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The London-based Bugatti Partner has opened an all-new aftersales facility to complement the existing Bugatti showroom nestled among the high-end ateliers of Mayfair. As the only Bugatti Service Partner of Excellence in the United Kingdom, this new 554 sqm facility, located just North of London, is dedicated to the unconditional care and attention of Bugatti hyper sports cars, offering total peace of mind to customers throughout the country. With seven advanced bays featuring newest technologies, the very latest diagnostic equipment and a team of experts, the London facility is fully equipped to undertake servicing and repairs on the illustrious Bugatti models that are part of the Chiron1 and Veyron 16.4 families, as well as the EB110 and EB110SS. To maintain leading-edge performance, reliability and manufacturer warranty, the Bugatti-trained technicians use bespoke high-tech tools and equipment dedicated to Bugatti hyper sports cars, such as the four hydraulic ramps. To minimize any customer inconvenience, Bugatti London offers a tailored chauffeur-driven collection service in addition to a variety of prestige car loans. As the number of Bugatti hyper sports cars in the UK – and among Bugatti London’s international customers – continues to grow, the London site will continue to be the beating heart of Bugatti’s operations in the UK. The Bugatti London Service team is made up of highly-skilled people that trained directly at Bugatti’s HQ in Molsheim. Many of them have over a decade of experience working with Bugatti cars. Their intricate knowledge – helped by intensive model-specific training from the team that originally built the cars at the home of Bugatti in Molsheim – ensures that each example is maintained in perfect condition. “The facility that Bugatti London has created is one of the most advanced aftersales sites, perfectly in line with our commitment to deliver the very best service experience for our customers. Our constant development of the partner and aftersales network ensures that each and every step of owning a Bugatti is incomparable – just as our founder, Ettore, had always wanted it to be – but also impeccable.” said Alexis Ploix, Bugatti’s recently appointed Director of Aftersales and Customer Service. “Underpinning Bugatti’s unrivalled commitment to customer service is the brand’s ‘Power is in the small details’ approach. Individually and as a collective global network, including within our expanded operations in London, we follow a mantra that recognizes the smallest detail within a Bugatti hyper sports car can have the biggest impact; there is nobody in the world that knows every single detail of a Bugatti hyper sports car better than our teams. This is a core focus point that we will never lose sight of.” As one of only six global Service Partners of Excellence, Bugatti London has proven expertise in undertaking standard types of service and maintenance operations, in addition to more complex aspects of maintenance work and specialized repairs. Bugatti customers being a number one priority, Bugatti London offers several services to deliver the ultimate customer service, including the ‘Passeport Tranquillité’ program, which provides up to a further four years of service and warranty. In addition to that, the ‘Certified Pre-Owned’ program offers individuals who choose to purchase a current Veyron or Chiron through an authorized Bugatti Partner full assurance and safe knowledge that the vehicle they are buying meets the uncompromisingly high-standards that Bugatti demands for each and every masterpiece that leaves the Atelier. Bugatti ‘Certified Pre-Owned’ provides customers with one service and 12 months limited vehicle warranty. Being in close and constant contact with the Bugatti Aftersales team in Molsheim, Bugatti London also gives customers the opportunity to further personalize or even to refurbish their Veyron and Chiron models directly at the site where the car has been originally assembled, with a greater range of customization options and features. Interiors are retrimmed in entirely new colors and materials, new accessories added, and updated finishes and colors applied to the exterior body. In essence, the personalization of a Bugatti masterpiece is almost infinite.

