Green-fingered allotmenteers in the north of Glasgow will soon have a new central space to come together, thanks to improvements planned at Hamiltonhill Allotments. Since the 1920s, Hamiltonhill Allotments has been a welcoming space where local people can grow their own food and connect with their neighbours through shared gardening. These days the Hamiltonhill Allotment Association operates as a not-for-profit, volunteer-led organisation. It aims to promote environmentally responsible growing practices, provide access to fresh produce, improve physical and mental wellbeing, and help people find social connections and a sense of belonging. The allotments are made up of over 40 plots and 10 raised beds, providing growing space for over 60 members and their families, a local Afghan community group and an autism group. Members also benefit from a range of shared facilities on site, including a kitchen, polytunnel, orchard, wildlife garden and pond. Everything is set up to support learning, biodiversity, volunteering and seasonal activities which take place throughout the year. After speaking with their members, Hamiltonhill Allotment Association is now planning to improve the communal shelter and tool storage at the site. The project will provide a much-needed functional focal point where the allotment community can meet, hold seasonal gatherings and shelter from the weather throughout the year. Repairs will also be made to the facility used to house gardening equipment, and a notice board will be installed to help members to stay informed and support greater participation in communal activities. The has all been made possible thanks to a £1,088 donation from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust. Kyle Taggart, Secretary of the Hamiltonhill Allotment Association Committee, said: “This support from Allied Vehicles will have a huge impact on our allotment community. It will allow us to deliver a new, much-needed, outdoor space where we can get together and hold allotment events throughout the year." "It will also help us make repairs to a vital storage container where we keep our gardening equipment, so that it will last for years to come.” David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles, said: “Hamiltonhill Allotment Association provides a fantastic space for local people to come together, learn new skills and enjoy the benefits of gardening." "We are delighted that this funding will help create a new central area for members while also improving facilities on site. The allotments have served local people for over 100 years, and it our hope that these improvements allow it do so for many, many more.” The improvements will strengthen the allotment and its facilities and will help community members come together to continue growing and connecting with nature, and each other, for a long time to come no matter what Glasgow's weather throws at them.

East Kilbride hospitality entrepreneur Struan Barclay has been recognised as a rising star of Scotland’s licensed trade after being named the winner of the Black Ivy and Montpeliers Rising Star Entrepreneur award at the 2026 DRAM Awards. Barclay, joint owner of East Kilbride hospitality destination Ruby’s alongside former Crystal Palace and Scotland internationalist James McArthur, was recognised for his work in launching and establishing the venue, which has also been named Best Bar at this year’s awards. Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow, the DRAM Awards celebrate the people, venues and businesses making their mark across Scotland’s hospitality and licensed trade. The double success comes less than a year after Ruby’s opened its doors following a £700,000-plus transformation of the former Coppertrees restaurant on St James Way. Led by Barclay and McArthur, Ruby’s was created with the ambition of bringing a vibrant, modern hospitality destination to East Kilbride, with a venue designed to cater to everything from breakfast and lunch through to evening cocktails and celebratory occasions. Since opening, the venue has established itself in the local community, with more than 100 covers, an adjoining bar and heated outdoor garden, alongside a menu focused on locally sourced ingredients and bold, flavour-packed dishes. The DRAM recognition is a significant milestone for the independent venue, with the Best Bar award recognising the team’s work in establishing Ruby’s as a new hospitality destination in East Kilbride. Commenting, Struan said: “We’re absolutely thrilled with the recognition Ruby’s has received. From the outset, our aim was to create somewhere that East Kilbride could genuinely be proud of, and the team has worked incredibly hard to make that happen." “James and I had a clear vision for what we wanted to create when we took on the project and bringing that vision to life has been a huge team effort." “Winning Best Bar so soon after opening is a fantastic achievement and a real testament to everyone who has played a part in building Ruby’s. We’re incredibly proud of what the team has created and excited about what’s still to come.” The DRAM Awards are among Scotland’s longest-established hospitality industry awards, celebrating the people and businesses helping to shape the country’s licensed trade. Table bookings are live here, where visitors can also explore the full menus and follow the latest updates. Ruby’s can be found on Instagram at @rubyssocial and on Facebook at Ruby’s Social.

