Cardiff and south Wales turned out in force to wave goodbye to cycling legend Geraint Thomas, and the final stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men did not disappoint, with an exciting finish in the Welsh capital as Olav Kooij (Visma-Lease a Bike) burst from the bunch to secure his third stage victory of this year’s race, after the day’s main break was caught less than 100m from the line. Romain Grégoire (Groupama-FDJ) held his nerve despite facing an onslaught of attacks on Caerphilly Mountain to win the overall by just two seconds from Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step), while the day also saw tens of thousands of fans line the streets and descend on Cardiff to celebrate Geraint Thomas’s career and bid the Welshman farewell after he retired at the conclusion of the six-day race. Thomas’ career celebrations included a guard of honour from the entire peloton at the start in Newport, and a farewell party at Cardiff Castle, as a sporting legend hung up his wheels, with his racing career ending with two tough days of racing in his native south Wales, supported by the Welsh Government. Earlier in the day, the racing was marked by a four-rider break comprising Julius Johansen (UAE Team Emirates-XRG), Bastien Tronchon (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team), Fred Wright (Bahrain Victorious), and Mats Wenzel (Equipo Kern Pharma), with the quartet putting on a show once they broke away from the peloton. The chasing bunch maintained a gap of around two minutes for most of the undulating stage, but as expected, the race fractured on the epic climb of Caerphilly Mountain after Soudal Quick-Step, Picnic PostNL, and Tudor Pro Cycling set a relentless pace heading into the final 25 kilometres of racing. With 10km remaining, former British national champion Ethan Hayter increased the pace on the lower slopes of the climb for his team leader, Remco Evenepoel, with the Belgian starting the day just two seconds behind Grégoire’s overall lead. Hayter’s efforts closed the gap to the break to within 30 seconds, and when Evenepoel’s expected attack was made, several other GC contenders were quick to respond. Oscar Onley attacked soon after, forcing Grégoire to respond, but over the summit of the climb, Tronchon, Johansen, and Wright remained at the front of the race with a slender eight-second gap. With just under 7km to go, Evenepoel attacked on the long descent to the finish with Grégoire once more forced into a frantic chase. Out front, the remaining trio worked well together, but the stop-start nature of the peloton eventually led to a significant regrouping, with Kooij and several of his Visma-Lease a Bike teammates returning to the peloton. From there, the momentum on the stage shifted, with the break left dangling at the front, having a 16-second buffer and 4.5km remaining. The trio refused to throw in the towel and powered into the last 500m with a narrow gap on the chase, but just as Wright opened up his sprint, Kooij blasted through the pack to take the stage win and deny Wright his first-ever stage victory in the race. The Bahrain Victorious rider held on to take a well-deserved third place, while Sam Watson (INEOS Grenadiers) finished second. “We’ve had a pretty amazing week. It's really nice to finish it this way,” Kooij said at the finish in Cardiff. “I think we were not that far away on GC, so we thought about trying to close that gap and also fight for the bonus seconds. We also had to use a few guys to try and bring the break closer for the stage win, though. This week has been really special, we took control most of the week, it’s something that doesn’t happen too often so we’re really happy,” the Visma- Lease a Bike rider said. Fond farewell to a cycling legend Newport, South Wales, played host to the final stage of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men, and as expected, the pre-race crowds only had eyes for one team as Geraint Thomas lined up outside the INEOS Grenadiers bus for the start of his final race as a professional rider. For a rider who has been a mainstay on the British cycling scene across three decades, it was only fitting that the day belonged to the 39-year-old, with a guard of honour at the start led by his INEOS teammates, with his own son, Macs, joining in. It was memorable too, that Thomas was the first rider to attack once the flag was dropped, with the Welshman jumping clear on home roads. Although there would be no fairytale day in the break, the veteran later enjoyed the freedom of riding up Caerphilly Mountain with longterm friend and teammate Ben Swift to accompany him as fans cheered the pair home. “It was emotional across the line. All the fans, I was choking up. Crossing the line with Swifty, who I've raced with since I was 12, it all came out then and speaking to S4C I couldn't even speak. It’s definitely emotional. It’s super special, and to