Johnston Carmichael has strengthened its audit offering in Aberdeen with the appointment of Teresa Gilligan as audit director to support the firm’s continued investment in the North East. Teresa joins the leading UK accountancy and business advisory firm with more than 17 years’ experience in audit and assurance, gained across Big Four and other professional services firms. She has worked with a diverse range of clients spanning sectors including industrial manufacturing, logistics, retail and property, supporting listed, private equity‑backed and owner‑managed businesses. A dual‑qualified accountant, Teresa is both a chartered and a certified public accountant. She has spent a significant part of her career working internationally and brings extensive experience delivering audit engagements under both UK and US reporting standards. Alongside her client work, Teresa has undertaken a range of quality and technical review roles while also supporting internal training and people development by implementing strategies that foster culture and long-term talent growth. Based in Aberdeen, Teresa will focus on developing her audit portfolio across a broad and diverse client base, with a particular emphasis on the energy sector. This is a key industry for the firm, which supports more than 800 businesses operating across the sector. She will also support the wider team as the firm continues to grow and develop its audit services. Johnston Carmichael audits more of Scotland’s top 100 businesses than any other accountancy firm. Teresa said: “I’m pleased to be joining Johnston Carmichael at such an exciting time for the firm. It has a well‑established reputation for delivering high‑quality advice while maintaining a genuinely collaborative and client‑focused approach." “Throughout my career, building strong relationships with clients has always been a key priority, and Johnston Carmichael’s relationship‑led ethos strongly resonates with me. The firm’s ambition for growth, combined with its commitment to doing the right thing for its clients and its people, really stood out." “The energy sector is such a vital part of the North East economy, and I’m looking forward to working with clients across this space, supporting them through the challenges and opportunities presented by a changing landscape.” David Wilson, Aberdeen Office Head & Audit Partner said: “The energy sector is undergoing a period of profound transformation, and businesses operating within it face a uniquely complex set of financial reporting and regulatory challenges. Teresa’s expertise means our clients in the energy industry can have confidence they are receiving audit and assurance services that truly reflect the realities of their sector." “As we mark 90 years in business in 2026, Teresa’s appointment reflects our ongoing investment in our people and our future. With almost 900 colleagues across the firm, Teresa’s values and experience align strongly with our culture, and we look forward to the contribution she will make to our audit team.” About Johnston Carmichael   Johnston Carmichael is proud to be a leading independent UK accountancy and business advisory firm. With over 900 sharp minds across its offices nationwide, the business delivers specialist sector insight and expertise. Together, its people create enduring impact and have been investing in the next generation of businesses and advisers for more than 85 years. Committed to Corporate Social Responsibility, the firm is gold sponsor of the Kiltwalk and a member of the Mindful Business Charter. As a member of Moore Global, it is also connected to a community of more than 30,000 people in 110 countries worldwide.   For more information on Johnston Carmichael, please visit here.

