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Leading high street retailer, The Works, has created its first Christmas brand campaign, Unwrap Real Value. The multichannel campaign launched on November 6 with a brand ad, and encourages families to focus on the true meaning of Christmas; enjoying priceless moments of joy with one another and putting a smile on kids’ faces without having to break the bank. Real kids are seen reacting naturally, and hilariously, to great value toys, gifts, books, games and makes, each of which is available instore and online this Christmas. Helping to make family finances go further, and to have fantastic fun for less via is especially timely, as the Cost of Living crisis bites for many households, with over half of families worried about affording their celebration, and a third panicking that their Christmas won’t be special due to the need to manage their budgets cleverly. The brand ad was produced by Full Send Studios and directed by Zac Hancock, and will air throughout the festive season across video on demand and other online platforms, with media buying by independent creative agency, Love Sugar Science. Accompanying marketing using the Unwrap Real Value platform includes activity across social media, influencers, instore, and PR in partnership with Manchester agency, Brazen. Simon Peck, Marketing Director at The Works, said: “We know this Christmas will be tough for many families, and that’s why we wanted to bring to life the priceless moments that really matter, as well as showcase our great value products that will help households make the most of their budget in a hilarious and relatable format." “This Christmas campaign – which includes our first brand ad – heralds us supercharging our marketing activity so that families better understand The Works’ role as a high street and online hub for real value across festive shopping missions and occasions including gifting, game night, crafting, cosy nights in, and more.” To unwrap real value with The Works this Christmas, please visit their website here .

The poignant Remembrance Sunday event will return to Queen’s Park in Loughborough on November 12. People will gather at the Carillon Tower, the town’s War Memorial, to honour those who have served and are currently serving in our armed forces. The Carillon Tower was built following the First World War as a memorial to locals who served and lost their lives during the conflict, and in July this year celebrated its centenary with a series of events. The tower was opened on July 22, 1923, with Field Marshall Sir William Robertson hosting the unveiling and the Bishop of Peterborough pronouncing the dedication. This year’s Remembrance Sunday Parade will start from the Market Place at 10.20am and make its way through the town centre and to the Carillon, where the service will start at 10.50am. The Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Margaret Smidowicz, said: “It is an honour to be serving as Mayor of Charnwood at this time of Remembrance. Each year in Charnwood our Remembrance Sunday event is well attended, as our community recognises the importance of remembering the brave people in the UK and Commonwealth who have fought and died for our country in conflicts past and present, all over the world." "I look forward to seeing many people at this poignant, important event.” Councillor Louise Jones, the council’s lead member for Climate Action, Net Zero, Property and Assets with responsibilities for the Armed Forces, said: “The Remembrance service and parade in Loughborough is an important reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by military and civilian servicemen and women in wartime." “Our service ensures that we will remember them, and I know that many people will come down to share the two minutes silence and help to maintain the memory of our fallen heroes." “Please also consider supporting the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal this year. Your generous donations help to financially support families of our military and civilian service people who have lost their lives.” Granby Street car park will be closed on the morning of Remembrance Sunday. People attending and taking part in the parade are encouraged to park in Beehive Lane multi storey car park which is free of charge on Sundays. Loughborough Leisure Centre car park, Browns Lane, is for leisure centre users only. The service will be led by The Reverend Elizabeth York, Acting Chaplain to the Royal British Legion, Loughborough Branch and Chaplain to the Loughborough Schools Foundation, and The Right Reverend Saju Muthalaly, Bishop of Loughborough. Charnwood Borough Council will be live streaming the service as well as providing updates on social media. Other Remembrance Sunday services will take place around the borough. To prevent a build-up people trying to access Queen’s Park through the New Street gates following the parade, the gates will be closed at 10.30am to the public to enable the Civic Party and Community wreath layers to process into the park. It is advisable for the public to access the park through other gates on Granby Street, or Browns Lane. Armistice Day will be commemorated on Saturday, November 11, with a service led by Reverend David Newman at 10.50am held at the Carillon Tower in Queen’s Park, Loughborough. The Last Post will be played and at 11am a two-minute silence will be observed.

