A new partnership between NK Motors and Brackenfield School is helping SEND students in Long Eaton explore their future careers and discover the opportunities available in the automotive industry.    The partnership began after NK Motors Dealer Principal Simon Murdock met Helen Diggle, Transition and Employment Manager and Careers Advisor at the school, during the Pride Park Careers Fair earlier this year. After learning how valuable employer engagement is for Brackenfield’s SEND students, NK Motors created a three-week programme to build confidence and showcase the wide range of opportunities within the automotive industry.    Simon launched the initiative on 13 November with a visit to the school. He shared his own career journey and explained that the school environment didn’t play to his strengths. Instead of taking the traditional college or university route, he found his path through hands-on experience and a positive mindset.    He spoke about the importance of mindset and positivity, encouraging students to “dream big” and reminded them that fulfilling careers exist outside academic routes. Students then took part in a lively Q&A, asking about the different roles involved in running a dealership.    On 20 November, fifteen students visited NK Motors’ Chilwell dealership for a behind-the-scenes look at how the business operate, meeting staff across sales, service and support roles and gaining a clear picture of the teamwork and skills required in a modern dealership.   The final session took place on 27 November back at Brackenfield School, where Simon revealed the results of the “Future Career” drawing competition. Students were asked to draw what they want to do when they leave school, or if they are unsure, something that makes them happy. Some 37 students took part, producing thoughtful and imaginative entries.    The standard was so high that Simon chose four winners rather than one. One student drew himself as a builder and added the words “dream big” in the corner, showing how strongly the message had landed. Another spoke confidently about her ambition to work in a café, displaying a level of self-belief that impressed everyone in the room. NK Motors awarded vouchers to the four winners and brought NK-branded cupcakes for all students and staff.    Simon Murdock said: “It was a privilege to spend time with the students at Brackenfield School. I found that the school environment didn’t play to my strengths, and I didn’t follow the college or university route, so I wanted to show the students that there are still brilliant opportunities available if they approach life with the right mindset." “The automotive industry offers fulfilling, hands-on careers, from valeting to service administers, and everyone has to start somewhere. The students were engaged, ambitious and incredibly creative, and I absolutely loved spending time with them and encouraging them in their future careers. I’m looking forward to continuing the partnership next year.”    Managing Director Sanj Kumar added: “Brackenfield School offers an outstanding level of support to its students, and we’re proud to help them explore what their futures could look like. The enthusiasm shown throughout the programme has been remarkable and we look forward to building on this partnership and offering even more opportunities next year.” NK Motors plans to make the initiative an annual fixture, expanding the programme to give more students the chance to explore different career paths within the automotive sector and beyond.    For further information on NK Motors, visit here .

