Two-thirds of millennials don’t know which countries emerged victorious from World War II, according to research. A poll of 2,000 adults found 41 per cent of 18-34-year-olds are oblivious to the fact the UK fought on the side of the Allies. The research found Brits know remarkably little about the key events and people from World War II – despite 61 per cent believing they have good knowledge about the most significant event in history. With this week commemorating the 83rd anniversary of Dunkirk, 40 per cent are unaware of the mission which successfully evacuated more than 338,000 Allied soldiers from northern France. Meanwhile, one in 10 (11 per cent) millennials believe the ‘Miracle of Dunkirk’ refers to the day the Nazis surrendered in 1945. The study, commissioned to mark the launch of Company of Heroes™ 3: Console Edition on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, found 41 per cent are clueless D-day was the bringing together of land, sea and air forces to the beaches of Normandy. And one in 20 of the millennials polled even believe D-day happened in Germany. Millennials Unsure About WWII History As Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer is set to hit the big screen next month, 74 per cent of adults don’t know the Manhattan Project was a research and development undertaking that produced the first nuclear weapons. While 31 per cent admit they have never heard of J. Robert Oppenheimer, and 24 per cent are unaware the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan. Remarkably, four per cent of millennials believe the first nuclear weapon was used on Berlin and three per cent think it was dropped on Chernobyl, Ukraine. There is also a lack of knowledge even in relation to events on British soil. Barely half (53 per cent) know the UK didn’t have the same Prime Minister throughout the duration of World War II. Nearly four in 10 (37 per cent) are unaware it was Neville Chamberlain in office at the start of the conflict – and 22 per cent are clueless it was Winston Churchill in power at the end. Half (49 per cent) of those polled, via OnePoll, believe it is important to have a good knowledge of World War II, however, this drops to just over a third (36 per cent) for 18-34-year-olds. As a result, less than a quarter (23 per cent) of millennials feel they lack knowledge about the event that shaped the world they live in today. Game To Be Seen As 'Educational' This is despite 59 per cent admitting they don’t know that WWII is an abbreviation for the conflict which ultimately led to an estimated 35 to 60 million casualties globally. Indeed, millennials are more interested in who is top of the music charts (22 per cent), the names of celebrity babies (20 per cent), and how many followers they have on social media (20 per cent) than what happened during World War II. To celebrate the launch of Company of Heroes 3: Console Edition, SEGA and Relic Entertainment teamed up with SAS: Who Dares Wins star and former member of the Parachute Regiment, Jay Morton, to deliver the first physical copy of the game via skydive. Jumping from 15,000 feet and free falling at a speed of 120mph, Jay delivered the game’s premium edition to Stewart Clark, based near Oxford, ahead of the game’s launch to ensure the franchise’s biggest fan received the console release of the third instalment before anyone else. Jay Morton said: “As someone with 14 years of military service, including a decade within the UK Special Forces and four within the Parachute Regiment, I was delighted to help SEGA launch Company of Heroes 3 on console." “I have completed many skydives during my career, but it was a new experience to deliver the game to fans, paying homage to our predecessors by wearing an authentic World War II British paratrooper’s uniform." “It’s important we remain knowledgeable about World War II and that we don’t forget the harsh lessons that were learned.”

Latest research shows that across the UK companies are failing to hire diverse leaders despite pledges made after George Floyd’s murder and the fact that staff say diverse management makes organisations better places to work. British companies have failed to significantly hire and promote more Black senior leaders in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, according to a new study. In a poll of 2,000 professional office workers, 70% said that work to address racism in the workplace since the 2020 killing, which sparked a global wave of anti-racism protests, had begun in their organisations. But despite the outpouring of corporate activism, with many companies posting black squares in solidarity, nearly 70% of those quizzed said their firms had not increased the number of Black, Asian or ethnic minority leaders. According to research commissioned by leading recruitment company, Zyna Search , nearly 65% or respondents felt their companies would benefit from having a more racially diverse leadership team. Staff also felt they had benefited from diversity training with 65% of participants saying such schemes worked and would like to see more. The research, carried out by insights agency, Perspectus Global, also found that over two thirds of Black respondents said the racial diversity of a company would impact whether they applied to work there. In the study, which also looked at the experiences of Black, Asian and ethnic minorities in the workplace, it emerged that: 57% of Black staff felt they had been passed over for promotion compared to 34% white 59% of Black staff felt the decision was based on the colour of their skin 55% of Black staff said they had applied for a promotion that went to a white colleague 60% of Black staff felt they had to 'code switch' ie adjust their language or change aspects of their appearance at work 75% of Black staff said that they are generally underrepresented in the workforce 46% of Black staff had to anglicise their names to make it easier for colleagues to pronounce In addition 56.6% of Black respondents said they were satisfied with their current role compared to 79.5% of the general respondents. Diversity training also received the thumbs up from respondents with two thirds of general respondents and 74% of Black respondents saying that it works. Marcus Whyte, Founder of Zyna Search said: “It’s a positive sign that work to address racism in the workplace had begun in offices across the country but the report shows more work still needs to happen especially in terms of senior leaders and those with influence and power in the workplace. " "So many companies pledged to do better on diversity after George Floyd’s killing. But if we look at the FTSE 100 today, there are no Black CEOs or chairpersons. What I would like to see is meaningful and measurable progress with Black, Asian and ethnically diverse employees represented at all levels of businesses." “It is also significant that it is important to Black employees to see representation. We know diverse organisations make sound business sense as it drives competitive advantage and ultimately performance and revenue. In a labour market that is fighting for top talent there is a huge opportunity for diverse organisations to steal a march and appeal to different and broader talent pools.”

