A painting by world renowned Italian artist, Canaletto will go on display at the Ferens Art Gallery later this year. A Regatta on the Grand Canal c.1733-4 is lent by His Majesty The King from the Royal Collection, and is the fifth and final work loaned to the gallery as part of a partnership with Royal Collection Trust that started in 2017. The painting shows the entire central stretch of the Grand Canal and is painted from the same vantage point as The Grand Canal, Venice, Looking North East from the Palazzo Balbi to the Rialto Bridge, a work made around 1724 by Canaletto from the Ferens’ own collection. The Royal Collection painting shows the regatta of the feast of the Purification of the Virgin, held annually on 2 February in Venice since 1315. Elaborately decorated barges belonging to prominent Venetian families line the Canal, while both men and women appear dressed in carnival costume, identifiable by the distinctive black cloaks, white masks and black tricorne hats. Kerri Offord, Curator of Ferens Art Gallery said: “We’re grateful to Royal Collection Trust for this loan and the incredible partnership we have had for the last six years." “This final artwork will be part of something very exciting coming later this year, and we ask that artists keep a close eye out for an opportunity coming soon.” Anna Reynolds, Deputy Surveyor of The King’s Pictures, Royal Collection Trust, said: "We have been delighted to work with the Ferens Art Gallery over the past six years, providing opportunities for the people of Hull to enjoy a range of works from the Royal Collection by artists including Rembrandt, Van Dyck and Holbein." "This magnificent painting, which usually hangs in the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace, is one of Canaletto’s finest works and makes a fitting final loan in what has been an exciting and rewarding partnership." Giovanni Antonio Canal (1697-1768), known most commonly as Canaletto, was born in Venice to a family of artists and theatre set designers. He undertook an apprenticeship with his father and brother, and travelled with the former to Rome in 1719 to assist in the creation of sets for two operas by Alessandro Scarlatti, before returning to Venice to pursue a career as an artist. Canaletto’s earliest signed and dated work is from 1723, and his earlier works are often viewed as his best before his commercial success made him repetitive. His work is known for being precise and he, unusually for the time, would make his work outside, rather than in a studio. The work will be on display at the Ferens Art Gallery from 20 October – 28 January 2024.

Acquisitions that go wrong are a top cause of business insolvency, according to Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance , which has analysed claims from business directors for personal guarantee insurance, following insolvency. Not being close to business financials due to an over-reliance on accountants, and bad debts or payment disputes, were also major reasons why business owner’s dreams ended in a nightmare. There is good news, however, as there are solid steps that can be taken to avoid some of the most common reasons businesses fall into insolvency. Todd Davison, MD of Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance said: “Business failures can often occur after a business acquisition. When a business goes through a leveraged buyout, where the target company to be acquired is loaded with debt to buy out the former shareholders, then this has an adverse cash flow and margin impact to meet the repayment obligations. It means an immediate deterioration of the balance sheet position. So the new owners have to grow the business or deliver substantial cost savings through the business quickly, to avoid failure.” Firms window dressing their business to make it appear more secure than it actually is prior to acquisition can be common, according to Purbeck Personal Guarantee Insurance. Robust due diligence processes including, arranging a financial audit, scrutinising the validity of future orders and analysing future staff and cost savings that can be made once acquisition has happened, can all help to sidestep insolvency. Purbeck also advises keeping a close eye on the balance sheet. It found that often a director, who is incredibly skilled at providing a product or service, may rely on their accountant for day to day financial running of their business. Unfortunately though, it is the business owner who ultimately shoulders responsibility for business cash flow, so directors should seek clear explanation from accountants to ensure they are always knowledgeable about their financial situation. Bad debts or payment disputes were the third most common reason businesses fell into insolvency. Businesses looking to protect themselves from bad debt will always research potential clients thoroughly before selling goods and services to them. According to Purbeck, however, a common theme amongst directors claiming on their Personal Guarantee Insurance was an overconcentration on one or more customers who were late payers, which in due course, put a stranglehold on the creditor’s business. Finally, when a business is doing well, it is tempting to raise finance to develop it further, but when growth slows, firms often find the finance cost becomes unaffordable. Todd Davison concludes: “Instances like overtrading can be avoided by focusing on profitability, rather than revenue growth. Equally, due diligence before an acquisition and trying not to put all your eggs in one customer’s basket can all help to make positive impacts on trading." "Ultimately, everyone wants small businesses to succeed, as a personal guarantee insurer, none more than us. With personal guarantee insurance in place, however, the comfort of knowing that directors will not have to pay back business debt through their own finances, such as their home or personal savings can be hugely reassuring to small business owners.”

