EMR, a global leader in sustainable materials, is continuing its mission to develop advanced circular supply chains for rare-earth magnets by joining CirculaREEconomy (CREEM) - a pioneering £11 million research and development consortium. Led by rare-earth recycling innovator Ionic Technologies, the initiative brings together forward-thinking automotive manufacturers, as well as rare-earth metals and magnet manufacturers, to establish a scalable and sustainable method of recovering and reusing rare-earth magnets from end-of-life vehicles (ELV). CREEM forms a key part of the UK’s Department of Business and Trade’s £2.5 billion DRIVE35 campaign. Announced in July, DRIVE35 is supporting projects that will help the transition to zero-emission vehicle manufacturing. Rare-earth magnets, such as powerful Neodymium (NdFeB) magnets, are essential components in electric vehicles (EV) and can be found in powertrains, seat motors, speakers and many other systems. However, they are difficult to recover and recycle and potentially vulnerable to global supply chains. Facilitated by the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC), CREEM aims to transform this challenge into an opportunity. EMR is investing £730,000 (including match funding) to develop the collection, recovery and recycling technology that will enable rare-earth magnets to be recovered more efficiently, sustainably and safely from EV motors and other assemblies. Building on experience gained during the recently completed SCREAM and Re-Rewind projects, EMR will work alongside Ionic Technologies and other consortium partners - including Ford Technologies, Bentley Motors, Bamford Bus Company (Wrightbus), Less Common Metals (LCM) and the British Geological Survey (BGS). Recycling rare-earth magnets can be a slow, expensive and labour-intensive process. From a brand-new pilot line at EMR Birmingham, teams will explore ways to make the process of liberating the rare-earth magnets contained within EV motors more efficient. This will allow them to be safely and effectively recovered as part of a ‘long-loop circular supply chain’ – where materials re-enter the manufacturing cycle with a high level of purity and function. Carefully separating magnets in this way allows Ionic Technologies to break them down to their constituent rare-earth oxides using a range of solvents and other chemical processes. This approach offers the industry flexibility in the chemistry of the recycled magnets it can produce, enabling rare-earth magnets from older EVs to become brand-new magnets that meet the exact specification required for future vehicles, reflecting the fast pace of innovation. In addition, this project will allow EMR to safeguard the high-grade steel often used to build these motors – which can be downcycled during some recycling processes. By limiting the demand for virgin materials, a sophisticated circular supply chain for rare-earth magnets will reduce the biodiversity loss associated with extracting primary materials, as well as boost the UK’s resource security. Early analysis by Ionic Technologies suggests refining this secondary (recycled) material can reduce the carbon impact by around 60% compared to virgin alternatives. As part of CREEM, the British Geological Survey will be tasked with quantifying these benefits even more accurately, producing a material flow and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the recycled components. Roger Morton, Managing Director for Technology and Innovation at EMR, said: “We’re really excited to reveal the next stage of EMR’s mission to create a circular economy for rare-earth magnets – crucial to the green transition." “CirculaREEconomy continues EMR’s investment in the recycling of the Neodymium (NdFeB) magnets, which can be found in everything from electric vehicles and hi-fi equipment to the largest offshore wind turbines, as reflected by the recently completed SCREAM and Re-Rewind projects." “A circular economy for these materials won’t only safeguard the planet’s biodiversity and add resilience to vital supply chains, it will also allow our customers to achieve circularity, move closer to their net-zero targets and align with the ELV Regulations and the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act - which mandates a quarter of demand for this material must be met by recycling by 2030." “In addition, EMR’s long-term commitment to recycling these powerful magnets has enabled our teams to develop the highest safety standards when handling what can be very difficult materials." “We’ll now take everything we’ve learned so far and join forces with the rest of the consortium to build an efficient, scalable and flexible long-loop supply chain which complements our previous development projects for these increasingly crucial magnets.” Ian Constance, CEO at the Advanced Propulsion Centre, said: “This new investment underlines the commitment from government to secure advanced manufacturing in the UK. I am pleased that the APC, Zenzic and its delivery partners are here to facilitate a new wave of funding in the automotive industry, supporting innovation, driving scale-up, and enabling transformation." “This will encourage further investment in the UK’s growing zero-emission supply chain, safeguarding skilled jobs and building on the country’s reputation as a world-leader for technology.”

