The National Allotment Society (NAS) has announced the theme for National Allotments Week 2026, taking place from 10–16 August 2026. The new theme, Grow to Learn – Lifelong lessons from the allotment, will celebrate the educational, personal development, and well-being benefits of allotment gardening for people of all ages. The theme highlights how allotments function as living classrooms, where learning happens through hands-on experience, shared knowledge, and connection with the natural world. Alongside practical growing skills, allotment gardening nurtures wider life skills including patience, resilience, curiosity, problem-solving, and teamwork — and, of course, physical wellbeing and food security. Through time spent on the plot, individuals learn to adapt to challenges, understand seasonal change, and develop confidence and wellbeing alongside their crops. These informal learning experiences often span generations, making allotments unique spaces for lifelong learning, community connection, and personal growth. By focusing on Grow to Learn, the National Allotment Society aims to reframe allotments not just as places to grow food, but as dynamic learning environments that support personal growth, mental and physical wellbeing, and food security. National Allotments Week 2026 will feature a national digital campaign sharing stories and reflections from allotment holders and ambassadors, highlighting the many ways allotments act as living classrooms and places of continual learning. Further details about National Allotments Week 2026 activities, resources, and opportunities to get involved will be announced in due course. For more information, visit here . National Allotments Week takes place from 10–16 August 2026. About The National Allotment Society (NAS) is the UK’s leading organisation representing more allotment holders and leisure gardeners. NAS provides advice, guidance, and advocacy to support people in growing their own food, improving their well-being, and connecting with their communities. With a nationwide network of 130,000 members, volunteers, and ambassadors, NAS works to make allotments engaging, inclusive, and rewarding — supporting physical and mental well-being, social connection, and environmental awareness through the simple act of growing.

Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) kicked off its 60th anniversary with a heartfelt celebration at Leicester Racecourse, welcoming over 130 guests to honour six decades of transforming lives, empowering communities and championing the voluntary sector across Leicester and Leicestershire.   The evening served as a thank you to the many individuals, partners, volunteers and supporters who have been part of VAL’s journey. Guests gathered to reflect on the organisation’s proud history, connect with one another, and celebrate the impact VAL continues to make across the city and county.   The event opened with a welcome from Linda Jones, Chair of VAL, who thanked attendees for their continued support and reflected on VAL’s enduring mission and values.   Guests also heard from Mike Kapur OBE CStJ, HM Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, who paid tribute to VAL’s pivotal role in supporting individuals and communities across the county. Eileen Perry (Richards) MBE DL, speaking on behalf of Dr Nik Kotecha OBE DL, shared words of appreciation for his ongoing support of VAL, which was warmly acknowledged during the evening.   One of the most moving moments of the night came from Rehana Sidat – Founder/CEO at Jamila’s Legacy – who shared her personal journey and the support she received from VAL. In her speech, she highlighted that without VAL, so many people across the community would not get the help they needed or deserved. Her words powerfully illustrating the real, human impact behind the organisation’s work and served as a poignant reminder of why VAL’s mission has never been so important.   Kevin Allen-Khimani, CEO of VAL, commented: “This anniversary is not just about looking back at what we’ve achieved over the past 60 years, but about recognising the people and communities who have made that impact possible.” “Every life changed tells a story of resilience, support and hope. As we look ahead, VAL remains deeply committed to working alongside our partners, volunteers and communities to ensure even more people across Leicestershire have the opportunity to thrive.”   Guests enjoyed a three-course meal and an evening of connection, conversation and celebration. A timeline of VAL’s history showcased six decades of achievements, challenges overcome and lives changed.   The celebration marks the start of a year-long programme of events to commemorate VAL’s  60th anniversary – a milestone that reflects not just six decades of service, but a future filled with renewed purpose, collaboration and hope supporting individuals and communities across Leicestershire. Top Photo: Hardip Chohan, Linda Jones, Chair of VAL (Centre) and Trace Voss of VAL, with Mike Kapur OBE, C StJ, HM Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire   About Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL)   Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) has been helping to change lives for the better in Leicester and Leicestershire for over half a century. Originally founded in 1965 as the Leicester Council for Social Services, VAL is now a charity with an income of over £2 million, delivering multiple projects and contracts that drive social good in local communities.   VAL provides advice, support and training to charities and community groups across Leicestershire. With around 2,400 registered charities and an estimated 3,800 grassroots community organisations across the city and county, we help charities to reach their potential and continue delivering vital services within local communities.

