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Workers would prefer to earn less if they had guaranteed hours, a new major survey has discovered. When considering a job, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) is the least important factor, along with benefits and perks. The study was carried out by Berry Recruitment, a national recruiter with branches across the country. It employs mainly temporary workers in the hospitality, industrial, office/professional, driving, construction, rail and IT sectors. In the wide-ranging survey workers also said that the salary remains the most important reason for deciding whether they apply for a role – with benefits/perks and culture barely registering. When asked what the most valuable benefits an employer could offer were, training and funded courses were the most popular – with team events and activities deemed the least valuable. Lee Gamble, managing director of Berry Recruitment which is headquartered in St Albans, Herts, said: “We carried out the survey in order to help employers understand what workers want and value. Respondents said they would prefer to earn a little less in exchange for guaranteed hours." “In the survey, more than half of those questioned said their personal lives are regularly disrupted by last minute changes – it is a major driver of dissatisfaction and turnover. We go as far as saying that predictability is the new perk." “Results show that workers don’t feel valued because of grand gestures or flashy freebies, but by clarity, consistency, fairness and support. When asked about the most valued benefits, training and funded courses are most important, along with flexible working. Least important are team events and activities." “When deciding whether to apply for a job, the most important things are pay and work-life balance. DEI and benefits and perks are of very low importance. The results vary between sectors and age groups but there are some takeaways for employers." “Transparency, stability, more certainty of hours, better onboarding processes, improved communication, investment in training and progression opportunities are all things that can help improve retention and foster loyalty." “For many years we have had a candidate-driven market because of the lack of workers. But we are now seeing unemployment rise and this might be why the desire for guaranteed hours is so important. Choice of employment opportunities is narrowing so certainty becomes more important for workers.” The unemployment rate rose to a near five-year high of 5.2 per cent for the period of October to December 2025. The results of the survey that polled 444 workers across the country in December can be found here :

Three teams from the Southampton office of UK top 10 accountancy firm Azets took part in a gruelling physical challenge to raise vital funds for a regional charity supporting children with complex disabilities. Colleagues Chris Tate, Michael Wesley, Andrew Perkinson, Rohit Ghai, Harry Soper, Daniel Boh, Sophie Baxter-Clark and Ruby O’Mahoney participated in the Annual Corporate Team Triathlon in aid of the long-established Rose Road Association. Between them they had to swim 400 metres in an outdoor pool, cycle 15km on a static bike and run 4km on a treadmill at the David Lloyd Leisure Centre in Lordshill. The day of fitness, friendly competition, team building, and networking led to a total of £2,755 being raised for the charity through the 16 teams taking part. Sadly, the Azets teams didn’t challenge the winning time of just over 39 minutes, but did finish in respectable 7th, 12th and 14th positions Chris Tate, Insolvency & Restructuring Partner, said: “It was pretty hard work for all of us taking part but we knew we were raising funds for a fantastic charity that does so much for deserving children in the wider Southampton area." “We focussed on what we had to achieve to complete the swimming, cycling and running and who it would help and that too spurred us on to push through until the end was in sight.” Southampton-based Rose Road is a charity that provides a range of care services, including overnight short breaks, onsite and offsite outreach and day services, and telephone SEN advice services, for children and young people with complex disabilities and their families, across Southampton and surrounding areas. Chief Executive Officer Steve Swift said: “It was a brilliant effort by Azets and all the teams who took part in the corporate triathlon challenge. Our participants’ energy, determination and team spirit made the event truly special." “We are extremely grateful to every business who partners with Rose Road, helping make a positive difference to the lives of the disabled children and young people we support.” The Southampton office of Azets, the UK’s specialist business advisor to SMEs, is handily located near the M3 in Gateway House at Tollgate, Chandlers Ford. The full-service team supports nearly 3,000 clients in the Southampton, Winchester and Romsey areas, with particular specialisms in healthcare, property and construction and manufacturing. Photo: The Azets Southampton office teams taking part in the Annual Corporate Team Triathlon in aid of the long-established children’s charity Rose Road Association, included, back row from left, Chris Tate, Michael Wesley, Andrew Perkinson, Rohit Ghai, Harry Soper and Daniel Boh and, front, Sophie Baxter-Clark and Ruby O’Mahoney

A leading independent brewer has partnered with a student run microbrewery to produce 500 casks of the students’ popular stout for this year’s Wetherspoon Spring Beer Festival. Stu Brew - Europe’s first student-led brewery, based at Newcastle University – travelled to St Austell Brewery’s headquarters in Cornwall in February to scale up production of Exam Room Tears (5.5% ABV), its rich maple and pecan stout that has become a firm favourite in the North East. The collaboration was sparked by Stu Brew’s long-standing presence in the Students’ Union-run Wetherspoons on campus, where it operates a permanent keg line and frequently supplies guest cask lines. After Wetherspoons invited the student brewery to take part in its national festival, it requested 500 casks of Exam Room Tears - a volume that would have taken Stu Brew more than a year to produce on its own brewing kit. To help meet demand, Dr Chris O’Malley, Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering and Head Brewer at Stu Brew, approached St Austell Brewery’s Head Brewer, Georgina Young, after previously meeting her while judging together for the British Guild of Beer Writers. St Austell Brewery stepped in to support the students, hosting them at its historic Victorian brewery in Cornwall where its iconic beers including Tribute and Proper Job are brewed. Georgina Young, Head Brewer at St Austell Brewery, said: “Working with the Stu Brew team was a great experience. Exam Room Tears is a fantastic cask beer and helping them bring it to festival scale felt like a brilliant way to support the next generation of brewers.” In addition to brewing the stout, Stu Brew made the most of their visit by creating a brown ale on St Austell Brewery’s small-batch kit ‘just for fun’. For students Kypros Lakovou and Will Tyson, who travelled down with Dr O’Malley, the trip marked their first-ever visit to St Austell Brewery - and to Cornwall itself. Will said: “Every brewery is unique, but St Austell really stood out - it was this maze of history, with different layers of the site built up over generations. You could see the heritage all around you while still watching a modern brewery in action. It was a special environment to learn in, and really interesting to see how different brewing on a much larger scale was.” Exam Room Tears is available in Wetherspoons nationally across the beer festival, which takes place between March 4th-15th.

