Sustainability in the workplace has become a hot topic these days, and for good reason. With environmental concerns taking center stage and a growing awareness of our collective impact on the planet, businesses recognise their role in creating a more sustainable future. Integrating eco-friendly practices minimises the carbon footprint and demonstrates a commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. Studio Alliance , a European alliance of workplace experts, has provided six effective tips on how offices can start being more sustainable, along with the benefits they bring 1 - Smart Energy Management Systems : Implementing smart energy management systems that utilize IoT (Internet of Things) devices and sensors can significantly reduce energy consumption in office spaces. These systems can monitor and adjust lighting, heating, and cooling based on occupancy and natural lighting conditions. By optimizing energy usage, companies can lower their carbon footprint and operational costs, showcasing their commitment to sustainability to both employees and clients. This approach also aligns with digital trends, demonstrating technological innovation and efficiency. 2 - Biophilic Design Integration : Incorporating biophilic design principles into office spaces involves introducing natural elements like plants, natural light, and natural materials. This design approach not only improves air quality and enhances the aesthetics of the workplace but also promotes employee well-being and productivity. Exposure to nature has been linked to reduced stress levels, improved cognitive function, and increased job satisfaction. A sustainable, nature-inspired workspace can be a strong selling point in recruitment efforts and contribute to higher employee retention rates. 3 - Flexible Remote Work Infrastructure : Supporting remote work through digital solutions not only reduces commuting-related emissions but also enhances employee well-being and work-life balance. By investing in secure and efficient remote work technologies, companies can attract a wider talent pool from different geographical areas, thereby diversifying their workforce. This approach aligns with the trend of flexible work arrangements, showcasing a forward-thinking and adaptable organizational culture. 4 - Waste Reduction and Recycling Programmes : Establishing comprehensive waste reduction and recycling programs within the office space can significantly minimize the environmental impact. Encouraging employees to reduce single-use plastics, recycle properly, and engage in waste reduction initiatives fosters a culture of sustainability. Such efforts resonate with younger generations who prioritize environmentally-conscious employers and can play a pivotal role in recruitment and retention strategies. 5 - Green Commuting Incentives : Promoting green commuting options, such as cycling, public transportation, and carpooling, not only reduces carbon emissions but also contributes to employee well-being. Providing incentives like subsidized public transportation passes, bike storage facilities, and flexible work hours can encourage employees to adopt eco-friendly commuting methods. This approach aligns with digital platforms for organizing carpools and managing commuting schedules, appealing to tech-savvy generations and reflecting a commitment to a greener future. 6 - Eco-Friendly Digital Practices : Embracing eco-friendly digital practices, such as paperless workflows, cloud storage, and video conferencing, not only reduces paper waste but also minimizes the energy and resources required for physical infrastructure. Transitioning to digital documentation and communication methods showcases a commitment to efficiency and sustainability while also meeting the preferences of digitally adept generations. This approach also supports employee well-being by streamlining processes and reducing administrative burdens.