finish here is unbelievable,” Thomas said at the finish. “It's unreal, the atmosphere, all week, a lot of the years I've been racing, particularly today and yesterday, just riding through here, then the amount of people going nuts. It's mad that people are so much about me doing well; it meant so much. What can I say? What a way to finish,” he added. Once Thomas’s attack had been neutralised, a wave of attacks followed before the day’s break settled on Johansen, Tronchon, Wright, and Wenzel. A group of teams kept the break under control throughout the stage, and with the leading riders on GC separated by only a few seconds, the overall standings remained wide open as the race ascended Mynydd Bedwellte and then headed towards the crucial climb of Caerphilly Mountain. Evenepoel and Onley both tried to create the needed separation on the climb, but Grégoire was equal to every acceleration. “I’m really happy, I’ve always wanted to win a race like this. I’m just enjoying the moment, and I’m really happy for myself and the team. The riders behind me were very close [in GC], so I had to manage today well, and I think as a team we did it to perfection. Controlling the break and making sure it was a sprint finish, today went really well for us,” the Frenchman said after winning the race. “With the attacks on the climb, it wasn’t easy to stay with them, but I was pretty committed and my legs felt good. I was able to follow the attacks, which was the good part, but the descent was tricky too, with Remco attacking it wasn’t a fun moment." "Winning this race ranks really high in my career. At the finish, if there had been a small group, it would have been dangerous for me, but with sprinters like Olav Kooij there, it was easier for me. I was confident when I saw the Visma leadout in the final 2km,” the Frenchman added. Kooij also ended the race with the points jersey, while Victor Vercouillie topped the KOM standings. Grégoire also claimed the best young rider’s jersey, and Bahrain Victorious won the team classification.

Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count results are in – find out how Surrey’s butterflies fared in 2025. This summer, 4,234 people took part across Surrey spotting 51,884 butterflies and day-flying moths during the three weeks of the Big Butterfly Count. On average, butterfly spotters saw 8.4 butterflies and moths per count, a 12% increase compared to 2024, and the most-spotted butterfly in Surrey was the Large White. While the numbers are a vast improvement compared to 2024’s, the charity has warned that urgent measures are still needed to reverse long-term decline. The sunniest spring and hottest summer ever recorded in the UK provided good weather conditions for butterflies after 2024’s record-breaking lows. However, the results from the UK-wide survey show that it was definitely not a bumper summer for our beleaguered butterflies. Between July 18 and August 10, over 125,000 citizen scientists got involved in Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count across the UK – more than ever before – and recorded 1.7 million butterflies and moths, with the top five species being Large White, Small White, Gatekeeper, Red Admiral and Meadow Brown. On average, participants recorded 10.3 butterflies during each 15-minute count. While a marked improvement on last summer’s record low of just 7, it is only broadly average by modern standards, and has done little to reverse longer-term declines. Butterflies need two things to thrive: good weather and a healthy environment. Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, warns that: “We may feel like we’ve seen lots of butterflies this summer, but that’s only because last year was so awful." “Last summer’s results were the lowest we’ve seen and a stark warning that many of our common butterfly species are facing significant pressure from challenges linked to habitat loss, climate change and pesticide use." “Whilst we’ve seen noticeably more butterflies during 2025’s Big Butterfly Count, the figures suggest it’s actually been a pretty average year for them by modern standards." “The 15-year Big Butterfly Count trends show that more than twice as many widespread species have declined significantly than have increased. And, while most species had a better than average summer, one-third of species fared poorly even in the generally beneficial weather." “There remains a need for us to take urgent action to support our butterfly populations, including by improving the environment in which they live, restoring habitats and reducing pesticide use. Until we do these things we are unlikely to see a great recovery in butterfly numbers, regardless of how much the sun shines.” Winners and losers Across the UK, some species did show marked increases this summer. The Large White and Small White both recorded their best ever Big Butterfly Count result. Meanwhile the Small Tortoiseshell, which