Wales will host the final two days of Britain’s biggest professional cycle race and the UK’s largest free-to-spectate live sporting event this September, as the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men builds to a spectacular finale across the south Wales climbs. Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September will see the world’s top cyclists racing two arduous stages across south Wales, taking in Pontypool, Newport, and Cardiff, plus the famous climb of The Tumble, near Abergavenny, in what is anticipated to be the final race of INEOS Grenadiers rider Geraint Thomas’ illustrious career. Pontypool, in Torfaen, will host the start of stage five on Saturday 6 September, as the British national tour visits for the first time, with a route through Monmouthshire, that will culminate in a double ascent of The Tumble, which averages 8.2% across its five kilometres. The final stage, on Sunday 7 September will start from the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales in the city of Newport, home to Beicio Cymru. After crossing the climbs and valleys of south Wales, the leg will pass the Maindy Velodrome, home to the Maindy Flyers Cycling Club that produced Geraint Thomas, among other Welsh stars, ahead of the finish in Cardiff city centre. The news follows Wales hosting the Lloyds National Road Championships in Aberaeron and Aberystwyth in late June, as part of a three-year agreement between the Welsh Government and British Cycling, that saw Sam Watson (INEOS Grenadiers) and Mille Couzens (Fenix-Deceuninck) crowned road race champions. Welsh Government Minister with responsibility for Sport, Jack Sargeant, said; "We're excited to welcome the Men's Tour of Britain back to Wales once again, an event we have proudly supported over a number of years. The Tour has found a successful home in Wales, and each time it returns it showcases our cities, towns, communities and landscapes to an international audience, as well as attracting athletes from all over the world." "As we continue our preparations for welcoming a stage of the Tour de France in 2027, these final two Tour of Britain stages represent another exciting chapter in Wales' story as an internationally-recognised destination for the very best cycling events. Wales truly is a nation made for bikes, and we're delighted to demonstrate that on the world stage." September will mark the second time that Cardiff has hosted the overall finish of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men, having done so in 2017, and only the third time in the modern race’s 21-year history that the event has finished in Wales. Newport has twice before hosted the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men, most recently in 2018, when André Greipel won the opening stage, while The Tumble has once before been a finish, 11 years ago (2014) when Edoardo Zardini took a memorable solo victory at the summit. As part of the weekend of racing in Wales, amateur cyclists will also be able to contest the official Lloyds Tour of Britain Ride the Route on Saturday 6 September. Starting and finishing from the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales in Newport, participants will have the opportunity to ride parts of the routes of the final stage a day ahead of the professionals, with more details of the event to be announced in the coming weeks. Commenting on the announcement, Jonathan Day, Managing Director of British Cycling Events, said; “Wales has provided some of the most iconic moments in Lloyds Tour of Britain history over the years, and this September will be no different thanks to the two incredible stages that we have worked with our partners the Welsh Government and stakeholders to secure." “The Lloyds Tour of Britain Men never fails to draw a crowd in south Wales, and with the four fantastic locations and two stages falling across a weekend we are confident that this will make for a really special atmosphere and a fantastic way to round out the race, and crown our 2025 champion.” Torfaen Council Leader, Cllr Anthony Hunt said; “It’s exciting to have a stage of the Tour of Britain starting here in Pontypool and travelling through Torfaen and Monmouthshire. What a great opportunity to show off beautiful Pontypool Park and Blaenavon too." “It will also give local people a great chance to come and see the race and pay tribute to Welsh legend, Tour de France winner and Olympic champion Geraint Thomas in his last professional race.” Monmouthshire County Council's Leader, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, said: "We are thrilled to welcome the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men to Monmouthshire this September. Monmouthshire is ready to provide a warm welcome to all participants and spectators, and we are excited to be part of this