It arrives at the table unassumingly—a simple swirl of white, perhaps with a glint of olive oil, a scattering of herbs, and the promise of freshness. But one taste, and you’re transported: to the warm, sun-drenched coasts of the Mediterranean, where food is as much about heritage as it is about flavour. This is tzatziki—refreshing, creamy, tangy—and far more than just a dip. A Dish of Many Nations Tzatziki (τζατζίκι) is most commonly associated with Greece, but its origins, like many culinary classics, are woven through a patchwork of cultures across the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. Its ancestors can be traced to the Ottoman Empire and beyond, with similar yoghurt-based condiments appearing in Turkish (cacık), Persian (mast-o-khiar), and even Indian (raita) cuisine. What binds them all is the brilliance of contrast: cooling yoghurt paired with garlic, herbs, and—most iconically—cucumber. It’s a dish born from hot climates, designed to refresh the palate and complement bolder flavours. What Exactly Is Tzatziki? At its core, tzatziki is a simple blend: thick strained yoghurt, finely grated or chopped cucumber, garlic, olive oil, salt, and herbs—usually dill or mint. A squeeze of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar adds acidity, while some variations might include a drizzle of wine vinegar or a touch of sumac for extra zing. The key lies in balance. The cucumber must be properly drained (squeezed of its water content) to avoid a watery dip. The garlic should be assertive but not overpowering. And the yoghurt—traditionally made from sheep’s milk—must be thick and tangy enough to carry the dish. A Greek Staple In Greece, tzatziki is more than a side dish—it’s part of the national identity. It’s served with grilled meats, especially lamb and chicken souvlaki, spooned onto warm pita bread, or alongside crisp courgette fritters. You’ll find it on nearly every taverna table, a cooling companion to the bright, bold flavours of Greek cuisine. Its place in the Greek meze tradition (a series of small plates designed for sharing) means it’s as much about conviviality as it is about flavour. To share tzatziki is to share a moment—sunlight, good company, and that unmistakable Mediterranean sense of leisure. Modern Takes and Global Appeal As tzatziki has travelled, it’s adapted. In Britain, it’s often served as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise-based dips, appearing at summer picnics and barbecues. Supermarkets stock ready-made tubs, though purists might argue that nothing compares to homemade. Modern chefs have taken liberties, too—some blend in avocado for richness, or substitute yoghurt with labneh or crème fraîche. Vegan versions use cashew or coconut yoghurt, proving tzatziki’s appeal isn’t bound by tradition alone. But at its best, tzatziki doesn’t try to be clever. It lets fresh, honest ingredients do the talking. More Than a Dip Tzatziki may appear humble, but like many traditional foods, it carries centuries of history in every bite. It’s proof that the simplest ingredients—yoghurt, cucumber, garlic—can, with a little care, produce something transcendent. So next time the sun shines and you’re setting out a spread, remember tzatziki. It’s not just a condiment. It’s a taste of the Mediterranean—cool, creamy, and timeless.

