According to business rates experts at Colliers, latest business rates appeal figures announced today reveal that the business rates system and in particular, CCA, the Check Challenge Appeal Business Rates Appeals System isn’t up to scratch with many businesses still struggling to get their business rates appeals through the system. According to government statistics, in the first sixth months of the new 2023 list (1st April to 30th September 2023), 30,950 Checks (the first part of the appeal process) were registered of which almost 40 %,12,160 still remain outstanding. Only 2,530 have progressed to the Challenge stage and of these Challenges, only 180 have been resolved (a low 7 %). In addition 8.3 % of all Challenges have been labelled as 'incomplete' by the VOA and therefore void. Given the difficulty for businesses in registering a Check in CCA in the first place, with the amount of detail businesses need to provide so that most businesses now have to use professional rating surveyors, Colliers says this level of rejection, often on a technicality, is unacceptable and shows how arduous this system is for ratepayers. Colliers also questions the system whereby the VOA has 4 months to decide whether a Challenge is valid, but on receiving the news that the Challenge is “incomplete” the rate payer or their adviser can, in many cases, only be given 24 hours to dispute this. Looking at the CCA stats for the 2017 list, also reported today, the picture becomes even more concerning. The latest figures reveal 37,470 Challenges against the 2017 list are still outstanding. This means almost seven years after the start of the 2017 rating list, 21% of the appeals submitted have not been resolved. “The VOA’s lack of progress in resolving these high appeal numbers should certainly raise eyebrows,“ says John Webber, Head of Business Rates at Colliers. John Webber continued "The figures today reveal that the VOA is seriously under pressure. Given the Government’s promise of three yearly revaluations, the next list will be in 2026 with a Valuation date of April 1st, 2024. The VOA will therefore need to get working on this next year. We believe the VOA is under resourced to deal with the new list and the backlog we are still seeing from the 2017 list as well as the current 2023 list . Against this background it is perhaps not surprising that there has been pressure to reduce the Challenges from the 2023 list- with so many now labelled 'incomplete' and thus void, despite the fact that most of these have been submitted with professional help.” "None of this bodes well for businesses trying to appeal their business rates.” He concludes, “The VOA keeps trying to frustrate ratepayers in appealing their rating assessments, but even with the hurdles in place businesses are continuing to challenge their assessments. The suggestion that CCA is working has been blown out of the water with these statistics. The burden of business rates is too high and the lack of transparency about how their bills are arrived at is the root cause of this shocking number of people trying to appeal their rate bills.”

Developer Charterpoint and housebuilder Snape Properties have jointly submitted a detailed planning application for a site near Louth. The 12-acre plot off Daisy Way is an extension to the popular Westfield Park and already has outline planning permission for up to 90 new properties. Now a detailed application has been submitted to East Lindsey District Council for the next stage of the development. The proposals are for 90 properties, including a mix of one, two, three and four bedroom homes, plus a children’s play area, surface water attenuation ponds, wildflower meadows, sustainable drainage and an amenity lawn for communal informal recreation. Adrian Goose, CEO of Charterpoint, said: “We are very pleased that Charterpoint and Snape Properties have jointly submitted a detailed planning application for this site off Daisy Way near Louth. In conjunction with Charterpoint, Snape Properties has built a flourishing community at Westfield Park and this additional plot will bring more much-needed homes to the town.” The site, which is bounded by the A16 Louth bypass to the north west and by Westfield Park to the south and east, will be accessed off Daisy Way and will include green infrastructure to provide an attractive quality environment for residents and visitors with consideration given to access for pedestrians and cyclists, enhancement of wildlife biodiversity, sustainable drainage solutions and promotion of use of outdoor spaces for improved mental and physical health and well-being. Open water, swales and ditches are also included as part of the sustainable drainage strategy to contribute to local biodiversity. Charterpoint, which is based at Edwalton near Nottingham, specialises in developing high-quality sustainable mixed-use schemes, first-class senior living accommodation, and primary care premises. Snape Properties is a Lincolnshire-based house builder.

