A little ‘ray of sunshine’ has been born at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire. An Endangered François’ langur was born to mum Lulu and dad Wang in the early hours of Saturday 17 February. In contrast to the adult François’ langurs monochromatic coats, infants are born with shocking orange hair. The flame-coloured monkey, which currently spends most of its time cuddling into Mum’s dark black hair, was born as part of a European Endangered Species Breeding Programme (EEP) - an internationally coordinated conservation initiative which aims to boost the numbers of species that are threatened in the wild. Whipsnade Zookeeper Amanda Robinson said the team were ecstatic when they saw Lulu cradling her bright orange baby at the weekend. Amanda explained: “It’s believed the babies are born with bright orange locks so that parents can easily spot the youngster when they’re being cared for by the troop. Over time this hair will fade to black. The bright orange hair certainly makes it easier for keepers and visitors to spot the new addition!” François’ langurs (Trachypithecus francoisi) are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Native to China and northern Vietnam, their numbers have continued to fall in the wild, making the birth internationally important. Amanda added: “Sadly, in the wild the number of François’ langurs are plummeting, so this newborn really is a ray of sunshine and a sign of hope for the species.” she said. At the François’ langurs habitat, big sister Nguyen has been keen to share parenting responsibilities with Mum and learn to look after a newborn baby. Amanda said: “Nguyen has been staying close to her mum Lulu and giving her a break when she needs to eat or drink. She’s been treating the newborn like it’s her own baby, which is exactly what you’d see in the wild - it shows the eight-year-old has picked up great skills from the older members of the troop.” Conservationists estimate there are only 2,000 of these primates left in the wild. The species faces threats from illegal hunting for their meat and for traditional medicinal purposes. Caring for a back-up population in zoos is vital to protecting their future. ZSL, the conservation charity behind Whipsnade Zoo, works across the world to tackle the illegal wildlife trade, including in Thailand - the largest transport point for the illegal wildlife trade in Southeast Asia. In April, ZSL signed a ground-breaking agreement with the Land Transport Federation of Thailand (LTFT) to help stop the illegal trade of threatened animals - including François’ langurs and other mammals, birds and reptiles, being taken from the wild. Alongside monitoring activities along trade routes, ZSL experts work with the LTFT to increase environmental awareness among the 20,000 companies represented by their 10 member associations, encouraging the adoption of zero-tolerance to illegal wildlife trade practices across the country. The langur troop can be found at Whipsnade Zoo’s brand-new Monkey Forest – which opens to the public on 29 March. Visitors will meet the mischievous monkeys as they journey through Monkey Forest, along with Sulawesi crested macaques, the curled-tusked Babirusa, and the ‘demons of the forest’, the lowland anoa along the way.

Scientists have discovered a way to stop active cancer cells in their tracks – meaning they can then be eliminated by new drug treatments. A collaborative research project between the University of Dundee’s Drug Discovery Unit (DDU) and Queen Mary University of London, has identified chemical compounds, called tool molecules, that can halt active cancer cells. Using these tool molecules forces tumour cells from a specific type of breast cancer into a pro-senescence state – similar to a sleep-like state in which they can no longer divide or cause tumour growth. This condition makes the cancer cells sensitive to a second group of tool molecules, called senolytic drugs, which can eliminate them. It may also ‘uncloak’ the cancer cells, making them visible to the body’s immune system, offering further therapeutic opportunities. Researchers developed this ‘two-punch’ method while looking at basal-like breast cancer (BLBC). A team funded by Barts Charity, and led by Cleo Bishop, Professor of Senescence at Queen Mary University of London and Academic Lead for the Phenotypic Screening Facility, uncovered a pathway to force BLBC cells into pro-senescence. They then collaborated with another team based at the University of Dundee’s Drug Discovery Unit (DDU) to develop tool molecules to promote senescence within the cells. Drug treatments to deliver the ‘second punch’ of cell elimination are currently being developed elsewhere. Professor Bishop, said, “At present, the most common treatments for BLBC are surgery and unsophisticated chemotherapy regimens. Consequently, the lack of possible targets for tailored therapies and the aggressive clinical course means that women with BLBC have a particularly poor prognosis." “Pro-senescence therapies activate a stable cell cycle arrest halting tumour growth, trigger anti-tumour immune responses and expose cancers to novel treatment regimes called senolyitcs.” This research utilised high-content imaging to identify the tool molecules from DDU’s diversity libraries, which have now been selected by pharmaceutical company ValiRx for further evaluation. The University of Dundee has this month signed a five-year