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Sheffield Hallam University one of 26 universities that will support the country’s first NHS National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC), which aims to transform national and international research and innovation for specialist rehabilitation. The NRC, based on the Stanford Hall Rehabilitation Estate, near Loughborough, is preparing to open to its doors to its first patients, and will be supported in its ambitions by an Academic Network of 26 universities from across the country. The NRC is a 70-bed specialist rehabilitation centre for NHS patients who have experienced life-changing illness or injury and will be run and staffed by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH). The Centre’s ambition is to become a world-leading national centre of excellence for rehabilitation, and to do this it will focus on three main areas: • Specialist rehabilitation • Research and innovation, • Education and training Research and innovation, and education and training, which will drive forward the national provision of rehabilitation, will be delivered through the NRC Academic Network. The initiative is led by NUH and includes Sheffield Hallam University along with 25 other universities from across the country, meaning hundreds of educators and researchers will be able to work with - and learn from - each other, to co-ordinate an overall approach to rehabilitation research. The intention is to also develop a national network for rehabilitation research, data, information and analytics. The NRC Academic Network will operate through a collaborative model, with the NRC coordinating research and education activities across a network of leading universities and clinical partners throughout the UK. This national approach will accelerate the translation of research into practice, ensuring patients benefit from the latest advances wherever they are treated. Professor Toni Schwarz, Dean of the College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “We are pleased to be an academic partner of the National Rehabilitation Centre and for our research and expertise to play a role in transforming rehabilitation outcomes across the country. Our involvement underlines Sheffield Hallam’s credentials in health research including our world-leading Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre which will be at the forefront of our work with the NRC.” Miriam Duffy, NUH’s Director for the NRC, said: “The NRC has become NUH’s fourth site and has been nearly ten years in the making. To see it finally open is a testament to the hard work and dedication of so many people." “We have huge ambitions for the NRC and believe it will help transform specialist rehabilitation as we currently know it, not only in the way that the rehabilitation is provided, but also through ground-breaking research and training." “At its core, the NRC is about transforming outcomes for people who have suffered potentially life-changing injury, trauma or illness – and making sure that they can regain a quality of life equivalent to or as close as possible to their life prior to injury or illness.” An online directory, that highlights the breadth of rehabilitation education and training offered by the NRC’s academic partners, has also been created. The directory is aimed at healthcare professionals as well as a range of other professions that will help the NRC lead the way in rehabilitation services. These include engineers/bioengineers, computer scientists, smart materials experts, research methodologists, health economists, medical statisticians, sport scientists, personal trainers, psychologists, and many others.

Responding to the Autumn Budget, Steven Martin, Senior Tax Manager at HWB Chartered Accountants, said: “I would have liked to see more simplification in the range of tax rates and allowances. Instead, there is more complication, with fine judgements needed about marginal rates when it comes to tax planning." “The heavy lifting on tax receipts for the government will come from the freezing of personal tax and pension allowance thresholds. With £70 billion in tax-raising measures in this Chancellor’s first two budgets there is little to support growth and business." “With inflation continuing to be stubborn, assuming people’s salaries keep up with inflation on every pay rise, the government will keep a larger proportion of take-home pay. By April 2028, it is estimated that around 780,000 more people will be paying basic rate tax which starts at £12,570. Nearly a million more will pay the higher rate, starting from £50,270." “Freezing thresholds risks an inflationary effect because it could drive up wage demands in the workplace to compensate for the extra income tax employees have to pay. Pensioners with no other income will also pay be brought into the tax net as pension income starts to exceed the personal allowance." “Individuals with investment income in the form of savings, property, and dividend income will also be hit with a 2% increase in the headline rate of Income Tax on their income. The Chancellor also announced that National Insurance relief on pensions contributions will be capped at £2,000. This could be a further disincentive to make provisions for their retirement, so creating an extra burden on the state when the generation, who should be saving now, hits retirement age." “If you are on the National Living Wage and working full-time with auto-enrolment for a pension, you won’t be affected, but everyone else in the workplace will. Essentially, while the Chancellor has not raised the rate of tax for employees, she has elsewhere by broadening the base of opportunities to collect more." “On Inheritance Tax, in my view she has corrected an anomaly and made the £1 million business property relief allowance transferable between spouses. This is a move that will be welcomed by many family businesses and farmers." “Less welcome by business will the reduction in writing down allowances for qualifying plant and machinery from 18% to 14%. A new 40% First Year Allowance for main rate expenditure will lessen the impact, however ultimately this is a tax-raising measure from business." “Among other tax-related measures, the Chancellor has introduced a further layer of complication, not least on the administration and make-up of ISAs. Our message, as ever, is to take professional advice on the tax aspects of financial planning especially now given the more complex set of applicable rates and allowances.” For more information, visit here . HWB Chartered Accountants, founded in 1985 and based at Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton, provides business and tax advice.

