Vistage, the leading business performance and leadership organisation for small and medium-sized businesses across the UK and Ireland, has released new findings from its latest CEO Confidence survey, revealing a sharp contrast between how leaders see the wider economy and how they feel about their own businesses. Key findings: 54% of leaders say economic conditions in the UK and Ireland have worsened over the past year 39% expect the economy to get worse in the next 12 months, while just 12% expect improvement Half (50%) of business leaders expect profitability to improve, despite 29% citing rising costs as their biggest challenge More than seven in ten leaders (72%) say members of the leadership team are already using Generative AI The quarterly confidence index, which is based on responses from business leaders, has increased to 93.6, up from 88 in Q3 2025 and 91.4 in Q4 2024. While overall confidence has edged up, the Autumn Budget appears to have done little to lift sentiment about the wider economy, suggesting that leaders’ growing confidence lies more in their own ability to navigate conditions than in expectations of external support. Economic Outlook Remains Negative More than half of respondents (54%) say economic conditions in the UK and Ireland have worsened over the past year, while only 6% say they have improved. Looking ahead, 39% expect the economy to deteriorate over the next 12 months, compared with just 12% who anticipate an improvement, and 45% expect conditions to stay broadly the same. The findings suggest a cautious outlook, with leaders focusing less on a quick economic recovery and more on what they can control within their own businesses. Leaders Back Their Own Businesses To Grow In contrast, SME leaders are far more positive about their own organisations. Nearly two thirds (63%) expect their firm’s sales revenues to increase over the next year, while only 6% expect a decline. Half anticipate an improvement in profitability (50%), with around a third expecting profits to hold steady (32%) and a smaller group expecting them to worsen (18%). Investment plans reinforce this confidence, as almost 39% of leaders intend to increase fixed investment, and 38% plan to maintain current levels, while only 21% expect to cut back. SMEs appear to be using this period to strengthen their position and prepare for future growth, rather than waiting for conditions to improve. Rising Costs And Customer Demand Top The List Of Pressures When asked to name the biggest challenge facing their business, rising costs came first, cited by 29% of leaders, with customer demand close behind at 25%. Other challenges include regulatory change (9%), competition (8%), talent retention (7%), supply chain issues (5%), and access to finance (3%). The combination of cost pressure and demand uncertainty shows that many SMEs are being squeezed from both sides, facing higher input costs on one hand and questions about future revenue on the other. Investing For 2026 - Growth, Technology And Talent Looking to 2026, leaders are planning around growth rather than cutbacks. According to findings, most business leaders are focused on product or service development (41%), technology adoption (38%) and leadership changes (35%), alongside cost cutting (27%), strategic partnerships (28%), investment prioritisation (23%) and hiring (20%). In line with these plans, leaders’ top investment priority for 2026 is AI (45%), followed closely by market expansion (44%), technology and training and development (both 41%), people and recruitment and customer experience (both 38%) and product development (27%), with infrastructure (18%) and sustainability (6%) also on the agenda. This focus on technology, skills, people and customers suggests SMEs are positioning themselves to emerge stronger and more competitive, rather than retrenching and waiting for conditions to improve. AI Moves Into The Mainstream The survey shows that Generative AI is now firmly embedded in many organisations. More than seven in ten leaders (72%) say members of the leadership team are using Generative AI, 65% say the CEO is using it, and 65% report use by specific teams or functions. Almost half (46%) say employees are also using AI tools independently, while only a small minority (7%) say AI is not being used at all. Leaders expect this to have a real impact on how work is organised. Almost half (49%) anticipate that AI adoption will lead to roles being reallocated, and 14% expect it to create entirely new roles. By comparison, 15% expect AI to reduce headcount, 1% expect it to increase headcount, 21% foresee no impact, and 13% are unsure. Taken together, this indicates that most SMEs see AI less as a blunt cost cutting lever and more as a way to reshape work and increase capability across the business. Rebecca Drew, Managing Director, Vistage UK and Ireland, said: “Our latest survey findings show that CEOs are under no illusions about the economic backdrop. Many see conditions worsening and expect little improvement in the year ahead, yet they continue to back their own businesses by investing in revenue growth, profitability and future capability." "With rising costs and pressure on customer demand, the quality of leadership decisions matters more than ever. In moments like this, access to trusted peers to pressure test their plans, compare approaches and learn from others’ experience can make the difference between standing still and moving ahead with confidence.” As part of Vistage’s ongoing support for business leaders, the quarterly CEO Confidence Index offers a clear view of economic sentiment, enabling leaders to make smarter decisions in today’s complex environment. To learn more about how Vistage supports high-performing leaders through insight, mentorship and community, visit here .

