Independent insurance broker, TL Dallas, has appointed Cara Mackenzie as its new regional placement manager for Scotland, a role that will see her overseeing the company’s insurer relationships across the region. In her new position, Cara will be responsible for managing and strengthening relationships with TL Dallas’ extensive network of insurance companies, supporting key clients and partners, and driving the company’s placement strategy throughout Scotland. She will also play an important role in supporting the local broking teams on complex and difficult to place renewals, to ensure clients are properly protected against the ever-emerging risks they face. Cara said: “TL Dallas offers a unique combination of scale yet it’s still an independent, family-run broker with a strong presence across Scotland and beyond. Joining gives me the opportunity to work closely with the teams across Scotland, whilst helping drive growth for the business.” Cara brings more than a decade of experience in insurance broking and relationship management. Prior to joining TL Dallas, she spent almost four years at Accelerant, a risk exchange platform that connects Managing General Agents (MGAs) with risk capital partners, where she managed relationships with multiple MGAs and oversaw complex policy binders. Her earlier career included roles at Marsh Commercial and Clark Thomson in Inverness, giving her comprehensive insight into both client-facing broking and placement management. Chief executive officer, Tim Mortimer, said: “Cara’s extensive experience makes her an excellent fit for this role. Her knowledge of the Scottish insurance market, combined with her ability to support complex accounts and drive placement strategy, to ensure clients are matched with insurers that fit their individual requirements, will be invaluable as we continue to expand and strengthen our regional presence.” Cara will work closely with internal teams and external partners to ensure clients’ insurance needs are met efficiently whilst identifying new business opportunities. Her remit spans all offices in Scotland, including Caledonia Dallas in Inverness and Elgin, Nord Dallas in Orkney, as well as the TL Dallas offices in Shetland, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Founded in 1919, TL Dallas now employs more than 235 people across 15 offices throughout the UK and is a founding member of the UNA national alliance of independent brokers.

GAP Hire Solutions, the UK’s largest independent hire company, has strengthened the technical expertise within its lifting division with three team members achieving Appointed Person certification: Pete Monniot, Daniel Gruffydd and James Daniel.   While GAP does not carry out lifting operations, the qualification provides a deeper technical understanding of lift planning, site constraints, and lifting methodologies. This allows the company’s lifting specialists to engage more effectively with contractors’ Appointed Persons and lifting teams on site.   As a provider of lifting equipment, this enhanced knowledge ensures GAP can better support customers during the planning and coordination stages of lifting activities, helping ensure equipment is specified correctly and delivered in line with site requirements.   All three newly qualified Appointed Persons have developed their expertise in accordance with industry legislation and best practice, including the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998.   Pete Monniot, Head of Lifting – South, commented: “As an equipment provider, it’s important that we understand the technical and operational challenges our customers face when planning lifting activities. Achieving Appointed Person certification strengthens our ability to engage with site teams at the right technical level, ensuring we can support them in specifying the correct equipment and meeting the requirements of the lift plan. It ultimately gives our customers confidence that they’re working with a supplier who understands the realities of lifting operations.” Achieving Appointed Person status demonstrates GAP Hire Solutions’ ongoing investment in professional development and reinforces the company’s reputation as a trusted partner in lifting solutions.