had its worst Big Butterfly Count result on record in 2024, showed some improvement but still recorded a below average year and has declined by 60% since 2011. The Jersey Tiger moth had a record year. The species was recorded more widely and in higher numbers than ever before. By contrast, Holly Blue had its second worst Big Butterfly Count result on record, Common Blue had its third worst and Meadow Brown had its fourth worst Count result. What can Surrey’s butterfly-lovers do to help Butterflies are key indicators of the UK’s biodiversity and environmental health. Tracking their numbers helps Butterfly Conservation understand the impacts of climate change, habitat loss, and conservation action. This year’s results are a reminder of how much we still need to do if we want to restore butterfly numbers in the UK. Dr Richard Fox added: “We’ve reached a critical moment. The time to take action for UK butterflies is now. We know the weather impacts their numbers and with the summer we’ve just had we should be seeing them in far greater numbers. Even when the weather is good, the environment is only able to support far fewer butterflies than it used to." “We must now do more to improve the habitat that our butterflies live in. This is why Butterfly Conservation is calling for an end to the unlicensed use of butterfly-killing synthetic pesticides, and asking retailers to take them off the shelves. We are in a nature crisis. We should be providing people with the tools to help and not the means of destruction.” A rescue mission Butterfly Conservation has launched a rescue mission for the UK’s butterflies and is asking the people of Surrey to sign its open letter to retailers calling for the removal of toxic synthetic pesticides from sale for domestic use. You can add your name by visiting here. Big Butterfly Count will return in 2026. Next year’s event will take place between July 17 and August 9 so be sure to make a note in your diary. Photo: Andrew Cooper

A top south coast tax expert has described the separate financial controversies involving Premier League footballers and former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner as a ‘wake-up call’ for people about the need to take sound, professional advice. Steven Martin, Senior Tax Manager at Hampshire accountancy and business advice firm HWB, says the two high-profile cases serve to underline why trusted, reliable guidance is more crucial than ever. He said: “While they differ, as one concerns Stamp Duty only and the other is about wider tax planning and investment strategy, they do serve as stark reminders that inadequate advice can wreak havoc on individual financial well-being and, in the Rayner case, even job security." “They show that individuals, regardless of status or profession, must seek professional tax and investment advice from trusted, qualified experts." “Missteps, even unintentional, can have serious financial, legal and reputational consequences. Sound advice isn't just about minimising tax; it's about ensuring compliance, protecting assets and making informed, ethical decisions in an increasingly scrutinised financial environment." “In the so-called V11 case, a group of former Premier League footballers lost fortunes after investing with persuasive advisors. The schemes, built on tax-avoidance constructs, film-fund investments and US property ventures, failed, leaving the investors saddled with massive tax liabilities." “Some were pushed to bankruptcy, and all were entangled in long battles with HMRC. By contrast, the Angela Rayner case illustrates the perils of insufficient or inappropriate guidance on a specific area of tax law. Complex legal provisions deemed her liable for the higher, second-home rate of SDLT (Stamp Duty Land Tax), and she ended up underpaying by around £40,000." “While the two cases are very different in context, they share a clear lesson: unqualified or incomplete advice in areas of complex tax or investments can be perilous. The V11 players relied on advisors without fully understanding the risks while Rayner acted on advice that lacked depth in tax and trust intricacies." “Both situations highlight how critical it is to seek advisors with appropriate knowledge, integrity and a clear understanding of your personal circumstances. Trusted advisors not only help save money by ensuring correct decisions upfront, they often also protect reputations. Misplaced trust can mean the difference between a secure retirement and financial ruin." “Ultimately, when managing personal wealth there’s a compelling purpose behind the enduring wisdom: rely on trusted, regulated, qualified advisors and if the situation is complex, seek multiple perspectives." “It’s the best protection against financial loss, legal missteps and reputational damage.” Chartered accountants HWB, based at Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton, provides business and tax advice.

