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A roadshow for families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is being held in Glenfield. Nearly 40 different organisations which support SEND children and their families are expected to attend – the highest number of organisations to visit a roadshow this year. The event will take place from 6.30-8.30pm at County Hall, Glenfield, LE3 8RA, and is open to anyone including parents and professionals who would like widen their knowledge, find out about support and access useful information from a range of local SEND services. It has been organised by Leicestershire County Council working alongside other local organisations including Leicestershire Music and Menphys. It is also the first roadshow of the year to run in the evening, making it accessible for parents and carers who may have missed previous sessions set in the daytime. Councillor Deborah Taylor, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Our SEND local offer roadshows are an important way for us to support the families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Families and carers can find valuable resources, guidance and discover a network of understanding peers." “We have received some really positive feedback from previous attendees, so we are hopeful that families coming along will be able to comfortably share their experiences and find a sense of community.”

The University of Dundee has been named the UK’s best for supporting spinout businesses, according to industry-leading analysis. Dundee fended off traditional powerhouses such as Oxford, Cambridge and University College London to top Gateways to Growth: The Entrepreneurial Impact Report, compiled by Octopus Ventures, one of Europe’s largest venture capital teams. This independent ranking was determined by factors such as numbers of patents, spin-out companies created and recent portfolio success, which for Dundee included the £2.2 billion IPO of Exscientia on the US NASDAQ, one of the largest ever UK university exits. Dr David McBeth, Vice-Principal (Enterprise & Economic Transformation), said, “This award confirms Dundee’s modern status as the undisputed home of successful UK spinouts." “The foundations of our success are world-leading life and biomedical sciences research, and innovative entrepreneurial researchers. Our commitment to driving the creation of increasing numbers of high growth potential spinout and start-up companies is reflected in several infrastructure investments including in a new Life Sciences Innovation Hub due to open in late 2024, as part of the Tay Cities growth deal." “Our aspiration is to develop an Innovation District in the city to anchor our companies here in Dundee, with an ultimate vision to help this city become a magnet for high value jobs in the life sciences and health sector." “In terms of how we create companies, we have always prided ourselves on fostering great relationships with investors and the founding teams of companies and treating each company according to its individual circumstances. We are confident that with access to more early stage, proof of concept type funding, we could deliver many more high growth companies.” The University has always championed entrepreneurial activity and has identified Enterprise as one of the three cornerstones of its recently adopted strategy, which will define its work for the next five years. University support is crucial in helping research-based businesses to become established, removing risk from founders as they transition from the laboratory to the development stage. Dr McBeth added, “We are demonstrating in real-time the sort of impacts that many government strategies seek, but the one downside is that several of our spinouts have relocated away from Dundee, and indeed away from Scotland, as they pursue their growth strategies." “It is critical that we work in partnership with Government and its agencies, and vice versa, to create the infrastructure that will help keep these businesses and the jobs they create, closer to their origins.” Dr Amy Nommeots-Nomm, Investment Associate, Octopus Ventures, said, “Congratulations to the University of Dundee, it’s great to see them move up the rankings to take the number one spot and prove its status as a leader in the deeptech space. By harnessing local pockets of excellence like these, we can help the whole of the UK flourish." “Since our last report, the race to tackle Covid-19 highlighted the power of academic institutions to mobilise quickly and develop solutions which transform millions of lives." Sustained funding for research and innovation, and consistent support for spin outs is vital if the UK’s universities are to continue generating globally impactful technologies.” CASE STUDY Tay Therapeutics is a UK biotech company based in Dundee, having spun out from the University’s School of Life Sciences in 2020. Formerly known as In4Derm, the company was founded by Dr Andrew Woodland and Dr Mark Bell, with the aim of developing the next generation of drug therapies. Earlier this year, the company announced a licensing deal with Vyne Therapeutics worth a potential $50 million dollars, following on from an earlier deal worth £16 million in 2021. The company is now focused on developing the Tay-EnableTM platform targeting stop codon mutations in cancer and genetic diseases. The company operates from the University of Dundee’s Incubator for Businesses and employs 12 people. Dr Woodland said, “Being able to develop our spinout company and drug discovery projects within the University of Dundee gave Tay Therapeutics access to cutting edge facilities, world class experts and a unique innovation ecosystem." “We would not have been able to license two of our projects, which are currently progressing in clinical trials with Vyne Therapeutics, without the University’s initial support. Dundee truly is the City of Discovery, and the University of Dundee is an essential element of that.”

