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Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce Mitch Souter has signed a new full-time deal to remain with the club as we prepare for our return to Super League in 2026.  The 24-year-old has become a firm fans’ favourite at Bartercard Odsal since his arrival in 2024 – making 58 appearances and scoring 13 tries. His performances saw him quickly dubbed ‘The Scooter’, in reference to his trademark darts from dummy half.  Souter initially penned a new deal in June to commit to the 2026 season but has now signed improved terms – as he and the club achieve their goal of securing a place in Super League. Soute said, who was sponsored by FloorTonic Shipley this season.  “I said when I first got here that the club is genuine about going to Super League and I was too and it is great to have been able to achieve our collective goal. There is a real buzz around the place on the back of the announcement and I cannot wait to get going and prepare for our first year back in Super League." “I settled really quickly when I joined and I’ve loved it ever since. The boys and the staff took me in and it’s been great to meet the fans, who are so loyal – I can’t wait to see our army of supporters grow even more next season.”  Bradford Bulls Head Coach Kurt Haggerty said: “With Mitch in particular, I really like his style of play - he gets out, he engages and he runs. He looks down the field and plays what he sees and he is very committed to his defence." “There is a lot I like about Mitch - being in a full-time environment and being around full-time elite Super League players will bring his game on even more and help him take the next step in his career." “He [Mitch] is around an international player in Andy [Ackers] and if Mitch is willing to learn and push Andy too, I have really two good hookers there who will be really good for us this year."

Both the men’s and women’s team sprint squads stormed to silver medals, kicking off the Great Britain Cycling Team’s campaign on the first day of the 2025 UCI Track World Championships. Women’s team sprint Defending world champion Emma Finucane was joined by debutants Iona Moir and Rhianna Parris-Smith in the women’s team sprint. The trio got off to a seamless start, qualifying fastest in a time of 45.808 seconds, 0.139 seconds ahead of closest rivals the Netherlands. They flew through round one, beating Colombia with ease to take on the Dutch trio of Kimberley Kalee, Hetty van de Wouw and Steffie van der Peet for the title. With both teams going slightly slowly than qualifying in the first round, it was all to play for. Parris-Smith shot out of the gate, showing her strength and power to bring her teammates up to speed, just 0.049 behind the Dutch. Moir pushed hard and rushed the gap with finesse before Finucane gave it everything to take them to the line. After a fantastic run of races, the title wasn’t to be and the British trio took home a well-earned silver medal, just 0.667 seconds off gold. Rhianna Parris-Smith, Iona Moir and Emma Finucane at the 2025 UCI Track World Championships Emma Finucane commented: “I’m so proud of these two [Parris-Smith and Moir], it’s their first world championships and to go out there in the gold medal ride off, be composed, feel the pressure. I’ve been there before and it’s really hard so to be lining up next to these two, I’m really proud and we couldn’t have asked for more.” Rhianna Parris-Smith added: “We’re feeling good, we haven’t had many rides out so I think we should be proud of what we’ve done today. Obviously, it’s a little disappointing not getting the gold but I think if we look back at it and realise what we’ve done, we’ll be pretty proud.” Men’s team sprint The men’s team sprint qualifying line up of Joe Truman, Matt Richardson and Harry Ledingham-Horn delivered a strong opening ride, placing second behind defending champions the Netherlands with a time of 42.131. Flying through round one with a win against Germany, GB would face their long-time rivals the Dutch line up of Roy van den Berg, Jeffrey Hoogland and Harrie Lavreysen in the gold medal ride off. Joe Truman, Matt Richardson, Hamish Turnbull and Harry Ledingham-Horn win silver in the men's team sprint at the 2025 UCI Track World Championships Having quickened over their first