UK manufacturers remain confident about their future prospects, despite rising energy costs and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. Barclays Business Prosperity Index research among manufacturing leaders shows businesses are responding by investing in automation, taking a longer-term approach to planning and pursuing opportunities across defence, national security and critical infrastructure. Barclays’ anonymised client data from around 30,000 UK manufacturing businesses, comparing Q2 2026 to Q2 2025, shows a growing divergence between larger manufacturers and SMEs. Among larger manufacturers served by Barclays UK Corporate Bank, cash inflows fell 3.5 per cent year-on-year, while loan balances increased by 12.8 per cent. This suggests businesses are continuing to invest despite softer trading conditions In contrast, SME manufacturers served by Barclays Business Banking, recorded a 1.4 per cent increase in cash inflows. However, average loan balances fell by 17.7 per cent, despite the number of loans increasing by 1.1 per cent, while savings balances also rose by 1.1 per cent, suggesting smaller firms are prioritising financial flexibility Manufacturers remain confident and plan further ahead in response to uncertainty The vast majority of manufacturers surveyed (94 per cent) expect their business to prosper over the next 12 months, even as almost nine in 10 (89 per cent) say energy costs are constraining growth or investment to some extent. This confidence is supporting a longer-term approach to decision-making, with over three quarters (76 per cent) planning major investment, sourcing and supply-chain decisions further ahead than they were a year ago. The research shows that manufacturers expect to increase spending by an average of 32 per cent over the next 12 months, while two thirds (66 per cent) have borrowed to fund investment over the past year. Automation and storage transition drives resilience and investment Automation of robotics is becoming a key resilience tool for UK manufacturers, with 87 per cent saying it is helping them manage disruption and demand volatility across their operations. Manufacturers also report benefits ranging from improved order fulfilment and delivery performance (23 per cent) and better forecasting and decision-making through data insights (23 per cent), to stronger supply chain resilience (22 per cent). The next phase of investment is increasingly focused on AI and resilience. Over the next three to five years, more than a quarter (27 per cent) plan to invest in agentic AI or AI-driven planning, forecasting and decision-making systems, alongside cybersecurity and operational resilience technologies (25 per cent) and logistics automation (22 per cent). Businesses are also strengthening operational resilience through storage transition. More than one in 10 (13 per cent) have increased on-site storage or are holding additional buffer stock, while 10 per cent are actively expanding storage capacity. Growth in production volumes is the most frequently cited driver of additional storage needs (22 per cent), followed by geopolitical supply-chain uncertainty and increased customer stockpiling (both 19 per cent). Tom Horton, Head of Manufacturing at Barclays UK Corporate Bank, said: “Despite continued pressure from energy costs and a more uncertain global environment, businesses are responding by looking further ahead, investing with greater certainty and building more resilient operating models." “The opportunities ahead are significant. From advanced manufacturing and AI-enabled operations to defence supply chains and national infrastructure projects, businesses are positioning themselves to capitalise on long-term growth markets. Those able to invest, innovate and scale will be well placed to benefit from the next phase of the sector’s development.” Defence and critical infrastructure opportunities gather pace As manufacturers continue to invest for growth, opportunities in defence, security and critical infrastructure markets are becoming increasingly important across the sector. More than three quarters of manufacturers surveyed (77 per cent) view working with the defence sector more positively than 12 months ago. As governments and businesses respond to a more uncertain global environment, 72 per cent of manufacturers have reported increased demand from defence and security customers. Looking ahead, manufacturers are taking a longer-term view of emerging growth opportunities. More than a quarter (27 per cent) plan to develop or sell defence-related products over the next three to five years, with the same proportion targeting dual-use products with both civilian and military applications. This shift is already influencing investment decisions, with 81 per cent of firms saying they have made changes to support defence, national security and critical infrastructure. This includes planned investment in physical security upgrades (66 per cent), security clearances and specialist recruitment (63 per cent). Sarah Collins, Head of SME Industries at Barclays Business Banking said: “Manufacturers are showing a remarkable ability to adapt, whether that's embracing new technologies, strengthening their operations or exploring opportunities in emerging markets." “For smaller businesses in particular, balancing investment with day-to-day resilience remains a priority. Through the Barclays Business Prosperity Fund and our wider support offering, we're helping manufacturers access the finance, insights and networks they need to grow, improve productivity and unlock new opportunities.” To support businesses to invest for growth, the £22bn Barclays Business Prosperity Fund is available to provide lending and refinancing to eligible Business Banking and UK Corporate Banking clients across the UK.

