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A Dumfries and Galloway photographer has expanded her business after receiving support from Business Gateway. Ellen Boyd launched her solo photography business, Ellen Boyd Photography, in June 2024. She began by specialising in family, newborn and maternity shoots and in 2025 she expanded to include more brand, commercial and product photography with the goal of elevating businesses across Dumfries and Galloway. Each photoshoot includes an online gallery of over 60 hand-edited images, a location of your choice, unlimited timeframe, planning and preparation and any style guidance you need. The newborn photoshoots take place in the client’s home, allowing them to feel at ease and show the family true to life. As a mum of three, Ellen understands the need to maintain a patient and welcoming environment for her clients to be able to achieve the photographs they desire. Business Gateway has provided tailored, one-to-one support to Ellen throughout her start up journey. Ellen developed her own business plan, with guidance from Business Gateway adviser Gary Calderwood. She also received support from Fiona Smyth, who assisted with her successful Enterprise Seed Fund Grant application. Ellen was awarded nearly £2,000, which enabled her to invest in camera equipment, studio props, and backdrops to get her off to the best possible start. In addition to one-to-one advice, Ellen benefited from a range of Business Gateway resources, including marketing webinars and the D&G InspireHER networking events, designed to support and connect female entrepreneurs across the region. Ellen Boyd, founder of Ellen Boyd Photography, said “As a mum myself I understand how crucial the early moments are for a family and how chaotic they can be. My goal as a business owner and as a photographer is to be able to create pictures that capture the family as they are at the time and give them a timeless memory." “The support from Business Gateway has helped me elevate efficiency and expand my offering. Fiona has been so helpful and has been there supporting me every step of the way. She’s been incredible.” Gail MacGregor, chair of Business Gateway board, said: “Ellen cares deeply about her work and creating the best possible photographs and experiences for her clients. As a working mum, she has built her business around her children and Business Gateway has been able to help her achieve this. We look forward to her continued success.” To find out more about Business Gateway and how they can help your business grow and succeed, visit here.

Thanks to players of The Health Lottery, £75, 000 has been awarded to FoodCycle and during a recent visit to one of the charity’s projects in Newcastle, The Health Lottery saw first-hand the importance of these weekly meals for people facing food insecurity, isolation or financial pressure. This grant awarded by The Health Lottery Foundation will go towards helping the charity run around 620 community meal sessions and serve more than 21,000 three-course meals across England and Wales. This support includes more than 80 Christmas meals, where volunteers add thoughtful touches that make guests feel cared for during a challenging time of year. Martin Ellice, Managing Director of The Health Lottery said: “FoodCycle’s work is direct, practical and human. When we visited the project in Newcastle, we saw volunteers giving people far more than a meal. They offer routine, company, kindness and dignity at a time when many feel forgotten. This funding helps FoodCycle keep doors open through the hardest months of the year. We’re proud to support their commitment to serving communities with warmth, good food and respect.” Some of the funding will help FoodCycle to go beyond its usual festive vegetarian roast menu. Sites will be able to add decorations, crackers and Christmas cards, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for people who may otherwise spend the season alone or without a hot meal. Sophie Tebbetts, Chief Executive of FoodCycle, said: “Christmas is a particularly difficult time for many of the communities we support. And during winter some people often have to choose between heating their home or eating. Our community meals are where they can access a hot cooked meal, every week and this can be a lifeline.” More than £136 million has been raised through The Health Lottery, supporting charities across Great Britain. Learn more here.