Revealing the shade ‘Cloud Dancer’ (PANTONE 11-4201) as the chosen colour for 2026, Pantone describes the calming shade of white as ‘a shade that can adapt, harmonise, and create contrast, bringing a feeling of airy lightness to all product applications and environments.’ Thanks to its versatility and gentle neutrality, ‘Cloud Dancer’ can act as a perfect blank canvas in gardens, introducing a calming splash of serenity, or complementing a vast range of other colours. The soft airiness of ‘Cloud Dancer’ can be identified throughout nature, with curators at the RHS Herbarium compiling a list of the top plants matching the shade. The RHS Colour Chart is a standardised referencing system of 920 shades found within the natural world. As well as being widely used throughout the horticultural industry to accurately identify and document plant colours, its use has also extended into other industries including food, fashion, and cosmetics. Identifying ‘Cloud Dancer’ as a match for the shade NN155C in the RHS Colour Chart, below are some of the plants that the RHS suggests incorporating in the garden to enjoy the calming influence of ‘Cloud Dancer’ throughout 2026 and beyond:   Galanthus × hybridus 'Robin Hood': Also known as the hybrid snowdrop ‘Robin Hood’, this clump-forming plant will bring a graceful touch of ‘Cloud Dancer’ to winter gardens. Reaching up to 50cm and blooming between January and February, this snowdrop brings beauty to the garden during the coldest months.   Tulipa 'White Dream': This beautiful tulip, with its pure white, goblet-shaped petals, will add a touch of ‘Cloud Dancer’ serenity to the garden whilst also complementing a wide range of different colours due to its versatility. Flowering in late spring and reaching a height of around 40cm, this is a great choice for borders, beds, or containers.   Dianthus 'Devon Dove': A bushy perennial with grey foliage and upright stems reaching heights of up to 45cm, the soft white, fragrant petals of this Dianthus will bring delicate airiness to gardens as it flowers between early and mid-summer.   Daphne 'Spring Herald': Amongst glossy green leaves, this bushy evergreen shrub brings early seasonal beauty and fragrance as clusters of creamy white flowers appear between late winter and early spring.   Veronica 'Wiri Mist': A compact evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves, the freshness of ‘Cloud Dancer’ bursts into life as masses of white flowers bloom from late spring into summer. This low-maintenance plant is a perfect option for growing in city gardens and flower borders and beds.   Clematis cartmanii 'Joe': A compact trailing or evergreen climber, this clematis flowers in early spring to reveal clusters of bowl-shaped white flowers. A strong choice for container planting, it thrives in full sun to partial shade.   Hosta 'Vulcan': A clump-forming perennial with deep green leaves and soft white streak in their centre. Blooming into pale lavender flowers in the mid-summer, this Hosta embodies the versatility of ‘Cloud Dancer’ to complement other natural shades.   Salvia pratensis 'Swan Lake' (Ballet Series): A compact, clump-forming perennial that reaches up to 50cm tall. Amongst grey-green leaves, pure white flowers bloom in summer, and again in the autumn if they are cut back halfway through the first flowering period.   Viburnum plicatum f. plicatum 'Grandiflorum': Also called the Japanese snowball ‘Grandiflorum’, this bushy deciduous shrub has strongly veined leaves and large globular clusters of white flowers which turn pink with age. A low-maintenance plant well suited to planting in beds and borders.   Camellia japonica 'Alba Plena': An evergreen shrub with glossy green foliage, the white, formal double flowers of ‘Alba Plena’ are reminiscent of the understated beauty of the ‘Cloud Dancer’ shade.   Yvette Harvey, Keeper of the Herbarium at RHS Garden Wisley, said: “The choice of plants matching 'Cloud Dancer' encompasses all seasons. Few things beat the wonder of seeing snowdrops carpeting the ground on a frosty morning, or even peeping through the snow, and there is something about white flowers and intoxicating perfumes, from the promise of spring provided by daphnes to exploring the garden on a warm and balmy summer evening, picking up the heady aroma of jasmine, roses and Phlox.” To learn more about the RHS Herbarium, please visit here .

Bookended by storms Éowyn and Bram, 2025 delivered a sun-soaked spring and hottest summer on record followed by autumn floods – a rollercoaster of conditions that has tested nature’s resilience like never before. The year began with a mild, wet winter punctuated by severe storms but soon swung into the warmest and sunniest spring on record which escalated into a record-breaking summer of heat and drought before ending with bursts of autumn and winter rain, storms and flooding. These extremes left many habitats vulnerable. Smaller streams ran dry, and rivers and reservoirs fell to perilously low levels while baked landscapes contributed to the UK’s worst fire season. January brought destructive winds with Storm Éowyn resulting in the worst storm damage in decades in Northern Ireland, toppling tens of thousands of trees from Crom in Fermanagh to Mount Stewart in the Ards Penninsula. February brought exceptional rainfall, including 106.4mm in East Anglia—248 per cent above average—making it one of the wettest months on record, before the weather flipped dramatically. From March to May, the UK basked in its sunniest, warmest spring ever, 1.4°C above the norm, making it the driest spring in over 50 years and the driest spring in more than a century for England. These conditions set the stage for water shortages and early warnings of drought, while marine heatwaves added to the strain, pushing sea temperatures up by 4°C. Summer was even more punishing with four heatwaves, a peak of 35.8°C in Kent, and rainfall at just 42% of normal in southern England. By August, drought gripped large areas despite isolated storms, and tinderbox conditions sparked Britain’s worst fire season on record – over 47,000 hectares burned – including major blazes at National Trust sites such as Marsden Moor in Yorkshire, Holt Heath in Dorset and Abergwesyn Common in Wales. Autumn brought a sharp reversal. September was wet and stormy and in October Storm Amy dumped 104mm of rain in 24 hours in Cumbria. By November, Storm Claudia triggered 42 flood warnings across England and Wales, and storm Bram capped the year with a month’s worth of rain on Dartmoor in just 48 hours – a stark reminder of Britain’s increasingly volatile climate. Commenting on what this year’s weather meant for wildlife, Ben McCarthy, Head of Nature Conservation at the National Trust, said: “Heat, drought and fire are the defining headlines of 2025. In just two years we’ve lurched from a very wet period to record-breaking heat and dryness that put our countryside on red alert. Fires on moors, heaths and in forests have decimated vegetation and the biodiversity these systems support." “Extremes in weather is nothing new, but it’s the compounded impact of several drought years in a short period - 2018, 2022 and now 2025 - which is putting untold strain on habitats and making life even more difficult for UK wildlife. These are alarm signals we cannot ignore, and we need to work faster, smarter and in a more joined up way." “But there is hope: where we’ve restored rivers, wetlands and peatlands, nature has shown remarkable resilience. Beaver pools stayed wet and lush, fish and amphibians found refuge, and new wetland projects thrived even in the drought. If we scale up these efforts, we can give wildlife and landscapes the lifeline they need.” Keith Jones, National Consultant on Climate Change, added: “The drought of 2025 ranks among the most severe since 1976. Hosepipe bans and drought orders were widespread, wildlife struggled, and farmers saw crop yields fall and poor grass growth. At some National Trust places, streams dried up, and ponds dropped so low that fish died." “These extremes – driest spring, hottest summer – are no longer rare events. They’re becoming the new normal. But