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A huge festive recruitment drive has been launched by Tesco ahead of the busy holiday period this year. And that should be good news for job-hunting students and also families looking to offset increasing bills or anyone wanting to return to the workforce. This year Tesco is recruiting 30,000 temporary Colleagues across the UK to help customers during the busy Christmas period. The jobs will mainly involve working in Tesco’s Superstores and Extra stores for either early morning, day or evening shifts, so that prospective applicants can find an opportunity that fits around them. James Goodman, Tesco People Director said: “This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to boost their earnings over the festive period or who needs to find a route back into the workplace. We’re looking for people who enjoy working as part of a team and are prepared to go that extra mile in order to help our customers." “Our festive roles are a fantastic way to become part of the Tesco team, with roles working on checkouts to picking orders for home delivery or replenishing the store. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to meet great people, learn new skills and be part of a diverse team where everyone is welcome." “We had a great response for festive roles last year and we would love to hear from anyone who worked with us then. With part-time, temporary roles available across the UK, there are a variety of different shift patterns on offer, making sure these roles fit around different individual needs and lifestyles.” The new colleagues will help the supermarket meet high demand as customers look to make Christmas savings – especially as Tesco has just locked low prices on more than 1000 products until 2024 – as well as helping shoppers get exclusive deals on Clubcard Prices at the checkout. Once the seasonal period comes to an end, there may be opportunities for Christmas colleagues to apply for any permanent roles available in Tesco stores. One person who did that last year is Kenzy Talbot, 28, who joined Tesco last November as a festive colleague and worked in the fresh food sales area. Kenzy said: “I am a working mum with a young child, as you can imagine trying to fit work around school times in the past was very difficult. Tesco has been amazing and with their flexibility this has meant that I have been able to fit my working hours around my family commitments." “I was delighted to become a permanent member of the team in January 2023. I have progressed and learnt other areas of the store, currently working most of my hours on groceries along with picking up extra shifts on other areas such as checkouts and fresh areas.” Anyone interested in a festive job at Tesco should apply via their website here

AAB, the tech-enabled business critical services group, has today announced the acquisition of Elstan HR – a well-established outsourced/integrated HR business in South-East England – as part of its strategy to further extend the HR consultancy services offered across the group. Founded in 2015 by current MD Katie Aldred, the Elstan HR team works with clients across a range of sectors, but has developed particular expertise in working within the technology and leisure/retail sectors. Following this acquisition, for an undisclosed amount, AAB Group’s business unit dedicated to HR and People services (AAB People in Scotland and Think People Consulting Ltd in Ireland) now comprises a team of 60+ HR, Health & Safety and Talent Development specialists working across six locations, delivering an annual turnover in excess of £4.5 million. Douglas Martin, Chief Commercial Officer at AAB commented: “The acquisition of Elstan HR provides an exciting opportunity for AAB Group to expand the range of HR consultancy services that we can deliver for our clients, particularly integrated HR support for large SMEs and corporates. It also serves to further enhance the AAB Group’s presence as a leading provider of HR, health and safety and talent development services across the UK. We are delighted to welcome the Elstan team to the group and look forward to working together.” Louise McCosh, AAB People Partner added: “This is a great strategic fit for the AAB People business unit. Not only are Elstan HR’s culture and values synergistic with the AAB Group, but this move will also provide us with a footprint to grow in London and South-East England across all the AAB People service lines.” The Elstan HR team have been shortlisted for the Customer Service Award in the annual Ashford Business Awards, while MD Katie Aldred is herself shortlisted for Businesswoman of the Year. The winners will be announced at the awards gala dinner in Kent on 29 November 2023, the same month that Elstan HR will begin trading as AAB People. Commenting on the deal, Katie Aldred said: “This deal has come together at a great time for us as we look to accelerate our next stage of growth, whilst enhancing the depth and breadth of the services we offer. AAB has a strong relationship-driven approach and we are looking forward to working with our new colleagues in AAB People, and across the wider AAB Group, to deliver even more value for our clients, whilst providing great opportunities for our team.” Emer Hinphey, CEO of Think People Consulting Ltd added: “I’m delighted to welcome Elstan HR to the AAB Group, and I am very much looking forward to working with our new colleagues in England as we continue to grow and expand our HR, learning & OD services across the UK and Ireland.” This latest acquisition makes Elstan HR the 9th business to join the group since securing investment from August Equity in October 2021. AAB Group now employs more than 1,000 people across the UK, Ireland and internationally. The group’s rapid growth journey is expected to continue in 2024 as they continue to pursue ambitious organic and acquisitive growth plans.