Award-winning brand Kent Crisps announced the launch of new Beef Brisket & Stout Flavour crisps, a mouth-wateringly rich and savoury hand-cooked crisp developed in collaboration with historic Kent Brewer, Shepherd Neame. Staying true to their ethos of working with local Kent producers and iconic destinations, the new flavour brings together three iconic Kent brands: Kent Crisps, one of the UK’s few remaining independent snack brands; Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer based in Faversham; and The Historic Dockyard Chatham, a symbol of Kent’s shipbuilding heritage. The launch took place onboard HMS Gannet at The Historic Dockyard Chatham yesterday (Wednesday 29 April 2026) where they were joined by trade contacts, press and Dockyard Veterans and ambassadors to celebrate the launch. The new flavour has been crafted using one of Shepherd Neame’s newest beers, Iron Wharf Stout – a dark, ruby-tinted nitro stout inspired by Faversham’s historic shipbuilding industry. The stout’s roasted malt character complements the savoury notes of brisket delivering a bold yet reassuringly traditional flavour. Linking into the county’s rich shipbuilding past, the collaboration features HMS Cavalier at The Historic Dockyard Chatham as the front of pack partner, celebrating Kent’s maritime history and reinforcing the brand’s strong regional identity. This partnership creates a compelling story for retailers seeking premium, provenance led products with clear consumer appeal both in the UK and internationally. Laura Bounds MBE, Kent Crisps Owner says: “We’re thrilled to be launching our new Beef Brisket & Stout Flavour crisps which represents months of hard work by the team and our partners." "The launch marks one of our most significant and exciting partnerships to date. Our ethos has always been to champion the very best of Kent, from exceptional local producers to the county’s world-class visitor destinations and this launch brings all those elements together in a way that truly reflects our values – I couldn’t be prouder.” Shepherd Neame Chief Executive, Jonathan Neame said: “At Shepherd Neame, we’re passionate about creating beers that reflect both our heritage and our spirit of innovation, so collaborating with Kent Crisps on this new flavour has been a natural fit. Iron Wharf Stout was inspired by Faversham’s shipbuilding past, and it’s been exciting to see its rich, roasted character brought to life in a completely new way." "This partnership is a great example of how local producers can come together to create something distinctive that celebrates the very best of Kent.” Richard Morsley, CEO of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust adds: "This partnership is a true celebration of Kentish pride. By linking The Historic Dockyard Chatham with two of the county’s most respected producers, we are showcasing the very best of what Kent has to offer." "We are delighted to see Medway’s maritime legacy celebrated in this way. We look forward to seeing the Dockyard represented on shelves across the country and welcoming crisp lovers to come and see the real HMS Cavalier for themselves." This is the eighth flavour in the Kent Crisp’s range and uses Red Tractor Assured British potatoes which are hand-cooked for premium quality and texture, whilst being free from MSG and the top 14 allergens, making the crisps suitable for a wide range of consumers. Kent Crisps has a highly loyal customer base and marks their first new product launch since 2021, making it highly anticipated by both consumers and the trade. Photo: (l-r) Veteran David Adams LREM, Shepherd Neame Chief Executive Jonathan Neame, Kent Crisps owner Laura Bounds, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust CEO Richard Morsely veteran.

St Austell Brewery is marking its 175th anniversary with the release of 1851, a special edition commemorative ale brewed to honour the year the brewery was founded. Created using historic brewing records from the brewery’s archive, 1851 draws inspiration from a recipe first produced to celebrate St Austell Brewery’s 150th anniversary. The original recipe was recorded by former brewer Merv Westaway in handwritten brewing journals that continue to inform and inspire the business and its beers today. Georgina Young, Brewing Director at St Austell Brewery, said: “We wanted to create something that genuinely reflected our history - not just a beer to mark a milestone, but one that connects us directly to the brewers and practices that shaped the business.” Faithful to those historic notes, 1851 uses pale Cornish malt alongside amber malt, wheat malt and a small addition of Caramalt. The brewing journals also record that the barley was originally malted at Tucker’s Maltings in Newton Abbot, a respected regional malting that played an important role in the brewery’s past prior to its closure. Traditional Fuggles hops provide the beer’s characteristic earthy, piney bitterness, with the original records even noting the hop grower by name - Cooper’s Farm in Kent. Later hop additions include Styrian Goldings, now known as Celeia, sourced from Slovenia, adding soft floral notes that balance the malt profile. While deeply rooted in brewing heritage, 1851 has been produced using modern brewing techniques to ensure consistency and quality. The brewing team carefully translated the historic recipe into a contemporary process, preserving its character while meeting today’s standards. Pouring a deep mahogany colour, it is a 5.1% ABV ale, offering gentle biscuit notes from the wheat, subtle dryness from the amber malt and a rounded, balanced bitterness. “It’s a very honest beer,” Georgina added. “It reflects the way we’ve always brewed - with care, attention to detail and respect for the process.” 1851 forms part of St Austell Brewery’s wider 175th anniversary cask beer collection, which has revived and reimagined brews from the brewery’s archive. Drawing on recipes dating back to the 1800s, the collection celebrates some of the most well-loved beers in the brewery’s history alongside reworked versions of its current core range. Proudly independent and family owned since 1851, St Austell Brewery today supports more than 160 pubs across the South West, including 45 managed pubs, and is the region’s leading drinks wholesaler. Brewed exclusively for the anniversary year, 1851 is available for a limited time on cask only in select pubs across the South West. About St Austell Brewery St Austell Brewery was founded as a family-owned company in 1851 and has been fuelled by Cornish spirit and independent thinking ever since. Celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, it is the South West’s leading brewing, hospitality and drinks wholesale business.

