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Sophia High School , a pioneering British Online School for children between the ages 4 to 16, is thrilled to announce its official certification as a B Corp, solidifying its commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Sophia High School becomes the first British school and the only online school worldwide to attain this esteemed certification, joining a select group of companies dedicated to using business as a force for good. B Corporations, [B Corps], are purpose-driven companies that harness the power of business to address society's most pressing challenges. With a focus on meeting rigorous social and environmental standards, Sophia High School exemplifies its dedication to goals beyond shareholder profit. Founder of Sophia High School, Melissa McBride, stated, "At Sophia High School, we have always aimed to be a catalyst for positive change in education. Becoming a B Corp is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainable practices and fostering global citizenship among our students. We are incredibly proud to be leading the way as the first British school to achieve this prestigious certification." The certification process involved a comprehensive evaluation, encompassing 285 questions, administered by B Lab, the non-profit organisation driving the B Corp movement. Sophia High School successfully demonstrated its adherence to the highest social and environmental standards, reflecting its dedication to making a positive impact. Sophia High School began its B Corp journey in the Spring of 2022, when a group of student leaders at the school challenged the leadership team to start the school's B Corp movement after being inspired through the school's curriculum focus on sustainable education and development of students as global citizens. Sophia High School's commitment to sustainability extends beyond the classroom. The school is dedicated to embedding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into its future skills curriculum, empowering its students to become ethical leaders and agents of change in a rapidly evolving world. Leading the B Corp certification project at Sophia High School, Director of New Projects, Vanessa Temple, stated, "Inspired by our students, we embarked on this journey to integrate social and environmental responsibility into every aspect of our school. Becoming a B Corp validates our commitment to sustainable decision-making and our holistic approach to education. We are excited to inspire other educational institutions to follow suit and join the global movement of purpose-driven businesses." In the words of Melissa McBride, "We firmly believe that education is a powerful tool for shaping the future. By incorporating the SDGs into our curriculum, we are nurturing young minds to become global citizens who actively contribute to a sustainable and equitable society. We hope our success as the first British School to achieve certification will inspire other schools around the world to also start their B Corp journey." Sophia High School is now part of a community of businesses globally who have certified as B Corps and join a global community of over 7,000 companies across 91 countries that are committed to redefining success in business. This achievement underscores Sophia High School's dedication to excellence in education, social impact, and environmental stewardship. The B Corp community in the UK, representing a broad cross section of industries and sizes, comprises over 950 companies and include well-known brands such as The Guardian, innocent, Patagonia, The Body Shop and organic food pioneers Abel & Cole.

Cool Crutches founder wins National Women’s Enterprise Week Award and Secures Funding Amelia Peckham, the founder of Cool Crutches, has won the National Women’s Enterprise Week (NWEW) Women's Launch Lab Competition to secure funding for her innovative and inspiring business. York based Amelia started Cool Crutches in 2006 with her mother Clare, after she suffered a spinal injury in a quad bike accident that left her partially paralysed from the waist down. She was unhappy with the NHS crutches she had to use, which were uncomfortable, and not suitable for long-term use. She decided to create her own crutches that were lightweight, comfortable and stylish. Since then, Cool Crutches has grown into a successful online business that sells crutches and walking sticks in various designs and colours. The company has received positive feedback from customers who appreciate the quality, comfort and style of the products, and have been used by celebrities such as Amanda Holden, Olly Murs and Dame Prue Leith. Amelia was one of the 12 finalists of the NWEW 2023, the first UK-wide celebration of female-led businesses, which took place from the 20th-22nd June. She impressed the judges with her story of resilience, creativity and passion, and won the award and funding for her category. She says she is thrilled and honoured to receive the recognition and support from NWEW, and hopes to use the funding to expand her product range and reach more customers who need walking aids. “I’m very grateful for this opportunity and for all the people who have supported me,” she says. “I want to show that having a disability or a chronic condition doesn’t have to stop you from pursuing your dreams and making a difference!”

