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A garden centre in Otley has recently installed a 227-panel solar array. The array, at Otley Garden Centre (formerly Stephen H Smith’s and now part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres group) will save 91,715kWh of energy and will reduce the carbon footprint of the Pool Road site by 21.4 tonnes per annum. Mark Farnsworth, Managing Director of Yorkshire Garden Centres is delighted with the project, adding that: “We are pleased to be investing further at Otley with this solar scheme. Some of the panels will be on the new roof we installed in January, with the remainder on existing buildings. There have never been any solar panels at Otley, and this was always high on our list of priorities when we acquired the business last year." “We have an extensive network of over 2100 solar panels throughout the group and it’s a vital part of our sustainability agenda. There have been times this summer when Tong and Tingley Garden Centres have been self-sufficient, which is great from an environmental and an economic perspective. The annual electricity generated from Otley alone would power an electric car for 367,000 miles.” The Otley Garden Centre solar array was installed by Westwood Energy who also installed 1200 solar panels and 54 EV charging points at Tingley Garden Centre in South Leeds. The installation is part of Yorkshire Garden Centres’ 2023 energy plan that also includes conducting energy-saving audits at all four sites, aligning practices across the group; delivering carbon literacy training to the teams and optimising lighting and heating systems. The Yorkshire Garden Centres group includes Otley, Tong, Tingley and Bingley Garden Centres.

Sibling businesses from the Yorkshire coast have collaborated to launch two unique drinks. The teams at Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery and sister company Wold Top Brewery have announced the dual launch of Filey Bay IPA Finish Batch #2 and Barrel Wave 2023 respectively. Matured first in ex-Bourbon casks and then finished in second-generation IPA casks, Filey Bay IPA Finish Batch #2 is fruity and biscuity with green apple notes and a slightly hoppy flavour profile that makes for a distinctive single malt. It is described as ‘light, fruity and biscuity with notes of green apple, pear drops, lemon cake and hops.’ Barrel Wave 2023 spent over a year in casks that latterly held Filey Bay whisky, extracting the creamy, vanilla notes from the wood whilst leaving hops and apple notes behind. Within hours of the beer being disgorged, the casks were refilled with mature Filey Bay whisky and left to finish further for several months. Of the launch, Spirit of Yorkshire’s Whisky Director, Joe Clark said: "Single malt whisky matured in IPA casks is a very rare thing, and ones from field to bottle distilleries like ours are even rarer." Filey Bay IPA Finish Batch #2 is a unique whisky on many levels, tying together the farm, brewery and distillery perfectly into one whisky. These casks have now done two cycles of IPA, yielding two batches of beers: Barrel Wave 2021 is 9.1% abv and spent eight months in cask; Barrel Wave 2023, is 8.5% abv and spent 14 months in cask. The charging of the casks with the beer after whisky in turn imbues the casks with wonderful flavours readying them for filling with mature whisky again for further finishing to create our latest IPA Finish. “Without our farm, brewery and distillery, it would be impossible to create casks or a whisky quite like this. These very special casks are amongst the most unique in our warehouse and, now being second generation, some of the rarest in the whisky industry," continues Joe. “Barrel Wave 2023 is a beautifully rounded, smooth, full-bodied beer where hints of soft citrus fruits and hoppy bitter notes marry with the light, creamy, vanilla flavours of the Filey Bay whisky,” said Brewery Director, Alex Balchin. Filey Bay IPA Finish Batch #2, 46% ABV costs £65 and is available from the distillery shop in Hunmanby, online at spiritofyorkshire.com and from selected specialist retailers nationwide. Barrel Wave 2023 costs £5.94 and is available online at woldtopbrewery.co.uk and spiritofyorkshire.com, from the distillery shop and from Wold Top’s network of stockists nationwide. Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery is Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky distillery and is one of only a handful of distilleries that grows all of the barley for its whisky production. It was founded in 2016 by Tom Mellor and David Thompson. Wold Newton-based Wold Top was founded in 2003 by Tom and Gill Mellor and is located on the Mellor family farm. The team uses home-grown barley and water from the farm’s borehole to produce a range of award-winning cask, keg and bottled beers that are available throughout Yorkshire and nationwide.

