Leading British spring manufacturer Spinks launched four ground-breaking innovations at the Interzum show this month, with three of the products being recognised in this year’s prestigious Interzum Awards – including the highly sought after Best of the Best Award. Spinks’  latest microcoil and pocket spring technologies showcase its next-generation approach to comfort innovation. The newly-launched Microlution microcoil took home the ‘Best of the Best’ accolade – the highest recognition available at the show – while new spring innovations Quadrolution and Micro Copper were each awarded ‘High Product Quality’. Micro Trio, a fourth new product, was also unveiled at the international industry show in Cologne, having missed the award entry deadline. Like all Spinks’ innovative technologies, these new spring systems have been designed and created in-house at the company's Yorkshire facility to be recyclable without the use of glue. Award-winning Spinks innovations launched at Interzum 2025: • Microlution – the next generation of microcoil technology featuring Spinks’ innovative two-stage approach – two springs working together to provide initial comfort with secondary support in a single layer. The level of luxurious comfort and long-term support this patent-pending technology provides has never before been possible within a microcoil layer. • Quadrolution – an evolution of Spinks’ innovative glueless QuadCore spring technology, this recyclable system has infinite customisation opportunities, allowing Response Coils to be positioned between each group of QuadCore springs to create a secondary support system that then allows for zoning, phased zoning, or a firm edge. Made with just two raw materials, this patented design offers revolutionary recyclable core technology to the bedding industry. • Micro Coppe r – the world’s first microcoil to feature copper-infused nonwoven fabric, resulting in a product with antimicrobial and anti-fungal benefits. The technology utilises the hydrophilic nonwoven currently used within medical applications, while the fine-wire microcoils can be positioned close to the mattress or seating application surface, making it extremely useful where hygiene is paramount – such as transportation seating. • Micro Trio – a microcoil like no other, with three active coils formed from a single piece of wire to provide unrivalled comfort for mattresses and bedding. The revolutionary patented coil system seamlessly transitions from pressure-relieving comfort to adapt to personalised support for every body type. Darren Marcangelo, Chief Commercial Officer at Spinks, said: “This year’s Interzum has been hugely exciting for us. To launch four new technologies that set new standards for comfort and performance is a great milestone and to see three of them recognised with one of the most prestigious awards for our industry – including our first ever ‘Best of the Best’ award – has been a real honour for the team. We're confident we could have won a fourth too if Micro Trio was launched in time." “These innovations reflect growing demand from bedding and seating manufacturers for highly customisable solutions and versatile designs."    “We’re the pioneers of microcoil technology, and we challenged ourselves to deliver even more comfort and support into our range of coils." “Copper is also a key trend in bedding at present, mainly in the US, but European and Asian manufacturers are starting to adopt it too. Customers want innovative products and want to be able to differentiate – so we’re responding to that with new innovations that offer high levels of customisation, with each developed to give our clients a real competitive advantage.” The award-winning Micro Copper and Micro Trio is set to be commercially available this year, with Microlution and Quadrolution available from early 2026.