Furniture Village has opened a state-of-the-art National Distribution Centre at Prologis Park Marston Gate, marking a significant milestone in a year of strong growth and long-term investment. By relocating its operation to larger premises immediately adjacent to its existing National Distribution Centre, Furniture Village is making a transformative investment that will double its logistical capacity and support hundreds of existing and new jobs. It will unlock even faster delivery times for customers, strengthen service nationwide and give the business the scale it needs to support rising order volumes. The new facility became fully operational ahead of peak trading in Q4 2025. Founded in 1989 and now the UK’s largest family-owned furniture retailer with 59 stores nationwide, Furniture Village sells an extensive range of beautifully made furniture for the whole home. The new facility will bring together the company’s national and regional distribution services while also housing office space for operational support and a bespoke training facility, creating an expanded, technology-enhanced hub for fulfilment and customer service teams. A comprehensive refurbishment by Prologis included the renewal of offices and taking the unit to an EPC A rating. Prologis Essentials has provided procurement assistance to Furniture Village in relation to elements of its fit-out including wide aisle racking and LED lighting. A bespoke skills academy has been created, giving colleagues the opportunity to hone their expertise in logistics operations and develop industry-leading customer-service skills. By remaining at Marston Gate, Furniture Village retains its experienced workforce, avoids operational disruption, and continues to benefit from the park’s on-site café and mature landscaping featuring an orchard and walking routes. Prologis facilitated the expansion through supporting a seamless transaction within the portfolio, underscoring their commitment to helping customers scale quickly in high-performing, sustainable facilities. Furniture Village prides itself on establishing and maintaining good working relationships with its landlords and this transaction reflects the benefits this can afford both parties. Montagu Evans represented Furniture Village. Colliers, Adroit and Savills represented Prologis. David Ayers, Operations Director, Furniture Village said: “Securing our new national distribution centre gives us the capacity and flexibility to keep pace with customer demand while investing in the future of our team. By increasing our fast-delivery stock and streamlining our operations, we’re able to offer customers a quicker, smoother experience from purchase to delivery, wherever they are in the UK.” Gillian Scarth, Leasing Director, Prologis UK “Furniture Village’s decision to expand at Marston Gate demonstrates how this well-located park can support a growing retailer whilst minimising operational disruption. By refurbishing DC2 to modern, energy-efficient standards and streamlining the move, we’re enabling our customer to scale sustainably and keep its talent exactly where it belongs - here in Central Bedfordshire.” Photo: Furniture Village National Distribution Centre

A family-run farm based tourist destination in Castle Douglas has launched a new gelato venture, using milk from its own herd of pedigree Holstein cows to create fresh gelato, after securing support from Business Gateway. Ernespie Farm Centre, led by the McMiken family, has been a working farm for generations but in recent years has diversified into tourism to secure its long-term future. It is now a popular destination for visitors across Dumfries and Galloway, offering a farm-to-fork restaurant, gift shop as well as indoor and outdoor play. In April 2025, the family opened ‘The Gelato Hut’, which scoops up to 18 flavours 7 days a week, including seasonal specials and warm bubble waffles at their evening events. Specialist equipment enables the team to transform their own milk into delicious, creamy gelato, all produced on-site. The expansion into gelato production helps to reduce food miles for visitors and secures local employment. There are also plans underway to supply their gelato to local businesses, further boosting the local economy. The team has a real focus on sustainability, using products produced in the bakery of The Farmhouse Kitchen on-site as additions in their gelato. As well as the milk being used in the gelato, all the beef served in The Farmhouse Kitchen restaurant comes from their own cattle. Director David was determined to find new ways to strengthen the business and provide year-round opportunities, so approached Business Gateway. Through this, David met Business Gateway adviser Fiona Smyth, who supported him with developing business plans, innovation support, advice on funding and advice on expanding premises. Alongside the gelato venture, Ernespie Farm has also invested in a new digital booking system, allowing visitors to book farm park entry, seasonal events and restaurant tables online, helping to increase efficiency and boost occupancy. David McMiken, director at Ernespie Farm Centre, said: “Diversification has been key to future-proofing our farm. Launching the gelateria has allowed us to make the most of what we produce here on the farm and offer something unique for our visitors. Business Gateway’s support with funding was invaluable - we simply couldn’t have made this level of investment without it. It’s exciting to now see our gelato being enjoyed on-site and by the wider community.” Gail Macgregor, chair of Business Gateway board, said: “The team at Ernespie Farm has been incredibly proactive in adapting the business and finding new opportunities for growth. The gelateria is a fantastic addition that not only strengthens the farm park offering but also creates new employment and sustainability benefits for the local area. It’s a great example of diversification done well and Business Gateway is proud to have supported the project.” To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here .