Glasgow - People facing food insecurity in Maryhill will continue to receive emergency assistance and essential supplies during a period of rising need, thanks to the work of a trusted local foodbank. B.J.O Amara Association was set up in response to increasing food poverty in the area. It offers a welcoming environment where people are treated with dignity and respect, acting as a point of contact where local people can access wider support when needed. Founded in 2016 by Karen Amara and named in honour of her late father, what began as a small, community-led initiative has grown into a well established service supporting individuals and families experiencing financial crisis. In the decade since it was founded, the charity has built strong partnerships with local organisations, schools, and other charities, enabling a more coordinated approach to supporting local people in need. This collaborative work has helped extend the reach of the foodbank and boost community resilience, but demand has risen sharply in recent years. As the cost of living continues to squeeze household finances, more people are turning to the service due to low income, unemployment, or sudden changes in circumstances. To help B.J.O Amara Association meet rising demand, the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust has made a donation of £2,000 to strengthen the foodbank provision in Maryhill and ensure essential food and supplies remain available to households who need them most. Karen Amara, founder of B.J.O Amara Association, said: “We are incredibly thankful for this support, which comes at a crucial time for our community. The £2,000 donation enables us to respond to rising levels of need, ensuring that no one in our community has to face food insecurity alone." "This funding will allow us to continue delivering essential support in Maryhill while maintaining a welcoming, dignified service for everyone who relies on us.” Gerry Facenna, founder and owner of Allied Vehicles Group, said: “Local foodbanks are under real pressure just now, and organisations like B.J.O Amara Association are doing everything they can to support people through very challenging circumstances. We are pleased to provide this funding to help them continue their great work in Maryhill and make sure practical support is there for families when it is needed most.” The funding from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust will help ensure that people across Maryhill can continue to access food and practical support close to home, at a time when many households are facing sustained financial pressure. Top Photo: Gerry Facenna, Allied vehicles Group

M&S has become the first UK retailer to launch its much-anticipated Jersey Royal potatoes, thanks to its longstanding 10-year relationship with the Le Maistre family. The family has been farming the soil on Jersey since 1841 and is led by sixth-generation farmer Philip Le Maistre, who works alongside son Phil Jnr and brother Peter, as well as a team of local experts. Despite one of the wettest and more challenging planting seasons on record, the team’s potatoes have this week hit the shelves across 80 M&S stores in the UK, with their signature unique and nutty flavour. Customers can also find the Jersey Royals in M&S stores across the island, including its King St St Helier, St Brelade, St Clement, St John, St Peter and St Martin stores – operated by Sandpiper. The Le Maistre family is one of eight Select Farmers M&S is working with across Jersey this season, spanning 2,500 fields. M&S has a dedicated team on-site on the island to ensure customers experience exceptional flavour and quality. Every field is sampled and only packed for M&S if it passes a rigorous taste panel test. To help guarantee the highest quality, M&S uses a unique hydro-cooling process to chill the potatoes within hours of being harvested. This rapid cooling locks in freshness, ensuring each potato reaches stores in peak condition. Philip Le Maistre Jnr said of the launch: “It’s a real tradition for us to get the first harvest of the season onto M&S shelves. While my dad, uncle and I have never seen a planting season with such continuous rain, we’ve taken great care, planting more by hand and using the same traditional methods my great-grandfather did, to ensure the potatoes get the best possible start." "Our team works incredibly hard to deliver the very best taste, and we’re proud that families across the UK will be able to enjoy a product that is as fresh as it can possibly be.” The Le Maistre farm is part of M&S’ Plan A Farming for the Future programme and are LEAF Marque certified growers, combining traditional and modern methods to grow potatoes more sustainably. Harry Wilder, Senior Agronomist at M&S, added: “The arrival of Jersey Royals in our stores is always a highlight for us, signalling that spring and the very best of British produce season is here. Our relationship with our growers is what makes this possible and the Le Maistre family's passion and expertise, passed down through generations, is remarkable. Their hard work means we can be the first to bring these delicious, seasonal potatoes to our customers." The new season Jersey Royal potatoes are now available in 80 M&S stores across the UK, extending to over 100 stores from 1st April, just in time for Easter. M&S also has a dedicated Jersey Royal recipe section on its website, available here, from Honey harissa roast salmon and Jersey royal roasties to Jersey Royal focaccia.