Dryad Networks is using its vast experience in IT, electronics and telecommunications to solve the very real and devastating problem of wildfires. The organisation is disrupting the wildfire detection industry with the first major change in fire detection in over 50 years. Using a large-scale IoT network of solar-powered sensors to detect and locate wildfires, Dryad’s Silvanet system ensures that wildfires are detected and tackled before they take hold. The sensors not only detect the fire before it spreads, they also pinpoint the exact location enabling response teams to arrive on site much faster. There is no escaping it: The acceleration of climate change is increasing the incidence of wildfires. Each year, the length of the fire season extends, and more regions are impacted, resulting in tragic loss of life, billions in economic damage and catastrophic contributions to a global CO2 emissions crisis. Traditional detection and management have worked heroically for many years but the need for faster and more advanced wildfire detection methods has never been more evident. It’s also clear that it’s time for a radical new approach. Enter Dryad, which has introduced the ultimate low-cost solution that “smells” outdoor fires at the earliest possible stage. With potentially millions of sensors able to be deployed across millions of acres of forest to provide ultra-early detection, first responders will be able to identify, stop and contain fires before they become catastrophic. This is the first change in wildfire detection in over 50 years and signals a new era in the fight against the devastation caused by these fires. Traditional methods of fire detection in high-risk areas include wildfire cameras, watch towers and satellites, which have all played their part in detecting wildfires and will continue to do so. The problem is that none of these can detect a fire until it is already well underway. Indeed, usually when it has penetrated the tree canopy – at which point it has already taken hold and needs a massive response to get it under control. How It Works Dryad’s solar-powered sensors detect very small and subtle changes in the environment, such as increased levels of certain gases or organic compounds – if you like, they “sniff” the changes out. Embedded artificial intelligence (AI) enables the sensors to discern between real fire threats and potential false positives. In the event of a fire ignition, real-time alerts are generated to notify authorities, ensuring a rapid response. Early detection facilitates faster response and evacuation during a wildfire. The difference in the damage a fire can cause for every ten minutes it remains undetected is staggering. Sensor networks cover large areas, providing comprehensive and highly scalable fire monitoring. AI-supported sensors reduce false alarms, enhancing the reliability of fire detection. Continuous monitoring and data analysis improve fire prevention and resource allocation. By detecting fire threats within minutes, sensors provide a crucial window of opportunity for firefighters to get to where they need to be as quickly as possible. By pinpointing exactly where the fire started (based on which sensor or sensors triggered), most fires are able to be extinguished safely and easily and – crucially – are not able to spread out of control. If we want to slow climate change, we can’t just contain wildfires, we need to extinguish them earlier. Wildfires are one of the leading carbon pollutants. And climate change is making the problem worse. Frustratingly, the relationship between wildfires and climate change creates a vicious cycle where fires, once ignited, contribute back to climate change, which increases the likelihood of fires and so it continues. UK Application While it may seem large scale fires are the problem of Australia, Canada, or hot dry European countries, they are also a threat in the UK. In September this year, Dryad announced its collaboration with the National Trust, installing 50 ‘ultra-early’ wildfire detection sensors on Marsden Moor in West Yorkshire. The moor is a site of special scientific interest and a habitat for rare birds and plants. In recent years, fires on the moor have caused devastation to the landscape. One catastrophic fire, in April 2019, damaged 700 hectares of moorland and took four days to extinguish. It's estimated that it caused £500,000 worth of damage. A later fire in 2021 needed over 100 firefighters to tackle it – costing thousands and putting lives at risk. Now, Dryad’s Silvanet sensors are installed on fence posts on the moor and will detect changes in the atmosphere and send alerts to staff within minutes, reducing the response time and lessening the risk of damage to the landscape, its flora and fauna. This is the first application of the disruptive technology from Dryad within the UK but the devastating wildfires across Europe this summer should be a wakeup call that all countries need to be prepared to do more to combat the potential of more frequent and more devastating large-scale fires. Dryad is hoping that the National Trust’s installation will act as a catalyst for landowners and public bodies to take action to mitigate their own wildfire risk and reduce the costs of firefighting, through ultra-early detection. Carsten Brinkschulte, CEO of Dryad, says: “Time is everything when it comes to managing wildfires and our technology gives firefighters the earliest, most reliable warning coupled with an exact location. Therefore, our aim is to give firefighters the best chance of extinguishing a blaze before it gets out of control and, subsequently, protect the world’s vital forests, making wildfires and their devastating effects a thing of the past.”

