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British Cycling celebrates Geraint ‘G’ Thomas OBE, who has today announced his intention to retire from professional cycling at the end of this year, after what will be his 19th year as a member of the WorldTour and Great Britain Cycling Team. Performance Director, Stephen Park CBE said: “On behalf of British Cycling, I would like to congratulate Geraint on a stellar career, one that has shown what is possible within such a gruelling and captivating sport for those who have the grit and determination to succeed at the highest level." “His 2018 Tour de France win will go down in history as the first time a Welshman has achieved the prestigious and hard-fought accolade." "We will all be cheering him on over the coming months as he competes in his final season and look forward to bidding him farewell as he makes Septembers’ Tour of Britain his final race." “Representing the Great Britain Cycling Team, we have seen him win rainbow jerseys on the track as a young rider, as well as two Olympic gold medals, and being part of teams who have broken multiple world records. He has also represented his home nation of Wales to the highest level, bringing home four Commonwealth Games medals as a result." “What stands out about Geraint as a sportsperson is his passion for the sport and how he holds himself as a fantastic role model to the next generation of pro cyclists." "His pride in the jersey and unwavering commitment to being the best version of himself are qualities we want to instil in every member of our team." “G has been a key figurehead in every team he’s been a part of over the years and will be remembered as one of the all-time greats. We wish him the very best of luck in his final season in the peloton and in whatever the future holds.” Thomas was introduced to the sport at the age of 10, becoming part of the legendary Maindy Flyers club in his home city of Cardiff, which also boasts alumni such as Olympians Elinor Barker and Ella Maclean-Howell. Showing potential from the off, Thomas quickly achieved national track success followed by his first world title in the scratch race at the UCI Junior Track World Championships in Los Angeles, USA. Joining British Cycling’s Olympic Academy in 2005, Thomas’s natural talent developed considerably, taking wins on the road and being awarded the BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year Carwyn James Junior Award, before making his Tour de France debut as part of Continental cycling team, Barloworld in 2007. Thomas’ breakthrough year came in 2008 when he was part of the British quartet including Ed Clancy, Paul Manning and Bradley Wiggins who won the team pursuit gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, breaking the world record twice in the process. Thomas retained his Olympic team pursuit title at the London 2012 Olympic Games, alongside Steven Burke, Ed Clancy and Peter Kennaugh, setting two more world records. He has since competed in two further Olympic Games for Great Britain. Alongside two Olympic gold medals, in 20 years representing the Great Britain Cycling Team, Thomas has amassed multiple accolades, including four elite world titles and one European title. He has also been a key part of squads that have supported the delivery of British victories, including supporting teammate Mark Cavendish to his road race world title in 2011. Ever the pride of Wales, Thomas has competed for Team Wales at three Commonwealth Games, taking bronze in the men’s points race in 2006, and another in the road time-trial in 2022. His most successful Commonwealth Games was Glasgow 2014, where he secured bronze in the road time-trial before winning gold in the road race. What Thomas has achieved in his road career is nothing short of exceptional, with race wins including Paris-Nice in 2016, Critérium du Dauphiné in 2018, Tour de Romandie in 2021 and an incredibly close second-place finish in the 2023 Giro d’Italia. However, Thomas’ career-defining moment was his impeccable Tour de France win in 2018 which saw him become the third British and only Welsh cyclist to win the Tour de France. In September 2018, the Wales National Velodrome in Newport was officially renamed the Geraint Thomas National Velodrome before he was named BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year for the second time. His incredible Tour de France win also saw him win the overall BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award and was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2019 News Year Honours for services to cycling. Photo Credit: SWPix

With spring just around the corner, there’s plenty to look forward to—longer days, warmer temperatures, and, of course, the return of gardening season. For those eager to get their hands back in the soil, March may feel like it can’t come soon enough. But according to John Collins, nursery manager at Somerset-based Ashridge , now is actually the perfect time to kickstart your growing season with three specific vegetables. “These hardy crops can withstand cooler temperatures, making them ideal for early sowing,” says Collins. “Getting them in the ground now gives you an earlier harvest and helps spread out the workload in the garden,” he explains. 1. Broad Beans Broad beans are one of the best vegetables to plant in February, as their robust nature allows them to thrive in cooler temperatures. Sowing these national favourites now can lead to an earlier harvest, often by late spring or early summer. Soaking the seeds overnight is a good way to encourage germination, and planting them in a sunny spot with well-drained soil will help them develop. Collins recommends planting them about 20cm apart and leaving 60cm between each double row, allowing air circulation and easy access to the crops. “As the plants grow, staking or installing nets can provide them with extra support and prevent them from toppling over. Another great tip is pinching out their tips when they reach about one metre in height, as this will encourage bushier growth and deter pests like aphids,” observes Collins. 2. Early Peas Early peas are another excellent choice for February, with varieties such as 'Kelvedon Wonder' or 'Meteor' being particularly suited to cooler temperatures. Planting them now means that you’ll be able to enjoy sweet peas by late spring, bringing a taste of early (as their name suggests) summer to your dishes. Unlike broad beans, early peas should be planted on a sheltered site. They also don’t require as much space and can be sown 5cm apart, with rows spaced at 60cm intervals. You should, however, consider providing them support with sticks or netting, as this will help them climb and grow even more. “A great way to ensure your early peas survive and develop is to plant them indoors in biodegradable pots and transplant them later once they’ve grown. This will drastically reduce damage from pests like mice and birds,” explains Collins. 3. Spinach Spinach is also a great vegetable to plant in February, especially if you’re looking for an early harvest. It grows quickly, and hardier varieties such as 'Perpetual Spinach' can withstand lower temperatures, allowing gardeners to enjoy fresh greens in early spring. The nursery expert recommends picking a sunny or partially shaded area with rich, moisture-retentive soil, and planting the seeds 30cm apart to give them room to mature. Another possibility is sowing the seeds in containers for easier management—this can also help if you don't have as much space. Make sure you water your crops regularly to prevent bolting, applying mulch to retain soil moisture. "Spinach is a vegetable that keeps on giving. It's extremely rich in nutrients, and you can prolong the cropping period by harvesting its leaves regularly, always cutting the outer leaves first. This encourages new growth, allowing you to enjoy fresh veggies in your meals for longer."

