Two former teachers from Banchory, Aberdeenshire have built a horticultural design and care business, turning an idea into a full-time venture, with Business Gateway supporting them from concept through to launching a new dedicated wellbeing offer this year. Carole Taylor and Juliette Elder launched Soil Sisters in March 2024, running the business three days a week alongside their part-time teaching jobs. The design and maintenance business transforms gardens into sanctuaries centred around wellbeing and relaxation. Business Gateway adviser Gillian Macdonald has been on hand providing support from the outset, after the pair attended a local start-up awareness workshop. By May 2025, the business had grown enough for both women to go full-time. Business Gateway provided upscaling advice including support in preparing a financial plan for the business ahead of the move to full-time trading, along with digital expert support to develop the business's social media presence and to reach a growing customer base. Carole Taylor, co-founder of Soil Sisters, said: “Our experience with Business Gateway has been absolutely incredible. We have received so much advice, access to start-up business courses and templates for our business plans and cash flow. As two women going into business for the first time, we have found the continued support invaluable and we're very grateful for it.” Both Taylor and Elder are trained Social Therapeutic Horticulture practitioners, which involves using plants, gardening and nature to improve people’s physical and mental wellbeing and social skills. They have extensive experience in using the approach to support people with additional needs, mental health challenges and anxiety. That background now underpins their second business venture, Soil for the Soul Ltd., a dedicated programme of women’s wellbeing workshops which launched by the pair in April 2026. Through workshops rooted in nature, participants are encouraged to learn new skills, connect with others and prioritise their wellbeing. On expanding their offering, Juliette Elder, co-founder of Soil Sisters, said: “Moving into the wellbeing space felt like a natural next step for us. Through our work in therapeutic horticulture, we've seen first-hand how spending time outdoors and connecting with nature can have a positive impact on people's confidence and wellbeing. Soil for the Soul allows us to bring together our professional experience and our passion for creating welcoming, supportive environments for women.” Gillian Macdonald, Business Gateway adviser, said: "Carole and Juliette approached their business journey with a clear vision and a willingness to learn and grow. Our role was to help them put strong foundations in place through business planning and financial forecasting, giving them the confidence to transition from part-time trading to a sustainable full-time business. It's been fantastic to see them continue to evolve and diversify their offering while staying true to their values.” To find out more about how Business Gateway can help, visit here.

A Scottish e-commerce store selling authentic global ingredients, traditional dress, and arts and collectables from independent, minority owned sellers is expanding after receiving support from Business Gateway. Shop Much More, which is based near Stirling and has customers across the UK, worked with Business Gateway in the last year to receive HR and marketing assistance, to build the foundations of the business as it gears up for expansion. The company was launched in March 2025 by director, Samuel Johnson, who is based in Bridge of Allan. The vision was to create a digital marketplace bringing together minority-owned business from the UK to sell their goods, while creating an outlet for customers seeking hard-to-find products that connect them to home. The marketplace now includes more than 200 products such as spices, sauces, groceries and snacks, as well as fabrics, footwear, wall art, beauty products, books and jewellery. It uses AI and geolocation to automate backend logistics and streamline the discovery process for shoppers. With a year under its belt, Shop Much More is now eyeing growth. Samuel worked with HR expert Yvonne Rawlinson, recommended by Business Gateway, to review job descriptions for two roles, which the company will advertise in due course. The company also received a set of HR documents to use once the roles are filled, including contract templates, right to work guidance, a payroll bank details form, an employee handbook and return-to-work paperwork. Marketing expert Paul Saunders then worked with the business on a marketing plan. His recommendations included improving the discoverability of the company's Version 2 platform through SEO, building trust through review platforms such as Trustpilot, and using the company's AI-powered chatbot as a tool for customers to discover products. Shop Much More has already begun acting on these recommendations, starting with the dry food market of ingredients and spices. The next step is to launch the business more widely using social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn. Samuel Johnson, director of Shop Much More, said: "The support from Business Gateway has been instrumental in helping us build a strong foundation as we prepare for growth. The HR consultation was incredibly insightful and has significantly strengthened our readiness as we move towards recruitment. We've already begun implementing the marketing recommendations, and I’m deeply grateful for the continued support and guidance we've received from Business Gateway." Shop Much More has also been signposted to Stirling Council for employability funding, an IT expert to audit and improve the company website, and a free accountancy appointment to check the business was set up correctly, all as part of the Business Gateway service. Simon Orr, Business Gateway adviser, said: "Shop Much More is a good example of what happens when a business puts the groundwork in early. Samuel took the HR and marketing advice on board and has already started acting on it, which puts him in a strong position as he heads towards recruitment and expansion. We look forward to seeing how the business continues to grow and thrive in the coming years."