Reward Finance Group has announced a pioneering partnership with the Football Mental Health Alliance (FMHA) and England’s County Football Associations (CFAs) to bolster mental health support for all involved in grassroots football. At the heart of this partnership is ‘ The Vault ’, FMHA’s free mental health platform, developed collaboratively by psychologists, coaches, parents, carers, licensed FIFA Agents and ex-pros. The goal is to address mental health challenges in grassroots football in a way that is relatable and easy to understand for everyone, regardless of their level of involvement. Reward’s financial support will facilitate the expansion of The Vault, which offers expert-led, football-themed content such as webinars, podcasts, a mental health playbook and articles that delve into the intersection of mental health and football. Additionally, it provides mental health first aid training and signposting to specific mental health support, all tailored for football clubs to promote open conversations and create a more positive and supportive culture within grassroots football. Danny Matharu, founder of the FMHA and The Vault, said; “We are elated to partner with Reward. They have a culture which recognises the importance of health and wellbeing, demonstrated by the recent launch of their internal Wellness Team, dedicated to supporting colleagues. This approach resonates with our values and we look forward to working together to use the medium of football to promote mental health." “Statistics show that one in four people experience mental health difficulties each year and one in six working-age adults have mental health symptoms at any given time. Mental health conditions often develop early, with 75% of cases emerging by age 18, and men aged 40-49 have the highest suicide rates in the UK." “The Vault is dedicated to creating an inclusive and empowered environment where players, communities, coaches and volunteers can thrive both on and off the field, providing free support for all ages through anonymous sign-up, ensuring confidentiality and comfort. Mental health is a top priority for CFAs across England, and with support from Reward, we can continue to empower the English grassroots game by offering consistent, football-themed mental health tools.” Nick Smith, group managing director of Reward Finance Group said; “Our dedicated focus is promoting positive mental health and wellbeing within our team. Hence, partnering with Danny and the FMHA became a new way to further that aim. The evident lack of mental health support in the football community means this digital suite is a truly innovative development." “Our partnership with the FMHA follows the launch of our 2023-2024 corporate charity partner, Andy’s Man Club , which is a men's suicide prevention charity offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. At Reward, we strive to ignite a meaningful shift in mental health perceptions and to ensure robust support is accessible to those in need.”

The Royal Horticultural Society says that apples will be smaller in number but sweeter in taste this year, following a warm September. Extreme heat and droughts in the UK in 2022 caused stress to apple trees, which has resulted in an inconsistent crop in 2023. While some trees have produced a decent amount of fruit, others are significantly less laden. However, favourable conditions in September have meant that while the British apple harvest may not be abundant this year, apples will be particularly flavoursome. Guy Barter, Chief Horticulturist of the RHS, said: “The last 70 days before picking influence apple flavour and this year the lack of heatwaves in August and good sunshine with some, but not excessive, warmth in September is bringing fruits to maturity with plenty of sugars, some acids and bright colours – all of which make for tasty, appetising fruits.” Monday 2 October marked the start of the 2023/4 British apple season while this weekend the RHS Festival of Flavours continues at RHS Garden Rosemoor and will be celebrating the harvest from their Heritage Devon Apple Orchard. The festival, which is running from 7-8 October, will feature a number of apple focused talks and activities – including a demonstration of how to press apples, and talks by the founder and owner of Sandford Orchards Cider on the history of cider making in Devon, as well as by pomologist Liz Copas on her new book ‘The Lost Orchards’. In addition, visitors can bring in home grown apples for identification and RHS Rosemoor’s edibles team will be giving expert advice on how to grow and cook your own food. There will also be an artisan food and craft market, as well as live music and campfire cooking to get visitors into the festival mood.