Hiring activity within the marketing industry has dropped dramatically following a record-breaking 12 months last year, according to new research from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo), the trade association for the professional recruitment sector.  The data, provided by business intelligence specialist VacancySoft, revealed that demand for marketing specialists fell by 41.8% in the first half of 2023, compared to last year, with an overall annual decrease of 35.5% expected by the end of the year. The largest number of new roles were reported in the Professional Services and Digital sectors, although both have seen an annual decrease. The Not-For-Profit sector is showing the most resilience in relation to marketing demand, with vacancies projected to rise by 12.9% year-on-year, on top of the 29.2% uplift noted in 2022. The Tech sector, on the other hand, is expected to record a 57.3% decrease in new marketing positions by the end of 2023. Geographically, London dominates, with roles here accounting for 59.5% of all marketing vacancies. South East England was in second place and currently accounts for 10.1% of all available positions. The least affected regions were Yorkshire & The Humber and Wales, which both noted only modest decreases compared to vacancy numbers recorded in 2022. Ann Swain, CEO of APSCo, comments: “We’ve seen a significant drop in marketing vacancies over the past 12 months, which is likely a result of the wider economic challenges facing businesses across the UK which has led to marketing budgets being cut. It’s important to add, though, that this fall does also reflect a return to stabilisation following the exceptionally high levels of marketing recruitment that were noted in 2022." “London is the media and communications hub of the UK so it’s not surprising that the capital accounts for the majority of jobs in the sector, however, it is likely we will see growth in other areas in the coming years as a result of the relocation of the government’s ‘policy hub’ for civil servants to Sheffield. This may present a different challenge for many employers who are already battling skills shortages and may have to recruit from locations where there isn’t an abundance of available talent.”

Leading multidisciplinary engineering firm adi Group was shortlisted as a finalist at the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) 2023 Global Awards in the Training and Development category. Recognised as the leading professional qualifying body for chemical, biochemical and process engineers, IChemE celebrates professional excellence, positive environmental impact, process safety and societal benefit with its Global Awards. And though adi Group targets all these key areas as part of its engineering services provision and CSR strategy, its entry focused on its significant efforts to nurture the next generation of engineers and close the STEM skills gap with its pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship schemes. Commenting on this achievement, Alan Lusty, CEO, said: “It’s an honour to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award, and particularly to be recognised for our contributions within what we consider to be a key area within engineering and inspiring our next generation of employees as a whole. “Our pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship schemes are designed to support and inspire the engineers of tomorrow from as early as 14 years old and provide them with opportunities to embark on a rewarding engineering career.” Having pioneered a highly effective approach with these successful programmes, the business is demonstrating the positive impact of increasing accessibility to the sector in a way that differs from the academic route to engineering employment. Recognising there is a pressing national engineering skills gap, the firm has continuously prioritised its commitment to helping develop future talent and upskill budding engineers, and is inspiring others within the industry to adopt similar approaches. The programmes have also proved to be a success thanks to their ability to enable natural progression for young individuals, whether within the firm or other businesses. adi's approach provides an excellent path for progression to a full apprenticeship for its young pre-apprentices, and the Group also commits to having 5% of its full-time employees in apprenticeship positions, a pledge recognised by The 5% Club’s Gold Award, highlighting its long-term commitment to fostering young talent. Overall, the firm seeks to build well-rounded young professionals, getting its students involved in responsible business activities as well as training them on health and safety procedures with key learning modules. Speaking of its long-term objectives in this vital area, Alan commented: “We aim to tackle the skills gap issue, as well as support our own business objectives where we need many more engineers to achieve our aims." “However, we must also challenge harmful misconceptions about engineering to encourage access to the career for individuals with limited opportunities or marginalised groups. Ultimately, we are investing in the future of the industry. " “Being shortlisted for the IChemE Awards is yet another vital step in the right direction, furthering our progressive plans and showcasing the value and the sheer potential of our mission.”

