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M&S has returned to Bristol city centre, this morning unveiling its brand-new 80,000 sq ft flagship store at Cabot Circus. Spanning three floors, the full-line store delivers the very best of M&S Food, Fashion, Home and Beauty for customers - all in time for the run up to Christmas. On the lower ground floor, customers can find a fresh market-style foodhall, with fresh produce from M&S’ Select Farm partners (1,200 based in the South West), an in-store bakery serving up the latest launches including the popular Peppermint Bark cookies, and Hot Chicken and Mai Sushi counters. Customers can also take a pit-stop from browsing in the 200-seater Coffee Shop, delivering speedy service, barista-made coffee, and delicious food. Festive menu highlights include the brand-new Yorkshire Pudding Wrap, filled with 8-hour slow-cooked British roast beef and the Christmas tree ginger cake, crowned with a white chocolate star. Over two floors of fashion, there is plenty for customers to explore including M&S’ biggest ever in-store beauty offer to date. Across almost 3,000 sq ft, customers can find much-loved M&S brands Apothecary and Fresh Elements Skincare as well as third-party brands including Estee Lauder and Clinique. In Womenswear, customers can find the latest Jaeger womenswear collection and partywear launches. This year, M&S has launched 15 different styles of the classic black party dress – starting from just £26 – and across the range, both the Velvet and Satin Drawstring Wide Leg Trousers are expected to be bestsellers. In home, M&S x Kelly Hoppen’s latest homeware edit offers versatile and modern pieces, including the popular Christmas Joy 2 Wick Jar candle. Meanwhile in Kidswear, there is a range of daywear essentials and festive partywear to choose from. On the upper level of the store, customers will find the latest Autograph menswear collection, as well as a range of suits, perfect for dressing up ahead of the festive season. M&S Cabot Circus is one of over 20 new or renewed stores that M&S is launching in the second half of this financial year. Bath Southgate, also a flagship full-line store, is set to open in February. Long-serving colleague Stephen Bennett cut the ribbon this morning, followed by the official reveal of the store, with customers starting to queue early this morning from 7.30am. Ali Ivery, Regional Manager at M&S, said: "We have a long history here in Bristol, dating back to 1900, and so it is brilliant to be back today, with our brand-new 80,000 sq ft flagship Cabot Circus store. Over three floors, we have the very best of M&S Food, Fashion and Home waiting for customers, including our biggest ever in-store beauty offer. So, there is plenty to explore." "It's fantastic to be making such a significant investment in the city and the opening has created over 150 new jobs. We have a great supplier base here and work with over 1,200 Select Farm partners across the region. Our focus now is on delivering trusted value, unbeatable quality and that touch of M&S magic for customers in the run up to Christmas and beyond." Cabot Circus is owned and managed by Hammerson. Paul O’Brien, Director of Leasing and Commercialisation Performance at Hammerson, added: “As the number one most requested brand by our customers, we couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome M&S back into the heart of Bristol. With queues of customers snaking around Cabot Circus, we know this retail giant will be a major boost to the destination and the city more generally." "As a result of our ongoing investment, and with even more new brands launching next year, this is a golden moment for Cabot Circus as we continue to deliver a vibrant, multi-use destination at the centre of the community.”