Solutions Driven was founded in Scotland in 1998 and supports over 150 clients worldwide in executive search and talent solutions across manufacturing, engineering and technology sectors. The deal accelerates Groupe Adéquat’s global expansion and marks its first UK acquisition. Scottish-founded recruitment business Solutions Driven has announced its acquisition by international firm Groupe Adéquat, significantly strengthening its position in the UK market and on the global stage. Groupe Adéquat is the 46th largest recruitment firm in the world, bringing incredible scale and depth to Solutions Driven, and allowing its people and clients to benefit from greater resources, knowledge sharing and international experience in executive search and talent solutions. The move brings together two family-owned companies that share a long-term vision built on expertise, close client relationships, and strong local leadership. Solutions Driven is a UK-based specialist operating globally in senior and executive recruitment and embedded talent solutions within engineering and STEM. Founded by 1998 by Walter Speirs and today operated by his son Gavin Speirs (CEO), Solutions Driven employs over 50 people worldwide, servicing more than 150 clients globally. It is a well-established, successful recruitment business with strong expertise in search services for critical and executive roles, embedded recruitment for longer-term projects, on-demand RPO, and bespoke talent solutions within the engineering sector worldwide. Solutions Driven will continue to operate under its own brand, with its management team remaining in place. Its retained recruitment approach, senior-level networks and specialist expertise, which delivers 97% ‘right first time’ hiring, will strengthen Groupe Adéquat’s executive recruitment offering and create opportunities for collaboration across the Group’s international footprint. Already established across France, Belgium, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, UK and Canada, Groupe Adéquat continues to build its international presence through targeted acquisitions of expert-led staffing businesses. This strategy is guided by evolving client needs and the importance of geographic diversification, supporting the Group’s ambition to continue expanding internationally, with the objective of entering one new country per year. The acquisition follows the recent opening of Groupe Adéquat’s London office, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the UK market, and supports the firm’s ambitions to strengthen its position in senior-level recruitment in engineering and STEM. Gavin Speirs, CEO of Solutions Driven, said: “This is a really special moment for Solutions Driven. After 25 years of building the business around integrity, partnership and right-first-time outcomes, joining Groupe Adéquat marks an exciting new chapter. Their values, ethics and approach to partnership made this a natural fit, and I’m excited about what we can achieve together globally." “Both my dad and I remain fully committed to the business and will stay central to the operations and the leadership of our firm. Groupe Adéquat invest in and empower local teams, and this creates broader visibility and opportunity for our people over time. This is very much about strengthening Solutions Driven, not changing who we are.” Arnaud Brun, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Groupe Adéquat, said: “This acquisition reflects our long-term vision of building an international staffing group driven by expertise, specialisation and strong local leadership. Solutions Driven brings outstanding executive recruitment know-how in engineering and STEM, while offering new opportunities to develop our core staffing activities in the UK and beyond.” “The UK is a key market for our Group. Solutions Driven shares our values, our international outlook and our focus on specialist recruitment,” said Olivier Hémar, Chief International Operations Officer at Groupe Adéquat." Gaëlle Blake, Country Head of the UK for Groupe Adéquat, added: “This acquisition provides a strong foundation for our continued UK growth, and we intend to continue to welcome and pursue further acquisition opportunities.” For more information on Solutions Driven please visit here . For more information on Groupe Adéquat please visit here . Top photo: Image L-R - Arnaud Brun Groupe (Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Groupe Adéquat) - Gavin Speirs (CEO,) Solutions Driven)

Little’s Chauffeur Drive proudly marks its 60th year of service excellence with a major investment in its luxury fleet: the addition of two Mercedes-Benz Grand Tourer Sprinter coaches. Built by specialist company EVM UK, each vehicle is meticulously crafted with 16 luxury seats in bespoke leather, seven of them around two tables. Finished in our traditional burgundy livery, this significant upgrade reflects our long-standing commitment to innovation, exceptional client care, and an unwavering commitment to delivering refined, sustainable, seamless ground transport. Since 1966, Little’s has set the benchmark for reliability, discretion, and bespoke service - ensuring clients feel supported from the moment they depart until their return. This fleet expansion is a testament to the company’s forward-looking vision: combining advanced, eco-efficient technology with the same attention to detail, professionalism and client experience that have defined the business since day one. A Premium Grand Tourer Experience Built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, the Grand Tourer offers an elevated standard of travel, blending practicality with luxury for corporate groups, touring parties and VIP transfers. The model includes: Executive-class seating for 16 passengers + chauffeur Premium leather seating, delivering a refined, comfortable cabin environment, with side-slides on double seats to provide additional seat width and extremely generous leg room Saloon tables ideal for meetings, work on the move, or premium touring experiences Panoramic windows, creating a bright, open interior perfect for sightseeing or executive travel Full-length luggage racks and almost 3.0m³ luggage capacity, ensuring generous space for passenger belongings USB ports at every seat for convenient device charging Fold-down tables providing flexible workspace and improved passenger functionality Magazine pockets for storage of reading materials Small vanity fridge stocked with CanO Water Fully functioning PA system for clear onboard communication A professional chauffeur is provided, and specialist driver-guides or additional tour guides can be arranged for itineraries requiring hosted commentary. Whether clients are travelling for corporate events, golf tours, luxury sightseeing, conference transport, or VIP transfers, Little’s ensures a smooth start and end to every journey with warm, personal, and highly coordinated client care. The Sprinters combine advanced fuel-saving technology with reduced emissions, offering a cleaner and more sustainable option for group travel. The vehicles are available for full-day and half-day reservations, with a professional meet-and-greet service provided as standard when you arrive at an airport or train station. “Celebrating 60 years is a proud moment for our team,” said Heather Matthews, Managing Director of Little’s Chauffeur Drive. “The new Grand Tourer Sprinters represent both our heritage and our future - expanding our fleet capacity while helping us operate more sustainably. As we step into our next decade of service, our commitment to quality, safety, and client experience has never been stronger.” Kenneth Good, Head of Special Operations and Director, added: “Introducing these new vehicles gives us greater flexibility to support our clients’ diverse travel needs. With the option of full-day or half-day hire and our personalised meet-and-greet service, we can ensure every group enjoys a smooth, comfortable and expertly coordinated experience from beginning to end.” High Demand Expected - Limited Availability With only two vehicles added, Little’s expects exceptionally high demand, clients are encouraged to enquire early to secure availability. Enquire Now To book one of the new Mercedes-Benz Grand Tourer Sprinters or to request a tailored travel quotation: Email: enquiries@littles.co.uk

A property finance lender is celebrating its 45th year in business with sights set on an ambitious growth strategy. Dorset-based MSP Capital is marking four and a half decades of helping property developers access funds when they have faced challenges raising capital elsewhere. Founded by Ray Higgins in February 1981, MSP Capital has grown to employ a team of 50, all ‘property people’ irrespective of their department, with a further eight due to join this year. With Ray’s retirement in 2003, the firm entered a new era under the leadership of his son Martin, growing significantly to become a major force in the market. As a principal lender, it caught the attention of institutional investors and in 2018 Cabot Square Capital bought a controlling interest. Pollen Street Capital, Shawbrook Bank and the world’s largest bank, JP Morgan, have also come on board as funding partners, adding capacity to enable highly competitive lending rates across both development and bridging loan products. Two years ago, the MSP Capital loan book stood at £300 million. The aim now is to grow lending to £750 million by 2030. Chief Executive Leigh Bartlett, who joined the firm in 2024 after more than 20 years’ director-level experience, said: “It is a real achievement to make it to 45 years, with MSP now established as a major force in the property development market. We want to deliver an expanded geography with more core regions. We’re looking to work more closely with brokers and intermediaries on a national basis. It’s all about continuing to evolve, grow and make MSP Capital an even stronger partner for our customers in the years ahead.” Leigh’s comments were echoed by Philip George, board chairman, who said: “Reaching our 45th anniversary is a great achievement. When the firm was founded, its single purpose was to help small property developers access funds when they had been shut out by the banks and other traditional lenders. Forty-five years later, that still holds true." "With the business led by Leigh, I believe the next five years are going to be the most exciting yet. Team MSP have proved their resilience in the past and the aim now is to grow to become the lender of choice for specialist property finance in the UK.” The 45th anniversary year will feature dedicated events for clients, brokers and staff with the company keen to celebrate its longevity with those who have contributed to its success. When MSP Capital was founded in 1981, the average house price in the UK was around £19,737 to £23,730, roughly three times the value of a typical buyer’s annual salary. According to Rightmove, the average housing price is now £368, 031, a rise equivalent to more than six times a salary in many locations, and in some, more than ten. Leigh added: “These figures tell a powerful story about how the market, and the needs of borrowers, have evolved. What was once a relatively straightforward path to homeownership has become more complex, with higher entry costs, tighter affordability metrics, and increased pressure on developers and landlords to structure projects carefully from day one." “As property values have climbed and traditional lending criteria have shifted, specialist finance has played an increasingly important role in keeping transactions moving and developments viable. Flexible funding solutions, faster decision-making, and a deeper understanding of regional markets have become essential tools for investors, developers, and brokers navigating today’s landscape." “Despite the challenges posed by higher prices and changing economic cycles, opportunity remains strong across the UK property sector. Demand for quality housing continues to outstrip supply in many areas, With the right financial partner, borrowers can adapt to market conditions, unlock value and move forward with confidence.” For more information on MSP Capital including details on lending criteria, terms and loan options, email info@mspcapital.co.uk. Photo : MSP Capital colleagues outside their head office in Poole, Dorset.