Huddersfield Town FC are delighted to confirm that Manager Neil Warnock and Assistant Manager Ronnie Jepson will stay at the Club for the 2023/24 Sky Bet Championship season. Fresh from their amazing feat of reviving the team to secure second-tier status in the 2022/23 campaign, Warnock and Jepson have agreed new 12-month contracts to lead the Club into the new season. The popular duo have already secured their spots in Club history as staff and, in Ronnie’s case, also as a player in the mid-nineties, with their legacies further cemented by the job they did in steering the team to survival with seven wins and four draws in 16 Sky Bet Championship fixtures earlier this year. Now they will take the helm again for the upcoming 2023/24 season. Chief Executive Jake Edwards explained: “We’ve heard Town fans loud and clear, both at the Reading game and ever since. You all wanted ‘one more year’ under Neil and Ronnie, and this had to be our first order of business as we prepare for the new season." “Neil and Ronnie have incredible knowledge and skill as a management team; that was clear in the job they achieved here at the end of last season. They also have an amazing connection with this Club and our supporters, which is also so valuable." “We’re so pleased Neil has agreed to stay on for another season. I know how determined he is to build on the job he’s done last season, and he offers us great experience and stability on the football side as we prepare for the prospective change of ownership.” Huddersfield Town Manager Neil Warnock added: “After having conversations with Jake Edwards, it became obvious that this was going to be a difficult job for me to leave and for anybody new to come into after what we’d built at the end of last season." “I’ve agreed to stay on alongside Ronnie and just as we did when we came back last February, we’re going to try and do the best we can with our squad that we can hopefully make one or two additions to." “We’re quietly confident – I know what the Club is all about and I have to say, the response I got after those last two games is something I’ve never experienced in my whole life. This is now a chance for me to put something back into the Club and give us some stability during this transitional period." “Once I knew that Sharon was okay with me continuing, I’ve been fully concentrating on knuckling down to do the best we can in trying to get this great Club up the league.”

Inspirational achievers from across the UK were among those celebrated at the second Business Success Recognition Awards, held in Birmingham at the weekend. Finalists selected from hundreds of nominations assembled at The Eastside Rooms for the return of the glittering awards ceremony, hosted by award-winning MC Dave Sharpe. Thirteen category winners from across the UK were announced, including Business Start-up, Rising Star, Business Growth, Franchisee of the Year and Team of the Year. Business of the Year was awarded to Mess Around Ltd. of Suffolk. Judges were Ian Dickson, an international motivational speaker and award-winning business executive coach and mentor; Sam Bearfoot, the CEO Creativity Mentor to some of the most successful people in the online space and William Seymour, Earl of Yarmouth, co-owner of multi-international award-winning St Maur elderflower liqueur, handcrafted in Alcester. The evening was organised by Stacey Calder, from Leamington Spa, the founder, leader and editor of the Business Success Network and Magazine. Stacey said: “What an amazing night of support, fun and recognition. A huge congratulations to not just the winners, but to all the finalists in the room. It takes courage to put yourself out there and to make the finals from over 350 nominations is an incredible achievement. “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the incredible team I have around me, national awards like this don’t just happen and I’m proud to use small businesses within the network to form such a great events team." “I created these awards because every business owner has a story to share and awards are a great opportunity for business owners to create more visibility as well as gain the recognition they deserve. When you are self-employed it can be a lonely place working on your own and I’m a firm believer in finding your cheerleaders. The Business Success Recognition Awards helps you find them in abundance.” Planning is already under way for next year’s awards for which nominations open on January 1st. The winners: Business of the Year - Sponsored by I Am The Queen Bee Rachelle Hutt, Mess Around Ltd, Suffolk