A North Lancashire hotel’s cultural links with Portugal and the production of the country’s renowned Port wines has been brought alive through the modern refurbishment of its bar and lounge.   Lancaster House Hotel has completed the renovation of its Sandeman Bar with a contemporary upgrade which gives a nod to its connections with the House of Sandeman from which it draws its name.   The new look for the bar has been inspired by Tammy Barwell, the restaurant and bars manager at the venue, who embarked on a fact finding mission to Porto arranged by the House of Sandeman.   Tammy returned from Portugal with the idea to showcase the Sandeman Bar with colour schemes to match the company’s history, as well as new artwork and images featuring the Sandeman Cellars to elevate the look and feel of the bar. It was also Tammy’s idea to introduce a timeline graphic of the history of the company dating back to 1790.   The refurbishment of the hotel bar includes an array of contemporary artwork and decoration in bold colours, upholstered chairs and tables, new curtains and wallpaper. Another feature is the Sandeman branded barrel with a plaque explaining how the company was the first to brand a cask of Port in 1805.   The hotel became inextricably linked with the world-famous Portuguese sherry and port wine producers due to a chance meeting on a continental flight in the early 1990s.   When the hotel first opened, its hospitality team were searching for a suitable name and theme for the main bar area. A conversation between an English Lakes Hotels board member and a Sandeman executive proved inspirational, with the result that the Sandeman Bar was named and themed after the port producer.   Tammy explains: “The close links between the House of Sandeman and Lancaster House Hotel have their roots from a Spanish holiday over 30 years ago. English Lakes Hotels was closing in on the completion of its new hotel in Lancaster, but there was a quandary about what to call the main bar at the venue." “Whilst returning home from Jerez, the hotel group’s operations director Douglas Dale struck up a conversation on the plane with a fellow passenger who was very interested to hear about the new hotel venture. That was David Sandeman, the managing director of the House of Sandeman at the time."   “The pair got on so well that Douglas tabled the idea of naming the bar after the Portuguese wine company and theming it accordingly. David graciously accepted the offer to come and open ‘The Sandeman Bar’, bringing with him various items of company memorabilia that are still on display here today.”   The partnership has endured and flourished for over 30 years, with a feature of the hotel bar being its Port and cheese nights and stocks of Sandeman Port sweet red wines, including Ruby, White, and Tawny Ports.   These are all produced from grapes grown in the vineyards of the Douro Valley in Portugal. The nearby city of Porto is renowned for its historical commercialisation and bulk transportation of fortified port wines in the 17th century – hence the eponymous link.   Tammy adds: “My trip to Portugal was a wonderful opportunity to discover more about the grapes, valleys, Ports, and vineyards of the area, as well as immersing myself in the history of the House of Sandeman." “Experiencing their traditions first-hand made a lasting impression on me, and it shaped the vision for our new bar design. I wanted to create a space to celebrate that craftsmanship and invite guests to enjoy its character and charm in a relaxed, welcoming setting. I’m thrilled to have been so closely involved in this thematic refurbishment of our main bar at the hotel.”

Aldi Scotland has invested £6,500 in seven local sports clubs across South Scotland as part of its annual Scottish Sport Fund initiative.  The fund reinforces the supermarket’s dedication to building a healthier Scotland by supporting the work of community sports clubs. Applications open throughout the year in different regions across Scotland, calling on local teams to apply for funding up to £2,500.  Solway Sharks Ladies Ice Hockey Team was awarded £2,500 – the highest funding available.    Founded in 2013, Solway Sharks Ladies Ice Hockey Team is an all-female side based at the Dumfries Ice Bowl, where girls aged 14 and over can discover their passion for the sport in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Players start at open development sessions, mastering the fundamentals of skating and hockey, and can progress through the club’s pathway to compete at the highest level in the Women’s National First Division (WNIHL 1). The club has a proud record of nurturing talent, with several players going on to represent Great Britain at under-16 and under-18 level. The club plans to use the funding from Aldi Scotland to help cover on and off ice running costs such as game and referee fees, transport to away fixtures, kits and training aids. Elsewhere in the region, South Ayrshire Volleyball Club and Stewarton Tennis Club both received £1,000, while Kilmarnock Amateur Swim Club, Irvine Meadow 2012, Annan Athletic Community Football Club and Wilton Park & Hawick Tennis Club each received £500. 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. The past decade has seen Aldi Scotland support over 650 clubs across Scotland, giving away almost £500,000, with the fund improving community access to sport across the country. Lee Simpson, Solway Sharks Ladies Ice Hockey Team said: “ "We are incredibly grateful for the generous support from Aldi Scotland. Our team is more than just a club, it is a place where girls can develop their skills, build confidence, and enjoy being part of a supportive community. Watching our players grow from their first steps on the ice to competing at a national level is something we are immensely proud of." “This funding will help cover essential on and off ice running costs and allow us to look at holding training camps and further development sessions in 2026. Thanks to Aldi Scotland, we can focus on providing our players with the best possible experience and inspiring more young women to take up the sport.” Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said:  “Since launching in 2016, the Scottish Sport Fund has supported a diverse range of clubs with vital funding to invest in much-needed equipment and resources." “It’s inspiring to see the impact this support has on clubs like Solway Sharks Ladies Ice Hockey Team, and how it contributes to encouraging active, healthy lifestyles in communities across Scotland.” Top Photo: Solway Sharks Ladies Ice Hockey Team received £2,500 funding as part of Aldi’s initiative