During the pandemic a lot of people took up hobbies to keep busy during the frequent lockdowns. Now as the nation struggles through a cost-of-living crisis, many have turned this boredom busting hobby into a side business, more popularly known as a side hustle. These endeavours range from selling handmade goods, such as jewellery and prints, to writing books to be printed and sold on Amazon and more. Transforming your hobby into a side hustle is a logical way of navigating through the financial struggles many are facing today, and it could provide individuals with an opportunity to pursue their passions and talents beyond the confines of a typical 9-to-5 job. However, before you think about embarking on this journey of transforming your hobby into a business, it’s crucial to carefully weigh in on the different factors and considerations. Nick Green, business expert, entrepreneur, and founder of Printed.com shares essential points you should consider before making the leap from hobby to side hustle. Going From Bedroom To Brand To begin, dedicate some time to think about the name of your brand. Avoid settling with the first idea that crosses your mind; instead, draw inspiration from the core reasons that motivated you to start in the first place, ensuring that your brand name is memorable, meaningful, intriguing, and distinct. Once you have your brand name you will need to think about your branding tactics which include brand strategy, brand identity, and brand marketing. When introducing your brand, it should communicate the business values and areas of expertise effectively, so they know what to expect to cultivate the reputation you want from customers and clients. Making a memorable impression and showing your audience that you care can help gain trust and solidify a long-term relationship with customers. This approach sets you apart from competitors and provides a clear definition of what sets you apart. As you move from bedroom hobbyist to businessperson, you will also need to consider how you present your brand physically too. Presentation of product and brand goes a long way towards building trust so be sure to look at packaging of products- but this doesn’t need to break the bank. If you are a jewellery maker, for example, bulk buying business cards which can be repurposed into earring backers, bracelet holders or even pin badge backers are a cheap way of elevating your offering for a smaller initial investment. You can also use free sites such as Canva to design these cards when starting out and needing to keep costs down. Time Equals Money Building your side business will require both time and dedication. Given that a full or part-time job will be occupying most of your time, not to mention home commitments, finding a balance may be challenging. To manage your side hustle, consider implementing dates to hold yourself accountable. This becomes crucial if you are offering services or working with clients, as you would want to portray that the business has a status of reliability. When setting up either your Etsy page, or online shop, consider the feasibility of making and shipping times to make the side hustle manageable around your existing schedule. Figure out if you are going to make products in bulk in advance? Or are you going to make things as and when orders come in? Will you need to get your products printed/ made from a supplier? And if so, what is their turn around time? All these questions need to be considered before putting your business live. Once you have worked out the process of your operation then you will be in a better position to both deliver around your current lifestyle and build trust with customers by managing their expectations when ordering from you. Protect Your Side Hustle Something many of these new side hustlers forget to consider is that side hustles are businesses and that means even side hustles require business insurance. However, the type of insurance depends on the nature of the products or services being offered. It's crucial to carefully consider the specific type of insurance required to protect your side hustle in case of any complications. The most popular types of business insurance are public liability insurance and professional indemnity insurance. Professional Indemnity Insurance Professional indemnity insurance will protect your business from claims made by clients or third parties for financial loss or damage evolving from perceived negligence in your services or advice. Public Liability Insurance Public liability insurance provides protection against claims for injury or damage they are legally responsible for. The policy covers claims from the public, clients, or customers who experience accidents or incidents on your business premises or elsewhere, for which you or your business is considered liable. However, it is vital that side hustle owners speak to a business insurance provider to ensure that the insurance fits the needs of the business. For example, generic policies are unlikely to cover goods in transit, so if attending a craft fair or Christmas market with wares to sell and something goes wrong while out, it is likely not covered, which could lead to costly consequences. Remember The Upfront Costs Prior to launching your business, it is crucial to consider the initial cash injection needed to start a business. These upfront costs can vary depending on the business, but some costs to consider could include, branding materials, shipping costs/packaging, website hosting costs, materials, insurance, and any additional expenses that may occur during the early stage of your enterprise as it will take a little time to break even. Once you have a rough figure you can start to build a financial buffer. These funds will act as a financial cushion reducing the likelihood of being out of pocket to pursue the side-hustle. Prudent financial planning and the allocation of resources for your business's early stages are investments in your future success. A side hustle can be a great way to bring in extra money while doing something that you love, however, despite gains displayed on social media there are a lot of business elements people need to carefully consider before jumping in blindly.