Rachel, who has 11 franchises across the UK, said: "I am delighted bit it was a total shock as we were up against some very strong candidates and other amazing businesses. I am overjoyed that the judges recognised all the hard work that has been put into Mess Around over the last 12 months and this is also a reflection of the dedicated and brilliant team of franchisees that I have around me. We are now very excited to see what the next 12 months brings!" Business Start-up of the Year - Sponsored by Danielle Hobson Coaching Natalie Yorke-Goldney, The Trampoline Academy, Nuneaton and Warwick Natalie said: “I was completely shocked and flattered to win the award. In retrospect, it's recognition for all the effort and love I've put into my trampoline club and everything we have achieved in two short years. I don’t do what I do to simply make money, it's for the love of the sport." Natalie, who lives in Coventry, added: “I started with nothing, and as a single mum, I held back for years as I did not believe in myself and it all seemed impossible. During COVID I took a leap of faith, and I've never looked back. I had to knock on a lot of doors - but if you keep knocking eventually they start opening, so start knocking!” Business Leader/Manager of the Year - Sponsored by The Activity Connector Anna Neville, Kidslingo Ltd, Solihull Anna said: “I am absolutely thrilled, delighted and honoured to win. To be recognised as a great leader ultimately means that you have an amazing team to lead. I’m so fortunate to have a hardworking and passionate team of franchisees and tutors who deliver Kidslingo’s French and Spanish classes to young children right across the UK. I aim to lead by example and inspire all of them to do their best.” Against All Odds Award - Sponsored by Fiona Moon Advisory Ltd Kelly Isles, Enchanted Tea Room, Leamington Spa Kelly said: “I’m overjoyed to win against the odds despite everything life threw at me the last couple years at Enchanted. We’re here thriving with a business I fought so hard to save through Covid. I lost so much to that virus, my Dad and friends - it was not taking my business as well! “I’ve always had the support of my amazing family, husband and business partner, kids and my parents as well as the most amazing team at Enchanted Tea Room. This award is for us all because we didn’t just survive, we thrived. This means so much to us to win this.” Networker of the Year - Sponsored by 1Networking Tracey McAtamney, Ladies First Professional Development, Balsall Common Tracey, who has been director at Ladies First for more than six years, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be recognised as the winner of the Networker of the Year Award at the Business Success Recognition Awards. “My own Awards Team will confirm that I am most comfortable behind the scenes of the awards celebrating the success of other businesses. It was truly an honor to be nominated, announced as a finalist and a winner! I can now fully appreciate the emotions of taking part in Awards from start to finish – I was completely out of my comfort zone!" “The highlight for me, is to be able to promote the importance of networking. I am passionate about networking and the incredible people I meet day to day. Your network is there not just for the successes in business but also to support you and your business through those difficult times.” Customer Service of the Year - Sponsored by Mr C’s Cleaning Services Coversure, Leamington Spa Director Amrit Kaylan said: “To win it was a real honour, especially having been up against some incredible businesses in the category. The award is a testament to the great work that the team here at Coversure Leamington Spa do in helping our customers old and new.” “To be the headline sponsor of the Business Success Network Awards 2023 was a real honour for us. We put helping businesses, small and large, as the centre of our focus and the stories of success and resilience from the businesses, entrepreneurs and charities in attendance were incredibly inspiring. The event itself was excellent, the food, drink and entertainment were top class and I’m sure all of the winners, nominees and attendees had a night to remember.” Product of the Year - Sponsored by Bright Cat Solutions Muscle Mechanics, Bracknell Kim Shamtally, owner of Muscle Mechanics, said: “Winning Product of the Year was simply incredible. I wanted to create something to help my son feel better but by doing so, realised the potential of helping so many others within the realms of recovery and fitness. Combining exercise with the right