John Good Group, a purpose-led group of businesses, which put people, planet and performance at the heart of its operations, is pleased to announce the construction of its new Head Office in Hull, set to be completed in early 2024. Founded in 1833, the sixth-generation family business has deep roots in Hull and a longstanding commitment to the local community. Passionate about the area, the company is eager to continue its growth and contribute to the local community while preserving its rich heritage and legacy. The new office aligns with the company's FastForward plans, which focus on growth and expansion whilst maintaining a strong focus on People, Planet, and Performance. The construction of the Head Office utilises sustainable materials, reinforcing the company's commitment to its Planet pillar. Sustainability has been at the heart of the new office build, even down to the boardroom carpet being made from recycled fishing nets. The new office will also feature several chargers to encourage employees to choose electric cars and participate in car-sharing initiatives. This eco-friendly infrastructure demonstrates the company's dedication to reducing its environmental impact and a greener future. This aligns with the recent announcement that John Good Group is operationally carbon neutral, with a commitment to further reduction plans. Designed to inspire collaboration and innovation, the new office space will serve as a hub for business activity and community engagement. It will provide a state-of-the-art environment that not only motivates the current team but also attracts top talent to the John Good Group. The new Head Office will be home to the John Good Group central services, Good Travel Management, and DAN Shipping with space to accommodate the company’s ongoing growth and success. Adam Walsh, Chief Executive Officer of John Good Group, says, “The move to Quarry House is an exciting one for the John Good Group and its people. One of our major ambitions is to be a company that offers its people the best opportunity for personal and professional development, and to help achieve that, you need a great working environment." "We have a very capable and growing team at the John Good Group and they all deserve a first-in-class place to work. The new location will help us retain and attract talent and act as a hub for our businesses and customers." "When you add a superb new office, into the beautiful grounds at the Hesslewood Business Park, you’ve really got the perfect combination and it will be a place we will proudly call home. Moving day can’t come soon enough!” The office will be strategically located at Hesslewood Office Park, a prime development owned by Brooklands Property Holdings. Established in 1957, Brooklands is a reputable, privately-owned property development and investment group, that provides exceptional services in the industry. This strategic location ensures a strong collaboration between the two companies, aligned in their shared commitment to excellence. Debbie Barbor, Chief Executive Officer of Brooklands Property Holdings, says, "We are delighted to see the John Good Group continue their journey at Hesslewood Office Park with the construction of their new Head Office." "They are dedicated to sustainability, community engagement, and growth which resonates with our values at Brooklands. We are excited to support their transition and provide a space that encourages innovation and collaboration, allowing the John Good Group to flourish whilst enhancing their contributions to the local Hull community and beyond." John Good Group's new Head Office reflects its commitment to the people of Hull, the environment, and its ambitious plans for the future. As the company prepares to move into this state-of-the-art facility in early 2024, it can embrace the opportunities and growth that lie ahead.

Retail sales volumes fell year-on-year in November for the seventh consecutive month, according to the latest quarterly CBI Distributive Trades Survey. Despite a slight uptick in sentiment, firms expect sales to decline again in December. Retailers also reported a reduction in headcount in the year to November, while investment is set to decline in the year ahead. Price pressures in the sector are expected to remain acute. The key survey findings included: Retail sales volumes fell in the year to November, but at a slower pace than last month (weighted balance of -11% from -36% in the year to October). Retailers expect an even slower decline in volumes next month (-6%). Sales were seen as disappointing for the time of year in November (-16% from -10% in October). Sales volumes are expected to fall short of seasonal norms to broadly similar extent next month (-15%). Sentiment amongst retailers recovered somewhat in November, with firms expecting their business situation to improve slightly over the next three months (+4% from -14% in August). Retailers expect to reduce investment in the next 12 months (compared to the past 12), but to a lesser extent than in August (-11% from -25%). Retailers reported a milder reduction in headcount in the year to November compared to the previous quarter (-11% from -20% in August). Employment in the retail sector is expected to be broadly unchanged next month (+1%). Retail selling prices continued to rise at a rapid pace in the year to November (+73% from +73% in August; long-run average of +41%). Selling prices are expected to maintain a similar rate of growth next month (+72%). Martin Sartorius, CBI Principal Economist, said: “Retail sales have languished in negative territory for much of 2023, reflecting the impact of strained household finances on the sector’s fortunes. Though sentiment has picked up slightly, firms do not feel that a revival in activity is imminent. Given the weakness in trading conditions, it’s little surprise that firms are scaling back on their investment ambitions.” “Retailers had hoped the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement would offer a reprieve from next year’s hike in business rates. While prioritising relief for SMEs and key sectors is understandable, many retailers are being left to contend with another increase in costs at a time when they are least able to afford them.” In addition, data from the survey showed: Retailers cut back on orders placed upon suppliers in the year to November, but to a lesser degree than in the previous month (-22% from -37% in October). Orders are expected to decline at a marginally faster pace next month (-26%). Retailers reported that stock positions were still “too high” despite softening in November (+13% from +27% in October). Stock volumes look set to remain similarly elevated relative to expected sales next month (+12%). Internet sales volumes continued to fall rapidly in the year to November, though the contraction has moderated compared with last month’s record rate of decline (-39% from -78% in October). Online sales are expected to fall at a broadly similar pace again next month (-42%). Elsewhere in the distribution sector, wholesale volumes fell in the year to November, but at a slightly slower pace than last month (-11% from -15% in October). Wholesalers expect the sales downturn to moderate further next month (-4%). Meanwhile, motor trade volumes grew slightly in the year to November (+6% from -5% in October). Motor traders expect volumes to fall next month (-15%). The survey included 131 respondents, of which 53 were retailers.