agreement with the company, which focuses on early-stage cancer therapeutics and women’s health. The pro-senescent ‘first punch’ tool molecules are the first to enter into a 12 month evaluation phase under this agreement and if successful, could result in a new company being established as a joint venture with all three parties. Charlotte Green, Head of Business Development at the University of Dundee’s Drug Discovery Unit, said, “The one-two punch approach has gained lots of interest in recent years but currently there is no clinical precedent, by moving the project forward with ValiRx we are leading the way in translating the research to the clinic.” Dr Suzy Dilly, CEO of ValiRx said, “The strength of the DDU and research facilities at Dundee are very impressive, and having reviewed multiple projects from teams there over the past year, we believe that this evaluation agreement will be the first of a series of new projects that can be brought into our pipeline.”

Prestigious names are being unveiled for Yorkshire Sustainability Festival 2024 (YSF24) as sustainability guru, Kevin McCloud, will be taking to the speaker stage at The Yorkshire Sustainability Conference later this year, to share his knowledge and passion around sustainable construction and design. Kevin McCloud, who has presented Grand Designs since its launch in 1999, is passionate about and committed to sustainable architecture. In his recent documentary with Mary Portas and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, The Great Climate Fight, McCloud and his co-hosts made clear that the UK Government has a step by step plan to fight climate change, provided by the Climate Change Committee, they’re just simply choosing not to follow it. With bills rising for everyone as the cost-of-living crisis continues to rip through the UK, McCloud advocates for the importance of better standards for new builds which will not only make them more sustainable but will save money on gas and electricity bills for regular people. It’s becoming clear that not only is the transition to a sustainable future vital for the planet but it’s vital for ordinary working people too. Kevin has received an MBE for services to sustainable design and energy-saving property refurbishment and is passionate about making his living space planet friendly. This wealth of knowledge and sheer passion for change will no doubt inspire more businesses and attendees of The Sustainability Conference to be heroes in the sustainability sector themselves. What is the Yorkshire Sustainability Festival? Building on the success of Yorkshire Sustainability Week in 2023, which was the biggest gathering of sustainability professionals in the North of England, Yorkshire Sustainability Festival has evolved and expanded for 2024. This year the series of events are set to be bigger and better, with events being planned in North, East, South and West Yorkshire, to bring to life the biggest sustainability festival in the UK right across the region. With an audience of leaders spanning public, private and third sectors, Yorkshire Sustainability Festival is beginning to become a regional Conference of People (COP). The two week festival of events, starting 10th June 2024 will include The Yorkshire Sustainability Conference, on 18th and 19th June, with headline speaker Kevin McCloud attending day two of the event, focusing on Future Cities at Cloth Hall Court in Leeds. Day one of the conference will be focused around a circular economy with tracks including manufacturing, SME support, economy and finance and waste. The headline speaker will be announced shortly but expect a household name in the world of retail and sustainability. Key sponsors and supporters of the event to date include: Leeds City Council, Alrose Productions, Beyondly, boxxe, Imageco and Severfield. Kate Hutchinson, founder of Yorkshire Sustainability Festival and The Sustainability Conference, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have Kevin McCloud joining us on our Future Cities Conference day as part of Yorkshire Sustainability Festival 2024." "We’re bringing together leaders from the public, private and third sectors all passionate and committed to building a sustainable future for Yorkshire at YSF24. Kevin’s knowledge and passion for sustainability in the built environment will no doubt inspire our regional leaders to work together with our business community to build a truly sustainable Yorkshire.” On extending YSF across the Yorkshire region, Kate Hutchinson added: “The response we received last year was fantastic but a common theme in the feedback was to hold more local events. For 2024, we’re running events right across the region so I’d encourage businesses both big and small to get involved and contribute to the knowledge exchange across the festival to develop and achieve our sustainable development goals both locally, and nationally.” How to get involved in YSF Yorkshire Sustainability Festival offers a range of events to help organisations reduce their carbon emissions, improve their sustainability, and create new business opportunities in the green economy; from roundtable Sustainability Symposiums to a wide range of fringe events, including The Yorkshire Sustainability Conference. As well as attending events across the week, businesses are also invited to organise their own fringe events under the Yorkshire Sustainability Festival banner.

