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The John Lewis Partnership has announced a £108m investment in pay, continuing its commitment to invest in Partner wages, alongside its wide range of other benefits. The latest announcement comes on top of nearly £300m added to the pay budget over the three previous years. Of this latest £108m investment, nearly 90% is voluntary and driven by the business’ desire to invest in its Partners, representing spend above and beyond the requirements of the National Minimum Wage. From 1 April, those working on the shop floor across John Lewis and Waitrose will receive a 6.9% increase - with minimum hourly rates rising to £13.25 (UK-wide) and £14.80 (within the M25). For a typical full-time Partner, this translates to an additional £1,600 per year. Rates of pay increase to £14.31 per hour for those Partners who gain enhanced skills and take on specialist roles, rising to £15.98 within the M25. Helen Webb, Chief People Officer for the John Lewis Partnership, said: “Our Partners are the heartbeat of our business. This £108m investment is about putting more money into their pockets month-in, month-out. This pay growth demonstrates a sustained commitment to Partner pay, consistent with previous years. This ensures that the rewards for our Partners’ hard work are built into their monthly pay as we continue to invest in the future of the Partnership." In addition to baseline pay, Partners get access to a unique range of benefits - including generous discounts at John Lewis and Waitrose. The Partnership also offers up to a 12% pension contribution, discounted rates to its network of hotels across the UK, up to £275 towards subsidising personal development and leisure activities such as theatre and live events, subsidised meals, and a wide ranging health and wellbeing offer including options for self-referral to physiotherapy and counselling.

Responding to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics on the UK Labour Market showing that unemployment has risen to its highest rate in nearly five years and that wage growth is continuing to slow, especially in the private sector, Hampshire Chamber’s Chief Executive and Executive Chair Ross McNally said: “It is a disgrace, but perhaps not a surprise, that unemployment among young people aged between 16 and 24 is now the highest it has been in more than ten years." “We are at risk of seeing a lost generation, and the government must do all it can to enable employers to hire young people, whether straight into work or through apprenticeships. There should be more incentives through the business tax system to encourage employers here in Hampshire and across the country to consider taking on more young people." “Investment isn’t just about plant and machinery - it’s about people and their future. The government needs to do much more to help small firms offset the rising costs of doing business. Businesses were hit hard by the increase in employer National Insurance contributions, and many are now facing further rises in the National Living Wage alongside higher business rates." “Labour costs are the biggest cost pressure for businesses, cited by 72% of respondents in latest chamber of commerce research. Against this background it is unsurprising they are holding off hiring. Especially as the imminent introduction of new Employment Rights legislation adds additional complexity to the picture." “While the forthcoming Spring Statement (3rd March) will provide a fuller update on the economic outlook, businesses are clear they want to see concrete action right now to reduce costs and help them survive and invest in creating jobs.”

For many family businesses, shares in a trading company form a core part of long-term family wealth. Importantly, they’ve historically provided a tax-efficient way to pass on wealth via inheritance. Simply keeping hold of shares until you pass away has been an effective form of inheritance tax planning for many years. This is because, shares in qualifying trading companies have usually benefitted from full relief from inheritance tax. But under new legislation, that’s set to change   From the start of the new tax year in early April 2026, new inheritance tax rules will significantly limit the reliefs available on shares in trading companies. For some families, the impact could be substantial. The key point is that there is still a window of opportunity to act, but this window is closing quickly. In this short article, we’ll examine the changes, what they mean for you, and what you can do to structure your affairs efficiently. What the rules were and what’s changing from April 2026 The current position Under the existing rules, shares in an unquoted trading company typically qualify for 100 percent Business Property Relief (BPR) once they’ve been held for two years. In practice, that means:   no inheritance tax is payable on the value of qualifying shares on death the relief is uncapped, regardless of the size of the shareholding the same relief can apply to certain lifetime transfers. For many business owners, this has made shares in a trading company one of the most inheritance tax-efficient assets to hold and a particularly good option when passing on significant asset value in excess of the usual inheritance tax thresholds. The new rules from April 2026 From 6 April 2026, Business Property Relief will be capped. Originally it was proposed that the first £1 million of qualifying business property (e.g. shares in a trading company) would continue to receive 100 percent relief and that allowance could not be transferred on death to a spouse. However, the government announced just before Christmas that this amount would be increased from £1m to £2.5m and the £2.5m allowance could be transferred between spouses when one passes