The latest Barclays Business Prosperity Index report reveals that despite affordability pressures, regulatory challenges and financial caution, four in five businesses (83 per cent) operating in housebuilding and its supply chains remain confident about their outlook for the year ahead. Barclays’ anonymised client data from around 70,000 UK businesses, combined with research from 500 industry leaders and 2000 consumers, also shows strengthening activity at the start of the development pipeline, sustained buyer demand for new-build homes and a major uplift in planned investment. Key findings from the Barclays Business Prosperity Index include: Architects (+2.3 per cent) and Quantity Surveyors (+4.8 per cent) recorded rising incoming cashflows between Q3 2024 and Q3 2025, signalling strengthening activity at the initial phases of the development pipeline Smaller firms showed heightened caution, reducing the amount of cash borrowed (-17.7 per cent) whilst increasing savings buffers (+3.0 per cent) However, a smaller number of larger firms have increased borrowing (+20.0 per cent) and drawn down savings (-8.9 per cent) in potential signs of operationalising capital Looking ahead, leaders plan to increase total investment by around 38 per cent over the next 12 months, including marketing (42 per cent), new equipment (39 per cent), and pay to attract talent (37 per cent) New-build homes are most popular amongst younger buyers, with six in 10 Gen Z homeowners (61 per cent) living in a new-build property, compared to a quarter (25 per cent) across all ages Sector investment and innovation gathers pace Talent, skills and AI are all becoming major investment focus areas. Four in 10 (40 per cent) businesses with skills shortages are investing in new construction methods to reduce manual labour, alongside developing early career schemes (39 per cent), and focusing on training and upskilling (36 per cent). Meanwhile the average intended AI investment of £441,281 reflects growing demand for AI assisted design and planning (37 per cent), renewable and energy efficient materials (36 per cent), business management automation software (35 per cent) and building information modelling (29 per cent). Momentum is particularly strong in Electronics, where intended AI spend exceeds £500,000, while trades such as Plumbing (£380,000), Carpentry (£347,320) and Painting & Decorating (£328,371) signal smaller, though material allocations. Future Homes Standard: A top priority but confidence in readiness lags Nearly all firms (98 per cent) say aligning with the Government’s Future Homes Standard is a priority for the next 12 months, yet 82 per cent express concern about their readiness. Key areas where support is most needed include installing low carbon heating systems (21 per cent), applying the new Home Energy Model (20 per cent) and meeting updated ventilation standards (18 per cent). Despite this, businesses are taking proactive steps, with 30 per cent investing in specialist equipment, training and technology to boost compliance. Strong Gen Z new-build appetite despite affordability pressures A quarter of homeowners (25 per cent) report they live in a new-build property. This rises amongst first-time buyers, with nearly half (47 per cent) of those who bought their first home in the past year opting for a new‑build property. New properties are most popular amongst Gen Z (61 per cent of homeowners) with desirable location named as the top driver of purchases (28 per cent). A fifth (20 per cent) cited favourable mortgage terms, such as higher loan-to-value ratio, and 17 per cent also reported energy efficiency as a major reason for buying new. This comes as young people report improving, but significant affordability challenges, as 61 per cent of Gen Z hoping to buy a home in the next 12 months said that mortgage rates have a bigger impact on affordability than house prices themselves. Despite strong buyer demand, there are still barriers to building. A quarter (25 per cent) of housebuilders report high construction costs as a major barrier, followed by rising inflation, cost of raw materials and meeting the requirements of the Future Homes Standard (all 19 per cent). Location, location, location Over the next 12 months, new-build property developers expect that consumers’ desire for customisation options, such as layout and finishes, to have the greatest impact on their approach (31 per cent), followed by expectations for upgraded digital infrastructure including high speed broadband (27 per cent). However, consumers report slightly different priorities. When surveyed about which features most influence their choice