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Heston Blumenthal OBE and owner of the Michelin-one starred gastropub The Hinds Head is calling on government and licensees to take urgent action to halt the closure of thousands of UK pubs. The Great British pub, a cornerstone of community life for centuries, is under threat from rising costs and shifting social habits; pressures that have seen them shut at a rate of more than one per day in the first half of 2025. The Treasury’s announcement in the Autumn Budget of lowered business rates, which have disproportionately penalised pubs and other hospitality locations, was welcome, but more reform is needed. At 20%, the UK has one of the highest rates of VAT for hospitality in Europe. Permanently lowering the rate could make a significant difference in keeping many businesses open, while also contributing positively towards economic recovery of the nation. At the same time, publicans can do more to raise consumer awareness and develop initiatives to encourage people to support their local pubs. The Hinds Head - the home of world-famous dishes including the runny Scotch Egg, Triple Cooked Chips and Quaking Pudding - has recently seen an increase in bookings and footfall of 20% following various initiatives it has introduced, including music nights, wine tastings, free ice cream for kids, a Christmas feast and extended opening hours. Heston Blumenthal OBE, owner of The Hinds Head, said: “Saving the Great British pub is about more than nostalgia – it is about preserving spaces that bring people together, support local economies and keep traditions alive. Pubs are at the heart of Britain’s social fabric, offering far more than just a place to buy a pint. The pub is a cultural icon, a national treasure and must be protected. When a pub closes, it’s not just a business lost; it’s a piece of local heritage and of course somewhere to enjoy a drink and delicious food with great company.”

Hendy IVECO is donating £5,000 to Challenge Adventure Charities (CAC), the charitable arm of Elliotts Builders Merchants, to support the Beaune Challenge, a 534-mile cycle expedition that will raise vital funds for a range of national and local charities. Every penny of sponsorship money raised by CAC participants is donated to good causes, with 50% of the total being split between the major beneficiaries – Cancer Research UK and British Heart Foundation – and the remaining 50% raised by each team donated to their own nominated charity. CAC has raised over £4.6m since it began organising charity cycling events in 1996. Each September, it organises a charity cycle ride, usually in France, where teams of four ride in relay over three days. Day one of the 2025 Challenge begins in Caen and takes in 185 miles of undulating Normandy countryside before descending into the Loire Valley to Orléans. Day two will see the riders travel south into the Auvergne, covering 189 miles to reach Vichy. The final day is a 160-mile stretch through the Beaujolais hills and into the vineyards of Burgundy to Beaune. A customer of Hendy IVECO, Elliotts Builders Merchants will have three teams departing from Portsmouth, with the aim of raising £20,000 for its charity of the year, Home Start Hampshire. Last year, despite heavy rain and wind, Elliotts set a CAC team record, raising over £22,000 for Home-Start Hampshire, smashing its fundraising target of £15,000. Paul Gilbert, General Manager of Hendy IVECO, said: “A key part of our business involves supporting local communities, and we’re proud to support Challenge Adventure Charities, a family business just like us, with its upcoming challenge. We know this event raises much-needed funds for local charities, and we wish all the riders good luck and good weather!” Stuart Elliott, Trustee of Challenge Adventure Charities, commented: “The support of Hendy IVECO makes it possible for us to complete another CAC bike ride, giving a welcome boost to our fundraising efforts. We hope Hendy IVECO’s contribution will inspire more riders to get involved, meet like-minded people and raise more funds for charities across the south coast and wider afield." “We look forward to smashing our overall target of £100,000 and raising awareness for Cancer Research UK and The British Heart Foundation, which do such great work in our community to help those struggling with life-changing diseases.”

