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England and Chelsea footballer, Raheem Sterling, and industry icon and music video director, Carly Cussen, have today launched their own creative production agency - Playmaker Films. Sterling and Cussen have a track record of working together to create entertaining and quality video products for brands and Playmaker Films was born from the passion and excitement that were a hallmark of the projects they collaborated on. Playmaker Films will specialise in producing branded content, advertising and music videos, delivering the impact and emotional resonance of world-class entertainment to brands and their customers. The agency’s core approach will be ‘entertainment first’ inspired by Cussen’s and Sterling’s work, both behind the camera and on the pitch, over the last two decades. The launch comes as Sterling has begun to establish himself outside of football, becoming a fashion icon working with brands such as Bottega Veneta and Burberry - as well as becoming a powerful and influential advocate for social change. His Raheem Sterling Foundation brings opportunities for young people around the UK and he was appointed MBE for his services to racial equality in 2021. Sterling’s co-founder, Cussen, has 15 years in the industry, directing videos for some of music’s biggest names including Ed Sheeran, Keke Palmer, Little Mix and Lil’ Baby. Additionally, she has worked with household brands such as Disney, Pretty Little Things and Samsung, winning multiple awards along the way including a Gold Lovie in the 'Weird and Wonderful' category for her acclaimed OnePlus 'Never Settle' campaign. Raheem Sterling commented on the launch “Part of the day job involves a lot of time on sets at video shoots for brands. Over time I was more and more interested in what was going on behind the camera. I’d worked with Carly on a number of projects, for brands like Gillette and Samsung, and I started to ask her questions about different aspects of the process. When it came to starting my own production company, she was the obvious choice." “We’ve got some great projects lined up, with some amazing brands and talent, including Clarks ‘Back To School’ campaign which was a lot of fun to create and shoot. I can’t wait for the world to see what we’ve got up our sleeves.” Carly Cussen continued: “I knew Raheem was a natural performer on the pitch, but I didn’t know that he also had the talent in front of the camera as well! I loved working with him, and when he started to pop up behind the scenes as well, I knew he had a future on the other side of the camera." “Playmaker Films is a truly collaborative endeavour between myself and Raheem, as well as the amazing people that perhaps don’t get a mention in the headlines. There’s a real buzz about the place, what we are trying to do and we have some exciting projects in the pipeline. I can’t wait to kick off.” Playmaker Film’s in-house capabilities will include specialist strategy, creative and production functions, fronted by Royston Reeves, former Head of Strategy at JOE Media, and Kem Ekundayo - an international producer with a background working with top influencers and musicians such as Anne-Marie, KSI and Popcaan.

Econ Engineering, the UK’s leading manufacturer of winter maintenance and highways vehicles, has appointed Gareth Legg as its new Operations Director. Econ, a Yorkshire-based business with a national reach, has been at the forefront of winter maintenance vehicle solutions for close to 55 years. It designs and manufactures gritters and other vehicles that are widely used by local authorities and private contractors across the UK. Gareth, who will report into Econ’s Managing Director, Jonathan Lupton, has come on board from his most recent role as Managing Director for Crossroads Truck & Bus Ltd, part of the Hartshorne Crossroads Group of companies, with a turnover of c£100m across nine locations in Yorkshire & Lincolnshire. Gareth spent ten years working his way up to the position he held when he left, having started as a Bus Development Director in 2013. Before that, he held roles at First Group (Bus Ltd), Schlumberger and EXPRO – both oil and gas service providers. In his role at Econ, Gareth will be responsible for overseeing all four of the company’s depots and for the smooth running of departmental activities to ensure the most efficient and effective operation for its loyal customer base, which equates to over 85% of the market. Jonathan Lupton, Managing Director at Econ Engineering, said: “We’re excited to welcome Gareth and look forward to making the most of his skills and experience. He has a fantastic CV and is extremely knowledgeable in our field of expertise. He will bring insight and fresh ideas from the outside world, which will ensure we retain our position as the market leader.” Gareth Legg comments on his appointment: “I am thrilled to be joining the team at Econ which has a fantastic history, reputation, and product offering. When I first visited it was the attention to detail and obvious pride in everything they do which stood out to me and why this opportunity is so exciting." “I look forward to working with Jonathan and the wider team and feel very humbled that I have been trusted to come on board to support and uphold the legacy and future of the business for years to come.” Econ Engineering was founded in 1969 and is renowned for its innovation, tailor-made products and a first-class customer service culture. It designs and builds all its products using flat metal, which is cut and crafted into each finished vehicle, meaning they can be adapted to individual customer requirements on demand.