of property, the top factor was access to gardens or communal green spaces (42 per cent), followed by proximity to transport hubs (31 per cent) and proximity to parks or countryside (30 per cent). Just 17 per cent named digital infrastructure as a key influence, and just 11 per cent cited customisation. Jason Constable, Head of Real Estate, Barclays Corporate Banking, said: “The level of innovation we’re seeing across the industry from larger developers to specialist trades is encouraging, with businesses investing in technology, skills and modern construction methods to boost productivity." “These innovations, combined with stronger consumer demand for new-builds, present a significant opportunity for housebuilders. While affordability and planning delays still pose challenges, the underlying strength of demand points to clear potential for growth as market conditions stabilise.” John Ainsworth, Head of Real Estate, Barclays Business Banking, added: “Activity is generally subdued among SME housebuilders, with nearly three in 10 expecting no increase in output in the year ahead. Yet SMEs are working hard to overcome skills shortages and regulatory alignment, with their resilience coming through strongly as they show confidence in their future success." “If the industry is to hit the Government’s target and build the much-needed homes of the future, it’s vital we continue to support the scaleup of smaller regional players. At Barclays we are committed to providing the external finance needed to scale via our Business Prosperity Fund.” The Barclays Business Prosperity Fund is available to new and existing Business Banking and Corporate Banking clients across the UK to apply for lending and refinancing on existing projects. Terms and conditions apply. Businesses can read the full Barclays Business Prosperity Index Housebuilding report and find out more about the Business Prosperity Fund here .

Property consultancy Vail Williams has successfully negotiated the sale of nearly one-and-a-half acres of industrial outdoor storage (IOS) land in a prime Croydon area. The firm acted for a private individual in the sale of 89–91 Beddington Lane to Marchmont Investment Management for an undisclosed sum. Extending to 1.495 acres (65,122 sq ft) with office space of 2,822 sq ft (262.1 sq m), the site is let to Sunbelt Rentals UK on a 10-year lease from April 2018. Mikael Goldsmith, Vail Williams partner, concluded the deal for the site – a rare open storage investment opportunity in an established key industrial location. Patrick Windle of M1 Agency acted for the purchaser. Mikael said: “This well-located freehold site generated strong interest, reflecting the ongoing demand for IOS assets in strategic South London locations. Great to see this one over the line – congratulations to all parties involved." “The wider popularity of IOS is a growing trend. Historically it has very much been dominated by owner-occupiers and private investors, but we are now seeing more institutional investors moving into the sector, perhaps attracted by growing demand for sites and minimal maintenance overheads." “Traditionally the preserve of the construction industry, IOS site have been increasingly used by other sectors, particularly for vehicle storage connected with supply chain distribution networks. The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the last mile delivery concept, driving demand for IOS sites in prime locations, with further growth likely. Now is a good time to come to market for anyone holding suitable land.” The Croydon site is conveniently located for transportation links via the A326 and B272, with central London a 30-minute drive, Gatwick Airport 28 minutes and Heathrow 45 minutes. Beddington Lane tram stop is three minutes’ walk away and Hackbridge train station is eight minutes. Nearby occupiers include IKEA, TNT, Booker, UPS Royal Mail, Selco, DHL and GXO. The property comprises a concrete surfaced open storage yard, with a small three storey office building. The site benefits from power, electric, drainage, water and a secure perimeter fence. It has primarily operated as open storage for the past 20 years with the previous use being a scaffolders yard. Croydon, 9.5 miles south of central London is greater London’s largest single market, with inward investment of over £5.25bn on local regeneration projects, including the Growth Zone Program, a £520m initiative supporting local infrastructure upgrades, including the 1.4bn redevelopment of the Whitgift Shopping Centre and the improvements to West Croydon Station and local tram services. Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy.

