Millions of pounds have already been invested into the area thanks to Loughborough Town Deal and more developments are on the way. The Town Deal is backing 11 projects with several already being completed or progressing well and 2024 looks set to be another big year. The Town Deal secured £16.9 million from the Government’s Towns Fund to support the projects and in total, they are worth more than £40 million of investment. Those already completed include a new Careers and Enterprise Hub in the town centre, the regeneration of the Bedford Square area, the creation of SportPark Pavilion 4 at Loughborough University and the upgrade of two kilometres of canal towpath through the heart of the town. The Living Loughborough project has also expanded free wi-fi in the town centre, created an augmented reality heritage trail and helped introduce free business support for local businesses. More elements of this scheme are being developed. In total, the investment for these projects is around £14 million. And other projects also well underway include work to save the last major Bell Foundry in Britain – John Taylor & Co. The scheme, which is also being supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, is due for completion later this year. Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, Loughborough Town Deal chair, said: “I am delighted to see the progress that the Town Deal projects are making on the ground – projects which began as ideas for regeneration and improvements, over four years ago." “The total investment now being made is simply huge for Loughborough, its residents, and visitors to the town. It will help support the people of Loughborough for many years to come with new facilities, skills, jobs and an improved environment.” Dr Kotecha, whose tenure as chair of the Town Deal Board has come to an end, added: “I am proud of what our Town Deal has achieved so far and proud to have played a role in supporting the programme and projects through to this delivery stage. “We have faced and overcome a range of challenges, including right from the very beginning when we put together our investment plan with partners and local businesses – just as the pandemic hit." “However, we went on to secure £16.9 million from the Government to back our 11 projects. Today, work is well advanced, collaborating with many tremendous partners who have co-invested and have led - or are leading - the delivery of these exciting projects. Without the commitment shown by our partners, the programme just wouldn’t have been possible." “I am really pleased that some key projects have already been completed and will make a lasting difference for Loughborough." “I’m excited to see the successful completion of all projects within the Town Deal, and I would like to wish everyone who has supported the Town Deal over the past few years the best, in particular my fellow board members who have been instrumental in driving this forward." “The Town Deal will not only leave a legacy in terms of its projects but also in how it has brought people, organisations and businesses together for the benefit of the area.” Dr Kotecha was appointed co-chair of the board in 2020 alongside Councillor Jonathan Morgan, the former Leader of Charnwood Borough Council. Dr Kotecha has been chair since last year. The other Town Deal projects which are still being progressed include the Lanes and Links scheme which will better link the town centre and Queen’s Park and see the creation of a Covid memorial; the creation of a Digital Skills Hub at Loughborough College; the creation of the Generator which will see a derelict building converted into a creative arts and culture hub; support for Great Central Railway; and support for a flood scheme for Loughborough’s Wood Brook. To find out more about the Loughborough Town Deal projects, visit here: The Town Deal Board involves representatives from Charnwood Borough Council, Loughborough University, Loughborough College, Love Loughborough, Leicestershire County Council, the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership, Charnwood Together Economy and Skills Group, local businesses and Loughborough MP Jane Hunt.

Musical instruments hit a high note, when an antique cello sold for £17,000 (plus buyer’s premium) in Tennants Auctioneers’ Scientific and Musical Instruments, Cameras and Tools Sale. The cello, which was possibly English, was a good, well-made example of a pre-1820 instrument and attracted significant levels of interest before selling to a telephone bidder. Further early instruments of note included a circa 1838 Wooden Flute by Rudall & Rose embossed with the Royal Crest (sold for £850), and an English Classical Bassoon stamped ‘W Milhouse London’ (sold for £600. Amongst the 20th century instruments in the sale were two saxophones from a small collection of musical instruments in the sale, which belonged to the late Alan W. W. Fenny, a successful businessman from the North East who was once the largest employer in Stockton-on-Tees. The Alto and the Tenor Saxophones, which sold for £5,500 and £6,000 respectively, are prime examples of the Selmer Mark VI, long considered to be the gold standard of saxophones which were played by the likes of John Coltrane, Kenny G, Stan Getz, and Sonny Rollins. Acoustic guitars sold well throughout, too, with competitive bidding for good Gibsons such as an example made in Kalamazoo with a sunburst finish, which sold for £850, and a Gibson J200 Acoustic Guitar, which sold for £1,700. A further acoustic guitar by C F Martin & Co sold well, too at £1,500 and a Rickenbacker 330 Jetglo Electric Guitar sold for £1,300. Elsewhere in the sale, Leica cameras once again proved popular, with a Leica M6 Anton Bruckner Camera, one of a limited-edition release made to celebrate the anniversary of the composer’s death, sold for £3,200, and a Leica M2 Camera with lenses and accessories sold for £2,500. Scientific curios that attracted bidders included a cased collection of 30 pairs of glass eyes, which sold for £380, and an anatomical life size model of the musculature of the human leg, which sold for £300.