Sentiment among SME manufacturers deteriorated sharply in October relative to three months earlier, according to the CBI’s latest SME Trends survey. Output volumes stabilised in the three months to October, following four successive quarters of decline, and volumes are expected to rise moderately over the next three months. However, total new orders flat-lined over the three months to October and are expected to remain unchanged in the next three months. Against this backdrop, SMEs plan to cut investment in buildings and plant & machinery over the year ahead, with around half of respondents citing demand uncertainty as a constraint on capital spending. Investment in innovation is expected to be stable, while spending on training and retraining is expected to increase only slightly. Costs and price pressures have reduced significantly. The pace of growth in average costs per unit of output eased for the sixth consecutive quarter, but remain elevated. The pace of growth in domestic prices also slowed to its weakest in three years, while export selling prices were unchanged. Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, said: “A mood of caution appears to have descended upon SME manufacturers, with domestic orders expected to stall and export orders to drop sharply." “Although firms continue to expect higher output in the near term, rising demand uncertainty is increasingly weighing on investment decisions for the year ahead." “The Chancellor can do his bit to inject more clarity into the environment for future investment by using the forthcoming Autumn Statement to announce he is making full expensing permanent.” The survey, based on the responses of 242 SME manufacturing firms, found: Business sentiment deteriorated sharply in the three months to October (balance of -17% from -2% in July). Export optimism deteriorated at a similar pace to the previous quarter (-22% from -21% in July) Output volumes were broadly unchanged in the quarter to October (balance of +2% from -12% in July) but are expected to rise over the next three months (+9%) Orders or sales were the most commonly cited factor likely to limit output in the next three months (64%, broadly equivalent to 65% in July). The share of firms citing a materials or components shortage has eased for the sixth consecutive quarter (to 26%, broadly equivalent to 28% in July) The share citing a shortage of skilled labour increased (to 36% from 27% in July) and stands well above the long run average (+17%). The share citing credit or finance as a likely limit on output jumped through the quarter (+9% from +5% in July, and the highest since October 2009 – if you exclude the pandemic period). Total new orders were unchanged in the three months to October (balance of +1% from -9% in July) and are expected to remain unchanged in the next three months (0%). Export orders were also unchanged (0% from -13% in July) but are expected to fall sharply in the next three months (-20%). Growth in average costs per unit of output eased for the sixth consecutive quarter (balance of +30% from +49% in July) and costs are expected to rise at a similar pace over the next 3 months (+32%) Growth in domestic selling prices also slowed (balance of +7%, from +18% in July), while export prices were unchanged in the quarter (0% from -4% in July). Both domestic (+10%) and export (+10%) selling prices are expected to rise next quarter. Numbers employed fell for the first time in three years (-7% from +1%). SMEs expect a modest rise in headcount in the next three months (+10%). Investment intentions for the year ahead were mixed. SME manufacturers expect to reduce investment in buildings (-22%, from -6%) and plant & machinery (-10%, from -9%). Investment in training & retraining (+6%, from -2%) and product & process innovation (+3%, from -5%) is expected to rise. The main constraint on investment was uncertainty about demand (cited by 52% of firms, from 43%), followed by inadequate net returns (24%). Meanwhile, the share of firms citing a shortage of labour eased (to 20%) its lowest since April 2021.