A new independent business inspired by a love of plants and community is set to open its doors in Stonehaven this month thanks to expert guidance from Business Gateway. Bract Botanical Living, founded by Gunnar Ovstebo and Bruce Harper-Ovstebo, began life in the couple’s garden shed, where they sold houseplants and pots to friends and locals. Just a few months later, the business has bloomed thanks to support from the community, with the pair now preparing to open a dedicated retail space in the town. Opening on Wednesday 10 September, the new store will be open from Wednesday to Sunday and offer a curated selection of houseplants, plant pots, gifts, and a cosy tearoom where visitors can relax among the greenery. The shop will also host a regular houseplant clinic and a programme of workshops, helping customers to grow their knowledge and confidence when caring for plants. The business name, ‘Bract’, takes inspiration from botany, where a bract is a specialised leaf, reflecting the founders’ love of the natural world and their ambition to help people connect with it. The duo has worked closely with Business Gateway adviser, Sean Cowie, over the past few months as they prepare to open the shop. Sean provided one-to-one advisory support, guidance on marketing and pre-launch planning, as well as support on preparing to move into the new premises. This tailored guidance gave the co-founders the tools to turn their vision into a reality quicker than they first anticipated. Bruce Harper-Ovstebo, co-founder of Bract Botanical Living, said: “What started as a few plants in our potting shed has grown into something far bigger than we ever imagined. This shop is a dream come true for us - a place where people can find beautiful plants, enjoy a coffee and feel part of something special." “Business Gateway has been a fantastic sounding board from day one. Sean’s advice and guidance has helped us shape our ideas, focus on what we do best and launch with confidence. We’re so excited to welcome people through the doors and share our love of plants with the community.” Sean Cowie, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Bruce and Gunnar’s passion for plants is infectious. They’ve taken a simple idea and nurtured it into a business that will bring colour, creativity and community to Stonehaven." “Supporting them as they’ve made the leap from shed to shop has been a pleasure. Bract Botanical Living is proof of what can happen when creativity meets determination, and I can’t wait to see how the business grows.”

The certification means that Finedale Foods can handle Red Tractor requirements from its contract manufacturing clients. It enables the company to source Red Tractor-assured meat and process in accordance with the strict standards demanded by the certification. Managing director Edward Miles said: “The Red Tractor label gives us an extra string to our bow and allows us to operate to Red Tractor standards for our clients and customers who wish it." “Contract manufacturers, along with the other parts of the supply chain like the sourcing farm and abattoir used, need to have the accreditation in order for finished products to be labelled as Red Tractor." “We are proud to have recently received this accreditation, the latest in a number of accreditations and certifications which also include BRCGS and Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Our customers can be reassured of the importance we place on responsible sourcing and safe production.” Based at Bunwell in Norfolk, Finedale Foods is a specialist UK manufacturer or frozen and chilled foods, delivering contract manufacturing across a wide range of sectors. It specialises in the manufacture of quiches, pies, pastry goods, cakes and miniature items for the foodservice and retail sector. Clients include retailers, food service distributors, food-to-go operators, manufacturers, private label brands, and companies in the travel sector. The company also produces the Frank Dale Foodservice, George Adams 1910 and Deli Santé brands.

Contractor Clegg Construction has handed over a £37m student accommodation scheme in Leeds ready for the new academic year. The Fabric Works in Leylands Road is a 402-studio block featuring study space, a cinema lounge and media room, fitness studio and gym, courtyard, bike storage, private dining room, and shared communal space with pool tables and a dry bar area. The two-year project was handed over on time and ensures that the development is available for students this September. Delivered in partnership with PPG Leeds Ltd, a joint venture between Primus Property Group and HIG Capital, The Fabric Works is situated next to Spinners Yard – a 185-apartment build-to-rent development that was completed by Clegg Construction earlier this year for property developer Rise Homes. Michael Sims, managing director at Clegg Construction, said: “Clegg Construction was proud to have been appointed to deliver The Fabric Works and we’re very pleased to have handed it over on time, as per our original and planned programme of work, and ready for the 2025/2026 academic year." “This scheme provides modern and stylish accommodation in a thriving area of Leeds and is ideally situated for the city’s three universities." “It adds to our growing portfolio of significant developments in Leeds, cementing our position as a key contractor helping to shape the city.” The wider project team which delivered The Fabric Works included Tim Groom Architects, Ridge and Partners, Strive, KKA Studio, Quartz Project Services, and Innov8 Development Solutions. As part of the delivery of The Fabric Works, Clegg Construction undertook a range of commitments to the local community including hosting multiple visits from Leeds College of Building students, significant donations to Blessed of the Father Food Bank, and regular contact with members of the neighbourhood via newsletters, a noticeboard, letter drops and in-person visits from the site team. Clegg Construction has also worked with Community Wood Recycling for wood waste management and Wren Bakery, which uses baking and coffee as tools to provide disadvantaged women with opportunities towards employment. Adam Turner, director at Primus Property Group, said: “Clegg demonstrated consistent professionalism throughout The Fabric Works project, with highly capable and well-resourced teams that ensured efficient delivery to a high standard." “They were organised, proactive in addressing challenges, and maintained clear communication at all times. Their coordination of quality subcontractors, collaborative approach, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail greatly contributed to the project’s success - and reinforced our confidence in their ability to deliver similar complex schemes in the future.” With its head office in The Lace Market in Nottingham, Clegg Construction is a Midlands, East Anglia, and Yorkshire-based construction firm specialising in the delivery of public and private sector projects.