practical action makes a difference. Through our work with University College London, we have learnt that data isn’t the driver to making changes. Instead, it’s taking action that can lead to more action, particularly when it’s simple relatable things such as planting a more diverse variety of trees into woodlands, gardens and parklands to create more complexity to help build resilience." “For example, we’re planting more drought-tolerant trees like hornbeam in Eryri and improving soil health in our gardens to hold more water. By creating landscapes that store water and cope with heat, we can help nature adapt to a changing climate.” Fire: the hidden cost of heat The largest fire on National Trust land this year broke out on Abergwesyn Common in Powys, Mid Wales, in April. It burned across 5,365 hectares of peatland, including 1,600 hectares under the Trust’s care – an area 400 times the size of Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. The blaze destroyed peat that was being painstakingly restored to lock in carbon and water, reversing years of conservation work. Started deliberately and exacerbated by the impacts of the dry spring on the vegetation, flames at times stretched along a five-mile front, destroying habitats for small mammals, reptiles and birds, including the last known breeding grounds of golden plovers, a rare upland species, in the area. Other species affected included meadow pipit, skylark, raven, red kite, common lizard, common frog, field vole and rare dragonflies such as the black darter. Rangers warned the ecological damage will be felt for decades. Peatlands that had been restored to lock in carbon and water were scorched, reversing years of conservation work. The fire released vast amounts of CO₂ and left bogs vulnerable to erosion. Eight months on, new vegetation masks the damage, but rangers estimate that where the fire took hold, the blaze destroyed around 20 years of peat accumulation. Recovery will require sustained effort and careful grazing management to restore resilience and biodiversity. Chris Smith, Countryside Manager for the National Trust in Mid and South Wales, said: “The sheer scale of the fire is hard to fathom. Whole ecosystems were decimated. As peat has a recovery rate of around 1mm a year, it will take years for these precious peatlands to reform. Without careful management, regrowth of invasive Molinia, or purple moor grass, – which grows faster than other vegetation - will only fuel future fires and further impoverish the land." “But we remain focused and committed which brings hope. We’ve already begun planning targeted restoration to rebuild peat and biodiversity, and past experience shows that with the right grazing and habitat work, these landscapes can recover and become more resilient than before.” Water: rivers and ponds under pressure Low rainfall left streams and ponds perilously low or dry at several National Trust places. At Fountains Abbey, water levels dropped and suffocating pond weed flourished, forcing teams to clear vegetation to keep the River Skell flowing and oxygen levels safe for wildlife. At Tattershall Castle in Lincolnshire, breeding ponds for great crested newts dried up, impacting young, and at Chirk Castle in Wrexham two of the ponds dried up completely. Rangers at Hardwick Hall in Derbyshire had to aerate the Great Pond in July when low water levels combined with rapid cold stormwater saw oxygen levels crash resulting in fish deaths, while Studland’s Little Sea inland lake in Purbeck hit its lowest level since monitoring began, with many shallow pools disappearing entirely. This autumn, blue-green algae appeared at Portstewart Strand in Northern Ireland - a growing challenge fuelled by warmer waters and nutrient runoff . However, there was also encouraging news at locations where the charity has rolled out a programme of significant river restoration work since 2018. The River Aller’s Stage-0 on the Holnicote Estate on Exmoor has created a lush wetland oasis that held good amounts of water enabling species to thrive during this year’s drought including water voles, many bird species benefiting as well including great white egrets, big flocks of gold finches, swifts and house martens as well as evidence of harvest mice in the longer grassy areas. Beaver wetlands also proved their worth, with otters and kingfishers doing well at Holnicote, and the pools created by beavers at Wallington in Northumberland retained water with fish and amphibians finding refuge. Four beaver kits were also born. At Conwy in north Wales, a project to restore a section of the Afon Machno saw the reconnected floodplain continuing to mature into a vibrant wetland, supporting species such as sandpipers, dippers, kingfishers, frogs, newts, bats, otters, and water voles. The new channels and scrapes mean that water is held on parts of the floodplain for longer, and insects are once again abundant where the wetland habitat has been restored. Woodlands: trees under stress Extreme weather continued to place unprecedented strain on trees. Newly planted saplings at National Trust places suffered losses of up to 40 per cent – far above the expected 10–15 per cent factored in each year – while mature trees showed stress through early leaf loss, limb drop and reduced canopy colour. Oaks, already threatened by acute oak decline, are less able to withstand repeated dry years, particularly in the Midlands and East where rainfall is lowest. The Trust is trialling earlier winter planting, mulches and natural regeneration and colonisation to improve survival. “Both heavy rainfall and drought over the past two years have made it harder for young trees to establish,” said John Deakin, Head of Trees & Woodlands at the National Trust. “Planting earlier in the winter and using mulches can give saplings a better chance of bedding in before spring leaf growth. Natural regeneration and colonisation also offer a solution – young saplings invest in their roots immediately and are potentially more likely to survive a summer drought than a sapling that might have had its roots damaged when planted.” He continued: “The effects of prolonged periods of heat on mature trees are slower to reveal themselves, but the risks are mounting. Drought weakens trees over time, leaving them vulnerable to disease. The legacy of past droughts and climatic events, like the drought in 1976, or the storm in 1987 are still visible today.” Across the country, heat stress due to the drought caused early leaf loss, limb drop, and reduced canopy colour. Dyffryn Gardens near Cardiff was one of many places to experience a “false autumn,” with katsura trees turning yellow and releasing their burnt sugar scent seven weeks early. Head Gardener Chris Flynn reflected: “We’ve had three droughts in four years at Dyffryn. Each year it takes more for plants to recover, and the stress is mounting.” Farming: crops and livestock hit by another year of challenging conditions The hot and dry spring and summer proved challenging for farmers across the country. Many arable farmers reported smaller yields and a reduction in quality, with analysis from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit estimating a loss to farmers of £800m and describing it as the second-worst harvest since 1984. For some livestock farmers, it became a struggle to feed their animals. With limited grass growth many had to fall back on using silage/haylage stores earlier than normal resulting in many having to buy in winter feed at additional expense. At Wimpole, the National Trust’s in-hand organic mixed farm in Cambridgeshire, crops did better than in 2024 when it was very wet, despite the dry conditions. Yields were about average, but the quality was really good. However, forage production was difficult: grass and wildflowers barely grew and as soon as rain hit, the plants ‘bolted’ and set seed, rather than growing. Sileage ran out during spring, due to the delays to the first cut , and in summer, livestock had to be fed with last year’s hay. As farm manager Dave Hassall explains: “These are things we would never normally do but we’ve ended up doing twice in four years as the