wonderful British event. As a council, we wish all riders the best of luck as they travel through our beautiful county and take on the challenge of climbing the iconic Tumble, near Abergavenny, twice." Newport City Council leader, Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Tour to Newport once again, and to play host to the start of this year’s final stage." “With the Tour marking Geraint Thomas’s last professional race before his retirement, I can think of no better place to start the final stage than Wales’s national velodrome which bears his name." “The riders, teams and spectators can all expect a warm welcome to our city, and a great atmosphere as they set off on the last leg of this year’s race.” Cardiff Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Parks and Events, Cllr Jennifer Burke, said: “We can’t wait to welcome the Lloyds Tour of Britain back to Cardiff." “The city is always buzzing when a major sporting event is in town and with this being homegrown sporting legend Geraint Thomas’ final race - after a career that has seen him reach the very heights of world cycling, winning world championships, Olympic golds as well as claiming the famous yellow jersey - I’m sure the streets of his hometown will be lined with spectators cheering him, and all the other participants, on through those tough final miles.” Caroline Spanton, CEO of Beicio Cymru, said: "It's incredibly special to see Wales hosting the final two stages of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men – a real showcase of world-class cycling set against the spectacular backdrop of our climbs, communities and cycling culture. This is more than a race finish; it’s a powerful celebration of Wales as a nation made for bikes." “To see the peloton pass places like Maindy Velodrome and The Tumble, and to welcome the race into Cardiff, is especially poignant in what is expected to be Geraint Thomas’ final professional road race – a fitting tribute to one of Wales’ most iconic athletes." “Our heartfelt thanks go to the Welsh Government and local authorities whose support and investment have made these stages possible. Their commitment is helping to inspire the next generation and reaffirm Wales’ place on the international cycling stage." The Lloyds Tour of Britain Men begins in East Suffolk on Tuesday 2 September, with an opening leg between Woodbridge and Southwold, followed by a second stage in Suffolk at Stowmarket, and legs taking in Milton Keynes and Central Bedfordshire, and Warwickshire before the race arrives in Wales. Further announcements about the participating teams for the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men and the detail of all six stage routes will be made over the coming weeks.

The RFU has confirmed that Clinique has agreed to a new partnership to become the Official Beauty Partner of the Red Roses. This new partnership builds on the positive impact of GameFace, Clinique’s grassroots movement launched in 2022, in partnership with MATTA, continued with Premiership Women’s Rugby last season, and reflects the brand’s long-standing commitment to supporting young women in rugby – and beyond. Designed to address the confidence crisis amongst teenage girls and encourage them to step onto the pitch themselves, GameFace has, and continues to, help clubs across the country champion their female players by providing essential funding, equipment and education. Holly Aitchison, Red Rose, said: “Clinique is such a refreshing brand. They really care about the people they work with and are so knowledgeable on what products suit each individual." “Having worked closely with them over the years, they have helped me maintain clearer skin and feel more comfortable as a result. I feel so much more confident on the field and social situations than I ever have done." “To have their support as our Official Beauty Partner means a lot to us as Red Roses and we know we’ll be well supported by them in what is an exciting few months ahead.” Karen Ehrlich, VP/GM of Skincare, Estée Lauder Companies UK & Ireland: “At Clinique, confidence has always been at our core. For over 50 years, we’ve been helping young women feel good in their skin. With GameFace, we saw a clear gap: girls were dropping out of sport in huge numbers, often because of confidence, body image or not feeling like they belonged. That’s how GameFace was born, not as another campaign, but as a movement. We started with the grassroots, because that’s where confidence is first built – on muddy pitches, not big stages.” “Partnering with the Red Roses allows us to scale our mission with purpose, supporting elite athletes in the same way we support grassroots players. This partnership is about more than skincare – it’s about giving athletes the confidence they need and helping them to inspire other women.”