Sentiment amongst retailers fell at the sharpest rate in 17 years, with a growing share of firms expecting their business situation to deteriorate over the coming quarter – according to the CBI’s latest quarterly Distributive Trades Survey. Retail sales volumes fell at a fast pace in the year to November, extending a period of weakness that goes back to mid-2023. Retailers expect demand to remain subdued heading into December, with sales set to fall again, albeit at a somewhat slower pace. With demand still weak and uncertainty mounting ahead of the Budget, retailers plan to pull back on both investment and hiring. Investment intentions remain historically weak and have now been negative for three-and-a-half years. In the near-term, firms also expect to trim headcount at a slightly faster pace next month. Key findings included: Retail sales volumes fell at a fast pace in the year to November (weighted balance of -32% from -27% in October) but are expected to decline at a somewhat slower rate next month (-24%). By seasonal standards, November’s retail sales were judged to be “poor” (-25%), to a somewhat greater extent than in October (-15%). December’s sales are set to disappoint seasonal norms to a comparable degree (-18%). Sentiment among retailers worsened in November to the greatest extent in 17 years, with firms expecting their business situation to deteriorate over the coming quarter (-35% from -10% in August). Retailers expect to reduce capital expenditure over the next 12 months (compared to the previous 12 months) to the same degree as reported in August (-42%). Investment intentions remained poor by historical standards (long-run average of -3%). Retail employment declined again in the year to November (-19% from -14% in August). Headcount is expected to fall at a marginally quicker pace next month (-23%) Retail selling price inflation fell closer to its long-run average in the year to November (+46%), slowing from a much faster rate in August (+65%), and bucking the trend of accelerating price inflation seen this year so far. Retailers anticipate selling price growth to ease again next month (+40%). Total distribution sales volumes (including retail, wholesale, and motor trades) fell significantly in the year to November at a slightly quicker rate to October (-35% from -30% in October). Sales are set to decline at the same pace next month (-35%). Alpesh Paleja, Deputy Chief Economist, CBI, said: “Retailers continue to grapple with a long spell of weak demand, as households remain cautious around day-to-day spending. With all eyes on the forthcoming Budget, uncertainty in the run-up has meant that businesses are holding back on plans for investment and hiring." “The Chancellor must avoid pulling the business tax lever once again, at risk of further curtailing firms’ efforts to build a more resilient, dynamic economy. Businesses want bold decisions to wrestle back the government’s fiscal headroom and get the economy on a solid path to prosperity. This includes finding a landing zone for the Employment Rights Bill that doesn’t harm job prospects or shortchange economic growth.” In addition, data from the survey showed: Online retail sales volumes  grew in the year to November at a moderate pace and for the second month in a row (+13% from +4% in October). Retailers expect online sales to surge in December (+50%), marking the strongest expectation since May 2021. Retailers’ orders placed upon suppliers  declined in the year to November at a similarly firm pace to October (-25%, from -28%). Retailers expect to reduce orders at a faster rate next month (-34%). Retailers reported that stock volumes relative to expected demand were broadly in line with the long-run average (+18% from +14%; long-run average of +17%) and are expected to broadly stay in this position in December (+16%). Wholesaling’s annual sales volumes fell in November at the same pace as October (-31%). The rate of decline is expected to remain steady next month (-34%). Motor trades sales volumes  contracted at an accelerated rate in the year to November (-55% from -29% in October) and are expected to plummet next month (-66%).

