Aston University have celebrated the official opening of its new Birmingham city centre headquarters and the launch of its 2030 strategy at a reception at John Cadbury House. The event, hosted by the University’s Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Professor Aleks Subic, brought together more than 70 business leaders and other senior figures from across the city and region including guest speaker Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands. The acquisition of the new HQ building at 190 Corporation Street, named after the founder of the Cadbury business and distinguished Birmingham business leader, is a key part of Aston University’s 2030 strategy, focused on creating an urban university that is integrated within the city centre and which drives city regeneration. It houses the University’s business and community engagement and alumni relations and development teams, along with a hub for business engagement, enterprise creation and innovation capacity-building. It also co-locates all the University’s corporate services in one building, as well as hosting the Chancellery and Executive office. The building was refurbished with financial support from the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) which contributed £9.5 million to support the renovation of the historic building. The Victorian structure now offers more than 46,000 square feet of office, retail and social space and is operationally net zero carbon, powered by 100% green electricity, with LED lighting, VRF air conditioning, electric car charging stations and cycle storage spaces. Guests at the reception had the opportunity to hear about the University’s vision and ambitions for the years ahead, including plans to establish a world-class innovation district – the new Birmingham Innovation Quarter (B-IQ) – in partnership with Birmingham City Council and Bruntwood SciTech, to evolve as an innovation ecosystem focused on science, technology and enterprise. They were also able to network with key stakeholders of the University and enjoyed tours of the Business Hub, Enterprise Hub, Alumni Club and Chancellery. Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and Chair of the WMCA, said: “It’s wonderful to be here to help open John Cadbury House - Aston University's new headquarters - epitomising the spirit of innovation and collaboration at the heart of our city's growth story." “This stunning location - formerly known as the Citadel building and now renamed for a new era as John Cadbury House - has been beautifully refurbished with the support of the West Midlands Combined Authority." “It exemplifies our commitment to sustainable development - where we think not just in terms of bricks and mortar but in terms of establishing beacons of hope and opportunity right across our region. " “I will continue to work closely with Aston University in the months and years ahead - including with regards to their 2030 Strategy with its emphasis on a dynamic and inclusive approach to education, science, and enterprise. John Cadbury House is a testament to the positive role Aston University has played in enriching our city and region." “This tremendous urban university shares our ambition to make the West Midlands a better place for all and I’m proud to stand alongside them in this mission.” Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said: “For over a century, Aston University's enduring purpose has been to make the world a better place through education, research, and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting the communities we serve to thrive economically, socially, and culturally." “Our 2030 strategy defines Aston University as an inclusive, entrepreneurial and transformational university, building on our proud past as UK’s first college of technology, that is taking its rightful place in this Fourth Industrial Revolution." “Aston University is proud of its connection to Birmingham and the West Midlands, and our 2030 strategy includes a pledge to further enrich the city and region’s cultural, physical, and socio-economic environment." “Our bold presence in the heart of the city’s business district helps to realise this strategy and enable Aston University to become a thriving urban university, integrated seamlessly in the city centre, a key driver of city regeneration and a trusted partner for alumni, businesses, and the community.”

