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For the first time in its history, Bradgate Park has been recognised as a Green Heritage site – as well as securing a prestigious Green Flag award for a second year running. The attraction, near Newtown Linford, is the first in Leicestershire to secure such heritage status as well as being among more than 2,000 locations to be added to the list of this year's very best parks and beauty spots. Bradgate now ranks alongside East Midlands neighbours, such as Wollaton Park in Nottingham and Derby Arboretum, which are also recognised as Green Heritage Sites for their interesting history. Run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, the Green Flag award scheme sets the standard for the management of parks and beaches and inspires people to be litter-free, to waste less and live more sustainably. The scheme is also dedicated to recognising heritage through the Green Heritage Site accreditation, supported by Historic England. James Dymond, director of Bradgate Park Trust, said: “To be recognised as an accredited Green Heritage Site alongside the Green Flag award is a huge honour. Last year was a first for us in the scheme, and now this is a first too." "Bradgate is one of Leicestershire’s most popular parks and the accolades received stand as a testament to the hard work and dedication of the teams to bring history to life and make the park a green space that everyone can enjoy." “We've got some exciting things in store that support our new heritage status, such as historic walks, and a project studying the ruins to determine future conservation and repair needs. "Our teams have been working extremely hard in the past year to go greener, cleaner, bigger and better. It’s brilliant to have our unique park recognised and establishing more of a national presence." Bradgate Park is one of 135 Green Heritage sites in the UK and joins Leicestershire County Council-run attractions Beacon Hill Country Park, near Loughborough, Market Bosworth Country Park, Snibston Colliery Park and Watermead Country Park (North) near Syston in making the Green Flag Award list. The park was given to the people of Leicestershire by landowner Charles Bennion in the 1920s to be run in trust for them and has thrived over the years. Nick Rushton, chair of Bradgate Park Trust, said: “Bradgate has long been one of the best parks in Leicestershire pulling in visitors from near and far." “We're blessed to have such rich ecology and wildlife across Leicestershire parks and I’d encourage people to get out and explore the county this summer, taking in the award-winning parks and all they have to offer.” Paul Todd MBE, Keep Britain Tidy's accreditation manager, said: "I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Bradgate Park in achieving a Green Flag award." “Bradgate Park is a vital green space for the community in Leicester and Leicestershire, bringing people together and providing opportunities to lead healthy lifestyles. The staff and volunteers do so much to ensure that it maintains the high standards of the Green Flag award and everyone involved should feel extremely proud of their achievement.”

Unpaid carers across Leicestershire are being offered all-year-round free entry to two top county council attractions. They have until 30 September this year to receive one free adult admission ticket for both the 1620s House and Gardens in Donington-le-Heath and Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, subject to them holding a valid carers' passport. Tickets are valid for 12 months from the date of issue (this does not include any special events or activities which will incur an additional cost) and carers' passport holders will also be eligible for a free tea or coffee (and cake at 1620s) on their first visit. The special offer is available to carers who can produce evidence that they hold a current carers' passport whether they visit on their own, with other carers, with the person they care for (who will also receive free admission) and with family members (standard admission charges apply). Councillor Christine Radford, cabinet member for adults and communities, said: “We want to show our appreciation to unpaid carers by offering them all-year-round free entry to our visitor attractions at the 1620s House and Bosworth Battlefield. This offer is open to carers' passport holders across the county to help support their physical and mental health and promote wellbeing." "I would encourage anyone who has not already registered to for a carers' passport to do so today. You will be able to take advantage of this offer and have access to the Support for Carers service which provides advice and support on our behalf." A Carers Passport is an ID card for people living in Leicestershire who are caring for a loved one aged 18 and over and are not employed to do so.