Jamie Ritchie is back to lead Scotland as one of the six changes to Gregor Townsend’s starting line-up for this Saturday’s return leg against France in Saint Etienne. Following Scotland clinching the victory last weekend at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, try scorer Schoeman returns as loosehead prop with WP Nel and George Turner in fresh at tighthead and hooker. Richie Gray and Grant Gilchrist continue in the second row, whilst there is change on both flanks with captain Ritchie coming in at blindside flanker and Rory Darge at openside. The back three is completed by Jack Dempsey, who retain his place at number 8. Ali Price returns to the starting line-up at scrum-half, and his half back partner is last week’s captain, Finn Russell, who is listed as a vice-captain for Saturday along with Gilchrist. Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones will start in the centre together for Scotland for the seventh time in 2023. Kyle Steyn will start on the right wing, and Duhan van der Merwe and Blair Kinghorn maintain their positions at left wing and full back. The bench allows for a six/two split this week as Townsend looks to maintain energy in the pack. Stuart McInally, Rory Sutherland, Javan Sebastian, Scott Cummings, Sam Skinner and Josh Bayliss are the replacement forwards, with George Horne and Ollie Smith selected as substitute backs. Scotland team to play France in Summer Nations Series at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint Etienne on Saturday 12 August 2023, kick-off 8.05pm (UK time) – live on Prime Video. 15. Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh Rugby) 45 caps 14. Kyle Steyn (Glasgow Warriors) 11 caps 13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors) 37 caps 12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors) 17 caps 11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby) 29 caps 10. Finn Russell (Bath Rugby) – Vice-Captain – 70 caps 9. Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors) 62 caps 1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby) 22 caps 2. George Turner (Glasgow Warriors) 36 caps 3. WP Nel (Edinburgh Rugby) 54 caps 4. Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) 74 caps 5. Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby) - Vice-captain - 63 caps 6. Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh Rugby) - Captain - 41 caps 7. Rory Darge (Glasgow Warriors) 9 caps 8. Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors) 10 caps Replacements 16. Stuart McInally (Edinburgh Rugby) 48 caps 17. Rory Sutherland (unattached) 24 caps 18. Javan Sebastian (Edinburgh Rugby) 4 caps 19. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors) 27 caps 20. Sam Skinner (Edinburgh Rugby) 26 caps 21. Josh Bayliss (Bath Rugby) 4 caps 22. George Horne (Glasgow Warriors) 21 caps 23. Ollie Smith (Glasgow Warriors) 4 caps

A specialist cement manufacturing company from Barnsley has been presented with a top award at a ceremony hosted by national trade body the Property Care Association (PCA). Natural Cement, based in Mapplewell, secured the Sustainability accolade for its commitment to driving forward environmental improvements across the business. The company, which manufactures a range of mortars, grouts and shotcretes based on a sustainable binder - and supplied in fully recyclable packaging - has recently secured the environmental standard ISO14001. Natural Cement was announced winner of the Sustainability award at a ceremony held at The Slate, University of Warwick. Steve Hodgson, Chief Executive of the PCA, said: “Our members tackle a range of issues that can affect people’s homes and businesses, buildings of national importance or major infrastructure." “Their talent and skills are highly valued, and our 2023 Best Practice Awards are an opportunity to celebrate the expertise and experience of our members." “I congratulate Natural Cement on the professionalism and commitment to quality service that is recognised with this award.”