With a shop measuring just 6ft square, family business Grasmere Gingerbread® has clinched the title of Large Independent Retailer of the Year at the Speciality & Fine Food Fair Awards at Olympia, London. “It’s a fantastic fillip for the entire team at Grasmere Gingerbread®,” said co-director Joanne Hunter, the 3rd generation of her family to own and manage the iconic 169-year-old Lake District business. “Whilst the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop is famous for being one of the tiniest shops in Britain, a hive of activity behind the scenes has helped us to expand and grow.” With hundreds of entries from across the UK, judges prioritised Grasmere Gingerbread® over three other finalists - Flourish at Glenavon Farm in Bristol, Cobbs Farm in Berkshire and the De Beauvoir Deli in London. Grasmere Gingerbread® was described as a “pioneering retailer” that provides “exceptional customer service” and which has developed “exciting initiatives to help future proof the sector and bring the community together in their local area.” “Grasmere Gingerbread® keeps Cumbria’s rich culinary history alive and thriving,” added a spokesman for the Awards which celebrates excellence and product innovation in the fine food & drink community. “During the Covid pandemic, when many small outlets were hit by a major collapse in sales after local markets and shows were cancelled, Grasmere Gingerbread® invested time and energy with suppliers to produce new products for online customers.” Grasmere Gingerbread® recently opened new administration and mail order dispatch offices directly opposite The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop, and this summer opened a second shop in Hawkshead. As well as Grasmere Gingerbread® and other ginger-flavoured foodstuffs, the Hawkshead outlet sells fresh takeaway artisan coffee. Invented in 1854 by Victorian cook Sarah Nelson, Grasmere Gingerbread® is feted by celebrities, royalty and is exported to customers across the globe. Eamont and Eden Rose Hunter, the son and daughter of Joanne and Andrew Hunter who jointly own and manage Grasmere Gingerbread®, collected the trophy at Olympia, London. For Joanne and Andrew the award is the culmination of more than two decades of dedication. “Since we took over in 2000 we have always honoured the ethos and legacy of Sarah Nelson by growing her original business into something she could be proud of today,” said Andrew. “We now have two shops, are open the whole year round, employ 26 people and run a busy mail order service nationally and internationally to satisfy customer demand.” The business has diversified into wedding favours, ginger-flavoured food products and ginger-themed gifts - most of which are sourced in Cumbria.

Speedo UK unveils a limited outdoor swim collections with independent British fashion label Folk. As more consumers embrace outdoor swimming in lakes, rivers and seas, the new collection is designed to celebrate the rush and rapture of wild swimming, with the cosiness and comfort of the post-swim warm-up. Harnessing the design and spirit of Folk with Speedo’s heritage and performance expertise, the range features Folk’s outerwear styles and Speedo’s iconic silhouettes. Pieces include costumes, swim shorts, swimming accessories, fleece tops and parkas, with the swimwear using recycled fabrics. Speedo is an active supporter of outdoor swimming communities through its Outsiders Club, which explores and shares experiences from diverse groups of swimmers across the UK. Former surf champion and keen wild swimmer Sophie Hellyer fronts the campaign that’s set against the backdrop of North Cornwall’s rugged British coastline. Supported by a group of wild swimmers, the windswept shots capture moments of exhilaration in the water and the comfort of warmth back on dry land. Sophie Hellyer said: “I’m so proud to be a part of this special campaign with Speedo and Folk. This collection beautifully reflects the hunger for adventure from both brands by showcasing it authentically on real people for whom wild swimming is a way of life”. Cathal McAteer, founder of Folk Clothing said: “We have admired and been part of the love for cold water swimming – small groups and communities taking to the rivers, ponds, lakes and coast to get the elemental rush of being outdoors in the water. We wanted to make an excellent range of swim and warm-up gear, so we designed a range and partnered with swimming icon Speedo for performance-quality swimwear. We have tackled the outer cold to help deliver the inner peace.” Speedo’s brand vice president, Kirsty Saddler, shared: “The idea of working with Folk to create a cold-water swim collection feels really exciting at a time when we know there’s a growing appetite for outdoor swimming. The design ethic of Folk and its importance on quality speaks to our brand and wild swim audience. The collection is stylish and vibrant yet refined with high function – we’re thrilled to launch such a joyful collaboration.”