away (which effectively means a couple can, if structured correctly, have a £5m allowance). This means shares in a trading company are still a good option for values below that £2.5m threshold (or potentially £5m where that value is shared between spouses). However, any value above £2.5 million will only receive 50 percent relief. The remaining 50 percent will be subject to inheritance tax at 40 percent, creating an effective tax charge of 20 percent on the excess over £2.5m. This is a fundamental shift in how trading company shares are treated for inheritance tax purposes and will likely affect estate planning for many with shares in excess of £2.5m. A representative example To illustrate the impact, consider shares in a trading company valued at £4 million. Under the current rules £4 million qualifies for 100 percent BPR meaning no tax is paid on those shares at all. From April 2026, that same amount will see £1.5 million (i.e. the excess over the £2.5m allowance) taxed at a 50% rate. With inheritance tax at 40%, the 50% discount equates to a 20% tax on that £1.5 million, resulting in a total tax bill of £300,000. That is a six-figure tax bill on an asset that would previously have passed tax-free. Whilst HMRC are allowing this liability to be paid interest-free and in equal annual instalments over a period up to 10 years, paying an inheritance tax liability like this will often mean either having to use other liquid assets from the estate, which would ordinarily have ended up in the hands of beneficiaries effectively reducing their inheritance. Alternatively, the company itself may have to have to fund this over time. However, extracting cash out of a company to meet any such liability will incur its own tax liability, meaning the amount the company needs to find would need to be grossed up – effectively double taxation (a consequence the government appear to have glossed over). This may also be an overhead the company simply can’t afford, or which will wipe out its profits. The question that jumps to mind is how can you structure your affairs to be as tax-efficient as possible? The best approach to take is to act before the changes come into effect in April at the start of the 2026/2027 tax year. Structuring your shareholdings before the April deadline For shareholders with more than £2.5 million in qualifying trading company shares, the most effective planning opportunities are those taken before April 2026. Inter-spouse gifting of shares Given the changes announced in late 2025, which now allow the £2.5m allowance to be transferred between spouses, one simple thing that can be done is to move shares between spouses, so both spouses hold shares in the company. Gifts like this between spouses are usually treated as “no gain, no loss” and, as a result, are generally tax neutral. By way of example, if one spouse own shares worth £4m and passes away, then under the new rules, inheritance tax would be payable at the effective rate of 20% on the £1.5m excess over the £2.5m allowance. This is a tax charge of £300,000. If the spouse holding the shares were to transfer half of those shares to their spouse now, then when they pass away, they would only be holding shares worth £2m, so no inheritance tax would be payable. The surviving spouse would then inherit those shares as well as the deceased’s £2.5m allowance. This means when the second spouse passes away, they would be holding shares worth £4m (i.e. the £2m worth of shares gifted to them and the £2m worth of shares inherited) with an allowance of £5m at that point (i.e. their original £2.5m allowance plus the £2.5m allowance inherited from their late spouse). This means that no inheritance tax would be payable when they pass away as the £4m falls within the £5m allowance. This simple act alone would save £300,000 in inheritance tax. Lifetime gifting of shares Another option to take before the deadline is a lifetime gift of shares. Shares in a trading company can be transferred during lifetime rather than on death. If the person making the gift survives for seven years, the value of the shares falls completely outside their estate for inheritance tax purposes. Crucially, under the current regime: Business Property Relief can apply immediately to lifetime gifts that means no inheritance tax charge at the point of transfer full 100 percent relief applies where the shares qualify and the transfer structure is appropriate. For business owners with shareholdings above £2.5 million, gifting shares before April 2026 can lock in the current, more generous treatment. This approach is particularly relevant for: family businesses with adult children involved in the company owners already thinking about succession shareholders comfortable with reducing personal ownership over time. It does, however, require careful planning around control, valuation and future growth so it’s important that you engage with financial and legal professionals to take advice and to execute your plans. Why timing matters If this option is a good fit for you, you should take action as soon as you can before the deadline. Once April 2026 has passed, the same gift will not qualify for full relief if the value exceeds the new £2,5m cap. For many families, these simple changes on their own will be enough to justify reviewing their structure now rather than later. If you’ve already gifted or are planning to make a gift, the rules around the 7 years and the reliefs available will depend on when the gift was made (pre 30th October 2024 or after 30th October 2024 but before 5th April 2026) and when the person making the gift eventually passes away. As such, it’s important to get advice to understand exactly where you stand (or could stand in the future) if you have or are planning to go down this route Other options to consider