Four companies have signed for a total of nearly 17,000 sq ft of Grade A office space at Bracknell’s 1+3 Arlington Square. The flurry of plug-and-play lettings by property consultancy Vail Williams and joint agent Fryer Commercial, with three completed and one agreed for November, follow two others since last November, totalling just over 6,700 sq ft. Andrew Baillie, an associate at Vail Williams specialising in commercial property across the South East, said: “Following a significant investment in top-quality refurbishment, 1+3 Arlington Square is proving popular with discerning companies looking to invest in stunning workplaces which support retention and talent attraction." “As well as the premium quality of each office, there is the advantage of shared amenities available across both buildings at 1+3 Arlington Square. These include a gym, padel court, café, expansive atrium/business lounge providing casual seating and meeting spaces, cycle racks and EV charging.” Andrew added: “We anticipate other signings in due course, with the six tenants signed up already accounting for nearly 24,000 sq ft between them. Bracknell, with its mainline railway station eight minutes’ walk away, and proximity to the M3 and M4, less than six miles away, continues to draw companies seeking accessibility to a wider catchment of staff and talent pool.” Lease terms range from five years to 10, with quoting rents of £30 to £34.50 per square foot, depending on fit-out specifications. The largest letting to date is to xe.com, a global financial services company which provides currency services and products, with 6,625 sq ft at 1 Arlington Square from November following office works. There were three lettings in September – 5,913 sq ft to pan-European distribution partner Albert Roger at 1 Arlington Square, 3,000 sq ft to Keenfinity, which provides safety, security and communication products and systems, at 1 Arlington Square and 1,400 sq ft to STEM recruiter ReeVR Talent at 3 Arlington Square. Telecoms service provider Connect 44, occupied 3,000 sq ft at 1 Arlington Square in March and One Media Services, the specialist technical AV distributor, moved into 3,713 sq ft in the same building last November. Anthony Rajwan, a director at Clim plc, which is leasing space at 1+3 Arlington Square to companies, said: “We are noticing that when companies are selecting their next office space, they are closely looking at the doorstep amenities on offer as these are seen to benefit employees and customers – and, crucially in today’s marketplace, help curate a memorable experience in the workplace.” Liz Thorn, Operations Manager at Connect 44, said: “Our move to 1 Arlington Square has been a resounding success. The building provides exceptional facilities for our staff, including the gym, padel courts and the Atrium Cafe, which offers an ideal setting for lunch, meetings and informal break-out sessions." “The surrounding green spaces, seating areas and fountain create a unique environment rarely found in a town centre location. The landlord and management team ensured a seamless transition and continue to provide excellent day-to-day support." “We believe 1 Arlington Square is the best workplace setting we viewed in Berkshire, and the staff are delighted with our choice.” EPC ratings for both buildings, which can fitted-out suites from 2,300 sq ft to 13,800 sq ft, are energy-efficient A. Joint marketing agents are Vail Williams and Fryer Commercial. Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy.

Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) took a dozen of its members to visit one of the world’s most advanced satellite technology companies. They were able to promote their skills and capabilities to decision-makers within Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL). The firm has been at the forefront of satellite technology for 40 years and its products are constantly in orbit around the earth. Alan Fisher, CEO of FAC, said: “One of the things we do for our members is connect them with the big players within the aerospace, aviation, defence and space sectors. The UK’s SMEs are some of the best in the world at what they do and we assist them in their ability to grow and win contracts." “It was a superb day at SSTL and we had a tour of the facilities and were given presentations about its tech road map, its history and its strategy going forward. This knowledge and intelligence is valuable to our members because it enables them to better prepare strategies for the future." “SSTL is undoubtedly a world-leader and we are extremely grateful to them. All of our members who went enjoyed one-to-ones – or are preparing to do so.” Robert Elliott from SSTL who organised the visit said: “It was a great pleasure to welcome FAC and its members. Like all companies we rely on supply chains and we are always looking for companies with whom we can work." “Those who came on the visit displayed the type of innovation and clever thinking that the UK is famed for. We are hugely impressed with what FAC and its members are doing and are pleased that, like us, they understand that the sky is not the limit.” Photo: FAC members at SSTL

A spa resort on Windermere has been voted the best in North West England at the 2025 Good Spa Guide regional awards ceremony in London.    Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa has won the accolade, beating off strong competition from a host of leading spas across the region.    The award recognises excellence across the UK spa industry, celebrating those who deliver outstanding guest experiences, world-class facilities and exceptional levels of care. It reinforces the position of the English Lakes Hotels venue amongst the best spas in the UK.    Organised in partnership with leading spa services provider ESPA and with Elemis as sponsor, the Good Spa Guide ‘Best Spa in the North West’ award was based on the organisation’s precise ‘bubble rating’ assessments, along with expert insights and opinions from its ‘spa spies'.    The awards judges commented on Low Wood Bay’s calm spaces, which soak up Lake Windermere’s tranquillity, with its panoramic views and surrounding fells elevating the whole spa experience for guests.    Gary Tennant from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues says: "It was great to attend the awards at L’oscar London near Covent Garden and fantastic to come top in the region. The finalists were chosen through rigorous appraisal rather than a consumer-voted process. This national recognition underscores our commitment to offering one of the most exceptional spa experiences in the region." “Last year we were the first in the North West to attain the prestigious ‘Five Bubble Luxury’ standard from the Good Spa Guide. Now we’ve gone a step further, not only because of our fantastic facilities and stunning lakeside location, but also because of our hard-working team." “This award is a real reflection of the whole team’s efforts, passion and commitment to creating amazing experiences. They are what make Low Wood Bay spa truly special, and I’m incredibly proud of everything they deliver day in, day out.” The hotel group’s operations director Michael Kay adds: “Standing out in such a competitive category is a testament to the dedication, expertise and passion of our spa team, who consistently go above and beyond to create moments of relaxation, renewal and wellbeing for every guest." “We are incredibly honoured by this achievement and grateful to our teams, guests and supporters, all of whom helped make it possible. This milestone energises us to continue innovating, investing and striving to remain a leading destination for wellbeing in the North West and beyond.”    Top Photo:  Low Wood Bay has won the best spa in North West England award from the Good Spa Guide (L-R) Gary Tennant, Annabel Berry, Michael Kay and Ilse Bujok.

The University’s Radiography (Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy and Oncology) Team won the Yorkshire and North Trent Radiography Team of the Year, recognising their outstanding contribution to education and workforce development across the radiography professions. The team is at the cutting edge of radiography training, delivering exceptional education across the career pathway for radiographers and sonographers. They are at the forefront of designing and delivering radiography degree apprenticeships, directly tackling the significant radiographer and sonographer workforce crisis. With over 20 years' experience educating thousands of practitioners across the UK, the team uses state-of-the-art simulation equipment to creatively build skill and confidence by providing facilitated hands-on experience. Following a research collaboration with the Society of Radiographers supporting the revised Education and Career Framework, the team has also pioneered the establishment of integrated placements across all four pillars of practice for undergraduate students, providing unique opportunities to gain leadership, research and education skills. Individual excellence recognised Third-year Radiotherapy and Oncology student Lamiya Khokon was named Learner of the Year, which recognises a student or apprentice who has demonstrated passion for the profession, excelled academically and clinically, delivered high levels of patient care, and contributed positively to the student cohort and wider radiography community. Lamiya's dedication to academic excellence, leadership in healthcare advocacy, and commitment to fostering inclusivity make her an outstanding role model. As Course Representative for Radiotherapy and Oncology at Sheffield Hallam, she has proven to be a strong advocate for her peers. She is a passionate member of the Equalise Network Women's Group, championing equality, diversity and inclusion within healthcare education and practice. Her influence extends beyond the university as an ambassador at Radiotherapy UK, where she promotes awareness of the profession and supports campaigns engaging the public