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A three-year, business-led ‘road map’ has been launched to narrow skills gaps in the workplace, spotlight training opportunities including for NEETs and boost Hampshire’s regional economy. Commissioned by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce in partnership with firms, education providers, policymakers, charities and the public sector, the Hampshire and The Solent Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026-29 builds on detailed research to identify four top priorities for action. These are summarised as: a more responsive and inclusive ‘skills ecosystem’; more support for workforce ‘progression and transitions’; stronger awareness and access for employers and residents alike; and deeper employer participation. Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber Chief Executive, said: “The LSIP is deliberately employer-focused to ensure that skills training works better for businesses of all sizes and sectors. In the research stage, employers - especially SMEs - consistently told us they want a skills system that is easy to access, flexible and has the capacity to enable genuine employer participation opportunities rather than simple engagement.” NEETs, the widely recognised acronym for young people typically aged 16 to 24 who are not in education, employment or training, face particular barriers to acquiring skills and participating in work, the LSIP research report found. Issues cited include youth disengagement driven by lower confidence, higher anxiety, limited networks and reduced access to early work experience. In Hampshire, 35.2% of young people are at risk of becoming NEET, well above the national average of 28.2%, highlighting the scale of vulnerability across the region. Under the government’s rollout of LSIPs nationally, Hampshire Chamber is the official ‘employer representative body’ (ERB) for Hampshire and The Solent. The new plan strengthens the delivery of priorities and foundations set out in two previous LSIPs, one covering the Solent, the other focused on the ‘Enterprise M3’ area across north Hampshire and Surrey. Following publication of a white paper on post-16 education and with guidance from government agency Skills England, all 39 ERBs were required to develop a second round of three-year LSIPs this summer. Based on the research report produced for Hampshire Chamber by consultants and analysts Lichfields, the new LSIP for Hampshire and The Solent is designed to be a unifying strategy in response to changing economic conditions and labour market pressures. Lichfields found that the region now supports almost one million jobs, having added 31,300 jobs since 2023, with strongest growth in Portsmouth and Southampton. At the same time however, labour market participation has actually weakened over the past three years relative to the whole population. Employment has fallen by 8,100 people, unemployment has risen to 3.2% and economic inactivity has increased significantly. Barriers include caring responsibilities, youth disengagement, early retirement among skilled workers, a weaker jobs market and greater exposure to external economic shocks. Factors directly influencing skills gaps in all sectors include shortages of digital capability, leadership, essential employability skills and green skills. “The new three-year plan is a road map for the next phase of LSIP delivery,” Ross McNally explained. “The strategy highlights the major sector opportunities and challenges we face including in our core clusters of maritime, defence, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, creative industries and health and social care." “The creative industries, for example, contribute over £900 million in GVA, while marine and maritime support 20,000 jobs and £1.7 billion in economic output. Logistics employs 27,000 people, with the Solent Freeport expected to create 15,000 additional jobs." “Across all sectors, improving workforce participation, business capability and access to flexible skills provision will be critical to achieving and sustaining regional growth." “Trends analysed in the report underline the need for a skills ecosystem that drives productivity while also widening participation. An expansion of the employment base must be matched by efforts to unlock local talent, reduce barriers to work and support employers to recruit, retain and grow their workforces." "That means building and maintaining strong skills development pathways between education providers and employers. We must also recognise and address demand-side barriers which influence businesses confidence, capability and flexibility to recruit." “Our LSIP report makes clear that we need to strengthen capability across the workforce. Financial literacy, leadership and entrepreneurial confidence are among the essential foundations for improving resilience and productivity especially among our SMEs and micro-businesses. This is particularly important in a region such as ours where 88% of businesses employ fewer than ten people." To read and download the Hampshire and The Solent LSIP report, visit Hampshire LSIP Skills Channel | HCOC LSIP

The brand-new Brewers Decorator Academy in Guildford is now open, offering hands-on painting and decorating training in a purpose-built learning environment designed to help decorators build confidence, master new techniques and grow their careers. Train in a purpose-built academy The indoor training space is sectioned into open-plan practical training rooms with space for 10 decorators to master professional decorating techniques on walls, doors, windows and trims. You'll also find specialist features, including spindles, cills and fireplaces, giving you the opportunity to perfect your spray-painting techniques in a realistic setting. There is a training classroom too to help you build a solid understanding of the theory behind the job and expand your product expertise before you get hands-on. Learn from our expert trainers Sessions are led by dedicated and experienced trainers who will help you sharpen your skills and grow your confidence so you can provide exceptional results for your customers. The Academy team can also deliver bespoke training sessions. Get in touch to find out how courses can be designed to suit your individual company needs. Use products from industry-leading brands Brewers provide all the tools you’ll need to take part in the training courses. You’ll get hands-on practice with top-of-the-range products from our suppliers including Graco and Mirka. Since the Academy is located right above the Brewers Guildford store, you’ll also have access to an extensive range of products so you can be confident recommending the best products for the job. Choose from a wide range of courses Brewers Decorator Academy offers a range of painting and decorating courses including: Introduction To Spray Airless Spray Paint Systems Preparation Skills …with even more dates and courses launching soon! Find out more about our courses. Lunch and refreshments included The Decorators Academy has an on-site kitchen where lunch and refreshments are provided as part of your course. Sign up for a Brewers Decorator Academy course Whether you’re starting out, looking to expand your skillset or keen to perfect a new technique, Brewers Decorator Academy is the ideal place to take your skills to the next level. Why not come down and experience it for yourself? Sign up for a course today.

