The UK’s largest Zoo isn’t monkeying around this Easter, as Whipsnade Zoo promises to transport visitors to the forests of southeast Asia– with the unveiling of Monkey Forest. It will be the first time visitors to the conservation zoo will see Sulawesi crested macaques and François langurs. Visitors will meet the mischievous monkeys as they journey through Monkey Forest, as well as coming face to face with the curled-tusked Babirusa, and ‘demons of the forest’, the lowland anoa along the way. The new macaque habitat is the largest in the UK, covering 11,500m2, equivalent to 44 tennis courts. The habitat will incorporate a woodland of over 100 trees, providing the perfect habitat for the troop to clamber around and explore. Monkey Forest will shine a light on the troop of critically endangered Sulawesi crested macaques who are part of a conservation breeding programme for endangered species. The macaques are one of the most highly intelligent, social and promiscuous group of monkeys, hailing from rainforests on the island of Sulawesi, in Indonesia, and visitors will be able to see their cheeky grins, and observe the troop groom each other and smack their lips in greeting to one another. As well as being highly social, the monkeys are very expressive. Whipsnade’s visitors can try the macaques’ stylish black mohawks on for size and their hilarious facial expressions with funky face props. Those wanting to embrace their inner monkey can have a go at grooming some faux fur and look for fleas! And if the public need a rest from monkeying around, they can plant themselves on the ‘cheeky’ pink-bum themed seating area – in honour of the macaque’s iconic behind. Monkey Forest will also introduce the public to François langurs. Swinging from tree to tree in their woodland forest, the primates, sometimes known as leaf monkeys, will often be seen foraging for snacks around their habitat. And lucky guests may even catch a glimpse of a bright orange headed baby langur, which is often closely clasped to its mother’s chest. Along with these incredible animals Monkey Forest also offers families an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Zoo’s only drive-through habitat, the Passage through Asia – home to free-roaming deer. Children can explore the natural play trail, can they leap like a langur or perhaps balance like a monkey? Monkey Forest has a step free access path with a range of indoor and outdoor viewing areas. The woodland forest setting provides the perfect spot for learning about the threats facing these animals which includes habitat loss due to mining; macaques and langurs being hunted for meat or traditional medicine, as well as being trapped and sold as pets.

Poole Bay Holdings (PBH), a leading direct and digital marketer of a diverse range of products, has launched a marketing graduate scheme. It is designed to attract the best and brightest commercially-minded university leavers who are eager to embark on a career within the industry. PBH was established in Poole, Dorset, in 1993, and has more than 200 staff and sells over 40,000 products to businesses across a range of sectors. Its new scheme is offering graduates hands-on experience, marketing training worth £2,000, student loan contributions, competitive starting salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. Successful candidates will join PBH's existing marketing team and play a pivotal role in launching new websites and expanding product offerings. They will contribute to the growth of PBH's diverse portfolio of businesses and help propel the company forward. Many of the company's most accomplished staff, including members of the board of directors, were originally recruited as graduates. PBH works across numerous sectors including hot and cold therapy, sports first aid, outdoor furniture, cycle racks and shelters, first aid and emergency supplies, hygiene and medical products, and signage. Will Bright, business director, said: “At Poole Bay Holdings we believe in investing in talent and providing opportunities for individuals to thrive and make a real impact." “Our Marketing Graduate Scheme embodies our commitment to nurturing the next generation of marketing leaders who will drive innovation and success within our organisation." “We pride ourselves on being a local success story and we want those on the scheme to advance their careers here.”

