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Local fruit grower John Myatt and his daughters Alex and Hannah of J. Myatt and Co. are set to star in M&S’ latest Farm to Foodhall campaign advert, on screens now. Based in Rochester, J. Myatt & Co. has been working with M&S for over 40 years and is behind their tree-ripened British plums. The advert sees superstar chef Tom Kerridge meet with John and the team to find out more about producing and picking the perfect plum. J. Myatt & Co. grows eleven varieties to ensure the longest possible British plum season, and each tree-ripened plum is left on the tree for longer to ensure maximum flavour. Each is then handpicked on the farm, depending on the deep purple and gold colour and feel of the fruit, ready to be packed and reach the shelves for customers. M&S’ Farm to Foodhall campaign spans TV, in-store and online advertising as well as social media. It follows Kerridge as he visits M&S farmers and suppliers across the UK to tell the stories behind a range of products. J. Myatt and Co. is also part of M&S’s Plan A programme for British farms, a five-year plan that will support soil health and biodiversity, including bird nesting and native plants, to preserve the farm for future generations. John Myatt of J. Myatt and Co said: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Tom Kerridge to the farm and share the hard work the team put into producing the best possible tree-ripened plums for M&S customers." "We are so passionate about growing the highest-quality fruit with the best flavour possible for customers. Our tree-ripened plums are a real family favourite and the natural tree-ripened sweetness, helped by the Kent sunshine, is unbeatable.” Pablo Martinez, Senior Food Technologist at M&S, said: “Our Farm to Foodhall campaign is all about showcasing the hard work of the growers behind the M&S products our customers see on the shelves. We are so fortunate to have a longstanding relationship with John and the team and their commitment and energy is infectious.”

Discussions about leadership are everywhere – it’s all over LinkedIn, on podcasts and there’s plenty of quotes about vision, inspiration and ‘leading from the front’. In other words, business owners are told to ‘be a better leader’ without ever being shown what it actually means. They chase personality traits, attend motivational seminars and try to copy famous leaders without ever mastering the basics. As a result, a lot of people are trying to lead from shaky foundations. They’ve bought into leadership myths – well-meaning ideas which sound good on the surface but, in practice, lack substance and don’t deliver real results. Brad Sugars, founder of ActionCOACH, has led the brand since coming up with the idea for the business in his bedroom in the mid-1990s. From those humble beginnings, Brad has grown ActionCOACH into the world’s number 1 business coaching franchise. Here, he breaks down the leadership myths which commonly trip up business owners – and shares what it takes to really lead effectively. Myth 1: You Can Skip Management And Go Straight To Leadership There’s this idea that management is somehow outdated – a real thing of the past. It’s seen as rigid, bureaucratic and uninspiring. In contrast, leadership gets all the attention. People want to be visionaries, motivators, change-makers. But here’s the problem – you can’t build great leadership without the basics in place. I’ve walked into countless businesses with dozens of people holding managerial titles – but not a single one of them has been taught how to manage properly. Usually, they’d been sent on leadership courses, and these are useful – but leadership without management is like building a house without a foundation. Management is about process, structure and consistency. It’s what helps people do their jobs well, stay on track and feel capable. Without it, teams are left guessing. With it, deadlines get met without drama and leaders can focus on growth, not firefighting. Leadership, on the other hand, brings the energy – a leader’s role is about direction, focus and passion. But it’s crucial to remember, if your team doesn’t know what’s expected of them or how they’re being measured, no amount of inspiration will keep things on track. Myth 2: Leadership Is All About Personality Many people fall into the trap of thinking you have to be naturally charismatic or loud to be a good leader. They imagine leadership as a kind of ‘presence’ – something you either have or you don’t. In reality, leadership isn’t about being the most confident in the room – it is what you do and how you build. I break this down into three parts: Framework – do you have the right building blocks in place? This means a clear mission, vision, culture and goals. Skills – can you communicate clearly, make tough decisions, handle pressure and coach others effectively? Personality – this shapes your leadership style, but it’s not the driver of your effectiveness. When leaders bring together framework, skills and personality, they create a culture people buy into and teams which stay confident under pressure. You could read every leadership book out there, but if you’re unable to give feedback constructively, get your team aligned or make decisions