Property finance specialist MSP Capital is on track for more growth amid an exceptional rise in demand for its lending solutions from housing developers and other borrowers. The Poole-based firm is busy converting to loans around £122 million worth of customer enquiries since the start of 2026, its 45th year of business. Commercial Director Adam Tovey said: “That’s more than we’ve ever experienced at this point in the year before. Such heightened activity signals a clear shift in market sentiment. Developers and investors are increasingly confident that conditions are stabilising, and that now may be the right time to move forward with their plans, either by coming to us direct or through a broker." “Factors driving our record start to a new year are the downward trajectory on base rates, the release of pent-up demand among prospective buyers and greater confidence around property as an investment overall.” The bulk of the January enquiries have come from new clients keen to take advantage of MSP Capital’s recent decision to cut rates on bridging and development loan products. That was enabled by a landmark facility of £350 million agreed with investment partners J.P. Morgan and Pollen Street Capital last year in a bid to generate more flexibility for competitive lending. Alongside MSP Capital’s ongoing retained lines with Pollen Street Capital and Shawbrook Bank, the new agreement has increased total funding capacity to £485 million. And J.P. Morgan has the potential to provide additional funds in future, putting MSP Capital squarely in the driving seat to achieve a £750 million loan book ambition by 2030. Adam added: “It’s all about delivering the safe, robust financial strategies that help make development projects a reality on the ground. We have an experienced, expanding team ready to meet the demand for both development and bridging finance." “Their expertise is coupled with a robust infrastructure able to process high levels of volume in the market. We are known for our speed of decision-making and delivery of funds. Our autonomy as a principal lender means we can lend on the basis of sound underwriting logic but always with an entrepreneurial, solutions-driven approach that makes transactions more efficient and easier for the client.” With MSP Capital’s latest rate cuts, brokers and developers can access bridging deals from 0.75% per month up to 75% LTV and development loans from 0.80% up to 70% LTGDV. The reductions apply to individual loans from £100,000 to £10 million with pre-agreed credit lines available to support faster drawdown of up to £20 million to cover successive projects. Bridging terms are designed for timescales of up to 36 months while for development finance, covering new-build residential, terms can span up to 24 months. Reflecting its focus on relationship-led lending and tailored solutions, MSP Capital offers a dedicated account manager to guide each customer from loan application through to repayment. For more information, visit here .

St Austell Brewery has announced a year-long partnership with renowned endurance athlete Nick Butter and the immersive running retreat company he founded - Run Weekends. The collaboration will see Proper Job 0.5% - St Austell Brewery’s first low-alcohol IPA - featured at running events globally.   Run Weekends offers running retreats, trail running holidays and mountain adventures around the world. Each trip is designed for groups of relaxed, like-minded runners to explore new places, forge new friendships and connect with the great outdoors. It was founded by Nick Butter, who made a name for himself by becoming the first and only person to run a marathon in every country around the world.   The partnership will see Run Weekends participants enjoy Proper Job 0.5% at their events, as well the opportunity for people to get involved in competitions and pick up exclusive giveaways - including the chance to win a spot on any UK or European Run Weekends trip.   Since its launch in October 2024, St Austell Brewery’s Proper Job 0.5% IPA has already scooped four major awards, firmly establishing itself as one of the best-tasting low alcohol beers on the market. Brewed with the same care and character as the original Proper Job, it delivers bold, citrusy hop notes and a crisp, refreshing finish. It’s the perfect post run pint - all the flavour, none of the compromise, just without the alcohol.   Matt Heal, Senior Brand Manager at St Austell Brewery, said: “We’re thrilled to team up with Nick and Run Weekends. Our shared values make it an incredibly organic partnership grounded in Cornish roots, all about championing connection and the joy of living adventurously - qualities that our award winning Proper Job 0.5% celebrates in every sip.” Nick Butter, founder of Run Weekends added: “Cornwall is where my love of running began, so partnering with St Austell Brewery - a like-minded company - feels very special. Run Weekends are all about community, curiosity and pushing your limits in a healthy, sustainable way. Proper Job 0.5% is the perfect fit as a great tasting low-alcohol IPA. We cannot wait to share the work that has been happening behind the scenes.” The collaboration began at the first two retreats this year in Cornwall and will continue globally - from mountain adventures in the Dolomites to the Pembrokeshire trails in Wales.

