Somerset all-rounder Josh Thomas has joined Leicestershire on loan for the final four group stage matches of the Vitality Blast. The 20-year-old arrives at Uptonsteel County Ground immediately and comes straight into the Foxes’ squad for Thursday’s East Midlands derby against Northamptonshire Steelbacks. The news follows an injury to Liam Trevaskis’ bowling hand, one which is expected to rule the left-arm spinner out of the group stage’s conclusion. Thomas, also a left-arm spinner and a versatile batter, has featured on 15 occasions for his home county – all in List A cricket – scoring 156 runs and taking six wickets. A former England Under-19 international, Thomas joins after captaining Somerset throughout the 2025 Second Eleven T20, where he registered 189 runs at 23.63 and eight wickets at just 10.5. He will become the latest Somerset player to link up with Leicestershire, following successful loan stints for Ben Green and Lewis Goldsworthy, who starred for the Foxes during the 2024 Vitality Blast. Thomas’ arrival is set to strengthen Leicestershire’s push for a quarter-final spot, with the club currently sitting fifth in the North Group ahead of this evening’s contest against Northamptonshire.

Bitcoin surged above $112,000 this week for the first time, driven by mounting political momentum, regulatory repositioning, and strategic allocations from both corporations and sovereign entities, says deVere Group, one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory and asset management organizations. “The shift is clear and aggressive,” said Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group . “Bitcoin is being pulled into the core of national economic thinking in the US – the world’s largest economy – and also corporate treasury policy, and institutional portfolios. This isn’t hype. This is capital following political will.” The Trump administration is sending unmistakable signals. Senior Treasury officials have confirmed internal reviews are underway on the potential inclusion of Bitcoin in US reserve strategy. Also committees continue to receive Bitcoin contributions, discussions between policymakers and digital asset custodians are ongoing, and new legislation supporting digital asset classification, custody, and tax treatment is gaining bipartisan support on Capitol Hill. “When a sitting administration is weighing Bitcoin as part of sovereign reserves, that reshapes the global risk framework,” said Nigel. “It doesn’t just legitimize Bitcoin, it forces others—institutions and governments alike—to act.” Elon Musk’s newly formed America Party has pushed Bitcoin further into the national conversation. In his Independence Day speech, Musk positioned Bitcoin as the foundation of economic resilience. This has reignited interest across retail platforms and triggered increased flows from politically aligned investor groups. “Musk is giving Bitcoin further ideological weight and policy relevance,” says the deVere CEO. “That moves markets. His reach is unmatched, and he’s aligning it with a monetary vision that resonates with a generation raised on decentralized tech.” At the regulatory level, the SEC has softened its stance. Several enforcement actions have been withdrawn, and spot Bitcoin ETFs are moving through review with renewed agency engagement. Regulators are now focused on operational safeguards and disclosure standards. “The era of blanket resistance appears to be over,” notes Nigel Green. “Regulatory friction held back institutional involvement for years. Now that it’s easing, we’re seeing fresh inflows from asset managers who were waiting for exactly this moment.” Corporates are moving aggressively. MicroStrategy added $2 billion in Bitcoin in June, pushing its total above 300,000 BTC. Seventeen publicly listed companies disclosed Bitcoin holdings in recent filings, with more deploying capital through custodial structures and ETFs. Firms are integrating it into liquidity and risk frameworks. “Boards are acting to preserve value through a cycle of rising debt and monetary uncertainty,” explains Nigel Green. “Bitcoin gives them optionality, mobility, and a non-correlated reserve that holds its form under stress.” Sovereign institutions are advancing too. Pakistan has begun holding state-mined Bitcoin through its central bank. The Czech National Bank is reviewing Bitcoin for potential inclusion in foreign reserves. Sovereign wealth funds across Southeast Asia and Latin America are now engaged in operational discussions with digital custodians. While not all activity is being publicized, it is being closely tracked by global capital. “These are central banks, state treasuries, and sovereign wealth funds treating Bitcoin as a strategic asset. They’re not chasing headlines. They’re preparing for what comes next.” Market data supports the shift. More than $340 million in short liquidations were triggered around the $112,000 breakout, according to data. Spot ETF inflows remain steady. Institutional buyers are dominating recent volume, with fewer retail-driven spikes and more structured accumulation.  “Governments and political figures are reshaping the environment Bitcoin operates in, and institutions—including corporate treasuries—are responding with deliberate allocation,” concludes Nigel Green. “The new all-time highs are being powered by political and regulatory will that are unlocking new channels for capital, and by the growing acceptance that Bitcoin now plays a strategic role in global finance.”