Europcar Mobility Group UK has added the Vauxhall Mokka EV to its fleet of ‘runner’ vehicles for its Delivery & Collection service. This strategic move further reinforces Europcar’s commitment to sustainable mobility and contributing to the UK’s net-zero carbon emissions targets. Europcar’s Delivery & Collection service is a cornerstone of the company’s dedication to assisting customers in saving time and making an environmental difference. Electric cars and e-bikes are used by the company’s ‘hikers’ to facilitate the convenient delivery and collection of vehicles for customers. In 2024, Europcar drivers for its Delivery & Collection service, travelled more than 28,000 miles on electric bikes and an impressive 1.09 million miles in electric cars – all journeys that would historically have been covered by internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This equates to carbon savings of more than 80,500 kg, the same as 24 flights from London to Hong Kong. “At Europcar we are taking a holistic approach to reducing the environmental impact of mobility,” commented Tom Middleditch, Head of Electric Mobility, Europcar Mobility Group UK. “As well as increasing the number of low and zero tailpipe emissions vehicles on our rental and company car fleets and installing EV charging points at our stations, we are cutting carbon from our day-to-day operations. Electric vehicles for our Delivery & Collection service play an important role, and the Vauxhall Mokka EV is a great addition to the ‘runner’ fleet.” Europcar’s Delivery & Collection service is available from branches nationwide. With a quick and easy online booking process, vehicles are typically delivered to a work or home address. The service is available for all types of vehicles, including cars, vans, and electric vehicles. “Transport accounts for such a significant proportion of carbon emissions, that it is vital everyone in the industry makes meaningful changes as soon as possible,” added Tom Middleditch. “And increasing the number of dedicated electric vehicles on our Delivery & Collection fleet, with the addition of the Vauxhall Mokka EVs, is an important step in meeting our environmental goals.”

The Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Alliance (HEVRA) welcomes the UK Government’s announcement of a £63 million investment in EV charging infrastructure. This significant funding is a vital step towards removing barriers to electric vehicle ownership, making electric vehicles more accessible to drivers across the UK. Craig Scragg, Head of Business at HEVRA, said: “This is a pivotal moment for the UK’s electric vehicle revolution. It aligns with our mission to promote the adoption and integration of hybrid and electric vehicles. We believe that the expansion of EV infrastructure is crucial, not only for consumers but also for businesses looking to transition to sustainable transport solutions.” The Government’s commitment to supporting the electric vehicle market is vital for the UK’s economic recovery and demonstrates its dedication to a sustainable future. HEVRA stands ready to support these initiatives and contribute to the shared goal of a greener, more sustainable transportation system. Scragg concluded: “We are committed to supporting this transition through collaboration with industry stakeholders, policymakers and the public." "Our ongoing projects aim to educate consumers about the benefits of hybrid and electric vehicles and we are actively working to facilitate partnerships that will drive innovation and investment in the EV sector.”

Summerhall Distillery has become the latest Scottish food and drink producer to secure a new listing with Aldi Scotland. The Edinburgh-based distiller, most famous for crafting Pickering's Gin, has been announced as the retailer’s newest gin producer and will now be responsible for creating its expertly crafted, Scottish-made Toradh Gin range. Founded in 2013, Summerhall Distillery was the first new distillery to be built in Edinburgh in 150 years. The quirky and creative distillery, located at the old dog kennels of the Old Royal Vet School, now crafts thousands of litres of gin every year, including its classic Pickering’s Gin famously inspired by a handwritten Bombay recipe from 1947. Summerhall Distillery will now take on the exclusive distilling of Aldi’s famous Toradh Gin range, bringing six innovative flavours to shelves across all 109 Aldi stores. The smooth and delightful gin sits at the heart of Aldi’s premium spirits range, offering exceptional alcoholic drinks at fantastically low prices, with a 50cl of Toradh Original costing just £13.99. The new supplier relationship sees Summerhall Distillery take over the distilling ahead of what is one of the busiest periods for gin sales. Graham Nicolson, Group Buying Director, at Aldi Scotland said: “Building on our rich distilling heritage in Scotch whisky, Scotland is now at the forefront of gin production. With more than 90 gin distillers in Scotland, ranging from niche handcrafted blends to major producers exporting globally, Scotland has a unique role in serving the world’s gin aficionados." “Summerhall Distillery is an excellent example of a success story in Scotland’s food and drink sector. It was at the cusp of the gin boom in the UK, becoming the first distillery in the capital in over a 150 years, before being joined by many other peers." “Its commitment to quality, well-crafted spirits has led to a diverse portfolio of gin, whisky, vodka and rum, which are cherished worldwide. We’re incredibly proud to partner with such a respected Scottish distiller, known for its innovation and craftsmanship." “Working alongside Summerhall Distillery, we will continue to serve fantastic Scottish products at our famously low Aldi prices.” Matt Gammell co-founder of Summerhall Distillery, said: "We’re absolutely thrilled to be working with Aldi Scotland as part of its commitment to championing local producers. As one of Edinburgh's earliest gin distilleries in recent years, we've watched the industry flourish and are proud to be part of such a dynamic Scottish drinks scene." “We’re especially proud to see the Torradh Gin range now available to Aldi customers. This is a collection that celebrates the warmth of the Scottish spirit, both in character and in craft." "Our shared values of quality, authenticity and a passion for great flavour make this a natural partnership, and we’re excited to see where it leads as we continue to grow this range and bring innovative, handcrafted spirits to new audiences.”

