Thousands of pounds have been netted for a charity following a female-only event which combined networking with fundraising for a paw-some cause. Sheffield-based Support Dogs held its inaugural charity netball tournament at the city’s Canon Medical Arena, with more than 100 people in attendance. The day raised a fantastic £4,500 for Support Dogs, a national charity which trains and provides assistance dogs to help autistic children and adults with epilepsy or physical disability to live safer, more independent lives. Teams from local businesses Irwin Mitchell, Mott Macdonald, Taylor Emmet, CMS, Sheffield Forgemasters, Westfield Health and Bond Bryan, which were also headline sponsor, took part. They battled it out during the three-and-a-half hour event, which also included a presentation, raffle and network opportunities. There was even motivation provided by doggy cheerleaders support dogs Derek, Burnsie, Millie and puppy Walt. The final was hotly contested by law firms Irwin Mitchell and CMS, with Irwin Mitchell emerging as the winners. Chris Daykin, Support Dogs’ corporate partnerships manager, said: “I have always loved taking part in sporting and corporate days, including football and golf events, but feel they have always been very male-focused. “A lot of our corporate partners are led by female decision-makers and we wanted to create a sporting networking charity event aimed at women, while raising money for a fantastic cause.” He said some of the women – who hadn’t played netball since school – are planning to join or form teams and added: “We rely heavily on donations and the money raised will make a huge difference to the charity. There was a really fantastic spirit throughout the day and we’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who helped make it such a success.” Jon Rigby, associate director at Bond Bryan, said: “We were delighted to support this event, for such a wonderful cause at the recently-completed Canon Medical Arena, which we were lucky enough to be involved in designing. It felt really special to us and is something really close to our hearts. “Our team had such a brilliant time, the event was wonderfully run and it was clear how much fun and enjoyment all the teams had throughout the day.” Gemma Allchin, head of community and workforce engagement at Sheffield Forgemasters, added: “This was a great opportunity for women from across Sheffield Forgemasters to get together, learn a new sport and participate in a fantastic event for charity and women in business. “Our team thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Not only did we meet new women from within our business but it gave us the opportunity to network with other women across Sheffield at the event. We are looking forward to the next tournament as we had so much fun!” Alex Styan, director of Arena Netball, a Community Interest Company, was the netball tournament host and donated her time to running the netball side of the event, including arranging for umpires from DNC Netball to support it. She said: “It was important to me to support a corporate event for females that fit with the aims we have at the arena to engage more people in netball and reduce barriers to taking part.” Support Dogs thanked sponsors Bond Bryan, Meadowhall and Pricecheck, as well as Canon Medical for providing the amazing facilities at the Canon Park Community Arena, all the teams which took part, special guest Fran Duffy, captain of the Netball Ireland, for handing out prizes and DNC Netball and Arena Netball for helping the day run so seamlessly. To find out more about Support Dogs, visit here .

Full-service marketing and communications agency, Big Bamboo, has been appointed by Apollo Capital, one of the UK’s leading finance brokers specialising in luxury, classic, super and hyper car finance. The agency is made up of 17 strategists, brand specialists, content writers, PR experts and designers – will support the company as it continues its growth journey. It will assist with PR, social media strategy and implementation as well as brand, design and community positioning work. Founded in 2020 by Andy King, CEO and David Moss, Managing Director, who have worked at the very top level in their industry for over 25 years, Apollo already has a very strong track record for delivering customers funding requirements ranging from £50,000 up to multimillion pound cars. Since inception, with their expertise, it's already seen impressive results, delighting thousands of clients with car finance services across the length and breadth of the UK. Nicola Stamford, Founding Director of The Big Bamboo Agency, comments: “We are thrilled to have been appointed by Apollo Capital, which is a leading player in its field." “The company’s story is an impressive one, led by a very passionate and inspirational CEO, Managing Director and wider team – all of whom we look forward to working with.” Andy adds: “Nicola presented to us recently outlining how she and the rest of the Big Bamboo team could support us, in the next stage of our growth ambition." “We wanted experienced marketing and communications support, and the fit was perfect for us. We’re already enjoying working with Nicola and the team, showcasing Apollo's services so more successful clients and businesses can benefit, reinforcing our position in the marketplace.”