This month, rangers at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve (NNR) in Cambridgeshire, cared for by the National Trust, will turn on taps across the site to allow water to flow from the lodes on higher ground to the lower laying fens, creating standing pools of water to create a winter wetland for wildlife, as well as sequestering carbon. A significant moment in the year for the site, the added water helps create wetland conditions for the winter months that will attract wildfowl including wigeon, teal, shoveler, gadwall, geese, egrets and sometimes whooper swans. Ajay Tegala, Ranger at the National Trust’s Wicken Fen, explains: “We have six taps which we turn on using a metre-long metal key, allowing water to flow through a pipe onto the fens. Because the lodes are higher than the surrounding ground, gravity enables the water to flow without having to resort to pumping." “There is immediate visual impact as water rushes through and swells up, forming a sort of miniature fountain. Then, water can be seen flowing." “A couple of days later, the spectacle continues when the standing water starts to attract a huge variety of wildfowl who find food and safety in these wetland areas. Roosting on water overnight helps them feel protected from potential predators, for example foxes, that are potentially put off by having to wade through water. A flowing river could wash birds away while they rest overnight, but the shallow depth of water on the Fen means that its relatively still, creating an ideal habitat.” Turning on the taps for winter also helps to restore rare fenland habitat that was lost due to agriculture-related drainage centuries ago, reinstating higher water tables that support wetland birds and wildlife and boosting biodiversity at this internationally important NNR. To date, more than 9,300 species, including a spectacular array of plants, birds and dragonflies have been recorded at Wicken Fen, making it one of the most species-rich places in the UK. The process of turning on the taps also helps mitigate the effects of climate change by improving the area’s ability to store carbon. Re-wetting or flooding peat soil enables it to sequester, or lock in, carbon, rather than it being released into the atmosphere. As found by an academic study published in the Journal for Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, re-wetting a part of the NNR called Baker’s Fen, an area of grassland grazed by herds of highland cattle and Konik ponies about one mile from Wicken Fen Visitor Centre, lead to a reduction of the area’s CO2 emissions by 80%. Over the last nearly one hundred years, the process of re-wetting has been monitored, and over the last thirty years water levels have been measured using dipwells at over seventy locations on the wider reserve. But in recent years, the site has faced new challenges in the form of weather extremes, such as the heatwave and drought last summer, which have added strain on the recovering peatlands. Alan Kell, Countryside Manager for the National Trust at Wicken Fen, said: “The abstraction we create by turning the taps is a great way to create fantastic winter wetland habitats, protect our peat soils and help them lock up carbon. Unfortunately, it’s a technique we can only employ during the winter months as there is insufficient water in the summer months.” The optimum water table to protect peatland soils and minimise carbon emissions falls on average between -10 to -30cm. But last year the water table dropped to a perilously low level of –1.6m on the undrained area of Fen at Sedge/Verralls Fen, which contains peat depths up to 4m. The low water levels will have caused the peat to oxidise and release carbon instead of sequestering it. Alan continues: “We know that Wicken Fen has a big role to play for climate action, but without sufficient water, it can quickly go from a fantastic carbon sink to a terrible carbon source. With droughts anticipated to become more frequent combined with the pressures of continued development and its associated water use, the availability of water is and will continue to be one of the biggest challenges to this site." Wicken Fen was the first nature reserve acquired by the National Trust in 1899 and has grown from two acres to a reserve that now covers over 2,000 acres to benefit both wildlife and people. The raised boardwalk and lush grass droves allow easy access to a lost landscape of flowering meadows, sedge and reedbeds, where visitors can encounter wildlife such as hares, roe deer, water voles and bitterns. Wicken is also one of the last remnants of undrained fen in East Anglia and has important environmental designations, and in addition to being National Nature Reserve, is a Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Ramsar wetland of international importance. Following this year's re-wetting, visitors will be able to enjoy a real wildlife spectacle through the colder months and admire the sight and sound of hundreds of birds that would otherwise not be at Wicken Fen, including hen harriers, cranes, bitterns.