In a world where divisions and conflicts often overshadow unity and understanding, Global Dignity Day emerges as a shining beacon of hope and empathy. This annual event, celebrated on the third Wednesday of October, reminds us of the fundamental importance of human dignity and respect for all individuals. Global Dignity Day was founded in 2008 by Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, Professor Pekka Himanen of Finland, and social entrepreneur John Hope Bryant. The founders envisioned a day when people worldwide would unite to acknowledge and promote the inherent worth of every person, regardless of their background, nationality, or circumstances. Global Dignity Day is not merely a symbolic event. It is a call to action. On this day, communities, schools, and workplaces across the globe engage in discussions, workshops, and activities that highlight the importance of human dignity. These activities range from lectures and art projects to acts of kindness and service. What makes Global Dignity Day truly exceptional is its universal appeal. Participants from all walks of life, irrespective of nationality, religion, or age, come together to explore the theme of dignity. It encourages dialogue and empathy, fostering a sense of unity in an increasingly divided world. Global Dignity Day has had a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals. It reminds us that respect and understanding are bridges to a more inclusive and compassionate world. By celebrating this day, we acknowledge that every person, regardless of their background, deserves to be treated with kindness, compassion, and respect. Global Dignity Day is a reminder that the simplest acts of kindness and empathy can have a profound impact on the lives of those around us. It serves as an annual opportunity to pause, reflect, and commit to a world where human dignity is celebrated and upheld by all. In a world that often seems divided, Global Dignity Day is a powerful testament to the unity that is possible when we embrace our shared humanity. Given the current state of events the world over taking time out to reflect on the need for empathy, kindness and the need to for shared humanity has never been more needed.

September’s sun boosted high-street spending, yet restaurants and takeaways saw cutbacks as Brits save up for Christmas according to the latest analysis from Barclays. Key Findings: Spending on essential items accelerated, driven by grocery shopping and rising fuel prices Bars, pubs & clubs also had a positive month, likely due to sports fans gathering to watch the Rugby World Cup More shoppers are noticing signs of “shrinkflation” and two thirds believe that supermarkets should put warning labels on products that have reduced in size Consumers are on the lookout for “surge pricing” – almost half have noticed companies raising prices during peak times The Barclays report combines hundreds of millions of customer transactions with consumer research to provide an in-depth view of UK spending Consumer card spending grew 4.2 per cent year-on-year in September – less than the latest CPIH inflation rate of 6.3 per cent but higher than August’s growth figure of 2.8 per cent – as the late summer sun boosted in-store spending. Meanwhile, the Rugby World Cup drove spending at pubs and bars, yet growth slowed on restaurants and takeaways as Brits begin saving money for the festive period. Spending on essential items grew 4.6 per cent, considerably higher than last month (1.0 per cent). This was largely due to an upswing in fuel spend (-10.9 per cent versus -20.1 per cent in August) driven by rising petrol and diesel prices, as well as a 7.0 per cent uplift in spending on groceries, which was higher than August’s growth (4.5 per cent). While food price inflation has eased in recent months, more consumers in September (70 per cent) said they were finding ways to reduce the cost of the weekly shop compared to August (67 per cent). Of this group, almost half (49 per cent) are buying budget or own-brand goods over branded goods in supermarkets. A further 52 per cent of adults are taking advantage of multibuy deals, bundle offers and/or buying items in bulk to reduce costs. Loyalty Scheme Scepticism Almost half (47 per cent) of those cutting back on grocery spending are now using vouchers or loyalty points to obtain money off at the check-out, while two fifths (41 per cent) are shopping at multiple supermarkets to source a range of deals. However, many Brits are questioning whether these offers provide the best value for money. Two thirds of shoppers (67 per cent) believe that supermarkets inflate the regular price advertised for some products, so that the promotional prices offered through their loyalty schemes look like a better deal than they really are. On the other hand, 40 per cent have noticed supermarkets helping customers during the rising cost-of-living by cutting prices on certain items. Fruit and vegetables (33 per cent), bread (23 per cent) and tinned