Despite global economic headwinds, The Insights Group Limited delivered a robust performance in 2024/25. Figures filed at Companies House show turnover of £88.9M and operating profit of £12.3M. In addition to challenging trading conditions, profit performance reflected the Group’s decision to invest in innovative product extensions and new technology platforms. Over the past year, Insights has advanced its purpose-led strategy, investing in world-class “human-skills” learning experiences and technology-enabled solutions that empower individuals, teams, and leaders worldwide. Headquartered in Dundee, Scotland, and operating across 16 global offices, Insights Learning and Development partners with leading organisations such as Microsoft, Google and Expedia. Insights Discovery, our colourful personality model, is at the core of our work and continues to transform workplaces by fostering self-awareness and collaboration. Looking ahead, The Insights Group will continue to invest in its 18,000+ practitioner community, digital enabling technologies, and charitable initiatives through The Insights Foundation, spreading the Gift of Discovery to underprivileged communities worldwide. Andy Lothian, Chief Executive Officer, Insights Group commented: “This has been a year of building for tomorrow. We chose to prioritise investment over short term gain—backing the innovation, platforms and product evolutions that will serve our customers for years to come. We continue to invest in our people so they can do their best work and to support and build our community worldwide." "The long term outcome is a stronger Insights, better able to deliver our purpose and to amplify our impact in the communities we serve both through our work and our ongoing support of the Insights Foundation.” Fiona Logan, Chief Executive Officer, Insights Learning and Development commented: “These results demonstrate our close partnerships with our customers and are testimony to the sustained dedication and creativity of our people, and our Insights Discovery practitioners, whose efforts are central to delivering our purpose and business goals." “This year, we made a conscious and bold decision to invest in our future—channelling significant resources into our core offerings, innovation, technology, and our people. While our revenue and profit reflect the scale of this commitment, they also tell a story of transformation: we have laid the foundations for the next generation of our products, including pioneering work on Insights Discovery for Microsoft Teams, enabling APIs to the market, and the evolution of our core offerings." “We have launched our the ‘gift of time’ initiative alongside our gift of Discovery, encouraging our people and our practitioner community to deliver our purpose beyond the confines of their roles, and our focus on strategic capability building have empowered colleagues to learn, grow, and innovate. These investments are not just about today, but about equipping Insights for long-term success and resilience." “We knew this would be a year of transition, and I am proud of the intentional choices we have made. Our results reflect a period of building, investing in our next phase of growth, which will enable us to deliver even greater value to our customers and community in the years ahead.”   Insights Learning and Development recently launched Insights Discovery for Microsoft Teams as a digital complement to their flagship product, Insights Discovery. The Insights Group has also set ambitious carbon staff volunteering targets to drive meaningful change throughout the business and it’s wider community.

An Aberdeenshire whisky specialist is marking its 10-year anniversary with a major expansion, thanks to support from Business Gateway. The popular Inverurie Whisky Shop and Foghouse Bar have come together under one roof in the heart of Inverurie, following the Whisky Shop’s move on 29 November, creating a flagship destination for whisky lovers and visitors. Founded in 2015 by local entrepreneur Mike Stuart, Inverurie Whisky Shop has grown into a well-loved destination across the north-east and beyond. Following the success of his latest venture, The Foghouse bar, which opened on 5 July, the business is relocating its retail store to the same Market Place site, with the expanded premises opening later this month. Since opening this summer, The Foghouse has proved a hit with locals and visitors, including cruise ship passengers. Inspired by the Foghouse Gin brand, the bar provides a sense of local escapism while showcasing Aberdeenshire products. The team works closely with local suppliers and partners with VisitAberdeenshire to enhance the visitor experience and support the wider business community. The new venue features a dedicated bar, purpose-built tasting rooms, an expanded retail area and a function suite for up to 49 guests. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of whisky, wine and spirit tastings, freshly brewed coffee and locally sourced food. It will also run monthly wine and whisky flights in partnership with Aberdeen Wine School. The venue brings the full Inverurie Whisky Shop and Foghouse experience together, ideal for private and corporate events, networking groups and celebrations. It will also offer bespoke distillery tours on its Malt Mobile. Annette Leonard, business and events manager of The Inverurie Whisky Shop, has worked closely with Business Gateway adviser Keith Smith to prepare for expansion. Keith provided guidance on the move, routes to funding, staffing and operations, and connected the business to key industry partners, including Visit Aberdeenshire and Opportunity North East. The business first engaged with Business Gateway in its early years, benefiting from advice on business planning, HR, marketing and networking. With demand continuing to grow, the latest phase of support is helping realise its ambitions for a signature retail and visitor experience in Aberdeenshire. Annette Leonard, Inverurie Whisky Shop business and events manager, said: “Celebrating ten years with this move feels like a real milestone for us. Bringing everything together at Market Place gives us space to grow, to welcome more people, and to create a destination that celebrates local food, drink and hospitality. The Foghouse has already become a great hub for the community, and we’re excited to build on that momentum." “Business Gateway has been invaluable in helping us reach this stage. Keith’s guidance on marketing, operations and networking has supported our expansion and helped us connect with other local businesses, making this 10-year anniversary extra special.” Keith Smith, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Inverurie Whisky Shop is a brilliant example of a business that has evolved with its customers. Mike and the team have created something that celebrates whisky while supporting local suppliers, hospitality and tourism." “It’s been a pleasure to provide advice and guidance as they take this exciting next step.” To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here .

