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The first tenants to rent workspaces in the new Spaces Guildhall Leicester building in Leicester city centre have been announced as Adecco, Heimdal, Lincoln Financial Group and Newclip Technics. Workspace deals have been secured with: • Adecco - the world leader in workforce solutions, supporting over 100,000 companies and enabling more than 3.5 million careers every year • Heimdal - an award-winning, global cybersecurity solutions provider with the trust of over 15,000 organisations worldwide • Lincoln Financial Group – a provider of financial protection and security, part of Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE: LNC), a Fortune 200 US financial services company • Newclip Technics - producer of osteosynthesis instruments and implants with subsidiaries in France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium, USA, Australia and Japan The high-quality serviced workspace offered by Spaces Guildhall Lane is bringing global businesses back into the city of Leicester. The workspace also has regular day users from London, Manchester and Birmingham businesses. Manny Singh, Managing Director of Celvista Limited, which manages the workspace, under a franchise agreement with International Workplace Group (IWG), added: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome the first tenants moving into the new Spaces Guildhall Lane building after the recent opening, with several more to follow shortly. Adecco and Heimdal are highly professional companies and we’re so proud to have them on board as tenants in the new workspaces. “Spaces Guildhall Lane is a high quality workspace and is also a catalyst for productivity. This whole building has been curated to bring the very best out of people, so if you are an ambitious business focused on growth, this is the place for your workspace.” The new state-of-the-art all-inclusive furnished, serviced and flexible workspace in Guildhall Lane, Leicester offers accessible co-working spaces, private offices, meeting rooms and creative areas for start up and established businesses. By becoming a Spaces Guildhall Leicester tenant, businesses can benefit from access to over 4,000 locations globally, inclusive utilities, broadband, daily cleaning, CCTV, 24/7 access, mail handling, onsite support, breakout areas, meeting rooms and networking events. Spaces Guildhall Lane covers 9,028 square feet across five floors with a bold, modern fit-out that regenerates the historic properties of the building, whilst preserving its original factory character.

Colleagues from a Hampshire accountancy and business advisory firm are donning their walking boots to raise much-needed cash for a local dementia charity. It’s a case of best foot forward for the team of four from HWB Chartered Accountants, of Chandler’s Ford, taking part in the Walk for Dementia 2025 next month. They will be setting out on a 12.8-kilometre trek from Warsash Harbour to Brownwich Beach and back on September 14. The quartet of Director Michaela Johns, Tax Director Gemma Hedges, Accounts & Audit Assistant Neelam Shankar and Marketing Executive Emma Kemp are fundraising for Dementia Support Hampshire & IOW, which is the firm’s charity of the year. Financial Controller Zoe Handley-Greaves is joining the team as a helper for the walk which takes in river and coastal paths, a pebble beach and country lanes near Southampton Water. Michaela said: “Many of our team at HWB have seen the effects of this brain disease in their loved ones, be it parents or grandparents, and want to do something to help." “Since December last year we have been raising funds for Dementia Support Hampshire & IOW and also volunteering our time to assist at support groups in Eastleigh to directly help this local charity." “Anyone who can donate through our JustGiving page will be helping us to make a real difference to the work carried out by this independent Hampshire charity, be it offering a safe space, a support network or much-needed outreach activity.” Helen Hamblen from Dementia Support Hampshire & IOW said: “As a small independent local charity, we are totally reliant on the kindness and generosity of our community and are hugely grateful for the support of HWB." “Without this backing we couldn’t provide the support that we do, and our services are a lifeline to many families living with dementia.” Walk for Dementia 2025 is a series of eight different walks from a half-kilometre accessible stroll around Warsash to the 12.8-kilometre hike. All start at Warsash Harbour and participants are invited to gather there afterwards to receive medals and celebrate their achievement. According to the Department of Health, by this year one million people