A Scottish wholesaler with bases in Falkirk and Perth is now one of Scotland’s largest industrial suppliers, after its owner received HR support and signposting to grant funding from Business Gateway. Established in 1974, Diamond Industrial Supplies remains an independent company, supplying quality leading brands and products throughout Scotland and the North of England. It provides specialist tools, equipment and workwear nationwide, and also offers expert advice on everything it sells, from fasteners and fixings, right through to PPE and workwear. On a mission to drive change in the sector, Director, Craig MacMorran is committed to revolutionising how they hire, train and retain their staff. Looking to grow his business, and in search of expert guidance to develop the skills necessary for turning his ambitions for growth into a reality, he approached Business Gateway for support in May 2022. Craig’s local business adviser helped him identify various routes for growth by assessing the challenges the business faced around their organisational structure, job descriptions and staffing. After receiving HR support and undergoing a Skills for Growth project with Skills Development Scotland, Craig implemented new practices such as a new organisational culture, which helped to increase employee engagement, collaboration and the ability for the team to manage through change. Business Gateway was also instrumental in signposting Diamond Industrial Supplies for grant funding from Falkirk Council’s Resilience Fund, which went towards the rebrand and launch of their new website. This established Diamond Industrial Supplies’ digital presence, increasing brand awareness and generating a 27% increase in sales as a result. More recently, following advice from Business Gateway, the business has expanded its staff from 9 to 17 including recruiting two graduates through the Education and Training Unit programmes from Falkirk Council. Going from strength to strength, Diamond Industrial Supplies was also shortlisted for two categories the Herald Family Business Awards in 2022. Craig MacMorran, Director, Diamond Industrial Supplies, said: “I recently joined my dad and uncle in the company and soon realised I wanted to drive change and growth but needed guidance to make this happen. Having one-to-one support from Business Gateway has been excellent. My adviser was a safe pair of hands throughout the process and really helped me to unpack all the obstacles that come with growing a business.” Ally Kale, Business Gateway adviser, said: “We have been able to support Diamond Industrial Supplies with a range of Business Gateway’s services. It has been fantastic to watch the business expand and develop in the way Craig wished for. I look forward to watching them continue to grow in the future.”

Leicester College has revamped the Careers Hub at its Abbey Park Campus, improving the valuable resource for students looking for advice on future career paths. The Careers Hub re-opened on 20 June 2023 following a make-over, making it an even more welcoming space for adult learners and students over 19 years old. The Careers Hub is home to the College’s on-site National Careers Service team that offers free, impartial, information, advice and guidance. In addition to appointments at the Careers Hub, the team also offers phone, online, or email appointments Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm. The College careers advisors are qualified careers guidance professionals with years of experience who are dedicated to helping students progress into education, employment or training. Dana Mowatt, Careers Lead at Leicester College said: “We’re delighted to re-open the Careers Hub after its revamp. It’s now an inviting space for students who are warmly welcomed to come and talk to our careers advisors." “Young people over 19 and adult learners can drop-in or make an appointment weekdays between 9am and 3pm. Every Wednesday, we run a CV workshop. The team can discuss goals with students and help them find a route to achieving them and resources to support them, such as interview techniques and help with applications.” Verity Hancock, Principal of Leicester College commented: "The new look Careers Hub is a really important resource for our students. Not everyone has a clearly defined plan for their future and the careers advisors can show students their options, whether that be more educational courses, training or employment." “We hope all of our students make the most of the Hub and feel free to drop-in or get in touch with them with any questions they have.”

