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JCB has launched its fourth annual Christmas Toy Appeal as employees unite to bring festive joy to local children.   Since the appeal’s launch in 2022, employees have donated almost 4,000 gifts for distribution to children and young people in the Stoke-on-Trent and Wrexham areas – with last year seeing a record haul of 1,700 donations at 15 collection points at JCB’s UK plants.   The 2025 appeal runs until Tuesday, December 2nd and the gifts will then be handed over to two charities - Stoke-on-Trent’s Hubb Foundation and the Wrexham branch of the Salvation Army - for distribution to local communities. Donations to the appeal are also welcome from members of the public at JCB’s World HQ at Rocester.   JCB Group HR Director Laura Atkins said: “The generosity of JCB employees continues to amaze us. The appeal has flourished over the last three years and promises to, once again, bring festive cheer to local communities.” Helping to co-ordinate this year’s appeal are JCB apprentices: Kitty Hulme, 20, of Newcastle-under-Lyme, Lewis Durham, 20, of Derby, Lucy Pepper, 23, of Stoke-on-Trent, and Will Jenkins, 20, of Stone. Kitty said: “It’s fantastic to be part of something that brings so much joy to children at Christmas. Every donation counts and helps make the season magical for those who need it most.”

CocoTurf Cricket has been developed to support the growing need for environmentally responsible solutions within the sport. Notts Sport, one of the UK’s most established innovators in sports and play surfacing, has announced the launch of CocoTurf Cricket, the world’s first 100% natural, plastic-free artificial cricket surface. Designed from the ground up using natural materials, CocoTurf Cricket represents a major step forward in sustainable facility development for cricket at all levels of the game. CocoTurf Cricket builds on Notts Sport’s pioneering CocoTurf® technology and has been specifically re-engineered to meet the demands of cricket performance. The surface is constructed entirely from natural coconut fibres, jute backing, and certified natural latex, creating a high-performance wicket system with zero plastics, zero microplastics, and zero PFAS. This makes it the first artificial cricket surface of its kind worldwide and a significant milestone in reducing environmental impact in sport. The first installation of CocoTurf Cricket has already taken place at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, providing a real-world example of how elite facilities are beginning to embrace natural, plastic-free alternatives. The surface has undergone full cricket performance testing, including a Ball Pitch Impact Assessment, which confirmed the system’s consistent bounce, realistic pace and long-term durability comparable to professionally prepared non-turf wickets. An ECB application is currently in process, marking an important step toward official recognition and future adoption by clubs, schools, county boards and national programmes. CocoTurf Cricket has been developed to support the growing need for environmentally responsible solutions within the sport. With concerns increasing around microplastic shedding, PFAS contamination and the environmental cost of synthetic materials, CocoTurf Cricket offers a future-proofed alternative that aligns with the sport’s sustainability objectives. The system is Oeko-Tex certified, 100% recyclable, features a dense pile weight of 1,300 g/m², and achieves an exceptional water infiltration rate of 15,166 mm/hr, providing reliable use throughout the year. Each square metre of CocoTurf Cricket uses fibres from 6.5 coconuts, meaning approximately 585 coconuts contribute to a single-lane match facility. This approach transforms natural by-products into high-performance surfacing technology and reduces dependence on petrochemical-based materials. The product is protected under International Patent Application No. PCT/GB2024/050422 (pending). Duncan Bennett, CEO of Notts Sport, said: “CocoTurf Cricket is a genuine breakthrough for cricket facilities. For the first time, the sport has access to an artificial surface that performs like a professionally prepared pitch but is made entirely from natural materials. This is a major step toward eliminating plastics from non-turf systems and creating facilities that protect both players and the environment.” Adam Walker, Technical Manager at Notts Sport, added: “We engineered CocoTurf Cricket with players in mind, but with absolute commitment to sustainability. This surface shows that you no longer have to choose between performance and environmental responsibility — you can have both.” With more than 40 years of experience delivering cricket surfaces across the UK and worldwide, Notts Sport continues to lead innovation in the industry, offering solutions that support the future of the game.

