University of Dundee experts have made a crucial scientific breakthrough that could herald the development of vaccines against parasitic worms. Experts at the University’s School of Life Sciences have developed a means of protecting hosts against parasitic worms, paving the way for further research that could prevent millions of infections of humans, livestock and pets every year. The Dundee team found that parasitic worms produce proteins – including two known as HpARI and HpBARI – which suppress the host immune response. These proteins effectively block the immune system from reacting to the worm, allowing the infection to become chronic, resulting in long-term problems. Once infected, human hosts can experience diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pains. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of worm infection, with an increased risk of growth stunting and malnutrition. The Dundee team have discovered that they can turn these weapons against the parasite by vaccinating mice with HpARI and HpBARI. This raises an immune response that can be directed against these proteins, blocking their effects. This nullifies the parasite and allows the host’s immune system to effectively clear the infection. It is hoped that these findings, published in the journal Cell Reports, can be translated from mouse models to other animals and humans. As well as infecting humans, parasitic worms commonly infect livestock and pets. The impact of infection can be significant on its host, with parasitic worm infection costing the European livestock sector €1.8 billion every year. Despite the significant health and economic impact of infection, there is currently no vaccination for humans against parasitic worms, with limited progress in protecting animals. Scientists have long-known that to protect themselves, parasitic worms suppress the immune system of their hosts, however the molecular basis of this is only now becoming clear. As well as being useful as vaccines, parasite proteins such as HpARI and HpBARI have received interest as potential new treatments for human diseases where the immune system is hyperactive, for instance in allergies and asthma. Dr Henry McSorley, lead author in the division of Cell Signalling and Immunology at Dundee’s School of Life Sciences, said, “Parasitic worms bring illness and misery to millions of people, often in some of the world’s poorest countries." “Our work has revealed that HpARI or HpBARI proteins are effective in mitigating the effects of infection in hosts. Further research will be required to identify similar proteins from parasites of humans and livestock. These results are incredibly positive and could form the basis of a future vaccination that could protect humans against worm infection." “There is still plenty of work to do, but in our battle against parasitic worms, the worm is beginning to turn.”

Students from Sheffield Hallam have been named winners at Race 2 Space 2025 , a national rocket propulsion competition. After weeks of live rocket engine tests, the team beat 32 other universities to be named Best Newcomer. Although new to the competition, the Sheffield Hallam team managed to build and test one of the highest performing and most reliable nitrous and IPA bi-propellant rocket engines. Sheffield Hallam Rocketry Team, SHUROC, was founded in July 2024 after students attended the 2024 Race 2 Space symposium. After officially setting up the society in September 2024, the team have successfully built their own UKSEDS (UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space) rocket, achieving the highest altitude and their own 2kN rocket engine. The team consisted of 12 students from first to final year studying within the school of engineering and built environment at Sheffield Hallam. Ben Imber, President, Sheffield Hallam Rocketry Team (SHUROC), said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to win this award. Despite an intense year, the dedication of our hard-working team made it possible. SHUROC was started to give students more opportunities in rocketry and space, and we’re proud to see how far we’ve come together. Our next goal is to grow the team, involve more students from diverse backgrounds, and keep pushing the boundaries with our technical projects for the future.” Dr Torsten Schenkel, associate professor of continuum mechanics, said: “I’m incredibly proud of what the students have achieved. Turning a theoretical rocket nozzle assignment into a working engine in under a year, alongside their studies, was an impressive accomplishment. Their engine’s performance at the competition exceeded expectations and was recognized by experts, showing they truly deserve to be called rocket scientists.” Race 2 Space challenges university teams to design, build and hot-fire (ignite) their own rocket engines. This year, more than 300 students from 32 universities took part, competing in front of industry experts. Backed by the UK Space Agency, Race 2 Space is a national competition that gives students the chance to fire powerful rocket engines they’ve spent the past academic year designing and building. With over half of UK space companies reporting critical skills shortages, the competition gives students the practical, hands-on experience the industry urgently needs. Alistair John, Programme Lead for Aerospace Engineering at the University of Sheffield and Race 2 Space Co-founder, said: “We’ve seen an incredible level of engineering skill and teamwork this year. Students have solved real-world problems under pressure, collaborated across disciplines, and pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in student rocketry. “The talent, passion, and resilience they’ve shown throughout the competition is exactly what the UK space sector needs. These are the job-ready graduates who will help drive the UK’s future in space innovation and keep us competitive on a global stage.”