Solar shading firm Caribbean Blinds marked the recent Global Shading Day by highlighting the growing need for effective sun protection in homes and workplaces across the UK. Created by the European Solar Shading Organisation, Global Shading Day is an international initiative designed to highlight how solar shading can reduce energy use, lower emissions and improve comfort and wellbeing. For Suffolk-based Caribbean Blinds, the day offered a timely opportunity to showcase the firm’s new White Paper, published at the end of 2025, which explores why external shading is no longer a luxury but a vital response to Britain’s warming climate. Research commissioned for the White Paper reveals that while 41 per cent of homeowners worry about overheating, only 15 per cent identify poor solar shading as the main cause. External blinds, on the other hand, can block up to 97 per cent of solar gain, reducing indoor temperatures by almost 20°C. Yet despite their proven effectiveness across Europe, UK adoption remains limited. Modern designs now accommodate sliding doors, rooflights, conservatories and pergolas, providing solutions from blackout bedrooms to mesh fabrics that preserve views, all with minimal maintenance. Stuart Dantzic, Managing Director of Caribbean Blinds commented: “Large windows and bifold doors are hugely popular, but they let in a lot of heat. External blinds stop that heat at source. They are simple, effective and underappreciated, and understanding them better could transform UK homes this summer and beyond.” Caribbean Blinds’s White Paper is aimed at installers, architects and homeowners alike, demonstrating that shading is a sustainable response to climate change and a growing commercial opportunity for UK installers. To download visit here .

The UK’s leading baby mattress manufacturer, Nursery Connections, has stepped up its expansion with the £2m acquisition of a major manufacturing facility in Northamptonshire. Owned by Raskelf Group, the business has secured the 3.4-acre factory in Corby, where it will establish a state-of-the-art Baby Sleep Innovation Centre alongside a purpose-built showroom.  Thomas Colleran, Commercial Director said: “Our goal is to lead the next generation of baby mattress innovation by bringing product design, material testing and prototyping under one roof." “The factory has been purchased rather than leased – demonstrating our long-term commitment to UK manufacturing. Representing a 70% increase in space, this site will become the new home of Nursery Connections’ manufacturing operations, with a further £250,000 investment planned in new machinery and specialist equipment.” Nursery Connections was acquired out of administration by Raskelf Group in 2023, securing the brand rights and key assets – including stock and equipment. The deal safeguarded jobs, with employees continuing operations at the original Corby site, where expertise in developing baby mattresses had been built over two decades. In just two years under Raskelf’s ownership, the business has grown to become the UK’s No.1 baby mattress manufacturer – producing 10,000 products per week for the domestic, retail and contract markets. This latest investment, said Thomas, marks a significant step forward in Nursery Connections’ growth strategy: “The Baby Sleep Innovation Centre will act as a hub for collaborations with retailers, designers and material suppliers, while the showroom allows prototypes to be inspected first-hand." "The vision is to transform how babies sleep safely and comfortably, with breathability and hygiene at the heart of our decision-making. As a father of two young girls, I understand that a family’s wellbeing often depends on how well children are sleeping. We are focused on making sure families everywhere experience the best night’s sleep possible.” The Innovation Centre will feature dedicated facilities to develop and test new baby sleep materials and mattress constructions, with multiple areas of focus including breathability and airflow; temperature regulation; support and pressure distribution; hygiene and washability; and sustainability and recycling. Thomas explained that Raskelf’s long tradition of pioneering in the sleep sector gives the company the capacity to drive innovation at this scale. “We’ve come a long way since our company Duvalay’s ‘hero product’ – the sleeping bag with an integrated topper – found success on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den back in 2011,” he said. “Raskelf Group had proven success across multiple brands, sectors and continents before acquiring Nursery Connections, which is now benefiting from decades of expertise in research, development and testing. Opening a Baby Sleep Innovation Centre is the next natural step, as we push the boundaries of what is possible in the sector.”