Leading glass packaging firm, Croxsons, together with long-term customer, Eden Mill Distillery, have produced primary packaging for the launch of Ramsay’s Gin, a premium London Dry Gin launched in collaboration with the internationally renowned chef, Gordon Ramsay. Inspired by the Scottish landscape and with a focus on sustainable produce, Ramsay teamed up with the award-winning distiller to craft a gin that was far from ordinary, derived from the very best ingredients and giving a real taste of Scotland. The bottle therefore needed to be a unique design that weaved in elements of the chef’s personality and passion, reflecting a modern twist and liking for pushing the boundaries that Ramsay’s Gin represents. It was also important that the bottle’s production was as sustainable as possible, and that it was produced in the UK. In producing the primary packaging, Croxsons opted for a bespoke, clear 70cl bottle, made from 18% less glass than the industry standard, thereby representing a lower carbon footprint. Using the ‘R’ from Ramsay’s signature, Croxsons embossed the bottle throughout. In addition, intricate lines were included to represent waves lapping on the St Andrews shoreline – the sea being a shared passion of both Ramsay and Eden Mill. On closer inspection, each line weaves into a small fishtail at the base of the bottle, a representation in glass of the chef’s love of fishing. A small label panel front and back completed the look, together with a Croxsons GPI (Glass Packaging Institute) stopper. Commenting on the project, Matthew Turner, marketing director at Eden Mill Distillery, said: “From the outset, Croxsons stood out to us as a great partner for this project due to the company’s sustainable ethos and trusted reputation." “The process from start to finish was exceedingly smooth with Croxsons. They were on hand to help with design and any production queries, and we can’t thank them enough. Since launch, we have received comments on the distinct and modern nature of the Ramsay’s Gin bottle.” Croxsons’ CEO, Tim Croxson, added: “We are really pleased with the final product. The sustainable bottle looks incredible and the quality of the finishing adds a lot of extra value to the consumer. We look forward to being involved in future projects with Eden Mill as they continue to develop innovative and unique products.”

The Northern Engineering Division of one of the UK’s leading engineering and services firms, HE Simm Group, has won a £16m contract to deliver a commercial project as part of the new regional hub in Blackpool - that VINCI is constructing as part of Muse and Blackpool Council’s £350m Talbot Gateway Regeneration Scheme. The contract, which will see the firm deliver a full MEP installation, over a 37-week programme, was awarded to the company following its ongoing, successful delivery, at VINCI’s New Victoria scheme for end client Muse Developments. Starting on site in November, and running through to September 2024, the company will also utilise its internal offsite manufacturing team, to provide a modularised roof top plant room amongst other modular items, including risers - to the value of three quarters of a million pounds. Greg Simm, Managing Director for HE Simm Engineering in the North, comments: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract, especially as it comes off the back of the work we are currently undertaking at New Victoria." “It will be the largest commercial scheme delivered by the Northern Engineering Division and we are looking forward to getting going in November.” Gareth Simm, Chief Executive Officer for the company, adds: “This contract award plays well into our continued diversification strategy, which sees more and more of our work completed in sectors including commercial, industrial and healthcare, whilst also staying true to our roots of delivering the very best MEP in the UK residential sector.” HE Simm was founded in 1948, 75 years ago this year. Since then, it has become recognised as a leading player in the design, delivery and installation of MEP, Fire & Security, Maintenance and Offsite Manufacturing capabilities across numerous sectors, for many long-term clients.

Forest Holidays and The Prince’s Countryside Fund have celebrated the success of their Rural Start-Up Fund, which has supported entrepreneurs and start-up businesses based in the rural areas of Britain since 2020. Bringing together the successful applicants whose businesses range from paddleboarding to plants, the business owners have shared two days together (14 and 15 June) at Forest Holidays, Delamere, to enhance their businesses, discuss learnings to date and introduce their work to like-minded entrepreneurs – including a paddleboarding session with SUP Lass Paddle Adventures. The business owners who took part in the event are: 1. Jamie Bending of Ergrownomics, based in Herefordshire, who was awarded funding in 2020 for a concept he began developing in 2011- a business specialising in the production of spatially-efficient growing systems and planters for home use. 2. Caroline Dawson of SUP Lass Adventures, who was awarded in 2023. Caroline owns SUP Lass, which was established in Nercwys, North Wales in 2021 during the Covid-19 lockdown, and prides itself in offering unique paddleboarding experiences that combine paddleboarding with local food, accommodation and the countryside. 3. Vicky Smith of West End Barns who was awarded in 2022. Vicky began West End Barns in March 2021 by selling homemade ice cream from the farm gate to people walking by during lockdown. Today, it’s a full-scale farm shop and favourite among locals in Harpenden. Charlotte Thorogood, Strategic Partnerships Manager at Forest Holidays said: “We’re proud to support local start up businesses. The last couple of days have been a great way to collaborate and learn from one another. The Start up Fund is just the beginning; we’re excited to watch these brands grow, and we want to continue to be involved in their journey.” Inspired by our royal founder, the PCF acts as a catalyst, enabling change and developing resilience through a unique network of grants, community-led projects and practical guidance. This is the reason Forest Holidays teamed up with The Prince’s Countryside Fund to create the Rural Start-Up Fund, an exciting opportunity for rural businesses to receive financial support as they embark on a new business venture. A total of £5,000 has been awarded to winning businesses or shared between a number of rural startups per year since the programme began. In addition, as part of the Rural Start-Up Fund, the successful applicants receive mentoring support from a relevant expert in the Forest Holidays team to further guide and support them. Keith Halstead, Executive Director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund said: “The Prince’s Countryside Fund is delighted to be able to offer these opportunities to build innovative and community-led businesses through our partnership with Forest Holidays. It is great to be able to see how the entrepreneurial skills of the business owners are helping rural communities, and the importance of continued learning from our partnership with Forest Holidays informs the development of a sustainable business.”