in the UK will have dementia, and this will increase to two million by 2050. One in three people born this year will develop dementia in their lifetime. Dementia Support Hampshire & IOW, based in Eastleigh, offers support from the initial signs of memory loss and throughout the dementia journey for individuals with dementia, their families, friends, and caregivers. The charity’s focus is on emotional health and wellbeing, reducing isolation and loneliness, and providing practical support to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. To donate, visit the HWB JustGiving page the Walk for Dementia 2025 page here . Colleagues from HWB Chartered Accountants have also been helping out at Dementia Support Hampshire & IOW’s Friday groups in Eastleigh this summer. Harry Sherwood, Michelle Woomble, Tracy Jenkins, Neelam Shanker, Diya George and Izzy Borisova have volunteered at six sessions, with more planned for September. Chartered accountants HWB, based at Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton, provides business and tax advice. Photo: IN THESE SHOES: Did someone turn up to training with the wrong footwear? The HWB Chartered Accountants team taking part in the 12km Walk for Dementia 2025 event on September 14 starting at Warsash Harbour, Hampshire, in aid of Dementia Support Hampshire & IOW is, from left: Michaela Johns, Director, Neelam Shankar, Accounts & Audit Assistant; Gemma Hedges, Tax Director and Emma Kemp, Marketing Executive

Scot JCB is proud to announce the delivery of 130 new JCB machines to Lomond Plant in a landmark deal that signals renewed confidence in the UK construction market. The order, reflects a long-standing partnership that has now spanned more than 30 years between the two businesses. The new fleet includes a diverse mix of JCB models, carefully selected to support Lomond Plant’s hire operations across the UK. The deal comprises: 42 x JCB 140X Tracked Excavators: Robust 14-tonne tracked excavators offering outstanding strength, operator comfort, and control 23 x JCB 220X Tracked Excavators: Heavy-duty 22-tonne tracked excavators designed for maximum productivity in the toughest applications 24 x JCB 86C Midi Excavators: Compact yet powerful 8.6-tonne zero-tail-swing excavators ideal for urban and utility work 6 x JCB 525-60 Telescopic Handlers: Versatile compact telehandlers perfect for tight-site operations and material handling 5 x JCB 3CX Backhoe Loaders: The iconic backhoe loader, offering unmatched versatility for a wide range of groundworks 5 x JCB 25Z Mini Excavators: Zero-tail-swing mini excavators providing precision and manoeuvrability in confined spaces 2 x JCB JS160W Wheeled Excavators: Wheeled excavators built for mobility and performance on road and urban projects 10 x JCB Site Dumpers: Boasting industry leading levels of safety for safe and efficient material movement 15 x JCB Compaction Rollers: Designed for high-quality surface finishes and ease of use This latest investment follows what Lomond Plant’s Joint Managing Director, Ross Easton, describes as the “best start to the year since pre-COVID”, and signals a major milestone in the company’s future growth strategy. “The market seems to be stabilising. Interest rates are coming down, and there are early signs of confidence returning to the construction sector,” said Ross. “That means we can begin to plan for growth again. It’s much more predictable now than it’s been in the last three or four years. For a hire business like ours, that clarity is vital, we need to know what’s coming and what machines will be needed.” Ross also highlighted the strength of Lomond Plant’s decades-long relationship with Scot JCB: “Scot JCB has supported us right the way through the uncertainty. The service we receive is second to none. Not just when it comes to the machines themselves, but in terms of their network coverage, responsiveness, and ongoing backup. That level of support makes a real difference.” David Park, Sales Director at Scot JCB, added: “We’re incredibly proud to support Lomond Plant as they continue to grow. This order is not only significant in scale, but it reflects the strength of the relationship between our teams. Lomond Plant is one of the UK’s most respected plant hire businesses, and we’re delighted they continue to choose JCB equipment and Scot JCB service to support their customers.” Lomond Plant, based in Falkirk, provides a wide range of construction equipment for hire across the UK and has built its reputation on quality machines, reliability, and customer service, values closely shared with Scot JCB. With a fleet now bolstered by this major investment, Lomond Plant is well positioned to meet increasing demand as confidence builds across the industry.

