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In the realm of flowers and their cultural significance, the poppy stands as a poignant and enduring symbol of remembrance, something that resonates with many of us, especially in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day each Autumn. This unassuming yet vibrant flower has woven itself into the fabric of nations, serving as a tribute to the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in times of war. The poppy's association with remembrance is deeply rooted in history and continues to be a symbol of honour, reflection, and gratitude. The red poppy's association with remembrance can be traced back to World War I, particularly to the famous war poem, "In Flanders Fields" by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. This iconic poem described the poppies growing amid the graves of soldiers in Flanders, a region of Belgium deeply affected by the war. The vivid imagery in McCrae's verses helped establish the poppy as a symbol of remembrance. The Royal British Legion, the British charity dedicated to supporting the armed forces community, played a pivotal role in popularising the red poppy as a symbol of remembrance. Since 1921, they have organized the Poppy Appeal, an annual fundraising campaign that distributes red poppies and raises funds for veterans and their families. The concept of using poppies as a symbol of remembrance quickly spread beyond the borders of the United Kingdom. Today, the red poppy is worn and recognised in many countries around the world during Remembrance Day, Memorial Day, and similar occasions to honour fallen soldiers and those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country through their national service. The world comes together as one to remember the fallen on Remembrance Day, which takes place annually on November 11. The date has specific reference to as it recalls the end of the First World War when hostilities formally ended on 'the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. The choice of the red poppy is not arbitrary; the vibrant red hue symbolises the bloodshed and sacrifice of those who fought in wars, including those that lost their lives in the battlefields of the First World War. This colour, so vivid against the backdrop of green fields, serves as a stark reminder of the cost of conflict and the need to remember the fallen. While the poppy is most commonly associated with remembering the casualties of war, it has also been used to promote peace and reconciliation. The White Poppy, for instance, has been adopted by some as a symbol of non-violence and a desire for a more peaceful world. Poppies, with their historical connection to World War I and their vibrant red petals, continue to be a potent symbol of remembrance. They are a testament to the enduring memory of those who sacrificed their lives for their nations and a reminder that the lessons of history should never be forgotten. As we wear or display the poppy, we pay homage to the fallen and express our commitment to peace and remembrance.

Surrey-based business RJ Advocacy has launched with the aim of providing essential support to those who are struggling with the UK Care System. The complexities of the care system can be overwhelming for many and there’s a real need for advice and support, particularly for those who are vulnerable. Local authorities received 1.37 million requests for support in the last two years from those in later life, and only 43% of those have since received some form of service. This year, an estimated 1.6 million people aged 65+ have unmet needs for care and support and it’s an issue that’s only getting worse. Director Richard Johnson has created RJ Advocacy with the aim of starting to make a change. His personal experience, supporting his father through dementia after his stepmother passed away, inspired his decision to launch a business that could make a difference and offer real support to those in need of his services. Richard commented, “I started RJ Advocacy to help people with navigating the care system and to ensure that their healthcare needs are being met, whatever they may be. Having dealt personally with the current care system and the way it works, I wanted to provide a level of support that’s tailored to individual needs, because every circumstance is different." “From assistance with disputes relating to the social care system or the NHS, to understanding specific needs and requirements and making sure the process works for everyone involved, it’s important to me to support the families who will be impacted as well as those in need of the care itself.” Richard’s professional background with 30 years in financial services, qualifications in long term care insurance and his affiliation with partners such as SOLLA (the Society of Later Life Advisers), affords him the expertise and connections to offer a real quality of support at a time when people need it most. Jane Finnerty, Joint Chair at SOLLA said, “We’re delighted to welcome Richard and RJ Advocacy as an affiliate member of SOLLA. It’s support services like Richard’s that can really make a difference to those in later life, and we’re pleased Richard will be working in partnership with SOLLA accredited advisers, supporting more people with finding the quality of care and advice they deserve.”