when it matters, you won’t lead effectively – regardless of your personality. Myth 3: Leadership Comes With The Title It’s also easy to assume getting a promotion or stepping into a senior role automatically makes you a leader. But leadership doesn’t come with a job title – it comes with action. True leadership isn’t about power or status. It’s about responsibility. It’s how you turn up for your team, how you create clarity in the chaos and how you earn trust over time. Leadership is earned by consistency – showing up, creating clarity and taking responsibility when things go wrong. The impact of this? A culture of trust – people who want to go the extra mile because they want to, not because they’re told to. You don’t need a CEO badge to lead – and having one doesn’t automatically mean you’re leading your business well either. People follow clarity, consistency and courage – not job titles. Leadership is earned by what you do, not what your email signature says. Myth 4: Leadership Is Something You Master Once, Then You’re Done Next, we have the belief leadership is something you can complete – like passing a course or earning a certificate. But real leadership doesn’t come with a finish line – it’s not something you master once and never revisit. Markets evolve. Teams grow and change. Technology reshapes how we communicate, plan and execute. What worked last year might already feel outdated – holding on to those old methods is a fast track to failure. The best leaders don’t just accept change – they seek it out. They stay curious. They ask questions, welcome feedback and make space to reflect. They’re always sharpening their skills, exploring new tools and learning from successes – and, crucially, missteps. Great leaders understand they’re leading people – not processes. And people are never static. Motivations shift, team dynamics change and what inspires one person might not connect with another, which is why effective leadership needs flexibility. It requires emotional intelligence, self-awareness and the willingness to try something new – even if it means admitting you don’t have all the answers. This is why the best leaders keep adapting. They keep their teams motivated through change and build businesses where growth happens consistently without burning people out. Just remember, the moment you think you’ve got it nailed is usually the moment you start falling behind. So, What Does Real Leadership Look Like? Real leadership shows up in what you do every day – how you communicate, support your team and handle challenges. It’s critical to stay consistent and that is what builds trust and momentum. It all starts with good management. Your team needs clear direction, solid systems and the right tools. From there, leadership adds the spark – confident decisions, clear communication, focus and the ability to bring people with you. Your personality ties it all together, but it can’t carry the load on its own. Without the basics, even the most charismatic leaders struggle. The best leaders keep it simple – show up, keep learning and lead with intention. And when they do, the payoff is clear: clarity, consistency, momentum and trust. Not just inspiration for a moment, but a business which works and a team committed to build it with you.

Multi award-winning office and commercial cleaning company Cleanology has appointed accomplished executive Nick Platt as Chief Growth Officer. Nick has been headhunted to spearhead growth strategy and ensure Cleanology reaches a number of ambitious targets across the UK and Ireland. With a proven track record at scaling businesses and heading up high performing commercial teams, Nick’s wealth of experience further strengthens Cleanology’s Senior Leadership Team. The new recruit is also expected to play a prominent role as Cleanology deepens customer engagement and enhances its standing as a sustainability driven leader. His distinguished CV includes senior leadership roles at several leading brands such as Rentokil Initial and SPIE. Nick said: "Joining Cleanology at such a pivotal time in its growth journey is incredibly exciting. The team has built a strong foundation and I’m looking forward to helping take the business to the next level." Cleanology Co-Founder Dominic Ponniah described the new appointment as ‘a true heavyweight signing’ adding: “Nick’s energy, expertise and focus on results will help us achieve our next phase of growth. We are thrilled to have him on board’. In March multi-award winning Cleanology rebranded in a bold and exciting live launch marked by the projection of its vibrant new logo against iconic London landmarks, including Tower Bridge. The dramatic unveiling came at a pivotal moment for the company as it entered its 25th year of trading with a record-breaking £2m of new contracts being mobilised the same month. Cleanology’s much-heralded annual fundraiser for The Hygiene Bank has established itself as a ‘must attend’ event - attracting almost 200 guests each year - and raising an incredible £117,000 in its first four years. This year’s fundraiser for the charity, that aims to eliminate ‘hygiene poverty’, is being held on October 9 at 113 Chancery Lane, the Grade II listed home to the Law Society, in the heart of legal London.