The Lord Mayor and Admiral of the Humber is to stage his Lord Mayor’s At Home event at the Guildhall next month. The free event will allow residents to meet Councillor Kalvin Neal following his recent appointment to the prestigious role, as well as enjoying a cuppa and a piece of cake. It will take place in the magnificent Banqueting Hall of the Guildhall from 10:30am to 12:00pm on Saturday 15th July. There will be the traditional plant display, which this year has been sponsored by KWL, and the plants will be sold off in aid of the Lord Mayor’s Charity Appeal Fund, which this year benefits Hull4Heroes and Dove House Hospice. The Lord Mayor said: “I’m really looking forward to welcoming people to this event, which we traditionally hold each year." “It’s a great chance for us to get together, and to raise some money for good causes." “I’m really keen to meet as many people as possible in such a wonderful setting.”

Maldon-based Osea Leisure Park celebrates 90 years in business this month. Family owned and operated, the park has transformed from a camping facility for visiting pea-pickers in 1933 to the leading, innovative and community-focused business it is today. Always innovating and at the forefront of tourism and hospitality, the park has continued to move forward with this ethos and has continued to successfully grow its offering since its 80th birthday, including launching the iconic pastel beach huts located on the Blackwater Estuary, quadrupling the number of staff, doubling the size of the Deckhouse bar and restaurant, and successfully building up the meadows, a five star glamping and touring park. The Osea story began pre-WW2 in 1933, when Mabel Speakman opened the land to pea and fruit pickers for camping and to enjoy spending time with their families. Current Managing Director and Mabel Speakman’s great-granddaughter, Janie Robinson, has been directly responsible for the park's operation since 2007. Janie has continued to innovate to grow the business and pushed boundaries to develop an additional 33 acres of the park to offer luxury camping facilities on The Meadows, including the Glass House, the Royal Pod, the Malvern pod, safari tents and Shepard’s huts. Osea Leisure Park has always been part of Janie's life and she is proud of its heritage and the traditional, community values it was founded upon. The Park has been owned by four generations of the same family, great grandmother, grandmother, mother and current owner, daughter, Janie, since inception, and now provides holiday home owners with the perfect getaway, a friendly and hospitable ambience, where children can play in safe and secure surroundings. Never one to rest on her laurels, Janie bought back her Great Grandmothers home in 2015 and transformed it into a leading wedding and events venue, Vaulty Manor, which is owned by Osea Leisure Group and has a five star rating on Hitched. The employees of Osea Leisure Group work across both Osea Leisure Park and Vaulty Manor. Janie comments: “In the past 10 years, it has been so important for us to continue to innovate and find new ways to provide fun for all of the family. I am so proud of all that we have achieved including being able to employ more staff and expand our business, particularly given the challenges of the past three years due to the pandemic." “A lot has changed since 1933, but one thing that has remained constant is the need for families to have a place where they can relax, spend time together and be close to nature. We offer a home from home environment and create the community spirit that has continued to attract holidaymakers year after year to the park. We can’t wait to see what the next 90 years brings for Osea Leisure Park." Osea Leisure Park is an award winning Family Park from winning Best Campsite/Caravan Park at David Bellamy Gold awards through to gaining a four Star visit England excellence award. Today the park is fortunate to have many fourth generations of the same family as clients, including generations of the original pea-picking families. Many have grown up visiting Osea and now bring their families to the park to enjoy time away from the hustle and bustle of modern living. The ideal location of Osea Leisure Park makes an abundance of outdoor activities possible including sea and fresh water fishing, the use of the beach, swimming, cycling, boating, kayaking and Kayak hire, bird watching and walking, with access to an exclusive menu and bar at The Deckhouse Bar and Restaurant. Janie and the team have worked hard to build relationships with local businesses and the community outside of the park, including holding regular family fun days and refurbishing the bar and restaurant facilities to attract more outside visitors. Supporting the local community is a priority for Osea Leisure Park and support includes sponsoring two teams at Maldon Rugby Club, where both of Janie’s children have played. In addition, Osea Leisure Park offers ownership opportunities of both new and used holiday homes, static caravans and beach huts, as well as Saltmarsh Point - an exclusive development of luxury lodges. Saltmarsh Point has 32 privately owned luxury holiday lodges within an exclusive enclave. A quiet and natural setting rich in wildlife, it is set alongside the beautiful coastline. An inspirational business women, Janie has had a successful career, including being the youngest female RAC Rally driver competing in the UK and Europe. Janie’s eldest son, Jack Robinson, is following in her footsteps and those of his great uncle from his father’s side as a racing driver, currently racing for Fox Motorsport, a local Maldon team. Jack races in a Ginetta car, who were originally friends of the family and based in Witham.