A Special Forces soldier who was shot through the neck and is paralysed from the head down has astonished the medical profession by building himself a fast-growing brand – called Bravery. Toby Gutteridge, now 38, was never supposed to live, let alone turn himself into an entrepreneur. He is permanently ventilated and ought to be existing in a hospice-style environment. But he refuses to let his condition stop him. His brand pushes a ‘kick-ass’ philosophy and is unique because of the story behind it. Toby wants to spread the message that anything is possible and people shouldn’t hold back, but go after what they want. Bravery sells various clothing and outdoor products and has been endorsed by football manager Harry Redknapp and a number of other celebrities including SAS TV star Jason Fox. Toby was just 24 in 2009 when he was shot in Afghanistan. His SBS colleagues assumed he was dead. Miraculously he wasn’t, but medics gave him little chance of long-term survival and at one point it was advised that his life support should be turned off. Struggling to come to terms with his situation, the former thrill-seeking adrenaline junky seriously considered taking his own life. But summoning his boyhood motto ‘never will I die’, he made a decision to make the most of his life. He took some GCSEs and A Levels and completed a degree in Operations Management, and in 2016 registered the company name Bravery. It is based in a huge converted warehouse in Poole, Dorset, where there is a café and hub, and the products are also sold through a website. Toby said: “I was into all the thrill-seeking stuff; extreme sports, surfing, dirt bikes - then the injury took it all away. I thought how can I pick myself back up and stay involved in those things? And that was how Bravery was born." “It has given me a new lease of life and a purpose. It is a cool, California-style brand and I want to build it into the next Red Bull. It is a kick-ass, on-trend brand that encourages people to get out and achieve what they want. I have slipped through death’s fingers so many times, I take nothing for granted and I am just grateful. You have to live your best life." “Bravery is about strength of mind and just wanting to contribute to society. I was shot in 2009 and didn’t get out of hospital until the end of 2011. It took me four years to get over the devastation and the dark side of the injury. It got to the point where I wanted to end it all and I was admitted to The Priory. It was hugely frustrating learning patience and re-training my brain. I am permanently ventilated and need 24 hour care. But in 2015 I decided to make something of my life, so I took my exams and started the company while doing a business degree." “I managed to secure funding through loans and grants, found premises in Poole and had a website built." “All the products are unique to Bravery and include surf boards and wetsuits, which all made by leading manufacturers to our design. There are male and female clothing ranges and we sell sunglasses, bracelets backpacks, surf wax, skateboard decks, and we are adding British-made products all the time." “We have a café in the building as a way of getting people in and upstairs are offices where I work from. I also sell my book called ‘Never will I die’, and writing that helped me come to terms with my situation.” Toby lives near Poole with his fiancée Savannah who he met she applied for a job to look after him.

Two farmers’ markets in Staffordshire will welcome some big guests in March as part of the world’s largest gathering of Shire horses. Shoppers at Stone Farmers’ Market on Saturday 2nd March and Stafford Farmers’ Market on Saturday 9th March will get to meet magnificent Shire horses who are helping to spread news about the National Shire Horse Show. The big show, which is the flagship event of the Shire Horse Society charity, is taking place at Staffordshire Showground from Friday 8th March until Sunday 10th March. Organisers are hoping to encourage as many members of the public as possible to attend and support the event. Shire horse Mordearg Pendragon, an 11-year-old grey gelding, who was born and bred in Staffordshire, will be at Stone Farmers’ Market on 2nd March from 10am, with the Mayor of Stafford Borough Councillor Andy Cooper welcoming him at 10.30am. On Saturday 9th March the Hook Norton Brewery dray and Shires Brigadier and Balmoral will be at Stafford Farmers’ Market between 9am and 11am with Councillor Cooper greeting them at 10.30am. The Mayor and Mayoress of Stafford Borough, Councillor Andy Cooper and Mrs Judy Cooper, will also be visiting the Shire Horse Show on Sunday 