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UK top 10 accountancy firm Azets has a new office in Kettering for the first time in more than 50 years. The firm has moved into purpose-built Orion House on Kettering Venture Park after vacating its long-term base at Thorpe House, Headlands. Orion House, known locally as the old Pegasus building, is a multi-let office building on Orion Way, south of the town centre. Office Managing Partner Paul Tyler said: “It was time for a change. We loved Thorpe House, but we had simply outgrown it and needed somewhere fit for a modern accountancy firm. It was essential we remained in Kettering to meet the needs of our valued clients. We had been looking for two years before Orion House became available and it proved to be the ideal solution." “Perfectly located for transport links and amenities, it very much gave us a blank canvas on which to design, fit out and future-proof an office to meet both our and our clients’ needs. We now have ample space to house our 28-strong team, with room to grow, and give them a little more breathing space than was available in our much loved Thorpe House." “Our meeting rooms can accommodate both small and large gatherings, plus we have a spacious reception area, training places, breakout spaces, the latest technology and plenty of parking. For us at Azets it is a new beginning – we look forward to welcoming clients old and new to Orion House.” Azets has taken a modern ground floor suite at Orion House which has excellent access to Junction 9 of the A14. Commercial property agent Berrys advised on the move. The estate is surrounded by other office and industrial parks with the likes of Kettering Retail Park, Tesco, McDonalds and the Kettering Park Hotel & Spa all within close proximity. Azets, the UK’s specialist business advisor to SMEs, has long had a presence in Kettering and is a full service accountancy practice including audit, accounting, business advisory and tax services. Paul Tyler has been with the firm, and its predecessor business Smith Hodge & Baxter, for 25 years in a few months’ time. However, he is not the longest-serving member of staff. That honour goes to Mark Bardshaw, Associate Director, who joined the firm in 1982 and is celebrating 44 years in 2026. Azets will be commemorating the move into Orion House with a drinks reception at a later date and staff are looking forward to continuing their charitable commitments for the local area, having raised more than £2,560 for Brest Friends in 2024 and £2,160 for Animals in Need in 2025. Top photo: New Boardroom - Azets’ Kettering Office Managing Partner Paul Tyler and Director Kathryn Walshaw in the boardroom at the firm’s new headquarters in the town at purpose-built Orion House on Kettering Venture Park Spacious Premises - Azets’ new office at purpose-built Orion House on Kettering Venture Park and, bottom, Office Managing Partner Paul Tyler with members of staff

Scottish food and drink businesses, including direct competitors, have been urged to work closer together to overcome growing barriers to international trade and strengthen the sector’s export resilience. The call came at a Scottish food and drink export roundtable held this week – just hours before the major news for whisky firms with the dropping of US tariffs. However, the announcement could have much wider and positive repercussions, by opening the door for increased trade across the whole sector. The roundtable event was hosted by Peel Ports Group in Glasgow and brought together producers and sector leaders, including Scotland Food & Drink, to examine how Scotland can improve routes to market, especially to North America. The discussion focused on the potential to aggregate exports to open up routes for growth, especially to the hundreds of small to medium businesses in Scotland’s food and drink sector that lack the scale to exploit export opportunities on their own. As Scotland’s biggest export, whisky could generate the scale and momentum required to make this a reality, especially with the tariffs news. The food and drink sector is one of Scotland’s most important economic contributors, supporting jobs across manufacturing, agriculture, seafood, whisky, logistics, ports and supply chain services. It also has a strong international reputation, with Scottish products recognised in major overseas markets for quality and provenance. Jim McSporran, Clydeport Port Director at Peel Ports Group, said: “The challenge, and the opportunity, that emerged strongly from today is whether the sector can act together in areas where collaboration makes commercial sense. Companies will always compete on product, brand and customers, but there is clear scope to work more collectively on the practical barriers that affect everyone, including cost, reliability, capacity and access to market." “In particular, it’s clear Scotland’s strongest export – whisky – could provide the baseload to make a direct service from Scotland to the States a viable option. That in turn could benefit the whole economy for existing and potential export businesses.” Stephen Currie, Managing Director of R&W Scott in Carluke, which makes premium bakery products, said: “One of the biggest barriers for businesses like ours is distribution. It’s not just about shipping the goods overseas to our customers. Sometimes our imported raw ingredients can be delayed for days at a time." "We need to work together in the sector, with honesty about our volumes and markets, if we want to achieve more export success. There’s huge potential to grow our business if we can get this right and I’m sure it will be the same for other Scottish companies.” Alastair Dobson, Managing Director of Arran Dairies and Taste of Arran, said: “The biggest threat is inertia and doing what has always been done. We’ve got the goods and we’ve got the markets. The challenge is the cost and time of the bit in-between. We need to collaborate better and join the dots between exporters and supply chain providers. That can be complex, which is where AI and digital platforms can play a very important role.” Figures from Scotland Food & Drink show it contributes £15 billion in economic value, with exports doubling over the past decade. However, industry leaders have previously warned that reputation and previous successes will not be enough to secure future growth if businesses cannot move products to market efficiently, reliably and competitively. Participants also identified the resilience, financial stability and sustainability benefits from a direct shipping service, allowing companies to increase revenue and profitability.