“Young adults in the UK are brimming with entrepreneurial ambition, but a persistent barrier threatens to stall the next wave of small businesses: access to finance," says Joe Phelan, money.co.uk business loans expert. Data shows that over seven in 10 18- to 24-year-olds want to run their own business, with nearly a third describing it as a closely held dream. Retail, hospitality, and beauty dominate their sector choices, from bookshops to bakeries and pet care services. However, ambition and talent are not always enough if access to capital is limited. In 2023/24, for example, research shows 41% of 15- to 19-year-olds in London were living in households experiencing poverty after housing costs, a financial strain that can restrict access not only to funding but also to networks, mentorship, and business education, which are critical resources for aspiring entrepreneurs. Similar challenges are faced by young people across the UK, making it harder to turn ambitious business ideas into reality. Social mobility is at its lowest in half a century, making entrepreneurship an attractive (but challenging) route out of insecure employment. But, without support, many promising ventures may never get off the ground. Access to finance is routinely cited as the top hurdle for new business owners. Traditional lending routes can be slow, intimidating, or require extensive financial history, something many young entrepreneurs simply don’t have. Support to access finance, such as getting a business loan, could be the tipping point for Gen Z entrepreneurs. When funding is accessible, ideas that were once dreams can become viable businesses. For many young people, this is not just a career choice but a route to financial independence and stability. It’s a chance to turn ambition into tangible impact, creating jobs, services, and innovations that benefit local communities and the wider economy. Initiatives such as Small Business Saturday also play a role in supporting young entrepreneurs. Now in its thirteenth year, the campaign encourages consumers to shop small and support the UK’s 5.45 million small businesses. Small Business Saturday UK recently announced its list of the 100 most inspiring small businesses for 2025, showcasing a diverse range of ventures that highlight the creativity, resilience, and innovation of the UK’s independent sector. For young people dreaming of launching their own venture, such businesses show that success is possible across sectors, regions, and business models. The combination of Gen Z ambition, confidence, and accessible financial support could therefore herald a new era of small business growth in the UK. Building Financial Confidence As A Young Entrepreneur Access to finance is also about knowing how to apply. For many young entrepreneurs, having the right support to create a strong business plan, understand financial projections, and navigate credit checks can make all the difference when seeking funding. Education in these areas is vital. Simple tools such as eligibility checkers, free business plan templates, and credit score reviews can help Gen Z prepare before approaching lenders. This preparation helps Generation Z choose the right type of finance, whether that’s a traditional business loan or newer options like crowdfunding. "With the right mix of financial education and accessible funding routes, young entrepreneurs can gain the confidence and practical know-how they need to bring their ideas to life and to contribute to a stronger, more diverse small business landscape in the UK.”

In August 2025, Roger Baird concluded his three-year tenure as SOPA Chairman Roger has had a significant influence on the organisation, bringing about financial stability, enhanced membership services, and a strategic plan that provides clear direction for the next five years. Following five years as a board director, Jean McLean has recently been appointed as the new Chairperson and has already hit the ground running, supporting the team and the board. Jean farms in partnership with her husband Robert, son John and brother-in-law Michael at New Deer and Turriff, Aberdeenshire. A total of 740 acres is farmed between the two units with organic conversion commencing in May 2020. A herd of 180 Holstein cows is the primary enterprise with all youngstock reared on farm for either replacement dairy heifers or through to finished beef cattle. Spring barley and grass are also grown with both crops used totally on farm. Jean and family also keep a flock of Beltex ewes for producing breeding stock, while purchasing organic store lambs in the autumn to be sold as prime lambs. Jean has previously served as a member of the local Holstein Club, the NFU Milk Committee, the Red Tractor Dairy Board, and the North East Milk Producers Association. Jean became a director of SOPA in October 2020 and has since played an active role in supporting the co-operative’s membership and growth. Jean is delighted to take on the role and said: “It is an honour to be appointed Chairman of SOPA. Since converting our own farms to organic production in 2020, I have seen first-hand the benefits it brings for our land, livestock and customers. Roger Baird has put SOPA in a strong position with a clear strategic plan and a dedicated staff team, and I thank him for his significant contribution." "I look forward to building on that progress and ensuring SOPA continues to support its members, champion the value of organic food production, and strengthen the role our sector plays in a sustainable future for Scottish farming.”

Responding to the announcement that Gross Domestic Product (GDP) showed flat growth in July, and rose by 0.3% in the three months to July, Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), Tina McKenzie, said: “July’s flat GDP result is a disappointment, and is another sign that the economy is stuck, rather than firing on all cylinders. Small business owners will now be hoping to see accelerating growth over the second half of the year." “Small firms’ confidence going into the summer months was at a low ebb. Flat or near-flat growth, with only a small uptick over the previous three months, is not enough to allow small firms to cope with increased costs. Too few firms will be able to invest to drive the expansion that is needed for the economic recovery we all want to see, which will be contingent on their success." “July’s Small Business Plan, which FSB worked on extensively in partnership with the Government, contains a wealth of great proposals to help get small businesses on the growth track. We look forward to seeing them put into action as soon as possible." “The Autumn Budget is a huge opportunity for the Government to make life easier for small firms, to everyone’s benefit. Making business rates fairer for small businesses must be a priority, to reduce the burden of this day-one cost that discourages new openings and deters investment, suppressing the recovery of high streets. The Government should expand Small Business Rates Relief and make full use of new powers to deliver permanently lower multipliers for small retail, hospitality and leisure firms." “Increasing the VAT threshold would encourage greater levels of economic activity, and would lead to additional tax revenue in the crucial final year of the Chancellor’s fiscal rules, according to the OBR and the Treasury." “In the meantime, however, the Employment Rights Bill threatens to be a real brake on growth if it is passed unamended. Extending protections against unfair dismissal to the first day of employment means putting massive risks on small employers’ shoulders. If making one hiring error can lead to a vastly expensive, stressful, and time-consuming tribunal process in an already overloaded system, too many businesses considering expansion will understandably decide it’s a risk they don’t want to take." “To stop these tentative growth shoots being crushed by the Bill, with over nine in ten small employers concerned by its draft provisions, a serious rethink is needed before it is signed into law.”