UK business leaders understand the value of implementing new technology, but they don’t know how to measure it, according to new research from Deloitte. In a new report, Measuring Value from Digital Transformation, 1,600 global business and technology leaders across six different industries were surveyed about their technology investment strategies. It found that three-quarters of UK respondents (74% vs 68% globally) believe that digital transformation - the adoption and implementation of new technologies - is the single most important investment they can make for their organisation. Data analytics (90%), cloud data centres (73%), and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (68%) are the technologies which generate the most value back to an organisation. However, the research also revealed that UK organisations are finding it harder to generate value and return on investment from their technology investments compared to global peers. Across the 12 different technologies examined, there is on average an eight percentage-point gap in value created by UK organisations using technologies compared to the global average. Mark Lillie, global technology strategy & transformation leader at Deloitte, commented: “Technology leaders are under pressure to deliver value and growth for their business. However, implementing and creating value from new technologies, whether that’s a cloud system or a generative AI tool, can face many potential pitfalls. While it is acknowledged that these digital capabilities are vital for an organisation’s long-term strategy, competitiveness and commercial success, their perceived complexity and costliness means that these projects often fall at the first hurdle.” Barriers To New Tech And Growth Potential Despite having high ambitions, 30% of UK respondents said that their organisation lacked a digital transformation strategy “to a large extent.” Dependency on legacy systems (37%), difficulty securing funding (33%), insufficient data (31%) and inadequate cross-departmental communication or silos (31%) are perceived to be key barriers to creating value from digital transformation projects. Across every category, the barriers were more pronounced for UK respondents compared to the global average. Lillie added: “Many UK organisations are now bearing the burden of not updating their tech, with those relying on legacy systems and code struggling to connect old technology with new. At the same time, technology leaders are struggling to secure the funding and investment they need from executives and boards to enact the changes they need to make." “Any technology investment needs to look at productivity not just as a cost-cutting measure but also as a way to unlock long-term growth opportunities. Through clear communication of easy-to-understand KPIs, business leaders will be better-equipped to make informed and impactful investment decisions and, crucially, maximise growth and productivity value.” Monetisation And Assessment Timelines Deloitte’s report also revealed some of the key challenges facing leaders trying to monetise the digital technology that they have implemented. Nearly four-in-ten respondents (38%) cited disruption of the traditional business model as the biggest challenge to monetisation. This was followed by the inability to benchmark against peers to know how much to invest (29%) and protecting intellectual property and regulatory barriers (both 27%). Lucinda Clements, UK lead partner for technology strategy and transformation at Deloitte, commented: “Investment in new and innovative technologies can create future value throughout an organisation – even in areas where it was not necessarily intended or expected." “By using a more comprehensive framework of KPIs, spanning a number of measures including financial performance, growth, customer impact and workforce metrics, technology leaders can reveal the full value of any investment into the latest technologies– much of which is likely not currently being captured by existing measurements.” When it comes to value assessment, UK organisations tend to think more short-term than their global counterparts. More than three-quarters of UK respondents assess the value gained from digital transformation within just a year (77%), twelve percentage points higher than the global average (65%). At the same time, 19% of UK respondents assess the value gained within two to three years, compared to 31% globally. Clements added: “For business leaders to fully realise the return on investment for using innovative technology or implementing a new IT system, they must consider the long-term implications. The results of true digital transformation are worth the wait.”