recovery tools can improve the experience of how the body can cope with everyday aches and pains. More importantly, it keeps my son focused on his mission to become as physically independent as possible." “Creating Muscle Mechanics Balms is a family business where each person truly understands what it takes to become more resilient.” Rising Star Aged 21 and Under - Sponsored by Mess Around Ltd Pip, Rayph and Oskar Haywood, Babacorn Bricks Becki Haywood, of Babacorn Bricks, said: “We are over the moon. Babacorn Bricks was created as a small venture to keep myself and my three beautiful boys busy whilst trying to heal and make it through each day without my husband and their dad who we sadly lost to bowel cancer when the boys were just one, four and nine." “Not only does our monthly LEGO subscription business bring us even closer together, we have also met many hundreds of wonderful people who have changed our lives. The BSN Awards family are included and being chosen as one of their award winners for the second year running has not only given the boys and I some incredible memories, but we have also made wonderful lifelong friends." “We are very proud winners and we know that Paul would be proud too. As always, our awards are in memory of him.” Business Growth - Sponsored by A-Counting Genie Rob Spence, Paragon Sales Solutions, Countesthorpe, Leicestershire “It was a truly tough category with some excellent businesses listed for the awards and in my eyes we are all winners!" “Since our inception, especially over the last 12-18 months, we have worked really hard as a team to grow our business and to support more and more businesses. Our motivations and ambitions as a business are more focused around our team, the clients we represent and the results we generate for them. We believe that it is these elements that have led us to grow so rapidly." “Looking back on our journey, it has been a fast-paced five years of business. From starting the business on my own on a desk in the corner of my bedroom with just £300 to my name, we now employ nine people, occupy fantastic office space in the Leicestershire countryside and are once again pushing on for another record-breaking financial year." “My congratulations and thanks go to everyone involved in the awards. Running a business is never easy and is full of hurdles, challenges and, at times, frustration, yet I believe these awards were able to bring together business owners and entrepreneurs from all walks of life and allowed a celebration of success, reminding us all that business is done better, together.” Franchisee of the Year - Sponsored by The Awards Training Company Rachel Peebles, Esterellas Brilliantes, Glasgow Rachel said: “I was absolutely thrilled to win and so grateful to the judges for choosing me as the winner. I feel so privileged to be able to teach Spanish to hundreds of children and adults each week, and I love working with two fantastic franchises, and being part of an amazing team of language teachers who support one another. Receiving this recognition for the work I do means so much to me.” Community of the Year - Sponsored by PonyPonyPony Move For Wellness 21 Ltd. Based in Hertfordshire David Baum of Move For Wellness 21 Ltd, said: “While you always hope that your name is going to be called out, it was an amazing feeling when Move For Wellness was named as the winner of Community of the Year." “One of the reasons I wanted as many of our team with me on the stage is, while I’m the focus, it is their amazing hard work that was really being rewarded, and for that I can only be grateful and humbled the judges decided to name us as the winner.” Team of the Year - Sponsored by BJK Entertainment So. Social Media, Monmouth, Wales Samuel Piqué-Perry said: "As a company which recruits specifically on culture fit and which places an immense amount of value on its teams, from onboarding right through to ongoing review, winning this award in particular, resonates with me." “The team I have around me are exemplary people, high performing and deserving of exactly this recognition, I couldn't be more pleased for all of them and I've no doubt this award will help us bolster future recruitment efforts." Expert of the Year - Sponsored by Forensic Minds Tony Edwards, BITSmart Technology Ltd, Winchester Tony said: “I’m so happy to have been even considered for an award, let alone a finalist in two and a winner as Expert. This category had the largest number of finalists and some amazing people in that list all of whom are equally deserving. I’m elated and looking forward to next year.”