Communities across Leicestershire are being given the chance to play their part in tackling climate change and help Leicestershire become a net zero county by 2045. More support has been made available to parish councils, community groups and residents who want to get involved and make a real difference with the creation of a new easy-to-use toolkit. The online resource has been developed by the Green Living Leicestershire Partnership, of which Leicestershire County Council is a leading member. The toolkit aims to provide a starting point for Leicestershire groups to address net zero in their local community and aligns to the Leicestershire Climate and Nature Pact. Including helpful tips and advice, the toolkit has been designed to help kick-start community action, including guidance on how to identify sources of carbon emissions in their local area, setting clear reduction targets, getting the community involved in supporting initiatives, working with communities and signing up to the Leicestershire Climate and Nature Pact Councillor Blake Pain, cabinet member for the environment and the green agenda said: “We hope this net zero toolkit will be a step in the right direction in supporting parishes and local businesses to reduce emissions and their carbon footprint." “This toolkit is one of many ways we are trying to actively address the issue of climate change, and I want to thank those who have signed the Leicestershire Climate and Nature Pact and encourage other local businesses and communities to get involved.” Leicestershire County Council showcased the toolkit at its annual parish council liaison event last month and also highlighted the work being done to tackle environmental issues.

Sybron, a leading UK supplier of cleaning, hygiene, and catering products to some of the largest names in hospitality, is celebrating its 20th anniversary by offering the industry six business insights and wisdom for business owners. Stephen Henwood, founder and retired CEO of family-run Sybron – based at Crammond Park in Harlow, Essex - looks back on the last 20 years’ experience as a business owner, and brings the next generation his six top tips for the next 20 years. 1. You don’t have to fit the typical ‘entrepreneur profile’ “Looking back, I could have started Sybron ten years earlier. I’d been in the sales side of the supplies industry all my working life, but I had never thought of myself as an entrepreneur. I didn’t really fit the profile, but customers kept hinting that they would buy from me if I did my own thing – and so, with my brother Trevor, we started Sybron in 2003. It hasn’t been plain sailing, but my advice would be to stick to the brief and hard work will pay off!” 2. Treat everyone like family – and say thank you “I am so proud of what we have achieved over the past 20 years, but so much of that success is down to employing good people and building a home for them at Sybron. We adopt a very flat organisational structure, and everyone is treated like family and knows the importance of their role – no matter what it is. Our annual Employee of the Year Awards is just one way we show our appreciation for our teams’ hard work. And to celebrate our 20th anniversary we are taking all our staff, partners and suppliers out for a boat party – to say thank you.” 3. Don’t be afraid to be radical “Our biggest breakthrough and best achievement was around eight years ago when we discovered and then embraced biotechnology cleaning products. It was a genuine game-changing moment. At the time, the whole idea was so innovative, and I don’t think any other distributors were recommending it, as they were still focused on traditional chemical solutions. It was a risk, but when we saw the innovation and the potential we did not hesitate. Seven years later and we launched our very own range of biotechnology cleaning products known as SyBio which is the most significant milestone in Sybron’s story – so far.” 4. Don’t just say it – do it “Whatever you chose to be your point of difference, make sure you lead by example and do as you say. When we say that we aim to provide sustainable products – that is what we will do with 100% focus. Biotechnology based products under the SyBio brand is now our biggest range, and while many others have now gone down the same road, we still feel that we are ahead of the game, particularly in categories such as the catering industry. Since the launch of SyBio, the business has released a new sustainable toilet paper range [SySoft] and a sustainable packaging range [SyGreen].” 5. Never lose sight of what you stand for – stay true to your vision “Time marches on and the world can change in an instant – but we have never lost sight of what is at the heart of our business. We are amazed how many people actually enjoy hearing that we are not just saying yes to everything, but ensuring that as Sybron develops, it will maintain its focus on providing unrivalled service. We will never lose sight of what Sybron has always stood for and have several strategies in place, including a differentiation programme, to ensure Sybron and its products continue to stand out.” 6. Believe you are the best – and be the best “I was recently asked to describe the business from my perspective as founder in just three words, and without hesitation, my response was: ‘The Best Company’. I truly believe that nobody does what we do, better than Sybron – and I am proud to say that our employees and our customers would agree.” The next 20 years… “We are now firmly focused on the future, and one particular thing that resonates with our customers, both new and existing, is our controlled growth strategy, which sets a steady trajectory for Sybron’s next steps. Growth is an aspiration of every business but it shouldn’t be at the detriment of your core values. Too often you watch companies grow too quickly and lose their market differentiation, but I am proud to say I wholeheartedly believe this isn’t going to happen at Sybron and the future looks bright"!