A Dundee-based gas supply business that launched from one entrepreneur’s determination to protect local customer relationships and continue a trusted service is now celebrating a six-figure turnover with plans to expand further. Dunndee Gas, founded by owner and director William Dunn, was established after he identified an opportunity to continue serving customers across Dundee and the surrounding areas following the closure of his previous employer. William first approached Business Gateway to assess the viability of starting the business. Having previously worked for another gas supplier in Dundee, he had already built strong relationships with residential and commercial customers, as well as supplier contacts, through years of hands-on experience in deliveries, operations and office management. William said: “I started in 2018 as a part-time driver for another gas company, delivering to residents and businesses in Dundee and the surrounding areas. Over time, I moved into a full-time role, gained my ADR licence and took on larger loads." “I got to know all the customers personally and built strong relationships with them, as well as with staff at Calor and BOC. As the previous business moved towards closure, conversations began with Calor about the possibility of me becoming a distributor myself." “What started as a discussion to help soon became the beginning of Dunndee Gas.” With support from Business Gateway’s Early Stage Growth (New Business Plus) service, William received tailored advice across key areas including business planning, VAT registration, HR and digital support. This support helped lay the foundations for Dunndee Gas to secure a 2.78-acre site, from which the business now supplies Calor cylinders for a wide range of domestic and commercial needs. The premises also includes convenient on-site customer parking, making cylinder collection simple and accessible. Since launching, the business has grown to employ four members of staff, including an experienced driver who previously worked alongside William, ensuring customers continue to receive the same reliable and friendly service. Today, Dunndee Gas has reached six-figure turnover and is on track to achieve its ambitions William set out when he first began working with Business Gateway. William added: “The support from Business Gateway has been invaluable in helping turn my idea into a sustainable and growing business. From planning and registration through to HR and digital advice, it has given me the confidence and structure to grow the right way." “Our main priority is to provide excellent customer service and we’re focused on building our marketing activity and growing further, with plans to bring in more drivers as demand continues to increase.” William is currently continuing to work with Business Gateway’s digital support team to strengthen the company’s marketing plans and support the next stage of growth. Business Gateway Adviser, Stuart Milne, said: “William’s journey is a fantastic example of how sector experience, strong customer relationships and the right support can come together to create a thriving local business. Dunndee Gas has built impressive momentum in a short space of time, and we’re delighted to continue supporting its future growth plans.”

