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After three sell-out music events, the team at a Spirit of Yorkshire whisky distillery are looking forward to welcoming Swing 42 to the Pot Still Coffee Shop at their next Distillery Session on 26thAugust. Making their debut at the home of Filey Bay whisky, Swing 42 founders Michael Nagasaka and Gypsy Jazz guitarist Lewis Kilvington are renowned for getting the audience clapping and singing along with their toe-tapping Gypsy Swing rhythm over Jazz, Pop and Blues classics. Spirit of Yorkshire co-founder, Tom Mellor is a long-time fan of Swing 42 and is pleased to welcome them to the distillery for the first time: "We're really looking forward to seeing Michael and Lewis perform at our unique venue overlooking the stills that are making Yorkshire's first single malt whisky.They never fail to engage the audience, and we're in for a great night." "Our goal every time is to have that fun communal experience, and always we turn the entire room into a mass choir. We're really looking forward to getting the Pot Still Coffee Shop buzzing," said Michael Nagasaka. Tickets cost £15 without food or £25 with a Yorkshire Deli Board created by the Pot Still Coffee Shop team. Booking is essential by visiting the booking site here or by calling 01723 891758. Spirit of Yorkshire co-founders Tom Mellor and David Thompson share a love of live music and designed the Pot Still Coffee Shop to accommodate a live band without overpowering the room. Seating just 40, the Pot Still Coffee Shop at the Spirit of Yorkshire is a small, intimate venue that attracts lovers of live music and good food. Forthcoming events at the Pot Still Coffee Shop at The Spirit of Yorkshire include more Distillery Sessions and the annual Distillery Open Day on 29thJuly.

Twelve firms across the region are backing the launch of the first ever national golf academy designed specifically to provide mental performance coaching to future stars of the game. The new academy launched by Leeds-based Underpin Sports is uniquely focussed on improving the mental strength of amateur golfers in the early stages of their career - providing the foundations needed for them to achieve their goals and dreams of succeeding at the highest level of the professional game. Geared to help future Rory Mcllroys and Georgia Halls achieve their full potential, the academy is led by Underpin’s head coach Greg Robertson, whilst the financial costs of each player’s coaching is funded by the company’s network of corporate sponsors across Yorkshire. Firms backing the academy include Guiseley-based IT reseller and telecommunications business Just Ask Eden, Ilkley-based commercial finance brokers CFP Group and travel agent Tivoli Travel, located in Mirfield and Holmfirth. The Underpin Sports Academy is just one of two ways businesses can support the delivery of mental performance coaching across grass roots and professional golf. The entry-level academy complements Underpin’s established 72 Club which enables corporate members to benefit from bespoke golf and business events through to commercial networking opportunities. Founder and head coach of Underpin Sports, Greg Robertson said: “We’re really excited to be launching the first ever national golfing academy dedicated to improving the mental performance of amateur golfers at the very start of their career. “Having the right mental approach to handle high-pressure situations out on the course is essential at any age, however particularly within young players who have less experience and are not always equipped to handle the psychological challenges they’ll inevitably face." "The first five players already enrolled in the new academy include Sam Norman (17) who plays off +2 at Fulford Golf Club in North Yorkshire and was crowned St. Andrews Boys Open Champion last year. Another academy starlet is Amy Staveley (17) who plays off +2 at Ganton Golf Club which is situated just outside Scarborough." Greg added: “We’d like to extend a massive thanks to those corporate sponsors across the region that are already helping fund the academy and play their part in giving future stars the mental performance building blocks needed to turn pro and hopefully reach the very top of the professional game.” The Underpin Academy has ambitious growth plans and aims to recruit 20 players and 50 corporate sponsors within the next five years. Other businesses looking to support the academy and future stars of the game can become a corporate sponsor for just £100 a month.