Cobham came alive with the sound of stories, ideas and conversation this weekend as the inaugural Cobham Literary Festival took place from 11–13 September, bringing leading authors, broadcasters, illustrators, poets and readers together for three days of literary events across the town. Organised by The Cobham Bookshop, the first festival offered an ambitious programme designed to appeal to readers of all ages and interests, with events ranging from crime and espionage to politics, poetry, children’s literature, art, horticulture and new fiction. The weekend opened with an impressive line-up of speakers and events, including conversations with leading authors and broadcasters, sessions for children and young readers, poetry, crime writing and discussions exploring everything from politics and history to gardens and the natural world. Among the highlights were Clare Balding and Callie Coles in Conversation with Rishi Persad, an evening with historian and author Sir Anthony Seldon, and the ever popular Alex Brycha MBE thrilling children and adults alike with his live illustrations. With events taking place in venues across Cobham, the festival was designed not simply as a series of author talks, but as a celebration of reading, ideas and creativity at the heart of the local community. The programme brought together established names with emerging writers and offered audiences the chance to meet authors, hear their stories and discover their next favourite book. Phillip Wells, The Fire Poet brought another dimension to the festival with his wonderful interactive ‘pop up’ poetry at a variety of events across the weekend. Community partnership at the heart of successful first festival The organisers are particularly grateful to Downs Solicitors, the headline sponsor of the Cobham Literary Festival, whose support was instrumental in helping bring the inaugural event to life. As a new literary festival for Cobham, securing the support of a headline sponsor was an important milestone. Downs’ Solicitors commitment enabled the festival to establish an ambitious programme from its very first year, helping create a new cultural occasion for Cobham and contributing to the town’s growing reputation as a destination for books, conversation and creativity. The partnership reflects the importance of businesses and organisations investing in the communities in which they operate and supporting initiatives that bring people together. Amber O’Connor, Joint Managing Partner, Downs Solicitors commented: “We were delighted to support the first Cobham Literary Festival as headline sponsor. The response from the community has been fantastic, and it has been wonderful to see so many people coming together to enjoy books, meet authors and share their enthusiasm for reading. We are proud to have played a part in helping establish what we hope will become a much-loved annual event in Cobham.” The organisers would also like to thank the festival’s venues, partners, volunteers and everyone who attended for helping make the inaugural weekend such a success. The strong response from audiences has provided an encouraging foundation for the festival’s future, with the organisers already looking ahead to building on the first year and bringing an even broader programme of authors and events to Cobham. The inaugural Cobham Literary Festival marks an exciting new chapter for Cobham’s literary life, creating a new annual opportunity for readers to meet authors, discover new books and celebrate the power of stories to bring communities together.