One of St Ives’ most iconic coastal venues, the Pedn Olva, has reopened this week following a bold and ambitious renovation by St Austell Brewery. Perched on the rocks above Porthminster Beach, the iconic venue has been completely transformed to showcase its breath taking setting and rich heritage.   The Pedn Olva - one of St Austell Brewery’s 45 managed pubs across the South West - now features reconfigured layouts, expansive new terraces and a reimagined interior design inspired by its mining roots and coastal surroundings. A striking granite feature rises from the new lobby, complemented by a sculptural staircase and expansive glazing that frames uninterrupted views across the bay.   At the heart of the pub with rooms is a new 10-metre bar, crowned by a bespoke copper sculpture from local artist Shelley Anderson, paying homage to the site’s industrial past. The reconfigured layout also includes new snug areas, a spacious dining room, and enhanced outdoor terraces - including a rooftop deck - perfect for soaking up the panoramic sea views. Bi-fold doors replace exterior walls, opening onto an expansive new raised terrace overlooking Porthminster Beach.   Natural materials, including granite, wood, and copper, have been used throughout, while turquoise tiling and custom carpets evoke the textures and colours of the Cornish coastline. As a venue rooted in a town synonymous with art, the interiors showcase more than 25 pieces of original, commissioned and bespoke artwork including sculpture and stained glass, many by Cornish artists and sourced from local galleries - along with originals from renowned St Ives painters including William Black and Victor Bramley.   All 27 bedrooms have been fully refurbished, each offering sea views and coastal-inspired décor. The designs feature nods to artists such as Barbara Hepworth and Peter Lanyon, seen in bespoke rugs and soft furnishings. Rooms also include rainfall showers, Hypnos beds, and minibars stocked with St Austell Brewery favourites.   Alongside an extensive drinks menu featuring delights such as summer spritz cocktails and specially selected wines from St Austell Brewery’s in-house wine specialists, as well as its range of award-winning beers, delicious food will be served throughout the day, from breakfast to dinner, for guests, locals, and day visitors alike.    The new menu features exclusive dishes such as grilled half-shell scallops, lobster butter fries, and charred watermelon salad, alongside Cornish classics like fish and chips, cream teas, and daily catch specials. All dishes champion the finest local produce, including seafood sourced from long-standing supplier Matthew Stevens, based just ten minutes away.   Sustainability has been a guiding principle throughout the transformation. The renovation not only enhances the physical space but also celebrates the Pedn Olva’s heritage and deep connection to the coast.   Kevin Georgel, Chief Executive, St Austell Brewery, said: “Our ambition was to create an exceptional year-round hospitality experience that reflects both the heritage and incredible location of the Pedn Olva. This is a landmark investment in our managed estate – a stunning, characterful venue rooted in its surroundings." “I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved at the Pedn Olva. We’ve all missed it during its closure this year, but it’s now a flagship venue once again; a warm, welcoming space for all occasions, whether it’s a leisurely lunch, a celebratory dinner, or simply a drink with a view. We look forward to welcoming guests – both local and from further afield – for many years to come.”   The Pedn Olva has been part of St Austell Brewery’s managed estate for over 25 years. Its reopening is supported by the appointment of experienced General Manager Shaun Embrey, who previously led the team at St Austell Brewery’s Hope and Anchor in Hope Cove, Devon.   Under Shaun’s leadership, a dedicated team - including many returning team members who supported other St Austell Brewery pubs during the refurbishment - will deliver outstanding service and memorable experiences.   The Pedn Olva’s transformation marks the sixth major refurbishment in the businesses managed estate in the past three years, following projects including the Wellington in Boscastle, Pier House in Charlestown, and Harbour Inn in Porthleven. St Austell Brewery also brews award-winning beers including Proper Job, korev, and Tribute from its breweries in St Austell and Hare Brewery in Bath. In addition to its managed pub estate, the company operates 123 leased and tenanted pubs and is the leading drinks wholesaler in the South West.

