East Midlands-based civil and structural engineer BSP Consulting has appointed a new associate director and a new associate. Jo Posnett has returned to the company as an associate director, having previously spent 19 years at BSP in the transport department. Meanwhile, Oliver McElroy has been promoted to associate. BSP Consulting MD Carl Hilton said: “I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Jo Posnett as associate director and Oliver McElroy as an associate. Jo was a valued member of our team for many years and her return is good news for our clients and her colleagues. Oliver is recognised as a senior leader within our civil engineering team and his promotion is well-deserved. I’d like to congratulate them both on their new positions, wish them all the best and thank them for contributing towards the continuing success of the business.” Jo joined BSP Consulting in April 2005 as a senior transportation engineer before becoming principal transport planner and then an associate. After a year away from the company, she has now returned as associate director and will help to continue developing the recently re-organised transport planning team at BSP Consulting. Jo, who now plans to spread her time between BSP’s Nottingham and Leicester offices, said: “I am excited to have returned to BSP Consulting in a new role, having spent many years at the company previously. I now bring a slightly different perspective and wider expertise, which I am looking forward to using for the benefit of our clients.” Oliver, who has been with BSP since November 2020 and was formerly principal engineer, contributes significantly to both the management and effectiveness of BSP’s Derby office and is playing a key role in the implementation of software application Civils3D across the company. He said: “I am excited to have been promoted and given the opportunity to step up to the role of associate. BSP Consulting has a reputation for encouraging career progression and promotion from within, which is giving me the opportunity to continue my professional development and play a greater part in the management of the business.” BSP Consulting, which is based in Nottingham and has offices in Derby, Leicester and Sheffield, is an award-winning firm that operates across the UK, offering civil engineering, structural engineering, transport engineering, geotechnical and environmental engineering. The company works across all sectors including housing, student accommodation, commercial, industrial, health, education, senior living, retail and heritage, and is one of the largest independent civil and structural engineering businesses in the East Midlands.

Ole & Steen, the Danish bakery and coffee house, has announced another year of strong performance and positive financial growth following a focused period of strategic execution for the brand. Ole & Steen, home of the freshly baked Cinnamon Social, reported solid 25% EBITDA increase after a year marked by continued investment and operational discipline. EBITDA for the year rose to £4,890,689, up from £3,926,824 in 2023, highlighting the success of efficiency measures and improved performance in the latter half of the year. Ole & Steen also reported a 5% growth in turnover for the year ending December 31, 2024, with revenue increasing to £36,684,837 from £34,820,879 in 2023. The company’s performance was bolstered by an outstanding finish to the year, with Q4 delivering +17% like-for-like sales growth, firmly re-establishing Ole & Steen’s position as London’s favourite Danish bakery and coffee house. This positive momentum has continued into 2025. Growth reflects sustained momentum across all 26 London stores, driven by organic sales improvements, enhanced digital capability, product innovation, and consistent execution of the company’s Refocused Strategy introduced in April 2024. The company’s investment in its London production facility in Leyton has delivered tangible benefits in consistent product quality and cost efficiency, laying a solid foundation for continued profitable growth in the UK. Ole & Steen UK Managing Director Graham Hollinshead said: “2024 was a year of strong and focused execution for Ole & Steen as we delivered organic top-line sales growth of 5%, reaching £36.7 million across our 26 London stores. In addition, our EBITDA increased by £964k to £4.9 million, a 25% year-on-year uplift. This performance was driven by a stellar finish to the year, with Q4 delivering +17% like-for-like sales