Shepherd Neame licensees Julia and Michael Foxwell, who run The Old House at Home in Dormansland, are adding another award to their shelf after being crowned UK Community Sustainability Hero in the PubAid Community Pub Hero Awards 2026. The couple, who have run the village pub in Surrey since 2024, were invited to a prestigious awards ceremony at the House of Commons on Tuesday, September 8 after being nominated by East Surrey MP Claire Coutinho. They were one of 13 category winners from across the UK. The pub was recognised for its efforts to make the hospitality industry greener, with initiatives such as securing funding from the Surrey County Council Active Travel Programme to purchase a staff e-bike, install an e-bike charging point and operate a free public bike repair station. The couple also reuse coffee grounds as fertiliser, collect pet fur for birds to use as nesting material, turn spent beer into a natural slug deterrent, and the pub’s outdoor furniture is made using reclaimed scaffold boards and poles. The Old House at Home has already received numerous accolades, including the Sustainability Award at the BII National Innovation in Training Awards 2025 and Sustainable Pub of the Year at the Shepherd Neame Pub Awards 2026. The 2026 PubAid awards received a record number of nominations from MPs, highlighting growing recognition in Parliament of the role pubs play within their constituencies. East Surrey MP Claire Coutinho said: “The Old House at Home is a brilliant example of how a rural pub can combine community spirit with fresh thinking on sustainability." "From encouraging cycling and creating wildlife-friendly spaces to reducing waste, reusing materials and supporting local suppliers, Julia and the team have shown that practical changes can have a real impact.” PubAid Co-Founder Des O’Flanagan added: “The Old House at Home is a brilliant example of just how important pubs are to the communities they serve." "What they have achieved in Surrey, from making sustainability part of everyday pub life through active travel, waste reduction and practical environmental initiatives, shows that a great pub is about so much more than food and drink; it is a place that brings people together, supports those who need it and makes a real difference locally.” The Old House at Home Licensee Michael Foxwell said: “It was an absolute privilege to even get to the final, and to win was an absolute shock as the other pubs nominated also had great sustainability initiatives. We are proud to make a difference in the community and are celebrating the fact that small changes can make a big difference." “To be recognised on a national level was a truly memorable moment. The award belongs to not just The Old House at Home, but the whole community of Dormansland.” Shepherd Neame Director of Tenanted Pub Operations Greg Wallis said: “ "We are incredibly proud of Michael and Julia, and the whole team at The Old House at Home, for being recognised at the PubAid Community Pub Hero Awards." "Their efforts to put green initiatives at the heart of their business shows that it is possible to create more sustainable spaces in the hospitality industry, and their award for UK Community Sustainability Hero is a credit to the pub.” The PubAid Community Pub Hero Awards 2026 are sponsored by Diageo and supported by the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group (APPBG). For more information about the awards, visit here.

People living with disabilities and age-related mobility challenges will be able to enjoy improved independence thanks to a project that adapts everyday clothing to meet their individual needs. Sharon Tombs and the team at Dressability are expanding their Mobility Matters project, helping more people stay comfortable and confident in the clothes they choose to wear. Based in Wiltshire, Dressability is a specialist garment adaptation charity that works with disabled and older people throughout the UK. Its skilled dressmakers make custom alterations that help clients dress more independently, move safely and maintain their own personal style without compromising comfort while using mobility aids. The Mobility Matters project focuses on removing the barriers that standard clothing can create, such as trip hazards or loose pieces catching on wheelchairs, that most of us never need to think about. The adaptations made by Sharon and her colleagues range from replacing fiddly fastenings such as shirt buttons with magnetic alternatives, adjusting garments for wheelchair users, accommodating spinal curvature and reinforcing clothing for children who achieve mobility through crawling. By tailoring garments to meet individual mobility needs, the charity helps people reduce reliance on others and remain active in everyday life. The service also supports dignity, choice and self-esteem, ensuring that functionality does not come at the expense of personal identity and style. The project has received a £2,490 donation from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, the charitable branch of the UK’s largest manufacturer and seller of wheelchair accessible vehicles, Allied Mobility. The funding will help Dressability to adapt more than 30 garments for people who need them, and continue delivering its specialist service to people whose quality of life can be improved through carefully considered clothing adaptations. Sharon Tombs, General Manager at Dressability, said: "A huge thank you to the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust for their donation. We are entirely reliant on the support of organisations such as these to deliver this valuable service." "We will use the money carefully and effectively as part of our Mobility Matters project, enabling us to alter many more garments." Ben Jenkins, National Sales Manager at Allied Mobility, said: "At Allied Mobility, we supply wheelchair accessible vehicles to customers across the UK and we understand how important independence and personal choice are to people's daily lives." "Style and comfort needn’t be given up in the name of accessibility. We are delighted to support Dressability’s Mobility Matters project as it helps bridge the gap, ensuring more people can wear the clothes they love while maintaining comfort and dignity." The funding will help ensure more people can access clothing adapted to their personal needs, allowing them to move more freely, maintain their own individual style and enjoy greater confidence in everyday life.