Publicans across the South West are calling on the government to take positive action and ease mounting financial pressures on pubs ahead of this week’s Budget, warning that the sector is at a critical tipping point.   They say rising costs and increased taxation are threatening the survival of thousands of pubs - many of which are the beating heart of their communities.   Kevin Georgel, Chief Executive of St Austell Brewery, which operates 164 pubs across the region, said: “Our sector contributes tens of billions to the economy, yet pubs are under increasing pressure from unsustainable tax burdens." “Business rates are the most pressing issue - relief was cut from 75% to 40% at the last Budget, adding thousands of pounds to annual rates bills. We need meaningful reform that works for businesses, not against them."   “The government must act now to keep a pint of great British beer affordable, protect jobs and ensure pubs remain open for generations to come - they are a vital part of British life.”   The warning comes as the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) predicts more than one pub will close every day in 2025 - an estimated 378 closures across England, Wales and Scotland.   Damian and Miranda Knight have run pubs with St Austell Brewery for 12 years and are the current publicans of the Cornubia Inn and the Royal Standard Inn in Hayle, two pubs which form part of St Austell Brewery’s 120+ strong leased and tenanted estate. Despite bouncing back after COVID, Damian says the current financial strain is unprecedented. “The spring budget changes, with business rate relief decreasing and National Insurance increasing, has been extremely tough. Our sales are up year on year but turning that into profit is the struggle." “Everywhere we look, costs are rising. At the Cornubia, our live music nights are popular, but hiring a band costs more, karaoke fees have gone up, and our wage bill has soared.”   Adam Holland and Natalie Radford run the Blue Ball Inn in Exeter, another pub in St Austell Brewery’s leased and tenanted estate. Adam, who has been a publican for 20 years, said: “We have 33 staff on the payroll, so National Insurance increases have been really challenging." “We’re not like supermarkets that can raise prices and people will pay because they need essentials. We can’t keep hitting our customers with higher costs. Pubs are the centre of communities, and these are very challenging times.”   St Austell Brewery is backing the BBPA’s Long Live the Local campaign, which is calling on the government to ease financial pressures on pubs, including beer duty, business rates and VAT.   To sign the petition and contact your MP, visit here .

Market Harborough Building Society (MHBS) has launched “Thrive! Forward Intensive,” an ambitious programme in partnership with the Market Harborough Job Centre to support local young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). Thrive! Forward Intensive is MHBS’s answer to the urgent challenges facing youth today. Across the UK, nearly 13% of 16–24-year-olds (around 948,000 young people) are NEET, and many struggle with mental health pressures and financial instability. By teaming up with the Job Centre, MHBS is directly reaching those who need help the most, providing tailored mentoring, practical skills training, and emotional well-being support to boost confidence and employability – all wrapped up in a five week, intensive programme. The current cohort of twelve participants – the second intake to date - has just started their five-week Intensive course at MHBS’s new head office, taking their first steps toward brighter futures in work and education – and, all being well, will be ‘graduating’ on December 3rd. Participants from the first cohort have spoken candidly about the impact of the programme, sharing how it has transformed their confidence and outlook. One participant shared: “Before doing this I was barely talking to people. Now I can have a good conversation with people, and doing this course has been brilliant for me.” Another reflected: “After the Mental Health session I realised many people go through it – I don’t have to go through it alone.” These early successes show the power of the initiative in breaking down barriers and changing lives positively. The partnership with the Job Centre is a crucial first step to ensure that young people outside traditional education settings are not left behind. Kim Pullen, Employment Advisor at Market Harborough Job Centre, commented on the impact: “This partnership with MHBS is transforming lives by giving young people the confidence, skills, and support they need to take their next steps. It’s more than just preparation – it’s about unlocking potential and creating real opportunities for the future. We’re proud to work together on a programme that makes a lasting difference.” To deliver Thrive! Forward Intensive’s core focus areas – mental health, financial literacy, and employability – MHBS has partnered with four specialist organisations: Local Mind (Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland, and Kettering) – provides mental health workshops to help young people manage stress and build resilience. Wize Up Financial Education – offers engaging sessions on budgeting, saving, and building financial independence. Young Enterprise – runs employability workshops on CV writing, interview skills, and business basics to prepare students for the working world. Spiral Skills – offers dynamic icebreakers to build trust, team challenges to develop communication, collaboration, and resilience; collaborative bridge-building for problem-solving and public speaking. In tandem with the Intensive version, a year-long Thrive! Forward program has begun, working with local schools and colleges. As the programme grows, MHBS is committed to listening to feedback and expanding its reach demonstrating the Society’s long-term commitment by MHBS to empower young people and positively invest in the future of the local community.