Cactus plants have experienced a surge in popularity over recent years, and it's not difficult to see why. These prickly succulents have become more than just a trendy addition to decor; they've captured the hearts of plant enthusiasts and homeowners alike. From their low maintenance to their unique aesthetics, there are several reasons why people are drawn to cactus plants. Remarkable Resilience : Cacti are often celebrated for their extraordinary resilience. Their ability to thrive in arid environments with minimal water makes them an ideal choice for those who may not have a green thumb. People are attracted to the idea of having a plant that can withstand neglect and still flourish, even in the most challenging conditions. Endless Variety : Cacti come in an astonishing array of shapes, sizes, and colours. From the towering Saguaro cactus to the tiny and intricate Mammillaria, the diversity within the cactus family is a source of fascination. Enthusiasts can easily curate their collection, each plant representing a unique work of art crafted by nature. Unique Aesthetics : The unusual appearance of cacti is undeniably captivating. Their spines, often mistaken for leaves, can form intricate patterns and provide a stark contrast to their lush, green flesh. This unique aesthetic quality adds a touch of the exotic to any living space, making cacti an appealing choice for interior decoration. Low Maintenance : Caring for cacti is refreshingly simple. They require minimal watering, making them a perfect choice for busy individuals or those who may not have time for regular plant care. With the right conditions and occasional attention, cacti can thrive for many years, making them an attractive option for those looking for low-maintenance green companions. Symbolic Significance : Cacti have found a place in popular culture as symbols of endurance and strength. The way they withstand harsh conditions resonates with people on a symbolic level. Many individuals are drawn to cacti for the message of resilience and tenacity they represent. Feng Shui and Spiritual Beliefs : In Feng Shui and certain spiritual practices, cacti are believed to bring positive energy into a space. They are considered to ward off negative influences and promote harmony. This adds an additional layer of attraction for those seeking a balanced and serene environment. Cactus plants have etched a place for themselves in the hearts of people for their low-maintenance nature, unique aesthetics, and symbolism. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a first-time plant owner, cacti have a universal appeal that transcends trends. With their remarkable ability to thrive in the harshest of conditions, cactus plants continue to charm and captivate plant lovers around the world, making them an enduring symbol of resilience and beauty and a frequent addition to homes too.

New research from Make UK Modular reveals public backing for greener, more energy efficient homes. Introducing stamp duty incentives for the most energy efficiency homes will ensure the UK is building greener homes for a more sustainable future. Key Findings: Six in ten renters and buyers say that the environmental performance of a new home is important to them. One in two people would pay more upfront for a greener home. Nearly eight in ten people would pay more upfront for a home with lower energy bills. Under 30s see greener homes being of the greatest importance and are more willing to pay more for them. Modular homes are seen as being part of the answer, with more than 25% citing modular homes as environmentally friendly, nearly 30% as efficient, and over 35% as modern. Make UK Modular is calling for a radical approach to stamp duty based on a homes’ energy performance as part of a green housing revolution. A new report by Make UK Modular, in partnership with Octopus Energy, reveals overwhelming backing from the British public for more energy efficient homes. The new report Green Shoots: The future of UK housebuilding shows broad public support for homes that are better for the environment and better for the public’s pocket. Research was carried out by Savanta, surveying 2,300 adults in the UK, using a nationally representative sample, asking their views on greener homes and whether they would be prepared to pay for them. Six in ten home renters and buyers said that the environmental impacts of a new home was important to them, demonstrating the public’s desire for new homes to be more environmentally friendly. This was further underlined by 40% of the public saying it would be willing to pay more upfront if their home was environmentally friendly. By aligning to the Prime Minister’s recently announced net zero approach, the proposed measures would not add additional burdens on households, but instead drive energy efficiency in a way that lowers household bills. This desire to have greener, more sustainable homes was even more in evidence among the next generation of home owners and buyers, with 66% of those surveyed aged between 18 and 30 saying it would be willing to pay more for an environmentally friendly home. With energy bills still higher than in previous years, eight in ten members of the public would be willing to pay more for a home if their energy bills were lowered as a result. This received widespread support but again was particularly the case for those aged between 18 and 30. Modular manufacturers can build greener homes at a competitive price, with many modular companies building homes in the top energy performance band, saving the average family up to £1,000 a year on its energy bills. Octopus Energy has even succeeded in providing a Zero Bills guarantee for five years on highly energy efficient homes which are fitted with low carbon technologies. The energy supplier is already working with a number of Make UK Modular’s members in a bid to deliver 50,000 of these greener, bill-free properties by 2025. Make UK Modular, the trade body for modular housebuilders, is now calling for a green housing revolution to tackle the housing and climate change crisis together. By taking a modern approach to stamp duty based on energy performance, reforming the Affordable Homes Programme and ensuring the planning process fast-tracks greener house building, the Government would unlock the potential for modular homebuilders to build the greener homes for the future that the public are demanding. Daniel Paterson, Director of Government Affairs at Make UK Modular said: “We are on the cusp of a green housing revolution. This report clearly shows wide public demand for modular building methods that reduce the costs to the environment and to household budgets. We now need to see action on the part of government to allow for these greener homes that not only help reduce the carbon cost of construction but help the household pocket too. Government can help today at zero cost to the Treasury by introducing demand side reforms of stamp duty rates, reforming the Affordable Homes Programme allocation for modular builders, and using unspent pledged funding to help improve supply chains.” Michael Cottrell, Zero Bills Homes Director at Octopus Energy said: “The evidence is clear to see: greener homes are fast becoming hot property, and modular manufacturers are particularly well placed to deliver the revolution. When powered by Octopus’ industry-leading smart tariffs, these homes have the potential to radically lower energy bills for consumers – in some cases all the way to zero. We’re now calling on developers of all shapes and sizes to help us make greener, bill-free homes the new standard.”