two rides and still with time left on the board, a team change was made bringing Hamish Turnbull in for Ledingham-Horn’s P3. Truman got the trio off to a flying start, leading by an initial third of a second. Richardson held the pace for lap two until Laverysen managed to deliver an incredible third lap, just pipping Turnbull over the line by just over half a second, for the Great Britain to take their second silver of the evening. On the result and his first medal riding for Great Britain, Matt Richardson said: “We wanted to come out and have a really good, controlled first ride. We’re a fresh line up, so each time we step on the track we're learning a little bit about each other, so we didn’t want to do anything too crazy and blow each other’s legs off." “We thought there was time left on the board that we didn’t think we’d find riding the same line up, so we thought we’d try something else [in the final], and put Hamish in. Unfortunately it didn’t work but we had nothing to lose and we learnt a whole bunch from that because Hamish has never ridden behind me before so it’s all good learnings for the future." “Coming away with a silver medal is bittersweet but for me, my first medal at a world championships in GB skin suit is going to feel amazing. I wish it was the top step, but I can’t come away too mad about that.” Joe Truman added: “I’m really happy, it’s the closest we’ve ever been to the Dutch and it’s a really positive first step in the cycle [to LA]. We were up on them all the way to the last half lap so I think it’s a very good start and it’s exciting for what we can crack on with going forward.” Women’s scratch race Making her world championships debut, Maddie Leech delivered a patient and well executed scratch race, that took it to the wire with a final bunch sprint. Over a cagey 40 laps, riders kept their cards close to their chest with no one confident to make that first move. With the bunch conserving energy and staying tight, the race lit up with eight laps to go when Lithuanian Olivia Baleisyte shot off the front to take her chance. Getting nearly half a lap on the bunch, Beleisyte ran out of steam and was swept up with four laps to go. Maddie Leech in the women's scratch race at the 2025 UCI Track World Championships Meanwhile, Leech had been keeping under the radar at the back, acutely observing the race around her. Avoiding raising any suspicion, she was in a strong position when she launched her sprint behind Marion Borras (FRA) at two laps to go, pushing hard to get over the top of the front group, before powering over the line to finish a commendable sixth place. Team pursuit qualfiers Great Britain went into the women's team pursuit qualifying as defending champions, with the quartet of Meg Barker, Josie Knight, Anna Morris and Jess Roberts delivering a smooth ride. Their time of 4:09.865 saw them qualify second fastest into tomorrow’s first round, where they will face Germany. In the men‘s event, Matt Bostock, Josh Charlton, Charlie Tanfield and Will Tidball qualified third behind Denmark and Australia in a time of 3:49.001. Facing Australia in the first round, Michael Gill was subbed in for Matt Bostock, with the quartet delivering a good first km, just over 0.16 seconds behind AUS. By the halfway point, the gap had opened slightly to 0.7 seconds, but with no signs of the Australians slowing down, it continued to widen. As Tidball pulled off leaving the remaining three riders still pushing hard, the gap created by the Olympic champions just became unsurmountable and Great Britian were knocked out of the medal running with their time of 3:51.617. Charlie Tanfield, Matt Bostock, Josh Charlton, Will Tidball in the men's team pursuit at the 2025 UCI Track World Championships Tomorrow will see the women’s team pursuit final, as well as the elimination race which will be contested by Katie Archibald, while Mark Stewart takes on the men’s scratch. In the sprint events, defending champion Emma Finucane will take on the women’s sprint, alongside Lauren Bell and Iona Moir, while Matt Richardson and Harry Ledingham-Horn compete in the men’s keirin. You can follow the action live across the BBC red button, iPlayer and BBC Sport Website and app between 18:15-20:35 and 21:20-01:00 and find all the results on the GBCyclingTeam instagram. Photo credit SWPix.