A rare artwork by pseudonymous street artist Banksy is on sale at a Stratford gallery – and it could be hanging on your wall for a mere £50,000! Lambert Fine Art, in Bell Court, has taken possession of Grannies, one of only a couple of examples of his work that come onto the open market each year. Published by Pictures On Walls, the framed 57.5x76.5cm limited-edition print from 2006, was obtained by the gallery through a mysterious ‘private source’ linked to the artist and comes complete with a certificate of authentication. Rendered in Banksy’s signature black and white stencil style, the pair of grannies are set against a block pink background, serving to heighten the humorous contradiction between scene and message, a technique mastered by the artist. Director Mark Lambert said: "We are so excited to bring to the market this wonderful piece. I have personally sold many prints by Banksy over the years including an original spray work on canvas which in today’s market would be worth millions." “This Banksy titled ‘Grannies’ is truly exceptional and in perfect condition. It’s framed and glazed with museum quality glass to protect the work for the future.” “We are also very lucky to be working with the neo-psychedelic-cosmic-abstract-expressionist street artist Sickboy who personally worked with Banksy on many of his shows including The Bristol Museum exhibition and Dismaland in Weston-Super-Mare.” Active since the 1990s, Banksy’s works of political and social commentary have appeared on streets, walls and bridges throughout the world but the identity of the England-based artist remains unknown. Banksy's paintings at auction set numerous records. However, the most expensive piece ever sold at auction was the seminal Love is in the Bin which famously went for £18.6m in 2021 at Sotheby's. Picasso, Degas, Monet, Warhol, Lowry, Renoir and Henry Moore are among some of the other international artists handled by Mark Lambert, who opened his first dealership in Stratford’s Bell Court in November. The gallery specialises in original 19th-21st Century works as well as contemporary paintings and sculpture from Royal Academy level artists. Mark, from Knowle, has 24 years in the art business, having previously worked for two of the UK’s top international art dealerships, galleries including in The Cotswolds, London, New York and San Francisco and is connected with the major auction houses around the world such as Bonhams, Christies and Sotheby’s. He said: “We truly believe that now is the time to bring the very finest examples of high-end original paintings and sculptures to Stratford-Upon-Avon which is something that has been missing for many years, as well as bringing with it our wealthy clients.”