Brewers Leamington Spa were delighted to be able to support the creation of a large abstract mural completed by Brink Contemporary Arts at Shrubland Street primary school. Albany Smooth Matt masonry was donated to the project to ensure vibrant colour and an excellent finish. The mural was funded by The Arts Council and measures an impressive 33 metres in length. Brink Curator, Tim Robottom worked with the students to produce inspirational sketches, which were then translated into the finished piece. Educational elements were also included to add longevity to the design. Tim said: "We are so grateful to the Arts Council for funding this exciting project, which has enabled us to engage the whole school and create this fantastic work of art." Head Teacher, Nicola Mills said "This has been such a privilege and a fabulous opportunity for our children to work alongside such a local famous community artist. Learning how to take an idea, turn it into a design and seeing how the whole creative process has resulted in a final artistic piece. Thanks to the amazing skills of Tim, the children will be able to see their drawings reflected in this collaborative piece of beautiful art. We are thrilled to have our new art exhibit installed, brightening our playground for parents and children." Brewers are delighted with the outcome adding that "It was a pleasure to be able to support this project and we can’t wait to support Brink Contemporary Arts with future works!"

The world renowned Turner Prize has arrived in Eastbourne and a locally head-quartered family business has helped make the exhibition space worthy of such an event. Towner Eastbourne is hosting the Turner Prize 2023, the world’s leading prize for contemporary art, and Brewers Decorator Centres got involved in supporting this incredible event by donating the paint required for the exhibition space. A range of Albany paints and accompanying sundries were donated to the Eastbourne based Art Museum which is a stone’s throw away from Brewers Head Office, Albany House. Brewers have had a long-standing relationship with Towner Eastbourne, sponsoring various exhibitions and projects over the years and were delighted to help out on this occasion too. The Turner Prize is one of the best-known prizes for the visual arts in the world which aims to promote public debate around new developments in contemporary British art, and there is always a diverse selection of art on display. Established in 1984, the Prize is awarded to a British artist for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work in the previous twelve months. The announcement of the winner of the Turner Prize will take place on 5 December 2023. The Turner Prize winner will be awarded £25,000 with £10,000 awarded to the other shortlisted artists. The Turner Prize exhibition is now open and free to visit at Towner Eastbourne until the 14th of April 2024. Find out more here Photo Credits: Angus Mill, Photographer

Brewers were thrilled to help with a recent project at Swiss Gardens Primary School where they helped to turn the school library into a fantastic space for the schoolchildren to be inspired by. Brewers donated 50L of Albany Vinyl Matt and Albany Durable Matt to completely transform the walls of the library. The library opened its doors to reveal the brand-new space at the beginning of October with a very special guest! Julia Donaldson CBE, author and playwright, well known for writing books such as The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and Stick Man and creating well-loved children’s stories and sparking the imagination of children across the country was on hand to help celebrate the opening. A spokesperson for Brewers added: "We were so thrilled to be able to see the brand-new space and we hope the children love the new library as much as we do!"