A Yorkshire-based heat recovery business has created a new role as it experiences unprecedented demand for its services. DK Heat Recovery has recruited time-served refrigeration service engineer, Calum MacPhee to the new role of Engineering Manager to support the business’s expansion. Calum is excited to be joining the growing business adding that: “There’s never been a better time to install a heat recovery system that helps businesses to save money whilst reducing carbon footprint and I’m looking forward to raising awareness of the benefits of heat recovery and helping to drive the business forward." “As opposed to heat pumps, heat recovery doesn’t need energy to run the system. It utilises the waste heat from the discharge gas, is easy to fit, simple to use and cost-efficient to maintain as it has no moving parts.” Calum’s responsibilities will include driving sales in the industrial market and helping advise potential clients on engineering and refrigeration matters. Founding director of DK Heat Recovery, Nigel Upson is pleased to welcome Calum adding that: “Calum’s skillset complements the rest of the team and we’re looking forward to his contribution as sustainability and cost savings move further up business’s agendas for change and demand for heat recovery grows.” Based in Beverley, East Yorkshire with a satellite office in Peterborough, DK Heat Recovery is the sole UK agent of DK Kaelteanlagen GmbH's heat recovery systems and is supported by a network of installers and refrigeration engineers nationwide. It has installed heat recovery systems for food manufacturers, supermarkets, farm shops, butchers and garden centres over the last decade. DK Heat Recovery’s systems are suitable for use in any business that has refrigeration plant and a requirement for hot water or space heating.

Aldi is set to open five new stores across the UK in the coming weeks. The supermarket, which currently has more than 990 UK stores, will be opening in new locations in June including Southampton and Whittlesey. Further stores in Norwich, Castle Donington and Porthcawl will also open in early July. The new stores form part of Aldi’s commitment to invest more than £400 million in store development this year. Each new store opening will create around 40 new jobs on average, boosting employment opportunities within local areas. Store Assistants can earn up to £11 nationally, and £12.45 inside the M25, with paid breaks included – rising to £11.40 and £12.85 respectively from July. George Brown, Real Estate Director at Aldi UK, said: “Demand for Aldi has never been higher, and more than two thirds of British households already shop with us." “However, there are still too many people for whom shopping at Aldi isn’t a convenient option and we’re committed to changing that, giving even more people access to our award-winning products at unbeatable prices." “To meet that demand, we are investing in new stores up and down the country and won’t stop until we’ve made quality, affordable food accessible to everyone.” Aldi has been recognised by Which? as the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket for the past 12 consecutive months, with the latest figures showing Aldi was a huge £18.21 cheaper on a basket of shopping than the most expensive supermarket, Waitrose. List of store locations opening in the coming weeks: Hedge End Retail Park, Southampton Eastrea Road, Whittlesey Station Road, Castle Donington William Frost Way, Norwich Eastern Promenade, Porthcawl

SME Capital is delighted to have supported design, fit out and refurbishment specialists Paramount with their recent branch out into the construction industry. In a move that 'signals the start of an exciting new era' for the business, commercial and residential construction activity will propel Paramount towards the £40m turnover mark. To drive forward the new 'Build' offering, which heralds a new phase in Paramount's exceptional growth, the company's leadership team has been boosted by key appointments. Paramount's board of directors has been bolstered with Paul Thomas in a new post as construction director and in conjunction with commercial director Dimitri Tsakiris will focus on 'Build'. Paul Jones has moved into the newly-formed post of projects director, to support the 'Build' expansion, in addition to ongoing fit-out and refurbishment works carried out by Paramount. They now form part of a senior leadership team alongside Richard Jones, Helen Bartlett and Kevin Mashford. Richard Jones, Paramount chief executive, said: Our move into construction signals the start of an exciting new era for Paramount, as we pursue ambitious aspirations for our dynamic company. "After focusing on high-quality interiors comprising fit-out and refurbishment for more than 30 years, encouraged by our clients, Paramount is broadening horizons with a comprehensive construction service which represents natural progression for our company." SME Capital Regional Director Colin James added: “We are delighted to be able to support the team in the next stage of Paramount’s growth and expansion plans. After significantly expanded its services in recent years, combined with our expectation of strong office refurbishment market demand, we believe Paramount is well positioned for future growth.” As part of the company's new service, Paramount has underlined its ambitions by winning two major contracts. It has commenced construction work on a £18m contract on the Tene Living project in Salford, and a £3m social housing scheme in the South Wales town of Porthcawl. The company is already well known across Wales and England where it has created high-quality inspirational space for a number of leading companies. These include former Wales and Real Madrid football star Gareth Bale’s Par 59 bars in Cardiff and Bristol, multi-million-pound redevelopment of Hodge House in central Cardiff, refurbishment of the Development Bank of Wales HQ, transformation of the landmark 360 Bristol office complex and acclaimed office revamps in Bath for American software company SmartBear and financial services consultancy Altus