Morrisons has turned one in four supermarket items yellow to raise awareness of the fact that a quarter of people in the UK die without receiving the end of life care they need. To celebrate the launch, the Morrisons Croydon store has brightened up its baskets, trolleys, café chairs and even car parking spaces in daffodil yellow to launch its ‘Every Pack Gives Back’ initiative, which will see donations made to Marie Curie for every promotional product purchased by customers. The initiative forms part of Morrisons commitment to raise £15 million for Marie Curie – the UK’s leading end of life charity - by October 2027. Until 28th August, hundreds of promotional products in yellow packaging, such as Innocent Orange Juice, Pampers Nappies and Soreen Malt Loaf will appear on Morrisons shelves. For every promotional ‘Every Pack Gives Back’ product sold, the brand will donate a percentage of the sale price to Marie Curie.  Select products such as Morrisons food-to-go sandwiches, London Essence Indian Tonic Water and MOJU Ginger Vitality Dosing Bottle Shots will feature a bespoke ‘Every Pack Gives Back’ design, so customers can easily identify the items that will make a positive difference to those in need of end of life care in their local communities. A selection of products from the range can also be found in the Seasonal Aisle from the 4th August. Morrisons is also carrying out various other fundraising and awareness raising activities in August, including selling a limited-edition Bag for Life, rolling out a Marie Curie branded grocery delivery van featuring a Marie Curie Nurse and Marie Curie in-store fundraising events and volunteer-led collections. The More Card app will also be turning yellow - with a reminder that customers can donate their More Card Points to Marie Curie in multiples of 1,000 (£1 value) through the More Card App or Morrisons More Card website. Each donation will be converted into a monetary value and transferred to Marie Curie on behalf of the customer. Marie Curie is the official charity partner of Morrisons and together they have committed to help improve end of life care in local communities by enhancing hospice care, providing more nurses and making more moments that matter across the country, whilst raising public awareness about the harsh reality facing many families with loved ones at the end of their lives. Marie Curie provides nursing care and support to people with any illness they’re likely to die from, as well as emotional support for them and their families.  Morrisons and its customers have already raised £2.6m for Marie Curie since the partnership launched in November 2024, through fundraising events and collections in supermarkets and convenience stores. Colleagues have also participated in challenge events, such as trekking across Hadrian's Wall, running London Marathon and sky diving. David Scott, Corporate Affairs Director at Morrisons, said: “We want to shine a light on the importance of end of life care and so turning one in four of our baskets, trolleys, café chairs and even car parking spaces yellow is a simple but powerful way to start a national conversation about something that affects us all. "In the coming weeks, Morrisons customers can help raise vital money for Marie Curie by buying a promotional ‘Every Pack Gives Back’ - the brand will then donate a percentage of the sale price to the charity.”  Matthew Reed, Chief Executive at Marie Curie, added: “Far too many people are still dying without the care and support they need. What’s more, we’ve seen demand for our services increase significantly in recent years, with a growing gap between those needing end of life care and those who receive it." "Through our partnership with Morrisons, we’re aiming to help more local communities and families receive the best end of life care possible, whatever the illness, wherever they are.”

Dr. Brian Mathew, Member of Parliament for Melksham and Devizes, visited the Cereal Partners site in Staverton, the home of Shredded Wheat and Shreddies , for the first time since his election in 2024. Dr. Mathew was hosted at the site by Craig Ainsborough, the Factory Manager, and his leadership team. The visit included a guided tour of the manufacturing and packaging facilities, during which Dr. Mathew had the opportunity to talk to factory employees, see how Shreddies are made using wheat sourced from East Anglia and Cambridgeshire and learn more about how the company cares for its staff and local communities. Nestlé Cereals employs 190 people at the Staverton site, including five apprentices and two graduates, with 69 percent of all employees living locally within a 5-mile-radius. Craig Ainsborough, Factory Manager of the Cereal Partners site in Staverton, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Dr. Mathew to our Staverton site. The visit was a great opportunity to highlight how we are investing in our people and talent pool, as well as our communities. We took pride in showing Dr. Mathew how we walk the talk in relation to our commitments of Better Food, Better Lives, Better Planet and Better Cereal Partners. Our factory has been a fixture in the local area for 125 years and home for the beloved cereal brands, Shredded Wheat and Shreddies since 1998.” Dr. Brian Mathew, Member of Parliament for Melksham and Devizes, said: "One of the joys of my role is seeing behind the curtain at some of our hard-working local businesses." "It was great to meet Craig and his team and to learn more about their work at the factory and the positive impact they are making on the local area both by providing employment and engaging with the community more widely. I was particularly interested to hear about their work with local charities and their commitment to offering apprenticeship opportunities for local youngsters."