Sitting proudly on the harbourfront since the 17th century, one of Dartmouth’s grandest buildings is undergoing its most ambitious renovation in over a century.   The sympathetic renovation project of the Grade II* listed Royal Castle, which will see its rich history brought back to life, began earlier this year. In the process some interesting historical quirks and features have been uncovered and restored with great care.   Owners St Austell Brewery brought the Royal Castle into its award-winning 45-strong managed estate in 2019 and are preparing to unveil the renovation this autumn which honours the building’s past whilst elevating it for the 21st century.   As part of the discovery, beautiful 17th century window frames and cobbled stone floors have been found and preserved as part of the pub’s new look. Every era has left a trace on the building, and the fresh design of the pub celebrates them all. Alongside St Austell Brewery’s experienced property team, a group of designers, engineers and conservation specialists continue to work closely with Historic England and the Local Planning Authority to ensure all works are scrutinised and completed with great care and attention.   When the pub is reopened, downstairs, guests will find The Dory Lounge – St Austell Brewery’s take on a cosy, local lounge, where guests can drop in for more informal drinks and light bites.   For those looking for comfy nooks and open fireplaces, The Ketch bar on the ground floor will deliver. The colour palette will reflect its harbours views, bringing a unique vibrancy and charm. Towards the rear, guests will find a more traditional pub atmosphere, with flexible seating options upholstered in worn leather and an area for sports viewing.   Upstairs, The Sloop offers everything from coffees to cocktails, with a classic, sophisticated vibe from breakfast to bedtime, and a private dining room will provide a unique space for special occasions.   The pub’s enhanced bar and dining areas will be served by an improved kitchen to provide an increased and more efficient food offering, with the menu championing local suppliers and featuring a catch of the day landed locally.   24 overhauled bedrooms, spread across three storeys, have been designed with comfort in mind and make the most of their location in terms of layout and style, featuring a timeless design approach.   Inspiration for the materials and interior palette have been taken from the local landscape; soft sandy pinks, deep earthy reds and oceanic green-blues will reflect throughout the building, tying all areas together, but allowing each space to take on its own personality.   Following the launch of its new sustainability plan alongside a brand refresh in June, St Austell Brewery has been actively championing waste reduction, reuse, and repurposing in its refurbishments - principles embraced in the recent transformation of its other pubs, such as the Pier House in Charlestown and The Wellington in Boscastle.   Andrew Turner, Chief Operating Officer, St Austell Brewery, said: “This project isn’t just about improving our guests’ experience; it’s about securing the future of this historic site, ensuring the Royal Castle continues to play a pivotal role in Dartmouth’s rich heritage." “Restoring and investing into buildings with such rich history takes time; we’re doing things right to ensure we deliver modernity, comfort and excitement whilst honouring the building’s past."   “Our vision has been to create a pub that feels both luxurious and local. This is more than a refurbishment for the Royal Castle, it’s a revival.”   The Royal Castle’s pub team - who are working at other St Austell Brewery pubs during the renovation - will continue to be led by general manager Matthew Mickinley-Booton, who has managed the team for the past three years.

ROL Cruise, the UK’s No. 1 independent cruise retailer, is delighted to announce Olympic gold medallist and British sporting icon Sally Gunnell as the new official ambassador for Cruise Miles®, the UK’s leading cruise rewards programme. Known for her inspiring sporting legacy and her passion for health and wellbeing, Sally will now help champion the joys of cruising and reward-based travel as part of the ROL Cruise family. As a relatable and much-loved public figure, Sally is perfectly placed to connect with ROL Cruise’s loyal customer base while also inspiring a new audience to discover the benefits of cruise holidays and Cruise Miles®. The partnership marks a major milestone in ROL Cruise’s 30th anniversary. Talking about her role, Sally said: “I’m genuinely so chuffed to be joining ROL Cruise as Cruise Miles® Ambassador. Cruising is the perfect way to holiday, it’s that rare mix of total relaxation and daily adventure; it’s all about choice and cruising your way. You unpack once but wake up somewhere new every day. It’s effortless, exciting and gives you space to recharge while exploring the world in comfort.” Over the years, Sally has enjoyed cruises across the Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and beyond, with plans to explore Alaska and the Galápagos next. In her new ambassadorial role, she will share advice, experiences and inspiration with ROL Cruise customers, helping more people discover the benefits of life at sea and the rewards of Cruise Miles® – the loyalty scheme that lets customers earn points towards future holidays with every booking. Adds Sally: “ROL Cruise really stands out for its attention to detail and customer care – something I relate to from my time as an athlete. It’s those small 1% differences that