Hendy Group has launched a new community-led grant giving campaign across its 10 Ford sites to support local charities. The initiative follows the recognition of Paul Hendy, Chief Executive Officer at Hendy, by Ford Motor Company earlier this year at its prestigious ‘Salute to Dealers’ annual awards programme, where the global OEM honours those who go above and beyond to give back to their communities through philanthropy. The award was presented to Paul by Henry Ford III and as part of the accolade, Ford Motor Company has donated $10,000 to Hendy Foundation, the charitable arm of Hendy Group. Hendy Group has carefully selected two charities for each of the 10 Hendy Ford car and commercial vehicle dealerships, which will share a minimum donation of $1,000 (approx. £745). Hendy Ford customers and colleagues will have the chance to vote on how the funds are split between the two charities via a token voting system in each Ford dealership during September and October. Ford customers will be able to help support the chosen charities in two other ways – by donating a sum of their choice to the fund using a QR code which will be available at each Ford dealership. Or by donating £1 via any Ford dealership payment terminal, when making a payment for servicing, MOT tests, parts or paying for their vehicle, adding to the overall fund received from Ford Motor Company. Paul Hendy, Chief Executive Officer at Hendy Group, said: “Being recognised for our commitment to community service reflects the dedication of the business to give something back over the past 167 years. We encourage our customers and colleagues to visit one of our Ford dealerships and take the opportunity to help us support local charities within our footprint.” Since its launch in 2018, Hendy Foundation has supported over 320 local charities, donating more than £420,000 across the south coast and aims to reach a £500,000 milestone by the end of the year. To find your nearest Hendy Ford car or commercial vehicle dealership, please visit here.

With university fees of £9,790 per year in the UK and average monthly living costs whilst studying hitting £1,142 per month, Lamont Pridmore is calling on parents of future students to plan for these costs in advance, and to weigh up whether university is the right route at all. For many Cumbrian families, the prospect of a child heading off to university is an exciting milestone, which many will currently be preparing for. However, the financial reality can catch parents off guard, particularly when tuition fees are combined with rent, food, travel and everyday living expenses over a three or four year course. Lamont Pridmore, the Cumbria based accountancy, tax and business advisory firm, is urging parents to treat the cost of higher education as a core part of their family's wealth planning rather than a last minute consideration in the final year of school. Based on current figures, a three-year degree could cost a family in the region of £70,000 once fees and living costs are considered. For courses lasting four years, or where a student studies away from home in a higher cost city, such as London or Bristol, that figure can climb significantly higher. Even with maintenance loans and other student finance factored in, many families are left to bridge a substantial shortfall. Graham Lamont, Chief Executive at Lamont Pridmore, said the firm has seen a marked rise in parents seeking advice on how to prepare for these costs without disrupting their own long term financial security. “We are increasingly finding that parents want to support their children through university, but they are worried about the impact this could have on their retirement plans or other financial goals,” explained Graham. “The two don't need to be in conflict. With the right planning, put in place early enough, families can fund a child's education without derailing their own future. What we tend to see is parents leaving this too late, starting to think about the costs only once their child has received an offer." “By that stage, the options available are far more limited than if planning had begun several years earlier.” Lamont Pridmore recommends parents begin thinking about university costs well before their child reaches college. Junior ISAs, regular savings plans and general investment accounts can all play a role in building up a dedicated fund over time. Starting early gives more scope for growth and for costs to be spread out sensibly rather than met in one lump sum. The firm also points out that grandparents are increasingly involved in funding education costs, whether through direct gifts or by contributing to a savings plan set up for a grandchild. Where this is the case, it can form part of wider Inheritance Tax and estate planning discussions for the family as a whole, potentially reducing a future tax liability while supporting the next generation during their studies. Understanding student finance is equally important. Maintenance loans are means-tested against household income, and Lamont Pridmore encourages parents to establish what their child is likely to be entitled to before assuming they will need to fund the full cost of living themselves. This, combined with a realistic budget covering