As the government embarks on its ambitious 10-Year Health Plan for England, the nation’s fruit and vegetable growers are calling on Health Secretary Wes Streeting to put homegrown produce at the heart of the country’s health transformation. In a letter to the Secretary of State, grower representatives warn that vital funding for British fruit and vegetable production is due to expire this year, with no replacement in place. While growers in the EU, Scotland, and Wales will continue receiving this crucial support, those in England risk being left behind. Meanwhile, one in ten children don’t know where carrots come from1, highlighting a growing disconnect between young people and their food. NFU horticulture and potatoes board chair Martin Emmett said: “To truly ‘make the healthy choice the easy choice’, as the government has pledged and is also a core part of the government’s food strategy, the UK must ensure a reliable, affordable, and healthy supply of fresh produce. That means backing domestic growers." “British growers produce to world-leading standards, and growing food domestically is key to helping the next generation understand where their food comes from. Yet right now, just 17% of the fruit and 53% of the vegetables we eat are grown in the UK. That’s a huge, missed opportunity." Growers say the government's health ambitions can't be met without a strong horticulture sector. Yet the sector has faced continued economic shocks, planning barriers, supply chain uncertainty and extreme weather events. To truly boost confidence and meet the government’s ambition that requires long-term investment in homegrown produce. Mr. Emmett continued: “Our horticulture growth strategy4 lays out the foundations for success. We’re ready to grow more, produce more, and help turn the tide on diet-related illness. But we need government backing to do it." “We urge the Health Secretary to work closely with Defra and industry leaders to unlock the potential of British horticulture and help deliver on the government’s vision for a healthier England.”

As the draft legislation for the Finance Bill is laid out, the NFU is urging the government to look at its alternative ‘clawback’ solution to the family farm tax to prevent farmers – the food producers of this country – becoming collateral damage from the planned reforms. The government has outlined plans to hold a technical consultation on the draft legislation, including on inheritance tax, to ensure it ‘works as intended’. This is a common process in the development of a Finance Bill, but given the appalling consequences of this legislation, the NFU will be holding the government to account on every element of this policy. The NFU has repeatedly provided evidence that the current policy does not achieve the government’s intentions of closing a loophole, protecting family farms, or generating as much revenue as it should. Nor do we agree that it is ‘not expected to have a material impact on food security’. On the other hand, the NFU’s ‘clawback’ solution would allow the Treasury to raise the revenue it seeks without tearing apart farming families or jeopardising domestic food production. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has previously said: “If somebody makes powerful representations, then my instinct is to consider what’s being said. Getting it right is more important than ploughing on with a package which doesn’t necessarily achieve the desired outcome.” The NFU agrees, and they are far from alone. Since the Budget in November 2024, swathes of MPs from all parties, including members of the government’s own back benches, alongside county councils4, farming and business organisations, the food supply chain and over a quarter of a million members of the British public have joined the call to stop the family farm tax. Even the Office for Budget Responsibility and the government’s own Efra Committee have highlighted the impact these reforms will have on vulnerable elderly farmers. Throughout the summer, NFU members have also made their voices heard. At county shows across the country, thousands of letters and postcards were collected from farmers and the public to be sent directly to MPs – each sharing personal stories of how this tax will devastate their family farms. NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “At the heart of this battle are the elderly farmers who have devoted their entire lives to growing food for the country and supporting their rural communities. They should not become collateral damage. To see them face such uncertainty, knowing the legacy they and their families have worked hard for and grown could be ripped away by this tax, is heartbreaking. I cannot begin to imagine the fear many must be feeling right now – their homes, their livelihoods and everything they’ve worked for is under threat." “I have spoken directly to the Prime Minister and Treasury Exchequer Secretary James Murray about the disastrous impact of this tax. Yet, despite our persistent efforts, Chancellor Rachel Reeves still refuses to meet us to discuss our alternative ‘clawback’ proposal. The Treasury claims our solution will raise less revenue, but is refusing to release the modelling on how it came to this conclusion." “I echo the Prime Minister’s own words: getting this right is more important than pushing ahead with a policy that does not achieve its intentions." “Farmers, supermarkets, councils, MPs across the political spectrum and the wider public have all voiced their concerns about this tax. This issue goes far beyond farming. The food and farming sector supports millions of jobs, fuels our domestic food supply and contributes billions to the UK economy. When you undermine farm businesses, you undermine a vital part of our national infrastructure. If this legislation goes ahead, it will unquestionably have devastating and irreversible impacts on the country and it is so poorly designed that it will inevitably have to be changed in the future." “I want to thank every one of our members who took the time to write postcards and letters to their MPs over the summer – your voices are vital. We continue to urge all farmers and the public to make their representations directly to their MPs to show first-hand the impact of this damaging tax." “The Prime Minister must now take his own advice and listen to the overwhelming evidence that the current policy will not work as intended. To ignore the consequences this tax will bring would be a betrayal of the very people who feed our nation. We cannot stand by and watch the backbone of the countryside be broken when there is a credible alternative being offered." “This is a moment that demands listening, compassion and action. The government needs to sit down with farming representatives to find a solution that protects the future of our domestic food production – before it is too late.”