M&S has started work on the development of its highly anticipated, expanded Foodhall in Douglas. The new Foodhall is expected to open before the end of 2025 and aims to deliver a fresh and exciting shopping experience for Isle of Man customers. The store will feature a substantially larger Foodhall where customers can continue to find their M&S favourites including seasonal fruit and vegetables from M&S Select Farm partners, signature wines, and the full line-up of 'Remarksable Value' products. Customers can expect new highlights in their shopping experience, such as freshly baked sourdough loaves from a bigger in-store bakery, hot beverages to-go at the coffee counter, expanded Frozen section designed to cater for everyday needs from breakfast through to dessert, and a new hot chicken counter offering convenient, ready-to-enjoy meal options. To create room for these exciting additions, the existing café on the top floor has now closed. The ground floor will house the newly extended Foodhall and bakery, while a temporary coffee cart has been introduced at the front of the store. Colleagues from the former café are now welcoming customers to this pop-up coffee cart, where they are serving a menu of barista-made hot beverages and sweet treats while works are underway. The Douglas store will remain open throughout the renewal works, with the team committed to minimising disruption for customers. Store Manager, Caroline Brand, who has worked at M&S Douglas for ten years said: "We're excited to unveil our plans to renew our Douglas store." " This investment will allow us to offer an even wider range of our delicious M&S Food, while continuing to deliver the great quality and trusted value our customers expect. Throughout the works, our dedicated team will be working hard to ensure a smooth shopping experience and minimise any disruption during opening hours." The dedicated store team of more than 200 colleagues are thrilled to prepare the new store for shoppers. A recruitment drive is currently underway at M&S Douglas, with an additional 20 new jobs due to be created as a result of the renewed store. As part of the new store layout, the Kids department has been relocated to the first floor of the store. Recognising the strong local demand, the renewal will also include investment in the already-popular Fashion, Home and Beauty departments. These modernised spaces will showcase well-loved M&S brands such as GoodMove, Per Una, and Apothecary. The Beauty department will offer a wider selection of branded beauty products, ensuring customers can find the latest trends and must-haves all under one roof. The renewal will also feature beautiful tiling and enhanced fitting rooms throughout the store, adding to the fresh, contemporary feel. The fully transformed store is expected to launch in early 2026.

Atlassian Williams Racing is pleased to announce the appointment of Axel Kruse as Chief Operations Director as the team continues to transform in pursuit of Championship success. Axel brings almost two decades of leadership experience working in Formula 1, having spent the past 15 years as Chief Operating Officer at Sauber. Prior to that he was an engineer at BMW, where he worked closely with Williams as the team twice finished second in the Constructors’ Championship with BMW power. The German will replace current Chief Operating Officer Fred Brousseau, who is returning to his native Canada later this year. Fred joined Williams in April 2023 following a 26-year career with aerospace giant Pratt & Whitney, and has been instrumental in transforming and modernising the team’s production processes. Axel will join the team on September 1 and will work closely with Fred until his departure. Alongside this, current Design Director Matt Harman is being promoted to Technical Director – Engineering. Matt joined Williams last year from Alpine, the latest move in a glittering 25-year F1 career that has seen him work on seven different Championship-winning cars and powertrains. James Vowles, Team Principal, Atlassian Williams Racing: “I am excited to welcome Axel to Atlassian Williams Racing as we continue to invest in the people, technology and infrastructure needed to achieve our goal of returning to the front of the grid. Axel is the latest top talent to join us from within the F1 paddock and will continue the important work started by Fred to make our operations truly Championship-level. I would like to thank Fred for everything he has done, and we all wish him well as he returns home to Canada.” Axel Kruse, Chief Operations Director, Atlassian Williams Racing: “I am thrilled to be joining Atlassian Williams Racing and can’t wait to get started. Williams is an iconic Formula 1 team with huge ambition and momentum, and I look forward to working with everyone at Grove to deliver success on track. As a young engineer I saw first-hand the professionalism and passion at the team as we finished second in the Constructors’ Championship – there is unfinished business, and the target must be to finish first.” Fred Brousseau, Chief Operating Officer, Atlassian Williams Racing: “Having actively embarked on our transformation journey over the past two years, we’re now starting to see clear signs of progress — both from a business results and track performance perspective. With this sustainable positive momentum now in place throughout the organisation, the time feels right for me to return home and begin the next chapter of my journey." "I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together and, above all, grateful for the passion and dedication of the people — they are the true heart of Williams. Being welcomed into this team and the world of Formula 1 has been a genuine privilege. I’ll continue cheering proudly from afar as Williams pushes forward on its path back to the front of the grid.”