growth, firmly re-establishing our position as London’s favourite Danish bakery and coffee house. This positive momentum has continued into 2025." “The foundation for our success was the Group Refocused Strategy launched in April 2024. This strategy has reaffirmed our identity as The Danish Bakery and Coffee House in London. We’ve invested heavily in our stores, teams, service standards, and digital capability. From extended opening hours to seasonal product development, we’re meeting our customers where they are – in-store, online, and on special occasions like New Year, Halloween, and Valentine’s Day." “As we moved into autumn, we recorded some of our best trading weeks ever. October saw the launch of our highly successful “Treat of the Week” campaign, showcasing a different signature Danish pastry each week at a special price point. The response has been outstanding, and we’ll continue the offer throughout 2025.” Graham added: “Innovation remains at the heart of what we do. In 2024, we launched a series of standout products from our award-winning Christmas Turkey Toastie to the beautifully crafted Cardamom Bun. And who could forget the festive twist on our iconic Cinnamon Social, reimagined as a limited-edition Christmas Chocolate and Orange Social with orange jam, custard, and chocolate icing." “Customer convenience is core to our brand experience. In 2024, we expanded to three major delivery platforms and introduced a new web-based ordering portal to better serve offices and B2B clients. Meanwhile, our Loyalty App membership grew by over 40%, with strong engagement across features like Click & Collect, loyalty rewards, and exclusive offers." “At the heart of our Refocus Strategy was a clear mission to win our customers back. Thanks to the passion, hard work, and commitment of our incredible team.” Looking ahead, the business is poised to maintain strong trading performance and capitalise on efficiencies throughout 2025. Ole & Steen, known for its iconic Cinnamon Social and authentic Danish pastries, continues to focus on delighting customers with seasonal menu innovations and superior service. Recent highlights include the successful launch of a limited-edition Gelato in partnership with Badiani and strong performance of newly introduced core items.

Ealing Trailfinders are thrilled to announce the marquee signing of Alana Borland (nee Bremner), who brings a wealth of success and experience to the club. Originating from Christchurch, New Zealand, Alana has enjoyed a distinguished rugby career both domestically and internationally. Alana began her rugby journey at Lincoln University, where she became the first woman to play 50 times for the side. She then played for Matatū in Super Rugby Aupiki, where she was a key part of the team that clinched their first-ever Super Rugby title after defeating Chiefs Manawa in the final. Having also represented Canterbury provincially, she was a pivotal figure in their domination of New Zealand rugby. As captain, she led Canterbury to their fourth consecutive Farah Palmer Cup title in 2020 and was named Player of the Season in recognition of her outstanding performances. On the international stage, Borland has earned 28 caps for the Black Ferns, becoming an integral part of their forward pack, scoring 5 tries along the way. She made her international debut in the Black Ferns’ historic 100th test match against England in 2021, scoring her first Test try in the same match. Later that year, she was a member of the Rugby World Cup-winning squad and scored a try in the quarterfinals against Wales. Known for her exceptional tackling, leadership, and expertise at the lineout, she is a versatile and dynamic player who will be a key asset to Trailfinders Women. On signing with Trailfinders Women, Alana said: “I’m very excited to be joining Trailfinders for the upcoming season. I’m looking forward to challenging myself in a new environment and seeing what value I can add to this team. “After talking to Barney and a current player, the club sounds like it has a great culture and a well-resourced, well supported team.” Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added: “Alana is a world-class player, and we are incredibly excited to have her on board. Her experience at the highest level, both domestically and internationally, will be invaluable to our squad. “Her leadership, physicality, and lineout expertise will add depth to our pack, and we’re looking forward to seeing the impact she will make here with us.”