The latest NFU Digital Access Survey reveals that rural broadband and mobile coverage still falls short of what British farming businesses need – with over a fifth of respondents unable to access even a ‘decent’ internet speed. Key findings include: 21% of respondents have broadband speeds under 10Mbps – compared to the national average of less than 1%. Only 22% report reliable mobile signal across their entire farm. Nearly one out of ten respondents have no 4G or 5G access. Just 33% have access to fibre broadband – significantly below the UK average of 57%. Nearly all respondents say mobile signal (98%) and broadband (91%) are important for their business These figures come amid government delays to key rural connectivity targets. The deadline for gigabit capable broadband and nationwide 5G coverage has been pushed back from 2030 to 2032, and while the Shared Rural Network remains on track for completion by the end of 2025, full rollout and operator compliance is not expected until 2027. The NFU warns these substantial waits risk leaving farming families and rural communities cut off from vital services, especially as the government moves ahead with plans to switch all landlines to digital by 2027 – a major change that relies on strong broadband and mobile infrastructure. There are some signs of progress: ultrafast broadband access is rising, now reaching 12% of respondents, and more farmers are embracing agri-tech tools such as cloud-based services and GPS. The NFU is calling on government to: Prioritise completing the Shared Rural Network to ensure all rural communities get reliable mobile signal while fibre rollout continues. Support all broadband technologies – not just fibre – to bring cost-effective alternatives like fixed wireless or mobile broadband to rural and hard-to-reach areas. Provide rural-specific digital skills training within national programmes. NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos said: “We have been consistently told by government that food security is national security, but to deliver on that farmers need the right tools." “Reliable broadband and mobile coverage are not optional – they are essential for running efficient, productive farming businesses and ensuring safety in some of the most isolated parts of the country. If a farmer can’t call for help in an emergency, the consequences can be serious." “Right now, poor connectivity is holding back the full potential of British farming. We welcome the government’s investment announced in the Spending Review, but these delays risk leaving rural farms disconnected for longer." “This isn’t about asking for special treatment. It’s about fairness. Rural businesses, families and communities deserve the same opportunities as everyone else – and that starts with being properly connected.”