Tesco has stepped up its support for a key commitment on tackling water pollution and risk in the food industry, as it announced plans to roll out a programme of work to aid the shift to a nature positive food system. Tesco’s Nature Programme will focus its efforts on five key areas of action: protecting nature in key sourcing landscapes, both in the UK and abroad; scaling industry leading innovations to support biodiversity; implementing a nature plan across its own estate and operations; continuing to lead the industry on research into key challenges facing nature and the food system; and playing a leading role in cross sector engagement. The Programme will build on the ground-breaking work of the Tesco WWF Partnership, which came to a formal end earlier this month. The retailer will continue to work alongside WWF and other retailers as part of WWF’s Retailers’ Commitment for Nature Group, as well as developing its own initiatives with its suppliers and farmers. Tesco will continue to support vital water stewardship work in key UK and international sourcing areas alongside local partners such as the Norfolk Rivers Trust and the Wye and Usk Foundation. Tesco has committed to providing significant multi-year support to help achieve WRAP’s Courtauld 2030 Water Roadmap, which aims to ensure 50% of the UK’s fresh food and drink is sourced from areas with sustainable water management by 2030. The increased support will help fund a network of critical on-the-ground collective action projects under WRAP’s Water Roadmap, helping to address water risk in catchments identified as being most affected by UK food & drink production. In a further move, Tesco has urged key suppliers in the River Wye catchment, an important region for food production which is struggling with the impact of water pollution, to match its ambition on achieving the Courtauld 2030 Water Roadmap, and sign up to third party environmental certification schemes as soon as possible. Tesco will also be encouraging suppliers to sign up to WRAP’s Water Roadmap and the Wye & Usk Collective Action Project. The Nature Programme will continue to drive Tesco’s efforts to scale up cutting-edge innovations in its supply chains to help reduce emissions and protect nature, including promoting biodiversity monitoring technologies, as well as supporting the use of low carbon fertilisers by its farmers and growers. Tesco completed the roll-out of LEAF Marque certification across its UK fruit and veg supply chains earlier this year. Through the programme, Tesco will aim to increase habitats for biodiversity in its supply chains through nature corridors, riverbank planting and hedgerows, building on the work of its LEAF Marque certified produce growers. Speaking about the launch of the Programme, Tesco’s Chief Commercial Officer, Ashwin Prasad said: “The UK continues to be impacted by significant nature and biodiversity decline. We know the UK food system has a significant role to play, so its clear transformational change is needed to how we grow, produce and consume our food." “As the UK agriculture’s leading customer, we work with thousands of knowledgeable and committed suppliers, growers and producers who are passionate about protecting nature on their farms. We want to harness that passion to create a food system that will protect biodiversity and secure our own supply of affordable, healthy, and sustainable food. Our Nature Programme will provide our supply base with innovative and practical ways to protect and restore nature, including stepping up our support for vital on-the-ground action in water catchments across the UK.” Tesco has been working to comprehensively map out the metrics needed to understand nature-related impacts and pressures in its supply chains and has recently created a framework for nature monitoring at a supply chain level in partnership with Natcap. This framework will help inform the work it carries out as part of the programme, and will support the implementation of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) reporting framework. As well as encouraging the protection of biodiversity in its supply chains, Tesco has also committed to embedding a strategy for protecting nature across its own estate, including its stores and distribution centres. The retailer will provide further detail of this work in the new year. The work of the Programme will help Tesco achieve its stretching net zero targets. Tesco recently became one of the first companies globally to have its targets validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) including emissions relating to forests, land and agriculture (FLAG). WRAP welcomed Tesco’s commitment on supporting vital collective action projects on water stewardship across the UK and abroad. Catherine David, Director of Behaviour Change and Business Programmes at WRAP, said: “Awareness of water risk in the food and drink supply chain continues to rise, and there has been some good progress under the Courtauld Water Roadmap since it launched two years ago. But there’s an urgent need to scale up efforts to address the negative impacts of producing food in areas that are already suffering water stress. Tesco’s continued support and leadership is extremely welcome, and its move to motivate other businesses in its supply chain is a crucial step. Only through collaboration can we successfully tackle the complex risks posed to our rivers. We urgently need more businesses to sign up to the Water Roadmap, understand their exposure to water risk, and take action together to protect our precious water resources and the communities and ecosystems they support.” Bridie Whittle, Catchment Adviser for the Wye and Usk Foundation said: “We are pleased to see TESCO scaling up their ambition for protecting our rivers and we are very grateful for their support for the Courtauld 2030 Collective Action Project in the Wye and Usk catchment.  Working with TESCO and other partners throughout the agri-food supply chain enables us to amplify the impact of our work from the ground up, supporting farmers and working to ensure best practice is embedded and supported throughout the supply chain.  TESCO’s support and leadership has been key in engaging other businesses and delivering positive change on the ground and we look forward to continuing to work with them.” Ed Bramham-Jones, CEO of Norfolk Rivers Trust, said: “We’re delighted to continue our work with Tesco to reduce the impact of food production on Norfolk’s water environment. Home to many of our globally rare chalk rivers, the region is also one of the most water-stressed areas of the UK. Courtauld 2030 presents a significant opportunity to create lasting change." "We’ll continue forging strong relationships with farmers to identify opportunities to improve water management and boost the multi-benefits of sustainable food production, from conserving our topsoil to restoring habitats and enhancing biodiversity.”