New research reveals that the UK development industry is entering 2026 with cautious optimism but is still held back by deep-rooted staffing challenges that are slowing delivery and squeezing project viability. The Development Index – produced by real estate and construction hiring specialist, Cobalt Recruitment – captures the current challenges, along with the opportunities and pressures shaping the year ahead. A sector stabilising, but still under strain Drawing on interviews with industry leaders across the UK’s leading property developers, housebuilders, REITs, and investment firms, the report reveals unsurprisingly low sentiment in the market in 2025, but a quiet confidence across the development ecosystem going into 2026, with slow signs of improvement emerging. Softening finance terms, potential further interest rate reductions, and anticipated policy clarity, particularly around the National Planning Policy Framework, are helping to rebuild sentiment. Yet the challenges remain significant. Increased planning delays, staff shortages, constrained project viability, a shortage of viable schemes for lenders, rising cost pressures, and an acute lack of end occupiers and buyers, are all taking their toll on the market. Skills shortages remain a barrier to delivery While there is cautious optimism, this is at risk of being destabilised by growing skills shortages. The Development Index highlights a sector still grappling with evolving talent gaps across certain skills and locations in planning, land, development, technical, design, commercial, and delivery roles, coupled with a challenging market environment. Employers are increasingly seeking professionals who combine technical knowledge with commercial acumen, ESG fluency, and digital literacy, especially in AI-enabled appraisal and design tools. With the continued shift toward refurbishment and regeneration projects, which now represent more than four fifths of new schemes underway, the demand for professionals with skills tailored to complex refurbishment, sustainability standards and evolving regulatory frameworks, is also set to increase. Commenting on the report, Maria Sinclair, Managing Director of Cobalt UK, said: “The Development Index highlights a UK development market that remains ambitious but increasingly constrained in its ability to deliver. Economic pressures, planning complexity and ongoing skills shortages are emerging as significant risks to progress across the sector." "Moving from ambition to delivery will require a renewed focus on execution, with investment in skills, stronger development teams and access to the right expertise becoming critical to navigating uncertainty and unlocking growth." "At Cobalt, we see first-hand how the availability of experienced professionals can accelerate projects and support delivery. The Index is designed to support that discussion, setting out the key pressure points and what the industry must address to move forward with confidence.”

Best-selling Dorset author of ‘Motherkind’ Zoe Blaskey is to talk at the Tank Museum on ‘why becoming a mum changes everything (and why no one warned us)’. The renowned expert and podcaster who lives in Branksome Park near Poole is the keynote speaker at an event called ‘Bumps, Babies and Toddlers’. Zoe will draw on insights from interviewing more than 600 of the world’s leading experts alongside her coaching work with thousands of mothers. She will reveal why so many women feel overwhelmed, lost, or ‘not themselves’ in the early years - and why it’s not a personal failing, but an unspoken developmental stage. Zoe said: “I am very much looking forward to speaking at the Tank Museum and the talk will be relevant to mums-to-be and mums with children up to the age of five. Everybody is welcome." “I will be offering practical, compassionate, research-backed tools to help women feel more confident, more grounded and more themselves as they navigate what is a life-changing event. They will learn how to deal with identity shifts and how to communicate their experiences with their partners and family." “More than 90 per cent of mums with children up to the age of five say they feel invisible – but I will see them. I am hoping that those who attend will walk away feeling seen, validated, and deeply empowered - with a new language and framework for one of the most misunderstood transitions in a woman’s life.” Zoe will be speaking at 11am on Sunday January 25 at the attraction in Bovington. Her book Motherkind is a Sunday Times bestseller and her podcast of the same title has had more than six million downloads. Zoe will also be signing copies of her book. The museum’s first ‘Bumps, Babies and Toddlers’ is being held in partnership with Little Pickles Markets. The day will include a nearly-new sale, talks, Q&As and baby and toddler-friendly activities. The huge, award-winning museum includes a soft play area which is perfect for wearing out tots. The event will include sensory experiences, baby massage instruction and workshops focussing on perinatal health. Rosanna Dean, Director of Visitor Experience and Commercial at The Tank Museum, said: “As Dorset’s largest indoor visitor attraction, we’re delighted to host such a family-focused event for our wider community. The programme not only offers valuable support and guidance for new and expecting families, but also highlights the fantastic opportunities Dorset provides for this demographic. We are really excited to have such an impactful headline speaker, whose message is so important to women on any stage in their motherhood journey.” To encourage new visitors, the museum has a special offer for the day of the event - 50 per cent off entry as well as an Annual Pass. Rosanna added: “With a soft play, dressing up, and lots of play opportunities throughout our exhibitions, we know that young children will have a great time exploring again and again.” Find out more, read the full programme, and book online here .