UK brokers believe that cyber insurance is the new or emerging commercial insurance product with the most growth potential. Significantly low cyber insurance penetration rates among smaller firms make small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) a largely untapped market for growth, according to a survey conducted by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. GlobalData’s 2025 UK Commercial Insurance Broker Survey* reveals that over half of brokers (53.6%) believe cyber insurance has the potential to record the strongest growth among new or emerging commercial insurance products. Cyber insurance significantly surpasses the potential of other emerging products, with renewable energy insurance—the second-most popular product—attaining 8.8% of responses. Cyber insurance PR chart.png Beatriz Benito, Lead Insurance Analyst, GlobalData, comments: “Both insurers and reinsurers are diversifying their strategies to tap into emerging risks, which will support growth in the cyber insurance market. A greater appetite around this line of business will help soften market conditions, as an increase in capacity can help insurers combat soaring premiums.” Findings from GlobalData’s 2025 UK SME Insurance Survey** reveal that 60.8% of SMEs do not hold cyber insurance. The most common reason for not holding such cover is because businesses believe it is unlikely that they will be a target of a cyberattack, as cited by 40.5% of SMEs. Benito continues: “Despite the growing awareness of cyber risks among businesses, the adoption of cyber insurance is far from universal, with underinsurance remaining a key challenge to the industry. The protection gap is more pronounced among smaller businesses despite SMEs being more vulnerable of an attack. Insurers will need to tackle the protection gap through several fronts to grow the cyber insurance market.” Benito concludes: “Focusing on conveying the impact that a cyberattack can have on a business—not only in terms of operations but also reputation—can be beneficial. Equally, there could be greater transparency on policy wording, making it clearer what the perils and exclusions are to avoid this being a barrier to buyers. Lastly, SMEs remain a largely untapped market and are often more vulnerable to attacks but have fewer resources to respond effectively. This makes them strong candidates for tailored cover, developing products that address their specific needs.” *GlobalData’s 2025 UK Commercial Insurance Broker Survey was carried out via a telephone panel and reached 250 brokers. **GlobalData’s 2025 UK SME Insurance Survey was carried out via an online panel, with 1,508 businesses surveyed.

From tree-planting in local parks, to bucket collections for Sheffield Hospitals Charity, over 1,600 Sheffield Hallam students have taken part in countless volunteering opportunities throughout the year, organised by Hallam Students’ Union. Students have taken part in numerous charitable initiatives that benefit the local community as well as broader society. In the last academic year, 1,635 Sheffield Hallam students volunteered for an average of four hours per month – totalling around 79,000 hours giving back to the community. Lilia Choi, MSc occupational therapy student, spent time volunteering with Age UK’s Dementia Wellbeing Centre in Sheffield. Lilia said: “Volunteering is a great way to meet people, gain new skills, and make a difference. I enjoy seeing how small moments, like a favourite song or a fun activity, can brighten the day of the people living with mild to moderate dementia. Volunteering is also an excellent way to learn more about our community in Sheffield and do something meaningful at the same time.” Dona Cherian, MSc physiotherapy student, took part in a variety of volunteering activities throughout the year, including a litter pick at Cleethorpes Beach, organised by the student's union. Dona said: "I've always wanted to volunteer, and despite the demands of my MSc program, I made it a priority to give back to the community. It's been incredibly rewarding to get involved in events like the beach clean and donation sorting." "I've met some great people, and it's been a fantastic way to feel more connected to the local area. I'm really looking forward to my upcoming volunteering events and would encourage everyone to sign up for something—you won't regret it!" Molly Pemberton, president of the Hallam Students’ Union, said: “It is always inspiring to see so many of our students taking the opportunity to volunteer and get involved with our local communities and beyond. Volunteering is a great way for students to not only learn real world skills and gain industry experience but also grow confidence, build new connections and make a real difference to the Sheffield community!” Lucy Webber, Social and Civic Engagement Manager, Hallam Students’ Union, said: “The Hallam Students' Union volunteering team works hard to offer a wide range of opportunities to students. These include valuable work experience, local community initiatives, and fun festival jobs” Some of the most popular roles this year include helping out at events like Leeds Fest or Meadowhall Motorfest, a fundraiser for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice. Hallam Students’ Union (HSU) works closely with Bassetlaw Community and Voluntary Service (BCVS), Sheffield Hospitals Charity, Friends of Whirlow Brook Park and The Archer Project. HSU also hosted an event where students could decorate a coaster, which were then distributed to elderly and isolated people around Sheffield, in partnership with Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care (SCCCC). At Christmas, students also took part in the Shoebox appeal, where they donated gifts like clothes and books which were then delivered to homeless people, socially isolated elderly people, and people residing in hostels, temporary accommodation, and safe refuges.

