With retailers expecting an uptick in footfall this Christmas and increasing temporary hiring as a result, employment screening and identity verification expert, Sterling, has urged employers to use this opportunity to create better relationships with workers. According to the latest Barclays Business Barometer, 60% of retailers are expecting to see more customers instore compared to online shopping estimates, with 82% planning to rely on temporary resources. With the data also showing that almost a third of retailers are hiring in greater numbers than previous Christmases, Sterling has highlighted that now is the time to invest in improving the hiring experience for workers, including temporary staff. Steve Smith, President International at Sterling commented: “Seasonal workers have always played a significant role for retailers during Christmas, but it would seem that as optimism grows across the sector, many firms are increasing their reliance on those not currently in full-time employment. However, these temporary workers aren’t just valuable in December. It’s important for employers to treat them as the longer-term commodity they are." “Retailers will often welcome the same short-term employees back time and again, and not just around the December rush. Temporary staff are increasingly being used as the backbone of the retail sector. However, to ensure they want to return, employers are having to provide the best experience for these workers — and that includes getting them through the screening process quickly. With competition for this segment of the workforce increasing, it will be the brands able to screen and onboard temporary workers quickly that win both now and in the long run." "In order to deliver this on the scale that’s needed, retailers are going to have to increasingly rely on remote screening and digital identity verification that’s quick, seamless for the end user and, perhaps more importantly, allows for the reuse of certifications in the future.”

Christmas, often hailed as the most wonderful time of the year, is a holiday that brings joy to hearts around the world. Beyond the twinkling lights, beautifully decorated trees, and festive music, the true magic of Christmas lies in the profound sense of joy it imparts. It's a time when people come together, share love and gratitude, and find happiness in the simple pleasures of life. The Gift Of Giving At the core of Christmas joy is the spirit of giving. The act of selecting, wrapping, and presenting a gift to a loved one embodies the essence of this season. It's not just about the material value of the gift but the thought and effort behind it that brings happiness. The joy on a child's face when they unwrap a long-awaited present or the warmth felt when giving a thoughtful gift to someone in need is unparalleled. Reconnecting With Loved Ones Christmas serves as a beautiful reminder to reconnect with family and friends. Whether it's gathering around a festive table, sharing stories by the fireplace, or simply spending quality time together, this season emphasises the importance of human connection. The joy of Christmas lies in these moments of togetherness, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. Kindness And Compassion During the Christmas season, kindness and compassion shine brightly. Communities come together to support those less fortunate through charitable acts and donations. The joy is not just in receiving but in giving back to the community, helping those in need, and spreading goodwill. This act of compassion fuels the holiday spirit and warms hearts everywhere. Magical Traditions Christmas traditions, both old and new, add an element of wonder and excitement. From decorating the Christmas tree to baking cookies for Santa, these traditions evoke a sense of nostalgia and anticipation. The joy of continuing these rituals, passed down through generations, creates a comforting sense of belonging and continuity. Lights And Decorations The festive decorations and twinkling lights that adorn homes, streets, and public places during Christmas infuse an atmosphere of enchantment. The sight of illuminated streets and beautifully decorated homes can instantly uplift one's spirits. These decorations serve as a visual reminder of the joy and merriment that the season brings. Music That Warms The Soul Christmas carols and songs hold a special place in our hearts. The melodies and lyrics of these timeless tunes evoke feelings of nostalgia and happiness. Singing carols, whether in church or around a fire, brings people closer together and spreads the joy of the season through music. The joy of Christmas goes far beyond material gifts and decorations. It's a celebration of love, togetherness, and giving. The season reminds us to be kinder, more compassionate, and appreciative of the people in our lives. It's a time when communities come together, traditions are upheld, and hearts are filled with warmth and happiness. Christmas is not just a date on the calendar; it's a feeling, a sentiment, and a source of immense joy for people of all ages. So, as the holiday season approaches, let us embrace the true spirit of Christmas and share the joy with those we hold dear.