A Scottish heating, plumbing and bathroom supplier with branches located in Loanhead, Falkirk, Rosyth and Macmerry is now one of Scotland’s largest suppliers of plumbing, heating and bathroom products, after its owners received HR support and signposting to grant funding from Business Gateway . Launched in 2018, Heating, Plumbing & Parts (HPP) is a now a well-established heating and plumbing supplier and the go-to place for the everyday tradesman in Scotland. The business supplies and distributes everything relating to plumbing and heating, as well as specialising in bathrooms, underfloor heating and renewable energy products, selling to both trade and the public. Founders of the business, Craig Campbell, Commercial Director and Alan McConville, Operations Director had accumulated a wealth of knowledge in the industry through their work for large manufacturing merchants in senior roles for over three decades. Together, they identified a gap in the market to strengthen the relationship between merchant suppliers and the everyday tradesman, who they believed to be neglected in the industry. On a mission to drive change in the sector, Craig and Alan were in search of expert guidance to help turn their business plan into a reality and approached Business Gateway for support in 2018. Business Gateway was instrumental in providing support in the early stages, with both Craig and Alan attending start-up advice workshops. These also included HR support, which helped the duo create staff contracts. Additionally, Craig and Alan spent time with a strategy expert who helped them map out a five-year plan which they still follow today. Through Business Gateway, Alan and Craig also benefitted from digital support to help build and develop a user-friendly website, which now includes an online brochure, and provides direct access to the brand’s social channels. Motivated by the ongoing demand from their customers to have a showroom that could display the bathroom products on sale, Alan and Craig worked with Business Gateway to secure a 2023 Falkirk Council Resilience grant fund award for expansion. This £10,000 grant allowed HPP to build a new showroom at its Falkirk branch. Since 2018, HPP has gone from strength to strength, starting with their first branch in Loanhead and later expanding its premises to Falkirk, Rosyth and Macmerry, with more branches to follow. Alan and Craig have also expanded their staff, and now have a team of 28 colleagues, who have over 300 years of experience and product knowledge between them. The business is now on track to turnover £7 million this year. Craig Campbell, Commercial Director, HPP, said: “After working in the heating and plumbing industry for several years, I’d acquired an abundance of industry knowledge. However, starting your own business in the sector can be daunting and knowing where to start can be the hardest part. Our journey would have been much harder and longer without Business Gateway’s ongoing support.” Andrea Bradley-Priest, Business Gateway adviser, said: “We have been able to support HPP with a range of Business Gateway’s services. It has been fantastic to watch the business expand and develop in the way that both Alan and Craig wished for in their five-year plan. I look forward to watching them continue to grow in the future.”

Derbyshire bakery Luke Evans has unveiled an upmarket, new-look shop at its headquarters in Riddings. The company, which is one of the oldest family-run bakeries in the country, has invested in new counters and displays at the shop in Greenhill Lane - and the fit-out has been completed with new employee uniforms chosen by the shop team and new signage. There is now an extensive hot display counter serving freshly baked sausage rolls and Cornish pasties, which transforms into a lunchtime carvery unit, with freshly carved hot roasted meats served Monday to Friday in a selection of Luke Evans favourite bread rolls. A large range of ready-made sandwiches is also available, served out of a new self-serve refrigerated counter, or sandwiches can be made to customer specification. Meal deals will remain a big part of the grab and go offering. Customers receive a discount on their purchase if they opt for one of the bakery’s many meal deals, including freshly roasted coffee. To mark the occasion of the refit, Luke Evans Bakery is promoting a range of special offers, including one centred on a product that’s unique to the Derbyshire bakery. On Friday 17th November and Saturday 18th November, every customer who spends over £3.00 in the shop will receive a free Bobby’s Foot. The name Bobby’s Foot was coined in the 1950s when a customer pointed to a loaf of bread and asked for ‘that one that looks like a bobby’s foot’ – referring to a policeman’s foot. The name stuck and the loaf is still sold by Luke Evans Bakery today. The bakery is also giving a free individual cake from a specific selection with every hot roast meat roll sold out of the new hot display counter in the shop during all of November, excluding Saturdays. Luke Evans MD David Yates said: “We’re a bakery with a long history, but we are also always looking forward. The refit has created a modern, fresh feel to the shop, which is a showcase for our fresh bakery products made on the premises." “We’ve introduced a number of new features such as a grab and go counter, which means customers can have a faster experience. We’ve also installed a hot counter, from which we will be selling rolls filled with hot roast beef, turkey and other meats from Monday to Friday." “Our shop will still provide the traditional and welcoming customer service that we are renowned for, and we hope that the new changes will make the customer experience even better.” The shop moved to its current location in the early 1970s following a fire at the bakery which was previously across the road. Shop manager Michelle Lowden, pictured, said: “We are really excited about our new modern shop and the additional services we are now providing to our customers. It’s a great space in which to work and we hope our customers like it as much as the Luke Evans team does.” Luke Evans Bakery has a history stretching back to 1804 when it was founded by Henry Evans and named after his brother Luke. Still based in Greenhill Lane, Riddings, in Derbyshire, it has been passed down seven generations and is still in the same family over 200 years later. The bakery supplies both retail and catering customers with breads, cakes, quiches, tarts and other treats across the East Midlands. Its shop in Greenhill Lane, Riddings, is open from 7pm to 4pm Monday to Friday and 7.45am to 1pm on Saturdays, selling breads, baps, sausage rolls, pasties, cakes, filled rolls, pies, drinks and other products.