EMD UK, the national governing body for group exercise, has today announced the appointment of Dan Rees as its new Chief Executive Officer. Dan joins the organisation with more than 25 years’ experience across the health, fitness and education sectors. He will take up the role on 1 September 2025. Dan started his long-standing career as an instructor and transitioned through working with operators to holding senior leadership and advisory positions at some of the UK’s leading education, awarding and community provision providers. Dan brings a unique perspective that bridges both the needs of exercise instructors and the wider demands of policy and education. With a career spanning commercial, charitable and government-funded organisations, Dan is known for his passion for the sector, scaling organisations, building commercial success, and championing equal access to physical activity. From leading initiatives at Central YMCA in supporting people from underserved communities to gain career opportunities in fitness, to driving growth and improving standards in the sector through strategic consultation, Dan’s vast industry experience spans education, training, regulatory development and public health. Dan’s leadership arrives at a pivotal time for EMD UK, whose mission is to support the professional group exercise instructor workforce. The National Governing Body (NGB) for group exercise has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with membership growing tenfold in recent years to more than 19,500 committed group exercise professionals. This growth has established EMD UK as the largest and most influential body championing group exercise in the UK. The organisation recently released a landmark report highlighting the sector's 5.3 billion GBP annual contribution in social value to the UK. The report reinforces the finding that group exercise is not just a fitness trend but also makes a vital contribution to public health and community cohesion, as well as reducing NHS costs by more than 5 million GBP a year. In response to his appointment, Dan Rees said: “I am incredibly honoured to have been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of EMD UK. Throughout my 25-year career in the health, fitness and education sectors I’ve seen first-hand the life-changing impact that movement, connection and community can have on people’s health and wellbeing." "Group exercise plays a vital role in addressing inactivity, supporting mental and physical health and creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels they belong." “EMD UK as the NGB is a powerful advocacy for change, championing instructors, driving standards and increasing participation in group exercise across the UK. I am excited to build on this strong foundation, working closely with the team at EMD UK, Sport England, our members, stakeholders and partners to amplify the voice of group exercise nationally and to ensure the sector continues to thrive." “As we look to the future, my focus will be on further strengthening EMD's impact - supporting the current and future workforce, advocating for the role of group exercise in health and social policy, and ensuring that opportunities to move are more accessible to all communities.” Dan is succeeding outgoing CEO Gill Cumming-Bell, who has led EMD UK with vision and determination through a transformative period of growth. Under Gill’s leadership, EMD UK dramatically increased its member base and further cemented its role as the unified voice for group exercise professionals across genres including yoga, Pilates and dance fitness. Chair of the EMD UK Board Samantha Cullum said: “We are thrilled to welcome Dan to EMD UK. His strategic insight, operational experience and clear passion for group exercise make him an ideal leader to guide the organisation into its next chapter." “Dan brings a wealth of experience and strategic expertise from across the fitness and physical activity sector. With a proven track record of driving innovation, organisational growth and championing inclusive participation, Dan is well-positioned to lead EMD UK through its next phase of development." “Dan shares our unwavering commitment to support the group exercise workforce, recognising their vital contribution to the health and wellbeing of communities across the UK.” As EMD UK looks ahead to its next funding cycle in 2027 and seeks to strengthen relationships with operators, educators and local communities, Dan’s focus will be on raising the profile of group exercise nationally, improving outcomes for instructors and participants, and ensuring group exercise becomes a central part of both preventative health and inclusive community engagement.