As research reveals that parents' weekly food bills in Scotland rise by an average of £42 when their teenagers hit a growth spurt, Aldi has launched a dedicated Growth Spurt Shop to help parents fuel hungry teenagers without breaking the bank. Britain’s biggest discounter has partnered with children's dietitian Lucy Upton to create the resource after the research found that 32% of parents in Scotland are unsure on what their growing teens really need nutritionally. The poll of 1,000 parents with children aged 13–18 found 60% of those in Scotland say keeping their teens fed while managing food expenses is a challenge, with 30% making at least two extra trips to the shops each week. To help parents in Scotland keep hungry teenagers fed without breaking the bank, Aldi’s Growth Spurt Shop offers a curated shopping basket of 10 essential items costing just £13.04. The Growth Spurt Shop basket includes affordable staples chosen by Lucy for their nutritional value, including: British Medium Free Range Eggs 12 Pack – £2.49 Creamy 100% Peanut Butter (340g) – £1.39 Porridge Oats (1kg) – £0.85 Wholewheat Pasta (500g) – £0.75 Semi Skimmed Milk – £1.65 Greek Yoghurt 10% Fat (500g) – £1.99 Bananas (5 pack) – £0.78 Frozen Summer Fruits (500g) – £1.99 Baked Beans in a Rich Tomato Sauce (410g) – £0.40 Wholemeal Sliced Loaf (800g) – £0.75 The research found after school is the peak snacking window for teens in Scotland, with 52% of teenagers reaching for extra food between 3pm and 6pm, and 54% of parents saying their teens can clear out snack cupboards in just three days. Dinner is the biggest drain on budget for 43% of families, with 53% of teens regularly asking for second helpings. To save money, 48% of parents in Scotland are seeking out supermarket deals, 22% are turning to own-brand products, and 22% are bulking out meals with low-cost staples like pasta, rice and potatoes. Lucy Upton said: "Between starting secondary school and turning 16, a teenager's daily energy needs can rise by close to 40% for boys and 20–25% for girls – the impact of which is felt not just in cupboards but also at the till." "Given that teenagers often eat more in the evenings, both at mealtimes and as additional snacks, my advice to parents would be twofold. At mealtimes, try boosting the nutrient density of meals you're already making. For snacking, it's easy for teens to reach for packaged options, so having some nutritious grab-and-go options they enjoy can help." Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: "Many parents will recognise that teenage years often bring a noticeable increase in appetite, meaning the weekly food shop can disappear much more quickly as growing teens fuel their busy days." "From bigger portions at mealtimes to extra snacks throughout the day, it can be tricky to budget for growing appetites." "As Britain’s biggest discounter, we're committed to making healthy, high-quality food affordable for everyone. As part of that, we're working towards having 85% of our sales come from healthier products by 2027. That means parents can feel confident they're filling growing appetites with nutritious food that offers great value – without breaking the bank." The Growth Spurt Shop is now live and can be viewed here.

Today's end-of-life vehicles contain the critical materials needed to build tomorrow's electric vehicles, making their recovery vital to the UK's industrial future. Rare earth magnets are essential to electric motors, yet much of the global supply chain remains reliant on imported primary materials. As the UK Government looks to strengthen critical mineral security and support domestic manufacturing, attention is increasingly turning to the valuable resources already in circulation. That is why EMR, a global leader in circular materials, has joined REACT-UK (Rare Earth Automotive Circular Technologies for the UK), a new £6.5 million collaborative project that will help establish a circular UK supply chain for rare earth neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets used in electric and hybrid vehicles. Supported through the DRIVE35 programme, delivered by the Department for Business and Trade in partnership with the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) and Innovate UK, the project brings together HyProMag, Mkango Rare Earths UK, Jaguar Land Rover, Less Common Metals, the University of Birmingham and EMR. Together, the partners will develop technologies to recover, recycle, and remanufacture rare earth magnets from end-of-life vehicles, helping to strengthen domestic manufacturing capability while reducing reliance on imported resources. Every year, vehicles reach the end of their lives carrying components that still contain valuable, rare-earth elements. Too often, those materials are lost from the supply chain. REACT UK aims to change that. EMR will bring together its EV Battery, End-of-Life Vehicle and Research & Development expertise to identify and recover magnet-containing components from hybrid and electric vehicles. Working closely with Jaguar Land Rover, the project will also explore new approaches to dismantling and component recovery, creating a feedback loop that helps manufacturers design future vehicles with circularity in mind. The recovered materials will then be processed and remanufactured by project partners into new automotive-grade magnets, ready to return to UK manufacturing. It is a practical example of how today's materials can become tomorrow's products. Mike Hogan, Corporate Development Manager at EMR said: "The UK has rightly identified critical minerals as essential to its industrial future." "Demand for rare earth materials is growing rapidly across automotive, renewable energy and advanced manufacturing sectors. Yet too much of the supply chain remains dependent on imported materials and global market conditions beyond our control." "Projects like REACT UK demonstrate how we can build greater resilience by recovering the materials already in circulation. Every end-of-life vehicle contains valuable resources that can help support future manufacturing." "By bringing together dismantling, recovery, recycling and remanufacturing expertise, we're helping create a domestic supply chain for rare earth magnets that keeps these materials in use for longer and supports the UK's ambitions for economic growth, energy security and net-zero." "This is about turning today's materials into tomorrow's products and ensuring those materials remain part of the UK economy." The project further strengthens EMR's role in developing circular supply chains for critical minerals and rare earth elements. It also builds on previous collaborations between consortium partners and complements EMR's involvement in other DRIVE35-funded programmes, including CircularREEconomy (CREEM) and MOBIUS, which are helping establish innovative approaches to recovering and reusing critical materials across the automotive sector. As demand for critical minerals continues to grow, projects such as REACT UK demonstrate how the UK's urban mine can help support future manufacturing, strengthen domestic supply chains, and reduce reliance on imported resources. Because tomorrow's vehicles depend on today's materials.