As China grapples with a serious deflation threat, investors worldwide must prepare for the fallout and adjust their strategies accordingly, warns the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech organisations. The warning from deVere Group’s Nigel Green comes as China reports July inflation on Wednesday, with markets looking for further signs of deflation. The government has been actively playing down fears about deflation, with officials from the People’s Bank of China and National Bureau of Statistics, among other agencies, repeatedly saying there is no basis for long-term price declines. Talking about the threat publicly is also off the agenda for many China-based analysts and economists, according to media reports. Nigel Green comments: “China's economic trajectory has been a focal point of global attention for decades, with its staggering growth and transformation capturing the world's imagination." “But the recent emergence of serious deflationary pressures in the world’s second-largest economy is triggering concerns that extend well beyond its borders. This economic phenomenon has the potential to set off a chain reaction of global repercussions that could reshape financial markets, trade dynamics and even international relations.” Deflation - a persistent decline in prices of goods and services - can be as detrimental as rampant inflation, “if not more so”, states the deVere CEO. In China’s case, the underlying factors driving deflation are complex and interconnected; rooted in weak consumer demand, declining exports and a highly subdued – but critical - property sector. “China is a critical trade partner for many nations. As its exports become cheaper due to deflation, other economies might face increased competition, forcing them to lower their own prices or risk losing market share,” explains Green. “Also, reduced demand for raw materials and commodities due to its economic slowdown is likely to lead to a decrease in global commodity prices. Those countries heavily reliant on commodity exports would then experience economic hardships as their revenues decline." “The deflationary environment can put pressure on central banks to implement aggressive monetary policies, such as lowering interest rates or engaging in quantitative easing. This could distort global financial markets, affecting asset prices and investment strategies.” This scenario is “worsened by the lack of transparency” as some leading academics, analysts and economists are reportedly being censored by Beijing, which is fearful of creating a doom cycle with negative news. The interconnected nature of the global economy means that China's deflation doesn’t remain confined within its borders. As such, investors around the world should adopt strategies that “promote diversification, consider more defensive investments, and remain adaptable to changing economic conditions,” suggest the deVere boss. “By staying informed and understanding the nuances of China’s deflation, investors can better position themselves to mitigate risks to their long-term wealth and capitalise on the significant opportunities that we expect to emerge amid the turmoil.”

The first students to complete a degree-level apprenticeship at Leeds College of Building University Centre (UC) have graduated. The class of seven BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering Site Management degree apprentices employed by BAM attended the graduation ceremony at validating institution, Leeds Beckett University. Working in partnership with the university and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Leeds College of Building delivers a bespoke Level 6 programme designed to meet the needs of the civil engineering industry. The distinct pathway combines academic study with practical on-the-job experience. Chris Tunningley, Leeds College of Building Assistant Principal for Adults & Higher Education, said: “I’m thrilled to see this first-ever group of degree students from Leeds College of Building finish their studies and graduate from our new University Centre. This was the first group of degree students to start at the College, and I am immensely proud of their achievements. " “Our higher education numbers have expanded massively since the first degree apprenticeship students enrolled, and this will continue to grow. With over 90 students currently studying on the degree apprenticeship programmes, we are looking forward to more graduations from the next Leeds College of Building University Centre cohorts." “Apprentices such as these are fantastic ambassadors for graduate careers in the construction industry. Alongside vital craft and trade skills, the sector desperately needs higher-level professionals to help innovate across specialisms, from advanced construction techniques to sustainability.” Apprentices study six independent blocks throughout the year, two of which are taught online. This blended learning delivery model means employees from various backgrounds and projects can participate and learn from anywhere in the UK. The first group to enrol on the degree apprenticeship are employees of BAM who work at sites from York to Kent. The training provided opportunities to work on BAM’s projects across the UK, such as Network Rail projects, Environment Agency Flood Alleviation schemes, and the Tideway Tunnel Super Sewer under the River Thames. Ian Hunter Apprenticeship Manager, from BAM, said: “This is a wonderful achievement for our apprentices. They have all worked incredibly hard to achieve their degree, whilst balancing the demands of a full-time position with us. We are proud of them all. The structure of the programme at Leeds College of Building and the expertise of the apprenticeship team and teaching staff, really is top quality. Combined with the support the apprentices get from our business in terms of real work experience and expert guidance on site, we believe that our apprentices are set for success.” Degree apprentices work towards end-point assessment with the Institution of Civil Engineers. On successful completion, students achieve the sought-after Incorporated Engineer (IEng) accreditation, a title acquired by professionally recognised civil engineers. The degree apprenticeship takes up to three and a half years to complete, however the BAM employees finished in just two and a half years. Degree Apprenticeship Curriculum Manager Nikki Carthy, who coincidentally graduated from Leeds Beckett University with an MSc in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution on the same day, said: “The Level 6 degree apprenticeship was an exciting development for the College. The programme was the first degree-level apprenticeship we offered, providing a natural extension and additional progression route from Level 3 up to Level 6. We’re extremely grateful for the support of our partners who made this happen and look forward to continuing our vital work together. This programme will help even more engineers to enhance their careers while filling vital skills gaps in the industry.” Leeds College of Building is already producing exceptional civil engineers making their mark in the industry. Around 250 students are currently enrolled on Civil Engineering training programmes. Last year, BAM’s Civil Engineering Site Management Degree Apprentice Alisa Ahmad was named Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) Apprentice of the Year. Over the last five years, higher-level courses have grown to represent a significant proportion of the Leeds College of Building provision. Approximately 80% of delivery in the new University Centre now covers Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeships, Higher, and Degree Apprenticeships. The College achieved Highly Commended at the West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2023 for Training Provider of the Year. Leeds College of Building celebrated another significant milestone this year after launching a Construction Quantity Surveyor Degree Apprenticeship with applicants from BAM and JN Bentley Ltd. Created with franchise partner the London South Bank University and with full accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Building, the programme is one of the first Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship programmes offered, starting from Level 5 at the College’s University Centre.