Data shows that 35% of businesses have adopted using AI in some way for their day-to-day running. Whether it is to improve cyber security or give your customers a better experience, AI has been creeping its way into our processes over the last year. Janine Hunt, Client Partnership Director at Kura , says: “Whether you’re for or against AI, this latest development in technology seems to be here to stay. And for many businesses, it can be a great tool to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and provide quicker service lines. But knowing how your customers truly feel about AI and how they would like to interact with it is essential for knowing the right balance for your business.” How Is AI Being Used Across Customer Service? AI-Driven Chatbots Chatbots are one of the main ways we are witnessing AI come into communication with our customers. In fact, 50% of people who say they have used a chatbot recently used it for customer service. Chatbots are a great way for customers to get quick answers to their frequently asked questions without having to scroll through your site for the answers or ask another human. This cuts down time for both customers and customer service advisors. However, chatbots aren’t always the best approach when a customer is looking for a solution to a problem revolving around your business, your services, or your products. So, with the varying problems and complaints customers can have, knowing the best scenario to use your AI assistance and when to invest in customer service outsourcing is important. While it might be useful for quick answers as a pop-up on your site, after-care might be better reserved for humans. Janine says: “Sometimes customer complaints are complicated, beyond what a computer can comprehend, and customers simply want to be heard out. In both instances, AI-driven chatbots cannot be the solution. While they can be a means of answering queries quickly, providing the empathy that only a well-trained advisor can provide is just as important when it comes to customer after-care.” ChatGPT-Generated Content Another use of AI is through generated content. This is information your customers are likely to receive at the beginning of the customer experience as they explore or learn more about your site. Chat-GPT can be a great tool for creating fast content, but it doesn’t always provide the personalised or in-depth knowledge that your customers would want. While it can offer generic advice, a ChatGPT-created piece of content is not necessarily going to understand the specifics of your audience. So, whether you’re creating blog posts or personalised emails with your language model-based chatbot, making sure you’ve combed over the content with your customers in mind can ensure a happier, more tailored experience. Digital Experiences Customers can also connect to your business through your product offerings with virtual rooms. Companies such as IKEA have an AI-powered digital experience model, which allows customers to see the size of furniture in their homes. This is an advancement in technology which improves the customer experience as they can interact with products before sale. This augmented reality means that customers are more likely to choose products they like, that fit in their space. This can help reduce the likelihood of returns or complaints when the product arrives. Other businesses can also use this design to allow their users to test their glasses and clothing before purchase – giving your customers the best convenience AI can offer. Is AI Being Accepted? While AI has been used by 46% of adults under 35, it isn’t necessarily the way forward when businesses want to connect to their customers. Customer service is crucial for developing a good connection between customer and business, so making sure you have the human touch is vital. In fact, 90% of people still want human interactions for their customer service rather than using a chatbot – making it clear that the human touch is the way forward. And for some businesses with older or less technologically abled customers, having AI-driven contact points could be isolating your audience. In fact, almost half (48%) of people who believe technology makes life more difficult for them don’t have a positive outlook on AI – which might even drive these customers away from your site if your company is too technology-dependent. Making sure you’re still able to offer more traditional means of connecting with your customers and offering customer support can ensure you’re not losing out on this valuable business. So, while AI has many uses for customer service and across the customer experience, they are better kept within businesses. There is a preference for technology from younger and most technologically abled customers. Still, even then, there is a preference for queries and customer support to be handled by a human, not a robot.

Recent conversations around technology in businesses have been around artificial intelligence (AI) and automation of tasks, with a survey by Slack finding that 83% of desk workers believe it could enable them to produce more impactful work. AI is predicted to continue becoming more prevalent and integrate more into businesses across every sector. It could have similar impacts on productivity that previous technology integration has had in businesses. Caroline Gleeson, a recruitment software expert and CEO of Occupop , looks at the technology that’s become commonplace across different departments that have boosted productivity. Cloud And Collaborative Technology Working from home (WFH) and hybrid working have risen in popularity over the past few years and will likely remain commonplace. With so many workers divided between the office and WFH, being able to collaborate while not physically together is hugely important not to interrupt processes. This is where the cloud and other collaborative technology can play a huge role. Not only does it allow workforces to store data and files online but also access and edit them in real time, seeing the changes live. PwC’s 2023 Cloud Business Survey found that 78% of business leaders have introduced and integrated cloud software into most or all areas of their company. And with the revenue of collaboration software predicted to see an annual growth rate of 1.69% between 2023 and 2028, it’s likely that even more investment will be made in cloud and collaborative software. Instant Messaging And Communication Email revolutionised the way we communicate and rapidly became the preferred method within businesses, especially with the ability to attach files to send as well. However, with the rising number of hybrid workers and people WFH, it’s important to be able to interact with team members across departments, knowing you’ll get a near-instant response. Communication technologies have had a huge effect on how departments interact throughout the working day. If there are multiple departments working on a project, it can help to align the whole team and keep communications within one thread or chat. Meetings are made much simpler with communication technology, as most come with video call functionality. No matter where you and your workforce are, you’re able to conduct meetings remotely. This can also help to align your business with your clients if they aren’t able to travel for meetings. Data Management – Security & Analysis Data is crucial to every business, and depending on its size, there can be a nearly overwhelming amount of it. Technology's constant growth has allowed for the development of software for a more streamlined and efficient form of data management. Within this software, not only are you able to store and manage the data available, but they also offer tools that can be used to analyse patterns within the datasets. These outputs can forecast outcomes based on existing data through said patterns. Many of the analytical software available have a tool that can provide great visualisations of your data with dashboards that give you a greater insight into the numbers, as well as pulling charts and graphs. Having this technology means that jobs that were previously difficult or monotonous can be simplified, allowing for them to be done more productively. And when you have a lot of sensitive data, keeping it secure is crucial. Data technology has evolved so considerably that protecting information from cyber attacks is made even easier than before, reducing the amount of downtime that businesses face.