54% of employers consider graduates of online and in-person programmes to be equally valuable, a new survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) finds. However, those who have completed a fully in-person programme are more likely to be perceived as having stronger leadership and communication skills compared to those who obtained their degree from an online programme. The Corporate Recruiters Survey by GMAC provides annual insights on hiring trends and skill demands, with the latest report focusing on future workplace skills employers see as growing in importance, as well as how current global trends are affecting hiring decisions worldwide. The report surveys leading global firms, with over half of the sample of employers coming from Fortune 500 companies. Employers worldwide are showing a growing preference towards graduates of in-person programmes over online programmes; compared to last year, they are actually less likely to view graduates of online and in-person programmes equally in their organisation. Indeed, nearly two-thirds of employers (66%) also reported talent from in-person programmes to have stronger leadership, communication, and technical skills than those from online programmes. This comes as more and more universities and schools are offering hybrid or online alternatives to in-person teaching. “As time moves further and further away from the Covid and lockdown era, we’re seeing a small increase in favour of in-person programmes by employers worldwide, especially in the US”, says Europe Regional Director at GMAC, Nalisha Patel. “It’s not that a vast majority of employers see online programmes as a worse education experience for graduates, the preference overall is only slightly higher in favour of in-person programmes. But employers have a perception of graduates, one where the in-person candidate has stronger business acumen than the online candidate.” Employers from Asia and the United States differ from the global average in several aspects. Central or South Asian employers (90%) and East and Southeast Asian employers (71%) believe that online and in-person degrees hold equal value. However, approximately 75% of employers from both regions place higher value on in-person graduates' leadership, communication, and technical skills compared to online graduates. In contrast, only 27% of US employers value both types of degrees equally, which is 2% lower than last year. Although U.S. employers generally prioritise in-person degrees, only 43% believe that in-person graduates have better technical skills than online graduates. Consulting firms tend to have a similar perception to the US. Only 32% of consulting employers view online and in-person degrees equally, and fewer than half say in-person graduates bring more technical skills to their work than online graduates. Other findings in the report highlight communication, data analysis, and strategy expertise as the most essential skills for graduates according to surveyed employers. Moreover, they anticipate that these proficiencies will gain even greater significance in the future, which is characterised by increased global connectivity through even more diverse mediums than at present. As a result, multilingualism, active listening, and cross-cultural competence are also underlined by surveyed employers to become increasingly indispensable over the next five years. The report highlights an opportunity for business schools and graduates to convey their transferable skills to employers, and address where employers may have doubts regarding online programmes. Founded in 1953, GMAC is a non-profit organisation that serves as a global association of leading graduate business schools. For over 20 years now, The Corporate Recruiters Survey has been providing data and insights to graduate business schools and employers. This year, the report came from over 1,000 surveys conducted between January and March 2023, with 34 nationalities represented.