A newly revamped gym has opened up at Ortongate Shopping Centre in Peterborough filling the gap left by recent closures in the area. Ortongate Fitness opened on Saturday, June 14, as shopping centre bosses declared "the wait for a new facility is over”, with some 500 members already signed up at the new fitness centre. Excitement for the opening had been growing since the initial announcement for the venture was made on Friday, May 23. Dovile Adomaviciute, club manager, said: “The response to the gym opening over the weekend has been tremendous. I’ve been committed to health and fitness in our local community for seven years and I’m thrilled and excited to continue my journey with Ortongate Fitness.” Ortongate Fitness, located in Orton Goldhay, is an independently owned gym. The gym is close to 7000 sq ft building has been completely refurbished following a £150k investment, which includes the installation of high-end equipment and an extensive class timetable has been scheduled in a range of specialisms. The air-conditioned gym includes a wide range of cardio equipment, resistance machines and a large area with a range of free weights. In addition, a boxing punchbag, squat racks, spin bikes and a separate studio space has been created. The timetable of classes ranges from bootcamp and kickboxercise, to strength and conditioning, spin and ‘ladies that lift’ sessions. The site also has free parking which is a huge plus for its members. Dovile said: “The gym’s team, its owners and landlord share my passion for physical fitness and community health. Bringing a gym back to the centre maintains and builds that community and strengthens mental health through activity and support.” Equipment and classes have been tailored to suit a variety of lifestyles and exercise needs. Rob Cassidy, managing director at Cassco Holdings Limited, which owns Ortongate Shopping Centre, said: “The opening is great news for the centre and the local community. Getting this service back, especially with so many local closures, puts the heart back into the shopping centre.” The new gym continues the success story of the revamped Peterborough shopping centre. Now close to full occupancy, just two retail units remain available to rent – one of which could be divided into four individual spaces should occupiers require smaller units. The shopping centre’s rise began when previous owner ALB Group took over the site in April 2023. At the time, it was barely half full. Investment and refurbishment from the team at ALB Group brought in more shoppers and traders alike as occupancy surged. The group then sold the centre to Cassco Holdings Ltd. The Nottingham-based company owns several retail and industrial sites around the country and bought Ortongate Shopping Centre in September 2024. A schedule of refurbishment of the retail units followed along with upgrades to the shop frontages and the communal areas. Investment and support for local community events and a series of charitable donations have also been made. Rob, 60, said: “As a family firm, building community is incredibly important to us. The opening of Ortongate Fitness is another piece in the jigsaw of rebuilding and maintaining the fantastic community spirit that exists at Ortongate and the surrounding area. We will continue to support its growth and build upon its thriving community spirit.”

Businesses are being invited to back a music festival in an effort to raise as many ‘notes’ as possible for a children’s charity. Fun, food and fireworks will provide the backdrop for the return of a popular charity music festival in Stratford-upon-Avon this summer. Stratfest, at Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club on August 9th, will once again lend its stage to a host of talented local musicians while also raising money for south Warwickshire children’s charity Molly Ollys. Rock and Roll party cover band Bands Texan Peacocks, from Stratford, and No Direction, a rock and pop cover band from Snitterfield, head the impressive line-up which will culminate with a spectacular fireworks finale lighting up the skies at 10pm. Other acts include Frazer Lepford, performing Indie and Rock; Jake Rees, performing Classical and Pop; guitarist Luke Brougham playing Spanish/Latino and Country; Rock Pop duo The Tickets and Pop vocalist Honor Isabella. The hotel’s co-owner and General Manager Beverley Haynes, said: “It’s an opportunity for local businesses to support our annual charity fundraising music festival, raising funds and awareness for Molly Ollys. Companies in return will feature on all promotion material, be able to have