Structural engineers at BSP Consulting have been describing how they worked on the impressive life-sized sculpture of a Lancaster Bomber. The project honours Royal Air Force crews of World War Two and is a tribute to mark the historic link that Lincolnshire shared with RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War. The 29-metre-high art installation - On Freedom’s Wings – has been erected in a field at Norton Disney, between Newark and Lincoln, close to the A46. BSP Consulting designed the main structure of the plane, the podium and the foundation. It has been tilted to give the impression that the Lancaster Bomber is in flight and heading home to RAF Swinderby – a former close-by RAF station. Managing Director Carl Hilton has been describing how the BSP team of structural engineers undertook the design work on this impressive monument. “In 2018, we were selected to explore the possibility of designing a life-sized Lancaster art installation on a hill in Lincolnshire,” he said. “ A little bit different we thought from the usual schools, commercial offices and industrial parks that we are involved with in our day-to-day work." “Our approach was to digitally scan a real Lancaster aircraft and create a detailed 3D model. To do this, we visited the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby, where we had the privilege of studying Just Jane - one of only three working Lancasters worldwide. The resulting model allowed us to integrate a structural steel framework and apply the necessary loadings, primarily the self-weight of the frame and the wind forces acting on the structure." “By simulating stresses and deflections, we could test different configurations and refine both the inclination and height of the aircraft. After much iteration, we, as a team agreed on the most striking position, one that ensures the Lancaster can be clearly seen from the nearby A46." “Fast forward seven years, and this vision has now become reality with the installation at Norton Disney. This project has been the result of many people devoting their time, expertise, and energy to move it forward through each stage. The lift and final construction marked the culmination of that collective effort. A huge well done to everyone involved - it has been a true collaboration of professionals, all united by the desire to achieve something remarkable." “The team at BSP Consulting is pleased to have played our part.” The steel structure is being dubbed the East Midlands’ equivalent of the Angel of the North. Thousands of motorists are expected to see On Freedom’s Wings every day as they drive by along the dual carriageway. Although the sculpture is now in place, work is continuing on the site on landscaping, CCTV, entry system and a car park. It will be open for visitors in the autumn, once the site is complete and safe. Until then, people are being encouraged to stay away from the site. BSP Consulting is based in Nottingham and with offices in Derby and Leicester. On this installation the company has worked closely with Timmins Engineering & Construction, Hutchinson Engineering Services and Jessops Construction. The Bomber County Gateway Trust, which first mooted the idea of creating a life-sized monument of a Lancaster Bomber in 2017, is still fundraising to collect the remaining funds needed for the sculpture, which has cost almost £1m. To donate visit Bomber County Gateway Trust - JustGiving

Harrisons, a leading UK manufacturer of nonwoven wet and dry wipes, has once again been recognised with Planet Mark Business Certification, marking the third consecutive year that the company has achieved the sustainability standard. The recognition highlights Harrisons’ ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental impact and building a more sustainable future for professional wiping solutions. Between April 2024 and March 2025, the company achieved a 52.9% reduction in its Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions at its Romford site, thanks in part to a switch to renewable electricity at its Romford site. Harrisons also expanded the scope of its measurement to include more areas of its value chain - giving a fuller and more transparent picture of its carbon footprint. In achieving its third consecutive certification, Harrisons has taken several steps forward to reduce its environmental impact, including: • Switching to 100% renewable energy at the Romford site, cutting electricity-related emissions by almost 90%. • Partnering with a new third party logistics provider, Magnum Logistics, meaning all raw materials are stored in a BREEAM-certified building with 25% solar panel roof coverage. • Installing 80% LED lighting at the Romford site, with plans to reach 100% coverage by end of 2025. • Reducing material waste at the Romford site by 46% during the reporting period. Commenting on the achievement, Stephen Harrisons said: “Three years of Planet Mark certification is another fantastic milestone. It reflects the progress we’re making on our sustainability journey and marks another big step forward in what has been a landmark year for the business." "Alongside the launch of our Industrial Range, our new logistics partnership with Magnum, and the acquisition of Ecotech’s business and assets, this is yet more evidence that Harrisons is setting the standard in wiping.” This year Harrisons also expanded its range of sustainable wiping solutions, launching the plastic free Prem 100 and Tech 100, made with Sontara ® materials, as part of its new Industrial Range. This added to their existing sustainable offering which includes J-Cloth® Compostable wipes - produced with 100% natural biodegradable fibres from PEFC-certified sources. and the Sontara EC® Green – a compostable wipe made from 100% cellulosic and renewable material. Looking ahead, Harrisons will continue working with Planet Mark to measure and improve its environmental performance and social impact year on year. It has already started working with The Hygiene Bank to eliminate hygiene poverty by donating 15,000 wipes every month to individuals and families who struggle to afford daily cleaning essentials.