A top real estate specialist has joined a London and south coast law firm to act for clients on property issues. Miles Lester has made Ellis Jones Solicitors’ Fleet Street office his latest base in a 20-year career since qualification. His appointment as Consultant Solicitor, tasked with leading both commercial and residential property specialisms, follows a series of property industry roles. He was a partner at central London law firms for 18 years, advising on the legal aspects of property sales, leases, landlord and tenant matters and land development. Among his most recent instructions, Miles acted for an investor on the acquisition and lease back of around 40 convenience stores. He has been regularly involved in the letting of commercial units for office, restaurant and nightclub use and has acted on both the acquisition and disposal of student accommodation including forward funding and development schemes. Miles joins Ellis Jones’ London team along with long-standing secretary Sarah Lodhi who has worked with him for more than 15 years. Miles said: “In my client instructions, I have worked ‘on the other side’ from Ellis Jones on property transactions for ten years or so. I knew of its success as a multi-department firm offering services of benefit to all kinds of clients." “It was Ellis Jones Partner and Solicitor Matt Clake who told me the firm was developing its London office and since I was looking for a new role, it has all been very good timing. The property market continues to be very active despite a challenging and turbulent few years and Sarah and I are both excited to play our parts in fulfilling a need for property law advice and experience." “Ellis Jones has a young, vibrant team and a great City location and we expect to be extremely busy given the rate of property transactions we see.” After a history degree from the University of Leeds and a Masters in War Studies from Kings College London, Miles completed a Legal Practice Course with the College of Law London and gained his solicitors’ qualification in January 2006. For her part, fellow Londoner Sarah expects in time to provide secretarial support for the whole London team alongside property instructions. Nigel Smith, Ellis Jones Managing Partner, said: “Miles is a senior lawyer with substantial knowledge and experience from across the property spectrum. Equally, we welcome Sarah as a key member of our London team too. Their arrivals support the continued growth and expansion of the London office and our portfolio of client services. I wish them both every success in their new roles.” Miles and Sarah’s appointments are the latest moves in a strategic expansion of Ellis Jones’ London office since early 2025. Ahead of the pair’s arrival, ten colleagues including Partners, Senior Associate Solicitors and others were working full-time from London following relocations and promotions. A number of other team members operate between London and Ellis Jones’ Dorset and Hampshire offices. As well as the property law specialisms, departments serving the Capital include Family, Employment, Banking & Finance Litigation, Dispute Resolution and Business Services. Miles and Sarah were introduced to many of Ellis Jones’ 187-strong team at the firm’s recent annual general meeting held at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium. Photo: New arrivals Sarah Lodhi and Miles Lester, left and second left, at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth with Ellis Jones Managing Partner Nigel Smith and Lauren Day, Partner, Solicitor and Head of Dispute Resolution. Property expert Miles is the latest lawyer to join Ellis Jones’ London-based team and Sarah is his long-standing PA.