Farmers’ fields and country lanes are being buried under piles of waste, with new figures showing fly-tipping in England has hit record highs. From sofas and fridges to large-scale builders’ waste, illegal dumpers are turning farmland into rubbish tips — leaving their victims paying to clear up the mess. The latest statistics released, reveal councils dealt with 1.26 million fly-tipping incidents in 2024/2025, though these figures only account for waste illegally dumped on public land that has been reported to the authorities. It is a nine per cent increase on the year before. Many fly-tipping incidents occur on privately-owned land, painting an even more damaging picture of the financial burden and environmental impact fly-tipping brings. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) represents farmers and rural businesses. President Gavin Lane said: “Farmers and land managers have had enough. The countryside is increasingly being targeted by organised crime gangs – often violent – who know that rural areas are under-policed and resourced." “It’s not just litter blotting the landscape, but tonnes of household and commercial waste which can often be hazardous – even including asbestos and chemicals – endangering wildlife, livestock, crops and the environment. Farmers are victims yet have to pay clean up costs themselves." “We need to see penalties being enforced that better reflect the severity of the crime, and the seizure of vehicles must be the default penalty to send a clear signal that criminals will face real consequences if they are caught fly-tipping.” There have been several high-profile incidents recently, from the 30,000 tonnes of waste dumped in ancient woodland at Hoad’s Wood in Kent, to 20,000 tonnes next to the River Cherwell and A34 in Kidlington, Oxfordshire. The CLA is also calling for: The appointment of a national fly-tipping commissioner to co-ordinate agencies, monitor incidents on private land and benchmark enforcement performance. The enforcement of fines for businesses and homeowners whose waste is found dumped. More support for victims via a new permit scheme to allow farmers who did not cause or knowingly permit the fly-tipping to dispose of it at a waste disposal site free of charge. A CLA survey found almost three quarters of farmers who responded are affected each year, with some targeted multiple times each month. Each incident costs on average £1,000 to clear up, with 85% saying they have invested in measures such as CCTV, lighting and other security. CLA members speak out Colin Rayner, whose family farm in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey, said: “We have been experiencing ongoing fly-tipping every week, highlighting the persistent nature of the problem and the need for urgent action." “Fly-tipping is out of control in the countryside. We wake up to loads of rubbish in the field or farm gateways. From car tyres to household waste, hazardous waste is often found." “Our public footpaths that cross our fields are another source of unsightly littering. Our verges are used to dump garden waste and abandon white goods and even dead dogs." “We just clear up the fly-tipping waste and bear the high disposal costs at the registered landfill site, which significantly impact our farm's finances. My team must litter pick the footpaths weekly, adding to our ongoing expenses.” Cambridgeshire farmer George Hurrell said: “Fly-tipping is a constant problem for us with waste frequently dumped in our fields and gateways. We get everything from washing machines, mattresses and builders’ rubble to large scale processed waste." “Not only is it a hazard for people and wildlife, but we also incur significant costs in having to clear the fly-tipping on our land. If we don’t remove it, we face being prosecuted. How can it be a fair to have a system that punishes those who are victim of a crime?” James Guernsey, of the Packington Estate in Warwickshire, said: “Fly-tipping continues to place a growing strain on private landowners across the country, as we are left responsible for clearing the waste that is dumped illegally on our land." “We, as landowners are guardians and play an important role in protecting the environment for all to enjoy, but the current system is broken, allowing criminal gangs to dump waste all over the countryside with little to no enforcement."   “This frequently leaves us bearing the financial and practical burden of clearing potentially hazardous waste weekly. We need greater support, clearer accountability and stronger enforcement to ensure this blight on the rural environment is stopped.” A spokesperson for Colesbourne Estate in Gloucestershire said: “We have experienced regular fly-tipping for several years, but we have suffered particularly over the last few months. Since November we have had three lorry loads of cannabis waste – mostly soil and roots – as well as household waste tipped on our land. This isn’t just small amounts – it’s been 75 bags each time." “We’ve also had three lots of old motor tyres discarded, which were taken into the far end of the fields. Again, this was between 50 and 60 tyres dumped on each occasion. There’s also been a lot of building waste, particularly plaster board, which gets dumped because skip hire companies will no longer take this, and a large amount of damaged plastic car body work." “It costs a lot of money for us to clear it up each time. The problem is aggravated because you need an appointment to go to the local authority recycling centres and they are closed for longer periods during the winter months. The long, dry period last summer made it easier for lorries to get on the field. We aren’t always able to put barriers in gateways where access is frequently needed to stop people from gaining getting on the fields." Francis Fitzherbert-Brockholes from Claughton Hall in Lancashire said: “Our most recent fly-tipping incident was a trailer load of old roofing timbers dumped in a gateway. It took one of our estate workers and I – with the aid of a JCB Load – about three hours to remove and dispose of the rubbish properly." “These fly-tipping figures barely scratch the surface of a crime that’s blighting rural communities, with incidents on private land going unrecorded on a mass scale. We are calling for local authorities to help clear fly-tipping incidents on private as well as public land, while the various enforcement agencies must be properly trained and resourced.” Beilby Forbes Adam from Escrick Park in North Yorkshire said: “We usually experience between 20 and 30 fly-tipping incidents per year, which, aside from being an annoyance, is costly to clear up. It ranges from trailer loads of garden waste to van-loads of rubble and rubbish from house renovations to smaller loads gas canisters and tyres." “Our team at Escrick Park collects fly-tipped materials, and once a skip is filled, we would pay for the disposal of it. Fly-tipping is particularly frequent on Skipwith Common, a National Nature Reserve." “With the current government increasing the Landfill Tax Standard Rate by 26% and the Lower Rate by 162% since entering power, an unfortunate byproduct of the policy is that fly-tipping in the countryside will only increase." “Ministers should look urgently at making it easier for councils to crack down by meting out proper penalties for convicted fly-tippers and providing funding for them to take on the responsibility of clearing up fly-tipping.” Ralph Rayner, a landowner in Devon, says he experiences at least one incident of fly-tipping every month, ranging from household, garden and builders waste to white goods. He says it often results in hours of work for two people to clear away as well as the cost of security and recycling. He said: “Illegal dumping has worsened dramatically following tighter recycling rules, which have effectively shifted the burden onto private landowners. No one accepts injustice lightly, yet entirely innocent victims are now routinely held responsible for the actions of criminals." “Many landowners will recognise the indignity of receiving a threatening letter from their local authority warning them of prosecution for ‘unlicensed waste storage’, when in fact they are the victims of illegal dumping on their own land. Unfortunately, the law and its enforcement remain poorly aligned." “At the very least, landowners should be permitted to load dumped waste into a trailer and take it to recycling centres free of charge. Yet this proposal is dismissed on the grounds that it might encourage farmers and landowners to dispose of their own waste there. Until government makes a genuine effort to work with landowners and develop practical solutions, fly-tipping will only continue to increase.”

Waitrose has become the first UK supermarket to suspend mackerel sourcing to make a stand against overfishing and support long-term health and sustainability of fish stocks.* In September 2025, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), recommended that North-east Atlantic mackerel catches should be cut by 70% to help rebuild the stock to a sustainable level. In December, four of the Coastal States agreed to cut mackerel catches by 48%. While this is a step forward, it does not meet ICES advice. From May 2026, North East Atlantic mackerel will no longer meet Waitrose’s responsible sourcing requirements in line with the Sustainable Seafood Coalition’s (SSC) codes of conduct.* All Waitrose North East Atlantic mackerel is sourced from Scottish waters. Sourcing of fresh, chilled, and frozen mackerel will be suspended by 29 April 2026. Remaining tinned mackerel stock will be available until it has sold through. Speaking at the Waitrose Food System Transformed Conference on the 26 February, Jake Pickering, Head of Agriculture, Aquaculture & Fisheries at Waitrose, said: “By suspending sourcing of mackerel at Waitrose we are reinforcing our ethical and sustainable business commitments, acting to tackle overfishing and protect the long-term health of our oceans and this crucial fish. Our customers trust us to source responsibly, and we are closely monitoring the fishery. We look forward to bringing mackerel back to our shelves once it meets our high sourcing standards.” Waitrose is launching a new range