Wading through the calm waters of Lake Chichancanab in Mexico, aquarists from ZSL’s Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire were looking for any signs of tiny Mexican pupfish – but sadly, their surveys confirmed their worst fears; six of seven unique pupfish, including the boxer pupfish (Cyprinodon simus), are likely extinct in the wild. Following the frightening revelation in 2024 that the last remaining wild population of boxer pupfish was feared to be lost, and the only remaining population existed at Whipsnade Zoo, aquarists at the ZSL conservation zoo spearheaded a dramatic effort to save the species from extinction. Whipsnade Zoo’s team knew that they needed to verify the news with a comprehensive survey of the fish’ only habitat - Lake Chichancanab in Mexico – but in preparation for the worst-case scenario to be confirmed, the team initiated an urgent action plan to bolster the insurance population in zoos, including transporting precious eggs from Whipsnade to Bristol Zoological Society. Sadly, the survey, conducted in spring 2025, along with ZSL’s conservation partners in Mexico and Bristol Zoological Society, revealed not only a complete absence of boxer pupfish, but of five other species of pupfish endemic to the lake. Underwater video cameras were deployed, aquarists snorkelled to investigate nooks and crevices, seine netting helped to filter swathes of the lake, and aerial drones were used to scan inaccessible areas; all of which ensured the survey was as thorough as could be. Water samples collected from the lake will be analysed for environmental DNA (eDNA) to officially confirm the disappearance of the six pupfish species. Alex Cliffe, ZSL’s Assistant Curator of Fish, said: “As soon as we realised the plight of the Boxer pupfish, we knew we had to act fast; but we had to make sure our actions were led by science and evidence. We had braced ourselves for the worst with the boxer pupfish, but what’s happening in Lake Chichancanab is far more alarming than we imagined.” “Our initial aim when surveying the lake was to confirm if the boxer pupfish was extinct-in-the-wild. However, once we were there, we sadly discovered only one of the seven pupfish species that inhabit the lake remains – the black lip pupfish.” It's very likely that the other species of pupfish that were not detected during the survey could be lost forever, as none are cared for in zoos and aquariums. “Boxer and black lip pupfish are vital to preserving the biodiverse ecosystem of Lake Chichancanab. The decimation of pupfish populations in the lake was likely caused by the introduction of invasive fish species, such as the Mayan cichlid,” said Alex. “It’s devastating news, but our focus is now on the actions we can take to ensure the survival of the two remaining pupfish species – the boxer and black lip - as we believe that we can reverse the damage already done and safeguard their future.” Whipsnade Zoo is spearheading a breeding programme for the Boxer pupfish and will be working with conservationists in the United States, where one population of black lip pupfish are cared for at one institution, to establish more insurance populations of the precious fish. Alex said: “Our short-term goal is to rescue a population of black lip pupfish from their currently imperilled habitat and establish a population in human care in Mexico. Long term, we hope to bring some eggs to Whipsnade Zoo, so we can establish a European breeding programme alongside the boxer pupfish. “The drastic decline in pupfish numbers highlights that biodiversity is being lost at an astronomical rate, but thanks to the unique conservation expertise of zoos and aquariums, we can make a dramatic difference for those in our care.” Whipsnade Zoo’s aquarists, as part of global conservation charity ZSL, have previously helped to recover a species once thought Extinct in the Wild. The Mangarahara cichlid, a fish endemic to the river of the same name in Madagascar, was thought to only exist in human care, with just two males left at London Zoo. Following a global search led by ZSL, the species was found clinging on to survival in a tiny tributary, which led to the rescue of the fish and creation of an international conservation breeding programme. Alex concluded: “As a world leader in managing and reintroducing extinct-in-the-wild species, and the founders of the Extinct-in-the-wild Alliance, ZSL has a responsibility to drive forward the recovery of the world’s most threatened species.” “This project to save the pupfish is another reminder of the vital role zoos play in conservation, to claw back species from the brink of extinction, reverse the damage caused, and ensure their protection for the future.” Every visit to Whipsnade Zoo supports ZSL’s vital work to protect species and restore habitats across the globe. Find out more Whipsnade Zoo | A ZSL conservation zoo.