Ahead of Jeremy Hunt’s Spring Budget on Wednesday 6 March, Ross McNally, Chief Executive and Executive Chair of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, highlights the top priorities that members demand the Chancellor address with urgency. Ross said: “Given the huge economic shocks we have seen and the enduring challenges we face, the Chancellor must do everything possible to create a sustainable environment in which businesses can invest and grow." “A Budget package with a focus on skills, tax incentives, business rates reform and support for infrastructure planning would go a long way to achieve that.” Skills “We call on Jeremy Hunt to commit to funding business-led Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) beyond the current 2025 cut-off point to at least 2028." “In our region we have led the research and implementation of the Solent LSIP and played a key role in the Enterprise M3 LSIP. These robust, targeted initiatives are absolutely vital to our regional economy. They will increasingly equip people with essential skills for career success while enabling employers to resolve the critical skills shortages they face in their workplaces." “In helping to coordinate the input of business and the education sector on the development of LSIPs, we know how working together can unlock valuable insights and make a real difference. Already, Hampshire’s further education sector has received millions of pounds’ worth of investment in strategic support for the skills agenda thanks to business cases put forward by our LSIPs." “That activity must not stop now. We still need substantial investment to enhance career progression and improve employability. Mr Hunt must continue to prioritise funding for skills in our region.” Tax “The Budget is a prime opportunity to build on measures introduced in the last Autumn Statement to improve tax breaks and incentives for business at what remains a challenging period in the economy." “Making permanent the system of allowances for capital investment in plant, machinery and IT, so-called full expensing, was a move welcomed by many firms. Now the Chancellor should go further and accelerate help for business." “Specifically, we call on him to lower the VAT rate for the hospitality sector. If he does, this will boost consumer spending, help cashflow for the many SMEs who operate restaurants, pubs, hotels and leisure facilities, and support long-term investment in hospitality skills and employment." “The sector desperately needs a lift because spending has been so constrained. While the government can argue there have been recent cuts to income tax and National Insurance for individuals, much of this has been undermined by frozen tax thresholds." “The combination of high inflation and wage growth has brought millions of taxpayers into higher rate tax brackets. This means that for quite a while now many people have found themselves worse off compared to previous years. A VAT-cut stimulus for hospitality would make their spending more affordable and so unlock growth potential." “As an attractive destination for overseas visitors, Hampshire would also benefit from the introduction of tax-free shopping schemes. This would help our hard-pressed retailers and hospitality providers to compete with other countries and show we are very much open for business.” Business Rates “In surveys over many years, members frequently tell us they have held back on investment plans as a direct result of financial pressure from business rates. And for many, their latest revaluations have left them worse off, not better." “Business rates remain an iniquitous tax on many struggling firms, failing to take into account challenges to profitability or capacity to pay. We therefore call for long-overdue action to reform business rates and finally make it a system that incentivises rather than chokes off growth.” Infrastructure “Many of our members who work in homebuilding, commercial property, infrastructure development and their supply chains, consistently speak of roadblocks in the planning system. Much-needed growth is continually stymied because of limited resource within hard-pressed local planning authorities." “We call on Mr Hunt to match fund a nationwide, industry-led, Chamber-backed scheme designed to make it easier for authorities to employ newly qualified graduates and upskill existing staff. The aim is to increase the pipeline of specialist skills and talent in the planning system." “While this newly launched scheme may not have an immediate impact this year, it will lay the groundwork for expediting planning decisions and stimulating growth in the future. The government can make this happen more quickly by committing its support.”