When Natalka Hunka accompanies domestic violence victims into the courtroom as a McKenzie Friend, it is more than a job – it’s a calling. Inspired by her own experiences over 20 years, it’s clear the 44-year old single mum of two from Knowle is on a mission. The role represents one of many responsibilities she holds as founder of her new business – a future she is building for her daughter battling a chronic health condition. As it marks its first anniversary, Aspire HR and Training Consultants, in Hockley Heath, can already boast a national award to its name – with big plans to build on its early success. But this chapter also marks a new start for the new entrepreneur who is finally realising her dream, not in spite of her traumas after years of abusive relationships, but rather, she says, because of them. Abuse became a disturbing pattern in her relationships, the last of which saw her fleeing with her daughter Caitlin back to the safety of her parents’ home in Balsall Common. She recalls: “I was stupid enough to keep believing them when they said they would change and would even make excuses for them. They would beg for my forgiveness and the behaviour would stop for a while but then eventually it would always start up again. The experience has completely changed me, coming from abuse, it has made me stronger.” Natalka and her younger brother Simon were born in Coventry, of Ukrainian descent, a heritage that inspired her and youngest daughter Larysa, to create a Ukrainian hub for the Midlands. It is from here more than 1,500 parcels were distributed since the breakout of the war in February 2022, the effort supported by parents from Bablake School and assisted by family friend Maria Leszczyszyn and Franklin and Hawkins Family Funeral Directors. Their father Stefan, become a highly respected member of the law profession for 43 years as the Owner/Director and Criminal Defence Solicitor at Alsters Kelley Solicitors. But the family’s influence is far-reaching - from a little corner of Coventry at granddad’s Hunka’s General Stores, to uncle Pavlo Hunka, the internationally acclaimed opera singer. Musical talent also belies a huge passion, the former student from the former Malvern Girls’ College winning a place at the prestigious Royal Northern College of Music to study music and, at 16, becoming one of the youngest people to ever get into the main National Youth Choir of Great Britain. But rather than follow her uncle’s example, an overriding desire to one day be a mum – kept her anchored on building a more stable career, eventually taking her into HR following her mother’s footsteps, an industry she quickly fell in love with. Despite abusive relationships which left their emotional toll, Natalka soon worked up through the ranks at firms across the Midlands, to become HR Director. But it’s her eldest daughter, Caitlin, – and now Aspire’s newest recruit - whom she credits with giving her the biggest drive to succeed at her newest challenge as a business owner, along with encouragement from her new partner Dan Cooper. She said: “I wanted to start a business that I’d enjoy and would mean I was at home more with Caitlin, who at the time was in the thick of A levels - and it's the best decision I made, because all of a sudden, endometriosis was taking over her life and ours." “She has been through so much with me and, since her diagnosis four years ago, it’s always been my vision to set up a profitable business that I can hand over to her one day. But I am a workhorse, and am of the opinion that we should work hard for it. We very much live with Ukrainian ethics and both my parents have worked damn hard. My grandparents came to this country with nothing and my dad together with my mum’s support, is self-made.” Now 19, and with the agonising symptoms of her condition under tighter control, Caitlin is steadfast in her supporting role, this time as HR/Business Coordinator, right-hand woman in the business, whilst studying remotely with the Law Academy in London in Employment Law. The growing team also includes HR Advisors Isabelle Powell and, joining next month, Lauren Worrall. Bringing together Natalka’s leadership and business skills as well as compassion, Aspire HR & Training Consultants is rooted in helping SMEs with outsourced HR services, from employment contracts and HR audits, redundancy and restructuring to disciplinaries, grievance procedures and recruitment. Natalka said: “I started the business with a simple goal: to make HR support practical, accessible, and human. For me, good HR isn’t about endless paperwork or rigid rules - it’s about helping your business thrive by supporting the people who make it successful.” But most in-demand has been her support as a McKenzie Friend - a lay person who supports a litigant in person in lieu of a family lawyer