A West Yorkshire entrepreneur is approaching a decade in business – celebrating record-breaking growth for his vegetation management company. At just 29, Declan Colleran has transformed his venture from a small local operation into a seven-figure national enterprise – achieving a 140% increase in turnover during the past five years. Having started out as a 16-year-old trainee tree surgeon, Declan, from Dewsbury, founded DC Ground and Tree Care in 2016 as a sole trader. Since then, he has grown the business into a limited company – providing principal contractor services to a diverse range of commercial and public sector clients across the construction, highways, environmental and waterways sectors. “From starting out with a small team – me with a few groundworkers, mainly doing domestic tree work – we’re now leading large-scale projects and contracts that last several months for some of the biggest names in the industry,” said Declan, who also launched Aquatic Restorations in 2023 – a complementary company providing specialist aquatic environmental services. “It’s been stressful at times, but an incredible journey that holds even more potential for the future. Growing the business alongside my wife Lucy, our managers and trained specialists, we’ve worked hard to become recognised experts in the industry. I couldn’t be prouder of how far we’ve come – especially our longest-serving employees, many of whom joined with no formal qualifications and have grown into highly skilled professionals.” As the company approaches its 10-year anniversary, it is entering a new chapter with a rebrand that reflects the wider service offering. “I’m excited to announce that we will now be trading as DC Environmental,” Declan added. “We are so much more than just cutting down trees. We’ve expanded into complex arboriculture, landscaping and vegetation management work – all requiring specialist equipment and expertise. We also take on niche silt and invasive weed projects, as well as civil engineering, facilities management, fabrication and plant hire services.” Since starting out as a one-person operation, the business has evolved into a fully accredited and professionally structured organisation. “Lucy and our administration team have worked tirelessly to ensure full compliance with Health & Safety regulations, environmental standards and sustainability initiatives,” Declan added. “We’ve also maintained key industry accreditations – including ISO and the National Highway Sector Scheme. Doing things the right way – safely, legally and responsibly – is what has earned us the trust to be offered bigger projects." Key strategic investments have also driven growth – from sourcing specialist equipment across Europe to establishing a purpose-built depot in Heckmondwike, complete with fabrication and mechanical workshops. “From day one, we’ve owned our equipment and resources outright – often having machinery custom-made to suit our work,” said Declan. “That model has allowed us to weather challenges, including COVID-19, while keeping things stable for our team and reinvesting in line with client needs.” Co-Director Lucy, 29, who is expecting the couple’s second child, said the rebrand feels timely as the company embarks upon more capital projects – including the development of new offices and the expansion of its existing warehouse. “Declan is the driving force behind the business, but it has matured into a well-established organisation with strong management and operational teams in place,” she said. “As we head into our tenth year, we’re so grateful to our clients for trusting in our expertise and supporting our journey, and we look forward to what the future holds for DC Environmental.”

Practical advice on sustainable procurement was on the agenda as more than 150 decision makers converged on Basingstoke for the south’s biggest business conference and expo devoted entirely to green growth. The third annual Unlocking Hampshire's Green Potential (UHGP) attracted representatives of companies and organisations from a range of sectors. Held at the Apollo Hotel in Basingstoke, UHGP 2025 was staged by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce in partnership with headline sponsors Basingstoke and Dean Borough Council and business support network Barclays Eagle Labs. Conference presentations featured expert advice on how to access green finance under ESG (environmental, social and governance) goals coupled with practical insight from innovators who have already built green investments into their operations and supply chains. Alongside was an exhibition of products and services for companies looking to be greener including energy saving solutions for commercial buildings, asset finance options and sustainable interior design ideas. Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber’s Chief Executive and Executive Chair, said: “We had a conference full of keen and enthusiastic businesses who have taken a dedicated approach to sustainability and ESG values. They came to share and explore how to build green strategies throughout their operations and encourage and champion others to do the same including supply chain partners.” The keynote speaker was Dr Wendy Buckley, Client Director at Basingstoke-based climate change solution business Carbon Footprint Ltd and Chair of the North Hampshire Sustainability Business Network. Wendy told the audience that procurement was a key area for action on sustainability, and urged delegates to understand and manage their supply chain emissions. She said suppliers’ performance can be assessed through metrics such as CFP, or Supplier Carbon Footprint, which shows the total ‘cradle to grave’ emissions associated with the materials, products and services they provide. She also highlighted Sustrax Lite, a free carbon calculator designed specifically for micro-businesses, saying it “provides the robust, credible starting point you need to understand your impact and begin your sustainability journey”. Wendy added: “In today's market, your brand’s integrity is defined by the full lifecycle of your products. Your biggest risks and your greatest opportunities lie outside your direct control, in your supply chain. We need to demolish the myth that sustainability must cost more. By integrating sustainability as a vital ESG principle, you can achieve a ‘win-win-win-win’ that enhances your brand, builds deep customer trust, strengthens your supplier ecosystem, and prepares you for the inevitable future of reporting.” Fellow presenters included: Councillor Paul Harvey, Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council; event co-ordinator Barry Smith, Chair Basingstoke for Hampshire Chamber; Robert Morgan, Head of Climate Tech at Barclays Eagle Labs; and Mark Sanderson, Group Corporate Responsibility Manager for speaker sponsor Farnborough Airport, the first business aviation airport in the UK to achieve carbon neutrality. The conference culminated in an expert panel discussion on sustainable supply chains chaired by Ross McNally. Panellists included Mark Sanderson, Antonia Berridge, Green team leader at Basingstoke and Dean Borough Council, Mark Sherwood, Chief Executive of carbon reduction consultancy Auditel, and Steve Gilder, Head of Construction of Basingstoke College of Technology.