At some point during the year, one Briton in four is likely to experience a mental health issue, and there is no hiding that work conditions and environment can actively contribute to that figure. Research carried out by Mind UK found that more than one worker in five (21%) has, at least once, called in sick to avoid stressful work situations. Not only that, but it also showed that 42% of UK employees have considered resigning because of their workplace’s negative influence on their mental health. As a business owner, it’s crucial to make sure that your people are as happy and healthy as can be and that mental illness isn’t treated as a taboo subject. Sometimes, you may not have immediate control over what is causing your employees feelings of stress or anxiety, as they could be triggered by personal, family, or external factors. But on a whole, offering mental health support in the workplace can both enhance people’s morale and save UK businesses up to £8 billion annually. Here, with Vicky Walker, Director of People at Westfield Health , we outline a few mental health myths that should be debunked in order to promote workplace wellbeing and create an open, supportive work environment. Myth #1 – Mental Health Conditions Are A Sign Of Weakness First things first, it’s important to address the fact that people suffering from poor mental health are not weak. Mental illnesses are diagnosed medical conditions, rather than a sign of a fragile character. There are several reasons why employees may be struggling with mental health problems, from work-related stress to day-to-day life troubles. What’s more, some individuals may be more prone to developing these issues, as mental illnesses could be part of their family medical history, favoured by genes and biological factors. If a worker confides to you that they are dealing with sentiments of stress, anxiety, or depression, you should recognise this as an act of personal strength. Sharing one’s feelings, especially if they are not positive, requires determination and courage. So, as the employer, make sure to take action to reduce stigma associated with mental health. This way, you can foster an empathetic environment to help all your people flourish in their roles. Myth #2 – People With Mental Health Issues Can’t Do Their Jobs Another misconception about people living with mental health conditions is that they are not able to carry out their job adequately. But the truth is that mental health issues may, in some scenarios, have little or no impact on an employee’s performance. This generally depends on the individual in question and the nature of the illness. People experiencing sentiments of stress and anxiety may still be able to plough through, maintaining good productivity levels and attendance records. Working hard – or more than is expected – could even act, for someone, as an unhealthy coping mechanism, adopted to brush aside their condition. However, this doesn’t cure their struggles, and masking their issues could worsen their mental wellbeing in the long run. It’s not always easy to spot whether one of your employees is battling with their mental health. Therefore, you may want to provide managers with useful guidance and training, which may help them detect any warning signs within their team. By doing so, you’ll give your team the necessary tools to nip a problem in the bud, intervening before it can escalate. Myth #3 – Pressure Always Improves Productivity And Performance Some believe that pressure can drive employee performance, productivity, and efficiency. It can keep people on their toes, preserve their motivation levels, and help them achieve specific targets. However, balance is vital. Excessive pressure can have the opposite effect, leading to a collapse in confidence and concentration. Also, people have different levels of tolerance for stress, meaning they respond differently to work pressure. If the pressure becomes too much to handle, it can rapidly turn into a risk factor both for the employee and your business. One of the most frequent consequences is ‘presenteeism’, which refers to a loss in productivity when employees disengage because they are unwell without taking a leave of absence. As a business owner, you can prevent this by ensuring your people are feeling enough pressure to motivate them to excel without overwhelming them. As well as benefitting your employees’ personal wellbeing, you’ll also nurture the efficiency of your company. Myth #4 – Managers Can’t Assist With Mental Health Issues Of course, managers are unlikely to have the medical expertise to guide people living with mental health through the recovery process. However, they can certainly make a difference when it comes to maximising their team’s wellbeing in the workplace. In fact, there are several ways in which, as a manager or company owner, you can instil a positive work culture which accounts for mental health. For example, you can create open forums that allow employees to voice their concerns and feelings, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Embedding mental health into your organisation will encourage workers to talk freely about their personal and professional problems. This means that any worry can be addressed from the outset, so timely support can be offered while avoiding unwanted consequences. What’s more, it will help create a work environment where people are aware, sensitive, and respectful of the pressures faced by their colleagues. There are many myths surrounding mental health in the workplace. Some employers may view mental illnesses as a ‘weakness’, whereas others may believe that those living with mental health conditions aren’t able to fulfil their job roles. But more often than not, this is simply not true. This is why it’s crucial for owners and managers to embrace a work culture that fights mental health stigma and focuses on their people’s wellbeing. Ultimately, by creating a supportive, empathetic environment, you’re bound to always get the best out of your team.