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce Jordan Lilley has signed a new three-year deal – extending his stay at the club until at least the end of 2026! The 26-year-old first arrived at Odsal Stadium on a loan deal from Leeds Rhinos in 2017, before eventually making his stay permanent in 2019 and swiftly becoming a favourite on the terraces. Starring at half back, hooker and full back in recent weeks, Lilley has proved an influential figure in the club’s push towards the top four and was instrumental in the 42-6 victory over Batley Bulldogs yesterday afternoon. Jordan has spoken of his delight, highlighting the supporters as a major part of his reason to stay, alongside hearing the vision of the club moving forward. “I am delighted, everyone can see how much I love this club and love being here, it is something I wanted to get across the line for a while now and we finally have so it’s very positive,” said Lilley, who is sponsored by 39 Steps Consulting." “Me and my family are delighted to be staying, it is somewhere that is very close to me, I love the fans, players, staff and ultimately with Eamon, Lee and Nobby [Brian Noble], with whom I’ve built a relationship with, I want to build as a player, I feel I have loads more to offer and my game is only going to get better here." “We have made some good signings and continue to make them, the vision when I spoke to Eamon, Lee and Nobby regarding how they want us to play, where they see me playing, it fit in line with how I see it and how I want to play." “The effort and desire to push Bradford towards Super League is something that keeps me here for the next 3 years, that is the ultimate goal and I wouldn’t have signed if that wasn’t the ambition, that is my burning desire and I will do everything I can and hopefully we can do it." “The fans are massive and people take it for granted, the support we have is unbelievable, the fans are one of the reasons I have signed the three-year-deal, I love what the deal offers and with the fans, they are massive for the lads.” Eamon O’Carroll said: “We are delighted to retain a player of Jordan’s quality. He is a well respected member of the squad and over the next 3 years he will play a really pivotal role in what we do on and off the field." “After speaking to Jordan on a number of occasions it’s clear he has a deep knowledge of the game, a love for our club and a team first attitude having played a number of positions when needed." “I look forward to working with him and the rest of the staff in helping him secure a pivotal role in our spine. This is a hugely important retention for us, the work Jason, Nobby and Lee [Greenwood] have done to get this done has been outstanding and I thank them for their efforts.” Chief Executive Jason Hirst said: “The club are delighted to announce the re-signing of another fan’s favourite, Jordan Lilley on a 3-year contract. The length of contract signifies our ambition and what an integral and influential role we see Jordan having on the field of play." “Although there was a degree of competition from other Yorkshire sides, both Jordan and the club were clear and determined all along in our desire to extend his stay with the Bradford Bulls. We both recognised that we were the standout club in terms of matching Jordan’s ambitions, providing him and his family with security and generally continuing to making them feel welcomed and looked after." “As well as being a talented player, Jordan exudes enthusiasm and passion each and every time he pulls on a Bulls’ shirt. Those qualities and in particular his 100% effort, each and every match, typify what this club is all about and what our loyal fan base and Board of Directors expect to see i.e. hard work and pride in the shirt, leading to success. In that regard, Jordan is a real leader." “Jordan will be 27 by the time his new contract kicks in, so to secure his services for at least another 3-years, during the likely prime of his career is a real statement of intent, as we step by step, look to return the club to Super League at the earliest opportunity." “To that end, the greatly appreciated fans’ support of Jordan, his teammates and the club remains vitally important, as we target a home play-off place and a successful conclusion to this season.”