A spectacular community art project which brought together the collaborative creative efforts of vulnerable women across the region, was unveiled for the first time at a special event in Leamington. Called ‘Queen,’ the impressive patchwork is made up of more than 1,000 hand-stitched hearts and flowers and took over six months to complete. The seven-metre hooded cape, is the initiative of The Esther Project, a Leamington-based CiC dedicated to supporting vulnerable women, including those dealing with mental health challenges, escaping domestic abuse, overcoming addiction, transitioning from prison or facing homelessness. It was completed with the backing of Leamington Town Council’s Community Grant Fund, established to support Community and Voluntary groups with projects that are of benefit to the wider Leamington Spa community. Lisa Nicolle, spokesperson for The Esther Project, said: “The Queen project exemplifies how craft and creativity can empower individuals, while building links with the wider community. It brings together women from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and breaking down barriers between age groups, skill levels and social experience. “Each stitch carries a story - of courage after hardship, of rebuilding confidence, of daring to dream of a new future. Piece by piece, these individual creations have been joined together to form a spectacular cape fit for a queen." “It is more than an artwork - it is a powerful symbol of what is possible when women stand together, support one another, and believe in themselves again. The project brings women together in a supportive and collaborative setting, reducing feelings of isolation.” She added: “Craft activities like crochet and patchwork promote relaxation and offer mental health benefits and participants gain a sense of pride and accomplishment by contributing to a visible and meaningful art installation. A group activity like this also fosters social bonds, which are crucial for mental health, as well as encouraging self-confidence, teaching planning, coordination, and project execution skills.” The Esther Project was established by Lianne Kirkman in 2023 - her mission, to create a nurturing and empowering community where every woman can heal, grow and reach their future potential. It does this through a range of services, including counselling, one-on-one support, creative activities, employability opportunities, and drop-in sessions. Esther House - a seven-bed supported living accommodation, opens its doors for vulnerable women who need a safe space to recover. Many of the ladies who attend The Esther Project’s weekly support groups also had a hand in creating the designs which were then meticulously sewn onto the cape over several weeks by a team of hardworking volunteers, overseen by Judith Perry. Judith said: “The ladies have made various contributions involving learning new skills - not only crochet, but also papier mâché, fabric painting and beading, all of which adorn the cape. And many different organisations and individuals were involved in making the hearts and flowers, including local WI groups and members of Leamington Studio Artists.” Specially invited guests, including the mayor and Warwickshire Police Crime Commissioner, gathered to witness The Queen’s grand unveiling at The Riverside Glasshouse in Jephson Gardens on Thursday, ahead of its tour of other locations in the town. Mr Seccombe said: “The Esther Project is doing fantastic work and Lianne is one in a million. I know it will continue to grow and the cape is incredible. One of the main themes of my real time plan is to put more and more into prevention of reoffending and this is one of the projects that’s making a difference.” Leamington Mayor Councillor Ruggy Singh said: “It’s not very often we have the opportunity to come back and hear about the fantastic work that has taken place as a result of our community funding. It’s a wonderful cause, creating a space where women can come together, find support and be part of a community that helps them through life’s hardest challenges. I would like to thank you for the amazing work you continue to do. The difference you make to those who need it most is truly invaluable.” Photos: Alex James Harvey.