The team at Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky distillery is celebrating its success in two prestigious world whisky competitions. Filey Bay Flagship was awarded a gold medal and Best in Class at the Whiskies of the World competition, and Filey Bay STR Finish won gold at the New York World Wine and Spirits Competition. Of the results, Spirit of Yorkshire’s Co-founder and MD, David Thompson said: “The Whiskies of the World Awards is an annual celebration of excellence in whisky from around the globe. With a distinguished panel of judges and a commitment to quality, the awards recognise the craftsmanship, diversity, and innovation within the whisky industry. We’re delighted and proud that Filey Bay Flagship beat stiff competition to win a coveted gold medal and to be judged Best in Class. “In addition, Filey Bay STR Finish was the only English whisky to be awarded a gold medal at the New York World Wine and Spirits Competition. It’s very rewarding to be putting English whisky on the world whisky map by winning two gold medals at international competitions.” Light, fruity and creamy, Filey Bay Flagship single malt whisky is made from field to bottle with 100% homegrown barley and is the culmination of the distillery’s ex-Bourbon matured style. Filey Bay STR Finish’s primary maturation in ex-bourbon is followed by a secondary maturation, the finish, in Shaved Toasted and Re-charred ex-red wine casks that bring a deep colour and red fruit flavours to the whisky. Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery is home to Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky, Filey Bay and is one of only a handful of distilleries worldwide that grows barley for whisky production. It is a collaboration between farmer and brewer, Tom Mellor from Wold Top Brewery and business partner, David Thompson.

Over 300 pieces of authentic artwork have been discovered in the bedroom of a 91-year-old resident at a care home in York. York-born professional painter, John Hatfield moved into the Chocolate Works – a residential, nursing and dementia care home on Bishopthorpe Road, York five years ago. Unbeknown to staff, John, who is now confined to his bedroom due to ill health had created over 300 paintings in a range of themes, from people and mythology, to Venice and horses. John’s passion for painting began in his mid 30s after serving in the military, and led him to have a successful career as a professional artist, where he sold over 5,000 paintings throughout his lifetime. Wellbeing Assistant at the home, Andrew Jenner said, “We all admired the artwork on John’s bedroom walls, but we were in shock when we discovered such an incredible amount of paintings under piles of painting equipment when helping him tidy his room". “We felt impelled to showcase his work for all to see and whilst John is unable to leave his bedroom due to his health, we decided to create an art exhibition right outside his bedroom door.” Staff were inspired by the idea of York Open Studios and worked closely with John’s daughter, also a professional artist to create their own version of the city-wide exhibition for residents and their family and friends to enjoy. John’s daughter Emma said, “There were hundreds of paintings that we managed to narrow down to 127 – these were the ones dad considered worthy of public display." “From here, I worked with the wonderful team at the Chocolate Works advising on how best to display the artwork and which paintings complemented one and another – I then helped display the artwork on various boards outside dad’s bedroom.” Speaking about the exhibition, John Hatfield said, “I was very flattered when I heard that staff wanted to create an exhibition of my work." “Now in my 91st year, I hope to go on painting until the very end and in that sense, mimic Picasso who said, “Get me my brushes! I shall die painting!” John has always had a keen interest in horses and over the years attended York Races using jockeys and the racecourse as his subject. Paying homage to his love of horses, a range of John’s paintings have also been displayed in the home’s Horse Racing Lounge – a popular area on the top floor of The Chocolate Works which overlooks York Racecourse. Due to the sheer number of paintings that were discovered, staff at the care home, alongside John and his daughter Emma have decided to update the artwork on a seasonal basis and keep the exhibition in John’s corridor as a permanent and ever-evolving feature in the home. John added, “I hope my art inspires others to be brave, get the brushes out, attack and don’t be tentative.”