Westlands Farm estimates it will save 1.6 million litres of water this year - that’s over half the water in an Olympic sized swimming pool. The farm installed a ‘Soil Moisture Sense’ system two years ago. It supports the farm’s popular soft fruit production by accurately irrigating strawberries and raspberries without excessive water usage. Westlands’ sensor-driven technology has already reduced water consumption by around 30%. The system is projected to save approximately 1600 cubic metres of water this year alone. With advanced sensors and drip irrigation technology, the tool monitors the water content of each plant’s pot in real-time. This makes sure that water is delivered only when needed and in the exact amount required. Water is applied directly to the roots of the plants through a precision drip irrigation system, one of the most efficient methods of watering in modern agriculture. By closely monitoring air temperature, humidity, and the uptake of water by the plants, the system is crucial for growing crops in optimal conditions with minimal waste. The entire irrigation system is monitored remotely via smartphone, giving the farm team instant access to real-time data wherever they are. Farmer and owner of Westlands Farm, Graham Collett, said: “Growing raspberries is now a high-tech affair. We are always looking for ways to be more sustainable and environmentally conscious.” As part of Westlands’ sustainability commitment, the water used on the farm is sourced from its own rainwater reservoir, significantly reducing reliance on external water supplies. By capturing water during wetter months, the farm can be sure of a steady, self-sufficient supply during dry periods.

Joshua Kane, an independent British fashion designer, has chosen Hainsworth woollen fabrics to create some key garments in his new Bespoken Dream Couture Collection. The Joshua Kane design house specialises in bespoke tailoring using British woven cloth to create unique garments made with luxury and longevity in mind. Kane’s new tailoring collection uses a selection of Hainsworth’s finest woollen fabrics, including Peach Barathea wool, Red Barathea wool, Black Dress Barathea Wool, Scarlet Doeskin and Blue Doeskin. Designs from the collection feature bold silhouettes with romantic detailing, military-inspired garments and pieces inspired by British history, crafted to fit both men's and women's tailoring shapes. Joshua Kane has been a Hainsworth Signature Fabrics customer since 2022, and as well as featuring the fabrics in his bespoke designs, he also used Hainsworth Maroon Doeskin fabric to create the new Burlington Beadle Uniforms last year, and Hainsworth Scarlet Doeskin to craft Sabrina Carpenter’s 2025 BRIT Awards show one piece which was inspired by the Kings Guards uniforms. Designer Joshua Kane explains: “My ‘Bespoken Dream’ celebrates everything I love about the art of tailoring, historic craftsmanship, paired with risk-taking and experimentation. This collection was a love letter to the people and places that have shaped me.” Designers, tailors and garment manufacturers choose Hainsworth’s premium woollen textiles for interiors and apparel from diverse industries, and the British fabric manufacturer’s cloth is increasingly popular among brands and designers, with customers including Clarks, Dries Van Noten, Luke Derrick, and Maximilian Raynor. Amanda McLaren, Managing Director of AW Hainsworth, says: “Working with incredibly talented designers like Joshua Kane is a testament to our people, processes and products we manufacture at our heritage Yorkshire textile mill. We’re thrilled to see more designers and fashion brands lean into slow fashion by using natural fabrics that support the longevity of garments and create timeless heirloom pieces that stand the test of time." “Fostering longstanding relationships with sustainably-minded businesses and individuals aligns perfectly with the previous and future work we’re doing to reach net-zero, and we’re honoured that so many of our customers choose Hainsworth Signature Fabrics time and time again.” Rooted firmly in history, Hainsworth Signature Fabrics were used for the scarlet uniforms of the Battle of Waterloo, the Anointing Screen for His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation, and to dress characters in Downton Abbey, Queen Charlotte, Hamilton, Game of Thrones, and The Crown. As a truly vertical woollen mill for over 240 years and one of the last remaining in Britain, Hainsworth Signature Fabrics can process a product from raw fibre to finished cloth entirely from their site in West Yorkshire, using the best quality fleeces from Australia and New Zealand. It is also a Royal Warrant Holder for interior fabrics and a Woolmark Holder.