of smoked fish from April to offer customers tasty alternatives - including Hot Smoked Herring, Hot Smoked Peppered Herring and first to supermarket innovation, Hot Smoked Sweetcure Seabass. Waitrose will also introduce frozen sardines in May as a certified sustainable replacement for frozen mackerel, offering similar rich flavour and nutritional benefits. The selection features: Waitrose Scottish Hot Smoked Herring, MSC certified Waitrose Scottish Hot Smoked Peppered Herring, MSC certified Waitrose Hot Smoked Sweetcure Seabass, supermarket first, ASC certified Waitrose Hot Smoked Trout with Dill & Lemon, RSPCA assured Waitrose Frozen Sardine Fillets, MSC certified Dr Joanne Lunn, Head of Health & Nutrition at Waitrose, says: “Whether it's sardines or herring from our new smoked fish range, we are bringing the same high quality and great taste our customers look for. These products offer a powerful nutritional profile and health benefits that mirror closely those of mackerel. They are natural sources of omega-3 which helps to maintain normal functioning of the heart, brain and vision, making it effortless to incorporate functional, nutrient-dense foods into your daily routine.” Waitrose will maintain its long-standing relationship with its mackerel suppliers and continue to support the UK’s thriving coastal communities. Its new supply of herring, seabass, sardines and trout will continue to be sourced through current supplier partnerships. At present, there is no predetermined time-frame as to when Waitrose will start sourcing mackerel again. Leading the way in sustainable tinned seafood, Waitrose has also announced plans to become the first UK retailer to sell 100% MSC certified tinned sardines, across seven different products.* From February onwards, customers will begin to see the new blue MSC eco-label across all tins of sardines, signalling an ongoing effort to provide ever-more sustainable and responsibly sourced seafood for customers. In addition, Waitrose will be the first UK retailer to have 100% of its sardines sourced from MSC-certified fisheries, both in canned formats and on the fish counters too. Marija Rompani, Director of Ethics & Sustainability at the John Lewis Partnership, says: “Responsible fishing is not a standalone issue for us - it sits within our wider Ethics and Sustainability commitments, including our net zero ambitions, zero deforestation goals, biodiversity protection and our work to set science based targets for nature." "We believe sustainable food production must balance climate action, nature protection and responsible fish sourcing is fundamental to protecting our oceans. We will continue to work closely with suppliers and industry partners to support the recovery and responsible management of fish stocks.” Notes: This announcement was made on 26 February at the Waitrose Food System Transformed Conference in Odney, Berkshire, attended by Waitrose suppliers, key NGO & certification representatives. *This is North East Atlantic mackerel, Scomber scombrus species *Site source: The Grocer *All Waitrose sardines are moving to MSC certification. These products include: Waitrose Essential Sardines in Olive Oil drained 84g; Waitrose Essential Sardines in Water drained 84g; Waitrose Essential Sardines in Tomato Sauce 120g; Waitrose Essential Sardines in Sunflower Oil drained 84g; Waitrose Sardines Piccanti drained 84g; Waitrose Sardine al Limone drained 84g; Waitrose Sardine All'Olio drained 84g Additional information and awards for Waitrose’s ethical & sustainable commitment to fish & seafood. Further Context: WWF, who coordinate the WWF Basket with most of the UK retailers, shared a position paper in November 2025 to say all UK retailers should stop sourcing mackerel with immediate effect. View Report. Ocean campaign group Oceana UK has said that while the 48% number is a considerable reduction, it should have been more aligned with ICES’s 70% recommendation. Source. We scored in Tier 2 for The Snapshot 2024, Industry Benchmark on Decapod Crustacean Welfare. Report by Crustacean Compassion. We scored joint highest (with M&S) on Compassion in World Farmings Salmon retailer scorecard - highlighting all the work we do to ensure responsible and reputable salmon farming practices with the supply chain - seen here. We are consistently ranked as a top performer in the Business benchmark for Animal Welfare (BBFAW) achieving Tier 2 status in 2024 and 2025 for making animal welfare central to our business strategy - seen here. Additional information on new product launches: Scottish Hot Smoked Herring - Scottish, MSC certified & wild caught. 190g catch weight. Hot Smoked over beech & oak wood chips Scottish Hot Smoked Peppered Herring - Scottish, MSC certified & wild caught. 190g catch weight. Hot smoked over beech & oak wood chips. Hot Smoked Sweetcure Seabass - Farmed Mediterranean. Global Gap, ASC certified. 150g pack weight x 4 pieces. Sweetcure marinade of demerara sugar. Hot Smoked Trout with Dill & Lemon - Farmed Scottish. Global Gap, RSPCA, Select Farm. Skin on and boneless. 170g pack weight x 2 fillets. Hot smoked over beech & oak.