Britain's entrepreneurs are increasingly choosing to run businesses from home as rising commercial costs, greater flexibility and changing attitudes towards work reshape the country's small business landscape. New research from Dunster House, garden building specialists, found that almost half (46%) of home business owners now rely on their venture as their primary source of income, while a further 28% say it provides a significant financial contribution to their household finances. The findings suggest that home businesses have evolved far beyond side hustles, with many entrepreneurs deliberately building long-term businesses from spare bedrooms, garages, garden rooms, and other home workspaces. When asked what motivated them to start a home-based business, respondents overwhelmingly cited lifestyle benefits over financial necessity, with nearly half saying that a better work-life balance was their top motivator. Why are Brits choosing to run businesses from home? Motivation % of respondents Better work-life balance 47% Wanted to work remotely or from home 36% Wanted more flexibility 36% Turned a hobby or passion into a business 32% Wanted to leave their job 31% Wanted to spend more time with family 29% Started a side hustle to earn additional income 22% Renting commercial space was too expensive 14% COVID-19 prompted a change in direction 12% Although the data shows that quality-of-life factors dominate, cost remains an important consideration. Commercial property rents in the UK have risen by an average of 3.1% annually as of mid-2026, according to the Carter Jonas Commercial Market Outlook and with this rise, many entrepreneurs are choosing to invest in their own properties rather than commit to expensive premises. Christopher Murphy MBE, founder of Dunster House, said: "For many entrepreneurs, running a business from home removes one of the biggest barriers to getting started, the cost of commercial premises. As rents and operating costs continue to rise, more people are realising they don't need a high street unit or office lease to build a successful business. Home working has made entrepreneurship more accessible, allowing people to invest in growing their business rather than covering overheads." 55% regularly work evenings and weekends as home businesses blur work-life boundaries Despite the flexibility and freedom, there are some payoffs that are being experienced by those who do business out of their home. Many entrepreneurs admit that separating work and home life can be difficult. More than half (55%) say they regularly work evenings and weekends, while almost half (48%) have experienced loneliness or isolation because of running a business from home. Meanwhile, one in three (33%) have had customers unexpectedly turn up at their home, highlighting the difficulties many face in maintaining professional boundaries. The findings also reveal the growing pressure that businesses can place on domestic spaces, with 58% saying their enterprise has taken over parts of their personal living environment. To address these challenges, many entrepreneurs are investing heavily in dedicated workspaces. Nearly two-thirds (62%) have already spent money improving their workspace, with respondents investing an average of £5,170 into creating environments better suited to running a business. When asked what improvements they would make if budget were no obstacle, better broadband and Wi-Fi (34%), improved heating and air conditioning (34%), and a fully insulated garden office (32%) topped the list.

