Colton Packaging , a leading distributor of high-quality corrugated packaging solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Cora Montgomery as its new Business Development Manager for the Midlands region. With nearly a decade of experience in the packaging industry, Cora brings a wealth of expertise and proven success in customer relationship management, strategic growth and bespoke packaging solutions. In this newly created role, Cora will focus on expanding Colton Packaging’s customer base throughout the Midlands, developing strategic partnerships and supporting clients with innovative and sustainable corrugated packaging. Her appointment comes as part of the company’s ongoing investment in talent and commitment to delivering exceptional service and value across its growing client portfolio. “We’re excited to welcome Cora to the team,” said Director Duncan Smith. “Cora’s extensive industry knowledge and track record in driving business development will be instrumental in strengthening our presence in the Midlands and helping our customers achieve smarter, more efficient packaging outcomes.” Cora previously held key commercial roles with another packaging distributor, where she consistently exceeded growth targets and built long-term relationships across multiple sectors. “I initially was interested in Colton Packaging, as I was looking to take the next step in my career. They have a great reputation in the industry for being a long-standing family business." "From my first interview I could tell that Colton Packaging is a company that are really invested in seeing their team grow and succeed, I knew that I could continue to further my career here and have the companies support and investment in my development." Colton Packaging is a Loughborough-based business offering corrugated cardboard packaging to a variety of regional and national clients across FMCG, manufacturing and e-commerce sectors. Packaging has been at the heart of the Colton family since the mid-nineteenth century. The business is now in its fifth generation and with each passing year their industry knowledge, product range and customer care has grown consistently.

Family Business United is delighted to announce the 11 finalists in the running for the National Family Business Lifetime Achievement Award which will be presented at a gala event in London on September 17, 2025 as part of the National Family Business Day celebrations. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United explains, "Our finalists are both family and non-family members who have dedicated significant amounts of their working lives contributing to the success and growth of the family business that they are associated with." "Running a family business can be a lonely place and we created these awards to recognise the incredible contribution that is made by individuals within these firms." "The family business community will come together to celebrate and recognise each of their journeys where one of our finalists will be crowned the National Family Business Lifetime Achievement winner." "Each finalist has a story to tell and when you read the submissions for each of them the emotion, personal endeavours and devotion to their path is palpable. Selecting a winner is not going to be easy." Our finalists for the Lifetime Achievement Award 2025, in no particular order, are: Martin Poynter - Arden Dies Derek Kelly - Kellys Bronze Tracy Consiglio - The Pantry Charles Marr - The Ice Co Ltd and J Marr Ltd Simon Berry - English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues Harold Wilson MBE - UK Docks Marine Services Ltd Trevor Ellis - CS Ellis Tony Nicholson - Nicholsons Stalham Engineering George Wills - Little's Chauffeur Drive Dave Roy - Brewers Decorator Centres Jenny Fisher - The Fisher Partnership The judges will deliberate and determine the overall winner who will be announced on the night at the National Family Business Day Dinner 2025. Find out more about the event and book your tickets to join us here

“The new car market has experienced a decline in July, with registrations down -5.0%” said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK commenting on the latest SMMT new car registration figures. In July, a total of 140,154 new cars were registered, a decrease of -5.0% from the same period last year. Sales to private buyers were down by -3.2% whilst fleet registrations were also down by -6.5%. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) registered 29,825 units (9.1%). Plug-in hybrid (PHEVs) registrations are at 33.0%, 17,489 units and hybrids (HEVs) registered 18,551 units (-10.0%). Diesel saw 8,018 units registered (-7.9%) compared to 8,708 in June 2024 whereas petrol saw a drop from 77,702 units to 66,271 units (-14.7%). Sue Robinson concluded: “We are disappointed to see a reversal of the gains made in June. Looking ahead, we are likely to see continued pressure on the new vehicle market, due to weak economic growth." "We expect electric vehicles sales to continue to increase as a result of the Government’s Electric Car Grant (ECG), however they remain someway off the ZEV Mandate targets for 2025. Once the consumer has a clear understanding of the ECG and manufacturers have applied the grant discount of £3,750, an uptake in registrations should increase.”

World-renowned actor and national treasure, Danny Dyer, has teamed up with Deliveroo to call on the nation to embrace their inner tosser this summer and help launch the app's new Freshness Promise (money back if groceries aren’t fresh). For too long, the humble sausage and burger have hogged the limelight at summer BBQs, leaving salads and side dishes as an afterthought, with nearly a quarter of Brits admitting they make zero or little effort on dishes for gatherings or opt for pre-made ones as they ‘rarely’ or ‘never’ receive the same attention as the main event. But that’s all about to change as BAFTA-winning Dyer, is calling upon the nation to embrace their inner ‘tosser’ and make salads and side dishes the star of the show, once and for all. In a new campaign released by Deliveroo, the British actor rolls up his sleeves and dons an apron emblazoned with ‘Proud to be a Tosser’, tossing and seasoning fresh ingredients as he delivers a masterclass on how Brits’ can make sure their sides…aren’t just a bit on the side’. Danny is seen whipping up a spread of sensational BBQ salads and sides, including feta and watermelon salad, corn on the cobs tossed in butter, legendary wedges (“ledges”) tossed in spices and a diamond chicken Caesar guaranteed to outshine bangers and burgers. Dyer admits he’s a self-proclaimed ‘tosser’ as the delivery app launches its first-to-market ‘Freshness Promise*’ - giving customers their money back if customers’ groceries are not delivered fresh** to their doors. The promise covers a wide range of fresh grocery essentials, including fruit & veg, meat, poultry & seafood, eggs, dairy & dairy alternatives, chilled and bakery items purchased from nationwide supermarkets on the app, including ASDA, Co-op, Sainsbury’s and Morrisons. Danny Dyer comments on his new national plea: “I’m proud to be a tosser! Salads and sides have been mugged off at barbecues, left in the shadows while the main event gets all the glory. But no more! I'm here to tell you it's time to embrace your inner tosser and make those salads and sides more than a bit on the… side. We're talking bangin' salads, veg seasoned to perfection and saucy salmon, so fresh it practically winks at ya. And with Deliveroo's Freshness Promise, you know you're getting top-drawer fresh grub every time you order. Get involved and join me in being a right tosser this summer, using the freshest ingredients or your money back, thanks to Deliveroo!" A spokesperson from Deliveroo said: "We've all been there, standing by the BBQ while the salads and sides get overlooked. We believe these dishes deserve to sing, and who better than Danny Dyer to give them the stage they deserve? With Danny Dyer’s help, we're not just adding some theatre to side dishes; we're also making sure every single bite is fresh." "Our Freshness Promise means our customers can trust that any fresh and chilled groceries they order, from your crispest greens to your juiciest steak, arrives fresh and ready to make those summer moments with friends and family even better.“ In conjunction with the all-new Freshness Promise, Deliveroo has introduced ‘Fridge Filler Mondays,’ a weekly offer providing half-price discounts on a wide selection of fresh and chilled items. Every Monday, customers can get 50% off not just on fruit and veg but across a vast selection of meat, fish, poultry, dairy, eggs, bakery items, and chilled ready meals. This offer is available nationwide at participating supermarkets and stores on Deliveroo, including Sainsbury's, Co-op, Morrisons, Iceland, and ASDA. There's no minimum spend, making it perfect for a quick grocery top-up, delivered in as little as 20 minutes.

Lloyds Tour of Britain Men organisers have announced the 19-team field for this September’s race, headlined by the debut of multiple Tour de France winning squads, and the world’s number one ranked team, UAE Team Emirates - XRG. Thirteen of the teams participating in the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men were in action during the Tour de France, winning 16 of the 21 stages between them. Nine top tier UCI World Teams will contest the race, which begins from Woodbridge in East Suffolk on Tuesday 2 September, the most that have raced in Britain’s national Tour since 2019. Lidl-Trek and Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale both return to the race after an absence of several years, while the Groupama FDJ are the second UCI World Team due to make their race debut in September. All three of the most successful teams in the history of the modern Lloyds Tour of Britain Men will be a part of this year’s line-up, with Soudal Quick-Step, INEOS Grenadiers, and Team Visma | Lease a Bike having won an incredible 64 stages between them. The latter have won the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men on four occasions (2011, 2017, 2021 and 2023), including on both their most recent participations, with Wout Van Aert. Last year’s victorious team of Stevie Williams, Israel – Premier Tech, return as one of eight UCI ProTeams competing in the event. Among them will be a third squad making their event debut, Tudor Pro Cycling, who could include former winner Julian Alaphilippe (2018) in their six-rider squad. In total, 12 of the world’s top 17 teams, according to the most recent UCI rankings (29 July), will be in action on British roads this September. After impressing in the 2024 Lloyds Tour of Britain Men with their aggressive riding that earned two days in the points jersey, the Portuguese squad Anicolour / Tien 21 will return, and could include British rider Harrison Wood in their six-rider squad. Completing the 19-team line-up and providing a second British team (alongside INEOS Grenadiers) in the race will be the Great Britain Cycling Team, an ever present in the national tour since 2012. Commenting on the team announcement, Jonathan Day, Managing Director of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men, said; “This year’s line-up of teams for the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men is one of the best that we have ever seen assembled for the race, and shows the status with which the event is held by UCI WorldTour and Pro Teams." “Excitement is building for September, and what will be a highly competitive Lloyds Tour of Britain Men. We cannot wait to see these teams in action and racing through communities across England and Wales on our six stages.” The full list of teams for the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men is: • UCI WorldTeams: Bahrain Victorious (Bahrain); Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale (France); Groupama FDJ (France); INEOS Grenadiers (Great Britain); Lidl-Trek (USA); Soudal Quick-Step (Belgium); Team Picnic PostNL (Netherlands); Team Visma | Lease a Bike (Netherlands); UAE Team Emirates - XRG (UAE). • UCI ProTeams: Equipo Kern Pharma (Spain); Israel – Premier Tech (Israel); Lotto (Belgium); Q36.5 Pro Cycling (Switzerland); Team Flanders – Baloise (Belgium); Tudor Pro Cycling (Switzerland); Unibet Tietema Rockets (France); Uno-X Mobility (Norway). • UCI Continental Teams: Anicolor / Tien 21 (Portugal). • National Teams: Great Britain Cycling Team (Great Britain). Announcements around competing riders and team line-ups will be made in the second half of August in the build-up to the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men. The Lloyds Tour of Britain Men begins on Tuesday 2 September with a pair of stages in Suffolk, the first from Woodbridge to Southwold, before a leg starting and finishing in Stowmarket. Following stages take in Milton Keynes and a first visit to Ampthill in Central Bedfordshire, before a challenging Warwickshire stage ending in a hilltop finish at Burton Dassett Country Park. The race concludes with a brace of challenging stages in south Wales, the first including a double ascent of The Tumble, before a final stage between the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales in Newport to the Welsh capital, Cardiff, on Sunday 7 September.

As mid-sized businesses look to chase productivity gains and scale in the age of AI and automation, many are discovering that their biggest challenge isn’t technology or talent - it’s knowing what to prioritise. A growing “Advice Gap” is leaving leadership teams divided, overstretched, and uncertain about where to invest to enhance productivity. Research from global business technology and managed service provider Thinc shows that business and IT leaders agree that productivity needs to improve, but division is rife on how to achieve it. Chief Executive Officers and Chief Financial Officers of mid-market organisations cite budget constraints and limited resources to fund external IT help (39%) as the primary concern slowing down IT decision making . Meanwhile, CTOs and IT leaders (56%) are pushing for smarter systems and automation, revealing a growing tension between people-led and tech-led strategies for unlocking productivity.  Dominic Ball, Managing Director and Co-owner at Thinc commented: “Mid-market organisations don’t lack ambition - they lack clarity. Too often, businesses are trying to solve the right problems with the wrong tools, or they’re stuck debating whether tech or people are the answer. The truth is, the answer is different for every business, and looks different from every business role. You just need someone who can help you find it.” Overloaded by tools, underwhelmed by results Many mid-market organisations are already overwhelmed by the tech they’ve got, with most still managing ITSM, cyber and compliance, and HRM completely in-house. This often stems from years of reactive IT purchases, often made under pressure, or sold in by unscrupulous vendors, and has created patchwork systems that are underused or misaligned with business goals. Instead of streamlining operations, technology becomes a blocker. The promise of AI and automation only adds to the noise, with 54% of business leaders seeing it as an immediate game changer. Yet, that excitement often outpaces coordination, with different parts of the business moving at different speeds, or in different directions entirely. CEOs, in particular, are pushing for AI and automation the hardest, with 74% centring its role in future strategy. But without proper alignment across leadership teams, businesses risk chasing hype instead of solving real problems - investing in tools without a clear path to impact or integration. The advice gap that’s making IT worse The issue is that many mid-sized businesses don’t know where to turn for truly independent advice. Vendors have a product to sell. Internal teams are often too close to the problem, or too siloed across departments, to offer a neutral view. CEOs get most of their advice from trade shows and industry events (62%), whereas MDs are the least likely to rely on those sources (36%). Instead, MDs strongly prefer guidance from existing IT partners and consultants (56%), a trend that’s even more pronounced among CTOs, 64% of whom draw on a wide range of sources. Almost no one in a decision-making role looks internally for advice - the talent gap all but ensures that. Without clear, unbiased advice, companies struggle to make confident, joined-up decisions - and that holds back productivity more than any individual system or skill gap. “Mid-market businesses stand at a crossroads – in a testing climate, they understand that they need to find more efficient ways to work. But it’s hard to decide on, let alone commit to, the technology investments that will make this a reality,” adds Ball. “There’s never been more information out there about the power of technology. What businesses need is unbiased, practical advice that cuts through the hype. Providers like Thinc are here to give that honest take, looking at the systems and processes that will benefit most from automation and integration, and setting out the most practical route to greater productivity. As our research shows, this is exactly what the mid-market needs.”

It was a mixed two days in Copenhagen, filled with non-stop drama and spectacle as the 12 talented British riders battled through the wet conditions to fight for their place on the podium at the 2025 UCI BMX Racing World Championships. Beth Shriever dominated the elite women’s category to take her third elite world title, while debutant Elsa Rendall-Todd took a sensational silver medal in the junior women’s event. Women Beth Shriever made it a hattrick of elite world titles, in true dominant Shriever fashion. Having won her round one heat and quarter-final with ease, Shriever looked steely and focused going into her semi-final. A less than ideal start saw Shriever caught at the back of the group with work to do if she wanted to progress. Putting down her trademark speed, Shriever gradually made her way through the pack, sneaking through into third on the final straight to secure her final spot. Class Shriever came out in the final as she dominated from the off, getting out ahead early and staying there, leaving her competitors in her dust and storming across the finish line to take her third elite world title in fine fashion. On the win, Shriever said: "it feels absolutely incredible. It was a mad, mad day of racing speaking on behalf of all the athletes here today, it was crazy, and it was a bit up and down for me. I scraped through the semi and said, ‘this is all or nothing now’, so I’m gassed to take home the win.” In the under-23 event, Sienna Harvey raced well, sneaking through her quarter-final in fourth place. In the semi, on the first corner she sat in fifth place and as the leaders pushed hard to extend the gap, it was just too far out of reach for the developing rider and she finished in fifth place, narrowly missing out on a place in the final. Elsewhere, two-time silver medallist Emily Hutt started strong with a win in her first heat. However, after an unfortunate crash in training on day two, was sadly forced to retire from the championships. Betsy Bax started strong but just got pipped at the post int he quarter-final, ending her event. It was success for Elsa Rendall-Todd in the junior women’s category as she raced well and capitalised on opportunity to take a silver medal at her first world championships. Both Rendall-Todd and teammate Freia Challis won their first-round heats and flew through the quarters with just the semis between them and the finals. Challis was fastest down the start ramp and quickly distanced herself from the other riders, which she managed to hold to take another comfortable win. Rendall-Todd fought through her competitors to get into second place behind Lily Greenough (New Zealand) and take her final spot. The two Brits headed into the final with confidence, before disaster struck and Challis got caught up in a four-way crash at the bottom of the start ramp, ending her chances at the title. Rendall-Todd capitalised on this opportunity and pushed forward through third into second place on the final corner. Unable to catch the dominant Greenough, Rendall-Todd crossed the line in second place to leave her debut world championships a silver medal winner. Debutant Theia Gaynor delivered some positive rides in her first time at this level, making it through the quarterfinals in third place. Gaynor worked hard in the semi-finals but was just pushed out of contention in a stacked field and was knocked out in fifth place. Men James Criddle took the best placed finish out of the men, coming fifth overall in the junior men’s category. Criddle and teammate Ben Cornish made their way confidently through the opening rounds, both crossing the line second in the quarter finals to make it through to the semis. Cornish started strong in second place, with Criddle further back before a collision with the Belgian rider saw Cornish crash off the track, putting a sudden end to his championships. This opened the field and saw Criddle push through into third place to secure his spot in the final on the first time of asking. In the final, Criddle started well in the middle of the pack, before dropping back on the first corner. The young rider fought hard to make his way back into contention but was unable to catch the leaders and came away from his first world championships with a commendable fifth place finish. In the elite men’s event, Kye Whyte looked to be back on form winning his first two races with ease. In the quarterfinals he found himself chasing from the start before finding a way around Kamran Larsen (USA). However, that move left the for open for Frenchman Theo Thouin who snook ahead putting Whyte in fifth and out of the competition. In the under-23 men’s event, Jos Marnham showed some promising racing as he made his way to the 1/8 finals after winning his LCQ, where he took second place. However, in the quarter-final the newcomer came unstuck and crossed the line in sixth, to end his competition. Matt Gilston got through the heats well with a third-place finish, however a slow start in the 1/8 finals lost him good time and a sixth-place finish saw him knocked out of the championships. Photos : Credit SWPix.

Leicester City FC are delighted to announce the signing of experienced goalkeeper Asmir Begović, who joins them on a one-year contract, subject to league clearance. The 38-year-old spent the 2024/25 season with Everton and previously played for Queens Park Rangers under Leicester's current manager Martí Cifuentes, featuring 46 times for the London side in all competitions during the 2023/24 campaign. As Asmir adds: "I feel really excited. It’s a pleasure to be here and a big honour to join such a great club. I can’t wait to get going. It’s not every day that a club of this stature gets in touch about joining." "Hopefully we can have an exciting season where we can challenge at the top of the table and get the Club back where it belongs.” Capped 63 times by Bosnia and Herzegovina, Asmir has spent much of his career in England, appearing for the likes of Portsmouth, Stoke City, Chelsea and AFC Bournemouth, registering 256 appearances in the Premier League. He now brings that vast experience to the goalkeeping ranks at Leicester City, where he will link up with his new teammates ahead of their final pre-season fixture against Fiorentina at King Power Stadium on Sunday 3 August (3pm BST kick-off).

Whether it’s the colleague who constantly criticises your ideas, the manager who micromanages, or the team member who never pulls their weight, difficult people are a workplace inevitability. But the good news? You can learn to handle them with grace—and even turn strained dynamics into workable relationships. Here are ten practical tips to help you stay sane and productive when faced with tricky personalities. 1. Don’t Take It Personally It’s easier said than done, but keeping a degree of emotional distance can make all the difference. Often, difficult behaviour says more about the other person than it does about you. Take a breath, detach, and respond rather than react. 2. Stay Professional at All Times No matter how frustrating someone may be, don’t let them drag you into unprofessional conduct. Keep your tone calm, your language polite, and your behaviour above reproach. Your credibility and composure are your best shields. 3. Listen (Really Listen) Sometimes, difficult people simply want to be heard. Practise active listening—make eye contact, avoid interrupting, and repeat back what you’ve heard to show understanding. It may not fix the issue, but it can help de-escalate tension. 4. Set Clear Boundaries If someone frequently crosses the line, it’s important to assert your limits. Whether it’s unwelcome negativity, constant interruptions, or overstepping authority, calmly state what’s acceptable and what isn’t. Boundaries create mutual respect. 5. Pick Your Battles Not every slight or annoyance warrants a showdown. Learn to distinguish between behaviour that truly impacts your work and that which you can let slide. Save your energy—and your complaints—for issues that matter. 6. Focus on Solutions, Not Personalities When addressing a problem, avoid pointing fingers. Focus on what needs to change, not who is at fault. Use “I” statements (“I need clarity on…” rather than “You never explain…”) to keep the conversation constructive. 7. Document Important Interactions If you’re dealing with someone who twists words, avoids accountability or misrepresents facts, keep a written record of key interactions. Emails, meeting notes, and summaries can be invaluable if issues escalate. 8. Stay One Step Ahead Anticipate difficult behaviours and plan your responses. If you know someone tends to derail meetings or dominate discussions, think strategically about how you’ll manage the interaction. Preparation reduces stress and boosts confidence. 9. Seek Support When Needed If you’ve tried to resolve issues and they persist—or escalate—it’s perfectly acceptable to involve a line manager or HR. This isn’t tattling; it’s protecting your well-being and ensuring a safe, productive work environment. 10. Maintain Your Own Mental Well-being Dealing with toxic behaviour can take its toll. Make sure you’re not carrying that stress home. Take regular breaks, debrief with a trusted friend, and engage in activities that replenish your energy. You can’t pour from an empty cup. You may not be able to change the people you work with, but you can change how you respond to them. A little patience, a lot of tact, and a clear sense of your own values can go a long way in transforming workplace friction into functional (if not friendly) collaboration.

