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As the leaves change colours and the air turns crisp, a special day arrives in the calendar that pays homage to one of the most beloved fruits of the season - apples. National Apple Day, celebrated on October 21 in the UK is the day when we get to recognise the rich history, cultural significance, and mouth-watering diversity of the humble apple. National Apple Day originated in the United Kingdom, where it was first established by Common Ground, an environmental charity. The purpose of this day was to reconnect people with the countryside and their local orchards. Since its inception in 1990, this day has gained popularity, both in the UK and around the world, as a means of promoting the importance of apples and orchards. Apples have deep cultural roots in many societies. They often symbolise knowledge, temptation, and health in various mythologies and folklore. In Celtic traditions, the apple was considered a symbol of immortality, while in Norse mythology, the goddess Idun was the guardian of rejuvenating apples. National Apple Day provides an opportunity to explore and appreciate the cultural heritage associated with this fruit. National Apple Day is an excellent time to visit local orchards. Many apple orchards open their doors to the public, allowing visitors to pick their own apples, learn about different apple varieties, and even participate in fun activities like apple bobbing and cider pressing. These experiences help people connect with the source of their food and gain an appreciation for the hard work that goes into apple farming. Apples come in a staggering array of varieties, each with its own flavour and culinary uses. From the sweet and crisp Gala apple to the tart Granny Smith, there's an apple for every palate. On National Apple Day, food enthusiasts can explore recipes that showcase these varieties in dishes ranging from classic apple pies to innovative salads and savoury mains. Sustainability is a growing concern in the agricultural world, and apples are no exception. National Apple Day serves as a platform to promote sustainable apple farming practices. It encourages the use of traditional orchards, which are essential for preserving biodiversity and supporting wildlife. National Apple Day is not just about eating apples; it's also about learning. Various events and workshops are held to educate the public about apple cultivation, preservation techniques, and the importance of protecting orchards. Schools often participate in apple-themed projects, fostering an understanding of where food comes from and the value of local produce. National Apple Day is a celebration that brings people together to appreciate the humble apple's significance in our culture, history, and daily lives. From indulging in delectable apple treats to visiting orchards and learning about sustainable farming, this day reminds us of the importance of local, seasonal produce. So, on October 21 and beyond, take a bite of your favourite apple and enjoy the flavours of autumn while paying homage to this remarkable fruit.

Redditch company joins with Warwick charity to fund two more Paediatric Palliative Care Consultants for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Birmingham Children’s Hospital is to become a training hospital in Paediatric Palliative Medicine and will be providing training for two new consultants thanks to funding by a children’s charity and corporate sponsors Oakland International. News of the £310k funding, which will double the number of existing roles in the region, came during a special event in Birmingham this week (17th) hosted by Molly Ollys Founder Rachel Ollerenshaw. The donation is heavily supported by the storage and logistics business which has its headquarters in Boeley, and will cover two years of training for the consultants. Molly Ollys was established following the death of Rachel and husband Tim’s eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer and marked its tenth anniversary last year. The Warwick-based charity supports children with life-threatening illnesses and their families and helps with emotional support as well as donates wishes, therapeutic toys and books to children directly and through hospitals across the UK. And it funded the region’s first ever consultant in paediatric palliative medicine between 2018 and 2021, since when the post has been permanently incorporated by the NHS. There are currently only 25 such specialists in the UK. Nationally there is a shortage of between 50 to 60 consultants within this specialist Paediatric Palliative Medicine service which helps enable patients to live their best lives. Oakland and members of BCH were among special guests at an informal drinks evening at a Birmingham city centre venue on Tuesday night, when Rachel provided an overview of how their support is making a real and significant, long-term impact to so many children across the region. Co-Founder and Group CEO, Dean Attwell, said: “Molly Ollys is a truly wonderful charity supporting so many children and their families through such difficult times. The link to Birmingham Children’s Hospital is another example of an under-resourced but much-needed service identified and championed by Molly Ollys and we are delighted to be part of the funding support team." “It was a pleasure to have attended the launch event in Birmingham with so many other businesses and potential supporters. We were happy to share our experiences of the journey so far and to show other potential sponsors what it means to get involved, both in terms of helping the charity but also as a return on investment for their own businesses. Charitable giving with a positive return on investment? Now there’s a thought!” Since Molly Ollys started more than £4 million has been raised to emotionally support children across the UK. Another of the charity’s key NHS projects was the creation and refurbishment of Magnolia House at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. This is a safe and non-clinical space where medical teams and families can have important discussions. Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “The need for Consultant-led Paediatric Palliative care is far more important than many realise and primarily that is the case because it is a world that few people fortunately have inhabited." “From our own experiences with Molly we realised the importance of enabling a good death. Molly had a choice, as parents and her family we had a choice thanks to the support of a consultant in Warwickshire where we live. However, we realised that that care was different down the road in the West Midlands." “So, Molly Ollys plugged that gap by paying for the first consultant for three years in order to prove the need for the NHS to then take this forward. Once proved Birmingham Children’s Hospital quickly appointed a second consultant with the help of Acorns Hospice. Two consultants meant that BCH could become a training hospital." “We are therefore delighted that we can continue this project with the funding of training for two more consultants. From zero to four in a seven year period is a big step change and will have a positive long term impact for palliative children in the West Midlands and surrounding areas.” She added: “We are extremely proud to be able to support this latest project but none of it would be possible without the magnificent help of key corporate supporters. Oakland International have been incredible. They have really taken time to listen, to meet health professionals and to understand the significance.” The funding has been particularly welcomed by the hospital’s current Consultants Yifan Liang and Christine Mott. Yifan, from Birmingham, said: “With the current consultant numbers, we are only capturing the most needy children and there’s a lot more need that we could be addressing." “This vital business funding will enable us to provide the capacity to serve families better through planning, clinical reviews and which will be more sustainable for everyone concerned." “Thanks to Molly Ollys, Oakland International, and other corporate businesses supporting this much needed initiative, we are starting to see change and helping families in the way they want and need for the short and long term, and getting the end results for individuals as we roll it out and help more people.” Anyone wishing to donate to Molly Ollys can do so here

In recent years, the world of food has witnessed a remarkable transformation as plant-based foods have surged in popularity. From innovative meat substitutes to dairy-free milk alternatives and a vast array of plant-based snacks, the growth of this sector has been nothing short of phenomenal. Here we take a look as some of the reasons behind the explosive growth of plant-based foods, the implications for our health and the environment, and the promising future of this sustainable culinary revolution. A Shift Towards Health and Sustainability One of the primary drivers behind the ascent of plant-based foods is a growing global consciousness about health and environmental concerns. Consumers are increasingly embracing plant-based diets for the perceived health benefits, such as reduced cholesterol, lower risk of heart disease, and better weight management. With a focus on natural ingredients, plant-based foods are seen as a healthier alternative to traditional animal products. Moreover, the rise of the environmental movement has drawn attention to the colossal ecological footprint of the meat and dairy industries. The excessive use of water, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with animal agriculture have prompted many to adopt plant-based diets as a way to reduce their personal impact on the planet. The link between plant-based eating and sustainability has inspired a vast and diverse audience, including vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians, to choose plant-based foods. As Joe Hill, co-founder of plant based One Planet Pizza explains, there are some significant statistics that confirm the growing importance of the plant based sector. "Across the UK demand for meat and dairy alternatives doubled from 2016 to 2020 reaching over £1 billion a year which has resulted in an explosion of innovation and growth in the sector and plenty of products and brands now fighting for the same shelf space," explains Joe. "The market is now stabilising and entering a stage of maturity as we see retailers consolidating and focusing on own-label and top performing products. The sector has benefited to an extent post the pandemic as consumers have become more health-conscious and vegan diets have become increasingly popular, with almost 20% of UK consumers now claiming to follow a plant-based diet," he continues. "Furthermore, roughly 1 in 3 people are now buying plant-based milks, 20% of young people in Britain do not eat meat, and a further 20% only do so occasionally. The growth in the plant-based agenda is great to see as consumers realise the health benefits as the main motivator for eating more plant-based meals and the challenges associated with ‘sustainability’ driving others to look for alternatives." Innovation In The Kitchen Advancements in food technology and culinary innovation have paved the way for plant-based foods to become more accessible and delicious. Companies have developed meat substitutes that closely mimic the taste and texture of traditional meat, making the transition to plant-based diets more appealing. Similarly, plant-based dairy products, such as almond, soy, and oat milk, have become mainstream, offering alternatives that are virtually indistinguishable from their