10th March. Victoria Clayton, CEO of the Shire Horse Society, said: “The National Shire Horse Show is our biggest annual event. It’s the opportunity for Shire horse owners to showcase the breed and for members of the public to find out more about these beautiful animals." "Fewer than 300 new Shire horse foals are registered every year, and the breed is still on the Rare Breed Survival Trust’s endangered breed list, despite seeing a resurgence in popularity in recent years. So it’s so important that we continue work to promote and preserve Shire horses." “We’re delighted to announce that Shires will be attending the farmers’ markets in Stone and Stafford in March to help us to promote our big show. And excited that the Mayor of Stafford Borough will be welcoming us back to Staffordshire. We’re very pleased to be returning to Staffordshire Showground this year and look forward to seeing lots of visitors from Staffordshire and the wider West Midlands.” The world’s largest gathering of Shire horses is returning to Staffordshire Showground in March 2024 for the first time in five years with a bigger and brighter programme. The National Shire Horse Show will feature even more opportunities to see the gentle giants being put through their paces in all their finery after 12 new classes were added to the ring timetable. New for 2024 are extra classes for young riders and handlers, to encourage the next generation of Shire horse owners, breeders and riders, plus more opportunities to see eye-catching turnout classes. The world’s largest gathering of Shire horses was last held at Staffordshire Showground in 2019 – providing a super spectacle for horse lovers who travel from across the UK and from overseas to see the magnificent Shire horses in action. After a gap in 2020 and 2021 due to the global pandemic, the event was subsequently held outdoors at Newark Showground in Nottinghamshire but is now returning to an indoor venue at Staffordshire Showground for three days from Friday 8th March to Sunday 10th March 2024. Tickets are discounted in advance via the Shire Horse Society’s website here. Adult tickets are £13 in advance (£17 on the gate), child tickets are £10 for Friday and Saturday (£12 on the gate) with children free on Sunday 10th March when accompanied by an adult. Family tickets (two adults and two children on Friday or Saturday) are £38 in advance (£45 on the gate). There are also motorhome, campervan, and caravan camping opportunities available. Photo Credit: Hook Norton Brewery and Daydream Equine Art

LIVVE, an online menopause clinic founded by qualified prescribing pharmacist, Melissa Sookia has announced new support for the corporate market.   Following the recent news that employers may be sued by employees for not providing the right menopause support, the British Menopause Society trained team at LIVVE have responded with a series of free workplace webinars.   Having already run successful webinars and workshops for well-known companies, including Sainsbury’s, Clipper Logistics, David Lloyd and Strata, the webinars will offer expert advice to employers on how to manage menopause in the workplace.   Founder of LIVVE, Melissa Sookia said: “I created LIVVE, a platform that brings menopause consultation and pharmacy together to make support and treatment more accessible, affordable and to improve the retention of females in the workplace."  “Having spoken to many women in the workplace about menopause and perimenopause the biggest problem we hear time and time again is a lack of awareness from employers." "Alongside this, we are finding that many employers don’t know where or how to access the right support and we are hearing of more and more women leaving jobs and feeling unsupported in the workplace.” “In light of the latest news, we want to reach out to more corporates to offer guidance on how best to support team members through the various stages of menopause.” The team at LIVVE have developed a series of interactive and educational webinars delivered by specially-trained menopause pharmacists.   The webinars will cover all aspects of menopause, including the 48 signs and symptoms experienced by many, treatment options and advice on managing menopause in the workplace. Team members will have 24/7 access to the webinars alongside the opportunity to receive a one-to-one consultation with a trained pharmacist.   As trained pharmacists, the LIVVE team are regulated by the GPhC and registered with The British Menopause Society. LIVVE is on a mission to educate employers and support women in and out of the workplace with guidance and affordable treatment options.