Stress is a universal human experience, affecting individuals from all walks of life. Whether it's the demands of work, personal relationships, financial pressures, or the daily hustle and bustle, stress can take a toll on our mental and physical health. Stress Awareness Day, observed annually on November 1, serves as a crucial reminder to recognise, understand, and address the impact of stress in our lives. Stress Awareness Day was established to foster a greater understanding of the factors contributing to stress and to encourage proactive efforts in managing and reducing it. This observance underscores the importance of prioritising mental health and wellbeing, while emphasising the need for open conversations and support networks to deal with stress-related challenges. Key Objectives of Stress Awareness Day Education and Information : Stress Awareness Day aims to provide the public with valuable information on stress, its causes, and its potential consequences. Knowledge empowers individuals to recognise the signs of stress and take preventive measures. Stress Management Techniques : The day promotes the dissemination of stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and time management, to equip people with the tools to mitigate stress. Reducing Stigma : Addressing stress openly helps reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues. Stress Awareness Day encourages people to talk about their experiences and seek help without fear of judgment. Support and Resources : Communities, organisations, and mental health advocates use this day to offer resources and support to those in need. This includes workshops, counselling services, and online materials to help individuals cope with stress. Workplace Initiatives : Many workplaces recognise Stress Awareness Day by implementing stress-reduction programmes and activities, which can improve employee morale, productivity, and overall mental health. As we mark Stress Awareness Day, it's important to remember that stress is a normal part of life, but excessive or chronic stress can have serious health consequences. To manage stress effectively, individuals can consider the following strategies: Mindfulness and Meditation : Incorporate mindfulness practices into daily routines to stay present and reduce anxiety. Exercise : Regular physical activity releases endorphins, which can help combat stress and improve overall mood. Time Management : Organise tasks, set priorities, and establish a healthy work-life balance to reduce stress. Social Support : Lean on friends and family for emotional support and open conversations about stress. Professional Help : If stress becomes overwhelming, seeking professional help from a therapist or counsellor can provide valuable guidance. In conclusion, Stress Awareness Day serves as a vital reminder that everyone experiences stress, and addressing it is essential for mental and physical wellbeing. By promoting awareness, providing resources, and encouraging open dialogue, this day empowers individuals to take control of their stress levels, fostering a healthier and more resilient society.

ScotlandShop was founded back in 2002 by Anna White and despite being a relatively young family business is a business that is steeped in the history of Scotland and the tartans for which the nation is known globally. Over the past 20 years so much has happened. Paul Andrews caught up with founder Anna White in their new head office in Duns in the Scottish Borders to find out more. This is a story of entrepreneurship, dedication to a business and a desire to succeed but underpinned by a desire to remain loyal to the community in which the business was founded and remains today. Anna married a farmer and the two businesses run side by side, with both Anna and her husband driving change and innovation, aspiring to be the best they can be whilst dealing with all the challenges of running businesses in the 21st century. As Anna explains, “I was born into a farming family and was a dairy farmers daughter and knew early on that farming was not the career for me personally. I am a creative individual and always have been and wanted to use that creativity positively in my life, so I took a job in sales and marketing in a business that was all about textiles. It was a real insight into the sector with staff, manufacturing processes, textiles and relationships with both agents and distributors. This was very much a sales role and something that I enjoyed but it was also at a time when the internet had not been created.” It was the internet that provided Anna with the opportunity to build her own business as she realised that there was no limit to the market potential and the business was founded in 2002 with a registered domain name and the plan to sell online in the UK and overseas, initially selling Scottish crafts, gifts, food & textiles. As Anna continues, “The business was founded on not only a love of fashion, fabric and Scottish culture but also a desire to contribute to the development of the local rural economy here in the Scottish Borders. Since we started all those years ago, we have become a truly international organisation delivering all over the world on a daily basis and offering our products and service in 6 languages.” The vision for the business was focused. “Our collection is inspired and influenced by the multitude of colour to be found in our Scottish tartans, steeped in history yet still a fundamental part of the fashion industry. Combining the talents of the many fabulous designers and manufacturers we work with across Scotland, we are spoilt for choice with all these beautiful fabrics woven on our doorstep,” adds Anna. “So much has happened since we began our journey and the connection with the land, our community and farming remains. I married a farmer and although he continues to run the farm, for which he has just been named Arable Farmer of the Year in 2023, he is a key part of the business. In fact, our first physical presence was a shed on the farm from which the business was built.” Anna worked tirelessly to build the business, juggling roles as a wife to a farmer, business founder and mother. “Everyone knows that building a business is not easy and we certainly put the hours in at the start, as we do today, but the family saw how hard we worked, and to be honest I am not sure that my daughter wants to have to work like I did!” continues Anna. The business grew although maybe not a quickly as Anna would have liked. “I thought things would happen much more quickly than they did,” adds Anna. “I needed to be patient and for an entrepreneur with a creative spirit it is not easy. Hindsight is a wonderful thing but looking back patience was a good thing as it enabled us to stick to the original plan, our core values and to build the business we wanted, a business that creates jobs locally, makes more of locally manufactured products and boosts opportunities for the next generation in an area which historically has not provided many opportunities to them.” Anna put her building skills to the test as they moved into a newly renovated old granary in 2004 and this is where it all started to feel more real. “We had our own building and the team felt more together and this was when the business really started to grow and it was in 2006 that Ali, our longest serving ScotlandShop employee first started working for us." "In 2016, after 10 years of tartan service we awarded Ali a trophy and her crown for the day,” explains Anna. The plan was always to build a global presence and to incorporate the opportunity afforded by the internet and in 2008 they re-launched their French & German sites