in court. Natalka said: “We provide a unique blend of legal support and experience and emotional well-being assistance to help you navigate these challenging times." “I'm the secret squirrel in the background who assists with all the paperwork and position statements, provides emotional support and, on the day, I'm in court with them, taking notes and giving them professional support where I can. Most commonly it’s for people going through divorce, child arrangements, non-molestation application orders etc." “But I also specialise in cases of domestic abuse. I am grateful that I'm able to give back after what I went through. I can relate to them emotionally - the abuse, the emotions, the stress, the anxiety, the PTSD domestic abuse brings with it. This role is very much me, it's where I find most reward.” Visit Aspire HR and Training Consultants here . Visit McKenzie Friend Support Ltd here . Photo credit : Janus Photography and Everybody Smile Photography

This year’s End of Season Beaters’ Bash, held at Lonach Hall in Aberdeenshire, celebrated the strength and support found within rural communities. Welcoming gamekeepers, stalkers, ghillies and all those within the industry, many came together for a well-earned social evening while raising vital funds for the Gamekeepers’ Welfare Trust (GWT). The event, which took place on Friday 20 February, raised an incredible £4,409.15 and attracted a near 150 guests. The auction alone raised £2,850, with the remaining £1559.15 via donations on entry, the raffle, and the bar. Reflecting on what was described as a lively and vibrant evening, Lois Campbell of Jane Craigie Marketing and co-organiser of the Beaters’ Bash said: “Events like this are invaluable for strengthening relationships across rural communities and provide a rare opportunity to bring together estates from the north east of Scotland and beyond. It was a well-earned night after a long winter season and it’s wonderful to see more people attending each year.” Main sponsor of the Beaters’ Bash, Louise Fotheringham of Spratt's Game Foods, added: “It is vital for our business to stay connected with those already in the industry and to support newcomers. The evening offers just this, and was, as ever, thoroughly enjoyable, full of energy and good humour – and thanks in no small part to all those in attendance.” Event co-organiser Allan Whyte, commented: “We hope the Beaters’ Bash is now firmly established as a key date in everyone’s calendar and continues to grow in both impact and popularity." "It has been held in various community halls across Aberdeenshire over the years, organised by different people. Three years ago, a few of us were keen to restart it, bringing together people from across Scottish estates for a good night whilst raising funds for a charity that all resonates with us.” The GWT is an organisation in the UK supporting gamekeepers, stalkers, ghillies, and their families, offering financial and educational grants, a confidential helpline and a job register. According to the Trust’s most recent data, in 2025, 36% of those who reached out did so due to employment issues and redundancy, 25% for health concerns and 20% for finance and housing support. During the year, GWT nurses carried out 1500 health MOTs and spent 63 days attending events across the UK. The Trust also keeps in regular contact with over 2000 people through ongoing counselling support, including personal touches such as cards and flowers. Lois Added: “The evening has become an important event for the industry, ensuring that we, not only shine a light on those within the sector, but also have a chance to give back and reflect on all we accomplish.” “Thank you to Spratt's Game Foods for sponsoring the event, Keith Ogg for leading the auction, Liam Eddie for providing the music, Bill Barclay for his efforts behind the bar, and to Melissa Chapman for her immense support overseeing the entire event. A huge thank you as well to everyone who came along and helped make the evening such a success – the generosity has been truly overwhelming. I wish you all the very best over the summer before the 2026 season begins in September.” The organisers would also like to thank the generous donors who contributed to the auction and raffle prizes: Cairngorms Glamping Collies Butchers Forbes Raeburn – The Family Butcher Finzean Farm Shop Glen Tanar Riding Centre Glenkilrie Larder Ian Stephen Littlewood Sporting Estate Lochter Activity Centre Lochter Fishery Lonach Hall McNab Mel Shand Artist Michael Buchan MK Roofing and Lead Work Norvite Farm & Country Raemoir Garden Centre The Alford Bistro The Secret Garden Tillypronie Estate TwinPeakes Fly Fishing Tuffies Dog Beds William Mitchell & Son This event is kindly sponsored by Spratt's Game Foods. For more information, visit their website here .