animal-based counterparts. The development of plant-based ingredients, like tempeh, seitan, jackfruit, and mycoprotein, has expanded the range of options for consumers, enabling them to enjoy familiar dishes without compromising on taste or texture. This wave of culinary innovation has not only attracted vegans and vegetarians but has also enticed carnivores to incorporate plant-based foods into their diets. Mainstream Adoption And Corporate Investment The surge in demand for plant-based foods has not gone unnoticed by the food industry's giants. Major corporations are investing heavily in plant-based product development, with companies like Nestlé, Tyson Foods, and Unilever acquiring or launching plant-based subsidiaries. This level of corporate investment has not only expanded the availability of plant-based products but has also contributed to reducing prices, making these foods more accessible to consumers. Fast-food chains and restaurants have followed suit, introducing plant-based options on their menus, further normalizing the consumption of plant-based foods among the general population. The growing demand and profitability of these products have driven businesses to adapt and cater to the shifting dietary preferences of consumers. Smaller food producers like One Planet Pizza are also investing significantly, innovating their approach to food production and developing growing consumer interest via marketing and social media campaigns. As Joe continues, "Our mission is to create and promote unbelievably tasty plant-based food that’s better for people and the planet. Pizza seemed like a good place to start. Our purpose is to get plant-based food into the hands (and mouths) of as many people as possible. We’re here to help everyone understand the impact food choices have on our planet, making it easier for us all to eat and live more sustainably." "Our vision is to be the number one vegan pizza brand in Europe, helping millions of people eat and live more sustainably without sacrificing their favourite food, and we have been on an incredible journey, one that continues to excite us each and every day." "It is great to see our dreams coming true and the increasing acceptance of plant-based foods making it into shopping trolleys on a regular basis too," he adds. The Future Of Plant-Based Foods The growth of plant-based foods shows no signs of slowing down. As more consumers become health-conscious and environmentally aware, and as innovations in plant-based food technology continue to improve, the industry is poised for further expansion. The future may see even more diverse plant-based offerings, making it easier for individuals to adopt sustainable diets without sacrificing taste or convenience. As a sector there are challenges such as the current economic climate and associated higher costs of living which is leading to some consumers returning to cheaper, traditional meat and diary products which are perceived to offer value savings and the growing need to educate and inform consumers of the consequences for the broader environment of not adopting elements of a plant-based diet into their daily regimes. Joe remains extremely positive about the future: "We are focusing on creating like for like plant-based versions of the most loved pizza flavours in the UK. Pizza is a fantastic 'comfort food' for introducing huge numbers of consumers to the plant-based category, offering an affordable, healthier and more sustainable alternative to traditional pizzas. Sales continue to grow and our plant-based pizzas can now be found in the freezers in Asda stores nationwide." The incredible growth of plant-based foods is not just a trend; it represents a fundamental shift in the way we approach food and its impact on the planet. With continued innovation, wider accessibility, and a global commitment to sustainability, the plant-based food revolution is likely to become an integral part of our culinary landscape, offering a healthier, more sustainable, and tastier way to nourish ourselves and the world.

An innovative UK amino acid-based drinks brand has launched a new £250K investment round to support its ambitious scale-up strategy. Kings Lynn-based Amino, producers of unique nutritional drinks products that enhance performance and improve health and wellbeing, will invest the funds in a new 1000-square-foot warehouse facility creating up to five new jobs in the town. The new site, which can be further extended through the addition of a mezzanine level, will enable the company to increase its production capacity as it sets its sights on global growth. Launched in 2019, Amino has built a strong online sales channel across the UK generating revenues of £250K in 2022 which are forecast to increase to over £1m in the next financial year. With medium-term plans to enter the European and US market, which has a current combined value of circa £16bn per year, Amino is targeting revenues of £50m per year by 2029. As well as channelling funds towards the new production facility, the company also plans to invest in developing additional products aimed at improving sleep and hydration, and will also bolster sales and marketing activity to further support brand growth. Amino’s drink formulas are the brainchild of Simon Carty, an ex-athlete who studied Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry at Loughborough University. Working alongside his sister Samantha Martell, a qualified health coach with more than 15 years of experience in digital product and project management, the pair developed their unique brand after a futile search to find an amino-based drink that was both effective and great tasting. Amino’s offering is plant-based, zero sugar and low calorie with no artificial colours or flavours. The brand’s products revolve around amino acids, the building blocks of protein which