to bring them in line with the UK site before re-launching all 5 of their websites in 2010 based on extensive research with existing customers and the experience that the team had gathered to date. “We used a new agency, new photographer and incorporated lots of new ideas and inspiration,” adds Anna, “as we still do today as the sites need to continue to evolve and offer the experience that the customer wants.” Anna has built a business on strong family values, a sense of purpose and a business that is entrenched in the local community. As she continues, “Many of our suppliers are family businesses with the same underlying values as ours and share our desire to do business the right way and to make a positive impact, to offer opportunities and to make a difference. Of course we want to make a profit but we are not in business just for the money. Family businesses like ours really care and that underpins some of the decisions that we make too,” she adds. Anna and the team have just moved into their new head office on an industrial estate in Duns in the Borders, a place that means a lot to Anna and the family. “This is where the business was founded and we are delighted to maintain the local connection. It is probably not the ideal location for a business that now has a number of retail outlets across Scotland, a flagship store in Edinburgh and making an impact on the global stage but we are loyal to the community that has supported us over the years, our staff have helped us get to where we are today and local employment is important to keep people in the community, to support local schools and other businesses too.” As a business the services continue to evolve, assisting customers in finding the right tartan and helping design and create the final product. For Anna the business is what she wanted. “I love what I do and I am lucky to have created something special, something that is doing what I set out to do. But it isn’t always easy and it can be lonely at the top, making decisions and having to consider all the implications too. The pandemic was not an easy time but We have a fantastic team which all pulled together and we got through it together.” There is a string allegiance to rugby in the Borders, the home of legendary Scottish rugby player Doddie Weir and home of Melrose, the birthplace of Rugby Sevens. As Anna adds, “Scots are proud people and love to wear their tartan. We had been making suits for our favourite Scottish Rugby player Doddie Weir for many years and then we designed Doddie’s tartan, which was our first in house Tartan Design too.” Time moved on and in March 2022 they celebrated the Grand Opening of their first International store in New York. “In celebration of our new home, we launched the Albany tartan featuring colours found within the County Seal & City flag to highlight the Scottish heritage found throughout Albany County,” continues Anna. This is a business with a strong creative edge, directly linking back to the core strengths of the founder. “I love to get involved with all aspects of the business and it helps me appreciate what the business needs as it continues to evolve and grow. I pack with the team when its needed to meet demand and sort any issues immediately to make things better." "For me this is one of the strengths of running your own business as you can make instant decisions that have a direct and immediate impact too. Getting involved is also a great way to find inspiration that comes from staff, customers and the broader community around us." “We are also lucky because very day is different and we never quite know what turn the business will take next. It’s exciting as we work with some brilliant suppliers who make incredible fabrics and also have some incredible customers who call us up and ask us to do all manor of things, showcasing the beautiful fabrics from Scotland in so many different ways.” Anna is an inspirational leader and provides great opportunities to all the people in her team, many of them long-standing employees who have evolved with the business into different roles over the years. “People is what I love about business the most,” continues Anna. “It is great to see members of the team flourish, to grow into new opportunities, to learn and evolve and we have a lovely culture that is the basis of our recruitment policy too." In fact, when we are looking to recruit, our staff do the first step in the process for us, helping us find the people with the right skills but that will fit into our culture, people that want to learn and grow and have a passion for Scotland and the fabulous fabrics that we have to work with too.” Like many family business owners Anna cares and takes the responsibility of running the business seriously. “We have a responsibility to the business but also to the team, their families and the community too. In the area where we are located we have a big impact and we take that seriously. The business is based on family values and community is important so I do spend a lot of time looking after the staff and planning for the future, theirs and mine,” she continues. Anna and her husband Neil have come a long way, independently and collectively since ScotlandShop was first conceived. Both run fantastic businesses that are recognised as exemplars in their own sector. Anna has created an incredible retail operation that shines a real spotlight on Scotland, is a fantastic export ambassador as well as being a great example of someone with a passion that has realised her dream. Anna, and the business, are a beacon of positivity and entrepreneurship, not just for family business and Scotland but as a business one that celebrates Scottish heritage and all that it represents as they have done for over 20 years. We look forward to the next stages in the journey. Find out more by visiting their website here

The latest government data underscores the dramatic shift in international business travel, now standing at only 72% of pre-pandemic levels. This statistic paints a compelling picture of the long-lasting impact of the global health crisis on UK businesses. Henry Smith, Head of SEO at Dark Horse , cites multiple factors behind this decline: Fewer Businesses : The data shows a notable decrease in the number of UK companies, with business closures rising from 299,000 to 327,000 between 2020 and 2021, representing an 11.1% mortality rate compared to 10.3% in 2020. Rise Of Virtual Collaboration : Video conference calls have emerged as a cost-effective and efficient alternative to international travel. Notably, Zoom experienced an unprecedented surge in users, surpassing 300 million worldwide users. This represents a staggering 2900% increase between 2019 and 2020. Remote Work Revolution : Remote work has become the new norm, enabling businesses to collaborate with international partners and employees without needing physical travel. The number of job advertisements featuring remote work benefits peaked at 8.5% in February 2021, a substantial increase from the 2.7% recorded in May 2019, marking a remarkable 315% growth. Sustainable Business Practices : Heightened awareness of the environmental consequences of frequent business travel has prompted a shift towards more sustainable practices. Companies are now prioritising planting trees over jetting across borders in their pursuit of environmentally responsible corporate operations. Henry concludes: "The global pandemic has ushered in a transformative era in the business world, and its effects are still reverberating today." "The decline in international business travel is but one facet of the sweeping changes that have reshaped the corporate landscape."