HMG Paints is combining its passion for Art and the local environment by supporting an upcoming exhibition entitled “River Stories” focusing on the River Irk, the very river that runs through the heart of the companies Manchester site. The exhibition being produced by Fiona Brehony, in collaboration with Liz Wewiora and Many Hands Craft Collective and in partnership with Manchester Histories, commences on 16th February 2026 at The Hub, Manchester Central Library. This multidisciplinary exhibition explores the River Irk through sound, image, and community storytelling. It will combine field recordings (including from HMG Paints), collaborative documentary film, and creative works from Many Hands Craft Collective, all rooted in the river's industrial, social, and ecological significance. John Falder, HMG Paints Chairman, commented: “We’re delighted to be supporting this incredible project which brings together artists, community groups, and heritage organisations to explore the environmental, historical, and emotional dimensions of this vital local waterway.    It's been a pleasure to welcome Fiona onto our site over the last year or so and we’re excited to see the result of her work and delve deeper into the rich history of the River Irk.” Having a river running through a paint site might not sound like a perfect scenario but HMG have embraced the river as a key feature since moving to Riverside Works in 1958. In fact, the business even won an award for its work with the river having been awarded the Waterside Regeneration Award in the Northwest Business Environment 2003 scheme, organised by the Mersey Basin Campaign. Like the river and the local environment, HMG has also been supportive of the local arts and is well known for its iconic ‘Dreadnowt’ sculpture by artist Jonathan Woolfenden, which was erected in 1993, at the entrance of the New Era Woods, which were planted by HMG in the 1980’s. However, HMG’s engagement with the arts doesn’t stop there, the business also hosted Mancunian artist Max Hague who developed a series of works utilising salvaged paints and materials from HMG’s production. They also collaborated with Interactive Arts students from the Manchester School of Art, Ryan Higgins and Adam Renshaw as part of their project to explore the colours and history of the Adoration of the Magi Tapestry which was designed by Edward Burne-Jones and made by William Morris in 1894. When it comes to Manchester Central Library this isn’t HMG’s first engagement with the landmark building as HMG also supplied over 6000 litres of paint for the refurbishment of the library in 2014, including for the iconic Wolfson Reading Room. The decorative coatings produced by HMG and used at the library were the launchpad of a new business area which has seen significant growth since 2014. "It's been a privilege to work with HMG Paints over the past year, recording the extraordinary sounds of their water-based paint machinery and the river itself at their Riverside Works site. These recordings form a vital part of the exhibition's soundscape, connecting the industrial and ecological life of the River Irk,” said Fiona on the exhibition. “I'm particularly grateful to HMG for welcoming me to install and document a durational cyanotype work at the site - a piece that responds to the river's flows, the changing light, and the paint factory's relationship with the waterway. HMG's decades of environmental custodianship of the Irk, including their Waterside Regeneration Award, is an important part of the river's ongoing story that we're celebrating in this exhibition. Their support makes it possible to bring these layered histories - industrial, ecological, and community-based - to public life at Manchester Central Library." A durational cyanotype is an art project using the slow, extended UV light exposure of the cyanotype process to create images that reveal over time, often representing evolving data or natural processes. The cyanotype produced by Fiona at HMG paints will be featured in the exhibition for visitors to see. Visitors will be able to access the exhibition at Manchester Histories Hub located on the lower ground floor of Manchester Central Library.

Aldi Scotland has awarded £2,500 to Gogar Park Young Curlers through its Scottish Sport Fund as part of a special one-off Champion’s Award launched to celebrate Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Gogar Park Young Curlers will use the funding from Aldi Scotland to invest in essential equipment, including sliding shoes, brushes, coaching aids and team uniforms. This support will help the club provide more inclusive and accessible entry-level opportunities, ensuring that every child has the chance to take part in the sport, regardless of their access to equipment. Mihoko Pooley, member of Gogar Park Young Curlers, said: “This funding from Aldi Scotland will make a huge difference to our club and the young people who take part in our sessions. Curling can be difficult to access without the right equipment, so being able to provide shoes, brushes and uniforms will help us welcome more children and give them the best possible start." Founded in 1979, Gogar Park Young Curlers is a junior curling club based in Edinburgh with around 70 members under the age of 21, mainly from Edinburgh and the Lothians. The club operates weekly Sunday morning sessions at Curl Edinburgh between September and March, supported by volunteer coaches and parent helpers. Young curlers from the club compete in a wide range of internal and national competitions, from Under 12s to Under 21s leagues, travelling across Scotland from Stranraer to Inverness. The club has a strong track record of developing elite talent, with former members Jennifer Dodds and Bruce Mouat going on to win Olympic gold and silver medals at Beijing 2022 and set to represent Team GB again at Milano Cortina 2026. Pooley continued: “With the Winter Olympics coming up in 2026, there is a real buzz around curling just now. This support will help us build on that excitement, grow participation and continue our proud history of developing young curlers.” The Scottish Sport Fund Champion’s Award was introduced as a celebratory extension of Aldi Scotland’s long-running sports funding initiative, recognising a single club that demonstrates a strong commitment to developing young sporting talent. The award aims to harness the national pride sparked by Scotland’s return to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and invest it back into grassroots sport. Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup was a huge moment for the nation, and we wanted to celebrate that success by giving something back through our Scottish Sport Fund." “The Scottish Sport Fund Champion’s Award recognises clubs that go above and beyond to support young people, and Gogar Park Young Curlers is a fantastic example of that commitment. We are proud to support the next generation of sporting champions across Scotland.” Aldi Scotland introduced its Scottish Sport Fund in 2016 to support individuals of all ages and abilities to get involved in physical activity in their local communities. Over the past decade, the retailer has supported more than 650 clubs across Scotland, donating over £500,000 to improve access to sport at a grassroots level.