Consumer card spending grew 4.5 per cent year-on-year in April – the greatest uplift seen since June 2023, and above the most recent CPIH inflation rate (3.4 per cent) for the first time in over two years. The Easter weekend and the sunny weather boosted both retail and hospitality, while essential spend returned to growth after two months of decline, at 3.1 per cent. Research conducted in late April showed that seven in 10 UK consumers (72 per cent) were concerned about the impact tariffs could have on their household finances, although this was an improving picture compared to the start of the month (77 per cent). Over a quarter (27 per cent) reported trying to save more money each month to build up a buffer, in case prices rise in the future. Overall confidence in household finances remains resilient at 70 per cent, while 74 per cent feel able to live within their means, both consistent with March’s figures (70 per cent and 73 per cent respectively). This positive outlook is reflected in the performance of non-essential spending, which was up 5.1 per cent year-on-year, significantly higher than March’s 2.2 per cent increase, and the highest growth since 2023. Shoppers prioritise ‘home-grown’ and locally-made products Seven in 10 (68 per cent) UK shoppers say they want to support UK businesses by buying more home-grown products. One in eight (12 per cent) are willing to pay a premium for British or local products and brands, with this this group happy to pay 22 per cent more on average. Fruit and vegetables topped the list (46 per cent) of the British-made products shoppers plan to buy more of or switch to, followed by dairy (39 per cent), meat (39 per cent), seafood (29 per cent), clothing and accessories (27 per cent) and alcoholic drinks (20 per cent). More broadly, three in five (59 per cent) say they plan to buy more local and/or seasonal British food. The weather, combined with this growing preference for local produce, likely contributed to the 11.4 per cent uplift in transactions at food and drink specialist stores, such as butchers, delis and fishmongers. Meanwhile spending at supermarkets moved back into growth for the first time since January 2025, up 6.1 per cent. Warm weather boosts hospitality, retail, and entertaining at-home The April sunshine and the long Easter weekend prompted shoppers to visit the high street in higher numbers. For the first time since tracking of these categories began in 2019, all retail and hospitality & leisure subcategories saw growth. Overall retail was up 6.8 per cent, while in-store retail spending increased 6.9 per cent, after declining -1.9 per cent year-on-year in March. Garden centres had a bumper month, with spending up 25.0 per cent versus the same period last year – also the category’s highest growth on record – as people prepared their gardens for the summer season. The pharmacy, health & beauty category also enjoyed a particularly strong month, increasing 15.1 per cent. Meanwhile, home improvements and DIY stores were up 4.0 per cent, likely boosted by the recent changes to stamp duty thresholds. Data from Barclays Property Insights report revealed a 50 per cent surge in Barclays mortgage completions in March, as buyers rushed to complete purchases to secure tax savings ahead of the deadline. Many of these new homeowners may have begun painting and redecorating, contributing to an increase in spending at stores selling DIY supplies. Socialising in the sunshine helped the overall hospitality & leisure sector grow 6.7 per cent – the highest increase since 2023 – while spending at bars, pubs and clubs reached a 16-month high, up 6.6 per cent. Cost-cutting continues as shoppers spot supermarkets price matching As cost-conscious shoppers look to get more value from their weekly shop (66 per cent), a third (33 per cent) have noticed supermarkets lowering prices to match competitor offers and three in 10 have seen more promotional offers and discounts (30 per cent). Enhanced loyalty schemes (23 per cent), product “knockoffs” or “dupes” (21 per cent) and an improvement in own-brand products (18 per cent) have also been spotted more frequently. When asked about the money-saving tricks they had noticed more of in recent months, 32 per cent said budget supermarkets were becoming more popular, 29 per cent noted a rise in people buying second-hand over new items, and 20 per cent cited colleagues bringing home-made food to work instead of buying lunch. Consumers are also cutting back on self-care to save money. One in five (22 per cent) female respondents are now opting to do at-home treatments, instead of visiting a salon, while 14 per cent are requesting longer-lasting or lower maintenance hair and beauty treatments. Karen Johnson, Head of Retail at Barclays, said: “April’s sunny weather inspired consumers to embrace the best of Britain, with all retail, hospitality, and leisure subcategories in growth for the first time in over five years." “While the long-term impact of any tariffs on household finances remains to be seen, given Thursday’s announcement of a UK/US trade deal, shoppers are demonstrating a commitment to supporting British business, while still carefully managing their money.” Julien Lafargue, Chief Market Strategist, Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management, said: “While the world continues to grapple with unprecedented levels of trade uncertainty, UK economic sentiment has been surprisingly positive recently, supported by a resilient consumer. The recent decision by the Bank of England to further lower interest rates should add to this momentum." “Similarly, the trade agreement reached between the US and the UK should provide some much needed visibility to businesses. That said, growth is likely to remain muted in absolute terms. These positive developments may only partially offset the consequences of a softer labour market, and a challenging economic backdrop in the rest of the world.”

Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Perthshire-based supplier, Taylors Snacks, have announced a significant partnership, resulting in the launch of the exciting new "Extreme Ridge" crisp range now available in 900 M&S stores across the UK and Ireland. This collaboration has also generated 30 new jobs at Taylors Snacks. The partnership, between M&S and Taylors Snacks, focuses on perfecting the seasoning and texture of the new range. The "Extreme Ridge" crisps feature a thinner cut and a tighter ridge compared to standard crisps, offering a lighter, crispier bite. The range features six bold flavours, including Four Cheese and Onion, Sizzling Steak, and Chicken Curry. Rachel Rankine, Regional Manager for M&S in North Scotland said: "Our partnership with Scottish supplier Taylors Snacks has allowed us to launch the new 'Extreme Ridge' crisp range, delivering delicious flavours and great quality that our customers can rely on for trusted value.” Taylors Snacks is a renowned Perthshire-based snack manufacturer. This partnership with M&S has led to significant investment at the Errol facility and the creation of 30 new jobs. James Taylor, Managing Director of Taylors Snacks commented: "Creating this range with M&S has been an exciting milestone for our business. From initial discussions to perfecting the product, our teams has worked terrifically together to deliver a delicious new snack selection. We're incredibly proud of the quality of the Extreme Ridge crisps and the positive impact this partnership has had on growing our Errol facility.” Above Photo: James Taylor, Managing Director, Taylors Snacks

Whipsnade Zoo can reveal the names of its youngest litter of northern African lion cubs, born to mum Waka, following a month-long naming bonanza. The conservation zoo’s tiny pride have been named Bertie, Oya, Malaika and Kibibi – names chosen by local school children and a prize-draw winner. The second litter born at the conservation zoo this year, prize-draw winner Matthew Hampstead chose Oya, after the African goddess of wind and lightning for one of the females, and Bertie, referencing Storm Bertie to pay homage to the stormy conditions in which both litters were born. A long-time zoo fan, Berkhamsted-born Matthew said: “I entered the prize draw as I wanted to contribute towards all the amazing work being done by ZSL at Whipsnade Zoo and ensure this continues, and I was really excited by the prospect of having the honour of naming the lion cubs.” “I fell in love with all the animals in the zoo, but the lions were the main reasons behind what made me keep coming back – I couldn't get enough of them! And of course now there will always be a special place in my heart for Bertie and Oya! This is truly an honour to be able to name the lion cubs and I am hugely grateful for the opportunity.” The names came from a short-list provided by Whipsnade Zoo’s lion keepers, who have been watching the cubs grow and develop their playful personalities. This list was also shared with 24 local schools from Luton and Central Bedfordshire, to vote on the names they liked best, with Malaika and Kibibi, meaning ‘Angel’ and ‘Little Lady’ in Swahili, coming out on top. The money raised by the prize draw will fund the global conservation work of ZSL, the international charity behind Whipsnade Zoo. Sarah McGregor, section manager of predators at Whipsnade Zoo, said: “These cubs mean so much to our visitors, so it's great that we’ve been able to get the local community involved in helping us pick names for them." “We’re delighted with the names that have been chosen! As the cubs get bigger each day they are showing more of their individual personalities, and we’re now able to see unique spot patterns on their heads, so it's becoming easier to tell each one apart.” The three older cubs, born to the Zoo’s second lioness Winta in November last year, are being named by ZSL supporters, and their names will be confirmed soon. Sarah added: “All seven northern African lion cubs are an important addition to the conservation breeding programme for their threatened subspecies, and they’ve already proven the power of seeing amazing animals helps to educate our visitors not only about the threats lions face in the wild, but also how the public can help us protect the planet and create a world where wildlife thrives”. As a result of large-scale habitat conversion for logging, livestock farming and housing, the loss of prey through unsustainable hunting, and human/wildlife conflict, 75% of wild African lion populations are declining in the wild. Whipsnade Zoo, as part of ZSL, supports work in the W-Arli-Pendjari conservation complex, spanning the borders of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Benin, which holds 90% of the lions remaining in West Africa, to support a wide number of species including lions through research, monitoring, and supporting national capacity for wildlife conservation. Only a short train or car journey away from London, visitors to Whipsnade Zoo this May half-term to see CBeebies stars Mister Maker and Rebecca Keatley will be able to spot the pride of ten lions, as well as 11,000 other animals from 245 species which call the conservation zoo home. Book tickets at Whipsnade Zoo | A ZSL conservation zoo.