A Prestwick business supplying commemorative coins to some of the world's biggest sporting organisations is continuing to expand after receiving support from Business Gateway. Established in 2020, Zenith Coins has built a reputation for designing and producing premium collectable and memorial coins for the sports and commercial sectors. Operating from Shawfarm Industrial Estate in Prestwick, the business has recently diversified into the education and lifestyle markets, creating bespoke keepsake coins for schools, organisations and events. Business Gateway Ayrshire has supported the company's growth from its early stages through a range of funding and specialist advice, which included a start-up grant, one-to-one guidance, Expert Help support and a growth grant. Founder and director, Andrew Reith also received tailored guidance to develop the business's export capability, helping position Zenith Coins for further international growth. The company has also developed relationships with leading sports organisations across the globe, with clients now including Arsenal, Chelsea, Rangers, Celtic, the Scottish, British & Irish Lions, Scottish Rugby and the All Blacks. Andrew said: "Business Gateway has been there throughout our growth journey, providing practical support at every stage. The funding gave us the confidence to invest in the business, while the expert advice and introductions to partner organisations have opened new opportunities, particularly as we look to grow our export markets. The support has helped us turn our ambitions into reality and build a business we're incredibly proud of." As demand has grown, Zenith Coins has expanded its workforce and now employs five members of staff, including three full-time and two part-time employees. Alongside direct business support, Business Gateway Ayrshire introduced Zenith Coins to a range of key partners, including employability services, the Chamber of Commerce, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International, enabling the business to access specialist expertise, develop valuable networks and explore new market opportunities. Claire Campbell, Business Gateway Ayrshire Adviser, said: "Zenith Coins has demonstrated how innovation, ambition and a willingness to diversify can drive sustainable business growth. Andrew has worked hard to build an impressive international client base and has embraced every opportunity to develop the business further. It's been a pleasure to support Zenith Coins, and we look forward to seeing the business continue to grow." Business Gateway offers free advice and support to people across Scotland who are starting or growing a business. Through access to experienced advisers, funding opportunities, specialist workshops and expert support, Business Gateway helps businesses develop, innovate and realise their growth ambitions.

A Perthshire farmer feeding families in need with surplus deer is aiming to reach 100,000 people this year, after receiving support from Business Gateway. Helen Stewart set up Fair Feast after taking over her family's farm near Pitlochry, home to protected moorland that needed regular deer culling to protect the fragile habitat. Rather than see the venison go to waste, she saw an opportunity to turn it into meals for families who needed them. Fair Feast built a network of food banks across rural Scotland to distribute its venison. With support from food banks, deer managers and the public, the business scaled up operations, leading to the opening of what is believed to be the world's first social enterprise butcher's shop, on Pitlochry's high street earlier this year. Every sale in the shop is now matched by a donation to food banks, so growing the business means growing its impact too. Venison is often seen as a luxury or an acquired taste, out of reach for families watching every penny. Fair Feast processes it into familiar, everyday products such as mince, sausages and burgers, making it easy to prepare and cook. The new premises also gives the business a permanent base for the first time, meaning produce can reach food banks throughout the year rather than only around seasonal peaks. To support the business's growth, Helen received expert one-to-one support from Business Gateway adviser Andrew Webster, who advised on expanding into new premises and hiring and training staff. He also signposted routes to funding and Fair Feast secured £5,000 from the Tay Cities SME Skills Fund and Perth & Kinross Council. Business Gateway also introduced the business to Scottish Enterprise, which has since provided further support through its Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service. Helen Stewart, founder of Fair Feast, said: “I could see how our business could genuinely make a difference, not just to the environment, but to families who were going without. What blew me away was how much the local community got behind us. People want to be part of the solution, and the support from Business Gateway has been a huge part of getting us to a point where we can properly scale up.” Andrew Webster, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Helen's vision and drive have created a genuinely unique business. She's engaged the whole community and is making a real difference to food poverty in Perthshire. It's been a pleasure supporting her through the shop opening, and I'm looking forward to seeing where the business goes next.” To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here.