a presence on the day, receive complimentary tickets and reserved tables." “Sponsorship will allow us to cover the costs of staging, lighting, technical support & musicians so we can donate more to this year’s charity. Any amount of donation from £500 upwards is welcomed.” “Your ticket won’t just get you a great day out — it’ll help make a real difference to families facing extraordinary challenges.” Rachel Ollerenshaw established Molly Ollys with husband Tim in 2011, following the death of their eight-year-old daughter Molly from a rare kidney cancer. The Warwick-based charity works to support children with terminal or life-limiting illnesses and their families and help with their emotional wellbeing. As well as providing more than 4,300 wishes to date, they donate therapeutic toys and books to both children directly and to hospitals throughout the UK. A set of books from the charity’s exclusive Olly The Brave series and the lion have now been handed out to more than 70 hospitals or health centres to distribute to children undergoing treatment. Olly has his own Hickman line and a detachable mane which helps to explain and normalise the effects of chemotherapy. Part of more than £5m raised to date, has also been used to fund the first consultant in paediatric palliative medicine at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and pay for the training of a further two consultants. Rachel Ollerenshaw said: “Molly Ollys are really looking forward to being a part of Stratfest this year. It will be a great day with lots going on and brilliant line up of local talent. Big thanks to all the team at Stratford Park Hotel for inviting us to join them and helping us to raise funds and awareness of our work to make the dark days brighter for children with life threatening illnesses.” The festival starts at 2pm and is laying on a host of family activities including bouncy castle, bouncy slide, face painter and fun with Muddy Munchkins Playgroup, which is based in the grounds of the hotel. There will also be the chance to get your shopping fix at a range of artisan stalls. The independent Stratford Park Hotel & Golf Club, which now has 32 bedrooms, was converted from a farmhouse and opened in 1993, alongside an 18-hole 72-par golf course, offering a range of visitor and guest packages. The adjacent Meadow Barn events venue is popular for bespoke weddings, surrounded by a private arrival courtyard with fountain and terrace seating. Anyone interested I sponsorship is invited to contact Beverley at: beverley@thestratfordpark.co.uk

Property consultancy Vail Williams has sold a multi-let industrial investment in Dorset on behalf of the private owner. Shaped in a horseshoe, Manor Park at 35 Willis Way, Poole, comprises 17 industrial/warehouse units. They range in size from 708 sq ft to 2,162 sq ft and provide nearly 20,000 sq ft in total. The freehold interest was sold to a London-based property investment company, with 11 units let and one vacant, with five of the 17 sold off on long leaseholds. Rents for the units on the freehold interest range from £10.97 sq ft to £14.01 sq ft. Tenants include Finish It, Sign Tech Graphics, BKC Karting, Millturn CNC, JR Motors, RB Autocare and Justell Engineering. Ben Duly, an associate at Vail Williams’ South Coast offices, acted on behalf of the seller, a property development company based in Cheshire. He said: “We were instructed to market Manor Park, located within the sought-after Fleets Industrial Estate, on behalf of the freeholder. Following the marketing campaign, a private property company purchased the freehold property for an undisclosed seven-figure sum." “Rental income on the occupied freehold units is currently £180,717 per annum. Only one of the freehold industrial/warehouse units is vacant." “We have been appointed to market unit 12, at 2,188 sq ft, with a quoting rent of £27,350 per annum, equivalent to £12.50 a sq ft, and we anticipate keen interest. Offers for the long leasehold interest will be considered on unit 12." “With eight allocated parking spaces, the unit is being refurbished, including with a new steel-clad insulated roof. Furthermore, planning permission has been granted for direct access off Willis Way.” Manor Park has units of steel portal frame construction, with a mix of old and new steel-clad roofs with brick and part steel clad elevations; they have roller shutter doors, personal doors and three-phase electricity. Solicitors Aaron & Partners LLP in Chester acted for the vendor and Hamlins LLP in London for the purchaser. Property agency PK3 Agency in Manchester acted for the purchaser.