Good Travel Management Ltd, the Yorkshire-based travel management company has acquired the corporate customer base of London and South-East based, Wexas Travel Management. The acquisition, for an undisclosed amount, will add 70% growth to the turnover of the Hessle-based corporate travel operator and the deal sees all 21 business travel employees from Wexas joining Good Travel Management bringing their headcount to more than 50. Kevin Harrison, MD of Good Travel Management said, “We’ve been an admirer of Wexas’ corporate business for a number of years. They’re known for high quality service, delivered by a very experienced team. In an industry where the quality of people makes the difference, we believe this acquisition complements our business and aspirations perfectly.” The newly acquired team will continue to work from their central London location, with support from Good Travel Management’s team in Hessle. With GTM boasting a range of new services and tools to help clients book travel better and make smarter choices when it comes to travel and business’ ESG policies, Harrison is confident of a bright future, “The joining of these two corporate travel teams will create benefits for both sets of customers and this acquisition reinforces our commitment to delivering the best travel service experience for customers. Together, we will continue to shape the future of corporate travel while leaving a positive impact on the travellers and businesses we serve." The John Good business can trace its travel industry routes back to the late 1890s, at which time it was looking after passengers travelling to and from Scandinavia. In 1946 it became one of the first travel management companies to be recognised by IATA. Today, Good Travel Management is a proud member of the John Good Group of companies, which traces its roots back to 1833. The group compromises of interests in shipping, logistics, warehousing, property and travel.

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." "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 hair and beauty industry’s national training provider, Kleek Apprenticeships has acquired the Colchester-based Easi Hairdressing Academy, a move which complements their existing academies, further strengthens their training provision in the Southeast of England and initiates the next phase in their ongoing development programme.  Kleek Apprenticeships have academy bases in the Northeast of England and the Home Counties, and the news cements its position as the UK’s leading national provider of specialist hair and beauty training. “Hot on the heels of our 2023 rebranding and renewed Ofsted Outstanding rating, this expansion is incredibly exciting for everyone at Kleek Apprenticeships,” said Managing Director, Tina Ockerby. “It means we can bring our brand of exceptional high-quality training to more apprentices and salons across the southeast and help to nurture the best talent in the industry.” “As we continue to further enhance our award-winning services, we can’t wait to share our experience and expertise with the current and future intake of apprentices that use the Academy in Colchester, whilst ensuring all our salon employers are fully involved and central to their apprentices’ learning journeys.”

Leicestershire CCC is delighted to announce the signing of wicketkeeper-batter Ben Cox on a three-year contract. The 31-year-old joins on loan from Worcestershire for the remainder of the 2023 campaign, before making the permanent switch to Uptonsteel County Ground on 1 October. Regarded as one of the finest wicketkeepers in the country, Cox has amassed 9,523 runs and more than 600 dismissals behind the stumps during his 15-year career with the Pears. After making his debut as a 17-year-old A-level student during the 2009 season, Cox has gone on to score over 5,000 runs from 143 matches in first-class cricket, headlined by a career-best knock of 124 at Cheltenham in 2017. The Stourbridge-born star has also proven to be a lethal operator in white-ball cricket, leading Worcestershire to their maiden Vitality Blast title in 2018 with player of the match performances in both the semi-final and final at Edgbaston. Cox was an integral part of the Rapids’ white-ball campaigns this summer, featuring as an ever-present as Worcestershire reached the quarter-final stages in both the Metro Bank One Day Cup and Vitality Blast. In total, Cox has accrued 1,803 runs at an average of 31.63 in List A cricket, whilst his 2,359 runs in T20 matches places him third behind Moeen Ali and Daryl Mitchell in Worcestershire’s all-time leading run-scorers’ charts. Discussing the decision to move to Uptonsteel County Ground, Cox said: “My driving factor to join Leicestershire was the opportunity to contribute to the team in all three formats." “Ever since meeting with Claude (Henderson) and Titch (James Taylor), I felt valued instantly and there’s no doubt that the journey Leicester are heading on is an exciting one." “The side are already competing for silverware this season in the MB50 and one more win in the County Championship puts us alongside the promotion spots with a game in hand - it’s all very exciting." “There’s still a lot to play for this summer and I can’t wait to get involved, get stuck in and give my all to the team as I always have done in my career so far.” Director of Cricket, Claude Henderson, said: “We are extremely excited to welcome Ben to Leicestershire for the end of this campaign and the years to come." “We see him as one of the best keepers in the country and an extremely effective player with the bat in all three formats. He will come with a wealth of experience, as well as a hunger and work ethic which will be hugely beneficial to the team.”