A leading Scottish hotel group has announced a three-year partnership that will enhance its hospitality offering and help deliver the highest standard of service to its guests. Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels has penned a deal with Scotland’s leading independent wines and spirits merchant, Inverarity Morton, which will see the family-owned business enhance the guest experience across its portfolio of eight venues, with an impressive range of premium wines, spirits, beers and soft drinks. Stephen Leckie, Chairman and CEO of Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said: “We are proud to partner with Inverarity Morton, a family-owned company like ours, which shares our core values and dedication to excellence. They have established themselves as a leading partner for businesses in the licensed trade sector, and this is a significant milestone for both companies. “By combining our expertise in hospitality with their unparalleled products and services, we are confident that we can create even more memorable experiences for our guests throughout our portfolio of hotels. We look forward to working closely with Inverarity Morton over the coming years." The three-year contract, which was facilitated by hospitality procurement partners, Enhance, will not only see Inverarity Morton supply a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, but will also provide industry leading training for Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels bar and restaurant teams, ensuring a world class service for everyone who passes through the doors. Speaking on the partnership, Stephen Russell, Managing Director of Inverarity Morton, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, a like-minded business that's passionate about delivering premium products to the Scottish hospitality sector." “At Inverarity Morton, we pride ourselves on delivering beyond expectations, and we look forward to supporting the Crieff Hydro Family via our extensive, customised staff training programs, and unrivalled portfolio of packaged drinks products.”

Coventry-based waste management specialist, Tom White, has reported successful year-on-year commercial growth, due to a number of key factors including new personnel appointments, value added services and positive reputation growth. Following the appointment of a new commercial team, led by Head of Commercial Tracy Bryan, and the switch to a more value-centric approach, championed by Managing Director Julian Tranter, the company has seen significant growth, against the prior year. Driven by three core values – people first, protect the planet and profit for purpose – Tom White provide innovative waste solutions for homes and businesses. Covering Warwickshire and the West Midlands, key services include commercial collection, technical services, skip hire, hazardous waste management and confidential shredding. Tom White’s brand reputation continues to grow due to the implementation of positive innovations, such as new waste-to-product processes that continue to reduce the business carbon footprint and stopping the export of waste outside of the UK. Tracy Bryan, commented: “We’re really pleased to see commercial growth as a direct results of the key decisions we’ve made. During the last year, we’ve worked hard to create a new, dynamic team who share the same enthusiasm and energy for the key Tom White values as we do. The results we’ve achieved are testament to this working." Julian Tranter, added: “We are passionate about what we do and since taking over the business, we’ve taken great strides forward as a collective." “Every single thing that we do is inherently driven by our core values. People are our priority. We provide a diverse and nurturing work culture, championing our team’s growth and progression. Tom White aims to be a company that retains good people – and one that people want to come and work for." “Our people first value also extends to our customers. We really listen to their requirements, developing a strategy to better support their needs and achieve their environmental and social goals. This has naturally translated into our reputational growth and commercial results, and we’re keen to continue this positive trend going forwards.”

Young athletes representing Team England at the Commonwealth Youth Games have been presented with a commemorative bracelet supplied by Derbyshire firm Letterbox Love. Letterbox Love, launched by husband-and-wife team Liam and Kerry Bilson during lockdown, designs and sells affordable jewellery combined with gift cards imprinted with touching poems and messages. The firm was approached by Team England to produce 150 limited edition bracelet gifts for the English contingent at this year’s Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago, which takes place from August 4 - 11. Each of the 57-strong team plus support staff representing their country in athletics and para athletics, swimming, beach volleyball and FAST5 netball, have been presented with the Letterbox Love keepsakes at Team England’s two welcoming ceremonies. The Commonwealth Youth Games is open to participants aged between 14 and 18, depending on the sporting discipline, and has previously been attended by the likes of Jessica Ennis-Hill and Dina Asher-Smith. Letterbox Love was contacted by Team England to supply the special gifts after impressing organisers with a similar commission for Team England at the senior Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last year. Kerry said: “It is just amazing to have been asked again to create something special for Team England. And the fact that they are using a Derbyshire company that has been going for only three years makes us feel so proud." “We received so many brilliant messages of thanks last year when our bracelet gifts were presented to athletes at the Commonwealth Games. But it was still a very pleasant surprise when the team’s ‘kitting-out coordinator’ for this year’s youth games in Trinidad and Tobago approached us.” Kerry said that she and Liam were “hopefully” looking forward to a long-lasting partnership with Team England. Letterbox Love has also supplied commemorative gifts for England players in the Rugby League World Cup last year. “It’s such a huge thing for us,” said Kerry. “We’ve built up a really good working relationship with Team England. They’ve been fantastic to work with and, hopefully, we’ll be working with them on future events.” The bracelets presented to the nation’s stars of the future in Trinidad and Tobago are engraved with the words “Part of the Pride”, referring to a pride of lions. They are attached to a card emblazoned with the Team England ‘lion’ branding and a message reading: “There’s an entire chain of people connected to me and my success. They’re the memories across my heart like the lion upon my chest”. The bracelet and card were presented in a bright red, velvet pouch decorated with the Team England logo. Frankie Carter-Kelly, Team England’s Chef de Mission for the Commonwealth Youth Games, said: It’s been really special to gift the bracelets to our athletes to formally welcome them to the ‘pride’ and connect us across both islands of Trinidad and Tobago. The team will be wearing them proudly at the games and we’ve been looking forward to seeing them perform.” Letterbox Love was launched from the Bilsons’ family lounge in Horsley Woodhouse in 2020 and has grown from strength to strength. The firm has created scores of different gift designs, from pet bereavement bracelets mounted on plantable seeded cards to a ‘Mum To Be’ bracelet and ‘Thank you’ Bracelet. With the addition of Kerry’s poems and messages, each gift is designed to spread love and positivity. Kerry and Liam were joint winners of the ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year’ award at the 10th Great British Entrepreneur Awards last year.