A proud PR stood alongside some of her own clients to receive a national award for inspirational entrepreneurs earlier this month. Amanda Chalmers of Chalmers News PR, collected the ‘Excellence In Media’ Award at Ladies First Professional Development Network Business Awards last week, along with three of her own clients Lianne Kirkman, Bianca Rodrigues-Perry and Paola Spiga who were also recognised. They were among 32 winners at the Ladies First Inspirational Achievers Awards, held at the IXL Centre at Dallas Burston Polo Club, in Southam. Amanda spent almost three decades in the regional press, culminating with a stint in the Stratford Herald editor’s chair between 2014 and 2018, before launching Chalmers News PR, based in Warwick. This marks the third accolade for her agency in less than seven year, winning the same award in 2023 followed by the Woman Who Awards ‘Achieves In Media’ category gong in 2024. Amanda worked on newsdesks in and around Warwickshire, including the former Nuneaton Tribune and Rugby Advertiser, and, as deputy editor at the Daventry Express and Buckingham and Winslow Advertiser series before joining the Herald. She said: “This is another very proud moment in the journey of Chalmers News PR, now into its seventh year. I dedicate it to all the amazing clients who have entrusted me with their businesses and charities, two of whom even nominated me for the awards in the first place." “It is an absolute privilege to be rewarded for something I’m so passionate about and so much the sweeter when I’m sharing the spotlight with other people I really admire. It feels like a double win!” Amanda’s clients also scooped awards, from several which made the finalists list are: Lianne Kirkman. She was awarded the Community Champion prize after founding The Esther Project a women-only initiative to provide gender-specific support - as well as launching The Esther House - a seven-bed supported living accommodation in Leamington, providing a safe space for women to recover. Bianca Rodrigues-Perry, from Leamington, and Paola Spiga, from Balsall Common, received Special Recognition Awards. The ladies also sponsored the Excellence In Independent Food and Start-Up of the Year categories respectively. Bianca is the face of Bia’s Kitchen Show, being streamed to audiences on YouTube, Spotify, Instagram and Facebook. The show, launched last year, aims to champion local independent businesses with many restaurateurs and chefs taking guest spots. At Glam and Glow Beauty Lab, in Hockley Heath, Paola combines the best of traditional and modern therapies – including some rooted in Chinese medicine - to offer a sanctuary that sets her out as one of a kind, distinguishing her services through extensive research. Once a beautician to the rich and famous, she empowers her clients to understand their skin and make the right choice every time, attending to both their physical and mental well-being and ensuring a holistic approach to beauty and care. Since opening, in October last year, she has consistently received five-star reviews from clients. Amanda and her clients were among three hundred people assembled for the glittering black tie celebration at IXL Dallas Burston Polo Club, in south Warwickshire, and featured a host of live musical entertainment. The evening also included an auction and raffle, which raised around £5,000 towards ongoing fundraising for new breast cancer equipment for Birmingham hospitals. Other categories included Business Woman of the Year; Start-Up of the Year; Trailblazer of the Year; Rising Star; Family Business; Inspirational Woman; Excellence In Technology & Innovation; Inclusive Leadership and Man and Excellence In Independent Food. Ladies First Director Tracey McAtamney said: “Our Ladies First Awards celebrated the achievements of both women and men in our community, honouring those who have gone over and above in their business and in their personal lives. A massive congratulations to all of our winners and finalists. It was your night to shine!" “It was wonderful to see so many women supporting and celebrating each other’s successes.”

Businesswoman Elinor Perry has had plenty to celebrate after being awarded a national Lifetime Achievement Award in the same month that she marks 20 years at the helm of her accountancy firm. Elinor, was surprised with the gong at The Ladies First Inspirational Awards in Southam earlier this month, recognising a successful career at the helm of Pentlands Accountants and Advisors in Warwick. But Elinor’s journey began as a trainee at Marks and Spencer’s at the age of 16 after leaving school with a clutch of O-levels to her name. Only two years later a speculative job application resulted in a role as Tesco’s youngest ever Personnel Manager, heading up a 250-strong team. New-found ambitions were tested however when, at the age of just 19, Elinor fell pregnant with her son, Joel and, eight years later, became a single mum of two following the birth of her daughter Lucy and subsequent marriage breakdown. But it was during a period of entrepreneurship, running her own retail fashion business at 23, that opened her eyes to what finally became her successful career path. She recalls: “I always describe the shop as a great learning curve, but a really bad idea! I did the bookkeeping and learned how to use the accounting software. At that time I had this very old-fashioned accountant who was sat in his pinstripe suit on the opposite side of the desk, with his fountain pen and he said to me: ‘Here's your accounts. Sign here young lady’ and handed over a