make the biggest impact. I also love that Cruise Miles® feels like a thank you to yourself – a simple, smart way to keep your next adventure in sight." "Whether you’re new to cruising or a seasoned traveller, it’s a fantastic way to explore the world in comfort and style.” Commenting on the announcement, Rosie Cairns, Chief Executive Officer of ROL Cruise, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Sally as our new Cruise Miles® Ambassador. Her down-to-earth nature, love of travel and commitment to wellbeing are a perfect match for the ROL Cruise community. We’re incredibly proud to be marking our 30th year with such a positive and inspiring partnership.” Continues Sarah Wikevand, Chief Commercial Officer, ROL Cruise: “I would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Jennie Bond, who has been a fantastic supporter of ROL Cruise and our Cruise Miles® programme over many years. Jennie has become a familiar face to so many of our customers, and we’re delighted that she will continue to work with us as Honorary VIP on many special projects, including customer meet-and-greet events. We are truly grateful for her continued involvement.” As ROL Cruise enters its next chapter, the company is proud to be working with both Sally Gunnell and Jennie Bond – two inspirational women who share its passion for rewarding travel, expert service and making the most of every journey. For more information about ROL Cruise, visit here. Photo Credit: ROL Cruise

Young people deserve better than unemployment after spending years studying for their exams, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned on GCSE results day. On the same day that thousands of young people found out their much-anticipated results, it was revealed that the number of 16 to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training (NEET) across the UK is now 948,000. This marks a 25,000 increase (2.7%) from the 923,000 recorded between January and March of this year. While many will be happy with the results they received today, many may be disappointed. The UK’s largest business group is highlighting that whatever the grade, young people should be given opportunities to continue in education, start training or a job, or launch their own business. FSB research shows that almost 60 per cent of young people are currently interested in owning a business, but only 16 per cent actually have a business or are in the process of setting one up. The business group is now calling for the Government to back measures that open up routes into work, training or entrepreneurship – potentially helping 100,000 young people every year: Launch a New Traders Allowance , offering tailored support and increased payments to help them transition into entrepreneurship. The new scheme, which would be a more effective and ambitious replacement for the New Enterprise Allowance, should be available to all young people not currently in work. Introduce a new scheme based on the Future Jobs Fund , targeting those experiencing or at risk of long-term health related inactivity. This would include subsidised work experience to help young people out of work to get back into employment. Offer small employers a £3,000 incentive to hire an apprentice under 25. Almost half of small business employers say this would encourage them to take on apprentices, helping thousands more to invest in the next generation. It’s crucial that pupils are given good quality careers guidance during their time at school, which includes advice about entrepreneurship. Just 35% of young people in England report having any exposure to enterprise education at secondary school, according to our previous research. Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Policy Chair Tina McKenzie said: “As pupils receive their results today it’s worth remembering that success isn’t defined by grades alone. Whatever your results there are many ways forward, and plenty of opportunities ahead." “Some of the most successful business owners started with an idea, not necessarily a certificate or a grade. We need to make it easier for young people to take that route. Right now, the support to get started just isn’t there and that needs to change." “The latest NEETs figures paint a worrying picture of those finding it difficult to find work or get back into the system, so the government needs to act. This comes on top of a labour market that’s already weakening, with fewer people on payroll and vacancies falling fast." “Creating a New Traders Allowance could give a great opportunity for young people to get into work and take control of their future by starting their own business. We want the Department of Work and Pensions to get behind this and make sure the Youth Guarantee is widened to include proper support for anyone keen to give entrepreneurship a go." “This trio of measures could make a huge dent in these NEETs figures, tapping into the potential of young people across the UK, reducing the figure by 100,000 each year. We know that ambition amongst young people is there, but it needs to be recognised and nurtured, otherwise we’re letting ambition and talent wither away purely because the routes into work or training aren’t clear enough." “This could be the spark that helps a generation turn energy and ideas into something longer lasting. Young people need more than a grade on a piece of paper, they also need the chance to build a future." “This is about giving the next generation the tools to build something of their own, so today’s young people can be tomorrow’s grafters, whatever their grades.”