Wildlife crime across England and Wales is being systematically overlooked, under-recorded, and inadequately addressed, leaving thousands of wild animals unprotected. This is the stark warning contained in a new report published today at the Wild Summit by animal welfare charity Naturewatch Foundation, titled Policing Wildlife Crime: Make Wildlife Count. Drawing on Freedom of Information (FOI) responses from 33 police forces and a detailed survey of 128 frontline officers and call handlers, the report exposes serious gaps in how wildlife crime is recorded, investigated, and prosecuted. Among its most alarming findings are: Over 4,400 wildlife crime incidents were recorded between August 2023 and October 2024. The actual number is believed to be significantly higher, but poor and inconsistent recording practices make it impossible to know the true scale. 78% of recorded cases resulted in ‘No Further Action’. Only 16% of officers surveyed had experience with wildlife or animal welfare prosecutions. 90% called for more face-to-face training, and 81% believe wildlife crime should be made notifiable. 87% do not believe wildlife crime is dealt with robustly by the courts. The report’s findings are accompanied by an open letter to DEFRA, the Minister for Policing, and all Chief Constables and PCCs across England and Wales, calling for urgent reform. Jim Clark, Wildlife Crime Campaign Manager at Naturewatch Foundation, said: “The report highlights a disturbing pattern: wildlife crime is consistently treated as a low priority, despite the significant impact it has on biodiversity, public safety, and the rule of law. Inconsistent crime recording also means we still do not know the true scale of the problem, and if we cannot count it, we cannot combat it.” “This lack of urgency not only enables wildlife crime to persist unchecked but also signals to offenders that these crimes carry little consequence.” Ultimately, the findings in this report highlight an urgent need for reform. Making wildlife crime notifiable would allow for consistent national data collection, better trend monitoring, and stronger enforcement, improving outcomes for both wildlife and communities. Naturewatch Foundation is also calling for: A commitment from DEFRA to review and strengthen wildlife protection legislation to close current loopholes and reflect the seriousness of wildlife crime. The establishment of a standardised, mandatory wildlife crime recording framework. Clear prioritisation of wildlife crime from Police Forces, including assigning and properly supporting dedicated Wildlife Crime Officers. Investment in specialist training and resources to ensure frontline officers can respond effectively. Adoption of standardised crime recording practices to ensure consistent, transparent, and usable data. With campaigners, policymakers, academics, businesses and charities gathering today at the Wild Summit, Naturewatch Foundation hopes this report will fuel the urgent conversations needed to ensure the UK’s wildlife receives the protection it so desperately needs. Jim adds: “If we are serious about tackling the biodiversity crisis and building a society that respects all life, wildlife crime must be taken seriously at every level of policing and government.”