Residents across Leicestershire who need support with rising food and energy costs can apply for a slice of a new £7.2m pot. Leicestershire County Council was been awarded the money by the Department of Work and Pensions and is urging people who are struggling to pay their bills to apply. Eligible households can receive an average of £200 in vouchers. This means that the council has now made £22m of wide-ranging support available to help ease cost of living pressures. Over half-term, 14,000 children across Leicestershire could also benefit from £15 school food vouchers. Councillor Louise Richardson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing remarked that "Prices remain sky high so it’s important we’re helping households with essential costs. As well as offering school food vouchers during the holidays, making sure no child goes hungry, we’re supporting local charities, including helping local foodbanks to purchase food." “Global economics are beyond our control but we’re committed to supporting our residents and I’d encourage people to apply," she added. This week, the council was the only local authority invited to speak at the Work and Pensions Committee at Westminster. On Wednesday (7 June), Richard Hunt, the council’s head of catering, hospitality and country parks, talked to the committee of MPs and set out the wide-ranging cost of living support provided. The council’s support includes: Energy efficiency grants and advice - through the council’s Warm Homes scheme Community fridges – run by volunteers, the projects in Wigston, Coalville, Loughborough, and Hinckley, are continuing to support their local communities by providing donated food for free to anyone who needs it Applications need to be made through a professional or support worker – or through one of the following organisations: Registered charities and voluntary organisations Schools/education settings Food banks Care organisations Children’s Services Adult Social Care Housing Revenues and Customer Support Public Health Care and NHS professionals including nurses and GPs District and borough councils Citizens’ Advice The money is from the Government's Household Support Fund. Find out more on the council's Cost of Living webpage here

A brand new programme to help businesses and organisations in Leicestershire become heathier places to work has been launched. The Healthy Workplaces Leicestershire programme from Leicestershire County Council’s Public Health team has been designed to help places of work and local organisations achieve the ‘Healthy Workplaces Leicestershire Accreditation,’ with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service becoming one of the first organisations to benefit from the programme. Businesses and organisations who sign up can benefit from the Workplace Health Needs Assessment, Health MOT’s for staff, training for managers and other support that is available. The programme ensures a fully bespoke and tailored programme for each workforce. Launched during Mental Health Awareness Week, and with mental wellbeing often under discussed in the workplace, the scheme also offers both Mental Health First Aid training and Healthy Conversation Skills training. As one of the first to take advantage of Healthy Workplaces Leicestershire Programme, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service’s 700-strong workforce, including 580 firefighters, have committed to undergoing a Workplace Health Needs Assessment for their staff, and hosted a special launch event at Birstall Fire and Rescue Station. Councillor Louise Richardson, lead member for health and wellbeing at Leicestershire County Council, said: “I am so pleased to see our new Healthy Workplaces Leicestershire programme launch, especially during Mental Health Awareness week.” “We spend so much of our adult life at work that it is important that we make steps to ensure both our physical and mental health is looked after in the workplace. Our new initiative will enable local businesses across the county to do just that. I am especially thrilled to see Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service get involved and I wish them all the best in their healthy workplace journey.” “We are excited to see this new initiative bring a positive impact to the health and wellbeing of our residents and workforce.” Karl Bowden, Area Manager for People and Organisational Development at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome the support from the Healthy Workplaces Leicestershire Programme.” “This will further enhance our ongoing commitment to support the health and wellbeing of our employees and ensure our wellbeing strategy remains focussed where there is identified need.”