Solent Freeport has granted £10,000 to a Southampton project which helps young people into employment and training. The funding for Southampton Young Adults Employment Hub will enhance the current range of services on offer, including increasing provision to residents aged under 18. This service offers a drop-in facility for advice or ongoing one-to-one support, use of wi-fi, computers and printer for free, and support to create or update CVs and cover letters. There is also a chance to meet local training providers in person and sign up to free training courses and the opportunity to see a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) work coach and Southampton City Council employment officer. The Solent Freeport cash injection will help with staff training, specifically around neurodiversity, as well as bus passes and travel costs to engage young people from vulnerable backgrounds to be inspired about work and reduce their risk of NEET. It will also go into a funding pot to cover costs such as interview clothes, ID, DBS checks, travel and courses that aren’t funded (for example CSCS courses for 18 year olds) Brian Johnson, chair of Solent Freeport, said: “The freeport exists to lay the foundations upon which our coastal region can be transformed by attracting inward investment into our tax and customs sites, which will deliver high quality jobs and economic prosperity." “This very much extends to working in collaboration with our many local authorities and private partner businesses across the region to seek the skilled workforce of the future as well as delivering help to people at the heart of the community in which we live and work." “As a major organisation in the Solent region we have a responsibility to offer support wherever we can and so we had no hesitation in supporting Southampton Young Adults Employment Hub because of the excellent work it does in supporting our young people into work.” A spokesperson for Southampton City Council said: “This £10,000 grant will make a real difference to young adults in our city by ensuring they receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time and helping them build confidence, develop skills and take positive steps towards work." “Support like this shows the power of working together for Southampton and helps to back young adults with practical help, advice and opportunities, ensuring they are more confident and better prepared to shape a positive future.” The hub is based on the first floor of Southampton Central Library at the Civic Centre and is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm. Southampton City Council works in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to support the city’s young people into training, apprenticeships and employment opportunities through the Young Adults Employment Hub. The city council’s Employment Support Team has been supporting Southampton residents for longer than 30 years and in that time has helped more than 3,000 people into paid employment. Photo: Strong Support - Solent Freeport has granted £10,000 to Southampton Young Adults Employment Hub which helps young people into employment and training from its base at Southampton Central Library at the Civic Centre

Individuals across Scotland will soon be able to gain recognised professional development credits through Business Gateway’s popular webinars, delivered by digital training consultancy provider NSDesign and business skills trainer and consultancy CJM Lumina. From 1 May 2026, every national Business Gateway webinar will be fully accredited by The CPD Group, giving attendees the opportunity to earn certified Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours at no cost. The move marks a significant step forward for Business Gateway’s training programme, which supports thousands of start-ups and SMEs across Scotland each year with practical, expert-led advice on topics such as bookkeeping, HR, digital marketing, SEO, AI adoption and social media. CPD accreditation is widely recognised by professional bodies and employers as a benchmark for quality learning. To achieve accreditation, the Business Gateway webinars have been independently assessed to ensure they meet strict standards for relevance, structure and delivery. Attendees will now receive two hours of certified CPD credit for each live session, along with a personalised certificate that can be used for professional records, compliance requirements or skills development tracking. Rebecca Lloyd, Accreditation and Compliance Manager at The CPD Group, said: “We’ve been genuinely impressed by the quality and value of the Business Gateway webinars, and we’re proud to be the CPD accreditation partner for such excellent provision. True, impactful learning isn’t always delivered in a traditional classroom, and this is a perfect example of that.” The process for attendees remains