Businesses, organisations and community groups across Scotland are being encouraged to host or sign up to an event as part of CyberScotland Week 2026, which will take place from 23 to 28 February 2026. The launch of CyberScotland Week 2026 follows a sharp rise in high-profile cyber-attacks over the last year, including incidents affecting Marks and Spencer, the Co-Op and Jaguar Land Rover. These attacks underline the growing threat posed by cyber-criminals to both large corporations and everyday consumers and highlight the urgent need for organisations of all sizes to strengthen their defences and prepare for potential disruption. Now in its eighth year, the awareness week will once again bring audiences together from across the country to share knowledge, strengthen resilience and celebrate innovation in cyber security. The theme for the 2026 event will still focus on “Can’t Hack it?!” and will highlight how everyone in Scotland - from individuals and families to small businesses and large organisations - can take simple, practical steps to improve their online safety and cyber resilience. The newly published Strategic Framework for a Cyber Resilient Scotland: 2025-2030 highlights that as we embrace new and emerging technologies, government, organisations and the public must be acutely aware of the ever-evolving cyber threats and know how to manage them. CyberScotland Week is coordinated by the CyberScotland Partnership, a collaboration of key stakeholders brought together by the Scottish Government’s National Cyber Resilience Unit to promote awareness and build a stronger, safer digital Scotland. Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “CyberScotland Week is a vital opportunity for organisations and communities to learn, connect and take practical steps to stay safe online. As our digital landscape evolves we need to be ready to respond to new challenges and emerging threats. CyberScotland Week 2026 highlights everyone - individuals, businesses and public bodies alike - plays a role in building a digitally secure and resilient Scotland.” Karen Meechan, CEO of ScotlandIS and Chair of CyberScotland Partnership, said: “CyberScotland Week is about starting conversations and taking action. From national agencies and universities to small businesses and community groups, everyone has something to contribute to our collective resilience. Whether you’re sharing top tips with staff, hosting a training session or running a local event, every effort helps make Scotland more secure online.” Organisations, community groups and individuals across Scotland are encouraged to host an event of any size during CyberScotland Week 2026. Events could include workshops, awareness sessions, school activities, webinars, or community drop-ins - anything that helps build awareness of cyber security and practical resilience. To find out more or to register your event, visit the CyberScotland website here.

Leicester College has made a successful bid for funding from the Office for Students (OfS) to support a £1 million capital project. The funding will expand the College to expand its Higher Education (HE) offer and develop additional flexible study modes to attract more students. Leicester College offers a range of ways for HE students to gain a university level qualification, from one-year full-time HNCs to part-time level 6 professional graduate certificates. The funding of £963,236 will enable the College to strengthen its HE offer and address skills shortages across five priority sectors - construction, creative, digital, health and professional/business services. The OfS capital funding will be invested in relevant facilities across the College including: Creating new teaching space for HE Construction provision at the Freemen’s Park Campus Updating spaces at the College’s City Skills Centre to support the HE Creative offer Fitting professional filming equipment at the St Margaret’s Campus Updating ICT infrastructure to support workplace-based modern digital learning requirements for HE Computing and Business Creating immersive learning environments and replicating real-world hospital wards/clinics for HE healthcare education at the Abbey Park Campus Shabir Ismail, Principal and CEO at Leicester College said: “In the last two years, the College has supported over 400 HE students and this funding will strengthen our commitment to further developing our HE offer. By securing this funding from the OfS, we will be able to transform teaching spaces into dedicated, aspirational HE zones across our campuses, addressing previous under-resourcing and supporting graduate employability across key sectors.” The Office for Students (OfS) is the regulator for higher education in England. It protects the interests of students by supporting a diverse and independent higher education sector.

Global real estate advisor, CBRE, has announced the appointment of a new head of its Edinburgh office. Angela Lowe will take up the post from 1 January 2026. Lowe succeeds Mark Little, who will continue with the firm as Head of Building Consultancy and Integrated PJM Scotland. Lowe has been with CBRE for more than a decade and leads the Office Agency team in Scotland. She brings extensive experience advising occupiers, developers and investors across the country. Lowe will continue her role as Head of Office Leasing while also taking on the responsibilities of head of CBRE’s Edinburgh office. Angela Lowe, appointed head of Edinburgh, said: “I’m very pleased to be taking up the role of head of Edinburgh at this important moment for the city and for CBRE." “Edinburgh continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and appeal as an international capital city, with strong investor interest, a deep occupier base and a growing pipeline of transformational development. These dynamics present significant opportunities across offices, living, logistics and alternative sectors." “My focus will be on strengthening CBRE’s presence in the market, supporting clients and helping to unlock the potential of key sites across the city. I look forward to working with our exceptional team to deliver insight and long-term value for our clients.” With regional offices in Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh, CBRE has a large team across Scotland in investment properties, agency, property management, valuation, building consultancy, rating, and planning and development divisions. Lowe’s appointment in Edinburgh forms part of a series of senior appointments across the UK as CBRE strengthens its regional leadership. In Leeds, Mike Baugh will assume the role of Head of Leeds, succeeding Richard Bamford, who will continue as Head of Building Consultancy, UK Regional Markets and UK Head of Building Surveying. With over 12 years at CBRE, Baugh will continue to lead the Industrial & Logistics, North division and has a proven track record of success. CBRE has also appointed Neil Kirkham as the Head of Liverpool. Kirkham, who has been with CBRE for more than 13 years, has built strong relationships with developer, investor, leasing and occupier clients across the region. John Ogden, Managing Director, UK Regional Markets at CBRE, commented: These appointments underscore our ongoing commitment to continue to invest in our regional leadership across the UK. Angela, Mike and Neil each bring exceptional market knowledge and client relationships that will be instrumental in driving continued growth and delivering outstanding results for our clients.”