as part of wider planning While transfers between spouses and lifetime gifting are often the starting point, it is not the only option available. Other approaches may be appropriate depending on your business, family and long-term objectives. Share reorganisations You may choose to reorganise your share capital to separate the current value of the business from its future growth. In practice, this often involves restructuring the company’s shares so you as the founder retain shares reflecting the current value of the business. You then issue a separate class of shares that carry rights to future growth, which are then transferred to the next generation. These are commonly known as “growth shares”. The benefit of this approach is that: the value built up to date remains with you, the founder any future increase in the company’s value sits with the new shareholders (usually the next generation) that future growth is removed from the founder’s estate while Business Property Relief is still fully available. This type of planning is particularly relevant if you’re a growing businesses where a significant proportion of the value is expected to be created in the years ahead. It requires careful valuation and robust documentation, but it can be an effective way to reduce long-term inheritance tax exposure without stepping away from the business. Use of trusts Trusts continue to play an important role in succession planning for shares in trading companies, especially where you want to balance tax efficiency with control and protection. Whilst many of our clients express concerns over using trusts, mainly borne out of news headlines about people in the news (usually for the wrong reasons) using trusts to “hide” assets, when structured correctly, you can transfer shares that qualify for Business Property Relief into certain trusts without triggering an immediate inheritance tax charge. You then appoint trustees to ensure the shares are managed in line with your wishes. Such trusts can provide long-term protection for your family members, including younger or vulnerable beneficiaries. In these instances, the trust is then the shareholder, so issues and inheritance tax liabilities as a result of the death of a key person become less of an issue. As things currently stand, you can transfer an unlimited amount of qualifying assets (i.e. shares) into a trust without triggering a tax charge providing everything is structured correctly. However, from the start of the 2026/2027 tax year, there will be a lifetime limit of £2.5m worth of qualifying assets that can be placed into trust with any excess triggering an immediate tax charge. For those whose shareholdings are above the £2.5m allowance (or £5m for a couple where the shares are split between the couple), trusts can also help manage how and when value is passed on, rather than making outright gifts at a single point in time. While trusts bring additional reporting and administrative responsibilities like registration with HMRC, a 10 yearly tax charge on the value of the assets in the trust (albeit at a rate significantly lower than inheritance tax rates), annual accounts to be prepared and filed with HMRC etc, trusts are still a useful option for you if you want to plan ahead of the April 2026 changes while retaining oversight of how the business is owned and controlled. Spreading ownership across family members As the new £2.5 million Business Property Relief allowance applies per individual, you may want to review how company shares are held within the family group. This may involve: transferring shares to your spouse or civil partner as above bringing your adult children into ownership earlier as part of a wider succession plan. The aim here is to ensure that more than one individual can potentially benefit from the £2.5 million allowance, rather than having all shares held by a single owner. Any changes must reflect genuine commercial and family arrangements and be supported by proper governance. However, when aligned with the long-term direction of the business, this approach can form part of a sensible and tax-efficient ownership structure. Life insurance as mitigation It may be that transferring shares is not a desirable option for you and your business. Perhaps you want to retain full ownership and control, or perhaps the business isn’t ready for succession. In this case, life insurance can be used as a mitigation strategy. This works by taking out a policy to cover the expected inheritance tax liability on the value above the new £2.5 million cap. This policy is typically written in trust so the proceeds will fall outside of the estate on death. Your family can then use the payout to meet the tax liability without requiring shares to be sold or the business to fund the bill. This approach doesn’t reduce the inheritance tax itself and the premiums for these types of policy can be expensive, but it can provide certainty and protect your business from disruption at a critical time. The bottom line If you have shares in a trading company in excess of £2.5 million and are concerned about succession planning, the time to act is now. If you fail to do so before the deadline, you could looking at hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of pounds in additional inheritance tax that someone somewhere will have to pay. Many of the most effective options are only available, or most effective, if done before April 2026. Waiting too long will narrow your choices considerably. Undertaking any of the routes referred to above will require formal tax and legal advice from your accountant and solicitor, or maybe even a formal tax clearance application to HMRC, to make sure everything is done correctly and other tax liabilities (such as capital gains or income tax) are not accidentally triggered.