Ready for store exclusive offers, all the best decorating brands under one roof and an expert team ready to serve all your decorating needs? Well, Brewers Bury St Edmunds-West is now open! Located on Unit 2, Arras Road, Blenheim Industrial Estate, IP33 3TX, the store is accessible off the A14 and situated next to Glasswells and Screwfix. To celebrate the opening of the new store, we’re giving out free goodie bags so you can get your hands on Brewers and Albany items. There will be free parking and our popular Collect Anytime service, featuring a simple, secure and convenient lockbox system. When ordering your goods, you'll be sent a code (unique to your order) by SMS so that you can access the secure lock box at a time that suits you. Don’t forget you can also place orders for Click & Collect on the Brewers website and take advantage of free delivery for account holders. The store has a wide range of products in store, including tinting facilities from Dulux, Crown, Albany, Little Greene, Farrow & Ball, Johnstone’s, Little Greene and Tikkurila mixed specifically for you to take away the very same day. Brewers Bury St Edmunds-West also features an inspirational showroom, filled with an array of designer paint brands and wallpaper books, giving you the confidence to choose your next scheme with ease. Head into Brewers Bury St Edmunds–West where the team will give you a warm welcome and offer the very best advice. Fancy 10% off your first two purchases plus free delivery? Sign up to a Brewers Pro Trade or DIY card today.

A charitable team of Windermere dragon boat racers has travelled to France to take part in an international festival, pitting their skills against paddlers from as far afield as Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Paddlers for Life Windermere, a charity dragon boat team of cancer survivors and their supporters, have sent a crew to the International Breast Cancer Paddlers Commission (IBCPC) dragon boat festival on Lac du Bourget, France’s largest natural glacial lake. The festival is part of the organisation’s drive to encourage the formation of dragon boat teams for breast cancer survivors, as well as increasing participation in recreational dragon boat paddling for healthier lifestyles. 170 international teams from 25 countries are competing in the event – with around 4,500 paddlers taking part. The team will paddle their dragon boat in a series of 500m and 200m races against other contenders such as the Dragon Lady crew from Florence, the Aurora boat from Spain and Dragons Abreast from Australia. Each event will consist of two heats or racing rounds, with the fastest crews qualifying for grand finals. The Paddlers for Life dragon boat team has been preparing for the regatta at their base at the Watersports Centre at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa. English Lakes Hotels has been supporting the charitable organisation since its inception in 2007. The idea was to bring patients and supporters together to build back strength and fitness and reduce the side effects of cancer treatment, notably lymphoedema. Dragon boat paddling is highly beneficial to the mental wellbeing of cancer patients and survivors too. One of the founding members of Paddlers for Life, Sandra Barlow, who is still paddling with the squad at the age of 83, explains: “International events such as this are an opportunity to raise awareness about breast cancer and the potential to continue to live a full and active life after diagnosis and treatment." “Low Wood Bay has played a big part in helping us in all sorts of ways. Without their support, we wouldn’t have been able to establish a base and grow to the point now where we have the capacity and equipment to take part in big events like the dragon boat festival in France. We’re also very fortunate to have a home base where we can paddle in such a spectacular setting on Windermere." “There’s great camaraderie and friendship and dragon boat paddling is a great way to free the mind and give us all a better sense of wellbeing. When the squad competes in France this week, we’ll give it our best but we’re not overly competitive. It’s the taking part that counts.” For further information about Paddlers for Life, visit here.

Award-winning, family-owned Hotel Sheraton in Blackpool, has teamed up with a local distiller to create two bespoke spirits exclusively for hotel guests. The bespoke Hotel Sheraton Gin and Vodka are produced by Lytham Gin, an award-winning independent distillery based in Lytham St Annes. Handcrafted at the distillery on Lancashire’s Fylde Coast, the new Hotel Sheraton Gin is infused with orange, vanilla and star anise, creating an aromatic and distinctive gin, while the accompanying premium vodka offers a smooth, classic serve. Both spirits have been created and bottled especially for the hotel, complete with their own bespoke Hotel Sheraton labels. The spirits are on sale from both hotel bars and as boxed gifts to purchase from the gift cabinet. Hotel owner Liz Brown said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have our own bespoke Hotel Sheraton spirits of Gin and Vodka created by the Lytham Gin Company. The gin, drunk together with an elderflower tonic is just the most delicious drink. I hope our guests enjoy it as much as I do!" “Our policy is to buy local and this is a perfect example of a collaboration between two great family-run Lancashire companies.” Sara Dewhurst, founder of Lytham Gin, said: “For us, this collaboration is about much more than creating great spirits. Lytham Gin was founded on a love of our local area and the idea of putting “A Little Bit of Lancashire in Every Drop.” “We’re incredibly proud to see that philosophy reflected in another local, award-winning family business that shares our commitment to quality, hospitality and Lancashire provenance." “There’s something particularly special about working with another independent family business here on the Fylde Coast. Hotel Sheraton has a wonderful reputation and a real sense of place, so creating their own gin and vodka has been an absolute pleasure. We hope their guests enjoy drinking a little bit of Lancashire while they’re here - and perhaps take some happy memories of the Fylde Coast home with them too.” The three-star hotel, on Queen’s Promenade, which last year marked its 10th anniversary, has also received the prestigious ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Award from VisitEngland placing it officially in the top 100 hospitality establishments in the country. Other accolades include Ranked to its highest position (number three) on TripAdvisor, from 92 hotels in Blackpool; Ranked number 11 in The Best Places To Work in UK Hospitality by Caterer Magazine; The Judges’ Award in the Lancashire Tourism Awards, in special recognition of the Be Really Kind philosophy. Liz and her team also keeping their fingers crossed after recently being shortlisted for the 2027 Large Hotel of the Year in The Lancashire Tourism Awards. Visit the hotel here.

The Black Talent Awards (BTA) has unveiled its 2026 finalists as the national platform prepares to mark its fifth anniversary, celebrating five years of recognising Black professional achievement, leadership, entrepreneurship and impact across the UK. Since its launch, the Black Talent Awards has recognised 95 winners across its programme. This year, more than 300 nominations were considered by an independent judging panel of 31 senior leaders drawn from sectors including law, technology, media, education and healthcare. The judging process also included 10 youth judges as part of BTA’s commitment to developing the next generation of leaders and bringing an intergenerational perspective to the Awards. The 2026 shortlist spans 15 categories, recognising professionals, entrepreneurs, employee networks and organisations working across industries including finance, STEM, education, professional services, media, public services, retail and social impact. The winners will be announced at the black-tie Chapter Five ceremony at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, on 2 October 2026. Five years of recognising Black talent What began as a grassroots initiative in Birmingham has developed into a national platform celebrating Black achievement across sectors, career stages and communities. The fifth anniversary provides an opportunity to recognise not only this year’s finalists, but the 95 individuals and organisations who have previously taken home a BTA award and the wider community that has developed around the Awards. For the BTA's, the milestone represents the continued importance of creating visibility for Black professionals and providing a national platform where achievement can be recognised and celebrated. Birmingham remains at the heart of that journey. Returning to Edgbaston Stadium for its fifth anniversary, the BTA reinforces Birmingham’s role as an important centre for Black talent, entrepreneurship, leadership and community. A growing national coalition The 2026 Awards are supported by organisations spanning banking, education, technology, automotive, entertainment, media and professional services. Birmingham City University is headline sponsor, with Lloyds Banking Group as Gold Sponsor; Vision for All and FD2i as Bronze Sponsors; and AXIOM JV as Media Room Sponsor. The Awards are further supported by Barclays Eagle Labs, Jaguar Land Rover, Merlin Entertainments, Purple Squared AV and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, bringing together Professor David Mba, Vice-Chancellor, Birmingham City University - and headline sponsor added: “Birmingham City University is proud to be the headline sponsor of this year’s Black Talent Awards. Being rooted in one of the UK’s most diverse cities means, we create opportunities for people from all backgrounds to succeed." The Black Talent Awards provide a powerful platform to celebrate the exceptional contributions and achievements of Black professionals, leaders, entrepreneurs and creatives across our communities." "Supporting their stories matters because representation matters; it inspires the next generation and helps us build inclusive organisations and communities. At BCU, our mission is to create and share knowledge for a better and more inclusive society. We are delighted to stand alongside the Black Talent Awards in celebrating those who are breaking barriers, creating change and inspiring others. We look forward to celebrating their achievements together.” Tim Campbell returns as BTA Ambassador Entrepreneur, adviser and BBC’s original The Apprentice winner Tim Campbell MBE returns as official BTA Ambassador for 2026. His continued involvement reflects the Awards’ commitment to placing experienced and successful Black professionals at the heart of a platform designed to celebrate achievement and inspire future generations. Denise Myers, Founder of the Black Talent Awards, said: “Chapter Five of the Black Talent Awards is about much more than reaching a five-year milestone. It is about recognising what happens when Black talent is seen, celebrated and given a platform." “BTA started as a grassroots initiative in Birmingham and has grown into a national stage for professionals, entrepreneurs and organisations making a real difference across the UK. To have recognised 95 winners over those five years is something I am incredibly proud of." “This year’s finalists represent the breadth of that journey. They are working in boardrooms, classrooms, businesses, communities and organisations across the country, demonstrating that Black excellence is not confined to one postcode." “Bringing the Awards back to Edgbaston Stadium for our fifth anniversary is incredibly meaningful because this is where The BTA's started. The story is now national." “Chapter Five is about celebrating how far we have come, recognising the people who are shaping Britain today, and looking ahead to the next chapter.” Finalists for the Black Talent Awards 2026 This year's finalists span 15 categories and represent employees, entrepreneurs, and organisations at every career stage: Charity & Change Employee of the Year Bob Clarke — MAMA Youth Project Leila Thomas — Urban Synergy Youth Empowerment & Social Mobility Charity Sarah Chitongo — Black Blossom Alliance CIC Public Sector & Services Employee of the Year Gianina Harvey-Brewin — University of Roehampton Mark Corbin — West Midlands Combined Authority (Transport for West Midlands) Sandra Simpson — Coventry City Council and West Midlands Associate Directors for Adult Social Care Marketing, Media & Creative Employee of the Year Joelle Owusu-Sekyere — Penguin Random House Lee Dasilva — TUI Myvanwy Evans-Davis — Louder Than Words ERG (Employee Resource Group) of the Year Barclays Bank UK PLC Microsoft UK&I TUI UK&I Retail, Leisure & Supply Chain Employee of the Year Alisha Cohen — McDonald's Andrew Kyte — TUI Marcus Hunter — Dunelm Plc Rickey Devonish — JD Sports Group Rising Star of the Year Jenny Daniel — UKRI Jessica-Mary Onuoha — Anglia Ruskin University Nadia Kanyike — Amentum UK & International Professional Services Employee of the Year Dr Chris C Aniche PhD — Curling Moore Solicitors & Advocates Emma Osman — Google Cloud Kizzy Augustin — Mishcon de Reya Small Business of the Year Creative Rhino Mahogany Inclusion Partners Sandwell African Caribbean Mental Health Foundation People & Culture Employee of the Year Mabinty Esho — Comic Relief Professor Amos Fatokun — Liverpool John Moores University, UK Tiger de Souza — Macmillan Senior Leader of the Year Dr MaryAnn Ferreux — Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex Kizzy Augustin — Mishcon De Reya Tunji Akintokun — Pathos Communications plc Entrepreneur of the Year Aggie Yemurai Mutuma — Mahogany Inclusion Partners Carla Willis-Brown — Syncdin Simone Bell — Simone Bell Counselling Excellence in Education DGCL Digital Cloud Academy SEN Bytes The Open University Social Impact Organisation of the Year Black British Initiative (BBI) VISION FOR ALL CIC Walsall Black Sisters Collective STEM Employee of the Year Chinyere Simon — Deloitte Kelvin Ibrahim — Citibank United Kingdom Kwadwo Benko — Microsoft Financial Services Employee of the Year Alexander Matambo — Bloomberg Carleen Dussard — Barclays Bank PLC France-Lise Nsimba-Lay — Coutts There will also be a Special Recognition Award and Trailblazer Award, which will both be announced on the night. Find our more about the awards visit here.

A Leicester artificial intelligence start-up developing a pioneering approach to conflict resolution has completed its founding leadership team with the appointment of experienced AI entrepreneur Ed Brown as Co-Founder and Technical Director. Brown (pictured left with Lizzie Soden and Dr Greg Scorzo) joins AOT-AI (Art of Thinking AI) with an equity stake and seat on the board, bringing more than six years' experience designing AI applications, machine learning systems and technology platforms for both start-ups and established businesses. His appointment marks a significant milestone for the Leicester company as it continues developing AOT FISTBUMP, an AI-powered dialogue platform designed to help people better understand the beliefs, misunderstandings and behaviours that underpin conflict. Founded by Lizzie Soden and Dr Greg Scorzo, AOT-AI combines philosophy, behavioural science and artificial intelligence to create technology that supports, rather than replaces, human decision-making. Its proprietary Values-Embedded Architecture has been designed to ensure AI remains aligned with human ethics and values throughout the decision-making process. Brown's arrival completes a founding team bringing together expertise in philosophy, creative strategy and advanced AI engineering, providing the technical capability to accelerate product development while the company pursues strategic investment and research funding. Originally trained as a structural engineer, Brown moved into data science before co-founding Appally, a workplace support platform for neurodivergent employees that reached the Tech Nation Rising Stars final and participated in the prestigious Bethnal Green Ventures accelerator programme. More recently, he founded EB Data & AI Solutions, developing bespoke AI applications and automation systems for growing businesses. The three founders first met through Leicester's thriving start-up community, where discussions around technology and entrepreneurship quickly evolved into a shared vision for a different kind of artificial intelligence. Ed Brown, Co-Founder and Technical Director at AOT-AI, said: "What convinced me to join was the ambition and originality behind Art of Thinking and FISTBUMP. This isn't simply another AI application. It's a vision for how AI and humans could interact in a fundamentally different way, particularly within conflict resolution." "Greg and Lizzie's conviction in the broader potential of the technology, combined with the complementary skills the three of us bring, gives this project a genuine opportunity to create something distinctive." The appointment also reinforces Leicester's growing reputation as an emerging centre for AI innovation, with AOT-AI joining a rapidly expanding community of technology businesses, university research and start-up support programmes helping to establish the city as a hub for responsible artificial intelligence. The company is currently part of the Leicester Startups incubator programme and has established academic partnerships with De Montfort University, providing independent methodological rigour and ethical oversight as the technology develops. Lizzie Soden, Co-Founder and Creative Director, said: "We've found someone who understands not only how to build sophisticated AI systems, but why this technology matters. Ed thinks deeply about how artificial intelligence can strengthen human understanding rather than replace it." "That combination of technical excellence and shared values made him the ideal person to join us as a co-founder." Dr Greg Scorzo added: "Working with Ed on the prototype has been seamless. He's contributing far beyond software engineering. He's thinking about architecture, deployment and how the technology can work effectively in real-world settings." "Our backgrounds are very different, but together they create a unique combination of philosophical thinking, human-centred design and technical expertise." AOT FISTBUMP is currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, with development focused on building a robust prototype while the company progresses applications for strategic investment and research funding. The company is SEIS eligible and is seeking investors who share its ambition to develop ethical AI capable of improving human understanding across sectors including workplace mediation, legal services, education and public services.