M&S has announced a new partnership with Pilio, a sustainability innovator and solutions provider, to launch the Affordable Clean Environment (ACE) cotton programme – an initiative designed to accelerate access to clean energy and strengthen biodiverse farming practices across cotton growing communities in India. Cotton is central to M&S’s products, making up the largest share of its material portfolio and accounting for more than half of the total fibre mix. The ACE Cotton programme is an important part of Plan A – M&S’ sustainability strategy – to protect and enhance biodiversity across its entire value chain. Building on progress already made in sourcing more responsible cotton – with 100% of the cotton in M&S clothing coming from Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) * (under Mass Balance and Physical chain of custody), recycled, or organic sources since 2019, and home textiles tracking towards the same goal by 2025/26 – this programme goes further by investing directly in clean energy and naturepositive solutions for cottongrowing communities. Supporting renewable energy for cotton farming communities At the heart of the ACE Cotton programme is a focus on community livelihoods – ensuring cotton farmers are central to decision-making and that the initiatives are developed in partnership with them. The programme will also unlock financing for both on-farm and off-farm solar technologies, helping reduce carbon emissions associated with cotton production and strengthen the long-term resilience of rural communities. Advancing nature-focused solutions and building healthier ecosystems Working with farmers already licensed under the Better Cotton Initiative, the ACE cotton programme will extend its support beyond agricultural practices to include habitat creation, restoration of land and the introduction of nature positive approaches such as native plantings for wildlife and waterway habitat areas and nature corridors connecting fields across local landscapes. Katharine Beacham, Head of Materials at M&S, said: “At M&S, sourcing cotton with care is fundamental to how we do business, and today 100% of the cotton in our clothing comes from more responsible sources. The ACE cotton programme builds on that progress by investing in clean energy and nature positive practices that support farming communities and reduce the environmental impact of cotton production." "It reflects the ambition of our sustainability programme - Plan A - to ensure our clothes are made in a way that supports people, protects nature, and contributes to a lower-carbon future.” Catherine Bottrill, CEO of Pilio, said: “It is great to be working with M&S, who recognise the importance of investing in a holistic solution that improves the lives of cotton growers alongside addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss." "Access to clean energy benefits strengthens the prosperity of farming communities while reducing emissions and delivering positive outcomes for biodiversity across brand supply chain.”

Carmela Morrall has put pen to paper on a new Loughborough Lightning contract, committing the age grade England international to remain with the club. The talented centre, while youthful in terms of age, is already an experienced Premiership Women’s Rugby campaigner. The 21 year old is now in her fourth season with the African Violets, having made her debut as a replacement against Harlequins back in November 2022. Morrall has started every game in the 2025/26 PWR season to date in the number 12 shirt, surpassing 50 appearances earlier in the year as she led the team out against Saracens at the StoneX in Round Six. She produced two sublime assists in the recent clash with Sale Sharks and was at the heartbeat of last Friday’s win over Harlequins, including scoring the late match sealing try with a powerful finish. “I’ve been at the club since I was 17,” Morrall said. “It’s become home to me, especially this season. The group is incredibly tight. I’m really excited to keep kicking on and stay here, and hopefully really push on next season and keep doing better in the league. “As a group, we desperately want to succeed and prove ourselves. A goal for us would be to win the league, and I think that’s something that’s really exciting for us in the next few years coming." “But that will only happen depending on how hard we can push as a group, keep working to get better, keep developing, and it’s an awesome challenge for us to go toe to toe with the teams at the top of the table.” This season, Morrall has dominated in the centre alongside veteran USA international Alev Kelter, with the pair starting every single PWR game together. “It’s been really cool, the way we play is very different,” Morrall added. “There are elements of her game, like her carry dominance and physicality, that I really admire." “It’s something that I’ve always wanted to push my game towards — to get better in that area. So learning from her and learning how she runs her lines and the aggression she runs with is awesome to learn