with the importance of radiotherapy in cancer care. Lamiya has also been selected for the NHS England Midlands Shared Decision-Making Student Council, a prestigious group where she contributes insights into patient-centred care. Jo Lidster, Head of the School of Health and Social Care at Sheffield Hallam University, said: "We are incredibly proud to see our radiography team and Lamiya recognised at a national level. These awards reflect the excellence that runs throughout our radiography programmes and the passion of our staff and students for advancing patient care and the radiography profession." "Our radiography team's innovative approach to education demonstrates their unwavering commitment to addressing workforce challenges whilst maintaining the highest standards of education. Their work has a direct and positive impact on patient care across the UK and beyond." “Lamiya exemplifies everything we hope to nurture in our students – academic excellence, compassionate patient care, leadership, and a commitment to making healthcare more inclusive and equitable. Her achievements during her studies have been truly remarkable, and she represents the future of radiotherapy practice.” Melanie Clarkson, Senior Lecturer in Radiotherapy and Oncology, was also shortlisted for Radiography Professional of the Year and was highly commended at the awards. Professor Ricardo Khine, who nominated Melanie, said: “Mel demonstrates effective leadership within our profession by leading on a wide range of policies and strategies related to radiotherapy and advanced practice in therapeutic radiography at both a national and international level, influencing the educational and professional practice of therapeutic radiography practitioners across the globe.”

Three in four shoppers believe AI advances have made scams more convincing, fuelling Black Friday fraud fears according to latest research from Barclays. Key Findings: Just one in three are confident they could spot an AI scam when shopping online Gen Z are most likely generation to avoid online shopping due to scam fears, at 34 per cent Amid growing online distrust, scammers are turning to text to target victims directly, with average monthly reports originating via text/SMS more than doubling since 2023 Ahead of Black Friday, the UK’s busiest retail event, new research shows that AI is making consumers more susceptible to purchase scams. As fraudsters change tactics and turn to SMS/text to directly target victims, Barclays is urging deal-seekers to act with caution to stay protected when shopping in this year’s sales. Three in four UK adults (75 per cent) believe AI advances have made online scams more convincing, while just 36 per cent feel confident they could spot an AI-generated scam. Shoppers say AI is making fake reviews (47 per cent), fake websites (45 per cent) and fake social media ads (37 per cent) harder to spot. Half (50 per cent) are more worried about falling victim to a scam than they were 12 months ago – despite three in four (73 per cent) typically doing some form of research before committing to an online purchase. These shoppers most often look at customer and product reviews (48 per cent), however they may rely on them less going forward if they struggle to distinguish between those that are authentic and those that have been created using AI. Gen Z Leads Retreat From Online Shopping Amid Scam Fears One in three (34 per cent) Gen Z adults now avoid online shopping due to scam concerns – the highest rate of any generation and 12 percentage points higher than older age groups (22 per cent). Gen Z are also most likely either to have lost money to a shopping scam or to know someone who has (35 per cent), more two times higher than Baby Boomers (15 per cent). FOMO has a part to play; 54 per cent of Gen Z say they feel pressure to purchase sale items quickly to avoid missing out. Scammers Are Turning To More Direct Channels Barclays proprietary data shows fraudsters are increasingly turning to direct and trusted channels to target victims. While social media remains the biggest source of purchase scams, average monthly reports originating via text/SMS have more than doubled when comparing 20251 to 2023, increasing text/SMS’ share of total purchase scam claims to 8 per cent in 20251 (up from 3 per cent in 2023). Similarly for digital-native Gen Z adults, the share of text/SMS scams has increased from 3 per cent to 9 per cent over the same period of time. This comes as proprietary data from Barclays shows the typical (median) value of a shopping scam has increased 43 per cent when comparing 20251 to 2023, despite the average monthly volume falling 14 per cent, highlighting that shopping scams are becoming higher value despite fewer people falling victim. The Demand For Collaborative Action Is Clear Eight in 10 (81 per cent) believe more work should be done to protect consumers from scams, while 79 per cent agree that tech companies need to be doing more to prevent scams from occurring on their platforms. Almost half of consumers (45 per cent) would even feel comfortable with tech companies and banks sharing personal data with each other, if it was done to prevent them from falling victim to a scam. Kirsty Adams, Fraud & Scams Expert at Barclays, says: “Scammers are adapting fast, using increasingly sophisticated tactics to exploit shoppers during peak sales periods. Acting quickly without checking can lead to serious financial loss. My advice is simple: pause, verify, and never share sensitive information unless you’re certain the retailer is genuine.” Kirsty shares her SAFE guidelines to help shoppers stay alert and avoid falling victim to purchase scams: S – Stop and research Before clicking on a link or entering payment details, pause and check. Verify the retailer’s official website, look for secure payment options, and read independent reviews. A few minutes of research can prevent a costly mistake. A – Ask someone you trust If a deal looks too good to be true or you’re asked to pay through unusual methods, speak to a friend or family member. They may spot warning signs you’ve missed. F – Flag unrealistic offers Be cautious of offers that promise huge discounts or pressure you to act immediately. Scammers often use urgency to push shoppers into quick decisions. E – Ensure secure processes Legitimate retailers will never ask for bank details via SMS or social media. Always use official payment gateways and avoid sharing personal information through unsecured channels.