More than one in five (22%) SMEs fear they could be forced out of business over problems paying tax bills in the next five years, new research1 from Premium Credit, a leading provider of finance for businesses, shows. Its study with SME owners and managers found nearly two out of five (39%) say they have missed up to four tax bill deadlines in the past three years, highlighting the need for solutions to help SMEs pay bills on time. More than seven out of 10 (71%) firms said they would consider using a scheme enabling them to spread the cost of their tax bills for a small fee, while nearly three out of four (73%) said they were aware they could spread the cost of tax bills throughout the year with HMRC. The research found SMEs are even struggling to get VAT and Corporation Tax returns in on time, which is particularly worrying given the launch of Making Tax Digital for income tax self-assessment returns, requiring individuals to submit four returns in a year. More than half (55%) of the businesses questioned admit they have been late with filing a VAT or Corporation Tax return in the past three years, the research shows. Missing tax payment and return deadlines can be expensive -- penalties and fines range from £100 for being a day late with a Corporation Tax return rising to as much as 20% of the unpaid tax. For VAT, fines for paying late start after payment is 15 days overdue and go as high as 15% of the amount of VAT not paid on time. Around one in eight (13%) questioned said they are very worried about fines from HMRC. There is some good news – nearly half (44%) say they believe HMRC has become more supportive towards business owners compared with 31% who believe HMRC is getting tougher. But the numbers fearing they may have to use HMRC’s Time to Pay (TTP) scheme which enables eligible businesses to pay tax arrears usually within three to six months is rising. Around 30% this year say they may have to use TTP in the next three years compared with 12% in last year’s study2. Around a quarter (24%) of SME owners and managers say they have in the past worked for firms that closed or went into liquidation because of tax bills. Jennie Hill, Chief Commercial Officer, Specialist Finance, at Premium Credit said: “SMEs have had to bear the cost of tax rises as well as increases in the minimum wage and are feeling the strain when it comes to paying tax bills on time." “SMEs clearly need help to avoid missing deadlines and getting tax returns in on time so as not to have to pay fines. Being able to spread the cost of tax bills into convenient monthly payments helps businesses to manage cash flow and invest in themselves.” Steve Harris, Director and Co-Founder at Birmingham-based Central Finance added: “When an SME business owner is in arrears with a tax bill it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of picking a short-term loan just to get by. That invariably means high interest rates and high monthly repayment loans.” For further information on Premium Credit’s Tax and VAT funding proposition, please visit here.