Leonard Curtis has secured a £15 million refinancing and growth facility for Charles Trent Limited, providing increased working capital and long-term headroom to support continued expansion, investment in innovation and the scaling of its circular-economy operations. Charles Trent has been at the forefront of automotive recycling for 100 years. It is the UK’s largest family-owned vehicle recycler and salvage business, with processing capability of up to 52,000 vehicles per annum and is a recognised leader in the automotive circular economy. The business operates from two principal sites in Poole, Dorset, purpose-built to support high-volume, low-waste vehicle dismantling. ESG considerations are embedded throughout the operation, from building design to production processes and machinery. Solar panels generate on-site renewable energy across its 100,000 sq ft facility, while its newest production building has been independently assessed as delivering materially improved carbon efficiency compared with standard industrial benchmarks, setting a new standard within the UK sector. Charles Trent is also the first UK dismantler to provide verified CO₂ saving certificates across all sales channels, allowing customers to clearly quantify the environmental benefit of reused automotive components. The business’ consistent focus on operational innovation has attracted strong interest from lenders and investors, particularly its lean, repeatable processing model, which is designed to be scalable across multiple locations. Investment in technology, sustainability and production capability remains central to the company’s long-term growth strategy. Led by CEO Marc Trent, the business undertook a strategic review of its banking arrangements to ensure its funding structure aligned with its growth ambitions. While the previous lender had supported the business over many years, the priority was to secure a partner with the appetite and understanding to support the next phase of expansion. The transaction completed a full refinance of the incumbent lender, with challenger business bank Allica Bank providing a three-year revolving credit facility of approximately £15 million. The deal was led by Dave Rushton, Regional Lead at Allica Growth Finance. Marc Trent, CEO of Charles Trent Limited, commented: “This funding marks an important moment for Charles Trent. As we move into our 100th year, we’re proving that a family-owned business can lead the way in scale, sustainability and innovation." “The investment gives us the headroom to accelerate growth, back our people, and continue building world-class circular-economy infrastructure. What matters most to me is working with funding partners who understand not just where we’ve come from, but where we’re going. Allica and Leonard Curtis clearly get that, and this facility puts us in a strong position for the next phase of our journey.” Dave Rushton, Regional Growth Finance Lead at Allica Bank, added: “Charles Trent is a strong example of a long-established business that has successfully evolved through sustained investment, innovation and operational discipline. Marc and the management team have a clear strategy for growth, underpinned by scalable infrastructure and a credible ESG proposition." "We’re pleased to support the business with flexible funding that enables continued investment, while maintaining the stability needed to deliver its long-term plans.” Mike Dinnell of Leonard Curtis provided debt advisory support. Commenting on the transaction, he said: “We’re pleased to have supported the refinancing and secured growth capital for the business. Significant investment has been made in production facilities, technology and innovation, delivering benefits not only to Charles Trent but across the wider automotive supply chain." "The business has the capability to drive meaningful change in the UK and European automotive circular economy, and we look forward to working alongside Allica Bank as those plans are delivered.” The management team comprises Marc Trent, Neil Trent, Alison Hopkins, Martin Scott and James Bawa, who will lead the business through its next phase of growth. Tim Stone, Craig Hardman and Martin Logan of Steele Raymond advised Charles Trent Limited, while Edward Sundeland, Partner at Pinsent Masons, advised Allica Bank.