The shortlist for the Essex Housing Awards 2023, held in association with Birketts, has been officially unveiled. On the day of judgment, a distinguished panel comprising leading housing professionals and advisors engaged in an invigorating discussion, reviewing a record number of entries vying for the coveted awards. The awards have grown in prominence and scope, as they noted a larger number of private businesses - builders, housing associations, local authorities, contractors, agents, and voluntary sector organisations, have applied. The essence of the Awards lies in acknowledging and celebrating excellence in developments, services, and individuals from the public, private, and voluntary sectors while encouraging best practices throughout the county. This year, there are 12 award categories in total, an increase from previous editions, with the addition of four new categories. Particularly noteworthy is the introduction of The Mo Slade Rising Star Award, sponsored by Anderson, which garnered the highest number of entries among all the categories. The judges were delighted to observe that an award that required colleague nominations received the highest level of engagement, reflecting the camaraderie and spirit of the industry. Moreover, as all the nominees had to be young professionals, it effectively showcased the rising generation's influence and vigour in the housing sector. The shortlisted individuals will be eagerly looking forward to the glamorous Awards Ceremony in November. This event will serve as an occasion to celebrate their outstanding achievements and resilience over the past year while also envisioning a bright and promising future for the industry as a whole. Brian Horton, Director at Horton Strategic Limited said: "It was a privilege to serve again this year as the Chair of the Judging Panel for the Essex Housing Awards. Each judge brings an expert perspective on the housing and development sector, and their unique contributions enriched the judging process, creating a knowledge-sharing environment." “I must admit, some decisions were tough to make, but I am confident that the selected awardees truly exemplify excellence in the housing and development sector. We face significant uncertainty in the Housing market, but the awards show that we are in great shape to weather the storm and continue to make a positive difference.” Alastair Pollock, Strategy Coordinator at Essex Developers Group & South Essex Housing Group said: "It has been both a privilege and a pleasure to be a category judge this year." “The competition was fierce as Essex continues to evolve with numerous ground breaking developments across the county, and it's exciting to observe the transformative impact these projects will have on our community." “Congratulations to all the participants, and I look forward to celebrating the outstanding accomplishments at the awards ceremony." The shortlisted entries are as follows: Small Housing Schemes (1 – 24 homes) Bluebird - HARP Horkesley Hamlet - ADP & Mersea Homes Loewen Road, Chadwell St Mary - Thurrock Council Shenfield Library - Essex Housing The Meadows (Ardale) - Kind & Company Valerie Lodge - Sempra Homes Ltd (Basildon Borough Council) Woodhall Road - CHP Medium Housing Schemes (25 – 100 homes) sponsored by Qualis Group Abbey Corner - Peabody Manor Grove, Silver End - Sanctuary Mount Hill Development - Eastlight Community Homes Shernbroke, Waltham Abbey - Essex Housing Transforming Independent Living - Epping Forest District Council Large Housing Schemes (101+ homes) sponsored by Birketts Abbey Meadows, Great Wakering - Sanctuary Aylett's Green - Cavendish Consulting Beechwood Village - Pollard Thomas Edwards Chesterwell - ADP & Mersea Homes Excellence in Design & Placemaking sponsored by Latimer by Clarion Housing Group Beechwood Village - Pollard Thomas