The Enterprise Investment Scheme Association (EISA), representing growth businesses and investors, has welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement in the Autumn Statement that the EIS have been extended to 2035. Since its inception in 1994 nearly £30 billion has been invested into 53,000 start-ups through the EIS. Without the extension announced in today’s Autumn Statement, the EIS would have ceased in April 2025, likely resulting in an end to billions of pounds of much needed investment into many of the UK’s most innovative businesses. Christiana Stewart-Lockhart, Director General of the EISA commented, “The extension of the EIS is excellent news for early stage business growth in the UK. Entrepreneurs are now able to seek much needed investment with the confidence that the EIS will still be available to support their future growth beyond April 2025. The current economic climate has definitely been a challenge for many entrepreneurs and this announcement about the EIS will provide some much needed reassurance for entrepreneurs and investors across the UK. Today’s announcement is fantastic news for start-ups in all regions and devolved nations. This is a world leading scheme. It’s success in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, as well as economic growth, has been internationally recognised and it’s great to see the Government backing British businesses in this way. The Government’s emphasis on the importance of entrepreneurship in our economic recovery is very welcome.” To learn more about the EISA please visit the official EISA website here .

The UK's pioneering hybrid estate agency franchise, EweMove, has electrified the property industry once again, firmly establishing itself as an industry leader at this year's EA Masters Awards. Against the backdrop of EweMove's 10th-anniversary celebration, the brand achieved the remarkable feat of winning the coveted 'triple crown' for the second consecutive year at the UK's most significant agency event. Hosted in London on the 7th November with more than 1,000 estate agents and industry suppliers attending, EweMove proudly came away with the ‘Best National Award’ for three categories: Lettings Agency, Sales Agency and Sales & Lettings Agency. The competition was fierce, with over 13,000 UK-based estate agencies closely analysed using the advanced TwentyEA system. Agents were judged on multiple fronts, from the number of listings and transaction volumes to sales conversions and successful completions. Additionally – the top 20% of agencies faced the ultimate test, as mystery shoppers scrutinised every step of the sales and rental processes. The results spoke volumes, with EweMove showcasing performance standards that were nothing short of outstanding. Nick Neill, the Managing Director of EweMove, acknowledged the incredible collective effort that's taken the brand to these extraordinary heights. "I couldn't be prouder of our 'flock,' a dedicated network of professionals committed to providing customers with unparalleled experiences," he said. "And the best part? They're property experts, too! None of this would have been possible without our extraordinary franchisees who work tirelessly every day to make customers lives easier and elevate the entire property industry. Winning this honour for two consecutive years is a true recognition of what we’ve achieved, and I can't thank our phenomenal agents enough. This award not only affirms our franchise's direction but highlights that customers are increasingly seeking a flexible, enjoyable, and dynamic service." At its core, EweMove has always been on a mission to reshape the hybrid estate agency model, enhancing the client journey with cutting-edge procedures and software. Clinching three prestigious awards at the EA Masters Best Estate Agency Guide Event represents a pivotal moment in the brand's growth strategy, which they unveiled at their national conference earlier in the year. EweMove's triumphant win of the 'Best National Award' across their three core areas of Sales, Lettings and Sales & Lettings solidifies their commitment to creating a distinct breed of estate agency; one that places local property expertise and unparalleled customer service at the forefront. "We've always maintained at EweMove that excellent customer experience comes first, with property a close second,” added Nick. “The EweMove network is a testament to the property industry's evolution, and these awards are the ultimate confirmation. The future is electric, and EweMove is leading the charge.” As EweMove says goodbye to their first decade and enter their next phase of growth, its network of franchisees is not just raising the bar; they’re sparking a powerful change with top-notch customer care, lightning-fast responses, and a consistent track record of client success.