straightforward. After joining a live webinar, participants can scan a QR code or follow a link shared during the session to instantly download their CPD certificate. Each certificate includes the learning hours, session topic and date, alongside official accreditation marks and Business Gateway branding. While the accreditation introduces an added benefit, the core offering remains unchanged. Business Gateway will continue to deliver its established programme of free, expert-led webinars designed to help Scottish businesses grow, adapt and compete. With demand for flexible, high-quality training continuing to rise, the new CPD accreditation ensures Business Gateway’s digital learning offer stands out as both accessible and professionally recognised. All national webinars delivered from May onwards will carry CPD accreditation. Existing bookings will automatically qualify. Upcoming sessions are available to book via the Business Gateway website here. Photo credit - Alastair Ferrier

Manchester-based HMG Paints has continued to demonstrate its strong commitment to charitable causes and community projects through a series of fundraising events and paint donations, supporting both national charities and local organisations. As the business marks its 95th anniversary, it has taken the opportunity to reflect on its long-standing commitment to supporting charitable causes and giving back to the communities it serves, reinforcing the strong values that have remained central to the business over the years. A strong emphasis is placed on employee involvement at HMG, with staff playing a central role in shaping the company’s charitable activities. Employees are given the opportunity to vote on the charities the business supports, ensuring the causes chosen to reflect those that matter most to them. This inclusive approach helps to drive engagement across the organisation, whilst also reinforcing HMG’s identity as a 95-year-old family business, where community, collaboration and shared responsibility remain at its core. A key initiative saw employees take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, with a team of 24 staff travelling to the Yorkshire Dales to complete the demanding route in under 12 hours. The challenge, which included climbs of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, raised over £1,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support. The event held particular significance for those involved, with participants pushing their limits while supporting a cause close to many across the business. In addition, staff also undertook the traditional Three Peaks Challenge, raising more than £2,500 for staff-selected charities including Cancer Research and Francis House Children’s Hospice. This challenge saw participants climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon over the course of three days, highlighting both individual determination and strong team collaboration. These fundraising efforts brought colleagues together to support causes that resonate personally across the business. The level of support received from the wider community further reflected the impact of these initiatives. Speaking on the fundraising efforts, Kate Puć, Fundraising Officer at Francis House Children’s Hospice, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to HMG Paints for their fantastic fundraising efforts. The support shown by the team makes a real difference to the children and families we care for across Greater Manchester, helping us to provide vital services.” Alongside these challenges, internal initiatives have also played a role, including a charity Christmas bake-off that brought together employees from across the business to create and share festive treats, judged by volunteer staff members, as well as other various fundraisers held throughout the year. Beyond fundraising, HMG has continued to support local community projects through practical contributions. One such example includes involvement in the restoration of the Bromley Underpass as part of the Great British Spring Clean, where the company supplied products including C71 Speedline and Solvent Based Masonry Paint, working alongside the Central Neighbourhoods Team in Collyhurst. Further local support has been provided to the Lalley Centre, where HMG supplied HydroPro Garden paint and staff volunteered their time to help revitalise the charity’s allotment space, creating a more welcoming and vibrant environment for those who rely on its services. These initiatives highlight HMG Paints’ continued commitment to supporting the communities it serves, combining time, expertise and resources to make a meaningful impact beyond its day-to-day operations. The business looks forward to building on this work, with further fundraising challenges, community projects and partnerships planned as part of its ongoing commitment to social responsibility.