International legend Tony Hawk once skated at the world-renowned skatepark now listed by Historic Environment Scotland Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has designated Livingston 'Livi' Skatepark as a listed structure at category B. The skatepark, which opened in 1981 and was later extended, achieved international renown within the skate scene from its earliest days due to its scale, ambition and quality. Known for its very deep Double Bowl and finely-tuned transitions, the skatepark is an enduring icon of the Scottish skate and bike scene. ‘Livi’ Skatepark is the earliest surviving purpose-built skatepark in Scotland. Concrete skateparks from this era are increasingly rare across the UK as many have been filled in or demolished. It is also an important example of public enterprise architecture by Livingston Development Corporation built to serve Livingston New Town. Skateboarding originated in 1950s California and became very popular in Scotland during the later 1970s. This is when skateboarder, Kenny Omond, first approached Livingston Development Corporation with the idea for a skatepark. Architect Iain Urquhart designed the skatepark after extensive study of US skateparks and conversations with skateboarders. As a result, the skatepark is an authentic reflection of the skate culture of the 1970-1980s. Omond designed an extension to the skatepark in 1992, a time when very few skateparks were being built. The listing of the structure ensures its significance will inform decisions about its future. Dara Parsons, Head of Designations at Historic Environment Scotland, said: "We are delighted to confirm 'Livi' Skatepark as a listed building after West Lothian Council asked us to consider designation." “Iain Urquhart’s original design is grounded in early skate culture, and the park is known around the world for its pioneering design, the quality of the skating experience, and as a prototype for later concrete skateparks." "We are very grateful for everybody who contributed to our public engagement, which helped us understand the history, design, quality and experiences for those who use the skatepark. Tony Hawk, who skated there back in 1991, described it as ‘a legendary place’, and it is clear that this remains a highly valued creative and social space for the community of Livingston and the skating and biking community." "Through designation, we hope to recognise and protect the best examples of our cultural heritage. Listing Scotland’s oldest skatepark helps demonstrate the variety of our historic environment and especially the important role the built environment of the late 20th century structure has in telling Scotland’s story.” Rick Curran, Secretary at Skateboard Scotland, said: “Skateboard Scotland are pleased to hear that Livingston skatepark is to be designated a listed structure, this designation will help ensure it retains the essence that makes it a famously strong foundation for Scottish skateboarding." "Livi is a beloved, world-renowned skatepark recognised by many for its ground-breaking design, but at 43 years old it is showing considerable signs of age, so we are extremely keen to see the necessary steps taken to ensure this essence is protected for future generations through sympathetic, considered stabilisation and restoration." “We want to thank the skate community for the huge amount of feedback and information they provided to Historic Environment Scotland (HES) as part of the survey last year which has helped them to consider and award this designation.” Lawrence Fitzpatrick, Leader of West Lothian Council, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Livingston Skate Park has been granted B listed status." “Thanks to everyone in the local and skating communities who showed their support for the unique facility during the consultation process." “As the custodians of Livingston Skate Park, we are well aware of the importance of the park, and adding it to the list of Scotland’s significant structures will help ensure it is protected for future generations.”