Chartered accountant Eddi Taylor joined the board of Canterbury Business Improvement District (BID). Eddi is a Regional Managing Partner for UK top 10 accountancy firm Azets in the South East and leads the firm’s Canterbury team from its Watling Street offices. Canterbury BID is a business-led, business-funded partnership, which undertakes to make improvements in the city centre area to drive economic growth. The BID’s vision is for Canterbury to realise its full potential as an award winning, vibrant and desirable destination, setting the example that other cities want to follow. Eddi said: “I was both pleased and humbled to become part of the Canterbury BID board. This important organisation works tirelessly on behalf of the city’s businesses to make Canterbury a better place in which to live and work." “I am determined to play a full part in the BID’s vital work which helps our city to thrive by supporting the city’s business community in generating positive change. I take real pride in Canterbury, and through my current role with Azets in the city I have a particular passion for local business and supporting them to achieve their goals." “My two main roles in Azets, the UK’s specialist business advisor to SMEs, add value to the BID board – I advise owner-managed businesses on their finances and general strategy as well as heading a team of dedicated and hard-working colleagues to drive our own business forward.” Eddi, who started his career as a trainee in the Ashford office of Wilkins Kennedy, was last year named in the prestigious Accountancy Age 35 Under 35 rankings for a second time. He is well known across the Kent and South East market for his broad sector experience and his particular insight into the property and construction, manufacturing and hospitality arenas. Azets Canterbury is located inside the Old City walls, and a short walk from the cathedral. The team provides a range of services tailored to businesses of all scales, encompassing sole traders to limited companies. Canterbury Business Improvement District (BID) is an independent, business-led, not-for-profit initiative voted for by the businesses of Canterbury in July 2014, July 2019 and again in July 2024 for another five-year term. Gemma Purt, Partner in the city office of Girlings Solicitors and Head of its Family Law Department, was last month appointed as the new Chair of the Canterbury BID board. She took over from Paul Turner, Chief Operating Officer of the Marlowe Theatre, who acted as Interim Chair for 16 months. Nationally, there are more than 350 BIDs in the UK, including three in Kent (Canterbury was the first), investing over £154 million every year, giving business an independent voice and investing in business-led initiatives. The BID is operated by a team led by a voluntary Board of Directors, representing the businesses who operate in the city, and including designated positions for the city’s large institutions and observers from residents’ groups and Kent Police. Each of them volunteers more than 40 hours of their time each year. Azets is continuing its community involvement with Jessica Barry, Director in Accounts and Business Advisory in the Canterbury office, becoming a trustee of Canterbury Festival, Kent’s leading arts festival. Jessica, who specialises in supporting owner-managed businesses, particularly within the property and construction sector, is one of four new appointments to the revamped Trustee Board. She uses her 10 years of regional experience to provide expertise, advice and support to the festival, which this year is being staged from 16 to 31 October. Visit here .

Experts behind a world-leading airport operating system with an enviable record of cyber-security built small models with incorporated digital systems to show what happens during an attack. WAISL’s airport predictive operation centre (APOC), called AeroWise, is embedded with cyber-security from partner GRAMAX. Its experts have counter-intuitively built small, physical replicas of the airports that their technology protects – even embedded with the associated IP and Coda systems. The models depict the departure halls, arrivals locations, immigration desks, security areas, car parks, runways, gates and railway connections. When an attack is simulated trains start going the wrong way, lights turn off or on and there are major systems failures. It helps give an understanding about what is at stake should an actual airport fall victim to a cyber-attack, and it assists Programme Logical Controllers ‘war-game’ this eventuality. WAISL and GRAMAX are rolling out their products across Europe following successes in India, where they are headquartered. Hackers and bad actors constantly attack airport and transport systems, as the European Cyber Security Agency (ENISA) and the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) have warned. The attacks are becoming faster and more adaptive according to the experts at WAISL and GRAMAX. The companies’ technologies combine to create cyber-security that has thwarted serious attacks, including those from malign state actors at times of geo-political instability. The cyber-security technology is installed at three Indian airports - Hyderabad, New Delhi and Goa – with others in India and Europe coming online soon. AeroWise is the first APOC of its kind in the world and uses AI and digital-twin technology to create an ‘auto-pilot for airports’. Andy Bordass, an airport veteran who is heading the roll-out of WAISL’s AeroWise system across Europe, said: “Aviation operations today rest on an expansive and tightly coupled digital ecosystem where failure is no longer isolated or easily contained. “Airports and airlines rely on interconnected systems spanning passenger processing, flight operations, third-party platforms, and legacy infrastructure that cannot be paused, patched, or replaced without consequence. “Across Europe, recent technology and cyber-related disruptions have demonstrated that when these systems falter, the effects are immediate, highly visible, and operationally destabilising, rapidly cascading across terminals, airspace, and public confidence." “It is a 24/7 battle and WAISL and GRAMAX’s partnership aligns two Indian tech pioneers whose systems dovetail to provide as secure a defence as is possible. It is not only airports’ own vulnerabilities that have to be considered but those of companies in the supply chain and those of passengers." “The number of cyber events that airports have to deal with is astonishing and attacks are only going to get more sophisticated due to hackers utilising AI. It is why we need AeroWise – which uses AI and digital-twin tech – along with GRAMAX’s cyber-security to keep ahead of the criminals. And the models of airports the staff have built show how they are willing to see things differently to better understand what hackers and cyber-threats would look like on the ground." “It might seem a backward step or counter-intuitive to build models but it shows the lengths to which they will go to defend airports. They are replicas in miniature that include the IP and Scoda systems." “I know that our cyber experts are predicting more advanced ransomware, deep-fake targeted phishing attacks and data exfiltration.The modelling – both digital and physical – enables them to keep on top of threats." “AeroWise is a total airport management system that integrates landside, terminal and airside systems and provides real-time data to the control centre. It increases capacity, drives efficiencies and saves operators money – and with GRAMAX’s cyber-security gives protections against insidious cyber-threats. We are talking with airports across Europe about AeroWise and operators are increasingly attracted to it.” Top photo: Delhi airport in model form WAISL - Preferred digital transformation partner for airports worldwide.