Sybron, a leading supplier of cleaning, hygiene and catering products to some of the largest names in UK hospitality, is expanding operations with the opening of a second distribution centre in Stafford in the heart of the Midlands. After many years of operating from a single depot in Harlow, Essex, Sybron’s second distribution centre will strengthen service to its growing number of national customers, offering more efficient support to key areas such as Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Sheffield, Derby and Leeds. The Stafford depot is strategically located to increase delivery frequencies, minimise mileage and cut emissions and the carbon footprint of the business, in line with the company’s commitment to sustainability. Sales & marketing director, George Mason said: “This is a big step forward for us and a reflection of our ongoing commitment to delivering the best possible service to our customers nationwide." “We’re really excited about this next chapter for Sybron, focusing on ensuring the long-term success of the business, whilst at the same time preserving and expanding on the business legacy built by the founders.” The fit-out of the new unit will begin shortly and the management team expects it to be fully operational by November 2025. Site development will be as sustainable as possible, including solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, as the business works towards achieving net zero. The new warehouse will be led by Joe McCann, who joined the Sybron team five years ago. Staff recruitment will take place in September. “We will establish and run the new depot in the right way, led by Joe, an experienced member of our Essex team, to ensure our values and culture carry through,” says operations director, Bradley Henwood. “We’re confident this new depot will be a brilliant extension of everything Sybron stands for. Also, importantly at Sybron headquarters it is business as usual, with no changes to the team as we continue to grow.” This major initiative follows the recent announcement of Sybron’s management buyout, safeguarding the long-term future of the business. The management team is now well established having taken leadership roles over two years ago, bringing fresh skills to evolve and drive the business forward. During this time, Sybron has made significant strides, launching new Sybron-branded product lines, including SyBio, a range of biotechnology-based cleaning products and SySoft, which offers a selection of paper and tissue products, such as eco-friendly bamboo toilet rolls.

