For over 22 years, Home-Start Glasgow North and North Lanarkshire has been transforming lives and helping children get the best start in life across the community. Based in Maryhill, in the north of Glasgow, the charity supports families who are navigating some of life’s toughest challenges like poverty, poor mental health, isolation, domestic abuse, addiction, bereavement, and more. Many of the families they support are refugees or asylum seekers who are new to the area, or from other marginalised communities. What they all have in common is at least one child under five, and a pressing need for dignified support. Home-Start’s staff are supported by a group of trained volunteers - many with lived experience - who are at the heart of the organisation, providing a unique kind of peer support that is both cost-effective and deeply personal. Through a mix of home visits, group sessions, and local outings, they offer practical help and emotional support tailored to each family’s needs. The charity’s work is grounded in the belief that the first 1001 days of a child’s life are crucial for laying the foundations of a child’s long-term health, development, and wellbeing. One of their most impactful initiatives is a series of family support groups in North Glasgow. These groups offer a safe, welcoming space where parents and carers can come together with their young children and enjoy activities such as baby massage, sensory play, music sessions, crafts, and many others. There’s also practical support, including workshops on cooking healthy meals on a budget, parenting advice, and access to essentials like food and baby banks. Now, thanks to a generous donation of £2,100 from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, Home-Start will be able to enhance these vital group activities. The funding will help ensure families can access support in a way that’s non-judgemental, inclusive, and embedded in the community. Nikki O’Hara, Director at Home-Start Glasgow North and North Lanarkshire, shared her thanks on behalf of the charity, saying:  “We are incredibly grateful to Allied Vehicles for their generous donation. This vital support will help us continue providing one-to-one support for families facing difficulties, including mental health challenges, isolation, and financial hardship." "Thanks to Allied Vehicles, we can reach more families going through difficult times and offer them the encouragement and support they need to build a brighter future.” David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, said: “As a business that’s proudly rooted in Glasgow, we understand the importance of community and the power of local support. We’re proud to play a small part in Home-Start Glasgow North and North Lanarkshire’s incredible work, and it’s a privilege to support an organisation that’s making such a meaningful difference in people’s lives right here in North Glasgow.” Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust : The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is an initiative through which Allied Vehicles Group donates £240,000 a year to charities in communities around its Possilpark, Glasgow headquarters and further afield. Funding applications from organisations for a share of the £20,000 monthly figure are considered by a staff committee and are paid out every month.

There’s something undeniably seductive about biting into a ripe nectarine. The skin is smooth, the flesh perfectly blushing, and the juice — if it’s a good one — runs shamelessly down your chin. As summer hits its stride, this golden-skinned stone fruit quietly takes centre stage, often overshadowed by its fuzzier cousin, the peach, but offering a flavour profile and texture that deserves the limelight in its own right. What Exactly Is a Nectarine? While many assume nectarines are a hybrid of some sort — perhaps part peach, part plum — the truth is simpler. A nectarine is a peach, just without the fuzz. The difference lies in a single recessive gene that gives nectarines their distinctive smooth skin. Apart from that, they're nearly genetically identical, though nectarines often boast a firmer texture and more pronounced tang. A British Summer Favourite Though native to China, where both peaches and nectarines have been cultivated for over 2,000 years, nectarines have found a welcome home in British hearts — and fruit bowls. While the UK climate isn't ideal for large-scale commercial production, you can find British-grown nectarines from specialist orchards in the South East during the warmest months. More commonly, they arrive from sunnier spots like Spain, Italy and France, flooding supermarket shelves from late May through to early September. How to Choose the Perfect One When selecting nectarines, the nose knows. Look for a fragrant aroma — the stronger the scent, the better the flavour. Skin should be taut and blemish-free, with a slight give when gently pressed near the stem. Avoid rock-hard specimens, which were likely picked too early and will lack sweetness, as well as overly soft ones, which may be past their prime. Contrary to popular belief, nectarines do ripen after picking — just not drastically. To coax them to their juicy best, leave them at room temperature in a paper bag for a