Loughborough Lightning have locked in the futures of five internationals on extended deals heading into the 2023/24 season. Emma Wassell, Jenny Maxwell, Bulou Mataitoga, Carys Williams-Morris and Chloe Rollie will be wearing African Violet shirts in an historic season for Lightning, which will see them play all of their Premiership Women’s Rugby matches at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens for the first time. Second row Emma Wassell, aged 28, joined Lightning in 2021. She made her Scotland debut in 2014 and went on to play in 54 consecutive matches for her country before a wrist injury ended that run. Fellow Scotland international Jenny Maxwell arrived at Loughborough in 2017. The experienced scrum-half has 32 Scotland caps in 15s and many more in the 7s format. Completing a trio of Scottish stars committing their futures to the African Violets is Chloe Rollie. The 28-year-old centre joined Lightning ahead of the 2022/23 season having already reached a half-century of caps for her country. She also has Sevens pedigree, featuring in the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Fiji-born centre Bulou Mataitoga later moved to the United States for whom she has won caps in both 15s and Sevens rugby. She joined Loughborough ahead of the 2021/22 season. Carys Williams-Morris played five times for England before being given clearance by World Rugby in 2022 to play for Wales. The 30-year-old winger, who is in her second spell with Loughborough either side of a season with Wasps, has earned eight more international caps since making the switch. Lightning head coach Nathan Smith said: “This group of re-signings shows our intent moving forward to retain the international players that we have. I want them to positively exhibit the behaviours of a high-performing international athlete on the younger players. They positively add to our environment away from the field as well as on it." “It’s good for the programme and for the team that we can attract this calibre of players; they want to stay and they want to be a part of the Lightning journey moving forward. I believe Lightning can continue to develop them to reach their potential.” These five re-signings follow the news earlier this summer that Sadia Kabeya, Helena Rowland, Cath O’Donnell, Rachel Malcolm, Helen Nelson, Christine Belisle, Emma Hardy and Daisy Hibbert-Jones have all also committed their futures to Lightning for what promises to be a season full of excitement ahead. Season Tickets start from just £60 adult / £45 adult terrace / £25 junior (under-18s), with a special discounted rate available for Saints Season Ticket Holders, Saints Members, and those who purchased a Lightning ticket bundle during the 2022/23 campaign.

When Kirsty Bogle set up her easel and drawing tools in the Angus Glens earlier this year, she had no idea that the completed art piece would be displayed at an exhibition featuring works shortlisted for one of the world’s most prestigious drawing prizes. Kirsty, who is among the first cohort of students set to graduate from the MFA Drawing course at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, is one of 102 drawing practitioners shortlisted for the annual Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize. The exhibition reflects a broad scope of contemporary drawing practice produced by artists, designers and makers at all stages of their careers, from students to established artists. Shortlisted pieces will be displayed at the exhibition at Trinity Buoy Wharf in London, running from 29 September until 15 October 2023. Kirsty’s piece, Summer is Coming, was selected from around 3,000 submissions after a rigorous process. Her work is heavily influenced by the natural world and the piece was created using inks largely made from plants found around her. “For me, drawing is a way of honouring and showing gratitude for the plants, trees, insects, birds, and mammals that also live here,” said Kirsty. “I am delighted and amazed that a drawing that I did in a field in the middle of the Angus Glens is going to be on show in the middle of London in such an open space. It is an honour." “My intention is to create work that conveys my sense of wonder at the natural world, of which we humans are an intrinsic part. I’m passionate about our relationship with the natural world and the optimism that slowing down, looking and thinking slowly can bring us." “The MFA Drawing course was an amazing year of focus, support and confidence building, helping to hone what I'm trying to do and to understand it in the wider current contemporary context – it has been invaluable.” The Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize, now in its 30th year, has an established reputation as the UK’s most important annual exhibition of drawing. Led by Professor Anita Taylor, Dean of the University’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, and supported by the Trinity Buoy Wharf Trust, the open exhibition is known for its influential role in celebrating contemporary drawing practice and championing the value of the artform. Professor Taylor said, “This is the thirtieth year of the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize project, and the 2023 exhibition was selected by an independent panel of eminent drawing experts. The panel see all of the works submitted in an anonymous selection process and selected 102 drawings based on their individual merit from over 3,000 works submitted from 40 countries." “It is a great accolade for a student to have their drawing selected, and we are thrilled that Kirsty has had her work selected through this rigorous process and is shortlisted for the awards.” The Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize 2023 exhibition will be presented at Trinity Buoy Wharf in London on Thursday 28 September, when the prizes with a total value of £27,000 will be awarded. Several individual awards will be presented - First Prize (£8,000), Second Prize (£5,000), Student Award (£2,000), Working Drawing Award (£2,000), and the Evelyn Williams Drawing Award (£10,000), a biennial award for a selected artist to develop a solo exhibition or presentation for Hastings Contemporary.