The harvest season has been a significant part of human history for millennia. It marks the culmination of months of hard work, the fruition of agricultural labour, and the promise of sustenance for the coming year. The tradition of harvesting has evolved dramatically over time, reflecting changes in technology, culture, and society. In this article, we will explore the fascinating journey of the harvest tradition from its ancient origins to its modern practices. Ancient Harvest Rituals The origins of the harvest tradition can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was often intertwined with religious and cultural beliefs. In societies like ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, the harvest was considered a sacred event. It was not just about gathering crops but also about offering thanks to the deities believed to be responsible for the success of the harvest. One of the most famous ancient harvest festivals is the Egyptian festival of Wepet Renpet, which marked the beginning of the agricultural year. Similarly, the Mesopotamian Akitu festival celebrated the harvest and the renewal of divine protection. Medieval Agriculture During the medieval period in Europe, the harvest tradition evolved as feudal systems took root. Serfs and peasants played a crucial role in agricultural production, and the harvest season was a time of hard labour for them. The reaping of crops by hand was a labour-intensive process, and it often involved entire communities coming together to ensure a successful harvest. Harvest festivals in medieval Europe, such as Lammas and Michaelmas, were occasions for communities to celebrate their collective efforts and give thanks for the bounty of the land. The Agricultural Revolution The 18th century marked a significant turning point in the history of harvesting with the advent of the Agricultural Revolution. Innovations like the seed drill, plough improvements, and the use of crop rotation techniques greatly increased agricultural productivity. These advancements reduced the need for manual labour and allowed for larger-scale farming. Harvesting tools also underwent a transformation during this period. The sickle and scythe gave way to the more efficient mechanical reaper, which could harvest crops at a much faster rate. This revolutionized agriculture and made the harvest season more efficient and less labour-intensive too. Modern Harvesting Techniques The 20th century brought further advancements in agricultural technology. The introduction of tractors, combine harvesters, and other machinery revolutionized the way crops were harvested. These machines allowed for even greater efficiency, and farmers could cover larger areas in a shorter time. The Green Revolution of the mid-20th century introduced high-yielding crop varieties and synthetic fertilizers, further increasing agricultural productivity. However, this also raised concerns about the environmental impact of modern farming practices. Contemporary Harvest Celebrations In many modern societies, the harvest tradition has evolved into more secular and community-oriented celebrations. Harvest festivals and fairs are still common in rural areas, providing opportunities for communities to come together and showcase their agricultural heritage. In urban settings, the connection to farming and harvesting may be less direct, but the importance of the harvest season is still acknowledged. Farmers' markets and food festivals celebrate locally grown produce, fostering a connection between consumers and the source of their food. The evolution of the harvest tradition is a testament to human ingenuity and adaptability. From ancient rituals rooted in religious beliefs to modern, mechanized agriculture, the way we harvest crops has transformed dramatically over the centuries. While the methods and significance of the harvest may have changed, the spirit of giving thanks for the earth's bounty and the sense of community that surrounds the harvest season remain enduring aspects of this age-old tradition.

Leicestershire County Council’s adult learning service GoLearn are offering over 50 free learning taster sessions in venues across the county this September. Taster sessions are free for anyone aged 19+ and are taught by specialist tutors from across the GoLearn programme. Free sessions to try include British Sign Language, Italian, creative writing, coping with change, money management, craft and sewing, fitness and exercise, polymer clay, poetry, digital skills and more. Councillor Christine Radford, cabinet member for adults and communities, said: “GoLearn has such an extensive list of courses, and these sessions are a great way for learners to try out some of the great sessions we have available." “I hope many residents take the chance to try out whichever course they’re interested in to see how GoLearn can help them.” Sessions are available across the county, including Melton Mowbray, Thurmaston, Loughborough, Enderby, Market Harborough, Wigston, Coalville and Hinckley. You can book onto the sessions through GoLearn’s website. Courses offered by GoLearn are part-time and can be taken in the day, evening or weekend for adults aged 19+. Courses are taught from dedicated adult learning centres and suites across Leicestershire, in community venues and online. Anyone booking onto a course before Friday 29 September can receive a special 30% discount. The discount can be used alongside the 70% reduced cost discount available for anyone on a low income and/or eligible certain benefits. Visit here or call 0800 988 0308 or email adultlearning@leics.gov.uk to find out more.