Leading construction consultancy and construction management firm K2, has appointed Paul Franklin as Managing Director, as part of its expansion programme throughout the UK and Europe. K2 is part of the Hanmi Global group of companies, an international PM CM organisation, headquartered in South Korea but with operations globally. Paul, who formerly held a role of Vice President at Britishvolt, will lead the strategic direction for the company’s ongoing growth alongside its board of directors and CEO. Paul brings with him a wealth of experience as a chartered surveyor with a background in business management, mergers & acquisitions, investments, project management and construction. He also draws upon his leadership experience from his former role as an officer in the British Armed Forces. K2 Managing Director, Paul Franklin, said: “This is an exciting time to be joining K2, and I’m delighted to be joining the Hamni Global group. K2 has made significant advances in the last few months, particularly establishing itself in the Northeast of England and securing the SeAH Wind project, the largest of its kind in the world. I look forward to leading the team into the future, as we continue to grow and expand the business in all disciplines and regions.” Founder and CEO of K2, John Setra, added: “Paul’s impressive career spans various roles across the globe. This includes a tenure in the military serving in Afghanistan, as well as delivering Europe’s largest Mercedes-Benz dealership while at Lei Shing Hong Group. We’re thrilled that he has joined our team, helping to take the business to the next level.” For more information on K2, please visit their website here

A UK process filter manufacturer has fabricated and shipped its 100,000th stainless steel cartridge housing after production capacity was boosted through an extensive, ongoing investment programme. Surrey-based Amazon Filters hit the milestone figure as the latest practical output of its ‘quick and able’ manufacturing ethos. The 100,000th unit, a metal fabricated housing like the others in the count, was produced and shipped in response to an order from a global water treatment company. As with all Amazon Filters’ housings, standard or bespoke, the unit is serialised and fully traceable down to its materials, welder and testing data. Neil Pizzey, Amazon Filters Managing Director, said: “Completing our 100,000th unit is a significant milestone for us and one that our whole team can be proud of. We have specifically focused on strengthening our capacity for housing component manufacturing as a key part of our investment strategy. Last year we introduced two semi-automated CNC mills to enable us to do more fabrication in-house and rely less on third parties or sub-contractors." “Greater in-house capacity supports our ‘quick and able’ methodology centred on fast, accurate turn around of customer orders, including complex and bespoke projects, whatever their size and wherever they originate in the world.” As well as new equipment under its £1 million capital investment spend, Amazon Filters has more than doubled the number of staff working on housing component manufacture from six operatives four years ago to 13 now. Team members work in a dedicated production hub at the firm’s Camberley factory processing raw, hardcore metal bars, blocks, sheets and tubes into parts ready for welding and final housing assembly. Tube lengths tend to be three or six metres, weighing up to 130kg and with diameters of 12 or 16 inches. Stored on huge racks, the raw material parts are moved into position for cutting, folding, drilling, marking and other processes using lifting aids including a motorised platform. Most metal is stainless steel but, for some applications, the nickel alloy Hastelloy is the base material. Separate to its metal fabricated housings and so not included in the 100,000th figure, Amazon Filters produces and supplies a range of injection moulded plastic cartridge housings. Founded in 1985, the firm supplies companies of all sizes with housing and filtration systems, including bespoke solutions to individual needs. Customers represent all industries worldwide that rely on process filtration.

School catering has come a long way over the years and it is great to see a week dedicated to showcasing the state of the nation today when it comes to school meals and the education of schoolchildren about all things food, nutrition and diet. National School Meals Week is an annual event that celebrates the importance of nutritious and delicious meals in schools across the country, taking place this week form November 6-10. During this week, schools, students, and communities come together to recognise the significant role that school meals play in the well-being and education of our youth. The primary goal of National School Meals Week is to raise awareness about the critical role school meals play in supporting children's health and academic success. It highlights the efforts of school nutrition professionals who work tirelessly to provide balanced and appetizing meals that meet the nutritional needs of students. These meals not only fuel young minds but also teach healthy eating habits that can last a lifetime. One of the key themes of this week is to showcase the variety and quality of school meals. Schools often host special events, such as taste tests, cooking demonstrations, and themed menus, to engage students and promote the importance of well-balanced nutrition. These activities help break down stereotypes about school lunches and highlight the delicious, nutritious options available to students. National School Meals Week also serves as an opportunity to foster a sense of community and unity. Students, teachers, parents, and school staff come together to celebrate the shared commitment to the well-being of the next generation. It's a time for schools to invite parents and community members to join their children for a meal, encouraging conversations about the importance of nutrition and the value of school meal programmes. Moreover, National School Meals Week often includes educational initiatives, such as workshops and presentations, to emphasise the connection between healthy eating and academic performance. Schools may invite nutrition experts, chefs, and other professionals to share their knowledge and insights with students, fostering a deeper understanding of the impact of nutrition on learning. In recent years, the event has also placed a spotlight on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Many schools now aim to reduce food waste, incorporate locally sourced ingredients, and implement eco-friendly practices in their meal programmes. National School Meals Week serves as a platform to showcase these efforts and promote a broader commitment to sustainability within school cafeterias. Without doubt, National School Meals Week is a vital annual event that shines a light on the significance of school meals in nurturing the health, well-being, and academic success of our students. It fosters a sense of community, encourages healthy eating habits, and celebrates the hard work of school nutrition professionals. By focusing on nutrition, quality, and sustainability, this event underscores the ongoing efforts to provide students with the best possible meals and education about healthy eating.