JCB has launched its fourth annual Christmas Toy Appeal as employees unite to bring festive joy to local children.   Since the appeal’s launch in 2022, employees have donated almost 4,000 gifts for distribution to children and young people in the Stoke-on-Trent and Wrexham areas – with last year seeing a record haul of 1,700 donations at 15 collection points at JCB’s UK plants.   The 2025 appeal runs until Tuesday, December 2nd and the gifts will then be handed over to two charities - Stoke-on-Trent’s Hubb Foundation and the Wrexham branch of the Salvation Army - for distribution to local communities. Donations to the appeal are also welcome from members of the public at JCB’s World HQ at Rocester.   JCB Group HR Director Laura Atkins said: “The generosity of JCB employees continues to amaze us. The appeal has flourished over the last three years and promises to, once again, bring festive cheer to local communities.” Helping to co-ordinate this year’s appeal are JCB apprentices: Kitty Hulme, 20, of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Lewis Durham, 20, of Derby, Lucy Pepper, 23, of Stoke-on-Trent, and Will Jenkins, 20, of Stone. Kitty said: “It’s fantastic to be part of something that brings so much joy to children at Christmas. Every donation counts and helps make the season magical for those who need it most.”

CocoTurf Cricket has been developed to support the growing need for environmentally responsible solutions within the sport. Notts Sport, one of the UK’s most established innovators in sports and play surfacing, has announced the launch of CocoTurf Cricket, the world’s first 100% natural, plastic-free artificial cricket surface. Designed from the ground up using natural materials, CocoTurf Cricket represents a major step forward in sustainable facility development for cricket at all levels of the game. CocoTurf Cricket builds on Notts Sport’s pioneering CocoTurf® technology and has been specifically re-engineered to meet the demands of cricket performance. The surface is constructed entirely from natural coconut fibres, jute backing, and certified natural latex, creating a high-performance wicket system with zero plastics, zero microplastics, and zero PFAS. This makes it the first artificial cricket surface of its kind worldwide and a significant milestone in reducing environmental impact in sport. The first installation of CocoTurf Cricket has already taken place at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, providing a real-world example of how elite facilities are beginning to embrace natural, plastic-free alternatives. The surface has undergone full cricket performance testing, including a Ball Pitch Impact Assessment, which confirmed the system’s consistent bounce, realistic pace and long-term durability comparable to professionally prepared non-turf wickets. An ECB application is currently in process, marking an important step toward official recognition and future adoption by clubs, schools, county boards and national programmes. CocoTurf Cricket has been developed to support the growing need for environmentally responsible solutions within the sport. With concerns increasing around microplastic shedding, PFAS contamination and the environmental cost of synthetic materials, CocoTurf Cricket offers a future-proofed alternative that aligns with the sport’s sustainability objectives. The system is Oeko-Tex certified, 100% recyclable, features a dense pile weight of 1,300 g/m², and achieves an exceptional water infiltration rate of 15,166 mm/hr, providing reliable use throughout the year. Each square metre of CocoTurf Cricket uses fibres from 6.5 coconuts, meaning approximately 585 coconuts contribute to a single-lane match facility. This approach transforms natural by-products into high-performance surfacing technology and reduces dependence on petrochemical-based materials. The product is protected under International Patent Application No. PCT/GB2024/050422 (pending). Duncan Bennett, CEO of Notts Sport, said: “CocoTurf Cricket is a genuine breakthrough for cricket facilities. For the first time, the sport has access to an artificial surface that performs like a professionally prepared pitch but is made entirely from natural materials. This is a major step toward eliminating plastics from non-turf systems and creating facilities that protect both players and the environment.” Adam Walker, Technical Manager at Notts Sport, added: “We engineered CocoTurf Cricket with players in mind, but with absolute commitment to sustainability. This surface shows that you no longer have to choose between performance and environmental responsibility — you can have both.” With more than 40 years of experience delivering cricket surfaces across the UK and worldwide, Notts Sport continues to lead innovation in the industry, offering solutions that support the future of the game.