Purple House Clinic (PHC) Glasgow and The High School of Glasgow Junior School are preparing for another school year of supporting pupils’ mental health and wellbeing as they mark the third year of their successful partnership. This initiative, which started in October 2020, has brought profound benefits, greatly impacting teachers and pupils alike. In the aftermath of the pandemic, Head Teacher Heather Fuller sought ways to bolster the mental health support provided by the school. Recognising the expertise of PHC Glasgow, they began a collaboration that enriched the school's wellbeing framework. This has enhanced the school’s wellbeing provision by offering professional mental health support to pupils, as well as giving staff the necessary tools to empower them to care for the children in times of need. “From the outset, there has been an overwhelming response from both teachers and parents towards the initiative,” expressed Mireille Wallace, Senior Psychologist at PHC Glasgow. “The pandemic had a huge impact on everyday life, and readjusting afterwards was a really challenging period for children. School isn’t just about learning, it’s a hub for social interactions and it can take time to redevelop those experiences. It’s really important even at a young age to have an outlet to discuss mental health. Tackling the problem early stops it developing further later in life. Our alliance ensures teachers have a trusted resource for their mental health queries.” Mireille's routine visits to The High School of Glasgow Junior School include a drop-in clinic, facilitating discussions with teachers on various mental health concerns about their pupils. Pupils can also come and visit the ‘Chill Out Zone’ created in the school if they need a moment of solitude. Now with the partnership in its third year, Mireille has very much become an integral part of the pastoral care team at the school. Her expertise in neurodiverse conditions has meant she can offer advice, if requested, on conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) based on classroom behaviour and other factors. She has also led talks on mental health topics to pupils and parents to help understanding in these areas and to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health. “The mental health support PHC Glasgow provide has had a hugely positive influence on both teachers and pupils,” said Heather Fuller. “We love having Mireille in the school; she feels like one of the team. Her knowledge and expertise are invaluable, and our teachers now feel they can go to her with any issues or concerns to support their pupils’ mental health. We’ve made a real effort to put physical and mental wellbeing at the forefront of everything we do, and with Mireille’s input, I feel that we have crafted a nurturing environment where pupils feel encouraged to discuss their mental wellbeing in a way to suit them. The feedback we’ve had from pupils, teachers and parents has been phenomenal, so we hope we can continue this special relationship with PHC Glasgow for many years to come.”

Reward Finance Group has appointed Sharon Ellis as its strategy and programme director. With the majority of her career spent in business banking, Sharon will be pivotal in steering the strategic direction and vision of the business. Sharon’s decision to join Reward is driven by her desire for fresh challenges in the industry. Having dedicated over a decade to the financial services sector and holding significant positions at companies like Virgin Money, her move comes at an opportune time. Sharon’s appointment coincides with Reward’s recent celebration of surpassing the £200 million lending milestone following 12 years of continuous growth. Reward specialises in offering fast and flexible finance solutions to SMEs of up to £5m, with Sharon set to play an instrumental role in shaping the company’s strategic direction across its six regional UK offices. Having worked with sole traders through to renowned PLCs and guiding large, diverse teams, Sharon’s extensive experience will be invaluable. Her role is multifaceted, encompassing not just products and Reward’s proposition, but also programme management, change initiation and the pursuit of operational excellence. Commenting on her appointment, Sharon Ellis said: “Coming onboard with Reward is the ideal next step for me. I am keen to leverage my business banking experience for the benefit of my role and Reward. With the company experiencing such impressive growth, I’m very excited to be part of shaping the strategic direction of the business in alignment with the Board’s wider vision." “What struck me is that Reward offers a genuine alternative to conventional lenders and has the right culture embedded in its people, to ensure SMEs across the UK receive unmatched funding support. With my background leading major UK banks, the opportunity to deliver positive change and remain agile with evolving customer and market demands is also hugely appealing. I can’t wait to get started and to be back working in my hometown.” Nick Smith, Reward’s group managing director, added: “Sharon is joining the team during a dynamic phase for Reward. Her extensive banking experience and strategic acumen in the financial services sector will be a real asset to our team and will be integral in achieving our long-term vision." “With the business continually expanding and diversifying, Sharon will also be working closely with our regional teams, from London to Scotland, to deliver a cohesive strategy.”