impact of climate change takes hold.” Meanwhile it was a different picture at Hafod y Llan, the Trust’s in-hand upland farm on the slopes of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), where staff reported a “near perfect year”. While the rest of the country baked in the heat with little or no rain, periodic showers and mountain drizzle continued to fall on the farm. Lambing went without a hitch, and according to farm manager Arwyn Owen, the sileage/hay harvest was the easiest he can remember in the two decades he’s been at the farm. But late in the year floods hit, when on 1 December, 5.5 inches of rain fell in 18 hours. Wildlife winners, losers and those experiencing mixed fortunes Despite this year’s extreme weather, some species thrived – or partially bounced back after 2024’s very wet conditions. Generalist species such as seals, carrion crows and speckled wood butterflies did well thanks to their ability to adapt to warmer temperatures and survive on a varied diet. Ben McCarthy, explained: “ While adaptable species are coping, those with specialist needs – like the wood white butterfly – are in steep decline. The homogenisation of the wider countryside and the loss of diverse habitats across the countryside is accelerating this trend. Protected sites such as SSSIs can no longer act as a safety net; they’re too small and too fragmented to form an effective ecological network. Without urgent, joined-up effective action, nature will continue to decline and government will miss its legal targets.” The calm, frost-free spring powered a spectacular blossom season followed by a bumper fruit harvest at places like Cotehele in Cornwall and Hughenden in Buckinghamshire. This particular weather pattern and the dry summer also pushed other trees to produce seeds early and in abundance. The result was an extraordinary mast year, with trees and hedgerow shrubs yielding bumper crops across the country feeding jays, squirrels, deer and countless other species. Although good news for wildlife it remains unclear what the impacts of climate change are on the synchronisation of mast years and the natural regeneration of tree species. The long spells of warm dry weather suited hazel dormice which stayed active longer and fattened up on autumn’s glut of nuts and berries prior to hibernation. The warm, dry nights over the summer months were also ideal conditions for moth activity – and at Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire it was one of the best years for moth recording on site. Surveys turned up new species including the L-album Wainscot indicating a northward spread linked to climate change. Pumpkins in Trust gardens ripened six weeks early at Buckland Abbey in Devon, with yields up 50% on last year. Autumn rains brought a dazzling display of fungi at Dartmoor in Devon including fly agaric and Penrhyn Castle in north Wales where numerous waxcap species were record. Grey seals continued their upward trajectory at Blakeney Point, Orford Ness and the Farne Islands, with pup numbers expected to break records again. Various species of birds also showed resilience where habitats were well managed: kingfishers and cranes bred successfully at Wicken Fen, nightjars and Dartford warblers thrived on Purbeck heathlands, and Brownsea Island recorded its highest-ever spoonbill count. At Dunwich Heath numbers of Dartford warblers also rebounded dramatically after previous drought damage to the heathland and on the Longshaw Estate in the Peak District, the pied fly catcher had a successful breeding season. But for many species, 2025 was brutal. Wetland and ground-nesting birds lost breeding sites as ponds and streams dried. Amphibians suffered, with Formby’s natterjack toads producing no toadlets. Fish such as trout and salmon struggled in shrinking rivers and overheated waters, and otters found hunting harder as their prey dwindled. Newly planted trees faced up to 40% losses, far above the expected 10–15%, while mature trees showed stress through early leaf loss and limb drop. Other UK wildlife experienced mixed fortunes. Butterflies seem to have rebounded from 2024’s wet spring and summer, with species in flight earlier than normal due to the warm and settled spring. At Hatfield Forest in Essex, surveys recorded the highest butterfly numbers in nearly 20 years with marbled-white and small heath butterflies particularly abundant and sightings of the elusive purple emperor increasing. Heath fritillary numbers surged at Holnicote in Somerset, and in Eryri in Wales, good numbers of brimstone and silver-studded blue were recorded, though still below 1990s levels, but long-term trends remain fragile. Raptors like barn owls and kestrels suffered where vole numbers crashed in parched grasslands at Mottisfont in Hampshire and Sherborne in Gloucestershire, though marsh harriers bred successfully at Orford Ness and Pembrokeshire. There was also good news for other birds such as the pied flycatchers at Chirk Castle in Wales and Longshaw in the Peak District with good numbers fledging largely thanks to the dry and more settled weather in the spring allowing adults to forage for longer and the young to stay warm and less exposed. Seabirds also faced a tough season: Arctic tern nests fell 30 per cent at Long Nanny, and puffin numbers fell by a quarter (23 per cent) on the Farne Islands, even as fulmars and razorbills numbers rose, an encouraging sign after the devastation caused to some species by bird flu. Dragonflies thrived at Wicken Fen and Anglesey Abbey but vanished from dried-out ponds in the Peak District. Pollinators boomed in spring then dropped sharply in summer heat. Wildflower meadows struggled in many drought-hit areas like the Cotswolds and Somerset, with seed yields down by 50 per cent, yet restoration and moisture retention delivered bright spots in Wales and Carmarthenshire, where common spotted orchids flourished. However, at Purbeck in Dorset at Hartland Moor, stress-tolerant wildflower species such as stork’s bill and common centaury did well and adaptive grazing created unexpectedly rich habitats for pollinators. High on the slopes of Eryri, rare Arctic alpine plants are clinging to survival as rising temperatures reshape their fragile habitat. Among them is the tufted saxifrage – with just seven known plants left on the mountain. This year’s drought sparked fears of extinction, but thankfully north Wales escaped the worst of the dry conditions, and all seven plants endured. Simon Rogers, Countryside Manager for the National Trust in Eryri explained: “These species once thrived in Eryri’s freezing winters and cool summers, but prolonged heat is becoming the norm. Over the past decade, the number of hot years has surged, pushing these plants to the edge." “Their survival now depends on growing plants in nurseries to restore the population and reducing other threats, from grazing and trampling. But the key thing is how quickly we can reduce our impact on the climate. Species like the tufted saxifrage are like the canary in the coalmine, telling us that they’re struggling under a changing climate. This year they came very close to disappearing from Wales altogether, this should be a wake-up call for us all.” Autumn out of sync: Nature’s seasonal surprises The mild, wet autumn triggered a second flush for a range of plants. At Newark Park in Gloucestershire, staff noticed woodland holly flowering in November, while in the Tyne Valley, rangers reported the spring-flowering marsh marigold in bloom, and in the White Peak in the Peak District in Derbyshire the summer flowering harebell was spotted blooming in November. Other unusual sights included apple trees blossoming in Nottinghamshire and Herefordshire in September and October respectively, and roses at Mottisfont in Hampshire in bloom in December. "The roses don't know what season it is," commented Senior Gardener Michael Howard. National Specialist for Environmental Horticulture, Rebecca Bevan, explained: "A lot of our garden plants are from different climates and so will often try reflowering when conditions are right. If this has felt especially noticeable this year, it will be because many plants - especially roses - stopped flowering early due to the dry. Later, the wet, warm conditions triggered them to flower more, which may have provided a bit of late nectar for pollinating insects." Some animals appeared to be out-of-sync with the seasons too. Bats and brimstone butterflies were still on the wing in November in Suffolk, while jackdaws, hooded crows and rooks were flocking and rebuilding their rookeries at Mount Stewart in Northern Ireland many months early. Ben McCarthy, the Trust's Head of Nature Conservation, said: "Blooming apple trees and brimstone butterflies in November are yet more snapshots of the topsy-turvy seasons we're now experiencing on an almost yearly basis." "Climate change is driving these milder, wetter autumns, which throw wildlife out of sync. Our generalist species may be able to adapt to an extent, but the specialists will not - and that provides a threat for some of our most precious wildlife." Photo: The impact of wildfire on Abergwesyn Common