Tom Foley, a hugely respected match official both domestically and as part of the International Match Officials group, has decided to step away from international match officiating for the foreseeable future. He will continue to officiate in the Gallagher Premiership. Tom began refereeing in 2010 in the National Leagues and has been involved in 217 games in the Premiership, including 127 as referee and 67 as Television Match Official (TMO); three of these were Premiership Finals. He has also officiated at four Champions Cup Finals in 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2023. His first experience at international level came in November 2016 in a match involving Romania and Tonga and he’s officiated in 48 Tests in total, 16 in the Six Nations and eight in the Rugby World Cup this year. Tom Foley said: “Having reached the pinnacle in officiating at the Rugby World Cup Final, now feels the right time to take a break from the international game. Over the course of 13 years, I have been fortunate to officiate alongside many dedicated professionals and be involved in some of the greatest games in international rugby." “However, the pressure and scrutiny I came under after the Rugby World Cup Final, along with a torrent of criticism and abuse online, has helped to reaffirm that this is the right decision for me at this point in my life. While it’s a privilege to be at the heart of some of the sport’s most iconic moments, the increasing levels of vitriol, when the demands and expectation are so high, have led me to this moment." “Working as an international match official takes you away from home for extended periods, and I am looking forward to spending more time at home with my young children. I am very grateful to my family for their support during my career; without them none of it would have been possible.” Bill Sweeney, RFU CEO, said: “I would like to thank Tom for his outstanding contribution to international officiating. Tom has officiated in 48 games internationally and is considered one of the best Television Match Officials globally." “The abuse he has suffered since the Rugby World Cup Final, along with other officials involved in that game, is totally unacceptable and no one should be treated in this way, doing their job for the sport they are so committed to and passionate about." “We will do everything possible to help guard against the abuse aimed at match officials and players and would urge everyone in our game to consider the role they can play in upholding rugby values." “Although Tom steps back from Test officiating, we are pleased that he will remain part of the RFU Professional Game Match Officials Group, and that the sport will continue to benefit from his extensive experience domestically.”

Our relationship with sprouts is a fascinating interplay between love and hate, a culinary dichotomy that mirrors the diverse opinions on these tiny, nutrient-packed entities. On one hand, sprouts are celebrated as nutritional powerhouses, bursting with vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Enthusiasts hail them as a symbol of health-conscious living, incorporating them into salads, sandwiches, and smoothies with zeal. However, the love for sprouts is not universal. Detractors often find themselves entangled in a web of distaste, citing the distinct earthy flavor and crunchy texture as deterrents. The very attributes that endear sprouts to some become the reasons for disdain in others. It is in this contrasting spectrum of palates that the love-hate relationship thrives. The health benefits of sprouts are undeniable. Packed with antioxidants and rich in fiber, they contribute to digestive health and bolster the immune system. The sheer versatility of sprouts adds to their appeal, allowing them to be seamlessly integrated into various culinary creations. Still, the robust nutritional profile doesn't always overshadow the aversion some harbor towards the taste and texture of sprouts. Culturally, sprouts hold significance in diverse cuisines. From the delicate alfalfa sprouts in salads to the robust mung bean sprouts in Asian stir-fries, they add a unique flair to dishes worldwide. This cultural diversity extends to the ways in which people embrace or reject sprouts, creating a mosaic of opinions that reflects regional tastes and culinary traditions. Perhaps the love-hate relationship with sprouts is a testament to the subjectivity of taste. As with many foods, personal preferences play a significant role in shaping our attitudes towards sprouts. Some revel in the crisp freshness they bring to a dish, while others cringe at the thought of their presence on the plate. In conclusion, our love-hate relationship with sprouts is a complex interplay of nutritional admiration and culinary aversion. Whether embraced for their health benefits or dismissed for their distinct taste, sprouts continue to be a polarising ingredient, inviting discussions and debates around the dining table. As tastes evolve and culinary trends shift, the status of sprouts in our gastronomic journey remains a dynamic and intriguing aspect of our relationship with food. Are you a lover or a hater of sprouts?