Some of Britain’s leading national showjumpers came forward for the JCL Insurance Brokers Queen Elizabeth II Cup, with 2018 winner James Whitaker taking the title for a second time. It’s been a phenomenal few years for the Whitaker family at Hickstead, with British showjumping’s first family picking up many of the major titles at the showground. John Whitaker was on the winning British team at the Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain in 2023 and 2024, his son Robert joined him on the winning team in 2024 and won the King George V Gold Cup in 2023, while cousin Donald took the same Grand Prix title in 2024. Robert was back at the top of the leaderboard in last month’s Al Shira’aa Derby, and now cousin James has won the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Cup thanks to a storming round on Just Call Me Henry, a horse owned by his dad Ian. The JCL Insurance Brokers Queen Elizabeth II Cup used to be an international class open to women riders only, but in 2008 the rules were changed to allow both men and women to compete. Renewal saw nine of the 29 starters jump clear in the first round, with James Whitaker making the most of his late draw to shave 1.43sec off leader Allana Clutterbuck’s time. “It’s a great class to win. Some people are lucky enough to win it once, and now I’ve won it twice, so I’m very happy,” said a delighted James. The rider was quick to give credit to his 10-year-old gelding Just Call Me Henry. “The only way he was going to knock a fence down was if I messed it up, and luckily I didn’t,” James added. “He’s been knocking at the door for a little while, and for the last couple of weeks he’s been jumping great.” Allana Clutterbuck finished in second place with the 16-year-old Vykinbay, a horse with whom she’s enjoyed a lot of success at county shows and Area Trials. For the second year in a row, she won the Cindy Mead Memorial Trophy for the best rider under-25. Ireland’s Peter Moloney took the third spot, finishing 1.6sec slower than Allana with the chestnut gelding Nielson. Sweden's Marcus Westergren has been making his Hickstead debut this week, and he made up for disappointment in Friday's Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain with a win in today's Unex Group Speed Classic. It was a last-minute decision to ride the 11-year-old Fellaini de Liebri Z in the class, and it paid off with a brilliant win ahead of Britain's Millie Allen and the in-form Quick Diamant HR. The Netherlands’ Sanne Thijssen won the opening international class of the day. Forty-eight combinations came forward for the €28,200 class, with 17 horses jumping clear to go through to the jump-off. For much of the second phase, it looked as though first-to-go Robert Whitaker and his Al Shira’aa Derby winner Gentlemen van het Veldhof would prove unbeatable. Their quick time of 34.95sec saw Robert stop the clock nearly a second faster than his cousin William Whitaker, riding Millfield Quickstep. But neither Whitaker had reckoned on Sanne Thijssen, who took off almost half a second from Robert’s time to secure victory with the 12-year-old Cupcake Z. The Agria Royal International Horse Show takes place from 23-27 July. Photo:  James Whitaker won today’s JCL Insurance Brokers Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Hickstead (c) Helen Cruden

58% of UK business leaders report that they find it more difficult to hire skilled mid-level talent now compared to three years ago. With a quarter stating they are having to pay a premium for this talent. Research from global talent solutions provider Robert Walters indicates that a sustained decline in graduate and entry-level recruitment is contributing to hiring challenges. As fewer professionals enter the workforce at the early career stage, organisations are now experiencing increased competition and costs for mid-level talent. Chris Eldridge, CEO of Robert Walters UK&I, comments: “Our findings emphasise the risks employers face when they hastily reduce entry-level and graduate intakes. It isn’t merely a case of short-term cost-saving; large-scale cuts lead to inflated future costs and jeopardise the health of talent pools. This trend isn’t new – looking back to 2022 offers us a clear example of the issues which can arise.” 2022’s Mid-Level Wage Inflation ‘Boom’ 2020 saw major cuts to graduate and entry-level hiring, with a survey from High Fliers Research revealing how graduate vacancies that year were cut by approximately 15% compared to 2019 levels. The sharpest annual drop in graduate recruitment recorded since the financial crisis of 2008-2009. Data from Robert Walters Market Intelligence shows that wages for intermediate positions experienced their highest growth in 2022, reaching a six-year peak with a +5% year-on-year increase. Chris observes: "The sharp rise in mid-level salaries we saw in 2022 was the result of a perfect storm. During the pandemic, major UK firms faced tight budgets, high inflation, and unused office space. As a result, many dramatically cut back on graduate and entry-level hiring, unknowingly creating a bottleneck of future talent. This was felt two years later, when business confidence rebounded and hiring ramped up. Employers suddenly found themselves competing for a limited pool of experienced professionals." Overall, from 2022 to 2024, wages for these mid-level positions rose by +8% compared to the pre-pandemic period of 2017 to 2019. In this period, positions within accountancy, technology, legal services, and engineering noted the biggest surges. Average salaries for roles such as Finance Managers, In-House Lawyers (5-10 years PQE) and Cyber Security Managers all rose by over 10% as demand increased. Is history repeating itself? It could be. However, under a set of entirely different circumstances. 