biro. And I thought, I don't know what I'm signing, but I was suitably intimidated, so signed the accounts!" “So, when I moved from Gloucestershire to Warwickshire in 1997 as a single mum, I thought, I can't go back into this retail world. It's long hours and it just doesn't work with two young children. That’s when my dad said: ‘You enjoyed the bookkeeping, why don't you do something with that?". She added: “I started the qualification at Warwickshire College and I wanted to get a part-time job in accountancy but recruiters basically laughed at me and said I had to be prepared to work full time, and at 30 I was too old! They wanted to take on people who were straight out of university, but I was not deterred.” Her tenacity led Elinor to Edwards and Pentlands in Leamington, where she wasted no time - studying until the early hours around her parenting responsibilities to acquire her ACCA accreditation. And it was while she was still completing her final exams that Elinor was made a surprise offer. “In 2005, I did a management buyout from the existing owners of the business - aged 34 – only six months after I’d completed my final exams! So I borrowed some money, along with my business partner at the time but ended up buying her out in 2010. It was a bit hair-raising for the first 10 years. It's fair to say it’s been an unusual journey with some highs and lows.” A theme also familiar to her personal life - from the lows of a second failed marriage to dog trainer and Channel 5 personality Graeme Hall, to finding love again with her partner Ian and, more recently becoming a proud grandmother to Olivia and Noah. Now the focus for Elinor and her 12-strong team is on celebrating success – and at a garden party at Mallory Court on June 25th they’ll be joined by invited friends, associates and clients, some of whom have been with Pentlands for up to 30 years. Elinor said: “A real achievement for me is building a business that is all about the people. We genuinely care and are very proud of the client relationships we’ve built over the years. And we’ve helped generations of families where their children are now running the business because the parents have retired. It just feels like a great opportunity to mark the 20 years and to say thank you.” “I think what I’m most proud of though is always having that belief in myself that I can do it and trusting my gut, even in the testing times when things felt really tough. Everybody who's in business knows that there are highs and lows, and showing vulnerability in those times where you need support is important!” Of her recent award, she added: “This was a real ‘pinch me’ moment and completely unexpected. It makes 2025 an even more special year, and I was so pleased that friends, clients, and members of the Pentlands team were there to share in the moment with me.”

Minister for Business Richard Lochhead has visited Crieff Hydro to see the results of a £5million investment in a complete dining refurbishment for the iconic resort. Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels CEO Stephen Leckie met with Mr. Lochhead at an event thanking the contractors, suppliers and partners involved in the landmark project, attended by more than 250 guests. The event was also attended by Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, and Xander McDade, Provost of Perth & Kinross. The hotel’s transformation has created six new bar and restaurant spaces and marks one of the largest single investments ever made by Scotland’s oldest registered trading company. Richard and Charlie Leckie – the sixth generation of the Leckie family – have steered the project, alongside Fiona Leckie, the resort’s longstanding Head of Interiors. Richard Lochhead said: “Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “This is an important milestone for a business synonymous with Scottish tourism. “Crieff Hydro is an important economic driver in the region, providing investment, jobs and bringing new customers to local businesses. I look forward to watching the business flourish for decades to come and commend their leadership and dedication to top-rate tourism and hospitality.” Stephen Leckie said: “This landmark project could not have been achieved without the hard work and passion of our entire team and the partner businesses who helped bring it to life." “This is the most significant investment we have made in decades and marks the start of a new era in Crieff Hydro’s 157-year history. This project, and our ongoing efforts to continually better the experience we offer to our guests, underscores our commitment to championing Scotland’s world-class hospitality sector.” The new venues within the resort include EAST, an Asian small plates concept; The Ballroom Bar, an elegant, relaxed, contemporary day-to-night bar; and The Winter Garden, an airy Victorian heritage space that has been modernised and offers all-day dining. Loggia, a new panoramic brunch and afternoon tea destination with sweeping views over Strathearn Valley, has also been introduced. Menus across all the new restaurants champion the very best of Scottish provenance, with Crieff Hydro’s team of chefs working closely with long-standing nearby suppliers to bring plenty of local and regional produce to customers. The project was supported by Denholm Partnership Architects, who have worked with Crieff Hydro on a number of key projects over the last two decades, with all interiors concepts and designs created by Glasgow based 3 Design. The fit out of the entire project was undertaken by principal contractors Thomas Johnstone.