The British Museum has brought together more than 2000 years of artistic creation in this first permanent Peruvian exposition, housed in its Wellcome Trust Gallery. A highlight of the museum’s ‘Living and Dying’ exhibition, the free to view display focuses on how the people of Peru and the Andean world have survived and thrived across millennia by establishing a special relationship with sea and land. Experience a taste of the rich cultural heritage and soul of a nation before you visit Peru and explore its many wonders in person! More than fifty exhibits made from ceramics, textiles, wood, stone and shell, tell stories about some of the most important civilizations of the ancient world. They shine a light on how these societies understood their environment as an animate being, sometimes threatening yet also a source of healing, subsistence and protection. Mr Juan Carlos Mathews, Peru’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Tourism, commented at the opening ceremony, “The British Museum receives nearly seven million visitors annually so we are delighted that as from today, every single one of them will now be able to learn more about our pre-Columbian cultures such as the Moche, Nasca, Lambayeque, Chimú, Chincha and Ica. This experience is the perfect stepping stone for every traveller to our beautiful country!” The sea section of the exposition encompasses both ancient and contemporary ways of living, exploring the riches of the ocean while recognising the threats of climate change and illegal fishing. Through artefacts and digital media, it highlights the importance of Pacific Ocean resources for the survival of ancient societies of the Central Andes, the continuous tradition from pre-Hispanic to present day of navigation and fishing in totora reed boats and the mythical symbolism associated with the spiny oyster, Spondylus and Strombus. The second section of the display focuses on the land and its resources, which were seen as a natural force to provide life. Celebrations and fertility ceremonies to honour the Pachamama (Mother Earth), as well as agricultural traditions such as Chicha brewing are showcased. Through a selection of colourful Nasca pottery (200 B.C.-650 A.D.) and spectacular views of geoglyphs, the value of the land is explored as a sacred space that can be adapted for the needs of societies even in the most arid regions of the world. A selection of archaeological objects together with modern textiles will take the visitor on a journey through the complex system of Andean weaving as a tradition that has survived for over 5000 years and continues to be recognized worldwide for its exceptional quality, diverse techniques, striking iconography and symbolic value. This exposition is the first permanent space devoted to stories about past and present cultures from the coast and highlands of South America. It will allow the British Museum to share and amplify the work of scholars, artists and members of source communities who have been working with the collection. Cecilia Pardo Grau, Curator, said: "The Peru and the Andes permanent display, part of the Living and Dying Gallery at the British Museum, brings new stories about how Andean societies from the past and present have dealt with the world around them. Through fifty objects from different periods and places, this exhibit provides a glimpse of the enormous potential of what can be done with these fabulous collections. I hope it fosters new conversations and, simultaneously, enhances further collaborations with the communities these objects represent." Lissant Bolton, Keeper of Africa, Oceania and the Americas, said: “It is wonderful to be able to display some of the amazing objects in the Museum’s Andean collections, including very beautiful ancient and modern textiles and marvellous ceramics. This Peru case brings new perspectives to questions about how different societies deal with the troubles of life, the theme of the Living and Dying Gallery.” Ricardo Romero, Director, PromPeru London said at the official opening of the exhibition last night, “This is not the first time that the British Museum has exhibited the richness of Peruvian cultures. In 2021, the first temporary exhibition: “Peru: A Journey in Time,” was opened. Featuring 80 pieces from the British Museum’s own collection, and an additional 43 objects borrowed from across seven Peruvian museums, this exhibition attracted over 73,000 visitors in just four months." "On the back of this success, the British Museum and PROMPERÚ have continued to work closely together to shed light on the beauty and history of Andean cultures. And now, for the first time in its 270-year history, Peru will have its own permanent space for the display of Peruvian cultural artefacts in one of the most iconic museums in the world.” Peru received 71,322 tourists from the UK in 2019 making the UK the fourth largest European visitor to the country. Culture is the soul of a nation and Peru’s cultural heritage is unique and extraordinary. The British Museum’s new showcase doesn’t only represent Peru’s history and heritage however, it also celebrates the creativity, vitality and resourcefulness of its people. The Trustees of the British Museum acknowledge with gratitude the generosity of Madeleine Osterling Letts, Macarena Rojas Osterling, and Cristina Rojas Osterling, alongside the continued support of PROMPERÚ, in creating this display and promoting the Peru programme.