence before making a purchase, and getting swept up in the rush and excitement of Black Friday." “Never feel pressured into making a purchase, and if something doesn't feel right, take a step back and ask someone you trust – a family member, friend, or your bank – for advice.” Barclays data shows that social media is now the source of 88 per cent of all purchase scams, and scammers will reel in shoppers by advertising the most in-demand items on these platforms. When it comes to this year’s “most wanted” research from Barclays indicates that a quarter of Brits (25 per cent) will be looking to purchase electronics (e.g. mobile phones, or gaming consoles), 22 per cent will seek designer clothing, and 19 per cent will be on the hunt for beauty products. Sale or Scam? Dr Peter Brooks shares three steps for avoiding being scammed this Black Friday: Pause and take a breath – Whilst it’s easy to get caught up in the madness of Black Friday, it’s important to pause, think, and question whether the deal is too good to be true. Do your research – Next, take a couple of minutes to verify whether the seller is legitimate. Do a background search on the seller’s name, and read any reviews. You can also put the name into Companies House to confirm that it is a legitimate company with a registered address. Get a second opinion – Finally, if you are ever unsure, you should speak to someone you trust for a second opinion, whether it’s a friend, family member, or your bank. Remember – whilst sales may not last a long time, the stress of being scammed can!

Aldi is spreading the festive cheer and bringing together local communities by donating Christmas lunches to those in low-income areas across the UK. Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket is working in partnership with Company Shop Group to provide free Christmas dinners at Community Shops in the run-up to Christmas. Company Shop Group is the UK’s leading redistributor of surplus food and household products. Since the start of this year, Aldi has worked with Company Shop Group to manage surplus stock from all of its Regional Distribution Centres, which are then sold at discounted prices to members. Community Shop is the Group’s award-winning social enterprise, who provide deeply discounted food to low-income communities as well as life-changing development programmes. Community Shop members will be given the opportunity to sign up for the three-course Christmas meal, with around 2,000 free places available. Liz Fox, National Sustainability Director at Aldi UK, said: “Our Regional Distribution Centres work with Company Shop Group all year round, redistributing our surplus stock and donating food to provide affordable groceries for Community Shop members." “This Christmas, we want to do something extra special to show our support, providing Christmas lunch donations to spread some festive joy among those who need it most.” Gary Stott, Executive Chairman at Community Shop, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for Aldi’s generosity. Many of our members will feel the impact of the cost-of-living crisis even more this Christmas and moments like this will help to spread some Christmas cheer and bring our communities together.” To find out more about Company Shop Group and Community Shop visit their website here