A groundbreaking collaboration will give local councils, theme parks, developers and other global attractions unprecedented insight into when products require repair, alongside detailed information on materials, sourcing and lifecycle performance, all while aligning with emerging product transparency regulations. ubloquity, the NI technology company pioneering IoT, AI and blockchain powered supply chain visibility, has partnered with award winning global street furniture designer Environmental Street Furniture (ESF) to launch a new Digital Products Passport platform. Also known as DP3, this platform allows ESF customers to access real time, verifiable data on product materials, recycled content, repair history and environmental performance. As international regulation accelerates towards mandatory digital product transparency, with the rollout of the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), this initiative positions ubloquity and ESF at the forefront of compliance and sustainability innovation worldwide. At the same time, across the supply chain, businesses face increasing demands for ESG reporting, lifecycle transparency and sustainability data. ubloquity’s solution solves these problems, allowing ESF customers to track materials used, including recycled content and origin. It also means users of the system can log maintenance, repairs and upgrades throughout the product’s lifecycle; access compliance ready environmental reporting that aligns with EU sustainability standards; and verify authenticity and ESG performance using tamper proof digital records, building on ubloquity’s proven applications in other industries. Kieran Kelly, founder & CEO, ubloquity, added: “This partnership shows how innovation here in Northern Ireland can solve global challenges. Our ubiNex technology platform is already transforming traceability in complex sectors, and through our partnership with ESF, we’re bringing trusted, real time sustainability data to the public infrastructure and built environment sectors. It is a game-changing development, and we’re excited to roll this out.” Environmental Street Furniture supplies products across commercial developments, education campuses, hospitality, public realm projects, tourism attractions and world leading theme parks. Already exporting to 26 countries worldwide from its base in Northern Ireland, ESF is an ideal early adopter for scalable Digital Product Passport technology. Alan Lowry, CEO, Environmental Street Furniture said: “Environmental responsibility is now a business necessity. Our portfolio of customers, from councils to theme parks, now expect verifiable sustainability data. Our DP3 platform provides the transparency they need, from verifying recycled materials to maintaining repair logs, and supporting compliance with fast approaching EU and global standards.”

A UK process filter maker has celebrated the official opening of an expanded, purpose-built 2,800 sq m manufacturing hub near Warsaw. The production, warehouse and office facility on the new CTPark Nowy Konik industrial park, around 15 miles east of the city centre, is designed to help Amazon Filters’ Polish subsidiary strengthen its reach into industry sectors across Poland, east and central Europe and beyond. The firm became the first confirmed tenant on the park under a long-term lease deal with site owner CTP, Europe’s biggest listed developer and operator of logistics and industrial real estate. Amazon Filters team members joined CTP, local authority and business community representatives for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening. The new hub replaces a smaller Amazon Filters facility which had been operating in a mainly residential area of the Polish capital since 2014. Jan Gradoń, President of the Management Board of Amazon Filters Sp. z.o.o., praised colleagues in the subsidiary’s 30-strong team for achieving a smooth relocation and ensuring shifts could begin again as quickly as possible. “This is a proud moment and a huge milestone for Amazon Filters,” said Jan. “We were able to restart production within a week and a half without any negative impact on our customers and supply chain. It is a great team achievement to have had ten production machines verified and made ready for action in just a matter of days. I thank everyone involved in the physical move and especially colleagues Pawel Kmuk and Wojtek Witkiewicz for their huge engagement in the whole process." "This larger location significantly increases our capacity in Poland and marks an important step in our continued growth and commitment to supporting customers in markets across Europe and further afield.” The new hub comprises 1,175 sq m of production space, 1,092 sq m of warehousing and 509 sq m of offices. It complements an already well-established Amazon Filters sales and distribution hub in Germany where ten managers and staff are based, and the 41-year-old firm’s main global production centre in Camberley, Surrey, UK, which has more than 270 employees. Together the facilities support the manufacture and supply of filtration cartridges and housings for process industries such as municipal water, energy, automotive, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and coatings, and construction. Among its specific activities, the Nowy Konik plant will produce key lines of filtration cartridges made through a meltblown polymer process. These include the ranges SupaGard, SupaSpun, Contour, VisClear, and Kilbac, all featured in solutions that reach customers worldwide through a network of direct sales and specialist distributors. Being located some 300 km from the Ukrainian border, the new hub has already begun supporting Amazon Filters’ Kyiv-based distributor Tecsa. The two companies’ partnership is focused on helping to maintain and repair filtration solutions in Ukraine’s war-damaged pharmaceuticals sector and supply chain logistics. The hub will also build on Amazon Filters’ long-standing research and development programmes with the nearby Warsaw University of Technology.