Demand for bicycles across Europe rises sharply within a small window each spring. For manufacturers and retailers alike, timely product availability is critical during this peak season. To reliably manage these seasonal surges, international children’s and youth bicycle manufacturer, woom relies on Gebrüder Weiss for its European logistics operations. Gebrüder Weiss transports woom bicycles and accessories such as helmets, baskets, and water bottles from production sites in Poland, Lithuania, and Romania to the Gebrüder Weiss logistics hub in Vienna. There, shipments are consolidated and subsequently distributed to retailers throughout Europe. Key sales markets include Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Tanja Stätter, Senior Manager Transport and Logistics at woom says: “Especially in spring, bicycles and accessories must be available across Europe within a very short time frame. This requires a logistics solution that is reliable and capable of handling peak volumes. With Gebrüder Weiss, we have a partner that understands our requirements precisely.” Gebrüder Weiss operates a Europe-wide logistics network with daily scheduled line services and has been working with companies in the bicycle industry for many years. This enables the company to handle increased volumes at short notice, even during peak season. Using the myGW customer portal, shipments can be tracked digitally at all times, with real-time status updates and estimated arrival times available to woom as well as its retail partners. About woom woom is an international manufacturer of children’s and youth bicycles headquartered in Vienna, Austria. Founded in 2013 by Christian Bezdeka and Marcus Ihlenfeld in a Vienna garage, the brand quickly evolved from an insider tip to market leader in Austria. Today, woom is recognized well beyond Austria’s borders, with children and teenagers riding woom bikes in more than 40 countries worldwide, including the United States, the Middle East, and China. In the 2025 financial year, woom achieved record results, generating revenue of 149 million euros and selling 392,000 bicycles.

Hendy Group continues to strengthen its position as one of the UK’s leading automotive retail businesses, combining significant scale with the enduring values of a fifth-generation, family-run organisation. Operating across the South Coast from Devon to Kent, the Group represents 26 different marques across over 70 sales and aftersales locations and employs more than 1,500 colleagues. Under the leadership of Paul Hendy, the company has expanded significantly, growing sixfold since 2016 through a combination of acquisitions and organic development. That sense of continuity is reflected not only in leadership but in the relationships the business builds over time. A recent example saw the Hendy family reunited with a pristine Ford Anglia originally sold by Percy Hendy Ltd in Chandler’s Ford more than 75 years ago. The vehicle has returned to the very area where the business remains based today. It is now displayed at Hendy Ford showrooms, offering customers a tangible link between the company’s past and present. Paul Hendy, CEO at Hendy Group, commented: “As a family business, we see ourselves as custodians of something that’s been built over generations. That comes with a responsibility, not just to grow the business, but to look after our people, support our communities and maintain the standards our name stands for.” This philosophy is reflected in Hendy’s continued investment in skills and development. The Group has secured a top 20 position in the national Family Business Apprentice Employers Report 2025, underscoring its continued commitment to nurturing future talent. Alongside its focus on developing local talent, Hendy Group has long embedded charitable giving into its culture, with a commitment that spans more than 165 years. As the business has expanded across the South Coast, so too has its ambition to deliver a more coordinated and meaningful social impact. This is delivered through Hendy Foundation, the Group’s dedicated charitable arm, which provides ongoing funding and support to a wide range of local charities and grassroots initiatives. Its work spans youth development, health and wellbeing, and wider community support, ensuring that Hendy’s growth translates into tangible benefits beyond the business. The Group’s impact has also been recognised internationally. Ford Motor Company recently honoured Paul Hendy at its global “Salute to Dealers” event for his leadership and dedication to community service, naming him as one of just eight recipients worldwide. Alongside this community focus, Hendy remains committed to delivering world-class customer service across its multi-brand, multi-site operation. By combining operational scale with a relationship-led approach, the business continues to build long-term connections with customers across the region. While the automotive sector continues to evolve, Hendy’s approach remains consistent: growth driven by strong foundations, with family values embedded at every level of the organisation. It is this combination of sustained growth and family-led values that defines Hendy Group today.