Having again been rated as one of the top firms in the UK for legal costs services, Clarion’s specialist costs and litigation funding team is growing its reputation overseas having this year undertaken work for law firm clients in Guernsey and Dubai. Over the last 13 years, Clarion’s costs practice has grown into one of the largest and most renowned across the UK. With a 30-strong dedicated team, its revenue has doubled in the last five years and it now supports over 200 law firm clients nationwide, dealing with more than 3,500 matters a year. For the fourth consecutive year, Clarion’s practice has achieved Band 1 status in the prestigious Chambers & Partners legal rankings report - the only provider in the country to do so. Partner Andrew McAulay, who trained with Clarion and has over 20 years’ experience working in legal costs claims, said: “Having initially set up the practice in 2010, our specialist costs law services for law firms are going from strength-to-strength. As well as continuing to expand our client base and the team, our revenue grew by around 15% last year and we’ve also seen a lot more national work coming from London and the rest of the UK post-Covid." "The position we have established in London as specialists in the field, has also led to us winning more overseas work from other jurisdictions including Guernsey and Dubai. Increasingly, we are advising on international elements on a wide variety of cases from insolvent litigation and commercial disputes to personal injury and medical negligence." “Our growing reputation has also resulted in us being brought in to support litigators involved in more complex, higher value disputes, often with damages worth millions of pounds.” The Chambers & Partners’ review of Litigation Support praises the Clarion costs team for being “industry leaders when it comes to cost drafting and are highly competent in dealing with the most complex and high-value cases”. In addition, Andrew McAulay is, for the fourth year in a row, ranked as a leading individual in Band 1 and is described as “an exceptionally talented and conscientious costs lawyer. He has a very strong knowledge of all aspects of costs law and is the go-to person for complex and high-level litigation cases”. He is joined in the prestigious ranking by Clarion colleague, legal director, Stephanie Kaye. “We are extremely proud not only to be one of only two costs funding practices in the UK to achieve a top tier position with Chambers, but also that Stephanie Kaye and I are two of only a handful of leading individuals in the field to be recognised from across the whole of the UK,” comments McAulay. “We were also very pleased to be included in The Legal 500’s first review of the sector (London based firms) with the organisation making an exception and featuring us despite us not being London-based. It is yet another demonstration that our reputation, based on the quality of our offering and our ability to be competitive on price, is taking our specialist services beyond national and international boundaries.” Clarion’s costs and litigation funding team specialises in court of protection, commercial litigation and personal injury/medical negligence costs claims. It deals with the full spectrum of legal costs work, including costs management and detailed assessments. The practice acts for both the paying or receiving party and is regularly instructed directly by lay clients, owner managed businesses and large corporates.

Despite companies across the UK continuing to struggle amidst rising interest rates and stubborn inflation, business confidence in Yorkshire and the Humber appears to be resilient with levels of start-ups in the region in July higher than those in much of the UK. The latest research from the UK’s insolvency and restructuring trade body, R3, which is based on an analysis of data provided by CreditSafe, shows that the number of new businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber rose by 6.5% between June and July 2023. After a year of challenges and economic uncertainty, levels remained consistent year-on-year with an increase from 4,383 start-ups in the region in July 2022 to 4,452 in July 2023 (a rise of 1.6%). In fact, of the 12 regions and nations surveyed, only Northern Ireland saw a stronger rise in new businesses with a 21.4% uplift month-on-month; and only Wales experienced a fall in start-ups (down by 1.4%) since June 2023. Another indicator of economic health, levels of insolvency-related activity (which includes liquidator and administrator appointments and creditors’ meetings), also showed a positive picture with Yorkshire and the Humber among the six regions and nations seeing falls since the previous month. The most marked decrease was experienced in the North East (-18.8%), followed by Scotland (-14.3%), Wales (-12.8%) and then Yorkshire and the Humber (-8%). In contrast, the highest increases last month were recorded in Northern Ireland (+14.3%), the South East (+12.6%) and the South West (+9.9%). Eleanor Temple, chair of R3 in Yorkshire and a barrister at Kings Chambers in Leeds, said: “The economic climate remains very difficult with both businesses and individuals being forced to tighten their belts in the face of higher interest rates and inflation." "However, it is encouraging to see that entrepreneurship appears to be alive and well with the percentage of new businesses launching in July increasing month-on-month in almost all regions and nations. It is also good to see Yorkshire’s legendary grit with the region among the strongest performing both in terms of start-ups and insolvency related activity." “However, after five years of lost growth, there are still real fears that the UK economy may slide into recession next year with output remaining lower than its pre-Covid peak. As we head into the winter, it is vital that directors continue to adopt a cautious approach, keeping a close eye on their finances and seeking professional advice as soon as any problems become apparent.”