The Bradford Bulls Foundation is thrilled to announce a ground breaking partnership with the Morrisons Foundation and BEAP Community Partnership to introduce rugby to South Asian communities within Bradford. This collaborative initiative aims to promote inclusivity, physical activity, and community engagement through the sport of rugby. The project, which kicked off in mid-December, has gained significant momentum under the guidance of our dedicated community coach, Umar . Weekly sessions are held every Saturday morning from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the BEAP Community Partnership facility located at 31 Cornwall Road, BD8 7JN. Chris Chamberlain, CEO of The Bradford Bulls Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership and the positive impact it is having on the Bradford community already. He stated: “We are delighted to join forces with both charities to bring the joy of rugby to South Asian communities in Bradford. This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering inclusivity, teamwork, and a sense of community through the power of sports.” The Morrisons Foundation has been a key supporter of The Bradford Bulls Foundation’s mission to enhance community well-being through sports initiatives. Their generous funding has played a crucial role in the successful launch and ongoing development of the rugby programme in Bradford. Adrian Horsley, Morrisons Foundation Advisor said, “I’m delighted that the Foundation has been able to provide this donation to help children from deprived areas of Bradford access rugby activities. Without the support from the Bradford Bulls Foundation and BEAP, many children would otherwise not have the opportunity to participate in these activities. “Access to sport, health and wellbeing activities is vital for young people’s development; that’s why I’m so proud that through the partnership of the Morrisons Foundation, Bradford Bulls and BEAP we have been able to make a difference to so many young people from all across our local community.” BEAP Community Partnership, as the dedicated delivery partner, has provided a welcoming space for the rugby sessions, facilitating a positive environment for participants to learn and enjoy the sport. Bradford Bulls Foundation Coach, Umar, who delivers the sessions to kids said : “The kids are absolutely brilliant, good listeners and always want to learn more of the sport of rugby. It’s good to pass my knowledge on to the children of Bradford in regards to what I have learned of rugby from the Foundation and keep increasing the population of Bradford who play rugby, especially the south Asian community. It’s an honour for me to be apart of this project and I hope I keep on delivering informational and quality sessions to the children.”

A couple at a care home in Ilkley have had their dreams come true thanks to staff who arranged a professional photoshoot to recreate their wedding day photographs. 88-year-old Vera and 89-year-old Keith Skelton moved into Mayfield View, a residential, nursing and dementia care home in Ilkley in December 2023 – just a few weeks before they marked their 70th wedding anniversary. The loved-up couple, who married in 1953 have three children, four grandchildren and one great granddaughter who lives in Hong Kong. Staff were aware of the strong bond between Vera and Keith and wanted to do something special to mark the significant time spent together. Home manager at Mayfield View, Katie Cliff said, “We knew from the moment that Vera and Keith moved in that their love for each other was something truly unique." “We wanted to do something really special for them to recreate the happy memories of their wedding day – as well as arranging an afternoon tea party which we will host for them in the Spring.” Marion, a lifelong friend to the couple said, “Since I have known them, it is very clear that Vera and Keith can’t live without each other. They really are inseparable, and it is wonderful that they have been able to stay together and continue their love story at Mayfield View.” Home manager, Katie added, “With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there is a lot of love in the airand we’re delighted to be able to help Vera and Keith re-live their wedding day together.” When asked what is their secret to a long-lasting marriage, Vera said, “Trust and love each other – we have always been so happy together, regardless of age.”

Birstall Golf Club, one of the oldest golf clubs in the county, has announced that Michael Reed has taken up his position as the new professional at the club. Reed is a former county amateur champion. He won the Leicestershire and Rutland county centenary year title in 2010 at Hinckley Golf Club, when he played a second round of four-under-par 67 for a two under-140 aggregate. Two years earlier, he had become the county amateur match play champion by claiming the Philip Wykes Bowl at Market Harborough Golf Club. He is a former assistant to his older brother Richard, the head professional at Glen Gorse Golf Club, who Michael said has been "very supportive" as he takes on these new challenges. The brothers are both former leading amateur members at Birstall and Michael said he was proud to be given this opportunity to go back to the club as the new head pro. He was not only a highly successful amateur, but he also did well as a professional when he joined the paid ranks. In his early years as a pro, he clinched the county PGA titles, including the stroke and match play crowns. He also became the Midland Open champion, winning the prestigious regional title at Birstall in the 2017 season. Michael succeeds David Clark, who has retired after being the club pro for 34 years. "I remember meeting David Clark when I first joined Birstall as a young amateur, so it is a tremendous honour to be his successor as club professional,” said Michael Reed. “I am pleased to follow in his footsteps. But I know I shall be very busy for the first few months as there are big plans under way now for changes to the clubhouse, including the pro shop." "Among the innovations over the coming months there will be a new junior academy when our bigger teaching area is introduced. We would also like to see more ladies at the club, both newcomers and more experienced golfers." "I am looking forward to being in a position to give lessons whether it is for new members, or for existing members looking to improve their current expertise at the game and develop their full potential to boost their individual playing programmes. This could be if they enjoy medals or knock-out games." "In a few months time, when I have settled in more, I will hope to appoint an assistant and look forward to competing this summer in more PGA events across the region - stroke play and pro/am tournaments. It will be good to be able to compete in the Leicestershire and Rutland Alliance with Birstall members too, when the fixtures restart later this month."