Business owners who are considering realising their assets before the next general election in anticipation of potential Capital Gains Tax (CGT) increases are being urged to act promptly or miss the boat. Autumn next year is being seen as the most likely time for the next election, which must be held by January 2025, and there are suspicions that CGT might rise whichever political party is triumphant. David Simmons, Corporate Finance Director at Top 10 accountancy firm Azets, believes raising CGT would be an ‘easy’ tax raising option for the next government and so anyone looking to lock in the current 20% rate when cashing out must begin the lengthy process almost immediately. He said: “The rationale is that whoever forms the next government will need to raise funds to fulfil manifesto commitments. We remain in deficit, but with growth stimuli plans seemingly in short supply and spending cuts not mentioned, it looks like tax increases, with CGT being a likely one." “Politically, it is a relatively easy tax to raise as it doesn’t directly impact the majority of the population. People may even support the idea of higher tax on ‘rich people owning companies’ without realising the potential knock-on effects." “The risks that business owners will have generally gone through to set businesses up in the first place and the early hardships they have endured rarely get mentioned. This is a shame as, ultimately, we want companies to grow and entrepreneurs to take risks." “Therefore, if you increase tax on those who own businesses then they have less incentive to either start them in the first place or grow them. That in turn has a direct impact on the economy, therefore on growth and, ultimately, the person on the street." “We are not talking FTSE 100 Index companies here, but owner-managed businesses, the SMEs, small and medium-sized enterprises with up 249 employees which make up 99.9% of UK private sector businesses.” David said tax as a share of GDP was the highest it had been for more than 50 years but CGT remained relatively low at 20% for most assets (with a 10% rate on first million pounds for most trading businesses), especially when compared to 1988 to 2008 when it was equalised with the top rate of Income Tax. However, raising CGT – worth around £16m to the economy per annum, or approximately 1.7% of tax receipts in the last financial year – would not necessarily increase tax yields as the crystallisation of assets tend to be one-off events. Manchester-based David, who has 25 years’ corporate finance experience and is a valued member of Azets’ national CF team, says there is increasing noise surrounding the next election. He added: “In almost every conversation I have with businesses owners about succession or exit options they are bringing up the election as a relevant factor." “My role is to get across the urgency here in that anyone contemplating a full or partial exit needs to be aware that getting a deal across the line from scratch can take up to a year. Therefore, if a business owner is considering this, it is something that needs to be decided sooner rather than later." “You want to be talking to an advisor now and pressing the button in probably January at the very latest to crystalise some or all of your shareholder value and lock in CGT at the current rate or you risk capital gains tax potentially going up." “This is not something to put on the back burner and think about next year, because you basically won’t have time to do it. There is an immense amount of work to do because no business is ever perfectly ready for sale." “You have got to prep the business for sale to start with, prep the documentation – which includes researching who might want to buy you or invest – then approach them, provide them with the information, go through various meetings, get offers on the table, negotiate those offers, get more information, sign heads of terms, go through due diligence, go through legals – and, if you can get through all that, only then will you actually complete a deal. “If everything goes exceedingly well and you are pretty much ready now, circa six months is the quickest you are looking at, but nine to 12 is typical. If you have had an approach, then you can potentially do it in four to six months because you are starting halfway down the track. “Buyers tend to do a lot of due diligence these days as well and that takes a long time – and if it is a private equity buyer it can take even longer.” David said most business sales that he works on were due to retirement and that quite a few business owners may have postponed their exit because of Brexit and then got hit by covid – leaving a wave now reaching a point when cash out options were being seriously considered. With the economy causing great concern and any new government inheriting a poor situation, any CGT increases are likely to remain a concern for the next election cycle. “Should CGT be increased, anyone not acting on a sale now will either face paying more tax – and may well be comfortable about this – or will need to hold off for some years with fingers crossed that CGT might eventually go back down again. However, five years can be a long time when it comes to retirement sales.” David has advised business owners to seek professional advice to discuss and consider options and discover what might be available – a full or partial exit, trade sale, private equity or some other form of realisation.