Dev Biswal, the owner-chef of The Cook's Tale and Cafe Marrakech restaurant in Canterbury plus The Cook's Adventures tour company, has received two more prestigious awards to add to his impressive collection. Biswal, was named National Chef of the Year and The Cook's Adventures won the accolade for Culinary Tourism for his in-bound and international gastronomic food tours, at the 10th Asian Food and Restaurant Awards held at the Dilly Hotel in London before Christmas.   The Cook's Tale has also just been included in the new 2026 edition of Harden's Best UK Restaurants. The authoritative hospitality guide says: "Exciting fusion cooking using adventurous ingredients ... which promotes the cuisine of Odisha in East India ... the food is always interesting and delicious." "I'm indebted to my dedicated and hard working team for consistently producing dishes of such high quality, our local farmers for their excellent produce and am grateful to the loyal clientele who continue to nominate us for these awards," said Biswal. Other awards have included. 'Best Restaurant' at the Taste of Kent Awards; 'Best Indian Restaurant' by Morrisons magazine; 'Best Restaurant in the Southeast' by the Cobra Good Curry Guide, Asian Chef of the Year at the Asian Restaurant Awards, Best Asian Chef – Outside London at the Asian Oriental & Chef Awards, Fine Dining Restaurant of the Year - Kent from the Good Curry Guide and Excellence in Culinary Tourism from International Travel Guides.   The Asian Food & Restaurant Awards [AFRA] is an annual black-tie gala dinner dedicated to recognising excellence across the Asian food and hospitality sector. The awards celebrate outstanding achievements among restaurants, takeaways, chefs, food and drink brands, catering companies, retailers, and suppliers that have made an indelible mark on the eating habits of the British public. Attul Haq, AFRA’s CEO, said: “The British-Asian food and hospitality industry plays a significant role in the UK economy and contributes greatly to the country’s cultural and economic growth. These awards highlight the contribution of the people and brands that are driving Britain’s food industry forward.” Dev's latest venture, Cafe Marrakech, which launched in November is already receiving rave reviews, offers a curated mixture of Moroccan elegance, authentic flavours, and traditional hospitality. with slow-cooked tagines, charcoal-grilled meats, hand-rolled couscous, vibrant salads, flaky pastries, freshly baked khobz, and sweet delights like semolina basbousa. Biswal became inspired by north African cuisines after recruiting a Moroccan chef to join his brigade at The Cook’s Tale. He quickly added the destination to his destinations of his small group culinary tours operation, The Cooks Adventures. "This tourism award should help us boost numbers of gastro tourists coming to east Kent in 2026 for our ‘culinary pilgrimages’, taking in the local area’s beautiful countryside," added Biswal.

Bechtel announced it received a three-year extension from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to continue managing and operating the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Under the leadership of the Bechtel-led Salado Isolation Mining Contractors (SIMCO), the site has surpassed its waste-shipment targets every year since the start of the contract, reaching its 1,000th shipment earlier this year.   Mark Bollinger, Manager of DOE’s Carlsbad Field Office said: “We are pleased to extend SIMCO’s contract for the next three years. SIMCO has been an exceptional partner, safely emplacing waste from across the nation while completing critical infrastructure projects ahead of schedule and under budget, all without disrupting WIPP’s mission or compromising safety.” Since 2022, the SIMCO team has strengthened the nation’s only deep geologic repository for defense-related transuranic (TRU) waste by delivering major infrastructure upgrades, ensuring uninterrupted waste processing, and completing more than 2 million safe work hours in 2025 with no lost-time incidents. Ben Souther, Bechtel’s General Manager of Environmental and Security said: “Bechtel’s close partnership with DOE, our strong safety culture, and delivery focus has enabled us to lay the groundwork for safe, compliant and effective operations at WIPP for decades to come. The progress we’ve made over the past three years under SIMCO is a true credit to our people who continue to drive safe, smart solutions at WIPP.” Other recent milestones by Bechtel-led SIMCO include capital infrastructure improvement projects such as: Delivery of the Underground Ventilation System (UVS), the largest containment ventilation system in the DOE complex, over a year early, $10 million under budget, and with minimal impact to WIPP activities. Now operational, the UVS delivers 540,000 cubic feet per minute of clean air into the repository, more than tripling previous airflow. This substantial increase enhances worker safety and enables key activities like waste emplacement, mining and ground control to occur simultaneously. Completion of construction and start of operations for the new utility shaft (i.e., achievement of Critical Decision-4), more than a year ahead of schedule and $5 million under budget. This project adds ventilation capacity while also serving as another access and egress point into the mine. Completion of the $15 million refurbishment of the salt pocket and salt hoist, the sole channel for transporting mined salt to the surface. Years of geologic pressure had deformed the original 55-foot-deep cavity, requiring a full recut to restore function. Now complete, the upgrade enables WIPP to safely continue underground mining activities for Panel 11, the next waste emplacement panel. Located more than 2,100 feet underground, WIPP is a network of disposal rooms carved from an ancient salt formation. Originally designed, engineered and constructed by a team that included Bechtel, WIPP has operated since 1999, safely accepting TRU waste—including clothing, tools, rags, residues, debris, soil and other items contaminated with small amounts of plutonium and other human-made radioactive elements—from 22 generator sites nationwide. Over time, the salt naturally encapsulates the waste emplaced in disposal rooms and safely isolates it from the environment for thousands of years. Bechtel’s involvement with WIPP started in 1978, initially leading the site investigation and conducting geologic and seismic analyses. The team also handled mathematical modelling for waste and underground rooms, along with heat transfer and salt creep studies. Once the decision was made to move forward, Bechtel led engineering and major equipment procurement, managed construction planning and scheduling, and prepared safety analyses and environmental reports. For more than 75 years, Bechtel has partnered with the DOE to deliver nuclear operations, project management, construction, cleanup, decommissioning, remediation and closure at legacy nuclear and hazardous waste sites, making the world cleaner, safer and more secure. To learn more about Bechtel’s work supporting DOE Missions, visit here .