A rural Lake District hospitality venue has launched a new elopement package in a nod to the rising trend of couples choosing greater intimacy for their wedding day.   The rationale for Wild Boar Estate’s new wedding service comes from the rapid increase in elopement specific requests at the venue.   It mirrors the continuing success of sister hotel Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa which in recent years has hosted a record number of eloping couples seeking a more personalised and lower cost wedding ceremony.   Focusing on intimacy with a bit of adventure thrown in, Wild Boar Estate’s 'Escape to the Lakes' elopement wedding package features romantic touches such as the use of the estate’s grounds and woodlands for photographs, an engraved bird box symbolising the wedding date and a 4x4 Land Rover ride up to a private tarn.   English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues wedding and events manager Lucy Carway says: “We’ve worked hard to develop our elopement services so we can provide an intimate option for smaller weddings, as we have seen a rise in specific enquiries for this in the last couple of years." “More couples are looking to keep the day for themselves and then have a larger celebration party back at home. This allows them to have a day that is less overwhelming and more about the two of them."   “There is a cost element associated with this as well, as it allows them to escape to the lakes without putting the pressure on guests, especially elderly relatives and parents with young children, to travel long distances and stay away from home." “We have deliberately created a luxurious elopement and ‘mini-moon’ experience all rolled into one. And a lot of couples are opting to extend their stays past the two included nights, with some staying here for up to a week.”  The rising popularity of elopement weddings in recent years has seen more couples seeking scenic or remote areas to get away from it all and make their vows. Reducing costs is a key factor, with the average wedding now reportedly coming in at an eye-watering £22,000.   Elopement weddings at Low Wood Bay virtually trebled in 2025, with 31 bookings compared to 11 in 2024.   The new elopement service at Wild Boar Estate is based on two nights’ B&B accommodation in a luxury room, romantic 3-course evening meals with a bottle of wine and added treats like a cosy wood-fired afternoon tea. And there’s the option for couples to extend their stay with a mini-honeymoon.   Other key features include the provision of witnesses and a wedding co-ordinator to oversee the whole day. There is also the chance for the couple to immerse themselves in a relaxing 3 hour thermal journey in the spa at nearby Low Wood Bay.   Photo: Wild Boar Estate wedding co-ordinators Lucy Carway (left) & Ioanna Stergiaki.

A full sized JCB digger dressed up like a collector’s scale model stole a few hearts on Valentine’s Day – and stopped Londoners in their tracks outside an iconic railway station.   The ‘JCB Backhoe in a Box’ drew huge crowds when it was first unveiled at the digger maker’s World HQ in Rocester, Staffordshire. Now the capital is digging the love for this innovative display as it arrives in London - proving romance really does come in all shapes and sizes, even giant, beautifully boxed ones.   The JCB Backhoe in a Box - a full-sized digger presented as though it were a scale model - has been carefully dismantled in Staffordshire and, transported south, before being lovingly reassembled and unveiled on Valentine’s Day outside King’s Cross railway station.   The striking installation will be on display for a full week from February 14th, giving commuters, visitors and Valentine’s Day couples the perfect spot for a memorable photo. Standing nearly 15 feet high and more than 20 feet across in its special packaging, the life size display is impossible to miss. Visitors to King’s Cross can enjoy the exhibit day or night, with the installation illuminated after dark to ensure the magic continues long after the evening commute.   JCB Deputy Chairman George Bamford said: “There’s no better day to celebrate something you love than Valentine’s Day - and Britain has loved the JCB backhoe loader for more than 70 years.” JCB Worldwide Events Manager Alice Taylor has helped oversee the installation. She said: “King’s Cross is always buzzing, but this installation brings something truly unique to the area. It’s fantastic to engineer some romance in London by unveiling the Backhoe in a Box in London on Valentine’s Day.” Its appearance in London marks the start of a UK-wide tour celebrating both JCB innovation and the enduring appeal of one of Britain’s best known machines – invented by JCB in 1953. The next stop will be the Cheltenham Festival in March. First unveiled at JCB’s World HQ as part of the company’s 80th anniversary celebrations, the Backhoe in a Box is a playful nod to the popular 1:32 scale models cherished by enthusiasts.