As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East over Gaza and disorder and uncertainty gets closer to home, an HR expert has pleaded with UK SMEs and employers to ensure they consider the impact of the conflict on their employees. As twice published author and founder of DOHR, Donna Obstfeld explains: "The UK has wonderfully diverse workplaces but right now, tensions are high and people on both sides of the situation are incredibly worried." ‘It is critical to remember that as a UK employer, you have a number of legal responsibilities and these should be delivered with communication, understanding and support for all of your employees, regardless of their religion, lack of religion, or political views.’ Donna’s comments come as Suella Braverman was sacked by prime minister Rishi Sunak following a controversial article on the Met Police, which some have suggested stoked further disorder in the capital over the weekend. "This is a really difficult time and opinions will be voiced by a wide range of people as we have seen in Whitehall over the last few weeks. However, politics aside, employers must keep in mind that they have a duty to protect their staff and to create an environment which is safe both physically and psychologically." "I am getting a lot of messages from employers who aren’t sure how best to handle the situation which is perfectly understandable. The first thing is to speak to your staff and ensure that they know you care about each of them personally." ‘If they are personally impacted through family and friends, ask them what support they need from the business. Be flexible and creative if necessary. Make sure your managers are aligned with your approach." "You then need to balance the freedom of speech and freedom of belief with the right not to be bullied, harassed or discriminated against at work based on beliefs, religion or nationality." "I urge you to use your disciplinary policy and processes with extreme caution. If an employee physically attacks another employee, then this is far more clear-cut than expressed feelings or beliefs." "Finally, try to bring people together. Find ways to focus on shared beliefs and values. Find ways to support each other. Share food together. Friendship must be stronger than hatred and you need your team to work together."

Almost three-quarters (72%) of UK Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) believe there is a lack of quality developers available to hire, according to a new report - State of Development Landscape and Trends for 2024 - from curated developer marketplace platform Deazy. It's an issue on the minds of CTOs, with one-third of respondents saying that this lack of tech talent kept them awake at night. The main reasons for this dearth of tech talent were the UK education system not producing sufficient quality candidates and tech moving so fast that it is difficult for candidates and their skills to keep pace – both were cited by half of respondents. Other factors for the lack of quality tech talent given were people being put off by the prospect of AI doing much of their work (36%), the industry putting off diverse candidates (35%), and Brexit shrinking the talent pool (35%). “A lack of tech talent has been an issue for years, but it feels like we could now be approaching crisis point,” commented Andy Peddar, CEO, Deazy. “A combination of Brexit, GenAI, the lightning pace of tech, a lack of industry diversity and long-term issues around the education system’s ability to create strong candidates have created a perfect storm. CTOs need to put in place measures that address this in the longer term, but also plug gaps in the short-term to ensure projects don’t suffer.” The main challenges that CTOs found when recruiting were a combination of internal and external factors. 37% of respondents said their organisation lacked the budget for the packages needed to recruit the best candidates, while 31% said they lacked the time and resources to source candidates effectively. External factors cited by CTOs included a lack of expertise and skills in the areas required (43%) and a general lack of quality candidates (35%). The current economic uncertainty was also a factor, with 31% of CTOs saying candidates are more reluctant to switch roles. The most important benefits to offer when recruiting quality tech candidates, according to CTOs, are the opportunity to progress and develop (53%) and a competitive salary (50%). However, just one in four CTOs felt that being a purpose-driven organisation was most important, a finding that goes against popular perceptions of what candidates themselves seek in a package. “The role of CTO is pressured at the best of times, but the current recruitment challenges and dearth of tech talent are making it even harder,” continued Andy Peddar. “Attention must be paid to becoming a purpose-driven company and creating a culture that engages people and attracts talent. They must look beyond their own organisation to plug the technology talent gaps they are facing and also look at longer-term measures such as academies and training camps to ensure their digital skillsets are current and that they have enough people to carry out the work.”

Independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame has expanded its estate with the acquisition of historic seafront pub The Ship Inn in Herne Bay. The addition of the freehold property, which was part of the Stonegate Group portfolio, takes Shepherd Neame’s total of pubs and hotels to 296, across Kent, London and the South East. The Ship Inn will continue to be run by current licensees Alan and Michele Clarke, who already have another Shepherd Neame pub, the Chestfield Barn. The husband and wife team took on The Ship Inn in April this year, and welcomed the change in ownership. Alan said: “We have been running the Chestfield Barn for the past six years, and have always enjoyed a great relationship with Shepherd Neame during that time, so we were really happy to learn that they would be taking on this site as well." “We know Shepherd Neame’s team well, and are confident that we can work together to fulfil our ambitions for the pub.” The Ship Inn is thought to be the oldest building in Herne Bay, with parts dating back to 1385, and was once a renowned smugglers’ haunt. Located on Central Parade, it boasts extensive sea views, particularly from its large terrace area, which is a popular spot for al fresco drinking and dining. Alan said: “Things have been going really well at the Chestfield Barn, so Michele and I had begun looking for another opportunity to expand into a second site, and when The Ship Inn came up earlier this year, we decided to go for it. It is in a fantastic location and there was a huge amount of potential as it had been closed for a while and needed some refurbishment." “We have introduced the elements of our offer which have proved popular at the Chestfield Barn, including creating a delicious new menu of traditional pub classics and light bites. We have received a fantastic welcome from locals and are really pleased with how things are going so far.” Jonathon Swaine, Shepherd Neame’s Managing Director, Pubs, said: “We are delighted to expand our tenanted estate with the acquisition of this characterful pub. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Alan and Michele and supporting them in their efforts to ensure the pub goes from strength to strength.” The Ship Inn is open every day from 12pm, with food served from 12pm to 8.30pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 12pm to 5.30pm on Sunday. For information visit here.

A new truck is set to hit the world stage to thrill families and motorsport fans after digger maker JCB and entertainment giant Monster Jam ® announced a new partnership. The two family companies are joining forces to establish JCB as the official heavy equipment partner of Monster Jam - an alliance which has seen a new truck design added to the Monster Jam fleet known as JCB DIGatron. It was designed in conjunction with JCB’s engineering team and inspired by JCB’s iconic construction equipment and is set to make its debut at Monster Jam in January at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas - the city which is also the site of a proposed new JCB factory announced last month. JCB DIGatron will be driven by reigning Monster Jam World Finals® Racing champion Tristan England at events around the United States, wowing hundreds of thousands of fans. At selected events where DIGatron is participating, JCB will provide equipment to support track construction as well as a JCB 457 wheeled loader for recovery purposes. Juliette Feld Grossman, Chief Operating Officer, Feld Entertainment, said: “The Monster Jam and JCB partnership brings together two long-standing, family businesses that are both committed to providing the highest value to our customers, including performance and innovation. We are excited to welcome JCB into the Monster Jam family.” Alice Bamford, who is daughter of JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford, said: “Our family is delighted by the partnership between Monster Jam and JCB." "Our son, Otis, is the original Monster Jam fan in our family, and it is through his eyes that we realised how incredible it could be to join forces with another family business like Feld Entertainment as both companies share the same values of innovation, dedication, passion, and attention to detail. We are thrilled about the hours of entertainment that JCB DIGatron, with Tristan at the wheel, will bring to children, families, and our customers across North America!” About Monster Jam Unexpected, unscripted, and unforgettable, Monster Jam® features world-class athletes competing for championships on perfectly engineered dirt tracks that push these ever-evolving, state-of-the-art trucks to the limit. Beyond the 350 global live events each year, the Monster Jam brand extends off the track into the home through products, content, and merchandise that keeps the fun alive year-round. For more information, visit MonsterJam.com. About Feld Motor Sports Feld Motor Sports Inc., a subsidiary of Feld Entertainment Inc., is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting specialized arena and stadium-based motorsports entertainment. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Visit monsterjam.com, SupercrossLIVE.com, and feldentertainment.com for more information. About JCB JCB is the world’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment, with plants in the UK, USA, India, China and Brazil. JCB manufactures a range of more than 300 products including Loadall telescopic handlers, backhoe loaders, excavators, wheeled loaders, compact excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, aerial work platforms, rough terrain forklifts, and Fastrac tractors.