As the Government unveils its Warm Homes Plan, Stuart Dantzic, MD of Caribbean Blinds, argues that external solar shading must move from the margins to the mainstream of home energy policy. Those of us in the UK’s solar shading industry have long been used to governments of various stripes promising to tackle the effects of a changing climate on domestic and commercial buildings – and delivering with equally variable results. The cycle often swings from ‘Great idea!’ to ‘Waste of money!’ even within the lifetime of a Parliament, so it’s hardly surprising that we observers treat any new initiative with a degree of scepticism. That said, the Government’s newly published Warm Homes Plan is an important and welcome statement of intent. A £15 billion commitment to tackling fuel poverty, decarbonising homes and reducing long term energy bills is not to be dismissed lightly. The emphasis on solar panels, heat pumps and batteries reflects a desire to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels. Those aims are broadly right. But the plan reveals a persistent blind spot that risks undermining its own objectives: the failure to take overheating seriously, and with it the failure to treat external solar shading as essential infrastructure rather than an optional extra. The basic problem is that for decades, British housing policy has been shaped by a single obsession: keeping heat in. Thick insulation, superior double and triple glazing and ever more powerful heating systems have been treated as markers of progress. This approach made sense in a colder, more predictable climate. It makes far less sense now. However, buried within the Warm Homes detail is an acknowledgement that properties must stay cool in summer as well as warm in winter. The plan even namechecks shading alongside shutters and reflective films as low cost interventions. Yet there is little clarity on delivery or funding. In practice, shading feels like an afterthought, while capital and policy attention flow towards complex technologies with higher costs, longer payback periods and significant demands on the electricity grid. This matters because overheating is no longer a niche concern. UK summers are getting hotter and longer, and many homes are ill equipped to cope. Research cited by the Government itself shows some flats reaching internal temperatures of more than 47 degrees during relatively modest heat events. This is nothing less than a serious health risk, particularly for older people, young children and those with existing conditions. It also places avoidable strain on the NHS. The underlying problem is solar gain. Modern homes, with bigger areas of glazing, sliding doors and rooflights, invite the sun in and then struggle to get the heat back out. Once shortwave solar radiation passes through glass, it is trapped as longwave heat. Insulation that retains warmth in winter becomes part of the problem in summer. External solar shading tackles this at source. By stopping the sun before it reaches the glass, it dramatically reduces heat build-up inside the home. Independent studies consistently show reductions in internal temperatures of more than 10 degrees, and in some cases closer to 20. The Camden monitoring project referenced in the Government’s plan is particularly striking. External shading combined with night time ventilation eliminated overheating risk entirely. Internal blinds helped, but external systems were markedly more effective. In a nutshell, this is passive cooling in its purest form. Our own white paper at Caribbean Blinds, published last year, reinforces this evidence. We found that while concern about overheating is rising, understanding remains low. Many homeowners still see it as an unavoidable side effect of modern living, or something to be solved later with air conditioning. Yet when the benefits of shading are explained clearly, appetite for adoption increases sharply. People want solutions that are visible, understandable and that work immediately. None of this is to argue against heat pumps or solar panels. But they should sit within a hierarchy of measures that starts with reducing demand in the first place. It is easier and cheaper to stop heat getting into a building than to remove it once it is there. If the Warm Homes Plan is to live up to its promise, shading needs to move from the margins to the mainstream. That means clearer guidance, proper inclusion in funding schemes and a stronger signal to designers, developers and homeowners that managing solar gain is a basic requirement of a modern home. A warm home should indeed be a basic guarantee – and so should a cool one. External solar shading is a simple, proven and immediately deployable answer to a growing problem. Treating it as optional is a mistake we can no longer afford to make. To download the Caribbean Blinds white paper, click this link here.