A Lanarkshire based photography business, is going from strength from strength following support from Business Gateway. Branding by Zaria helps business owners enhance their brand and tell their story through the power of photography. Dubbing herself a ‘visual storyteller’, Zaria offers bespoke photography packages and branding clarity guidance to help other business owners increase their visibility and stand out from the crowd. Zaria had been passionate about photography from a young age and decided to study the subject at New Lanarkshire College and later at Edinburgh Napier, where she graduated with First-Class honours in photography. Looking for ways to fund her studies while balancing her university workload, Zaria started her own business, Zaria Sleith Photography, in 2016, and began specialising in wedding and newborn photography. On a mission to grow her business further, she approached Business Gateway in 2016 for support. Zaria was connected with a local business adviser who provided 1:1 support and signposted Zaria to guidance from Skills Development Scotland (SDS). Through Business Gateway, Zaria attended a wide variety of courses including bookkeeping webinars and graphic design workshops, which helped her in the very early stages of registering herself as self-employed. Zaria also benefited from Business Gateway’s Early-Stage Growth service, receiving help from a digital marketing expert to focus on SEO engagement and raise the profile of her business online. This support was instrumental in helping the business go from page 9 to page 1 on Google. Continuing in her efforts to raise brand awareness in difficult times during the pandemic, she also benefitted from Business Gateway’s research service, which helped her understand her target market, competitors and identify her customer base. With support from Business Gateway, Zaria went onto rebrand and relaunch her business in 2021, focusing more on providing a business-to-business service. Since launching, Branding by Zaria has attracted interest from all around Lanarkshire, with a steady influx of new clients interested in Zaria’s amalgamated approach of brand photography and visual storytelling. Having been introduced to networking groups within the Business Gateway community, Zaria has also launched her own networking group for female business owners to help inspire and build connections. Business Gateway has supported Zaria on this venture, and the group has now grown to 125 members. Zaria Young, Founder of Branding by Zaria, said: “I wanted to grow my business, but I had no idea where to start, so it was a huge help to have Business Gateway on hand to guide me to all the different webinars and workshops available. Business Gateway has provided me with opportunities to not only to grow my business, but also gain confidence in myself.” Bill Duncan, Operations Manager at Business Gateway, added: “Zaria has worked incredibly hard to rebrand and relaunch her original photography business. As well as her bespoke photography services, Zaria’s personality and enthusiasm differentiate her from her competitors, so it’s great to see the business flourish and overcome the difficulties encountered during the Covid pandemic.”

Surrey County Council has introduced paid leave for staff who juggle work with caring for a loved one. With Carers Rights Day on Thursday 23 November, the county council is highlighting a new policy which enables staff with caring responsibilities to take up to five days’ paid leave in a 12-month period. This is on top of an employee’s normal holiday allowance and can be used for a wide range of caring activities such as medical appointments. Earlier this year, new legislation was passed guaranteeing carers in the workforce the right to five days of unpaid leave a year, but a date for the law to come into effect has yet to be announced. The county council has already gone further by introducing leave without loss of pay, in recognition of the contribution of its own working carers. Figures from the last census suggest there are 2.5 million carers in employment in England and Wales, who may be looking after a partner, an elderly parent, a disabled child or anyone who relies on them for a long-term need. 90,000 Surrey residents indicated that they provide unpaid care for someone. The move to introduce paid leave was championed by Surrey County Council’s Carer Network, a forum for staff who are unpaid carers and come together on a regular basis. Looking after someone on top of your day job can be an isolating experience, so the network enables staff to talk to others facing the same sort of issues, helping reduce stress and absence. Along with other forms of support, the county council’s decision on leave was instrumental in helping it gain the next level in a nationally-recognised accreditation scheme for employers recently. The Carer Confident Level 2 award recognises those organisations who adopt carer-friendly practices. Sinead Mooney, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Surrey County Council summarises the benefits of being carer aware: “We are determined to do the right thing by our colleagues who face additional caring responsibilities outside work. Being an unpaid carer for someone who relies on you for help can place a huge burden on a person’s physical and mental health, so it’s only right that we do what we can to support our employees who find themselves in that position." “We know that many of our colleagues who look after someone with a long term need are in the most productive phase of their working life. To us, it’s common sense to promote carers’ rights and demonstrate our commitment to our employees.” Details of the support available to all carers across Surrey, regardless of their age or employment status, can be found here .