The pay inflation that the UK’s workforce has experienced over the last year may have peaked, with economists predicting a stagnant picture for economic growth in 2024. However, staff confidence remains high amid the growing skills crisis. That’s according to the latest Robert Half Jobs Confidence Index (JCI) – an economic confidence tracker produced in partnership with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr). Key Findings: Unusually high worker confidence at odds with the economic uncertainty. 58.4% of employees feel confident about their job looking ahead to the next six months. Nearly half (47.4%) of workers feel confident about their future career prospects and ability to progress in their career over the coming five years. A strong uptick on the 41.9% from earlier in the year. High job security and progression confidence exacerbate the implications of skills shortages, as businesses struggle to attract and retain top talent. 47% of employers plan to increase permanent headcount in 2024, yet 75% are concerned about their ability to find and hold onto the right talent. The latest iteration of the report reveals that more than half (58.4%) of workers feel confident in their job security for the next six months amidst low unemployment, high vacancies and nominal wage growth outpacing inflation. This is a long-standing trend as employees see skills shortages as a reason to feel secure in their jobs, with the JCI’s job security confidence pillar the strongest positive driver for the Index overall score for eight consecutive quarters. Although this optimism is at odds with the UK’s economic slowdown, the overall picture of confidence remaining strong is in line with Cebr projections for the labour market over the next six months. Unemployment is expected to tick up slightly as high interest rates continue to push down on consumer and business demand, feeding through to employment, yet the labour market will remain tight by historical standards. Given this picture, the 5.5% increase in job search confidence to 47.4% in Q3 2023 is surprising and may exacerbate the labour challenges for firms in the New Year if workers are highly confident about their ability to progress. In line with the JCI, Robert Half’s 2024 Salary Guide also reveals that while 69% of businesses feel confident in their growth prospects for 2024 and 47% plan to increase permanent headcount next year, a staggering 75% are already concerned about their ability to attract and retain skilled talent. As Matt Weston, Senior Managing Director UK & Ireland, at Robert Half, explained, this scenario could hinder business growth and stability in 2024: “We’re starting to see signs that pay inflation has peaked, although the good news for workers is wage growth is expected to remain above inflation in the coming months. Nevertheless, while the current economic uncertainty is a top concern for businesses, the workforce isn’t showing the signs of diminishing confidence as we would usually see at this time. The health of the labour market and that of the wider economy have often been linked, yet at present they are less synced than anticipated." “Today’s labour market snapshot is the culmination of factors from the last few years, including Brexit, the Great Resignation and the pandemic. Things have changed and access to the skilled talent businesses need to remain competitive is becoming ever more challenging." "Increased post-pandemic economic inactivity, innovation outpacing traditional learning routes and limited social mobility have the potential to further weaken the labour market’s ability to match jobs with skilled workers. “Our research shows job and business growth confidence are on the rise, yet the widespread skills shortages and economic inactivity will take much longer to tackle. Employers are less likely to be in the driving seat in 2024 and being agile with their talent strategies and workforce models will be key.”