More than 100 property professionals gathered to help an expanding finance lender in the sector celebrate its 45th anniversary. MSP Capital invited clients, suppliers, partners, team members and prospects to an afternoon party at Scaplen’s Court in Poole, Dorset, near to its head office. The theme was ‘Built to Last’, reflecting the importance of strong foundations and solid long-term strategy for both property development and overall business success. It was the latest in-person industry event hosted by the principal lender since Chief Executive Leigh Bartlett last year set a new loan book target of reaching £750 million by 2030. Leigh said: “Bringing together so many valued contacts in such a relaxed and enjoyable setting was a real pleasure. Forty-five years is quite a milestone. Events like these are about celebrating the connections that drive our business forward." “All the suppliers who came along were local and we thank them for helping to make the day such a success. We look forward to many more events like this in the future as we continue to grow the strong relationships that underpin what we do best.” MSP Capital’s longest-serving current employee, Commercial Director Adam Tovey, who joined in 2010, said: “The original purpose of our firm was to help property developers access funds when they faced challenges raising capital elsewhere, from high street banks or other lenders." “Forty-five years on, our blend of flexibility, agility, property insight and customer focus continues to help us grow. We work closely with developers, housebuilders, brokers and other property professionals and we’re increasingly operating on a national basis.” Among the guests at the celebration was Duncan McCarthy of developer Nord Homes who has been an MSP Capital customer since 2007 when he was having difficulties sourcing funding elsewhere for a five-home development in Wimborne. Duncan said: “MSP Capital are easy to work with, and it is very helpful over the longer term when you see familiar faces who understand what you are trying to do and can help. They offer flexible terms and always find a way of making it work when banks are being more rigid.” Also there was Nigel Price, Chairman of estate agent Goadsby Residential, who said: “MSP Capital are straightforward to work with, very professional and approachable.” Guests were entertained by music from jazz band The Gershwin Gang and fun facts shared by compere Paul Kinvig. Reflecting the ‘Built to Last’ theme, caterer Molecular Magic served canapes and desserts decorated inventively to resemble materials from the property sector such as concrete and wood. And in a further ‘Built to Last’ touch, saddler James Edwards from North Devon firm Acorn Saddlery was on hand to make offcut leather into coasters personalised for each guest with their initials using embossing tools. Founded in Poole in 1981, MSP Capital has grown to employ a 60-strong team, all ‘property people’ irrespective of their department, with further appointments due this year. Having caught the attention of institutional investors, a controlling interest in the firm was sold to Cabot Square Capital in 2018. Pollen Street Capital, Shawbrook Bank and the world’s largest bank, JP Morgan, are also funding partners, adding capacity to enable highly competitive lending rates across both development and bridging loan products. MSP Capital is hosting a further anniversary celebration this month at Lockes Bar in Covent Garden, London, for around 50 brokers based in the Capital. Photo: Chief Executive Leigh Bartlett addresses the audience at MSP Capital’s 45th anniversary celebration in Poole.

Bestway Wholesale has appointed Charles Abraham as Food Service Director, strengthening its senior leadership team as the business accelerates its growth across catering, foodservice and the on-trade markets. Charles has extensive senior leadership experience across the foodservice and wider food and hospitality related industries, delivering growth and transformation in commercial, operational and strategy roles. Most recently Charles had been working with Gate Gourmet, supporting growth and operational change in the UK. Prior to that he worked for Sodexo as the Director of Foodservices, where he was responsible for the food strategy and transformation programme in the UK&I business. Speaking of his appointment, Charles said: “I am delighted to join Bestway and excited by the opportunity to grow and develop the foodservice wholesale business, and after 30 years working in foodservice and hospitality, I understand the needs of the customer which is even more critical in these challenging times for the industry” Dawood Pervez, Managing Director of Bestway Wholesale, added: “We are delighted to welcome Charles to the Bestway team. His leadership and extensive industry knowledge will ensure we deliver greater value, insight, and strategic support to our catering customers nationwide.” Bestway Wholesale operates one of the UK’s largest independent wholesale networks, serving retailers, caterers and licensed operators through its nationwide 70-depot estate and delivered infrastructure. Charles’ appointment reinforces Bestway’s continued investment in specialist capability as it expands its presence in high-growth hospitality and foodservice channels.