Johnston Carmichael has strengthened its audit offering in Aberdeen with the appointment of Teresa Gilligan as audit director to support the firm’s continued investment in the North East. Teresa joins the leading UK accountancy and business advisory firm with more than 17 years’ experience in audit and assurance, gained across Big Four and other professional services firms. She has worked with a diverse range of clients spanning sectors including industrial manufacturing, logistics, retail and property, supporting listed, private equity‑backed and owner‑managed businesses. A dual‑qualified accountant, Teresa is both a chartered and a certified public accountant. She has spent a significant part of her career working internationally and brings extensive experience delivering audit engagements under both UK and US reporting standards. Alongside her client work, Teresa has undertaken a range of quality and technical review roles while also supporting internal training and people development by implementing strategies that foster culture and long-term talent growth. Based in Aberdeen, Teresa will focus on developing her audit portfolio across a broad and diverse client base, with a particular emphasis on the energy sector. This is a key industry for the firm, which supports more than 800 businesses operating across the sector. She will also support the wider team as the firm continues to grow and develop its audit services. Johnston Carmichael audits more of Scotland’s top 100 businesses than any other accountancy firm. Teresa said: “I’m pleased to be joining Johnston Carmichael at such an exciting time for the firm. It has a well‑established reputation for delivering high‑quality advice while maintaining a genuinely collaborative and client‑focused approach." “Throughout my career, building strong relationships with clients has always been a key priority, and Johnston Carmichael’s relationship‑led ethos strongly resonates with me. The firm’s ambition for growth, combined with its commitment to doing the right thing for its clients and its people, really stood out." “The energy sector is such a vital part of the North East economy, and I’m looking forward to working with clients across this space, supporting them through the challenges and opportunities presented by a changing landscape.” David Wilson, Aberdeen Office Head & Audit Partner said: “The energy sector is undergoing a period of profound transformation, and businesses operating within it face a uniquely complex set of financial reporting and regulatory challenges. Teresa’s expertise means our clients in the energy industry can have confidence they are receiving audit and assurance services that truly reflect the realities of their sector." “As we mark 90 years in business in 2026, Teresa’s appointment reflects our ongoing investment in our people and our future. With almost 900 colleagues across the firm, Teresa’s values and experience align strongly with our culture, and we look forward to the contribution she will make to our audit team.” About Johnston Carmichael   Johnston Carmichael is proud to be a leading independent UK accountancy and business advisory firm. With over 900 sharp minds across its offices nationwide, the business delivers specialist sector insight and expertise. Together, its people create enduring impact and have been investing in the next generation of businesses and advisers for more than 85 years. Committed to Corporate Social Responsibility, the firm is gold sponsor of the Kiltwalk and a member of the Mindful Business Charter. As a member of Moore Global, it is also connected to a community of more than 30,000 people in 110 countries worldwide.   For more information on Johnston Carmichael, please visit here.