AgriScot, the UK’s premier agricultural business event, has recorded the highest attendance in its 24-year history as well as a significant increase in participation in their Dairy Classes, Silage and Business Skills Competitions. Welcoming close to 12,000 visitors, with over 240 trade stands, the event continues to be recognised as the largest indoor event of its kind in Scotland. The event demonstrated a packed programme, including a full seminar with Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity of Scotland, announcing additional funding for the Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS) taking it to £21.4 million across over 1,600 applicants. In his speech, he said: “The scheme was competitive, with over 7,700 applications worth in excess of £77 million. I know there will be many who applied who will have been disappointed not to be successful in this round. There is no getting away from that. Going forward we will review the scheme to better understand what worked and where improvement could be made, to ensure it is more tightly targeted for any future rounds of the scheme." “Officials have also undertaken further assurance checks on the assessment of applications for FFIS. As a result of those checks, areas designated as Common Grazings have been removed when verifying the total area of land occupied by a crofting business for assessment purposes. We have also added a further source of data to verify Organic Certification and therefore determine eligibility. Officials have revalidated those further applications following these assurance checks and will now be able to issue a further 122 offers of grant, mainly to crofting and island businesses.” Innovation and planning for the future remained at the heart of the event, with AgriScot’s Business Skills Winner demonstrating a strong understanding of the industry and the requirements to adapt to deliver a profitable farming business. Won by Rachel Baillie from South Lanarkshire, a fourth-year student studying Agricultural and Farm Business Management at Harper Adams University is from a mixed dairy and sheep farm just outside Carstairs, Rachel received a prize of £1,000, supported by Virgin Money. The competition, which is coordinated by SRUC, celebrated 15 years at AgriScot 2025 and included a special ceremony with all the winners. Commenting on the win, Rachel said: “I'm really excited to have won the AgriScot Business Skills Award. It’s really pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I found it particularly interesting to learn other people's opinions and views. I’ve picked up so many new skills and lots of knowledge on everything from global issues to finances on the farm." With a spotlight on cost-effective precision technologies, the Product Innovation Award went to Eadie Bros and Co. Ltd for their compound-lever plier, used for lamb castrations. The tool aims to increase better welfare by significantly reducing the level of pain at castration and tail docking, by 90%. Livestock was also key to the live interactive demonstrations, showcasing the options for on-farm efficiencies. The Sheep Game’s Cammy Wilson, and Te Pari highlighted the Racewell handling system, an all in one-solution that is allowing businesses to reconsider what one person can achieve. Whilst the beef demonstration, hosted by SAC Consulting (part of SRUC) and Genus discussed how beef genetics are playing a pivotal role within dairy herds. New this year was the Youngstock Dairy Classes, open to anyone between the ages of 5 and 30, encouraging the future and next generations. Judged as an interbreed and with 19 competitors, Joshua Atkinson and Joanne Coulthurst were awarded first prize for calves born 1st September 2024 to 28th February 2025, with Absolute Doorman Santorini. For calves born between 1st March 2024 and 31st August 2025, D&J Brewster and D Gray took the top spot with Whinchat Crown Royal Sara. SuperHeifer 2025 went to Family Airey, with Newcroft Lambda Farida, and SuperCow 2025 was awarded to Evening Holsteins, with Evening Sidekick Jennifer. Reflecting on his first year as AgriScot Chairman, Gilmour Lawrie said: “AgriScot continues to be a highlight in the calendar for the agricultural industry, and our record visitor numbers demonstrate the importance of the event. By offering a platform to develop business, explore new innovations, hear the latest trends and opportunities during our seminars, and engage with policy, AgriScot has become an essential place to support future business decisions." “I would like to thank all our sponsors and exhibitors, who help ensure we can continue to offer free entry and free parking, and to the volunteers and team who run the event. I am looking forward to welcoming all our visitors back in 2026.” Full Results Silage Results, sponsored by Watson Seeds. Young Farmers 1st - David Smith, Deaconhill Farm, Mauchline 2nd - John Caldwell, Ladyyard Farm, Mauchline 3rd - Jamie