food (22 per cent) are among the top items Brits have noticed price cuts on. “Shrink-Nation” A higher proportion of consumers (76 per cent) noticed examples of “shrinkflation” in September than in August (71 per cent), with chocolate (48 per cent) remaining the most cited product impacted by this trend. This comes as nearly six in 10 (59 per cent) say they’ve noticed that some products have changed their packaging in order to disguise a product inside is smaller or weighs less, while 68 per cent believe supermarkets should put labels on products informing customers when they have shrunk in size/weight without the price being changed. A Surge In “Surge Pricing” As shoppers become increasingly cost-conscious, close to half (47 per cent) have noticed more examples of “surge pricing”; where companies raise the prices of products and services during peak times, or when demand is higher. Of those who have spotted this growing trend, one in three (32 per cent) has seen an increase in the price of food and drink in pubs and bars during peak times, such as evenings, weekends and during major sports events. While some pubs and bars may be charging more when trade is busier, only one in 12 (8 per cent) consumers say they are willing to pay more to eat and drink out at popular times. Those who are happy to pay “surge prices” are prepared to spend an average of 70p more for a pint of beer and an additional 60p for a glass of wine. September Sun Shines On The High Street Spending on non-essential items increased 4.0 per cent – slightly more than in August (3.7 per cent) – as the warmer weather in early September encouraged Brits to visit the high-street and socialise with friends and family. Clothing stores saw a slight improvement (-0.2 per cent) compared to August (-0.7 per cent) as shoppers browsed for seasonal fashion items. Discount stores were another bright spot, returning to growth (1.5 per cent) following a small decline (-0.2) per cent last month. Meanwhile, pharmacy, health & beauty stores enjoyed a 6.9 per cent boost – the highest since January 2023 – possibly thanks to the “lipstick effect”, where consumers prioritise small indulgences, such as cosmetics and self-care products, over big-ticket items during periods of economic uncertainty. Bars, pubs & clubs also had a positive month, rising 6.1 per cent compared to 2.8 per cent last month; likely due to sports fans flocking to watch major sports events such as the Rugby World Cup. Meanwhile, travel, which has been one of the best-performing categories in 2023, continued its double-digit growth (13.2 per cent). Much of this uplift is driven by demand for holidays abroad, with spending on airlines up 31.1 per cent. Festive Savers Rein In Discretionary Spend Meanwhile, the rising cost-of-living continues to impact spending on restaurants, which saw further decline in September (-10.8 per cent compared to -5.8 per cent in August). This comes as 44 per cent of Brits said they are planning to reduce in discretionary spending over the next couple of months to save money for the upcoming festive period, with eating out at restaurants the most frequently cited cutback (60 per cent). Seasonal savers are also planning to row back on food deliveries (59 per cent), which may explain why the growth in spending on takeaways and fast food (6.5 per cent) remained flat compared to August (6.4 per cent) and well below H1’s data (consistently above 9 per cent). One of the reasons for these Autumn savings is that two in five (40 per cent) Brits say they expect that this coming Christmas/festive period will be more expensive than last year. To help spread the cost, a fifth (20 per cent) has started to buy presents already, while 18 per cent have spoken to loved ones to make a mutual agreement to cut back on gift-giving. Esme Harwood, Director at Barclays, said: “Grocery spending tapered off over the summer, thanks to the long-awaited drop in food price inflation. Worryingly, growth sped up again in September, which could be an early warning sign that food prices may not come down as quickly as we’d hoped." “Eagle-eyed shoppers have spotted more examples of “surge pricing” and “shrinkflation”, and are becoming sceptical about the value of supermarket loyalty schemes. Consumers are also starting to pull back their spending in some non-essential areas, so that they can put more money aside for the festive season.” Jack Meaning, Chief UK Economist at Barclays, said: “Over the last few months a picture has been building of consumers beginning to pull back on discretionary spending as the cost of living, and monetary tightening from the Bank of England increasingly bite. We’ve seen the warning signs from surveys, and now we see it in the more concrete spending data. “This suggests the outlook for consumers, and the businesses that rely on them, is weak, even as they finally see their disposable incomes rise faster than inflation. It makes it hard to see anything but a relatively stagnant economy on the horizon.”