Loughborough Lightning have locked in Red Roses international and Premiership Women’s Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Season, Haineala Lutui, on a new multi year contract. The 19 year old enjoyed a remarkable first full season in senior rugby, making her Lightning debut in August 2025 in PWR: The Cup before earning her league bow against Harlequins a month later. She missed only one of Lightning’s 20 league and cup fixtures across the campaign, topped the PWR for carries (247), and finished second for gain line carries behind teammate Alev Kelter. Her outstanding club form was rewarded on the international stage when Lutui was called into the Red Roses camp for the Guinness Women’s Six Nations, making her debut from the bench against Ireland — just 444 days after her first BUCS Super Rugby appearance for Loughborough University. Lutui’s rise continued with a maiden Test try against Scotland, as she featured in four of England’s five matches on the way to securing her first Grand Slam title. Alongside being named Lightning’s Young Player of the Season, Lutui also received national recognition at The Rugby Awards, where she was crowned PWR Breakthrough Player of the Season. “I’ve really enjoyed my journey at Loughborough Lightning so far,” said Lutui. “Being surrounded by such a supportive group of coaches and teammates has helped me grow both on and off the field, and I’ve made some amazing friendships along the way. Looking back to when I first arrived, I can really see how much I’ve developed as a player and as a person." “The environment at Loughborough has constantly pushed me to improve and challenge myself, while also giving me the confidence to express myself as a player. I get the opportunity to play alongside amazing players such as Sadia Kabeya, Daisy Hibbert Jones and Lilli Ives Campion, which has helped me improve my own game. I’m really grateful to be part of such a special club.” Lutui was an interested spectator at Rodney Parade when Loughborough University ended their 21 year wait to be crowned BUCS Super Rugby Champions after defeating Brunel in the final. Her Six Nations commitments prevented her involvement in that 45-5 victory, but she credits the programme as a key driver in her development. “The environment at Loughborough has really pushed me to grow,” she said. “A lot of that development comes down to the coaches and support staff around me. Nathan [Smith], Tails [Rachel Taylor], and Matty C [Campbell] especially have had a huge influence on my journey. They’ve helped me develop my skills, given me confidence week by week, and supported me in becoming the player I am now. “Stepping up from BUCS to PWR brought new challenges — finding ways to make more dominant carries against stronger defences, and learning how to defend bigger ball carriers. I’ve been able to meet those challenges because of the support I’ve had from the coaches.” Lutui follows in the footsteps of Sadia Kabeya, Helena Rowland and Daisy Hibbert Jones, who have all committed to contract extensions ahead of the 2026/27 season. Explaining her decision, she said: “I decided to commit to Loughborough Lightning because I believe it’s the best environment for me to continue developing both as a player and as a person. From the moment I joined, I felt supported by the coaches, staff and teammates, and that environment has helped me grow in confidence and improve my game. Loughborough feels like home." “The opportunities I’ve had here — from BUCS to Premiership rugby and into the England pathway — show how much the programme invests in developing players and helping them reach their potential. I’m excited to keep learning, improving and contributing to the team, and Lightning is the perfect place for me to continue that journey.” Head Coach Nathan Smith was delighted to add the 19 year old to his retained list. “What Haineala achieved in the 2025/26 season is nothing short of remarkable,” he said. “She deserves enormous credit for what she has accomplished." “She has gone from a university player to breaking into a World Cup winning Red Roses side in little over a year. What’s even more exciting is that she is extremely coachable, and we’re only scratching the surface of what she can go on to achieve." “For all young players within the pathway at Loughborough — and for prospective players who may join in the future — she, alongside the likes of Lilli Ives Campion, represents what can be achieved here. We can develop players to compete at elite university level, thrive in the PWR, and play for their countries on the international stage.”