Caribbean Blinds has been shortlisted in all five categories it entered at the 2026 BBSA Excellence Awards, marking a superb showing for the Suffolk based specialist in external shading and outdoor living. Organised by the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA), the awards are regarded as the industry benchmark for quality, innovation and best practice across solar shading, blinds and control systems. The five shortlisted Caribbean Blinds entries span product development, installation excellence, marketing, showroom design and collaborative working. They include the Grillo Pergola, developed in partnership with outdoor kitchen manufacturer Grillo, which integrates shading and shelter into a fully considered outdoor cooking environment. Since its launch in May 2025, the pergola has become a regular specification alongside new Grillo kitchens. Caribbean Blinds is also recognised for two technically demanding external shading installations, both delivered as part of larger residential projects. Further recognition comes from the firm’s Dream Gardens show site in Sudbury, shortlisted for Best Independent Showroom. The space allows homeowners and trade partners to experience outdoor shading systems in real conditions. The fifth shortlist spot acknowledges a targeted, influencer-led marketing programme designed to reach design aware homeowners and demonstrate shading solutions in context. Stuart Dantzic, Managing Director of Caribbean Blinds, said: “To be shortlisted in every category we entered is something the whole team is proud of. The BBSA Awards set a high bar, and this recognition reflects the depth of thinking, design and delivery that goes into every aspect of our work.” Winners will be announced at the BBSA Awards Gala on 7 March 2026.

In the county of Hampshire, England, Paul Hendy has turned a century-old family legacy into a dedicated platform for community support. The CEO of Hendy Group Ltd and a 2026 Ford Salute to Dealers honoree, Hendy established the Hendy Foundation to streamline and amplify the company’s charitable giving, which dates back over 165 years. The Salute to Dealers award recognizes dealer principals who go above and beyond for their communities, and Hendy’s foundation has already supported more than 350 charities, addressing everything from food insecurity to domestic abuse support. Paul Hendy commented: “Seeing people benefiting from a project you have funded reminds you why giving matters.    It stays with you, because you know you’ve touched people’s lives and played a small part in something that will continue to help others long into the future.” The foundation’s impact is felt across the South Coast of England. The group provides education grants, housing assistance, and specialized equipment like electric wheelchairs for young people. Hendy has introduced ways for both employees and customers to get involved, including a micro-donation initiative at the point of sale. By combining financial contributions with practical support — such as providing Ford Transit vans for charitable deliveries — Hendy ensures the foundation and dealership can respond quickly to the most pressing needs of the community. Can you recall the very first time you felt the impact of helping someone? Paul Hendy: I was in my mid-twenties. My father helped organize a golf event that raised funds for young people who needed electric wheelchairs. I remember seeing the difference those wheelchairs made and how they gave these young people independence and confidence. Witnessing that change was profoundly moving for me. It wasn’t just about the fundraising, but about seeing lives genuinely transformed. Who in your life set the example for what it means to help those in need? Paul Hendy: My father. He founded the local Rotary Group in Dorset, dedicating his time to supporting people facing hardship. Growing up, I saw firsthand how consistent involvement and collaboration could make a real difference. His example showed me that helping others isn’t a one-off act, but an ongoing responsibility. What is the most rewarding part of seeing your dealership employees rally together for a local cause? Paul Hendy: Seeing our colleagues come together with a shared sense of purpose. When they rally to volunteer or raise funds, it creates a real sense of unity and pride across the business. It reinforces our values and shows that as a business we’re committed not just to success, but to making a positive and lasting impact. For 26 years, Ford has celebrated the extraordinary contributions of its dealers through the Salute to Dealers program. Congratulations and thank you to all eight of the 2026 honorees for their commitment to service.