As temperatures across the UK soar, new research reveals that the biggest office bust-ups right now might not be about workloads, but whether it’s too hot or too cold. According to a new study by online printing company instantprint , temperature trouble is a daily battle for many UK workers. Among the 2,000 office workers surveyed, 9% admitted they’ve considered quitting a job because of the office air conditioning. But the tension doesn’t stop there... While 14% confess to secretly tweaking the thermostat when no one’s watching, nearly half (47%) say they’ve caught a colleague doing exactly that. That’s a lot of sneaky thermostat tampering and someone’s not telling the truth. In total, almost two-thirds (64%) of UK workers say they’ve argued over the temperature at work and with only 1 in 4 describing their office climate as “just right,” it’s clear we’re far from finding a happy medium. The Cold Truth: Why Office Temperature Matters Beyond minor gripes, research suggests the stakes are higher than we think. A Cornell University study found that workers in colder offices (around 20°C) made 44% more mistakes and were far less productive than those in a warmer environment (around 25°C). Meanwhile, the instantprint survey revealed that a whopping 40% of office workers struggle to concentrate when the air con is blasting. So if your brain freezes every time you open a spreadsheet, science says you’re not imagining it. Vicky Russell, Head of Team Experience at instantprint, says temperature is a consistent flashpoint in the office. “There’s no perfect setting for everyone – that’s the challenge. But if people feel uncomfortable or unheard, that’s when the real problems start." "Temperature complaints might sound small, but they’re often part of a bigger conversation about team culture and communication.” 4 Ways to Stop the Office Thermostat Battles instantprint’s workplace team shares four ways to keep the peace: Run a Quick Anonymous Survey – You might be surprised who’s struggling in silence. Agree a Fair Temperature Range – The HSE recommends between 21°C and 23°C for comfort and safety. Nominate a ‘Temperature Champion’ – Give one person responsibility for managing the settings and gathering team feedback. Check the Layout – If someone’s freezing, they might be sat under a vent. Small moves can make a big difference. It’s Not Just About Cold Air – It’s About Team Culture Whether you're shivering in a scarf or fanning yourself with a file, office air con drama is here to stay. But how we handle it, with honesty, fairness, and a little humour, can be the difference between a happy team and a frosty atmosphere.

As AI tools become more accessible and integrated into everyday life, Adobe Express set out to better understand how people across the UK are using this technology at home, at work, and everywhere in between. To uncover the truth behind AI habits, productivity hacks, and emerging concerns, Adobe Express surveyed over 1,000 UK adults. The result is a look at how the nation is embracing AI to boost creativity, streamline everyday tasks, and save time and money. Key Findings: AI Adoption Across the UK 40% of people now use AI both at work and in their personal lives 15% use AI solely for work, and 25% in their personal life 31% don’t use AI at all, while 5% want to learn more about it 72% reported a moderate to significant productivity boost from using AI 47% say AI saves them up to 4 hours per week at home 43% save up to 4 hours weekly at work, with 12% saving more than 10 From recipe generation to birthday invitations, AI is fast becoming the go-to tool for everything from creativity to admin. More than half of people (51%) say they’re saving money using AI, with a quarter saving up to £50 a month. AI at Home: Life Admin, Personal Projects & Creativity The survey found that people commonly use AI for: Information research (65%) Smart communication (29%) Entertainment (28%) Personal organisation & fitness tracking (41%) In cities like Southampton, Sheffield, and Liverpool, AI is being used to support creative writing, health tracking, and online learning. People in Glasgow are saving the most money with AI, while Southampton leads in time saved. AI at Work: Creativity, Analysis and Time-Saving At work, AI’s biggest impact is on efficiency. UK professionals are using AI to: Design & content creation (70%) Research & information gathering (56%) Data analysis (46%) Project management (40%) Communication (22%) Software development (18%) Industries across the UK are adopting AI in varied ways to suit their workflows. In marketing, advertising, and PR, 60% of professionals use AI both at work and home mostly for creative tasks. In business, consulting, and management, 75% use it for data analysis, while 100% of legal professionals rely on it for content creation and communication. In IT, 73% use AI for sourcing information and 47% for software development. Sectors like environment and agriculture, and hospitality and