Car buyers in and around Portsmouth now have some exciting new options to choose from, following the opening of Hendy’s new Chery showroom on the Southampton Road. The new facility will officially open this month, operating alongside the existing Hendy Ford Store. The launch brings the total number of vehicle brands available through Hendy showrooms across the south of England to 26. Chery becomes the latest addition to the family-run Hendy Group’s growing brand line-up, following the arrival of OMODA, JAECOO, Geely and BYD in 2025. The new Chery site on Southampton Road will offer stock and test drives for the full Chery UK model range, including the Tiggo 7 compact petrol SUV, the seven-seat Tiggo 8 and the flagship Tiggo 9, which features Chery’s Super Hybrid Powertrain. Alongside new car sales, the new Portsmouth Chery dealership will provide a comprehensive aftersales offering for customers, covering all vehicle brands and including servicing, maintenance, repairs and MOT. David Cooper, Regional Director at Hendy Group, said: “Adding Chery to our Portsmouth site reinforces our commitment to delivering outstanding value and a diverse choice of world-class brands. Chery’s emphasis on innovation and customer care aligns perfectly with our own approach, and we look forward to welcoming new and existing Hendy customers alike to explore what Chery has to offer.” Further information is available at: New & Used Chery Cars - Browse Online | Hendy Chery

The Hubb Foundation and Staffordshire digger giant JCB have launched a unique partnership to ensure thousands of vulnerable children across the city have free half-term holiday activities throughout the year.   The three-year £375,000 partnership will fund 1,000 activity places every half term in February, May and October at up to 35 Stoke-on-Trent schools and fund a marketing post for three years.   The ‘Hubb Holidays’ scheme, which runs throughout the week, will see schools supporting children who will benefit most from attending activities and experiences ranging from sports clubs and treasure hunts to poetry workshops and fun STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) themed sessions.   Launching the scheme were 50 children at St Mary’s Primary School, Tunstall, who enjoyed a morning of robotics STEM workshops run by teachers, trusted activity providers and JCB apprentices, as well as English enrichment sessions with Pep the Poet and a JCB digger experience. The activities were followed by a healthy free lunch.   The partnership completes the full cycle of school holiday activities ensuring youngsters from age 4 to 16 have wraparound holiday support for the entire year - with the Government HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme funding the main Easter, Summer and Christmas breaks.   The Hubb Foundation Chief Executive Officer Adam Yates said: “In Stoke-on-Trent more than 19,000 children are classed as living in absolute poverty. Since our charity launched in 2018, the programme has made a massive difference to the city’s most vulnerable children raising their aspirations, providing hundreds of thousands of healthy meals and starting to drive great social change."  “The JCB partnership is a real gamechanger and will ensure that every school holiday can be a happy, fun and healthy experience for those most in need across the city. We also know it will be an absolute lifeline for parents too.” The partnership between JCB and the Hubb Foundation began during the first Covid 19 lockdown in 2020, when chefs at JCB’s World HQ in Rocester prepared 35,000 meals for the charity to deliver to vulnerable families across Stoke on Trent. Over the past four years, the two organisations have also collaborated on JCB’s annual Christmas Toy Appeal, with the Foundation distributing almost 6,000 donated gifts from JCB employees to disadvantaged children throughout the city.   JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “We are delighted to support the incredible work of The Hubb Foundation with a £375,000 donation over the next three years. JCB employs more than 1,700 people from Stoke-on-Trent at its six Staffordshire factories, so the city and its people play a big part in our company’s success. JCB is a family company so it’s important to us that all children across Stoke-on-Trent have the very best start in life and have the confidence to aim high, not least because they could be our apprentices and employees of the future.”  To find out more about The Hubb Foundation visit here .   and for more information about JCB in the community visit here.