Eight hardy colleagues from JCT600 have once again donned their hiking boots in the name of charity, completing the 80-mile Dales Way to raise funds for automotive charity partner BEN. Earlier this autumn, the team took on the challenge of walking from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, to Bowness-on-Windermere, Cumbria – a five-and-a-half day hike, requiring a total of 200,000 steps and burning an average of 17,000 calories. The intrepid team comprised: John Tordoff, chief executive; Nigel Shaw, financial director; Richard Hargraves, managing director; Tracey Newton, people director; Graham Thacker, operations director; Andy Bateman, customer experience director; James Parker, chief information officer; and Ben Creswick, managing director of the group’s vehicles leasing division, JCT600 VLS. The walk was part of the BEN’s Benathlon Challenge which encouraged automotive businesses to exercise for a whole month, and was also an opportunity to fundraise for the charity which supports anyone in need who has worked in the industry. The JCT600 team has succeeded in raising £8,500 for BEN so far and donations can still be made here Richard Hargraves said: “BEN plays a vital role in the automotive industry, helping individuals from our sector when they need it most, and it’s vital that businesses like ours do all we can to support their work." “With many colleagues having previously taken part in fundraising activities, from hiking the Yorkshire Three Peaks to a 500-mile walking, running, cycling, swimming and rowing challenge to tour all of our 50-plus dealerships, we felt the rigours of the Dales Way should be added to the list. Passing through the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, it is a truly spectacular walk – even in torrential rain! Thanks to everyone for their support in helping us raise £8,500 for this fantastic charity.” BEN is dedicated to supporting anyone who works or has worked in the UK automotive industry, plus their family dependents. As well as supporting individuals in crisis, for example, by providing free life coaching, the charity also works with companies in the sector, helping them to promote the health and wellbeing of their people. JCT600 has grown from a single dealership into one of the largest privately owned businesses in Yorkshire. With over 50 dealerships from Yorkshire and the North East to Derbyshire and Lincolnshire, the group represents 23 of the world’s leading car marques and has a team of 2,300 colleagues.

A leading local care provider in the Solihull and Birmingham areas, has warned of a ‘looming full blown crisis’ in adult care. Owner and Managing Director of Bluebird Care Solihull & Birmingham West, has appealed directly to Victoria Atkins following her recent appointment as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in the Cabinet reshuffle last week, urging her to adopt live-in care services in response to the ‘critical situation.’ The plea comes as The National Audit Office (NAO) report reveals a social care system under significant financial strain, with over half of the reform funding redirected and waiting lists increasing by 37%. “We could be on the brink of a full-blown crisis in adult social care,” Indy said. “Innovative strategies like expanding live-in care services are crucial for averting this crisis and securing a sustainable future for our elderly. It's imperative that the new minister engages with service providers and seizes the opportunity to rethink care delivery in the UK.” Live-in care offers a comprehensive and adaptable service where carers reside with individuals in their homes, providing bespoke care, including personal care, medication management, and companionship. He added: “The broader adoption of live-in care could revolutionise our overstretched social care system. It's a cost-effective, dignified solution that supports the independence of our elderly and vulnerable populations,” Indy emphasises. In 2022, the closure of 247 care homes in the UK led to a significant decrease in available care beds, escalating the need for alternative forms of care. Indy said: “The growth in live-in care services is in part a reaction to these closures. Economic pressures, including high interest rates and surging energy costs, are likely factors behind these shutdowns. As a result, live-in care is emerging as a crucial solution within the social care sector.” - An observation which underscores the sector's shifting dynamics and the growing importance of live-in care. Drawing on his extensive experience in finance and business, Indy, along with his wife Kam Goraya, has been a leading advocate for high-quality, person-centred care in the region. By prioritising customer-centred services, Indy and Kam Goraya have demonstrated a dedication to excellence and a profound impact on the community, consistently delivering superior quality care. Indy concludes with a direct appeal to individuals and families exploring care options: “For those in need of full-time care, live-in care services provide a viable, comfortable alternative to traditional care homes. We encourage you to consider this option as a means to maintain quality of life and independence in the comfort of your own home.”