events, report the biggest time savings, with 50% in each saving over 10 hours a week. However, challenges remain, 100% of those in science and pharmaceuticals avoid AI due to lack of training, and privacy concerns affect up to 100% in marketing. Why Some Still Aren’t Onboard Despite the clear benefits, adoption barriers remain: 31% are concerned about data privacy 27% struggle with understanding or using AI tools 19% fear becoming too reliant or losing skills 14% are put off by subscription costs In cities like Belfast, Birmingham, and Cardiff, trust and ease-of-use were top concerns. Industries such as science, pharmaceuticals, and creative arts cited a lack of education as the key reason they avoid AI. Adobe Express: Making Creativity Simple with AI Adobe Express is committed to breaking down these barriers by offering intuitive, free tools that make creativity accessible to everyone. From AI-powered design templates and an image generator to video creation tools, the platform enables users to bring ideas to life – no advanced tech knowledge needed. Top Tips for Using AI More Effectively: Inspire ideas AI-generated prompts can help inspire ideas, designs and content starters, generative AI tools can help offer fresh ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Think mood boards, presentation and design assets, or simply a starting point to creative something completely unique. Use AI as a springboard for your existing creative skills, or play around with editing tools to learn something new. Streamline your schedule AI tools are ideal for streamlining workflows, whether it’s your professional schedule or your personal calendar. Use tools to automate repetitive tasks and forecast timelines or utilise virtual assistances to help schedule reminders and respond to emails. Be mindful of sources It’s true that almost one in five (18%) people are sceptical about the reliability of AI outputs, and it’s certainly something to bear in mind. AI tools can deliver a world of information in just a few prompts, but it’s important to remember to check your sources to mitigate spreading false information. Look out for free tools and trials Almost one in six people (14%) miss out on the tools and possibilities AI-generated services can provide due to concerns surrounding subscription costs. But there are plenty of creative tools out there that don’t come at a price.

Local nursery Monkey Puzzle Stoke Newington has taken an exciting step in its journey with the opening of a brand-new preschool building, located just opposite the existing nursery on Stoke Newington High Street. Just a short walk from Stoke Newington and Rectory Road Overground stations, the nursery has become a trusted choice for local families, offering a welcoming, home-from-home environment for children aged 3 months to preschool. Now, with increasing demand and a growing community, the new building provides extra space for children to learn, play and be prepared for the transition to school. “This new space is something we’re so incredibly proud of,” said nursery owner Cayden Herbert, who opened the setting in November 2023. “We’ve had such fantastic support from the community. The new building allows us to give our children so much more space to explore, play and learn.” The new preschool building has been carefully designed to support children as they prepare for their transition into reception, offering a fresh environment that helps Monkey Puzzle Stoke Newington’s children build confidence and independence. “It’s really important for children to see that learning doesn’t just happen in one place,” explained Cayden. “Having our preschool building separate from our nursery helps ease our children’s move to ‘big school’ – it shows them that change is normal and can be exciting and fun!” But the expansion hasn’t just benefitted the children – it’s a milestone for the team too. With the addition of the new building, Cayden has been able to introduce new roles for staff at Monkey Puzzle Stoke Newington, including a new deputy manager and a preschool room leader. “As a nursery owner seeing us grow and welcome more children through the door has been really rewarding, but one of my favourite parts of my role is to be able to support my team’s professional growth too,” added Cayden. “Seeing my team grow in confidence has been just as amazing as watching our children flourish!” Grace Cole, managing director of the nationwide Monkey Puzzle Day Nurseries group, praised Cayden’s achievement: “Cayden’s journey is such a brilliant example of what makes Monkey Puzzle so special. She brings a real passion to everything she does, and this new preschool building reflects that. It’s such a beautiful, inspiring place that supports both our children’s development and the progression of our early years professionals.” With the new preschool now firmly established, Monkey Puzzle Stoke Newington continues to provide a bright, spacious and supportive setting for local families.