Two spa therapists have secured permanent full-time jobs at a Windermere hotel resort, thanks to a work experience initiative and the completion of a set of beauty therapy qualifications. Maya McGregor from Grasmere and Rhianna Bland from Kendal have both joined the team at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, having each attained their Level 2 Technical Qualifications and Level 3 Diplomas in Beauty Therapy. English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues offered both students the chance to undertake 30 hours of work experience during their two-year courses with Kendal College, which included classroom sessions coupled with in-house training. From there they applied for full time positions at Low Wood Bay and went through a multi-stage interview process and trade test before securing full time employment with the hotel group. An integral part of the course work experience was for Maya and Rhianna to observe key roles across the spa and see how its system operates, as well as benefitting from individual workshop style training on the delivery of spa treatments and techniques. This included the chance to shadow experienced spa therapists and reception staff in their day-to-day roles to see the whole client journey, including initial bookings and tours of the spa facilities, dealing with client enquires and upholding high standards of cleanliness. Maya and Rhianna were also able to experience treatments to see how they are personalised for each individual client and understand the standards required. They also gained knowledge on the full range of oils and other products used within the spa and their key ingredients and benefits. Maya explains: “The work experience showed us the top-level approaches, product knowledge and service required in our interactions with real clients and helped us to apply the skills we’ve learned and acquired at college in the working environment." “Experiencing the professional delivery of treatments at the spa at Low Wood Bay really helped to show us what the industry is like and to develop our skills and confidence as we moved from the college environment to the reality of the workplace.” Maya and Rhianna have also both passed their ESPA essential face and body training, with tuition delivered by Kiera Carrick, an ESPA qualified trainer, before the spa therapists were independently assessed. Kiera, who is spa training and development manager at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, says: “To see Maya and Rhianna successfully complete their qualifications and get jobs with us here shows that our ability to offer work experience can open up new career opportunities." “We now have a team of nine spa therapists in all, important as demand for our services continues to grow. We’ve recently relaunched our spa treatment menu to provide wider variety and more innovation within our treatments. That means a lot of training to deliver to all the therapists so that every client receives an unforgettably relaxing, indulgent treatment." “We have a close-knit team from different nationalities and backgrounds and it's exciting to see them develop and work cohesively together to deliver the highest standard of treatments. As the team continues to grow, I look forward to helping them achieve their aspirations within the spa industry.”

In a bid to raise as much awareness as possible to support people living with, or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s and dementia, not-for-profit care provider, Harrogate Neighbours has teamed up with the UK’s leading provider of specialist dementia care, Vida Healthcare. The two Harrogate-based organisations came together to run a pop-up dementia café for residents and the local community at The Cuttings – Harrogate Neighbours’ extra care living scheme. The collaborative café saw experts from Vida Healthcare and Harrogate Neighbours come together to talk about dementia and offer support and guidance. Over 40 people attended the event to raise awareness of a condition that affects almost 6,000 people aged 65+ in North Yorkshire. The pop-up dementia cafe took place to mark World Alzheimer’s Month which is the international campaign from Alzheimer's Disease International that takes place every September. The month aims to raise awareness and to challenge the stigma that persists around Alzheimer’s disease and all types of dementia. Guests tucked into savoury bites and sweet treats and enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment from singer and guitarist, Richard Stirland. Sue Cawthray, CEO of Harrogate Neighbours said, “The pop-up dementia café is the first of three initiatives we are running throughout the month. It was fantastic to partner with Vida Healthcare as our services complement each other so well." “As we support many people living with dementia, it’s so important for us to raise awareness of the illness in the hope that more can be done now, and in the future to battle the condition." “We will be hosting a dementia focused activity around Positive Thinking Day on the 13th and then all our staff will be wearing purple pyjamas on Alzheimer’s Awareness Day (21st) to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.” Bernadette Mossman, Healthcare Director at Vida Healthcare, added: “We are always looking to partner with local and national organisations that support our mission of providing exceptional care and experiences to people living with dementia. While we provide specialist care within our walls at Vida, having the opportunity to partner with Harrogate Neighbours to put on the pop-up dementia cafe for the wider community was a real pleasure. The turnout shows just how many people are impacted by dementia in some capacity, and the important role that events like this play in keeping people living with dementia connected to their community.”