Some of the top stars in world cycling alongside stage winners in Britain’s biggest professional cycle race are among the first names to be officially confirmed for the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men, which gets underway on 2 September. Former Lloyds Tour of Britain Men race winner Julian Alaphilippe (Tudor Pro Cycling) returns to the race for a fourth time, alongside fellow stage winners Sam Bennett (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale), Ben Swift (INEOS Grenadiers), Rasmus Tiller (Uno-X Mobility) and Matteo Trentin (also Tudor Pro Cycling). Joining them on the startline in Woodbridge, East Suffolk, on Tuesday 2 September and returning to Britain for the second successive season is reigning Olympic Games road race and time trial champion Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step). Evenepoel, who is also the reigning Belgian and World time trial champion, won stage five of the Tour de France this summer, as well as time trial stages of both the Tour de Romandie and Critérium du Dauphiné. Making his debut in 2024, the Soudal Quick-Step rider animated the race from the outset, with attacks on the climbs of day one in the Scottish Borders, before coming fifth on stage two to Redcar, in the stage that shaped the overall general classification. Fan favourite and 2018 race winner Alaphilippe has never failed to entertain, winning a stage in Bristol on his way to the race overall on his debut in 2018, before returning in 2021 to finish third overall, a race which included a thrilling duel on the slopes of the Great Orme with Wout van Aert. Last year saw Alaphilippe once again in the thick of the action and animating the race, particularly on the decisive second stage where he finished second behind Williams. In total the double world road race champion has finished in the top 10 in half of the stages he has raced in Britain. Alaphilippe’s Tudor Pro Cycling teammate Matteo Trentin won stages in the 2015 and 2019 editions in Nottingham and Kelso respectively, taking 11 top ten stage finishes from his two appearances, as well as the runner up spot six years ago. Norwegian Rasmus Tiller claim his first stage win, and the first at the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men for Uno-X Mobility at the end of a thrilling stage through Gloucestershire in 2023, with the 29-year-old going on to finish 12th overall in his second appearance in the race. The final two riders to be announced took their stage wins more than a decade ago, the most recent, Sam Bennett (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) taking his memorable victory in Caerphilly in 2013, resulting in a camera in the team care capturing his then team manager Kurt Bogaerts in floods of tears. Since then Bennett has gone on to win ten stages in Grand Tours, including a brace of Tour de France stages in 2020, when he also won the race’s green jersey overall. For former British road race champion Ben Swift (INEOS Grenadiers), his first professional win came in the Lloyds Tour of Britain, when he sprinted to victory on stage seven at Yeovil in 2009. The Yorkshireman holds the joint record for the most finishes in the race – 11 – that he has achieved alongside five other riders, although Swift is the only one still racing. Further rider announcements will follow ahead of the publication of the provisional rider list in the build-up to the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men. The Lloyds Tour of Britain Men begins on Tuesday 2 September with a pair of stages in Suffolk, the first from Woodbridge to Southwold, before a leg starting and finishing in Stowmarket. Following stages take in Milton Keynes and a first visit to Ampthill in Central Bedfordshire, before a challenging Warwickshire stage ending in a hilltop finish at Burton Dassett Hills Country Park. The race concludes with a brace of challenging stages in south Wales, the first including a double ascent of The Tumble, before a final stage between the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales in Newport to the Welsh capital, Cardiff, on Sunday 7 September. Fans can also watch and engage with the race across digital platforms, by following the Lloyds Tour of Britain on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, X (Twitter) and Strava as well as signing up to receive daily insights in their inbox. Photo Credit - @cyclingimages as supplied by British Cycling.