Building work has started on Thurcroft’s new, long-awaited library and neighbourhood hub after the first sod was cut earlier this week. Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion, Councillor David Sheppard said the construction works are an ‘exciting step’ towards what will be a fantastic new facility for the residents of Thurcroft. The library, which is currently located on the grounds of Thurcroft Junior Academy, will be relocated to a new building adjoining the Gordon Bennett Memorial Hall. The new location will improve accessibility and provide more opportunities for people to benefit from the library and its services whilst also providing a new flexible space for activities and events. The development is part of the Council’s Libraries Capital Improvement Programme, which has already funded improvements to all its libraries across the borough. A financial contribution to the works has also been made by Thurcroft Parish Council. Councillor Sheppard added: “Libraries are so important to our communities and it’s vital they change and adapt to meet the needs of the residents. It’s great to see the site at Thurcroft being developed into what promises to be a wonderful new facility.” Ahead of the works for the new library and neighbourhood hub beginning, engagement sessions were held with residents in Thurcroft, giving local people the opportunity to view proposed concepts for the building and to share their views. Thurcroft Parish Council Clerk Tom Collingham said: “It was really important local people were given the chance to have their say on the plans. After all, this is a facility at the heart of the community, for families and community groups to come together in a safe, modern environment." “There’s a real buzz about the new hub and there are many people, I included, who are very much looking forward to making use of the new space.”

A garden border designed by Jo Manfredi-Hamer Garden Design for the recent Harrogate Flower Show will find a new home as it is to be donated to the charity Leeds Mind. The plants will be moved to the Leeds Mind Garden at Clarence House in Horsforth. Plants used in the urban boost border will be donated by Yorkshire commercial nursery Johnsons of Whixley and are worth over £1,500 with plant varieties including Taxus, Prunus lusitanica, Malus Evereste, Viburnum tinus, Hebe ‘Green Globe’, Heathers, Choisya ‘Sundance’, Heuchera, Tiarella and more. Jo’s 3.6m x 1.2m design features Johnsons plants, a red willow-weaved fox and a wired hedgehog by renowned sculptor Emma Stothard. The garden design highlights that we can all do our bit to reduce pollution and feed insects in urban areas along with the mental health benefits a garden can have. Leeds Mind promotes positive mental health and well-being and provides help and support to anyone who needs it in and around Leeds. Services they offer include counselling, employment support, suicide bereavement, mental health training and more. Gemma Community Fundraiser at Leeds Mind said: “We are so grateful for the donation of plants to give some TLC to our office garden. It makes such a difference to be able to offer clients and partners a welcoming space, as the connection between green spaces and well-being is well-evidenced. A huge thank you from us to Jo and Johnsons of Whixley.” Jo Manfredi-Hamer said: “It’s been a tough few years for the garden at Leeds Mind because the pandemic meant the staff and volunteers couldn’t get in to give it the attention it needed. So, it’s great to be donating the gorgeous plants from Johnsons to them. I know they are delighted with the donation. To be able to highlight ways in which plants can help environmental issues at the same time is the icing on the cake.” Eleanor Richardson, Marketing Manager at Johnsons of Whixley said: “We are pleased to have sponsored Jo’s latest design at the Harrogate Flower Show and that we are able to donate the plants after the show to Leeds Mind.” “Johnsons have recently invested time in mental health training for all staff and now has two mental health first aiders. As a local company, we are acutely aware of the work done by the charity Mind, and the network of local Minds, so it’s great to offer our support to Leeds Mind via a plant donation which will have a positive impact on the office grounds for staff and visitors to enjoy.”