Colliers Business Rates Team has appointed Mike Dunlevey, a highly respected and well-known rating industry figure as a director in its national business rates team. Mike’s principal role is to deal with the delivery of the team’s focussed CCA submission strategy for the 2023 Rating List; a list which is undergoing considerable scrutiny given it was based on property values in March 2021, mid Covid-19. Mike will work on a national basis, across the business’s 11 UK offices using a data led programme to support the rating team challenging the current list, on their clients’ behalf. He will also look at best practice to tackle the team’s response to the 2026 Rating List, once the draft list is published this November. Prior to joining Colliers, Mike spent over 30 years at the VOA where he held senior leadership roles; becoming Statutory Valuation Officer first for the East Midlands Unit (the largest unit) and then for the London Valuation Unit. This role encompassed responsibility for the whole of Central London and the boroughs to the north to the M25, including Hertfordshire and represented 30% of the total rateable values of non-domestic properties in England and Wales. In addition, when the new CCA (Check, Challenge, Appeal) system was introduced in 2017, Mike was responsible for the delivery of the Challenge function and implementation in general. He also was on the Revaluation Project Board for the VOA. Following his career at the VOA, Mike joined Altus Group as a Vice President, responsible for Strategic Leadership, including organisation, policy and process. He remained at Altus for just under 5 years. Mike joins a growing national business rates team at Colliers led by John Webber and now consisting of 27 directors. The total team numbers around 140 staff. John Webber commented: “Mike has considerable experience and reputation in the industry, having worked on both sides of the fence, and we are delighted that he has agreed to join our team. His new role will help us to ensure we cover all bases and provide best practice advice to our clients considering challenging their rateable values in the 2023 list, particularly during the run up to deadline day in April." " As latest VOA statistics show, there is considerable work to be done as more checks and challenges to this list come forward in the next 7 months and we plan to be well resourced to tackle the challenge of the job. Mike’s experience will also be invaluable as we approach the 2026 list. A warm welcome to Mike.” Mike Dunlevey added: “I am very excited about this new opportunity and look forward to working with the business rates and wider teams at Colliers to ensure clients are fully served for the 2023 list and its connected appeal system. Going forward I’ll be working to prepare for the arrival of the 2026 list next April. It’s going to be a busy time, but one I believe we’ll thrive in! “

Gebrüder Weiss continues to advance the electrification of heavy-duty transport: two new fully electric trucks are now deployed in daily use for groupage transport at the company’s headquarters in Lauterach. Two additional e-trucks are already operating out of Wels (Upper Austria). The Mercedes eActros 600 models offer a battery capacity of 600 kWh, a range of 500 kilometers, and 600 kW of drive power. They can be charged at company-owned fast-charging stations within 30 to 90 minutes, making them suitable for both regional and long-haul operations.   Independent Charging Infrastructure With public charging options for e-trucks still limited, Gebrüder Weiss has built its own charging and power supply system in Lauterach. Two transformer stations with a capacity of 1,600 kVA, each power up to 16 fast-charging points, eight of which are already in service. The electricity is sourced either from the company’s own photovoltaic system or from certified renewable energy.   An additional benefit of the company’s proprietary charging infrastructure: vehicles can recharge while being loaded or unloaded, eliminating downtime. Stefan Oberhauser, Branch Manager of Land Transport & Logistics Vorarlberg at Gebrüder Weiss commented: “Our customers expect reliability and on-time delivery even with zero-emission transports. With our dedicated energy supply and the latest vehicle solutions, we can deliver sustainable road transport at scale.” To ensure nationwide routes can also be planned independently of external charging networks, Gebrüder Weiss is currently installing additional charging stations at its facilities in Vienna, Hall in Tyrol, Altenrhein (Switzerland), and Aldingen (Germany).   By the end of 2025, the company’s Austrian e-truck fleet will have grown by a total of 14 e-trucks, five of which will be based in Lauterach. Beyond that, Gebrüder Weiss will continue to invest in e-mobility: in 2026, the company plans to expand its fleet with additional e-trucks and electric vans for home delivery operations.