“Sadly, there are still certain stereotypes about what people over a certain age should be doing.” – Dr Isabella Moore When it comes to blazing a trail in business, Dr Isabella Moore CBE has learned a thing or two along the way. Indeed, far from planning for retirement, the 77-year-old grandmother, from Warwickshire, has become a leading advocate for entrepreneurialism and is getting set to unveil her new Later Creator e-learning modules as part of a launch event this month. The training programme is designed specifically to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of people over the age of 50 and is the culmination of Dr Moore’s academic insight, lived experience and extensive consultation with experts in government, enterprise, health and education. On September 11th Later Creator will be launched at an event when specially invited guests will hear from a panel of experts from the worlds of business, education and politics, brought together for the first time in a bid to widen the conversation around the subject of supporting business goals in later life. Topics include: · Motivations behind later-life entrepreneurship · The need to challenge ageist attitudes · Common barriers (access to finance, digital skills, self-confidence, ageism). · The role of support organisations in enabling older entrepreneurs · What needs to change in government policy · Investor perceptions of older entrepreneurs The Later Creator training programme offers three levels of expert support to help plan and kickstart a new business - from online and app-based learning to a full in-person training and mentoring programme, the focus of which is on building emotional support and soft skills that help lay the groundwork for developing the practical skills required to launch a sustainable business. Dr Moore’s resume makes for impressive reading. As well as being the founding director of Comtec Translations in Leamington - a company she sold and then bought back with her daughter at the age of 60 - her accomplishments include CEO of The National Centre for Languages, Vice President of Business for New Europe and Vice President of Eurochambres. She was awarded a CBE for services to Commerce in 2003. Her work in the language services and in supporting women’s enterprise has also been recognised with Honorary Doctorates from Sheffield Hallam and Aston Universities as well as a National Award for Outstanding Contribution to Women’s Enterprise development in 2006. But among her proudest achievements is becoming the first female president of both the Coventry and Warwickshire and British Chambers of Commerce in 1999 and 2002 respectively, plus chairing a panel to choose the first women’s Business Council in 2005. She said: “I've been a supporter of entrepreneurship from the beginning, when I first became involved with the Chambers of Commerce and really started to understand the specific issues that small businesses experience, especially in relation to government policies that impact them." “In relation to support for older people considering the option of setting up a business, there's very little help. At 60, when my daughter and I bought back COMTEC, I began to realise that the issues you experience at this age when running a business are a lot different to those you experience in your 30s. I had a husband who had retired and wanted me to be at home. I had a mother who was in her 90s, who lived in Warsaw, so I had to go back and forward to keep an eye on her. And then my daughter Sophie got married and had children and she needed my help, as she was working in Comtec.” Dr Moore’s PhD, explored gender differences in how and why people start businesses in later in life. Her investigations looked at motivation, societal norms and perceptions of older people, as well as the challenges of securing the necessary resources to start a business in later life. Armed with her findings, and on a mission to drive change, three years ago Isabella set about creating The Olderpreneur Alliance, a social enterprise offering both practical and emotional support to help realise the entrepreneurial ambitions of the over 50s. She said: “I have been working to raise awareness among politicians, business support organisations and anyone working with older people, who are considering next steps, about the specific requirements they have. “The people I interviewed for my research were unhappy with existing business support. They felt patronised and uncomfortable speaking to somebody often 30 years younger, who often don't take them seriously.” She added: “One of the biggest issues that came out of my research was around confidence in later life. People were applying for jobs for which they were vastly overqualified. “You can write 10 business plans, but if your inner voice is saying to you, you can't do it, then you're not going to go far,” said Dr Moore. “As well as the harder skills such as dealing with financial institutions, selling and goal setting, we also do a lot of work on the softer skills such as dealing with your inner critic, developing an entrepreneurial mindset, examining what it is that's stopping you from considering the option of setting up your own business and undertaking an audit of your skills and experience - your age capital, if you like.” Dr Moore has also pledged to seek funding to develop a subsidised programme to help those who might struggle with cost, access to the IOEE- (Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs) certified Later Creator programme. The programme launches against a background of official projections by the Office for National Statistics, which forecast a significant rise—up to 40%—in the UK’s pension-age population over the coming four decades (ONS, National Population Projections). Dr Moore said: “Older people bring skills and experience built over many years, but it's also life experience, resilience and work ethic, which are hugely undervalued by employers. “When it comes to the older generation, as a society, we’re still not addressing their real needs and understanding how they feel. There's a lot of loneliness and isolation and I think there's a huge job to be done there." “Society often thinks older people are there just to play golf, look after elderly relatives or grandchildren, but certainly NOT starting a business. My research showed that those that do start their own business are even regarded as “deviant!” “Later Creator offers a crucial resource for people as they transition into the next chapter of their lives, counteracting ageist narratives and stereotypes about older people not being productive.” For more information visit here .