With just one week to go until nominations close, Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) is calling on the community to put forward inspiring individuals and organisations for the 2025 VAL Awards. Held during VAL’s milestone 60th anniversary year, the awards will shine a spotlight on those making a real difference across the city and county. Taking place on Friday 3 October at the Grand Hotel, Leicester, and proudly sponsored by Hastings Direct, the event promises to be a highlight of the local charity calendar. As VAL marks 60 years of community service in Leicester and Leicestershire, the 2025 VAL Awards aim to be their biggest celebration yet – a night of stories, thanks, and inspiration. This annual milestone event will shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals, groups and organisations powering Leicester and Leicestershire’s voluntary and charity sectors – honouring those who make a real, lasting difference across our communities. Established in 2019, the VAL Awards have become a major celebration of local heroes, recognising those who go above and beyond to create a better future for others. This year’s ceremony promises to be especially memorable, blending heartfelt recognition with the historic pride of six decades of Voluntary Action LeicesterShire’s impact in the community. Kevin Allen-Khimani, CEO at VAL, said: “It’s a huge honour to bring the VAL Awards back in this landmark year. As we celebrate 60 years of supporting the voluntary sector, this event serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible individuals and organisations that continue to lead change. Every year we discover inspiring stories through the nomination process – people and projects we might never have heard about otherwise. This is our chance to say thank you for your service, publicly and proudly.” Kieran Chand, Engagement Leader at Hastings Direct, added: “We’re incredibly proud to be headline sponsors of the VAL Awards again in 2025. It’s an event that we are really passionate about based on the ethos and values of Voluntary Action LeicesterShire. It’s really impactful in terms of the expertise that we’ve come across through VAL to be able to support a wider group of charities and organisations that we wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.” Nominations Now Open Whether you're recognising a local charity, a standout volunteer, or a visionary leader, nominations are now open to everyone. Submissions are invited in the following categories: City Charity of the Year – sponsored by Springfields County Charity of the Year – sponsored by Rowleys Social Enterprise of the Year – sponsored by Leicester University School of Business Volunteer Led Organisation of the Year – sponsored by Meesh Consulting Trustee of the Year – sponsored by ER Recruitment Kathryn Burgess Volunteer of the Year – sponsored by Knights Plc Inspiring Leader of the Year – sponsored by Voids Limited Fundraiser of the Year – sponsored by Champions UK Plc Youth Charity of the Year – sponsored by Mindera UK Foundation Charity & Business Partnership of the Year – sponsored by PPL PRS Overall Charity of the Year – sponsored by Hastings Direct The Kevan Liles Award (Lifetime Achievement Award) – sponsored by Voluntary Action LeicesterShire This is your opportunity to celebrate the dedication, compassion and ingenuity that defines our region. Nominations are free and can be submitted easily online . The deadline is 4pm on Thursday 17 July 2025, so don’t miss your chance to shine a light on those who truly deserve it. As the deadline approaches, register your nomination and help Voluntary Action LeicesterShire honour the people who are shaping the next 60 years of social change in Leicester and Leicestershire.