The owners of Leeds based Ecommerce agency Dream Big Digital have taken the plunge by launching their own men’s bathing brand. Sentobathing.co.uk launched this week and brings customers the opportunity to create their own bath gift boxes, designed for men. Their products are all handmade in the UK and are vegan and cruelty free, something the brand says is very important to them: “We wanted to launch a brand that makes you feel good. As a new dad, I really found that taking time for myself was a luxury. When I do get the opportunity for a nice, relaxing bath I want to make the most of it. But all the bath products I could find either used bright, synthetic colours or were full of glitter. I wanted bath products using natural products and essential oils” says Daniel Tiffany, co-founder of Sento and owner of Dream Big Digital. So the business idea came from an identified gap in the market, after Daniel and Lorna really struggled to find a range of bath products designed with men in mind. Sento’s range includes products inspired nature, which are designed to be the perfect gift for men or those who want a more masculine scent to complement their own personal bathtime routine. Not only that, but their bath products are made in the UK, vegan, and never tested on animals. They only use sustainably sourced palm oil, and where possible they’ve selected sustainably sourced packaging and labelling as standard, making it a feel good gift for the giver and recipient. The name and branding was inspired by a love of Japan and travel, and although the original idea came from owners Daniel and Lorna, Dream Big Digital’s senior designer Katie Justo came up with the branding concepts and photography style. She explains: “Sento’s visual brand identity was inspired by the Japanese bathing culture, nature and the natural ingredients used in their products. The logo design and their signature brand pattern were inspired by the tranquil patterns created in Japanese gardens that often surround their bathing areas.” She continues “Sento’s mission to provide balance and wellbeing is illustrated through the product photography, which shows the products delicately balanced with one of their ingredients and an element from nature. The rich green and softer earthy tones used provide a bold contrast that represents the natural qualities of the brand and the values they uphold.” The website itself took 4 weeks to build with the team of web developers working hard to get the site up and ready for the Christmas period. The site is built using Shopify as a platform, but is completely custom built for the new brand and features a lot of innovative bespoke functionality, including the ability for customers to build their own gift box from the entire Sento range.