Ahead of the opening weekend of the new season, Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR), in partnership with Getty Images, is aiming to change perceptions of women’s rugby by unveiling a curated photo series championing 10 of the game’s stars. The campaign, Powered Differently, shot by Tara Moore for Getty Images, is 100% powered by women to capture the stories of incredible rugby players with a range of backgrounds and unique talents from PWR clubs across the UK. The campaign has been created with an intentional and inclusive lens to visual storytelling for women and girls in sport. The imagery showcases women’s rugby in a new light, highlighting the powerful diversity that exists in the PWR, where any woman can find a representation of themselves on the pitch. This follows Getty Images’ VisualGPS research showing that 7 in 10 British consumers want sports organisations to do a better job at promoting female athletes. The shoot comprised of 10 players, from every team in the league, features, from left to right: Rachel Lund (Gloucester-Hartpury), Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins), Jodie Ounsley (Exeter Chiefs), Abbie Ward (Bristol Bears), Zoe Harrison (Saracens), Abi Burton and Ellie Green (Trailfinders), Detysha Harper (Sale Sharks), Amanda Swartz (Leicester Tigers) and Daisy Hibbert-Jones (Loughborough Lightning). The ambition is to raise the profile of the players beyond their rugby profile, capturing the incredible stories behind each player too. Getty Images guidelines for photographing female athletes prioritise a player-led approach, from conception to execution. The images in the series reveal the unique personalities and incredible stories of the players beyond the game, including Jodie Ounsley who wears a cochlear implant, and Abbie Ward the first player contracted by England to return to playing after having a baby, benefiting from the RFU’s newly installed maternity policy. Shaunagh Brown, Harlequins Women player and former England international comments: “The concept for the campaign is about us as people not just players. It’s really important that we’re able to express ourselves and show a different side and that we’re more than just rugby players. Often you can be found guilty of thinking ‘it’s just another picture what does it matter’, but actually when we see photos that truly represent us, it gives us confidence.” Abi Burton, star of the shoot and player for Trailfinders Women also adds: “I’ve never really done a photo shoot like this before but to work with such amazing photographers, stylists and make-up artists, it’s been such a unique experience. On previous shoots you would usually just wear your rugby kit and that’s about it, this time we’ve been able to express our true selves and people have been willing to listen to how we want to do it too which has been really powerful.” Earlier this year, Belinda Moore was appointed CEO of the PWR, taking responsibility for supercharging the growth of the domestic league. Moore has already led a rebrand of the league from Premiership 15’s to PWR and, together with this campaign, has the ambition to convert the broader momentum in the women’s game into value for the domestic league. Belinda Moore, CEO of Allianz Premiership Women’s Rugby comments: “We’re entering a new era of women’s rugby and it’s fair to say that historically there have been a lot of stereotypes around the sport. I think what is so important about this campaign is that it tries to break some of those stereotypes and show off the incredible women that play in the PWR, that look great in their own right and have amazing personal stories." “They’re rugby players first and foremost but they’re also fantastic role models for the next generation of women and girls that can look at these women and say ‘that could be me’, and I think that’s an extraordinarily powerful thing for the sport to do.” Jacqueline Bourke, Senior Director Creative at Getty Images adds: “Breaking down stereotypes around women and girls in sport is a key focus of ours at Getty Images so we were delighted to partner with Premiership Women’s Rugby and bring our deep visual expertise and insights to their campaign.” In addition to the campaign amplifying the players profiles, the PWR has also secured a landmark first broadcast deal with TNT Sports, committing to showing more than 20 live games throughout the season. This means that at least one game will be shown live each game week working to make sure that women’s rugby can make the most of the growing number of women’s sports fans in the UK. The first match of the new season between Bristol Bears and Sale Sharks, kicks-off live on TNT Sports on Saturday 18th November at 12.30pm.

Manchester United plc has announced that Richard Arnold has decided to step down as Chief Executive Officer of Manchester United after 16 years with the club. Patrick Stewart will take over as interim CEO, in addition to his existing role as General Counsel, with Richard continuing to provide transitional support until the end of December. A search process will be carried out for a new permanent CEO. Joel Glazer, Executive Co-Chairman, said: “I would like to thank Richard for his outstanding service to Manchester United over the past 16 years, and wish him all the best for his future endeavours. We are fortunate to be able to call on the deep knowledge and experience of Patrick Stewart to provide interim stability and continuity as we embark on a search for a new permanent CEO.” Richard Arnold, outgoing CEO, said: “It has been an incredible privilege to serve this great football club for the past 16 years. Through highs and lows, the constant has been the dedication of our employees and fans. I would like to thank all of them for their loyalty and commitment and wish everyone associated with the club the very best for the future.” Patrick Stewart said: “Together with my leadership team colleagues, my job will be to ensure that the club’s foundations remain stable while we embrace changes that can make us stronger over the long term, both on and off the pitch, and to support the search for a new permanent CEO.”