from.” 2023/24 was Morrall’s breakthrough season as she made 18 appearances in the centres, scoring a maiden try against Saracens before crossing the line three more times that campaign. Her efforts were acknowledged when she was named Lightning Young Player of the Season. She is also another talent from the Loughborough University pathway, featuring in two BUCS finals and being named Women’s BUCS Super Rugby Player of the Season in 2024/25. “Being at a place like Loughborough is unbelievable for your development as a young player,” she explained. “Last season, for example, I didn’t get the game time I probably wanted in the PWR, but I had the opportunity to still play really high level rugby for the BUCS team." “Being here is one of the best places to come as a young player, because you get the development and training of the PWR team and push yourself against seasoned internationals, but you can also have that playing outlet if you don’t get selected, so your development goes through the roof." “Two people who have been really big for my development have been Helen Nelson and Emily Scarratt. “To learn from two of the best to do it for their countries is unbelievable, and you probably don’t get that in a lot of places. So I can’t thank them enough for pushing me to be better.” Alongside her 57 Lightning appearances, Morrall has also appeared seven times for England U21 and was part of the most recent camp that met last month in preparation for the U21 Six Nations, which take place in April and May. Lightning head coach Nathan Smith is building a strong spine of his squad ahead of the 2026/27 season, with the likes of Helena Rowland, Daisy Hibbert Jones, Keevy Fitzpatrick, Mae Sagapolu and Meg Davey all agreeing new deals. “I am delighted that we have retained Carmela and I am excited to see how she continues to develop moving forward as a Lightning player,” said Smith. “I think we have seen her game move on to the next level this season, and that comes with minutes on the pitch which she has been getting plenty of. “Alongside her rugby playing ability, Cam has also developed as a leader and she has captained the side on occasions this season. It’s easy to forget, because she has been around the place for so long, that she is only 21 years of age. She is great for the environment and a fine example of the unique pathway we have here at Loughborough." “I truly feel that with Cam, the sky is the limit. I have worked with her since day one of my time with Lightning and that first Cup block she played in has been so influential on her career." "Out of the team that won away at Harlequins early into the 2023/24 season, we have seen three players in Lilli Ives Campion, Becky Boyd and Bo Westcombe Evans go on to become senior international players. I fully expect Cam to be the fourth.” Photo credit: Dennis Dixon.

UK entrepreneurs are confident about their own business prospects in the upcoming tax year, despite pessimism over the wider UK economy, according to new findings from Rathbones, one of the UK’s largest wealth and asset management groups. A survey of more than 1,000 SME founders, owners and senior executives found that over two thirds (68%) feel confident about their business outlook this year, including almost one in three who are very confident. Yet 37% are pessimistic about the broader economic environment, and 25% believe the government does not do enough to support people looking to build and grow businesses. Faye Church, Senior Financial Planning Director at Rathbones, based in Guildford, says: “Entrepreneurs are clearly backing themselves, even if they don’t feel backed by the system around them. The gulf between business level confidence and national economic optimism shows how hard business owners are working to maintain momentum amid tax pressure and rising costs. This resilience is encouraging, but it also highlights the need for policies that unlock investment and restore long-term confidence." Confidence holds, but fatigue is setting in While motivation among business bosses remains relatively strong (cited by 60% of the sample), nearly a third (29%) report feeling neutral and 12% say they are unmotivated. The findings point to operational fatigue amid ongoing cost pressures and economic uncertainty. Earlier research revealed that more than one in five SME leaders (21%) laid off staff last year due to cost increases, including higher business rates and national insurance contributions. “In our recent conversations with business owners, one theme keeps coming up: in a world of rising costs, shifting tax rules and continued economic uncertainty, people want clarity,” Faye Church adds. “Our clients want to know which financial decisions matter most right now and what practical steps they can take to protect and grow their personal wealth while running a successful business.” Five financial planning priorities for business owners this tax year With business confidence diverging sharply from broader economic sentiment, many founders are refocusing on the areas they can control, starting with their own financial planning. Faye Church outlines five strategies to help business owners strengthen their long-term position. 