Europcar Mobility Group UK has expanded its electric vehicle (EV) rental fleet with the addition of the Polestar 2. Following the successful introduction of the Polestar 4 earlier this year, the new addition to the fleet enhances the range of zero tailpipe-emission vehicles available from Europcar for business and leisure drivers across the UK. The Polestar 2, an award-winning electric fastback, is renowned for its minimalist Scandinavian design, engaging driving dynamics and sustainable approach. Now available from Europcar, renting a Polestar 2 offers another compelling option for motorists seeking a commitment-free way to experience premium, long-range electric motoring in real-world conditions. With its impressive battery capacity, the Polestar 2 delivers a substantial driving range of up to 344 miles (WLTP), alongside rapid charging capabilities. This makes it an excellent choice for a wide array of journeys, appealing to those new to electric driving as well as seasoned EV enthusiasts. Its sleek profile and premium interior provide a comfortable and sophisticated experience for all occupants. “Following the enthusiastic reception to the Polestar 4 earlier this year, we are thrilled to further enhance our electric fleet with the addition of the Polestar 2,” said Tom Middleditch, Head of Electric Mobility, Europcar. “This vehicle perfectly embodies our goal of making electric driving accessible and appealing to a broader audience. Its combination of range, performance, and distinctive design makes it an ideal vehicle for customers to experience the benefits of electric motoring in real-world conditions, whether for a short trip or a longer rental. Polestar's dedication to electric performance aligns perfectly with Europcar's vision for a sustainable future of mobility.” The addition of the Polestar 2 underlines Europcar’s commitment to electric motoring. Customers can enjoy a stress-free experience, as every electric vehicle is provided with a minimum 80% charge at the start of the rental and can be returned with as little as 20% battery charge, removing range anxiety or charging concerns. “We are continuously expanding our portfolio of low and zero tailpipe emission vehicles,” Tom Middleditch added. “With a comprehensive selection of vehicles, from compact models to luxury SUVs, we can cater for every journey requirement and the Polestar 2 complements the fleet perfectly, with its unique blend of performance and practicality.”

Businesses across the South are being urged to remain ultra vigilant in the face of an onslaught of cyberattacks. The main takeaway from a cyber security seminar held in Hampshire for owners, business leaders and decision-makers is that cyber threats are here to stay – ignore them at your peril. Three regional businesses – HWB Chartered Accountants, Lloyds Bank and Gallagher Insurance & Risk Management – combined to stage the breakfast event at the Axis Centre in Southampton to impart their cyber security advice. Keynote speaker was Sam Cheshire, Head of Cyber at Gallagher, whose talk covered cyber threat intelligence, cloud security, artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, data, protection and privacy. He said: “There were 7.78 million cyberattacks on UK businesses in 2024 – the vast majority being social engineering attacks – but just 15% of businesses have a formal incident management plan that is cyber centric. The average annual cost of cybercrime to businesses is £15,300, yet only 30% of all organisations use monitoring tools to spot a malicious attacker on their network." “However, the real cost of an attack can be to a company’s hard-earned reputation – especially if there is business interruption or large amounts of sensitive customer data are collected – which can take years to rebuild, if at all.” Sam, whose firm offers a comprehensive range of cyber insurance policies, said the current ransomware epidemic began after the Covid-19 pandemic and by 2023 cyber incidents were ranked the number one global business risk for the first time. He also covered common cyber risk misconceptions, such as the businesses who thought they didn’t need insurance as they invested in IT security or outsourced their IT. There were also those who considered themselves too small to be targeted or felt cyber was covered under their standard insurance. Michaela Johns, Director at HWB Chartered Accountants, based at Chandler’s Ford, near Southampton, said: “Business owners and directors must remain vigilant at all times to prevent them from becoming a sad statistic. It is especially important to maintain year-round protection as most attacks happen on major holiday dates such as Easter Sunday and Christmas Day when businesses may have taken their eye off the ball. The most common cyberattack at the moment is invoice redirection." “It is vital that businesses have an incident management plan that is cyber centric, and I was staggered to learn that just 15% of UK businesses have this in place. The most paid out insurance claims are to manufacturing businesses who need to be able to get their machines unlocked in order to continue production, but charities are also a common target as they are perceived to have weaker systems." Michaela has provided a six-point checklist of cyber security advice to help businesses in the ongoing fight against cyberattacks.  