Smith, Southridgehill Farm, Beith Beef Clamp 1st - Robert Black, Drochil Castle Farm, West Linton 2nd - SRUC Easter Howgate, Edinburgh 3rd - Ian Duncan Millar, Tirinie Farm, Aberfeldy Big Bale 1st - Gregor Nelson, Redcroft Farm, Castle Douglas 2nd - David Mackie, Westerboard Farm, Glasgow 3rd - AF & PM Hamilton, Balmesh Farm, Glenluce, Newton Stewart Dairy Clamp 1st - Graham Kerr, Kirklands Farm, Dunsyre, South Lanarkshire 2nd - Andrew McGregor, East Law Farm, Carluke, Lanarkshire 3rd - Barr Farms, Meldrum, Blair Drummond, Stirlingshire Business Skills Results, sponsored by Virgin Money and supported by SRUC Winner: Rachel Baillie (South Lanarkshire) comes from a mixed dairy and sheep farm just outside Carstairs, South Lanarkshire. She is currently in her fourth year studying Agriculture with Farm Business Management at Harper Adams University near Newport. Having recently completed her placement year with SAC Consulting as an Agricultural Technician, Rachel gained invaluable experience shadowing consultants and deepening her understanding of the advisory side of the industry. With aspirations to pursue a career in farm consultancy, Rachel chose a degree that balances technical agricultural knowledge with business acumen. Her placement year confirmed her interest in the consultancy field and allowed her to work hands-on with new policy developments, sustainability schemes, and farm business planning. She believes the industry’s shift towards sustainability and net zero should not be seen as a “tick box” exercise but as a strategic opportunity for farms to improve long-term business performance. Rachel is passionate about helping businesses adapt early and make the most of changing support schemes. Product Innovation Winner: Eadie Bros & Co. Ltd The ClipFitter is a cost-effective precision compound-lever plier for the process of lamb castrations. It aims to increase better welfare by significantly reducing the level of pain at castration and tail docking by 90%. SRUC scientists concluded that young lambs castrated with ClipFitter behave as though they haven’t been castrated – as the closing force is enough to produce the effect of anaesthesia. Some trials show growth and health benefits too, from these almost pain free experiences. Using the brand-new Mini Hybrid could become lambing shed standard practice UK-wide, and a vital part of vet and agricultural student education. Product Innovation Joint Highly Commended: ATVTrac Introduced to the agriculture market in 2024, ATVTrac Lite offers affordable stolen recovery tracking. Benefitting from GPS, GSM and RF (radio frequency), ATVTrac / ATVTrac Lite was the first to offer such technology in a dedicated device, allowing the team at ATVTrac to not only track down stolen assets but be able to assist in proactive recoveries. Until now, only radio frequency could offer detailed location information. Alltech Alltech’s 37+ mycotoxin testing highlights the increasing challenge of mycotoxins in UK agriculture. These invisible toxins compromise animal health, performance and farm profitability. Mycosorb A+® Evo, Alltech’s next-generation mycotoxin binder, is a patent-pending innovation designed to remove mycotoxins from the digestive tract before they cause harm. Building on over three decades of science, this breakthrough technology shows enhanced interaction with Penicillium mycotoxins, offering targeted protection for UK ruminant producers facing significant mycotoxin-related challenges. It also delivers a twofold increase in the binding capacity of DON, one of the most challenging mycotoxins. Photos: Rachel Baillie - AgriScot Business Skills Winner / SuperCow / SuperHeifer

Executives and investors from the hotel industry have ranked London as the most attractive city for hotel investment in Europe in the year ahead for a third consecutive year, according to the 2025 European Hotel Industry and Investment survey by Deloitte. Edinburgh remains the most attractive regional UK city for investment for a fifth consecutive year. The Scottish capital was ranked most attractive by over half (54%) of respondents, followed by Cambridge (41%), up two places from last year. Oxford and Manchester took third and fourth place respectively, both falling a place in the ranking. Across Europe, Madrid remains the second most attractive investment destination after London, while Athens moved a significant seven places into third place. Meanwhile, Rome and Milan lost some of their lustre, falling four and three places respectively, while Warsaw and Munich moved up three and four places each. Leila Jiwnani, head of hospitality advisory at Deloitte UK, said: “London has secured its position as the most desirable hotel investment destination for a third year running, carving out its reputation as a dynamic capital city for business and leisure travel. Edinburgh also continues to demonstrate its popularity as a tourism hotspot, while destinations across Europe