An expanding Hampshire accountancy and business advisory firm has taken on a host of new trainees to meet growing business demand. HWB Chartered Accountants has appointed six new starters as the firm strives to grow its own talent to counter skills shortages. The Southampton-based firm has allocated the cohort across a range of business sectors to work with experienced staff and progress their skills and learn while working. In the case of Accounts and Audit Trainee Dalbir Bhullar it is a warm welcome back to a familiar face as he did his placement year with the firm’s Payroll team before rejoining the accounts and audit team after graduating. The other trainees are Tom Stanley (Tax Assistant), Tom Watson (Accountant), Sophie Murray-Cousens (Payroll Administrator) and Charlie Hodgson (Accounts AAT). Also among the starters is Marketing Administrator Olivia Bryant, who will do a marketing qualification. Managing Director Tracy Jenkins said: “I welcome our new recruits, who came to us after a robust selection process. We place a great emphasis on the skill, integrity and potential of every team member so we do not appoint lightly." “Business continues to expand across all sectors, from larger companies to private individuals, and we as a firm must evolve to meet the challenge by growing organically and maintaining the level of customer service for which we are so renowned." “We find that the optimum way of doing this is to attract and recruit the best young people, give them full hands-on training and offer them a clear career progression path. We are sure they will add significant value to our business." “At HWB Chartered Accountants we are fully invested in the process of developing our business leaders of the future to provide the impetus to further grow the business across all sectors. A business is nothing without its people and we have a talented, dedicated and hard-working team across all disciplines. As head of the firm, nothing gives me more pleasure than to witness career trajectories successfully taking off.” HWB Chartered Accountants, which was founded in 1985 as Hopper Williams & Bell and is based at Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton, celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025. The firm provides accounting, tax and business advisory services to organisations across Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset & West Sussex and beyond. Photo: The latest HWB recruits with Managing Director Tracy Jenkins, seated right, are from left, Tom Watson, Sophie Murray-Cousens (seated), Olivia Bryant, Tom Stanley, Dalbir Bhullar and Charlie Hodgson

With almost 40%1 of people in north Glasgow living with food insecurity, three local organisations are stepping in to do their bit to help families in the area. Young People’s Futures (YPF) run an after-school club, where primary-aged children can enjoy a healthy menu, as well as breakfast at home the next morning, provided by The Courtyard Pantry and funded by the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust. By using food as a force for change, The Courtyard Pantry tackles poverty in the local community. They offer healthy, affordable meals and create job opportunities, training and volunteer roles for those who struggle to find work. By working with local services, the The Courtyard Pantry also helps people to connect socially and access vital support services, easing the stress of financial difficulties. Their innovative ‘Health by Stealth’ menu, developed with the University of Glasgow’s Public Health Nutritionist team, ensures children receive nutrient-dense, tasty meals designed to meet Scottish dietary requirements. Since the menu launched, attendance at the YPF club has tripled – clear proof of the impact good food has on children’s engagement and wellbeing. The project had initially been funded with ad-hoc donations and reserve funds. These began to run out, however, and Young People’s Futures – though delighted with the programme’s success – weren't in a position to cover the costs themselves. With food provision under threat at YPF due to lack of funds, The Courtyard Pantry turned to the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, which stepped in with a £5,600 donation. The donation will fund 14 weeks of meals for around 80 children each week and provide breakfast bags for them to take home after the club. Dale Todd, Managing Director of The Courtyard Pantry said, “We are grateful to the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust for funding our after-school club food programme. With food insecurity in the community reaching 40%, ensuring children have access to nutritious food is crucial. Thanks to the Trust’s support, we can continue to assist primary-aged children attending Young People’s Futures After School Club in Wester Common.” David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, added, “The Courtyard Pantry has made a real difference in this community for years, and we’re proud to help them tackle food insecurity. No child should learn on an empty stomach – and with this initiative, children can focus on school without hunger holding them back.” This funding means children in Wester Common will have access to healthy meals and a brighter start to each day.  Photos: Community Market at the Courtyard Pantry Community-grown vegetables at Courtyard Pantry Dale Todd, Managing Director of Courtyard Pantry Enterprise David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group

The range of red squirrels in the Scottish Highlands has increased by more than 25% following a 10-year reintroduction project by rewilding charity Trees for Life. Surveys show that over a dozen new populations of reds are now thriving and breeding successfully – with many spreading and linking up, and others likely to do so in future. Following the latest reintroductions this year, Trees for Life has so far relocated 259 red squirrels to 13 new sites in the northwest Highlands from which the species was missing. Reds are now present as far north as Ullapool and Brora, at multiple locations on the northwest coast, at Morvern to the southwest, and across all areas of suitable habitat in the central Highlands as far north as Lairg, Trees for Life’s latest survey found. Trees for Life’s Becky Priestley said: “This rewilding success story is offering hope for the long-term survival of Scotland’s much-loved red squirrels, and shows how we can make a real and positive difference to our native wildlife,” The charity now plans to expand the species’ range further as part of an ambitious new Missing Species Programme for the Highlands, which it is to launch to bring back four of Scotland’s keystone animals which are partly or fully missing from Scotland. Although an iconic Scottish species, the red squirrel was brought to the edge of extinction in Britain by historic habitat loss and human persecution. Its recovery remains at risk due to competition from the non-native grey squirrel, which also carries the fatal squirrel pox virus. During the NatureScot-licensed reintroductions, Trees for Life carefully relocates small numbers of reds from healthy populations around Inverness-shire, Moray and Strathspey to suitable woods in the north and northwest, where they will be safe from greys. Red squirrels can’t reach these havens without help, because they avoid crossing large open spaces. The latest releases this year saw 12 reds reintroduced to woodlands along the coast from Letterfearn to Ratagan on the Glenelg peninsula, to bolster the