JCB has secured a massive deal to supply the United States armed forces with more than 500 machines in a deal worth up to $205 million, the company announced.   The contract for 535 militarised versions of JCB’s 437HT wheeled loader has been secured with the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and will be supplied over the next decade. The contract is the third to be signed by the USMC, which five months ago placed a $45 million order for a militarised version of JCB’s 4CX backhoe loader. That followed a $39 million deal in 2024 for Multi Terrain Loaders, a militarised version of the JCB Teleskid compact tracked loader.   Chris Giorgianni, Vice President of JCB Government & Defense said: “We are delighted to have secured our third contract in a row from the U.S. Marine Corps as it is testament to the reliability, robustness and suitability of JCB machines in military applications worldwide.” JCB will supply a number of test machines to the USMC later this year and it is anticipated that full production will begin in 2027. This latest contract with the USMC, which was secured after an extensive evaluation period, is part of JCB’s long-standing support of defence organisations around the world. JCB’s defence business has grown significantly over the last decade with almost 10,000 machines sold to militaries around the world. JCB has been awarded the latest defence contract as part of the Tractor, Rubber Tired, Articulated-Steering Multi-Purpose (TRAM) vehicle programme.

Hampshire-based business ChalkStream Foods has been named the UK’s SME Food and Drink Manufacturer of the Year at the Food and Drink Federation’s (FDF) inaugural MP’s Choice Awards. ChalkStream was nominated for the award by local MP, Caroline Nokes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North. ChalkStream Foods beat stiff competition to be awarded the prize during a ceremony at the Houses of Parliament for its work to bring British trout back to the nation’s menus. Out of a shortlist of 12 regional finalists, ChalkStream impressed the panel of judges for its commitment to restoring the trout farming industry and Hampshire’s Itchen and Test Rivers, which are some of the world’s best known chalk streams. ChalkStream has spearheaded support for the extension of Wild Fisheries Protection Zones across these rivers, meaning 90% of the Upper Itchen river has now been converted to wild fishing. Alongside its sustainability credentials, the business has revitalised a traditional rural industry, employing long-standing members of local Hampshire farming families across four supplier trout farms. The MP’s Choice: Food and Drink Manufacturer of the Year Awards recognise the outstanding contributions small and medium-sized food and drink manufacturers bring to communities across the UK. MPs from every constituency were invited to nominate businesses worthy of this recognition with the winner being chosen by a panel of esteemed judges, including Food and Drink All Party Parliamentary Group Chairs, Mike Reader MP and Amanda Hack MP, Editor of The Grocer, Adam Leyland, and Sainsbury’s Commercial Director for Grocery and GM, Rachel Clark. The food and drink manufacturing sector, which is made up of 97% small and medium sized businesses, contributes over £37 billion to the economy, accounting for almost a quarter (24.2%) of total manufacturing turnover. The sector also provides around 500,000 jobs in every corner of the country. Karen Betts, Chief Executive, The Food and Drink Federation, said: “The UK’s small and medium-sized food and drink manufacturers form the backbone of our industry, creating innovative, local products valued by communities. Our award celebrates the entrepreneurialism, creativity, drive and passion of small food businesses, and the sheer hard work they put in to succeed." "Their ripple effect is immense, building prosperity in their local areas and providing great jobs and longer-term careers in their communities. The finalists were all stand-out businesses, leading the way in their specialisms, and FDF and the judging panel salute their commitment to bringing us delicious, nutritious, and sustainable food and drink."   “ChalkStream is an exceptional example of the best the UK’s food sector has to offer. Their products are second to none, and their commitment to sustainability, championing British produce and creating skilled jobs is particularly impressive. I’m delighted to see the Hampshire-based business recognised by MPs as the SME Food and Drink Manufacturer of the Year.” Hugo Hardman, Managing Director, ChalkStream, said: “We’re honoured to be named winners of the MP’s Choice: Food and Drink Manufacturer of the Year awards. Our mission is to champion British trout, support our rivers and farming communities, and produce food we can be truly proud of. This recognition belongs to our team, our partner farms and everyone who believes in the future of British freshwater fish." Caroline Nokes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North “The Test Valley trout is more than an iconic local symbol, it is a fabulous culinary success story, driven by ChalkStream and recognised all over the world." “I am so thrilled ChalkStream has won this fantastic award, recognising a brilliant local business that has celebrated our local fish and put it in the finest restaurants and venues. I am very proud that this brilliant Hampshire business has been named SME Food Manufacturer of the Year." “It was great to visit them last week and see the beautiful rainbow of fish at Greatbridge, thriving in the waters of our local chalk stream, the Test. It is local, healthy produce, enabling us to enjoy great flavour, providing employment, and putting Romsey firmly on the culinary map.” ChalkStream Foods was crowned the winner at a Parliamentary reception on 14 January 2026, attended by MPs, industry leaders and FDF representatives.