1. Separate business wealth from personal wealth For many founders and directors, the boundary between personal and business finances can blur. If too much personal wealth is tied up in the company, an unexpected downturn can throw long-term plans off course. Review how much of your net worth sits within the business, whether your salary/dividend mix is tax efficient, and whether surplus company cash is better reinvested, moved into personal investments or added to pensions. 2. Make the most of the current tax environment Tax planning remains a core part of effective financial management for directors, and recent changes to allowances mean business owners should review their approach each year. Key areas to revisit include: • Reduced dividend allowances and the most efficient way to extract profits • Lower Capital Gains Tax allowances on asset or share disposals • Using pension allowances, which may create opportunities for company contributions 3. Manage excess business cash more effectively A common question from business owners is: “What should I do with excess cash in my company?” Cash offers stability, but in a higher inflation environment, holding too much can erode long-term value. Options include optimising working capital reserves, using short-term cash management solutions, and considering longer-term extraction strategies such as company pension contributions (where appropriate). Your approach should reflect your cashflow needs, growth ambitions and personal financial goals. 4. Plan early for succession or a business sale Whether you’re preparing for a future sale, considering a management buyout or thinking about family succession, starting early gives you more choice and usually leads to better outcomes. Questions to explore now include: What does a “sale ready” business look like for you? Is your ownership structure aligned with your future plans? Are you building sufficient personal wealth outside the company? Early planning helps avoid financial surprises and gives you more freedom when the time comes. 5. Build a personal financial plan for life beyond the business Entrepreneurs often prioritise the company at the expense of their own planning. A well-structured financial plan can clarify when you can afford to step back, the income you’ll need later in life, how your investments should be structured and how to protect wealth for future generations. Good planning gives you options, whether that’s growth, a sale or simply more time.

Leading law firm Farrer & Co has announced the election of Richard Lane as its next Senior Partner. He will take up the role on 1 May 2026, succeeding Jeremy Gordon, who will be retiring from the firm next year. Richard assumes the role as the firm marks its 325th anniversary, celebrating its distinctive blend of continuity and innovation through centuries of change. Working closely with the firm's Management Board, Richard will help ensure that the firm's collaborative and people-centred culture remain at its heart as the firm builds on its market-leading combination of private wealth, private capital and institutional expertise, supporting clients across the UK and internationally. Richard is a highly-regarded corporate partner with nearly 30 years’ experience advising entrepreneurs, corporates and family-owned businesses on complex transactions, often in an international context. He played a leading role in establishing and building the firm’s Corporate practice and is widely recognised for his commercial judgement and practical, solutions-focused leadership. Jeremy Gordon steps down after three years as Senior Partner. In a career spanning over 36 years, he has built a distinguished reputation in Contentious Trusts & Estates, acting in many of the most high-profile trusts disputes of recent years in both onshore and offshore jurisdictions. Richard Lane said: “Farrer & Co is a special place with special people, and it is a great honour to be elected Senior Partner. I would like to thank Jeremy for his thoughtful and dedicated leadership." "I look forward to working closely with colleagues across the firm and engaging with our clients and other professional advisers, strengthening our existing relationships as well as building new ones in the UK and internationally as we look to continue our long-term growth.” Commenting on Richard's election to Senior Partner, Jeremy Gordon, said: “Richard’s election reflects the confidence the partnership has in his leadership and judgement. He combines deep commercial insight with a strong understanding of the firm’s culture and long-term ambitions. The firm is very well placed for its next chapter." “It has been a huge privilege to serve as Senior Partner at Farrer & Co. Richard takes over from me at a time when the firm is celebrating its 325th anniversary. I know that he will build on the legacy of stewardship and innovation for which the firm is so renowned.”