A care home provider held an afternoon party to recognise and celebrate dozens of colleagues who have given 20 or more years’ service. Seventy Colten Care staff from the company’s 21 homes in the south and Ringwood head office came together to dine and have fun at the Harbour Hotel in Christchurch, Dorset. It was the latest meeting of members of the ‘Colten Club’, an informal group set up in 2019 to honour long service, loyalty and commitment. There are currently 106 employees who have reached the 20-year milestone, with 19 more set to ‘join the club’ during 2025. Representing all departments, both clinical and support, they have amassed a remarkable 2,344 years of service between them. This year, three long-termers with 25 years’ service - Vivien Taylor, Susan Gunn and Karen Luke - each received framed certificates and £1,250 shopping vouchers. George Colwell, Co-Chairman and Estates Director, who presented the certificates, said: “It’s the contribution of generations of team members that has made us so successful as a care home provider. And we are fortunate to have such an inspiring group of long-servers who have each stayed for more than 20 years and shown amazing individual commitment.” Guests were welcomed with drinks and had the chance to have their faces sketched by Grooves Caricatures during the reception. This was followed by a three-course meal, garden games and cocktails to round off the afternoon. Colten Club member Lorna Parsons, Chef at the Poole care home Bourne View, was one of those attending. Lorna was a teenager when she began working for Colten Care in 1998 as a part-time dishwasher and waitress. In 2002 she became the company’s first apprentice chef, training at The Bournemouth & Poole College. After qualifying, she became second chef at Belmore Lodge in Lymington and went on to lead the kitchen team at Amberwood House in Ferndown. In 2022, she achieved national recognition by being crowned Chef of the Year at the prestigious National Care Awards. Lorna, who has recognised the mentoring and support she received from recently retired Hotel Services Manager Fergus Davitt, said: “I have had huge support. It was Fergus who gave me my first job all those years ago and he was always there for me, pushing me to be better. He and so many other people at Colten have been such a huge support to me in my career.” In previous years, the Colten Club has met for celebratory outings at the Bombay Sapphire gin distillery in Whitchurch near Winchester and at the Chewton Glen Hotel in the New Forest.

Located at 6 Raynham Close, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 5PJ, the brand-new store is home to all the very best in paint, wallpaper and woodcare from Farrow & Ball, Zinsser, Dulux, Osmo, Albany, Morris & Co. and Sanderson to name just a few! As the largest independent decorator’s merchant in the UK, Brewers are excited to be able to serve the decorating community of Bishop’s Stortford and add to the network of stores in the East. Situated just off the M11 on the busy industrial area of Raynham Close, off Raynham Road, the store is located right in the hub of Bishop’s Stortford for merchants and DIY specialist stores. Store Manager, Martin Simpson, Supervisor, Emma Simpson, and the rest of the team will be on hand to offer free, expert advice about all the professional decorating products they have in store. Whether you’re an expert decorator with years of knowledge under your belt, or an avid DIYer looking for professional finishes, Brewers have got you covered! If you’re looking for some interior inspiration, Brewers Bishop’s Stortford has a wide range of designer paints and wallpaper books ready to be explored. With free colour cards and wallpaper samples, putting together a scheme has never been so delightfully easy. Once you have created your scheme, Brewers can create your chosen finish and colour for you with their state-of-the-art tinting facilities from Dulux, Johnstone’s, Little Greene and more to be announced soon! What are you waiting for? Head into Brewers Bishop’s Stortford today for store exclusive offers, discounts and more!

Brewers were thrilled to support the London School of Muralism (LSoM) once again with the donation of 25L of Albany Masonry Paint and sundries for their latest mural. Just opposite Waterloo Station, a once harsh and overlooked underpass has been transformed into a riot of colour and humour thanks to the brand-new mural from the renowned Artmongers collective. Led by artist Patricio Forrester, founder of LSoM and co-founder of Artmongers, the project brought together seven emerging muralists with members of the local community through a creative collaboration with St John's at Waterloo Arts Club. Aptly titled “Water Loopy Flypass”, the artwork features a flock of fashion-forward, commuter pigeons soaring under the arch in quirky, colourful outfits – a cheeky nod to both urban life and London's beloved feathered residents. After five lively design sessions, two bold concepts were presented to the public for a vote, via local networks LERA, Coin Street, SOWN, and St John's at Waterloo. With 189 people casting their votes, the playful pigeon design took 65% of the vote. “This space felt a bit unloved,” said Patricio Forrester. “Humour can dissolve the tension in a space like this. And pigeons—often stigmatised—deserve the spotlight. They’re graceful, resilient and undeniably part of London’s soul.”   Painting directly onto the high-arched structure posed unique technical challenges. Artists had to account for extreme viewing angles and distort figures accordingly. The mural was brought to life by LSoM students: Tessie Orange Turner, Charlotte Clarke, Finn Donovan, Tia McKoy, Beci Ward, Farya Hussein, Ana Mendoza and Ruan Murphy, with painting contributions from local residents John Pierce and Francesca Hearn. To see how Brewers support projects like this across the UK, please click here