Award-winning brand Kent Crisps announced the launch of new Beef Brisket & Stout Flavour crisps, a mouth-wateringly rich and savoury hand-cooked crisp developed in collaboration with historic Kent Brewer, Shepherd Neame. Staying true to their ethos of working with local Kent producers and iconic destinations, the new flavour brings together three iconic Kent brands: Kent Crisps, one of the UK’s few remaining independent snack brands; Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer based in Faversham; and The Historic Dockyard Chatham, a symbol of Kent’s shipbuilding heritage. The launch took place onboard HMS Gannet at The Historic Dockyard Chatham yesterday (Wednesday 29 April 2026) where they were joined by trade contacts, press and Dockyard Veterans and ambassadors to celebrate the launch. The new flavour has been crafted using one of Shepherd Neame’s newest beers, Iron Wharf Stout – a dark, ruby-tinted nitro stout inspired by Faversham’s historic shipbuilding industry. The stout’s roasted malt character complements the savoury notes of brisket delivering a bold yet reassuringly traditional flavour. Linking into the county’s rich shipbuilding past, the collaboration features HMS Cavalier at The Historic Dockyard Chatham as the front of pack partner, celebrating Kent’s maritime history and reinforcing the brand’s strong regional identity. This partnership creates a compelling story for retailers seeking premium, provenance led products with clear consumer appeal both in the UK and internationally. Laura Bounds MBE, Kent Crisps Owner says: “We’re thrilled to be launching our new Beef Brisket & Stout Flavour crisps which represents months of hard work by the team and our partners." "The launch marks one of our most significant and exciting partnerships to date. Our ethos has always been to champion the very best of Kent, from exceptional local producers to the county’s world-class visitor destinations and this launch brings all those elements together in a way that truly reflects our values – I couldn’t be prouder.” Shepherd Neame Chief Executive, Jonathan Neame said: “At Shepherd Neame, we’re passionate about creating beers that reflect both our heritage and our spirit of innovation, so collaborating with Kent Crisps on this new flavour has been a natural fit. Iron Wharf Stout was inspired by Faversham’s shipbuilding past, and it’s been exciting to see its rich, roasted character brought to life in a completely new way." "This partnership is a great example of how local producers can come together to create something distinctive that celebrates the very best of Kent.” Richard Morsley, CEO of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust adds: "This partnership is a true celebration of Kentish pride. By linking The Historic Dockyard Chatham with two of the county’s most respected producers, we are showcasing the very best of what Kent has to offer." "We are delighted to see Medway’s maritime legacy celebrated in this way. We look forward to seeing the Dockyard represented on shelves across the country and welcoming crisp lovers to come and see the real HMS Cavalier for themselves." This is the eighth flavour in the Kent Crisp’s range and uses Red Tractor Assured British potatoes which are hand-cooked for premium quality and texture, whilst being free from MSG and the top 14 allergens, making the crisps suitable for a wide range of consumers. Kent Crisps has a highly loyal customer base and marks their first new product launch since 2021, making it highly anticipated by both consumers and the trade. Photo: (l-r) Veteran David Adams LREM, Shepherd Neame Chief Executive Jonathan Neame, Kent Crisps owner Laura Bounds, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust CEO Richard Morsely veteran.

St Austell Brewery is marking its 175th anniversary with the release of 1851, a special edition commemorative ale brewed to honour the year the brewery was founded. Created using historic brewing records from the brewery’s archive, 1851 draws inspiration from a recipe first produced to celebrate St Austell Brewery’s 150th anniversary. The original recipe was recorded by former brewer Merv Westaway in handwritten brewing journals that continue to inform and inspire the business and its beers today. Georgina Young, Brewing Director at St Austell Brewery, said: “We wanted to create something that genuinely reflected our history - not just a beer to mark a milestone, but one that connects us directly to the brewers and practices that shaped the business.” Faithful to those historic notes, 1851 uses pale Cornish malt alongside amber malt, wheat malt and a small addition of Caramalt. The brewing journals also record that the barley was originally malted at Tucker’s Maltings in Newton Abbot, a respected regional malting that played an important role in the brewery’s past prior to its closure. Traditional Fuggles hops provide the beer’s characteristic earthy, piney bitterness, with the original records even noting the hop grower by name - Cooper’s Farm in Kent. Later hop additions include Styrian Goldings, now known as Celeia, sourced from Slovenia, adding soft floral notes that balance the malt profile. While deeply rooted in brewing heritage, 1851 has been produced using modern brewing techniques to ensure consistency and quality. The brewing team carefully translated the historic recipe into a contemporary process, preserving its character while meeting today’s standards. Pouring a deep mahogany colour, it is a 5.1% ABV ale, offering gentle biscuit notes from the wheat, subtle dryness from the amber malt and a rounded, balanced bitterness. “It’s a very honest beer,” Georgina added. “It reflects the way we’ve always brewed - with care, attention to detail and respect for the process.” 1851 forms part of St Austell Brewery’s wider 175th anniversary cask beer collection, which has revived and reimagined brews from the brewery’s archive. Drawing on recipes dating back to the 1800s, the collection celebrates some of the most well-loved beers in the brewery’s history alongside reworked versions of its current core range. Proudly independent and family owned since 1851, St Austell Brewery today supports more than 160 pubs across the South West, including 45 managed pubs, and is the region’s leading drinks wholesaler. Brewed exclusively for the anniversary year, 1851 is available for a limited time on cask only in select pubs across the South West. About St Austell Brewery St Austell Brewery was founded as a family-owned company in 1851 and has been fuelled by Cornish spirit and independent thinking ever since. Celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, it is the South West’s leading brewing, hospitality and drinks wholesale business.