The spirit of generosity was alive and well last week as family businesses from across London and the South East came together at Hayman’s of London in Balham for the annual Family Business Festive Food Parcel event. Hosted at one of the UK’s oldest family-owned gin distilleries, Hayman’s remains proudly family-run, with Christopher Hayman and his children, James and Miranda, at the helm. The event brought together guests, supporters and members of the wider community, all united by a shared purpose: to support families in need across London and the South East this Christmas. In the days leading up to the event, and on the day itself, attendees donated hundreds of food items, filling boxes with essential groceries alongside festive treats. Guests also enjoyed the opportunity to step behind the scenes at Hayman’s, gaining insight into the distilling process and the rich heritage that has helped shape the business into a globally recognised British gin brand. Following the event, teams from Family Business United and The Pantry worked together to assemble the food parcels, which have since been distributed through schools across the region to ensure they reach families who need them most during the festive season. Family Business United worked closely with Luke Consiglio and his team at The Pantry UK, who provide 40,000 meals to children in schools across the UK every day. Through their network of schools and the insight of headteachers, families most in need were identified as recipients of the parcels created through the campaign. Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, expressed his appreciation for the incredible support shown by the family business community: “We were absolutely delighted with the response this year. The generosity shown by family businesses has been truly inspiring, and the items donated will make a real difference to families at what can be a particularly challenging time of year. “Family is at the heart of everything we do at Family Business United, and it’s heart-warming to see our community come together to support other families in such a meaningful way.” The event highlighted not only the strength of the family business community, but also its shared values of compassion, collaboration and a commitment to making a positive impact. Concluding, Paul added: “We would like to thank everyone who helped make this event possible and all those who donated so generously." "Your support will bring much-needed help and festive cheer to families who need it most this Christmas.”

Close Brothers Invoice Finance is delighted to have been recognised as ‘Invoice Finance Lender of the Year’ at the prestigious NACFB Commercial Lender Awards.   The award is based on peer recognition and expert evaluation, combining votes by the broker community and an independent panel of judges.   The NACFB (The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers) is the UK’s largest trade association for commercial finance brokers.   George May, Managing Director at Close Brothers Invoice Finance, said: “As a specialist funder – and supporter – of SMEs across the UK, we are privileged to have been recognised as the Invoice Finance Lender of the Year." “Winning this award validates our reputation for service excellence, funding expertise, and reliability in supporting small and medium businesses. It also further cements Close Brothers as a trusted provider, demonstrating how we stand out in a competitive space.”

Contractor Clegg Construction has staged a topping out ceremony to mark a key milestone in its delivery of a new £13 million care home near Milton Keynes. The three-storey, 96-bed luxury care home is being built for Hampton Healthcare, part of the Rochmills Group, behind Woburn Sands Garden Centre, off Newport Road in Woburn Sands. In a new and exciting care model being brought to the area by Hampton Healthcare, the care home will feature superb facilities including rooftop garden with champagne bar, piano lounge, private dining, cinema, and an entertainment suite, alongside spacious and comfortable rooms and suites. MD of Clegg Construction Michael Sims said: “ We are very pleased to be celebrating the topping out stage of this exciting development for Hampton Healthcare. As a company with significant experience of building care homes, Clegg Construction is a specialist in this field and is proud to be delivering a scheme which will bring a new and exciting care model to the area." “We look forward to completing the care home later in 2026 and the day when residents move in.” To mark the occasion, guests at the event signed a section of a wall that will later be covered and raised a toast." Woburn Sands Garden Centre is open for business during the construction work. Other members of the construction team working alongside Clegg Construction include APC Architects, engineers Ridge and Partners LLP, employers agent CS2 Limited and Gill Jackon Interiors. Joining the topping out ceremony was Kabir Sehmi from the Rochmills Group, who said: “We are delighted to reach this milestone and look forward to welcoming residents to our brand-new luxury care home in 2026. We are excited to bring our outstanding care services to the people of Woburn Sands and surrounding areas.”