population after seven squirrels were released the previous autumn. Estimates of UK numbers of reds range from just 160,000 to 287,000. Scotland is today the British stronghold for the woodland-loving species – home to 80% of the population. Before the reintroductions, reds were absent from most of their former range in the north and northwest Highlands, with the last records generally from the 1970s. Trees for Life’s surveys show reintroductions have been highly successful, already increasing the Highland red squirrel range by more than 26%. Prior consultations are carried out at each release site. Only a few reds are relocated from each donor site to leave those populations unaffected, and these sites are regularly changed to ensure genetic diversity. Checks ensure only healthy animals are relocated. With animal welfare paramount, the reds are transported in hay-lined nest boxes and released into habitat with plenty of natural food and shelter. Additional food is provided for several months as the reds get used to their new habitat. Since launching the project in 2015, Trees for Life has established new populations of reds in Shieldaig, Coulin, Plockton, Inverewe, Reraig, Attadale, Letterewe, Lochaline, Spinningdale, Golspie, Arisaig, Drimnin, and Ratagan. Combined with the previous work of the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation, which pioneered the reintroductions to three other sites, in total more than 340 red squirrels have been relocated to 16 new sites in the Highlands since 2008. “Our local community volunteers have been at the heart of this project – from identifying donor sites, to helping with supplementary feeding and taking part in citizen science by reporting sightings and monitoring camera traps,” said Becky Priestley. A detailed new red squirrel distribution map for the Highlands to inform future restoration initiatives has been created by the charity. This draws on citizen science sightings, data from organisations and landowners, and a new way of analysing squirrel feeding evidence. Trees for Life’s surveys also highlighted the benefits of reforestation, and how further woodland restoration could help some isolated populations of reds to spread. Squirrel reintroductions in turn help forests naturally expand, because reds plant new trees by forgetting where they have buried their winter stores of nuts and seeds. In November, Trees for Life announced it is to launch a £3.6m Missing Species Programme for the Highlands, focused on red squirrels, lynx, beavers, and modern-day aurochs. Alongside a supporter appeal to raise an initial £25,000 to kickstart the initiative, Trees for Life is reaching out to major funders to help resource the ambitious new programme.

The new partnerships with Sheffield Wednesday Football Club Community Programme (SWFCCP) and B. Braun Sheffield Sharks, join an existing collaboration with Qualitas Sport Ltd.   The partnerships will support the delivery of innovative blended learning opportunities, combining academic study with practical experience in sport business, coaching, and community development, equipping students with the skills and knowledge for the global sports industry.   Through these collaborations, Sheffield Hallam will offer courses including a foundation degree and a one-year top up course that converts a previous qualification into a full honours degree in Sport Business Management.    These collaborations will:   Deliver blended learning programmes  combining academic study with practical business-related coaching and community engagement. Provide inclusive education pathways  from FE to HE, supported by mentoring and career guidance. Enhance student employability  through a curriculum which integrates sport business, marketing, event management, and leadership—skills highly valued in the sports sector. Students learn to manage budgets, develop sponsorship strategies, and deliver community programmes, placements, and outreach projects. Strengthen South Yorkshire’s educational ecosystem and promote lifelong learning.   Dr Ruth Crabtree, Head of the School of Sport and Physical Activity, said:   “We are delighted to collaborate with leading professional clubs and organisations across the city and region. Working alongside partners such as Qualitas, Braun Sharks, and Sheffield Wednesday FC creates exceptional opportunities for our students to learn in a truly applied, real-world context. " At the School of Sport & Physical Activity, we pride ourselves on delivering value-added experiences and practical learning for all our students. These partnerships open doors for individuals who may not have previously considered higher education, enabling them to pursue degrees in dynamic environments while gaining hands-on experience and applying academic knowledge directly to their professional practice.” SWFCCP, established in 2005, is a leading charitable initiative generating over £8 million in social value during the 2023–24 season. Through its education hub, SWFCCP delivers post-16 BTEC qualifications, degree-level pathways, and community outreach programmes.   James Moore, Degree Coordinator at SWFCCP, said: “We’re thrilled at Sheffield Wednesday to partner with a world-leading organisation like Sheffield Hallam University. Together, we’ll expand our higher education offering so students can work toward a degree while gaining hands-on experience that sets them up for success in the working world of sports business management.” B. Braun Sheffield Sharks is a professional basketball organisation committed to education and youth empowerment. The Sharks have engaged over 20,000 students since 2013 through initiatives such as the Sheffield Sharks Education Academy, RESPECT programmes, and the B. Healthy campaign. Their partnership with Sheffield Hallam will provide blended learning opportunities, elite basketball pathways, and community engagement projects, supported by state-of-the-art facilities at Canon Medical Arena. Marko Backovic, Head of Operations at B. Braun Sheffield Sharks, said: “We are proud to join forces with Sheffield Hallam University together with some of the region’s most respected clubs and organisations, including Qualitas, and Sheffield Wednesday FC Community Programme." "Together, we are creating life-changing opportunities for our students—where learning goes beyond the classroom and becomes an experience that shapes futures. At Braun Sharks, we believe education should inspire, empower, and open doors. These partnerships allow students to earn degrees in dynamic, real-world settings, applying their knowledge in ways that make a tangible impact. For many, this is not just a chance to study—it’s a chance to dream bigger and achieve more.”   Current student Connor Dawson said:   “Starting the blended Sport Business Management degree at Sheffield Hallam has been a game-changer for me. The blended learning approach gives me flexibility, and working alongside professional organisations like Qualitas Sport Ltd has opened doors I never imagined. I’m gaining real-world experience while studying, which makes me feel confident about my future career in sport.”  Gavin Bailey, Managing Director at Qualitas Sport Ltd, added: “Qualitas and Sheffield Hallam University are proud to work in partnership to deliver a high-quality, blended learning experience with aspiration, education, and future employment opportunities at its core. Together, we are committed to nurturing talent, strengthening professional expertise, and creating meaningful pathways that uplift our local community.”