Glasgow - People facing food insecurity in Maryhill will continue to receive emergency assistance and essential supplies during a period of rising need, thanks to the work of a trusted local foodbank. B.J.O Amara Association was set up in response to increasing food poverty in the area. It offers a welcoming environment where people are treated with dignity and respect, acting as a point of contact where local people can access wider support when needed. Founded in 2016 by Karen Amara and named in honour of her late father, what began as a small, community-led initiative has grown into a well established service supporting individuals and families experiencing financial crisis. In the decade since it was founded, the charity has built strong partnerships with local organisations, schools, and other charities, enabling a more coordinated approach to supporting local people in need. This collaborative work has helped extend the reach of the foodbank and boost community resilience, but demand has risen sharply in recent years. As the cost of living continues to squeeze household finances, more people are turning to the service due to low income, unemployment, or sudden changes in circumstances. To help B.J.O Amara Association meet rising demand, the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust has made a donation of £2,000 to strengthen the foodbank provision in Maryhill and ensure essential food and supplies remain available to households who need them most. Karen Amara, founder of B.J.O Amara Association, said: “We are incredibly thankful for this support, which comes at a crucial time for our community. The £2,000 donation enables us to respond to rising levels of need, ensuring that no one in our community has to face food insecurity alone." "This funding will allow us to continue delivering essential support in Maryhill while maintaining a welcoming, dignified service for everyone who relies on us.” Gerry Facenna, founder and owner of Allied Vehicles Group, said: “Local foodbanks are under real pressure just now, and organisations like B.J.O Amara Association are doing everything they can to support people through very challenging circumstances. We are pleased to provide this funding to help them continue their great work in Maryhill and make sure practical support is there for families when it is needed most.” The funding from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust will help ensure that people across Maryhill can continue to access food and practical support close to home, at a time when many households are facing sustained financial pressure. Top Photo: Gerry Facenna, Allied vehicles Group

M&S has become the first UK retailer to launch its much-anticipated Jersey Royal potatoes, thanks to its longstanding 10-year relationship with the Le Maistre family. The family has been farming the soil on Jersey since 1841 and is led by sixth-generation farmer Philip Le Maistre, who works alongside son Phil Jnr and brother Peter, as well as a team of local experts. Despite one of the wettest and more challenging planting seasons on record, the team’s potatoes have this week hit the shelves across 80 M&S stores in the UK, with their signature unique and nutty flavour. Customers can also find the Jersey Royals in M&S stores across the island, including its King St St Helier, St Brelade, St Clement, St John, St Peter and St Martin stores – operated by Sandpiper. The Le Maistre family is one of eight Select Farmers M&S is working with across Jersey this season, spanning 2,500 fields. M&S has a dedicated team on-site on the island to ensure customers experience exceptional flavour and quality. Every field is sampled and only packed for M&S if it passes a rigorous taste panel test. To help guarantee the highest quality, M&S uses a unique hydro-cooling process to chill the potatoes within hours of being harvested. This rapid cooling locks in freshness, ensuring each potato reaches stores in peak condition. Philip Le Maistre Jnr said of the launch: “It’s a real tradition for us to get the first harvest of the season onto M&S shelves. While my dad, uncle and I have never seen a planting season with such continuous rain, we’ve taken great care, planting more by hand and using the same traditional methods my great-grandfather did, to ensure the potatoes get the best possible start." "Our team works incredibly hard to deliver the very best taste, and we’re proud that families across the UK will be able to enjoy a product that is as fresh as it can possibly be.” The Le Maistre farm is part of M&S’ Plan A Farming for the Future programme and are LEAF Marque certified growers, combining traditional and modern methods to grow potatoes more sustainably. Harry Wilder, Senior Agronomist at M&S, added: “The arrival of Jersey Royals in our stores is always a highlight for us, signalling that spring and the very best of British produce season is here. Our relationship with our growers is what makes this possible and the Le Maistre family's passion and expertise, passed down through generations, is remarkable. Their hard work means we can be the first to bring these delicious, seasonal potatoes to our customers." The new season Jersey Royal potatoes are now available in 80 M&S stores across the UK, extending to over 100 stores from 1st April, just in time for Easter. M&S also has a dedicated Jersey Royal recipe section on its website, available here, from Honey harissa roast salmon and Jersey royal roasties to Jersey Royal focaccia.