The government’s ‘Good Food Cycle’ is a much-needed step in the development of its food strategy but joined up and pragmatic policy measures must sit behind it, the NFU has said. The NFU has commended the ambition of the outcomes, particularly: Conditions for the food sector to thrive and grow sustainably, including investment in innovation and productivity, and fairer more transparent supply chains. Trade supporting environmentally sustainable growth, upholding British standards and expanding export opportunities. Greater preparedness for supply chain shocks, disruption, and impacts of chronic risks. However, more detailed policy on how the government will drive these outcomes will be critical. The strategy relies heavily on the success of programmes such as the Land Use Framework and the 25 Year Farming Roadmap and the NFU has called for food production to be given the same level of prioritisation within these as climate and environmental outcomes. It also fails to recognise that farms are commercial businesses and must be profitable if they are to deliver sustainable and nutritious food for the nation, care for the environment and contribute to economic growth. NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “The food system is complex and it’s good to see ambitions for this strategy to span across government departments. I welcome the positive things within the strategy around investment in productivity and resilience to risk and shock." “While Defra is holding a review into Farm Profitability, there is a lack of joined up thinking, as evidenced in this food strategy, that farms are commercial businesses and to succeed they must be profitable. This poses a real risk to British farming’s ability to deliver sustainable and nutritious food for the nation, care for the environment and contribute to economic growth." “A key issue for the sector is that farm business confidence is at an all-time low. While a long-term strategy is important, the development of policy behind it has to move at pace to provide much-needed certainty in the short-term and restore farmer confidence." “These policies should value the contribution of our food and drink sector, the largest manufacturing sector in the UK, which is worth more than £148 billion to the economy and provides jobs for four million people. “We need everyone in government to recognise that a resilient food system is not just an ambition but a necessity, and that a thriving, profitable farming industry is critical to delivering this.” The 10 key outcomes identified in the government’s ‘Good Food Cycle’ were:  An improved food environment that supports healthier and more environmentally sustainable food sales  Access for all to safe, affordable, healthy, convenient and appealing food options   Conditions for the food sector to thrive and grow sustainably, including investment in innovation and productivity, and fairer more transparent supply chains   Food sector attracts talent and develops skilled workforce in every region   Food supply is environmentally sustainable with high animal welfare standards, and waste is reduced   Trade supports environmentally sustainable growth, upholds British standards and expands export opportunities   Resilient domestic production for a secure supply of healthier food   Greater preparedness for supply chain shocks, disruption, and impacts of chronic risks   Celebrated and valued UK, regional and local food cultures   People are more connected to their local food systems, and have the confidence, knowledge and skills to cook and eat healthily

A thriving future for the nation’s most iconic landscapes depends on resilient, productive upland farm businesses, declares a bold new NFU vision for the uplands. The vision sets a course for long-term success and highlights how government and stakeholders can work in partnership with upland farmers – many of which are tenants – to deliver on nature and conservation targets, produce nutritious food for the nation, and safeguard the future of the family-run businesses at the heart of the rural economy. It outlines a vision for: Upland farm business to be prosperous, resilient, diverse and innovative so they’re able to support the environment and food production in tandem. Policy makers and upland farmers to work together to ensure farm businesses are fully recognised, valued, supported, and actively involved in shaping and delivering environmental outcomes. Recognition of the unique heritage and cultural value of upland landscapes as the backbone of proud, resilient rural communities where people live, work and visit. Upland farm businesses that deliver healthy ecosystems, climate mitigation and national environmental targets. NFU Deputy President David Exwood said: “Upland farmers are the custodians of some of our most cherished landscapes. These landscapes, rich in cultural heritage, wouldn’t be what they are without the farmers who’ve cared for them. You can’t have ‘sunlit uplands’ without the people who made them that way." “But the future of upland farming is under serious threat. The rapid decline in direct payments, uncertainty around the future of agri-environment schemes – which 49% of upland farm businesses are in – and the impact of the family farm tax are putting their livelihoods at risk." “Our vision sets out clear actions for how government and stakeholders can work with upland farmers to secure their future and protect the landscapes they manage. These farms produce climate-friendly food, deliver public goods like flood mitigation and nature recovery, and sit at the heart of rural economies." "The roadmap is here, now we need targeted policies to unlock the full potential of upland farming.”

Chetwood Bank has announced that its balance sheet has exceeded £5 billion for the first time, marking another significant step in the digital challenger bank’s rapid growth. In March 2024, Chetwood Bank’s balance sheet totalled £3.1 billion, reaching £4 billion by May 2025. It has now reached the £5 billion milestone, demonstrating how quickly the bank’s customer base is growing. The digital challenger bank has reached this latest milestone just as plans were announced to open a fourth office in Manchester in the coming months, adding to the company’s presence in London, Fleet and Wrexham. Its fast pace of expansion has been driven in part by its specialist mortgage operations, delivered through ModaMortgages and CHL Mortgages for Intermediaries, alongside several forward-flow arrangements. Chetwood Bank also maintains a £2 billion investment portfolio, including senior positions in warehouse financing facilities that support UK consumer and SME lenders. Chetwood Bank delivers competitive rates to customers across its savings product range, which has expanded this year to include easy access accounts and ISAs, as well as its pre-existing fixed-term products. The digital challenger bank prides itself on a no-nonsense approach, delivering fast and reliable financial products to a wide array of customers with minimal friction. Paul Noble, CEO of Chetwood Bank, said: “The speed with which we’ve crossed the £5 billion mark shows that our straightforward approach to savings and mortgages is resonating with customers and brokers alike." "By pairing specialist-lending expertise with a disciplined treasury strategy, we’ve built a resilient, diversified balance sheet that sets us up for sustainable profitability – and we’re still building momentum.”