A Palestinian man who has overcome conflict and a hearing disability is set to pursue his dream career when he graduates from the University of Dundee this week. Abdullah Alagha is determined to become a cancer researcher having had to leave his wife and daughter in Egypt to study in Scotland. Despite having to adapt to a new country on his own, and wearing hearing aids to overcome his deafness, Abdullah is set to join hundreds of other students for the University’s Winter Graduation ceremonies when he collects his Masters degree in Biomedical and Molecular Sciences at Caird Hall. The 31-year-old’s studies in Gaza were interrupted by the conflict with Israel, prompting him and his family to flee to Egypt. He was subsequently awarded a Humanitarian Scholarship by the University to complete his work, and as the conclusion of his time at Dundee approaches he says the opportunity to come to Scotland will allow him to fulfil his ambitions. “Due to war, my family and I moved from Gaza because the situation was very, very difficult.” he said. “It wasn't easy to take the decision to leave for Egypt. We just wanted to be safe and so we moved from our home in February 2024.” To enable Abdullah to continue his studies, his wife encouraged him to accept a Humanitarian Scholarship from Dundee. Seven months after leaving Palestine, he arrived in the city to begin his Masters degree. “It was difficult when I first arrived,” Abdullah admits. “My wife has always supported me in everything I have done. I came here so that I can support them, but when I first arrived it was difficult without them. I have been able to speak with them every day, however.” Despite the upheaval in his life, Abdullah quickly excelled in his studies, impressing University staff with his dedication and commitment to his work. In recognition of the high standards he set, he was named recipient of the School of Life Science’s Norman G Riding Prize, awarded to a student who has succeeded in their studies whilst coping with significant personal challenges. As he prepares to graduate, Abdullah says that his experience in Dundee will allow him to fulfil a dream fuelled by personal heartache. “My father was diagnosed with cancer and died in 2014,” he added. “I would like to continue my journey in biomedical research, especially in cancer research. My dream is to use science to improve lives and bring hope to others fighting cancer." “The University’s Disability Services team have given me a lot of help. Without their support, I would not have been able to succeed. To graduate will be one of the happiest and most emotional moments of my life. It is recognition of my determination to succeed in life.” Abdullah will be one of more than 1000 graduates celebrating as the University hosts its Winter Graduation ceremonies. Families and friends will fill Caird Hall to congratulate students.