Researchers have found that current care for musculoskeletal conditions, like back pain and osteoarthritis, is failing to close an important ‘inequality gap’ in pain and disability. Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain conditions are the most common reasons for long-term pain and disability in adults, and include conditions like low back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, and other pain problems which are not thought to be due to an underlying inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis or gout. Patients with these conditions living in more deprived areas typically present with more severe pain and disability and more complicated health needs than patients in more affluent neighbourhoods. Professor George Peat, professor of clinical epidemiology at Sheffield Hallam University, who led the research, said: “Narrowing health inequalities is a prominent commitment in the recently announced NHS 10-year plan. This applies to musculoskeletal pain conditions which are major causes of long-term pain, disability, work loss, and misery. “Our findings suggest that current levels and patterns of care are insufficient to reduce this inequality gap. Improving the resourcing and quality of healthcare services could help but there must also be attention to the wider social conditions that contribute to inequalities in musculoskeletal health in the first place.” Prof George Peat, who is also a visiting professor at Keele University, led the team of researchers, funded by the Nuffield Foundation and Versus Arthritis and hosted at Keele University, to investigate whether current care received by patients in more deprived areas is sufficient to close this ‘inequality gap’. The study included over 1800 patients from 30 GP practices in North Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, covering a range of neighbourhoods and areas which are considered “deprived” or “affluent” based on the Index of Multiple Deprivation, which ranks all neighbourhoods in England on things like income, employment, education, housing, and health. Patients completed questionnaires about the pain they experienced, how it interfered with their daily lives, and their satisfaction with their care. The researchers also looked at medical records to determine what type of treatment patients received and followed up with the patients three to six months later to see how their conditions improved following treatment. Their results, published in BMJ Open, confirmed that the patients from more deprived backgrounds started off with worse pain and disability. But while all groups of patients showed improvement over time, the gap between the groups remained six months later, and even widened slightly. Additionally, the study found that opioid prescriptions were more common among patients living in the most deprived areas, with 30% of people from deprived areas given opioid prescriptions compared to 19% of people in less deprived areas. When looking at the likelihood of receiving an opioid prescription, when compared to the most deprived areas and adjusted for social demographics and survey related covariates, patients from the least deprived areas were 46% less likely to receive an opioid prescription.   Given previous research highlighting both the limited effectiveness of opioids for musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions and their potential harms, this finding further underscores the health inequalities faced by people with MSK conditions in deprived communities. The researchers added that more needs to be done to improve accessibility and effectiveness of care for people living with musculoskeletal pain conditions in the most deprived communities, and to recognise the need for action on the wider causes of health inequalities that are often beyond the control of healthcare services. Deborah Alsina MBE, chief executive of Versus Arthritis, added: “This important research shines a stark light on what too many people living with arthritis already know – that where you live and your socioeconomic status can have a profound impact on the pain you experience and the care you receive. This is not just a treatment gap, it is a symptom of a healthcare system that continues to leave the most disadvantaged behind." “Tackling these deep-rooted inequalities must be at the heart of how we transform MSK services. That means bold investment in local, personalised, evidence-based care and addressing the wider social and economic factors that shape health. With over 10 million people in the UK living with arthritis, we need urgent and sustained action to ensure MSK conditions are taken seriously as a major public health issue, so no one is left in pain because of their postcode." “That’s why the UK Government’s 10 Year Health Plan for England should be backed up by a dedicated National MSK Framework to ensure the needs of people with arthritis and MSK conditions are prioritised and not left behind in the Government’s efforts to transform the NHS.”