A charity fighting to level the playing field for young carers has signed a three-year lease on workspace at a multi-let block of office suites in Dorset. MYTIME Young Carers is moving into a 2,120 sq ft suite at Manor House in the retail and commercial hub of Broadstone, a suburb of Poole. Property consultancy Vail Williams acted on behalf of the private property company which owns Manor House in Macaulay Road, comprising eight modern office suites. Separately, the firm has been appointed as managing agents for the block of offices. Bryony Thompson, a partner at the Bournemouth office of Vail Williams, said: “MYTIME Young Carers has outgrown space at Avonbourne School in Bournemouth – the office at Manor House is an ideal environment to work from as the charity grows, having already helped nearly 2,300 young carers across Dorset and on the Isle of Wight." “With the letting, only one office out of the eight, Suite C, is available to lease.” Krista Cartlidge, Chief Executive of MYTIME Young Carers, said: "MYTIME is committed to supporting young carers across the UK, and our wonderful new base at Manor House in Broadstone will help with our goal of ensuring no child's destiny is defined by their beginning." “Although our headquarters are based in Dorset, it is our mission to level the playing field for these incredible young people from ages 5-25 all across the country by providing them with holistic support from our range of programmes, interventions and advocacy work." “We exist to champion and empower them to reach their full personal, academic and professional potential.” Krista is also a part time PhD researcher at Bournemouth University, focused on practical ways to improve communication between young carers and their schools so policy, practice and lived experience line up. Ed Martin, an Associate at Vail Williams, working on the south coast, specialises in property asset management on behalf of private clients and pension funds. He said: “We are delighted to have been appointed as managing agents for Manor House. In addition to preparing and issuing service charge budgets and year-end reconciliations, we will be appointing approved contractors to maintain the communal areas and maintain the good working relationship with the tenants." “We’ll also be identifying any working asset management opportunities for the client.” Under lease agreements, each commercial tenant oversees the ‘wear-and-tear’ upkeep of their own office.

A Lancaster couple have turned a 50th birthday party into their dream wedding with a surprise ceremony kept secret from friends and family.    Natalie Marshall and Peter Woodruff had booked Lancaster House Hotel several months in advance for Natalie’s 50th birthday celebrations.    As the time of the autumn birthday party drew nearer, the couple, who have been together since 1998, started to discuss the idea of turning the day on its head and making it into a secret wedding ceremony. Natalie and Peter held private talks with Lancaster House Hotel general manager Emma Underwood and wedding and events co-ordinator Lisa Ramwell to re-plan the big day, also enlisting the help of ceremony celebrant Liam Shannon.    Over 90 guests arrived at the supposed birthday bash in the hotel’s Bowland Suite without any clue as to what was about to happen. “Peter and I have been together for 28 years and engaged for over 20 so perhaps it was time to tie the knot,” explains Natalie: “When we booked my 50th birthday party, my Dad and I had a heartfelt discussion and from that the idea of getting married really took root. Peter was on board with it straight away." “We knew what we were going to do over six months ago, so it was quite a challenge to keep it from friends and wider family members. My parents were really the only ones to know in advance because we had to book them in as our witnesses." “The team at Lancaster House Hotel were fabulous right from the start and were genuinely excited about the party and how it would all unfold with guests being none the wiser.” Natalie, who moved to North Lancashire in early childhood, is a family support worker. Peter, 49, was born and grew up in Lancaster and runs his own local landscaping business, Woodvale Groundworks. The couple had known each other for some years before they got together and there had always been a spark of chemistry between them. “This was an extra special wedding event for us and an exciting one too having been asked to get involved in changing Natalie’s 50th into her wedding day." “There was quite a lot to think about on the day to ensure that the surprise element was kept right up to the last minute when the wedding celebrant came in. It was brilliant to be in the room with them."    “I have known Natalie since high school and we even went to college together, so it was great that I could help and plan my friend’s special day.”    Live entertainment on the night was provided by DJ Gareth James and Pink tribute singer Emily Clark. The function room was decorated by venue dressers Poppins, who work regularly with the Lancaster House Hotel wedding and events team.