Wyke Farms are delighted to announce the commencement of production in their new butter dairy facility, producing freshly churned premium Wyke Farms butter for the UK and global markets. This marks a significant investment of £10 million into the state-of-the-art production facility, £480,000 of which has been supported by grant funding from the Rural Development Programme for England, which is jointly funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. The grant funding paid for plant and equipment in the new dairy. The dairy expansion project is part of their five-year plan for growth, underpinned by sustainably increasing volume and strategically targeting specific regions worldwide. The facility allows them to produce freshly churned premium butter with longer shelf-lives to allow for shipping to premium export markets, as well as driving a reduction in waste both in store and at home. Built to Ivy Clothier’s founding principles of producing the best-in-class quality, combined with an industry leading respect for the environment, The dairy is both energy and water efficient and the investment will build a sustainable long-term future and sufficient infrastructure for servicing increased sales of award-winning Butter in both the UK and export markets; crucial now, as Wyke Farms continues to benefit from substantial growth in total export sales both to the EU and the rest of the world; up almost 30% ye 2022. Rich Clothier, Managing Director, third generation family member at Wyke Farms and Ivy Clothier’s Grandson, says: “The world butter market is worth nearly 20 billion US$ and is predicted to grow by 50% by 2027. Increasingly, people across the world are looking for premium dairy products with provenance and history – butter is no exception. This investment will allow us to offer our multi-award-winning Somerset single-churned artisan butters, with longer shelf life, into regions across the world.” We are focused on traditional farmhouse butter recipes and plan to bring ‘Ivy’s Reserve Salted Farmhouse Butter’ to market in Q2 2023. Produced from whey cream and premium sea salt, Ivy’s will be the world’s first carbon neutral butter and will join Ivy’s Reserve Cheddar as a top tier offering for UK and export. Conventional and organic butters will also be crafted in the dairy.

Mel Stride, the central Devon MP and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions today visited Osprey Charging’s public EV charging hub at Salmon’s Leap in Buckfastleigh, praising it for improving local air quality, reducing noise pollution, and supporting Devon’s decarbonisation efforts, whilst also bolstering the UK’s national charging infrastructure. Osprey Charging, one of the UK’s leading electric vehicle (EV) charging networks, recently opened its Salmon’s Leap hub in Buckfastleigh just off the A38 Devon Expressway. It is the largest ultra-rapid EV charging site in the south-west and has 16 chargers that are all compatible with every EV on the market and can add 100 miles of range in less than 20 minutes’ charge time. Mel Stride is known for his work on climate change and helping steer legislation through parliament on emissions targets as well as working with counterparts in other countries at COP26 and more recently the G7 in Japan. Mel Stride, Central Devon MP and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions said: “I am delighted that we now have the South West’s biggest EV charge point hub here in Central Devon, with the capability of adding 100 miles of range in less than 20 minutes. It is a great location and I look forward to coming back again when the Strawberry Fields farm shop opens.” Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging, said: “Mel has a long-standing commitment to tackling climate change and so we were delighted to show him around our new site. Salmon’s Leap is our largest hub yet and another milestone achieved for the Osprey team as we work tirelessly to build nationwide EV infrastructure to support the UK’s transition to zero-emission transport. The deployment of our rapid EV charging stations continues this year at an unprecedented pace.” Osprey installed as many chargers in the first quarter of this year as it did during the whole of 2022. From January to March this year, 142 new rapid Osprey EV charging stations went live in 10 weeks, equalling the number of charge points installed throughout 2022. Osprey remains committed to providing safe, reliable and accessible EV charging for all. The network is consistently ranked in the top 3 UK rapid networks for customer satisfaction by Zap-Map and its hubs are consistently scored highly for safety and accessibility by independent inspection body ChargeSafe.