Amory joined the squad in 2023 and extends her stay ahead of the 25-26 campaign. Known for her quick feet, Amory combines her explosive pace with sharp decision making, making her a dynamic and versatile playmaker in both the scrum-half and fly-half roles. Amory was part of Harlequin’s Allianz Premier 15s-winning squad in 2020/21, bringing her skills and experience from that triumph to Trailfinders Women. Her speed and creativity in attack add a vital dimension to the squad, and she continues to impress with her playmaking abilities in fast-paced situations. Speaking on her extension, Amory said: “I’m pleased to re-sign with Trailfinders Women for another season. Since joining the club two years ago and moving to scrum-half and then fly-half, I feel I’ve really developed my decision making and leadership skills." "I’m looking forward to another season of developing further in those qualities and I can’t thank the club enough for trusting me and putting me out there. The team around me is great, and I feel really confident to express myself in the environment.” Barney Maddison, Head Coach, added: “Ella’s ability to create opportunities around the rucks and her speed are invaluable to our game. We’re thrilled to have her back for another season and look forward to seeing her develop even further.”

Outdoor living just became even more beautiful and practical, following a team-up between Caribbean Blinds, the UK’s leading name in external shading, and Grillo Outdoor Kitchens.   At the heart of the partnership is a premium louvered pergola, built by Caribbean Blinds and tailored to match Grillo’s elegant outdoor kitchens, creating the ultimate setting for garden entertaining. Designed and manufactured in Britain, this new collaboration offers a fully coordinated solution for enjoying stylish, weatherproof alfresco living throughout the year.   The design provides reliable shelter from sun and rain and enhances the overall look and feel of the space, creating the perfect connection between cooking, dining and relaxing outdoors. Stuart Dantzic, Managing Director at Caribbean Blinds said:  “We’ve combined our most popular pergola with Grillo’s signature black finish, ensuring the two work beautifully together in any garden. The result is an inviting, practical outdoor space that performs in all seasons and looks stunning all year round.” Made using durable, high-grade materials, both the pergola and the kitchen have been engineered to last. The modular nature of each system means they can be configured to suit gardens of all shapes and sizes, with finishes chosen to suit a range of property styles, from sleek modern terraces to traditional landscaped grounds.   “Caribbean Blinds have nailed it,” says Dougal Donald, Managing Director at Grillo. “They’ve created a top quality, sturdy pergola that’s colour and size matched to our kitchens. It’s exactly what our customers have been looking for.” For anyone planning to upgrade their garden or patio, this new partnership makes it easier than ever to create a stylish, high-performance outdoor entertaining space. Customers can explore the collaboration in person from mid-June at the Caribbean Blinds Dream Gardens show site in Sudbury, Suffolk, where a full Grillo kitchen and pergola installation will be on display.