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) appears likely to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup after the only likely alternative, Australia, declined to bid. This will be the second time that the Middle East has hosted the tournament, following last year’s 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. This news will have a big impact on both the commercial branding landscape of football and the soft power of Saudi Arabia as a nation. Qatar entered the top 25 of the Global Soft Power Index this year for the first time after it hosted the World Cup last year. Hugo Hensley, Head of Sport Services at Brand Finance said: "Saudi Arabia's hosting of the 2034 World Cup is a significant event for both the country and the sport of football. It is an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to showcase its culture and hospitality to the world, and to promote itself as a destination for business and tourism." "For brands, the World Cup is a major sponsorship opportunity. However, it is important to measure the brand value impacts of sponsorship carefully to ensure that it is a worthwhile investment. Brands need to do this by tracking their brand value over time and measuring the impact of specific marketing activities, such as sponsorship." Konrad Jagodzinski, Place Branding Director at Brand Finance said: "The hosting of the 2034 World Cup by Saudi Arabia is a significant opportunity for the country to enhance its soft power. The tournament will provide a platform for Saudi Arabia to showcase its culture and hospitality to the world, and to position itself as a destination for business and tourism." “Qatar enjoyed a significant and immediate improvement to its Global Soft Power Index ranking in connection with the World Cup, entering the world’s top 25 for the first time. Brand Finance’s research conducted in the autumn of 2022 found that thanks to the media and fan interest in the run-up to the event, Qatar improved significantly on the global rankings of familiarity, reputation, influence, culture & heritage, as well as specifically for being a leader in sport and offering an appealing lifestyle. The research we are conducting now will tell us of the legacy of the event." "The 2034 World Cup will be an opportunity for Saudi Arabia to similarly tell its story to the world and to shape its own narrative." The SAFF has stated that it will invest heavily in infrastructure and facilities to prepare for the World Cup. The country plans to build new stadiums and renovate existing ones, as well as improve its transportation and accommodation networks. View the Brand Finance Football 50 2023 report here View the full Brand Finance Global Soft Power Index here Brand Finance is the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy. Bridging the gap between marketing and finance for more than 25 years, Brand Finance evaluates the strength of brands and quantifies their financial value to help organizations of all kinds make strategic decisions. Headquartered in London, Brand Finance has offices in over 20 countries, offering services on all continents. Every year, Brand Finance conducts more than 5,000 brand valuations, supported by original market research, and publishes over 100 reports which rank brands across all sectors and countries.

Specialists in Manufacturing and Engineering recruitment, F1rst Commercial Recruitment has revealed that it is one of the Financial Times Leading UK Recruiters for 2024. This rigorously determined and highly prized award identifies the best recruitment agencies in the country. Only agencies highly recommended by companies, clients and candidates receive awards. F1rst Commercial Recruitment is part of F1rst Group Solutions Ltd, which also encompasses First Executive Recruitment. Led by Sharon Seville (Fellow and Board Director, REC and President of the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce (Stockport)), F1rst Commercial Recruitment has been awarded its place on the Financial Times list of leading recruiters for its expertise and reputation in three categories: Engineering & Industry, Business & Professional Services, and Finance. Statistica, the FT’s research partner, extensively evaluated 10,000 independently collected reviews to determine the recipients of these Leading UK Recruiters awards. The surveys gather opinions of hiring managers, candidates and external recruiters, and only recruitment agencies with sufficient recommendations make the final list. As a small, boutique recruitment agency, F1rst Commercial Recruitment has punched well above its weight in achieving this recognition from the Financial Times. Sharon Seville, company founder and specialist in the Manufacturing and Engineering sector in the UK is still very much a hands-on recruiter and stated, "I couldn't be happier or prouder to have received recognition as one of the country's Leading Recruiters. It’s a privilege to help people build their careers, and companies build their business. Doing it right is paramount for them, and for us. My business model is simple: to bring my own expertise and experience to every vacancy we support. That's why we've got a 100% success rate for filling jobs." There are well over 30,000 recruitment agencies in the UK and around 100,000 recruiters. Consequently, this new category in the long-running lists by the Financial Times is essential for enabling employers and candidates to select the best recruitment service to meet their needs. Those recruitment businesses which have made the list stand out as exceptional for both employers and candidates, making them a secure choice for talent acquisition and job hunting. This award is confirmation that F1rst Commercial Recruitment already has an excellent reputation as one of the UK's best recruitment consultancies, which is now recognised by being awarded the title of one of the UK's Leading Recruiters 2024 by the Financial Times.

Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE DL has been appointed patron of the Small Business Charter – the mark of excellence for business schools that excel in supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and local economic growth. He has used the appointment to urge UK business schools and government to build on their collaboration to help the economy 'go for growth.' Lord Bilimoria is a cross bench peer, the founder of Cobra Beer, Chairman of the Cobra Beer Partnership, a joint venture with Molson Coors, and the founding Chair of the UK India Business Council. He is a long-standing supporter of business schools and universities, having studied at Cranfield School of Management, London Business School and Harvard Business School, and is currently Chancellor of the University of Birmingham and Ambassador for Cambridge Judge Business School. The Small Business Charter – which was developed by the late Lord Young of Graffham, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Chartered Association of Business Schools – is a national accreditation currently held by 66 business schools across the UK and Ireland. Since its inception in 2015, the Small Business Charter has delivered a number of business support programmes for the Government including Business Basics, the Small Business Leadership Programme and, most recently, the Help to Grow: Management Course. The Small Business Charter accreditation acts as a catalyst for growth by connecting locally based, world-class business schools with small businesses, government and local economic stakeholders. In his role as patron, Lord Bilimoria will oversee the Small Business Charter as it continues to deliver one of its flagship programmes, the Help to Grow: Management Course. The 12-week programme is a collaboration between Small Business Charter accredited business schools and the Government; designed to increase productivity and drive economic growth through high-quality management and leadership training. In its first two years, it has benefitted 5,500 SMEs. In a nationwide evaluation of the Help to Grow: Management Course, undertaken by Ipsos, 91% of participants reported greater confidence in leading and managing their business, 90% felt more aware of the factors that would drive productivity, and 85% left with a better understanding for how best to innovate their business model. Lord Bilimoria’s appointment was announced at London South Bank University Business School where he was introduced to the school’s latest cohort of small business leaders on the Help to Grow: Management Course. Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE, DL, said: “Our business schools can help the UK go for growth. It’s why I am honoured to have been appointed as the patron of the Small Business Charter at such an important time for small businesses, who are the beating heart of our economy." "It’s a particular privilege for me to follow Lord Young of Graffham who was not only a wonderful friend but a true hero of mine and an absolute legend." “The Help to Grow: Management Course, and the Small Business Leadership Programme before it, are just two examples of the immense capability of the Small Business Charter, and its accredited business schools, to equip small businesses and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and power the economy. I look forward to working with our business schools to further advance their role as catalysts for growth and partners of government.” Michael Hayman MBE, Chair of the Small Business Charter, said: “The appointment of Lord Bilimoria as our new patron comes at a vital time. A prosperous society hinges on the success of more small businesses around the UK and our work helps more of those firms thrive. Lord Bilimoria builds on the phenomenal legacy of our founding patron, Lord Young of Graffham, and brings a formidable track record as a business leader and campaigner. He also shares the view that business schools are a catalyst for growth and have great ability to realise the huge economic potential in their localities and the nation at large.” Flora Hamilton, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter, and CEO of the Chartered Association of Business Schools, said: “We pride ourselves on creating the conditions that support entrepreneurs and small businesses to thrive in every corner of the UK and Ireland. The Small Business Charter acts as an engine for local and national economic growth through world-class management education and business support. We're thrilled to have Lord Bilimoria on board to support that mission at this critical time for small businesses."