A West Yorkshire entrepreneur is approaching a decade in business – celebrating record-breaking growth for his vegetation management company. At just 29, Declan Colleran has transformed his venture from a small local operation into a seven-figure national enterprise – achieving a 140% increase in turnover during the past five years. Having started out as a 16-year-old trainee tree surgeon, Declan, from Dewsbury, founded DC Ground and Tree Care in 2016 as a sole trader. Since then, he has grown the business into a limited company – providing principal contractor services to a diverse range of commercial and public sector clients across the construction, highways, environmental and waterways sectors. “From starting out with a small team – me with a few groundworkers, mainly doing domestic tree work – we’re now leading large-scale projects and contracts that last several months for some of the biggest names in the industry,” said Declan, who also launched Aquatic Restorations in 2023 – a complementary company providing specialist aquatic environmental services. “It’s been stressful at times, but an incredible journey that holds even more potential for the future. Growing the business alongside my wife Lucy, our managers and trained specialists, we’ve worked hard to become recognised experts in the industry. I couldn’t be prouder of how far we’ve come – especially our longest-serving employees, many of whom joined with no formal qualifications and have grown into highly skilled professionals.” As the company approaches its 10-year anniversary, it is entering a new chapter with a rebrand that reflects the wider service offering. “I’m excited to announce that we will now be trading as DC Environmental,” Declan added. “We are so much more than just cutting down trees. We’ve expanded into complex arboriculture, landscaping and vegetation management work – all requiring specialist equipment and expertise. We also take on niche silt and invasive weed projects, as well as civil engineering, facilities management, fabrication and plant hire services.” Since starting out as a one-person operation, the business has evolved into a fully accredited and professionally structured organisation. “Lucy and our administration team have worked tirelessly to ensure full compliance with Health & Safety regulations, environmental standards and sustainability initiatives,” Declan added. “We’ve also maintained key industry accreditations – including ISO and the National Highway Sector Scheme. Doing things the right way – safely, legally and responsibly – is what has earned us the trust to be offered bigger projects." Key strategic investments have also driven growth – from sourcing specialist equipment across Europe to establishing a purpose-built depot in Heckmondwike, complete with fabrication and mechanical workshops. “From day one, we’ve owned our equipment and resources outright – often having machinery custom-made to suit our work,” said Declan. “That model has allowed us to weather challenges, including COVID-19, while keeping things stable for our team and reinvesting in line with client needs.” Co-Director Lucy, 29, who is expecting the couple’s second child, said the rebrand feels timely as the company embarks upon more capital projects – including the development of new offices and the expansion of its existing warehouse. “Declan is the driving force behind the business, but it has matured into a well-established organisation with strong management and operational teams in place,” she said. “As we head into our tenth year, we’re so grateful to our clients for trusting in our expertise and supporting our journey, and we look forward to what the future holds for DC Environmental.”