Pentathlon GB, the national governing body for the Olympic sport of Modern Pentathlon, has launched a new multi-sports sub brand, Penta+, for the next generation of athletes and sporting fans. The launch follows the recent announcement by the International Olympic Committee that Modern Pentathlon will continue to be part of their programme for the Los Angeles 2028 Games. The new brand, distinct from the governing body, is a combination and culmination of the organisation’s mission to modernise itself as a multi-sport provider and better reflect the diversity of its audiences. Its primary goal is to drive recruitment and participation with members, athletes and future fans of all ages and abilities, by fostering an active athlete community that empowers participation with a new brand expression ‘Be Brave. Be More,’ and a personality characterised by accessibility, dynamism, bravery and fun. Pentathlon GB is an organisation with its roots in the ancient Olympic Games, and now, as it celebrates 100 years since its modern reincarnation, it has an ambitious strategy to extend its relevance and reach, engage with more diverse audiences, win more medals, and ensure its sustainability for the long term. The name Penta+ reflects the sport’s multiple disciplines, including Penta Run, Penta Swim, Penta Shoot, Penta Fence, Penta Obstacle and Penta Ride, and represents the limitless potential. The Penta+ brand showcases the sport’s flexibility, as athletes can customise their experience and ‘mix and match’ the components they find appealing, essentially building their own sport. This opens up opportunities for increased participation and inclusion. The new brand can be used as a flexible brand hierarchy that signposts the individual sports and how they come together to create competitions, such as Modern Biathlon, Modern Triathlon, and Modern Pentathlon. It also reflects the introduction of a new discipline (obstacle sports) and a shift from five to six sports, Penta+. Across the brand’s visual identity, the theme of ‘doing and being more’ is brought to life through active and assertive photography, capturing athletes of all levels realising their potential in sport and life. A bold new colour palette, inspired by Pentathlon GB colours as a foundation, has been designed to create a combination of gradients, which signifies the diversity of sports on offer and its commitment to equal representation. The + symbol has been abstracted to create a flexible graphic system of static and movement-based patterns that can frame and lay across content to create a bold and ever-moving visual system that is uniquely Penta+. Athlete kit, merchandise and event staging and communication also form part of the Penta+ branding, to help Pentathlon GB engage with and extend its reach to audiences. Trafford Wilson, CEO at Pentathlon GB said: “As we celebrate 100 years of Pentathlon in the UK, this rebrand of the sport signifies a pivotal moment in our journey and for Pentathlon." "Working with Household has been a true delight, and we’re so thrilled to unveil the launch to the general public. For far too long misconceptions surrounding the organisation have prevented people from participating in the sport and we wanted to change that narrative." "Pentathlon should be a sport for everyone, and it was incredibly important for us to create a brand that speaks to all groups, but most importantly supports all groups. For us, Penta+ is a true embodiment of our commitment to the evolution of the sport and our work with Household perfectly communicates that.” The brand strategy, visual identity and logo were defined and developed by creative agency Household. Matt Michaluk, Executive Creative Director at Household said: “As part of our ethos, Household is committed to supporting non-profit organisations through the power of creativity. It has been a privilege working with Pentathlon GB on their vision to create a vibrant and inclusive brand that fits the world of today - a diverse family of sports, created for every ability." "Our shared vision focused not only on rebranding, but ensured that the refreshed assets reflected key messages around equality, positive change and a sense of community. We are excited to have helped modernise one of the oldest sports in the world, opening it up to new generations of fans and celebrating the uniqueness of this multi-sport. Here’s to the next 100 years!”