Update your incident management plan:  Ensure all staff are fully trained to spot scams and phishing  Invest in cyber resilience measures  Check your cyber insurance covers incident response and that they provide a system vulnerability scan for you  Have offline back ups  Consider multi factor authentication (MFA) on emails and all remote application. John Turner, of Lloyds Bank, added: “Cyberattacks are not going away and form the biggest threat to many of our valued customers. We wanted to give something back to the community in which we live and work, and this seminar has helped raise awareness of the multiple issues surrounding this subject and some of the actions to take to combat them.” The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025, commissioned by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Home Office revealed that 43% of UK businesses (approximately 612,000) and 30% of UK charities (61,000) identified a cyber breach or attack in the past year. The survey, published in June, also shows that the prevalence of cyber breaches and attacks in medium and large businesses remains high (67% medium and 74% large) with micro businesses at 35% and small businesses 42%. Photo: Safety First - Combining for a cyber security seminar in Southampton were, from left, William Gage (Lloyds Bank), John Turner (Lloyds Bank), Sam Cheshire (Gallagher), Charlotte Powney (Gallagher), Michaela Johns (HWB)

HMG Paints, the UK’s leading independent paint manufacturer, is proud to continue its support of the Minutes Matter campaign. The campaign encourages the transformation of iconic red telephone boxes into vital community defibrillator stations, with paint manufacturers donating materials to help bring these icons back to life. One such project recently took place in the small hamlet of Donaldson’s Lodge, Cornhill-on-Tweed. After BT decommissioned the local phone box, the Parish Council stepped in to preserve the familiar red kiosk under the “Adopt a Telephone Kiosk” scheme. The box was repurposed as a community book exchange, which quickly became a much-loved feature for both locals and visitors. By early 2025, the kiosk had fallen into disrepair and was at risk of being removed altogether. A survey carried out by the Parish Council revealed strong support for keeping the kiosk as a book exchange, with many residents also suggesting that it could house a defibrillator, giving the project a new lease of life. Elspeth Gilliland from the Parish Council reached out to HMG Paints for support, and with their experience in heritage restoration projects, HMG were more than happy to help. HMG supplied a paint system that is specifically suited for traditional telephone boxes, ensuring a durable finish that protects and enhances. Rusted areas of the phone box were treated with Ferrozinc Rust for the initial prep. This was overcoated with two coats of HMG’s DG142 Synthetic high opacity undercoat, before being top coated with HMG Coach Enamel, in the iconic BS 381C 539 Currant Red. Thanks to the dedication of the local community volunteers and the right products for the job, the kiosk has now been beautifully restored. It continues to operate as a book exchange, and the newly installed defibrillator is a valuable addition to the area. Speaking of the project, Elspeth said, “While we hope the defibrillator will never be needed, its presence could make a critical difference in an emergency. In regions like Donaldson’s Lodge, where homes and farms are spread out over long distances, having accessible defibrillators is incredibly important.” Alyssia Thorburn of HMG said, “Projects like this remind us how colour and community care can truly bring landmarks back to life. We are proud to have played a small part in preserving a piece of British heritage while supporting local wellbeing.” HMG Paints is encouraging more community support for the "Minutes Matter" campaign by sharing your Telephone box. If you have painted a Telephone Box and converted it to a Defibrillator station or even a community library, please share your images with us on social media using the hashtag #HMGpaints  or tagging us using @HMGpaints. If you are planning to convert your community's phone box, please get in contact with HMG Paints, who will support with paint donations.