The Great Britain Cycling Team have completed the line-up for the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women, which gets underway on Thursday 5 June. The British national team will be the 19th team in the record-breaking field for the race, taking the number of riders starting the event to 114. The team also become the first to name their provisional six-rider line-up for the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women, with a roster that includes experience of racing in Britain’s biggest professional women’s race, as well as having represented Great Britain on the track, road, and off-road disciplines. Former Lloyds national road race champion Jess Roberts (2018) has ridden the race on one previous occasion in 2021 while alongside her will be April Tacey, who already has two appearances in the race to her name (2021 & 2022), and has been in UCI Women’s WorldTour action so far in 2025 with Team Coop – Repsol. Fenix – Deceuninck teammates Millie Couzens and Flora Perkins both return, having raced in the 2024 Lloyds Tour of Britain Women for the Great Britain Cycling Team, with the latter finishing 13th overall and runner up in the under-23 young rider classification 12 months ago. Two of the six rider squad will make their debut in the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women, with world individual and team pursuit champion Anna Morris, who took second place at the recent Rapha Lincoln Grand Prix, joined by Ella MacLean-Howell, who enjoyed a breakout year in 2024, with 10 top-10 finishes in the under 23 category at mountain bike World Cups, and represented Great Britain in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Commenting on the announcement, Senior Academy Endurance Coach Chris Newton said; “It’s fantastic to again have a strong GB Team in the Tour of Britain Women. It’s a great opportunity to come together as a national team and further develop our current and future stars. This year’s course looks tough and well-planned to make for an exciting race." “We are looking to challenge from day one with a strong mix of youth and experience. The first two days around the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire are particularly interesting, as they are old training roads for myself, so hopefully that knowledge will be useful. I also know the crowds will be super supportive.” Jess Roberts, added; “I’m really excited to be part of the GB team for the Tour of Britain this year. The last few years I’ve taken a step back from road racing so I am a little nervous to step back in to a World Tour peloton but it will be great to get some experience back and hopefully help the team to some good results.” To discover the routes of all four stages of the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women in more detail, and more information about the race, host venues, and participating teams, please click here . The Lloyds Tour of Britain Women gets underway in the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire on Thursday 5 June, with a stage between Dalby Forest and Redcar across the North York Moors National Park, before the second stage from Hartlepool ends with an uphill finish at Saltburn by-the-Sea. The race concludes with a pair of stages in Scotland, the first in the Scottish Borders, starting and finishing in Kelso, before the final stage in Glasgow on Sunday 8 June. Following the final leg, fans and cyclists of all ages and abilities will have the chance to take part in the free Lloyds Tour of Britain Family Cycling Festival, building on Glasgow’s cycling legacy, and providing a unique chance to ride on the same closed road, traffic free, circuit as the world’s best. For more information on the Lloyds Tour of Britain Family Cycling Festival, please click here .

A Leicester-based children’s book publisher, who once appeared on Dragons' Den, met his childhood hero David Beckham at The Chelsea Flower Show. Tom Willday, 37, showed the football ace his plantable children’s books, after which the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star shared a post about the books on his Instagram stories. The post then went viral and helped Tom’s business really take off. Tom, creates unique plantable children’s books through his family printing business, so that children get to meet their heroes. But when he met his very own hero at the show, Tom couldn’t believe it. And after the football star shared a video of him and Tom with his 88 million Instagram followers, demand for books has skyrocketed. Tom, who owns the business called Willsow, appeared on Dragons' Den in 2022 when Sara Davies became his business partner. He said: “Meeting David Beckham was like a dream come true, he is such a lovely man and he absolutely loved the books and shared a story on his Instagram about us, I couldn’t believe it.” But it didn't stop there with other stars getting on the bandwagon, including Ferne McCann from TOWIE who also posted a video about the Willsow books. Tom continued: “We met the King last year, and as David Beckham is part of the King's Trust, which is trying to get children gardening, I thought he would be the perfect person to introduce these books to." “So when he went on a walk around, I just approached him and said ‘hi David, do you mind if I show you my books?’ “When he took a closer look, he said ‘these are excellent, really incredible’, and he asked for a book to take away. “Of course I gave him one, and I thought, nothing of it." “The next day a photo of my book was shared to his Instagram story to his 88 million followers! Then other stars started sharing it too.” Since Becks shared the post, Willsow’s business has been catapulted, with enquiries coming in thick and fast for the books which are all about superhero vegetables and herbs - Carrot, Lettuce, Dill, Parsley and co. Tom, who has a 16-month-old girl called Olive, said: “Once you read the book, you plant it in the ground and it grows the actual vegetable. It all started because I wanted to educate children about nature's wonders. Some kids struggle to understand where vegetables come from - many think they come from Tesco. I wanted to show them that you can grow them yourself." “You don’t have to plant the whole book, just tear the back page off and keep reading the story while it's growing. We make all these books in the UK, including the seed paper. “We also have the Royal Horticultural Society Christmas crackers and calendars that grow a different flower every month. We also have a licence with Shaun the Sheep that grows hundreds of wildflowers.” The business hopes to expand internationally next year, and the team already has a distributor in the US lined up. They are also trying to launch the books in Japan. Tom said: “Retail is difficult, and print faces a tough challenge. We are just a small family run business trying to grow and this has really helped put us on the map.” Willday, the company which prints Tom’s books started with Tom’s great-grandad Alfred, who passed it down to his grandad Raymond and then his dad. Tom now uses that company to print his unique creations under the brand name Willsow. Tom said: “We are now the UK’s leading manufacturer in printing seed paper. I have put my heart and soul into it, and hopefully it will grow for the next generation for my daughter and her kids, and so on.” And getting support from David Beckham has certainly been a major boost. Tom said “It is so amazing to think that David Beckham posted about my books, it's just incredible that he's willing to support such a small brand. He is just the kindest and nicest bloke. He didn’t mind posing for photos at all." “Meeting your hero can be daunting, but I realised it doesn't matter who you are, everyone's the same.”