see varying levels of interest." "Investors will be looking for locations that attract a variety of visitors, particularly amidst changing consumer preferences, including a focus on either value or luxury.” Profitability looms large for hospitality leaders More than four in five (84%) hospitality leaders say they are optimistic about the long-term future of the UK and European hotel market. A similar proportion (79%) agree that investment into the UK and European hotel sector will materially grow over the next five years. However, less than half are confident in the profitability of the hotel market, with 47% believing that UK and European hotels will become more profitable over the next five years compared to today. Managing profitability has risen on the radar of leaders (69%), now the third biggest risk believed to be threatening growth this year, behind labour and workforce challenges (83%) and geopolitical tension (78%). At the same time, managing or increasing profitability became the top priority among respondents this year (84%), moving three places in the ranking of key business priorities, followed by managing cashflow (68%) and managing ongoing inflationary pressure (64%). Leaders look to diversification for growth Three quarters (74%) of respondents anticipate the level of competition for hotel acquisitions to increase in 2026. With executives focusing on profitability, they name pressures on profit margins and improving return on investment (42%) as the primary driver behind their organisation’s diversification strategy. This is followed by increased consumer demand for unique experiences and personalisation (35%). One in four said their organisations have developed new hotel concepts (27%) or have added new brands across different price points (24%) as part of their diversification strategy. Hotels remain the most attractive hospitality asset class for investment in 2026, with ‘Luxury’ (39%) identified as the most desirable hotel segment for investment. ‘Upper upscale’ (16%) and ‘Economy’ (16%) are seen as the second most attractive segments. However, ‘Upscale’, ‘Upper midscale’ and ‘Midscale’ all lost some appeal this year, suggesting investors are more likely to consider assets at the very top and bottom ends of the market in 2026. Abhishek Jaiswal, real estate M&A partner at Deloitte, said: “The expectation of more competition for hotel assets going forward is a positive sign for the industry, with a focus on niche and value segments given the middle of the market is stretched. While hoteliers look at profitability as a priority, strategic growth will regain importance.”

Leading family-owned furniture retailer, Barker and Stonehouse, is excited to announce a new partnership with award-winning Norwich department store, Jarrolds. The collaboration will see the opening of a new concept store within Jarrolds this December, perfectly timed for the Winter Sale period.   Both companies are family-owned with deep regional roots and a shared passion for exceptional design and customer experience, making Barker and Stonehouse and Jarrolds a natural fit. Together, they bring over 200 years of retail heritage and expertise to Norwich, offering customers an inspiring new destination for furniture and homeware. Established in 1946, Barker and Stonehouse is known for its design-led furniture and homeware, combining quality craftsmanship with contemporary style. The new concept space, spanning 12,000 sq ft, will feature a curated mix of Barker and Stonehouse’s best-selling upholstery, dining, bedroom, and occasional pieces, reflecting current interior trends. It will serve as an introduction for Jarrolds’ customers to the design aesthetic of Barker and Stonehouse. Curated collections from leading brands will be on display such as English Heritage, Tetrad, Orla Kiely, Pure Home, Stressless, Relax & Recline Studio and Linwood x Barker and Stonehouse, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and modern living. James Barker, Managing Director at Barker and Stonehouse, says, “We are delighted to partner with Jarrolds. We share a very similar ethos and values, so it is a great opportunity for both parties to combine expertise in complementary activities.”   Jarrolds’ Norwich furniture floor was named Best independent department store in the UK at the 2024 Drapers awards, and John Adams, Managing Director at Jarrolds’ Retail division, added: “ I am delighted to announce this new partnership with Barker and Stonehouse. It reflects our strategy of working with the very best partners across our retail business to provide a curated and class-leading merchandise offer in our award-winning department store. There are lots of synergies between our business and customers, and we look forward to seeing our partnership develop.”  Customers can save up to 25% off furniture, marking the perfect opportunity to discover the new Barker and Stonehouse concept store at Jarrolds Norwich.