rent, bills, food and course materials, gives families a clearer picture of any gap that needs to be filled. Chris Lamont, a Partner at Lamont Pridmore, added that decisions made now can also affect a family's broader tax position. “University funding shouldn't be looked at in isolation. How a family chooses to save, gift or invest towards these costs can have knock-on effects for income tax, capital gains tax and inheritance tax,” he said. “That's why we always encourage parents to speak to an independent financial planner rather than making these decisions on their own.” Lamont Pridmore is also encouraging families not to assume that university is automatically the right route, and to look at how the numbers stack up against an apprenticeship. Apprenticeship numbers have been rising steadily, with provisional figures for the first half of the 2025/26 academic year show apprenticeship starts in England up almost 12 per cent on the same period the previous year. At the same time, the graduate jobs market has become considerably harder to break into. Youth unemployment reached around 16 per cent in early 2026, its highest level in over a decade and graduate vacancy numbers have fallen sharply as employers pull back on hiring, particularly for roles most exposed to automation. Competition for the vacancies that remain can now run into the hundreds of applicants for a single role. Set against this backdrop, an apprenticeship can look like the stronger financial choice for some school leavers. That said, Lamont Pridmore is keen to stress that university still has plenty to offer, and cost should not be the only factor in the decision. For many students the wider experience of independence, new friendships, extracurricular activities and studying a subject in real depth adds value that an apprenticeship route does not replicate, and certain professions still expect or require a degree. “Apprenticeships aren't right for every young person, just as university isn't right for every young person,” added Graham. “What matters is that families weigh up the financial side alongside what will genuinely suit the individual, rather than assuming one path is the only approach to success in life.” With the new academic year now underway and current sixth formers beginning to think about university applications, Lamont Pridmore says now is a sensible time for families across Cumbria to review their financial plans and make sure the cost of higher education or the alternative of an apprenticeship, is properly accounted for alongside their other priorities. For more information about Lamont Pridmore or to arrange a consultation, please visit here.

Gordon & MacPhail, the Elgin-based, family-owned whisky specialist, is welcoming Jo Coomber as its new Global Marketing Director. Jo brings more than 25 years’ experience in UK and international marketing, with a career spanning luxury, consumer brands and creative industries. She joins Gordon & MacPhail with extensive experience in board level Marketing and Leadership roles and with deep expertise in brand strategy, development and execution, alongside a strong track record of delivering commercially focused marketing programmes. In recent years, Jo, who is a Fellow of the Marketing Society, has been a consultant, advising on brand development and marketing strategy for companies such as Suntory Global Spirits and Scottish design house Timorous Beasties. Her breadth of experience across both global organisations and distinctive luxury brands will bring valuable expertise to Gordon & MacPhail as it continues to build the strength and reach of its whisky brands. Commenting on her appointment, Jo said: “Gordon & MacPhail has a rich heritage, exceptional whiskies and an ambitious brand-led vision for the future. It is a personal privilege for me to be joining the business at such an exciting time. I look forward to working with the team and partners to deliver the next phase of our brand growth ambitions - both at home and internationally.” This latest appointment reflects Gordon & MacPhail’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its senior team as the company accelerates brand development and international expansion. Mark Geary, Chief Executive of Gordon & MacPhail, added: “We are delighted to welcome Jo to the Gordon & MacPhail team. She will bring a wealth of experience to our Executive team and business as we deliver our ambitious growth plan." “Her proven track record in brand development and insight-driven marketing makes Jo the perfect fit as we continue to invest in our brands in key markets around the world.” Jo’s appointment comes at an important time for Gordon & MacPhail, which continues to build on its long-standing reputation for quality, craftsmanship and expertise within the Scotch whisky industry. Her appointment will support the business as it looks to maximise the potential of its brands, including Gordon & MacPhail, Benromach Distillery and The Cairn, in both established and international markets. Gordon and MacPhail is a family-owned premium spirits company based in Elgin. Established in 1895, it evolved from a local grocer to a globally respected name in the whisky industry. For more information on Gordon & MacPhail visit here.