A Lake District spa resort has played host to the flight crew of a prototype seaplane from the annals of aviation history. Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa was the base for the pilots and engineers of Waterbird, a unique, exact replica of the UK’s first successful seaplane which first flew from Windermere in 1911. The spa resort also gave a select audience of aviation enthusiasts and guests the chance to meet the team behind the project. Waterbird sped across the water and took wing in two early autumn evening demonstration flights across Windermere against the stunning backdrop of the Langdale Pikes. The crew then retired to the spa resort for an informal question and answer session with guests and visitors. The Waterbird project team included pilot Lieutenant Commander Chris Gotke, chief engineer Dr Bill Brooks, and Chairman of the Lakes Flying Company Ltd Ian Gee. They took the audience through their involvement in the Waterbird project and their wider flying experience. English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues managing director Ben Berry says: “It was thrilling to see this majestic aircraft turn back the clock to a golden age of aviation on Windermere, especially as Low Wood Bay has a fascinating back story in relation to seaplanes and flying boats." “It was great to host the flying team here at the hotel and give them a platform to tell us all about the project. Lieutenant Commander Gotke says the aircraft is a delight to fly.” In the late 1970s and early 80s, Low Wood Bay was a focal point in advocating tourism proposals for small seaplanes taking off from and landing on the waters of Windermere. Michael Berry OBE, Ben’s grandfather, was involved in a short-lived campaign to develop commercial seaplane operations at Windermere. A Tiger Moth seaplane landed on the hotel’s waterfront in 1979, and another floating plane, a four seater Cessna, made a visit in 1983. The idea was that a rapid ‘water taxi’ service to and from regional airports, as well as the potential for leisure flights on Windermere, could take off in popularity. But the proposals never got off the ground. Chairman of the Lakes Flying Company Ltd Ian Gee said: “We are very grateful to English Lakes Hotels for accommodating the key members of the team, and for giving us the opportunity to let the public meet us all and discuss the intricacies of the project. The Waterbird flights went smoothly – it’s a wonderful aircraft and magnificent to see in flight. All in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable day.” Waterbird’s flights on Windermere involved detailed planning. The team worked with the Lake District National Park Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority to attain appropriate permissions and licences. The project also involved transporting the seaplane from its home at Liverpool Airport. For further information about the award winning Waterbird project, visit here.

Beach volleyball players from 20 companies in the property sector have helped to raise £15,000 for two hospice charities in championships organised by lender MSP Capital. This is the fourth year in a row that the Poole-based firm has staged the event on Bournemouth beach with proceeds split equally between Julia’s House and Lewis-Manning Hospice Care. The contribution from this year takes the total raised since the inaugural contest in 2022 to more than £55,000. Leigh Bartlett, Chief Executive of MSP Capital, said: “This was another great event that brought people from across the property sector together in aid of two brilliant charities in our heartland. Every year the championships serve as an opportunity for us to give back to the community in a way that enables people to have fun and network on the sand.” Leigh’s comments were echoed by colleague Rachel Bartlett, MSP Capital’s Head of Marketing & People, who said: ““Thank you to every single competitor who took part and all the companies that entered teams. Once again, everyone had a great time and got into the competitive spirit all in support of Lewis-Manning and Julia’s House.” Both charities voiced praise and gratitude for the event at a time when the costs of hospice care are continuing to increase. Caroline Attreed, Corporate Fundraiser for Julia’s House, a Dorset and Wiltshire children’s hospice which provides specialist care to those with life-limiting and complex conditions, said: “The work that MSP Capital puts into this competition is phenomenal. It is such a great local event, bringing businesses together to have fun while making such a difference to their local community." "The donation raised helps Julia’s House to bring clinical care, fun, laughter and compassion to the children we support. And to give exhausted parents a much-needed respite break from around-the-clock care, with the peace of mind their child is in safe hands.” Likewise, Vicki Gray, Head of Fundraising at Dorset based Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, an independent charity