Edwards Bluebird - SKArchitects Horkesley Hamlet - ADP The Meadows (Ardale) - Kind & Company Excellence in Construction Skills sponsored by CHP Essex Careers Magazine - Essex County Council Essex Multiply and Specialist Trades Company Group (STC Group) - Essex County Council Mears Trade School - Thurrock Council and Mears South Essex Construction Skills Academy - Southend-on-Sea City Council Climate Action – Decarbonisation / Retrofit Chadwell High Rise Retrofit Project - Thurrock Council and Kensa Southend-on-Sea City Council Retrofit Action - Southend-on-Sea City Council Climate Action – Low / Zero Carbon in New Homes sponsred by Cala Homes Bluebird - HARP Harewood Regeneration - Brentwood Borough Council Net Zero Carbon New Home - Essex County Council in partnership with EPOA Ryedene - Sempra Homes Ltd (Basildon Council) Meeting Housing Need Acquisitions, Private Sector & Resettlement Project - Southend-on-Sea City Council Bluebird - HARP Cricketers Court - Basildon Borough Council Essex Housing Team - Essex Housing Mount Hill Development - Eastlight Community Homes Neighbourhood Transformation Brookfield Close - Brentwood Borough Council Colchester Borough Homes The Parkside Community Hub - CHP Digital Impact Estuary Housing Association's Digital Platforms HGGT Your Quality of Life Housing & Development Professional of the Year sponsored by Kind & Company Heather Blanchard, CHP Kate Gerrish, CHP Leanne Turner, Epping Forest District Council Melanie Keys, Sempra Homes Ltd (Basildon Borough Council) Paul Gayler, Chelmsford City Council The Mo Slade Rising Star Award sponsored by Anderson Ben Harrison, Southend-on-Sea City Council Charlotte Wright, Epping Forest District Council Daniel Leach, Eastlight Community Homes Danielle Simpson, SKAchitects Faye Creasey, Southend-on-Sea City Council Holly McCauley, Epping Forest District Council James Foster, Estuary Housing Association Luke Rapley, Basildon Borough Council Thomas Scotting, CHP The Essex Housing Awards 2023 are in partnership with Essex Developers Group (EDG) and South Essex Housing Group (SEHG), in association with headline partner Birketts, and sponsored & supported by Anderson, Cala Homes, CHP, Kind & Company, Latimer by Clarion Housing Group, Qualis Group and Rentplus. For more information on the awards programme, visit here:

The 90th anniversary of Hull’s famous Dettol is being celebrated at the Hull History Centre throughout this summer. Dettol, one of Reckitt’s key brands, was the world’s first safe, non-caustic antiseptic that was endorsed by doctors across the globe. It helped to reduce the maternal death rate from sepsis by 50% and was carried by military personnel for first aid during the Second World War. Created and manufactured in Hull, its global success is interwoven with the lives of those who lived and worked in the city. Until 22 August, Reckitt will be displaying key pieces from across Dettol’s history, including the first bottle of Dettol ever produced and the real Dettol sword, made by Wilkinson Sword. Alongside the exhibition, fun family activities are taking place at the History Centre from 10am-3pm on the following days: • Tuesday 15th August • Wednesday 16th August • Tuesday 22nd August Or dive deeper into the history of the brand with Reckitt’s Heritage Advisor on Tuesday 8 August at the History Centre, starting at 12:30pm. Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure, said: “We are delighted to work with Reckitt by hosting the exhibition at Hull History Centre. Dettol is an internationally known brand, and a product which continues to make a significant contribution to healthcare across the world. And it all started here in Hull!” The Dettol exhibition is open each Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday until Tuesday 22 August. Hull History Centre is open from 9:30am-4:30pm.