New research has revealed that while we’re a nation dedicated to protecting our skin from the sun, just 18% of us bother to protect our hair, despite the catastrophic long-term effects it can have. While 65% said they use SPF on their skin, a huge 82% said they don’t use any products to protect their hair, despite the damage that UVA and UVB rays can have on the cuticles in the hair, leading to thinning, broken or split ends, dryness, discolouration and frizziness. Nearly half (42%) of people said they didn’t even know that the sun could be damaging to your hair. When asked if they knew if their hair can burn like their skin can, a shocking two thirds (65%) said no. Anabel Kingsley, Renowned Trichologist at Philip Kingsley and the daughter of world renowned hair guru says: “The waves emitted by the sun can have a huge damage on your hair. Thankfully we have become a nation accustomed to putting on sun cream when the sun comes out and it’s hot, but the idea of protecting our hair is not even on the radar and yet your hair is risk of burning on particularly hot and sunny days." “To help, I would suggest using a protective hair product, a hat or a scarf to ensure your hair, and scalp, are protected and that you don’t fall victim to breakage, hair loss or burning.” When asked what their biggest hair concerns were while on holiday, the number one worry was dryness (27%), followed by frizz caused by humidity (24%) and the fact that it could be hard to style (17%). Despite experts highlighting the benefits of hair masks, over half (57%) of people say they have never used one – 71% of men, and 46% of women. Of the women that do, one in five (21%) say they use it at least once a month as part of their beauty regime with the main reasons to maintain general hair health (30%), to combat hair damage (25%) and to overcome dryness of the hair (24%). Women say they are most attracted to the benefits it can give (39%), followed by the price (38%) and proven results (35%). And many use it as part of their relaxing weekend ritual, wearing a hair mask while watching TV (43%), taking a bath (30%) or reading a book (28%). Anabel adds: “Hair masks are an affordable and easy way to condition your hair and give it a fresh lease of life while protecting it from all that you come up against in modern day life, whether that’s internal – such as stress and emotional pressures, or external – like pollution or the sun. By making time for a hair mask, you’re making time for yourself – forcing yourself to slow down and focus on what’s important, such as reading your favourite book, taking a bath or watching your favourite show while the mask works its magic.”