Asda has announced that it will provide the equivalent of one million breakfast meals to mark 10 years of its partnership with FareShare, the UK’s biggest charity fighting hunger and tackling food waste. The donations are being provided via Asda’s wholly owned subsidiary IPL and will consist of a portion of cereal as well as a piece of fruit supplied to the Magic Breakfasts programme via FareShare. Asda has worked in partnership with FareShare since 2013 and in that time, it has provided the equivalent of over 30 million meals of surplus food from its stores and depots. This food has been redistributed by FareShare to over 7000 separate charities and community groups in the process. Thanks to support from Asda, FareShare has received £13 million in corporate donations through Asda’s Fight Hunger, Create Change programme, which helped to increase FareShare distribution capabilities throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Magic Breakfast is a charity that delivers free breakfasts to school children facing hunger every day, working with primary, secondary, ASL / Special Educational Needs schools and Pupil Referral Units, and serves 200,000 children and young people on a rolling basis. This donation follows the one million Christmas Dinners that Asda and IPL are donating to FareShare through the festive period, as part of its support for the Coronation Food Project, which launched last week. As well as the donations to FareShare, Asda continues to serve its communities by offering the Kids Eat for £1 meal deal which has now served over 2.6 million meals since its launch back in June 2022. George Wright, CEO at FareShare said: “We would like to say a huge thank you and congratulations to all our friends at Asda. This has been one of the biggest partnerships FareShare has ever had. Over the last 10 years, Asda has donated an amazing £13 million, given us the equivalent of 30 million meals and supported 7000 charities." "At every opportunity, Asda helps to identify, save and redistribute surplus food, helping FareShare ensure it goes to people who need it most, rather than to waste. Each and every person at Asda has given us amazing support and these incredible milestones would not have been reached without their dedication and commitment.” Kris Comerford, Chief Commercial Officer – Food, said: “Our partnership with FareShare has already helped to provide thousands of Charites and community groups with much-needed support and simultaneously helped to reduce the amount of food that goes to waste. We are incredibly proud to have been able to work with FareShare to help in our communities and we know that these million breakfasts will go some way to helping those in need this Christmastime.”

Food and beverage team members from sister hotels in the Lake District and North Lancashire have been battling for supremacy in a barista skills competition. Hospitality staff from The Wild Boar, Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa and Lancaster House Hotel came together to display an array of innovative coffee preparations and latte art to judges from Matthew Algie Coffee Roastery. The idea behind the competition was to underpin the techniques the baristas have learned during their training, as well as reinforcing the highest standards and building team spirit in a fun and innovative way. As part of the Tchibo barista competition, two members from each venue were selected to create four coffees each - an espresso, a cappuccino, a latte, plus a special coffee of their choice - and present them to the judges. Four Baristas from Low Wood Bay took part, Pawel Moskala, Erdal Ali, George Taylor and Aml Nayef. They were joined by Joanne Shuttleworth and Vaclav Kolar from The Wild Boar and Hubert Jasniewski and Sean Van Aswegan from Lancaster House. Vaclav took the trophy in first place as the 2023 Barista of the year for his artistry and unique creation of a what the judges described as a sensational 'Smokehouse Coffee'. He was closely followed by Pawel in second place with his 'Smores Mocha'. Aml was hot on their heels in third with her 'Colada Coffee', beautifully presented in a pineapple for an added zing of flavour. Hannah McQuire from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, who helped to organise the training competition, said: “The baristas were judged on creativity, presentation, the process of making their beverages and of course, above all, taste." “The standard was extremely high across the board but Vaclav pipped his rivals in the end due to the beauty and precision of his method in making the drink and the skills demonstrated as we watched." “We’d like to thank Stuart and Andrew from Matthew Algie, not just for delivering the Barista training for the group, but also getting involved in the competition to help drive quality standards. The winners will be invited for a tour of their roastery in Scotland as a result of their success in completing their training and excelling in the competition.” To find out more about jobs at English Lakes Hotels, visit here .