The striking livery features rainbow accents and is designed to bring out the bright lights of the Strip, while also celebrating the speed and power offered by Atlassian’s Rovo. As the AI-powered solution at the centre of the Atlassian System of Work, Rovo connects knowledge, people, and workflows so teams move faster. It is one of the many technical tools that Williams has added to its arsenal since it partnered with Atlassian back in March 2025. Through the partnership, Atlassian are supporting Williams to drive complete transformation across their system of work – creating efficiencies, improving prioritisation, and breaking down silos, all in pursuit of improved lap time. This is the second Atlassian livery that Williams has run this season. The first livery, showcased at the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, was a 2002 throwback design which celebrated the two organisations’ shared vision and passion for teamwork. During the weekend, Carlos Sainz brought home Williams’ first ever Sprint podium. His third-place result was the second podium Williams has celebrated in 2025, the team’s most successful season since 2016. This spectacular one-off look will form part of a suite of tech-forward activations hosted by Williams partners and taking place during the Las Vegas Grand Prix week. Other activations will include: The Las Vegas Fan Zone, presented by autonomous ride hailing partner Zoox at Brooklyn Bridge, New York New York. Fans will be able to check out the livery in all of its glory – plus try Williams’ simulators, hear from the team, and get excited for race day. A talk hosted by AI Orchestration Partner Airia, featuring Team Principal James Vowles, and exploring the impact of AI adoption in one of the world’s most high-tech sports. James Vowles, Team Principal, Atlassian Williams Racing: “This striking livery is the latest celebration of our work with partners Atlassian, who are helping to accelerate our tech transformation and bring Williams right back to the cutting edge. There could not be a more iconic place to unveil this than in Las Vegas, one of the most tech-forward cities in the world.” Sorin Cheran, Chief Information and Analytics Officer, Atlassian Williams Racing: “In the midst of a busy F1 season, we need to drive improvements and find solutions quickly. Rovo helps us to search through files, data and information on our Atlassian system, ultimately allowing us to upgrade faster and find that all-important laptime. This is essential if we want to achieve our goal: to get back to the front and win multiple World Championships.”

Pro Auction are delighted to have concluded the record-breaking sale at the iconic Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa on behalf of the Arora Charitable Foundation. Whilst the Arora Group are taking special care to ensure that all fixtures & fittings and heritage items from the building are retained to preserve the integrity and story of the historic building, the highly anticipated auction saw over 2,255 lots sold under the hammer, attracting significant global interest. The highly successful sale attracted over 390 victorious bidders from across the globe. Each buyer secured a treasured, high-quality piece from the luxury hotel's furnishings, which will now find a new life in their respective properties. This wide-ranging adoption is a powerful demonstration of the circular economy in action. By facilitating the reuse and repurposing of premium assets, the auction has significantly reduced the need for new manufacturing and the associated consumption of raw materials and energy. This approach not only preserves the legacy of the hotel's items but also embodies real-world sustainability, keeping valuable resources in use and diverting hundreds of items from potential waste streams. The proceeds generated from the auction will be dedicated to supporting community charities, in line with the committed vision of the Arora Foundation to positively impact lives in the local areas to Arora Hotels. Simon Rose, the auctioneer at Pro Auction, commented on the success of the event: "The remarkable outcome of this auction is a testament to the enduring appeal of quality and history associated with a venue like Luton Hoo. We saw phenomenal interest and competitive bidding across all categories, reflecting a truly successful clearance sale. It is particularly rewarding to know that the proceeds will go directly to support the vital work of community charities through the Arora Charitable Foundation." The clearance sale is a key step in the exciting new chapter for the estate. Luton Hoo is set to undergo significant transformation and development, whilst ensuring that the integrity of the building and its history is maintained. This transformation includes preparations to host the prestigious Ryder Cup, further solidifying the estate's status as a world-class golfing destination. Pro Auction is now preparing for its next major sales event, which will feature the exclusive contents of two more prestigious establishments: The Savoy on the 9th and 10th December 2025, and Ardencote Hotel Warwickshire on the 11th November 2025. These auctions are strategically timed in advance of significant refurbishment works at both luxury hotels, presenting a unique opportunity for buyers to acquire high-quality, sought-after furnishings and fixtures. All catalogues can be viewed here.