Practical advice on sustainable procurement was on the agenda as more than 150 decision makers converged on Basingstoke for the south’s biggest business conference and expo devoted entirely to green growth. The third annual Unlocking Hampshire's Green Potential (UHGP) attracted representatives of companies and organisations from a range of sectors. Held at the Apollo Hotel in Basingstoke, UHGP 2025 was staged by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce in partnership with headline sponsors Basingstoke and Dean Borough Council and business support network Barclays Eagle Labs. Conference presentations featured expert advice on how to access green finance under ESG (environmental, social and governance) goals coupled with practical insight from innovators who have already built green investments into their operations and supply chains. Alongside was an exhibition of products and services for companies looking to be greener including energy saving solutions for commercial buildings, asset finance options and sustainable interior design ideas. Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber’s Chief Executive and Executive Chair, said: “We had a conference full of keen and enthusiastic businesses who have taken a dedicated approach to sustainability and ESG values. They came to share and explore how to build green strategies throughout their operations and encourage and champion others to do the same including supply chain partners.” The keynote speaker was Dr Wendy Buckley, Client Director at Basingstoke-based climate change solution business Carbon Footprint Ltd and Chair of the North Hampshire Sustainability Business Network. Wendy told the audience that procurement was a key area for action on sustainability, and urged delegates to understand and manage their supply chain emissions. She said suppliers’ performance can be assessed through metrics such as CFP, or Supplier Carbon Footprint, which shows the total ‘cradle to grave’ emissions associated with the materials, products and services they provide. She also highlighted Sustrax Lite, a free carbon calculator designed specifically for micro-businesses, saying it “provides the robust, credible starting point you need to understand your impact and begin your sustainability journey”. Wendy added: “In today's market, your brand’s integrity is defined by the full lifecycle of your products. Your biggest risks and your greatest opportunities lie outside your direct control, in your supply chain. We need to demolish the myth that sustainability must cost more. By integrating sustainability as a vital ESG principle, you can achieve a ‘win-win-win-win’ that enhances your brand, builds deep customer trust, strengthens your supplier ecosystem, and prepares you for the inevitable future of reporting.” Fellow presenters included: Councillor Paul Harvey, Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council; event co-ordinator Barry Smith, Chair Basingstoke for Hampshire Chamber; Robert Morgan, Head of Climate Tech at Barclays Eagle Labs; and Mark Sanderson, Group Corporate Responsibility Manager for speaker sponsor Farnborough Airport, the first business aviation airport in the UK to achieve carbon neutrality. The conference culminated in an expert panel discussion on sustainable supply chains chaired by Ross McNally. Panellists included Mark Sanderson, Antonia Berridge, Green team leader at Basingstoke and Dean Borough Council, Mark Sherwood, Chief Executive of carbon reduction consultancy Auditel, and Steve Gilder, Head of Construction of Basingstoke College of Technology.

AgriScot, the UK’s premier agricultural business event, has recorded the highest attendance in its 24-year history as well as a significant increase in participation in their Dairy Classes, Silage and Business Skills Competitions. Welcoming close to 12,000 visitors, with over 240 trade stands, the event continues to be recognised as the largest indoor event of its kind in Scotland. The event demonstrated a packed programme, including a full seminar with Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity of Scotland, announcing additional funding for the Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS) taking it to £21.4 million across over 1,600 applicants. In his speech, he said: “The scheme was competitive, with over 7,700 applications worth in excess of £77 million. I know there will be many who applied who will have been disappointed not to be successful in this round. There is no getting away from that. Going forward we will review the scheme to better understand what worked and where improvement could be made, to ensure it is more tightly targeted for any future rounds of the scheme." “Officials have also undertaken further assurance checks on the assessment of applications for FFIS. As a result of those checks, areas designated as Common Grazings have been removed when verifying the total area of land occupied by a crofting business for assessment purposes. We have also added a further source of data to verify Organic Certification and therefore determine eligibility. Officials have revalidated those further applications following these assurance checks and will now be able to issue a further 122 offers of grant, mainly to crofting and island businesses.” Innovation and planning for the future remained at the heart of the event, with