When visitors drop in to a popular south Warwickshire village pub it won’t just be the aromas of the award-winning pies that will now fill the air - but a recipe of a very different kind. The Fleur de Lys, in Lowsonford, has teamed up with The Artibus Yard in Kenilworth to create a bespoke scent that they are promising depicts ‘an oasis of calm’ for its guests. The award-winning pub, better known as the originator of the famous pie brand, has worked with the artisan candle and scent maker to create a signature scent that’s also available to purchase as a diffuser oil. The ‘recipe’ blends cedar, fig, and cardamom - notes that were chosen in collaboration with licensee Emma Woodhouse to complement the age and character of the pub - warm, earthy, and gently spiced to echo its historic atmosphere while still feeling modern and inviting. Emma, who has run the Fleur de Lys for the past 11 years with her husband Nick, said: "Anyone who has stepped into The Artibus Yard shop in Kenilworth knows what an oasis of calm it is. Samantha has created a deliciously scented haven amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life." “We’ve been lucky to have her host a couple of her candle-making workshops here at the Fleur De Lys over the past 12 months and have been blown away by her knowledge and creativity. " “We asked her to develop a fragrance that conjured up memories of long cosy afternoons by our fireside, the glorious nature of the surrounding countryside and the kind of aromatic experience that we’d be happy to be synonymous with the Fleur. Luckily, she’s a genius parfumier who absolutely nailed our brief, presenting us with a few options before we nailed it down to this gorgeous diffuser oil bursting with cedar, fig and cardamom.”  She added: “We love it so much that we’ve commissioned The Artibus Yard to create a limited run for us so that you can take one home with you too and be reminded of your favourite Warwickshire pub during the times when you’re unable to pay us a visit in person.” The project marks a first for entrepreneur Samantha Harris who crafts every piece by hand in her studio shop, in Warwick Road. Sam also offers bi-weekly candle making workshops at her studio, which can also be brought to other venues and sells a variety of home accessories, gifts and confectionery. She said: “Scent exploration happens on-site, where each blend is thoughtfully developed for you to discover. This is the first custom scent I’ve created specifically for a pub, which made the process especially exciting and meaningful.” The Fleur De Lys was this year named Pub of the Year at The Coventry & Warwickshire Foodie Awards. It is nestled on the banks of the Stratford Canal between winding roads which used to be part of The Forest of Arden. The garden boasts an acre of land and is also popular as a stop-off for canal users. The signature scent diffuser can be purchased at The Fleur de Lys shop here . More candle-making workshops at the Fleur will be announced in the New Year.

The Minister for Energy has met with major retailers and the solar industry to try to unlock one of the UK's best opportunities to increase renewable electricity: warehouse rooftops. Michael Shanks MP, a minister in the Department for Energy and Net Zero, told participants at a roundtable organised by the UK Warehousing Association that using logistics premises to generate clean energy was probably the only issue on which all political parties agreed.   In a recent report, the UKWA found that warehouse rooftop solar was also the most popular form of renewable power with the public, supported by 9 in 10 people in a YouGov poll. The trade body's members, who develop, operate, and provide technology to warehouses, are keen to pursue solar installations, but are facing several hurdles.   The Minister heard how issues including insurance, connections to the electricity grid, and the fact that most warehouses are leased, were all slowing down the solar rollout. Logistics companies and retailers at the roundtable felt that insurers sometimes had an outdated view of the risk involved in installing solar panels, given that the technology was now well-established. Getting a connection upgrade to allow solar power to be exported to the grid was often slow and expensive, several companies said, although recent changes by the energy regulator, Ofgem, should make it easier to get smaller solar projects (under 5 megawatts) completed.   Clare Bottle, CEO of the UKWA, said: "Having the Minister for Energy hear directly from our members about the challenges facing warehouse solar projects is a big step forward in our campaign to unleash the 'rooftop revolution'. His support for the cause was clear, now it's about breaking down the barriers holding these projects back." "We're calling for the Government to get behind a pilot scheme at one of the UK's major logistics hubs, to cut through some of the delays, and cover all the warehouses in solar panels. This is only the first step. We're going to need joined up thinking, combining solar with battery storage and electric vehicle charging, if we're going to meet the twin goals of reducing energy costs and decarbonising logistics."   Bottle will attend a meeting of the DESNZ's Solar Council this week to press the case for Government and business to work together to capitalise on the UK warehousing's solar potential, which could almost add 17.3 gigawatts of capacity. Current total installed solar capacity is 18.9 GW.