Alternative education provider, MAP Charity has made a huge step towards revitalising Mabgate's creative business community in Leeds, completing a £1.4m refurbishment of Hope Foundry. The Grade-II listed building is currently home to the charity’s Education Programme and a small number of creative practitioners and not-for-profit organisations. The £1.4m project has been funded by grants from Leeds City Council, the European Regional Development Fund and MAP Charity, reflecting a significant investment of public funding into the Mabgate area. By offering local creative businesses and practitioners access to affordable workspaces, the refurbished first and second floors provides a home for small, independent organisations and start-ups, reinvigorating Mabgate’s reputation as a hub of creativity. From screen printers to audio mastering engineers, skilled professionals already operate from Hope Foundry, and up to 30 creative businesses will now be able to make Hope Foundry their home. Strategic property advisors, Fox Lloyd Jones have been appointed by the charity to lead the letting of Hope Foundry, with spaces ranging from 150 to 2,693sq ft. The first floor is separated into ten studio workspaces, which are now fully let. The 2,693 sq ft second floor operates as one large workspace available as a whole or in part and is suited to growing creative organisations. Tom Smith, co-founder of MAP Charity, said: “We’re hugely proud of this major refurbishment and being able to take derelict spaces and turn them into fantastic workspaces. Our aim is to make the building sustainable financially, whilst also offering affordable spaces to creative businesses who want to work with young people." “In addition to the benefits to potential occupiers, the expanded possibilities following the refurbishment of Hope Foundry are hugely important to MAP Charity’s Education Programme, which works with young people at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training). By working closely with a community of creative professionals, students will be able to access opportunities to learn skills directly from creative professionals and apply them to real life situations.” Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, culture and education, added: “It’s fantastic to see plans for this beautiful building taking such an important step forward. The redevelopment of Hope Foundry will be an important catalyst in revitalising the Mabgate area, which is such a key part of the city for our creative industries, independents and start-ups. The superb work of MAP helps so many talented young people in Leeds to flourish and we’re very proud to be supporting them to develop that work further.” Nick Salkeld, director at Fox Lloyd Jones, commented: “Hope Foundry is paving the way in placing Mabgate at the forefront of a fast-growing hive of creativity bringing together a wide variety of organisations. We are delighted to be working alongside MAP Charity to build this exciting community and play a role in revitalising the iconic Hope Foundry.”

Lift Brands EMEA is delighted to welcome Kevin Yates as Chief Operations Officer and Kristen Horler as Head of Sales to further bolster their Snap Fitness operations in the UK & Ireland. The two new appointments come as they confirm 12 new openings across the regions before early 2024 which will take their gym footprint to 102 with plans to expand further. With a career spanning nearly three decades, Kevin’s resumé encompasses board-level and senior management positions within the leisure and marketing industries. Kevin has spearheaded four unique businesses, including founding the TRIB3 group across the UK, Ireland, Europe & China. He has a record of effectively securing capital investment and delivering substantial returns for shareholders. And, in 2022, Kevin was recognised alongside eight more entrepreneurs in the Health and Beauty industry as a Great British Entrepreneur of the Year, acknowledging his strategic insight in revitalising businesses and propelling their expansion. ‘’As I step into my new role, I’ll be calling on my experiences in the business world to drive forward the Snap Fitness brand. I really believe in focusing on whatever it takes to build and nurture high-performing teams. You’ve got to foster a culture of commitment, innovation and talent development,” said Kevin. Kevin will be leading the UK & Ireland operation, overseeing all areas of the business with a particular focus on brand performance with our franchisees, ensuring they are as successful as possible at club level. Brand development will also be a strong focus, ensuring aggressive growth of the Snap Fitness brand across the region with fantastic, motivated franchisees willing to work hard whilst finding a happy and healthy lifestyle in a rewarding industry. “Snap Fitness is gearing up for a crucial phase of their strategic development, with plans to unveil numerous new locations in the upcoming six months. I’m excited to be able to use my own business expansion experiences to assist franchisees in fostering substantial growth and making significant strides in their