Contractor Clegg Construction is inviting members of the public to a behind-the-scenes tour of its £13.5m Peterborough College development. The company is building a new three-storey Centre for Green Technology for the Inspire Education Group at the main college campus, off Park Crescent. On the afternoon of Wednesday 20th March – as part of Open Doors 2024 – Clegg is working with IEG to invite young people and career changers who are considering working in the construction industry to go behind the scenes. Delivered by Build UK, Open Doors offers a unique chance for the public to visit live construction sites, offices, factories and training centres across the UK, and discover how the communities they live in are shaped and constructed by a fantastic industry with a diverse range of career paths to offer. Open Doors takes place between Monday 18th and Saturday 23rd March 2024, and Clegg’s Peterborough College site will be open for visitors on the afternoon of Wednesday 20th March, with two visitor slots each lasting up to an hour. Bookings are now available on the Open Doors website and spaces are set to fill up quickly. Roger Bancroft, project manager at Clegg Construction, said: “We are proud to be building a new Centre for Green Technology for Peterborough College and are excited to be getting involved with the Open Doors scheme once again. It is a great platform for us to showcase the hard work that goes into building these landmarks." “This March, people will be able to visit the inspiring Centre for Green Technology, which is a low carbon project, and which will make a real difference to the future - training the next generation to work in green technologies and modern methods of construction.” Open Doors seeks to inspire young people and career changers of all ages to consider and explore a dynamic and exciting career in the construction industry. The event is delivered in partnership with CITB and Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) and supported by Industry Partners Canary Wharf Group, the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS), Go Construct, Kier, People’s Partnership, Sunbelt Rentals and Willmott Dixon, and Community Partners the Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC), the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) and Skills Development Scotland, and Media Partner Building Magazine. Suzannah Nichol, Build UK Chief Executive, said: “Many young people don’t know what they want to do when they leave school, so we have a fantastic opportunity to capture their imagination and show them just what they can achieve – whether they are considering college, an apprenticeship, or university." “Open Doors also encourages career changers and members of the public to experience a “live” construction project in their local community. We all know the impact this can have and the powerful first impression it can make.” Visitors to Clegg’s Peterborough College scheme will see the recently poured first floor slab at the site, with preparations for constructing the second floor. Onsite that week will be project manager Roger Bancroft, alongside the reinforced concrete contractor, the quantity surveyor and the design manager. The session itinerary will include a health and safety briefing, a project overview, details on how Clegg Construction works with the college, and a site tour. To book visit here. Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. The company works with organisations of all sizes and specialities across a range of different sectors.

Three friends from the same town in India who all started new lives in south Warwickshire, have together realised their shared vision of running a restaurant. Aby Joseph, Thomas Mathew and Joshi Johny have come to the business from a wide variety of backgrounds, including health care, film production, mechanical engineering and food – to open the doors to Fusion Clan in Warwick. The co-owners are keen to bring influences from their home state of Kerala in southern India, to add a twist to the traditional authentic Indian cuisine. The restaurant, which replaces The Pickled Crab in Smith Street, promises a ‘unique’ menu of Indian ingredients fused with European recipes, with the emphasis on new and experimental flavours. Fusion Clan sees the fruition of a long-held dream for the entrepreneurial trio who have all taken the leap into hospitality. And for Aby and Thomas it’s a world away from their current careers. Aby, 37, who now lives in Warwick, relocated from Kerala to Stratford at the age of 24 to pursue his nursing career and is now Clinical Services Manager in Stratford. Aby’s selflessness, leadership, and empathy in helping with residents' and staff’s safety and well-being throughout the pandemic, led to him making headlines last year when he was awarded the British Empire Medal. This honour recognises people who have made achievements in public life, committed themselves to serving and helping the UK, and who make life better for others by being outstanding at what they do. Aby, who has been passionate about food since teaching himself to cook at university, is looking forward to bringing local diners in on their culinary adventure into new flavours and fusions. He said: “The first time I went out for an Indian meal after arriving in the UK, I really liked it. . . but it was nothing to do with India. This is not the usual thing I would eat back home, I thought, so how can they say this is Indian? There are some very popular dishes over here that are actually nothing to do with India, not authentic at all. Then I went to another restaurant and it was the same story. So wherever you go, it's the same taste, you don't get something different." “I always wanted to run my own business and for the last 10 years the three of us would talk about having a restaurant. We planned on