A Lake District primary school has a newly renovated outdoor play house for its nursery children, thanks to a local hotel group offering to cover the cost of repairs. The Wendy house restoration project was initiated by the nursery at St Martin and St Mary primary school in Windermere. The wooden play house in the nursery playground was no longer usable after 17 years and the school was looking for help in getting it restored to its former glory. The team at the Sam’s Club charity at English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues heard about the project and stepped in to help with a donation of £840 to cover the school’s costs. Local parent Sam Bell, who owns Yew Tree Joinery, undertook the maintenance and repair work along with his apprentice Connor. Repairs included waterproofing the leaking roof, installing new woodwork, replacing rotten window boxes and repainting the play house exterior. Annabel Berry from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues explains: “This has been a lovely project for us to get involved in through our Sam’s Club charity. When the school told us about their project to restore this beautiful play house, we were keen to help and make it all happen as quickly as possible so the children could play in it once again.” The Sam’s Club charity supports local charities and good causes. The hotel group’s mascot Sam the Dog was invited to the school on a special visit to see the nursery pupils and the refurbished play house. Liz Russell from the nursery explains: “Our Wendy house was in obvious need of urgent repair, and we are extremely grateful to English Lakes Hotels and Sam's Club for stepping in with their generous donation to cover the costs of labour and materials. It’s wonderful to get the play house back into beneficial use again, as it’s been loved and enjoyed by so many of our children over the past 17 years.” For further information about Sam’s Club and the hotel group’s support for local communities, visit here . Above Photo:  (left to right) Annabel Berry and Sam the Dog from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues with St Martin and St Mary nursery pupils together with Janette Berry, Liz Russell and Lisa Brockbank.

London Gatwick has celebrated engaging with half a million students through its education and skills initiatives – a major milestone in its commitment to inspiring the next generation. It comes as the airport welcomed 28 local schoolchildren for its second annual work experience week from 7–11 July.   The group of year 10 students (aged 14–15) from seven local schools took part in a packed programme that showcased the variety of careers available at the airport, from airfield operations and engineering to retail, finance and sustainability.   Throughout the week, students went onto the airfield and saw the world’s most efficient single runway in action and went behind the scenes to explore the engineering and operational infrastructure that keeps the airport running. They also joined the biodiversity team on a habitat walk to learn how London Gatwick manages its local environment.   In partnership with construction company Mace, the group visited the live building site at Pier 6, gaining valuable insight into the wide range of construction careers across the supply chain, as well as apprenticeship opportunities at the UK’s second busiest airport.   The programme also focused on soft skills development, with activities including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) based workshops, group presentations and interactive Q&A panels with London Gatwick employees from a range of departments including Innovation, Legal and Passenger Operations.   Since launching its second Decade of Change sustainability strategy in 2021, London Gatwick has reached more than 540,000 students through internships, in-school sessions, virtual careers live broadcasts and visits to its on-site STEM Centre, which recently celebrated its 5,000th visitor in June.   The airport is committed to reaching one million student engagements by 2030, helping to inspire and equip the next generation with the skills and confidence to pursue careers in aviation and beyond.  Mark Johnston, Chief Operating Officer at London Gatwick, said: “We were delighted to welcome so many young people behind the scenes for work experience, giving them first-hand insight into the scale and complexity of our airport operations. Across the airport, we offer roles that combine variety, development and meaningful collaboration across teams stakeholders, providing opportunities to engage and grow a diverse talent pipeline." “Through our education outreach and early career programmes, we will continue to invest in the next generation of aviators who will help shape London Gatwick’s future as we continue to grow. Reaching more than  half a million student encounters is a milestone moment and one we are excited to build on as we work towards our goal of one million encounters by 2030.”  Year 10 student, The Gatwick School, Crawley said: “This is the best work experience opportunity for any student in Year 10 because you can see multiple jobs at the airport rather than just focusing on one if you don’t know what you want to do in the future.”  Year 10 student, The Forest School, Horsham said: "I learnt about all the different career paths that are in the airport – there are so many opportunities to look at. I had not found the career path that I was looking for until I came here and may have found what I was looking for at London Gatwick." Visit London Gatwick’s education webpage ( Education with Gatwick | London Gatwick Airport ) to explore resources and information on airport’s STEM Centre, Employment, Skills and Business Strategy (ESBS), and Second Decade of Change sustainability goals.