day or two. Once ripe, they’ll last in the fridge for another 2–3 days, though best enjoyed at room temperature for full flavour. In the Kitchen Nectarines are incredibly versatile. Eaten raw, they’re the perfect summer snack — refreshing, nutritious and satisfyingly sweet. But in the kitchen, they shine across the board: baked into crumbles, grilled on skewers, tossed into salads or blitzed into smoothies. For some there is nothing better that simply roasting nectarines with a drizzle of honey and a sprig of thyme which brings out their natural sweetness and can be served simply with fresh yoghurt or vanilla ice cream. Their tangy-sweet flavour also makes them ideal for savoury pairings. Think grilled nectarine and burrata salad, nectarines with prosciutto, or a salsa with red onion and chilli to accompany grilled fish. Health in Every Bite Beyond their luscious flavour, nectarines pack a healthy punch. They're low in calories but high in fibre, antioxidants, vitamin C and beta-carotene — all of which support skin health, immunity and digestion. They're also a hydrating choice, with a water content of around 87%, making them perfect for hot days. The Unsung Hero of the Fruit Bowl While nectarines may not inspire the same poetic rhapsodies as strawberries or the bold nostalgia of apples, they offer a quiet, juicy joy that’s unmistakably tied to the long, golden days of a British summer. Sweet, tart, firm yet yielding, they’re as versatile as they are delicious — and perhaps the most underrated fruit of the season. So this August, whether you’re lounging in the garden or preparing a weekend feast, make room for the nectarine — your tastebuds will thank you. Five Ways with Nectarines Breakfast Boost – Slice over Greek yoghurt with almonds and a drizzle of honey. BBQ Hero – Halve and grill, then top with goat’s cheese and mint. Picnic-Perfect Tart – Layer onto puff pastry with crème fraîche and bake until golden. Summery Salsa – Dice with red chilli, coriander and lime for a zesty topping. Frozen Treats – Blend with a splash of orange juice and freeze into ice lollies.

Matt Richardson, Charlie Tanfield and Will Bjergfelt will attempt to each set a new world record on Thursday 14th August 2025 at the Konya Velodrome in Türkiye. The record attempts that will take place include: Matt Richardson, Men Elite 200m flying start Charlie Tanfield, Men Elite UCI Hour Record presented by Tissot Will Bjergfelt, Men C5 UCI Hour Record presented by Tissot Having changed nationality to British in August 2024, Matt Richardson has his sights set on not only setting a new world record in the Men Elite 200m flying start, but also on being the first man to complete the feat in under nine seconds, which would make him the fastest track sprinter ever and cement his place in the history books. The current world record of 9.088 seconds, that Richardson will be looking to topple, was set by Dutchman Harrie Lavreysen at last summer’s Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Pursuit specialist Charlie Tanfield will be taking on the Men Elite UCI Hour Record presented by Tissot which has been held by Italy’s Filippo Ganna since October 2022 to try and go as far as possible in the space of an hour. Tanfield’s successes to date include a team pursuit silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, as well as world and European titles in the same event. Paralympic cyclist Will Bjergfelt will round out the attempts as he aims to take the Men’s C5 UCI Hour Record presented by Tissot on the same day in Türkiye. The greatest distance covered in 60 minutes by a C5 para-cyclist is currently 47.569 km, set by Italy’s Andrea Tarlao in December 2014. Having found para-cycling following a car crash that left him with life-changing injuries, Bjergfelt has continued to defy the odds, establishing himself as a successful rider across both track and road. He has amassed 10 international medals across UCI World Cup events and UCI World Championships, the pinnacle being his C5 road race UCI world title in 2023. Performance Director for the Great Britain Cycling Team, Stephen Park CBE said: “For many athletes, the first year of a cycle is a time to rest and reset, so to see these three riders take it upon themselves to attempt to break boundaries and take their place in the history books is fantastic to see." "I want to thank our valued partner Shell and additional partners who have made this project possible. GBCT is proud to support these riders’ ambitions in year one of the cycle and I wish Matt, Charlie and Will the best of luck in this exciting endeavour.” Matt Richardson - Photo credit SWPix Speaking to their motivation to make these attempts Matt Richardson said: “Breaking the nine-second barrier would etch my name into the history of the sport. It’s a milestone I’ve been chasing for years, so having the opportunity to go after it now is something truly special. I’m also seeking redemption - coming so close earlier this year on this very track left unfinished business." “Regardless of the outcome, I know I’ve done everything in my power to prepare. I’m proud of the work I’ve put in, and I’m grateful to be surrounded by an incredible support team who’ve made this pursuit possible.” Charlie Tanfield - Photo credit SWPix Charlie Tanfield said: “I’ve been keen to attempt the [UCI] Hour Record for my whole career. I remember joining the GB programme when Sir Bradley Wiggins held the record and thought ‘wow I’d like to give this a go at some point’. I identified this year after the Games as a time when I’d have the freedom to give it a go and that’s exactly what I’ll be doing." “I’ve been preparing for this since I started training again after the Games, so there’s been months of training and learning to get to this point. On the day my goal is to execute the perfect ride for my ability, if can do that and put it all together I’ll be happy.” Will Bjergfelt said: “The [UCI] Hour Record is iconic within cycling and something I have wanted to target for years to become truly engrained within cycling's history. I have been preparing since March for this opportunity and with the full support of the team at British Cycling and GKN Aerospace where I have worked for the past 25 years, this attempt is going to be ultra special for me.” The attempts will take place throughout the day on Thursday 14th August 2025, and you can follow live progress on the Great Britain Cycling Team’s social media channels, @GBCyclingTeam. Photo credit SWPix.

A historic Staffordshire football team has received a helping hand with preparations for its 150th anniversary celebrations - thanks to a £2,000 donation from JCB.   Rocester FC, which marks the milestone next year, has been busy carrying out a series of general repairs and maintenance to get the club ready for the new season and the special anniversary year. Work has been completed to reseed and turf the pitch with painting and repairing equipment, replacing goal nets and installing new corner flags also undertaken.   Club Chairman Dave Jackson said the whole team was grateful for how the community had come together to update the facilities ready for the new season and the 150th anniversary of the club. He said: “It costs around £3,500 to reseed, turf and drill the pitch ready for the new season. We rely heavily on kind donations from supportive businesses like JCB to make it possible. Rocester FC has been at the heart of the community since the 1800s and we are proud of what we have achieved. As we prepare to celebrate next year’s major milestone, we plan to take time to carry out general upkeep and maintenance tasks and we couldn’t be more grateful for all the support we have received as the community comes together to celebrate.” Rocester FC – nicknamed The Romans as the club is located on the site of a former Roman fort – was formed in 1876. Playing at Hillsfield, in Mill Street, Rocester, the club is currently in the Staffordshire County Senior League Premier Division.

Five 5th-generation family members take on new roles as Rob Symington moves to a non-executive position and assumes a new opportunity in the UK. Following eight years at Symington Family Estates in Portugal, Rob Symington (5th generation) is taking on a new role as Managing Director (UK) at Berry Bros. & Rudd in London. While stepping back from day-to-day operations at SFE, Rob will stay closely involved in the family business and will serve as a Non-Executive Director at SFE and at the family’s majority-owned UK importer, Fells. He will continue as Chair of Hambledon, which is jointly owned by SFE and BB&R. Symington Family Estates is pleased to announce that five members of the 5th generation – Charlotte, Harry, Anthony, Vicky & Teresa – will step into new leadership roles within their respective areas across Marketing, Sales and Wine Tourism. Together, they bring many years of experience and will continue to work alongside Rupert (Chairman and Joint Managing Director) and Charles (Production Director and Joint Managing Director) from the 4th generation, and their cousin Hugh at the family’s USA importer, Premium Port Wines, in San Francisco. “I want to thank Rob for the great contribution he has made to our company since 2017, and I look forward to working with him from September in his new non-executive capacity. Few family-owned companies in the world have the level of family involvement that we are so fortunate to have. We are committed to producing outstanding wines in three great regions in Portugal and I am very proud that nine members of our family work alongside our exceptional colleagues, all of whom play a vital role in delivering our long-term vision," explains Rupert Symington, Chair. “It has been a privilege to help lead our family business and work with my family and colleagues during this exciting chapter for Symington Family Estates." "Since I joined, we’ve expanded into three new wine regions, implemented a widespread innovation programme across our port brands, made big strides in wine tourism, and significantly raised sustainability standards. I remain fully committed to SFE’s long-term success and will keep contributing in a non-executive capacity. The stars aligned with this opportunity, as I had decided to return to London for personal reasons." "I'm excited to have accepted a fantastic role at the heart of the global fine wine trade - and join Berry Bros. & Rudd, a respected family business whose values and vision I greatly admire," concludes Rob Symington, outgoing co-CEO.

Interior colour choices are getting nuanced as blends like blurple (blue + purple), yorange (yellow + orange), and greige (grey + beige) are fast becoming the go-to choices for creating sophisticated, layered interiors with personality. James Mellan-Matulewicz, Interior Designer and Creative Director at Bobbi Beck shares his expert insight on why these “almost colours” are rising in popularity and how to use them effortlessly at home. “In-between colours offer the best of both worlds. They're soft enough to feel subtle, but still bring a unique twist to a space. These shades have depth, adaptability, and a natural harmony that flat, primary colours often can’t achieve.” Why In-Between Colours Work “Unlike traditional bold shades, colours like blurple and yorange are beautifully ambiguous. They shift subtly with natural light, adding mood and movement to your walls throughout the day. Greige, long loved for its versatility, continues to dominate in minimalist and layered interiors alike, pairing easily with stone, wood, and textured finishes. These colours offer emotional depth. Blurple feels rich and cocooning, perfect for reading nooks or bedrooms, while Yorange can bring warmth and playful vibrancy to kitchens and hallways. Greige, meanwhile, is a grounding neutral that works in virtually any room or open-plan space.” Where & How to Use Them Blurple: Ideal for feature walls or soft furnishings, blurple adds an unexpected richness that feels both moody and modern. Pair it with off-whites, blush pinks or velvet textures for a luxe feel. Yorange: A joyful pop in otherwise muted spaces. Use it in soft doses through wallpaper, art, or ceramics to bring life into neutral schemes. Greige: The ultimate balancing act, equally at home in minimalist, rustic, or coastal interiors. Use as a base wall colour or across textured wall coverings to create warmth without overpowering. As interior design continues to favour tone, texture, and atmosphere over statement brights, in-between colours offer a more refined way to express character in the home.

This year’s Great Taste Awards left judges of the cheese category dumbfounded when they realised one ‘practically faultless’ cheese they deemed to be continental, turned out to be none other than the Welsh produced Washington from online cheesemongers cheesegeek! “This looks spectacular and confused the judges at first, as we all thought it was French...and were delighted to read of its native provenance.” - The complementary feedback declared. The London-based artisan cheesemonger received the finest honour this week, taking home FIVE Great Taste 2025 Awards stars at this year’s coveted accreditations. Picking up a 3-Star Award for their Washington, an unforgettable soft cheese washed in cider – and a 2-Star award for their Swift, a scintillating 9-month aged gouda style cheese. This year, 14,340 food and beverage products were put through the competition's rigorous judging process. Of those, 7 British Cheeses were awarded 3 Stars – the highest honour given by the Guild of Fine Food. Placing Washington as one of the most celebrated cheeses in the country – and the world! Mistaken for a top French cheese by expert judges at this year’s and described as “technically faultless”, the Washington is a bold and modern take on traditional monastic-style washed rind cheeses. Made in partnership with renowned Welsh producer Carwyn Adams at Caws Cenarth, Washington features a cider-washed rind and luxurious creamy texture, with flavours that evolve from fresh and fruity to rich, savoury, and meaty. The judges praised the cheese as “spectacular”, “a total joy” and a mouthfeel that “melts in the mouth” - there's no wonder this delightful cheese baffled the judges into assuming the cheese was French in nature, due to its composition, complexity and refinement. Joining The Washington in the winners’ circle for British cheeses this year is The Swift, cheesegeek’s gouda-style cheese aged for 9 months and crafted to balance youthful sweetness with earthy richness. The Swift was awarded 2 stars, with judges praising its “nutty caramel note”, “buttery yellow colouring,” and “range of sweet flavours that grow in complexity over time”. These two accolades follow a previous 2-star win in 2024 for Hendrix, cheesegeek’s signature blue cheese, and Gold for both Washington and Eastwood at the World Cheese Awards in the same year. Together, these four house cheeses represent cheesegeek’s commitment to modern British cheesemaking: bold, refined, and full of personality. All four award-winning cheeses are exclusively available through cheesegeek’s curated boxes and will soon return in the relaunched Genesis Box – a collection celebrating all four of the brand’s signature range. The Washington will also take centre stage in the upcoming October cheese subscription box ‘The Jimmi’ giving fans a perfect opportunity to try one of Britain’s most celebrated cheeses. Of the 14,340 entries at this year’s awards, only 3,899 products were awarded a Great 2-star – ‘above and beyond delicious’, and 273 were awarded a Great Taste 3-star – ‘extraordinarily tasty food and drink’. Being recognised with both a 2-star and 3-star award this year is not only a win for cheesegeek - but it also signals a broader shift in the appreciation of British artisan cheeses. Once overshadowed by their continental counterparts, British cheeses are now taking centre stage in international judging panels, celebrated for their boldness, innovation, and quality. “These top awards for our cheeses are further proof that modern British cheese rivals anything worldwide (even the French!)” said cheesegeek founder Edward Hancock “something we should all be really proud of.” “Washington in particular is such a special cheese, and as a Judge of the World Cheese Awards myself, one I think has the potential to be a World Champion.” This year’s results highlight how far British cheesemaking has come, with Washington standing shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best - it’s helping to redefine what modern British cheese can be. For cheesegeek, the recognition is a proud validation of their mission to champion exceptional British cheese and bring it to a wider audience.

As discussions intensify around tighter regulations and potential restrictions on VPN usage in the UK, an increasing number of businesses are turning to proxy services as a reliable alternative. Proxies are emerging as the preferred solution for companies seeking consistent access to geo-restricted content and enhanced control over their digital footprints without the regulatory risks associated with VPNs. Decodo ’s internal data reveals a remarkable 65% increase in UK proxy users, reflecting a broader change in how businesses approach online access and data operations. “Companies around the globe are getting smarter about how they operate in highly competitive landscapes. Instead of just picking the most popular tools, they’re choosing what actually works best for them, whether that’s faster, easier to use, or works better with region-specific restrictions. It shows that people are thinking more critically about their options" explains Vytautas Savickas, CEO at Decodo. The Technology Shift Driving Proxy Adoption Unlike traditional VPNs, which use full encryption to route traffic through a single tunnel, proxies provide more granular routing options and operate with fewer regulatory hurdles. This makes them highly adaptable for use cases including location-specific data collection, overcoming geo-restrictions, competitor monitoring, and reducing the risk of triggering anti-bot protections. Technical Advantages Fuelling Growth Modern proxy services now boast enterprise-grade security features combined with user-friendly interfaces, making them attractive to a wide range of businesses, including Fortune 500 companies. Analysis of Decodo’s traffic shows an 88% increase in proxy traffic originating from the UK, confirming a clear preference for proxies over VPN alternatives. “More organizations in the UK are investing time in understanding the tools that power secure and efficient online operations. Most companies test out different solutions, providers, and do their research on proxies and VPNs, and they’re also making more informed, strategic choices,” adds Gabriele Verbickaitė, Product Marketing Manager at Decodo. Increasing Awareness and Educational Investment More UK firms are investing in understanding the tools that ensure secure, scalable, and efficient digital operations. This heightened awareness is driving demand for solutions that align with business goals and offer resilience against regulatory uncertainty. As more IT leaders, data engineers, and digital marketing teams engage with industry resources and technical content, the bar for what qualifies as an effective solution is rising. This feedback loop is positioning the UK as one of the most advanced and discerning markets for enterprise-grade proxy technology. UK Businesses Lead the Proxy Adoption Wave Sectors such as eCommerce, finance, fintech, digital marketing, and cybersecurity are rapidly integrating proxies into daily operations for tasks like market research, competitor price tracking, localized ad verification, and SEO monitoring. Companies are increasingly moving beyond basic VPNs to adopt sophisticated proxy types, including: residential, mobile, datacenter, and ISP proxies, that provide better location accuracy, stability, and higher success rates when accessing geo-restricted or bot-protected content. “UK businesses are quickly adopting proxy services, moving beyond simple VPNs to more advanced setups that offer greater control over their online activity. It’s no longer just about staying private – performance and reliability are now just as important," continues Vaidotas Juknys, Head of Commerce at Decodo. Looking Ahead: Strategic Decisions Amid Regulatory Uncertainty The surge in proxy adoption is not a fleeting trend but a strategic response to potential VPN restrictions looming in the UK regulatory landscape. Businesses are proactively migrating to proxy services to maintain uninterrupted access and competitive advantage. Decodo’s data highlights a 65% rise in UK proxy users and an 88% increase in proxy traffic, underscoring that companies of all sizes, from startups to enterprises, are making informed decisions to safeguard their digital operations now, rather than waiting for policy changes.

An entrepreneur is celebrating his gin distillery achieving the Traveller’s Choice Award, putting his business in the top 10% in the world on Trip Advisor – for the third year in a row. Warwickshire Gin Company’s tasting experiences have also achieved the coveted top spot locally, being named as the most popular thing to do in Leamington Spa based on more than 150 reviews from visitors. Founder David Blick who established the distillery at Victoria Business Centre in 2018, said: “Visitor numbers sky-rocketed last year to over 3,700 from 2,100 in 2023, we have already seen very strong bookings for 2025 and had to add more experience capacity to satisfy demand. In 2025 we are expecting again over 3,000 visitors from all around the world to our small craft distillery.” He added: “I didn’t know the first thing about making gin when the idea to start a distillery first came to me whilst on holiday in Tenby. I got talking to the owner of Tenby Gin who has a shop there and asked him how he made it. He told me he used a third-party distiller – and that’s when the penny dropped. We had a steep learning curve but learned from a multi-award-winning distiller.” Fast forward seven years and David boasts a clutch of awards for his own gin and rum collection, born from ‘a desire to capture a moment in history, developing flavours to fully represent the county’s own unique story and bringing the range of hand-crafted flavours to life.’ These include Leamington on Parade, inspired by the true story of circus elephant trainer Sam Lockhart in the 1880s; The Kingmaker – named after Richard Neville 16th Earl of Warwick and Peeping Tom – inspired by the legend of Coventry’s Lady Godiva. David said: “I’m over the moon that all the hard work my team have put into our various experiences has paid off. We now have many customers visiting Warwickshire and Leamington in particular who can see the reviews and book up ahead of their visit, confident they will have a great time.” Gin Tasting Experiences now take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Afternoon G&Tea on Saturdays and Sundays and Cocktails at the Distillery on Friday & Saturday nights. He added: “Being in the Old Town area of Leamington is a handy short walk from the train station and also close to all the great bars and restaurants the town has to offer. Many decide to stay overnight or make a weekend of it.”