In a world often divided by borders and cultures, there's one thing that unites people across the globe – a love for the classic, refreshing drink known as the Gin and Tonic. Celebrated annually on October 19th, International Gin and Tonic Day is a global phenomenon that brings people together to enjoy this timeless cocktail. This day isn't just about sipping a drink; it's a celebration of the rich history, diverse flavours, and international connections that this iconic beverage represents. To understand the significance of International Gin and Tonic Day, it's crucial to explore the history of this beloved drink. The origins of the Gin and Tonic can be traced back to the 18th century when the British East India Company used quinine-rich tonic water as a remedy for malaria in India. To make the bitter tonic water more palatable, they mixed it with gin, giving birth to the classic combination that we know today. What makes the Gin and Tonic truly international is its widespread popularity. While it has British origins, this cocktail has transcended borders to become a global sensation. Every corner of the world has its own twist on the Gin and Tonic, incorporating local ingredients and cultural influences. Whether you're in Spain, savouring a G&T with a slice of fresh orange, or in Japan, enjoying a delicate Gin and Tonic with a hint of cherry blossoms, the possibilities are endless. In recent years, the craft gin renaissance has further fuelled the popularity of International Gin and Tonic Day. Artisanal distilleries around the world are producing unique and innovative gins, with a wide array of botanicals, herbs, and spices. This diversity in gin options allows enthusiasts to experiment and create their own signature Gin and Tonic recipes. For many, International Gin and Tonic Day isn't just about the ingredients but also the art of serving this drink. Each region has its preferred method for garnishing and presenting a Gin and Tonic. It's a fascinating exploration of local traditions and aesthetics, adding a touch of cultural richness to this classic cocktail. On International Gin and Tonic Day, bars, restaurants, and homes around the world celebrate by hosting themed events, offering special Gin and Tonic menus, and inviting people to join in the festivities. It's an occasion for toasting to unity, diversity, and the shared appreciation of a well-made drink. International Gin and Tonic Day is more than just a celebration of a cocktail; it's a global toast to the interconnectedness of our world. As we raise our glasses to this classic drink, we're reminded of the diverse flavours and cultures that make our planet a vibrant and exciting place. So, on October 19th, gather your friends, try a new twist on the classic Gin and Tonic, and savour the unity that this iconic cocktail brings to our world.

Fifth-generation family bedmaker, Harrison Spinks, has welcomed the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mr Ed Anderson, to its Leeds headquarters to formally receive its two prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation and International Trade. The King’s representative visited the 183-year-old bed manufacturer’s Innovation Centre in Leeds to present its two King’s Awards to the company, which is headed by Group Chairman, Simon Spinks. The King's Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen's Awards for Enterprise, is the highest official UK award for British businesses - Harrison Spinks’ latest two awards add to the five it has previously received. The King’s Award for Innovation was granted in recognition of the company’s significant work as an industry leader in innovation and design, including its design and manufacture of revolutionary glue-less fine-wire pocket springs. Harrison Spinks also secured the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade thanks to its continued focus on manufacturing premium, responsibly sourced, handmade beds and spring components in international markets. Simon Spinks, Group Chairman for Harrison Spinks, said: “We’re all feeling extremely proud and humbled to have welcomed Mr Ed Anderson to our headquarters to receive our two King’s Awards. He met with colleagues across various areas of the business, acknowledging the group effort that has made these award wins possible." “These awards are especially important to us as a British business – we are a company that champions homemade and homegrown materials and supports other manufacturing businesses both in the UK and overseas – they are a reflection of the hard work the team has delivered, ensuring we are constantly championing innovation and high-quality design while keeping the planet in mind.” The Leeds-based company was awarded a Queen’s Award for Innovation and one for International Trade in the 2018 awards, as well as Sustainable Development in 2019. It previously received Queen’s Awards for Innovation and Sustainable Development in 2013, bringing the total number awarded to the company to seven.

Marks & Spencer has announced it will be recruiting 10,000 new Customer Assistants to support in its stores over the festive period with these additional hires reflecting the retailer’s ongoing focus on delivering exceptional customer service. The number of vacancies is a more than 40 per cent increase on last year and reflects the additional investment M&S is making in colleague hours to support customers on the shop floor. A Customer Assistant at M&S is the face of the business and is responsible for delivering a great shopping experience for customers and championing and promoting products. From serving customers on the shop floor and at service points, ensuring the shelves and rails are always stocked with product to engaging with customers to understand their needs and make recommendations; a Customer Assistant role is varied and wide-ranging. Christmas colleagues also play in integral role in delivering M&S’ Christmas Food to Order service, ensuring millions of customers get their all-important festival essentials and treats on time. The new colleagues will join M&S from 19th November - with a range of start dates, variety of roles and flexible working patterns available. Colleagues will also enjoy a range of benefits, including 20 per cent colleague discount from day one. Sacha Berendji, Operations Director at M&S, said: “Our fantastic store colleagues play such a big part in delivering the magic of M&S at Christmas to our customers. And this year we’re recruiting even more colleagues to ensure there’s always someone on hand to offer support and recommendations." “The Christmas period is a busy but exciting time for M&S and no two days are the same – in fact, many colleagues started their M&S careers at Christmas and have since gone onto progress across the business. With a range of roles and flexible working patterns available, anyone who is interested in being part of something special this Christmas should visit our careers website to apply.” The Customer Service Assistant roles will span both Foods and Clothing & Home and are located all over the UK, with vacancies in every store. To apply, applicants should visit the recruitment page on the M&S website here where roles are now live and new vacancies being added all the time.