A pioneering pilot led by independent environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy has demonstrated how sustained behaviour change activity can improve both the physical environment and people’s perceptions of their local area – delivering cleaner streets, stronger community pride and renewed economic confidence without putting additional pressure on council budgets. The 12-month “Love Where You Live Heckmondwike” programme, funded through the Litter Pact and delivered in collaboration with KFC, Mars Wrigley, McDonald’s and Nestlé, achieved a 16% reduction in food and drink-related litter – providing robust, real-world evidence of what works at community level. In 2024, Keep Britain Tidy embarked on a project with the aim of pulling together all the research, insights, interventions and approaches the charity had delivered in the previous decade and see if it could make a measurable difference to the levels of litter on the ground and, importantly, to people’s reported behaviour and perceptions of the place they called home. Key results include: 16% reduction in food and drink packaging litter overall 20% reduction in confectionery litter 52% reduction in littering around “Bin it for Good” installations - where bins are converted into charity tins* A 22-percentage-point increase in public satisfaction with cleanliness (rising from 14% to 36%). The initiative highlights the critical role that shaping consumer behaviour can play in addressing environmental challenges, beyond packaging design and recycling infrastructure. Through co-investment in research, campaign development and local activation, partners supported a coordinated multi-channel programme that combined: Evidence-led messaging tailored to specific litter behaviours like “careful littering” and dog fouling Strategic placement of litter interventions in high-impact locations Community engagement and localised creative Collaboration with businesses, schools and the local community. The campaign achieved strong public engagement, with 70% of residents recalling activity. Among those with highest exposure: 83% said they would pick up litter near their home 68% were more likely to take personal responsibility for keeping the area clean 63% were more likely to use bins. Importantly, the findings reinforce a clear link between perception and behaviour, demonstrating that individuals who viewed their area as clean were significantly more likely to act responsibly. The programme also saw a significant reduction in those who perceived fast food litter to be a problem between the beginning and end of the project, with the number of people saying it was a problem falling from 86% to 42%. The pilot also underscores the commercial relevance of tackling litter with 16% of businesses in the area saying customers would spend more in cleaner areas and 30% believing that improved cleanliness would attract new businesses. The findings underline the role of environmental quality in supporting thriving high streets and inward investment. Allison Ogden CEO of Keep Britain Tidy said: “Keep Britian Tidy has decades of understanding of - and unparalleled experience in - changing littering behaviours." "This pilot shows that working in partnership with funders, businesses on the ground, local authorities and leaders from within the community in a sustained, joined up way delivers far greater results than solo or siloed efforts. We welcome food and drink brands showing this kind of leadership.” Kim Leadbeater, MP and chair of the Tidy Britain All Party Parliamentary Group said: “I’m deeply invested in the town of Heckmondwike, it’s where I was born, where I grew up.  Being part of a project that not only reduced litter in my hometown but improved how residents feel about their neighborhood makes me so proud”. Dr Emma Keller, Head of Sustainability at Nestlé UK and Ireland, said: “Nestlé is proud to be joining other industry leaders in the Litter Pact. Every year, we see employees from up and down the country getting involved in the annual Great British Spring Clean, an important initiative for local communities. We are excited to build on this through the Litter Pact." Helen McFarlane, Sustainability Manager at McDonald’s, said: “McDonald’s is delighted to have supported the Litter Pact alongside Keep Britain Tidy and to see such strong results for the Heckmondwike community. Addressing litter is a shared responsibility, and this initiative demonstrates how effective partnership working and local engagement can deliver tangible benefits. We are proud to be part of something that is helping to create cleaner, more welcoming places for everyone.” As part of the project’s legacy, Keep Britain Tidy is launching a full report and place-based litter toolkit for councils on Tuesday 7 July.

A £1m fundraising effort by The Tank Museum to restore the oldest surviving King Tiger in existence was boosted when a WWII German coin was discovered inside it. Apprentice Vehicle Technician James Trevett was helping strip-down the historic and unique German machine when he discovered the 5 Reichspfennig coin. It is likely that a German engineer working on the tank in 1943 dropped it and it remained there until now. Worth the equivalent of a UK penny, the coin was cast in 1941 from Zinc due to wartime shortages and it displays the Nazi eagle and swastika on one side with the denomination with oak leaves on the reverse. It was one of a number of items discovered in the tank – King Tiger V2 – during the process to take it apart. The tank was the second of 492 King Tigers built, hence its name V2, the V short for ‘Versuchs’, meaning ‘experimental’ or ‘trial’. The Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset, has had the tank since the post-war years and it was decided to restore it to working condition, a project set to cost £1m, with around half the amount raised. It is the only surviving King Tiger to have been fitted with the pre-production turret, which was designed by Porsche. V2 was built in December 1943 and spent its entire service life at the Henschel testing facility in Germany. When this was overrun by Allied forces, V2 was found fully stowed and ready to fight – although it is not believed that it ever fired a shot in anger. The Museum’s Director of Marketing and Engagement, Nik Wyness, said: “While the coin discovered is worth only a few pounds, it is a wonderful, evocative item that is itself part of the history of this vehicle and the story it tells." “It was possibly dropped by an engineer or by a German testing the tank – we will never know for sure. “We already have the world’s only working Tiger I – called 131 – and to also have an operational King Tiger to join it would be truly unique." “Donors to the fund have been extremely generous and it has allowed us to begin the project and strip down the tank. We are removing all the parts and inspecting them to see what needs replacing, fixing or reverse engineering. And it was during this process that the coin was found underneath the left-hand fuel tank, which is below the turret." “We also uncovered a brick, broken hoses, tools and a piece of paper that might contain a wiring diagram. The project is being led by our Workshop Team, supported by a range of carefully selected partners from across Europe." “We’ll use the project as a springboard for further research, to develop new skills and train the next generation of heritage engineers – using external experts to guide us where necessary.” Design work on King Tiger – or Tiger II aka ‘Konigstiger’ – began in 1942 and they were first used during the Normandy campaign in 1944 and were the most powerful tanks on the battlefield. The Musée des Blindés in France also have an operational King Tiger tank, and it visited the Museum’s TANKFEST 2025 to run alongside The Tank Museum’s Tiger I. To donate to the restoration project visit tankmuseum.org/ktv2. To watch the restoration journey, visit The Tank Museum Workshop YouTube channel here.