In every region except North America, geopolitical instability is seen as the biggest short-term threat to business for the fourth year running, according to the 2025 Oxford-GlobeScan Global Corporate Affairs Survey published today. Three-quarters of senior executives interviewed cite geopolitical risks as their greatest concern, driven by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe and rising East-West tensions. The research found, 76% of corporate affairs practitioners ranked geopolitical risk as their top concern, up from 47% five years ago. All regions of the world report this as their top risk, except the US where macroeconomic risks attached to Donald Trump’s return to the presidency and new tariffs are cited as today’s primary risk to businesses Rupert Younger, Director of the Oxford University Centre for Corporate Reputation and one of the authors of the report commented: ‘It is, perhaps, unsurprising that geopolitics has continued to dominate the corporate affairs agenda in this year’s survey. Corporate affairs professionals operate on the front line on these issues within corporations, being asked to identify emerging risks and develop corporate positioning and engagement approaches that meet the requirement for clarity in often very uncertain environments.’ Chris Coulter, Chief Executive of GlobeScan and one of the authors of the report, added: "What this has meant is that corporate affairs executives have had to address strategic governance questions spanning withdrawal from certain parts of the world to corporate diplomacy. In addition to the focus on geopolitics and macro-economic factors, the other standout finding is that corporate affairs professionals recognise the power inherent in using AI much more strategically across their functions." Based on the views and insights of 245 senior corporate affairs professionals, the research finds geopolitical risk and uncertainty stand out as the dominant issues in most regions outside of the US. However, the report suggests political populism and social division are now recognised by respondents as ‘established realities’ rather than cited as causes of concern. "Since 2020, the perception that political populism poses a risk to business had been steadily rising. Interestingly, this concern has grown for business in general but fewer respondents this year view it as a high-level threat to their own organisations," stated the report authors. In North America, respondents maintain macroeconomics is the greatest risk to business, driven largely by the turmoil from tariffs, with geopolitical concerns close behind. Across all countries surveyed, the research finds macroeconomic disruption is the second most-cited business risk. According to the report: ‘Political divisions over the role of business and the increased use of tariffs have contributed to macroeconomic volatility becoming the second most-cited risk. Regulatory pressures have also surged, especially in Europe, where standardisation and compliance expectations are tightening. These changes are reshaping the risk landscape across industries and geographies.’ Climate change is cited as the third most-pressing concern in every region, except Asia-Pacific, where respondents express comparatively higher concern about the impact of AI and emerging technologies. Conversely, AI is seen as one of the ‘greatest opportunities’ for business elsewhere in the world. Respondents reported that, over the next two years, opportunities in AI are seen as emerging in three key areas: leveraging innovation and AI, advancing sustainable growth strategies, and driving economic growth and upliftment. According to the authors: ‘Corporate affairs practitioners view emerging technologies, particularly AI, as essential for maintaining competitiveness, improving efficiency, and future-proofing operations, although functional usage is still basic and tactical. Sustainable growth strategies have also gained traction, rising in priority across all regions.’ Despite the continuing concerns over climate risk, the research finds changing political agendas have had an impact on attitudes toward the Environment, Social, and Governance agenda. ‘ESG priorities are shifting under political pressure, especially in Western markets. Climate change, diversity and inclusion, and governance still top the ESG agenda, but a split is emerging. Some companies are stepping back from public DEI commitments due to populist backlash, while others are doubling down,’ said the authors. There appears to be a refocusing of the business agenda. Corporate affairs seems to be refocusing on trust, stakeholder engagement, and reputation strategies. In response to growing uncertainty and political polarisation, the function is reportedly returning to human-centred fundamentals such as direct stakeholder engagement and proactive communication. Corporate affairs teams are increasingly collaborating with senior leaders, especially the CEO and Board, but continue to face challenges in clearly articulating their value to the broader business. According to Anneke Greyling, Director at GlobeScan, there is a noticeable difference in the ESG landscape if one compares the Global North and Global South: "In regions such as Europe and North America, corporate affairs professionals feel the backlash against ESG far more than in the Global South. In the Global North, corporate affairs professionals are also reporting higher political resistance to ESG. In the Global South, it seems as if the momentum remains positive, and hence commitment levels remain high. ESG is becoming more contested, [but] growing resistance to it is far from universal."