With the continual fight against climate change, businesses are expected to make differences in their management to improve their sustainability. One route many are taking is to go zero-waste. In fact, companies such as Morrisons are even attempting to shift to a fully zero-waste store by 2025. But what does zero-waste actually mean and what steps can your business take to keep in line with this goal too? What Does Zero-Waste Really Mean? When it comes to waste, you might be thinking of everything your business typically gets rid of during a week. And if all your waste is going to a landfill or incinerator, then you’d be right. However, you probably have a recycling bin somewhere in the business right now that isn’t actually producing waste. As long as you’re segregating and making a conscious effort to reduce what you send to landfills, you’re already on your way to reducing your waste. It is important to note that zero-waste doesn’t happen overnight as it can involve shifts in processes throughout a business that produce waste. Take, for example, your hotel kitchen. It would take time to transition from using ingredients which rely on wasteful packaging to recyclable materials. Allow your company the time to adjust to the new ways of working, and research how you too can start dropping your waste numbers. Ways To Achieve Zero-Waste 1 - Work With A Waste Management Company Working with a waste management company is one of the best ways you can achieve a zero-waste goal, especially if you don’t have the resources or understanding in-house to achieve all you want to. A total waste management system can ensure you’re firstly minimising any waste you produce, and only then ensuring you are disposing of it correctly. They then can even offer strategic advice when it comes to planning and designing out your waste. Nathan Gray, Head of Sustainability at Reconomy , experts in waste management, says: “Achieving zero-waste doesn’t have to be a difficult task when you have all the facts – ‘You can’t manage what you don’t measure’. By taking on a waste management system, you can get the technology, data, insights and initiatives you need to achieve your sustainability goals." “Making sure you’re keeping up with legislation or industry standards for sustainability, whether you’re in hospitality, construction, facilities or another sector, is crucial. With a heightened focus on climate change, making sure your business is making the vital steps to reduce your carbon footprint is more important than ever.” 2 - Recycle And Reuse Where possible, make sure you’re recycling and reusing equipment or waste products that can have multiple uses. Carry out a waste audit to analyse how much waste you are producing, which service lines are producing the most, and what types of waste you are producing. This will help you better understand your wastage and where it can be improved. This will give you an indication of how much your waste is costing you too, as wasted products can be costing your business money. Analysing your waste, redesigning products and implementing sustainable changes, can help you reduce your waste. For example, if your customers are using single-use hand towels, you might want to swap to recyclable or reusable hand towels. While the initial purchase price might be higher for sustainable items which are easily reused, they pay off over time. You just need to put in place a circular solution. Other considerations could be, if you’re buying in products which come in single-use plastic wrapping, you might consider discussing this with your supplier or swapping for one with similar sustainability goals and who use recyclable packaging. This is where the partnerships you make are crucial. Your carbon footprint isn’t wholly reliant on what you produce, but also on what you buy into your venues and how you handle them. 3 - Donate Another way to reduce your waste, especially if you’re going through a renovation, is to donate usable equipment and furniture to charities, local authorities, schools, libraries, or other companies in need of a start-up boost. This will also connect your business closer to the community, as you donate your belongings to those in need. This can be a rewarding way of removing unnecessary items, giving them another life without putting them into a landfill. 4 - Educate Your Staff Education is crucial when it comes to any transition in business, but even more so when it comes to sustainability. This is a whole company shift, and so it is a whole team effort to make sure that the necessary actions are in place, whether this is ensuring recycled items are being placed in the right bin or that your staff are educated around what zero-waste actually means for them. This also ensures that all venues are aligned. If you’re a hotel chain with multiple locations, ensuring each is following procedure and contributing to the zero-waste goals is essential, and this comes from adequate training for your management. Try an away day or collective company meeting to instill these values into your employees. We can also share best practice learning from one site to another to help share that knowledge. A good sustainability strategy involves everyone. This could be within the company as an employee training day, finding good partnerships with companies with similar sustainability goals, or working with a waste management team to truly understand and correct your waste procedures. Whichever way you go about reducing your waste, if you’re reducing your landfill and incineration waste, the impact on the environment and climate will be positive.

Tate & Lyle PLC (Tate & Lyle), a world leader in ingredient solutions for healthier food and beverages, has been named one of the world’s 1,000 most trustworthy companies by weekly news magazine Newsweek and Statista, a leading market research and insights business1. Within the 1,000 most trustworthy companies, Tate & Lyle was ranked in the top half of companies in the global food and beverage category2. The inaugural ranking for 2023 was based on an independent survey involving 70,000 participants in 21 countries, and an online and social media assessment including 269,000 evaluations of companies across 23 industries on the subject of trust, from how they service their customers, to how they are viewed by investors, to their treatment of employees. Survey participants evaluated companies on statements such as, "I trust in this company to treat me fairly as its customer," "I trust that this company is competently led" and "I believe this company treats its employees fairly." Nick Hampton, CEO at Tate & Lyle PLC, said: “We are delighted to be recognised as one of the most trustworthy companies globally and within our industry. In an uncertain world, trust is a precious commodity, perhaps nowhere more so than in the industry responsible for providing safe, affordable and nutritious food to billions of people worldwide." “Alongside stronger ESG3 rankings, this recognition comes at a time of increasingly positive customer perception of Tate & Lyle as shown by a recent customer survey that scored us highly for ingredient innovation and sustainability, as well as loyalty, satisfaction and enthusiasm. This progress reflects the integrity, professionalism and dedication of colleagues across Tate & Lyle who live our purpose of Transforming Lives through the Science of Food every day.”