Leading research and support charity Breast Cancer Now has teamed up with Premiership Women’s Rugby to kick off an exciting new charity partnership – a first for PWR - for the 2025/26 season. With over 400 elite players from across the globe, a devoted team of England’s elite female rugby professionals and an ever-growing fanbase, PWR is perfectly placed to share Breast Cancer Now’s vital TLC: Touch, Look, Check messaging about breast checking and the signs and symptoms of breast cancer far and wide on and off the pitch, among its players and supporters. Through the partnership, Breast Cancer Now will lead and engage the crowd with half-time TLC activations, encouraging everyone to ‘get to know their normal’. Every 10 minutes a woman is told ‘you have breast cancer’ and one man is diagnosed each day in the UK - if nothing changes by 2040, a woman will be diagnosed every 8 minutes. Around two thirds of breast cancers in England are found when a woman detects an unusual breast change and gets this checked by a GP**. Yet fewer than half (44%) of women surveyed (YouGov, July 2025) check their breasts regularly and over one in 10 (11%) have never checked their breasts at all. Claire Rowney, chief executive at Breast Cancer Now commented: “As we gear up for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, we’re proud to be Premiership Women’s Rugby first charity partner over the upcoming rugby season. Joining forces to tackle breast cancer, we’re calling on PWR players and supporters to know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and to ‘get to know their normal’ with the help of our TLC: Touch, Look, Check campaign." “In the UK, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 10 minutes and a man every day - and if nothing changes by 2040, a woman will be diagnosed every 8 minutes." “We know early detection can save lives from breast cancer, and so raising awareness of the importance of regular breast checking and knowing the signs and symptoms of the disease is a vital step to breast cancer being diagnosed early, when treatment is most likely to be successful." “Our fantastic new partnership will not only share vital Touch, Look, Check messages among PWR players and their 5 million devoted fans, helping ensure breast cancer is detected sooner, it’ll also remind anyone affected by this devastating disease that we’re here, and raise vital funds for our lifesaving research and life-changing support. We're here to make sure that by 2050 everyone diagnosed with breast cancer lives, and is supported to live well, and this partnership will help us achieve this.” Genevieve Shore, executive chair at Premiership Women’s Rugby commented: "We are incredibly proud to welcome Breast Cancer Now as the official charity partner of Premiership Women's Rugby. Hearing the statistic that a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 10 minutes is a stark reminder of the need to continue supporting charities like Breast Cancer Now. Together with our athletes, fans and clubs we will tackle breast cancer by raising the all-important funds they need to continue the amazing work they do.” "The second half of 2025 is going to be transformative for rugby in this country, with the biggest Women's Rugby World Cup in history just around the corner. We will be using this momentum to share the important message that breast cancer can be detected sooner and lives can potentially be saved." The partnership will launch on Friday 22 August with a watch party in London, for the first match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup between England and the USA, and attendees will be invited to donate to Breast Cancer Now. Wide-ranging activations will take place throughout the season to engage people with potentially lifesaving breast health messaging and raise vital funds for the charity’s work. This will include fans being invited to donate to Breast Cancer Now when buying PWR tickets, engaging social content from PWR and Breast Cancer Now and prominence for the partnership at matches where fans will be invited to donate. Activations will culminate over a weekend in May 2026 when all 9 PWR rugby clubs will join to shine a spotlight on the partnership to raise further awareness and funds for Breast Cancer Now. It’s time to give your breasts some TLC – breastcancernow.org/checking

A new study examining how UK sports organisations respond to online abuse against female athletes reveals significant gaps in protection, with no tailored safeguarding policies specifically addressing the unique vulnerabilities faced by professional sportswomen. The research, led by Sheffield Hallam University, analysed 52 policies from clubs and governing bodies across football, rugby, and cricket. It found that female athletes receive inadequate protection from social media abuse despite facing 19% more online harassment than their male counterparts. The study, published this week in the Journal of Communication & Sport, comes just weeks after the Women’s Euros where players spoke out about receiving online abuse and ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Only nine of the 28 clubs and organisations studied referred to social media in the context of abuse, highlighting how safeguarding approaches have failed to keep pace with the rapid professionalisation of women's sports. No clubs or organisations differentiated their social media policies for women's sports, with female athletes explicitly mentioned in only one policy document across all three sports examined. While policies extensively address racist abuse, they largely ignore the sexist, homophobic, and misogynistic harassment that disproportionately affects female athletes. The research also highlights the growing severity of online abuse against sportswomen. Female players are 19% more likely to face online abuse than males in tournaments, this figure rose to 29% during the 2023 Women's World Cup. Discriminatory views against female athletes increased by 44% year-on-year between 2023-2024 and 71% of female athletes have witnessed gendered abuse, with nearly half being directly targeted. The research was led by Amberlie Williams from the School of Sport and Physical Activity at Sheffield Hallam University. She said: "Our findings reveal a concerning pattern where female athletes are being failed by the organisations meant to protect them. Traditional approaches designed for male athletes are being inappropriately applied to women's newly professionalised leagues, leaving female players particularly vulnerable in an online environment where abuse targeting women is harder to detect and remove." "Female athletes are operating in a perfect storm of increased visibility, financial vulnerability, and inadequate protection. This research should serve as a wake-up call for sports organisations to prioritise the safety and wellbeing of their female athletes." The study found that organisations consistently transferred the burden of protection onto athletes themselves, social media companies, and government bodies rather than taking direct action to safeguard their players. They also prioritised protecting organisational reputation and revenue generation over athlete welfare. The study's authors are calling for immediate reforms, including: • Development of gender-specific safeguarding policies that address the unique forms of abuse faced by female athletes • Investment in proactive protection measures rather than reactive reporting systems • Recognition of the financial dependency female athletes have on social media for income generation • Training programmes specifically designed for the challenges in women's sport The findings suggest that current policies may be inadvertently perpetuating gender inequalities rather than addressing them. With women's sport experiencing unprecedented growth in popularity and professionalisation, the research highlights an urgent need for sports organisations to modernise their approach to athlete protection.