Consult Red, a Shipley-based employee-owned consultancy and R&D partner for connected devices and systems, is thrilled to mark its 20th anniversary of continuous success, growth, and innovation. Over the past two decades, Consult Red has helped its clients transform the media, telecommunication and IoT technology landscapes. Since its inception in 2003, Consult Red has remained steadfast in its commitment to delivering trusted consultancy and high-quality engineering services, while embracing technological advancements and industry trends. Throughout the years, the company has built an enviable reputation for its dedication to excellence, customer satisfaction, and innovative solutions. "We’ve reached this significant milestone, thanks to our valued clients, and the work of our talented and dedicated team," said Raghu Venkatesam, CEO at Consult Red. " We are grateful for the long-term trust and support of our clients, partners, and stakeholders, who have been instrumental in our continued growth over the past two decades." Over the past 20 years, Consult Red has achieved numerous milestones and accomplishments, including: • Contributing to innovative product launches for key customers, including set-tops, connected TV devices and embedded software services for some of the world’s largest media and connectivity operators across Europe, the USA and Asia. • Delivering ground-breaking connected devices and systems for industrial and IoT applications, including vehicle charging, industrial vision, telehealth, power management, consumer devices and wireless connectivity. • Establishing Consult Red as an employee-owned company, giving employees a stake in the business, and ensuring long-term stability for clients. • Nurturing a talented and diverse global workforce that drives innovation and fosters a culture of collaboration and excellence. As Consult Red celebrates this milestone, it remains committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation and continuing to exceed customer expectations. The company's focus continues to be on delivering cutting-edge product design and development services. Looking ahead Consult Red will continue its growth trajectory and regional expansion, to further develop expertise in IoT, software containerisation, AI and Cloud, and address future customer needs. Reflecting on the journey so far, Stuart Griffin, COO and Co-Founder of Consult Red added, "As we celebrate this milestone, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. I’m so incredibly proud of where we are today, the journey has been fantastic from a start-up at The University of Bradford to where we are today, and the journey has been made by the people we’ve worked with along the way. With a strong foundation, a dedicated team, and the trust of our customers, we are well-positioned to continue driving innovation, expanding our global reach, and delivering great value for our clients.” Consult Red will mark its 20th anniversary with employee and customer-focused events throughout the year. The firm will also make a lasting contribution with the planting of commemorative trees near the Shipley office and other regional locations.

Hendy Group has signed a high-profile partnership with cricket legend Sir Ian Botham who has become an ambassador for the motoring group’s sports and premium brands. The partnership comes at a busy time for Ian who has a range of public engagements and events lined-up for 2023. There is also the Ashes Series against Australia currently underway in the UK, and plans for a new documentary later this year. As part of his role Ian, will be involved in the expansion of Hendy Group’s sports and premium offering which includes Maserati, Land Rover, Jaguar and Lotus at dealerships across the south coast. Paul Hendy, chief executive of the Hendy Group said that having such a high-profile ambassador would enable the automotive group to reach a wider, national audience. “Ian is one of the most high-profile sports personalities in the country with his incredible career as a cricket player, his tremendous fundraising for charities with his charity walks and of course as a respected commentator and speaker,” said Paul. “He represents resilience, trust, loyalty and success which are values that align with us at the Hendy Group and we are really looking forward to working more closely with Ian as part of his role as Hendy Ambassador.” For Ian, the partnership provides an opportunity to drive a range of cars as part of his speaking and charity work across the country and he said he was really looking forward to joining the Hendy team as an ambassador. “I have known Paul and the Hendy business for many years and during this time we have shared our love of sport and cars. I now look forward to working alongside the Hendy Group as an ambassador for the brand,” said Ian.

The residents of Settle, a small market town in the Yorkshire Dales, have been pottering about for a decade, drawing visitors from far and wide. As the annual Settle Flowerpot Festival gets underway this summer, the community has been reminiscing how this whimsical initiative has become one of Yorkshire’s favourite summer-long attractions. Running from 15th July through to 3rd September, part of the Festival’s attraction is that it’s free and genuinely appeals to all ages. This year more than 150 flowerpot displays adorn the streets of the town and it is estimated that several thousand flowerpots have been used to create the diverse and entertaining exhibits, ranging from a tiny bee to a very large Plantpotosaurus. The Festival unites the town each year as Individual households, business and community groups come together to contribute their creative installations guaranteed to raise a smile. The idea for the Festival was originally conceived in 2013 by the Vibrant Settle Community Partnership, an initiative spearheaded by local residents, Steve Amphlett and Tony Hardwick, who were later joined by Richard Handscombe and a small team of enthusiastic volunteers. The objective then and now is to encourage the economic sustainability of Settle, a town with an ageing demographic of just 2,500 people which has not significantly increased in over 100 years. The hope is that the festival helps to support the many independent shops to survive by not only attracting visitors to the town but also keeping them entertained there for a few hours. It also aims to encourage exploration beyond the picturesque market square. Rather than limiting the event to a fleeting or intensive weekend or week, the nature of the Festival means that it can run all summer to support and boost the normal running of the town. After the initial effort in creating each exhibit, it runs without expensive financial overheads or huge demands in terms of volunteers’ time. Steve Amphlett explains “We had no idea it would take off the way it has done. We’re delighted that here we are celebrating 10 years of the Festival and everyone is still just as enthusiastic and creative. As organizers we do little other than encourage people to get involved and get creative. There is no theme for the festival other than ‘make people smile!’, so people can create whatever takes their fancy. There are no prizes, and no permissions required, so visitors are also welcome to have a go themselves, bringing along their own exhibit to take a photograph of it in situ and post on the Festival’s Facebook page.“ The Festival has attracted attention over the years from The Great Exhibition of The North, which celebrates great art, culture, design and innovation and was featured on Susan Calman’s Grand Day Out series on Channel 5 last year. There have been some amazing creations, including, in 2018, a 10ft climber mounted on the face of Castleberg Crag overlooking the town which lit up with 600 LEDs at night, and a large blue crayfish suspended from the ancient Settle Bridge over the River Ribble in 2021. The nature of the festival meant that it was of the few that were able to keep going through the COVID pandemic as all the exhibits are outdoors and as no one had to touch anything, people could just visit to enjoy the creative fun on display. The town’s setting on the edge of the Three Peaks places it firmly in fabulous walking country which added to the appeal. The Festival this year promises to be as popular as ever. Three different trails have been created to help visitors armed with a free town map to discover the latest exhibits; the Town Centre trail, Riverside & Giggleswick, and Upper Settle. Optional detailed trail quiz sheets are available at £3, each with around 50 varied educational and entertaining questions aimed at all ages and naturally relating to the exhibits. The sponsor of the 2023 Festival is Watershed Mill Visitor Centre, who have generously provided space dubbed The Potting Shed” where many of the displays have been made and which hosts flowerpot workshops for children run throughout August on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. These must be pre-booked due to their popularity.