More than 40 businesses from across Warwickshire were represented at Kenilworth Chamber of Trade’s Business Expo, returning after four years. The event, hosted by main sponsor The Holiday Inn, Kenilworth, also offered visitors the chance to sit in on three seminars involving speakers from the world of business marketing: Amanda Chalmers, of Chalmers News PR; Ian O’Donnell MBE, of Real Point Video for Business, and Gus Bhandal of MGuru, who presented on ‘How To Be Awesome on Linked In.’ The half-hour sessions, brought an enthusiastic response from attendees and offered a valuable learning element to the day. Lunchtime saw a Tai Chi session with My Healthy Steps, and the day finished on a high with a fast-moving, speed networking activity hosted by Action Coach Warwick. Chair of Kenilworth Chamber of Trade, Nadine Hummert and Sir Jeremy Wright, MP for Kenilworth and Southam, welcomed exhibitors and visitors, commenting on the importance of the unique and valuable business community in Kenilworth. Sir Jeremy then took the opportunity to visit exhibitors to discuss local business issues. Later in the day, Kenilworth’s Mayor, Councillor Alix Dearing, opened the afternoon session, also spending time visiting the different exhibitor stands and making connections. Headline Sponsor, Roisin Ni’Chonghaile of True Potential Wealth Management, said it had been a privilege to sponsor the event, not only an opportunity to support and celebrate the diverse local business community but a great opportunity for all to promote their business services face to face. Nadine Hummert said: “The small team on the Chamber Committee are very proud of what has been achieved at the Expo; there was a huge buzz in the room all day – people making valuable contacts, engaging with each other, learning and connecting." “We were excited by the variety of businesses who were so keen to be a part of the event and use it as an opportunity to promote their business. Solicitors, Ward and Rider, took the opportunity to showcase their new office in Kenilworth, having recently merged with David Lee Solicitors. “Kenilworth Town Council launched their Business Forum Survey; there was a huge variety of different businesses- service providers, retailers and health and wellbeing – Chamber members Mander Hadley Solicitors, Kenilworth Footcare, ARHR, East Chase Distillers, Spot On, BNI Kenilworth, Time for Me, Super-Being, Socially Shared and Primrose Bespoke, Pragmatic Consulting, Karen Massey Photography, Financial Design, FSB, Alsters Kelley, Audley Villages, Shelley Wilson Author and Cube Accounting – were among them.” The event also raised £120 for the charity for the day, was the Kenilworth Centre, who were keen to showcase the many support services and community activities that they provide. Guest Speaker, Ian O’Donnell MBE commented: “Thank you Kenilworth Chamber for hosting such a dynamic and enriching Expo. We’re already looking forward to the next opportunity to be a part of this vibrant business community.”

A highly-respected nuclear decommissioning and engineering business which delivers sustainable solutions for industry is celebrating winning a prestigious award. React Engineering has developed a reputation across the UK and beyond for delivering pioneering, high quality, engineering and project management solutions in nuclear decommissioning and environmental clean-up, and achieving those outcomes in the most sustainable way possible. At the Britain’s Energy Coast Business Cluster (BECBC) Awards on Thursday night, surrounded by peers of engineering and manufacturing specialists, many in the nuclear supply chain, React took the honours with the top accolade on the night when crowned ‘Business of The Year’. Phil Redfern, React’s Managing Director, said: “I am proud of every member of the team at React who have all contributed to this amazing success and this award is thanks to each and every one of them." “We believe in empowering our people, encouraging entrepreneurial spirit, giving our team responsibility and opportunities to grow and develop their skills and capabilities to be the best they can be. We also believe if something is worth doing it’s worth doing to the very best of all our abilities." “That focus on innovative thinking and quality delivery has paid dividends over almost 30 years as it has enabled us to develop relationships built on trust. Our customers value our approach, ethos and our capability to deliver sustainable solutions to complex industry challenges" “We have established a long-term valued relationship with our key-client Sellafield Ltd and it seemed fitting that they handed over the award after so many years of working with them." “Winning an award like this and celebrating together, along with our peers made up of so many innovative, high quality, high-performing businesses and organisations across the region, is both humbling and inspiring." “From our learning and experience over the last three decades, we are always happy to share best practice with others on how to make decommissioning happen through technical capability and how we maintain a pipeline of fresh thinking coming into the industry." “Any organisation which wants to find out more, or is interested in collaborating with us, our door is always open.” React is also passionate about raising aspirations for young people by providing educational opportunities in science and engineering not usually accessible to school students, in addition to running a series of fun events and workshops promoting STEM subjects. Last year, the company relaunched its React Futures scheme which provides financial and professional support for young people to kickstart their careers within the engineering sector. Phil said: “We have always been passionate about giving back to our communities and making a positive difference to those who might not otherwise have access to further education or career opportunities, especially in science and engineering. It’s part of our DNA at React and we will continue to try to inspire the next generation.” React enjoyed double success on the night as its team also took to the stage as part of a collaboration of Cumbrian SMEs who have established Resolve Engineered Solutions. Resolve, which brings together the expertise of four companies: React Engineering, Forth, PAR Systems and COMS, to deliver end-to-end engineering services to mark a significant step forward in the nuclear industry's capabilities, scooped the Collaboration Award. Earlier this year React, which is based at Cleator Moor, in Cumbria, opened a new office in Warrington to further embed its working relationships with the wider Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) Group in Risley, and create new partnerships with the NDA supply chain whilst providing a platform for further growth throughout the UK.