Electronic waste recycling specialist Intelligent Waste Management Ltd (iWaste) stepped out of its comfort zone to deliver vital stone to one of Britain’s most famous royal palaces. The Reading-based company shipped between one and two tonnes of Pooil Vaaish stone from a quarry on the Isle of Man to historic Hampton Court Palace in West London. This followed on from a long-standing professional relationship which has seen iWaste regularly collect e-waste from the Palace for a decade. iWaste’s HGV Driver Gavin Costello led the firm’s five-day operation to collect the stone which will be used to help preserve The Chapel Royal, where Kings and Queens have worshipped for centuries. Gavin has just celebrated 10 years with iWaste, which was founded in 2013, and is the company’s longest-serving employee. He drove one of the company’s 18-tonne vehicles to fetch the last remaining stock of the stone from the quarry, which has now closed, utilising specialist loading and packing techniques to prevent damage. After two ferry crossings, four overnight stops and more than 500 miles on the road, the stone was delivered safely and securely to Hampton Court Palace, where it will play an important role in preserving the historic royal building which Henry VIII made his home. Pooil Vaaish is a black limestone unique to the Isle of Man and was much favoured by 17th century architect Sir Christopher Wren, who used it in St Paul’s Cathedral, among other buildings. Pronounced ‘pool vash’ it has been quarried on the island’s Scarlet peninsula since the 1300s. The stone transforms from a matt grey colour to a reflective black when polished. iWaste Director Sam Mountain said: “Projects like this demonstrate that logistics is about far more than simply moving goods from A to B. Every collection requires meticulous planning, careful handling, specialist load restraint, and a commitment to protecting valuable and often irreplaceable materials throughout every stage of the journey – a standard we set ourselves for our normal collection services." “We are incredibly proud of Gavin, for his professionalism, attention to detail and commitment to safety throughout the operation. He was the perfect person for the job. From the initial collection on the Isle of Man to the final delivery at Hampton Court Palace, every stage of the project was completed with the highest standards of care.” A spokesperson for Historic Royal Palaces said: “We are indebted to iWaste, with whom we have had a successful working arrangement for a decade, for going the extra mile to deliver us this vital component." “This stone will help us, as custodians, to go on preserving our most iconic royal palaces for generations to come. The Chapel Royal, which dates from 1518, is a perfect example of this.” International façade design and engineering consultancy Fortis Facades Ltd was also involved with ensuring the project ran successfully.

Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame is joining forces with one of Kent’s most iconic entertainment venues, becoming official drinks partner of the historic Margate Winter Gardens ahead of its reopening next year. The seaside landmark is being extensively refurbished by fellow independent family business Westwood One Theatre Group, with Shepherd Neame set to supply its award-winning ales and lagers when the Winter Gardens reopens in 2027. To celebrate the latest phase of the redevelopment, the Winter Gardens is hosting a Summer Weekender at The Green, off Fort Promenade, this weekend (Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23). Saturday’s ‘all-day party’ will include DJs, saxophonists, food stalls and an Aperol Spritz pop-up bar, while Sunday will offer a programme of family entertainment including choirs, children’s entertainment, yoga classes, inflatables, balloon modelling and a toy and book area. Shepherd Neame will be at the event on Sunday offering free merchandise and samples of the newest addition to its Whitstable Bay collection, Whitstable Bay 0.5% Pale Ale. The Summer Weekender event will also give local residents the opportunity to meet the team behind the new Winter Gardens and find out more about the venue ahead of its official reopening. The concert hall originally opened in 1911 and has welcomed some of the biggest names in music, including The Beatles and Blur. It closed in 2022 following the Covid-19 pandemic before being acquired by Westwood One Theatre Group in November 2025. The theatre group, which also owns The Granville Theatre in Ramsgate, has embarked on an extensive programme of works to restore the landmark venue and create a new destination for live entertainment. The renovation includes a reconfiguration of bars and amenities, an exterior extension, blackout glass frontage, and rooftop bars. The main hall’s capacity is increasing from 2,100 to 3,000, while a new 1,000-capacity performance space will provide a dedicated home for smaller shows and emerging artists. The venue is scheduled to officially reopen in March 2027, when visitors will be able to enjoy Shepherd Neame’s award-winning ales and lagers alongside a programme of live music and entertainment. Shepherd Neame Head of Brands Rose Davis said: “We’re thrilled to partner with the iconic Margate Winter Gardens as official drinks supplier ahead of its reopening next year." “The Winter Gardens has a long history of hosting world-famous artists, and we are proud to be part of this exciting new chapter for such an important Kent landmark.” Westwood One Theatre Group Managing Director Zahra Tarjomani added: “We have spent a lot of time getting to know the team behind Shepherd Neame and share their family-focused ethos and love for Kentish produce. We are very excited for this partnership and look forward to the magic it will bring.” Find out more visit here.