Leading provider of cold storage and distribution services to food producers and retailers, Reed Boardall, has become one of just 100 organisations across Yorkshire and the Humber to be given a Silver award, accredited by the MOD, as part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) in recognition of its commitment to being an armed forces-friendly organisation. With over 20 veterans and regular and reservist serving personnel now part of the Reed Boardall team and a further eight soon to join, it is a further demonstration of the commitment of the Boroughbridge-based business to supporting defence personnel and inspiring others to do the same. The coveted Silver award, which must be nominated by a third party, was given to the company as part of its pledge to advocating support to defence and the armed forces community, and aligning its values with the Armed Forces Covenant. Since signing the ERS covenant last year, the business has welcomed a number of services personnel to its 800-strong team and in November 2022 it achieved a Bronze award. Reed Boardall was presented with the Silver award at a special event hosted by the Lord Lieutenant of York and attended by senior military representatives. Marcus Boardall, chief executive of Reed Boardall, comments: “Reed Boardall has long recognised that many of the values and skills of forces personnel align well with our own culture. As a supportive family business, we’ve worked hard in recent years to formalise our links with former and serving defence personnel, providing well-structured career opportunities for those leaving the armed forces and giving them the peace of mind of working in an environment that understands them. It’s very satisfying to see our policies helping people move into a new career and also resulting in so much new talent coming into the company.” Reed Boardall’s in-house Driver Academy is proving very popular with defence personnel seeking a new career, providing much-needed skills and qualifications to become an HGV driver. For example, the company has introduced a ‘buddy’ system for, designed to help make the transition into civilian life smoother. It has also adapted its employment policies to accommodate the training and deployment needs of those still serving where possible. The company has also built links with the prison services to increase the employment of ex-offenders, and is has partnering with organisations such as Career Transition Partnership (CTP), Army Families Federation, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), HM Prison Service and People Plus, as well as charities Veteran into Logistics and Clean Slate Solutions. Marcus Boardall continues: “This Silver award is another fantastic achievement for the team. It is a real accolade to be nominated for such a prestigious award from the MOD by CTP and some of the charities with which we work, and is a further demonstration of how much we value services personnel and our commitment to supporting military families. We hope that more businesses put initiatives in place to welcome those embarking on a new career, whether they are veterans, services personnel or ex-offenders, and we are already working towards the ERS Gold award.” Reed Boardall is continuing to undertake a number of initiatives such as participating in CTP recruitment days at Catterick Garrison and job fairs in Newcastle As a Silver award holder, Reed Boardall has pledged to support the armed forces, including existing or prospective employees who are members of the community, and it has signed the Armed Forces Covenant which acknowledges and understands that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society they serve with their lives. The award also demonstrates that the company promotes being armed forces-friendly and is open to employing reservists, armed forces veterans (including the wounded, injured and sick), cadet instructors and military spouses/partners. Reed Boardall is one of the largest temperature-controlled food distribution businesses in the UK, storing and delivering frozen food from manufacturers across Britain, Europe and further afield to all the UK’s best-known supermarkets. With a fleet of over 200 vehicles operating 24 hours a day, year-round, it delivers 12,000 pallets of frozen food daily for its clients as well as providing a range of complementary services including ancillary blast freezing, picking and packing. The company employs almost 800 staff at its single site in Boroughbridge, Yorkshire.

Sheffield Hallam University researcher, Dr Alice Bullas, been awarded a £1.6m Future Leaders Fellowship from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to develop new body measurement methods for children living with obesity. Alice has been recognised as one of the most promising science and research leaders in the UK, securing one of 75 fellowships announced recently. The Fellowship will fund a five-year study to identify the most accurate and suitable ways to assess the health of children, with a focus on childhood obesity. The project is centred around developing new approaches for data collection of external body shapes, body composition and health measures from 400 children from diverse backgrounds across Sheffield. It is recognised that whilst the causes of childhood obesity are multifaceted, accurate measurement is essential. As direct measurement of adipose tissue (body fat) and health is resource intensive, experts currently rely on measurement of external body measures – namely body mass index (BMI). However, BMI is flawed in its ability to determine health, particularly in children and UK ethnic minority groups. The research will determine child-friendly measurement methods and create the world's first database dedicated to childhood body measurement data, to underpin research and innovation in the UK and globally. Alice is based in the University’s Sports Engineering Research Group within the Academy of Sport and Physical Activity and her expertise lies in 3D surface imaging and body measurement in elite sports people. The project will take advantage of Alice’s expertise, aligning with the region’s focus on child health and wellbeing and the world class facilities and strategic partnerships of Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, including Canon Medical Systems UK (Canon Medical UK) and the Yorkshire Obesity Research Alliance. It will be supported by a comprehensive project team of world leading experts from academia, industry, practice and policy. Alice said: "I am grateful to have been awarded this fellowship, and to be provided the opportunity to pursue my research vision. We hope that by identifying the most accurate and suitable measures and methods to assess child obesity and health we will ensure accurate diagnosis and monitoring to underpin treatment for individuals and the planning of appropriate services." “Ultimately, our aim is to reduce child obesity rates and improve child health and wellbeing in the UK and globally.” The UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship scheme is intended to support and develop the next wave of world-class research and innovation leaders. Professor Rory Duncan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Sheffield Hallam University said: “I am so pleased that Alice had been awarded this hugely well-deserved UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship." “This remarkable funding programme recognises exceptionally talented people, providing long-term, generous support to accelerate them, their teams and their research vision to become truly world changing. Alice’s ideas align ideally with Hallam’s Health Innovation Campus that is making dramatic impacts across the region, country and the world to transform lives.” The Fellowship is one of 75 announced which represents an investment of over £100m in new research and innovation. UKRI Chief Executive, Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, said: “UKRI’s Future Leaders Fellowships provide researchers and innovators with long-term support and training, giving them the freedom to explore adventurous new ideas, and to build dynamic careers that break down the boundaries between sectors and disciplines." "The fellows announced illustrate how this scheme empowers talented researchers and innovators to build the diverse and connected research and innovation system we need to shorten the distance between discovery and prosperity across the UK.”