A new academic study by the University of Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour (LITAC) with global environmental action NGO WRAP has concluded that price has very little to do with the durability of most t-shirts sold in the UK, and that spending more money doesn’t guarantee the item will be more hard-wearing. The findings were presented by PhD student Kate Baker to the Product Lifetimes and the Environment (PLATE) Conference in Aalborg, Denmark and were developed as part of a clothing durability project through the UK Textiles Pact - WRAP’s ten-year industry initiative to bring greater circularity into the UK clothing market. The LITAC team tested the durability of 47 t-shirts (24 male, 23 female designs) from UK clothing brands, including luxury items. Testing included physical properties and washing using a standard mixed 30°C wash cycle followed by a tumble dry 50 times. The t-shirts were graded for pilling (or bobbling - when small balls form on the surface of an item and the number one reason people dispose of t-shirts), as well as colour fading, shrinkage and general appearance. A key finding was no correlation between price and durability. Of the top ten best performing t-shirts, six cost less than £15, outperforming many more expensive tees including the most expensive costing £395. LITAC’s Dr Eleanor Scott said: “If circularity in fashion is to be truly effective, durability must come first. Durability underpins the reuse and resale market, as well as keeping our loved items in use longer. Crucially, these findings show that durability is not a luxury reserved for the few — it’s achievable at any price point.” Mark Sumner, WRAP’s Programme Lead on Textiles, said: “Most shoppers use price as an indicator of how hard-wearing clothes are ‘the more I spend, the more I’m bound to get out of my purchase’. But our study shows this is totally misleading. The most expensive t-shirt we tested cost £395 and ranked 28th out of 47, while a £4 t-shirt was placed 15th. The most durable t-shirt cost £28, but the one ranked second worst was £29! So, if you’re judging on price alone – buyer beware.” PhD Candidate at LITAC, Kate Baker, added: “This research is another step forward in the road to developing a way of measuring how durable the clothes we wear are. Improved clothing durability is critical for the future of circularity and providing the opportunity for people to wear the clothes they love for longer. It was an honour to present our work on garment durability at the renowned P.L.A.T.E conference in Aalborg this year.” The research found more hard-wearing t-shirts tend to have a percentage of synthetic fibres in the composition including polyester, polyamide, and elastane. Cotton t-shirts tended to have higher shrinkage than synthetic ones, which can be exacerbated with tumble drying. However, the research suggests well designed 100% cotton t-shirts can be hard-wearing and good value for money – 4 of the 10 top garments were 100% cotton. So, to ensure your tee is as hard wearing as possible the report makes the following recommendations: Heavier weight cotton t-shirts tend to perform better than lightweight ones. T-shirts with a blend of cotton and synthetic fibres perform well. Don’t rely on price to indicate how hard wearing a t-shirt is. By 2030, global apparel consumption is projected to rise by 63% to 102 million tonnes. In the UK, 711,000 tonnes of textile waste were sent to landfill or incineration in 2021, with 72% through the kerbside residual waste stream. WRAP believes designing for durability is critical to moving the industry to a more sustainable model and can be done while still offering value for money for consumers. The climate action NGO also found that the average person buys around 28 new items of clothing every year. That’s typically 8Kg each, or 586,000 tonnes in total and typically one quarter of every UK wardrobe is unworn for more than a year. WRAP’s testing methodology for durability is ready to be adapted for other regions. WRAP is now exploring partnerships with EU and US brands to co-create durability and performance standards tailored to their national needs.