In his role as the Prime Minister’s trade envoy to Australia, iconic former cricketer Lord Botham OBE visited Sound Leisure in Leeds. The manufacturer of classic jukeboxes, which has exported to Australia for over 20 years, has sold 15 of its jukeboxes to Australia in the last 12 months. Employing more than 40 people at its Leeds head office and manufacturing centre, the £5m revenue family-owned Sound Leisure has again been named as an Export Champion for 2023 and sells 80% of its products overseas to customers in over 40 countries worldwide, including Australia, the US and Japan. Celebrities, royalty and famous athletes are among the buyers of its retro-design state of the art vinyl and digital jukeboxes. “Sound Leisure is a mainly export business, and anytime we can move forward our knowledge of overseas markets, and share our experiences and insights with other exporters and businesses, we grab the opportunity,” said Sound Leisure director Mike Black. Mr Black escorted Lord Botham on a tour of the firm’s state-of-the-art, 80,000 sq ft manufacturing facility, where he was shown how Sound Leisure classic jukeboxes are meticulously hand built by a team of skilled craftsmen. Mike Black said: “It was great to welcome Lord Botham to our factory today and he was really impressed to see the levels of skill and craftsmanship that go into building these intricate and innovative machines which we have been producing here in Leeds for 45 years.” “We’re a family-run British manufacturing business and exports, including to Australia, make up a huge amount of our business. We’re proud to have been named an Export Champion for the Northern Powerhouse once again this year by the Department of Business and Trade.” Lord Botham’s role as trade envoy is an unpaid and voluntary one, aimed at boosting British business in Australia. The factory tour was followed by an Export Champions round table, organised by the Department of Business and Trade and held at the Sound Leisure manufacturing facility.

A new survey of 250 senior decision-makers within UK hospitality businesses has found that: 44% of businesses are operating at a loss, with 53% impacted by rising cost of goods and 50% by higher energy bills 70% feel they will have to increase prices to survive, while a third (34%) do not think their business will survive the next 12 months Over two fifths of the UK’s hospitality businesses are operating at a loss, with the vast majority eyeing price increases during the next year, new research by Peckwater Brands has found. Europe’s largest virtual food brand operator commissioned an independent survey of 250 decision-makers in senior management positions within UK hospitality businesses (restaurants, takeaways, cafés and bars). It found that 44% are currently operating at a loss. A third (34%) of hospitality leaders do not think their business will survive the next 12 months, while 70% expect they will have to increase prices within that timeframe. The study found that more than half of hospitality firms have been negatively impacted by the rising cost of goods (53%), with a similar number affected by record energy bills (50%). A third (34%) are struggling with higher interest rates, while 29% struggle with increased commercial rents. Most (55%) are struggling to find enough staff to operate effectively. Inflation is not just ramping up hospitality businesses’ costs – the majority (70%) say customers are spending significantly less than they were 12 months ago. Sam Martin, CEO of Peckwater Brands, said: “Conditions for hospitality businesses are undoubtedly tough, with record food inflation, skyrocketing energy bills and falling consumer spending all having a notable impact. Our research shows lays bare the stark reality; so many establishments are loss-making and many fear for their survival.” “Unfortunately, the challenges facing the hospitality sector will not disappear any time soon. Raising prices might be the only option available to many businesses, but with consumers wrestling with a cost-of-living crisis and seeking out lower prices wherever possible, this action could damage their customer bases.” “Just as during the pandemic, hospitality businesses must rely on ingenuity, efficiency and innovation to survive, let alone thrive – they must seek out all opportunities available to them, whether that is to lower costs or find ways of boosting revenue and order volumes, such as improved marketing or operating secondary virtual food brands out of their kitchens. One can only hope that in the coming months, inflation falls sharply and overheads drop, ensuring hospitality firms are not forced to close their doors. If they were, local high streets would be greatly diminished, as would the UK economy.”

The team at Yorkshire’s first single malt whisky distillery is celebrating after winning two regional food and drink business awards. Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery’s Filey Bay Port Finish Batch #1 won the Best New Drink Product category in the Azets Food and Drink Business Awards and was announced as the Overall Business of the Year at the end of the awards event that was held in York last week. Spirit of Yorkshire’s MD, David Thompson, said: “Not only was it a huge honour for Port Finish Batch #1 to win the best new drink award, but it was incredible to then be crowned overall business of the year at an event that recognised and rewarded Yorkshire’s finest food and drink businesses.” Hunmanby based Spirit of Yorkshire’s fellow finalists were Goat/Myth drinks, Fairfax Distillery, Dutch Barn Orchard Vodka, Amare Vodka and Nutrein Drinks. Spirit of Yorkshire is a collaboration between farmer and brewer Tom Mellor and business partner David Thompson. It is a true field-to-bottle distillery and one of only a few distilleries that use 100% homegrown barley to produce its single malt whisky. Filey Bay single malt whisky is now available throughout the UK and in a growing number of export markets.