Ahead of the government’s Spring Statement on Tuesday 3 March 2026, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is demanding Rachel Reeves takes practical steps to ease pressure and reduce the costs of doing business. Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber’s Chief Executive and Executive Chairman, highlighted six issues the Chancellor should prioritise: employment costs; investment in skills; tax mitigation; business rates; energy bills; and support for exporters. Ross said: “The statement comes just a few weeks before new obligations are placed on employers under the Employment Rights Act. At the same time, increases in both the national living wage and the national minimum wage will come into effect. While these are welcome moves for many working people, it is employers who must foot the bill. The government must avoid adding any more cost or complexity to recruitment." “With youth unemployment the highest it has been for a decade, action must be taken to invest in skills. One in six of our young people aged 16 to 24 is out of work, higher than the EU average for the first time in a quarter of a century." "We need to close the skills gaps that constrain sectors such as digital, engineering and green tech. We call on the government to work with us on ensuring the Hampshire and Solent Local Skills Improvement Plan truly puts employers in the driving seat. LSIPs must be practical, focused and fully connected to local priorities and the national industrial strategy." “Commit to making no further increases in business taxes. Businesses have been hit hard by higher National Insurance contributions and other costs. The government’s previously announced decision to retain and extend capital allowances through full expensing, and the certainty it has given us around a steady headline rate of corporation tax, are of course good news, but we need to see real evidence that Ministers understand the plight of SMEs in particular. Many are struggling to hang on." “To help mitigate the many challenges facing our high-street firms, the Chancellor must take action on a long-overdue reform of business rates. They need to be made much fairer and the multiplier must be reduced. We call on her to extend the business rate relief already announced for pubs and music venues so that it applies to the wider hospitality, retail and leisure sectors. That would be a massive boost for many beleaguered operators." “Reduce energy bills. That includes accelerating relief for high industrial energy costs. It is of course good news that household bills are set to come down from April but businesses continue to face high prices. Nearly nine out of ten firms have reported rising energy bills over the last five years, simply adding to pressure on the bottom line." “Support for exporters should be another priority given the uncertainty and fear created by the US government’s chaotic approach to global tariffs. Ministers here urgently need to provide clarity on how UK exports to the US will be treated given the fluctuations in rates we are witnessing. It is impossible to plan pricing or work out margins in the current turmoil. We call on Rachel Reeves and her colleagues to boost capacity at the export credit agency UK Export Finance and review the whole issue of how we as a country respond to tariffs.” Ross added: “While more measures on tax are not set to be a centrepiece, the statement will influence investment and growth plans over the coming months. Business confidence is simply too weak and subdued due to the cumulative burden of tax pressures, wage demands, energy bills, rising unemployment, lukewarm economic growth and so on. Fiscal decisions must complement, not sabotage, the businesses on which our financial security as a nation depends. Rachel Reeves has an opportunity next week to show she understands that. How will she respond?”

Westlands Farm Shop, near Wickham, has announced the return of its highly anticipated Lambing Days, following a complete sell-out across all four days last year. The much loved community event returns to Wickham from 9th to 12th April 2026, and the shop has launched tickets earlier than ever! Recognised as the farm shop’s biggest annual event, Lambing Days offers visitors a rare opportunity to step onto a working Hampshire farm during one of the most important moments in the agricultural calendar. Due to overwhelming demand in 2025, with every session fully booked in advance, Westlands has released tickets earlier this year to give families the chance to plan ahead and avoid disappointment. Lambing Days invites visitors behind the scenes to witness the realities of British sheep farming during lambing season. Guests can expect to see newborn lambs up close, learn first hand from the farm team about how the ewes and lambs are cared for. It’s a chance to experience life on a working farm, while learning about sheep farming and seasonal agriculture. As a family-run farm and farm shop business, Westlands has built its reputation on transparency, provenance and high-welfare farming practices. A central part of the Westlands ethos is educating people about where their food comes from and creating meaningful connections between the local community and modern British agriculture. By opening the farm gates each spring, Westlands aims to bridge the gap between field and fork. They are helping families, children and food lovers alike better understand the journey behind British produce. Visitors must book in advance, as capacity is limited to ensure animal welfare and a high-quality visitor experience. Kayleigh Collett, of Westlands Farm Shop, said: “Lambing season is a huge responsibility, and opening the farm for Lambing Days allows us to share that reality with our community. We believe it’s important that people understand the work, care and decision-making behind British farming. By welcoming visitors onto the farm, we’re helping to connect families with agriculture in a way that’s honest, informative and rooted in real life.” “Sheep welfare always comes first on our farm. This year, with the prolonged wet weather, we made the decision to shear our ewes four months earlier than usual. This reduces the risk of flystrike later in the season, ensures they're in the best possible condition heading into lambing, and as Romney sheep are a particularly woolly breed, it also makes it much easier for the lambs to find their mother's milk.” At a time when British food security is firmly in the national conversation, understanding how food is produced and the pressures farmers face has never been more important. Events like Lambing Days play an important role in educating the public about the realities of British farming, highlighting the care, expertise and year-round commitment required to produce high quality, British food.