M&S is investing £2.1bn and extending its commitment to sourcing British lamb and beef through two decade-long contracts with ABP and Dunbia, supporting 3,500 British M&S Select Farms Long term commitments give British suppliers the surety of supply and confidence to invest against a challenging backdrop and increased competition M&S's Plan A for Farming strategy is built around a commitment to sourcing 100% British on key products like beef, chicken, pork and eggs M&S is the only UK retailer to offer Best in Season, 100% British across all fresh lamb - starting with West Country lamb in the south of the UK, moving north as the season progresses. M&S announces that it is extending its commitment to British lamb and beef farming with a £2.1bn investment. The investment will see two new decade-long supplier contracts with ABP and Dunbia, who together work with 3,500 M&S Select Farmers to bring British lamb and beef to Foodhalls. The new ten-year contract secures long-term British supply for M&S all year round while protecting exclusivity across its Wagyu Gold, Aberdeen Angus Gold, and Organic ranges as customer demand for beef grows. Aberdeen Angus Gold, launched last year, is an integrated beef standard developed in partnership with farmers using a science-led breeding programme, guaranteeing exceptional quality and high welfare at a 40% lower carbon footprint vs standard beef. Longer term contracts give suppliers the confidence to invest in the latest technology and methods to maintain M&S’s leading quality: Dunbia plan to open new salt drying chambers exclusive to M&S, and ABP will partner with M&S to invest in the latest state of the art equipment used for packaging and cutting meat and streamlined production lines. Alex Freudmann, Managing Director of M&S Food: “M&S Food offers the best quality at great value, and it’s our British farmers who uphold our market-leading welfare standards, and produce food to the quality our customers expect. But farmers face a number of challenges and now more than ever need UK retailers to commit to sourcing from within the UK." "Our long-term commitment to sourcing British fresh lamb and beef, through our partners at ABP and Dunbia, will support longer term investments and security for farmers for years to come.” Trevor, M&S Select Beef Farmer “A decade long agreement sends a strong message in support of British farmers: Long term stability is essential if we’re going to keep improving our businesses and planning for the next generation. M&S has always been a retailer we trust to support producers, and this contract reinforces that commitment in a way that really makes a difference on the ground.” Michael Doran, Managing Director of Dunbia: “Securing this new 10‑year strategic partnership with M&S represents a significant milestone for Dunbia and a strong endorsement of the quality, capability, and commitment of our entire team. This agreement strengthens our ability to support the network of dedicated British farmers who are central to our supply chain." "Their expertise, high welfare standards, and commitment to sustainable farming underpin everything we do. This partnership allows us to deepen that collaboration, invest in their future, and build a resilient, thriving British farming sector for the years ahead.” Kevin Cahill, CEO of ABP UK: “We’re delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with M&S Food, and it is testament to our product quality and commitment to customer service that this will continue for the next decade. This long-term agreement will enable us to invest in the future of the supply chain and provide greater security for our farmer suppliers in the years ahead.” The M&S Plan A For Farming strategy runs to 2030 and is focused on British sourcing, sustainability, high standards, and resilience. The goal is to help farmers feel confident about the future, grow their businesses, and invest, ensuring M&S can continue delivering quality food to millions of families across the UK. M&S is backing Britain as it builds on its long-standing and industry-leading commitment to British farming.