Millennium Point has won Most Versatile Venue of its size at the Conference & Events 2023 Awards. After winning multiple local awards, this is the first time the venue has been recognised on a national scale. The awards were held at the spectacular Old Billingsgate building in London. Millennium Point competed against other prestigious venues such as Lambeth Town Hall and the Ministry Venues. After being a Covid vaccination centre during the pandemic, Millennium Point has invested into its building, ensuring it remains an events industry leader. The judges were impressed with the versatility of the venue and flexibility of the team. Event bookers can host a breakfast talk in the morning, a conference in the afternoon and a formal dinner in the evening without leaving Millennium Point. Alongside this, the venue’s 354-seater Auditorium features Birmingham’s biggest screen which has impressed bookers. Rebecca Delmore, Millennium Point Commercial Director, said “We are thrilled to have won the Most Versatile Venue Award. This award reflects all of the hard work the team have put into adapting our building to serve a wider variety of events. We strive to provide the best experience for our clients and it is fantastic to be recognised for this.”

Castle Donington public relations firm Poppy PR has agreed terms with ex-journalist Phil Stubbs to become a new partner and shareholder following a recent growth spurt. Founded in Ilkeston in 2011 by managing director Tina Clough, Poppy PR has seen significant expansion over the past year, with a host of new client wins. Coming in as the firm’s new director and business partner, Phil will work alongside Tina to help guide the company through its next period of growth. Phil, a former political editor for the Derby Telegraph, launched his own PR consultancy, Stubbs PR Limited, in 2008, and has also been working as part of the Poppy PR team for more than two-and-a-half years. Having quickly established a strong working relationship, Tina and Phil decided that a more formal, joint approach was beneficial for both parties and would better help fulfil Poppy PR’s business ambitions. Legal advice surrounding the deal was provided by Derby-based Smith Partnership. Tina said: “I’m delighted to officially welcome Phil on board as a shareholder in the business. After more than a decade of steering this ship single-handedly, it feels the time is right for me to share the wheel." “Phil’s knowledge, skills, experience and application have been invaluable since he started working with me. I can’t think of anyone better to enter a partnership with." “This new arrangement will really cement our already excellent working relationship and will hopefully help to catapult Poppy PR into an exciting new chapter in our fabulous journey." "PR has been my absolute passion for as long as I can remember and there has never been a more exciting time for Poppy-PR." "Our clients love our honest approach to PR and the fact that we are so approachable. We have had some outstanding successes for our clients over the last year - some really big 'pinch me’ moments." “From Chris Evans trying Project D doughnuts on air, to Hodgkinson Builders going toe-to-toe with Love Island at the Broadcast Awards, to the ladies at Married at First sight collaborating with Letterbox Love.” Tina added: “My job is a dream and it still excites us to get such results for clients." Other recent client wins for Poppy PR include the likes of Amber Valley Borough Council, bespoke gift firm Colleague Box and pioneering resin flooring company Abacus Flooring Solutions. In addition to Hodgkinson Builders, which recently hit the headlines as stars of the BBC TV documentary series Brickies, Poppy PR has a broad range of long-term clients, including Wilkins Group, one of the UK’s largest independent packaging manufacturers, and Liverpool-based Palace Chemicals, the UK’s largest independent manufacturer of tile adhesives, grouts, building chemicals, wood treatments and decorating sundries. Phil, of Milford, near Belper, Derbyshire, said: “Working with Tina and the rest of the Poppy PR team has been like a breath of fresh air for the past couple of years. I’m so looking forward to this new challenge." “As many self-employed people will understand, it’s not always easy to keep all the balls in the air on your own, particularly when you are lucky enough to be very busy." “Our decision to join forces came out of just a passing conversation I had with Tina after a particularly busy workday – about whether she should expand the business, future plans, work-life balance and so on." “It quickly became apparent to both of us that the best solution for both of us was staring us right in the face. It was certainly a no-brainer as far as I was concerned.”