Five University of Dundee researchers have been named on a “who’s who” list of the world’s most influential academics. Experts from the University’s Schools of Life Sciences, Medicine, and Business have been named in Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers 2023 list. The annual list identifies researchers who have demonstrated significant influence in their chosen field or fields through the publication of multiple highly cited papers during the last decade. Their names are drawn from the publications that rank in the top 1% by citations for field and publication year in the Web of Science citation index. Of the world’s population of scientists and social scientists, Highly Cited Researchers are just 1 in 1,000, further emphasising Dundee’s achievement as home to five such individuals. The Dundee academics named in the prestigious list are: Professor Albena Dinkova-Kostova (School of Medicine) Professor Graham Hardie (School of Life Sciences) Professor Sudharshan Reddy Paramati (School of Business) Professor John Peters (School of Life Sciences) Professor John Raven (School of Life Sciences) Professor Lisanne Gibson, Vice-Principal (Research), said, “The University of Dundee has a proud track record of championing innovative, ground-breaking research. Our researchers are committed to sharing findings as widely and openly as possible, with this approach reflected through our high citations and reach." “To have our academics included in Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers list is a testament to their abilities and the importance of disseminating their contributions to the global research community.” David Pendlebury, Head of Research Analysis at the Institute for Scientific Information at Clarivate, said, “The Highly Cited Researchers list identifies and celebrates exceptional individual researchers at the University of Dundee whose significant and broad influence in their fields translates to impact in their research community and innovations that make the world healthier, more sustainable and more secure." “Their contributions resonate far beyond their individual achievements, strengthening the foundation of excellence and innovation in research.” Find more full text and openly available research from University of Dundee on the Discovery Research Portal here

Professor Dario Alessi, of the University of Dundee, has been awarded the Robert A. Pritzker Prize for Leadership in Parkinson’s Research by the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), recognising his exceptional research contributions to the disease. Professor Alessi is Director of the Medical Research Council Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit (MRC-PPU) and Professor of Signal Transduction in the University’s School of Life Sciences. The Robert A. Pritzker Prize for Leadership in Parkinson’s Research has been awarded annually by MJFF since 2011. This award to Professor Alessi includes a $200,000 research grant. “It is an incredible honour to receive the Pritzker Prize,” said Professor Alessi. “Having this award funding will be transformational to furthering our progress on Parkinson's research and moving us closer to finding treatments that cure the disease." "It also helps us achieve a key goal in the lab: giving students and other researchers fantastic opportunities to learn about research and become leading experts in this field.” Professor Alessi has a distinguished history as a global leader in the study of kinases, a class of cellular proteins that includes LRRK2, the most frequent cause of inherited Parkinson’s. In addition to running a lab focused on kinase research, he directs the Dundee Signal Transduction Therapy Unit, a collaboration between leading researchers in the University's School of Life Sciences and some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies. He also leads an international research network team that explores the biology underlying genetic mutations in Parkinson’s disease. The team is part of the Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP) initiative, a coordinated research initiative which focuses on accelerating the path to a cure for Parkinson’s disease through collaboration, research-enabling resources and data sharing. Noting Professor Alessi’s work illuminating the pathobiology of the LRRK2 mutation and his pivotal role guiding MJFF’s LRRK2 funding and research strategy, Shalini Padmanabhan, MJFF’s Vice-President, Discovery and Translational Research, said, “Dr. Alessi has trailblazed areas of science that are key to our understanding of the genetics of Parkinson’s disease. This work provided a greater understanding of LRRK2 that is being leveraged in ongoing and future trials of therapies to inhibit LRRK2 and hopefully slow the progression of the disease.” Professor Alessi earned his Bachelor’s and PhD degrees from the University of Birmingham and carried out postdoctoral work at the MRC-PPU at Dundee. He has been a group leader in the MRC-PPU since 1997 and was appointed its director in 2012. He was elected as a member of the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO) in 2005 and as Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (2002), the Royal Society (2008) and of the Academy of Medical Sciences (2012). Throughout his career, he has been honoured with awards, including the EMBO Gold Medal (2005) and the Francis Crick Prize of the Royal Society (2006). This year, he was named as the winner of the prestigious Jeantet-Collen Prize for Translational Medicine and was awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