Hill Cross Furniture is proud to announce the appointment of Georgina Louis as Project Manager to lead the company’s newly launched spa division, further strengthening their expertise in bespoke commercial furniture solutions for the wellness and hospitality industry.    With over two decades of experience in spa management and operations, Georgina brings a unique client-side perspective to the Hill Cross team.    She has overseen luxury wellness operations internationally, most notably at the well renowned BodyHoliday in St Lucia, as well as closer to home at Oulton Hall.    Family-owned Hill Cross Furniture based in Cramble Cross, Northallerton, has worked with some of the most prestigious names in the industry, including Grantley Hall, Rockliffe Hall, Disney Cruise Line, Banya No.1 Chiswick and the refurbishment of Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa.    Georgina is currently project managing Hill Cross Furniture’s contribution to the all-new spa at Aldwark Manor outside York, supplying bespoke chairs and tables for the spa’s café and restaurant area.    The state-of-the-art facility has been built from the ground up and Phase 1 is set for completion in November.    Georgina’s appointment marks a key milestone as Hill Cross expands its tailored offering for spa and wellness environments. Her deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by spa managers, designers, and procurement teams positions her perfectly to lead this specialist division. “In a spa environment, furniture must meet far more demanding requirements than standard hospitality pieces,” explains Georgina. “You’re dealing with high humidity, exposure to oils and treatments, and a need for both durability and luxurious comfort. Sourcing the right furniture, and the right supplier, can be incredibly challenging. That’s where Hill Cross makes a real difference.” As a former Spa Director, Georgina knows first hand the frustration of finding furniture that is not only fit for purpose but also customisable to align with a spa’s brand identity and guest experience. At Hill Cross, she is especially focused on promoting the company’s re-upholstery service. A solution that offers exceptional value for spas undergoing regular refurbishments or operating under sustainability commitments. “Re-upholstery is one of those services that spa managers often overlook, but it can extend the life of your investment, reduce waste, and keep your space looking fresh, all without compromising on quality or guest experience.” Georgina is now actively engaging with her network to introduce Hill Cross’s capabilities in the spa and wellness sector and is currently working on two high-profile spa projects. She welcomes conversations with spa managers, designers, and procurement professionals looking for reliable, creative, and long-term furniture solutions.

It was an action-packed day of double celebrations as digger maker JCB marked the company’s 80th anniversary.   JCB was founded in a 12ft x 15ft lock-up garage in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire by Joseph Cyril Bamford CBE on October 23rd, 1945 – the same day as his son Anthony was born.   The 80th birthday celebrations began by stepping back in time to where it all began, with Lord Bamford unveiling a blue heritage plaque on the spot where the original garage stood in the High Street, Uttoxeter. Lord Bamford’s father rented the lock-up garage - which had no electricity - for 30 shillings a week and it was there he made his first product, a farm trailer built largely from wartime scrap, which he sold for £45 at Uttoxeter market. Mr Bamford stayed at the garage for 18 months until the owner asked him to leave because she didn’t approve of Sunday working. He then moved down the road to a stable block at Crakemarsh, a few miles north of the town.   Unveiling the plaque at Hollydene House, Uttoxeter, Lord Bamford said: “My earliest memory of the business is of me playing in my father’s workshop. Other than my time at school and my apprenticeship in France with another company, I’ve been around ever since." “We have developed the business and products along the way enormously. Probably one of the greatest pleasures for me has been in developing products with our formidable team of highly qualified engineers."   “As we celebrate JCB’s 80th birthday, it’s wonderful to be back at the spot where it all began and to mark the location with a special blue plaque. I’m delighted that in a small way we can highlight where it all began and reflect on the continuing importance of our home county of Staffordshire.”   At the ceremony, Uttoxeter Deputy Mayor Councillor Aaron Mansfield, added: “It is a source of great pride that Uttoxeter was the birthplace of one of the country’s most successful manufacturing companies and we are delighted to officially mark the spot where the business began as it celebrates its 80th anniversary.” Later, Lord Bamford arrived back at the World HQ in Rocester, he was greeted by more than 3,500 employees lining the Lakeside Works’ pathways to pay tribute and to celebrate his and JCB’s birthdays. A spectacular cavalcade procession marked milestones and showcased machines he has introduced since becoming Chairman in 1975.   The cavalcade starred the first Loadall from 1977, the classic 3CX and the world speed record-breaking JCBGT backhoe, the revolutionary 1991 Fastrac tractor and its 2019 World’s Fastest Tractor protégé, the multi-award winning 19C-1E electric mini excavator, followed by the industry-leading Pothole Pro and game-changing hydrogen backhoe and hydrogen Loadall.   The procession also featured eight former students of the JCB Academy who have forged successful careers with the company. It was Lord Bamford’s vision to found the school which opened in 2010 with the vision of producing the engineers and business leaders of the future. In partnership with high-profile companies such as Rolls-Royce, Toyota and Hex Group, it has gone on to educate more than 3,500 students from across Staffordshire and Derbyshire, with every single student either entering employment or further or higher education. The gathered crowds were also treated to the unveiling of a special JCB 3CX ‘Backhoe in a Box’ - a spectacular life-size 3CX Sitemaster backhoe packaged in the same way as manufacturer Britains package the 1:32 scale models of the JCB machine. It will be displayed beside the JCB lake until January, for members of the public to see.   After the cavalcade, JCB Chief Executive Officer Graeme Macdonald paid tribute to Lord Bamford. He said: “When he became Chairman in 1975, this was JCB’s only factory. JCB has 22 plants around the world and more than 19,000 employees. As we have expanded globally over the past 50 years, he has remained steadfast in his support for British manufacturing and committed to investing in JCB’s UK plants." “In fact, nine British plants have opened in Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and Wrexham during his tenure. JCB has been backing Britain since 1945—and with renewed energy under his leadership! Today we thank him for that leadership.” Addressing the crowds of employees, Lord Bamford said: “My father would have been proud of JCB at 80. We have great products and great people making a difference in the world. We continue to hold true to his values of ‘jamais content’ (never content) and ‘always looking for a better way.’ While my father retired at the age of 59, I – along with JCB - shall be 80 tomorrow and I’m still here.” The day concluded with a formal party for Lord Bamford at the World HQ, with more than 100 invited guests, including dozens of retired people with whom Lord Bamford has worked through the decades.   Meanwhile, all 19,000 JCB employees in its 22 plants across the globe are looking forward to an extra day’s holiday on Friday, October 24th in recognition of their contributions to the company’s success in its 80th anniversary year.

Yorkshire heritage brand and renowned British manufacturer of premium leisure cloth, Hainsworth Cue Sports Fabrics, has welcomed former 1997 world snooker champion and BBC broadcast commentator Ken Doherty as its first-ever ambassador. The Irish snooker icon will step into a 12-month ambassador role, with his appointment marking a strategic partnership forged to help grow brand awareness and reinforce Hainsworth’s dedication to quality, precision, and the heritage of cue sports. The alliance will see him representing the brand at major events, supporting product innovation, and promoting Hainsworth Cue Sports Fabrics commitment to players of all levels. A celebrated figure in the world of professional snooker, Ken Doherty's career spans over three decades, marked by his World Championship title, six winning ranking event titles, a 12-year run ranking inside the top eight, and building a respected presence as a commentator and ambassador of the sport. To this day, Doherty is still the only professional player to win the treble, which includes the World Juniors, the World Amateur, and the World Professional Championships. Doherty explains: “I’m a traditionalist. I love the history and heritage of the game. Hainsworth Cue Sports Fabrics shares those same values. It’s a company built on tradition and quality, so it’s a great fit for me." “You can see the detail, hard work and technicality that goes into making the cloth, and it’s improved immensely over the years. That’s the great thing about what’s happening in cue sports around the world – everybody has really upped their game."   “Hainsworth produces three different types of cloth, but the quality across the board is superb. The speed is fantastic. Professionals love a fast cloth because it allows you to manoeuvre the cue ball without forcing the shot. It’s one of the fastest cloths I’ve ever played on.” Hainsworth has been a trusted name in cue sports fabrics for generations, supplying championship-grade, premium woollen fabrics to some of the most prestigious tournaments, venues, and manufacturers worldwide. The British textile manufacturer weaves its high-quality snooker and pool table cloths at AW Hainsworth’s 243-year-old woollen mill in Stanningley, West Yorkshire, combining tradition with innovation to deliver world-class playing surfaces. The manufacturer creates and supplies a range of graded pool and snooker fabrics to international customers, including professional players, world-leading tournaments and independent fitters. Amanda McLaren, Managing Director of AW Hainsworth said: “Ken Doherty is a true champion and legend of the sport. His integrity and love for the game perfectly align with our values. We are thrilled to welcome him to the AW Hainsworth family and look forward to working together to elevate the game even further.” Photo : Andy Laycock, Phil Atherton, Ken Doherty and Nigel Birch in Hainsworth Mill

A new nationwide survey conducted by Family Business United, in partnership with family-run favourite The Victor Pizza Company, has revealed the UK’s ultimate pizza choice, and it’s official: the classic Pepperoni Pizza has claimed the crown. The survey set out to uncover the nation’s most-loved pizza toppings, and Pepperoni came out sizzling on top, taking nearly a third of all votes. The UK’s Top 10 Favourite Pizzas Pepperoni – 30% Margherita – 12% Meat Feast – 10% Hot & Spicy – 7% Mushroom – 6% La Reine – 6% Hawaiian – 5% Chicken – 5% Capricciosa – 3% BBQ – 2% Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, said: “This collaboration with The Victor Pizza Company was a delicious way to engage the public while celebrating the importance of family businesses in everyday life." "Pizza is a comfort food staple for so many, and it’s fascinating to see how strong the nation’s preferences are, with Pepperoni clearly standing out as a fan favourite." "The age-old pineapple debate also lives on, with 5% of respondents naming the Hawaiian as their top choice. Love it or hate it, pineapple still has a seat at the UK’s pizza table, and it continues to spark conversation, just as good food should.” A second-generation family business with over 50 years of history, The Victor Pizza Company is known for its authentic Italian roots, Glasgow heart, and no-nonsense approach to great food. Anne-Marie Cairney, CEO of The Victor Pizza Company, said: “We’ve been making pizza for over half a century, long enough to know that when it comes to toppings, everyone’s got an opinion! Pepperoni doesn’t surprise me at number one, but we were chuffed to see such a mix across the board, from spicy fans to the brave souls still flying the flag for pineapple." "At Victor Pizza, we’ve always said there’s a pizza for everyone, whether you’re a Margherita loyalist or you pile on the lot. It’s brilliant to see that passion still alive and well across the UK. These little insights remind us why we do what we do: good food, made with care, for people who love it.” This fun campaign not only showcased the UK’s pizza preferences but also highlighted the creativity and community spirit of the country’s family businesses. Paul Andrews added: “Family firms are at the heart of the UK food sector, and this survey is a great reminder of their relevance and reach. Whether it’s a slice of tradition or a taste of innovation, family businesses continue to feed the nation, literally and figuratively.”