Former sport student at the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, Tyler Dupree, helped lead Wigan Warriors to victory against Penrith Panthers in the World Club Challenge 2024. Tyler was subbed on in the 18th minute of the game by Wigan Warrior’s Head Coach Matt Peet, with the forward playing a key role in securing the team’s win over Penrith Panthers at the DW stadium on Saturday 24th February 2024. Tyler said about the experience: “Playing in the World Club Challenge was unreal and is the highlight of my career so far. It was fantastic to also be a part of such an historic event for Wigan, as this marks the club’s fifth World Club Challenge win – which is the joint top number of trophies with Sydney Roosters. I’m incredibly excited for what’s to come next in my professional rugby career and the knowledge that I learned throughout my degree regarding recovery, nutrition and performance is ensuring I can be the best player I can be.” In 2023, Tyler was also selected by England Rugby League’s Head Coach, Shaun Wane, to represent England in the International Rugby League 2023. He appeared in the squad for the end-of-season series against Tonga, featuring in the third and final test match at Headingley Stadium. He started his professional rugby career on a six-year scholarship with Salford Red Devils in 2016 and has also played for the likes of Leeds Rhinos, York City Knights, Featherstone Rovers, Batley Bulldogs, Oldham and Widnes Vikings. Tyler completed a Foundation Degree in Applied Sports Performance at the University Centre at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, which helped him develop the skills to refine his performance in professional rugby. Amy O’Keefe, Head of Sport at the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, said: “Tyler has showed incredible talent since the start of his professional rugby career, but what has made him such a successful player is that he backs this up with theoretical knowledge which enables him to constantly improve his performance. These are the tools which we aim to give our students when studying our sports degree, ensuring that either they or the people they are coaching can achieve their full sporting potential.” Former student Lewis Dawson has also gone on to become a match official in professional football, coordinating digital learning content for the Professional Game Match Officials Ltd (PGMOL). A number of students have also gone on to become teachers in sport or have opened their own fitness businesses in the Wakefield district.

Bradford Bulls, in a gesture of goodwill and community spirit, have collaborated with Bradford Scouts to extend a helping hand to communities in Morocco. Through a heartfelt initiative, the Bulls have generously donated playing kits to the Bradford Scouts groups, who, in turn, carried them to Morocco, fostering sportsmanship and camaraderie across borders. The partnership between Bradford Bulls and Bradford Scouts exemplifies the power of collective action in making a positive impact on global communities. By providing playing kits, the Bulls aim to not only support local youth sports but also instill the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship among young athletes in Morocco. The journey of these playing kits from the heart of Bradford to the vibrant streets of Morocco symbolises a shared passion for sports and a commitment to spreading joy beyond geographical boundaries. Through this collaboration, both organisations are reinforcing the importance of community engagement and international solidarity.

A popular local event organised by four artisan businesses is to take place every month through the spring and summer, to celebrate the historic part of Leamington they call home. People are being invited to make tracks to The Old Town Railway Arches next month, for the first in this year’s series of the special days, hosted by the business owners. Arches Day is a free event which includes a line-up of live musicians and DJ sets as well as street food supplied by Nico’s Pizza and Warwick Street Kitchen. The next event, on April 6th, has been organised by four of the businesses which operate out of The Arches on Victoria Business Park - Windmill Hill Brewing Company, BRUBL Beer, Warwickshire Gin Company, Southbound Café - Bar and sister company Vice Motorcycles. Windmill Hill Brewing Company was established six years ago by friends Gavin Leach and Rob Singleton and now brews and sells award-winning seasonal and limited-edition craft ales. Gavin said: "We had a blast running two "Off The Rails" events last year and we're excited this year to be hosting one a month from April - September! We have a brilliant new taproom space in the brewery and can’t wait to share it with everyone who comes down to enjoy this "mini festival" vibe right on your doorstep. Two breweries, a distillery, street food vendors, custom motorbikes and live music - need I say more?" Visitors on the day will also have the opportunity to see motorcycles on display courtesy of Vice Motorcycles. Vice build custom bikes and manufacture parts for Triumph motorbikes. Founder and manager Carl Harris has been based at The Arches for the past seven years and has spent his working life in product design-related industries. He’ll also be bringing his new venture Southbound Café - Bar to the event, selling a choice of French, Spanish and Italian wines and serving cheese and charcuterie, coffee, hot chocolate and pastries. He said: “It all adds up to a great destination for memorable days and nights out with friends or family and lots of choice in food and drink in the alternative railway arches yard.” The Arches has been home to Warwickshire Gin Company, run by Dave Blick, for six years. The award-winning hand-crafted drinks range of five gins and a rum and vodka recipe, are all inspired by historical events, with two more rums soon to launch. They also offer gin tasting experiences. Dave said: “It’s great to see that word is getting around about this event and that it’s becoming a more regular fixture in the calendar. It really is a fun family day that also supports some great small businesses in this part of town, which many people still don’t know about.” The newest Arches tenant is BRUBL Beer, run by Nathan Barnes who moved in after building the business which started life as a home-built garden beer shed in lockdown.