Solent Freeport has granted £10,000 to a Southampton project which helps young people into employment and training. The funding for Southampton Young Adults Employment Hub will enhance the current range of services on offer, including increasing provision to residents aged under 18. This service offers a drop-in facility for advice or ongoing one-to-one support, use of wi-fi, computers and printer for free, and support to create or update CVs and cover letters. There is also a chance to meet local training providers in person and sign up to free training courses and the opportunity to see a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) work coach and Southampton City Council employment officer. The Solent Freeport cash injection will help with staff training, specifically around neurodiversity, as well as bus passes and travel costs to engage young people from vulnerable backgrounds to be inspired about work and reduce their risk of NEET. It will also go into a funding pot to cover costs such as interview clothes, ID, DBS checks, travel and courses that aren’t funded (for example CSCS courses for 18 year olds) Brian Johnson, chair of Solent Freeport, said: “The freeport exists to lay the foundations upon which our coastal region can be transformed by attracting inward investment into our tax and customs sites, which will deliver high quality jobs and economic prosperity." “This very much extends to working in collaboration with our many local authorities and private partner businesses across the region to seek the skilled workforce of the future as well as delivering help to people at the heart of the community in which we live and work." “As a major organisation in the Solent region we have a responsibility to offer support wherever we can and so we had no hesitation in supporting Southampton Young Adults Employment Hub because of the excellent work it does in supporting our young people into work.” A spokesperson for Southampton City Council said: “This £10,000 grant will make a real difference to young adults in our city by ensuring they receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time and helping them build confidence, develop skills and take positive steps towards work." “Support like this shows the power of working together for Southampton and helps to back young adults with practical help, advice and opportunities, ensuring they are more confident and better prepared to shape a positive future.” The hub is based on the first floor of Southampton Central Library at the Civic Centre and is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm. Southampton City Council works in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to support the city’s young people into training, apprenticeships and employment opportunities through the Young Adults Employment Hub. The city council’s Employment Support Team has been supporting Southampton residents for longer than 30 years and in that time has helped more than 3,000 people into paid employment. Photo: Strong Support - Solent Freeport has granted £10,000 to Southampton Young Adults Employment Hub which helps young people into employment and training from its base at Southampton Central Library at the Civic Centre

Individuals across Scotland will soon be able to gain recognised professional development credits through Business Gateway’s popular webinars, delivered by digital training consultancy provider NSDesign and business skills trainer and consultancy CJM Lumina. From 1 May 2026, every national Business Gateway webinar will be fully accredited by The CPD Group, giving attendees the opportunity to earn certified Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours at no cost. The move marks a significant step forward for Business Gateway’s training programme, which supports thousands of start-ups and SMEs across Scotland each year with practical, expert-led advice on topics such as bookkeeping, HR, digital marketing, SEO, AI adoption and social media. CPD accreditation is widely recognised by professional bodies and employers as a benchmark for quality learning. To achieve accreditation, the Business Gateway webinars have been independently assessed to ensure they meet strict standards for relevance, structure and delivery. Attendees will now receive two hours of certified CPD credit for each live session, along with a personalised certificate that can be used for professional records, compliance requirements or skills development tracking. Rebecca Lloyd, Accreditation and Compliance Manager at The CPD Group, said: “We’ve been genuinely impressed by the quality and value of the Business Gateway webinars, and we’re proud to be the CPD