Research conducted by Reed Talent Solutions has found the ongoing skills crisis is putting UK businesses at risk. More than three quarters (77%) of senior managers state there’s a significant gap between the skills held by their workforce and those needed to meet business goals. To tackle this pressing issue, Reed Talent Solutions has launched its recruit, train, deploy programme. Majority of UK businesses are struggling to meet objectives due to skills shortage. Skill shortages are slowing UK business growth, with 77% of businesses stating a lack of access to necessary skills will restrict growth over the next three years. The same number (77%) are also already seeing a significant gap between the skills the current workforce has and what’s needed. Majority of senior hiring managers (73%) say their business is finding it harder to recruit now compared to previous years. Difficulty on both ends, with 91% of unemployed people, or those out of work, who are actively looking for work saying they struggling to find a job. Reed Talent Solutions recruit, train, deploy solution aims to combat the shortage. Adding to the struggle for UK organisations is the fact recruiting talent has become significantly more challenging, with seven-in-10 businesses claiming they are finding it harder to recruit now compared to previous years. The top reason behind the struggle is a lack of candidates with the right skills and knowledge for the role (60%). Louise Reed, Solutions Director at Reed Talent Solutions, said: “It’s no secret the UK employment market is suffering from an ongoing skills shortage, but this research really highlights the depth of the problem. The UK employment market is trying its best to recover from labour shortages caused by Brexit, the pandemic, and the Great Resignation." “To exacerbate the struggle, the incessant inflation, political uncertainty and global macroeconomic challenges have further heightened the skills gaps crisis, adding even further strain on UK businesses.” There is also a concerning digital skills gap, with nearly a quarter (23%) of businesses currently lacking in computer and digital literacy. “The technological boom has brought forward the importance of digital skills. Businesses need to look at ways they can reskill their existing workforce and new talent to meet the demands we are currently witnessing in the employment market,” added Louise. Masses of unemployed people struggling to find work Reed Talent Solutions’ research also questioned 1,000 adults not in work, revealing there’s a largely untapped workforce available and looking to return to work. Half of those surveyed would consider going back into employment if they could find a job with the flexibility to fit around their current situations. However, a quarter of people (27%) didn’t feel they have the right skills to be able to enter the workplace. Out of those people, 39% felt they needed greater digital/computer literacy skills, while 22% said they needed more customer service skills. What is more concerning is the majority looking for employment (91%) said they were struggling to find a job, with over two-thirds (69%) claiming they don’t have the right skills or qualifications. Louise adds: “While organisations are struggling to recruit and fill the widening skills gap, there’s still a large talent pool struggling to find work. By tapping into this market and offering skills programmes, businesses can start to solve their recruitment and retention problems." “Unfortunately, less than a third of employers offer incentives such as internal mobility schemes, older workers initiatives or returners programmes. And while the ‘Back to Work Budget’ implemented by the government has good intentions, businesses need to delve deeper to offer what people want and support their return to work if we’re going to make a difference." “For instance, we found nearly two-fifths (38%) of candidates are struggling to find a role as the hours don't match what they need. Businesses may need to break away from what they know, such as the typical 9-5 model, in order to unlock a new pool of workers.” As expected, aside from salary, the majority (87%) selected flexible working as one of their top three priorities when it came to choosing a new role. Remote and/or home working came in second (44%), with pension options coming in third at 19%. Training and upskilling opportunities was the fourth most chosen priority at 16%. To tackle the ongoing skills shortages, Reed Talent Solutions has launched its recruit, train, deploy solution, providing individuals with futureproofed careers through ongoing skills development programmes and organisations with the skilled workforce they need for successful business growth. “As it stands, less than half (49%) of businesses say they are upskilling to tackle the current skills shortage; this simply isn’t enough. We designed recruit, train, deploy to tackle this by helping business leaders to adapt and develop new strategies to attract, prepare, train and retain new talent." “We need to make sure we are sustainably working towards a workforce that is ready for the jobs of the future. Upskilling has never been so important,” concluded Louise.