Dedicated dementia carers at Chocolate Works Care Village are celebrating having received ‘The Chief Nurse Adult Social Care – Team Award’ launched in 2021 by NHS England. Steph Bates, Clinical Lead, Robert Magat, Registered Nurse, Mohammed Hajji and Susan Crundell, both Senior Carers look after the wellbeing of residents at Riverside Community, a 29-bed dementia community situated at Chocolate Works Care Village on Bishopthorpe Road, York. The Chief Nurse Adult Social Care Awards are designed to acknowledge and reward the significant and outstanding contribution made by social care workers and nurses in England. The team were praised for their ‘passion’ and ‘dedication’ to ensuring quality of life and care for older people living with dementia. They were also recognised for the ‘complexity’ of the day-to-day role and modelling ‘outstanding care’ by being approachable, reliable, friendly and helpful to ensure both the residents and relatives are being supported. In a virtual award ceremony, the team were presented their award by Deborah Sturdy, Chief Nurse Adult Social Care at NHS England. The ‘Team Award’ celebrates those who go above and beyond their everyday role to provide excellent care, leadership and inspiration to their colleagues and those in their care. The carers at Riverside Community were nominated by Karen Spilsbury, the daughter of parents who were cared for by the award-winning team and a Professor of Nursing at the University of Leeds. Karen said, “Whether in my personal or professional capacity, I was observing what was going on in the community and I think most visitors will notice there is something very special about the team that care for residents at Riverside Community." “I had on heart say this comes down to leadership and I am delighted the team has been recognised for their passion and dedication by such an honorable and prestigious award.” Registered Home Manager at Chocolate Works, Dave Fieldhouse said, “To be recognised on a National level for the hard work and dedication of the team, feels like we are delivering the promise we give to families to provide exceptional care to their loved ones." “It’s a fantastic achievement for Riverside Community and we’ll be raising a glass in due course to all our carers for their ongoing commitment to care at such a high standard.”

For those spending a significant time in hospital, it can often be a challenging and stressful time. With that in mind, improving patient wellbeing is an incredibly important task, one that the East & North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity takes very seriously. Pexhurst is proud to announce that it has teamed up with four local companies to form the ‘Pony Club’ to sponsor this highly rewarding and uplifting new patient experience programme. As part of the sponsorship, Pexhurst help to fund therapy pony visits every three weeks to Lister Hospital in Stevenage throughout 2024. Bringing real joy and putting smiles on the faces of patients and staff alike, the charity’s therapy ponies programme enables patients to receive visits from three adorable therapy ponies, named Charlie, Pickles, and Romeo. These charity-funded visits have been organised by patient experience project co-ordinator Jane Shaw, who highlighted the uplifting benefits for the patients, staff and visitors. She said: “We have had such an incredible response to having the ponies visit us. The surprise and delight on peoples’ faces is so amazing." “Visitors also enjoy the visits – for many it is a welcome opportunity to make a positive memory while their loved one is in hospital.” Stuart Byles, director at Pexhurst commented: “As a business, we are always keen to raise funds for causes which we believe benefit local people in Hertfordshire. After hearing about the wonderful work the charity does and especially the benefits the ponies bring to the patients, we wanted to help in whatever way we could. Such a simple but effective way of brightening up people’s days.”