An alarming new study of workplace leaders describes an environment of unconscious fear in modern-day leadership, leading to toxic culture, stunted growth, performance and productivity, and decision inertia. The global study of 2,500 emerging leaders in corporate businesses by Margot Faraci, an experienced executive leader, author, speaker and leadership coach, of which 1,000 were in the UK, revealed one quarter (23%) of UK leaders are unconsciously creating an environment of fear with direct reports. Globally, this figure rises to one in three (30%), indicating a growing worldwide phenomenon of fearful leadership. Fearful leadership carries significant implications for team morale, performance, and overall well-being within organisations. It’s often attributed to past experiences, creating an ongoing cycle of leadership driven by fear. As a result, fearful leadership, whether conscious or unconscious, is costing UK businesses, and the wider UK economy, a staggering £2.2 billion drop in productivity and performance. Fearful leadership is also creating a culture of mistrust, as while fearful leaders are confident in themselves, half (48%) do not trust their direct reports to handle situations as they arise. Fear-based leaders are defined as those that either always or often experience anxiety, micromanagement, imposter syndrome, anger, unwillingness to receive feedback, hesitancy to speak up, complacency and quiet quitting. These leaders lose 10 hours a week in productivity for their companies, equivalent to £9,545 a year per leader, or £2.2 billion annually. After two decades at some of the world's largest banks, Faraci’s mission is to eradicate fearful leadership in businesses. She works collaboratively with organisations across the UK, US and Australia to replace fear with love as the driving force behind leadership, paving the way for a high-performing and empowering path for emerging managers and leaders. Margot Faraci’s approach – to solve fear with love – harnesses what great leaders have proven throughout history: leveraging our most powerful human emotion is not a 'soft skill' but a commanding shift. It’s a drive to results, your own potential and unleashing the potential of those you lead, without compromising your authenticity or security. To uncover unconscious fear in leadership, the study delved into leaders’ behaviours and experiences. The results are alarming: Nine in 10 (88%) are consistently fearful of being wrong or making mistakes A further 82% consistently feel high pressure to demonstrate value Two in three (67%) are hesitant to speak up with their own point of view Nearly half (45%) are unwilling to give feedback to their direct reports or managers One third (33%) regularly deliver or experience micromanagement Well over a tenth (15%) regularly experience anxiety or nerves surrounding work One in 20 (9%) regularly experience anger or frustration Margot Faraci comments “This reflects what I’ve seen and experienced for decades in leadership: our fear of failure, our fear of being wrong or being outdone has devastating consequences for us personally and for our business performance. Fear shows up in various ways in leadership: being aggressive, avoiding difficult conversations, undermining others or staying small to be safe. All of these behaviours are damaging to the system and ourselves.” Fearful leadership is often rooted in inexperience and a lack of self-confidence, leading to increased stress, fatigue, and impaired decision-making. The consequences of fearful leadership on team morale, well-being, performance, and productivity are clear: One third (33%) of fearful leaders state they regularly witness declines in employee and team performance Two in five (38%) fearful leaders acknowledge there is a decrease in team morale One in five (21%) suffer from strained relationships within their teams A further fifth (21%) also say their ability to be creative is hindered. Faraci adds: “Fear is not the way to lead for performance and engagement. Fear makes leaders work harder than they would otherwise need to, and it has the same effect on everyone around them. Coming to work and performing sustainably is almost impossible in a fearful system." “Fearful Leaders often overcompensate by seeking to over-index compassion and sensitivity, thinking that