In a world increasingly dominated by screens and confined indoor spaces, the outdoors offers a refreshing and restorative alternative. The benefits of spending time outside go far beyond physical health; engaging in outdoor activities has a profound impact on mental well-being. Whether it’s a simple walk in a park, a challenging hike through the mountains, or a peaceful moment by the ocean, the natural world holds immense potential for improving mental health. One of the most significant ways outdoor activities benefit mental health is by reducing stress and anxiety. The calming effects of nature are well-documented, with studies showing that exposure to green spaces can lower levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress. The sights, sounds, and smells of nature create a serene environment that helps people disconnect from the demands of daily life. Even a short stroll through a quiet park can lead to a noticeable sense of calm and relaxation. Being outdoors also has a powerful impact on mood. Sunlight exposure plays a crucial role in triggering the production of serotonin, a brain chemical that boosts feelings of happiness and combats depression. Activities like gardening, running, or even sitting in the sun can lead to a natural uplift in spirits. This positive effect on mood is particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which often worsens during darker, colder months. The outdoors is also a natural booster for cognitive function. Time spent in nature has been linked to improved focus, enhanced creativity, and better problem-solving skills. Unlike indoor environments, which can be overstimulating or monotonous, the ever-changing stimuli of the natural world engage the senses and encourage mindfulness. Activities such as hiking, camping, or even observing wildlife provide opportunities to recharge mentally and gain fresh perspectives. Outdoor activities also foster self-esteem by promoting a sense of accomplishment. Whether it’s reaching the summit of a challenging trail, mastering a new outdoor skill, or simply completing a walk after a long day, these experiences offer tangible achievements. Each success builds confidence and resilience, reinforcing the idea that challenges can be overcome. This boost in self-worth is particularly valuable for individuals working through feelings of inadequacy or low confidence. Social connection is another essential mental health benefit that outdoor activities can provide. Whether it’s joining a local hiking group, playing sports in a community league, or participating in a beach clean-up, outdoor activities often encourage social interaction. Sharing these experiences in a natural setting fosters a sense of belonging, strengthens relationships, and alleviates feelings of isolation. The combination of fresh air and social bonding creates an uplifting environment that supports emotional well-being. In addition to reducing stress and boosting mood, outdoor activities can also improve sleep. Exposure to natural light helps regulate the body’s internal clock, making it easier to maintain healthy sleep patterns. This is especially important for individuals who struggle with insomnia or other sleep disorders, as a good night’s sleep is foundational for overall mental health. When combined with physical activity, which itself promotes better sleep, spending time outdoors becomes a simple yet powerful remedy for sleep-related issues. Physical health and mental health are deeply interconnected, and outdoor activities provide an opportunity to enhance both simultaneously. Exercise, whether it’s cycling, swimming, or even brisk walking, releases endorphins that naturally reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. The physical benefits of outdoor activities—such as improved cardiovascular health and increased energy levels—create a positive feedback loop, as a healthier body often leads to a healthier mind. Incorporating outdoor activities into daily life doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Even small actions, like taking a morning walk, having lunch in a nearby park, or dedicating a weekend to exploring a local trail, can make a meaningful difference. Outdoor hobbies such as gardening, photography, or bird-watching offer additional ways to connect with nature while engaging in enjoyable, fulfilling pursuits. Ultimately, the outdoors provides a powerful and accessible way to nurture mental health. In a fast-paced, technology-driven world, stepping outside allows us to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the simplicity and beauty of nature. Whether seeking stress relief, emotional balance, or a deeper sense of purpose, outdoor activities offer a path toward mental wellness that is both transformative and deeply grounding. The healing power of the natural world is a reminder that sometimes the best way to care for the mind is to immerse it in the world beyond walls.