Owning a valuable art collection is a source of immense pride and personal satisfaction, but it comes with responsibilities that go far beyond curation and display. One of the most important—and often overlooked—tasks for collectors is ensuring their treasures are properly insured. In a market where works of art can be worth millions and provenance disputes are increasingly complex, having the right coverage is as essential as selecting the right piece for your gallery wall. Understanding the Risks Art collections face a range of risks, from physical damage to theft or natural disasters. Fire, flood, accidental impact, or even changes in humidity can irreparably damage delicate works, while high-profile thefts make headlines around the world every year. In addition, art is a uniquely illiquid asset: the time required to value, replace, or repair a damaged piece can be considerable, and in many cases, certain works are irreplaceable. Collectors must also be aware of less obvious risks. Loaning pieces to exhibitions, for example, increases exposure to damage or loss, while transporting art—even between private residences—presents its own hazards. Moreover, market fluctuations can dramatically alter the value of a collection, which makes periodic reassessment of insurance coverage vital. Types of Insurance Coverage When insuring an art collection, there are several types of coverage to consider: All-Risks Insurance: Often regarded as the gold standard, all-risks policies cover damage or loss from a wide range of perils unless specifically excluded. Policies can be tailored to cover individual items or entire collections. Agreed Value vs. Market Value: Agreed value means the insurer and owner agree on the artwork’s value at the time of underwriting, providing certainty in the event of a claim. Market value policies pay out according to the value of the piece at the time of loss, which can fluctuate significantly, especially for contemporary or emerging artists. Transit and Exhibition Coverage: Special policies are available to protect art while in transit or on loan to museums, galleries, or exhibitions. These policies often include coverage for packing, handling, and temporary storage. Legal and Provenance Protection: Some insurers provide coverage for legal disputes over ownership or provenance, an increasingly important consideration as the art market becomes more global and complex. Valuation: The Foundation of Good Insurance Accurate valuation is critical. Insurers typically require professional appraisals from recognised experts. It is not sufficient to rely on purchase price alone, as the market value can evolve quickly. Regular revaluation—every two to three years—is generally recommended to ensure that coverage keeps pace with changes in the market. Practical Considerations Insurance premiums are influenced by a range of factors: the type of art, total value, security measures, storage conditions, and even geographic location. Many insurers now offer guidance on risk mitigation, including climate-controlled storage, secure display cases, alarms, and CCTV. Such measures can reduce premiums and, more importantly, protect the collection. It is also wise to maintain meticulous records: photographs, invoices, provenance documents, and condition reports. In the event of a claim, thorough documentation can expedite settlement and strengthen legal standing. Working with Specialists Art insurance is a niche market. General household or commercial policies rarely provide adequate protection for high-value or rare items. Specialist art insurers, brokers, and independent valuers can provide bespoke advice, ensuring that coverage aligns with the collector’s objectives and the nature of the collection. A Balancing Act Insuring an art collection requires balancing protection with practicalities. Over-insurance can be expensive, while under-insurance exposes collectors to catastrophic loss. As with the curation of the collection itself, a considered, strategic approach is essential. In the end, insurance is about more than financial reimbursement; it is about safeguarding a legacy. Art connects us to culture, history, and creativity, and for collectors, the right insurance policy ensures that these treasures endure—secure, valued, and appreciated—for generations to come. Lee Boswell, Director of UK based insurers Alan Boswell Group  shares five tips for consideration when insuring art: "An art collection is a prime example of why off-the-peg, one-size-fits-all insurance policies aren't always the most suitable. If nothing else, every art collection is different and the value of individual pieces can vary widely. An independent broker can offer a bespoke solution based on the items owned, the circumstances under which they are kept and so on." "Getting a personal one-to-one service with an insurance broker who knows something about the subject means that accurate valuations are more likely, and you can feel reassured that the value of your collection is appreciated and understood," adds Lee. Five considerations when thinking about insuring an art collection: 1. Choose the most suitable cover Some insurers might consider "an art collection" to be a homogenous thing covered by a standard policy, but art needn't always be paintings hanging on a wall. Your collection might include antiques, sculptures or even comic books. Finding someone who understands what you're talking about is the first step in arranging the right cover for your collection. 2. Re-value regularly It's important to have regular valuations of your collection and to be aware of what the most valuable pieces within it are. Ideally this should be done ahead of each year's policy renewal, to give the insurer and you plenty of time to agree on the levels of cover is required. 3. Automatically cover new acquisitions Some insurance policies will automatically cover you for up to 25% more when you buy new pieces, which is a good idea if you are actively buying. Of course, you should still keep your insurer informed of new additions and have them individually valued as soon as possible. 4. Increase on death Some insurers will apply an automatic increase to the sum insured of a piece, following the death of an artist. The amount of the increased cover can vary from insurer to insurer. You should arrange to have the piece independently re-valued in the wake of the death as well, to ensure the coverage is adequate. 5.Defective title cover As well as having your collection protected against theft or damage, you should also make sure you are insured against the risk of being sold a stolen piece of art, which is known as defective title cover. This will cover you if you are legally obliged to return this item to its rightful owner and will reimburse you up to the value of that item.