will increase productivity. But, they don’t actually demonstrate compassionate or sensitive behaviours, instead ramping up either micromanagement, or hands-off management." “To break this cycle requires self-awareness that defaulting to micromanagement and hands-off management squashes compassion and loses the benefits that true compassion can deliver. My question to fearful leaders is: do you love yourself enough to acknowledge your own fear and deal with it?” Causes Of Fearful Leadership The study further reveals that over a third (36%) of fearful leaders attribute their behaviour to a lack of communication in the workplace, while 33% point to a lack of experience, and nearly half (45%) blame existing work culture. Worryingly, a quarter (23%) of fearful leaders admit to fearing displeasing their teams or higher-ups, with 25% feeling they are not key decision-makers and over one in 10 (12%) expressing a sense of hopelessness. Fear-based leaders often draw from past experiences with poor managers to justify their actions, creating an ongoing cycle of fear within business leadership. Many of these emerging leaders have struggled to navigate their own experiences with largely hands-off and unavailable managers: Half (45%) experienced micromanagement from their own managers Three in four (77%) respondents say they feel a lack of trust from their leaders Two thirds (67%) have a hesitancy to speak up in difficult situations Three in five (59%) feel unhappy in their job Over half (58%) also feel resentment towards work While UK fearful leaders attribute their behaviour to past negative experiences, the study found US leaders often leverage fear as a means to drive results. Margot Faraci concludes, "Love leadership is the foundation of high performance and success, loyalty, growth, and love should be at the heart of every decision in business." "Fearful leaders identify the biggest impacts on their leadership ability as being poor communication, inexperience, low confidence and not being a decision maker."

Leicestershire CCC is delighted to announce the appointment of Alfonso Thomas as First Team Head Coach on a two-year contract. Thomas will take permanent charge at Uptonsteel County Ground, while James Taylor will also step up his duties by assuming by the role of Assistant Coach. The announcement follows a successful interim period for the two during the second half of the 2023 campaign, with the duo steering the Foxes to a first List A trophy in 38 years. 46-year-old Thomas joined Leicestershire as Assistant Coach/Lead Bowling Coach in March 2022, before taking over the reins on a temporary basis following Paul Nixon’s departure in June. Alongside Taylor, he led the club to One Day Cup glory, as the Foxes defeated Hampshire in a final-ball thriller at Trent Bridge, while he took the side’s promotion push in the County Championship down to the final fixture of the summer. Thomas possesses a wealth of coaching experience after developing his repertoire with high-profile stints at Kent, Surrey, Hampshire and the West Indies before his arrival in the East Midlands. Discussing his appointment, the South African said: “It wasn’t something that was planned, but after conversations with people close to me and seeing what we started to build last season I thought it’d be a real shame if I didn’t give it a go." “James and I complemented each other really well. We communicated strongly and created an environment for the guys to be the best version of themselves, but also one where they were willing to do it together." “I’m very excited by the squad we’ve assembled. We have an opportunity for this club to play a brand of cricket that’s exciting, one which the people of Leicester can be proud of and that will see people queuing up to watch us play.” Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, said: “Alfonso has shown his capabilities as a Head Coach, and turned a tough time for the club into a successful summer." “Along with James and the backroom team, he got the changing room together and organised a high-performance culture. Alfonso and James have built a solid partnership and we look forward to seeing what they can achieve together with an exciting group of players.” The Club will confirm the completion of its First Team coaching structure in the coming weeks.