Heineken® has announced the extension of its sponsorship with the UEFA Champions League, Europe’s premier men’s club football competition, from 2024 through 2027. The extension will take the longstanding partnership to 33 years by the time the deal reaches its conclusion. The UEFA Champions League is at the forefront of football culture which the global brewer has always been a part of; from Zidane’s volley at Hampden Park to the miracle in Istanbul, the company has been included in the most iconic imagery of the beautiful game, helping to create unforgettable moments for fans. The longstanding alliance started in 1994 with the brand Amstel and moved to Heineken® in 2005. For this new extension, UEFA’s most iconic club tournament takes on a new and exciting single-league format. From the 2024/25 season, the competition will expand from 32 to 36 teams which will mean 189 matches instead of the current 125, giving the brand even more opportunities to deliver unforgettable experiences for fans. A core element of the partnership has been about bringing fans together around the world to develop meaningful experiences whilst promoting a positive message of inclusion, equality, and access for all fans. To support this drive, Heineken® activated the ‘Cheers To All Fans’ campaign across both UEFA Champions League and UEFA Women’s Champions League competitions from 2022 to 2023. The campaign highlighted inclusivity of the female fans and players through a series of stunts and activations. UEFA and the HEINEKEN company have spent the last 30 years growing the competition together beyond its European home, which has reached over 2.5 billion viewers around the world*. The strong relationship between the two brands is embodied by the fact that over 330 million fans who are aware of the sponsorship have consumed Heineken® beer in the 21-22 season. Heineken® has supported the global growth of the competition for decades through cross-market activations like the ‘UEFA Champions League Trophy Tour presented by Heineken®’ where the tour has taken the most iconic trophy in club football to over 30 countries around the world to meet fans in person. Heineken® continues to hold unique events around the world to support this growth and bring fans together - in 2023, for example, the brewer held a series of screenings showing the UEFA Champions League final in 12 cities, hosting over 20,000 supporters. As Dolf Van Den Brink, CEO at Heineken® explains, "Football and beer have a special power to bring people together and create unforgettable social moments. That’s why we are thrilled to extend our sponsorship of the UEFA Champions League until 2027 as the competition takes on an exciting new format. This change means more matches and more opportunities to bring fans together and create incredible memories for supporters around the world." Aleksander Čeferin, President of UEFA adds, "We are delighted to extend our partnership with Heineken, a company with such a well-established heritage in the world of sports. This new multi-year deal pinnacles an extraordinary relationship between two long-standing allies, lasting over a quarter of a century. Just like football and beer, our collaboration is a perfect match." The sponsorship will run alongside the brand’s sponsorship of the UEFA Women’s Champions League and UEFA Women’s EURO.