Wakefield Council is excited to unveil a new visual identity which has been created to modernise the look and feel of the district’s six markets with a nod to their rich history, as part of a £6.47m programme of repair and improvement. Following an extensive consultation with residents and traders, the new look is being rolled out across the markets, starting with gazebos at Wakefield Market. The new gazebo design incorporates feedback from market traders, local retailers and key stakeholders. The remaining five markets, Castleford, Ossett, Normanton, Pontefract and South Elmsall will also start to see fresh new signage and stall sheeting as improvement works continue. Councillor Michael Graham, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “It’s great to see the new visual identity that’s been created for our markets come to life and I think it looks brilliant. I can’t wait for it to be rolled out across the rest of the district." “We have an important programme of work underway to make our markets an even more attractive place for people to visit and for people to trade from and the new visual identity is another step in the right direction." “If you are starting out with a new business or want to expand your current business, why not consider becoming a market stall trader? It’s a great low risk, low-cost way to test your business in a friendly, supportive environment.” Work is also continuing to improve and repair the markets, with works in Pontefract due to finish in the coming months and Castleford in Spring 2024. The work will enhance their quality and look, to attract new traders and ensure they continue to play a significant role in bringing more shoppers to the town centres and contributing to the local economy. Whilst the work continues, the markets are welcoming new traders with fresh business ideas. New and existing traders are offered a range of support from the markets team including the newly updated Business Start-Up scheme, which includes a substantial 50% reduction in rent over the first 12 weeks of trading. This means new traders will pay six weeks full rent and then receive six weeks free.

History was made this week as education business Coracle was presented on Monday with its King’s Award for Enterprise for promoting opportunity at a special ceremony at HMP Warren Hill prison in Suffolk. Founder and CEO James Tweed received the award from His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare, Countess of Euston. “We could have done this ceremony in a swanky hotel in London but that wouldn’t have been right. We absolutely had to receive this award in a prison in front of the people who actually use our devices for learning and education,” said Tweed. When Tweed organised the event, with the support of Warren Hill governor Dave Nicholson, he didn’t know it would be a world first. However, this was confirmed by the Lord Lieutenant. “This is the first time an award like this has been presented inside a prison since the Queen’s Awards were first introduced,” said the Lord Lieutenant. “We are all very excited to be making an important piece of history today and where better to do that than here at Warren Hill in Suffolk, and in celebration of the huge success of James Tweed, and his exceptional team at Coracle.” The Lord Lieutenant hailed the ‘pioneering work’ of Coracle, which now operates in 86 prisons in the UK, roughly 75 percent of the prison estate. Coracle has 2500 devices in use but founder James Tweed wants to significantly increase this number. “Everyone who leaves prison should do so equipped with the right digital skills,” said the Lord Lieutenant, “Along with the self belief that they can reconnect with supportive communities and be in control of their lives. This offers hope and opportunity to ex offenders and makes such a positive impact on society as a whole." “The potential benefits of this technology reach far beyond prison to all those who are isolated from learning, often deprived communities that can be helped to thrive and to flourish. As you often say, James, digital literacy is a right for everyone. This is ultimately about second chances and the belief that every person counts.” Among those in attendance were men currently serving sentences at the jail who are also using Coracle’s laptops to study and complete courses from providers such as the Open University and the Prisoners' Education Trust. James Tweed thanked the learners and the support his company receives from across the prison service and from those in government. “Coracle works, and can only work, when it is in collaboration with the people who are before me right now,” said Tweed, “The prison education teams, prison staff Governors, our supporters in government, in particular those from HMPPS, the Ministry of Justice and, of course, the men and women who use Coracle and see it as a way to change their lives for the better.”