In the months leading up to Christmas Carents Room will create, distribute and feature on 2 million medicine bags issued by 1,000 independent pharmacies across England. This initiative benefits individuals collecting medicines for their loved ones, who will be made aware of the support available at The Carents Room. The Carents Room is a health-tech company that provides resources, insights, guides, and access to innovative products and services. It serves as a one-stop-shop for 'Carents' in need. Dr Jackie Gray launched The Carents Room in the Autumn of 2020 to help support those who care for older relatives and friends. Within the last three years, the organisation has grown with support from its partners, Northern Gas Networks and Cadent Gas, the UK Energy Innovation Centre and The Internet of Caring Things®. A Carent® is an individual looking after elderly relatives or friends. There are around four million Carents in the UK, and research consistently shows they do not get the support they need. In their most recent report, the House of Lords Adult Social Care Committee concluded that our health and social care systems would collapse without the support of unpaid carers. It emphasised how invisible and unsupported family carers are. Dr Jackie Gray, the founder of The Carents Room, said, "Having spent decades researching and commissioning older person services, I firmly believe that by being more proactive about helping family carers, we can be better at helping older people stay safe and well and reduce demand on GPs and hospital services”. Eileen Brown, a representative from Northern Gas Networks, said, “By partnering with The Carents Room, we are ‘helping the helpers’ who give their time and energy to look after others. The team at The Carents Room are doing a fantastic job of supporting families and individuals to look after loved ones, friends, and neighbours. We are particularly grateful to the team for the work they do to promote the Priority Services Register, helping us to look after customers who need a little extra help.” With carents often collecting prescriptions for their elderly loved ones, and Age UK estimating that almost four million of those aged over 65 years are taking at least five medicines, a medicine bag was the perfect way to reach out to individuals that need it most. The new medicine bags will now include a recommendation from The Carents Room, encouraging Carents and their elderly relatives to sign up to the Priority Services Register (PSR) free to register. The PSR allows utility companies to provide those on the list with additional help if they are without power, gas or water supply in an emergency or because of planned works.

A mouth-watering new autumn crumble has been launched by Derbyshire-based firm, Stacey’s Bakery. The limited-edition sweet treat encapsulates the flavours of the season in one hearty dessert. Perfected over a number of weeks by David Stacey, managing director of Stacey’s Bakery, alongside the firm’s established baker Kevin Byrne, the new Toffee Apple crumble is the latest addition to the bakery’s range and is available now from its branches in Ilkeston, Heanor and Eastwood. Taking its lead from the season’s traditional toffee apple treats, the new crumble blends a filling of apple and toffee sauce with a crunchy crumble topping that combines ginger, cinnamon, black treacle and oatmeal. The result is a tastebud tantalising dessert that provides a taste of autumn in one delicious hit. The crumble is the second toffee apple inspired product within the firm’s repertoire – customers are also currently enjoying toffee apple pastry crowns. Four generations of bakers have built this family business on tradition and innovation for more than a century. Current head of the firm, David Stacey, said: “There’s something about a traditional autumn crumble that appeals to our desire for comfort food as the weather changes and cooler temperatures sweep in. They’re that little bit of nostalgia that, for many, taps into childhood memories." “Using ‘in season’ bounty is the best way to enjoy flavours that epitomise autumn and our new Toffee Apple Crumble is testament to that”. Toffee Apple Crumble complements the firm’s existing crumble products - apple and also rhubarb. Available in two sizes – individual and family size portions – the products are priced at 90p and £3.40 respectively, and David says they are already flying off the shelves. David Stacey said: “The flavours were first tasted tested on our shop staff who gave these products a firm thumbs up. Customer feedback echoes this response.” Toffee Apple Crumbles are a limited-edition seasonal item, so you’ll need to head to one of the four Stacey’s Bakery Derbyshire stores soon if you want to get your hands on one before they are all gobbled up. The line will soon make way for Christmas products. However, David said that the initial popularity of the new product may mean that, just like the seasonal Thor Cakes, this will become an autumn regular.