In a new survey of 1000 consumers underlining the impact of the cost of living crisis on shopping habits, 51% confessed they have haggled for an essential product or service this year. The survey by Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance , the small business champion, suggests the U.K.’s small businesses need to be on guard as 21% in the survey think it's fine to haggle when buying from an independent retailer or small business owner and a third are planning to haggle to save costs this Christmas. The survey found that 32% have saved up to £200 this year by haggling while one in ten has saved over £500. However not all haggling attempts have been successful, 27% said they didn't save a penny as their attempts were declined. People also feel it's acceptable haggle if the item is cheaper elsewhere (72%) or the item is high value like a car or piece of technology (53%). Paying in cash was also deemed an acceptable reason to haggle by 46%. 59% of men said they had haggled opposed to 43% of women. Interestingly, the higher the income, the more likely a person is to haggle. 58% of people earning £40,000 plus a year have haggled this year compared to 47% of those earning £10,000-£19,999. Regionally, people in the East Midlands (21%) are least likely to have haggled, while those in the West Midlands were most likely to have haggled (63%) Todd Davison, MD of Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance said: “Haggling has not been part of our culture in the U.K., particularly for essential items so this survey really demonstrates that people are shaking off their British reserve and trying their luck to help mitigate rising living costs. With one in five believing a small business is an acceptable target for haggling attempts, business owners will need to be prepared as the countdown to Christmas commences.”

The impact on children exposed to opioids while in the womb is to be examined following a major award secured by a University of Dundee researcher. Dr Louise Marryat, of the University’s School of Health Sciences , has been named a recipient of a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Future Leaders Fellowship. Dr Marryat, who is based at the University’s campus in Kirkcaldy, will utilise the award to study the health and development of children who are exposed to a variety of opioids before birth. Working in partnership with women who use opioids, the study will utilise routinely collected medical data to examine the pathways impacted youngsters take through childhood. It is hoped that a better understanding of these young people will allow their support networks, including families, clinicians, social workers, and teachers, to support them more effectively. “To be awarded a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship is a tremendous honour,” said Dr Marryat. “Very little is known about the impact that opioid use in pregnancy has on the child. There are many complex issues that surround this." “These families are more likely to experience challenges, such as living in poverty, and some children will not stay with their birth parents. At the moment we don’t know how much exposure to opioids before birth itself affects development, or whether it is the environment that children grow up in that is important. Children may also be exposed to different types of opioids, and different doses, and we don’t know much about how this affects their development." “This support from UKRI will provide support to enable me to focus on research into the impact of opioids in pregnancy on the long-term development of children and young people – a timely and hugely under-researched area." “I am looking forward to devoting my time and energy to this topic, as well as building a dedicated team, including women who have themselves used opioids in pregnancy, to explore these complex issues at an international level." “My hope is that our findings will identify the best means of supporting affected children and allow each and every one of them to fulfil their potential.” Josine Opmeer, Assistant Director-Research, Research and Innovation Services at the University, added, “Dr Marryat’s award brings the total number of Future Leaders Fellowships at Dundee to six, each an early career researcher at the very forefront of research and innovation in their chosen fields." “The awards fund not only a programme of innovative research, but also provide unique, tailored training and mentoring programmes to the Fellows to promote their career development and that of their team, thereby supporting the next generation of research leaders at the University." “The Future Leaders Fellowships are UKRI’s flagship funding programme and to have our academics consistently recognised in this way is a reflection of the breadth of incredible research talent in Dundee, and to have secured one of only four in Scotland in this round underscores Louise’s achievement.”