A milestone director appointment at one of the UK’s most prominent ingredients manufacturers is helping usher in a new era for the family business. Macphie Ltd has appointed Donald MacDonald to the role of Operations Director, overseeing the development of its two manufacturing facilities - Glenbervie near Stonehaven and Tannochside in North Lanarkshire. With Donald taking on oversight of operations, former Site Director, Ed Widdowson, has moved into the role of Strategy & Sustainability Director, and will look to aggressively pursue Macphie’s sustainability goals. Andy Stapley, Macphie CEO, says the appointment and subsequent changes are crucial for the future success of the business: “We’re at a generational crossroads. The business has come through a strong period of growth despite the recent economic challenges and the latest appointments will be instrumental in driving our business forward." “We have signed off a huge investment commitment to overhaul elements of our sites at Glenbervie and Tannochside to boost production and jobs, while also improving upon our sustainability credentials." “It’s also important to invest in talented individuals who will bring fresh ideas and energy to the business and help us to thrive in the market.” The move comes at a pivotal moment for the £70m+ business, and Donald will be leading a programme of works to expand and improve production across both Scottish sites. Originally from Argyll but now living in Glasgow, the father-of-four brings more than 20 years of experience leading operations, supply chain and engineering roles within the food industry. With a background in chemical engineering, Donald has held senior roles at Rio Tinto and Bakkavor. Prior to his move to Macphie he spent four years as Operations Director at Scottish Salmon Company. He said: “It’s been fascinating learning all about Macphie’s large portfolio of products. The global potential is enormous. This is a high-growth, high-ambition company. In many ways it feels like a 50-year-old startup, such is the energy and the appetite for positive change." “In the shorter term we have major investment programmes underway, and I’m getting heavily involved as we expand our manufacturing capacity in Scotland." “One thing I’ve already come to realise is there’s an incredibly strong team of people at Macphie, which has been supplemented in recent years with senior leaders from a range of different backgrounds. I’m delighted to be able to play my part.” Macphie, which has held B Corp certification since 2015, aims to be carbon neutral by 2035 and Ed will be instrumental in laying the groundwork to achieve this target over the next decade. Recently, the firm implemented sustainability incentives including the installation of solar panels at the Tannochside site, and upgraded to high-efficiency boilers across facilities, which is expected to reduce energy usage by 20-25%. As a member of the fourth generation of the Macphie family to run the business, Ed will help ensure that the family-owned company retains its heritage while continuing to innovate under his strategic direction. Ed said: “Donald’s appointment enables me to take on a much more overarching role to set the longer-term direction of the business." “We’re a truly unique business with headquarters in a rural setting like no other, meaning the people we work with are fundamental to everything we do. Its why so many have stayed with us for decades and they will remain a vital part of our success moving forward." “Reward and recognition are critical to our core values. We must continue to attract the best talent, and a key part of that is ensuring our facilities are at the top of the game, which will enable us to continue high-performance, high-quality manufacturing." “Our outlook is really positive and through those investments in people and our sites we are positioning ourselves for the next 50 years of success." Originally founded in 1928 in Glasgow, the company later relocated to Glenbervie, near Stonehaven, in 1973, it has since grown to have 250 employees with revenues of over £70m. The game-changing move to Glenbervie in the seventies came alongside forward-thinking sustainability initiatives by Macphie. In 1974, Macphie began treating the effluent at the Glenbervie site to be used in a sustainable way, which marked the start of an impressive green journey for the food firm – now the site features its very own wind turbines to power the factory sustainably. Sustainability is a key element of the fourth-generation family firm’s philosophy: it was among Scotland’s first businesses to achieve B Corp status in 2015, having successfully demonstrated an unwavering high standard of social and environmental performance. Macphie Ltd is now an internationally renowned ingredients manufacturer, producing a wide range of products across its core categories of sauce, bakery and ice cream inclusions, as well as offering plant-based and gluten-free options. Macphie’s vision is to be the go-to partner for food brands around the world, turning ideas and creativity into practical solutions. Its passion for making life easier for chefs and bakers is reflected in its “simply clever” strapline.