London-based family business Dina Foods supplies an artisan range of Mediterranean flatbreads and luxury confectionery to foodservice operators across the UK, offering versatile, high‑quality products that work across multiple menu formats. Project Director Wilda Haddad said: “Caterers tell us they need reliable shelf life, clear allergen labelling, cost consistency and products that work across multiple menu formats. Our authentic bakery and confectionery lines have been developed with those factors in mind, so they support smoother operations and more predictable margins.” Dina Foods’ bakery range taps directly into key growth trends in foodservice, including the rise of plant based consumption and globally inspired flavour profiles, delivering the operational efficiency, versatility and authentic experience required by operators. Provenance Dina Foods’ authentic Eastern Mediterranean bakery range is rooted in its culinary heritage. The company has its roots in the restaurant trade; its founders opened the UK’s first Lebanese restaurant, Fakhreldine in the 1980s. Wilda Haddad added: “Operators tell us that provenance matters, and some now highlight our story because it gives them a point of difference. Our products are inspired by time-honoured recipes handed down through generations.” Dietary requirements All Dina Foods’ breads are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. “At the menu level, the biggest shift we continue to see is the demand for all-purpose meal solutions, particularly vegetarian and vegan options,” comments Wilda Haddad. “That’s becoming a baseline expectation across restaurants, cafés and food to go.” Growing demand for plant-based eating is reflected in Dina Foods' sales patterns. Year-on-year growth in vegetarian lines has been strong, rising 23% in 2025 as caterers lean into meat-free formats. Innovation Dina Foods has a vibrant new product development programme, engaging with emerging customer trends on platforms such as TikTok while remaining focused on long-term relevance rather than novelty. “Our range stays aligned with consumer expectations while supporting the practical realities of running a busy kitchen,” comments Haddad. Aligned with product range, Dina Foods has targeted investment in clean-label innovation, including sourdough flatbreads, complemented by added-value products, such as seeded pittas and vegetarian deli foods. A recent launch, sourdough khobez under the Dina Foods brand Paninette®, taps into growing consumer interest in sourdough’s perceived gut‑health benefits. Wilda Haddad comments: “In this time of economic pressure, we want to help our customers stand out by delivering high-quality and innovative products. We are always looking at new ideas across our whole business.” Versatility and day part-flexibility Dina Foods range offers total day-part flexibility, giving operators a major commercial advantage. “Products such as our baklawa continue to outperform because they work across multiple occasions, as counter treats, coffee accompaniments, desserts, and even gifting items,” comments Haddad. The same applies to Dina Foods’ flatbreads, which are widely used for wraps, sandwiches, and sharing dishes, offering speedy and consistent solutions. “Our bakery products can move seamlessly from breakfast through to dessert, the breads can be eaten with sweet or savoury toppings or as a meal accompaniment,” says Haddad. Supply efficiency In a market where waste reduction and frequent ordering have been priorities (particularly since Covid) Dina Foods can offer operators the flexibility they require. That has helped it exceed pre-Covid sales volumes and continue to expand its footprint in the catering sector. Haddad comments: “We also supply traditional Eastern Mediterranean deli items such as falafel as well catering sizes of dips such as houmous, and clean label breads, so our range can allow countless combinations to create menu variety at a low cost-per-serving. In current times, where budgets are tight, our Mediterranean Foods provide great high-quality menu solutions." Shelf life remains an operational priority for caterers, and Dina Foods has invested in packaging improvements. This supports more efficient stock management in the catering sector’s tight labour and cost environment. Dina Foods’ bakery range Dina Foods’ traditional Mediterranean bakery range includes wholemeal, white, and seeded flatbreads, wraps and pitta breads, ultra-thin lavash flatbreads, and its versatile, best-selling doubled-layered khobez flatbreads (sold under the Dina Foods brand Paninette®), which can be sliced, used as a wrap or as an alternative to a pizza base. Breads are baked in bespoke stone ovens in the AA+ BRCGS accredited factory. On the confectionery side, indulgence is the order of the day, with high-quality, clean-label ingredients, such as ghee, used as standard. As the leading baklawa producer in the UK, Dina Foods uses authentic recipes passed down through the generations. Its range includes pistachio baklawa, chocolate enrobed and fruit selections such as apricot baklawa. About Dina Foods Dina Foods, established in 199, specialises in authentic, handmade Mediterranean foods, including artisan flatbreads, savouries and confectionery. Dina Foods’ well-equipped manufacturing facilities in Park Royal, London, operate to the highest safety standards. The company holds the highest accreditations for food safety including BRCAA+, IFS Higher Level and Sedex Registered. Its customers include major national food-to-go brands, wholesalers, airlines, and coffee shop groups. Its founders, the three Haddad brothers first came to the UK in the 1970s, opening the first Lebanese restaurant in the country, Fakhreldine at 85 Piccadilly, London.