accreditation partner for such excellent provision. True, impactful learning isn’t always delivered in a traditional classroom, and this is a perfect example of that.” The process for attendees remains straightforward. After joining a live webinar, participants can scan a QR code or follow a link shared during the session to instantly download their CPD certificate. Each certificate includes the learning hours, session topic and date, alongside official accreditation marks and Business Gateway branding. While the accreditation introduces an added benefit, the core offering remains unchanged. Business Gateway will continue to deliver its established programme of free, expert-led webinars designed to help Scottish businesses grow, adapt and compete. With demand for flexible, high-quality training continuing to rise, the new CPD accreditation ensures Business Gateway’s digital learning offer stands out as both accessible and professionally recognised. All national webinars delivered from May onwards will carry CPD accreditation. Existing bookings will automatically qualify. Upcoming sessions are available to book via the Business Gateway website here. Photo credit - Alastair Ferrier

Manchester-based HMG Paints has continued to demonstrate its strong commitment to charitable causes and community projects through a series of fundraising events and paint donations, supporting both national charities and local organisations. As the business marks its 95th anniversary, it has taken the opportunity to reflect on its long-standing commitment to supporting charitable causes and giving back to the communities it serves, reinforcing the strong values that have remained central to the business over the years. A strong emphasis is placed on employee involvement at HMG, with staff playing a central role in shaping the company’s charitable activities. Employees are given the opportunity to vote on the charities the business supports, ensuring the causes chosen to reflect those that matter most to them. This inclusive approach helps to drive engagement across the organisation, whilst also reinforcing HMG’s identity as a 95-year-old family business, where community, collaboration and shared responsibility remain at its core. A key initiative saw employees take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, with a team of 24 staff travelling to the Yorkshire Dales to complete the demanding route in under 12 hours. The challenge, which included climbs of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, raised over £1,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support. The event held particular significance for those involved, with participants pushing their limits while supporting a cause close to many across the business. In addition, staff also undertook the traditional Three Peaks Challenge, raising more than £2,500 for staff-selected charities including Cancer Research and Francis House Children’s Hospice. This challenge saw participants climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon over the course of three days, highlighting both individual determination and strong team collaboration. These fundraising efforts brought colleagues together to support causes that resonate personally across the business. The level of support received from the wider community further reflected the impact of these initiatives. Speaking on the fundraising efforts, Kate Puć, Fundraising Officer at Francis House Children’s Hospice, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to HMG Paints for their fantastic fundraising efforts. The support shown by the team makes a real difference to the children and families we care for across Greater Manchester, helping us to provide vital services.” Alongside these challenges, internal initiatives have also played a role, including a charity Christmas bake-off that brought together employees from across the business to create and share festive treats, judged by volunteer staff members, as well as other various fundraisers held throughout the year. Beyond fundraising, HMG has continued to support local community projects through practical contributions. One such example includes involvement in the restoration of the Bromley Underpass as part of the Great British Spring Clean, where the company supplied products including C71 Speedline and Solvent Based Masonry Paint, working alongside the Central Neighbourhoods Team in Collyhurst. Further local support has been provided to the Lalley Centre, where HMG supplied HydroPro Garden paint and staff volunteered their time to help revitalise the charity’s allotment space, creating a more welcoming and vibrant environment for those who rely on its services. These initiatives highlight HMG Paints’ continued commitment to supporting the communities it serves, combining time, expertise and resources to make a meaningful impact beyond its day-to-day operations. The business looks forward to building on this work, with further fundraising challenges, community projects and partnerships planned as part of its ongoing commitment to social responsibility.