business.” Kristen’s appointment as Head of Sales is another significant development for Snap Fitness. She joins with decades of experience in the franchising and fitness industries, after establishing and running her own successful fitness franchise, recently selling to a successful franchisee. She will now take an integral role in the expansion of the Snap Fitness brand alongside Kevin and the existing team. Kristen initially pursued a career as a pastry chef, but eventually became disenchanted with the industry. In 1999, she obtained her certification as a Personal Trainer which initiated her professional love of the fitness industry. Following the birth of her daughter in 2001, she established MomletaⓇ a fitness programme and community specifically designed for Mums. Kristen expanded the business across the country via franchising, whilst also attaining a Master’s degree in Nutrition. “The role of Head of Sales for Lift Brands in the UK & Ireland caught my attention due to the brand’s unique values, concentrating just as much on mental wellbeing as well as physical fitness. Finding a company that matches your principles feels like you’ve hit the jackpot,” said Kristen. Kristen’s role at Snap Fitness involves establishing connections with prospective franchisees, guiding them through the onboarding process and assisting current franchisees in expanding their clubs across the UK & Ireland. “My goal is to continue to grow the number of locations we have around the UK & Ireland. It’s really important to find the right candidates for our brand and then support them through the orientation process, so that they can realise the incredibly rewarding opportunity that investing in the fitness industry can provide," added Kristen. With the appointment of these two key roles in the senior leadership team, Global CEO Ty Menzies is gearing up for exciting times, “Snap Fitness is expecting to open their 100th location in the UK & Ireland very soon with a further two confirmed to follow in quick succession and more in the pipeline! Announcing this incredible milestone in the wake of the latest UK Fitness Industry report1 that shows Snap Fitness is now the 6th largest fitness operator in the UK, with projections indicating we will rise to 4th over the next year or so, all being well. In fact, we were one of only three operators to open more than five sites (8) across April 2022 to March 2023." “Our franchisees are experiencing impressive club growth of 14.3% year on year, significantly ahead of the industry average of 3.4%*. The team at Snap Fitness Cross Hands and Waterford are just one example of our gyms smashing their business projections. Just over a year after opening, they are on average 27.19% ahead of where we expected them to be in terms of member numbers.” Snap Fitness’ recent successes have garnered some serious industry recognition. Having entered the UK’s esteemed EF100 franchising league table for the first time at position 38, now Snap Fitness is in the running for two awards at the prestigious BFA HSBC British Franchise of the Year awards, where they are finalists in the Leadership & Culture and Brand Awareness categories. 1 UK Fitness Industry Report, 1 April 2022 – 30 March 2023 * This figure encompasses both private and public gyms

Hundreds of residents across Leicestershire have already taken part in a consultation aimed at helping people live well with dementia, and there’s still time to have your say during World Alzheimer’s Month. Led by Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland’s (LLR) Dementia Programme Board – which includes Leicestershire County Council – the draft strategy is for everyone affected by dementia. This includes people with a diagnosis of dementia, their families and carers, and people and organisations who work to support them. Visit here before Friday 22 September to take part. You can also email dementia-strategy@leicester.gov.uk or call 0116 454 2354 to arrange a time for us to speak to you or your community group about the strategy before the consultation closes. Councillor Christine Radford, cabinet member for adults and communities, said: “Thank you to everyone in Leicestershire who has had their say on our proposed Living Well with Dementia Strategy so far. This is a really important strategy and feedback will make a difference to the way we support everyone affected by dementia." “Whether you’re living with dementia or supporting someone who does, we would encourage you to take part and let us know your views if you haven’t already done so.” Priorities of the 2024-2028 strategy include ‘diagnosing well’ – which ensures people have equal access to dementia care by acknowledging inequalities – and ‘living well’ – which aims to help give everyone the opportunity to live life to the full post-diagnosis. Work to produce the new draft strategy has also included input from those living with dementia and covers how personalised care and joined up working Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland will be delivered. The strategy, including feedback from the survey, will be presented at the council’s Cabinet later this year.