Contractor Clegg Construction has been appointed onto two new supplier agreements, which could open up a new pipeline of opportunities for the business. The Nottingham-headquartered company has secured a place on Constellia Marketplace and Procurement Hub. Clegg Construction has been named as an approved supplier on the Constellia Marketplace and appointed onto two Dynamic Purchasing Systems with the Procurement Hub - the Development Contractors DPS and the Property Works DPS. Pre-construction director Christian White said: “The successful appointment of Clegg Construction onto these two supplier agreements is good news for the business, as it will open up a new stream of potential work for our teams across a wider geographical area." “Clegg Construction is an experienced contractor that works in a variety of sectors, but this opportunity will not only allow us to expand our portfolio, it will also be a convenient way for clients to procure our services.” 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.

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the services of England international forward Chris Hill from Salford Red Devils on a deal until the end of the season. The vastly experienced prop, who is a two-time Challenge Cup winner, has enjoyed an incredible career spanning 20 years to date, having made his debut for Leigh in 2005. The 37-year-old has also represented Warrington Wolves and Huddersfield Giants during his stellar career, where he has racked up over 550 appearances for club and country. Hill has spoken about his ambition to help the club achieve its goals for the remainder of the current campaign – reserving special praise for the Bulls supporters. “I’m really happy to be joining Bradford, it is an ambitious club who are fighting at the top end of the Championship and I am looking forward to playing my part to help the club achieve its goals for 2025,” said Hill, who is available for sponsorship." “From the cup game earlier on this season, it was clear how much quality there is in the team and from the outside looking in it is a club very much on the up." “Everyone knows how good the Bradford fans are and to see so many pack that end out on a Friday night and making a lot of noise really made an impression and I am looking forward to running out in front of them for the rest of this year.” Head coach Brian Noble, who is sponsored by Paints & Lacquers, has hailed Hill’s capture as a coup for the club. “We have beaten off some competition to get his services and having realised he was available, it's been a reasonably long process but Chris has seemed to think that he can finish this season with us and hopefully go through next year as well." “He's an outstanding leader and he's an outstanding footballer still. He's been close to 80 minutes every week for Salford in Super League and as for his playing credentials, just look at his career it speaks for itself. He's an outstanding man, he's a big body and he's another good presence for us." “I’m thrilled, I know there was bit of competition for his signature from Super League clubs so to attract him and to get him on board, I think the fans will love him and his game as well." “He's wholehearted, he'll be good for the changing room, he'll fit in with the mix of people we've already got in there. As a player, he has been one of the best for a long time, he’s played recently for England, which is recognition of how good he is and the way he looks after himself, he’s a very, very, very fit man.”

New research from health, safety and environmental training provider Astutis reveals a strong shift towards environmental responsibility from British organisations. The “ Voice of Our Learners Report 2025 ”, which includes survey responses from 920 workers, reveals that 7 in 10 organisations are now working towards a net-zero carbon target. Furthermore, a huge 9 in 10 organisations have said that they have implemented changes this year to reduce environmental impact and carbon footprint. When it comes to individuals at these organisations, nearly everyone (98%) reports being personally aware of how their work affects the environment. One of the top challenges revealed when it comes to compliance is keeping up with the persistent environmental regulations, according to 4 in 10 people (40%). Nearly a third of participants say that their company has a focus on mental health and wellbeing within the ESG landscape. The survey also shows the growing need for training and support as companies accelerate their net-zero journeys. Many businesses face challenges not only in meeting compliance but also in embedding sustainability into workplace culture and operations. There is a growing demand for courses in environmental management and emissions reduction which reflects the ever-growing need. Steve Terry, Managing Director of Astutis, comments on the research from this year’s Learner Report: "Fostering environmental awareness isn’t just about policies - it’s about people. By engaging employees through education and practical changes, companies can build a sustainable culture that benefits both the business and the planet." "Investing in environmental training helps companies show their commitment to sustainability by building employees' knowledge on reducing waste, lowering carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable practices." "By educating employees on environmental standards, businesses foster trust and loyalty, empowering staff to support and communicate the company’s green initiatives." With environmental expectations rising and regulatory scrutiny tightening, Astutis’ report highlights a business landscape where net-zero is no longer a nice-to-have and instead a huge priority.