Loughborough Fair will welcome thousands of residents and visitors to the town centre as it returns for its 802nd year. The historic fair, which is operated by Charnwood Borough Council will take place from Wednesday November 8 to Saturday November 11. The fair will be officially opened by the Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Margaret Smidowicz at 6pm on Wednesday before the fun-filled four days begin. Councillor Jennifer Tillotson, the Council’s lead member for economic development, regeneration and town centres, said: “I am looking forward to welcoming residents, visitors and the showman back to Loughborough for the annual fair. It is always a fantastic spectacle to see so many families enjoying the rides and attractions throughout the week.” The layout to this year’s Loughborough Fair will be altered slightly due to the scaffolding outside HSBC following a fire in the town centre but this will not affect the number or types of rides that will be on offer to visitors. The Council will work closely with partners including the police and will have stewards on patrol during the fair to make sure everyone enjoys the event safely. This year’s Loughborough Fair will see a number of rides and attractions returning to the town, including: Dodgems Superbob Bomber Megaspin Matterhorn Atmos Fear Miami Starflyer There will be rides that are suitable for every age group with attractions available for toddlers all the way through to adults. A number of food, drink and confectionary stalls will be on offer along with games and quiz stalls which will give visitors the chance to win prizes. The opening times for this year’s Loughborough Fair are: Wednesday, November 8: 6pm-11pm Thursday, November 9: 12pm-11pm Friday, November 10: 11am-11pm Saturday, November 11: 11am-11pm. The Beehive Lane multi-storey car park and Southfield Road car parks are available during the hours of the fair. Southfield offices car park will also be open to the public outside of the Council’s opening times. The first official charter for Loughborough Fair was granted to the Lord of the Manor, Hugh le Despenser, in 1221 by King Henry III.

The Mark Allen Group is delighted to announce with immediate effect that it has acquired the shares of Lewis Business Media which hold the assets relating to the following agricultural brands: Pig World, Poultry Business, Agronomist & Arable Farmer, Farm Contractor & Large Scale Farmer, Weekly Tribune and the newly launched event, Women in Agriculture. The consideration has not been disclosed. These assets will sit alongside Farmers Weekly in MA Agriculture Limited, one of eight operating companies in Mark Allen, which is based in Sutton. Simon Lewis, the Managing Director of the company founded by his parents, John and Elizabeth Lewis, will remain with the business for a short time, principally to deliver the National Pig Awards which take place in London later this month. The Lewis assets will add appreciably to the group’s farming interests, providing greater specialist depth in the pig, poultry, arable and contractor markets, areas which already feature more broadly in Mark Allen’s market-leading farming publication, Farmers Weekly. The deal allows the Lewis family to continue to publish a range of other non-agricultural titles, including Retail Destination, Pet Business World, Over the Counter, Pest, Hospitality Interiors, The SubPostmaster, PHU/PRA market report and TheJobCrowd. Ben Allen, the CEO of Mark Allen, said: “This is a fantastic acquisition for us. It extends the reach of Farmers Weekly, providing extensive opportunities, synergies and cover. Despite challenges in the market, the Lewis farming assets have performed very strongly, demonstrating the strength of these brands. They will make a tremendous addition to Farmers Weekly. It has been a very smooth and collaborative transaction, and I have particularly enjoyed working with Simon on this deal, who shares the same values in running a family business which we ascribe to.” Simon Lewis said: “We are delighted to have concluded this agreement with the Mark Allen Group. We have very much enjoyed publishing in these markets and would like to thank all those who worked with us over the period, a number of whom have become good friends. We do not think that there could be a better fit for this group of brands than the Mark Allen stable and look forward to watching them flourish in their new environment. Our experience of everyone we have dealt with at the Mark Allen Group during this process, especially Mark and Ben, has been nothing but positive, and we wish them well in the future."

Based between York and Harrogate, Johnsons is a family-run business and is one of the largest and longest-established commercial nurseries in the UK. The company celebrated its centenary year in 2021 and is a trusted supplier of plants and trees to the amenity sector. The Plant Healthy certification shows that Johnsons is a business that trades and grows plants to a high plant health and biosecurity standard whilst reducing the risk of introducing or spreading destructive plant pests, as well as protecting the horticultural industry, other cultivated plants and natural habitats. Plant Health is important to Johnsons for many reasons such as protecting our woodlands from pests and diseases such as ash-dieback and oak processionary moth and safeguarding native flora and fauna from non-native pests and diseases. Healthy plants are fundamental for the creation of beautiful gardens and landscapes and are essential for life, making the oxygen we breathe and absorbing carbon dioxide, they are also essential for the food we eat and without them, we wouldn’t be here. Johnsons’ Commercial and Business Manager, Jonathan Whittemore, said: “You can help with Plant Health by buying responsibly from reputable nurseries and suppliers and avoiding buying plants that have been sourced from areas with high-risk pests and diseases, keeping your boots clean to avoid spreading diseases, looking after your plants and knowing pests when you see them.”