Among the tomatoes, courgettes, and kale in Britain’s summer gardens, one humble vegetable is enjoying an unlikely moment in the spotlight. The cucumber—long relegated to the edges of the sandwich platter or as a filler in summer salads—is having a renaissance. Once considered a basic ingredient with little personality, the cucumber is being reimagined across British culture. From high-end skincare to posh cocktails, artisan pickles to wellness rituals, this crisp green vegetable is no longer just a sidekick—it’s centre stage. From Plot to Plate In gardens across the country, cucumbers are thriving in greenhouses and climbing up trellises, a testament to the rise in home-growing that has swept the UK since the lockdown years. Their relatively easy cultivation and rapid growth have made them a favourite among both novice and seasoned gardeners. Cucumbers can be grown vertically, making them ideal for smaller gardens or urban balconies, and their yields are impressively generous with the right conditions. The joy of picking a still-warm cucumber from the vine and slicing it into an iced jug of water is a simple summer ritual that’s becoming increasingly cherished. And it’s not just about nostalgia—this is about reclaiming freshness in a world saturated with preservatives and plastic packaging. The Gourmet Gourd In the culinary world, the cucumber has shaken off its reputation as a watery afterthought. Chefs are experimenting with varieties like the spiky Armenian, the pale lemon cucumber, and the miniature gherkin-like West Indian. These once-unfamiliar types are turning up on tasting menus, bringing unexpected crunch and subtle bitterness to dishes. Pickling, in particular, has become an art form. Cucumber pickles are no longer just vinegary sandwich slices. Think pink peppercorn brine, miso-fermented spears, and gin-infused ribbons served with artisan charcuterie. British delis and farmers’ markets are buzzing with microproducers selling small-batch cucumber preserves, each with their own flavour philosophy. And for those avoiding alcohol, the cucumber has also emerged as the star of the mocktail movement. Its clean, cooling profile pairs naturally with herbs like mint and basil, and makes an elegant base for alcohol-free aperitifs. Cucumber soda, cucumber tonics, and cucumber ice cubes have become summer staples. Green Wellness Beyond the kitchen, cucumbers have made a quiet but steady conquest of the wellness industry. With their high water content and natural cooling properties, they’re ideal for hydrating the skin and soothing inflammation. The classic image of cucumber slices on the eyes may seem cliché, but it’s backed by genuine dermatological benefits. In 2025, cucumber-based skincare is trending. From gel masks to facial mists and calming creams, the extract is being championed for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. British beauty brands are leaning into the 'garden to bathroom shelf' ethos, with several launching ranges inspired by home-grown vegetables and botanicals. There’s also been a rise in cucumber-infused spa treatments. Think cold-pressed cucumber oils for massages, chilled foot soaks with sliced cucumber, and even cucumber-scented saunas designed to refresh rather than fatigue. This subtle, almost neutral scent is being celebrated for its calming effects, far from the overpowering florals of yesteryear. The Cultural Coolness of Cucumbers Part of cucumber’s new status comes down to timing. In an era where trends favour the minimal, the natural, and the sustainable, the cucumber fits perfectly. It’s low maintenance, low calorie, high water, and entirely biodegradable. Its pale green hue even matches the soft, earthy aesthetic of Instagram’s favourite kitchens and interiors. It’s also symbolic. The phrase "cool as a cucumber" has never felt more apt. Amid rising temperatures and ever-louder digital lives, the cucumber offers a quiet antidote: a moment of chill. Whether sliced into water, used in a calming lotion, or grown from seed in the back garden, the cucumber stands for simplicity in a complicated world. A New Kind of Status Symbol? In years past, superfoods like acai or spirulina came with a sense of exclusivity and global sourcing. The cucumber, by contrast, is utterly local. Grown in British soil, available in any greengrocer, and suitable for everything from haute cuisine to humble lunchboxes, it represents a shift in values. It's not about rarity anymore—it’s about relevance. Whether its rise is fleeting or here to stay, one thing is certain: the cucumber is no longer just a salad filler. In gardens, kitchens, spas and supermarket aisles, it’s carving out a cool new identity—quietly, crisply, and completely on its own terms.