Herbs, often referred to as the green jewels of the plant world, have been an integral part of human civilisation for millennia. These humble plants, with their aromatic leaves and incredible versatility, have played a significant role in culinary, medicinal, and even spiritual traditions across the globe. Let's explore the fascinating world of herbs, delving into their history, diversity, uses, and the revival of interest in these natural wonders. Herbs have a rich history that predates recorded civilisation. In fact, ancient texts from China, Egypt, and India all mention the use of herbs for medicinal purposes. The Greeks and Romans used herbs both for flavouring foods and for their medicinal properties. In the Middle Ages, monastic gardens preserved and cultivated herbs, contributing to their widespread availability. Herbs encompass a vast array of plant species, each with its unique characteristics and properties. Some popular herbs include basil, mint, thyme, and rosemary, but there are countless others, ranging from the familiar to the exotic. From leafy greens to woody shrubs, herbs come in various forms and are known for their fragrant leaves, which are often the key to their use. In the culinary world, herbs are like the magic touch that elevates the flavours of a dish. Whether it's the sweet aroma of basil in a Caprese salad, the zesty kick of coreander in a salsa, or the earthy depth of rosemary on roasted potatoes, herbs add depth and complexity to our favourite recipes. They allow us to experiment with flavours, creating unique and memorable dining experiences. Herbs have been used for their medicinal properties for centuries, and today, this ancient wisdom is being validated by modern science. Herbs like ginger, turmeric, and chamomile have well-documented health benefits, ranging from anti-inflammatory effects to aiding digestion and promoting relaxation. The resurgence of herbal medicine has led to a renewed interest in harnessing the therapeutic potential of these plants. Aromatherapy, a holistic healing approach, relies heavily on the use of essential oils extracted from herbs. Lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint are just a few examples of herbs used to create essential oils with various therapeutic benefits, including stress relief, improved sleep, and pain management. The soothing scents of herbs can have a profound impact on mental and emotional well-being. In recent years, the trend of growing herbs at home has gained momentum. It's a rewarding and sustainable practice that allows individuals to have fresh, organic herbs at their fingertips. Even for those with limited space, windowsill herb gardens offer the opportunity to cultivate a wide variety of herbs. Some of the most commonly grown herbs include: Basil - Known for its vibrant green leaves and sweet, slightly peppery flavour. - Most commonly used in Italian cuisine, especially in pesto sauce. - Medicinally, basil is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Mint - Mint leaves are refreshing and possess a cool, crisp flavour. - Widely used in beverages like mojitos, mint juleps, and herbal teas. - Mint is also known for its digestive benefits and can provide relief from indigestion and nausea. Thyme - Thyme offers a warm, earthy flavour with hints of citrus and pine. - It's a staple in Mediterranean and French cuisines, used in dishes like roasted meats, stews, and soups. - Medicinally, thyme is considered to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Rosemary - Rosemary has aromatic, needle-like leaves and a strong, piney scent and flavour. - A key ingredient in roasts, poultry, and bread recipes, as well as a popular herb for infused oils. - Some studies suggest that rosemary may improve memory and cognitive function. Coriander - Characterised by its bright green, delicate leaves and a citrusy, slightly peppery taste. - A staple in Mexican, Indian, and Thai cuisine, often used in salsas, curries, and salads. - Coriander is also known for its potential to detoxify heavy metals from the body. Parsley - Parsley has vibrant, curly or flat leaves and a mild, fresh, and slightly peppery flavour. - It's a versatile herb used to garnish a wide range of dishes, including soups, salads, and pasta. - Parsley is a good source of vitamins, especially vitamin C and vitamin K. These favourite herbs are not only culinary delights but also offer a wide range of potential health benefits. Their flavours and aromas are deeply intertwined with various global cuisines, and their versatility makes them a must-have in any kitchen, whether you're an aspiring chef or a home cook. Experimenting with these herbs can add depth and complexity to your dishes and enhance your appreciation of the rich world of herbs. Herbs are not just a delightful addition to our gardens and kitchens; they are the embodiment of nature's wisdom, offering a myriad of benefits to our health, well-being, and culinary adventures. As we continue to rediscover the potential of herbs in various aspects of our lives, we are reminded of the profound connection between humanity and the natural world. So, next time you savour a dish infused with the aroma of fresh herbs or soothe your soul with an herbal tea, take a moment to appreciate these green treasures and the rich tapestry of history and culture they represent.