Airport parking specialist, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH.com), has received the exclusive ‘Park Mark Plus Award’ at its Gatwick car park, demonstrating its high-quality design and security. Awarded by the British Parking Association, Park Mark Plus is an elite award, achievable by only the highest quality car parks. APH Gatwick is the first airport park and ride site in the UK to achieve the award after undergoing a rigorous assessment by specially trained police assessors to ensure the site is safe for both car and owner. The assessment includes structural integrity, environmental credentials and exemplary customer service in addition to the mandatory requirements of the Park Mark Award such as security lighting, perimeter fencing and CCTV, as well as meeting Disabled Parking Accreditation criteria. This APH car park opened in 2019 and is located even closer to the airport than its previous site, resulting in shorter journeys for customers and faster transfer times to both airport terminals via dedicated shuttle buses. APH customers can choose from a range of parking options including Meet and Greet, Park & Ride, Self-Park and EV charging with each service ensuring vehicles are kept in a safe and secure parking space within the security-protected parking facility. Nick Caunter, Managing Director of Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) said, “Driving to the airport and parking with a proven operator is one of the easiest and most reliable methods of travelling to the airport, however we understand some travellers can feel nervous about leaving their car when going on holiday." "Sadly, there are stories published in the media around rogue operators but these stories represent a tiny minority of air travellers’ experience. The Park Mark and now the Park Mark Plus logo allows customers to choose a proven car park option and to travel abroad confident their car is parked in a safe, secure and properly managed car park.” Warren Bradshaw, Southern Area Manager for British Parking Association said, “It has been a great pleasure for me to have worked with the APH team on this journey towards achieving the Park Mark Plus accreditation, well done and well deserved.”