British Airways’ has flown its first flight in more than 15 years from London Heathrow to Latvia which touched down at Riga International Airport (RIX). The inaugural service received a warm local welcome as it taxied to stand, with traditional drummers greeting customers as they stepped off the aircraft. This winter, British Airways will operate three times a week between its home at Heathrow (Terminal 5) and the Latvian capital, with flights departing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Flights are operated by a mix of A320 and A321 aircraft, with return fares available from 85 EUR/ 73 GPB or 1 EUR + 23,500 Avios, British Airways’ loyalty club currency. On board the 2 hours 50-minute flight, customers can enjoy the airline’s quintessentially British product and service, and Executive Club members can earn and redeem miles on their flights. Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Director of Network and Alliances said: “We’re excited to further strengthen our connections between London and the Baltics and be back in Latvia after such a long time. Riga is a destination we know our customers will love, and we look forward to welcoming leisure and business travellers and those visiting family and friends on board the new service.” Liene Freivalde, Riga Airport’s Director of Aviation Services and Business Development said: "British Airways has always been a hugely popular carrier in the Baltics, so this return is warmly welcomed. A direct connection to Heathrow Airport is a fantastic addition to Riga Airport's network and we know it’s already been very positively received by corporate customers in particular. British Airways’ flight from Riga to Heathrow opens up more destinations globally, which is a significant benefit for Baltic passengers." The airline previously operated flights to Riga from 1997 to 2007.

Evoke Classics, a female-led online classic car auction and community, has won the Best New Product/Service Award at the Chartered Institute of Marketing's (CIM) Global Marketing Excellence Awards 2023, in partnership with Nerd Digital. The award, hosted by comedian Tom Allen, was presented at a ceremony in London on October 25, 2023. Evoke Classics was co-founded by Sarah Crabtree, a well-known TV personality from the UK TV hit series Bangers and Cash. In 2020, Crabtree left the show to pursue her career in the auction industry and saw a gap in the market for a female-led business in this male-dominated field. She joined forces with Nerd Digital, a marketing agency, to create a unique online classic car auction and community platform. Evoke Classics has been a huge success, quickly becoming a highly recognisable brand in the online classic car auction industry. The company's success is due in part to its innovative marketing campaign, which was led by Nerd Digital. The campaign focused on building brand awareness and generating leads through a variety of digital channels, including social media, search engine optimisation, and advertising. The CIM Global Marketing Excellence Awards recognise the best industry talent from across the world. Evoke Classics' win in the Best New Product/Service category is a testament to its innovative approach to marketing and its commitment to providing a superior customer experience. Sarah Crabtree, Sales Director of Evoke Classics, said: "We were thrilled to be finalists, so actually winning feels just fabulous! Having Nerd Digital on board has allowed Evoke Classics to make its mark in the auction industry. Noel and the team are clearly very passionate about what they do, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge and experience which Evoke Classics has been lucky enough to benefit from. It's all about teamwork." Paul Cunningham, commercial director at Evoke Classics, added: "Congratulations to the team for this remarkable accomplishment; it's a well-earned recognition of their ingenuity and hard work." Noel Anderson, founder of Nerd Digital, said: “It’s a bit of a cliché, but six years ago we started Nerd Digital around the kitchen table with the goal of working with clients who are looking to challenge the status quo. We first met Sarah at a classic car show, and instantly knew that this was an amazing opportunity with an incredible team. To go from strategy sessions, creating the brand, launching the product, fine-tuning campaigns, making sales, and then winning best new product / service with the leading marketing organisation in the UK – in just over two years – is no mean feat! We can’t wait to see how this brand grows in 2024 and beyond.” Chris Daly, chief executive of CIM, said: “Congratulations to all those who won, this year’s submissions have been excellent. I would like to thank our judges and sponsors, and all who have helped to make this event possible. It’s clear that the global marketing industry has once again risen to the occasion, crafting remarkable campaigns, and reaping the rewards for both organisations and agencies alike. The significance of professional marketing remains critical for enhancing commercial performance and nurturing talent.” Evoke Classics will be exhibiting at the NEC car show from 10-12th November (2023), where they will also be launching their 2024 classic car calendar, with the proceeds going to the charities the UK Sepsis Trust and Bone Cancer Research Trust.