More than six in ten millionaire investors have considered leaving the UK because of concerns over taxation, new research from Wealth Club, the UK's leading non-advised investment service for high-net-worth individuals, shows. The study of 341 Wealth Club clients, all with overall wealth of £1 million or more, found that 61% have at least considered becoming non-UK tax resident because of UK taxes. This includes 16% who are actively considering leaving and 45% who have considered it but are unlikely to move. Just 36% said they have never considered leaving the UK because of tax. The estimated average wealth of those surveyed was around £4.5 million. The research found respondents had overwhelmingly built their own wealth. Just 2% said inheritance or family wealth was the main source of their wealth. Around 12% accumulated most of their wealth by starting a business, 11% through self-employment, 40% through employment earnings and a further 33% through successful investing. The Wealth Club research is supported by recent analysis of official data showing the number of UK millionaires has fallen to 442,000 – the lowest level since 2007 and around 7% lower than a year earlier. While some of the decline reflects weaker asset prices, many commentators believe an increasing number of wealthy people are choosing to leave the UK. The survey highlights why so many wealthy investors are uneasy. Almost all (97%) believe taxes will definitely or probably increase over the next 12 months, with more than half (53%) convinced tax rises are inevitable. Inheritance tax is the tax rise that concerns respondents most (22%), followed by wealth taxes (21%) and capital gains tax (18%). Almost half (47%) identified higher taxes as the single biggest threat to their wealth, while a further 26% cited government policy. Together, these ranked well ahead of inflation, market volatility and geopolitical events. Alex Davies, Founder and CEO of Wealth Club, said: "Six in ten millionaire investors have at least considered leaving the UK because of taxation. Of course, there is a world of difference between thinking about leaving and actually doing it, and most people who consider it ultimately decide to stay." What is often overlooked is where this wealth came from. Almost all the investors we surveyed built it themselves through work, starting businesses or investing over many years. The overwhelming majority earned it. “This matters. These are the people who work hard, create businesses and jobs, invest in growing companies and generate significant tax revenues. Governments inevitably face difficult choices and must balance the public finances." "However, every tax rise and every policy change that makes Britain a less attractive place to save, invest and build businesses risks encouraging more wealth creators to look elsewhere. That would ultimately leave the UK poorer, not richer."