Demand for data centre capacity dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) has surged across Europe this year, as emerging AI infrastructure providers, often referred to as neoclouds, accelerate their expansion efforts amid slowing hyperscaler activity. According to new research from CBRE, signings for AI-focused colocation capacity reached 414MW in the first nine months of 2025, up from 133MW compared to the same period in 2024. More than half of this capacity (57%) was signed in the Nordics. The increase reflects a market shift as hyperscaler demand has moderated temporarily and neocloud providers are securing large-scale capacity to meet the growing requirements of AI-driven applications. Data centre operators are implementing measures to manage the additional risk associated with leasing to neocloud firms, including higher rental rates to offset build costs and ensure returns on AI-ready facilities. Andrew Jay,Head of Data Centre Solutions, Europe at CBRE commented: "Neoclouds have expanded their footprint in Europe this year by absorbing vacant space that was originally intended for hyperscalers. It is a sign that many data centre providers are growing more comfortable with the ambitions of neocloud providers and the covenants that come with it." Kevin Restivo, Director, European Data Centre Research at CBRE commented: "Neocloud providers are taking AI specific capacity at scale in Europe. We see tremendous growth of this segment especially in the Nordics, where lower-cost renewable power is often available in greater abundance than in many other European markets." About CBRE Group, Inc. CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2024 revenue). The company has more than 140,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves clients through four business segments: Advisory (leasing, sales, debt origination, mortgage serving, valuations); Building Operations & Experience (facilities management, property management, flex space & experience); Project Management (program management, project management, cost consulting); Real Estate Investments (investment management, development).

Property consultancy Vail Williams has secured seven properties in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Frimley in Surrey totalling 78,000 sq ft, for an expanding patient transport specialist. Healthcare logistics provider EMED Group won a 10-year contract from the NHS to provide non-emergency transportation of patients across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey Heath & Farnham and North East Hampshire. EMED Group is one of the largest health and care partners to the NHS with more than 2,800 colleagues across over 50 bases UK-wide. Vail Williams partner Geoff Fallon led the firm’s acquisitional team working with EMED Group, which also included partners Maria Hoadley and Nicola Mottershaw and surveyor Clark Tersol. Building consultancy support came from Matthew Beech, Keith Shaw, Holly Vos, Chris Harrison, Christopher Bailey and Nicki Rought, with business rates under the care of associate Derek Moore. Sarah Swan at Irwin Mitchell acted for EMED. The firm has been supporting long-established client EMED with strategic property needs to allow them to hit the ground running with their service delivery, including comprehensive occupier advisory advice, encompassing agency, building consultancy, planning and business rates. Vail Williams successfully negotiated deals for these properties: Unit 12 Faraday Road, Bicester Road Industrial Estate, Aylesbury – 7,153 sq ft (664.51 sq m). Bicester Road Industrial Estate forms part of the established Rabans Lane industrial area just off the A41 Bicester Road and approximately a mile to the north-west of Aylesbury town centre. Unit 6 Hawley Lane Trade Centre, Farnborough – 7,988 sq ft (742 sq m). The property comprises a terrace of units providing industrial accommodation with offices on the first floor. Frimley Railway Station is within close proximity with Junction 4 of the M3 adjacent to the property. Fleetwood House, Albion Close, Slough – 13,707 sq ft (1,273.4 sq m). The property is located in the centre of Slough, in an established industrial location, close to the main railway station serving both London Paddington and the West Country, as well as the Elizabeth Line and with the M4 and M40 easily accessible. 37 Nuffield Way, Nuffield Centrum, Abingdon – 7,141 sq ft (663 sq m). Nuffield Centrum is Abingdon’s major industrial and warehouse location set within some 11.5 acres and totalling approximately 265,000 sq ft of warehouse and production space distributed in three main clusters. Lovelock Road, Reading – 8,759 sq ft (814 sq m). Lovelock Road is a well-established commercial and semi-industrial area within easy reach of Reading town centre. The location also benefits from excellent access to the A33 and A4, providing convenient connections to the M4 motorway. Cadogan House, Wheatley, Oxford – 20,768 sq ft (1,929 sq m) is a distribution warehouse within a secure fenced environment, located half-a-mile from the A40 and two miles from Junction 8 of the M40. Unit 3 MXL Centre Lombard Way Banbury – 12,789 sq ft (1,118 sq m). Banbury is undergoing significant residential and commercial growth and Unit 3 is situated on the MXL Centre on Lombard Way within approximately one mile of Junction 11 of the M40. Geoff said: “EMED Group, a valued client, is now the largest provider of non-emergency patient transport services in the UK, such as for outpatient appointments, discharges, and renal dialysis." “Due