The Yard has received a generous £2,070 donation from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust to fund three wheelchair accessible picnic benches for its new adventure play centre in Linn Park, Glasgow. Since 1986, The Yard has created safe, inclusive spaces where disabled children and young people can play, learn, and grow. Across Edinburgh, Dundee and Fife, the organisation supported more than 2,700 people in 2023–24, offering play experiences and wraparound family support that help combat isolation and provide vital community connection. The new centre at Linn Park marks The Yard’s long awaited expansion into Glasgow, an area where support for disabled children and their families has been identified as a significant service gap, with some of the highest disability rates in Scotland among children and young people. The Yard Glasgow will offer year round inclusive play sessions for families and local schools. The team aims to support 400 children in its first year, rising to 500 annually by 2026 as services expand to include youth clubs and early years programmes. The donation from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust will fund three wheelchair accessible benches for the outdoor play area. These benches will ensure that children and young people who use wheelchairs can sit, play, and socialise alongside their non wheelchair using friends, strengthening The Yard’s commitment to truly barrier free play. Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive at The Yard said: "We are absolutely thrilled that we are going to be able to have picnic tables outside for our children and families to enjoy in the summer weather, and the winter weather no doubt as well. We want to say an enormous thank you to the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust for their support in making it possible." David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director, Allied Vehicles added: “We’re absolutely delighted to support The Yard as they bring their unique brand of inclusive play to Glasgow. Creating spaces where every child can feel part of the fun is incredibly important, and these accessible benches will help make that possible." "The work The Yard does for families across Scotland is exceptional, and we’re proud to play a small part in helping more children enjoy the freedom, laughter and connection they deserve.”

An industry report by leading I&L property company Potter Space, in partnership with Savills, has revealed the scale of a decade of undersupply of sub-100k sq ft I&L space, also referred to as small to mid-box. Small to mid-box accounts for 95% of I&L units. However, occupiers are still struggling to find space as the undersupply is failing to meet resilient demand. At a national level, from 2014 to 2024, demand has been suppressed by 35%. This means that had it been available, businesses would have taken 35% more space to meet their needs, equating to 60 million sq ft, over the last decade. It is estimated that meeting this demand could have facilitated 48,000 jobs and £3.3bn of Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy. The BIG Things in SMALL Boxes report is authored by Potter Space in partnership with Savills. It identifies essential steps to support the small to mid-box sector and calls on the Government to recognise sub-100k sq ft I&L properties as essential economic infrastructure in its growth strategies and proposed planning reforms. Jason Rockett, MD of Potter Space, said: “It is encouraging to see the Government acknowledge I&L as an integral part of the economy through the Modern Industrial Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)." “However, as our latest BIG Things in SMALL Boxes research clearly demonstrates, the Government is missing a trick if it does not recognise the potential of the sub-100k sq ft I&L sector." “For years we have championed sub-100k sq ft I&L and celebrated its economic contributions and role as an engine for growth, yet it continues to face significant barriers. Our latest report shows that this is not only leaving occupiers struggling for space but also hindering the UK’s prosperity.” The report identifies the challenges restricting sector growth, including unclear Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards timelines, a strained planning system, poor understanding of sub-100k sq ft I&L among planning professionals and policy makers, and spiralling business costs. Jason continues: “More than ever, we need to recognise the role of sub-100k sq ft I&L as a facilitator of growth." “Getting small to mid-box in the NPPF, Planning and Infrastructure Bill and the upcoming Freight Plan is a starting point. Doing this will facilitate a joined-up local and national planning system which prioritises policies that redress supply shortages and help unlock the sector’s full potential.” Regional analysis shows that suppressed demand is not limited to a particular part of the country. In the South East, annual suppressed demand is at 34%, which equates to an additional 689,000 sq ft of missed occupation each year. The North West could have leased an additional 838,000 sq ft annually if it had been able to meet occupier demand. Resulting low availability has meant that on average, rents for sub-100k sq ft I&L units have increased by 79% on average since 2014, adding significant cost pressures to occupiers. Mark Powney, Savills director, Planning Economics: “Recognising suppressed demand strengthens the case for treating I&L as critical national infrastructure. It reinforces the need to support the sub-100k sq ft market in requiring local authorities to plan effectively for business needs in their area to support their local economic growth." "This includes recognising the particular locational needs of the sub-market and realising its importance to supply-chains facilitating the Government’s Industrial Strategy for a strong and growing British economy.” Clare Bottle, CEO of the UK Warehousing Association, added: “Warehousing is not just space, but a key factor in business decision-making. Within this, the sub-100k sq ft I&L space has a key role, providing essential employment land for businesses of all sizes and across all sectors, and it is vital that the market has champions." “That is why we welcome the latest BIG Things in SMALL Boxes report from Potter Space and Savills, which clearly sets out the challenges and helps the sector, and policy decision-makers, navigate a path forward.” For more information and to download the full BIG Things in SMALL Boxes report, visit here .   For further information please contact potterspace@prohibitionpr.co.uk . About BIG Things in SMALL Boxes 2026: In its fourth iteration of BIG Things in SMALL Boxes, Potter Space takes an in-depth look into the economic role of the mid-box I&L sector alongside the complex supply and demand dynamics affecting the market. Featuring data, analysis, opinion and occupier perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing this underappreciated market, the report is available to download free here .