Dorset’s Tank Museum is holding its very first ‘Bumps, Babies and Toddlers’ event – with special guest Zoe Blaskey, the best-selling author and podcaster. In partnership with Little Pickles Markets, the day will include a nearly-new sale, talks from guest speakers 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 be held on Sunday 25th January at the attraction in Bovington and there will be sensory experiences, baby massage instruction and workshops focussing on perinatal health. Dynamic digital experiences, exploring the museum, dressing-up opportunities, games, and activities for older children mean it is a day for the whole family, although the target is mums of those aged three and under. Special guest Zoe Blaskey is the author of Motherkind, a new way to thrive in a world of endless expectations, The Sunday Times best-selling book. She also hosts the Motherkind podcast. Rosanna Dean, Head of Commercial and Visitor Experience 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.” Blaskey’s mission is to help mothers shift from guilt, exhaustion, and comparison, to confidence and empowerment. With over five million podcase downloads and her instant bestselling book, her talk is expected to fill up fast. 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.

Contractor Clegg Construction has strengthened its team with the appointment of a new commercial manager. Andy Bore will be the commercial lead on the Midway Karparc project – an innovative scheme in Newcastle-under-Lyme to redevelop a 1960s former multi-storey car park into apartments which is being undertaken by Clegg Construction for Capital & Centric. He will also provide commercial and contractual support across the wider business and assist with the development, training and mentoring of the commercial team. With 24 years of working in the construction sector for companies such as Interserve, Kier, Thomas Vale Construction, nmcn and most recently GF Tomlinson, Andy brings a wealth of experience to the role. Clegg Construction Commercial Director Dan Manley said: “We are very pleased to welcome Andy to the Clegg Construction team. His extensive experience and proven track record in the industry will be an asset to our business." “Andy possesses expertise that I am sure will bring a positive impact, not only to the Midway Karparc project but across our wider operations as we continue to deliver successful developments for our public and private sector clients.” Andy, has worked on a wide range of schemes - both new build and refurbishment - including schools, shopping centres, a leisure centre and swimming pool, office block, student accommodation, high end housing, bio mass facility, heritage projects, and a few blue light schemes. Andy said: “I am excited to have started a new role as commercial manager at Clegg Construction - bringing my experience and expertise to the company at an exciting time when there is much in the pipeline to look forward to and celebrate.” With its headquarters in the Lace Market, Nottingham, Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects. The company works with organisations of all sizes and specialities across a comprehensive range of sectors.

Tortilla, the UK’s most loved Mexican restaurant brand, has taken a major step forward in its environmental commitments by removing tonnes of plastic waste from its supply chain. Through a new partnership with UK wrap manufacturer Prowrap, Tortilla will now use the Speedwrap Pro 300 dispenser across all 74 of its UK restaurants, cutting carbon emissions and helping tackle the growing global plastic pollution problem. The change is will eliminate more than 1,200kg of CO₂ emissions every year, including significant reductions from manufacturing, transport and materials. The sustainability improvement comes from the removal of thousands of small plastic adapters that had previously been used with Tortilla’s food wrap refills - unseen items that added up to a major environmental cost. The Speedwrap Pro uses plastic-free refill rolls, meaning Tortilla no longer needs these adapters and as a result, the chain will prevent 178kg of plastic waste and 591kg of CO₂ from being created each year. Because the dispensers are made in the UK, Tortilla also reduces transport emissions, saving an additional 733kg of CO₂ annually - the equivalent of charging 1.5 million smartphones. Emily Bagshaw, Central Operations Director at Tortilla, said: “Delivering fresh, customisable meals without the environmental guilt is core to our mission at Tortilla. We’re thrilled with the Speedwrap Pro, which delivers outstanding performance and efficiency in our stores, while helping us to reduce our supply chain emissions.” The partnership between Tortilla, Prowrap, and Disposables & Catering Supplies (DCS) comes at a time when restaurants are under increasing pressure to cut their Scope 3 emissions, the indirect environmental impact created by supply chains, packaging and transport. Tortilla’s move shows how small changes behind the scenes can make a big difference to a business’s overall environmental footprint. James Stacey, Sales Director at DCS, said: “It has been a pleasure to collaborate with Prowrap and Tortilla on this project. We’re proud to work with like-minded partners to set the standard for a more sustainable foodservice sector.” To demonstrate how much hidden plastic Tortilla has eliminated, Tortilla, Europe’s largest fast casual restaurant, revealed that its old wrapping system required 27,450 plastic adapters every year. Stacked on top of one another, they would reach 823 metres high, almost the height of the world’s tallest building the Burj Khalifa. This mountain of plastic will no longer enter Tortilla’s supply chain. Ben Creeth, Prowrap’s sustainability analyst, said this highlights a much wider problem across the foodservice industry. “These small plastic adapters are tiny, but they add up quickly,” he said. “And each one comes with a hidden cost. At Prowrap, we’re proud to be leading the way by shining a spotlight on these hidden costs - but more than that, we’re helping our customers take action, cut waste, and reduce costs with Speedwrap Pro." “In this case, Tortilla has successfully eliminated a Burj Khalifa-size stack of plastic waste from their supply chain. Just imagine how much unnecessary plastic waste we could eliminate if every other foodservice chain switched to the Speedwrap Pro.” Speedwrap Pro is an award-winning, UK-made food wrap dispenser used widely in professional kitchens. Its plastic-free refill system and British manufacturing make it a strong choice for businesses aiming to reduce their environmental footprint. For more information on Speedwrap Pro and Prowrap’s full product range, visit here .