to winning the contract for NHS BOB (Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire) and NHS Frimley, EMED needed suitable and conveniently located premises to cover this comprehensively." “We were tasked with locating and securing premises enabling EMED to house their ambulances and other vehicles at strategic locations, to enable them to reach patients in optimum time." “Such a large and complex project naturally threw up snags and obstacles, but we worked closely with our client and legal teams to overcome these and deliver a successful outcome within a challenging timeframe." “I am gratified that our multi-disciplinary team was able to call on decades of experience, detailed local knowledge and great contacts to ensure EMED Group can care for patients in the best possible and most efficient manner.” Darren Henderson, Head of Procurement and Contracts at EMED Group, said: “We tasked Vail Williams with sourcing and securing suitable, accessible, flexible and cost-effective premises to service our new patient transport contract across a swathe of the central south region." “The hard yards put in by Geoff and the team have enabled us to deliver improvements to the patient transport system for NHS BOB and NHS Frimley and offer the best possible service for patients in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire West and Frimley.” EMED Group (ERS Transition Limited) was awarded a 10-year contract to provide non-emergency patient transport services (NEPTS) across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire West, and Frimley Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) which officially commenced on April 1, 2025. The service covers patients registered with a GP in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire West (including Wokingham, Reading, Slough, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and Bracknell Forest), and the Frimley area (including Surrey Heath, Farnham, and North East Hampshire). The services were previously run by the South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS). Affected SCAS staff were transferred to EMED Group under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE). The contract, for an initial five-year period with an option to extend for a further five years, is to provide transport services for eligible patients who are unable to use private or public transport due to their medical condition. EMED Group was formed in 2023 following the merger of ERS Medical and E-zec Medical Transport Services. As well as patient transport services, it also provides secure mental health services, community and educational transport, as well as medical courier services. Earlier this year Vail Williams secured four major properties totalling 68,000 sq ft in Sussex when EMED Group won a 10-year contract from the NHS in the county. Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy.

Family run Mediterranean bakery, confectionery and savouries supplier Dina Foods has invested £1m over the last three years in an ongoing programme of manufacturing upgrades, as demand for its authentic foods grows. Dina Foods’ latest investment was the complete overhaul of its pitta line in August, which is now fully operational. The pitta line is one of five bread production lines at the family company’s London bakery, all capable of making different sizes, flavours and varieties of Dina Foods’ range of authentic breads. Dina Foods’ Managing Director Suheil Haddad explains that ongoing investment in its plant allows Dina Foods to keep reducing production costs and improving efficiency and product consistency and quality, while reducing its carbon footprint. The enhancements to the pitta line will speed up the production process and reduce waste. Haddad comments: “We want to help our customers stand out by delivering high-quality, innovative, and healthy products at competitive prices. We are always looking at new ideas and potential enhancements in efficiency across our whole business.” The pitta line upgrade comes after the production line which produces Dina Foods’ traditional Khobez flatbreads, trademarked as Paninette®, was revamped last year. The entire line was upgraded, with a fully automatic stacker added. The new fully automated line, operational in August 2024, has nearly doubled Dina Foods’ capacity. Output has increased from 5,000 pieces per hour to 9,000 pieces per hour, also reducing labour costs. The quality of the bread has also been enhanced, and downtime and wastage reduced, with energy efficiency increased, says Haddad. Dina Foods – based at Park Royal, North West London - also invested in an onsite nitrogen generator and new pipework to mix gas to supply its packing machines last year. It previously used CO2 cylinder banks, using bottles of compressed gas, which were exchanged when empty for filled gas. With gas now on tap, shelf life has been boosted and gas flushing costs reduced by 50%. Other recent investments by Dina Foods include the installation of depth meter sensors to monitor the level of flour in its flour silos, and the rate of consumption. Fully automatic readers relay the flour holding capacity to the Dina Foods team and its flour supplier. Having this level of visibility of data reduces transportation costs, as the silos can be filled just in time. The meter also prevents Dina Foods from risking any supply interruption. As it continues to invest in its future, customers in the UK and internationally can always trust Dina Foods to deliver authentic products to the highest standards.