Prova, the UK’s leading circular economy, clean technology and future mobility communications consultancy, has appointed sustainability expert Ryan Witton as senior account manager. With extensive experience in renewable energy, decarbonisation and environmental impact, Witton is passionate about driving positive global change through hard-hitting communications. Working primarily agency side, he has delivered campaigns for organisations including B Lab Europe, Puro.earth, African Infrastructure Investment Managers and the Global Institute for Disease Elimination. Witton also boasts a master’s degree in Environment, Development and Politics from the University of Birmingham and has previously travelled the world to teach English literacy skills to both elementary and secondary school students. Commenting on his appointment, Ryan said: “Prova works alongside cutting-edge companies at the forefront of sustainability and clean technology. I admire the team’s laser-targeted focus on finding and cultivating innovative circular business models, and I’m excited to join a forward-thinking agency that’s unwaveringly driven by finding and nurturing the next green economy breakthrough.” Ed Willmott, managing director at Prova, added: “With extensive experience across the circular economy, we’re thrilled to welcome Ryan to our growing team. We’re experiencing rapid growth across all areas of the business and Ryan’s experience will prove pivotal to our continued international expansion.” Prova’s client base includes leading brands such as eco-smart tech business myenergi, food waste recycling specialist ReFood, private equity firm Circularity Capital, green merchant bank Turquoise and many others. The business is also a board member of PRN, an international group of independent communications consultancies delivering world-leading campaigns for clients worldwide. For more information about Prova, or the team’s latest campaigns, visit www.provapr.co.uk .

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used by a Nottingham company to help women identify their own risk of developing breast cancer. MyBOOBRisk has developed a pioneering online breast cancer risk web application that offers women between the ages of 20 and 53 a safe and reliable determination of their breast cancer risk in strict adherence to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines. Launched during breast cancer awareness month, it is set to have a huge impact on the way that breast cancer risk is perceived by young women who are not eligible routinely for NHS breast screening until reaching the national age. More importantly, MyBOOBRisk is the perfect companion to regularly checking your breasts, offering an additional level of surety in managing your breast health on an ongoing basis. “Early diagnosis is the holy grail of breast cancer treatment,” explained chief executive officer at MyBOOBRisk Robert Darbyshire, who has been working with a team of experts on the development of medical device software in the field of breast cancer for the past ten years. “MyBOOBRisk uses clinically validated state-of-the-art statistical modelling, computational analysis, and AI, incorporating the major risk factors and additional influences that can affect a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer at an early age." “Identifying high-risk women under the eligible age of NHS breast screening will significantly improve their chances of survival should they subsequently be diagnosed with breast cancer. We hope that MyBOOBRisk will raise awareness amongst younger women of the importance of knowing your breast cancer risk and ultimately save lives in the future.” Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. One in seven UK women will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. In the UK, under the NHS Breast Screening Programme, eligible women will usually receive their first routine invitation for breast cancer screening between the ages of 50 and 53, and then will normally be invited every three years until they are 70 or 71. However, around 20% of all breast cancers are diagnosed in women under the age of 50. “Moreover, mammography is a much less effective screening tool for younger women, who are more likely to have dense breast tissue, compromising the efficiency of routine mammograms in this age group, even if they were available,” added Robert, who is extremely excited to finally bring this technology to the public. "MyBOOBRisk is a set of proprietary AI algorithms built on an underlying clinically approved Cancer Research Horizons, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cancer Research UK, model that has been supplemented with an extensive set of new model parameters and epidemiological risk factors. The more women that use MyBOOBRisk, the more accurate the risk model will become in the future." “We know that some women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer because other members of their family have had ovarian or breast cancer,” explained Robert. “Having a parent, sibling, or offspring diagnosed with breast cancer can greatly increase an individual's risk of developing the disease. This risk is even higher when close relatives have, or develop, breast cancer under the age of 50. Occasionally, families have a faulty gene e.g., BReast CAncer (BRCA) 1 and 2, which may be passed down from generation to generation or start in the most immediate of family members, including the individual. " “Certain factors increase the risk of breast cancer too, including increasing age, harmful use of