Cardiff and south Wales turned out in force to wave goodbye to cycling legend Geraint Thomas, and the final stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men did not disappoint, with an exciting finish in the Welsh capital as Olav Kooij (Visma-Lease a Bike) burst from the bunch to secure his third stage victory of this year’s race, after the day’s main break was caught less than 100m from the line. Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ) held his nerve despite facing an onslaught of attacks on Caerphilly Mountain to win the overall by just two seconds from Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step), while the day also saw tens of thousands of fans line the streets and descend on Cardiff to celebrate Geraint Thomas’s career and bid the Welshman farewell after he retired at the conclusion of the six-day race. Thomas’ career celebrations included a guard of honour from the entire peloton at the start in Newport, and a farewell party at Cardiff Castle, as a sporting legend hung up his wheels, with his racing career ending with two tough days of racing in his native south Wales, supported by the Welsh Government. Earlier in the day, the racing was marked by a four-rider break comprising Julius Johansen (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), Bastien Tronchon (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team), Fred Wright (Bahrain Victorious), and Mats Wenzel (Equipo Kern Pharma), with the quartet putting on a show once they broke away from the peloton. The chasing bunch maintained a gap of around two minutes for most of the undulating stage, but as expected, the race fractured on the epic climb of Caerphilly Mountain after Soudal Quick-Step, Picnic PostNL, and Tudor Pro Cycling set a relentless pace heading into the final 25 kilometres of racing. With 10km remaining, former British national champion Ethan Hayter increased the pace on the lower slopes of the climb for his team leader, Remco Evenepoel, with the Belgian starting the day just two seconds behind Grégoire’s overall lead. Hayter’s efforts closed the gap to the break to within 30 seconds, and when Evenepoel’s expected attack was made, several other GC contenders were quick to respond. Oscar Onley attacked soon after, forcing Grégoire to respond, but over the summit of the climb, Tronchon, Johansen, and Wright remained at the front of the race with a slender eight-second gap. With just under 7km to go, Evenepoel attacked on the long descent to the finish with Grégoire once more forced into a frantic chase. Out front, the remaining trio worked well together, but the stop-start nature of the peloton eventually led to a significant regrouping, with Kooij and several of his Visma-Lease a Bike teammates returning to the peloton. From there, the momentum on the stage shifted, with the break left dangling at the front, having a 16-second buffer and 4.5km remaining. The trio refused to throw in the towel and powered into the last 500m with a narrow gap on the chase, but just as Wright opened up his sprint, Kooij blasted through the pack to take the stage win and deny Wright his first-ever stage victory in the race. The Bahrain Victorious rider held on to take a well-deserved third place, while Sam Watson (INEOS Grenadiers) finished second. “We’ve had a pretty amazing week. It's really nice to finish it this way,” Kooij said at the finish in Cardiff. “I think we were not that far away on GC, so we thought about trying to close that gap and also fight for the bonus seconds. We also had to use a few guys to try and bring the break closer for the stage win, though. This week has been really special, we took control most of the week, it’s something that doesn’t happen too often so we’re really happy,” the Visma- Lease a Bike rider said. Fond farewell to a cycling legend Newport, South Wales, played host to the final stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men, and as expected, the pre-race crowds only had eyes for one team as Geraint Thomas lined up outside the INEOS Grenadiers bus for the start of his final race as a professional rider. For a rider who has been a mainstay on the British cycling scene across three decades, it was only fitting that the day belonged to the 39-year-old, with a guard of honour at the start led by his INEOS teammates, with his own son, Macs, joining in. It was memorable too, that Thomas was the first rider to attack once the flag was dropped, with the Welshman jumping clear on home roads. Although there would be no fairytale day in the break, the veteran later enjoyed the freedom of riding up Caerphilly Mountain with longterm friend and teammate Ben Swift to accompany him as fans cheered the pair home. “It was emotional across the line. All the fans, I was choking up. Crossing the line with Swifty, who I've raced with since I was 12, it all came out then and speaking to S4C I couldn't even speak. It’s definitely emotional. It’s super special, and to finish here is unbelievable,” Thomas said at the finish. “It's unreal, the atmosphere, all week, a lot of the years I've been racing, particularly today and yesterday, just riding through here, then the amount of people going nuts. It's mad that people are so much about me doing well; it meant so much. What can I say? What a way to finish,” he added. Once Thomas’s attack had been neutralised, a wave of attacks followed before the day’s break settled on Johansen, Tronchon, Wright, and Wenzel. A group of teams kept the break under control throughout the stage, and with the leading riders on GC separated by only a few seconds, the overall standings remained wide open as the race ascended Mynydd Bedwellte and then headed towards the crucial climb of Caerphilly Mountain. Evenepoel and Onley both tried to create the needed separation on the climb, but Grégoire was equal to every acceleration. “I’m really happy, I’ve always wanted to win a race like this. I’m just enjoying the moment, and I’m really happy for myself and the team. The riders behind me were very close [in GC], so I had to manage today well, and I think as a team we did it to perfection. Controlling the break and making sure it was a sprint finish, today went really well for us,” the Frenchman said after winning the race. “With the attacks on the climb, it wasn’t easy to stay with them, but I was pretty committed and my legs felt good. I was able to follow the attacks, which was the good part, but the descent was tricky too, with Remco attacking it wasn’t a fun moment." "Winning this race ranks really high in my career. At the finish, if there had been a small group, it would have been dangerous for me, but with sprinters like Olav Kooij there, it was easier for me. I was confident when I saw the Visma leadout in the final 2km,” the Frenchman added. Kooij also ended the race with the points jersey, while Victor Vercouillie topped the KOM standings. Grégoire also claimed the best young rider’s jersey, and Bahrain Victorious won the team classification.

Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count results are in – find out how Surrey’s butterflies fared in 2025. This summer, 4,234 people took part across Surrey spotting 51,884 butterflies and day-flying moths during the three weeks of the Big Butterfly Count. On average, butterfly spotters saw 8.4 butterflies and moths per count, a 12% increase compared to 2024, and the most-spotted butterfly in Surrey was the Large White. While the numbers are a vast improvement compared to 2024’s, the charity has warned that urgent measures are still needed to reverse long-term decline. The sunniest spring and hottest summer ever recorded in the UK provided good weather conditions for butterflies after 2024’s record-breaking lows. However, the results from the UK-wide survey show that it was definitely not a bumper summer for our beleaguered butterflies. Between July 18 and August 10, over 125,000 citizen scientists got involved in Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count across the UK – more than ever before – and recorded 1.7 million butterflies and moths, with the top five species being Large White, Small White, Gatekeeper, Red Admiral and Meadow Brown. On average, participants recorded 10.3 butterflies during each 15-minute count. While a marked improvement on last summer’s record low of just 7, it is only broadly average by modern standards, and has done little to reverse longer-term declines. Butterflies need two things to thrive: good weather and a healthy environment. Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, warns that: “We may feel like we’ve seen lots of butterflies this summer, but that’s only because last year was so awful." “Last summer’s results were the lowest we’ve seen and a stark warning that many of our common butterfly species are facing significant pressure from challenges linked to habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use." “Whilst we’ve seen noticeably more butterflies during 2025’s Big Butterfly Count, the figures suggest it’s actually been a pretty average year for them by modern standards." “The 15-year Big Butterfly Count trends show that more than twice as many widespread species have declined significantly than have increased. And, while most species had a better than average summer, one-third of species fared poorly even in the generally beneficial weather." “There remains a need for us to take urgent action to support our butterfly populations, including by improving the environment in which they live, restoring habitats and reducing pesticide use. Until we do these things we are unlikely to see a great recovery in butterfly numbers, regardless of how much the sun shines.” Winners and losers Across the UK, some species did show marked increases this summer. The Large White and Small White both recorded their best ever Big Butterfly Count result. Meanwhile the Small Tortoiseshell, which had its worst Big Butterfly Count result on record in 2024, showed some improvement but still recorded a below average year and has declined by 60% since 2011. The Jersey Tiger moth had a record year. The species was recorded more widely and in higher numbers than ever before. By contrast, Holly Blue had its second worst Big Butterfly Count result on record, Common Blue had its third worst and Meadow Brown had its fourth worst Count result. What can Surrey’s butterfly-lovers do to help Butterflies are key indicators of the UK’s biodiversity and environmental health. Tracking their numbers helps Butterfly Conservation understand the impacts of climate change, habitat loss, and conservation action. This year’s results are a reminder of how much we still need to do if we want to restore butterfly numbers in the UK. Dr Richard Fox added: “We’ve reached a critical moment. The time to take action for UK butterflies is now. We know the weather impacts their numbers and with the summer we’ve just had we should be seeing them in far greater numbers. Even when the weather is good, the environment is only able to support far fewer butterflies than it used to." “We must now do more to improve the habitat that our butterflies live in. This is why Butterfly Conservation is calling for an end to the unlicensed use of butterfly-killing synthetic pesticides, and asking retailers to take them off the shelves. We are in a nature crisis. We should be providing people with the tools to help and not the means of destruction.” A rescue mission Butterfly Conservation has launched a rescue mission for the UK’s butterflies and is asking the people of Surrey to sign its open letter to retailers calling for the removal of toxic synthetic pesticides from sale for domestic use. You can add your name by visiting here. Big Butterfly Count will return in 2026. Next year’s event will take place between July 17 and August 9 so be sure to make a note in your diary. Photo: Andrew Cooper