Swinton’s Station Steet Co-op has relaunched following an 11-week programme of improvements to transform the store throughout. The new-look store includes a range of added services including Costa Coffee Express, and self-service laundromat, the store also offers a photo booth, rug doctor plus the convenient out-of-home collection of parcels through DPD, with an InPost Locker coming soon. The store also provides online grocery delivery - with orders picked fresh in the local store and delivered quickly and conveniently in the community. Online orders are available via Just Eat, Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Co-op’s own online shop – shop.coop.co.uk New refrigeration enhances the fresh, chilled and frozen range, and also supports Co-op’s work to further cut its carbon footprint. This sits alongside a bakery and hot food, plus Co-op’s focus on food-to-go and meal deals; Fairtrade products, pizzas, flowers; ready meals, award winning beers and wines and, everyday essentials. Committed to backing British agriculture, all of Co-op’s own meat, poultry and dairy is 100% British – including in its pies, ready meals and sandwiches. Member price savings create additional value for Co-op members, with personalised offers for members and lower prices on the products shoppers buy most. Beth Coddington, Co-op’s Area Operations Manager, said: “The whole team is delighted to have the opportunity to invest in our Station Street store – the works really have been transformative, with a fresh new look and layout it looks fantastic. We would really like to thank the community for their support during the works, and now that the works have concluded we are really enjoying their positive response and reaction." "We are proud to be part of the local community, and with a focus on delivering the quality, choice, value and added services which can be enjoyed by everyone - we’re here to contribute to local life and conveniently serve and support Swinton.” Soft plastic recycling is also available in the store, making it easier for shoppers to return harder to recycle materials such as crisp packets and bread bags, lids from ready meals, biscuit wrappers and, pet food pouches. Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, with its history dating back more than 180 years. Co-op exists to create value for its membership and communities, its 6.5m members own the business and play an intrinsic part in the governance of the organisation.