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the arrival of Super League half-back Lee Gaskell on a permanent deal until the end of the 2024 season – having seen off significant competition for his signature. The 32-year-old will don the red, amber and black for a second time following three-year spell at the club between 2014 and 2016. The experienced half-back, who has made over 230 career appearances, has since enjoyed spells at Huddersfield Giants and Wakefield Trinity and will boost the Bulls’ ranks heading into the second half of the season. Gaskell insists the ambition of the club appealed to him – admitting the challenge of pushing for promotion excites him as he joins his team-mates five games unbeaten. “It is a massive honour to be here again, I really enjoyed my time here last time and I played some of the best rugby in my career… I feel I have unfinished business here and I am looking forward to it again,” said Gaskell, who will be sponsored by Stuart Readyhough @ Maclean And Co. Accountants. “I have got to do what I feel is right and makes me happy and as soon as my agent said Bradford were interested and I spoke to Nobby [Brian Noble] and others at the club, it is a team moving forward, doing great things behind the scenes and also the lads on the pitch now five unbeaten." “It is a really good chance for me to come here and work hard to earn a position in the team as there are some really talented players… hopefully I can earn a spot and lead the boys around and be someone they can turn to in tough situations through my experience, I am really looking forward to it." “There are high ambitions here and that’s one of the reasons I came, there were other offers but being at Bradford again really appealed to me, we have a shot with this team and quality to push for promotion and that is one of the things that appealed to me. I have unfinished business and the challenge excites me." “I remember the Bradford fans at the Summer Bash’s and making every game like a home game, they are still the same, very loyal fans who deserve more and hopefully we can pay them back, get more numbers in and get a buzz around the town, have a big push around the play offs and see what happens." Football Consultant Brian Noble has hailed Gaskell’s capture as a ‘real coup’ – who he highlights as a ‘quality acquisition’ who will bolster the Bulls in the short, medium and long term. “It is a real coup – we had a lot of competition for Lee’s signature and it is a measure of the hard work that goes on behind the scenes here at every level. Lee is a quality player, a Super League standard acquisition and the kind of person we need right now, I am absolutely thrilled and he will add a lot to this team." “Quality acquisitions is what we are about if we can get them, offensively he is very good, he knows how to play, knows what he wants to do, puts points on the board and makes passes. He is a big body, a big human but first and foremost a good bloke, we have signed a good character who will help the Bulls for the short, medium and long term." “It is the time of year when everyone is ramping up, we are still growing and Lee coming in helps with that growth, there is lots of improvement still in all of our players and come end of the season with a bit of luck and a fair wind we can play a part." “We are still taking it one game at a time, still introducing people and we will introduce more people, it is really positive and we have a tough challenge this weekend in Toulouse who are unbeaten at home but we are really looking forward to it and are really positive.”

A student who has continuously worked toward improving equality and diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects has received the most prestigious award given to University of Dundee students. Maitane Sandonis Perez has been named as the winner of this year’s Wimberley Award, given to the student or students who have made the most distinguished contribution to university life. Throughout her time at Dundee, Maitane (21) has helped deliver positive cultural change within the School of Life Sciences and the wider University through her work on equality and diversity with the Athena SWAN Undergraduate Committee. Athena SWAN is an equality charter mark framework and accreditation scheme that recognises and celebrates good practices in higher education and research institutions towards the advancement of gender equality. Maitane’s efforts includes facilitating campaigns to promote the visibility of female scientists, prevent gender-based violence and raise awareness on neurodiversity in STEM. She will graduate with a degree in Biological Sciences on the afternoon of Tuesday 20 June, joining her peers in crossing the Caird Hall stage. “I am truly honoured by this recognition,” said Maitane. “It makes me very happy to see that the work towards equality and diversity in STEM is valued by the University. It is a meaningful closure to all the work put into it and a great chance to celebrate the achievements of my Athena SWAN colleagues." “I am proud to be a part of such a high standard, yet ever-improving institution. These campaigns have helped break the biases towards women in STEM in our university and have led to the implementation of measures to prevent and facilitate help in instances of gender-based violence in the academic environment." “The neurodivergence in STEM campaign will launch in the next academic year. It is meaningful to me that the School is working to break the stereotypes associated with neurodiversity, and that students and staff will soon have the testimonies and encouragement of successful neurodivergent scientists." “I would like to thank Melissa d'Ascenzio and Lesley-Anne Pearson for leading the wonderful Athena SWAN group in my School and helping us students in our projects to improve the university. Likewise, I must acknowledge the work of the rest of the student committee who have worked just as hard to make all these projects happen, and the efforts of many other students that I have come across who also want to see the University of Dundee become a better place.” Alongside her equality and diversity work, Maitane, who is originally from Alicante, Spain, stood as the environment and sustainability representative within the Dundee University Students’ Association (DUSA) Student Representative Council. She was named Student Representative of the Year in 2022 in recognition of her efforts and plans to continue a career in Ecology and Conservation. “Dundee has provided me with a platform to develop professionally while working for important causes,” Maitane continued. “I have developed a deep love for the city. I feel in awe, and this has been my motivation to work to give back to our community. I sincerely hope my work helps the University and the city to continue improving.”