Hull has once again been recognised as a Fairtrade Community. Fairtrade ensures farmers and workers in developing countries around the world are paid a fair price for their goods, earn a living wage and their communities benefit from educational and medical provisions. The accolade was awarded by the UK Fairtrade Foundation a proves the city’s commitment to have promoted Fairtrade across Hull through campaigns and events, as well as demonstrating that a wide range of people and organisations are involved. Hull’s Fairtrade Partnership is made up of representatives from voluntary, community and faith sector groups, Fairtrade activists, council officers, elected members, local Fairtrade businesses and Hull University Student Union. Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for culture and leisure at Hull City Council, is chair of the Hull Fairtrade Partnership. He said: “Hull has always had time to stand up for social justice and is proud to be recognised as a Fairtrade Community. Every action taken to support Fairtrade locally challenges unfair trade practices and advocates for decent workers’ rights, safer working conditions and fairer pay for farmers and workers globally. Everyone involved in the Hull Fairtrade Partnership and many others who have supported our local Fairtrade campaigns should be proud that Hull has achieved this award.” Hull City Council passed a resolution to become a Fairtrade City in 2005. Isabelle Tracy, Co-op Member Pioneer and Hull Fairtrade Partnership member, added: “The Co-op pioneers Fairtrade products as part of our mission to promote the aims of the World Fairtrade Organisation and Fairtrade Charter." “As a Co-op Member Pioneer, I help to drive Co-op’s commitment to ethical trade and local community activism. I am proud to have supported Fairtrade events in Hull over the past two years and look forward to many more of them. Well done Hull for re-accreditation as a Fairtrade Community!”

Harlequins and top tier Japanese rugby union side Mie Honda Heat have today announced a long-term international strategic partnership between the two clubs. The partnership will include a range of initiatives between the clubs designed to help support the growth and development of both clubs in key strategic areas including: • Player and coach exchanges – Mie Honda Heat will send players to London to train with Harlequins and potentially play as trialists in development competitions, while Harlequins coaches will on occasion travel to Japan to support coach development for both clubs • Player development – senior Mie Honda Heat players will work with Harlequins to develop leadership skills and share knowledge and experiences • Staff development – Harlequins will collaborate with Mie Honda Heat through knowledge exchange in areas such as community rugby development, marketing and PR and delivery of matchdays Formed in 1961 in Suzuka City, Mie Honda Heat have been playing at the highest level in the Japanese rugby union league system and have a range of International players in the past squad including ex-Japanese players (Tateo Kanai and Yoshikazu Fujita), South African (Franco Mostert), Argentinian (Pablo Matera) and Australian (Tom Banks). In 2024, the club look forward to welcoming Kiwi Kieran Crowley, as their new Head Coach. In his recently formed new role, Harlequins Director of Performance Development, Tabai Matson will lead the partnership and work closely across both clubs and build on his experience of coaching in Japan having spent five years playing and coaching in Japan. Matson commented: “We are incredibly excited to announce this partnership as we can see huge value to both clubs working together. The Japanese league is seeing great growth and investment and there is a lot of talent. We feel that we can add a great deal of value to Mie Honda Heat through our experiences and indeed learn a great deal from Mie Honda Heat. We can’t wait to get going in the next few weeks as we commence our first exchanges." Yoshihito Maeda, the General Manager of the Mie Honda Heat said: “We are pleased to announce that we have entered into a strategic partnership agreement with Harlequins, a prestigious rugby club in England. We are delighted to have the opportunity for a long-term International exchange with such an iconic club." “Harlequins possesses a club culture and ethos, elite level coaching and leading high performance and player development pathways that will help improve our rugby program. Furthermore, Harlequins produces purposeful and captivating off-field marketing, matchday and promotional expertise which will provide us with valuable learning experiences. “We hope that through friendly competition and collaboration, both clubs can contribute to each other's growth and development. Furthermore, we strongly believe that this partnership will help foster a closer relationship between Japanese Rugby and English Rugby, strengthening the bond between our nations.”