Leicester College honours Remembrance Day on 10 November hosting a major ceremony at its Abbey Park Campus in Leicester from 10.40am on 10 November 2023. Remembrance Sunday is a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life. The College’s Principal, a representative from the Students’ Union, members of the College chaplaincy and also children from the college nursery, will be joined by the Deputy Lieutenant of the county, David Lindley Esq QPM DL; Liz Kendall, MP for Leicester West and also The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Leicester and Councillor Dr Susan Barton. These guests will be laying a wreath at a drum head. Given the multi-cultural nature of the College, religions are recognised by use of the Army tradition of a drum head, rather than a cross. The children of the College nursery will also be laying a wreath that they have made. Students from the performing arts department will be forming a choir style set. At 11am, a whistle will signal the start of the two-minutes silence, reflecting the whistles that sounded for troops to leave the trenches in WWI. During the two minutes silence, students from Early Years will drop poppy petals from the top floor into the atrium. The Last Post will then sound, followed by The Rouse. Ian Everitt, Programme Area Manager, Education and Early Years at Leicester College said: "Coming from a Forces family, it is important to me that this date is kept in young people’s memory. Starting on this scale in 2015, the event has built over time and was not even interrupted by Covid. It is now a staple of the College calendar and very well attended by all the College community."

PwC has released its seasonal sentiment survey results with the results holding firm from the previous edition in the summer. Overall the -13 sentiment reading remains the highest point for 18 months and an improvement of over 30 points since the low of -44 in Autumn 2022, which was the worst score recorded since the Global Financial Crisis in 2008. Despite sentiment holding firm, the widest gap on record (52 ppts) now exists between the most and least affluent socioeconomic groups since the survey began. Sentiment is still improving amongst over 55s and the most affluent, but it is falling in every other demographic group, particularly sharply among under 25s and the least affluent. Now 45-54 year olds expect to be the worst off across all age groups, with under 25s also dropping below 25-34 year olds. The trend for under 25s is unusually low for this time of year - autumn has historically seen a more positive trend as young people head into the world of work or education. However, those under 35 do remain in net positive territory - as they have done historically - driven by more younger people living at home, being more likely to have benefitted from wage rises, less likely to have been affected by mortgage rate rises, and having more disposable income as a result. Almost identical to the last consumer sentiment survey, the less affluent and 35-54 year olds remain under the greatest financial pressure, while retirees are the group reporting the most resilient household finances. For example, 44% of over 65s say they have money left at the end of the month for luxuries or to save, compared with 23% of 35-44 year olds. Overall, just under a third of adults report that their household finances are ‘healthy’, a slight improvement on this time last year. At the other end of the scale, fewer than one in ten say they are either struggling to make ends meet or have missed bills or loan repayments. This number rises to 15% of 45-54 year olds, and to just under a quarter of the least affluent socioeconomic group. With financial considerations in mind, consumers are shopping earlier than in previous years, and many are expecting to spend less on Christmas. Already 1 in 5 had started their Christmas shopping by mid-September, with more than 1 in 3 saying that they either have started their shopping or are planning to shop earlier this year. One important reason for shopping earlier is to help consumers budget and space out their Christmas spending. One in three cite “keeping Christmas special” as a reason to defend or increase their festive spending this year. However, only 18% of adults say they expect to spend more on shopping and celebrations this Christmas, with just over half saying they will spend the same as last year. That means that almost one in three adults say they expect to spend less this year, with the overwhelming reason being due to the rising cost of living: just under 80% of those who plan to spend less say it’s because of rising food and energy costs, compared with only 23% citing mortgage or rent payments. Lisa Hooker, Leader of Industry for Consumer Markets at PwC comments: “Consumer Sentiment has been on a rollercoaster over the last few years, but it is encouraging to see that the -13 score has held from summer and is in line with the long term average. We are seeing increasing divergence between age and income groupings, with a surprise drop in sentiment for the under 25 year olds perhaps reflecting a more challenging job market, the growing cost of further education, as well as increasing rents for those who have left home." "Looking forward to the key Christmas trading period and with shoppers wanting to protect spending on family and special occasions, they are starting preparations early and being cautious, with over a third of consumers planning to shop before the peak festive trading times, and many also saying that they will spend less. However, last year shoppers did spend more than expected, so with falling headline inflation, there may yet be a last minute spending uptick. Retailers will certainly be on tenterhooks.”