Support Dogs, the charity based in Sheffield, trains and supports specialist assistance dogs for people with epilepsy, autism, and physical disabilities. They've received a £15,000 grant from The Health Lottery Foundation, made possible by players of The Health Lottery. The funding, awarded by The Health Lottery Foundation will go towards the salary of an instructor delivering the charity’s Disability Assistance Programme — supporting up to ten families across the UK each year. This programme helps adults living with long-term, physically disabling conditions such as MS, Cerebral Palsy, Fibromyalgia, and spinal cord injuries. Support Dogs are trained to carry out practical and personal care tasks, providing 24/7 support and significantly improving safety, independence, and quality of life for clients and their families. Martin Ellice, CEO of The Health Lottery, said: “This is exactly the kind of work The Health Lottery Foundation is here to support. These support dogs do more than just help people physically — they offer dignity, independence and peace of mind. The impact ripples out across entire families, giving loved ones the chance to return to work or education. We’re proud to help make that possible.” Delva Patman, CEO of The Health Lottery Foundation, added: “Support Dogs’ work is practical, effective and has real impact.. We’re pleased to help them continue delivering this support to families who need it.” The instructor funded by the grant will assess and train new partnerships between dogs and clients, offering six months of follow-up support to help those partnerships thrive. With many training sessions taking place in clients’ homes, the grant will also contribute to the cost of a dedicated vehicle to help reach families nationwide. Support Dogs provides all services free of charge. Currently, 100% of service users report reduced care needs and improved independence. Two-thirds are now working or in education. And 80% say family members have been able to take on paid work instead of full-time caring responsibilities. Rita Howson, CEO of Support Dogs, said: ““Our dogs are trained to provide 24/7 care and potentially lifesaving support for people living with a wide range of physical disabilities, including conditions such as MS and Cerebral Palsy." "They not only provide incredible care, but also freedom, enabling service users and their families to be more active and live more independently. We’re grateful for this funding and excited to continue growing our reach.”

A family-run independent estate agent in East Renfrewshire has experienced rapid growth and expanded its team and operations after receiving support from Business Gateway. Originally set up as Fraser Kelly Estate Agent in January 2022, the business rebranded to Kelly Residential in 2024 after founder Fraser Kelly created a family-led structure with equal partners Finlay Kelly and Jen Kelly, his brother and wife. The business, which now has seven team members, including four estate agents, focuses on property development and operates as an independent estate agency. Kelly Residential’s business model means the team only works with a handful of sellers at any one time, ensuring that they receive a personalised service and the best advice possible when selling their home. The team’s strong foundation in social media marketing, deep-rooted local expertise and a reputation for delivering exceptional, personalised service set the stage for its growth. Having grown up in East Renfrewshire, Fraser and his team pride themselves on providing local expertise, with in-depth knowledge of local school catchments, shops, business parks and public transport links. The team opened a new office and shopfront in the area in July 2025. Fraser approached Business Gateway East Renfrewshire in 2024, in need of help with organising the back-office functions of the business which would allow him to put more focus on his role. Fraser received 1:1 business support and advice from Business Gateway adviser, Scott Arnot. As well as support with the business’ rebrand, Fraser, Jen and Finlay received tailored guidance on scaling their operations, recruiting the right team members and navigating the transition into their own office premises. Business Gateway’s support also included access to the East Renfrewshire Accelerator (ERA) programme, which provided expert-led training and mentoring tailored to ambitious local businesses. The ERA programme is funded by East Renfrewshire Council’s local discretion fund. Fraser Kelly, Director at Kelly Residential said: "As a family, we’d already built a business we were proud of - but we knew we needed the right kind of support to take it to the next level. Scott helped us focus on what we do best - looking after our clients - while also giving us the tools and confidence to grow. From understanding the funding landscape and additional resources available to us, to structuring our team and building our admin support, his guidance has been instrumental." "We would not have had the success we have this past year had we not been part of the ERA Programme, as well as having access to fantastic resources, working and growing alongside other like-minded and approachable businesses has been invaluable to us.” Scott Arnot, Business Gateway East Renfrewshire adviser said: “It’s been great working with Fraser to take some of the pressure off him as a sole trader and as he brought new team members on board. I was glad to have been able to help the team to focus on what they do best – working with their clients." "The business is doing a fantastic job challenging the traditional view of estate agents and giving a bespoke service to clients.”