The biggest shift in the property market is a growing number of people who could buy, deciding not to. For a hundred years, the property industry has run on one assumption: renting is a waiting room, ownership is the destination. That assumption no longer holds. TheC clearest evidence is in how renters describe their own choice. Entrata's April 2026 survey of over 2,000 US renters found 81% now call renting the smarter financial move — up from 72% among Gen Z a year earlier — and 71% say the American Dream itself is evolving. That's not the language of people settling. It's the language of people redefining what winning looks like. It would be easy to file this under the usual "priced out" story. Yes, affordability explains why someone can't buy; it doesn't explain why a wealthy individual, or a dual-income professional couple with a healthy deposit sitting in savings, chooses to keep renting anyway. That is a preference, not a constraint and this is what the market is built around. What makes this different from every "generation rent" story before it is who is choosing it: young professionals renting for the flexibility to move for work; wealthy households keeping capital liquid rather than locking it into one asset; internationally mobile executives who need to relocate on six weeks' notice, not sixteen. RentCafe's analysis of US Census data found millionaire renter households grew 204% between 2019 and 2023, to nearly 13,700 — outpacing the 169% growth in millionaire homeowners over the same period. The intent data confirms it from the other direction. Rently's 2026 Renting by Generation Report found mortgage plans among renters have fallen from roughly 15% to just 6.4% in a year, and a third of millennial and Gen Z non-owners now say they may never buy — not out of despair, but as a settled plan. In the UK, the House of Commons Library found 59% of 35-to-54-year-olds are unsure whether they'll ever own — a cohort that, a generation ago, would already be two or three houses into ownership. Capital has read this correctly, even where the industry has been slower to build for it. UK build-to-rent investment hit a record £5.3 billion in 2025; Q1 2026 alone brought in £795 million, the strongest first quarter since 2022, with full-year volumes forecast at £5.7 billion. Occupancy sits near 97%, and rental premiums have nearly doubled since 2016. Institutional money doesn't move at that pace toward something it expects to be temporary, and it isn't moving toward the bottom of the market — it's moving toward the buildings, cities and price points where forever renters actually want to live. For agents, developers and operators, the implication is simple: a market built to sell people out of renting can't also be the market that serves them well inside it. Buildings need to be run, staffed and designed as though the tenant intends to stay — because increasingly, they do. That means service standards, amenity design and lease flexibility built for years of tenancy, not for the few months before a deposit clears. Relationships that used to end at completion now need to extend across years of renewal and relocation. Firms that treat this as a smaller version of the old business will lose the client to whoever treats it as the real one. This isn't about people giving up on a home. It's about the definition of home changing, permanently, for a meaningful share of the market, at every income level. The winners of the next decade won't be the ones still using renting as a rehearsal for ownership. They'll be the ones built for people who intend to rent well. Article: By Mohamed Mussa, Managing Director, Chestertons Global

Hochiki Europe is celebrating after Zoe Parsons was named on the shortlist for Administrator of the Year at the Women in Fire Safety Awards 2026. Zoe was selected from a field of over 50 entries, making the final shortlist of just twelve. The Women in Fire Safety Awards recognise excellence and achievement across the fire safety industry, celebrating the contribution women make at every level of the profession. The Administrator of the Year category specifically honours individuals who go beyond their core role to support colleagues across an organisation, providing the consistency and dedication that holds a business together. Zoe works as Account Development Representative at Hochiki Europe, providing cross-functional support across the business. Her role spans documentation management and operational coordination, working closely with the Regional Sales Management team and providing cover to the Supply Chain function during periods of high demand or absence. Her nomination recognises someone who excels in her role, provides consistency the wider team relies on, and understands the part she plays in the business delivering the best possible experience for its customers. Commenting on her shortlisting, Zoe said: "Being shortlisted for this award means a great deal, especially knowing the calibre of the other nominees. Most of what I do happens behind the scenes, so being shortlisted from over fifty entries feels like real recognition for the wider team as much as for me. I'm proud to be part of such a strong group of women, and I want to congratulate everyone else on the shortlist too." Ian Humby, UK Sales Manager at Hochiki Europe, added: "Zoe's shortlisting is thoroughly deserved. She has a way of spotting where support is needed before anyone asks, and that has made a real difference to how smoothly our Regional Sales and Supply Chain teams operate. We're delighted to see her recognised alongside such a strong shortlist." Hochiki Europe extends its congratulations to all twelve nominees on this year's Administrator of the Year shortlist. Winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Mercure London Earl's Court on 15 October 2026.