In a move to demonstrate its commitment to become net zero by 2030, EDW Group has become carbon neutral. EDW group, comprising of TEAM Energy and EDW Technology, is a market leader in delivering carbon management and energy retail solutions, helping customers manage their energy and reduce carbon emissions. As part of the group’s own comprehensive carbon reduction strategy, they have set out to become net zero by 2030 supported by achieving carbon neutrality this year. The business also manages its environmental performance following an ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. EDW’s carbon neutral status is underpinned by a plan to reduce its emissions along a 1.5°C trajectory, based on best practice energy management for the business type and energy efficiency and technology projects. Initiatives include removing barriers for employees to reduce their own emissions associated with commuting and homeworking, a large part of the company’s Scope 3 emissions. To help mitigate the impact of their business emissions as they work towards their 2030 goal, the company decided to invest in verified carbon offsetting schemes sourced from the voluntary carbon market. The projects were selected from the Gold Standard Voluntary Emissions Reductions (VER) programme to ensure the carbon credits are independently verified and stand up to scrutiny. The aim was to offset 100% of the carbon emissions associated with the group’s operations. The chosen projects align with the businesses’ values to support energy efficiency and sustainable tech innovation and include a domestic energy efficiency project in Rwanda, a wind power project in Rajasthan, a biomass power project in Chhattisgarh, India, and an energy and biodiversity restoration project in Honduras. Collectively EDW’s investment into these projects has helped save 333 tonnes of CO2 emissions from being released into the atmosphere, equivalent to the groups carbon emissions over the previous financial year. Timothy Holman, Head of Operations and net zero strategy lead at TEAM Energy commented: “As a consultancy business helping other companies start their net zero journey and reach their sustainability goals, we wanted to lead by example; Investing in carbon offsetting projects enables us to do as much as possible while we accelerate our own plans to be net zero by 2030." “For our carbon offsetting plan to work successfully, we carefully analysed, calculated and reported on our own Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions to build a picture of what our long-term carbon reduction strategy will look like and to forecast all emissions associated with the business." “Our chosen projects not only help to reduce carbon emissions but also have a positive impact in different ways that support the UN Sustainable Development Goals. That they are VER to the highest standard ensures they are really making a difference.” Simon Miles, CEO of EDW Group, added: "We are thrilled to share our commitment to net zero by becoming a carbon-neutral company." “As a business with experts helping other businesses make positive and sustainable change and as an Employee Ownership Trust with colleagues who are passionate about protecting the environment, we recognise our duty to mitigate climate change." “By reducing our carbon footprint and investing in sustainable initiatives, we hope to inspire other companies to follow our lead and join us in creating a better, more sustainable future." EDW Group's carbon neutral status is a significant milestone in its sustainability journey and reflects its dedication to responsible business practices. It remains focused on building a sustainable future by driving down scope emissions through plans that include a green procurement policy, a transition to renewable electricity, net zero IT services, strategies to reduce water consumption and wastewater treatment, initiatives to reduce employee commuting emissions and electric vehicle charging. Further information about how they are supporting businesses on their net zero journey can be found at www.teamenergy.com .

Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, filling in potholes, creating cleaner streets, building new homes, green investment and better access to healthcare and dentistry are front and centre of the new administration’s vision for Plymouth’s future. Recently the Cabinet approved their new Corporate Plan outlining how Plymouth City Council will address looming local challenges, including the cost of living crisis. At the heart of the plan is the council’s ambition to make Plymouth a fairer, greener city where everyone does their bit, making Plymouth a great place to grow-up and grow old, whilst minimising the impact of the cost of living crisis. There are six priorities: Working with the Police to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour Fewer potholes, cleaner, greener streets and transport Build more homes – for social rent and affordable ownership Green investment, jobs, skills and better education Working with the NHS to provide better access to health, care and dentistry Keeping children, adults and communities safe The plan will now be put forward for discussion at the full Council meeting on the 19 June 2023. Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “We have spent the past twelve months listening to people on the doorstep and have heard loud and clear what residents want." “People are fed-up of the rising tide of anti-social behaviour and crime. They are tired of potholes, fly-tipping, litter and graffiti blighting our streets. They are unhappy as they cannot afford a home or struggle to get a quality job, and they are angry that they can’t access healthcare services or a dentist." “We are making these challenges our priority over the next year. We are ambitious to deliver real change. Change that can be seen by every person in the city." “At the same time we are also conscious that the cost of living crisis is hitting Plymouth people hard. With petrol and diesel prices sky-rocketing, not to mention energy bills, rent and mortgages, it is incumbent on the Council to do all we can to minimise the impact that rising costs have on the wallets of our residents." “At the heart of all of this is our ambition to make our city a great place to grow up and grow old. We want Plymouth to be a city where people age well, where older residents are supported and empowered to live life to the fullest." “We are thinking big and if we don’t deliver, I will expect residents to hold us to account.” You can see the full corporate plan here