Hendy Foundation, the charitable organisation affiliated with the family-run Hendy car dealer group, has donated nearly £5,000 to The Allendale Centre to help fund a kitchen upgrade that will allow the café to prepare a broader range of freshly prepared meals for those in need across the community. Hendy Foundation often receives donations from generous local organisations looking to support community-led missions, and this particular donation for The Allendale Centre benefited from funds raised by Wimborne Cricket Club at its end-of-season awards presentation, totalling £2000. Together with the charity's donation, The Allendale Centre received a sum of more than £4,800. A hub for the community, The Allendale Centre on Hanham Road in Wimborne provides a safe and familiar environment for local families. The installation of the new oven will help support after-school activities at the centre, as well as expand assistance to more local people. Following its latest round of funding in late 2025, Hendy Foundation awarded grants totalling more than £61,000 to support 50 non-profit organisations. The Foundation aims to raise £90,000 in 2026, which would take its total funds since its launch in 2018 to more than £500,000. Rebecca Hendy, Chairperson of Hendy Foundation, said: “It’s so encouraging to see organisations galvanise their own supporters for philanthropic activities, and we know this new donation from Wimborne Cricket Club will make a real and lasting impact for those who use The Allendale Centre." "We strive to help charities across the south coast through our annual funding rounds, and with support from local organisations like WCC, we can step up our ad hoc support activities.” Carole Chedgy, Vice Chair from The Allendale Community Centre, said: “This new oven allows us to widen what we can offer as a community café, from nutritious meals to simple, comforting favourites that people genuinely enjoy. It will make a real difference for families, young people attending after-school activities, and for our staff and volunteers who benefit from accessible, easy-to-use equipment. We’re extremely grateful to Hendy Foundation for their support.” Jim Williams, Chair of Wimborne Cricket Club, adds: “Hendy Group is a highly valued and significant supporter of Wimborne Cricket Club, and their backing plays an important role in helping the Club thrive both on and off the field." “As an act of appreciation for Hendy Group’s ongoing generosity, we were delighted to donate the proceeds of the WCC’s end-of-season awards evening auction to Hendy Foundation. We look forward to continuing our extremely positive relationship with Hendy Group, working together to support both local cricket and the wider Wimborne Community.” For more information, visit here .

Latest insight on key cyber threats was high on the agenda as representatives of more than 25 charities and non-profit organisations attended a law firm’s seminar on how to operate safely online. Held at the Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth, Ellis Jones Solicitors’ event attracted a keen audience from sectors spanning mental health and palliative care to heritage and marine rescue. On the expert panel for a question-and-answer session were a mix of in-house Ellis Jones speakers and external presenters. Areas under discussion included AI-powered scams, phishing attacks, ransomware, unauthorised data breaches, website hacks, insurance cover, supplier risks and unregulated device policies. George Complin, Principal Consultant at Poole-based IT and telecoms provider Grapevine, gave advice on practical strategies to help safeguard sensitive data, spot and stop common cyberattacks and build a culture of security awareness. He also explained some of the reasons why charities are being increasingly targeted by cyber criminals. “Charities hold valuable data but may operate with more limited cybersecurity resources compared to better-resourced private companies,” he said. Fellow speaker James Trevis, Cyber and Technology Portfolio Manager for insurer NFU Mutual, discussed how to avoid common cyber risk pitfalls. Highlighting the importance of insurance for charities, he offered guidance on selecting the correct policy to mitigate damage and described what happens in the event of a cyber insurance claim. Ellis Jones experts at the seminar included Managing Partner Nigel Smith, Partner & Solicitor Kate Brooks, Partner & Solicitor Victoria Riddleston and Senior Associate Rosemary Drew. Nigel said: “This event was especially relevant given the rise in AI and other new cyber crime vulnerabilities. How best to derisk cybersecurity and ensure robust data protection will become an ever more vital consideration for charities and third-sector organisations just as it is in the commercial world.” Ellis Jones has held charity seminars throughout each year since 2017. To prepare these, the firm’s charity team consider the areas affecting charities and respond to requests for agenda content from charity representatives. Previous seminars have covered topics such as trustee duties, charity governance, employee and volunteer rights and duties, tax considerations for charities, will disputes affecting charity legacies and factors to consider when investing charity funds. For more information on Ellis Jones’ support for the charity sector, and to sign up to the firm’s charities mailing list, visit Charity Solicitors | Charity Law | Ellis Jones Solicitors.