Cool Crutches founder wins National Women’s Enterprise Week Award and Secures Funding Amelia Peckham, the founder of Cool Crutches, has won the National Women’s Enterprise Week (NWEW) Women's Launch Lab Competition to secure funding for her innovative and inspiring business. York based Amelia started Cool Crutches in 2006 with her mother Clare, after she suffered a spinal injury in a quad bike accident that left her partially paralysed from the waist down. She was unhappy with the NHS crutches she had to use, which were uncomfortable, and not suitable for long-term use. She decided to create her own crutches that were lightweight, comfortable and stylish. Since then, Cool Crutches has grown into a successful online business that sells crutches and walking sticks in various designs and colours. The company has received positive feedback from customers who appreciate the quality, comfort and style of the products, and have been used by celebrities such as Amanda Holden, Olly Murs and Dame Prue Leith. Amelia was one of the 12 finalists of the NWEW 2023, the first UK-wide celebration of female-led businesses, which took place from the 20th-22nd June. She impressed the judges with her story of resilience, creativity and passion, and won the award and funding for her category. She says she is thrilled and honoured to receive the recognition and support from NWEW, and hopes to use the funding to expand her product range and reach more customers who need walking aids. “I’m very grateful for this opportunity and for all the people who have supported me,” she says. “I want to show that having a disability or a chronic condition doesn’t have to stop you from pursuing your dreams and making a difference!”

Scottish Rugby is to honour retrospectively more than 50 players who represented their country in matches that, at the time, did not carry Test cap status. The decision, made by the Scottish Rugby Union Custodian Board, was announced today recently by President Colin Rigby. He said: “Those individuals who wore the thistle with pride and distinction, whether in Services or Victory internationals during and after the Second World War, or who played under the label of a ‘Scotland XV’ against other nations, will now join the fabled ranks of the 1,140 other men to have been capped by Scotland since 1871." “Given this year marks the 150th anniversary of the formation of the Union, we wanted to look afresh at our history and recognise the rich and enduring contribution those players have made to our game." “Awarding a cap retrospectively may seem purely symbolic or belated by some people, but I know from conversations with some of those players and their families what this decision will mean to them and that granting cap status will be cherished.” The full list of those players to be awarded retrospective caps is: 1942 Services Rugby: Scotland 21 England 6, 21 March, Inverleith Lt A W B Buchanan (London Scottish) Cadet M R Dewar (Watsonians) Cadet E C K Douglas (Edinburgh University) Lt S G A Harper (Watsonians) Flt Lt E C Hunter (Watsonians) Corporal J Maltman (Hawick) Lt N W Ramsay (Army) 1942 Services Rugby: England 5 Scotland 8, 11 April, Wembley Captain J B McNeil (Glasgow HSFP) Cadet D A Roberts (Edinburgh Accies) 1943 Services Rugby: Scotland 6 England 29, 27 February, Inverleith Lt J M Blair (Edinburgh Accies/Oxford University) Corporal R Cowe (Melrose) Lt C McLay (Edinburgh Accies) 1943 Services Rugby: England 24 Scotland 19, 10 April, Leicester Captain W B Biggart (Army/Glasgow Accies) Flt Officer E Grant (Royal NZ Air Force) Lt M D Kennedy (Army) 1944 Services Rugby: Scotland 13 England 23, 26 February, Murrayfield Cadet Rating A E Murray (Oxford University) 1944 Services Rugby: England 27 