A cutting-edge Hampshire start-up that provides dry wood for burning has marked its anniversary by achieving the New Forest Marque. Lymington Firewood creates seasoned timber from trees cut down within sustainable parts of the forest. It means it qualifies for the marque that is allocated only to businesses whose produce is sourced locally. Run by Ed Wallrock and Alice Shaw, Lymington Firewood has delivered 200 tonnes of kiln-dried wood in the last 12 months. It is also now the exclusive provider of wood for Comanche, the smoked food company which attends local events and whose produce can be found in farm shops. Ed said: “We have been operating for a year and our investment in the FuelWood machine that cuts, splits, cleans and dries the timber has proven well spent. It has made 13,000 cuts since we set it up and it enables us time to make free deliveries within a 10 mile radius of our site near Boldre." “Achieving the New Forest Marque really does make a difference and others with the marque look out for it. We supply farm shops and have become the supplier for Comanche whose smoked food is superb." “Our process has no waste; off-cuts are burned to season the wood and the sawdust is supplied to stables and other places. We now sell kindling and firelighters, which are covered with natural wax and hand-rolled. With wood-burners and firepits so popular we have been busy all year, even through the summer." "We now also sell through our website and after a full year in business we have a growing number of repeat customers. We also supply Everton Nurseries, Beaulieu Farm Shop and Setley Farm Shop.” Photo: (l-r) Alice Shaw, Giles Riley from Comanche, Ed Wallrock and Alex Baker

Contractor Henry Brothers Construction has started work on a 16-month scheme to refurbish Stechford Police Station in Birmingham. This is the first major refurbishment of the building since it was opened in the 1970s and involves creating additional parking, upgrading safety and security systems, modernising office and meeting facilities, upgrading refreshment and toilet areas, providing a bespoke locker room, new victim care facilities, and an expansion to the public contact office, as well as new lift installations to make the whole building fully accessible. It is the second project that Henry Brothers Construction is currently undertaking for West Midlands Police Authority, and follows start on site last month for a £9 million refurbishment at Wolverhampton Police Station. Both were awarded to Henry Brothers Construction under the Pagabo Refit and Refurbishment Framework. MD of Henry Brothers Construction Ian Taylor said: “As a company that regularly works with blue light clients, Henry Brothers Construction is very pleased to have been appointed on this scheme to improve Stechford Police Station. Better facilities will help West Midlands police to provide vital services for the local community and the people who live there, and we are proud to be playing a part in making that happen.” The police station will remain open and fully operational throughout the building work. Henry Brothers Construction will employ local people including apprentices, ploughing money back into the local economy. Cash for the £8 million critical works comes from West Midlands Police Authority making better use of its estate, reducing energy consumption and other cost savings that have made the authority more efficient and more effective, such as the introduction of robotics to automate administrative processes including artificial intelligence to answer all non-emergency calls. The refurbishment will deliver better conditions for victims and witnesses, provide officers with a modern workplace, and safeguard the long-term future of the building. Chief Constable Craig Guildford, said: “These essential works represent a major investment in policing in east Birmingham and this building. Every penny will be spent wisely, with local businesses and local people benefitting from this injection of cash into the local economy." “Stechford has one of the busiest public contact offices in the West Midlands. That’s why the work will see that part of the building expanded to increase the waiting area and counter space.” Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “I am pleased that we have secured the long-term future of Stechford police station through this vital investment. This is a clear indication of my commitment to neighbourhood policing, to ensure officers and staff have the facilities they need, to provide the public with an effective and efficient police service." “By modernising the police station, we are not only improving working conditions for our hard-working police officers and staff but also enhancing the service we provide to victims of crime and the wider community." “This investment is part of my wider strategy, to ensure that West Midlands Police is fit for policing in the 21st century, with an accessible, reassuring and visible police presence, based in the communities it serves – preventing and tackling crime and keeping people, families, businesses and local communities safe and secure.” Henry Brothers Construction is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit out. In partnership with its valued clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors.