As political and public debate grows around the need to rebuild social cohesion and restore fairness in the UK’s most deprived communities, Co-op has today announced a new strategy to deliver social value across every part of its business. The move, informed by its 6.5 million members, reaffirms Co-op’s commitment to speaking up and speaking out on the issues that matter most to its members and communities – from climate change and sustainability to social mobility and diversity and inclusion. At a time when powerful voices are encouraging business to scale back on social commitments, Co-op is choosing to push forward – guided by what its members say matters most. In a major survey into the issues facing people and society today, carried out with over 37,000 members, the findings highlight over three quarters (78%) feel many people don’t have equal access to the resources they need to thrive. Over four fifths (83%) agreed that the gap between rich and poor is growing, and a similar number (79%) believe that society is more divided than 10 years ago. Only a minority of members (19%) felt optimistic about the future of the country. Top 10 Co-op Member Concerns Cost of Living Healthcare Environment & Climate Global Conflict Cuts to local services Social care Prospects for the younger generation Political instability and extremism Economic instability Rising cost of renting This insight helped shape the focus of the strategy in three key areas - access to opportunity, access to a sustainable future and access to peace of mind and wellbeing. These pillars reflect Co-op’s approach to long-term value – putting member priorities into action through the way the business operates and grows. Shirine Khoury-Haq, Co-op Group CEO, said: “We’re living in a world where powerful voices are actively encouraging businesses to row back on their social value commitments. In the pursuit of short-term profit opportunities, some other businesses are choosing to scale back or water down their social value work, shutting the door on progress for the future." "As a co-operative, owned by our members, we’re choosing to step further forwards, choosing to speak up and speak out, to be a voice for positive change when it matters most." “As debates grow around how to strengthen the social fabric of the UK, this strategy shows how Co-op is playing its part. It is grounded in what our members told us – to focus on opportunity, sustainability and community cohesion. That’s exactly what we’re going to do." “As a member-owned business, we’re here to act. Whether it’s helping young people into work, backing grassroots projects, or tackling root causes of harm like cybercrime, this is about long-term impact. It will shape how we grow, how we lead, and how we deliver value for our members every day.” The strategy focuses on three key areas that members told Co-op matter most: access to opportunity, access to a sustainable future, and access to peace of mind and wellbeing. Access to opportunity means helping more people into education, skills and good work – especially where chances are hardest to find. Co-op is strengthening its long-term diversity and inclusion goals and backing new routes into ethical work, including a partnership with The Hacking Games to identify young cyber talent and channel it into positive futures. Access to a sustainable future is about staying the course on net zero, even as others pull back. Co-op is continuing to back science-based targets and long-term action, supporting members and communities to reduce their impact and making progress in a way that’s practical, fair and transparent. Access to peace of mind and wellbeing is about building stronger, safer communities – locally and globally. From investing in community resilience to taking a stand on human rights, including a new sourcing policy that cuts ties with countries linked to major human rights abuses, Co-op is focused on driving fairness and cohesion where it’s needed most. The three pillars are supported by an extensive range of commitments designed to benefit both members and society. Co-op will continue to develop new goals, projects and initiatives based on ongoing member feedback.

As the golden light of late summer spills across gardens and countryside, August brings a sense of mellow abundance. The frenetic growth of spring has softened, but the garden is far from done. Instead, this month offers a rich palette of colour, fragrance, and texture – a final flourish before autumn’s arrival. August is a time for bold blooms, resilient perennials, and show-stopping annuals. These are the stars of the late summer stage: flowers that thrive in warmth, stand tall through dry spells, and capture the last hurrah of the growing season. Whether you’re pottering in a cottage garden, exploring a city park, or wandering wild hedgerows, these are the blooms to notice and nurture this month. 1. Dahlias – The Divas of Summer Few flowers make a statement quite like the dahlia. With their intricate, geometric petals and dazzling range of colours – from soft pastels to near-black purples – dahlias are the undisputed queens of August. Native to Mexico but adored by British gardeners, they bloom from mid-summer well into autumn, provided you keep deadheading and protect them from slugs. There’s a dahlia for every taste: the dinner-plate varieties for drama, the cactus types for flair, and the delicate pompons for a touch of vintage charm. They thrive in full sun and rich, well-drained soil, making them ideal for borders, cutting gardens, and even containers. 2. Rudbeckia – The Golden Glow Also known as black-eyed Susans, rudbeckias bring a touch of prairie sunshine to the British garden. With their vibrant yellow petals and dark central cones, they light up borders and provide late-season nectar for bees and butterflies. These cheerful blooms are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant – ideal for the warmer, drier days of August. Try pairing them with ornamental grasses or purple echinacea for a naturalistic, meadow-like effect. 3. Crocosmia – Fiery Arches of Colour For a splash of flaming red, orange or yellow, crocosmia (sometimes still called montbretia) is a standout. Arching stems of funnel-shaped flowers emerge from sword-like leaves, creating movement and vibrancy in even the most static borders. 'Lucifer' is perhaps the most famous variety, with its scarlet blooms blazing through August like a torch. Crocosmia is a hardy perennial and thrives in full sun or partial shade – just ensure the soil doesn’t get waterlogged. 4. Hydrangeas – Changing with the Season Hydrangeas, with their generous blooms and old-fashioned elegance, continue to enchant in August. Whether it’s the soft mopheads of Hydrangea macrophylla or the towering cones of Hydrangea paniculata, their colours shift with the soil and season – from pale blues to deep pinks, lime greens to dusty mauves. In late summer, the blooms start to take on a papery quality, adding texture and muted tones that blend beautifully with grasses and seed heads. Leave them to dry on the plant for winter interest, or cut them for long-lasting indoor arrangements. 5. Japanese Anemones – Graceful and Tough These delicate-looking perennials are tougher than they appear. With their wiry stems and soft, fluttering petals – often in white or pale pink – Japanese anemones bring elegance and vertical interest to borders just as many other plants are starting to fade. They’re particularly useful for shadier spots and woodland gardens, and once established, they’ll spread happily without fuss. A favourite among garden designers, they look especially striking against dark fences or leafy backdrops. 6. Sunflowers – Joy on a Stem No list of August flowers would be complete without the sunflower. Towering over garden fences and allotment plots, these icons of summer are as cheerful as they are charismatic. From classic yellow giants to smaller varieties in bronze and burgundy, sunflowers bring joy to pollinators and passers-by alike. They’re also excellent for children’s gardens – easy to grow from seed, quick to shoot up, and wonderfully dramatic when in full bloom. 7. Verbena bonariensis – A Pollinator’s Paradise With their tall, slender stems and clusters of tiny violet flowers, Verbena bonariensis is a modern favourite. They weave through borders, adding height and airiness without blocking light. Beloved by butterflies and bees, they flower from midsummer through to the first frosts. Though technically short-lived perennials, they often self-seed generously – meaning they return year after year with very little intervention. August is a month of both plenty and preparation. While the flowers are still going strong, gardeners begin to think ahead: saving seed, pruning spent blooms, and perhaps eyeing a few new plants for next year. But amid the practicalities, it’s a time to pause and savour the season – to gather a bouquet, visit a garden, or simply sit and watch the bees at work. In a year’s cycle, August flowers remind us that beauty doesn’t fade with time – it deepens. Their richness, warmth and resilience offer a fitting celebration of summer’s grand finale.

The CyberScotland Partnership (CSP) has appointed Karen Meechan, CEO of ScotlandIS, as the new Chair of the Partnership, effective 1 August 2025. Karen succeeds Clare El Azebbi, Head of the Scottish Government’s National Cyber Resilience Unit, who has held the position of Chair since 2023. Clare has played a pivotal role in shaping CSP’s direction and leading a cross-sector collaborative approach to cyber resilience in Scotland. Karen Meechan brings extensive experience in digital innovation and cyber collaboration. She is dedicated to helping solve the challenges the cyber security industry faces in order to help Scotland’s technology landscape to thrive. Karen has been a passionate supporter of the Scottish digital tech industry since joining ScotlandIS in 2004 to oversee operations and memberships, and worked her way up to CEO, a role she took on in 2021. ScotlandIS is home to Scotland’s cyber cluster, a connected community aiming to drive growth and innovation in the sector and to support the growing skills pipeline. Speaking on her appointment, Karen Meechan said: “It’s a privilege to take on the role of Chair of the CyberScotland Partnership. As we continue to face an escalating and unpredictable cyber landscape, collaboration across sectors has never been more critical." "I look forward to working with our partners to strengthen Scotland’s cyber resilience, support innovation and ensure that our digital future is secure and inclusive for everyone.” Outgoing Chair Clare El Azebbi commented: “It has been a pleasure to serve as Chair of the CyberScotland Partnership. Over the past few years, we’ve built a strong and collaborative network of partners who are committed to improving Scotland’s cyber resilience. I’m confident that under Karen’s leadership, the Partnership will continue to grow in impact and ambition.” The CyberScotland Partnership consists of 23 partners, who work together to improve cyber resilience across Scotland in a coordinated and coherent way. It is committed to widening its reach to all in Scotland, providing practical, tailored advice and guidance for every individual and organisation, with the aim of raising awareness of cyber threats and enhancing resilience to build a safer, secure and prosperous Scotland.

A brand-new bakery-inspired range from Nestlé Confectionery is set to delight fans across the UK this August. The exciting lineup features Aero Double Choc Brownie Flavour, Milkybar Crispy Cookie, and Munchies Vanilla Cheesecake Flavour, all inspired by beloved baked treats. Starting this month, shoppers will discover the delicious new offerings on shelves nationwide. Aero Double Choc Brownie Flavour These bite-sized pieces of bubbly brownie flavour Aero are perfect for sharing with friends and family, offering a delightful treat that melts in your mouth. Munchies Vanilla Cheesecake Flavour Featuring smooth milk chocolate cubes filled with a rich, creamy vanilla centre and a crunchy biscuit piece. Milkybar Crispy Cookie This sharing bag combines smooth, creamy Milkybar pieces with mini cookie inclusions for a fun texture and nostalgic taste. Brand Manager for Nestlé UK & Ireland, Michael Kehoe, said: “The team at Nestlé Confectionery has had a fantastic time experimenting with many bakery-inspired treats in our test kitchen this year. We’ve selected these three final flavours and brought them to life on some of the nation’s favourite confectionery brands, which we feel really capture the indulgent spirit of tasty baked goods. We can’t wait to hear what our fans think!” Nestlé Confectionery has also brought out another exciting Milkybar product this month. Eagle-eyed shoppers may have spotted the Milkybar Chocolate Crumble Sharing Block, made up of creamy, indulgent chocolate with a crumbly filling, available in stores nationwide now. Photo: The new range features Aero Double Choc Brownie Flavour, Milkybar Crispy Cookie, and Munchies Vanilla Cheesecake Flavour.

An ocean sailor turned entrepreneur is set to address 200 business leaders at the annual Southampton Boat Show lunch hosted by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce. In a keynote speech, Pete Goss MBE will trace parallels between some of the skills involved in ocean navigation and those required in managing teams for business success in the corporate world. Former Royal Marine Pete first captured global headlines while competing in the Vendee Globe single-handed non-stop round-the-world yacht race. Risking his own life in the face of a fierce Southern Ocean storm, he turned his yacht round to rescue a fellow competitor who had got into difficulty and sent a distress call. After a two-day search sailing into hurricane-force winds, Pete found the man still alive in a life-raft dropped by the Australian Air Force and took him to safety in Tasmania before going on to complete the race, coming fifth. Cornwall-based Pete has sailed more than 300,000 nautical miles in competitions, including seven transatlantic and two round-the-world races. He has trained amateur crews for sailing challenges and now draws on his many seagoing experiences to offer leadership and management talks, team-building exercises, lectures and training sessions. Pete said: “My message to business teams is that you need to plan for success while building the capacity to keep going when things don’t go as you would expect. You have to pick team members carefully and keep them feeling motivated, involved and valued so you can stick to your challenge." "Your skillset needs to include the ability to listen, communicate, share and delegate well. I’m looking forward to meeting Hampshire Chamber members at the Boat Show lunch and the opportunity to discuss with them the many similarities between competitive yachting and the skills needed to succeed in business.” The annual Southampton Boat Show lunch is the signature event on Hampshire Chamber of Commerce’s social calendar. It has been a popular fixture since the inception of the show, with Chamber leadership, in 1969, and remains the event’s only dedicated networking lunch for business attendees. Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber’s Chief Executive and Executive Chair, said: “We are thrilled that Pete will be joining us at our most anticipated annual social occasion. His first-hand insights about navigating challenges and building resilience will be fascinating for our audience of members and guests. The Southampton Boat Show is Britain’s biggest festival of boating and a showcase that reinforces Hampshire’s place at the heart of the global leisure marine industry. We thank all our event partners for helping us stage what is shaping up to be a fantastic lunch.” The charity partner for the lunch is Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance while business supporters include Boat Show organiser British Marine. The Hampshire Chamber Boat Show lunch takes place at the Novotel Southampton on the opening day of the Southampton International Boat Show, Friday 19 September 2025.

The UK manufacturing sector showed tentative signs of stabilisation in July, but the underlying picture remains fragile as demand softens and cost pressures mount. Manufacturing output was broadly flat in the three months to July, according to the latest CBI Industrial Trends Survey. Although declines were recorded across a wide range of sub-sectors, these were largely offset by stronger activity in the motor vehicles & transport equipment and food, drink & tobacco sectors. However, manufacturers expect output to fall slightly over the coming quarter to October. Demand conditions continued to weaken. Total new orders fell during the past quarter, primarily due to a drop in domestic orders, while export orders remained unchanged. Looking ahead, firms anticipate declines in both domestic and overseas orders through to October. Exporters, in particular, are grappling with growing headwinds. More than half of manufacturers—56%—cited pricing as a key constraint on exports, up significantly from 38% in April. This likely reflects a combination of higher US tariffs and the appreciation of Sterling against the US dollar. In addition, one in five firms reported that quotas and licensing issues are limiting export potential, a level rarely seen since the 1980s. Cost pressures intensified further. The growth in average costs accelerated for the third consecutive quarter, reaching the fastest pace since January 2023. While both domestic and export prices rose, they failed to keep up with rising unit costs, pointing to a continued squeeze on manufacturers’ profitability. Firms expect domestic prices to rise at an above-average pace over the next three months, while export prices are anticipated to remain flat. Business sentiment has continued to decline. Optimism among manufacturers deteriorated again in July, with little sign of recovery in investment appetite. Spending plans for the year ahead remain weak across the board, including in buildings, plant & machinery, training & retraining and product & process innovation. Firms highlighted that investment is being held back by uncertainty around future demand, inadequate returns, and persistent labour shortages. The jobs outlook also remains subdued. Manufacturing employment fell for the third quarter in a row and is expected to decline slightly further in the three months to October. Shortages of skilled labour remain a pressing issue, with more than one quarter of firms citing this as a constraint on output in the next three months. Ben Jones, Lead Economist, CBI, said: “Conditions in UK manufacturing remain challenging, with many firms reporting subdued and unpredictable demand. High input costs, labour shortages and global supply chain disruptions are continuing to put pressure on margins and capacity." “Rising labour costs have undermined manufacturers’ external competitiveness. While some exporters are finding opportunities overseas, overall sentiment is cautious, with economic and policy uncertainty weighing heavily on investment decisions." “What manufacturers really need now is stability—starting with predictability in the tax environment, alongside delivery at pace on the government’s industrial strategy, skills reforms and steps to bring down energy costs. As we look ahead to the Autumn Budget, government must work to reassure businesses to avoid additional uncertainty that could further weaken investment prospects.” The survey, based on the responses of 304 manufacturing firms, found: Output volumes were broadly unchanged in the quarter to July, after falling sharply in the quarter to June (weighted balance of -2%, from -23% in the three months to June). Firms expect volumes to fall slightly in the three months to October (-6%). A broad range of sub-sectors reported lower output volumes (12 out of 17 sub-sectors), but this was largely offset by higher output in the motor vehicle & transport equipment and food, drink & tobacco sub-sectors Total new orders fell through the quarter (balance of -17%, from 0%), driven by a decline in domestic orders (-16%), as export order volumes were flat (0%). Manufacturers expect the total volume of new orders to decline in the three months to October (-18%). Business sentiment continued to deteriorate in July (balance of -27%, from -33% in April). Export optimism for the year ahead also weakened (-26%, from -35%). Manufacturers’ competitiveness has deteriorated in both EU markets (balance of -13%, from -7%) and non-EU markets (-23%, from -18% in April), with the latter falling at the fastest pace since 2005 in the three months to July. Competitiveness is expected to worsen again in the three months to October (-10% and -13%, respectively). Investment intentions for the year ahead are weak. Manufacturers expect to reduce investment in buildings (-28%, from -38% in April), in plant & machinery (-15%, from -33%), in training & retraining (-13%, from -20%), and in product & process innovation (-6%, from -22%). The main constraint on investment was uncertainty about demand (cited by 50% of manufacturers, close to the long run average), followed by inadequate net return (27%), and labour shortages (21%). Average costs rose in the quarter to July, at the fastest pace since the quarter to January 2023 (+63%, from +48% in April; long run average of +19%). Costs growth is expected to slow in the quarter to October (+41%). Average domestic prices rose at their fastest pace since January 2023 in the quarter to July (+33%, from +13% in April), and export prices also rose (+19%, from +3%). Domestic prices are expected to rise at a slower pace in the quarter to October (+21%), whereas export prices are anticipated to be unchanged (+1%). Stocks of work in progress fell in the three months to July (-12%, at the fastest pace in four years). Stocks of raw materials were broadly flat (-1%) and stocks of finished goods rose marginally (+3%). Manufacturers expect stocks of work in progress (-21%, the weakest expectations since January 2021), of raw materials (-19%) and of finished goods (-6%) to all fall in the three months to October. Numbers employed fell in the quarter to July (-11%, from -16% in the three months to April). Manufacturers expect numbers to fall again, albeit marginally, in the quarter to October (-5%)

The percentage of small businesses working on new initiatives to power future growth has fallen to a four-year low (65%) and is significantly down on the start to the year (71% for Q1 2025), according to research from Novuna Business Finance. The tracking study of a representative sample of 1,000 small business owners also revealed significant sector falls compared to Q1 2025 in manufacturing (down from 83% to 69%) transport and distribution (down from 76% to 73%), real estate (from 72% to 44%), and media (falling from 86% to 61%). Significantly, over the last decade, the Novuna Business Finance data has revealed that low-points in small business growth forecasts were usually offset by resilience for the longer term, with enterprises usually working on longer-term initiatives to secure future growth. This quarter, and for the first time, there are falls on both counts. Of those businesses working on initiatives to unlock future growth potential, the most common steps taken were largely defensive measures to control costs and cash flow. Initiatives backed included: keeping fixed costs down (58%), improving cash flow (31%) and tackling late payment (25%). The expansive initiatives that UK small businesses were most likely to be working on included: hiring more people (17%), investing in new machinery and equipment (16%) and expanding into new overseas markets (16%). Joanna Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance commented: "After the surge in small business confidence this time last year, there has been a slide in the percentage of business owners predicting growth for the last four quarters. In parallel, the fall in the percentage of small businesses offsetting this by working on new projects to unlock future growth potential is a concern." "One positive take from this quarter's findings is an upturn in the percentage of small businesses that are using this uncertain period to reassess their finance commitments to free up working capital – a trend that is up across six industry sectors this quarter." "At Novuna Business Finance, we provide flexible, tailored financial solutions to help established small businesses plan for long-term growth and transformation– enabling them to turn the corner and realise their full potential."

Experiential accommodation specialist Celebration Cottages has appointed strategic brand agency SingleThread, to help cement the family business as the definitive leader in its sector. SingleThread – based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire – has been commissioned to manage a market positioning project complete with rebrand and fresh website, which will be unveiled in the final quarter of 2025. Founded 15 years ago by the Faye family, Celebration Cottages – also headquartered in Huddersfield – has grown from a single property business, to one managing over 65 premium celebration venues across the UK. Specialising in hen parties, milestone occasions, and corporate events, the company typically delivers over 30 celebrations every weekend, with full booking calendars extending 2.5 years in advance. The goal now is to leverage the firm’s rich expertise in the sector, while demand in the market continues to rise. Faye Ackroyd, owner of Celebration Cottages explains: "We're at a pivotal moment, as a society, we value our time more than ever, so demand for experiences has grown phenomenally. But that doesn’t mean these experiences should be commoditised. The details matter, especially when we’re talking high-stakes, no-second-chances celebrations." “To leverage this opportunity, and further our national expansion, it’s crucial that we showcase what we've spent 15 years perfecting. We don't just provide accommodation – we've designed entire properties around the celebration experience.” Unlike many holiday lettings businesses who adapt generic venues for special requests, Celebration Cottages works directly with property owners to design spaces specifically for memorable group celebrations. “From interior aesthetics and optimised layouts, to activities curated to perfectly match guests’ requirements, we know what will make not only the property, but the whole getaway, something people will never forget,” Faye added. “Our goal is to lead the UK market, but our brand is the cornerstone of this strategy. That’s why we have commissioned this project.” Marcus Morgan-Etty, co-founder of SingleThread, elaborated on the timeliness of this opportunity: “The celebration accommodation sector faces significant change, with Airbnb having recently launched its new activities marketplace, for example, and regulatory developments enabling mass-market competition." “While some organisations would see challenges, the family-run Celebration Cottages team sees huge potential. But now is the time for them to stand out and own the space they’ve worked so hard to lead in." "They have what can't be replicated – 15 years of expertise, proven supplier relationships, and properties purpose-built for celebrations. As the market gets crowded, their heritage becomes their competitive moat." Having mostly worked with tech companies and serial entrepreneurs in these early years of Single Thread’s project portfolio, this is not the agency founders’ first foray into the experience economy. “Both myself and my co-director Andrew have spent decades working within or alongside a wide range of hospitality, tourism and cultural environments,” added Marcus. “From breweries and eateries, to entire community movements, we’re seeing a wave of demand from experiential businesses where authentic values combined with premium positioning will accelerate their commercial success.”

New research commissioned by Metro Bank reveals 68% of women and girls would try new sports if they saw themselves visually represented in sports industry images. It comes as 41% of women and girls said a lack of high-quality imagery presents a barrier to getting involved in sport, with a fifth (20%) of respondents saying they had seen no photographs of women and girls playing cricket in media. School girls (aged 7-16) also cited that seeing more people like them play would inspire them to play cricket (41%) In response, Metro Bank, in partnership with England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), has launched its Seeing is Believing campaign, in a bid to close the image visibility gap in women’s and girls’ cricket. 68% of women and girls said that if they see themselves visually represented, it would inspire them to try a new sport, according to new research1 commissioned by Metro Bank. The research explored the key barriers women and girls aged 7+ face when taking up a new sport, including cricket. It revealed that a lack of high-quality imagery and visual representation presents a barrier to them getting involved in sport (41%), over half (55%) of school girls (aged 7-16) said the same. Over 90% of primary school girls (aged 7-11) said visual representation would inspire them to try sport - highlighting the importance of quality imagery from an early age, to inspire the next generation. Looking at the visibility of images for women’s and girls’ cricket in the last 12 months, a fifth (20%) of respondents have seen no images of women and girls playing cricket, and just over a third (34%) have said they hadn’t seen enough or only a small number, demonstrating the visibility gap. The new findings show there is huge opportunity to increase the number of women and girls playing cricket if this image gap were closed. One in three (33%) women and girls in the UK would be more likely to take up cricket if they saw more visual representation through photographs and in the media. 63% of school girls (7-16 year olds) said the same, further highlighting the importance of nurturing appetite and take up early on for younger generations. In response to the results and to inspire the next generation of female cricketers and drive further visibility of women’s sport, Metro Bank and the ECB have created a new photography bank of high-quality images of women’s and girls’ cricket, working with Getty Images, with an aim to grow the image library over time. The images will be accessible to local cricket clubs free of charge via the ECB Resource Hub, with professional standard imagery available to use across their websites and social channels, to assist with the formation of new teams and recruitment of players. The research asked the next generation of potential future women’s and girls’ cricket players- what would encourage them to play cricket. The top responses for school girls (7-16 year olds) were: seeing women and girls playing at professional level (42% would be encouraged to play), knowing there are girls’ or women’s teams they can join (41%) and seeing more people like them playing cricket (41%). An increase in the visibility of role models such as women players was also a top factor that would boost the number of young girls taking up the sport (39%). To support the initiative and help address these challenges, England women’s superstars Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Freya Kemp and Sophia Dunkley have taken part in a photoshoot for the campaign, supplemented by additional photography of coaches and girls teams at recreational clubs across England and Wales which feature in the catalogue. England bowler Lauren Bell said: “Seeing is believing, and the more that women and girls can see others like them thriving in cricket, the more we are going to encourage the next generation to give it a go. When I was growing up, we didn’t see many women and girls playing the sport, so I think it is really important that clubs across the country have access to these images to help them spread the word about opportunities to play locally.” Metro Bank is the ECB’s first-ever Champion of Women’s and Girls’ Cricket, and lead partner for the One Day women’s and men’s game. The Metro Bank Girls in Cricket Fund2, launched in May 2024, is co-created and co-funded with the ECB. It aims to triple the number of girls’ cricket teams by breaking down barriers and creating supportive and inclusive spaces to attract and keep more girls in the sport. Danielle Lee, Director of Brand and Marketing at Metro Bank said: “Representation matters. Our research shows that there is a gap in visibility of images of women’s and girls’ cricket, with an opportunity to address that and inspire the next generation who want to take up the sport. With the support of the ECB, we’ve worked with Getty Images to increase the variety and number of images of new grassroots photographs, focusing on the power of teamwork and relationships in the sport. Through Seeing is Believing and The Metro Bank Girls In Cricket Fund, we hope this will inspire more women and girls to get involved in cricket.” Metro Bank and the ECB are also making the images available via Getty Images. They will be available to all media companies and brands to license globally within Getty Images’ #ShowUs Collection, to further drive efforts to move forward visual storytelling around women and girls in cricket through marketing and advertising. Jacqueline Bourke, Senior Director of Creative EMEA at Getty Images said: “Challenging stereotypes around women and girls in sport is a key driving force behind our work at Getty Images, and we were proud to collaborate with Metro Bank and the ECB, using our creative insights as a foundation to produce the campaign. Our VisualGPS research continues to show that people want to see women’s sport portrayed through an inclusive lens from grassroots to elite level." "By making the images widely available in our #ShowUs collection, we are encouraging not just the cricket community but also media companies and brands to promote a more authentic representation of women and girls in sport through visuals.”

Award-winning Scottish hospitality operator, Buzzworks Holdings, has announced the appointment of a new Non-Executive Chairman as it continues to expand and diversify its portfolio. Robert Cook, a well-respected figure within the hospitality sector, joins the board bringing with him more than 35 years of experience in the premium hotel and accommodation sector, including high profile leadership roles as CEO at Hotel du Vin and Malmaison. His appointment signals Buzzworks’ ambition to expand its award-winning model beyond food and drink, and his expertise in rooms, strategy and operational delivery will help support Buzzworks’ planned move into the accommodation space. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Buzzworks, following a recent management buyout and renewed focus on expansion across Scotland’s towns and suburbs. Robert Cook, said: “I’ve admired Buzzworks’ growth and ethos for many years. It’s a business rooted in community, quality and ambition and I’m proud to be joining at such an exciting stage." “There’s huge potential in their next chapter – particularly with the introduction of rooms – and I look forward to helping shape that journey.” Kenny Blair, Co-Founder and Managing Director, added: “Robert brings a depth of knowledge in accommodation that will be invaluable as we push forward with our growth strategy." “His track record speaks for itself, and we’re pleased to have someone of his calibre join the board as we broaden our horizons and build on the strong foundations already in place.” Buzzworks currently operates 22 venues and was recently crowned Best Managed Pub Company in the UK (Under 51 sites) at The Publican Awards – the first Scottish operator to do so.

Retailers reported that sales volumes fell at a firm rate in the year to July, according to the latest CBI Distributive Trades Survey. The sales downturn has now stretched into a tenth consecutive month, underscoring the persistently challenging trading conditions facing the sector. Annual sales volumes are expected to decline at a broadly similar pace next month. Key findings included: Retail sales volumes contracted at a strong rate in the year to July, but the pace of decline slowed from June (weighted balance of -34% from -46% in June). Retailers expect sales to fall at a broadly similar pace next month (-31%). Sales for the time of year were judged to be “poor” in July, but to a considerably lesser extent than last month (-10% from -37% in June). However, next month’s sales are expected to fall short of seasonal norms to a greater degree (-36%). Online retail sales volumes grew marginally in the year to July, marking the third month in a row of expansion (+4% from +6% in June). Internet sales are expected to rise at the same pace in August (+4%). Wholesale sales volumes fell in the year to July at a similarly firm rate to last month (-32% from -34% from June) and are expected to decline at a comparable pace in August (-30%). Total distribution sales volumes (including retail, wholesale, and motor trades) fell at the same fast rate as last month in the year to July (-39%) and are expected to contract at a slightly slower pace in August (-34%). Martin Sartorius, Principal Economist, CBI, said: “Retail annual sales volumes continued to fall in July, although the pace of decline moderated from June’s sharp drop. Firms reported that elevated price pressures – driven by rising labour costs – and economic uncertainty continue to weigh on household demand, which has contributed to sales volumes falling since October 2024." "These trends of weak demand and uncertainty were mirrored across the wider distribution sector, with wholesale and motor trades also seeing declining sales." “With long-term strategic ambitions outlined, the government must now seek to build shorter term confidence in its growth mission. It can do this by collaborating with business to deliver an Autumn Budget that acknowledges the burden firms are facing and sets clear policy delivery targets. This includes providing clarity on how the government will deliver its action plan to tackle regulatory barriers to growth, position businesses to invest in the people they need through a flexible Growth and Skills Levy, and find an appropriate landing zone for the Employment Rights Bill.” In addition, data from the survey showed: Retail orders placed upon suppliers declined at a more moderate pace in the year to July (-21% from -51% in June). Retailers expect to reduce orders at a slightly slower rate in August (-16%). Retail stock volumes in relation to expected demand dipped below the long-run average in July (+12% from +26% in June; long-run average +17%) and are set to remain at a broadly similar position next month (+10%). Motor trade sales volumes contracted in the year to July at the sharpest rate since June 2020 (-77% from -37% in June). Motor traders anticipate another fast sales decline next month (-57%).

Firms across the private sector expect activity to fall in the next three months (weighted balance of -18%), extending a run of negative sentiment that began in late 2024, according to the CBI’s latest Growth Indicator. The downturn is expected to be broad-based, with business volumes in the services sector set to decline (-19%), driven by weaker expectations in business & professional services (-16%) and a continually negative outlook in consumer services (-28%). A sizeable fall is also anticipated in distribution sales (-28%), while manufacturing output is expected to dip modestly (-6%). The weak outlook follows a sharp fall in activity in the three months to July (-29%). Most sub-sectors reported falling activity, while manufacturing output was stagnant. Alpesh Paleja, CBI Deputy Chief Economist, said: “Firms continue to face testing conditions, with expectations pointing to another quarter of falling activity across the economy. While not worsening, the persistently negative outlook underlines the fragility of demand conditions." “Against this backdrop, businesses continue to cite headwinds from adjusting to higher employment costs, energy prices and continued uncertainty from a volatile global environment. With few signs of recovery on the horizon, firms are focused on managing costs and streamlining processes in what looks set to be a subdued second half of the year." “Building positive business sentiment will require the government to translate its long-term strategic thinking into short-term delivery progress. The government must work collaboratively with business in the lead up to this year’s Autumn Budget: acknowledging the significant burdens that firms are facing and mitigating the damaging impact on sentiment from continued fiscal uncertainty." “Detailing how the government will deliver its action plan to tackle regulatory barriers to growth; positioning businesses to invest in the people they need through a flexible Growth and Skills Levy; and finding an appropriate landing zone for the Employment Rights Bill are positive next steps the government should be prioritising to build confidence in its growth mission.” Key findings from our monthly Services Sector Survey showed: Business volumes in the services sector fell in the three months to July (-35%), at a faster pace than in the quarter to June. The latest data marked nine consecutive rolling quarters of decline. Both business & professional services (-37%) and consumer services (-30%) volumes fell through the quarter. But trends between the two sectors diverged: business & professional services saw the fastest fall in activity since October 2020, while consumer services reported the slowest decline in nine months. Hiring intentions within the services sector remain weak. Business & professional services expect headcount to fall over the next three months (-19%), while consumer services companies expect a comparatively sharper fall in numbers employed (-37%). Selling price expectations in the services sector have eased close to long-run averages (+11%; long-run average +7%). Inflation expectations have retreated in both business & professional services (+7%) and consumer services (+24%).