Andy Murray’s adorable puppy Bonnie has landed her first role at just 8-months-old, as the pair team up with Purina PRO PLAN® for an exciting new partnership. Purina PRO PLAN®, part of Nestlé Purina PetCare Europe, has rallied its first ever squad of elite tennis players and their pets to inspire dog and cat owners to care for their pets like a PRO. Research shows that 85%1. of British pet owners prioritise their pet's nutrition needs equally or above their own, with 64% putting their pet’s needs first. The dynamic duo has joined forces with fellow tennis stars Jasmine Paolini and her dog Cesare, Çağla Büyükakçay and her cat Izo along with powerhouse couple Gaël Monfils and Elina Svitolina and their pet dog Wizz for the inspiring new campaign. Professional tennis players work closely with health and nutrition experts to fine-tune their diets, always striving to achieve excellence for peak performance. This aligns with Purina PRO PLAN®s commitment to provide high-quality pet food, developed by a team of Purina nutritionists and vets, to help dogs and cats lead active, healthy and long lives. Just as these top players give it their all on the court, PRO PLAN® is encouraging pet owners to do the same for their four-legged family members. Research shows that half (50%2.) of British pet owners say they view their cat or dog as a family member. The findings also reveal that pet care is a priority for many, with almost a third (32%3.) of owners actively researching to stay updated on pet nutrition topics, with 17%4. even claiming to know more about their pet’s nutrition than their own. The whole squad shared the exciting collaboration across their own social media today, with two-time Olympic gold medallist Murray even giving his LinkedIn profile a playful update – transforming it into a joint account with his puppy Bonnie to spotlight their role as part of the Purina PRO Plan® squad. Andy Murray said: “Bonnie only joined us this spring, and she’s such a big part of our family already, so for me it’s important that we prioritise her health and nutrition. Throughout my career, nutrition has been key to my performance, and so it makes sense that we do this for Bonnie too because she’s going to be busy as she keeps up with life in the Murray house. I’ve learnt so much about pet nutrition and how important it is since I started working with Purina PRO PLAN® and I hope Bonnie and I can inspire PRO level care among other pet owners”. Harriet  Morley, Specialist Channel Director, Northern Region, PURINA Europe, said: “We’re incredibly excited about this partnership. Assembling this squad of professional athletes is the perfect way to help inspire cat and dog owners to care for their pets in the same way top players prioritise their own health and nutrition." “We are proud to be working alongside Andy Murray and his beautiful dog Bonnie for this partnership – alongside the rest of the squad – to connect with tennis fans and pet owners alike. I know this will be an incredible adventure, one that creates powerful moments to celebrate the bond between pets and their owners.” Throughout the partnership, Purina PRO PLAN® will engage with athletes, tennis supporters and pet owners to showcase how quality nutrition and care helps support pet health and well-being. The professional squad will also star in a new PRO PLAN® TV advert, which puts pet nutrition in the spotlight. The advert will roll out across TV, digital, and social channels in autumn.

F.Hinds, the family owned and run jewellers established in 1856, opened their second store in Scotland, at The Centre Livingston in September, along with another store in the South East, at the Friars Square Shopping Centre in Aylesbury, which opened last week.   The openings mark another milestone in the company’s ongoing expansion and commitment to bringing quality, value and expert service to customers across the country. The jeweller, which already boasts 119 stores across the country, is set to see the arrival of more new stores plus upgrades to bigger and better locations before the year’s end.   In Aylesbury, F.Hinds is a familiar sight for locals with long memories, having had a store in the town from 1969 to 1992, only being forced to close when it was demolished as part of the redevelopment which created Friars Square. At the Cotswolds Designer Outlet in Tewkesbury, Chapelle, the outlet expert in jewellery and designer timepieces, officially opened its doors this summer.   The Cotswolds Designer Outlet officially opened after much anticipation in July and is the newest hotspot for a luxurious and varied shopping experience. Its beautiful backdrop makes for the perfect location for Chapelle to expand its stores, marking its 13th location. With a history of being family owned, Chapelle has been a part of the sixth-generation family jeweller F.Hinds since 2019. Paul Hinds, Managing Director at F.Hinds & Chapelle commented, “Opening these new stores is testament to the continued growth of the business and marks a strong year so far. Our continued expansion into Scotland with the store opening in Livingston, along with the return to Aylesbury demonstrates our commitment to always move F.Hinds forward and establish our brand in communities up and down the country." Paul continues, “Having Chapelle trading at The Cotswolds Designer Outlet is a further example of our ethos to embrace development and be forward-thinking with our expansion.”   The opening of these three stores marks a successful 2025 so far for the business, however government changes to Business Property Relief have made the future more uncertain for the retailer. These changes are likely to reduce further growth plans and while stores in Bradford, Newbury and Burton have recently been confirmed, how 2026 shapes up remains to be seen.   Paul concludes: “We are navigating a changing economic landscape and while there are clearly challenges, we will always seek to look forward and continue expanding our portfolio.”