AgriScot’s Business Skills Winner demonstrating a strong understanding of the industry and the requirements to adapt to deliver a profitable farming business. Won by Rachel Baillie from South Lanarkshire, a fourth-year student studying Agricultural and Farm Business Management at Harper Adams University is from a mixed dairy and sheep farm just outside Carstairs, Rachel received a prize of £1,000, supported by Virgin Money. The competition, which is coordinated by SRUC, celebrated 15 years at AgriScot 2025 and included a special ceremony with all the winners. Commenting on the win, Rachel said: “I'm really excited to have won the AgriScot Business Skills Award. It’s really pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I found it particularly interesting to learn other people's opinions and views. I’ve picked up so many new skills and lots of knowledge on everything from global issues to finances on the farm." With a spotlight on cost-effective precision technologies, the Product Innovation Award went to Eadie Bros and Co. Ltd for their compound-lever plier, used for lamb castrations. The tool aims to increase better welfare by significantly reducing the level of pain at castration and tail docking, by 90%. Livestock was also key to the live interactive demonstrations, showcasing the options for on-farm efficiencies. The Sheep Game’s Cammy Wilson, and Te Pari highlighted the Racewell handling system, an all in one-solution that is allowing businesses to reconsider what one person can achieve. Whilst the beef demonstration, hosted by SAC Consulting (part of SRUC) and Genus discussed how beef genetics are playing a pivotal role within dairy herds. New this year was the Youngstock Dairy Classes, open to anyone between the ages of 5 and 30, encouraging the future and next generations. Judged as an interbreed and with 19 competitors, Joshua Atkinson and Joanne Coulthurst were awarded first prize for calves born 1st September 2024 to 28th February 2025, with Absolute Doorman Santorini. For calves born between 1st March 2024 and 31st August 2025, D&J Brewster and D Gray took the top spot with Whinchat Crown Royal Sara. SuperHeifer 2025 went to Family Airey, with Newcroft Lambda Farida, and SuperCow 2025 was awarded to Evening Holsteins, with Evening Sidekick Jennifer. Reflecting on his first year as AgriScot Chairman, Gilmour Lawrie said: “AgriScot continues to be a highlight in the calendar for the agricultural industry, and our record visitor numbers demonstrate the importance of the event. By offering a platform to develop business, explore new innovations, hear the latest trends and opportunities during our seminars, and engage with policy, AgriScot has become an essential place to support future business decisions." “I would like to thank all our sponsors and exhibitors, who help ensure we can continue to offer free entry and free parking, and to the volunteers and team who run the event. I am looking forward to welcoming all our visitors back in 2026.” Full Results Silage Results, sponsored by Watson Seeds. Young Farmers 1st - David Smith, Deaconhill Farm, Mauchline 2nd - John Caldwell, Ladyyard Farm, Mauchline 3rd - Jamie Smith, Southridgehill Farm, Beith Beef Clamp 1st - Robert Black, Drochil Castle Farm, West Linton 2nd - SRUC Easter Howgate, Edinburgh 3rd - Ian Duncan Millar, Tirinie Farm, Aberfeldy Big Bale 1st - Gregor Nelson, Redcroft Farm, Castle Douglas 2nd - David Mackie, Westerboard Farm, Glasgow 3rd - AF & PM Hamilton, Balmesh Farm, Glenluce, Newton Stewart Dairy Clamp 1st - Graham Kerr, Kirklands Farm, Dunsyre, South Lanarkshire 2nd - Andrew McGregor, East Law Farm, Carluke, Lanarkshire 3rd - Barr Farms, Meldrum, Blair Drummond, Stirlingshire Business Skills Results, sponsored by Virgin Money and supported by SRUC Winner: Rachel Baillie (South Lanarkshire) comes from a mixed dairy and sheep farm just outside Carstairs, South Lanarkshire. She is currently in her fourth year studying Agriculture with Farm Business Management at Harper Adams University near Newport. Having recently completed her placement year with SAC Consulting as an Agricultural Technician, Rachel gained invaluable experience shadowing consultants and deepening her understanding of the advisory side of the industry. With aspirations to pursue a career in farm consultancy, Rachel chose a degree that balances technical agricultural knowledge with business acumen. Her placement year confirmed her interest in the consultancy field and allowed her to work hands-on with new policy developments, sustainability schemes, and farm business planning. She believes the industry’s shift towards sustainability and net zero should not be seen as a “tick box” exercise but as a strategic opportunity for farms to improve long-term business performance. Rachel is passionate about helping businesses adapt early and make the most of changing support schemes. Product Innovation Winner: Eadie Bros & Co. Ltd The ClipFitter is a cost-effective precision compound-lever plier for the process of lamb castrations. It aims to increase better welfare by significantly reducing the level of pain at castration and tail docking by 90%. SRUC scientists concluded that young lambs castrated with ClipFitter behave as though they haven’t been castrated – as the closing force is enough to produce the effect of anaesthesia. Some trials show growth and