Scotland 15, 18 March, Leicester Company Sergeant Major J R McLure (Ayr/Wasps) Captain H G Uren (Glasgow Accies) 1945 Services Rugby: England 11 Scotland 18, 24 February, Leicester Flt Officer A L Barcroft (Heriot’s) Captain J R Henderson (Glasgow Accies) Flt Officer D D McKenzie (RAF and Merchistonians) Private R M McKenzie (New Zealand) Sq Ldr J B Nicholls (NSW and Royal Australian Air Force) Captain J A D Thom (Hawick) Sub Lt C Wilhelm (South African Services) 1945 Services Rugby: Scotland 5 England 16, 17 March, Murrayfield Lt E A Melling (Army and Sedbergh) 1946 Victory International: Scotland 11 New Zealand Army 6 J Anderson (London Scottish) J Kirk (Edinburgh Accies/Wands) 1946 Victory International: England 12 Scotland 8, 16 March, Twickenham K S H Wilson (London Scottish) 1969 Argentina 20 Scotland XV 3, 13 September, Buenos Aires Ian Murchie (West of Scotland) Arthur Orr (London Scottish) 1969 Argentina 3 Scotland XV 6, 27 September, Buenos Aires Bruce Laidlaw (Royal HSFP) 1976 Scotland XV 34 Japan 9, 25 September, Murrayfield David Ashton (Ayr) Jim Carswell (Jordanhill) 1977 Japan 9 Scotland XV 74, 18 September, Tokyo Colin Mair (West of Scotland) Rob Moffat (Melrose) 1986 Spain 17 Scotland XV 39, 1 May, Cornella, Barcelona Stuart Johnston (Watsonians) Garry Waite (Kelso) 1987 Scotland XV 15 France XV 12, 26 September, Netherdale Tim Exeter (Moseley) Jeremy Macklin (London Scottish) Ian Ramsey (Melrose) 1988 Zimbabwe 10 Scotland XV 31, 21 May, Bulawayo David Butcher (Harlequins) Ruari Maclean (Gloucester) Stewart McAslan (Heriot’s) Kevin Rafferty (Heriot’s) Hugh Parker (Kilmarnock) 1989 Japan 28 Scotland XV 24, 28 May, Chichibu Stadium, Tokyo Grant Wilson (Boroughmuir) 1991 USA 12 Scotland XV 41, 18 May, Hartford, Connecticut Mark Moncrieff (Gala) 1991 Canada 24 Scotland XV 19, 25 May, Saint John, New Brunswick Ronnie Kirkpatrick (Jedforest) 1993 Fiji 10 Scotland XV 21, 29 May, Commonwealth Stadium, Suva Ally Donaldson (Currie) Steve Ferguson (Peebles) Nick Grecian (London Scottish) Gary Isaac (Gala) Robb Scott (London Scottish) 1993 Tonga 5 Scotland XV 23, 5 June, Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku’alofa Craig Redpath (Melrose) 1998 Rugby World Cup qualifier Scotland XV 85 Spain 3, 5 December 1998, Murrayfield Willie Anderson (Glasgow Caledonians/Kirkcaldy) Existing chronological Scotland cap numbers will not be affected by this initiative. Nor will the past caps and points records of other players who won full caps be adjusted for those games. All 56 retrospective capped players will be added in a panel after Scotland’s most recent new cap – Cameron Henderson of Leicester Tigers, who was cap number 1140. Their numbers will run forward from 1141 to 1196. The President added: “Our plan is to reach out to the relatives of those sadly no longer with us and conduct a cap presentation for those from the Services and Victory international matches in tandem with our annual poignant service of remembrance at the war memorial at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Armistice Day in November." “Therefore, we welcome contact from any relatives of those players from the 1940s, so we can begin to plan for that ceremony. Thereafter, we will look to award caps during our home matches in next year’s GUINNESS Six Nations Championship.” Following the research to award retrospective caps in the men’s game, Scottish Rugby will also ensure that all players to have represented Scotland Women will receive a cap, as the physical cap presentation was not always a part of the women’s game in the past. Scottish Rugby will also embark on a project to ensure that all our international referees, in both the men’s and women’s game, will be recognised with a physical cap.

Detailed surveying as part of Hepworth’s Arcade repair and renovation project will soon take place thanks to Hull City Council being awarded a Project Development Grant worth £96,000 from Historic England. The surveys will help the council to understand the most suitable repair methods to preserve the heritage of the Grade II listed arcade. The grant will allow greater focus on areas that need specialist repair works such as the stonework. The funding will also cover developing designs for the wider repair and renovation of Hepworth’s Arcade and will ultimately lead to a planning application and tendering the construction works. Current and prospective tenants of the arcade will be consulted on plans as design works get underway in the coming months. The scheme aims to repair and reinvigorate all the units to achieve full occupancy, as well as bringing unused upper floor space back into use. Cllr Paul Drake-Davis, portfolio holder for regeneration at Hull City Council, said: “The council welcomes this investment from Historic England. Hepworth’s Arcade is a much-loved retail destination in Hull’s Old Town and this support from Historic England will help the council to ensure its regeneration project is a success.” Craig Broadwith, Historic Places Advisor at Historic England, added: “This beautiful Victorian arcade has been a favourite shopping destination for the residents of Hull for more than a century." “This grant from Historic England will fund the first step towards repairing and reinvigorating this stunning building for generations of shoppers to come.”

Wetlands are some of the most ecologically significant and diverse ecosystems on our planet. From marshes and swamps to bogs and mangroves, these waterlogged wonders play a crucial role in boosting biodiversity. Here, we take a look at the importance of wetlands and explore how they serve as vibrant hubs for a wide array of species and why their preservation is essential for our planet's health. Habitats Galore One of the primary ways wetlands boost biodiversity is by providing a wide range of habitats. Their unique combination of land and water creates diverse niches for various flora and fauna. From the water's edge to the deepest pools, wetlands host a spectrum of environments that cater to an astonishing variety of life forms. Critical Breeding Grounds Wetlands are indispensable breeding grounds for many species, including amphibians, waterfowl, and fish. The ample water and abundant plant life create safe spaces for nesting, laying eggs, and rearing young. Birds like herons and egrets rely on wetlands as nurseries for their chicks, while amphibians like frogs and salamanders find refuge in these watery havens. Filtering And Purifying Wetlands are nature's water purifiers. They filter out pollutants and sediments from runoff water, improving water quality downstream. This clean water supports more diverse aquatic life, from tiny microorganisms to larger fish species. Clean water is the foundation of a thriving ecosystem. Food Chain Complexity The lush vegetation within wetlands supports a complex food web. Insects feed on plants, which in turn attract insect-eating birds and bats. Small fish and invertebrates find refuge in the submerged vegetation, sustaining larger fish and waterfowl. This intricate network of interactions boosts biodiversity by offering a variety of food sources and promoting species coexistence. Migratory Pitstops Wetlands often lie along migration routes for many bird species. These areas provide essential rest stops where birds can refuel during long journeys. The abundance of food and shelter in wetlands allows migratory birds to replenish their energy reserves, contributing to their survival and the preservation of their diverse populations. Medicinal Plants And Genetic Diversity Wetlands are often rich in medicinal plants, some of which are unique to these ecosystems. Indigenous communities have long relied on wetland vegetation for traditional medicines. Preserving these ecosystems is crucial not only for the protection of these plants but also for maintaining genetic diversity that could be vital for future medicines and agricultural crops. Climate Change Resilience Wetlands play a significant role in climate change resilience. They act as carbon sinks, sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. In addition, their ability to absorb and store water helps mitigate the impacts of floods and droughts. This climate resilience supports biodiversity by ensuring that wetland ecosystems remain stable and functional. Overall, wetlands are natural marvels that deserve our utmost protection and a vital part of the complex environmental jigsaw on the planet. Their ability to boost biodiversity is undeniable, providing homes, food, and shelter to countless species. Moreover, they offer numerous ecosystem services that benefit both wildlife and humans. By recognizing the importance of wetlands and taking steps to conserve and restore them, we can ensure that these biodiversity powerhouses continue to thrive and enrich our planet for generations to come.

A Yorkshire Wolds brewery has won an international prize as the industry’s top awards announced country winners for different styles of beer and lager. Wold Top Brewery’s Scarborough Fair IPA took the accolade for the United Kingdom’s best English Style IPA at the 16th annual World Beer Awards following judging in London recently. A panel of renowned international judges blind-tasted and scored the beers over two rounds to decide the best beers in each style. Scarborough Fair IPA, 6.0% ABV, is a strong, triple-hopped beer with a pale, Wold-grown malt base. This gluten-free beer also won a silver medal in the 2022 Free From Food Awards. Brewery manager Alex Balchin said: "It’s wonderful to see our Yorkshire beer achieving success on such a large international platform. Being named the UK’s best English style IPA in the World Beer Awards is really special and a testament to the skill and expertise of our brewing team.” Judge Adrian-Tierney Jones commented: “Once again the winners in the World Beer Awards demonstrate a pulsating and exciting snapshot of some of the most exciting beers being brewed across the globe.” The World Beer Awards are the global awards selecting the very best in all the internationally recognised styles, award and promote the world’s best beers to consumers and trade across the globe. Wold Top was founded in 2003 and is located on the Mellor family farm at Hunmanby Grange near Filey. The team use home-grown barley and water from the farm’s borehole to produce a range of award-winning cask, keg and bottled beers that are available throughout Yorkshire and nationwide.

In a crowning achievement that underscores the UK's leading position in the global care sector, two UK-based offices have triumphed at this year's prestigious Visiting Angels International Awards. At the international conference held in San Diego earlier this year, UK franchisees beat over 830 entrants to take home two of the biggest awards of the night. Nicky and Mark Goodall, founders of VA North Shropshire, picked up the award for Best International Office, while Heidi Nursey, founder of VA Central Lancashire, picked up the Rising Angel Award. The success of these two offices is a testament to the remarkable impact Visiting Angels is making on the UK's in-home care sector, setting a new standard for care and compassion in service delivery. Husband and wife duo Nicky and Mark Goodall launched their North Shropshire franchise in early 2022. With Nicky’s background in care and Mark’s in logistics management, the pair have taken their business from strength to strength. “A big part of why we set up the business was to give people the opportunity to be cared for in their own safe, comfortable space,” explained Nicky. “I just knew that we could be doing more to provide high-quality care for our area, and to be recognised for our commitment to this by receiving such a prestigious award means so much to us. We’re incredibly proud of our wonderful, dedicated team for the amazing work they do.” Launching Visiting Angels Central Lancashire only one year ago, former police officer-turned-philanthropist Heidi Nursey has already made a huge impact on care provision in her area. Delivering over 10,000 hours of care in their first year of operations alone, Heidi has been recognised as the Rising Angel for her commitment to changing the face of domiciliary care for the better in Central Lancashire. “Receiving the Rising Angel Award serves as a validation of our unwavering efforts to improve the lives of those we care for and their families,” said Heidi. “It really reinforces our belief that every individual deserves compassionate care, every carer should have the recognition they deserve, and it motivates us to continue delivering the highest standards of service every day.” Visiting Angels’ ‘carer-centric’ approach sets it apart from other companies in the in-home care sector. Carers working for Visiting Angels feel valued and respected for their commitment to the industry. Through both financial rewards, opportunities for career development and wellbeing considered a priority, the care provider is committed to addressing these existing issues surrounding the industry, which often leaves carers feeling underappreciated and undervalued. “It’s a real credit to the hard work of our UK teams that they have been recognised above such high-performing offices,” said Dan Archer, Managing Director of Visiting Angels in the UK. “Their dedication, commitment and continuous positive attitude are clearly evident to see, and for both teams to be recognised after only a year of operations is just astounding. I’m endlessly proud of what our franchisees achieve and the difference they make to the lives of those most in need.”

A garden centre in Otley has recently installed a 227-panel solar array. The array, at Otley Garden Centre (formerly Stephen H Smith’s and now part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres group) will save 91,715kWh of energy and will reduce the carbon footprint of the Pool Road site by 21.4 tonnes per annum. Mark Farnsworth, Managing Director of Yorkshire Garden Centres is delighted with the project, adding that: “We are pleased to be investing further at Otley with this solar scheme. Some of the panels will be on the new roof we installed in January, with the remainder on existing buildings. There have never been any solar panels at Otley, and this was always high on our list of priorities when we acquired the business last year." “We have an extensive network of over 2100 solar panels throughout the group and it’s a vital part of our sustainability agenda. There have been times this summer when Tong and Tingley Garden Centres have been self-sufficient, which is great from an environmental and an economic perspective. The annual electricity generated from Otley alone would power an electric car for 367,000 miles.” The Otley Garden Centre solar array was installed by Westwood Energy who also installed 1200 solar panels and 54 EV charging points at Tingley Garden Centre in South Leeds. The installation is part of Yorkshire Garden Centres’ 2023 energy plan that also includes conducting energy-saving audits at all four sites, aligning practices across the group; delivering carbon literacy training to the teams and optimising lighting and heating systems. The Yorkshire Garden Centres group includes Otley, Tong, Tingley and Bingley Garden Centres.

Sibling businesses from the Yorkshire coast have collaborated to launch two unique drinks. The teams at Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery and sister company Wold Top Brewery have announced the dual launch of Filey Bay IPA Finish Batch #2 and Barrel Wave 2023 respectively. Matured first in ex-Bourbon casks and then finished in second-generation IPA casks, Filey Bay IPA Finish Batch #2 is fruity and biscuity with green apple notes and a slightly hoppy flavour profile that makes for a distinctive single malt. It is described as ‘light, fruity and biscuity with notes of green apple, pear drops, lemon cake and hops.’ Barrel Wave 2023 spent over a year in casks that latterly held Filey Bay whisky, extracting the creamy, vanilla notes from the wood whilst leaving hops and apple notes behind. Within hours of the beer being disgorged, the casks were refilled with mature Filey Bay whisky and left to finish further for several months. Of the launch, Spirit of Yorkshire’s Whisky Director, Joe Clark said: "Single malt whisky matured in IPA casks is a very rare thing, and ones from field to bottle distilleries like ours are even rarer." Filey Bay IPA Finish Batch #2 is a unique whisky on many levels, tying together the farm, brewery and distillery perfectly into one whisky. These casks have now done two cycles of IPA, yielding two batches of beers: Barrel Wave 2021 is 9.1% abv and spent eight months in cask; Barrel Wave 2023, is 8.5% abv and spent 14 months in cask. The charging of the casks with the beer after whisky in turn imbues the casks with wonderful flavours readying them for filling with mature whisky again for further finishing to create our latest IPA Finish. “Without our farm, brewery and distillery, it would be impossible to create casks or a whisky quite like this. These very special casks are amongst the most unique in our warehouse and, now being second generation, some of the rarest in the whisky industry," continues Joe. “Barrel Wave 2023 is a beautifully rounded, smooth, full-bodied beer where hints of soft citrus fruits and hoppy bitter notes marry with the light, creamy, vanilla flavours of the Filey Bay whisky,” said Brewery Director, Alex Balchin. Filey Bay IPA Finish Batch #2, 46% ABV costs £65 and is available from the distillery shop in Hunmanby, online at spiritofyorkshire.com and from selected specialist retailers nationwide. Barrel Wave 2023 costs £5.94 and is available online at woldtopbrewery.co.uk and spiritofyorkshire.com, from the distillery shop and from Wold Top’s network of stockists nationwide. Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery is Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky distillery and is one of only a handful of distilleries that grows all of the barley for its whisky production. It was founded in 2016 by Tom Mellor and David Thompson. Wold Newton-based Wold Top was founded in 2003 by Tom and Gill Mellor and is located on the Mellor family farm. The team uses home-grown barley and water from the farm’s borehole to produce a range of award-winning cask, keg and bottled beers that are available throughout Yorkshire and nationwide.