The Royal Horticultural Society has unveiled a new botanical painting, known as a ‘Royal Signature’, to celebrate His Majesty King Charles III becoming the charity’s Royal Patron and inspiring many to experience the joy of gardening. The botanical artwork was presented to The King at Sandringham this week, where His Majesty signed the painting. The King has a lifelong passion for gardening and continues the enduring relationship between the Royal Family and the RHS, becoming its fifteenth Royal Patron in 2024.   The new artwork will join a series of more than 40 historic works, all signed by members of the Royal Family, dating back over 200 years to 1816. Each artwork was commissioned at landmark moments in the lives of the charity’s Royal Patrons. Queen Charlotte, consort to King George III, became the first Royal Patron of the RHS and a special painting from artist William Hooker was commissioned and signed by The Queen.   King Charles III’s new Royal Signature has been created by botanical artist Gillian Barlow and features calligraphy by Timothy Noad MBE, including the Royal Coat of Arms. The beautiful painting features a range of plants inspired by The King’s favourites, which are all growing in the new gardens at Sandringham.   The painting’s main colour palette is gold, with touches of crimson, vivid pink, coral pink, light mauve and purple and the plants featured include: Magnolia sprengeri , Magnolia campbellii , Quercus rubra ‘Bolte’s Gold’, Acer palmatum ‘Sango-Kaku’, Euonymus alatus ‘Compactus’, Lindera obtusiloba , Geranium pratense ‘Wisley Blue’, Acer × conspicuum ‘Phoenix’, Cornus ‘Norman Hadden’, Geranium sanguineum , Geranium × oxonianum , Corydalis flexuosa, Narcissus ‘ February Silver', Narcissus ‘Jetfire’ and Crocus.   Clare Matterson, Director General of the RHS, said: “We are incredibly honoured that His Majesty The King has become our charity’s Patron. This painting marks over 200 years of Royal patronage and is testament to the Royal Family’s true love of gardening and its enduring relationship with the RHS." "We’re thrilled that the painting will bring a flavour of Sandringham’s gardens to our members and visitors, especially as we look forward to the first ever RHS Flower Show at the Sandringham Estate in 2026.”   More than 40 decorative Royal Signatures have been created. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were particularly enthusiastic supporters of the RHS. They persuaded members of their extended family and the European monarchy to join as honorary members and sign paintings. The delicate works feature flowers and plants that were associated with the signatory’s family, country or horticultural interests.   King George VI became Royal Patron of the RHS in 1936 when he was crowned King and his painting is dated shortly after this, featuring a bell-flower cultivar. Queen Elizabeth (later The Queen Mother) was a keen and knowledgeable gardener and a regular visitor to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The painting featuring her signature depicts a simple arrangement of magnolia, rose and lilac branches.   The piece commissioned for Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee in 2022 features early summer flowers such as foxgloves, wisteria, clematis and irises which would be in bloom in early June at the time of her jubilee.   A copy of King Charles III’s Royal Signature will join the current exhibition of Royal Signature paintings at the Sandringham Estate. This stunning collection of 25 signatures is on display for the first time in the beautiful surroundings of the Ballroom in Sandringham House, until 11 October 2025. Copies of The King’s Royal Signature will be displayed within RHS libraries at RHS Garden Wisley, RHS Garden Harlow Carr and the RHS Lindley Library, in London, from the 30 July 2025.

For generations, the UK high street has been the beating heart of towns and cities across the country. It's where people shopped, dined, and socialised, creating vibrant, bustling communities. However, over the past few decades, the high street has been undergoing a significant decline. Empty storefronts, struggling businesses, and changing consumer habits have all contributed to this decline. Here we take a look at the various factors behind the decline of the UK high street and the efforts to rejuvenate these essential centres of commerce and community life. The Rise Of E-Commerce One of the most significant factors in the decline of the UK high street is the exponential growth of e-commerce. Online shopping has become more convenient and accessible, allowing consumers to shop from the comfort of their homes. The convenience of doorstep delivery and a vast selection of products have lured shoppers away from traditional brick-and-mortar stores and put some businesses in jeopardy. Changing Consumer Habits Consumer preferences have shifted towards experiences rather than just purchases. People are now more likely to spend their money on dining out, entertainment, and leisure activities. This shift has reduced foot traffic in traditional retail stores, causing a decline in sales for many high street businesses and made many think about how they engage with customers and remain relevant and sustainable as an operation. High Costs & Business Rates Running a physical store on the high