Following an incredible display of resilience and determination, staff from Manchester-based independent paint manufacturer HMG Paints, have successfully completed the demanding British Three Peaks Challenge. This challenge saw the HMG team conquer the UK’s three highest mountains over three days, raising funds for their three chosen charities of 2025: Cancer Research, Francis House Children’s Hospice and Memories by Hudson. The challenging event, saw 12 dedicated members of staff from HMG travel across the UK, pushing their limits to scale the highest mountains the UK has to offer: Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in England, and Snowdon in Wales. The team aimed to complete this task in their own style, tackling one mountain each day. The journey began with Scotland’s Ben Nevis, the highest peak the challenge had to offer. The team faced an unexpected challenge, as they ascended and descended on what turned out to be Fort William’s Hottest day in 20 years, with temperatures reaching a scorching 28 degrees during their descent and humidity soaring to 95%. This remarkable coincidence, aligning with HMG’s 95th anniversary, felt “written in the stars.” Next, the team looked to conquer Scafell Pike, England’s highest peak based in the Lake District. After their first climb, finding the motivation for the second climb was tough for the team at HMG. Despite their tired legs and the heat that lingered on the day, the HMG team rallied together and powered through, demonstrating great resilience and reaching the second summit. As the team powered through, they proudly raised their company flag at England’s highest point marking the end of their second journey. The final ascent took HMG to Wales’ Snowdon, where they encountered the full force of British weather. Winds at the summit of Wales’s highest peak reached an unbelievable 60mph, combined with relentless rain and hail, providing a true test to the team as they were close to the finish line. The successful summit of Snowdon meant that HMG had conquered both the Three Peaks Challenge, as well as everything British weather had to offer. Nathan Rayner, Production Operative at HMG Paints, reflected on the journey: “Character building, facing fears, sunburn, windburn, hail and rain, we faced all that British weather could throw at us. But through it all, it was a challenge filled with teamwork, banter and lots of laughter.” Throughout the weekend, the fundraising efforts provided by HMG’s community were nothing short of phenomenal. The team’s original goal of £1000 was not only met but surpassed before the climb had even begun, a testament to the incredible support from HMG staff, suppliers and customers. With this early success, HMG set their sights on a new target of £2500, which was once again met as the final peak was conquered. “The National Three Peaks Challenge turned out to be even more demanding than I had imagined” said Brian Dowling, HMG Paints’ Health, Safety and Environment Manager. “Mother Nature certainly played her part in testing us, but as the aches and pains begin to fade, what remains are the powerful memories of a truly shared experience. Completing this challenge and raising this money means a great deal, we may have set off as colleagues, but we returned as brothers.” HMG Paints is incredibly proud of the team, their effort and dedication to pushing their limits to raise funds for three great causes has been truly inspiring. For anyone who would like to support the fundraiser they can do so by visiting the HMG Paints Three Peaks Fundraiser page here

Targeted development is essential to encourage AI uptake from non-technical employees, says M-Files Despite billions invested in AI solutions worldwide, a major roadblock remains: employees don’t understand how to use these tools effectively. Without proper guidance, businesses risk stalled adoption, wasted investment, and an inability to realise AI’s full potential. This hesitation is hindering AI adoption and limiting its benefits within organisations. Recent research indicates that only 6% of workers feel very comfortable utilising AI in their roles. This stark statistic highlights a significant skills gap that businesses must address. A McKinsey Global Survey found that while 85% of businesses have AI initiatives in place, only 25% of employees feel they understand how to apply them to their roles. This gap stems from a lack of training, uncertainty about AI’s role, and concerns over job security. Without a confident and competent workforce, even the most advanced AI strategies will struggle to deliver meaningful impact. According to Yohan Lobo , Senior Industry Solutions Manager at M-Files, the key to successful AI integration lies in a focused and purposeful approach. As Yohan explains: “Instead of deploying AI widely without clear objectives, organisations must ensure that AI solutions serve a specific purpose and align with employee needs." Key considerations for encouraging AI adoption businesses should consider are: 1. Clarifying AI’s Purpose Clearly articulating why AI is being integrated into a particular business area is essential. Employees should understand the specific challenges AI is addressing and the expected outcomes, ensuring transparency and alignment with business objectives. 