A Scottish business is helping organisations embrace sustainable period solutions, after accessing support from Business Gateway East Renfrewshire’s Accelerator Programme (ERA). Funding from the ERA programme is provided by East Renfrewshire Council. Full Stop Period Wear was founded by Lynn McGinness, who has worked in the industry for eight years and recognised a growing need for eco-friendly, comfortable and affordable period products. The new business delivers a tailored service for public sector organisations and corporations looking to meet their sustainability goals by offering a greener option for service users and staff. Driven by a vision for a sustainable future without period inequality, Full Stop Period Wear believes no one should have to compromise on comfort, cost or carbon footprint. The current line of period pants, reusable pads and storage bags was designed and tested with the goal of exceeding customer expectations. Drawing on years of industry knowledge and careful research, every product is the result of multiple rounds of user testing to refine every detail – from fabric and fit to performance and durability. Dedicated focus group trials are now underway to expand the range further. Having previously accessed Business Gateway East Renfrewshire support for an earlier venture, Lynn was already familiar with the benefits of its free expert services. When an email promoting the ERA programme landed in her inbox, she saw it as a valuable opportunity to propel her ambitions for Full Stop Period Wear forward. Participating in the programme has had a transformative impact on the business. Accountancy advice helped streamline financial operations, intellectual property (IP) guidance supported the protection of innovative product designs, and IT support strengthened the business’s online presence and operational systems. With this tailored service, Lynn has been able to reinforce the strategic foundations of the business and ensure Full Stop Period Wear is well-positioned for long-term, sustainable growth. Lynn McGinness, Full Stop Period Wear founder, said: “Full Stop Period Wear has been a real labour of love. We were determined to fulfil the vision of providing easier access to superior quality sustainable period products and knew that integrating them into workplaces and communities would be a big step towards that greener future. The support from Business Gateway came at just the right time. It’s helped us build a robust foundation for the business so we can focus on what matters most: making a difference with our products. We’re just getting started, and I’m so excited about what’s to come.” Scott Arnot, Business Gateway adviser, said: “It’s always encouraging when entrepreneurs return to Business Gateway with a new venture, and we were delighted to support Lynn once again. The ERA programme was a great fit to help her develop Full Stop Period Wear in its early stages, and we’re excited to see the business grow.”

Nearly 500,000 SMEs say they have missed tax payment deadlines in the past three years with 19% of them admitting to missing five or more in the past 12 months, new research from Premium Credit , a leading provider of finance for businesses, shows. The study with SME owners and managers found 9% of the UK’s 5.487 million SMEs have missed tax payment deadlines for Corporation Tax, VAT and other taxes in the past three years as well as further evidence of the need for solutions to help SMEs pay tax bills on time. Around one in eight (12%) say they may use HMRC’s Time to Pay (TTP) scheme, which enables eligible business to pay Corporation Tax arrears usually within three to six months, in the next three years. Premium Credit, which provides a Tax and VAT funding proposition allowing companies and business owners to spread the cost of their VAT, Corporation Tax and self-assessment tax payments for up to a year, has seen the number of customers using it more than double in the past two years. Missing tax payment deadlines can be expensive - penalties and fines range from £100 for being a day late with a Corporation Tax payment to as much as 15% of the amount of VAT not paid on time. Fines for paying VAT late start after payment is 15 days overdue. Nearly one in 10 (9%) SME owners and managers questioned say they have worked for a company which closed down because it could not pay its tax bills and around 380,000 (7%) say there is a risk their current firm would be forced out of business in the next five years over tax bills. SME owners and managers are split over whether HMRC is getting tougher on tax arrears and debts – around 20% say it is while 23% say it has become more supportive. Around a third (30%) said there had been no change while 27% did not express a view. Research last year3 found 18% believed HMRC had got tougher while 19% said it had become more understanding. Around a third (32%) said there had been no change and 31% did not express a view. Jennie Hill, Chief Commercial Officer, Premium Credit (Specialist Finance) said: “The number of SMEs missing tax deadlines is worrying and the fines they face will simply add to their problems by further restricting cashflow." “Spreading the cost of tax bills over a year for a small fee can help companies to plan more efficiently and avoid any risk of fines or penalties which can be crippling for a business that is already struggling to meet its tax obligations. Being able to spread the cost of tax bills into convenient monthly payments helps businesses to manage cash flow and investing in themselves.”