street comes with high overhead costs, including rent, utilities, and business rates. These expenses can be burdensome for small and independent businesses, making it challenging for them to compete with larger, online retailers and the rising costs in recent years has been too much for many with boarded shop fronts now a common site on high streets up and down the country. The Impact Of The Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to high street businesses. Lockdowns, social distancing measures, and consumer concerns about safety led to temporary closures and reduced foot traffic. Many businesses struggled to survive, and some were forced to close permanently. Even today, some of those that remain open are struggling to return to pre-pandemic levels of business. Out-of-Town Shopping Centres And Retail Parks The development of out-of-town shopping centres and retail parks with ample parking and larger stores has drawn customers away from the traditional high street. These destinations often offer a one-stop shopping experience that can be more appealing to consumers delivering a full experience with restaurants, cinemas and shops all under one roof or close by. Despite these challenges, there are ongoing efforts to revive the UK high street and restore its vitality of town centres, with numerous leading politicians and celebrities adding their voice to the agenda. Some of the initiatives being implemented include: Diversification To adapt to changing consumer preferences, high street businesses are diversifying their offerings. Many are incorporating cafes, events, and services like click-and-collect to create a more engaging and experiential shopping environment. Business Rate Reforms There have been calls for reforms in the business rates system to ease the financial burden on high street businesses. These reforms aim to create a more level playing field between online and offline retailers. Community-Led Initiatives Local communities are taking matters into their own hands by supporting local businesses and organizing events to promote the high street. The "Shop Local" movement encourages consumers to spend their money within their communities with events taking place in centres to draw people back to the hub and spend their money on the high street. Digital Integration High street businesses are embracing digital technologies to enhance their online presence and provide omnichannel shopping experiences. Many retailers are now offering e-commerce options alongside their physical stores which is helping to address some of the financial challenges that they are faced with. The decline of the UK high street is a complex issue influenced by changing consumer habits, economic factors, and the rise of e-commerce. However, the high street remains a crucial part of our communities, and efforts to revive it are ongoing. By adapting to new trends, supporting local businesses, and implementing reforms, there is hope that the high street can evolve and continue to play a vital role in our society. It may never be the same as it once was, but with innovation and community support, it can thrive in the modern era.

Aldi Scotland has overtaken Asda for the first time to become Scotland’s second largest supermarket by volume, new data from Kantar has revealed. The discount retailer’s volume share of the grocery market has increased to 11.7%, commanding a higher volume market share than Co-op (8.9%), Sainsbury’s (7.4%), Lidl (9.6%), Morrisons (8.9%) and Asda (11.5%) in Scotland, behind only Tesco (25.2%). The data, collected by research body Kantar, looked at volume market share over a 12-week period until 15 June 2025. Aldi’s growth in Scotland is testament to its commitment to Scottish sourcing and the growing popularity of shopping local. Aldi works with more than 90 Scottish suppliers and stocks 450 Scottish products, with a commitment to showcasing the best produce that Scotland’s food and drink industry has to offer. This was recognised at the 2024 Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards, where Aldi won the ‘Best for Scottish’ award for the third time. Additionally, results from the last three NFU Shelfwatch surveys ranked Aldi as the top supermarket in Scotland for stocking Scottish produce. Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: "Reaching this milestone is a proud moment for Aldi in Scotland, reflecting the strength of our continued growth. This data reveals the trust customers are placing in us every day, turning to us for top quality products at affordable prices. “Our continued success is only possible thanks to the dedication of our people and the strong relationships we’ve built with our Scottish suppliers, allowing our customers to enjoy great produce while supporting homegrown businesses.”

Once regarded as an occasional treat or a post-pub indulgence, pizza has risen—like a well-proofed dough—to claim a central spot in Britain’s culinary heart. From the bustling high streets of Manchester to the hipster enclaves of Hackney, pizza has gone from greasy takeaway fare to an artisanal obsession. But what is the nation's favourite pizza? We have teamed up with Scottish pizza manufacturer, The Victor Pizza Company, to find out. Share your thoughts on your favourite pizza and help us determine the nation's favourite.