Almost 450 runners braved soaring temperatures to compete in the annual JCB Lakeside 5 and Fun Run – raising £4,300 for charity.   The competitors laced up their running shoes to take on either a five-mile course or two-mile fun run around the picturesque JCB World HQ at Rocester. While most dressed to keep cool as temperatures nudged 28˚C, some runners donned colourful fancy dress outfits based on the Wizard of Oz. Charles Bevan, 78, of Abbots Bromley, dressed as the Tin Man, while his son Jason and fellow JCB Lakeside Running Club members Liz Carrington, Helena Fisher and Ben Ord, came as the Lion, Wicked Witch, Dorothy, and Scarecrow. The event raised £4,300 towards JCB’s £2 million appeal for the NSPCC.   Former JCB employees Charles Bevan and Mick Grindey, 63, of Uttoxeter, have the unique distinction of having run in every single JCB Lakeside 5 since the first was held in 1983 – a total of 40 races, three having been cancelled due to Foot and Mouth and Covid. They were presented with mounted scale models of JCB backhoe loaders to honour 40 years of helping organise the JCB Lakeside 5.   Charles said: “This year is full of mixed emotions as it is likely to be my last race. I am 79 next month and I have run every year dressed as everything from Popeye to Fred Flintstone and even a pantomime horse. I have loved every minute, and I am so proud of what we have achieved raising thousands of pounds for good causes.” “The support we receive every year is amazing and it was great to see so many people here again this year as we mark our 40th race here at JCB.”   Race Director Mick Grindey, who joined Charles at the starting line, said: “It was 28 degrees on the starting line, so we have been touched by all the support this year. It was definitely one of the busiest we have had and to have run beside Charles on each one over the past 40 events has been an honour.”   Ben Marshall, from Werrington, was the first JCB man to cross the line. Based at JCB’s World HQ, it is the 3rd time he has taken part. Joined by a team of runners from the Backhoe Loader assembly line, he completed the course in 29 minutes and 53 seconds.   Dental hygienist Angela Kiwomya came in at 49 minutes and 50 seconds to claim the place as  first JCB woman over the finish line. She said: “It is the first time I have taken part and was great to be part of the event. The atmosphere is amazing, and it was rewarding to do something for such a good cause.”   Chris Gidlow, of City of Stoke Runners, was the overall winner securing first place for the second time in a row. Beating his last time by just over 10 seconds he made it across the line in 26 minutes and 44 seconds. First female was Joanne Bentley, from Stone, who also claimed the title for the second time crossing the line in 35minutes 1 second.     Uttoxeter Road Runners had a team of 25 runners with Andrew Butterworth, of Uttoxeter, dressed as a dinosaur for his 10th JCB Lakeside 5. He said: “I normally just wear a wig and tutu so it was definitely a lot warmer with the full dinosaur outfit in this heat. The crowd were brilliant though and it was a great atmosphere.”   JCB’s Paula Woods, who works in finance at World HQ, took to the track for the first time with colleague Mark Jeffs. The 54-year-old said she was keen to take on the challenge: “I figured if I didn’t do it now, I never would, and I have found the whole experience really inspiring. It was a lot harder than expected with the hills.”   Among the other competitors were a 15-strong team of JCB India colleagues and their families. They are part of a group of design engineers in the UK on secondment from JCB India’s factory in Pune they wanted to join colleagues in racing. Badjarang Jadhav said: “It was a great experience to share with our families, and we have all enjoyed being part of such a fun event here at JCB.”

Development Squad captain Thomas Wilson-Brown has joined Sky Bet League Two side Swindon Town on a season-long loan deal, subject to league approval. The 20-year-old defender makes the move to the County Ground after signing a new contract with the Club earlier this year, ahead of a loan spell with Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock. A product of our Academy, Wilson-Brown joined the Foxes at Under-9s level and will now continue his senior development with the Robins in League Two.