The Pothole Partnership is leading calls for five-year warranties to be given on pothole repairs to ensure delivery of permanent repairs – and help save cash for council taxpayers.   The Pothole Partnership was formed two years ago by the AA, JCB, British Cycling and the National Motorcyclists Council. The Partnership has consistently warned that much of the recently announced additional government funding to local authorities for pothole repairs is still being wasted on short-term fixes, with too many locations re-visited within 12 months. The alliance marked National Pothole Day by calling for a minimum five-year warranty to be issued on every non-emergency pothole repair. It coincided with the publication of data which showed the AA was called out to 613,638 pothole incidents in 2025 – an average of 1,681 every day – including 58,380 last January and 58,275 in December.   Edmund King, president of the AA said: “The Pothole Partnership is proposing that councils and contractors should be compelled to issue five-year warranties on every non-emergency pothole repair. Potholes not only damage cars, but they also put the lives of cyclists and motorcyclists at risk." “The proposals for a five-year warranty would mean that if a contractor or sub-contractor fixes a non-emergency pothole, a warranty for that repair would be issued for five years. If a pothole reappears within five years, it would be repaired for free of charge under the warranty. This proposal has the potential to save money for council taxpayers but more importantly, ensure the pothole is repaired correctly first time.”   Digger maker JCB manufactures the JCB Pothole Pro which repairs potholes four times faster than traditional methods and at half the cost. JCB General Manager Ben Rawding said: “Many councils across the UK are already reaping the benefits of using the JCB Pothole Pro which delivers a long-lasting repair to potholes which is faster and cheaper than the traditional manual methods. The proposed warranty scheme would be another great initiative to drive down costs for council tax payers and, crucially, ensure permanent repairs.”

Aberdeenshire-based author James E Mack is expanding his creative enterprise with a new live events business thanks to support from Business Gateway.   James, a former Royal Marines Commando and intelligence operative, with almost three decades of experience in covert operations and international security, took up the pen five years ago to write The Killing Agent. Drawing on his real-world experience of conflict and espionage, he has crafted tales of intrigue and suspense that have captivated readers. Since then, he has written six further books, including his memoir Hunter Killer Spy, and built a strong following. This summer he reached a major milestone by signing a publishing deal with Penguin Random House for his The Kill Chain series.   His new venture, Cloak and Dagger Special Events, brings audiences into the secret world of spies and covert operations. Taking his rich storytelling to a live setting, James draws on his own experiences alongside former intelligence operatives, special forces personnel and undercover police officers. The events combine real world insight with engaging storytelling and humour. Initial sessions have already been met with strong interest from audiences.   Business Gateway has provided hands-on support as James developed this new strand of his business. His local adviser, Sean Cowie, has worked closely with him, offering one-to-one guidance on business planning, marketing strategies and routes to funding. This tailored support has helped James refine the events concept, plan and deliver sessions effectively, and build a strong foundation for growth. By combining practical business guidance with insight into the creative side of his work, Sean has helped James expand his offering to audiences. James said:  “Business Gateway has been instrumental in helping me focus, plan and launch this new venture with confidence. Sean’s advice and guidance have been invaluable at every stage of development.”   Sean Cowie, Business Gateway adviser, said: “James combines a remarkable professional background with genuine storytelling talent. He has worked hard to grow his writing business and Cloak and Dagger is a natural and ambitious next step." “Supporting him as this idea has taken shape has been a pleasure, and I look forward to seeing how the business develops further.”  To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here .