Designed to be a one-stop location for security fencing products, the centre will hold large stocks of Palisade Fencing, V-Mesh Fencing and Gates as well as ancillary products including concrete postmix and security fixings. Located in Garforth, Leeds next to one of Naylor’s manufacturing facilities, the new centre is based on a separate site and includes a retail trade counter and offices. Jason Torvill at Naylor said: “Our new retail fencing centre is designed to give customers easy access to the full range of security fencing and gate products in one location. Benefitting from high stock levels and close proximity to our concrete fencing manufacturing site, the new centre will make it even easier for customers in Yorkshire and surrounding counties to obtain the fencing and related products they need at short notice.”

Nottinghamshire-based large format print business, Prosign Print and Display, is celebrating attaining not one but two prestigious ISO quality marks. Going through the accreditation process was hard work, but the results speak for themselves. The company can now proudly boast to having both quality management standard ISO 9001 and environmental standard ISO 14001 - a huge achievement for this family run business. It was supported throughout the certification, by ISO specialists IMSM. Prosign, based in Moorgreen, specialises in large format printing, point of sale material, packaging, exhibition and signage, and has more than 25 years’ experience in the field. Steve Hardy and his son Connor are Directors, while Steve’s wife, Angela, is Office Manager, heading up a team of 13. The company has a number of high profile clients, including Rab, Lowe Alpine, Canon, Rolls Royce, Jet2, Oakley, Arai, Alpkit and Slimming World. Although it works directly with customers, it also offers a trade service to other printers who lack the equipment or knowledge of Prosign; its USP is to take difficult, or seemingly impossible, projects and turn them into fantastic printed material. “It was my own passion for the environment and a desire to prove to myself that we were good enough that was the driver in getting the ISOs,” said Steve. “We have always had this sustainable approach, and constantly try to direct clients towards greener print options." “Now we have achieved the certifications I can look back and see the huge benefits that it has brought to our business. ISO really does make you think about what you are doing and helps to change your mindset, which can very often get stuck in ways that you have just become accustomed to." “We refer to the ISOs in all our marketing, and we bring it up with new customers as a reason why they should use us. It is an excellent sales tool!” New ways of working have been introduced, thanks to ISO. For example, supplier orders have been consolidated, so Prosign now purchases more from one supplier, which cuts the number of daily deliveries, sometimes from four down to one. This not only reduces emissions but also to reduces the amount of downtime needed to unload one lorry compared to unloading four lorries coming from different suppliers. Steve said: “We learnt that just because we have done something for so long and it works well doesn’t actually mean that it can’t work better, and ISO has helped us to identify these areas." “We are now proudly flying our ISO flag very high and can confidently show that we are a company which cares not only about the quality that we produce but also about our environment, and the ways that we can help and advise our clients on reducing their environmental impact.” Steve said IMSM had been instrumental in helping Prosign through the ISO process and now the ISOs are in place, their management and continuing conformance, is straightforward and also critical in keeping the business on track.