doing it much sooner but then Covid changed everything.” For Thomas, 47, from Stratford, the venture could not be more different from his 20 years spent as a mechanical engineer with Kuwait Airways and, more recently, as a film producer. With his first movie, John Luther, proving popular on Amazon Prime, the second project is already under way, with Thomas set to take time away from his front of house role for filming on set, including partly in the UK, this year. The pair have been friends since 2011 but it was only after a chance meeting with experienced chef Joshi Johny , in Stratford, that their vision began to take shape. Joshi, 44, was formerly a chef at the TATA Taj Residency (Cochin, India) Peacock Hotel, in Kenilworth, Ettington Chase and Crowne Plaza Hotels in Stratford and Walton Hall in Wellesbourne and is now in charge of the culinary vision for Fusion Clan. He said: “I wanted to create dishes influenced by our roots, using unique and authentic south Indian spices but fusing them with European dishes, so adding new flavours. There has been lots of experimenting until I perfected the menu and diners so far are complimenting us on how different the experience is." “I’m striving to create a fine dining experience that people can afford. There’s lots of different elements, each and every one freshly prepared on the plate, right down to the sauces. We are excited to share this food because we know people are going to love it.” Joshi oversees a menu using local meats, fruits and vegetables alongside the specially sourced spices and rices from Kerala, including jeerakasala rice, more fragrant and flavoursome rice which is included in the Geographical Indication registry of India. He is particularly proud of his signature recipe Kumarakom to Cornwall, Kumarakom style local preparation of Cassava and a Keralan spiced grilled seabass dish, served with tamarind-infused sauce. Diners might be surprised to see popular British dishes such as steak, lamb shank, Cumberland sausage and roast potatoes also feature on the menu – but, of course, with Joshi’s own Asian twist! Plans for the future of Fusion Clan include opening an upstairs space for private events as well as introducing a takeaway menu. In the meantime, Aby, Thomas and Joshi are content in bringing along as many people as possible on what they describe as ‘a culinary journey of discovery like no other seen before in the area.’

Despite challenging conditions, the number of UK digital microbusinesses turning over more than £100,000-a-year grew substantially during 2023, and almost a fifth (17%) now bring in six-figure sums, according to new figures published today. The findings come from Venture Forward, a multi-year research initiative by GoDaddy that analyses data from more than half a million UK digital microbusinesses – typically those with fewer than 10 employees. It shows resilience from UK entrepreneurs during the soaring cost-of-living with the number of microbusinesses turning over more than £100,000 being up from 11% last year. The growth is similar for microbusinesses bringing in over £50,000, which stands at 33% today compared with 25% last year. In comparison, the median annual earnings for full-time employees in the UK was approximately £34,963 in 2023. GoDaddy’s data shows the value of e-commerce for fast-growth businesses. 55% of entrepreneurs who own microbusinesses that are turning over more than £100,000 annually say that their website provides the main source of their income. A fifth (21%) invested their initial capital into a website when launching their venture, underlining the importance of digital infrastructure. Of businesses that are now turning over more than £100,000 a year, over half (54%) were started in the past three years, demonstrating the speed at which successful digital businesses can be built. Many digital microbusinesses required relatively small initial investments – 43% were started with less than £5,000 of initial capital, as digital tools reduce the barriers to entry entrepreneurs looking to start a new venture. Remarkably, one in five (21%) said their company cost them as little as £500 to create. E-commerce platforms enable bricks-and-mortar only entrepreneurs to enlarge their catchment area, reaching a wider selection of customers, selling in more ways and becoming truly unstoppable. A website also means the business can run 24/7 without the need for employees to man the shop, so sales can take place outside of opening hours. The opportunities offered by setting up an online presence are likely to continue in 2024, as: • Over four fifths (83%) of people who own +£100,000 microbusinesses are optimistic for growth • In contrast, just one in five (22%) say they are confident in the UK economy as a whole • 1 in 3 microbusinesses in the UK are ‘breadwinners’, contributing 51% or more to household income • About 1 in 4 women with a microbusiness in the UK are the ‘breadwinners’ in their home The GoDaddy data shows that six-figure turnovers take time – but not necessarily money – to achieve. Over half (58%) of owners with £100,000-a-year microbusinesses work over 40 hours a week on their venture, whilst only 27% of all microbusiness owners said they do the same. Andrew Gradon, Head of GoDaddy UK & Ireland said: “It is remarkable to see that so many entrepreneurs have built six figure businesses – many with very minor initial investment – and that the trend is going upwards, as we’ve seen an increase of 55% on digital microbusinesses bringing in over £100,000 revenue. It is testament to the strength of Britian’s small business community, and the fact that British entrepreneurs really are unstoppable." “Entrepreneurs who operate bricks and mortar only businesses are potentially missing out on huge growth at minimal cost, so there has never been a better time to diversify and sell in more ways”.