Festive treats at Stacey's Bakery have been given a dusting of Christmas magic, as a raft of new sweet and savoury products are set to hit the shelves. The team at the fourth generation family run bakery have now delivered a sweet make-over to some yuletide favourites - including the traditional mince pie. David Stacey, managing director, said: “Christmas is the perfect time for indulging in treats that you may feel are too naughty for the rest of the year. Our new additions are guaranteed to create that extra special taste of luxury that is deserved at Christmas time." Top of the list to tantalise the tastebuds is a deep-filled mince pie with a twist. The traditional staple retains the bakery’s famous sweet pastry, but there’s more of it with an indulgent deep-filled case. Layers are the order of the day, with juicy mincemeat then topped with a truly scrumptious almond sponge replacing the pastry lid. The new, limited edition mince pie is finished off with a sprinkling of flaked almonds and a dusting of icing sugar. Next on the list for those who have been good this year, are Christmas stars. Decadent puff pastry star shapes are topped with vanilla custard and fruity mincemeat, presenting a mouthwatering gift to those with a sweet tooth. If, however, your wish list contains savoury choices, David has the perfect gift for your palate. A new take on the festive sausage roll. He said: “While we usually treat our customers to a festive sausage roll, this year we have tweaked the Christmas savoury. As an extra special gift, this year we’ve piled in the filling within a puff pastry outer.” Stacey’s will be rolling out the new festive range on December 1st. Pop in to one of their stores in Ilkeston, Heanor or Eastwood to try one of the new Christmas treats. For more information, visit www.staceys-bakery.co.uk

Leading glass packaging company, Croxsons, has been instrumental in providing primary packaging for The Shropshire Distillery’s range of premium gins since the distillery's inception in 2018. The Shropshire Distillery, based in Ellesmere, Shropshire, has quickly made a name for itself in the gin market. The distillery launched its flagship Shire Gin in July 2018, which was followed by the introduction of its Spiced Gin and Cherry & Pink Peppercorn Gin. In a significant move at the end of 2021, the distillery’s founders undertook a rebranding exercise to reaffirm the Shropshire Distillery brand and strengthen connections with its audience. This included introducing new bottles and labels and renaming their Shire Gin to The Shropshire Distillery Dry Gin, further cementing their presence in the craft gin market. A recent move to larger premises has extended its services and experiences, which now includes a retail shop on site, refill service and a taphouse. In addition to supplying The Shropshire Distillery with distinctive 70cl bottles, Croxsons also provides the distillery with 5cl bottles and caps for their miniatures, showcasing their ability to cater to diverse packaging needs. Reflecting on the partnership, Emma Glynn from The Shropshire Distillery said: "Working with Croxsons has been a seamless experience since we started trading in 2018. Their attention to detail and commitment to resolving any challenges has ensured a smooth and successful collaboration. We're particularly impressed with the finished product packaging – it's exactly what we envisioned." Croxsons’ CEO, Tim Croxson, added: “The successful collaboration between ourselves and The Shropshire Distillery is a testament to Croxsons’ expertise in providing comprehensive packaging solutions that extend beyond just bottles, encompassing closures and a customer journey of the highest quality. We look forward to being involved in future projects with the distillery as they continue to develop new products.”

Entrepreneurial family business The Pantry have been named ‘Growing Business of the Year: £10-£15m Turnover’ at the 2023 Growing Business Awards. Their triumph marks the second successive year The Pantry have walked away as winners at the event, having been named ‘Family Business of the Year’ in 2022. The 26th annual Growing Business Awards - in partnership with Real Deals - are the most credible and highly-valued recognition of exceptional growing businesses. This year’s awards celebrated the strength, vision, and resilience of fast-growing SMEs – so these are the accolades that UK SMEs really wanted to win! The Growing Business Awards have 27 categories which celebrate UK business achievements over the last 12 months in areas including HR, diversity and customer loyalty, disruption, technology, and innovation to name a few. As the only Contract Caterer nominated in their category, The Pantry faced some exceptionally-stiff competition from around the country – and their triumph signs off a year in which they’ve also been named ‘Caterer of the Year’ by both LACA and Public Sector Catering, and ‘Most Ambitious Business Leader’ by LDC and The Times. Managing Director Luke Consiglio said: “What a remarkable way to cap off a remarkable year! We’ve had so much recognition for the work our amazing staff have done this year, but to round it out with an award at the same ceremony where we won our very first award 12 months ago – it just brings it full circle." "I want to thank every member of The Pantry Family that’s made 2023 our best year yet – and I can’t wait to see what we can do in 2024 to top it!”