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce has strengthened its top team with the appointment of Donna Jones, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Donna, who also chairs the National Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, joins the Chamber’s board as a non-executive director following a unanimous resolution. She will work alongside Chief Executive and Executive Chairman Ross McNally, President Peter Taylor and fellow board directors to help shape the Chamber’s strategic growth as the county’s independent voice of business. Portsmouth-born Donna worked in banking and investment management before her election to Portsmouth City Council in 2008. She was the first woman to become Executive Leader, a role she held from 2014 to 2018. She was appointed by the Lord Chancellor as a Magistrate to the South East Hampshire Bench in 2005. At the time of her appointment, she was the youngest member of the judiciary in England and Wales. Since being elected Police and Crime Commissioner in May 2021, Donna has presided over a £500 million budget for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. In that time, she has recruited a new Chief Constable, funded 600 new additional police officers, committed to reopening police stations, and included the prevention of online crime and fraud among her business crime priorities. She hosted a cybercrime conference in Winchester last year with the National Crime Agency, UK banks and the South East Cyber Resilience Centre, sharing advice for Hampshire businesses on how best to protect themselves against fraud and cyber-attacks. Donna is also a business owner and has a long track record of sitting on the boards of companies. They include international shipping and port-based businesses and a large-scale commercial property management firm. She was also a director of Solent Local Enterprise Partnership for four years. Donna said: “As someone with over 25 years working in business and private enterprise, I’m delighted to be joining the board of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce as a non-executive director. The Chamber is a vital enterprise community supporting businesses with innovation, engagement and advocacy which I am honoured to be a part of." “I have spent the last 15 years supporting businesses and being an interface into government, delivering on my passion to grow the GVA of the South East region. The future growth of businesses across Hampshire is vital to the success of the 1.8 million people living and working in the county. When businesses thrive, communities thrive, providing us with the foundation to build a better, safer, more prosperous region for the next generation." “I’m looking forward to working with Chamber members to find collaborative solutions across the public and private sectors and to interface with the government where required.” Ross McNally said: “Donna understands business, was the leader of a major city in our region and will be a wise head to have around our table. Her experience, knowledge, ideas and energy will be invaluable. At the same time, she has expressed a strong desire to gain a better understanding of issues facing our members, including our many SMEs, so she can reflect that in her conversations with senior police figures. We look forward to working together with Donna in support of the business community.” Donna’s appointment comes as the Chamber has grown revenue from international trade services, engaged more than 300 businesses through its leadership of the Solent Local Skills Improvement Plan and strengthened its PEER network community of employer members. The Chamber’s other non-executive directors are: Peter Taylor, Chamber President and Senior Partner at law firm Paris Smith LLP; Ed Gould, Partner and Creative Director of creative communications agency Carswell Gould; Aaron Butson, Assistant Principal at Havant and South Downs College and chair of the Chamber’s Portsmouth & District business strategy group; Richard Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of The Business Magazine; Joe Jeffers, Finance Director of Hambledon, England’s oldest commercial vineyard, and previously Chief Financial Officer of Whiteley-based IT and communications provider Tailor Made Technologies; Mark Mills-Goodlet, Managing Director of Winchester Motor Group and chair of the Chamber’s Winchester business strategy group; Barry Smith, chair of the Chamber’s Basingstoke business strategy group; Mandy Boughton, Southampton-based Managing Director of Ancasta Yacht Services, part of the Ancasta group, Europe’s biggest boat and yacht sales brokerage; Andrew Kaye, Principal and Chief Executive of Fareham College; and retail banking expert Liana Broe, Local Enterprise Manager at NatWest and chair of the Chamber’s Andover business strategy group.