British Cycling unveil the 2026 calendars for the road and mountain bike cross country and downhill national series. The calendars across all disciplines promise to deliver thrilling and exciting racing up and down the nation, allowing everyone from experienced riders to hot prospects to show what they can do in front of home crowds. Further national series calendar announcements for British Cycling’s governed disciplines will be made in the next few weeks, including our Track cycling, para-cycling, BMX, Speedway, 4X under-23 road, masters and youth and junior opportunities. Lloyds National Road Race Women’s Series: Round 1: 10th Anexo/CAMS Women's CiCLE Classic, Rutland – Sunday 22 March 2026 Round 2: The East Cleveland Classic, Saltburn – Sunday 12 April 2026 Round 3: Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix – Women, Lincoln – Sunday 10 May 2026 Round 4: Tour of the Reservoir, Consett – Sunday 7 June 2026 Round 5: TBA – Sunday 12 July 2026 Round 6: South Molton GP, South Molton – Sunday 19 July 2026 Round 7: Curlew Cup, Stamfordham – Sunday 9 August 2026 Round 8: North Yorkshire Grand Prix, Ampleforth – Sunday 16 August 2026 Lloyds National Road Race Open Series: Round 1: The East Cleveland Classic, Saltburn – Sunday 12 April 2026 Round 2 Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix – Open, Lincoln – Sunday 10 May 2026 Round 3 Tour of the Reservoir, Consett – Sunday 7 June 2026 Round 4 TBA – Sunday 12 July 2026 Round 5 South Molton GP, South Molton – Sunday 19 July 2026 Round 6 Beaumont Trophy, Stamfordham – Sunday 9 August 2026 Round 7 North Yorkshire Grand Prix, Ampleforth – Sunday 16 August 2026 Lloyds National Circuit Open & Women Series: Round 1: Fort Vale Colne Grand Prix 2026, Colne – Tuesday 16 June 2026 Round 2: 2026 LOGCO Otley Cycle Races, Otley – Wednesday 1 July 2026 Round 3: 2026 Ilkley Cycle Races, Ilkley – Friday 3 July 2026 Round 4: CANYON Guildford Town Centre Races, Guildford – Wednesday 8 July 2026 Round 5: Dawlish Grand Prix, Dawlish – Friday 17 July 2026 Round 6: Sheffield Grand Prix, Sheffield – Wednesday 22 July 2026 Information on the Lloyds National Road Championships will be announced in the new year. Qualification details and further event information will be shared soon. Lloyds National MTB Cross-Country Series Round 1: Newnham Park, Plymouth - 28/29 March 2026 Round 2: Cannock Chase, Staffordshire - 11/12 April 2026 Round 3: Tong, Bradford - 9/10 May 2026 Round 4: Pippingford Park - Sussex 13/14 June 2026 Round 5: Margam Park, Port Talbot - 4/5 July 2026 Lloyds National Downhill Series Calendar: Round 1: Rhyd-Y-Felin, Wales – 18/19 April 2026 Round 2: Antur Stiniog Bike Park, Wales – 9/10 May 2026 Round 3: Glencoe, Scotland– 27/28 June 2026 Round 4: Llangollen, Wales – 8/9 August 2026 Round 5: Fort William, Scotland – 12/13 September 2026 Riders will once again have the opportunity to compete for the iconic national champion’s jersey across the same categories as last year. Lloyds National MTB Cross-Country Championships – Friday 17 July to Sunday 19 July 2026, Ae Forest Lloyds National Downhill Championships – Saturday 18 July to Sunday 19 July 2026, Revolution Bike Park, Oswestry Lloyds National Enduro & E-Enduro Championships – Saturday 1 August – Sunday 2 August 2026, Isle of Man Lloyds National Marathon Championships – Sunday 16 August 2026, Newcastleton The 2026 season will offer a platform for established riders and emerging talent alike, while giving fans an exhilarating showcase of British mountain biking. British Cycling encourages all mountain biking enthusiasts, from competitors to supporters, to join in the excitement of the 2026 season. British Cycling’s Head of Talent Development and Sport, Joe Malik said: "As we look ahead to another year of racing, we thank all our host venues and their sponsorships for helping enable some of the best we have to offer to compete in front of home crowds." “Whether you’re a seasoned competitor, an aspiring racer, or a devoted fan, the 2026 calendar offers something for everyone everywhere. New names will be heard, storylines will form and I cannot wait to see the plethora of cycling action on offer.”