A Dumfries and Galloway photographer has expanded her business after receiving support from Business Gateway. Ellen Boyd launched her solo photography business, Ellen Boyd Photography, in June 2024. She began by specialising in family, newborn and maternity shoots and in 2025 she expanded to include more brand, commercial and product photography with the goal of elevating businesses across Dumfries and Galloway. Each photoshoot includes an online gallery of over 60 hand-edited images, a location of your choice, unlimited timeframe, planning and preparation and any style guidance you need. The newborn photoshoots take place in the client’s home, allowing them to feel at ease and show the family true to life. As a mum of three, Ellen understands the need to maintain a patient and welcoming environment for her clients to be able to achieve the photographs they desire. Business Gateway has provided tailored, one-to-one support to Ellen throughout her start up journey. Ellen developed her own business plan, with guidance from Business Gateway adviser Gary Calderwood. She also received support from Fiona Smyth, who assisted with her successful Enterprise Seed Fund Grant application. Ellen was awarded nearly £2,000, which enabled her to invest in camera equipment, studio props, and backdrops to get her off to the best possible start. In addition to one-to-one advice, Ellen benefited from a range of Business Gateway resources, including marketing webinars and the D&G InspireHER networking events, designed to support and connect female entrepreneurs across the region. Ellen Boyd, founder of Ellen Boyd Photography, said “As a mum myself I understand how crucial the early moments are for a family and how chaotic they can be. My goal as a business owner and as a photographer is to be able to create pictures that capture the family as they are at the time and give them a timeless memory." “The support from Business Gateway has helped me elevate efficiency and expand my offering. Fiona has been so helpful and has been there supporting me every step of the way. She’s been incredible.” Gail MacGregor, chair of Business Gateway board, said: “Ellen cares deeply about her work and creating the best possible photographs and experiences for her clients. As a working mum, she has built her business around her children and Business Gateway has been able to help her achieve this. We look forward to her continued success.” To find out more about Business Gateway and how they can help your business grow and succeed, visit here.

Thanks to players of The Health Lottery, £75, 000 has been awarded to FoodCycle and during a recent visit to one of the charity’s projects in Newcastle, The Health Lottery saw first-hand the importance of these weekly meals for people facing food insecurity, isolation or financial pressure. This grant awarded by The Health Lottery Foundation will go towards helping the charity run around 620 community meal sessions and serve more than 21,000 three-course meals across England and Wales. This support includes more than 80 Christmas meals, where volunteers add thoughtful touches that make guests feel cared for during a challenging time of year. Martin Ellice, Managing Director of The Health Lottery said: “FoodCycle’s work is direct, practical and human. When we visited the project in Newcastle, we saw volunteers giving people far more than a meal. They offer routine, company, kindness and dignity at a time when many feel forgotten. This funding helps FoodCycle keep doors open through the hardest months of the year. We’re proud to support their commitment to serving communities with warmth, good food and respect.” Some of the funding will help FoodCycle to go beyond its usual festive vegetarian roast menu. Sites will be able to add decorations, crackers and Christmas cards, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for people who may otherwise spend the season alone or without a hot meal. Sophie Tebbetts, Chief Executive of FoodCycle, said: “Christmas is a particularly difficult time for many of the communities we support. And during winter some people often have to choose between heating their home or eating. Our community meals are where they can access a hot cooked meal, every week and this can be a lifeline.” More than £136 million has been raised through The Health Lottery, supporting charities across Great Britain. Learn more here.