alcohol, early radiation exposure, reproduction (e.g., the age at which menstrual periods begin and age at first live pregnancy), smoking, oral contraceptive use, and hormone replacement therapy." “MyBOOBRisk is a detailed questionnaire-based profiler covering topics such as general and personal information, medical conditions, family history, and genetic preconditioning, which subsequently calculates a ten-year and lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. This allows the identification of average, moderate, and high-risk women in strict adherence to the NICE guidelines. Individual BRCA1, 2 mutation carrier probabilities are also calculated to ascertain the likelihood of a gene mutation.” In a recent pilot study, MyBOOBRisk identified six high-risk women with an average age of 36. When a woman is identified as high risk by MyBOOBRisk, a detailed summary report is generated highlighting the reasons why, which can be shared with her GP. Under NICE guidelines, it is recommended that high risk women are referred for further consultation. This may include monitoring in primary care only, a referral to secondary care, e.g., a specialist breast cancer clinic, or genetic services at an approved laboratory. Robert, who has a background in sales with experience in opening countless commercial opportunities with blue-chip companies across many industries, said: “We have been working on technology around breast cancer for quite some time now. We have secured validation with Cancer Research Horizons, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cancer Research UK, under a Licence Agreement and website content approval with NICE with regards to care pathways and treatment strategies for the early diagnosis of breast cancer. Our web application, MyBOOBRisk, is the only UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA), medical device approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on the UK market." “Our mission is to save the lives of young women by encouraging them to manage their individual breast health until they are eligible for screening in their early 50s.” MyBOOBRisk is available at www.myboobrisk.com . The annual fee, at an introductory offer of £29, includes an online in-depth risk profile as well as your risk level and a lifestyle action plan. In addition, a detailed summary report is provided with a breakdown of the reasons for the risk level, where appropriate, in strict accordance with NICE guidelines. Corporate packages are also available for companies wishing to provide MyBOOBRisk as a staff benefit.

In a world increasingly defined by innovation and technology, engineers play a pivotal role in shaping the future. The United Kingdom, known for its rich engineering heritage and a constant drive for progress, dedicates a day each year to celebrate the invaluable contributions of its engineers. This year, National Engineers' Day takes place on November 1 to celebrate the brilliance, creativity, and dedication of engineers across the nation. National Engineers' Day was officially established in 2019 by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Royal Academy of Engineering. The date chosen coincides with the birthday of George Stephenson, often regarded as the father of the locomotive, emphasising the UK's historical engineering achievements. It is a day of recognition and celebration. Engineers from various disciplines, industries, and educational backgrounds come together to commemorate their profession and showcase the depth, diversity and opportunity that a career in engineering can offer. Here are some common activities and initiatives associated with this special day: Awards and Honours : Many organisations and institutions use this occasion to present awards and honours to outstanding engineers who have made remarkable contributions to their fields. Educational Initiatives : Schools, colleges, and universities often organise workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions to inspire young minds to pursue careers in engineering. Professional Development : Workshops and seminars focusing on skill development and the latest technological advancements are organised to keep engineers up-to-date with the ever-evolving landscape of their profession. Public Engagement : Engineers participate in various public engagement activities, showcasing their projects and innovations to raise awareness about the impact of engineering on daily life. Industry Collaboration : Companies and industries frequently collaborate with educational institutions to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications. National Engineers' Day holds great significance, as it highlights the vital role engineers play in the UK's growth and development. It emphasises the need for innovation and the constant pursuit of excellence in engineering, essential for addressing the challenges of the modern world, from sustainable energy solutions to cutting-edge healthcare technologies. The day also fosters a sense of community among engineers, enabling them to share their experiences and inspire the next generation of innovators. National Engineers' Day stands as a testament to the UK's rich engineering legacy and its commitment to a brighter, more sustainable future. It serves as a reminder of the incredible feats that engineers have accomplished and the boundless potential that lies ahead. As the world continues to evolve, the contributions of engineers are more vital than ever, and this day serves to honour and recognise their tireless dedication to progress and innovation.