A crack team of paddlers from a Lake District hotel group has battled to victory in a charity dragon boat racing regatta on Windermere. The crew from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues took to the water to raise funds for disadvantaged children and young people in the Lakeside Dragon Boat Regatta. They were supporting the YMCA Fylde Coast charity in the Dragon boat challenge to help give young people opportunities to experience transformative day camps and residentials at one of Europe’s premier outdoor centres, YMCA Lakeside. The hotel group’s crew took part in three race heats, competing against eight other teams, with the fastest three boats going through to a grand final, from which English Lakes Hotels emerged as the overall winner. The team is looking to raise at least £1,000 from competing at the regatta which was organised by YMCA Lakeside in partnership with Kendal Rotary Club. Gary Tennant from English Lakes Hotels says: “Dragon boat racing is brilliant fun and a high-energy sport. It was a great day out for all of us and we really surprised ourselves, not just in getting through to the final, but winning the big race as well.  It was excellent for team building and morale too. “We had a couple of training sessions at the Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre thanks to the Paddlers for Life charity who kindly took us out to show us the ropes. It looks like those practice sessions really paid off." “We want to raise as much money as we can to support the charity and make a positive difference.” From origins in ancient Chinese tradition, Dragon boat racing is becoming a popular pastime.  The regatta teams raced in long, ornate boats carved with dragon heads and tails. The teams sat together in pairs, paddling in to the rhythm of a drummer, while a qualified helmsperson steered the boat. Races covered distances of approximately 200m.

Atlassian Williams Racing has welcomed sustainable sportswear pioneers Reflo to the team, in a new licensing agreement that unites two British brands with a shared passion for innovation and performance.  This exciting two-year collaboration sees Reflo become an Official Licensee and Official Supplier to the iconic Williams team. Reflo is also the exclusive Official Team Travel Kit provider for 2025, equipping the team’s mechanics, engineers and support staff as they travel the globe for 24 races in 21 countries across five continents. The partnership reflects Reflo’s continued growth in elite sport, providing Atlassian Williams Racing with high-performance travel apparel and a fanwear range manufactured from recycled materials. Setting a new standard for sustainable sportswear, all items in the Reflo range are made using recycled materials with the Bohai and Sulu polo shirts made using Reflo’s Reloop technology – an industry-defining process that allows the garments to be recycled at end of life and avoid landfill.  With a commitment to responsible design and circular solutions, Reflo’s teamwear will ensure Atlassian Williams Racing’s drivers, crew and fans are equipped with sustainable, stylish apparel that performs at the highest level.  The ‘History Made’ collection honours Williams’ rich legacy in Formula 1, celebrating the 114 race wins, nine Constructors’ World Championships and seven Drivers’ Championships since the team was founded in 1977. Featuring a 100% cotton tee and a navy hoodie, the collection will be followed by new lines and collections throughout the season and into 2026.  The collaboration is the latest in a string of new licensing deals for Williams as the team continues to strengthen on and off track. Reflo follows AllSaints, Undone watches, Carl Friedrik, Built For Athletes, Pedal Mafia, Abercrombie & Fitch, SunGod, Coachbuilt Whisky, HalfScale Cars and LEGO in joining forces with the team over the past year. Now with drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz leading the charge in 2025, the team is enjoying its best start to a season since 2016 as it targets a return to the front of the grid.  Luke Timmins, Merchandise and Licensing Director, Atlassian Williams Racing: “For Atlassian Williams Racing, this collaboration is about bringing together innovation, performance, and responsible design. Partnering with Reflo allows us to deliver high-quality, stylish teamwear that meets the demands of elite motorsport while incorporating more sustainable practices. Together, we’re setting new standards for the sport and its global audience.”  Peter Philippou, Co-Founder and CEO of Reflo :  “This is a pivotal moment for Reflo. Partnering with Atlassian Williams Racing allows us to showcase how sustainable design and cutting-edge performance can work together seamlessly, inspiring fans and teams alike." "Aligning with such an iconic brand in Formula 1 is a huge milestone for us, cementing Reflo’s place as a leader in high-performance sportswear.”