not only help high-performance athletes maximise their performance but can also support weight loss, health optimisation and overall well-being of mainstream consumers. In August, Amino secured £300K from the East of England Regional Loan Scheme which can be accessed with equity from this investment. Amino founder and CEO Simon Carty said: “Since starting the business four years ago, Amino has experienced strong organic online sales growth across the UK and in parts of Europe, all delivered primarily through the efforts of myself and Samantha." “This investment round comes at an exciting and pivotal moment in our journey where we are ready to scale our operations, increase production, grow our UK presence, and prepare to expand into global markets where our unique products have real potential to stand out. “I invite crowdfund investors to join us on our mission to positively influence long-term health through our innovative Amino product range.” More details about Amino and its current crowdfunding campaign on Seedrs can be found here

Firefly Green Fuels has found a unique way to make ultra low carbon jet fuel and it’s in what we flush down the toilet every day. James Hygate has always been fascinated by alternative ways of creating fuel. Over 20 years ago he started experimenting in his garage, making biodiesel, and founded Green Fuels. The company sells biodiesel-making equipment which converts cooking oil into fuel and has clients all over the world. With Hygate’s latest venture, Firefly Green Fuels, he has a far more ambitious goal. He plans to transform how the world’s airlines are powered with a new, innovative, sustainable fuel made from sewage. “I’ve always liked the idea of taking a waste product and turning it into something useful,” says Hygate. “Sewage is a problem and a very undesirable waste. Whereas sustainable jet fuel is a major commodity. Being able to create a valuable thing from waste seems quite magical, but really it’s just great chemistry.” The company has gained £5 million of funding from ultra low-cost airline Wizz Air, as well as its first order for fuel - up to 525,000 tonnes. Hygate knows the airline industry is pursuing solutions like this and is on the cusp of major change. “Many in the airline industry want to decarbonise and the only way it can be done is through sustainable aviation fuel, or ‘SAF’, as it’s commonly called. However, there’s just not enough SAF being produced and what’s needed are really sustainable feedstocks to make it.” With processed sewage waste, Hygate saw a resource which was all too plentiful in supply. It was a way to turn a problem into a solution. Green Skies In 2021, Hygate, his business partner Dr Paul Hilditch and research director Dr Sergio Lima entered the ‘Green Fuels, Green Skies’ competition organised by the Department for Transport, winning a £2m research grant. The research team, led by Lima, were already experimenting with a process called hydrothermal liquefaction or ‘HTL’. In simple terms, the HTL process involves taking sewage sludge provided by the water utilities and putting it into a high pressure reactor, which is energy efficient and allows the processing of wet materials without drying them first. The sludge begins to separate into two useful materials. One is a biochar, or powder, and as a fertiliser is supplied to the agricultural industry. The other is a bio-oil, or crude, which can be refined into jet fuel. British water companies are very interested in working with Firefly and Hygate says his company is offering them a long term solution for dealing with their waste stream. “Every year, we produce 57 millions tonnes of sewage in the UK, this is a vast amount, after treatment this is eventually spread on fields, a practice that is set to stop. But because it’s so abundant and we are never going to run out of it, it also presents a huge opportunity,” Hygate explains. Carbon Impact Firefly has made several batches of its innovative new fuel and independent tests in the US and Germany show it has a near identical chemical composition to standard A1 fossil jet fuel. “The results really surprised those testing it. I don’t think they expected sustainable aviation fuel made from sewage to be so chemically similar to standard jet fuel. It means our fuel can likely be dropped in and mixed with existing fuels. Its use doesn’t require new aircraft or engines.” Firefly’s team also worked with Cranfield University to examine the fuel’s life cycle carbon impact. They concluded that Firefly’s fuel has a 90 percent lower carbon footprint than standard jet fuel. “Jet fuel is made from fossil fuels, which are the result of trees and plants being buried in the ground and being transformed under the earth’s crust over millions of years. Extracting and using them is all bad in terms of carbon emissions" “However, Firefly’s fuel is made from a cycle lasting just a few days or weeks. Plants growing today are eaten, pooped out and turned into sewage and then into fuel. We’ve just cut millions of years off the process and that’s a lot better, from an environmental point of view.” “Any fuel used in planes has to be thoroughly checked for obvious reasons. But as ours is so similar to standard jet fuel we’re feeling confident,” says Hygate. Meanwhile, the company is preparing plans to build a demonstrator plant in the UK to start manufacturing large quantities of fuel and is looking for investors for this stage of development. “We have a great team here who are all really ambitious and concerned about pollution and the climate crisis. It is a global issue and we now want to build a global business to address it. “Processed sewage is the same the world over, so we can make jet fuel anywhere, in theory. There’s a lot of sewage in the world, which is a big problem, but it could turn out to be part of our salvation.”