A Dorset legal expert has given a cautious welcome to moves to update the ‘Victorian-era’ law on disputed and contentious Wills. Matt Rushent, a Bournemouth-based Solicitor in the Dispute Resolution department of Ellis Jones Solicitors, says a long-standing ‘need for change’ has finally been recognised. His comments follow the publication of a Law Commission report, Modernising Wills Law, which has been accompanied by a draft Bill due to go through Parliament. Once on the statute book, it will modernise provisions of the Wills Act 1837, legislation that has governed the making of Wills since the year Queen Victoria ascended the throne. Matt, whose caseload includes disputed Wills, trusts and other aspects of inheritance, said: “The Commission is rightly seeking to bring this Victorian-era law into the 21st century. Areas likely to see change include: the legal test for determining mental capacity to make a Will; what should happen when someone alleges undue influence has taken place; and removing the law that a Will is revoked upon a subsequent marriage or civil partnership." “On capacity, the Commission is recommending that the test should align with the Mental Capacity Act of 2005 rather than outdated and archaic case law. In other words, a person should understand the ‘reasonably foreseeable’, not just the ‘immediate’, consequences of making a Will." “The concern will lie where someone is helped by another to make a decision and has merely ‘borderline capacity’, a situation allowed by the 2005 Act. And we will need to see how the law will treat instances where assistance was not given for one reason or another. On undue influence, the proposed change is on the burden of proof needed to stand up an allegation." “It can often be an uphill battle evidentially so the Commission is recommending that in circumstances where the court is satisfied that there are ‘reasonable grounds’ to suspect undue influence, a presumption will arise. I believe this change will be welcomed. Many legal practitioners can quote cases where it is quite clear that undue influence was the only logical explanation for someone’s decision, but the evidence, for one reason or another, has not arisen." “The number of court cases concerning undue influence could well rise because of this change, coupled with the fact that Covid-related lockdowns and restrictions fostered the perfect conditions for coercive relatives to bring Wills into existence." “On revocation of a Will, the issue tends to involve situations where a person, perhaps elderly or without sufficient capacity, is induced to marry or enter a civil partnership by a ‘predator’. “Up to now, any pre-existing Will they may have, leaving an estate to children for example, is thereby revoked unless it can be shown to have been made in contemplation of that marriage or civil partnership. “Because of the way we live now compared to the 19th century, with extended periods of cohabitating and different family arrangements, I think the Commission is right to recommend abolition of this rule." “Apart from anything else, the legal test of capacity to marry has required a lower level of capacity than that required to make a Will, so there have been many family disputes involving the issue of revocation.” Among other changes in the Bill, children aged 16 and 17 will be able to make Wills just as adults can and courts will have greater flexibility to infer testamentary intent in the absence of a specific formality around, for example, signing, witnessing or attesting. The Commission has also called for appropriate systems and controls to govern the use of electronic Wills. Matt added: “The Commission’s report is likely to be welcomed by practitioners and the public alike and we eagerly await the draft Bill’s journey through Parliament and, ultimately, what makes it onto the statute books." “The attention and scrutiny being placed on this just goes to show how important the question of making a Will is. We always stress the need to ensure you receive professional advice when considering how you are going to leave your estate and that you discuss the decisions in your Will with your lawyer to ensure they would stand up to challenge after you have gone.”