Leading Scottish hospitality group Buzzworks is celebrating autumn by launching a range of exciting new Autumn Fork Out Less offers, giving customers the chance to dine out for breakfast for under £5, lunch for under £10 and enjoy two courses for dinner under £15 at some of its most popular venues. The group’s latest offers will be rolled out across its portfolio of restaurants and bars over the next few weeks, allowing customers to enjoy a memorable meal at a price point that’s accessible to all. Launching early November, foodie fans will also be able to enjoy steak night deals for under £15, 2-for-1 pizzas and much more in selected bars and restaurants. Managing Director Kenny Blair said: “We’re delighted to introduce our brand new Autumn Fork Out Less offers and menus, designed to provide exceptional value without compromising on quality or taste." "Many of our guests are looking for affordable dining options as a result of the cost-of-living crisis, and these offers allow them to enjoy a memorable meal at an accessible price point, especially in the lead up to Christmas." “We're confident that our new menus, which feature lots of our customers’ favourite dishes, will be a big hit amongst new and returning guests, catering to a wide range of tastes and ensuring an unforgettable dining experience for all." Each dish is meticulously crafted by Buzzworks' team of skilled chefs, using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to ensure the food is fresh and flavoursome. Featuring many customer favourites from Buzzworks, for breakfast you can enjoy a range of dishes like delicious French toast with fresh berries & sweetened cream, bacon, egg and toast or the ever-popular breakfast combos offering a breakfast roll or cake and coffee, all for under £5. For lunch, customers can dine on light and lovely mains such as crispy tempura or fish goujons both served with fries, chicken Caesar salad, or a freshly prepared sandwich paired with your choice of soup or fries, all for under £10. The new two-course dinner menu will include favourite dishes such as chicken liver and brandy parfait, classic mac and cheese, the Californian chicken burger, and much more. Buzzworks’ Autumn Fork Out Less offers will be available at all participating venues (excluding The Fox and Herringbone) from now until December 14, giving customers ample opportunity to explore and indulge in the seasonal offerings. These latest offers are subject to day and time restrictions and more information including the new menus will be available on each venue’s website. To stay up-to-date, visit their website here

A group of companies developing innovative new medicines for rare diseases, working together through their trade association, is calling for the UK to lead greater collaboration between stakeholders, and uptake of best practice both in the UK and internationally, to improve access to new treatments for patients. The call from the BioIndustry Association (BIA)’s Rare Disease Industry Group (RDIG) is informed by a new report by the BIA, with research provided by global consultancy firm PwC, which has highlighted the progress that has been made in improving access to rare disease treatments in the UK, and the challenges that remain. The report, ‘Evaluating patient access to rare disease treatments’: Insights from the UK and beyond, is based on a series of interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders in the UK rare disease space, including NHS England, NICE, patient groups, clinicians, and industry. The report identifies that the UK lags comparable countries, including France and Germany, on the degree of availability of treatments for rare diseases. Data from the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) show that 59% of rare disease drugs approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) had been reimbursed in England between 2018-2021, and 55% in Scotland. This compares to 86% in Germany and 77% in France, although it ranks above Spain with 52%. Recently, both NICE and the MHRA have announced new ways to increase their collaboration with other HTA bodies and regulators to speed up patients’ access to new medicines, including through the new International Recognition Procedure. To help inform this collaboration, the report identifies successful examples of processes and schemes that help to facilitate access to rare disease drugs in comparable OECD countries that could become international best practice, including in the UK. Steve Bates, Chief Executive of the BIA, said: “The UK has an incredibly strong rare disease community, including the close network of patient advocacy groups, the specialist NHS centres and clinicians, and the leading scientists and academics. By working collaboratively to build on the strong foundations this community has developed, the UK has an opportunity to demonstrate international leadership in improving the lives of people affected by rare diseases. Making sure that patients have timely and broad access to treatments is an essential part of this, and this report provides an important evidence base to inform future reforms in this space.” Stephen Aherne, Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences Leader at PwC UK, said: “Over the past decade, the UK life sciences sector has made significant strides in the development of treatments for rare diseases. Yet many rare disease patients remain underserved with respect to gaining timely access to life changing and life-saving medicines. While significant progress has been made in recent years, it’s important that this momentum is maintained as stakeholders continue to collaborate to address remaining challenges.” Read the full report here: