With Mother’s Day fast approaching, many families will be rushing to buy flowers, book brunch or grab a last minute card. UK spending reaches into the billions each year, but new research suggests the perfect gift might depend entirely on your mum’s age. According to a survey of UK mums by online greeting card marketplace thortful, expectations shift dramatically between generations. While nearly half (49%) of mums aged 55-64 say they want a sentimental gift or card, proving heartfelt words never go out of style, younger mums have very different priorities. Among 18-24 year olds, one in three (33%) say they simply want a day off from daily responsibilities. Millennial mums are leading the charge for quality time, with almost 2 in 5 (38%) saying time spent together as a family is their top expectation. In other words, while some mums want something to keep in a memory box, others would quite like you to unload the dishwasher without being asked, showing that Mother’s Day is anything but one size fits all. Gen Z Mums Just Want a Day Off If you’re shopping for an 18–24-year-old mum, step away from the scented candles. What she really wants? A break. One third (33%) say their top Mother’s Day expectation is a day off from daily tasks. No laundry. No cooking. No answering “Muuuum?” 47 times before midday. And while they may be exhausted, they’ve definitely not lost their sense of humour. Gen Z mums are also the most likely of any generation to want a funny gift or card, with 21% choosing this option, more than any other age group. A spokesperson from thortful says, “If you’re celebrating a younger mum, think practical rather than pricey. Take over the childcare, handle the cooking, and let her switch off completely. In other words, skip the flowers. Start the dishwasher and maybe choose the cheeky card.” Millennial Mums Crave Quality Time For this generation, it’s less about what’s bought and more about who shows up. In fact, almost 2 in 5 (38%) of 25-34 year olds say time spent together as a family is what they want most this Mother’s Day. Millennial mums are among the most likely to want to be taken out for a meal (27%), and across all age groups, being cooked for or taken out consistently ranks as a popular choice. It suggests that for many mums, shared meals are where quality time really happens. A spokesperson from thortful says, “Block out proper time together and make it intentional. Whether that’s cooking a meal as a family, going for a long walk or having a movie night where no one’s distracted, being present is what counts. It’s about giving her your attention, not just a gift.” 35-44 Year Old Mums Want the Whole Day For mums aged 35-44, Mother’s Day isn’t about squeezing in a quick lunch between football practice and food shopping. Over a quarter (27%) of mums aged 35-44 say they want a full day dedicated entirely to them, just 1% expect the same level of spending as birthdays or Christmas, showing effort matters far more than expense. Often juggling careers, children, packed calendars and the endless household admin that somehow defaults to them, this generation isn’t asking for extravagance, they just want to be selfish for once. A spokesperson from thortful explains, “Plan the day around her interests, not convenience. Ask what she’d genuinely enjoy and build it from there. A day where she’s the priority, and she’s not the one making the plans.” Gen X Mums Value Sentiment If Gen Z want a break and Millennials want quality time, Gen X want something they can reread. This is the generation of keeping birthday cards in drawers and rereading them years later, as nearly 3 in 10 (29%) say a sentimental gift or card is what they expect most and 18% said they don’t want to receive anything generic. For them, it’s not about the size of the gesture, it’s about the sincerity behind it. A spokesperson from thortful says, “For Gen X mums, it’s the message that makes the moment. Take the time to write something personal and specific. A card filled with real memories and genuine gratitude will mean far more than something expensive but impersonal.” Nearly Half of Baby Boomer Mums Want a Sentimental Card Trends may change, but for mums in their late 50s and early 60s, one thing hasn’t budged. Almost half (49%) of 55-64 year olds say they expect a sentimental gift or card. Flowers remain firmly part of the picture for this generation, with 22% of 55-64 year olds saying they expect them, blooms twice as popular here as they are with Millennials. Some traditions, it seems, are worth holding onto. A spokesperson from thortful says, “For many mums in their late 50s and early 60s, these are gestures they’ve grown up with, and they still carry emotional weight. Here’s something timeless about a heartfelt card and a beautiful bunch of spring flowers, it’s a simple way of saying ‘thank you for being my mum.’” 65+ Mums Just Want to Be Together For mums aged 65 and over, Mother’s Day comes with very little pressure. In fact, almost 1 in 5 (19%) say they don’t expect anything at all, however over a third (35%) say a sentimental card is what matters most, while 29% say time spent together as a family is their top priority. So big gestures aren’t necessary but connection is. thortful recommends, “Make time for a proper visit or long catch up. Even something simple like afternoon tea at home can feel incredibly meaningful when it’s shared together." To find the perfect card for every generation of mum, visit here .

The first detailed account of the battle in which the world’s most famous tank, Tiger 131, was captured has finally been told. Dale Oscroft has researched the Battle of Gueriat el Atach in April 1943, which was one of the most important actions in the fall of Tunisia and the Nazi surrender in North Africa. During intense fighting, his father John fired his anti-tank PIAT weapon at the side of the feared Tiger tank which was advancing on positions held by John’s battalion, the 2nd Sherwood Foresters. To his dismay, the projectile bounced off harmlessly. Fearing the worst as the turret began to turn towards him, he was relieved to see the tank disabled by an armour piercing round which jammed the turret. Abandoned by its crew, the tank proved to be a massive intelligence prize - it was the first time an intact Tiger had been captured in the West. The story of the battle has never been told in detail, but now Dale’s book ‘Tiger 131: The Forgotten Battle’ is available. It has been published by The Tank Museum in Dorset, where Tiger 131 – the world’s only working Tiger I - is on display. The book is available from The Tank Museum Shop and describes the astonishing fight to take the Tunisian ridge. Dale said: “My father had mentioned an action in which the Foresters captured a Tiger tank in Tunisia after its turret had been jammed. But it was only when I was on holiday in Dorset in 2012 and saw Tiger 131 on a visit to the Tank Museum that I thought it might be connected." “The Tiger had been captured in Tunisia after sustaining a jammed turret but the account of the action placed it some ten miles away from where the Foresters had fought. Subsequently, my research revealed the true circumstances of its capture, confirming that it was indeed the same tank my father had tried to knock-out." “Its capture following the lucky shell strike was so important that Prime Minister Winston Churchill and King George VI were pictured with the tank when they visited Tunisia following the Axis surrender. The Battle of Gueriat el Atach began on St George’s Day, Good Friday, in April 1943. The objective was a ridge with a number of peaks." “It was one of the last battles in Tunisia and a key part in the final expulsion of the enemy. The Germans had the ridge well defended when the 1st British Infantry Division attacked it with six infantry battalions and five squadrons of tanks." “On the first day, casualties were about 50 per cent and on the second day over 30 per cent. In total there were around 1,000 Allied soldiers killed, wounded or missing. Almost 50 tanks were also lost. Not only was the ridge well defended by German infantry and tanks, but the latter included at least two Tiger tanks which were far more powerful than anything we had." “The terrain was difficult too, with rock just below the surface making the digging of trenches near impossible. There were also fields of crops in which the enemy hid, and the area was mined. Another issue the attackers faced was appalling radio communications which meant for much of the fighting over two days those managing the battle had little idea of what was going on." “It fell to those doing the actual fighting to make life and death decisions and for many, like my father, it was their first taste of action. It took enormous courage and sacrifice to capture the ridge and the Germans too showed enormous bravery." “The Foresters were attacking Point 174 - the highest point on the ridge - and it was there that Tiger 131 came within five yards of their positions. After my father’s PIAT had failed to knock out the tank it all looked grim." “Desperately, a number of Foresters turned around an anti-tank gun which they had captured in the fighting and they fired it at the Tiger just as a number of tanks supporting the attack also opened fire." “A shot from either a British tank or the Foresters sent a shell ricocheting down the underside of the Tiger’s gun barrel to wedge itself in the traversing mechanism, disabling the turret. It was a significant moment in the battle and in the North African campaign. The ridge was captured and, having been pushed off what was basically their last line of defence, the Axis forces in Tunisia surrendered a few weeks afterwards." “My account of the battle for the ridge draws on the recollections of the men who fought there and the narrative describes the fighting from their perspective.” The units who took part in the battle were the 6th Gordon Highlanders, 1st Loyal Regiment, 2nd North Staffordshires, 1st Duke of Wellington’s, 142 and 145 Royal Armoured Corps, 48 Royal Tank Regiment, 1st King’s Shropshire Light Infantry and the 2nd Sherwood Foresters. A Victoria Cross was awarded to Lt Willward Sandys-Clarke of the 1st Loyals, and there were also six DSOs, twelve Military Crosses, two DSMs and twenty Military Medals awarded. Senior Historian Stuart Wheeler of The Tank Museum said: “The story of Tiger 131 has changed over the years as more details were discovered. “Dale, with meticulous research, has now contextualised the capture of this tank, which is the most famous in the world. He has shown the importance of the engagement in the battle for Tunisia. This incredible story underpins our Tiger Day events, and with the next event on 18 April 2026, we are just weeks away from telling this story alongside Tiger 131 live in our arena.“ After the fall of Tunisia, John Oscroft went on to serve with the Foresters in Italy. There, he participated in the intense fighting for the Anzio beachhead after which he fought from Rome to the Gothic line in the Apennine Mountains where he was frostbitten. In January 1945, John and the Foresters were moved to Palestine, the battalion having by then sustained 200 percent casualties during its war service. After being demobbed in 1946 he returned to his job in a hosiery factory in Sutton in Ashfield, married Violet, had son Dale and died aged 59 in 1982. Tiger 131: The Forgotten Battle is available exclusively from The Tank Museum Shop for £12.99. Visit tankmuseumshop.org.

Classeq, the leading British manufacturer of professional warewashing equipment, has launched Wi-Fi connectivity across its full range of dishwashers, glasswashers and utensil washers with the introduction of Clean Connect.   Designed to bring greater control, visibility and simplicity to high-volume warewashing environments, Clean Connect enables operators to remotely monitor their machines through a single online portal – providing real-time insight without needing to be on site.   In busy professional kitchens and bars, warewashing is mission-critical. When machines perform, service runs seamlessly. When they don’t, disruption is immediate. Clean Connect gives operators instant visibility of performance, usage and maintenance requirements – helping teams protect wash quality, drive efficiency and avoid unnecessary downtime.   Wi-Fi connectivity and access to the Clean Connect portal is available across Classeq’s full warewashing range*, delivering measurable benefits across multiple areas:   Quality wash results: Regular cleaning is essential for consistent wash quality and long-term machine performance. Clean Connect allows operators to check whether drain down, refresh and deep-clean cycles are being completed correctly, helping maintain standards across every shift and site.   Energy efficiency:  By comparing operating hours with powered hours, customers can identify unnecessary energy consumption and adjust usage patterns accordingly – driving smarter, more cost-effective operations.   Hard water management:  Limescale build-up remains one of the most common causes of machine failure. Clean Connect enables operators to monitor cycles completed without salt and proactively prompt teams to refill – protecting machines and avoiding costly repairs.   Preventative maintenance:  Like mileage on a vehicle, wash cycles accumulate over time. Clean Connect allows servicing to be scheduled based on real usage data rather than fixed time intervals, supporting preventative maintenance strategies that maximise lifespan and reliability.   Multi-site visibility:  From single-location operators to national estates, Clean Connect enables customers to monitor machine status across multiple sites within one simple dashboard, with the ability to drill down into individual machine data as required.   Multiple machines, one portal:  Even smaller venues often run separate machines in kitchen and bar areas. Clean Connect enables managers to oversee both from one interface. Scale this across hotels, stadia, universities or contract catering operations, and the operational value increases significantly.   Service, rental and leasing support:  For customers working with service partners, rental agreements or leasing models, Clean Connect enables wash cycle tracking, smarter servicing schedules and improved asset management – benefiting operators and suppliers alike.   Andy Salter, Managing Director at Classeq, said: “Clean Connect represents a natural evolution of our warewashing range. Classeq machines are built to deliver exceptional results day in, day out - and now we’re giving customers the data and visibility to protect that performance." “Connectivity isn’t about complexity; it’s about simplicity, and ease of visibility. It allows operators to stay ahead of maintenance, improve energy efficiency and maintain consistent wash standards across single sites or entire estates. For today’s hospitality businesses, that level of insight makes a real operational difference.”   Clean Connect adds an extra layer of value to Classeq’s British-built warewashing machines, helping operators maintain standards, support their teams and maximise the performance and lifespan of their equipment. All machines come with a two-year warranty as standard.   To find out more or request a demonstration, visit here .

An Edinburgh-based tour operator is turning a personal storytelling project into a sustainable tourism activity thanks to tailored guidance from Business Gateway. Un Italiano ad Edimburgo (An Italian in Edinburgh), founded by Andrea Moretti, offers private walking tours of Edinburgh, bespoke car tours across Scotland and personalised itineraries, all delivered entirely in Italian. Andrea combines the knowledge of a local guide with the flexibility of a personal tour leader, ensuring visitors experience Scotland authentically and at their own pace. Having moved to Scotland from Italy six years ago, Andrea’s passion for Scotland led him to author The Slowness of the Thistle: A Journey into the Soul of Scotland, a book encouraging travellers to explore the country with curiosity and attention to detail. Sharing his travels across Scotland on his Facebook page, Andrea gradually built a community of followers. Step by step, he realised visitors were not only looking for a guide, but for help interpreting the country, which led him to formalise the project as a business. The business champions slow, responsible tourism through small, private tours that offer visitors an authentic and meaningful connection to Scotland’s people, landscapes and culture. Since starting last year, Andrea has expanded his offering to include multi-day experiences and collaborations with local producers, giving Italian travellers a truly immersive Scottish journey. Tours are designed to be accessible for everyone, including families with children, travellers with pets, or those with mobility or sensory needs. Every experience is tailor-made, combining history, curiosity and local stories. Business Gateway has helped Andrea structure and formalise the project as a recognised tourism activity. Adviser Lee Briggs provided one-to-one guidance through the early stages, from business planning and registration to defining clear offers for individual travellers, families and travel agencies. Andrea also received expert support on marketing strategy, digital presence, SEO, social media planning and client communication, alongside workshops and webinars to strengthen his business knowledge. Thanks to this support, Andrea launched an official website for Un Italiano ad Edimburgo, building a strong online presence to support its social platforms. The business also became officially listed on VisitScotland.com and Forever Edinburgh as a registered tour operator, marking a significant achievement for a small independent business. Andrea Moretti said: “At the beginning, the project An Italian in Edinburgh was just a way to share my experiences with friends - a diary of photos, stories and tips born out of passion. Step by step, post by post, the community grew, and so did my role: from enthusiast to guide for many Italian travellers." “As a new Scot, I’ve been amazed at the level of support available. Business Gateway helped me structure the idea, refine my offer and gain the confidence to make the project sustainable without losing its original purpose: helping visitors understand Scotland rather than simply see it. Lee’s guidance and support in accessing funding have made a real difference, giving me the foundation and tools to grow and show visitors a side of Scotland they might never see otherwise.” Lee Briggs, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Andrea’s passion for Scotland is infectious. Our guidance helped him take a personal idea and turn it into a real, sustainable business, with a clear identity and strong online presence." “Supporting him as he brought Un Italiano ad Edimburgo to life has been a pleasure, and I look forward to seeing how he continues to grow his tours and expand his experiences in the years ahead.” To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here .

A village pub in south Warwickshire is once again proving it has the recipe for success after scooping a string of awards for five of its pies. The Fleur de Lys shortlisted recipes have been selected from hundreds of entries in the prestigious British Pie Awards. The pub’s Butter Chicken Pie scooped Gold while their Beef & Mushroom Stroganoff Pie took Silver. Bronze was awarded for their Butternut Squash & Goats Cheese Pie; Cheeseburger Pie and Christmas Steak Pie (filled with British beef steak, pigs in blankets, honey roasted carrots and parsnips, mulled wine sauce.) They were among the ‘hot favourites’ singled out by a panel made up of over 180 leading experts from the retail, baking and butchery sectors as part of British Pie Week last week. Held annually in Melton Mowbray, the Rural Capital of Food, the Awards honour the best pie-makers across Britain, from small independents to large-scale producers. Owner Emma Woodhouse said: “We’re so delighted to continue to honour the pie-making legacy that the Fleur De Lys is renowned for. It always feels a bit like David vs Goliath going up against the likes of Ginsters, Tesco and Waitrose in these awards, but what we lack in scale we more than make up for in love." “Our pie chefs - Rachel Griffiths and Gemma Hughes - are forensic about creating the perfect pie. We have the confidence of our customers who return time and time again to try our pies, but it’s like the cherry on top to be recognised nationally by the judges at the British Pie Awards.” The pub first began serving pies through the infamous kitchen hatch during the 1950s, drawing crowds from all over the Midlands to sample Mr Brookes’ finest steak and kidney or chicken and mushroom pies. The inn was mainly frequented by farmers who'd come in for a pie and a pint after they'd finished harvesting. The licensee at the time bought Emscote Mill in Warwick, from where they distributed nationwide but eventually the original pie recipe and company was sold to Pukka Pies. But, under the auspices of current landlords Emma and Nick Woodhouse, in 2018 The Lowsonford Pie Company was born and all 11 flavours of pie are now handmade and served directly from the Fleur De Lys kitchen, headed up by Rachel Griffiths. Rachel said: “We cooked 317 pies in order to get the handful that we entered into the awards. Planning for these awards starts well in advance and we experiment with new recipes to get just the right mix of traditional entries and fusion flavours. This is the first time we’ve received a Gold award and we’re really proud that all the hard work paid off.” It wasn’t until the early 20th century when The Fleur de Lys first opened as a tavern, later going on to introduce the ‘pioneering’ idea of serving food and giving rise to the now famous Fleur De Lys pies. It is not the first accolade for the Fleur de Lys, whose pie making team have a real appetite for awards success. All the unique flavours created for the awards are currently available on the Specials Menu at the Fleur De Lys, whilst stocks last.

St Austell Brewery is celebrating a remarkable achievement after winning four medals at the 2026 International Brewing Awards - one of the world’s oldest and most respected beer competitions.   Established in 1888 and often described as the “Oscars of the brewing industry”, the awards are judged solely by professional brewers and recognise outstanding technical excellence.   This year’s success is particularly significant for the independent family-owned business, marking its 350th beer award in its 175-year history.   Among the accolades, 2025 Extra Special Tribute (EST) - brewed with all-British ingredients - was awarded the only gold in its category.   A supercharged 7.4% ABV strong ale, EST is a bold reinterpretation of St Austell Brewery’s flagship pale ale, Tribute (4.2% ABV). First brewed in 2023 - to mark the coronation of King Charles III - EST has since become a special annual release, crafted in small batches and each bottle is individually numbered. Each edition of EST is brewed to a unique recipe, bottle-conditioned and matured.   Proper Job 0.5% secured a silver in the ultra low alcohol category. Modelled on the flagship Proper Job IPA, it retains the original’s hop profile - Cascade, Willamette and Chinook - delivering punchy citrus, grapefruit and pine flavours despite its low ABV.   Korev (4.8% ABV), St Austell Brewery’s flagship lager - known for its clean and refreshing character - also earned a silver. Rounding off the wins, Proper Job (4.5% ABV) - its flagship IPA brewed with bold American hops and celebrating its 20th birthday this year - took home a bronze in the cask-conditioned beer category.   Georgina Young, St Austell Brewery’s Brewing Director said: “Winning four medals at such a prestigious global competition is an incredible achievement for the whole team." “To reach our 350th beer award in the same year we celebrate 175 years of brewing heritage makes this moment even more special. Each of the winning beers represents innovation and quality and I’m immensely proud of what our talented brewing team continues to deliver.”

Lawyers have been appointed to represent more than 40 flat owners in a multi-million-pound fraud claim in the High Court after an alleged failure to identify extensive defects and fire risks during the construction of their block. Milners Solicitors, headquartered in Leeds, is now warning that there is likely to be a significant number of leaseholders trapped in a “property prison” in similar buildings across the UK, with their homes also now unsellable. Acting on behalf of 44 leaseholders, living in 32 apartments, Milners has filed a fraud claim against Zurich Insurance in the High Court. The group action is accusing the firm of issuing 10-year home warranties despite not inspecting their properties – and seeking a compensation award potentially in excess of £5m. At the centre of the legal dispute is the high-rise Aurora apartment block on Swansea seafront – built by York-based Persimmon Homes almost 20 years ago – where the purchase of their dream flat quickly turned into a nightmare for its residents. Martin Scott, who specialises in complex High Court construction and engineering disputes, said the safety of high-rise apartment blocks was still in sharp focus following the Grenfell Tower fire disaster. He said: "Sadly, we know that Aurora residents are not alone in having to live in such financially devastating circumstances, which one client described to me as like ‘having a noose around her neck’." “There are leaseholders in many other parts of the country who are enduring a similar story with structurally defective flats not being adequately inspected and now being forced to turn to the courts for financial redress.” He added: “The reality is, if you’re an owner-occupier of one of these apartments, like the 44 clients we represent, you’re living in a mortgage cage or a property prison which you can’t get out of." “You can’t re-mortgage because nobody will touch you where there are fire issues, and you can’t sell because there’s no market, or a very limited market where cash buyers are prepared to take the risk. " “And the truth is, a property purchase is the biggest purchase any ordinary person will make in their lives, so if that goes wrong, then their life goes wrong. So you’ve got to find a fix, or you have to be able to recover compensation for them to be able to move on.” Residents at the Aurora development claim Zurich surveyors bypassed their own electronic inspection system to issue handwritten cover notes as proof of their insurance policy. They said if they had realised their cover notes were issued in this way and without final inspections, they would not have completed the purchase of their apartments. As well as problems with water ingress, residents claim that fire doors and fire breaks between apartments were inadequate. Milners operates a network of offices, including Leeds, Harrogate, Malton and Darlington. Photo: Milners’ solicitor Martin Scott, who specialises in complex High Court construction and engineering disputes.

Business leaders have hailed the success of the sixth annual Portsmouth & South Coast Business Week organised by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce. Over 1,500 delegates attended more than 22 free-of-charge events with a focus on collaboration and achieving growth. Launched at the Queen’s Hotel in Southsea, the week brought Hampshire Chamber partners from business, local government, education and the third sector together for presentations, open days, networking and behind-the-scenes visits. In-person events took place at venues in Portsmouth, Havant, Gosport and Fareham with sessions streamed via LinkedIn Live and Facebook Live. Among several panel discussions, a group of leading women in the maritime sector discussed industry issues at a dedicated evening at the D-Day Story Museum hosted by SLR Recruitment Solutions and Sarah Roads. There was also a small business growth day badged as ‘Thriving Together’ held at the University of Portsmouth and hosted by Solent Growth Partnership. It included workshops and advice for SMEs, micro businesses, start-ups and other small businesses. Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber’s Chief Executive and Executive Chair, said: “This was a fantastic celebration of ‘all things enterprise’ for the region, the biggest and best week we’ve held so far. It was a joy to see so many businesses coming together to discuss the challenges they face and how they are overcoming them.” Ross explained that each year, attendees hear success stories of connections made at previous business weeks. He cited an Irish market opportunity for Portsmouth-based Citrus Facilities Management that was directly helped by the presence last year of a delegation from Drogheda and District Chamber. Ross added: “Together they set up a meeting in Dublin with the firm being supported on making all the necessary arrangements to operate in Ireland. It shows the power of bringing businesses together and giving them an opportunity to explore new horizons. It’s another example of the sense of community and energy enabled by the week." Making a return visit to discuss the national business landscape on launch day was David Bharier, Head of Research at British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). David said: “Business conditions have been undeniably tough over the past 12 months. However, BCC data points to emerging opportunities, particularly the rapid acceleration of AI adoption among SMEs and the expansion of new free trade agreements with major markets." “Those gains are only realised when businesses connect, learn and act. Portsmouth & South Coast Business Week provides exactly that space - where collaboration drives opportunities and growth.” Among the various in-person events held in the week were six led directly by Hampshire Chamber with help from partners. These attracted around 285 attendees and included launch day, open doors events and networking opportunities in association with Isle of Wight Chamber, SLR Recruitment, Fareham Business Expo and Chamber Connects. The week was officially opened at the Queen’s Hotel launch by Portsmouth City Council Leader Steve Pitt, whose portfolio responsibilities include regional economic development. Steve gave an update on the Portsmouth100 centenary activities while Nikki Young from Portsmouth Creates discussed the UK City of Culture 2029 bid. As well as The Queen’s Hotel, business community supporters for the week included Azets, Citrus Facilities Management, Creative Clique Design & Marketing, The News, Hampshire Flag Company, Blake Morgan LLP, SLR Recruitment, Xelacoach. Everyone Active, Solent Sky Services, 1stcs.it and Landsec. Open days participants were Keppels Head Hotel, Tall Ships Youth Trust, Lakeside North Harbour, Hampshire Flag Company and Bishops Printers. Civic and education partners included the University of Portsmouth, the City of Portsmouth College, Havant & South Downs College, South Hampshire College Group, Portsmouth City Council, Solent Growth Partnership and Fareham, Havant and Gosport borough councils. Photo: Ross McNally, Chief Executive and Executive Chair of organisers Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, speaking at the launch of Portsmouth & South Coast Business Week 2026 at The Queen’s Hotel, Southsea.

Willmott Dixon has started a new £20 million neighbourhood health hub in Weybridge, Surrey, to create a modern, purpose-built facility that will transform primary and community healthcare provision for the local population. Procured via the Procure23 framework, the project is being delivered on behalf of NHS Property Services, working in partnership with the Department of Health & Social Care and NHS Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board. Once complete, the development will represent one of the region’s most substantial recent investments in primary and community healthcare infrastructure. The new facility will provide a modern health hub designed to meet both current and future population needs. The Phoenix Family Practice will relocate into the building, which will also include maternity services, same day urgent care, diagnostics, and health and wellbeing support. A flexible first floor space will allow the NHS to adapt services over time in response to changing local demand. Pioneering Model for Neighbourhood Health Delivery The Weybridge facility brings together a range of primary and community health services under one roof, providing a sustainable response to local needs and forming part of a wider commitment to improving health outcomes and modernising healthcare infrastructure. Richard Poulter, Willmott Dixon’s Managing Director for the South: “We are pleased to be delivering this much needed community health facility for Weybridge. This development will bring essential health and wellbeing services closer to local residents, creating a modern, accessible centre shaped around the needs of the community." “With more than 100 healthcare construction projects, 30 of which have been community healthcare facilities, delivered across England and Wales over the past decade, our team brings deep experience in creating environments that support high quality patient care. Working closely with NHS Property Services and our project partners, this will be a sustainable, high performing building that the people of Weybridge can be proud of. We look forward to completing the new facility in 2027.” Vicky Stobbart, Director of Commissioning and Delivery for NHS Surrey Heartlands: “This is a significant milestone for the project. The start of construction work represents years of planning, extended collaboration and a major investment in the future of this modern health facility and for the health and wellbeing of local people.” Simon Taylor, Director Estates Policy, Strategy and Capital Projects, NHS Property Services: "This groundbreaking event celebrates a key moment as construction begins on this £20 million investment in Weybridge. We are focussed on delivering an NHS estate that is fit for the future and meets the modern health demands of communities across the country. This new neighbourhood health facility will provide more services, which can often prevent ill health, closer to people’s homes, ensuring the Ten-Year-Health-Plan goals are achieved.” Dr Graeme Wilding, GP Partner at The Phoenix Family Practice, said: “Over the past eight years, despite limited space and facilities, our staff at the Phoenix Family Practice has continued to provide safe, compassionate and professional care. Reaching this stage is a significant milestone, and we’re delighted to see the new building finally underway. The new facility will allow us to expand our services, offer a more welcoming environment for patients and give us the stability we need for the future.” The Weybridge health hub is an early example of the type of neighbourhood-based model of care set out in the NHS 10 Year Health Plan and reinforced by the government’s Budget commitment to deliver 250 Neighbourhood Health Centres across England. The programme will co-locate local health services such as GPs and physiotherapists in modern, purpose-built facilities designed to improve access to care and support a more preventative and sustainable NHS. Health Sector Expertise The Weybridge health hub adds to Willmott Dixon’s growing portfolio of transformational healthcare projects. The company recently broke ground on the £140m Emergency Care Building at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth – the first Wave 1 scheme in the New Hospital Programme to begin main construction. News Barnes Hospital and London River Academy Transforming Barnes Hospital: A new era for health and education in South West London Community healthcare hubs Non-acute healthcare in a community environment will drive health and wellbeing Neighbourhood Health Centres   Delivering the Future of Local Care Weybridge Health Facility New health facility offering maternity care, same-day urgent care, and diagnostics to Weybridge residents.

St Austell Brewery welcomed acclaimed chef, broadcaster and sustainability campaigner Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall to its head office, as part of a special St Piran’s Day event celebrating Cornwall’s rich food and drink culture. Hosted in partnership with the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, the event brought together 40 producers, growers, businesses, charities and suppliers from across the county to showcase the creativity that defines the region’s culinary identity. Hugh took part in an in conversation ‘fireside’ chat, where he discussed his long-standing passion for sustainable food systems, the importance of local produce, and highlights from his career. Guests also joined a Q&A session and had the opportunity to network with fellow Cornish producers while sampling a range of locally made products. Commenting on the event and conversations, Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall, said: “It was brilliant to be in Cornwall today on St Piran’s Day with so many local growers, makers and suppliers. Great food is always rooted in great stories. When you know where your food comes from - who grew it, caught it or made it - it creates a much deeper connection to what’s on your plate." "Cornwall has an incredible natural larder, and when we source locally and responsibly, we’re not just supporting producers, we’re protecting the landscapes and ecosystems that make this place so special – and what better day to pay homage." ”Whenever we talk about food, we should also be talking about nature - how we farm, fish and grow in ways that protect biodiversity and build a more resilient food system. There’s real optimism in that conversation, particularly as innovation and new thinking open up smarter, more regenerative ways of producing food for the future.” Jak Yelland-Hill, Food Procurement Manager, St Austell Brewery: “Cornwall is home to some of the most talented producers and exceptional ingredients in the country, and we’re incredibly proud to have strong, long lasting relationships with our suppliers across our heartland." “A strong local supply chain is vital for quality, resilience and sustainability. Events like this help reinforce the importance of our suppliers and St Piran’s Day is a perfect moment to celebrate the Cornish producers who help us deliver quality across our pub menus and ensure our wholesale drinks range continues to reflect the very best of the region.” John Brown, Chief Executive, Cornwall Chamber, said: “Cornwall’s food and drink sector is built on people, place and pride - and telling those stories matters more than ever. When local businesses champion one another and share their successes, it raises the profile of the whole supply chain and strengthens our regional economy." “Events like this create space for curiosity, collaboration and conversation about the future - from food security to regenerative farming and biodiversity. There is a real sense of momentum and optimism across the sector, and by continuing to learn from one another and tell our stories locally, we can drive positive, long term change for Cornwall.” The morning concluded with a Cornish-inspired brunch hosted by St Austell Brewery, featuring dishes such as roasted plums, Cornish honey and Cornish rump steak, fried egg, and watercress on sourdough. Exhibitors included St Ewe, Buttermilk, Jolly’s, Westcountry, Cornish Larder, Colwith Farm Distillery, Cornish Distilling Co., and Cornish Sea Salt.

A Hampshire accountancy and tax advice firm has promoted two team members to its board of directors in a move designed to support strategic growth plans. Colleagues Tom Young and Matt Cooper, both previously associate directors at HWB Chartered Accountants, now step up as full directors. The pair are already registered auditors, able to sign audit reports as responsible individuals (RIs), an official status recognised by supervisory body the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Tom joined Chandler’s Ford-based HWB as a trainee from college, achieving his chartered (ACA) qualification in 2012 and taking on a business adviser role two years later. He was promoted to Associate Director in 2022, with responsibility for managing a portfolio that spans different sectors and company sizes including owner-managed businesses with a dedicated focus on the property industry. His work for clients includes practical audit advice and services to support business strategy, development and growth. Tom said: “I’m honoured to step into the role of a director and am very grateful to the board for their continued guidance and support throughout my time at HWB.” Matt was made an Associate Director in 2023 following eight years’ service as an Accounts & Audit Business Adviser during which, like Tom, he qualified as a Chartered Accountant. As well as owner-managed businesses in the SME market across Hampshire and Dorset, Matt specialises in education, charities, FCA-regulated firms and the construction and recruitment sectors. HWB Managing Director Tracy Jenkins said: “Congratulations to Tom and Matt on their much-deserved promotions. As well as being fantastic colleagues, they both work exceptionally hard and, through their skills and expertise, deliver real value to our clients. I am thrilled they are now full directors at HWB and able to make an even stronger contribution to our growth and success. These internal promotions reflect HWB’s dedication to supporting career progression and nurturing future leaders. We continue to invest in our people, ensuring clients receive expert, consistent and trusted support across all areas of audit, accounting, tax and payroll.” Chartered accountants HWB , headquartered at Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton, provide business and tax advice. The firm is registered and regulated to carry out audit work in the UK by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. Photo: Matt Cooper, left, and Tom Young have been promoted as directors at Hampshire accountancy and tax advice firm HWB. With them is Managing Director Tracy Jenkins.

St Austell Brewery is raising a glass to its 175th anniversary with the launch of a special limited-edition cask ale range for 2026. The range includes several much-loved favourites, revived from the brewery’s archives.   Drawing on recipes from brewing books dating back to the 1800s, the 175th anniversary collection pays tribute to some of the most well-loved beers in St Austell Brewery’s history. Alongside reimagined beers from its past and current core range - including a new anniversary ale named 1851 - each release has been carefully curated.   Classics such as Admiral's Ale (5% ABV), first brewed in 2005 to mark the bicentenary of Nelson's triumph at Trafalgar will return, alongside best bitter Trelawny (3.8% ABV), named after Bishop Trelawny from Cornish folklore. The burnished copper ale is still fondly remembered by beer fans.   The final release in the eight-strong cask line-up is Tribute Extra (5.3% ABV), the big sibling of St Austell Brewery’s best-selling Tribute pale ale. Brewed with Cornish barley and signature Celeia and Willamette hops, the rich pale ale is bold, complex, and full of character - a true celebration of that little bit extra.   The collection forms part of St Austell Brewery’s wider programme of 175-year celebrations, which includes commemorative events, special collaborations and a renewed focus on the business’s heritage pubs and regional roots.   Georgina Young, Brewing Director at St Austell Brewery, said: “Reaching 175 years is an extraordinary milestone, so it felt only right to celebrate by bringing some of our most cherished beers back to life. Our brewing archives are full of wonderful recipes - beers that meant something to the people who brewed them and to the communities that enjoyed them." “Revisiting classics, such as Trelawny and Tinners is a reminder of just how deeply our heritage runs, while giving us the chance to brew the beers with the quality and consistency made possible by modern techniques. As a team, we’re incredibly proud to honour our past while continuing to innovate for the beer drinkers of today.”   The commemorative cask beer range will be available in St Austell Brewery pubs and available to order for its wholesale customers. Cornish Ale, Trelawny – the first beer in the range – will be available from March 30th.   For pubs wishing to stock the limited-edition beers, visit  here .