health benefits too, from these almost pain free experiences. Using the brand-new Mini Hybrid could become lambing shed standard practice UK-wide, and a vital part of vet and agricultural student education. Product Innovation Joint Highly Commended: ATVTrac Introduced to the agriculture market in 2024, ATVTrac Lite offers affordable stolen recovery tracking. Benefitting from GPS, GSM and RF (radio frequency), ATVTrac / ATVTrac Lite was the first to offer such technology in a dedicated device, allowing the team at ATVTrac to not only track down stolen assets but be able to assist in proactive recoveries. Until now, only radio frequency could offer detailed location information. Alltech Alltech’s 37+ mycotoxin testing highlights the increasing challenge of mycotoxins in UK agriculture. These invisible toxins compromise animal health, performance and farm profitability. Mycosorb A+® Evo, Alltech’s next-generation mycotoxin binder, is a patent-pending innovation designed to remove mycotoxins from the digestive tract before they cause harm. Building on over three decades of science, this breakthrough technology shows enhanced interaction with Penicillium mycotoxins, offering targeted protection for UK ruminant producers facing significant mycotoxin-related challenges. It also delivers a twofold increase in the binding capacity of DON, one of the most challenging mycotoxins. Photos: Rachel Baillie - AgriScot Business Skills Winner / SuperCow / SuperHeifer

Executives and investors from the hotel industry have ranked London as the most attractive city for hotel investment in Europe in the year ahead for a third consecutive year, according to the 2025 European Hotel Industry and Investment survey by Deloitte. Edinburgh remains the most attractive regional UK city for investment for a fifth consecutive year. The Scottish capital was ranked most attractive by over half (54%) of respondents, followed by Cambridge (41%), up two places from last year. Oxford and Manchester took third and fourth place respectively, both falling a place in the ranking. Across Europe, Madrid remains the second most attractive investment destination after London, while Athens moved a significant seven places into third place. Meanwhile, Rome and Milan lost some of their lustre, falling four and three places respectively, while Warsaw and Munich moved up three and four places each. Leila Jiwnani, head of hospitality advisory at Deloitte UK, said: “London has secured its position as the most desirable hotel investment destination for a third year running, carving out its reputation as a dynamic capital city for business and leisure travel. Edinburgh also continues to demonstrate its popularity as a tourism hotspot, while destinations across Europe see varying levels of interest." "Investors will be looking for locations that attract a variety of visitors, particularly amidst changing consumer preferences, including a focus on either value or luxury.” Profitability looms large for hospitality leaders More than four in five (84%) hospitality leaders say they are optimistic about the long-term future of the UK and European hotel market. A similar proportion (79%) agree that investment into the UK and European hotel sector will materially grow over the next five years. However, less than half are confident in the profitability of the hotel market, with 47% believing that UK and European hotels will become more profitable over the next five years compared to today. Managing profitability has risen on the radar of leaders (69%), now the third biggest risk believed to be threatening growth this year, behind labour and workforce challenges (83%) and geopolitical tension (78%). At the same time, managing or increasing profitability became the top priority among respondents this year (84%), moving three places in the ranking of key business priorities, followed by managing cashflow (68%) and managing ongoing inflationary pressure (64%). Leaders look to diversification for growth Three quarters (74%) of respondents anticipate the level of competition for hotel acquisitions to increase in 2026. With executives focusing on profitability, they name pressures on profit margins and improving return on investment (42%) as the primary driver behind their organisation’s diversification strategy. This is followed by increased consumer demand for unique experiences and personalisation (35%). One in four said their organisations have developed new hotel concepts (27%) or have added new brands across different price points (24%) as part of their diversification strategy. Hotels remain the most attractive hospitality asset class for investment in 2026, with ‘Luxury’ (39%) identified as the most desirable hotel segment for investment. ‘Upper upscale’ (16%) and ‘Economy’ (16%) are seen as the second most attractive segments. However, ‘Upscale’, ‘Upper midscale’ and ‘Midscale’ all lost some appeal this year, suggesting investors are more likely to consider assets at the very top and bottom ends of the market in 2026. Abhishek Jaiswal, real estate M&A partner at Deloitte, said: “The expectation of more competition for hotel assets going forward is a positive sign for the industry, with a focus on niche and value segments given the middle of the market is stretched. While hoteliers look at profitability as a priority, strategic growth will regain importance.”