National painting contractor, Bagnalls, has received a prestigious Princess Royal Training Award for its long-standing Painting and Decorating Apprentice Programme. The win comes during an important year for the painting and decorating company, as it celebrates 150 years of highly successful operation within the industry. Formally approved by HRH The Princess Royal, the Princess Royal Training Award is bestowed upon training programmes that demonstrate exceptional commitment to learning and development. The aim is to champion a training community that provides a shining example of the transformative impact of training on people, performance and the success of an organisation as a whole. The awards, offered in line with the City & Guilds’ core values, recognise that quality training is the investment that provides a positive return time and time again, impacting not only individual businesses themselves but also society as a whole. As President of the City & Guilds of London Institute, HRH The Princess Royal awards employers for their efforts and celebrates best-in-class training. Speaking to Kirstie Donnelly MBE, Chief Executive of City & Guilds, HRH The Princess Royal has previously discussed the importance of the creation of aspirations for young people and how this relates to the awards set up in her name. The honour of being selected as one of the 57 exceptional training programmes recognised by HRH Anne, Princess Royal, is extremely significant. The chosen programmes can feel an extra layer of pride this year, as 2025 marks not only the 10th anniversary of the awards themselves, but also HRH The Princess Royal’s 75th birthday. Bagnalls’ HR Director, Ellie Jobes, commented: “It’s an incredible honour to be selected for a Princess Royal Training Award. We’re very proud of our apprenticeship scheme, and it’s wonderful to receive such a high level of recognition for the work we’re doing to nurture young talent in our industry. “The assessment process for this award was rigorous, involving interviews with current and past apprentices. Achieving this title would not have been possible without the talent, dedication and care of everyone within the Bagnalls family who helps train and develop our brilliant apprentices." “We’ll definitely be taking a moment as a team to celebrate and take pride in our win. It’s an especially powerful endorsement of our impact in the apprentice and training space.” Huge congratulations are in order for all the 2025 recipients of this highly notable award. The full list of all companies recognised can be found on the Princess Royal Training Awards website.

John Lewis announced the appointment of Dom McBrien as its Chief Digital & Omnichannel Officer, a role that will sit on the John Lewis Management Board. This appointment further strengthens the John Lewis leadership across the business and is a critical part of our digital transformation and omnichannel ambitions. Dom has over 20 years of digital transformation experience, most recently as CEO for Body&Fit and Global President for Direct To Consumer at Glanbia Performance Nutrition. Dom has worked across a number of other high profile retailers including Arcadia, New Look, M&S, The White Company as well as Microsoft. He will report to Peter Ruis, Managing Director of John Lewis. Dom said: "I am thrilled to be joining John Lewis at such a pivotal time in its transformation journey. The opportunity to contribute to a brand with such a rich heritage and a clear ambition to be the UK's most trusted omnichannel retailer is truly exciting. I’m looking forward to getting started." Peter Ruis said: "I’m delighted to appoint Dom as our Chief Digital & Omnichannel Officer. His extensive experience and proven track record in digital transformation will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our digital leadership and deliver on our significant omnichannel ambitions." Dom will join John Lewis on 1 October. About the John Lewis Partnership The John Lewis Partnership owns and operates two of Britain's best-loved retail brands - John Lewis and Waitrose. Started as a radical experiment over a century ago, the Partnership is now the largest employee-owned business in the UK. The Partnership is purpose-driven, existing to create a fairer and more sustainable future for our Partners, customers, suppliers and communities. Our Purpose not only inspires our principles, drives our decisions and acts as our guide to be a force for good, it steers us to do things differently and better - all in service of creating a happier world for everyone and everything we touch. John Lewis operates 34 shops across the UK as well as johnlewis.com. Waitrose has more than 300 shops in England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands, including 47 convenience branches, and another 27 shops at Welcome Break locations. The retailer's omnichannel business includes the online grocery service, Waitrose.com, and specialist online shops including waitrosecellar.com for wine.