One of the first major recruitment companies to offer apprenticeships has urged careers officers in schools to push youngsters towards the industry. Lee Gamble, managing director of Berry Recruitment, said taking on trainee consultants is difficult because young people are often unaware of the opportunities. Recruitment is well paid with swift career progression and yet it is hard to attract the younger generations – which was why the company introduced apprenticeships in 2023. Berry Recruitment has branches across England and it covers the entire country with its app. The company – part of the Berry Recruitment Group - has a dozen apprentices across its branches at the moment with others from its first intake now trainees. Lee said: “Recruitment does seem to be a lost option within our education system; I’d love more careers officers to identify potential recruitment consultants. Because there are no real formal tertiary qualifications, careers officers often don’t give it the same focus they do with other types of career." “Recruitment adds £40bn a year to the UK economy and it can be lucrative for those who have the right personalities. Recruits need to be good with people, confident on the phone and persistent. One bonus we have found and which other businesses might also find, is the ease with which youngsters take to new technology." “We have introduced a great deal of tech recently including our app, and the younger generations can get up to speed with it all in minutes. They have been immersed in tech their whole lives, they were educated using smartboards and iPads and seem to instinctively understand it." “For some other established staff it can take months to move them from a more analogue way of operating to a digital way. There can be issues with youngsters too; some have verbal communication reticence which we have to overcome, and others aren’t keen on working from an office five days a week." “But being in a working environment is crucial for new starters to be able to learn from more experienced staff – and our successful apprentices do realise this. Another issue is helping students find work experience; you have to go through so many hoops now that often it is just not worth it for employers." “There was a time when a work experience teenager would come into a branch and we’d identify their potential and offer them a job after they finished school. But that route to get youngsters into the industry has become narrower." “Hiring youngsters can be expensive and risky for employers but I’d urge them to look at the positives as we have – and I’d like school leavers to be told about a possible future in recruitment.”

UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm Azets has appointed a senior tax compliance expert to Corporate Tax Director at its Manchester office. Tina Warhurst will be using her experience and key contacts for Azets’ growing client base across the North West. Her career includes 20 years at ‘Big 4’ accountancy firm KPMG with her later years there as part of its national corporate tax compliance team. More recently she was at BDO in Manchester where her experience included helping all sizes and types of business manage their corporate tax governance and compliance obligations. Graham Rigby, Office Managing Partner in Manchester, said: “With ever evolving and complex UK tax regulations being introduced, the level of compliance facing companies continues to rise, as does tax requirements as they grow." “Tina’s extensive experience will help us support more companies to manage and comply with these complexities and aid their long-term growth plans.” Tina said: “Azets’ reputation in the sector is second to none and I look forward to supporting companies with their tax compliance obligations. I have built up many years of experience working nationally and internationally with clients, including in-house leading the tax team for Yorkshire Building Society." “This has given me further insights into the many facets of UK tax which I will be utilising for the benefit of Azets’ clients across the region.” Azets has branches across the region in Manchester, Bolton, Burnley, Lancaster, Preston, Shrewsbury, St Asaph, Stockport and Nottingham.