UK top 10 accountancy firm Azets has boosted its London Corporate Finance team with a new hire as business demand grows. Experienced Gaurav Mathur has joined the firm at its London Bridge base as a CF Partner specialising in transactional services. He was previously at PwC for 13 years, most recently as a director in the Transaction Services and a member of the leadership team and had four years at KMPG. Lee Humble, Azets’ Head of UK Corporate Finance said: “Gaurav brings a wealth of experience across various sectors which will be of great benefit to the team and our expanding transactional services offering." “Following another active year in the market, our outlook remains strong on both the buy and sell sides of deals and Gaurav’s appointment highlights our continued investment in talent and our dedication to driving Azets’ growth." “We are now recognised as fourth most active financial advisor both nationally and in London, and with Gaurav’s deep skillset I look forward to having more opportunity to offer advice to some of our larger cross border buy-side clients.” Specialising in financial due diligence and transaction advisory services, Gaurav has successfully worked on more than 200 deals, focusing primarily on business services (including professional advisory), TMT, and Industrials. Over the years, he has led numerous engagements for prominent investors, as well as several large and mid-sized corporations, with varying deal sizes. Additionally, Gaurav successfully completed a two-year strategic secondment with the PE Group in Mumbai, where they advised on several opportunities with a focus on the start-up ecosystem and was also a part of the team leading business development initiatives for PwC UK. Gaurav said: “I am very pleased to have joined such a progressive firm as Azets. It is the ideal time to challenge myself further. I’m excited about the journey ahead and hope to use the skills I have gained in my previous roles to continue to provide clients with the exemplary service they have come to expect." “I have developed strong skills in finance, accounting, financial analysis and valuation. I enjoy working with diverse and talented teams to deliver high-quality solutions that help clients achieve their strategic objectives and create value.” As one of the UK’s most active corporate finance advisory teams, Azets provides trusted, partner-led advice on buying, selling, or raising finance for businesses, including preparing for an exit, acquiring another company, or securing growth capital.

A storage company has put its support behind the Friends of Hamworthy Park charity – to help it keep the popular paddling pool open. Store & Secure, based in Hamworthy, has given the Friends a free unit to store its equipment. The charity fundraises so the council has enough money to maintain the pool and open it each year. The circular paddle-pool was opened in 1931 and is massively popular, but it costs £40,000 a year to run. The water requires testing three times a day and the infrastructure requires regular repairs. Malcom Swords from the Friends of Hamworthy Park said: “We are so grateful to Store & Secure. The unit enables us to store our fundraising and other equipment, saving us a great deal of money.    It means we have more funds which we can use to look after the park and keep the pool open." “We work closely with the council - which has funding shortfalls – to ensure the pool can be opened for six-and-a-half weeks during the height of the holiday season.    It costs around £40,000 a year to maintain it and without our fundraising it wouldn’t open." “People can donate through our website and there are QR codes around the pool. “There is also a café at the pool which is open every day except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.” Lucy Maidman, who runs Store & Secure with her ‘storage sister’ Sophie, said: “Hamworthy Park was where we spent our childhood. We were taken to the pool as children and we now take our children there.    It is something generations of people have enjoyed and we are very pleased to play a small part in keeping it open.” The charity is looking for volunteers and for more information contact Malcolm Swords on MalcolmSwords@friendsofhamworthypark.co.uk Photo:  Lucy Maidman, Malcolm Swords from Friends of Hamworthy park, Sophie Maidman, Kavan Wood