Growing insurance broker group JMG Group has announced the appointment of two new employees to two newly created positions that will support its acquisitive expansion. Tom Smith has joined JMG Group as web manager, bringing nine years of technology experience in the insurance industry to his role. Tanish Cheema takes on the role of group integration co-ordinator to support the integration of newly acquired businesses in her first industry role after graduating from Manchester University in 2022. Tom’s previous role as web developer and UX/UI designer at Jensten Technology in Manchester involved providing IT infrastructure and ongoing software development for insurance broking group The Jensten Group. Tom says: “My role will help bring new acquisitions inside the group by ensuring their web presence is in line with the rest of the group. JMG Group has a broad mix of businesses – within insurance broking, health & safety and employee benefits sectors - with their own identities and I’m looking forward to being hands on, offering my tech expertise and seeing the progress as they evolve." “I’m excited at the opportunity to not only join such a well-respected business as a web manager, but to also head a team and start a new department. I feel welcomed and trusted too, to be given responsibilities as a younger person in the industry is great and feels like JMG Group is investing in the future.” With a degree in International Business Management, Tanish will support JMG Group’s senior acquisition team with the integration of new businesses. Tanish says: “As this is a newly created position at the business it is a fantastic opportunity for me to develop alongside the role. All companies are so different and diverse, and seeing them combine their strengths during mergers and acquisitions to grow into something even better, that combines the best of both, is very satisfying.” Says JMG Group CEO, Nick Houghton: “Tom and Tanish are impressive individuals, and I am excited to support their development and see where they take their roles. They are joining us at a time of significant acquisitive and organic growth, to help strengthen our on-boarding and integration process." “As a growing business, we’re committed to not just expanding our team, but finding and investing in the right people who fit with our ethos and long-term ambitions. We also have a responsibility to help secure the future of the insurance industry by finding and investing in young, talented individuals like Tom and Tanish. I’m looking forward to supporting them along their journey with the JMG Group.”

Noble Events, the Leicestershire-based multi-award-winning bespoke events agency, has won Best Event at the prestigious Global Agency Awards. Sarah Cox, Managing Director at Noble Events, commented on the news saying, “We were beyond thrilled to see that our work with Bentley Motors creating and managing their Extraordinary Journey UK 2022 series of events was recognised at the Global Agency Awards in the category of Best Event." “This once-in-a-lifetime road trip took guests on a breathtakingly scenic route from the home of Bentley Motors in Crewe to The Macallan Estate in Speyside, Scotland. Feedback from guests was glowing and the programme is now being repeated for 2023.” Guest feedback included, “Kudos to the events team – it was a mind-blowing experience!”, “The programme was beyond expectations. Loved everything about it – a trip of a lifetime” and “Loved the warmth and attention to detail from the team. Made to feel very welcome”. Caren Jochner, Global Head of Brand Experience at Bentley Motors, said, “We want to share with our audiences an extraordinary journey of discovery offering access to usually private and exclusive experiences that only Bentley can provide. We have worked closely with globally like-minded partners that share our passion for excellence whether it be in the field of cuisine, design, architecture, or wellness – all with sustainability at heart. This, coupled with our carefully curated driving experiences provides something truly unique – an Extraordinary Journey and once in a lifetime experience that offers the opportunity to connect guests with like-minded souls – an experience money alone can’t buy.” Penny Noble, Founder and CEO of Noble Events, said, “Our relationship with Bentley goes back over many, many years and I was delighted that this event was recognised by the Global Agency Awards. The hard work the whole team put in over many months to make this the success it was – from both Bentley Motors and Noble Events – was incredible and I’m thrilled they received this incredible recognition. Well done team!” Added Sarah, “We know from first hand experience just how much work goes into creating and managing an event like this so we’d very much like to congratulate all the finalists in these awards and particularly those in our category. They gave us a close run for our money and we hope to see them all again next year when we defend our crown!”