A Lanarkshire business has secured a vital NHS Scotland contract for its innovative stoma bag accompaniment after the business owner received support from Business Gateway. Confidence Plus Ltd was founded in East Kilbride in 2019 by Anne Inch and Lisa Crombie, who created ConfiPlus Stoma Pockets. The product first went on sale in the UK in December 2020. ConfiPlus Stoma Pockets are a discrete and easy-to-use stoma bag accompaniment designed to contain leakage and reduce worry and discomfort. Suitable for use with most stoma bags, the product helps minimise both the physical and mental impact of stoma care. By improving comfort, security and dignity, ConfiPlus Stoma Pockets empower users to regain their independence and enjoy greater freedom in everyday life. The product was created by an ostomate, Anne Inch, for her late husband Iain, who had an Ileostomy (the surgical procedure that creates a stoma) and suffered from constant leakage during frequent stays in the hospital. Anne wanted to find a new way to contain leakage and reduce the impact of the stoma. The first version was made on her sewing machine and she then went on to make more for other patients in her husband’s ward after being encouraged by the nurses who saw the impact it had on Iain. The products are now made by a medical device manufacturer in the UK and the team has had support from the Medical Device Manufacturing Centre working in partnership Heriot Watt University and the University of Dundee. At an early stage in 2019, Anne contacted her former colleague Lisa to ask about getting involved when she started Confidence Plus and Lisa was happy to support. They’ve been working together to build the business since then. With just 48 hours to prepare a high-stakes NHS Scotland tender for Stoma Supplies, Lisa turned to Business Gateway for urgent support. Adviser Debbie Dawkins provided intensive one-to-one guidance and quickly introduced the team to a procurement expert. A two-hour procurement session with consultant Judith Stewart helped improve the bid and ensure it met the robust NHS procurement standards. To comply with strict sustainability requirements, Anne and Lisa also accessed three days of Net Zero consultancy support through Business Gateway. With the help of environmental consultant Zoe Stirton, the pair developed a Carbon Management Plan, Environmental Policy and Carbon Management Policy - all of which were required for the bid. This consultancy support proved crucial in demonstrating Confidence Plus’s commitment to sustainability and responsible innovation. The business has continued working with Zoe to expand her Net Zero strategy and has been referred to the Extend Plus programme for a carbon baseline assessment. With a fortuitous last minute extension to the closing date, and as a direct result of this combined support, ConfiPlus won the NHS Scotland contract, bringing the product one step closer to helping thousands of stoma users across the UK. With continued support from Business Gateway and other partners, Confidence Plus is now exploring further opportunities to scale and bring its life-changing products to more stoma users across the UK and beyond. The pair have recently launched the business in the US to help stoma patients there also. Lisa Crombie, co-founder of Confidence Plus Ltd, said: “When I say I couldn’t have done this without Debbie’s help, I mean it. She went above and beyond, and we’re so grateful for her support and the introductions she made to Judith and Zoe." "After speaking with Judith, I realised how far off the mark we were. Without her guidance, our tender simply wouldn’t have met NHS Scotland’s requirements. This success has been game-changing, not just for the business, but for the people we aim to support through ConfiPlus.” Debbie Dawkins, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Anne and Lisa’s determination to get ConfiPlus into the hands of the people who need it most is incredibly inspiring. It’s been a pleasure to support her through this critical process." "Winning the NHS Scotland contract is a huge milestone, and I’m excited to see how the business continues to grow.”