Atlassian Williams F1 Team officially unveiled the racing livery for its 2026 challenger, the FW48 – revealing a new look for the team in Formula 1’s all-new regulations era. Drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz joined Team Principal James Vowles to present the striking design to the 1,200-strong workforce at Grove who have poured tens of thousands of hours into preparing for the season ahead. The 2026 livery has been designed to match the team’s bold intent as it transitions to a new era as Atlassian Williams F1 Team – a name reflecting the team’s sole purpose to race and win at the pinnacle of motorsport. The FW48 is flooded with a vibrant gloss blue, a colour that is unmistakably Williams and reflects the strength of our title partnership with Atlassian. This is contrasted with a flowing section of black, sweeping from the chassis side through to the rear of the car, which is framed by an iconic red and white keyline – a feature of championship-winning Williams cars like Nigel Mansell’s FW14B and Damon Hill’s FW18 which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The most striking evolution of the livery comes from the introduction of white across the sidepod, front wing and rear wing – injecting energy and movement into the design and amplifying the presence of our partners across the car. Atlassian Williams F1 Team’s new look was revealed hours after the announcement of a major new global partnership with Barclays, the latest vote of confidence in Williams’ determination to return to the front of the grid. Over the past fortnight the team has also welcomed Anthropic, BNY, Wilkinson Sword and Nuveen to the team, who all join our growing roster of world-class brands who are helping the team transform in pursuit of Championship success. The livery has been custom designed around the new shape of F1 cars in 2026. New regulations mean the cars are shorter and narrower with significant changes to the front and rear wings – along with other aerodynamic surfaces – designed for even closer racing. The entire team at Grove has been determined to push the boundaries of performance with the FW48, targeting the new regulations as an opportunity to take the next step on Williams’ journey back towards the front. In 2026 Atlassian Williams F1 Team is looking to build on its most successful season for nine years. Last year the team finished fifth in the Constructors’ Championship with 137 points, secured podium finishes in Baku and Qatar, and took home its first-ever Sprint podium in Austin. James Vowles, Team Principal, Atlassian Williams F1 Team: “2026 is the next step on the path back towards the top for Atlassian Williams F1 Team as we enter a new era for the sport, and we are excited about the season ahead." "We have a great driver line up, some fantastic new partners, an ever-growing fanbase and want to build on the success we tasted last year, but we are not naïve about the challenge ahead of us. Nobody quite knows what will happen at the first race but we are looking forward to finding out, and hope our fans will love cheering us on with this great new livery.” Alex Albon, Atlassian Williams F1 Team: “It’s always special to see a new livery for the first time, and the FW48 looks incredible. The design really stands out – it’s bold, modern and unmistakably Atlassian Williams F1 Team. I can’t wait for the fans to see it on track and cheer us on in 2026.” Carlos Sainz, Atlassian Williams F1 Team: “The FW48 livery is a real statement of our intent for 2026. The design celebrates Atlassian Williams F1 Team’s heritage while embracing a fresh, dynamic look for the new era." "I’m excited to race in this livery and to share the thrill with fans around the world - their support makes all the difference as we continue on our journey together!”

An accountancy firm has been acquired by Nuvo, marking the company’s arrival in Warwickshire. In a seven-figure buy-out, Pentlands Accountants and Advisors, in Warwick, has become the 34th acquisition in 21 years by the Derby-based firm which was last year ranked #73 in the UK Top 100 Accountancy Firms. The deal is said to be a perfect fit for both businesses whose core client base is SMEs and micro businesses. It marks a watershed moment for Elinor Perry who last year celebrated her 20th anniversary in charge of the 28-year-old business where nine full and part-time staff servicing the needs of more than 250 loyal clients from their Pegasus Court offices. She said: “This acquisition brings strength to our ability to deliver services to clients. We are now part of a much bigger organisation that has lots of skills and resources which we can tap into to help clients with their growth plans. We were very good at doing that but now we can do it on a much bigger scale." “Nuvo aligns seamlessly with our values and culture. By joining the Nuvo Group, we will be able to further enhance our ability to assist our clients in growing their businesses. This partnership will also enable us to offer new services and support, ensuring our clients' continued success.” Elinor, who remains a Partner, added: “As part of the sale three key long standing team members exercised their share options and all the team have moved over to Nuvo’s four-day working week contract resulting in