The UK university sector is facing significant financial pressure, with new data revealing a 17% drop in international students. New figures from the Office for National Statistics show net migration fell by 50% to 431,000 in the year to December 2024, with the decline driven in part by tighter visa rule. A key policy change — restricting dependants of international students — has resulted in an 86% (105,000) fall in study-related dependants, contributing to the decline in overseas learners choosing the UK as their study destination. Dr Joe Marshall, CEO at NCUB says: "International students are vital to the UK’s higher education system — they are essential to its global standing and connectivity, as well as its long-term economic health. They contribute to the internationalisation of UK universities, enabling investment in cutting-edge research, world-class facilities, and the development of a highly skilled workforce. While many leave after their studies — contributing less to long-term migration — they deliver substantial short- and medium-term benefits to institutions, regions, and the wider economy”. Marshall continues: “The sharp decline in international student enrolment is not only a threat to the sector’s financial sustainability, but it also poses a direct risk to the UK’s broader economic prospects. Universities are pivotal to economic growth, regional development, and talent generation. They are key drivers of investment, with businesses consistently citing the UK’s world-leading universities as a major reason for their choice to invest here.” With recent policy proposals from the government, including the potential introduction of an international student levy, the situation risks further strain university finances. Many warn that this additional financial pressure is already limiting the ability of universities to operate at full capacity, jeopardising crucial research and innovation activities that are vital to the UK’s economic future. “If the UK is to achieve sustained, long-term economic growth and global competitiveness, it must ensure that universities remain financially robust and internationally connected. The current trajectory threatens to undermine one of our most powerful assets: our standing as a global leader in knowledge and innovation. A retreat in international enrolment will not only have significant financial repercussions but could also diminish the UK’s influence and capacity for world-changing research and discoveries,” adds Dr Marshall.

AW Hainsworth , a 242-year-old woollen mill based in Pudsey, has made a substantial investment in its sustainability strategy and partnered with Planet Mark to measure and reduce the business's carbon footprint. The company’s 2024  Sustainability Report  explains how the historic textiles manufacturer plans to use 2024 as its baseline year for sustainability reporting by changing how emissions are measured to embrace a data-first approach, incorporating external validation to ensure transparency and efficient progress tracking. The cloth producer aims to maintain the heritage production and processes that preserve the company's history while continuously innovating, reducing its environmental impact year-on-year, and prioritising the well-being of its 210 employees. It is adopting a data-driven methodology aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, which saw them conduct a comprehensive site and process assessment last year to identify all scope 1 and 2 emissions sources from onsite operations and purchased electricity. The West Yorkshire manufacturer also completed a suite of energy-reduction projects in 2024, which includes retrofitting existing equipment, replacing 570 lightbulbs with LED lights, and optimising processes for compressed air and heating water. Last year’s carbon emissions data has been independently verified and certified by Planet Mark, a globally recognised certification body. This approach has already guided investment in key pieces of production equipment and a new data collection platform, which has been installed into the mill’s electrical distribution system. The next step for AW Hainsworth is to begin collecting and verifying Scope 3 emissions data to measure emissions generated across the value chain by AW Hainsworth and Atkinson Dyeing. It will set an official Net Zero target in 2028 while working on short and mid-term plans for carbon reduction across its sites. Their short-term plans include using real-time energy monitoring equipment to track electricity consumption patterns and pinpoint energy-intensive processes. The zero-to-landfill manufacturer will also work towards installing an energy recovery unit to capture waste heat from the flue exhaust gases, which will be used to pre-heat the feed water in a closed loop system, reducing the fuel demand and reducing carbon emissions from this source by over 20%. AW Hainsworth, which sells to 60 countries worldwide, will also use the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a guide, documenting its journey towards evolving into a more sustainable business in its annual sustainability report. The Royal Warrant Holder has created two new job roles dedicated to sustainability. Paul Dudley has been hired as the company’s head of Sustainability and Engineering, responsible for driving sustainability strategy, and Matt Lambert, Senior Process and Sustainability Engineer, who manages sustainability projects and initiatives across the mill. Managing Director of AW Hainsworth Amanda McLaren explains: “We continue to make substantial progress—not only in improving our processes and facilities but also by triggering a company-wide cultural shift towards a sustainable mindset. As a business, our understanding of what sustainability means to us has evolved and grown and now sits at the heart of our company values." “We’ve set a standard across the mill for sustainable behaviour and it’s been a joy to see the entire Hainsworth team contribute to the creation of a safer, more efficient and responsible business. In 2024 we made our biggest commitment yet. A key building block of our sustainability strategy is establishing accurate and comprehensive tracking of all our emissions and output, so we can have a full picture of our carbon footprint and set reduction goals that are substantial yet achievable." “I have confidence that by investing in rigorous data tracking, committing to continuous process improvement, and prioritising our corporate social responsibilities, AW Hainsworth can continue to set the standard for sustainable textile manufacturing in the UK.” In 2025, the company aims to build on the insights from its monitoring systems and has identified a suite of improvements to implement to reduce energy usage. One of the planned projects will see work begin on a new borehole water treatment plant. As agreed with Planet Mark, the goal at the end of 2025 is to reduce total carbon emissions by 5%.