Brewers were thrilled to be able to support Crisis, the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. They help people directly out of homelessness and campaign for the changes needed to solve it altogether. Philanthropy Manager at Crisis, Lizzie Tees explains: "We welcome everyone who comes to us for support and each person is treated as an individual, with dignity and respect. We’ve helped thousands of people end their homelessness over the years. Our approach is to focus on the positives – what someone is good at and their interests – rather than what might be holding them back." Earlier this year Crisis’ flagship service centre, London Skylight, moved to a new building at 50 Commercial Street. Brewers Aldgate donated painting and decorating materials to the new building that saved the charity £10,000 as a result. "Skylights are where we work directly with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. We provide practical one-to-one support to help people access benefits, healthcare services, employment opportunities, and more. Our main aim is to relieve the huge pressure of homelessness, by helping people find safe and affordable homes as quickly as possible," Lizzie added. The following products were donated: 460L of Brewers Contract Matt, 20L of Albany Super Primer/Undercoat, 55L of Albany Super Satin, 400L of Albany Acrylic Eggshell, 264 tubes of Brewers Caulks and a range of sundries! The way a space is decorated makes a world of difference for how safe and comfortable a person feels in it. Crisis had to completely renovate the new Skylight, to create a psychologically informed environment, meaning that they consciously considered and adapted the physical spaces to empower and support Crisis members (those the charity work with to end their homelessness) so that they can feel they are in a safe place to get the help they need. Members were involved throughout the renovation and helped to choose the paint colours for the new spaces. Crisis ran interactive focus groups to choose the decorations, during which members spoke about how they had felt when they took their first steps through the Skylight doors. Lizzie concludes: “It has been a joy to work closely with Brewers this year to bring our new Skylight to life. Brewers generously donated all the paint we needed to help make our new home a place where our members will feel safe and welcomed, where they can focus on their journey out of homelessness. Brewers’ donation allowed us to save more than £10,000." "Because of this, we could purchase panic alarms for our meeting rooms, which are vital for keeping everyone in our Skylight comfortable and safe. My gratitude to the Brewer family and all those at Brewers Decorator Centres cannot be overstated, it has been a privilege to have them stand side by side with us in our mission to end homelessness.” Find out more about Crisis and the incredible work they carry out here

New easyJet flights from Southampton Airport to Belfast International have taken off for the first time and were followed by new flights to Glasgow too. easyJet, Europe’s leading airline, has this week launched the first flights on the two new year-round routes from Southampton Airport. Flights to Belfast International and to Glasgow took off this week for the first time, providing customers in the South of England with even greater connectivity to key hubs in Northern Ireland and Scotland, for leisure and business travellers alike. The first flight from Southampton to Belfast international took off for the first time on Sunday 29 October and is now departing up to three times a week on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays. The new route to Glasgow took off from Southampton on Thursday 2 November and will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Saturdays. Both new routes are year-round and will provide stronger domestic connectivity from the South West to these key cities across the UK whether customers are looking for a city break, a convenient business connection or to explore Northern Ireland and Scotland. Great value seats are available to book online from £22.50. Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: "We are delighted to have launched our new services from Southampton to Belfast International and Glasgow, which will provide our customers in the South of England with direct and convenient departures to Northern Ireland and Scotland, making it easier for people to visit more of the fantastic destinations the UK has to offer for leisure or business." Mark Beveridge, Operations Director at Southampton Airport, said: “We are really pleased to welcome easyJet’s first services to Glasgow and Belfast International." “Following the recent completion of the runway extension, we are working hard and speaking regularly with our airline partners to deliver the routes and services the people of Southampton and the wider region deserve.”