A £90 million regeneration scheme in Egham is being heralded as the catalyst for a revival of the office market in the university town in the Borough of Runnymede in Surrey Property consultancy Vail Williams puts the upturn down to the now completed major mixed-use development at Magna Square, which comprises more than 100 new apartments with affordable housing provision and retail space. The development, managed by Places for People on behalf of Runnymede Borough Council, has delivered a high-quality public realm connecting it to the rest of the town centre. It plays host to a four-screen Everyman cinema, a new Budgens store, 67 private apartments and 34 affordable homes, plus an additional 10,700 sq ft of new commercial space at ground floor level. One of the new-build residential blocks also provides 100 rooms for students studying at nearby Royal Holloway, University of London. Charlie Nicholson, Vail Williams Partner and Surrey office market expert, said: “We believe Egham is on the cusp of an office market resurgence, thanks in part to this multimillion-pound town centre regeneration project." “It has delivered a vibrant 15-minute neighbourhood which has resulted in increased footfall in the town centre, owing to the mix of residential and student accommodation, and a much-improved retail and leisure provision." “This, together with Magna Square, has created a much more desirable place for which business to locate, and the office rents aren’t too bad either." “Sitting at around £30 per sq ft for Grade A space, Egham is particularly cost-effective for the smaller occupier, where Staines has increased to £39.50 psf and Windsor is at mid-£40s psf." “It has all the benefits of being situated in proximity to but not directly on the Thames (with the rental increases that river frontage brings), and benefits from a range of smaller office suites which is perfect for the SME occupier." “Situated next to the M25 and with direct train services to Richmond, Clapham Junction, Waterloo and Reading all within 40 minutes reach, it has a lot to offer the more than 63,000 businesses currently located in Surrey." There is still very much an owner-occupier and leasehold market here and those businesses located here are doing well." “Indeed, many are now starting to see many upsize their office requirements here, including CDN Consular Services Ltd which is seeking to expand its presence in Egham with the purchase of Heritage House, significantly increasing their footprint in Egham. In turn we are currently selling Runnymede House for them.” Over the last ten years, Egham had suffered the loss of some business occupiers who moved out of the town in favour of other locations, such as Staines, with a significant proportion of the town’s offices going for residential conversion or redevelopment, or alternative use, but that trend was now reversing. The last two office sales have been to owner occupiers looking to invest in their own office building and create an exciting environment for staff returning to the workplace. Charlie added: “A strong current opportunity that we have just launched to the market is Virginia House, in Station Road, Egham. Perfect for either an owner occupier looking to take control of their own workplace, or possible residential conversion or alternative uses such as a medical clinic." “Smaller occupiers seeking a value for money location with excellent transport links to the City should consider Egham as a place to locate. It represents good value for money in rental terms, whilst boasting excellent transport links and a range of new retail and leisure amenities for staff to enjoy." “For astute investors and landlords seeking to invest in office stock, Egham could also represent an opportunity to deliver a good return – provided they invest in the delivery of a high-quality asset." Councillor Tom Gracey, Leader of Runnymede Borough Council, said: “In just a few years, we have revitalised this part of the historic town, ushering in a new era of Egham's development." “We’re proud that the success of this development is attracting people to live and work in Egham, encouraging new business to move in, and that more residents are able to benefit from the greater quality of life that our Borough offers.”

A new UK-wide research project has found a ‘critical’ need for urban interventions that mitigate the negative impact of extreme weather on the health and wellbeing of older people. Academics from the Urban Institute at Heriot-Watt University, together with the Stockholm Environment Institute at the University of York, say climate change is impacting the physical, social, and mental wellbeing of ageing populations, and warned there is now a pressing public health issue. In their report, titled: Healthy Ageing in a Changing Climate, researchers identify a need for ‘actionable’ interventions to better support the delivery of inclusive, climate resilient age-friendly cities and communities. Creative Thinking Professor Ryan Woolrych is director of the Urban Institute at Heriot-Watt University and led the research. He said: “Climate change is having a profound impact on our ageing population who are often the most at risk from extreme weather. We urgently need to think creatively about how we develop interventions that can support older people before, during and after extreme weather events. Failing to act now risks further negative impacts on older people including increased mortality.” The UK is home to more than 11 million people aged 65 and over, constituting almost 19% of the overall population. This demographic is expected to grow to 13 million people by 2030, accounting for 22% of the population. Vulnerable Locations At the same time, climate change is increasing the severity and frequency of extreme weather events. This poses a significant challenge to the health and wellbeing of older people, particularly those who live in vulnerable locations or lack the physical, mental, social, and financial resources needed to avoid or minimise the effects of extreme weather. Dr Gary Haq, a senior researcher from the Stockholm Environment Institute at the University of York, who collaborated on the project, said: “Our research has found there is a need for society to take a holistic approach to this issue to protect older people and ensure they can enjoy a better quality of life." “We have an ageing population that brings with it certain health needs and what we know is that climate change is going to negatively impact this further unless we address these issues.” Six Key Areas Academics gathered opinions of more than 140 older adults, policymakers, and practitioners, across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales in 2022/23. They explored the factors that contribute to the resilience of older people to climate change, including heatwaves, flooding and storms. The report highlights six areas for intervention, these are: Empowering older people towards climate action Mobilising community and social infrastructure Enhancing mobility and transport for healthy ageing Climate resilient housing for ageing-in-place Healthcare and wellbeing for older adults in extreme weather Intergenerational communities and climate resilience Joined-Up Approach Professor Woolrych added: “We are now calling for a joined-up approach including local and national governments, to consider the physical, social and community aspects of ageing well in communities and how we can integrate this in a way that will provide the resources, amenities and supports for people.”