John Lewis announced the appointment of Anna Braithwaite as its Chief Customer Officer. Anna will report to Peter Ruis, Managing Director of John Lewis, and brings a deep expertise in customer and brand strategy. She will be responsible for leading John Lewis brand and marketing across all channels, loyalty, customer experience, and creative and content teams, ensuring the brand continues to deliver exceptional quality, value and service for its customers. Anna has over 25 years of brand and marketing experience. She started her career at John Lewis, joining as a graduate trainee and spent a decade in a variety of marketing roles. She then moved to fashion brands Hobbs and Jacques Vert before joining Tesco, where she was Head of Brand Marketing for F&F Clothes and Global Brand Director for Non-Food. Most recently, Anna was Marketing Director for Fashion, Home and Beauty at Marks & Spencer. Peter Ruis said: “I’m thrilled that Anna is returning to John Lewis. Her understanding of the John Lewis brand and her laser focus on the needs of customers makes her the ideal person to lead our customer and marketing strategy. I know that Anna will build on the John Lewis experience that our customers know and love.” Anna Braithwaite said: “I can’t wait to get started again at John Lewis, a brand that I know very well and which is synonymous with exceptional customer service, quality and value. I’m incredibly excited to be joining at such a pivotal time, following the return of a re-energised Never Knowingly Undersold and with John Lewis recently being awarded Which? Retailer of the Year.” Anna will join John Lewis on 1 October. About the John Lewis Partnership The John Lewis Partnership owns and operates two of Britain's best-loved retail brands - John Lewis and Waitrose. Started as a radical experiment over a century ago, the Partnership is now the largest employee-owned business in the UK. The Partnership is purpose-driven, existing to create a fairer and more sustainable future for our Partners, customers, suppliers and communities. Our Purpose not only inspires our principles, drives our decisions and acts as our guide to be a force for good, it steers us to do things differently and better - all in service of creating a happier world for everyone and everything we touch. John Lewis operates 34 shops across the UK as well as johnlewis.com. Waitrose has more than 300 shops in England, Scotland, Wales and the Channel Islands, including 47 convenience branches, and another 27 shops at Welcome Break locations. The retailer's omnichannel business includes the online grocery service, Waitrose.com, and specialist online shops including waitrosecellar.com for wine.

Bagnalls has had a passion for painting since 1875 and now the national decorating contractors  are changing the game for female decorators when it comes to workwear. During development of its new range of inclusive PPE – specifically created in a variety of sizes and fits to cater to both men and women – Bagnalls realised that no one else had ever considered the needs of a female-specific bib and brace for painting and decorating. So, the team decided to create a bespoke Bagnalls version. Bespoke workwear for all Bagnalls worked with its supply chain partner to design new workwear to combat the issues that one-size-fits-all clothing creates. Becky Slater, Head of Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) at the company, realised that many other female colleagues were dealing with the same issues that she faced on a daily basis. “There’s not a huge choice for women when it comes to PPE and workwear in the painting and decorating industry – and the choices we do have are usually limited to a shade of pink! Almost all of the workwear used in our industry is intended for the male body and is therefore very oversized on a lot of women, especially those of us who are of a smaller build." “I found a lot of the workwear uncomfortable to wear when on site and would often wear two pairs of thick socks to ensure that the work-issue boots fit my feet properly. Speaking to other female colleagues – and male colleagues who are of a smaller build – we realised we were all experiencing the same issues." “That’s when I decided to do something about the situation and develop our own, Bagnalls-branded workwear, with options tailored to both the male and female body. This ensures that everyone feels comfortable, safe and equal at work. Each piece of clothing has been designed by us using the invaluable feedback provided by our people.” It was also important to Bagnalls that the clothing range be sustainable. “Some of the workwear is even made from recycled bottles,” Becky explains. “Once the clothes are finished