Doncaster-based lawn care owners, Lesley and Jamie Clark, were recently named a winner of the Great British Franchisee Awards (GBFA) in recognition of their ongoing success and exemplary customer service at their business, Greensleeves Doncaster. The accolade considers areas such as business growth, staff retainment, business experience, customer satisfaction, community involvement, and inspired leadership to determine worthy franchisees across the UK. Due to their excellence in each of these categories, the Clarks are now celebrating their prestigious business award win. The husband-and-wife team have been operating Greensleeves for 12 years and are great advocates for their business and the brand. With their combined skillset and experience, they have exceeded their targets year on year and increased the turnover by over 800% since they took over the business in 2011. Through hard work, passion and determination, the business has also significantly expanded its client base to deliver lawn care services to over 2,700 customers across Doncaster. The couple are equally active in their community and support three local sports teams (junior football, cricket and golf) and voluntarily look after the green spaces in their village, as well as donate free lawn treatment vouchers for charity raffles. “Over the years we have grown in scale and reputation to be the leading lawn care provider across Doncaster, so we are delighted to be recognised with this great honour,” said Lesley. “We have an amazing team of five lawn care operatives with five branded vans, and together they have enabled us to extend the business and deliver the service that all of our customers expect of us. Our 15-year-old son also works with us, helping with the admin in the office a couple of nights a week - it’s a true family affair where we are building a business with a lasting legacy." “Our driving force is the exceptional customer service we provide to our customers, and in return we have a high retention of customers who are loyal to us - some have been with us since day one! With Jamie and I both being from service backgrounds, we understand the importance of providing consistently high-quality customer service, so we are extremely hot on providing the best service possible to our customers every time.” The judges of the Great British Franchisee Awards explained that Lesley and Jamie were really impressive business owners and highlighted what they had achieved in terms of their excellent customer growth and future planned development of the business. They stated that they were very supportive of their staff and had a very good level of community involvement. They also praised their support of the franchisor and concluded that finding people like Lesley and Jamie, who are constantly exceeding targets and demonstrating excellent leadership qualities, is exactly what they were looking for when granting the award. “Working with family can be challenging at times, but we have learnt to balance our work/home life and separate the two,” added Jamie. “Our values are simple - we strive to be the best in everything we do, from the mechanics of the job to the customer service we offer. Lesley and I might be the face of Greensleeves Doncaster, but it is our fantastic team who do the hard work. Together, we want to make a difference, so this award is for everyone. It means the world to us.” One local customer, Ken Sykes, who has been with Greensleeves Doncaster since 2011, feels he has been really lucky to have had his lawn cared for over the years by the business. “From ease of communication to onsite work, we have always been impressed by the knowledge , expertise and professionalism of all the staff we have encountered. They are always friendly, arrive on the stated day and clear up after scarification treatments, as well as giving sound clear advice. Our lawns, front and back have always looked impressive under their care, despite the sandy dry nature of the soil on which they are based. This summer, many a friend and passer-by have commented how wonderful our grass is looking following the work of Greensleeves – brilliant! We’re looking forward to their continuing help and expertise in the years to come.”