More than 500 Leicestershire families have opened their hearts and homes to Ukrainian families since the start of conflict. The county has become a safe space for refugees fleeing war, with families connecting over simple things like food, Netflix and sharing daily routines. Saturday 24 Feb marks two years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine and a big thank you has been offered to all the residents who have welcomed guests into their homes and lives. Councillor Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for children and families at Leicestershire County Council, which runs the Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme locally, said: “The response here in Leicestershire has truly been heart-warming with families opening-up their homes and showing real humanity and compassion." “We also know that some life-long relationships have been made through these connections. We cannot emphasise enough the very real difference this has made; We’d like to offer a huge thank-you to all of our wonderful hosts." “We are still in need of more families to help-out, so if this is something you’re interested in, please do get in touch.” Lea and her partner Sam have been supporting Yana and her daughter Eva (6) from Dnipro. Lea said: “Our story is different to most, as Yana and Eva had already been in the UK for several months and were quite settled with another wonderful family." “We were contacted by the council as Yana was advised to move closer to Leicester for her medical needs. We were both surprised by how little we needed to think about the decision – it all seemed quite straight forward, and the matching coordinator of the council was with us every step of the way.” She added that the families bonded through activities such as cooking together, watching Netflix (with subtitles), doing their nails together and sharing pictures. Lea continued: “We love to cook and so we were so pleased when Yana offered to cook us some meals. She makes the most amazing and hearty Ukrainian dishes and desserts. For my birthday she brought a traditional Ukrainian honey cake as well, which was delicious.” Communication was initially achieved via smart language apps and a few basic words, but Yana has made great headway with English thanks to a course organised by the council. She said: “It was mentally difficult for me to start living in another country. People and the state provide enormous support for which we are very grateful." “It’s very different from Ukraine, there are other people, other food, other life. The sociability and openness of people is amazing. Complete strangers can say hello to you, everyone smiles at each other. " “It is a big and noble decision to welcome complete strangers into your home. Not everyone can decide to take such a step.” Lea added that her message to would-be hosts is: “Don’t overthink it! If your experience is anything like ours you will make new friends, experience a new culture from your own home and be able to help someone who will be forever grateful.” If you live in Leicestershire and would like to know more about hosting a Ukrainian family, including available support, payments and information about the process, visit here.

Aston University is delighted to announce that it has appointed one of the UK’s most respected and successful business leaders, Sir Peter Rigby, as honorary chair of its new Digital Futures Institute. The announcement of Sir Peter’s appointment was made in front of guests at the inaugural lecture given by Professor Abdul Sadka, director of the Digital Futures Institute, at Aston University. Sir Peter founded SCC – the largest privately owned Information Technology Group in Europe – some 50 years ago in 1975. SCC is the core business focus of the Rigby Group which ranks highly in the UK’s top privately owned businesses and its non-core interests extend beyond technology, transformation and technology investments into real estate, airports and hotels. Aston University and SCC signed a Memorandum of Understanding in March 2023, forming a strategic partnership to drive digital innovation and digital inclusion. The establishment of the Digital Futures Institute represents Aston University’s long-term commitment to digital innovation. Working at the interfaces between health, digital and technology, the Institute is focused on transformational impact and economic regeneration of the region, particularly through the development of a digital powerhouse in the Birmingham Innovation Quarter (B-IQ). The appointment reflects Sir Peter’s achievements as a technology innovator, his passionate commitment to the development of digital skills and wider contributions to the region. The Institute will be based on the main Aston University campus and will be officially opened in September 2024. Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said: “We are delighted that Sir Peter has agreed to be the inaugural honorary chair of the Digital Futures Institute at Aston University. We share many common goals, including a determination to accelerate digital innovation and digital inclusion to benefit business and society. Sir Peter’s support, advocacy and insight will be a great asset to the new Institute.” Sir Peter Rigby said: “I accepted the position because I believe the work of the Institute will make an impact on some of the most important issues facing society – namely digital inclusion and socially responsible transformation – and particularly the application of AI and helping to accelerate AI backed products and services to market." "There is strong synergy between Aston and SCC, and this formalised last year into a strategic partnership focused on driving the application and deployment of digital technologies and digital skills. The Digital Futures Institute is the focal point for this partnership." "As Honorary Chair of the Institute, I hope to provide guidance, support and advocacy to ensure strong links to cutting-edge digital technologies in industry."