with, they are collected locally at our individual branches, so that they can be recycled into either car door insulation or industrial rags. Bagnalls is committed to doing what we can to make our business more environmentally friendly, doing our bit to help protect our planet.” The bespoke workwear is available to everyone within the Bagnalls family, from apprentices to painters, decorators and the managerial team. Empowering women Created in partnership with Stronghold, the bespoke work garments are stretchy, breathable and move with the body during physical work. The range encompasses t-shirts, trousers, footwear, high-visibility clothes and more – including the traditional bib and brace. “No one else offers a female-fit bib and brace,” Becky proudly reveals. “It’s fantastic that Bagnalls can be the first company to offer this style of workwear, specifically made to fit the female body. However, it is also troubling that our industry hasn’t already identified and solved this problem. We want to correct this imbalance and make sure that the female members of our Bagnalls family feel empowered, safe and comfortable at work.” Bagnalls has seen an increase in the number of young women becoming a part of the painting and decorating industry, with women making up 33% of their recent apprentice intake. Women are increasingly becoming an integral part of the industry, whether as painters on site, Supervisors, Contracts Managers, or working in other office-based roles. Now, with Bagnalls’ new workwear range, female talent within the industry will feel that their specific needs have been recognised and addressed. As Becky explains, “We want women to feel excited about beginning a career in such a rewarding and varied industry. That’s why it’s so important to solve these issues, making the space one that welcomes, empowers and values women and their contributions.”

Last summer William Funnell set a new Hickstead Derby record when he lifted the Boomerang Trophy for a fifth time – making him the only rider in history to have won the class five times. Previously William had been the joint record holder alongside four other showjumping greats: brothers John and Michael Whitaker; Harvey Smith, and Irish showjumping legend Eddie Macken. Eddie was the first rider to achieve four Hickstead Derby wins, and he remains the only rider to ever win four years in a row, with all his victories coming courtesy of the same horse – the great Boomerang. After their fourth consecutive win in 1979, a new trophy was created depicting Eddie and Boomerang descending the Hickstead Bank, which has been presented to the winning rider ever since. It is apt that Funnell has now lifted this trophy more than anyone else, as it was watching Eddie Macken in the Derby that originally inspired a teenaged William to become a showjumper. “I was here when Eddie won on Boomerang for a fourth time in really wet, muddy conditions, and I remember thinking how unbelievable that was,” said William. “It really inspired me to want to be a showjumper and to one day jump the Derby.” Recently, Eddie Macken sat down with Chloe Breen, daughter of Hickstead founder Douglas Bunn, for a video interview about his Hickstead memories. Although his record of four wins in a row will continue to stand, Eddie was quick to pay credit to William’s new record total of five wins. “William has won five Derby titles now, and I'm delighted – he's a good friend of mine, and great guy,” said Eddie. “He bookmarks the class in his calendar every year and always gives it his best shot, and I think he prepares and sets his horses up for it really well, so there’s no better guy to do it.” As well as Eddie’s remarkable Derby record, he had an incredible showjumping career including winning countless Grands Prix and Nations Cups, and he was top of the world rankings for three years running. His riding career spanned 50 years, with Eddie only stepping back from competing in 2018 at the age of 69. Since then Eddie has had an extremely successful career as a coach in Canada and the USA, though recently he has made the decision to fully retire. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, and still loved the horses and the coaching, but the traveling and time away from home sort of got to me,” Eddie explained. “I am enjoying my retirement, and we have a lovely place where we live near Whistler. Anybody who has a career in showjumping knows they have to give up a lot. Riders live on the road, and we miss out an awful lot of time with our family, and obviously our families have to be very tolerant to put up with it. Hopefully I'm going to be able to make up somewhat for all that lost time, and I love spending time with my six grandkids.”