The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders has celebrated the achievements of some of Britain’s most innovative and ambitious entrepreneurs for the sixth year in a row. Created by investment partner LDC, part of Lloyds Banking Group, and supported by The Times, this year’s programme received entries of the highest calibre and surpassed the expectations of the judging panel. The leaders featured in The LDC Top 50 are growing their businesses at home and overseas, making a positive contribution to society and driving progress against their sustainability goals. They hail from every corner of the UK and span every sector of the economy. Together, they employ more than 6,700 people and turn over more than £1.2 billion. The LDC Top 50 and the individual award winners were recognised at a celebratory event at BAFTA in London last night, with accolades given to the UK’s Most Ambitious Business Leader and a series of other award winners. The overall winner, The Most Ambitious Business Leader of 2023, is Luke Consiglio of The Pantry. From setting up with just one sandwich shop, Luke’s catering business now employs 500 people and supplies some of the UK’s biggest names with corporate buffets and lunches, as well as providing over 15,000 daily meals for schools. This commercial success combined with Luke’s commitment to do good by helping children eat well and understand the power of healthy foods, set him apart. Luke’s commitment to his mission and values, which he has upheld as the company expanded, really captured the attention of the judges. Top Billing The International Growth Award, marking a leader’s ambition and success in expanding operations or sales overseas, was handed to Mark Copley of Copley Scientific. Under his stewardship, the 30-stong Copley Scientific team has made major investments in its manufacturing capabilities in recent years to develop new products and now exports around 90 percent of its products outside of the UK. Mark and Kuntal Fisher of FIECON scooped The People First Award, which recognises the business leader with a clear mission to support people and create more equitable and inclusive societies. A great example of mission-driven business leaders, the duo has pledged to give £10m back to wider social causes and impact 100 million lives positively through their work. Honouring the leader who has created a business driven to contribute to a more sustainable future, The ESG Award went to Tony Cleary of Lanchester Group. An advocate of renewable energy, Tony has built a business with outstanding sustainability credentials and has led the development of a new self-powered bottling plant. Lanchester Group is also the first business in Europe to heat its warehouses with water from disused mine workings. Trailblazers The first of our Trailblazers – those business leaders who are disrupting their markets – was for Women in Tech and went to Anna Brailsford from Code First Girls. Having transformed the organisation from a social enterprise to a rapidly accelerating profit-making business, Anna’s plan to create one million opportunities for women to learn to code and participate in the tech industry in the next five years was hailed by the judges. Nicolas Gillanders of South Coast Insulation Services was awarded the Trailblazer in Energy Efficiency Award. The judges were impressed with his quest to help homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their properties amid increasing awareness of climate related issues and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Next up was the Trailblazer in FinTech accolade, which went to Adam Ward and Josh Graham of Airtime Rewards. Recognised for their ambition to create the leading loyalty programme for the mobile generation, the duo’s cashback app offers consumers an easy way to get money off their mobile bill. Rising Stars And The One To Watch Mo Hussain and Alan Rock of Moasure were awarded this year’s Rising Star in International Award. Moasure’s app allows users to take measurements for landscaping or construction simply by moving their phone, and its founders have successfully increased the business’ international presence via five global warehouses and through sales to 150 countries. The Rising Star in Sustainability Award went to Lucy Macnamara of Aspiga, in recognition of her unwavering commitment to ‘circular fashion’. Her ethical fashion company stimulates fair trade with international artisans, as well as making fabulous clothes and jewellery. It also achieved B Corp status last year and aims to be carbon neutral by 2025. Brothers Reza and Omid Najafian of Staffscanner scooped the Rising Star in People Award, after impressing the judges with their commitment to diversity and inclusion. Their revolutionary healthcare staffing platform matches care staff with work opportunities, offering them flexibility, with the promise of payment within 48 hours of completing a shift. This year’s Highly Commended: One to Watch Award, which recognises the leader who is the driving force behind a business destined for great things, went to Lewis Reeves of Walr. The technology business has scaled quickly under Lewis’ direction to employ 90 people across eight countries in just two and half years. Celebrating Our Alumni As part of this year’s programme, The Alumni Award was introduced to recognise one individual from across The LDC Top 50 alumni network who has continued to push on and achieve brilliant things. This went to Dan Williams of Orean. Originally featured in The LDC Top 50 in 2019, when he had just completed an impressive turnaround of the private label cosmetics manufacturer, Dan has since ramped up growth in the US, added an insights department to the business and become a B Corp. A Year Of Significant Achievements John Garner, Managing Partner at LDC, said: “This year’s LDC Top 50 entries surpassed all our expectations and once again showcased the outstanding talent and ambition that exists among entrepreneurs from across Britain. Despite what remains a challenging period for businesses, their relentless drive and determination is just the tonic that the UK economy needs to maintain its recovery and rebuild for future growth.” Since 2018 The LDC Top 50 has received more than 3,000 nominations and celebrated more than 500 business leaders, shining a spotlight on the remarkable success stories of medium-sized businesses.