Recently appointed Robertson Construction has kick-started work on the iconic Pattern Shop redevelopment in the heart of Newcastle. Work on the £8.7m office scheme stalled earlier this year after the collapse of the previous contractors Tolent. However, work has now resumed on the Forth Street site with the scheme projected to complete early 2024. Joinery, mechanical and electrical works are now well underway and groundworks including drainage and building services installation will restart imminently, paving the way for surfacing works scheduled for later this year. The remaining external curtain walling sections will then be installed enabling the final finishes and commissioning before the Pattern Shop welcomes its first occupants in the new year. With spectacular southern views of the Tyne Bridge, the Pattern Shop is situated directly adjacent to Central Station and other major transport links. The scheme will combine industry-leading telecommunications connectivity alongside cutting-edge sustainable technology, as well as low carbon, low energy infrastructure throughout the three-storey building. Following the extensive remodelling and renovation of the circa 3,000 sq. m site, the hub will provide a large-scale exhibition and creative space for the city, as well as offering flexible SME workspace, or a single let, for up to 300 people. Situated in the heart of Stephenson Quarter, the scheme marks the start of the next phase of development on this historic city centre site by Stephenson Works LLP, a joint venture between PfP igloo (PfP Capital and igloo Regeneration) and Newcastle City Council. Newcastle City Council owns and will retain the building. Built circa 1880, the Pattern Shop was originally used by the world-famous locomotive designer Robert Stephenson, one of the greatest engineers of the Victorian era. Now reinvented for today’s innovators, this striking Grade II Listed building with its remarkable industrial legacy, will be the ideal base for businesses looking to make their mark on the city’s vibrant creative and digital sector. Pippa Heron, development manager at igloo, said: “We are delighted to see Robertson hit the ground running and continue the transformation of this forgotten site into a truly iconic building for the city. There are already clear signs that we are back on track, with the eye-catching mezzanine floor, for example, already visible. This will be a signature feature of the scheme and signals our intent to make the Pattern Shop a key anchor in the continued renaissance of this district.” As part of its impressive sustainability credentials, the Pattern Shop will be BREEAM “Very Good”, with an EPC “B” rating. Its close proximity to the train station as well as cycle storage and showering facilities are also designed to encourage sustainable commuting by its future occupants. Garry Hope, managing director, Robertson Construction North East, said: “The Pattern Shop will once again become a pivotal part of Newcastle’s history. Buildings like these have incredible stories to tell and we will be honouring the well-known history and legacy of the building as we continue the works to create a modern working environment. “Where possible we are working with the previous supply chain and works are progressing well with a targeted completion of 2024. Upon completion, The Pattern Shop will provide a space for new innovators in an environment which prioritises sustainability, comfort and wellbeing, with beautiful views of Tyne Bridge.” Patrick Matheson, Partner from Knight Frank, agents for the Pattern Shop, said: “The vast majority of occupiers are now focusing their property requirements on highly sustainable, inspiring office spaces. We are seeing occupiers using their offices as a strategic business tool to significantly enhance their staff’s experience, collaboration and wellbeing. “As we move towards 2024, we expect this trend to continue and the Pattern Shop, with its incredible history, character and very strong environmental credentials, will be well placed to deliver a superb workspace in the very heart of Newcastle city centre.” Office and workspace already thriving in the district includes Central Square, with its neighbouring hospitality businesses, including the Crowne Plaza hotel and Spa, Gin Bar, The Boiler Shop music and events venue, 5 Quarter Café & Bar and The Arches Beer Street MicroPub and Bottle Shop. Councillor Alex Hay, Newcastle City Council cabinet member for a Thriving City, said: “It’s brilliant to see works back in progress at the Pattern Shop and I’m excited for this key strategic development to get back on track. “This is a significant element of the transformation of the Stephenson Quarter, and will present a host of new opportunities for people at the same time as breathing new life into the rich history of an important part of the centre of Newcastle.”

Wolfpack Brewing Co. has announced the launch of a charity beer that aims to raise both funds and awareness for the MND Association (Motor Neurone Disease Association), to coincide with this year’s international rugby tournament. The charity beer is a Session IPA, appropriately named ‘Second Row’ to honour the pivotal role the second row plays in a rugby team and mirror the brand’s principles of community and camaraderie. Wolfpack is a UK based brewery co-founded by international rugby players, Al Hargreaves and Chris Wyles, and has exclusively partnered with Stonegate Group to bring the charity beer to over 400 pubs nationwide. The initiative further honours the founders’ friend and fellow international second row player, Ed Slater, who was recently diagnosed with MND. A contribution of 20p from every pint of Second Row IPA sold will be donated by Stonegate Group directly to the Motor Neurone Disease Association. The beer is a crisp, floral ale with vibrant citrus notes, and will be available from 8th September – 28thOctober, at participating pubs throughout the rugby tournament. Al Hargreaves, co-founder of Wolfpack Brewing Co., said: “We are incredibly proud to be launching Second Row IPA in partnership with Stonegate Pub Group. We’ve set ourselves an ambitious target of raising £10,000 through sales of the beer to support the MND Association – a cause very close to our hearts as ex-rugby players." “Equally as importantly, we also want to raise awareness of the disease via this campaign and would encourage people to visit the MND Association website to learn more about why the fundraising is so vital.” Melissa Wisdom, Chief Commercial Officer at Stonegate Group, said: “We are proud to partner with Wolfpack and stand with the rugby and MND community to launch Second Row IPA to raise both awareness and important funds in the fight against MND. We hope our guests really enjoy this beer and join us in supporting such an important cause.”