Generous JCB employees have delivered another record year for the company’s annual Christmas Toy Appeal – donating an amazing 1,787 gifts.   Donations poured into 15 different collection points across the company’s UK plants when the appeal was launched in November, beating last year’s total of 1,700 presents.  Now the bulk of the gifts have been handed over to Stoke-on-Trent charity the Hubb Foundation for distribution to families in the greatest need.   Hubb Foundation Operations Manager Tom Beecham said: “JCB’s Christmas Toy Appeal means so much to us as a charity and it means so much to the children and families we work with in Stoke-on-Trent. Christmas is a challenging time of year, so to bring some happiness and positivity to children at this time of year is wonderful. We can’t thank JCB and all the employees enough for their ongoing generosity.” The first batch of gifts was delivered to thrilled pupils at the New Ford Academy in Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent by JCB-sponsored athlete and Olympic silver medallist Adam Burgess and JCB apprentices Kitty Hulme, Lewis Durham, and Lucy Pepper.   Deputy Head Tracy Moller said: “It was wonderful to see the excitement on the children’s faces as the gifts were distributed. We would like to thank all the fabulous employees at JCB for their generous donations.” Since the appeal’s launch in 2022, employees have donated almost 6,000 gifts for distribution to children and young people. In Wrexham, gifts donated by JCB Transmissions’ employees are being given to the Salvation Army for local distribution. A number of gifts were also donated to Cheadle Primary School for distribution to families.   Helping to co-ordinate this year’s appeal were  JCB apprentices: Kitty Hulme, 20, of Newcastle under-Lyme , Lewis Durham, 20, of Derby , Lucy Pepper, 23, of Stoke-on-Trent , and Will Jenkins, 20, of Stone .

A Lake District resort is adding new lounge space, an outdoor balcony and extra treatment rooms to its 5-star status spa.   English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues is investing £500,000 in further development and extension of its facilities in its award winning spa at Low Wood Bay.   The centrepiece of the spa’s transformation will be the newly designed ‘Spa Lounge’, a luxurious, relaxing space for guests to unwind.   Developed in close collaboration with DV8 Designs, Mason Gillibrand Architects and Cubby Construction, the project also includes expanded facilities with 5 new treatment rooms and a balcony with scenic fellside views and access to the spa’s outdoor thermal facilities.   Product development manager at English Lakes Hotels Annabel Berry says: “The team has created a design plan for a serene and stylish environment that draws inspiration from the natural beauty of Windermere and its surrounding fells. The reimagined spa lounge will offer a tranquil and beautifully designed space where guests can relax before or after their treatments." “The spa lounge will open onto the Fell View balcony and outdoor thermal experiences, seamlessly connecting indoor comfort with panoramic Lakeland views. And our newly designed mask bar will invite guests to personalise their skincare experience by sampling a range of treatments tailored to different skin types.” Low Wood Bay was voted the best spa in North West England at the 2025 Good Spa Guide regional awards, having previously been the first spa in the region to attain the highest ‘Five Bubble Luxury’ rating. Earlier in 2025, upgraded spa facilities came on stream, including the Upper Deck with an 18 metre infinity relaxation pool, private seating, fire pits and loungers.   Group operations director at English Lakes Hotels Michael Kay adds: “Our new lounge space blends contemporary design with the beautiful scenery around the resort. It’s a carefully considered development that brings new dimensions of comfort and calm to our stunning spa." “This significant investment underlines our continued commitment to amazing guest experiences. We’re aiming to enhance our reputation as one of the Lake District’s premier destinations for luxury relaxation and holistic wellbeing.”   The project is scheduled for completion by the end of January.

More than 100 community-minded cyclists took part in a 12-hour superhero-themed spinathon in aid of mental health charity Dorset Mind. Held at the West Hants Club in Bournemouth and supported by care home provider Colten Care, AFC Bournemouth Ladies and Team Mind BMX, the indoor static bike marathon raised around £5,000. It was the fourth year the event has been held, with participants booking one or more 25-minute individual slots to do their bit on the pedals in return for a donation. The superhero theme prompted a range of costumes. While instructors Cat and Clare dressed as Wonder Woman and Cat Woman respectively to host a spin studio with classes for the whole day, Colten Care’s Director of Marketing Barney Baxendale cycled for three and a half hours as Bananaman. Barney, a mental health first-aider and Colten Care’s staff welfare lead, said: “The energy and community spirit was amazing. It was an inspiring day from start to finish. To see so many people come together - riding, cheering, supporting one another - was a powerful reminder of the strength and generosity of our local community." “Cat and Clare were extraordinary. Spinning continuously for twelve hours takes not just physical stamina, but real commitment and heart, and they carried the day with such positivity and purpose. Colten Care is proud to have supported an event that raises both vital funds and wider awareness for Dorset Mind.” The spinning was done against a soundtrack that featured 90s girl bands, Ibiza rave and superhero movie themes. West Hants Club members were among those taking part. Chief Executive Peter Elviss said: “The spinathon brought a brilliant atmosphere to the club. Members, friends and staff showed up ready to ride, cheer and pitch in, and the sense of community was clear from the moment Cat and Clare started.” AFC Bournemouth Ladies’ Head Coach Helen Bleazard, and four players, took to the saddle too. Helen, who has participated in all the spinathons so far, said: “It’s such a great occasion. I’m always in awe of how Cat and Clare manage to complete such a monumental challenge. Congratulations to them again and for raising such a great amount for the charity. Hopefully they’ll have the strength to do another one next year.” Among the members of Team Mind BMX who took part were John Twitchen, Vice-Chairman, British Champion Lee Hunt and three elite juniors. John said: "Team Mind is all about bikes and mental health, and so the spinathon is the perfect event to promote the benefits of physical exercise and fun with friends as a way of helping people look after their mental health. With the funds raised going to our own first choice charity, it's a must for us to support this event. Massive well done to the West Hants crew.” Linda O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of Dorset Mind, said: “Another epic achievement from Cat, Clare and everyone at West Hants – 12 hours on a bike, it makes me feel weak at the knees just thinking about it. We hear firsthand what a difference our support makes to people across Dorset, and these vital funds will help us reach more people. We couldn’t be more grateful for this amazing achievement.” Donations can still be made at West Hants Spinathon - JustGiving

Property finance lender MSP Capital has become the latest Patron of the NACFB, the UK’s biggest trade association for commercial finance brokers. The move is designed to strengthen the 45-year-old firm’s capacity to engage with brokers seeking finance solutions for property developers among their client base. Members of the NACFB, standing for National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers, support thousands of SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises), including in the property sector, through funding. Leigh Bartlett, MSP Capital’s Chief Executive, said becoming an NACFB Patron would help with the firm’s strategy to grow its already successful broker channel and contribute to a goal of achieving a loan book worth £750 million or more over the next five years. Leigh said: “We share the NAFCB’s drive to set the highest standards of customer care and their focus on relationship-led lending. That’s what we’re all about too. Our reasons for joining are to broaden our broker network, work with their unrivalled membership base, increase our visibility in the marketplace and strengthen relationships.” Established in 1992, the NAFCB is an independent, not-for-profit association. In 2024, its members facilitated more than three quarters of the UK’s entire £38 billion broker-led SME lending market. As a Patron, MSP Capital will work to uphold the NACFB’s charter and code of practice, championing professional standards and reinforcing the confidence of SMEs to work with brokers. NACFB Chief Executive Jim Higginbotham said: “We’re really pleased to welcome MSP Capital as a Patron of the association. Their longstanding presence in the property finance space and their commitment to working closely with brokers align strongly with the values we look for in our Patron community." “We look forward to supporting their engagement with the intermediary sector and to working together to strengthen outcomes for the SMEs and clients our members serve.” MSP Capital’s decision to become an NAFCB Patron comes just weeks after the lender reduced pricing across its bridging and development loan products in a separate strategic move aimed at supporting the market. Brokers and developers can now access MSP Capital bridging deals from 0.75% per month up to 75% LTV and development loans from 0.80% up to 70% LTGDV. For more information, visit here .