Leicester City FC have confirmed that a deal has been agreed between Leicester City and fellow Sky Bet Championship side Wrexham AFC for the permanent transfer of Conor Coady, subject to league approval. Conor, 32, joined us from Wolverhampton Wanderers in July 2023 and played 43 times for Leicester City in all competitions, scoring twice - including 17 appearances as part of the 2023/24 Sky Bet Championship title-winning side in his debut season. An experienced and respected figure within the dressing room during his time with the Club, the England international departs with the thanks and best wishes of everyone at Leicester City for the next chapter of his career in Wales.

Dumfries and Galloway’s first holistic play hub has been making a positive impact on rural families in its first four months, after its founder accessed support from Business Gateway. Founded by local occupational therapist Kerry Widdowson, Dinkies offers a calm haven for both children and adults to slow down and unwind. Guided by a “pause and play” philosophy, it provides an alternative to the sometimes chaotic traditional soft play environment, with role play, wooden toys and creative activities carefully designed to support child development by engaging fine motor skills, sensory exploration and speech and language development. Kerry launched the business after more than a decade working in the NHS, motivated by a desire to create a community play space where wellbeing is nurtured and imagination thrives through a focus on engagement in activity. Located in Dalbeattie, Dinkies offers more than just a place to play. Alongside its main bookable sessions, the hub includes a cosy cafe with great coffee and healthy food options, a calendar of creative workshops for all ages, and birthday party packages. It’s even dog-friendly, so it’s a spot for the whole family. Business Gateway supported Kerry during the early stages of her start-up journey, helping her access a £3,000 Enterprise Seed Fund (matched at 50%) through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The funding allowed her to fit out the new premises with essential items, including flooring, specialist play furniture, educational toys and IT equipment, all key to bringing her vision to life. Kerry Widdowson, Dinkies founder, said: “Dinkies is now entering into its fourth month of running and the support and positive comments we have had so far are amazing. Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where anyone can engage in activity was my goal and seeing this actually being enjoyed and cherished by others is so rewarding. The support and confidence that Business Gateway gave me in the early days has been paramount to me turning my ideas into reality.” Gail MacGregor, chair of Business Gateway board, said: “Helping great ideas get off the ground is at the heart of what we do and we’re proud to have played a small part in opening the doors of Dinkies, a business that’s already bringing value and joy to families across Dumfries and Galloway.”

Chetwood Bank has announced Mark Foulsham will join its Board as non-executive director. Mark brings more than 30 years of experience in information technology (IT), operations and third-party procurement to the role. Mark originally qualified as a civil engineer and retained a practical, analytical mindset while subsequently progressing into senior executive roles, overseeing digital and capital investment programmes at South East Water, SAUR UK and Macquarie Bank. He has since served as Group Chief Information Officer for esure and GoCompare; Director of Delivery Services, Chair and advisory board member at CIO Connect; Chief Digital Officer at Scope; and Chief Operating Officer at Kensington Mortgages, accumulating extensive experience as an FCA SMF24 function holder. As a consultant and adviser, Mark has guided organisations in tightly regulated industries, from financial services firms such as Cashplus (now Zempler Bank), Mansfield Building Society and Prudential, to the property firm REIT SEGRO, the UK Civil Aviation Authority and National Lottery operator, Camelot. He has also held a number of non-executive roles including positions at Cobweb, Leeds Credit Union and Franklin Music, as well as acting as a board advisor at CIONET and Partners in Change Consulting. Mark joins the UK-based digital challenger bank at an exciting time for the company just days after announcing its balance sheet had exceeded £5 billion for the first time, as well as revealing it was expanding its operations by opening a new office in Manchester city centre to add to its existing offices in Wrexham, London and Fleet. The bank has also recently appointed Rob Pomphrett as another non-executive director. Founded in 2016, Chetwood Bank is dedicated to helping people make sense of their money with easy-to-understand savings accounts and mortgages, delivered through its ModaMortgages and CHL Mortgages’ brands. Mark said: “It’s a great opportunity to join Chetwood Bank at such an exciting time in its journey. I’ve often joined organisations at a relatively early stage in their growth and the prospect of helping to shape their direction is truly energising." “The experience I’ve gained throughout my career has given me a great grounding in supporting and managing problem solving in an orchestrated and harmonious way." “The company’s recent milestone demonstrates the astute planning by the talented members of its senior leadership team and Board. I’m looking forward to playing my part in adding customer-focused value to our proposition and helping Chetwood Bank build new foundations for its future.” Paul Noble, CEO of Chetwood Bank, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Mark to the Board as a non-executive director. His experience and strong multi-faceted track record will add real depth to our governance as we enter our next phase of growth."