Full-service marketing and communications agency, Big Bamboo, has been appointed by AI collision avoidance software company, Safety Shield Global, to support it with strategic positioning, brand alignment and ongoing PR and communications activity. The agency – made up of 16 strategists, brand specialists, content writers, PR experts and designers – will support the company, whilst its sister agency, Big Bamboo Bids, will offer support in relation to bidding and winning work, as well as securing grants for the money Safety Shield continues to invest in R&D. Safety Shield Global is the most advanced AI human form recognition safety system available on the market, developed specifically for the construction industry over the past decade. The system can be fitted to any type of plant, for industries such as construction, rail, mining, demolition and waste, amongst others. Safety Shield designs and manufactures all of its systems in the UK. Nicola Stamford, Founding Director of The Big Bamboo Agency, comments: “We are thrilled to have been appointed by Safety Shield Global, which is a leading player in AI software. The company’s story is an impressive one, led by a very passionate CEO and wider team to ensure the safety of people who are working on sites, where plant machinery is prevalent.” Jonathan Guest, CEO and founder of Safety Shield Global, comments: “I met Nicola, as the owner of Big Bamboo, when I presented recently as part of our entry into the Construction News Specialist Awards. “We instantly connected. She had a passion for my business and our vision for the future and we needed some marketing, communications and bids support. The fit seemed right straight away. “We are already enjoying working with Nicola and the team and reinforcing our position in the marketplace.”

Chick-fil-A has confirmed it will open in the UK in early 2025. The third largest quick service restaurant in the US is set to open five stores in the UK in the first two years. The business plans to invest over $100m in the next 10 years. Famous for the Original Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich, the company earlier this year outlined intentions to open restaurants in Europe and Asia by 2026 and five international locations by 2030. This UK expansion marks the first permanent store outside of North America. Chick-fil-A currently has more than 2,800 restaurants across the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada, with the company having plans to open five, locally owned and operated restaurants in the UK in the first two years and expand across the UK. "We are excited our restaurants will bring new jobs and opportunities throughout the UK. Serving communities is at the heart of everything we do at Chick-fil-A, and our unique local owner-operator model provides one of a kind access to entrepreneurial opportunities,” said Anita Costello Chief International Officer at Chick-fil-A Inc. “We look forward to sharing our authentic Chick-fil-A experience: providing fresh food prepared with high-quality ingredients, served with our signature hospitality.” Key facts and figures: Aim to open five restaurants in the UK in the first two years. Each restaurant will create approximately 80 - 120 new jobs. Plan to invest over $100m in the next 10 years. Unique owner-operator model, with nearly 80% owning just one restaurant, and an investment of just $10,000. Chick-fil-A restaurant Team Members enjoy flexible work hours and competitive wages. All chicken will be sourced from the UK & Ireland, as well as 100% free range eggs and welfare certification. “From our earliest days, we’ve worked to positively influence the places we call home and this will be the same for our stores in the UK," said Joanna Symonds, Head of UK Operations. "We encourage our Operators to partner with organisations which support and positively impact their local communities, delivering great food and wider benefits to those around them.” Each time a Chick-fil-A restaurant opens globally, $25,000 is donated to a local non-profit organisation reducing incidences of hunger in communities. Additionally, through the Chick-fil-A's Shared Table™ programme, Chick-fil-A restaurants help fight food insecurity and reduce food waste by ensuring restaurants donate surplus food to local shelters, soup kitchens and charities. Both programmes will be introduced in the UK, and work is underway to identify local organisations with which to partner. Chick-fil-A is known for its handcrafted food made fresh in each location’s kitchen, friendly customer service and excellent hospitality. Popular menu items that will be introduced in the UK include: Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, freshly made salads, and nuggets that are hand-breaded throughout the day. 1 Based on sales per restaurant