A recent survey by the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA), the leading trade body for the warehousing sector, has highlighted workforce recruitment, retention and productivity as the number one concern cited by members, along with reducing operational costs and managing warehouse capacity and location. The ‘Membership Matters’ survey was designed to measure attitudes towards UKWA services and to elicit feedback from members on where UKWA should focus its activities to best support them in the rapidly evolving logistics landscape. Participants ranked topical content and professional advice (including UKWA Conditions of Contract) as top of the list of membership benefits, with representation to government and networking events scoring highly. UKWA CEO Clare Bottle comments: “Our Membership Matters survey has offered valuable insights into members’ chief concerns. Operational costs such as rents, energy bills and insurance is a common challenge for members, which is not a surprise, nor is the long-standing difficulty faced by our sector in recruiting and retaining people. UKWA is working hard to help address these issues, providing information and advice on managing costs, engaging with government to highlight unfair business rates, talk about the skills gap and promote the benefits of rooftop solar power, while we offer market leading training opportunities to help employers attract and retain employees." "The survey confirms too that members perceive the Association as a supportive, knowledge-driven network, and access to expert guidance is widely seen as a cornerstone of the UKWA’s value proposition. However, we are never complacent and are keen to respond to constructive feedback, including a demand for greater local engagement, particularly through events in underrepresented regions.” Emerging interests expressed through the survey also included the importance of future-proofing businesses with AI/analytics and sustainability, where members expect UKWA to provide the latest information and guidance on implementation. The Membership Matters Survey was conducted on behalf of UKWA by Dovetail Creative. Results were analysed using a blend of quantitative and qualitative sources. 150+ individuals from some of the leading companies in the industry responded to the survey, with more than half citing ‘Reducing Operational Costs’ in their Top 3 business challenges.

New collaboration between the UK government and a top Korean banking company will unlock £2 billion of investment into Britain, boosting economic growth and driving forward the government’s Plan for Change. Shinhan, the Republic of Korea’s second largest bank, aims to finance the investment over the next 5 years into energy, digital assets, infrastructure projects as well as businesses based in the UK’s thriving financial services sector. The bank’s expansion and investment plans follows £460 million the business has already invested in the UK since 2023. This latest vote of confidence reaffirms the UK’s position as a global investment destination. The plans back the government’s aim to significantly increase long-term business investment following the publication of the Modern Industrial Strategy, which marks a new era of collaboration between government and high growth industries, slashing energy bills for industry, increasing skills, and boosting investment to unlock the UK’s economic potential. Minister for Investment Baroness Poppy Gustafsson opened the expanded office for Shinhan Bank in London earlier this month and met with President and CEO of Shinhan Bank, Jung Sang Hyuk. Minister for Investment Baroness Poppy Gustafsson CBE said:  “The UK is a top investment destination, and Shinhan’s latest investment will help us make the UK the number one destination for financial services by 2035, delivering on our Plan for Change." “Financial Services are a UK success story, and one of the eight growth sectors we identified with the biggest potential for growth in our modern Industrial Strategy, as we look to boost the economy and put more money in people’s pockets." Shinhan Bank President & CEO Jung Sang Hyuk said: "The expansion of London office is a strategic decision aimed at proactively responding to the rapidly changing financial environment and delivering greater value and higher-level services to our customers. The (Shinhan) Head Office will remain fully committed to providing strong support, enabling London office to take on an even more central role within London's financial market and to grow together as a trusted financial partner." Securing foreign direct investment is key to delivering economic growth, and companies like Shinhan investing billions in the UK economy shows the government's Plan for Change is working – creating jobs and putting more money in working people’s pockets. The news also builds on the positive findings from Deloitte's latest survey which found that finance leaders see the UK as the joint-most attractive destination when it comes to investment. Economic growth is the Government’s central mission and unlocking new investment opportunities with South Korea is vital to achieving this, as the UK looks to build on the £21 billion record-level of investment the country has attracted from Korean businesses. This major investment comes just days after the Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy, which aims to position the UK as the number one destination for financial services companies by 2035. Today’s announcement also follows the Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson’s visit to South Korea earlier this month, where she met a range of investors and businesses including SeAH, Hana Bank and Korea Investment Corporation (KIC) to encourage further investment into the country.