The UK Warehousing Association is delighted to have joined Sarah Edwards MP and Sir Jeremy Wright MP on visits arranged for UKWA members Movianto UK and Iron Mountain respectively. UKWA Policy & Public Affairs Director Edwin Morgan joined Operations Director Andy Robinson and the team at Movianto UK’s Tamworth based hub to welcome Sarah, while UKWA CEO Clare Bottle took part in Sir Jeremy’s tour of Iron Mountain’s facility in Rugby. Commenting on the Movianto visit, Edwin said: “It was fantastic to be able to visit Movianto UK's hub in Tamworth with Sarah Edwards MP. It's a great facility, showcasing how the company supports customers in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and medical devices sectors. They are quite literally vital to the UK, keeping patients healthy with home deliveries." "Not only are they making a positive difference to their local community, they also have much wider importance to the economy. In the recent Industrial Strategy, the Government identified healthcare and life sciences as a key growth-driving sector. It's often forgotten that sectors like these simply can't function without the partnership of logistics and warehousing companies, so it was a great opportunity for Sarah, as a member of the Business and Trade Committee, to visit this site and see at first hand the essential work Movianto is doing." Sarah added: “It was great to visit the Movianto site in my constituency to see the part they play in supporting the health of the UK. Logistics keeps our country moving and is vital to our economy, so I look forward to continuing to work with the UK Warehousing Association to support the sector.” Of her visit to Iron Mountain, Clare said: “We love to collaborate with our members to talk about warehousing with policy makers, so Sir Jeremy’s visit to Iron Mountain’s Rugby facility, which is dedicated to secure storage of both digital and paper documents, provided us with the perfect opportunity to help to set the scene for a better economic future." “Our sector isn't just about storing goods, it’s an essential backbone to the UK economy: and, like many of our members, both Iron Mountain and Movianto UK provide vital employment at sites across the country!”