Manchester-based paint manufacturer HMG Paints has officially opened their new department known as the “Len Hutton Centre”, a modern facility dedicated to water-based production. The opening of this department will increase water-based production capabilities at HMG, with the department being named after former HMG Production Director, Len Hutton. This substantial capital investment, which coincides with the business celebrating its 95th anniversary, is projected to increase capacity by an estimated 50,000 litres per month and allows the business to meet growing demand for its range of water-based products, as customers and the industry shift towards low-VOC, environmentally friendly and sustainable coatings. The new department, operated by six highly trained staff members, is equipped with 12 high-efficiency mixers and a dedicated washout facility and showcases HMG Paints' commitment to investment and innovation, whilst also celebrating the core family-first approach at the company. The Len Hutton Centre will serve as a hub for developing and manufacturing innovative, water-based coatings for a range of markets. "This is a huge honour, having a department named after myself makes me feel my name will truly live forever at HMG” said Len, whose legacy the new department honours." “I consider it a great privilege to know that my department will be the future of waterborne production for the company, and it is great to have myself named amongst other greats at the business who have similarly had departments named after them throughout the years." Len began his career in production at HMG in March 1974, before moving on to establish and transform the Colour Laboratory, revolutionising how HMG match and produce their colours and eventually became Production Director before retiring from the business in 2021. When the new department was established, it was an easy decision for the Directors to honour Len, who was an integral part of the company's growth, as well as his commitment to quality for over 40 years. The new department was officially unveiled on September 17th, with staff, past and present, spanning multiple generations of the business all gathering to witness the grand reveal. Speaking at the unveiling of the new department, John Falder, HMG Chairman remarked: “It’s great to have a department named after one of the true greats of HMG, Len and I started as kids together and across our 45 years of working together, Len became the foundation of our colour laboratory, tints and all the systems that followed." "As a business, we were one of four hundred industrial paint manufacturers around at the time Len joined the business, and its thanks to him as well as many others that we are where we are today.”

Hampshire-based Maddie Saunders, a Marketing Specialist at local car dealer group Hendy, is celebrating a sporting triumph, having secured a silver medal in the World Individual Women’s race at the 2025 Cycle Speedway World Championships. This success ends an impressive series of wins in which Maddie also became a World Women’s Federation Cup Champion, a World Women’s Nations Cup Champion, and a World Women’s Best Pairs Champion during her time at the World Championships. Hendy supported Maddie’s endeavour by providing her with a Mazda CX-60 for the duration of the World championship, helping transport her cycle speedway bike, mountain bike and luggage in comfort to multiple races around East Anglia. The Cycle Speedway World Championships comprises a series of international heats where world-class riders compete across multiple categories. The oval track is up to 90 metres long, and four riders race shoulder to shoulder in a four-lap sprint. Maddie, who rides for Southampton Cycle Speedway, is now focusing her training efforts on being selected to represent Team GB on home soil at the European Championships next August, and hopes to also secure a place in her fourth World Championship. Reflecting on the event, Maddie said: “Competing on home soil was such an incredible experience for me and to be selected to ride in front of a British crowd was a real testament to all the hard work I’ve put in. Winning silver at the World Championships made it even more special.” Mark Busby, Director of Commercial Operations at Hendy Group: “The whole Hendy Group was behind Maddie once again as she entered her third World Championships. Great teams are built by great individuals, and Maddie’s dedication to her sport is fantastic to see. We’re proud to call her a Hendy colleague and pleased to play a small part in her medal-winning endeavours.” To find out more about career opportunities at Hendy, visit here .