2025 figures from Adzuna highlight that entry-level jobs have dropped again, by almost a third since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022. Online jobs platform, Indeed found a similar trend, reporting that roles advertised for recent graduates this year represent a 7-year low. Chris continues: “AI and automation tools are rewriting many traditional job roles. While innovation signals progress, it shouldn’t sacrifice a whole group of professionals. Graduate and entry-level positions are quickly being deemed ‘administrative placeholders’ instead of crucial to feeding future talent demands.” Jessica Holt, Managing Director for Robert Walters Outsourcing - EMEA, adds: “We are already seeing the damage this outlook is causing." "With fewer people progressing up the career ladder, organisations are finding themselves competing for a smaller pool of experienced hires, often at a higher cost and with less flexibility to shape talent internally.” Future Careers On The Chopping Block For the entry-level professionals at risk, pressures are mounting. With many feeling their current job opportunities have been significantly impacted by AI, over two-fifths (42%) now feel they need to upskill. Jessica reflects: “Roles that once gave early-career professionals an entry point into the professional world are being streamlined or removed altogether, leaving many people at the start of their careers facing a difficult gap. They’re expected to bring more advanced skills to the table but are given fewer opportunities to learn those skills on the job." “Businesses are also losing a key stage in how they build their teams. Without entry-level roles to cultivate subsequent skilled talent pools, the UK risks falling behind in developing sectors, like green energy and advanced technology, which are already facing critical skills shortages.” Chris ends: "The data speaks to the challenges that can arise in future hiring plans when entry level roles are cut too deeply. This isn’t just about future costs, but the future health of our labour market. Something which requires careful foresight and planning, not looking to emerging technologies for a single solution." “For employers, adopting a holistic approach which prioritises long-term workforce development, targeted upskilling and the application of AI alongside human insights will help ensure they avoid past mistakes while nurturing a talent pool who can meet the demands of the future.”

UK-based hospitality technology company Inntelo AI has raised more than £500,000 in a pre-seed funding round to fuel its commercial growth. It follows impressive early traction, with multiple hotels adopting its AI Concierge platform. The £506,000 round was led by venture capital fund Haatch and its partner British Business Bank, with participation from Look AI Ventures. The round also included support from several angel investors, including former executives from Trip.com, DocuSign, and others. It follows an earlier £120,000 investment from Antler, the world's most active early-stage investor, at the company's inception. Inntelo AI has developed an innovative platform for hotels that combines guest and team communication seamlessly, leveraging both conversational and agentic AI to improve the guest experience while delivering real operational efficiencies. The Inntelo AI Concierge automates guest enquiries via WhatsApp or phone and converts them into coordinated tasks, improving team responsiveness across all departments, including housekeeping, maintenance, food and beverage outlets, spas, and any other services the hotel provides. While all industries are undergoing AI transformation, hotels face unique pressures: growing competition, rising costs, and the need to attract a new generation of workers. At the same time, real estate owners, brands, and operators are re-evaluating their models as AI becomes capable of delivering human-like guest interactions and improving team coordination at scale. Inntelo’s solution is built with deep domain expertise and aims to benefit all key stakeholders – hotel guests, teams, brands, and owners. The company has already gained traction with both independent and franchised hotels, including Radisson and Wyndham branded properties in the UK, UAE, and across Europe, with more hotels currently being onboarded. The seed funding will help accelerate the company’s commercial growth, expanding sales and marketing while supporting ongoing customer