Office take-up is growing rapidly in Bracknell this year, as momentum finally returns to the market in the Berkshire town. Bracknell is now coming into a league of its own, according to office specialist Andrew Baillie, Associate at property consultancy Vail Williams. To date this year, total take-up for the town, which has historically sat in the shadow of Reading in office terms, has exceeded 112,321 sq ft of – a large proportion of which has been for fully fitted Grade A space. This is against the backdrop of just over 100,000 sq ft of deals in Reading this year to date. Vail Williams has acted on more than 50% of the office deals in Bracknell this year. Scholl, Nielsen Media Research, Tempestas Capital, Chartered Institute of Builders, Allium UK, Basis Technology, Curve Workplaces, Brickability, Evelyn Partners have all done office deals in Bracknell this year. Andrew believed the return to the office has had a role to play in reviving Bracknell’s fortunes, with 72% of companies globally mandating a return to the office, three or four days a week. “There has been a complete re-think about what businesses need from their office space and where their base is best located." “This has led many occupiers to take new leases in different geographical locations or in buildings offering a better standard and quality of space, with a blend of amenities and break out spaces." “Thankfully for Bracknell, this is something that the town boasts in abundance, as investors have been quick to react to occupier demand for Grade A quality, fully-fitted and furnished office space.” Vail Williams acted on three deals for landlord Sheik Holdings, spanning over 7,500 sq ft at landmark office building, The Lightbox. Newly refurbished 3 Arlington Square is also flourishing and has welcomed the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) who took 5,683 sq ft. Andrew added: “Bracknell is a cost-effective location in rental terms, with rents sitting between £25.00 and £36.50 psf, and certainly one of the deals this year was for a business locating out of Richmond looking for better value." “Bracknell also boasts excellent transport infrastructure, with London just a stone’s throw away on the train. Also, the redeveloped Lexicon, the main retail and leisure centre in Bracknell, has done wonders for the town. It has transformed the town and has made it a much more attractive destination – not just for businesses to locate to, but for existing occupiers to re-commit to." “Indeed, 94% of the deals completed this year have been businesses already based in the town, who have committed to staying here for the next three to five years. And there’s a real breadth of occupier types too – from education and building design, to healthcare, tech, and TMT. It would seem that there’s something for everyone." Of the 5.3m sq ft of office market stock, there is a supply of around 286,500 sq ft of Grade A space available. There is also plenty of choice of Grade B space in the market (201,000 sq ft), as well as an ever-increasing amount of grey space (tenant release space) coming to the market. Overall vacancy levels currently sit at 9.1% with a provision of 3.25 years of stock levels. Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy.

Data shows that, on average, Brits hand out 32 gifts a year per person. There are plenty of reasons why people treat gift-giving as important all year round – but especially as we head into the festive season. In fact, Scotland has a rich history of gift-giving, ranging from winning favours with royalty to bringing good luck. And with 34% of Brits being superstitious, we should be embracing Scotland’s national culture of generosity - whether you’re treating your family to a luxury food hamper for the festive season or passing the luck on with some money. Katy Baxter, expert in luxury gifts and Corporate Affairs Director at Baxters of Scotland , says: “Scotland is known for its rich history, and one part that many might forget, but which is important to us all, is our gifting culture. We believe in high-quality gifts which not only bring our friends and family some joy but also some luck.” Handsel Monday One tradition seen in Scotland is Handsel Monday. This occurs on the first Monday of the new year as a way of bringing some joy into the first few days. The word “handsel” comes from Old Saxon, meaning “to deliver into the hand." As Scotland has a rich farming history, this historic tradition was originally used to celebrate workers, especially rural and farming workers. It was customary that employers would give their workers the day off and some money as a gesture of goodwill. This then turned into a tradition for neighbours, friends, and family to visit each other and give each other gifts. This could include raffles, where people could win prizes, or you could give your loved ones a token of gratitude – often in the form of money or small gifts. And for those who received silver on Handsel Monday, it was said they’d have good fortune for the coming year. Hogmanay Another tradition engrained in Scottish culture is Hogmanay. This is about celebrating the end of a year and welcoming in a new, luckier year. This timeless tradition has made its way into the modern day, as it is now one of the largest events celebrated in Scotland – with festivals such as Edinburgh’s Hogmanay Street Party lasting three days. Hogmanay festivals bring everyone together across large and small venues, offering food, drink, and events in the run-up to the New Year. Another tradition for many is the “first footing” of the New Year. It is said that the first person to step into your home should bring you several gifts. While the tradition stated that it should be a dark-haired man, anyone can use this tradition in their first visits of the new year. This tradition stems back to the Viking invasions in the 8th and 9th centuries. If a dark-haired male entered the home first after New Year, with