a better work-life balance, along with a 5% Employee Benefit Trust, designed to reward everyone in the shared success of the company”. “We told all the clients personally over several weeks. Personal relationships are what we built the business on, so it was really important to reassure the clients that it's business as usual." Nuvo was named the fastest growing accountancy firm in 2025, this latest acquisition is part of Nuvo’s growth plan to become a top 25 UK firm by 2030. The teams offer expertise in accountancy, tax, audit and advisory. Founder and CEO Steve Sharp said: “It’s great to welcome Elinor and her team to the Nuvo Group. From our first conversations it was obvious the alignment between the businesses especially in terms of the culture, values and the way Pentlands position themselves as a people focused, modern firm. Pentlands has a strong brand in the region which is why we will be co-branding”. “Our message to the Pentlands clients is that it really is business as usual, it's the same team delivering the same services from the same office and the same service levels that they've been used to just with the benefit of having a larger group behind Pentlands, which offers them access to additional services where they're needed.” It’s a momentous personal chapter for Elinor who, in 2005, aged 34, did a management buyout from the existing owners of the business – eventually also going on to buy out her business partner in 2010. Reflecting on the acquisition, Elinor said: “Having guided many business owners through this journey over the years, I understand the process well. However, you never truly appreciate it until you experience it firsthand. The emotional attachment is significant; this business has been my foundation for two decades. Therefore, it was crucial to find the right home for the team, the clients, and myself as I transition into a new role within a larger organisation. “

Mark Little has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of multi-award winning national commercial cleaning and FM company Cleanology. He will be playing a pivotal role supporting the £25 million turnover company’s ambitious plans to double in size. A successful 2025 has seen Cleanology win dozens of new contracts across 11 sectors, including the company’s biggest ever mobilisation with over £2 million of new contracts mobilised in just one month. Cleanology – which operates in 24 cities across the UK and employs over 1,000 people – has also reported several notable achievements for 2025 including: A total of £151,000 raised in total from its five annual fundraisers for The Hygiene Bank, including nearly £15,000 generated in social value. 32.9 percent less carbon produced across its national teams as well as the development of an official sustainability committee delivering exciting projects. The launch of its new rebrand in a bold and exciting live launch marked by the projection of its vibrant new logo against iconic London landmarks. Prioritising fair pay, with 99% of employees receiving the Real Living Wage, a significant rise from 18% in 2017. Mark Little said: “It is a great honour and fantastic opportunity to be the new CEO of Cleanology which has grown from a small family business into one of the country’s leading national commercial cleaning and FM companies. I’m looking forward to meeting our clients and working with all the Cleanology team, during the next exciting chapter of our development." "I am looking forward to playing a major part in ensuring Cleanology continues to grow, while retaining its clear focus on being a leader in innovation and sustainability”. Mark has worked in the outsourced FM services sector for 35 years, in both large corporates and smaller privately owned businesses. For the past 15 years in the Cleaning industry, and prior to joining Cleanology, he was CEO for the private equity backed Just Ask / Nexgen for five years. Entrepreneur Dominic Ponniah, the Co-Founder of Cleanology, stepped down as CEO at the end of last year to become its new Chairman. Dominic will still be taking a keen interest in the growth of the company, co-founded with his mother Elisabeth Ponniah in 1999, after deciding the time was right to step back from its day-to-day running. Ponniah, commenting on Mark Little’s appointment, said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Mark to the team at this pivotal and exciting time for Cleanology. As we enter this new phase of growth, Mark’s wealth of experience and industry expertise will provide the right leadership for the business as it continues to expand nationally.” Cleanology, which is headquartered in Vauxhall, southwest London, and has regional offices in Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Scotland, enjoyed an outstanding 2025 winning new business in a range of sectors from law and education to leisure and energy. Its diverse staff are from 34 nationalities with 82 percent identifying as ethnically diverse. They attend an annual Academy Day and participate in ‘Lunch & Learn’ sessions. Photo: Cleanology’s Senior Leadership Team (from left): Mark Little, CEO, Kate Lovell, ESG & Client Experience Director, Jade Collazo, HR Director, Juliet Widdicombe, Associate Director and Nick Platt, Managing Director of Sales & Marketing.