deployments and integration with property management systems. Inntelo AI was co-founded by CEO Asif Alidina, who has previously worked for over a decade in hotel housekeeping and facilities management. The hands-on experience of the startup’s leadership team – combined with a newly announced global advisory board of senior operators, technologists, and academics from companies including Accor, Fairmont, and Hilton – ensures the company’s solutions are aligned with real-world hospitality needs. Asif Alidina, Co-Founder and CEO of Inntelo AI, said: “Hospitality’s AI transformation must be led from within the industry. Too often, hotels have struggled to adopt new technologies because they were developed without real operational insight. We’re incredibly excited about this new era, where the hospitality sector can not only embrace technology earlier than ever before, but also lead the way for the wider real estate and service industries." “AI can improve guest experiences and create better working environments for hotel teams. That’s the future we’re building toward, and this round gives us the support to move faster and go further.” Fred Soneya, Co-Founder and General Partner at Haatch, added: “Inntelo AI has all the hallmarks we look for in a high-potential startup – deep sector knowledge, real operational insight, and a product solving a clear pain point in a large, global market. We’re excited to back Asif and the team as they help hotels unlock the power of AI to transform the guest experience and streamline operations at scale.” Angelo Burgarello, Partner at Look AI Ventures, added: “At Look AI Ventures, we invest in transformative AI technologies with the potential to reshape entire industries. Inntelo AI perfectly embodies this vision. What immediately stood out to us was Inntelo’s ability to bridge the gap between guest expectations and hotel staff operations, something most solutions address only partially. The result is a unified, elevated guest journey and highly efficient hotel staff coordination. We were particularly impressed by the team’s deep domain expertise and the capabilities of their product." "We’re proud to support the Inntelo team on their mission to redefine hospitality through AI-driven innovation.”

Over three-quarters of small business owners will carry on working while they are on their holiday, according to a survey by Purbeck Insurance Services, the provider of personal guarantee insurance for business loans. This comes as 57% regularly exceed the average 36.5 hours worked by full-time employees across the UK. While many full-time employees head for relaxing summer breaks, the stresses and strains of running their own business means that SME decision makers risk burnout. Key Findings: 76% of SME decision makers sometimes or always work on holiday Only 22% never work on holiday 57% of SME owners spend over 40 hours working per week, including evening and weekends SMEs owners in North East England are most likely to never work on holiday Marginally more women keep the work plates spinning when they are on holiday with 79% saying they sometimes or always work on holiday, while 75% of men work while they are away. Younger entrepreneurs are the most likely to work on holiday. 83% either always or sometimes work on holiday Alarmingly, 14% of SME business owners say they spend up to 70 hours working each week, sacrificing evenings and weekends to keep their business running. As these extended hours place pressure on day to day life, the need to unwind and relax on holiday becomes more critical. According to Purbeck, businesses in the North East are the most likely to switch off completely on holiday with 38% saying they never work on holiday. Business owners in Wales and the West Midlands are least likely to, in fact a quarter say that they always work on holiday. The need to work long hours is unsurprising to many small firms as increases in utilities, labour costs and taxes mean 85%iii) are reporting rising costs. As economic pressures mount a growing number of SME owners and directors have signed a Personal Guarantee in order to secure a loan and keep their business afloat. This in turn can place additional pressure on them to work longer hours, as the significant burden of the guarantee hangs over them, placing them at personal liability for the debt and putting their personal assets at risk. Comments Todd Davison, MD of Purbeck Insurance Services, “Being your own boss undoubtedly has its rewards, but the ability to truly switch off is essential for long-term performance and wellbeing. We understand the financial pressures small business owners face, especially the growing reliance on personal guarantees when securing funding. “That’s why it’s so important for SME leaders to take steps to manage these risks. Taking out personal guarantee insurance is a practical and straightforward way to protect personal assets and ease the mental burden." "Summer holidays will always be a juggling act for small business owners, but knowing their personal finances are safeguarded can help them relax and recharge more effectively while they’re away.”