Local businesses are being promised ‘major change’ as they’re asked to take to the ballot to vote for another five years of Stratford BID. It is hoped the bold new 18-point plan – including stepping up police patrols - will win the confidence of 382 traders to secure a fourth term for the body, from April 1st. Other pledges include introducing a calendar of new events; an evening economy strategy; training and seminars for independent businesses; extending the Park of Ride scheme; creating a new Food and Drink Guide and map as well as a new Independents Guide and Professional Services Guide for the area; relaunching the Stratford Lifestyle Magazine and relaunching the existing BID Area Employee Discount Card to an app. The board have also committed to the continuation of the Motor Festival, Food Festival and Christmas Lights switch-on event as well as support for events delivered by other stakeholders. It comes as the board announce they are extending the BID area to include The Maybird Shopping Park. This, they say, is ‘in response to police recommendation for a co-ordinated approach to successfully tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.’ All the changes have been made in response to feedback from local businesses as well as an independent review commissioned by the BID earlier this year. Deadline for votes is 5pm on February 22nd and The district council will be informed of the results of the ballot the following day. Bid Chairman Rich Jones said: “Stratford-upon-Avon has held Business Improvement District (BID) status since 2009 and I truly believe that retaining a BID is vital to the success of a thriving town centre and a well-connected business community." "With nearby BIDs in Leamington Spa, Coventry, Worcester, Cheltenham, Gloucester and Oxford we cannot afford to lose BID status after 15 years and I would urge local businesses to Vote Yes to a new five-year term and for a BID that has a renewed outlook and a new set of initiatives to deliver." “I would like to reassure local levy payers that Stratford-upon-Avon BID company is listening to local businesses on the future direction of the BID and we have made some major changes in recent months. This includes restructuring to ensure the BID is in line with industry best practice with a lean and efficient staffing structure. We have also restructured the Board and it is now made up of local businesses, as a business-led organisation should be." “We are pleased to announce that we have committed to funding additional town centre police. This initiative will enable businesses to have direct contact with the Police within the town centre, using the existing BID radio system, to address issues that affect them." “Town centres across the UK have been impacted by Brexit and the Covid pandemic and we appreciate that businesses are struggling. This is why we have taken the decision to bring the BID levy minimum threshold up to a rateable value of £15,000, in line with Small Business Rates Relief, meaning that a further 110 businesses will be exempt from paying BID levy for the next five years unless they choose to pay for voluntary BID Membership. This is not excluding smaller businesses but rather giving them the option of contributing and being involved, whilst all still benefitting." “We recognise the importance of constructive feedback and we value support from local business owners, this is why we have allocated new places on the board for businesses to join the board in 2024 and act as additional representatives for local businesses.” The BID board has been slimmed down from 16 to seven representatives, asking three councillors and three council officers to stand down as directors and observers, while making way for three new board positions for representatives from the retail and hospitality sector. Rich added: “The last five years have been very tough for everyone, as the country was first coming to terms with the post-EU reality, the pandemic hit and, many argue, changed things forever. Whether you adhere to that view, Covid certainly meant long periods of commercial inactivity and far fewer people in destinations like ours that rely upon visitor activity. Today, there are signs of sustained recovery, though it is likely to be a bumpy road that lies ahead." “We hope that businesses in Stratford-upon-Avon will vote to retain some of the current BID initiatives and support our new plans for the next 5 years. This is an exciting time for the town centre and we invite you to back the BID and Vote ‘Yes.’ ”

EarthSense, the Leicester-based air quality expert, today announced that its second largest network of Zephyr® air quality monitors in the UK will be deployed across Worcestershire to provide real time data that will help local authorities drive improved air quality policies to help mitigate the sources of pollution and improve public health. For the three-year monitoring project, with options to renew, EarthSense will provide a complete air quality monitoring solution including 24 Zephyr® monitors around the county combined with EarthSense's MappAir® modelling tool, MyAir® web app and API access. This solution will enable the local authority to disseminate public health information and alerts about poor air quality episodes and advise the public on interventions to reduce pollution and exposure levels. Bromsgrove District, Redditch Borough, Malvern