Royal Mail has launched a £1 million small business apprenticeship levy gifting fund as part of a new set of commitments to support growth. The initiative comes as new figures show that a quarter of businesses are struggling to recruit skilled workers and the skills gap is one of the biggest barriers to growth. The apprenticeship levy gifting fund is one of a number of commitments Royal Mail is making to small businesses which are published in full in a report by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and Royal Mail titled Small businesses: delivering growth for Britain. The report includes the findings of in-depth research including a survey of more than 1,200 BCC members and supporting qualitative insight into what small businesses see as the biggest opportunities and barriers to growth. Other key findings in the research include: • More than a third (35%) of UK firms expect to grow in the next year, while 41% forecast ‘business as usual’ and 22% expect to downsize. • Four in 10 businesses (38%) see the UK domestic market as the biggest opportunity. • Online remains a key driver of growth for businesses – firms expect proportion of e-commerce sales to increase by 25%. The report also includes calls to Government to provide targeted support to help small businesses reach their growth potential. The report and commitments form part of Royal Mail Means Business, a new campaign which aims to champion small businesses and the important role they play – from entrepreneurs and start-ups through to established companies with up to 250 employees. A relaunched Small Business Hub contains advice and tailored content focused on fuelling growth, including simplifying and demystifying exporting, and providing more expert advice on topics businesses said they need help with as they expand into e-commerce and look to grow online sales. Royal Mail’s apprenticeship levy gifting fund is now open. It is available to owners or employees of registered companies with up to 250 employees. The funding can be used to complete any Government registered apprenticeship course, which could include courses to upskill small businesses on traditional skills as well as help them to adopt new technologies such as AI to boost efficiency. Companies with an annual wage bill of £3 million or more are required to pay a levy to recruit and train apprenticeships. They also have an option to gift some of their levy to external organisations. Royal Mail has chosen to support small businesses because of the unique role the company plays in supporting businesses of all sizes the length and breadth of the UK. As the Universal Service Provider, it is the only company that delivers to all 32 million addresses in the UK. Alistair Cochrane, Interim CEO of Royal Mail, said: “We are hugely proud of our role in helping small businesses across the UK, but we want to go further in helping them to thrive in today’s competitive market. The research shows small businesses have sent a clear message that they need more support, particularly in accessing workers, exporting and clearer advice. The commitments we are making, including our £1 million apprenticeship levy gifting fund and new Small Business Hub, are designed to target support where it’s needed.” Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “SMEs are the beating heart of the UK economy, driving growth and employing millions of people across the country. To really understand what businesses are thinking, we’re delighted to have partnered with Royal Mail on roundtable events across our Chamber network, alongside survey work carried out by our award-winning Insights Unit." “Royal Mail’s support for small business, with a particular focus on skills, can help make a real difference in local communities across the UK.” Postal Services Minister Justin Madders said: “Small and medium-sized businesses are the innovators and job creators that power our high streets, drive our exports, and are the heart of communities across the country.” “Royal Mail has a crucial role to play in supporting these businesses in every part of the UK, and I welcome the additional support they are providing to their loyal customers.” For more information about the apprenticeship fund, the Small businesses: delivering growth for Britain report, and other Royal Mail Means Business initiatives, visit Royal Mail’s Small Business Hub

Student satisfaction at the University of Dundee has increased, results from the National Student Survey (NSS) 2025 reveal. Early analysis of the results shows that the University has improved in overall satisfaction, up to 84.8% from 82.4%. It has also seen an improvement in the positivity measures across 26 of the 27 mandatory questions. Some highlights from the initial analysis place the University at 3rd in Scotland and 9th in the UK for course teaching and 3rd in Scotland and 11th in the UK for learning opportunities. These results come from more than 84% of final-year undergraduate students completing the survey, which is an extremely high level of engagement. In Scotland the University is ranked 1st in 12 subjects for Overall Satisfaction in the following subjects: Children's nursing Anatomy, physiology and pathology Physics Bioengineering, medical and biomedical engineering Civil engineering Chemical, process and energy engineering Computer science Architecture Planning (urban, rural and regional) Finance Geography (non-specific) Environmental sciences Professor Blair Grubb, the University’s Vice-Principal (Education), said, “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every member of our University community who has contributed to delivering these excellent results against a background of considerable institutional challenge." “Since the University emerged from the disruption to education caused by the Covid pandemic three years ago, each school and discipline has systematically tackled areas of weakness previously revealed by the survey through clear planning, determination, and sharing of good practice, and that approach is clearly working. “To see these efforts rewarded by further improvements in the NSS outcomes this year stands testament to the expertise, determination, and excellence of every one of our colleagues.”