Commercial cleaning product manufacturer and distributor Robert Scott has added two new AI-powered robots to its steadily expanding cobotics range. Alastair Scott, sales director at Robert Scott commented: “For some time, Robert Scott has been championing the MT1, the world’s first AI-powered scrubber dryer robot for large-scale environments, such as warehouses, airports, and shopping centres. Following its success, we are now excited to announce the launch of the new MT1 Vac and MT1 Max,” The MT1 Vac delivers powerful, industrial-grade suction, capturing everything from fine particles to larger debris with close-edge cleaning along walls and corners. Its low-profile design reaches easily under furniture, and a dual independent air-duct system boosts suction efficiency by 200%. A 6 L trash bin and 14 dust bags provide extended runtime with fewer emptying intervals. AI-powered floor recognition automatically adjusts suction and brush speed to suit carpets or hard floors, protecting surfaces while maintaining performance. A HEPA-grade filtration system captures over 98% of particles as small as 0.3μm, with an optional HEPA 13 filter offering up to 99.97% efficiency, while 55 cm suction path increases coverage and reduces cleaning time. Modular, tool-free components minimise maintenance and replacement time. MT1 Vac The MT1 Vac is the world’s first AI-powered vacuuming robot for large-scale environments. It features a Visual Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (VSLAM) system which enhances navigation in dynamic environments, while an ultra-wide scanning field allows efficient coverage of large areas. Dual disc brushes manage both large debris and fine dust, supported by high-flow negative-pressure ventilation and effective filtration to prevent secondary pollution. MT1 Max Built on the successful MT1 platform with enhanced capabilities and designed for indoor and semi-outdoor environments, including warehouses, loading bays and car parks, the MT1 Max is equipped with advanced 3D LiDAR, dual SoCs for greater computing power, and improved obstacle-crossing ability – adapting seamlessly to complex conditions. With optimised environmental adaptability and a fully automated workflow, MT1 Max ensures safer, smarter, and more efficient cleaning across dynamic spaces. It features a comprehensive multi-dimensional safety system that provides structural protection, intelligent responses, slope climbing, rain avoidance, and efficient obstacle handling, further supported by a 1.2 metre warning light, safety projection, and audible-visual alerts for proactive risk prevention. Alastair Scott continued: “Never underestimate the pure theatre of cobotics when the machines look so good. The MT1 Max features a large 3D lidar radar on the top of the robot – which looks like a flashing police light, and which improves its obstacle avoidance and location detection. This means it can also operate outside – although the built-in rain sensor will send it back indoors on wet days!” Smarter solutions Alastair continues: “Expanding our offering in automated cleaning technologies with the MT1 Vac and MT1 Max marks a significant milestone in Robert Scott’s 100+ year history. It is rewarding to be able to demonstrate how our rich heritage and long-standing expertise is continuing to drive us forward as we lead the way in next-generation innovative cleaning solutions." “As automation, AI and the Internet of Things continue to evolve at a rapid pace, and the cleaning sector seeks smarter solutions to economic challenges, it’s clear that robotics will play a key role in the future of commercial cleaning. Our growing robotics division, backed by 100 years of cleaning know-how, positions us strongly to lead the way in intelligent cleaning tools.” For more information, please visit here .

Deliveroo has launched a new packaging box for food delivery, featuring a locking mechanism design developed by Sheffield Hallam University’s award-winning apprentices. The new packaging, which hit the Deliveroo packaging webstore last week, is the result of a unique three-way partnership between Deliveroo, packaging producer BioPak and Sheffield Hallam University. The partnership was formed as part of Deliveroo’s first Sustainable Packaging Challenge in 2024. The 2024 project challenged apprenticeship students on the Packaging Professional BSc at Sheffield Hallam to create an innovative, sustainable and cost-effective design to prevent spillages and maintain food at the right temperature. The winning design, created by Packaging Professional degree apprentices Josephine Cooper and William Shaw, was selected for its innovative updates to an existing takeaway box, including a brand-new sealing system which uses additional folds in the cardboard to create a more secure locking mechanism. The students were celebrated for designing a practical solution that enhances the stability of the packaging as the food travels from the restaurant to the customer’s front door, with the aim of decreasing spillages and maintaining the temperature. The packaging’s innovative design has been produced without significant extra cost, making it a highly competitive option for restaurant partners. By opting for the apprentices’ design over traditional packaging options, partners will benefit from features designed to help combat two key challenges in the food delivery industry: temperature control and spillages. William Shaw and Josephine Cooper, winners of Deliveroo’s Sustainable Packaging challenge and the designers of the new packaging, said: “Seeing our design progress from a university project to a live product on the Deliveroo webstore is an incredible feeling. We focused on creating a locking mechanism that performs in the real world, and we’re proud to know our work can now be used by restaurants, reaching customer front doors across the UK. We hope this proves that sustainable packaging can be both highly functional and cost-effective.” Jen Bagshaw, Head of Packaging at Deliveroo, said: “We are constantly seeking innovative solutions to global challenges. Partnering with the talented apprentices at Sheffield Hallam University has been an inspiring journey, allowing us to champion the next generation of sustainable packaging designers." "By providing the platform and financial backing to turn the students’ creative vision into a reality, we are thrilled to see this solution officially launch on our webstore for our partners to purchase." Peter Macqueen, Associate Head, Sheffield Creative Industries Institute at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “We’re incredibly proud of all our apprentices who have been involved. Seeing them apply their studies to tackle a real challenge in the hospitality sector has been fantastic. It’s even more rewarding to see their winning concept with Deliveroo and BioPak evolve from a prototype into a product now available on the market.”