JCB has launched the biggest-ever fundraising drive for the NSPCC in its history – with a target of £2 million. The appeal will culminate in 2025 when JCB celebrates its 80th anniversary – and 40 years of support for the UK’s leading children’s charity. It was through Carole Bamford that the NSPCC originally became JCB’s nominated charity, with millions of pounds raised over the years. Today Lady Bamford said: “The support JCB employees give to the NSPCC makes a real difference to children in our communities. The Appeal is already off to a wonderful start, and I know everyone will rise to this challenge. Most of all I want everyone to have fun as we raise money for this most deserving of causes.” The NSPCC appeal was launched at the World HQ in Rocester attended by school children from the nearby Dove CE Academy. The NSPCC helps to keep more than a million children safer through its work with schools, national helplines, and specialist centres such as Carole House in Newcastle-under-Lyme, which was named in honour of Carole Bamford. Lloyd Butcher, NSPCC Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager, said: “We are extremely grateful to JCB for launching this appeal to raise £2million in two years. The funding will support our local services for children and families in Staffordshire and beyond. JCB has been a significant supporter of the NSPCC for nearly 40 years and we’re incredibly thankful for their support.” JCB Commercial Hydraulics Buyer Jessica Thompson, of Uttoxeter, is already planning three events in 2024. She said: “The NSPCC raises money for something that is close to everyone’s heart and I have volunteered to help in any way I can, in order to help raise money for this important cause.” Hywel Phillips, of Eccleshall, near Stafford, who works at the at the JCB World Parts Centre in Uttoxeter, is aiming to run in the 2024 London Marathon to raise money for the Appeal. He said: “I am proud to be part of the two-year fund-raising drive. The more sponsorship I get and the more I encourage others to fund raise, the more motivation I will have to complete the marathon.” The appeal is already off to a flying start with this Thursday’s JCB Lakeside 5 and Fun Run kicking off the fund raising. It will be followed by the JCB Sportive cycling event, a Three Peaks climb, a bake-off competition and a football challenge tournament. The JCB Championship at the Golf & Country Club this summer promises to be the headline fundraising event of the Appeal.

The team at a south Leeds outdoor play attraction for over 6s is inviting the public to help celebrate its first birthday this Saturday. Gates to Mission Out , an adventure attraction featuring high ropes, water activities and a high jump pillow, opened at the site of Tingley Garden Centre last July and has welcomed over 25,000 visitors in the last year. The Mission Out squad has organised a day of celebrations to launch its ‘Super Summer’ programme that includes summer passes, promotions on food and a calendar of super summer weeks with squad activities. The summer programme starts with a ‘Super Celebration’ on 15th July that includes superhero mascot walk-arounds, face painters, competitions, giveaways, merchandise bags and spot locker prizes. Yorkshire Air Ambulance will also be helping to celebrate the birthday with their promotional vehicle featuring a replica cockpit and with a screen showing aerial footage of the crews’ experiences. Yorkshire Air Ambulance is the charity of the year of Tingley Garden Centre’s parent company, Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC). “We’re very excited to launch our epic super summer programme and what better way to launch it than by having superheroes doing the jump pillow challenge, competing in raft races, pushing visitors on swings and giving out prizes? We can’t wait!” said Mission Out’s Duty Manager, Gemma Simpson. Designed to appeal to families, groups and parties, Mission Out also features giant swings, den-building and adventure golf among its many activities. Tingley Garden Centre is part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres family that comprises Tong, Tingley, Otley and Bingley Garden Centres.

The team at a Bradford garden centre are celebrating after winning two awards at the North East and North West regional Garden Centre Association (GCA) awards that were held at Tingley Garden Centre on 5th July. Tong Garden Centre , part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) group, won awards in two categories for the North East region: The Award for Catering Excellence for Best Garden Centre Restaurant and The Indoor Lifestyle Award for Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer. YGC’s Group Retail and Operations Manager , Andy Mears picked up the awards at the presentation that was hosted by Tong’s sister site at Tingley: “ We’re so proud of our team and absolutely delighted that their hard work has been rewarded with these awards in what has been a c hallenging trading year. It’s particularly pleasing as we have won both awards several times in the past and the judges recognise our drive to give our customers an amazing experience, both in the restaurants and with our product ranges.” GCA Inspector Colin Farquahar said: “The operational standards within the centres in the North East and North West during this year’s inspection window were truly outstanding with teams ensuring that customers received the best service possible. It was evident from the inspections that winning the coveted awards was a motivating factor for many to go above and beyond on a daily basis, it was a pleasure to inspect in this environment.” The GCA is a group of 163 garden centres that champions professionalism and membership is only awarded to businesses that pass a stringent audit covering all aspects of garden centre retailing excellence. Established in 1966, the GCA believes in sharing information and experiences at all levels, from senior management to the shop floor. Every year, its members must undergo a comprehensive annual inspection to ensure they continue to meet the stringent criteria set out by the association and therefore maintain membership. Tong Garden Centre occupies a 19-acre site in Tong village. It is one of Yorkshire’s biggest independent garden centres with 11,600m2 of retail space and parking for up to 700 cars. It is part of the Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) group that also owns Tingley Garden Centre and the former Stephen H Smith’s Garden Centres in Otley and Harden, Bingley.