Once regarded as an occasional treat or a post-pub indulgence, pizza has risen—like a well-proofed dough—to claim a central spot in Britain’s culinary heart. From the bustling high streets of Manchester to the hipster enclaves of Hackney, pizza has gone from greasy takeaway fare to an artisanal obsession. But why has this humble Italian export found such an enthusiastic and enduring fanbase in Britain? From Margherita to Masterpiece The British love affair with pizza didn’t start with wood-fired ovens or hand-stretched sourdough bases. It began in the 1980s and '90s with the rise of chains like Pizza Hut and Domino’s, where thick crusts, stuffed edges and oodles of cheese reigned supreme. Pizza was fun, convenient, and—perhaps most importantly—easy to share. Fast forward to today, and the British palate has become far more adventurous. The UK’s pizza scene now boasts everything from classic Neapolitan-style pizzas to experimental slices adorned with goat’s cheese, truffle oil and even haggis. Artisan pizzerias have made sourdough a household word, while independent pop-ups and food trucks are serving up pizzas that wouldn’t look out of place on the streets of Naples or Brooklyn. “British pizza culture has evolved dramatically,” says Anne-Marie Cairney, Managing Director of The Victor Pizza Company based in Glasgow. “We take real pride in the pizzas we make, caring about the quality of the ingredients that go into each and every one of them. People care more and more about the food that they eat and its provenance—the flour, the tomatoes and the cheese used in the topping." "Pizza has really evolved over the past few years and continues to do so.” A Slice for Every Mood Part of pizza’s charm is its sheer versatility. Whether you’re on a budget or out for a celebratory meal, there’s a pizza for that. At just a few pounds, a frozen supermarket pizza feeds a family on a weekday evening. Meanwhile, a trip to a swanky London pizzeria might set you back £20 for a truffle-laced, burrata-topped wonder, but you’ll remember every bite. It’s also democratically delicious. Unlike some cuisines that can feel exclusive or intimidating, pizza is for everyone. Kids love it. Students live on it. Office workers crave it on a Friday. Vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free eaters can all find a slice to suit. It’s rare to find a food so universally beloved—and so adaptable. The Delivery Boom The pandemic years accelerated the British obsession with delivery and takeaway, with pizza emerging as the undisputed champion. Reliable, hot and comforting, it became a lockdown staple. And now, with the rise of apps like Deliveroo and Uber Eats, getting a decent pizza to your doorstep is easier than ever. Interestingly, it’s not just the big chains that are thriving. Many independent pizzerias have fine-tuned their delivery offerings, packaging up their pizzas with impressive flair. Some even offer “finish at home” kits, turning pizza night into a DIY event. Pizza as a Lifestyle There’s no denying that pizza has become more than just food in Britain—it’s become a lifestyle marker. Instagram is flooded with artful snaps of blistered crusts and molten mozzarella. Pizza merch, from socks to enamel pins, is surprisingly in demand. Even dating apps report that people who mention pizza in their bios are more likely to get matches. "At Victor Pizza, we believe every slice tells a story. As a family-run pizza manufacturer based in Glasgow, we’ve spent years perfecting our craft-creating delicious, high-quality pizzas that cater to wholesalers, schools, colleges, universities, and hospitality businesses across the UK," adds Anne-Marie. "From iconic chip shop pizzas to healthier, low-salt options developed in partnership with Eat Balanced, we offer something for every taste and budget. Our skilled product development team is always exploring new and exciting flavours, ensuring that our pizzas continue to inspire." "With a commitment to quality, nutrition, and innovation, whether you’re looking for classic pizza bases, topped pizzas, or healthier school-friendly options, Victor Pizza has you covered," concludes Anne-Marie. Looking To The Future So, what’s next for Britain’s pizza evolution? Experts predict a continued rise in regional Italian styles—like Roman ‘pizza al taglio’ or Sicilian squares—alongside global fusions like Korean BBQ toppings and Indian-style paneer pizzas. Sustainability is also a growing concern, with eco-conscious pizzerias sourcing local ingredients and using electric ovens. Whether the trend continues toward authenticity or innovation, one thing’s for sure: Britain’s love of pizza isn’t going anywhere. It may not be part of the nation’s culinary heritage—but it’s certainly become part of its cultural fabric. And honestly, who can resist that irresistible combo of dough, sauce, and cheese?