England’s leading first aid charity St John Ambulance is calling on employers to recognise their role in building safer communities, with workplace first aid training increasingly being used to save lives beyond the office. The call comes as St John Ambulance highlights the impact of employer first aid training – which doesn’t stop at the workplace. It empowers people to save lives at home, in public, and in the moments that matter most. Lisa Sharman, Head of Education and Commercial Training at St John Ambulance, said: “First aid doesn’t end at the office door. It’s just as likely to be needed on a school run, at the supermarket or in your own home. When we equip employees, we’re equipping communities –that’s where the real impact is made." “This is about confidence that carries over. First aid isn’t just for high-risk jobs or factory floors: the training delivered by St John Ambulance helps employees gain confidence to act decisively under pressure." “When people are trained in the workplace, those skills ripple out into homes, families and communities. First aid training matters everywhere, and we need all employers across England to take note." “Whether you’re hiring labourers, carers, engineers, builders or office workers, first aid training doesn’t just prepare your employees for emergencies at work – it enables them to help others and potentially save lives, wherever they are." “The same is true for mental health first aid. First aid care is often associated with accidents or sudden medical emergencies, but mental health today is very much a first-aid issue too, and one that’s as complex as physical health." “Workers that are trained in first aid and mental health first aid can respond instinctively in their everyday lives, and it could make all the difference in urgent emergency situations.” Medical experts often refer to the “golden hour” – a critical window in which rapid response can make the most difference. Evidence shows that the sooner help is given, the better the chances of survival and recovery. In situations like road accidents, falls or cardiac arrest, immediate action is vital. Taking the right steps early – such as controlling bleeding, giving CPR or placing someone in the recovery position – can stabilise a person until more help arrives. Mental health first aid – being able to recognise mental illness and react well when faced with it – can make a dramatic difference to workers, friends or family members suffering from discrimination, burnout, unhealthy working conditions and more. Undergoing mental health first aid training equips people to spot hidden signs of mental health conditions both in the workplace and beyond, create safe environments for people to share what they’re going through and hold potentially life-saving conversations. Organisations can prioritise comprehensive training for employees with a variety of courses– including First Aid at Work, Emergency First Aid at Work and Mental Health First Aid at Work. St John Ambulance also offers a comprehensive suite of refresher and requalification courses, including e-learning modules to full courses, to help first aiders remain competent and confident throughout their three-year qualification and beyond. In parallel, St John Ambulance is encouraging businesses to invest in trusted, environmentally conscious lifesaving supplies, including its range of defibrillators, first aid kits, training manikins and accessories. “Access to high-quality kits and defibrillators is essential. Having the right tools on hand to act can improve outcomes and help people feel more confident,” Lisa said. “That’s why we offer trusted, sustainable products that organisations can rely on. “We’re asking employers to think beyond ticking a box and see the bigger picture. Every course booked, every kit purchased, helps fund volunteer training and makes more lifesaving care possible in the community. It’s fuel for care, and it saves lives.” St John Ambulance courses are among the most trusted in England, rated 4.9 out of 5 by more than 46,000 participants. Income from these services directly supports the charity’s mission – funding thousands of volunteers, public event coverage and free community training across the country.

The Classic Boat Festival returns to St Katharine Docks on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September 2025, marking the 16th edition of London’s premier maritime celebration. This year’s festival promises to be the most spectacular yet, as over 50 beautiful vintage and exquisitely preserved vessels assemble in the historic central and west basins of London’s only central marina. Set against the iconic backdrop of the docks, this extraordinary floating spectacle showcases the industrial heritage of the Thames and highlights the traditional craftsmanship of generations of British shipbuilders. Visitors will have a rare opportunity to step aboard legendary vessels and meet the passionate owners who have lovingly preserved these nautical treasures. The festival’s crown jewels are undoubtedly several of the surviving Dunkirk Little Ships, which sailed across the Channel to rescue trapped Allied soldiers in 1940. These brave vessels, once part of the legendary evacuation that saved over 330,000 troops, will be open to the public, allowing visitors to touch living history and hear their remarkable stories firsthand. Joining these war heroes will be an impressive fleet, including motorboats from the Bates Star Craft range, historic tugs, and a commanding Navy P2000 vessel. The festival extends into the west basin this year, with larger vessels such as Thames sailing barges (including previous festival favourites such as the Edith May and the Adieu) displayed along the public pontoon, creating an even more immersive experience for maritime enthusiasts. Carefully curated to provide a perfect day for the entire family, both children and adults will be captivated by the opportunity to climb aboard many of the boats and chat with their caring owners, who are always eager to share fascinating tales of restoration, adventure, and maritime tradition. The festival features a variety of activities, including live music, informative talks, and children’s activities, ensuring entertainment for all ages. Food and drink stalls, along with dockside bars and restaurants, will provide delicious refreshments while visitors soak up the unique atmosphere. Each day is marked with an opening and closing salute of horns, creating memorable moments that perfectly capture the spirit of maritime tradition. The festival begins and ends with these stirring tributes, as dozens of vessels sound their horns in unison across the historic docks. Offering free entry for all, take advantage of your chance to be part of this unforgettable celebration of maritime heritage at London's largest marina on the 6th and 7th of September for a weekend of nautical wonders and family fun.