that supports local people and their families facing a life-limiting illness, said: “The beach volleyball event is always such an amazing day, loads of fun, a bit of friendly competition, and a chance for local businesses to connect. But most importantly, it helps raise awareness and support for two amazing local hospice charities." "The funds raised will go a long way towards helping provide hospice care to those that need it. Huge credit to MSP Capital for organising another incredibly successful event. Every organisation and player involved has really helped make a big difference to so many people in our community.” At the event, six-a-side, mixed teams competed in ‘pool’ matches, with the top scorers going into a knockout stage starting with quarter finals. Last year’s finalists, accounting and consulting firm RSM, went one better this year and took the gold medal after beating financial advice specialists Interpath Advisory 38-16. Darren Slater, RSM’s Consulting Director, said after the final: “We’re proud to be part of this fantastic competition. It’s important for us as a firm to support events with a charity angle. These championships are really well run and are in aid of two superb causes.” As well as RSM and Interpath Advisory, companies and organisations entering teams this year were: AECOM, Blake Morgan, Clarke Willmott, Ellis Jones, Frettens Solicitors, Imperial Homes, Lester Aldridge LLP, Porter Dodson, Preston Redman, Quay Crew, Quostar, Rubicon, Saffery LLP, Travers Smith, Trethowans, Vail Williams, Venture Recruitment and Wellington King. Beach volleyball specialist Deep Dish partnered with MSP Capital to run the championships with support on the day including a compere, referees and DJ. Mohit Kerai, Event Manager for Deep Dish, said: “We couldn’t stage this without MSP Capital’s manpower and financial support. The firm’s team, especially Rachel Bartlett, have been of enormous help.” Mohit added that the day had set the scene perfectly for the UK Beach Tour’s Grand Slam Finals, which were also supported by Deep Dish and which this year had MSP Capital as headline sponsor. The Grand Slam saw top beach volleyball players from around the country pair up for three days of elite competition at the same location by Bournemouth Pier.

Deloitte has announced the appointment of Garry Tetley as head of tax for the firm in Scotland. Garry, who joined as a graduate in 1997, will lead a team of 130 tax professionals based in Deloitte’s offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. He succeeds Douglas Farish, who has led the team in Scotland for the last five years. A partner with Deloitte since 2011, Garry currently leads Deloitte’s private markets practice in Scotland which services privately owned businesses and their owners across all sectors, including technology, financial services, energy and industrials. His focus has been on supporting scaling businesses with international expansion, corporate reorganisation, management incentives and transactions. Garry has also advised a range of fast-growing groups nationally, including supporting companies through to transactions exceeding $1bn valuations. Garry Tetley, head of tax for Deloitte in Scotland, said: “I am very proud to take on this role at a time of such opportunity for our team. Changes to tax policy, both in the UK and abroad, bring complex challenges for businesses and their owners, but they also open the door to new opportunities. Our team is well placed to help clients across Scotland navigate this evolving landscape." As part of his new role, Garry will focus on creating the environment for team members to develop their skills within Deloitte’s Scottish tax practice. The firm currently has eight Scotland-based tax partners – six of whom started at the firm as graduates - with plans to grow the number of tax partners over the next few years. In June, as part of the firm’s recent round of promotions in Scotland, VAT specialist Jen Donnachie and tax valuations specialist Lyndsay MacGregor were promoted to partner. Garry continued: “Our success comes from strong client relationships and the career opportunities we create. Just last week, we welcomed 16 new tax graduates in Scotland. Part of my role will be creating an environment across our Scottish offices where these graduates and all our tax professionals can grow and develop their expertise. As such, my priority will be building strong, capable teams to serve both the local market and the wider national practice.” Angela Mitchell, practice senior partner for Deloitte in Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “I am very pleased to welcome Garry to our senior leadership team and look forward to him bringing the same energy and vision to this role that he does with his entrepreneurial clients." "I also want to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to Douglas for his outstanding leadership, as he passes on a thriving tax practice which is well set for continued success in the coming years.”