Ken Erskine, a BID specialist with 36 years’ experience, has joined Big Bamboo BIDS as Managing Director. Ken, who holds a bid and proposals certification at ‘Professional’ standard from the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP) has joined the BID consultancy to help build on what has already been achieved, with an ambition to grow it to become one of the leading consultancies in its field. Big Bamboo BIDS was incorporated in May 2022, since then it has won and retained work with clients in the Construction, Engineering, soft and hard FM and infrastructure sectors. Ken’s career spans back to 1987, with a Proposals Manager role at John Mowlem & Company, and laterally Head of Proposals at Carillion following an acquisition, before joining John Sisk & Son as Regional Bid Director in 2008. Seven years later he moved on to work for Balfour Beatty in numerous work winning roles, most latterly as National Bid Director responsible for leading and winning strategic bids, including a PCSA for an £800m mixed use development, a £250m confidential high security defence opportunity and a £4bn single source national public sector framework. Ken’s most recent role saw him take up the Head of Bids & Proposals role at Careys – before moving on to explore other opportunities, which led him to Big Bamboo BIDS. Ken says of his appointment: "Having spent 36 years working in bid & proposals in many of the UK’s leading contracting businesses, I am excited to be taking a leap into the world of consultancy." “Having found myself in a situation where I was looking for a new opportunity, I was approached by numerous companies. Nicola, the Founding Director and I were introduced via a mutual connection, and it became clear very quickly that we both saw an opportunity for a consultancy that could offer something different and disrupt the marketplace." “Big Bamboo BIDS offers a range of services and has already established itself as a BID partner to many companies. My role will ensure that it retains what has already been achieved and that it capitalises on the opportunities that exist in supporting companies to win work – which I will also do myself, as an active consultant.” Nicola Stamford, Founding Director, adds: “Bringing Ken into the business is an exciting time for us. He is a BID professional at the top of his game, so I am confident he will help us to take the business to the next level, working alongside Racheal – our Head of BIDS and Jamie, our Senior Proposals Manager." “I look forward to seeing what unfolds in the coming months and years and to working with Ken and the wider team to build Big Bamboo BIDS into the business I know it can be.” Ken has held a 10-year voluntary Board position on the APMP UK, including two tenures as CEO and a two-year position on the APMP International Board, helping inform and champion industry best practice. Ken has also fulfilled the role of judge on numerous national and international panels.

A Warwickshire gin company has acquired the Cocktail Tours company based in Tewkesbury to take its unique concept on the road for the first time. It marks the start of an exciting new journey for That Gin Company brand, which started out as That Gin & Cocktail Bar in Warwick. The converted double-decker Cocktail Tours Bus can host up to 50 private or corporate guests, features state-of-the-art LED lighting and sound system and a bar selling a wide range of alcoholic drinks, including cocktails/mocktails, spirits, beers, wine and fizz. Guests can also ensure the on-board bar is stocked with their choices from That Gin Company’s huge range of unique made-to-order gin recipes and cocktails - with something for every palate guaranteed - from the traditional juniper and floral gins through to fruity offerings such as Pineapple, Watermelon, Passionfruit and Sicilian Orange and, for spice lovers, Pink Pepper, Black Pepper and Cardamon or even, their most popular, Jalapeno signature gin! There is also the opportunity to pre-order food options from a menu of cream teas, snacks and deli boards. This is the latest chapter of growth for Steve and his team who, last year, also launched an online shop continuing on from the success of the bar in Warwick. That Gin Company owner Steve Bazell said: “We are passionate about our customers and ensuring they have the best possible experience. We aim to curate bespoke experiences through the bar, our bespoke gins and now the cocktail tour bus”.