Leeds-based golf mental performance coaching company Underpin Sports has signed an exclusive partnership with the international Clutch Pro Tour – a feeder to both the Challenge and DP World Tours. The partnership highlights the growing importance of mental strength within golf at the highest level and will ensure an increasing number of elite amateur and professional golfers competing on this season’s tour will access mental performance coaching through Underpin Sports. Several rising stars, competing on this year’s Clutch Tour, are already benefitting from the firm’s mental performance coaching with improved results, including Ben Rhodes from Leeds who turned professional early last year and is a member of Headingley Golf Club. Underpin Sports’ team of mental performance coaches, led by Greg Robertson, work with players beneath the surface, challenging them to learn and understand how to get the best out of themselves and their game. The partnership is in response to the growing pressures and expectations on players competing on the Clutch Tour, which showcases up-and-coming talent across the golfing world and provides playing opportunities for the next generation of professional golfers. It attracts some of Europe’s best players with guaranteed £15,000 winner cheques and prize pots totalling £100,000. Tom Hayward, director of the Clutch Tour, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Underpin, as mental performance coaching support is key to the development of players on the tour and vital to helping them reach their full potential.” “Competing in any sport at the top level not only requires skill, but it also relies on strong mental focus to perform consistently against the best players in the world. The partnership is integral to the future of the tour in helping players cope with very high-pressure situations, particularly those in the early stages of their career.” Greg Robertson, founder and mental performance coach at Underpin Sports, said: “We see this unique partnership as an excellent opportunity to help even more Clutch Tour players become calmer and more focused in competitive environments and allow their best performances to come through.” “By teaming up with the tour, we’re raising the profile of mental performance coaching amongst players who may not have considered such support before or known where to turn for it. This presents a chance for us to collaborate with them on a one-to-one bespoke basis and also provide access to group introductory online sessions exclusively for Clutch Tour members. Both designed to help them to develop the mental strength and resilience needed to succeed at the highest levels of the sport.”

Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP) is launching its 2023 Yorkshire Graduate Award that offers a unique residency opportunity for a graduate artist to develop and showcase their talent. Set in 500 acres of historically designed landscape, YSP is an international centre for the creation, display and appreciation of modern and contemporary sculpture. For over 45 years, residencies have been at the heart of YSP offering opportunities for emerging artists to reflect and move forward with their practice. To help nurture regional artistic talent, the Yorkshire Graduate Award was launched in 2018, attracting entries from across the region. This year’s residency is open to any recently graduated BA or MA artist, from any Yorkshire-based university, looking to work and stay on-site during the winter of 2023 or spring 2024. The Award offers a residency for up to two weeks at the Park, onsite accommodation, access to facilities including metal and wood workshops, and time with the YSP technical team. The award winner will also receive a £750 fee and £250 for materials to develop new ideas and will receive invaluable support from YSP’s curatorial team. “This is a wonderful opportunity for an emerging artist at what can be a difficult time after graduating”, explained Sarah Coulson, YSP’s Senior Curator. “They will be supported throughout their residency by YSP’s experienced curatorial and technical teams who have worked with artists from all over the world. “We hope that applying for the Graduate Award feels like a positive experience for everyone as we aim to provide specific feedback to every candidate who applies.” Previous winners include Ami Horrocks for the 2022-23 season, who explained: “I make iconic symbols of women in the landscape, I have a ritualistic practice, and am interested in the political and psychological ramifications of symbols on the feminist movement.” “The residency has been very important to me in further developing the nature of my practice, as an artist that needs environment and landscape to respond to, especially to weather and seasonal change. I have appreciated the opportunity to access this unique landscape at all times of day as a nature canvas to experiment and create within, to develop my video and sculpture-based work.” “The flexibility to spread the residency throughout the winter months enabled my work to gestate through a season and allowed winter’s ecological cycles of decomposition and regeneration to embed within the work I made. This flexibility also supported my practicalities as a single parent-artist, it has been particularly poignant to me and my practice to be able to bring my children along with me during the residency.” Horrocks’ practice explores landscape through the female lens, lost female histories and goddess theory, drawing inspiration from her own experiences of motherhood. She explores principles of care in relation to the environment and landscape, considering the gestures and traces we make on the land. Ably demonstrating a breadth of regional talent, the award supported Jessica Rost in 2021-22, a sculptor and performance artist who considers the sustainability of art practices and lives off-grid. During her time at YSP, the University of Leeds Fine Arts (MA) graduate continued her investigation into low impact living and temporary “homes” whilst researching the history of protest camps, environmental activism and the importance of plants. Anyone who is interested in entering can submit a PDF document of up to 5 pages including a short statement on their current practice, any information about their final degree work, images of their work and a simple outline of their plans if they were to be offered the residency. This plan doesn’t have to be definitive and can change and evolve during the course of the residency.