Tesco’s UK CEO has thrown his weight behind a new petition calling on the Government to make violence or abuse against retail workers a standalone criminal offence. The petition which has been lodged with Parliament this week by a Tesco worker, calls for lawmakers to act and toughen up the laws protecting shop staff. It comes amid a rising tide of verbal abuse and assaults on retail workers, with Tesco reporting that violent incidents against its store workers are up by a third on this time last year and British Retail Consortium figures showing 850 incidents each day of violence and abuse towards British store staff. Tesco UK CEO Jason Tarry said: “I am fully behind the petition to make the abuse of retail workers a standalone offence. We want our colleagues to be safe at work. Creating a standalone offence not only sends a strong message to the small but violent group of people who abuse and attack shopworkers, but also makes it clear to shopworkers that as a nation we take protecting them seriously. I would encourage anyone who wants to see retail workers better protected to sign the petition, as every signature makes a difference.” The petition was started by Jenny Whyte, who works in Tesco convenience stores in the North of England. “Nobody should come to work afraid that they could be assaulted or abused for just doing their job,” she said. “Things have definitely got worse over the past few years, and some of the incidents that colleagues have had to deal with are truly shocking. The Government could show it is serious about protecting retail workers on the front line with a specific offence, and I hope this petition will encourage them to do that.” To tackle the increasing abuse of shopworkers, Tesco has brought in further measures to protect its colleagues, including body cameras that colleagues can choose to wear, and new toughened glass safety screens being fitted in more than 300 Tesco Express convenience stores and petrol station kiosks. Thousands of people across Britain have already backed the petition, and if the number of signatories passes 10,000 then the Government will have to respond to it. If it gathers 100,000 signatures it may be debated in Parliament. Find out more and sign the petition here The wording of the petition is: Make abuse or violence towards retail workers a standalone criminal offence. We are calling on the Government to make violence or abuse against retail workers a standalone criminal offence. This is necessary to send a strong signal to victims and perpetrators; to give workers the legal protection they deserve; and to tackle the scourge of abuse plaguing the retail sector. The British Retail Consortium’s crime survey found that violence and abuse against retail workers has almost doubled from more than 450 incidents per day in 2019-20 to over 850 last year. This is unacceptable. Last year, after a long-running campaign by retailers and USDAW, the UK Government made attacking shopworkers an aggravating factor in assault convictions. This was welcome but, one year on with the epidemic of violence against colleagues continuing, it is clear that we need to go further.

Using artificial intelligence (AI) in our everyday lives, and in business, is firmly in the mainstream and it’s now commonly accepted that any organisation that doesn’t ultimately integrate AI into its services and offering is going to fall behind. Research from Manx Financial Group asked brokers about advancements in AI, and how it will affect small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) over the next twelve months. 40% said it would be used to further facilitate commercial finance application decisions, while a fifth (20%) of SME brokers thought it would be used to identify new business opportunities. 19% thought SMEs would use it to determine future business risk and one in ten (9%) believe it will replace back office and non-client facing roles. But how does an industry like alternative lending for SMEs – which requires sometimes emotive decision-making that requires a human thought process – adopt unemotive artificial intelligence? Enhancing Customer Service AI algorithms can be deployed to very quickly analyse vast amounts of data, including financial records, business performance, and wider industry trends. All this data is then used to provide the basis of highly personalised loan recommendations to founders, which ultimately increases the chances of loan approval and – in a world where personalisation is expected from customers – higher client satisfaction. Streamlined Application Processes Traditional loan application processes can be arduous, time-consuming and complex, leading to frustration for SME owners whose time is better spent on running their business. AI-powered alternative lending platforms can simplify and expedite the application process through automation. Chatbots and virtual assistants can guide applicants through the necessary steps, collect required information, and provide real-time support – saving on both time and paperwork. 24/7 Accessibility AI has made chatbots increasingly intelligent and almost unrecognisable from the 'computer says no' chatbots of old. This allows customers to speak to their lenders 24/7, and while a chatbot still won’t replace an actual human being to speak to, it does mean that basic queries can be answered, and waiting times reduced. There are also financial and security benefits to utilising AI – particularly when it comes to fraud and risk assessment of complex structures. Real-time Fraud Detection AI's ability to process and analyse data in real-time significantly strengthens fraud detection capabilities. By monitoring ongoing transactions and evaluating patterns, AI algorithms can swiftly identify suspicious activities and potential fraud attempts – for example, is the customer suddenly checking their account multiple time a day, or at strange times? This proactive approach allows lenders to mitigate risks promptly, protecting both parties’ financial losses. AI can also enable secure authentication mechanisms such as facial recognition or voice biometrics, adding an additional layer of security. Advanced Risk Assessment As already mentioned, AI excels in analysing large volumes of data and identifying patterns that human analysts may overlook, and by leveraging machine learning algorithms alternative lending platforms can assess the creditworthiness of SMEs incredibly accurately. AI algorithms can analyse and take data points from credit histories, transaction records, social media activity, and other relevant data points to generate comprehensive risk profiles. That said, this is the area where that human interaction is still needed – many lenders will ensure that a person takes a second opinion on more complicated applications – for example when historic financial or credit data also needs to be considered. AI is the future, and its advent has brought significant advancements in alternative lending at a much-needed time for SMEs, allowing them to faster overcome financing challenges and fuel their growth. AI, used correctly, will also give alternative lenders the advantage over traditional lenders, who can struggle to keep up with the rapidly changing digital world. It will also streamline resource within our organisations, allowing us all to spend our energy and personnel hours on tasks where human touch really is irreplaceable. While there are common misconceptions that AI 'will take our jobs' it is our feeling that it is is used properly, it is a tool that will just make us better at them.

Wonderworld Soft Play, a leading name in family entertainment, is proud to mark its 10th anniversary with a remarkable journey of success and now targeting further expansion into England. What began as a single location a decade ago has now blossomed into a thriving group of entertainment brands with multiple locations spanning across Scotland. Since its inception in 2013, Wonderworld Soft Play has consistently delivered top-notch entertainment for families and children and sourced the largest locations, making it the go-to for soft play in Scotland. Today, its parent company, Wonderworld Group boasts an impressive portfolio of brands and locations, with sites in Glasgow, East Kilbride, Edinburgh, Falkirk, Kirkcaldy, Perth and London, catering to the enjoyment of hundreds of thousands of families each year. The growth of Wonderworld Group has been fuelled by the introduction of various new experiences including AirThrill and Electric Thrill and the continued expansion of Wonderworld Soft Play, each offering a unique and thrilling experience for visitors of all ages. AirThrill in particular has been a huge growth story, providing inflatable and trampoline parks for older children and has expanded from two to five sites over the last three years. With 11 units across Scotland and 1 in England, Wonderworld Group has become a key player in the UK leisure and family entertainment industry and with over 400 people on its payroll, the company has been able to offer exceptional experiences, setting itself apart as Scotland's largest family entertainment provider. The Group has had the privilege of welcoming more than 4 million visitors over the past decade, a testament to its commitment to providing safe, entertaining, and enjoyable experiences and they’re now set to welcome even more children and families through their doors. Revenue is also on track to exceed £13 million for the current financial year with EBITDA projected to be around £2.5 million. Outside of day-to-day operations, the Group recognises that it has an important role in supporting local communities too and recently cemented their place as a legacy partner and national sponsor of the Glasgow Children’s Charity. Narinder Singh Baryah, Managing Director of Wonderworld Group, who has been at the helm of the company for the last two years, expressed his excitement for the company's growth and future plans, saying, "It has been an incredible journey for Wonderworld over the past decade. We’re passionate about our core mission of providing safe, exciting, and memorable experiences for families and this is reflected in the evolution of our offering that results in customers continuing to come back to our venues." “Looking ahead, we are excited to announce our expansion plans into England over the next two to three years. We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved so far and our teams will continue to create joyful memories for families while navigating the exciting, challenging, and ultimately rewarding journey of running a business which isn’t all child’s play”. Find out more at wonderworldgroup.co.uk

Nuvias UC, a leading provider of innovative unified communications, collaboration and cloud solutions, today announced the appointment of Wayne Gratton as Chief Commercial Officer. With over 25 years in distribution and a track record of significant strategic leadership, Gratton brings a wealth of experience to build on Nuvias UC’s leading position in the collaboration market. Gratton joins Nuvias UC from Infinigate, where he served as Marketing Vice President. Earlier in his career, he co-founded Clarity Technology, guiding its growth from inception to a £200m business in eight years before the business was acquired by Avnet. In addition, he has held a number of senior technical and leadership roles, including Technical Director and VP Digital, Marketing and Business Development. Building on a keen interest in business strategy and analytics, Gratton has demonstrated a consistent record of customer focus and strategic success throughout his career. In his new role, Gratton will focus on building an innovative solution set to further enable market growth and new opportunities across the Nuvias UC portfolio. He will also bring the power of data and business analytics to the company's partnerships to support and drive their development, providing comprehensive, tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of resellers and their customers. “I am delighted to be joining Nuvias UC at an exciting time in the development of the business and the unified communications market in general,” commented Gratton. “The evolving landscape and speed of change presents a renewed opportunity for our reseller and vendor partners to work with us in realising high-growth opportunities, and we will remain strategically focused on delivering exceptional service, building meaningful relationships and extending our strong emphasis on accessing growth markets.” Joel Chimoindes, CEO of Nuvias UC, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Wayne to the Nuvias UC team as our Chief Commercial Officer. He brings an exceptional track record in driving growth, and his experience aligns seamlessly with our strategic vision for the future. I’m confident he will be instrumental in propelling our partners and us towards new heights of success and market leadership, and I look forward to working with him across the many exciting opportunities that lie ahead."

Hampshire Chamber of Commerce has recorded a ten per cent rise in income from international trade services as member firms seek to leverage global export opportunities. Reporting on its latest financial year, the Chamber said it had issued nearly 7,000 trade-related documents, mostly for export certification and customs clearance. At the same time, advice on issues to do with accessing overseas markets has become an increasingly central component of its overall training and webinar activity. The county’s independent ‘voice of business’ shared the updates at its annual general meeting at the Norton Park Hotel in Sutton Scotney near Winchester. Attendees also heard that the Chamber’s work on leading the Solent Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), approved in August 2023, had so far engaged more than 300 employers through workshops, surveys and a stakeholder summit. Key aims of the LSIP are to address workplace skills gaps and put employers at the heart of the ‘skills agenda’ by strengthening links between businesses and education and training providers. In his review of the year, Hampshire Chamber’s Chief Executive and Executive Chair Ross McNally told the meeting: “We are continually setting the scene for business success through LSIP activities, growing international trade support and building an accessible peer community of employers that is second to none." “For firms in Hampshire, the Chamber is the only truly scalable business network on offer, a place with the power to help you start, grow, aspire and lead." “In the past year we have once again supported our members by ensuring their voice has been heard during the great economic challenges we face, from post-pandemic recovery through constrained supply chains, energy price inflation and skills shortages. This all strengthens our strategic vision to unlock Hampshire’s potential.” Ross cited various examples of member engagement and events involving the Chamber’s locally based business strategy groups serving Southampton, Rushmoor & Hart, Portsmouth and District, Basingstoke and District, Andover and Winchester. And he highlighted the Chamber’s specialist groups focused on planning and transport, professional services, creative industries and green innovation. Ross said: “We are local through our various strategy and specialist groups, regional through our contacts with stakeholder partners such as Solent Freeport and Southampton Airport, national through our accreditation to British Chambers of Commerce and global through being part of the International Chamber of Commerce network." “A further key focus in the past year has been to strengthen our engagement with the third sector, enabling businesses and charities to connect, work together and develop partnerships for mutual benefit.” Among other agenda items, the meeting confirmed the re-appointment of Peter Taylor as Chamber President, a role with both an ambassadorial and lobbying remit and the internal function of supporting the Board and providing corporate governance. The meeting ended with an interactive presentation from guest speaker Bruce M. McKinnon, founder of agency The Brand Arrow, on how to build a brand marketing strategy that effectively demonstrates the ‘point’ of a business.

Pumpkins will be larger this year and it’s a result of Britain’s unpredictable weather this summer. While many Brits may have been cursing the rainier than usual mid-summer months of July and August, the inclement weather actually was good news for the UK’s pumpkin growers. And now Tesco is bracing itself for strong demand with this season’s crop of pumpkins now on sale at stores across the UK. Tesco pumpkin buyer Lucy Moss said: “The good news for Halloween fans coming from our main pumpkin growers is that the fruit will be larger than normal in all size variations this year as a result of very good growing conditions across the summer months." “This year we have six different sizes and based on last year’s demand, carving variety is still the most popular although. Each of the six different size categories will be larger than usual this year so fans will get value for money." “The good news, from a food waste point of view, is that there has been an increase in customers searching for recipes for their delicious versatile pumpkin flesh on our Tesco Real Food website.” Oakley Farms, based near Wisbech in Cambridgeshire, are one of Europe’s biggest suppliers of pumpkins, growing around five million each year. The farm works hand in hand with Tesco to ensure that there is as little pumpkin waste as possible. Steve Whitworth, Commercial Manager at Oakley Farms said: “We had a pretty good growing season for pumpkins this summer with a really hot June which really helped the plants along. The rainy July and August may not have been great for sun lovers or BBQ fans but from a growing point of view for pumpkins it was perfect." “The weather gave us the right amount of rain with sunny intervals especially compared with the challenging conditions we encountered during last year’s heatwave which was officially the hottest UK year on record.” Tesco’s pumpkins range this year is as follows: Carving – standard size Culinary Munchkin Novelty including devil (red) and ghost (white) types Large Giant