Furniture Village has opened a state-of-the-art National Distribution Centre at Prologis Park Marston Gate, marking a significant milestone in a year of strong growth and long-term investment. By relocating its operation to larger premises immediately adjacent to its existing National Distribution Centre, Furniture Village is making a transformative investment that will double its logistical capacity and support hundreds of existing and new jobs. It will unlock even faster delivery times for customers, strengthen service nationwide and give the business the scale it needs to support rising order volumes. The new facility became fully operational ahead of peak trading in Q4 2025. Founded in 1989 and now the UK’s largest family-owned furniture retailer with 59 stores nationwide, Furniture Village sells an extensive range of beautifully made furniture for the whole home. The new facility will bring together the company’s national and regional distribution services while also housing office space for operational support and a bespoke training facility, creating an expanded, technology-enhanced hub for fulfilment and customer service teams. A comprehensive refurbishment by Prologis included the renewal of offices and taking the unit to an EPC A rating. Prologis Essentials has provided procurement assistance to Furniture Village in relation to elements of its fit-out including wide aisle racking and LED lighting. A bespoke skills academy has been created, giving colleagues the opportunity to hone their expertise in logistics operations and develop industry-leading customer-service skills. By remaining at Marston Gate, Furniture Village retains its experienced workforce, avoids operational disruption, and continues to benefit from the park’s on-site café and mature landscaping featuring an orchard and walking routes. Prologis facilitated the expansion through supporting a seamless transaction within the portfolio, underscoring their commitment to helping customers scale quickly in high-performing, sustainable facilities. Furniture Village prides itself on establishing and maintaining good working relationships with its landlords and this transaction reflects the benefits this can afford both parties. Montagu Evans represented Furniture Village. Colliers, Adroit and Savills represented Prologis. David Ayers, Operations Director, Furniture Village said: “Securing our new national distribution centre gives us the capacity and flexibility to keep pace with customer demand while investing in the future of our team. By increasing our fast-delivery stock and streamlining our operations, we’re able to offer customers a quicker, smoother experience from purchase to delivery, wherever they are in the UK.” Gillian Scarth, Leasing Director, Prologis UK “Furniture Village’s decision to expand at Marston Gate demonstrates how this well-located park can support a growing retailer whilst minimising operational disruption. By refurbishing DC2 to modern, energy-efficient standards and streamlining the move, we’re enabling our customer to scale sustainably and keep its talent exactly where it belongs - here in Central Bedfordshire.” Photo: Furniture Village National Distribution Centre

A family-run farm based tourist destination in Castle Douglas has launched a new gelato venture, using milk from its own herd of pedigree Holstein cows to create fresh gelato, after securing support from Business Gateway. Ernespie Farm Centre, led by the McMiken family, has been a working farm for generations but in recent years has diversified into tourism to secure its long-term future. It is now a popular destination for visitors across Dumfries and Galloway, offering a farm-to-fork restaurant, gift shop as well as indoor and outdoor play. In April 2025, the family opened ‘The Gelato Hut’, which scoops up to 18 flavours 7 days a week, including seasonal specials and warm bubble waffles at their evening events. Specialist equipment enables the team to transform their own milk into delicious, creamy gelato, all produced on-site. The expansion into gelato production helps to reduce food miles for visitors and secures local employment. There are also plans underway to supply their gelato to local businesses, further boosting the local economy. The team has a real focus on sustainability, using products produced in the bakery of The Farmhouse Kitchen on-site as additions in their gelato. As well as the milk being used in the gelato, all the beef served in The Farmhouse Kitchen restaurant comes from their own cattle. Director David was determined to find new ways to strengthen the business and provide year-round opportunities, so approached Business Gateway. Through this, David met Business Gateway adviser Fiona Smyth, who supported him with developing business plans, innovation support, advice on funding and advice on expanding premises. Alongside the gelato venture, Ernespie Farm has also invested in a new digital booking system, allowing visitors to book farm park entry, seasonal events and restaurant tables online, helping to increase efficiency and boost occupancy. David McMiken, director at Ernespie Farm Centre, said: “Diversification has been key to future-proofing our farm. Launching the gelateria has allowed us to make the most of what we produce here on the farm and offer something unique for our visitors. Business Gateway’s support with funding was invaluable - we simply couldn’t have made this level of investment without it. It’s exciting to now see our gelato being enjoyed on-site and by the wider community.” Gail Macgregor, chair of Business Gateway board, said: “The team at Ernespie Farm has been incredibly proactive in adapting the business and finding new opportunities for growth. The gelateria is a fantastic addition that not only strengthens the farm park offering but also creates new employment and sustainability benefits for the local area. It’s a great example of diversification done well and Business Gateway is proud to have supported the project.” To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here .