The Best Businesswomen Awards have announced their finalists for 2023, all fantastic examples of exemplary female entrepreneurs. The business climate has continued to test the resilience of entrepreneurs, and these determined women have continued to drive their businesses forwards. The judging panel was impressed by the creativity, tenacity and excellent business acumen demonstrated in the selected finalists. The Best Businesswomen Awards are designed to recognise the achievement of female entrepreneurs from a wide range of industries - all of whom are excelling in their chosen field. Leicestershire-based businesswoman, Maria Peggs, from Vispera has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Most Inspiring Businesswoman category. This latest accolade comes hot on the heels of Maria being awarded Inspiring Mentor of the Year at the national, prestigious Forward Ladies Awards as well as being a finalist in the Institute of Directors, Director of the Year Awards in the Agility and Resilience category. Debbie Gilbert, the organiser of The Best Businesswomen Awards, said, “This is the ninth year of these prestigious awards and despite the extremely difficult trading conditions businesses have faced over the past few years, these businesswomen have powered forwards. Our judging panel, all business experts, were impressed by the quality of the entrants. All our finalists are shining examples of being successful entrepreneurs who have proved their success to our judges”. Speaking of her finalist place in the Best Businesswoman Awards, Maria said, “This is the second year that I’ve made the finals and it’s always such a special feeling. Attending the awards event a couple of years ago I so enjoyed being in a room of positive and inspiring businesswomen who certainly knew how to have fun! I’m very much looking forward to being in that room again and to speaking with as many incredible businesswomen as possible. I know the competition will be fierce but bring it on! I’d like to wish all the finalists the very best of luck and see you in September!” The Awards Gala Dinner will be held at the Hilton Wembley on 22nd September 2023 where the Gold Winners of each category will be announced.

Wembley Stadium, connected by EE, will have a new state-of-the-art pitch in place for this week’s FA Community Shield between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC. The FA Community Shield is the traditional curtain-raiser to a new football season. Last year’s contest was moved to the King Power Stadium in Leicester while Wembley Stadium hosted the UEFA Women’s Euro ‘22 Final. The fixture returns to its usual home this week, with the Wembley grounds-team adding the final touches to a playing surface, which over the summer played host to sell-out concerts attended by over half a million people. The fact Wembley Stadium is ready to host such a prestigious football match, so soon after concert season, is down to the latest advancement in pitch technology. The hybrid carpet ‘Lay and Play’ grass pitch was grown off site, on a turf farm hundreds of miles away from the stadium. Once it was ready, more than 720 rolls of the hallowed turf were put on a number of lorries and transported to the stadium, before it was laid out last week. At 10 metres long by 1.2 metres (which if end to end would be 7km in length), the whole install took 60 hours to complete. Wembley Stadium’s Grounds Manager Karl Standley said: “Lay and Play is a game-changer for a multi-purpose venue like Wembley Stadium. Previously, it might have taken up to five weeks after a concert to get a pitch ready for a football fixture. Now this can be done in just five days." “Growing it offsite means we can ultimately cut down the time required between concerts and football to let the pitch recover, so that Wembley can continue to keep up with global demand to stage world-class events.” It took more than three years of research and development to get to a stage where the meticulous Wembley team was happy that lay and play technology could meet their high standards. “The Wembley pitch is unique and has very certain requirements. It involves a specific blend of sun, water, nutrients and takes 14 weeks to get into perfect shape. Even the fertiliser plan is bespoke to our requirements,” adds Karl. “It is like one big chemistry experiment. We had to test every stage of the process including the grow time, any potential damage during transport and how it reacts when it comes into the stadium. It is a very precise procedure, and we monitor every stage closely." “The pitch for this week’s FA Community Shield fixture came into the stadium on July 25 and has settled in nicely. After that it will be used for the Rugby League Challenge Final before concerts and events including AEW Elite Wrestling at the stadium. “The next step is to make the whole process sustainable with the old pitch going back into grassroots football. At present the old pitch goes off to a production site where the grass, sand and plastic is separated. The grass decomposes naturally, and the sand is sent back to us so it can be reused or sent out for use on grassroot pitches." “We are close to now finding a use for the plastic, whereby it can be melted down and used to produce equipment for sports teams. Eventually the whole process will be 100% sustainable.”