2. Ensuring Data Quality And Reliability Trust in AI solutions is fundamental. If employees doubt the accuracy or reliability of AI-generated outputs, they are unlikely to engage with the technology. Businesses must ensure their AI models are built on high-quality, relevant data and produce consistently reliable results. 3. Driving AI Adoption With Employee Buy-In And Champions Successful AI adoption hinges on employee enthusiasm rather than enforcement. Organisations can foster this by showcasing real-world benefits and success stories while appointing AI champions—trusted team members who advocate for the technology, provide hands-on support, and address concerns. These champions act as a bridge between employees and leadership, ensuring a confident, informed, and seamless transition to AI-powered workflows. 4. Simplifying AI Tools Employees should not need technical expertise to leverage AI effectively. The most successful AI solutions are user-friendly, intuitive and fit seamlessly into daily work without specialist knowledge to deliver accurate results. Prioritising ease of use will accelerate adoption and drive efficiency. 5. Maintaining Clear AI Policies A structured AI governance framework is crucial to ensuring employees understand the organisation’s stance on AI adoption. Clear guidelines should outline ethical considerations, data privacy policies, and the intended scope of AI use. "AI integration becomes a much easier process when employees actively want this technology instead of having it forced upon them," says Yohan. "The key is to show employees how AI enhances—not replaces—their work. When they see real value, adoption follows. Companies must ensure that AI tools are intuitive, reliable, and demonstrably beneficial to employees' daily tasks. Without this, adoption will remain a challenge." “Without a workforce that trusts and understands AI, even the most sophisticated tools will remain underutilised. Businesses need to take a structured approach, ensuring AI solutions are introduced with clear goals, proper training, and employee support mechanisms in place.” Yohan concluded: “Ultimately, AI is only as effective as the workforce that uses it. Even the most advanced solutions will fall short if employees are not fully convinced of their value. Businesses should conduct an AI-readiness assessment to identify skill gaps and ensure their workforce is equipped for success." "By focusing on education, clarity, and usability, organisations can foster widespread AI adoption and unlock its full potential.”

Sourdough bread has become so popular with British shoppers that it now accounts for one in every 13 bread products sold in the UK. Demand for the game-changing bread, beloved by artisan bakers and food connoisseurs, has become so popular that it is now a regular purchase at supermarkets. In the last year, volume demand for the hard-crusted, rustic styled bread has soared by more than 40 per cent at Tesco – a rise of an extra 14 million sourdough bakery products compared with the 12 previous months. The supermarket now sells more than 40 million sourdough products a year and has just launched its first ever sourdough baguette in order to offer customers even more choice. Among the reasons for the strong growth are the density of the bread which makes it great for toasting, its versatility as the base for a filling snack such as smashed avocado on sourdough and the rising popularity of speciality loaves in general right now. Tesco bakery buyer Amelia Roberts explains: “Interest in this wonderfully tangy and chewy bread has grown spectacularly in the last few years. As customer demand has grown, we have responded by increasing the amount of sourdough bread products on offer, including loaves, baguettes, rolls, and crumpet varieties." “Instead of seeing bread as just something to toast or make a sandwich with, more people are beginning to appreciate it as a food to savour, and one that can have many different flavours and complex tastes." “For those that still have not tried it there is nothing quite like hot, toasted sourdough and butter.” One of Tesco’s main sourdough suppliers is Leicestershire bakery Jason’s Sourdough, which in recent years has become the fourth biggest bread brand in the country and the UK’s number one dedicated sourdough brand. Owner Jason Geary has achieved that offering market beating value, allowing Tesco to sell Jason’s Sourdough loaves for just £2 – less than half the price of other sourdough loaves. And the strategy for making sourdough more affordable has certainly worked – Jason’s now sell one million loaves a week. Jason Geary, Master Baker and Creator of Jason’s Sourdough said: “Consumers are looking for quality products that taste great and are made with less ingredients. Proper sourdough is made with no additives, no preservatives, no yeast, no seed oils, no emulsifiers and no E-numbers." “Good quality products like Jason’s Sourdough, are also bringing the out-of-home consumption experience in-home – giving consumers the premium, quality offering that they would experience in local bakeries or restaurants and making it affordable and accessible to all through the grocery retailers.” Among the most popular sourdough own brand breads at Tesco are Finest White Sourdough; Finest White Seeded Sourdough; and Finest Rye & Spelt Sourdough.