Four new recruits have moved into the hospitality and catering industry to join the customer service team at a spa resort on the shores of Windermere. Millie Stephenson from Kendal, Katie Oston from Burton-in-Kendal, Lora McKenzie from Windermere and Holly Kitchin from Lancaster make up the new team members working as spa co-ordinators at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa. Holly studied at Lancaster and Morecambe College to attain her Level 2 qualification as Air cabin crew and has also trained as a Barista, having worked at Costa Coffee and in a range of customer service roles. Katie has a BA Hons degree in Community, Social Work: Policy and Practice and was working in childcare at a local nursery before joining the spa. Lora joins the hotel team having completed her studies at Newcastle University. Millie’s previous work experience has included working at festivals and events. This is her first role since finishing her studies at Manchester University. The new starters have been joined by Kerry Park, Alex Salehi and Lucy Barron who have all made internal moves within the hotel to become spa co-ordinators and complete the team recruitment to meet the increasing demand for spa services at the hotel. “I was looking for a new career move and when I saw the spa jobs advertised at English Lakes Hotels, I thought it would be exactly the right sort of challenge for me,” explains Katie. "We’ve been given a wide range of training, from learning the ins and outs of the spa operations through to ways to enhance guest experiences, particularly on special occasions." “During our first few weeks, we’ve also had the chance to work with different members of the team across the spa and the resort. That means there’s a lot of variety in the job. We’ve also received continued support from our management team as we develop in our new roles." The spa co-ordinators act as facilitators between other members of the spa team and the wider hotel to ensure everyone knows the plan for the working day ahead and is prepared for the schedule. A natural affinity for engaging with customers and anticipating their needs is also a core skill for the team. Gary Tennant from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues adds: “Our spa co-ordinators are trained to look for every opportunity to add value to our customers’ stay with us and help make amazing memories for our guests." “It requires flexibility and a range of skills, from reception duties, call answering and check-in through to accurate payment handling, food and beverage provision, maintaining supplies and upholding, promoting and selling our full range of spa services. We hope this is just the beginning of long and fruitful hospitality careers for the new starters.”

The team at an East Yorkshire poultry business is celebrating after reaching the final of a regional business award. Middleton on the Wolds business, Soanes Poultry has been shortlisted in the Rural Business category in the seventh Yorkshire Post Rural Awards. Soanes Poultry's MD, Ben Lee is rightfully delighted with the news adding: “We’re proud of our rural roots and our 75-year heritage. We’re also very proud to be recognised as a leading rural Yorkshire business and are looking forward to celebrating the achievements of all rural businesses next month.” Soanes Poultry faces competition from fellow finalists, Cedarbarn Farm Shop, Café and Miniature Railway, Homestead Kitchen, Goathland; Moss Valley Fine Meats; Timmstock Farming and The Wensleydale Experience. The team will learn whether they have been successful at an awards ceremony at The Pavilions in Harrogate on Thursday, 28th September. Soanes Poultry was founded by Tom Soanes and has been rearing and preparing chicken for 75 years. It sells chicken to butchers and independent retailers throughout Yorkshire and to wholesalers and catering butchers nationwide.