British Airways is expanding its short-haul network with two brand-new additions to its route map. BA Euroflyer, British Airways’ Gatwick-based subsidiary, will operate year-round services to the capital of Morocco, Rabat, and Austrian city break destination, Graz from the 2025 winter season. British Airways’ London City-based subsidiary, BA Cityflyer, has also announced that it will be introducing flights from its base to Madrid in Spain, starting on 1 December 2025. Flights include a Club Europe (business class) option, which offers more personal space, a full meal with drinks from the bar, and an additional baggage allowance. Customers travelling in Club Europe with BA Euroflyer will have access to British Airways’ Club lounge which has recently undergone a full refresh, with a brand-new bar serving cocktails and beverages, new décor, and furniture. Rabat, Morocco Alongside Marrakech and Agadir, Rabat will become the third destination in Morocco served by the flag carrier. According to Morocco’s Ministry of Tourism, the country has set a new tourism record, welcoming 1.3 million more visitors than the same period last year. This represents a 68% increase compared to 2019, and with the addition of Rabat to British Airways’ route network, customers looking to travel to Morocco from the UK have even more choice when booking. Rabat is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, architecture and distinctive blend of tradition and modernity. As a destination offering warm weather year-round, it’s ideal for travellers seeking sunshine closer to home. Flights to the Moroccan capital will operate twice per week on Wednesdays and Sundays, using an Airbus A320 from London Gatwick. The service begins on 5 November 2025. BA Euroflyer flies from London Gatwick to Rabat from £70 each-way, including taxes and carrier fees. Karen Hilton, Managing Director of BA Euroflyer said: “With its year-round warm weather, Morocco is ideal for those seeking an off-season escape without a lengthy flight time. The addition of Rabat means we now fly to three fantastic destinations in Morocco – an excellent choice for families, couples, and friends alike.” Graz, Austria The launch of Graz brings British Airways’ Austrian destinations to four, joining Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. This new route marks a significant expansion, as there are currently no other direct flights operating between London and Graz. With Austria’s recent win at the Eurovision Song Contest and the country set to host the next edition, Austria is poised to take centre stage on the international music scene in the coming year. The addition of Graz not only improves connectivity but also offers travellers even more opportunities to explore Austria. Graz is known for having some of the finest Christmas markets in Austria and in the summer, it offers a variety of experiences including outdoor activities and scenic beauty, making it an ideal city break destination all year round. Flights to Graz will operate three times per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, using the Airbus A320 fleet from London Gatwick. The service begins on 21 November 2025. BA Euroflyer flies from London Gatwick to Graz from £60 each-way, including taxes and carrier fees. Karen Hilton, Managing Director of BA Euroflyer said: “We’re excited to further strengthen our connectivity between London and Austria with the addition of Graz. We will be the only direct operation between the two cities, offering more choice to our customers, whether it’s for business, leisure, or visiting friends and family." Madrid, Spain BA Cityflyer, British Airways’ London City Airport subsidiary, will operate 11 weekly flights to the Spanish capital, bringing the weekly total up to 44 alongside the existing London Heathrow service. Whether customers are looking to travel for work or leisure, the additional flights from London’s most central airport give customers even more choice when booking. The timings of both the inbound and outbound flights have been optimised for those customers wishing to connect onto other services from Madrid, particularly South American destinations, including Bogotá, Montevideo, and Lima. BA Cityflyer flies from London City to Madrid from £78 each-way, including taxes and carrier fees. Flights will begin operating on 1 December 2025. Flights are available to book now at www.ba.com .