Hills District, Worcester City, Wychavon District, and Wyre Forest District councils will benefit from the improved air quality monitoring through their shared service, Worcestershire Regulatory Services. The EarthSense solution, funded by a DEFRA Air Quality Grant, will significantly improve the accuracy of nitrogen dioxide monitoring and upgrade the monitoring of particulate matter and other pollutants over a three-year period. EarthSense will provide Worcestershire Regulatory Services with access to its MyAir® web app to allow residents to check air quality levels, which is important to those with health conditions such as heart and lung disease, as poor air quality conditions can impact their health. The data provided by the new system gives a clearer indication of air quality levels in the area and when vulnerable residents should limit their exposure. Tom Hall, Managing Director, EarthSense, said: “This is a milestone moment for EarthSense, with our second largest Zephyr® monitor network being used by our local authority clients to encourage people to change the way they behave so that they pollute less and help to make Worcestershire a better, cleaner and healthier place to live." The EarthSense Zephyr® is an iMCERTS certified real time air quality monitor that takes live measurements of ambient air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitric oxide (NO), ozone (O3), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM10). Measurements are sent back to the MyAir® web application, where air quality data can be viewed, analysed, and downloaded. Used in combination with the MappAir® air quality model, users can pull various insights about areas of interest, such as pollution hotspots, peak times, and identify nearby sources contributing to elevated levels.

Property consultancy Vail Williams has hired an experienced lease advisory specialist to bolster its Surrey and London regions as business demand continues to grow. Frank Perri has joined the Lease Advisory team in the firm’s Woking and Soho offices at Partner level after more than six years at the Lorenz Consultancy in London. He is one of three new partners announced by Vail Williams. Frank will focus primarily on working with clients within the Surrey and London market, working across all the major property sectors to provide clients with strategic lease advice. He also has a responsibility to exploring new business development opportunities for the firm. Frank’s key specialisms include lease renewals, rent reviews, lease restructuring, acting as an expert witness in arbitration and independent expert disputes and also acting as an expert witness in court disputes. He commented: “I am thrilled to have joined Vail Williams in Surrey and London and being part of such a progressive team in an area where there continues to be a tremendous amount of commercial property activity." “There are exciting times ahead and I am aiming to play my full part in ensuring Vail Williams’ ongoing commitment to providing clients with a second-to-none service is fully achieved." “Throughout my career, I have acted for a wide range of clients from a food manufacturer occupying more than 250,000 sq ft to a high-end fashion brand occupying less than 500 sq ft. Whoever the client, I enjoy achieving the best possible outcomes and lease terms for them." Surrey Regional Managing Partner Geoff Fallon said: “We welcome Frank as a great addition to our lease advisory team as business continues to expand. He is a hugely experienced operator brimming with exceptional ideas and I am expecting him to thrive in his new role." “With 10 years’ experience supporting clients with their lease advisory needs, he is widely considered to be an expert in his field and has experience working across all principal sectors, including offices, medical, industrial, retail and leisure.”  In London, Sarah Isherwood, who has been promoted from Associate to Partner, is hugely experienced in planning consultancy, and whose key projects have included healthcare facilities, town centre brownfield developments and suburban greenfield developments since joining Vail Williams as a graduate in 2014. James Lacey, Vail Williams Regional Managing Partner for London, said: “It is great to see the well-deserved promotion of Sarah. She leads a number of key client accounts and works closely with a variety of design teams with panache." “Sarah continues to show commitment to her own personal development and of others. Also, the London/Planning team continues to grow with a variety of career opportunities on offer currently.”  In Birmingham, building surveyor and project management specialist Craig Fillingham who has been promoted to Partner, has more than 20 years’ experience specialising in building, leading and managing multi-disciplinary project teams in the office, industrial and insurance claims management sectors. Birmingham Regional Managing Partner Carole Taylor said: “Craig is an extremely experienced building surveyor who covers our patches in both Birmingham and the north of the country. He has gone from strength to strength since joining us." “This promotion is richly deserved. He is a really good team player and provides an excellent service for clients who think of him highly, as well as having a mentoring role to support junior members of the team.” Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy.