Aston University’s Professor Monder Ram OBE has been invited to serve as a member of the new National Business Mentoring Council. He will contribute his specialist knowledge, particularly around ethnic minority entrepreneurship, to help the council enhance access to high-quality mentoring for underserved communities. Professor of small business at Aston Business School and director of the Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship, he was asked to join in recognition of his long standing commitment to promoting inclusive entrepreneurship and his research that sheds critical light on the barriers faced by ethnic minority entrepreneurs. Business mentoring is widely recognised as a vital resource for entrepreneurs and business leaders. A recent study called Mentoring Matters found that eight out of 10 SME leaders credit mentoring as playing a vital part in their growth. Meanwhile seven out of 10 view it as a resource crucial to their resilience, wellbeing and their business’s survival. Despite this, many businesses continue to face challenges accessing high-quality business mentoring support and consistently cite the difficulty in knowing where to go and finding the right qualified mentors to support them. To address these needs leading firms from across the UK responsible for mentoring standards and accredited mentoring services have come together to form the new organisation which is referenced within the government’s small business plan. The council brings together senior representatives from across regions and nations involved in business mentoring, finance, entrepreneurship and academia. Its mission is to reduce sector fragmentation, strengthen professional pathways for mentors, share data and industry trends, and promote the benefits of and access to mentoring for SMEs, startups, and scaling firms. It will also support government strategies that foster business growth and resilience. Professor Ram said: “I am proud to be member of the newly formed council because mentoring is an important part of support in business, but not all businesses and their leaders can access it. I’m delighted to contribute my expertise and work with other UK experts to take on these issues. We aim to support greater collaboration between mentoring groups and improve access to proven quality mentorship so leaders can find a mentor to support their business journey.” The organisation held its inaugural meeting at the Department for Business and Trade in July and is now planning to promote its work on National Mentoring Day on 27 October. Members also discussed practical solutions on how to better coordinate activity across mentoring, reduce fragmentation, and better support underserved communities and regions. Gareth Thomas MP, parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Department for Business and Trade, said: “Having a mentor can be a game-changer for small businesses, so I welcome the creation of this new council who will make it easier for business leaders to find a high-quality mentor they can trust." “This forms part of the government’s plan for small businesses, the most comprehensive package of support for smaller businesses in a generation, helping to deliver the plan for change.”

Three Hampshire-based professional services firms are combining to host a seminar about business exit strategies next month. HWB Chartered Accountants, Hybrid Legal and Asset Management Financial Advisers (AMFA) will provide a panel of experts to discuss the merits and pitfalls of various business exits. The Best Business Exit event is on Tuesday 23 September from 8am at Chilworth Manor Hotel at Chilworth, near Eastleigh. Among panellists will be HWB Chartered Accountants’ Tax Director Gemma Hedges and Senior Tax Manager Alan Rolfe, along with Hybrid Legal Director and Head of Corporate Mike Duggan and AMFA’s Head of Advice Adam Keith. The seminar is designed to be a discussion on all the things business owners should be thinking about for their future, from how they will exit, to what they do with the proceeds in their retirement. Alan Rolfe, who has 25 years’ experience of providing clients with tax advice, said exit strategies could include; sale to a third party, management buyout, employee ownership trust, company purchase of own shares, or a gift to future generations. He added: “All business owners should have an exit strategy, and we are staging this seminar to help leaders and directors stay on top of what are the most efficient and profitable ways of disposing of assets." “It can take years of blood, sweat and tears to successfully establish a business and it is imperative that entrepreneurs should be able to enjoy the fruits of their labours, maximise value and minimise risk when it comes to the time of giving up control." “Some existing exit plans may become outdated in the ever-changing world of tax and financial affairs and so we will be stressing to attendees the importance of an up-to-date strategy and to seek qualified professional advice.” Gemma Hedges, who joined HWB in 2020, advises on a range of tax issues, particularly owner-managed businesses, tax enquiries, Inheritance Tax and Trusts & Estates. Mike Duggan is an extremely experienced corporate lawyer and business advisor whose CV includes 27 years as a senior partner at a Tier 1 international law firm. Adam Keith manages a team of 10 financial advisers at AMFA which he joined in 2016, after seven years at NatWest in both financial advice and compliance roles. HWB Chartered Accountants, founded in 1985 and based at Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton, provides business and tax advice. Hybrid Legal, founded in 2013 and based in Winchester, is an innovative, disruptor, fixed-fee law firm specialising purely in business law. AMFA, established for 40 years and based in Southampton, Winchester and Bishop’s Waltham, has more than £500 million in assets under management. Register for the breakfast time event here . Above Panel: Hosting the Best Business Exit seminar at Chilworth Manor Hotel at Chilworth, near Eastleigh, on Tuesday 23 September from 8am, are, from left HWB Chartered Accountants’ Tax Director Gemma Hedges and Senior Tax Manager Alan Rolfe, Asset Management Financial Advisers’ Head of Advice Adam Keith and Hybrid Legal Director and Head of Corporate Mike Duggan