gifts for the hosts, then it would wish good luck on the house for the coming year. Traditionally these gifts included coal, salt, bread, or even whisky. This tradition is meant to bring wealth and fortune into someone’s home. Gifts such as these are thought to bring a special significance to the house you are visiting – with coal wishing warmth, for example. This tradition is still commonly practised in Scotland, with many bringing whisky to toast the New Year with their loved ones. Katy says: “Besides money, Scottish culture relied on food and drink as a way of greeting and gifting to each other. Providing gifts such as bread or whisky offers your hosts luck and prosperity – meaning that they won’t go hungry during the coming year. Whether you believe in the superstitions or not, bringing food and drink into someone’s home for the New Year can be a great way to indulge your loved one.” Royal Gifts As with many royals, Scottish kings received gifts in their time. This gift-giving was usually to win favours with the King or even a sign of respect rather than a loving offering. However, it could also be used for personal gain. For example, Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angus, would often shower young King James V of Scotland with gifts to win favours with him, even while he was in his captivity. Katy says: “Gift-giving has played many uses throughout the centuries – gifting is a large tradition, and everyone from workers to royalty has received gifts in their time. So, if you want to show respect for someone special in your life, buying them a gift could just do the job.” Modern-Day Gift-Giving Modern-day gifts vary wildly, depending on what your friends and family enjoy. However, many Scots still stick to the same traditions when it comes to passing on money during the New Year period. And we have seen many gifts being used to share the Scottish culture, too. Bottles of whisky are commonly shared as gifts. In fact, ahead of the Euro 2020s, Scotland captain gifted his team a hamper including whisky, Irn Bru, and shortbread. Katy says: “If you’re looking to give gifts this season, you can give a bit of Scotland to each other. Whether you’re choosing food or drink, there are plenty of examples that you can indulge your loved ones in while also sharing that Scottish heritage we are so proud of.” Whether you want to bring your neighbours a bit of good luck or celebrate a big moment with family, gifts are a great way to spread love. And food has been a luxury that many find comfort in. By sharing some food, drink, or money, you can add a special touch to the festivities this season.

The Honours of Scotland – the oldest crown jewels in Britain and among the oldest in Europe – have collectively returned to display at Edinburgh Castle after undergoing the most significant conservation work in their history. The Honours, which consist of the Crown, Sceptre, and Sword of State, have held profound historical significance in Scotland for centuries. They were first used together at the coronation of Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1543, and the Crown and Sceptre were presented to King Charles III at the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh earlier this year. Using a delicate touch and fine instruments, experts from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) cleaned the Honours to reduce tarnish and remove build-up of dust and grease. Though the Honours are made of enduring materials, their age and historic use has made them very fragile, and much of the cleaning process took place under a microscope to monitor any potential changes in their condition. The project took place over several months, with individual items taken off display at scheduled points as part of the programme. Reed Hudson, Senior Metals Conservator at HES who led the conservation work, said: “The Honours of Scotland are unique among the HES Collections, and we want to ensure they always look their best when visitors come from near and far to see them. We undertake regular cleaning and condition checking of the Honours, but this project marks the first time they have undergone such significant conservation work in their long history." “It’s very rare that conservators can focus on just one project in this way and being able to spend this much time with the Honours has been a once in a lifetime experience. It has allowed me to really enjoy small details that I might have missed otherwise, like the figures of the saints engraved on the blade of the sword, or the beautiful floral motifs incorporated into the designs of the sceptre and scabbard." "We are continually developing our methods of analysis and care to ensure that we are safeguarding our national treasures in the best possible way. This project has allowed us to learn more about the Honours and their history, and we hope to share our findings in the new year. Luckily, visitors don't need to wait that long to see the Honours again as they are now back on display together!" Whilst conserving the Honours, the team also conducted analysis through a range of techniques, including X-radiography, portable X-Ray Fluorescence, and optical microscopy. This scientific analysis has revealed some intriguing new details about the Crown, showing that several gem settings on the Crown have been affixed with different kinds of pins throughout its long life. X-radiography will help identify the metals of which these pins were made, which will aid in the understanding of when these repairs took place. The conserved Honours have also been digitally scanned to ensure that online documentation of these important objects is as comprehensive as possible. This dedicated work has been undertaken to ensure the Honours can continue to play an active role in Scottish ceremonial events for many years to come and can continue to charm visitors, who can book their tickets to Edinburgh Castle to view the Honours of Scotland now.