The UK’s largest airline easyJet is this week celebrating carrying over five million passengers to and from Birmingham airport. To mark the occasion, easyJet surprised two lucky travellers at Birmingham airport Rachel and Thomas Caulton from Cheltenham who were flying to Geneva, with a pair of return flights to anywhere on easyJet’s network. The airline launched operations at Birmingham airport in 2007, flying its first customers from Birmingham also to Geneva. 17 years later, the launch of a new three-aircraft base is enabling the airline to further expand its Birmingham network with 16 new routes taking off with the base opening on 18 March 2024 including to Antalya, Barcelona and Sharm el Sheikh meaning easyJet will connect customers in the Midlands via 29 routes across the UK, Europe and North Africa. The airline’s first base opening in the UK in over a decade will create around 100 direct jobs for pilots and crew and over 1,200 more indirect jobs. easyJet is the largest airline in the UK and currently employs around ten thousand people across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The new base opening will also see easyJet holidays, the UK’s fastest growing tour operator, offer thousands more package holidays and city breaks from Birmingham to over 100 European destinations with a choice of up to 5,000 hotels. All easyJet holidays include flights, hotel, 23kg luggage per person, and transfers on beach holidays secured with a deposit of just £60 per person. All breaks are covered by Ultimate Flexibility, which includes a Best Price Guarantee meaning if customers find holidays cheaper elsewhere, a discount of the price difference will be applied to their booking. Ali Gayward, easyJet's UK Country Manager, said: “We are delighted to celebrate carrying over five million passengers from Birmingham as we prepare to open our new base next month and start flying customers to even more destinations in the UK, Europe and North Africa. We remain focused on offering great value fares, convenient connections and more choice for our customers in the Midlands, and we can’t wait to welcome them onboard.” Tom Screen, Aviation Director of Birmingham Airport said: "With just 25 days to go until easyJet launch based operations at Birmingham Airport, it was a pleasure to present the five millionth easyJet passenger with their prize. Reaching this milestone is a testament to the ever-strengthening relationship between Birmingham Airport and easyJet."

Finance and accounting recruitment specialist Michael Way has joined Pertemps to bolster the team in Edinburgh. Though he will be based in Edinburgh and focus on the professional services division for Scotland East, Michael will support financial sector clients across the UK seeking to add to their talent rosters. He brings more than 10 years’ experience in client-facing roles in sectors such as finance and accountancy, business support, tax and legal, and office services and solutions, both in the UK and internationally. Michael, who takes on the role of Manager, said: “I am really looking forward to the challenges in this new role with Pertemps. Many larger firms are focusing on retention currently but they still need higher-level colleagues to help build teams and move the business forward. I will be focusing on working with clients on long-terms recruitment strategies to ensure they maintain a talent pipeline to help the business thrive.” Nic Barr, Pertemps Director for Scotland and Northeast England, said: “We are delighted to welcome Michael on board." “He will be an invaluable addition to the team with his experience with the big four accountancy firms, Fortune 500 multinationals and professional services practices as the business continues to expand in the region.” Pertemps Network Group is one of the UK’s largest privately-owned recruitment agencies. It has a turnover in excess of £1bn and offers immediate and strategic solutions to clients across both the public and private sectors