The University of Sheffield has been placed top in the Russell Group, according to the latest National Student Survey, published August 2023. The survey, in which more than 335,000 final year students from across the UK have fed back on their higher education experience, places Sheffield top of the UK’s 24 world class, research-intensive universities, based on aggregate responses. Sheffield received the highest positive responses to 27 questions that asked students to rate their academic experience, mental wellbeing, resources and support. In individual categories, Sheffield is placed top for assessment and feedback and for Students’ Union in the Russell Group of universities. Sheffield is also in the top three across the Russell Group for learning opportunities, student voice and mental health, and top five for learning resources, academic support and organisation and management. This year’s survey, which is led by the Office for Students (OfS), also added a new question to explore freedom of expression. Sheffield is the top five in the Russell Group for students feeling free to express their opinions and beliefs during their studies, according to the results. Professor Koen Lamberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sheffield, said: “We are really pleased that our students have rated us so highly in this year’s National Student Survey. This is a testament to the hard work of our staff and the positive work of Sheffield Students' Union." “We really value feedback from our students as it provides important insights into how we can improve. We will use the survey responses to further develop the student experience we offer here at Sheffield.” The NSS also shows how positive students are about their individual course. Results from this year’s survey reveal that some of Sheffield’s courses in architecture, East Asian studies, engineering, genetics, landscape design, microbiology, nursing, Spanish, Portuguese and Zoology, have received some of the most positive student feedback in the whole of the UK.

A Balsall Common woman is taking her own experience with grief into the workplace following an increased demand for fostering mental wellbeing among employees. Tracey McAtamney, who was herself widowed at a young age, runs the Surviving Bereavement Foundation as well as a growing number of bereavement cafes across south Warwickshire and the West Midlands. A qualified grief recovery specialist, her new Let’s Talk Bereavement series of presentations are tailored to the requirements of businesses and include question and answer sessions and signposting packs to take away. Tracey established Surviving Bereavement in 2019 in memory of her late husband Tony. She was left widowed with two sons at just 38, when he suddenly collapsed and died in his hotel room while on a golfing holiday in Spain. She said: “I always begin my presentations with ‘nobody just decides to make their life all about bereavement.’ My life plan changed forever on 28th June 2004, one telephone call in the middle of the night to tell me my husband was dead – and that is really where my grief journey begins! “The impact of bereavement in the workplace is huge and, actually, as a Grief Recovery Specialist we are taught that grief is not just linked to death, it can be any major change or loss of control in a person’s life. One in two people in employment experience a significant loss; this could be death of a loved one, death of a pet, divorce, loss of a job, loss of home or health and can subsequently experience grief of an intensity which impairs their ability to work and puts them at risk of related physical and mental health conditions." “Many managers and employers would welcome help on how to support bereaved employees thus maintaining staff morale, making staff feel valued and reducing absenteeism. Creating a companionate culture within the workplace is needed more than ever for mental health support with waiting lists for counselling at an all-time high.” The Surviving Bereavement Foundation exists to offer legal and financial advice as well as practical help, all the things, says Tracey, that were not available to her. The charity also provides bespoke Memory Boxes – hand-delivered by Tracey - which are available for grieving children and young adults, and typically contain items such as forget-me-not seeds, a personalised book and letter, journal, cuddle bears and other age-relevant items. Michelle Evans, from DENSO, an automotive engineering centre in Coventry, said of Tracey’s recent presentation: “Her unique perspective and heartbreaking story made Tracey the ideal person to discuss coping strategies with our teams. “Many of our colleagues are professional engineers with a very pragmatic and highly technical outlook on life. But, almost to a person, Tracey’s presentation really struck a chord with them. Some experienced bereavement recently, others a long time ago, but her experience and stoicism makes that journey a little more bearable.” She added: “We recognise that bereavement and loss can occur to any one of us, at any time, and can manifest itself in many different ways. “As part of our monthly initiatives, we introduce colleagues to multiple avenues of support and invite guest speakers, motivational coaches or trainers to talk to our teams. We feel that having this programme in place offers an important lever for our colleagues to have the support they need within the Company and more broadly in their outside lives.”