Leading professional services firm AAB, has announced the appointment of Mark Lappin as Head of Tax, reinforcing the firm’s ambition to deliver market-leading tax services across the UK and globally. Based in London, Mark brings more than 25 years of experience in tax advisory and commercial leadership, including senior roles at EY, where he led go-to-market and sales strategies for the tax division. During his time there he worked across a global client base, significantly increasing client engagement and driving substantial revenue growth. At AAB, Mark will lead the continued evolution of the firm’s tax proposition, focused on strategic segmentation, sector alignment and performance-led delivery. His appointment marks a pivotal moment for AAB’s tax discipline, aligning with the firm’s continued expansion and investment in serving complex client needs across multiple service lines. The strength of AAB’s tax team has been recognised nationally, with the firm recently shortlisted for ‘Tax Team of the Year’ at the 2025 Accounting Excellence Awards. Mark commented: “We are at a pivotal point in the evolution of tax, both in terms of increasing complexity and accelerating change. The expectations of clients, regulators and our own people are shifting rapidly. Whether it's navigating the impact of global tax reform, embracing technological transformation, or responding to new compliance and transparency demands, the tax landscape is fundamentally changing." “What attracted me to AAB is the ability to address these challenges head-on, with a team that blends technical excellence with a people-first mindset. AAB’s breadth of expertise, from corporate tax to innovation, indirect tax, customs and private client services, means we can support every type of client, from individuals to SMEs and multi-entity international businesses, under one roof. I’m excited to help our teams and our clients not just respond to these changes, but to capitalise on the opportunities they present.” John Beevers, Head of Professional Services at AAB, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Mark to AAB at a time of both opportunity and transformation across our industry. His deep expertise and authentic leadership style are exactly what we need as we help clients navigate today’s tax complexities, from reform and regulation to technological disruption." “Mark’s collaborative approach will be instrumental in working with other business units across AAB, allowing us to offer clients a truly seamless, joined-up service that combines the best of tax, audit, advisory and beyond. He will play a critical role in shaping the next phase of our journey, ensuring that we remain bold, ambitious and focused on delivering long-term value for clients.” AAB’s tax division spans five key business units: Corporate Tax, Innovation Taxes, Indirect Tax, Entrepreneurial & Transaction Taxes, Customs Advisory and Private Client, delivering an exceptionally comprehensive and specialist tax offering across the UK market. The specialist teams also work in collaboration with other business units across AAB including global employment taxes, payroll, corporate finance, audit and business advisory. This integrated platform enables the firm to address both strategic and operational tax needs while maintaining senior advisor relationships that are grounded in commercial understanding and trusted delivery. Mark’s appointment follows a series of senior hires in AAB’s London office, which has become a key strategic hub for the group’s growth. While based in the capital, Mark will lead with a location-agnostic approach, ensuring national consistency while continuing to serve the firm’s clients across the UK and internationally. Since 2021 AAB has trebled in size and now employs more than 1,000 people. The rapid growth journey is set to continue as part of delivering its ambitious growth strategy for 2030.

As global leaders convene for the UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktake, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is calling for urgent action to prioritize rural people and small-scale farmers in the global effort to transform food systems. “If we want to transform global food systems, we must start with the rural people who feed one-third of the world from small plots,” said Alvaro Lario, IFAD President. “Investing in these small-scale food producers —especially women and youth — is the most direct path to building food systems that can feed the world, provide decent work, and protect our planet,” he added. Despite growing global awareness of the need to transform food systems, progress remains uneven. Small-scale farmers, who produce up to 30 per cent of the world’s food, continue to face major barriers, including that 90 per cent lack access to affordable financial services. In today’s challenging global context—marked by slow growth, climate shocks, and multiple crises—the world’s 48 least developed countries, including 33 in Africa, face the greatest difficulty in mobilizing resources for food systems transformation. In response, IFAD is directing over half of its core resources to sub-Saharan Africa and 60 per cent to the continent. To meet the challenge, IFAD is championing innovative financing solutions, including blended finance, new funding mechanisms, and stronger partnerships with governments, the private sector, and development organizations. These efforts aim to unlock greater investment in rural development and ensure that financial flows reach those who need them most. “Evidence is essential to enable investments that are smarter and partnerships that are more ambitions. This is how we can best align and focus our resources to drive inclusive and sustainable food systems,” said Lario. At the Stocktake, IFAD is urging all stakeholders to raise their ambition and accelerate action. Transforming food systems is not just about increasing production—it’s about ensuring equity, sustainability, and economic opportunity for the rural people who feed the world.