An award-winning Glasgow family-run pizza business is moving into a larger factory in Coatbridge to meet growing demand, creating 17 new jobs and doubling its production capacity. Victor Pizza Ltd, founded in the 1970s as a small family bakery, has grown into a £5 million business while staying true to its roots in quality and tradition. In the early days, the team was approached by a local Italian fish and chip shop owner with a unique request: a pizza that could be fried - a nostalgic nod to how it was made back in Naples. What started as a backroom experiment became Pizza Fritto, now a chip shop favourite across Scotland, more commonly known as pizza crunch or deep-fried pizza. As the company grew, so did its ambitions. With a greater focus on nutrition, Victor Pizza teamed up with Donnie Maclean from Scottish food brand Eat Balanced, who had worked with health experts from the University of Glasgow to develop a nutritionally balanced pizza. The result was a multi award-winning pizza made with iodine-rich seaweed and a natural prebiotic fibre (good for gut health) in the base and vitamin-packed red pepper paste mixed through the sauce. Today, these pizzas are shipped across the UK to schools and sports venues, providing healthier options that don’t compromise on taste. Backed by a seven-figure funding package from Bank of Scotland, Victor Pizza is relocating from its 12,000 sq ft site in Possilpark to a new 24,500 sq ft facility in Coatbridge. The upgraded site more than doubles production capacity, introduces new product lines - including High Protein Pizza, Pizza Wraps and Mini Buffet Pizza Bites - and brings in 17 new hires, bolstering the team to 54 employees. Inside the factory, it feels more like a family home. Generations work side by side - mums and sons, cousins and neighbours - with co-founder Anne Marie Cairney still fondly known as the “Chief Soup Maker” for her warm presence and legendary home-cooked lunches. Community values are at the heart of Victor Pizza. The business regularly donates surplus food through organisations like FareShare, Too Good To Go and homelessness charity Emmaus, and frequently welcomes school pupils on educational visits to learn about food production and career opportunities. Five members of the senior leadership team began with no formal qualifications and have worked their way into senior roles. Looking ahead, sustainability is firmly on the menu. The new site is being prepared for solar panel installation and Victor Pizza is working with Scottish Enterprise on projects to reduce food waste and lower carbon emissions. Anne Marie Cairney, co-founder at Victor Pizza, said: “We’ve come a long way from frying pizzas in the back of a Glasgow bakery. Now, we’re sending out hundreds of pallets every month to customers all over the UK." “Winning Scottish Family Business of the Year in 2019 was a real ‘pinch me’ moment and proof that all the hard work and heart hasn’t gone unnoticed." “We’ve built something more than a factory. It’s a family. And that’s the difference people feel when they work with us. This new chapter in Coatbridge gives us space to grow while staying grounded in the values we started with.” Kyle Gibson, relationship manager at Bank of Scotland, said: “Victor Pizza is a fantastic example of how a value-led, family-run business can grow without losing its heart. Their commitment to innovation, sustainability and community shines through and we’re proud to support them on their journey.” Above Photo: Anne-Marie and Paul Cairney, Founders, Victor Pizza.