Award-winning hospitality operator Buzzworks has announced plans to welcome The Douglas Hotel into the business, marking another milestone in the group’s growing accommodation offering. Located on Brodick seafront, the hotel has welcomed residents and visitors to the Isle of Arran for more than 170 years and is one of the island’s best-known hotels. Subject to completion in mid-July, The Douglas will continue welcoming guests throughout the summer before temporarily closing in Autumn/Winter for refurbishment. The hotel is expected to reopen in spring 2027. Following a major seven figure redevelopment, The Douglas will join Buzzworks' signature House Collection, transforming the iconic site into a modern and stylish pub, restaurant and rooms venue, where guests can eat, drink and stay while enjoying everything Arran has to offer. The move builds on Buzzworks' established presence along the Ayrshire coast, where Scotts and Lido in Troon, and Vic's & The Vine in Prestwick, have become well-known destinations for locals and visitors from across the west of Scotland. With Arran visible from the Ayrshire shoreline on a clear day, the addition of The Douglas feels like a natural extension for a company with close ties to the communities that know and love the island best. Designed for staycations, golf breaks, family getaways and business travel, the newly revitalised hotel will feature 21 beautifully designed bedrooms, a vibrant open-plan bar and restaurant and enhanced outdoor spaces that can be enjoyed by both island residents and visitors throughout the year. Led by acclaimed designer Jim Hamilton, the refurbishment will celebrate the building's heritage while introducing Buzzworks' signature approach to hospitality, with a focus on timeless design, quality craftsmanship and creating welcoming spaces that reflect the character of Arran. Kenny Blair, CEO at Buzzworks, said: “We're absolutely delighted to be welcoming The Douglas into Buzzworks. This is an iconic hotel with a fantastic reputation, and we are proud to be taking this special place forward and building on its legacy." “This investment allows us to build on what The Douglas already offers whether guests are coming in for a casual drink or a bite to eat, enjoying a meal in the restaurant, or settling in for a comfortable and stylish overnight stay. We know how much this hotel means to the island, and we're keen to honour what's already here while bringing our own passion for great hospitality to it — creating a place that visitors love and that the people of Arran can enjoy and call their own for many years to come." As part of the acquisition, the existing team at The Douglas will join the wider Buzzworks business, with the company fully committed to supporting all team members throughout the transition. When The Douglas reopens, there will be an exciting opportunity for the team to be part of something new - with access to the training, development and career progression that Buzzworks is known for. Kate Russell‌, General Manager from The Douglas Hotel, said: "We are incredibly proud of what The Douglas has become and the role it has played in welcoming both island residents and visitors to Arran over the years." "It has been a privilege to care for such an iconic hotel, and we'd like to thank our guests, our dedicated team and the local community for the incredible support they have shown throughout that time." "As we look to the future, we believe Buzzworks is the right fit to take The Douglas into its next chapter. The business’ passion for hospitality, respect for the heritage of their venues and commitment to the communities they serve gives us great confidence that the hotel has an exciting future ahead." Buzzworks is a B Corp certified business and has been recognised as one of the UK’s Best Companies to Work For for ten consecutive years. The group currently operates 23 award-winning venues across Scotland and was named Best Managed Pub Company (under 51 sites) at the 2025 Publican Awards. For more information on Buzzworks please visit here.