Poet, playwright, activist and cultural polymath, Carol Leeming MBE FRSA, is celebrating after receiving an honorary doctorate from Loughborough University, recognising her formidable contribution to British arts and her lifelong commitment to equity, education and community empowerment. Leicester-born Leeming has long been regarded as a singular figure in the UK’s cultural and creative landscape – a poet, playwright, choreopoet, singer-songwriter, director, and curator whose career spans over four decades. She is known for her dynamic fusion of disciplines, powerful stage presence, and unwavering commitment to social equity. Leeming has carved a unique space in the UK’s cultural life. Her choreopoetry plays are now held in the National Theatre’s Black Plays Archive and her music has reached global audiences via major labels like Sony and Warner Bros. Her local work in Leicester – from founding arts initiatives to directing major stage productions – has made her a central force in the region’s creative ecosystem. Leeming’s relationship with Loughborough University is longstanding. She has delivered keynote lectures during Black History Month, headlined the university’s spoken word series Speech Bubble , and directed work such as Harley: Scholar & Statesman . Her influence is felt not just in performance spaces but in classrooms, archives, and grassroots communities. Carol Leeming MBE FRSA said: “It is an incredible honour to receive this recognition from Loughborough University — a space where I’ve felt welcomed, respected and valued as both an artist and cultural thinker. This doctorate is not just a personal milestone, but a tribute to the many communities, collaborators, and cultural workers who’ve supported my journey.” “As someone born and raised in Leicester to African Caribbean parents, my life and work are rooted in the lived experiences of my community — our beauty, our struggles, our innovation. Whether composing music, performing poetry, directing theatre, or working in heritage and education, my focus has always been to centre the voices too often left unheard, and to create space for bold, authentic expression.” “I hope this recognition encourages emerging artists — especially those from the Global Majority, LGBTQ+, working-class, and disabled communities — to know that their stories matter, and that they too can shape culture, policy, and public life.” Leeming was awarded an MBE in 2019 for services to the arts in Leicester and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. She currently serves as a National Ambassador for Black Lives in Music, where she advocates for racial and gender equity across the UK music industry. She is also the founder of Dare to Diva, a Leicester-based arts company, and has held roles as Dramaturg Writer/Director with London’s Playground and Assistant Resident Director at Curve Theatre. Her credits range from vocal coach and literary adviser on major stage productions ( West Side Story , My Beautiful Laundrette , Memoirs of an Asian Casual ), to leading performer in Sound Clash , a 2025 Black music theatre work by Levi Roots and Ray Shell. As a recording artist, she has toured internationally, with her track For What You Dream Of (with Bedrock) featured on the Trainspotting soundtrack. Her band, The Random Acts of Senseless Beauty, blends soul, reggae and psychedelic funk in high-energy live performances. Leeming is also a long-time educator, delivering guest lectures on Choreopoetry, Africology and Black British history at institutions including Queen Mary University of London, Nottingham Trent, and the University of Leicester. Her creative practice is deeply rooted in activism. In the wake of the 1981 Leicester uprisings, she helped found Ajani Women’s & Girls Centre, Leicester Black Sisters, and the Highfields & Belgrave Law Centre. She was instrumental in forming the city council’s race and gender equality units, and has led oral history and heritage projects preserving African Caribbean narratives in the Midlands. As curator, Leeming has delivered work for the Haymarket Theatre, Phoenix Cinema and Leicester Museums. She chaired the Leicester Black History Consortium and led multi-month Black History Seasons for the city. She co-founded the long-running poetry platform Pinggg…K! and has curated for Festival 2Funky for more than a decade. Loughborough University’s honorary degree is the latest in a lifetime of accolades – and a formal recognition of a career that has spanned continents while staying rooted in community, resistance and radical imagination.

As Bradford proudly celebrates its year as UK City of Culture 2025 , the city Centre has been reshaped by a series of ambitious public realm improvements, and at the heart of these is the newly completed Norfolk Gardens Park . Delivered on behalf of Balfour Beatty plc, in collaboration with Bradford Council’s in-house landscape architects, this landmark 10,000 m² green space is a key component of the city’s wider transformation. With events, exhibitions, and cultural programming unfolding across the district throughout 2025. Norfolk Gardens provides a much-needed green retreat for residents and visitors, as well as a flexible setting for community celebrations. Leading the soft landscaping delivery was Gavin Jones Ltd, whose team brought the landscape vision to life through a full programme of horticultural works. This included soil preparation and profiling, turfing, meadow creation, planting beds and installation of new trees across the site. Wildflower turf was laid to encourage pollinators and soften the park's edges, while carefully arranged planting beds provide seasonal colour and texture. Working in close coordination with stakeholders on-site, Gavin Jones delivered high-quality results to a fast-paced programme. Infrastructure elements were added in tandem to ensure the park is both visually appealing and practical for long-term public use and maintenance. The scheme was designed to balance visual impact, biodiversity, and functionality throughout the year. “It’s been a privilege for our teams to play a key role in delivering such a transformative green space in the heart of Bradford. Norfolk Gardens Park is not only visually striking, but also a biodiverse and inclusive environment that supports the city’s cultural celebrations and community life." "We're proud to have worked alongside Balfour Beatty and Bradford Council to realise this ambitious vision,” said Richard Rhodes, Contract Manager at Gavin Jones Ltd. Supporting this transformation was Johnsons Nurseries Ltd, based just 42 miles from Bradford. The North Yorkshire grower supplied over 23,000 plants for the scheme. This extensive palette included carefully selected perennials, shrubs, and grasses chosen for their colour, texture, and resilience, creating seasonal variation and supporting urban biodiversity. The planting also included 198 new trees , 3,100 m² of wildflower turf , and 2,000 m² of traditional turf, collectively creating a vibrant and inviting environment that complements Bradford’s cultural momentum. Johnsons Nurseries Ltd supplied a diverse mix of shrubs, herbaceous perennials, hedging, and trees to meet the project’s design and ecological goals. This included 165 formal Taxus baccata hedging elements, over 700 Euphorbia robbiae , 700 Thymus vulgaris , 600 Skimmia ‘Kew Green’, and 700 Escallonia . Statement trees included 10 Prunus ‘Amanogawa’ , 20 Betula ‘Fascination’ , and 13 Acer campestre ‘Elegant’ . Graham Richardson, Group Managing Director at Johnsons Nurseries Ltd, added: “We’re incredibly proud to have supplied the plants for such a high-profile and meaningful project on our doorstep." "Norfolk Gardens is more than just a park — it’s a symbol of Bradford’s cultural pride and environmental ambition. Being part of its creation during this historic year for the city is a real honour for our team. It was great working with long-standing customer Gavin Jones Ltd once again.” Norfolk Gardens Park is already becoming a key feature of Bradford’s cultural programme, hosting gatherings, performances, and everyday visitors throughout the summer. Designed not just for this year, but for generations to come, the park will remain a lasting legacy of 2025 and a symbol of the city’s confidence, creativity, and renewal.

The Bournemouth and District Association of Funeral Directors (BAFD) has a new President – Leanne Adimi from Douch Family Funeral Directors. She was presented with her chain of office by Nick Douch, who has worn it for the last two years and is the managing director of her company. The association is well over a 100 years old and was a founder member of the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, whose own president was at the changing of the guard. BAFD exists to support the funeral sector within the area and liaise with local authorities on behalf of its members. Leanne said: “It is a great privilege to wear the chain of office of an organisation that goes back to the 1890s. I watched Nick in the role over the last two years and saw how much work he did that went unnoticed." “The funeral business, like any industry, has its issues and often these are best sorted out through an umbrella organisation. I am looking forward to working hard for our members.” Nick Douch said: “I can’t think of a better person to take the office. Leanne will carry the role forward with passion and purpose. Leadership isn't about titles, it's about presence, values and contribution, all of which Leanne embodies." “I’m proud to pass the responsibility on to her and I look forward to supporting her in this role.” Nigel Hedges, President of the Bournemouth Chamber of trade and Commerce, said: “The Bournemouth and District Association of Funeral Directors was a founder member of the Chamber. “We have worked together for more than a century and I look forward to continuing the tradition with Leanne.”