An East Midlands property investor, which has pledged to revive the country’s high streets, has been granted planning permission to convert the top two floors of a former job centre in Burton on Trent. This first phase of the project will create 25 apartments with the intention of a secondary application to convert the remainder of the building into apartments. ALB Group targeted Burton’s town centre as the next location on its regeneration mission. Crown House in New Street has now been granted planning permission for part. When the first phase refurbishment of the high-profile building is complete, it will be transformed into much needed one- and two-bedroom apartments for the local community. Arran Bailey, managing director at ALB Group, said: “This will be our second project in the town this year and we are excited to bring it to fruition." "The former Job Centre building has stood empty for a few years now - no-one wants to see empty buildings in their town. Our ethos is to revive the country's high streets through the regeneration of high-profile buildings. We have spent the last year looking at the site and working out what the community needs and how we can best transform the building.” ALB is a leading property investment and lettings company with a property portfolio of over £50m. The Nottinghamshire headquartered developer purchased and completed the acquisition of the 55,000 sq. ft building on Friday, December 1. It comes on the back of the firm’s 10-apartment transformation of the space above Oxfam/Peacocks in the town. Work on the former job centre site had already begun under permitted development rights with the top two floors refurbished to provide 25 one- and two-bedroom apartments. The full application for the remaining floors, which is intended to create an additional 50 apartments, will be put forward to the council later. Ed Hall, JV Partner with ALB is spearheading the project, and said: “Once complete, the converted high-end apartments will have appeal across the board but particularly to professionals and first-time buyers." "In addition, the ground floor of the building will be transformed into an amenity space for a residents’ gym and other facilities.” He added: “The appeal of Burton on Trent is self-evident. It is a great commuter town with good access to the M1, Birmingham, Derby and Nottingham. There are already lots of industry and developments taking place in the area”. ALB has championed improvements in town and city centres across the country with recent property purchases in Stoke-on-Trent, Derby, Nottingham, Peterborough, Ipswich, Huddersfield and Birkenhead. The firm’s flagship Bridlesmith Gate regeneration project in Arran Bailey’s hometown of Nottingham, saw great swathes of city centre buildings snapped up by the developer. Using a “rethink and revive” strategy, alongside commercial lease flexibility and affordable rents, areas of the city are now being reinvigorated and attracting niche, independent and national retailers. Arran says that his forward-thinking strategy is a “win win” approach that has benefits for all. He said: “Our innovative strategy creates opportunities for business and communities.”

A multi award-winning micro-brewery in Leamington has opened its doors to a new taproom in the latest chapter of growth. Windmill Hill is looking forward to welcoming visitors to the new-look venue, underneath the Arches at Victoria Business Park, which has been transformed with new custom booth seating, a six-line keg tap wall and a stunning Chesterton Windmill Chandelier centrepiece. Director Gavin Leach has enjoyed success with the brewery since he turned his back on a career in pharmaceuticals to establish the business partner Rob Singleton in 2017. Since then Windmill Hill has gone on to create award-winning seasonal and limited-edition beers, found on sale in an increasing number of independent shops and bars across south Warwickshire. The independent brewery was born out of ‘a desire to create unique beers that both uphold traditional value and utilise expert scientific knowledge.’ Taproom guests can choose from Windmill Hill’s signature range offering a 4.5% ABV Pale Ale; 4% ABV Copper Ale; 6% IPA; 4.5% ABV Lager; 4% ABV Porter; 3.8% ABV Session IPA and 5.3% ABV Weiss Beer in 500ml bottles, as well as seasonal lines. Visitors will also have the chance to purchase 5L mini kegs and gift packs from the taproom shop to take away, as well as branded merchandise, including T-shirts, hoodies, pint glasses, bottle openers and Mini Cool Bags. The brewery will also continue its popular two-hour beer tasting and tour sessions which take place once a month. The Leamington entrepreneur and dad of three, also runs The Barge and Quarterdeck, a popular 60-foot floating bar and pizza kitchen in Stratford’s canal basin. He said: “We're really excited to be opening our brewery doors as a weekly taproom. We've been working hard to create a beautiful space in which to serve our beers exactly where they're made on Neilston Street." “We've been regularly hosting brewery tours, and the feedback we've had has been great. Lots of the tour customers return to experience our brewery again, and have commented regarding opening more often and offering a taproom experience too." “It’s really great to see something you produce from scratch being enjoyed and especially as a small local producer to be able to open up to the public and offer a taproom has been a dream since starting the business.” Just a five-minute walk from Leamington Train Station, the taproom will open on Saturday (March 2nd) and accommodates up to 40 people inside. It welcomes visitors on Friday evenings from 5-10.30pm and Saturdays between 2.30pm and 10.30pm.