The vast majority of businesses are still not reviewing the risks posed by third party technology that they use and rely on, it’s been revealed. Leading Dorset cyber-security company C3IA Solutions said government statistics show how vulnerable businesses remain. Despite increasing awareness, particularly among medium-sized and larger companies, only about a tenth of all enterprises review supplier risks. Software, apps and other tech can create huge vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. And without reviewing them, it’s possible the supplied technology won’t work as it is supposed to. Lucy Dalley, from C3IA Solutions, said: “With the building of software and systems rapidly evolving, so are cyber-security threats. It is essential that the software we download and use is built with security in mind – as well as doing what it is supposed to." “The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has created eight principles to help evaluate and improve development practices, which are well worth reading. One further issue is that trust in computers is often absolute. In the same way that calculators’ sums are never questioned, some business leaders have the same trust in everything their computers do." “But software and apps are programmed by people and they are fallible, and on large projects bugs and gremlins can easily be incorporated. We recommend that when downloading and using third-party applications, it is important to understand if they are protected. " “Regular vulnerability assessments should be carried out on networks, as should code reviews and assessments, and penetration testing. Penetration testing is when experts attempt to gain access to a system to highlight its weak spots – it’s the same as getting an ex-burglar to try and break into your house." “The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2023 report showed that only 11 per cent of organisations carried out penetration testing to identify cyber-security risks. While figures show that cyber-security is better understood as an issue by bosses, there are still far too many organisations that don’t pay enough attention to it." “Often we get called into a business after it has suffered a cyber-attack, and the results can be devastating. A few tips to keep you as secure as possible include: downloading applications only from approved platforms, deny permissions for non-approved apps, keep apps up-to-date, use antivirus software, enforce mobile device management (MDM) in the workplace, and delete apps that aren’t used." “And achieving the government’s Cyber Essentials certification gives a basic level of protection as well as providing cyber insurance." “While the understanding of threats and potential issues with third party software and applications is increasing, it is still not embedded in businesses as it ought to be".

JCB apprentices are set to share their on-the-job training experience with an audience of at least 140,000 people as part of a live broadcast across the UK.   They will be put under the spotlight during National Apprenticeship Week when they host The Big Assembly – a programme which will be broadcast to students next week to highlight the fantastic opportunities apprenticeships offer.   The programme will be live-streamed into hundreds of UK schools and colleges from the JCB Quarry, near its World Headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire on Tuesday, February 6th before an invited audience of Year 10 students and teachers from three local schools – Blythe Bridge High School, Sir Thomas Boughey Academy and Chesterton Community Sports College, both in Newcastle-under-Lyme.   It will feature expert panel discussions with apprentices and business bosses about the benefits of the apprenticeship route as well as demonstrations of JCB machines in action.   The company was chosen to host the prestigious event in recognition of its investment in apprenticeships. In the past three years JCB’s Global Learning team have trained almost 500 apprentices in every aspect of the business. JCB Global HR Director Max Jeffery will be on The Big Assembly expert panel. He said: “JCB is one of the largest construction machinery manufacturers in the world and the company is on an ambitious growth route for the next five years. We invest £8 million a year in our Early Careers programme to ensure new talent is constantly evolving and helping us to remain world leading." “Every part of the company is involved in the scheme through 44 different apprenticeship routes which range from welding on the production line through to engineering design, software development and business administration."   “Last year we had more than 5,000 applicants for the programme which shows not only how keen young people are to pursue the apprenticeship route, but also how much they value the opportunity to build a career with a globally recognised brand such as JCB.”   The Big Assembly was watched by an estimated 140,000 people last year and schools, businesses, parents, and members of the public can register to watch this year’s event by going to the  website .   The event will be followed up by an Apprenticeships Open Day at JCB Global Learning Centre, JCB World Headquarters, Rocester on Saturday February 10th at 10am and 1pm. To book a place visit  here .