Cynergy Bank has introduced one of the UK’s first debit cards made from Parley Ocean Plastic®—a premium material upcycled from marine plastic debris collected from coastal communities worldwide. This innovative launch aligns with Cynergy Bank’s commitment to sustainability and its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) agenda. As part of this initiative, Cynergy Bank has transitioned its Business Current Account debit cards from traditional plastic to this eco-innovative alternative, representing a significant step forward in Cynergy Bank’s dedication to reduce plastic waste in its business operations. Cynergy Bank’s upcycled debit card is an attractive feature for eco-conscious business customers and complements the Business Current Account’s other benefits: interest rate of 2.50% AER variable paid on deposits up to and including £25,000, and 0.25% AER variable thereafter. Customers can apply for the Business Current Account via a simple digital application process and manage their accounts using Cynergy Bank’s new online banking platform. The Business Current Account provides a full suite of services to support daily business banking operations, including a range of Foreign Exchange (FX) and payment services. The Business Current Account is also serviced by the Cynergy Mobile Banking app - including viewing balances, scheduling payments, transferring money between accounts and arranging appointments with a dedicated Relationship Manager. The Business Current Account is available to eligible UK businesses, including sole traders, partnerships, limited liability partnerships and limited companies, with up to 10 named individuals including Partners, Directors, and shareholders. Eligible deposits are protected up to £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, offering peace of mind for business owners. Sharon Maguire, Chief Operating Officer, Cynergy Bank, commented: “Introducing this eco-innovative debit card is a natural extension of our Business Current Account, which is part of our growing family of business banking products, and demonstrates our commitment to sustainability." "As one of the first banks in the UK to do so, we’re proud to contribute to reducing plastic waste and to lead by example in promoting environmental responsibility and awareness.” Cyrill Gutsch, Founder, Parley for the Oceans, commented: “The use of Parley Ocean Plastic® transforms a banking card into a powerful symbol of change, one that supports ocean initiatives around the world as well as our long-term vision to redesign materials, methods and mindsets towards an economy that works in harmony with nature. More than that, it creates an innovative entry point that directly connects consumers to a global movement for positive change with every use.” This initiative marks a significant step in Cynergy Bank’s broader ESG strategy, which is dedicated to driving positive environmental and social impact. Cynergy Bank is setting a new standard for sustainable business operations, encouraging positive change across the financial sector.

Small business confidence hit its lowest recorded point outside the COVID pandemic in the fourth quarter of last year, according to FSB’s Small Business Index (SBI). The headline confidence reading fell from -24.4 points in Q3 to -64.5 points in Q4. This is a fall of 40.1 points, and the lowest reading on this measure since the -143.4 points registered in the first quarter of 2020, when COVID first broke out in the UK. The confidence score is calculated by giving double weight to responses which express stronger confidence or pessimism, before summing up all responses to give an overall impression of how small firms view their prospects over the next three months. Such a low confidence reading at the end of last year underlines how much the Government’s push for growth, as outlined by the Chancellor in her recent speech, needs to be implemented as soon as possible, and built on with an ambitious Small Business Strategy followed swiftly by legislation. Key Findings: The Small Business Index (SBI) for Q4 2024 from the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) found small firms’ confidence levels at -64.5 points, a deterioration from -24.4 points in the previous quarter The confidence tumble was reflected across all major sectors, with accommodation and food services registering the lowest score, at -111.0 points A quarter (24.2%) of small firms are braced for a contraction in the size of their business in the first three months of 2025 The findings give extra weight to the Chancellor’s recent speech calling for growth to be unlocked, with small businesses key to the growth agenda. All Major Sectors Affected The confidence tumble was recorded across all major sectors, with none managing to register a positive confidence score. Accommodation and food services was the least optimistic major sector, with a confidence reading of -111.0 points, followed by the wholesale and retail sector at -94.2 points, while firms in the professional, scientific and technical activities sector were the least pessimistic, at -40.1 points. Construction saw the largest decline in confidence between Q3 and Q4, going from -26.6 points to -76.8 points. Revenue performance hit a record low over Q4 among small firms, with the one in five (21.8%) who said that their revenues had grown more than offset by the over half (53.9%) who said they had worsened, a net revenue growth balance of -32.1% (Q2’s net balance was -13.8%). Just as concerning, net revenue predictions for the coming quarter fell significantly to -25.9%, with just a quarter (24.0%) of small firms forecasting a rise in revenues in Q1 and half (49.9%) predicting a fall. Domestic Economy Seen As The Main Barrier To Growth While the domestic economy (cited by 65.3% of small businesses) was once again the top barrier to growth identified by small firms, the tax burden jumped upward into second place as a cited concern, with over two in five small businesses (43.1%) raising it as one of their top barriers. Labour costs were in third place, cited by 42.0% of small firms, while consumer demand – usually in second or third place in the rankings – slipped to fourth place, cited by 28.0%. Growth Aspirations Subdued 2025 could see lower levels of expansion among small businesses, with two in five (43.4%) saying they believe their business will grow over the next 12 months, down from over half who said the same thing in the previous survey (51.2%). The proportion bracing for contraction, meanwhile, jumped to a quarter (24.2%), its highest-ever level outside the pandemic, and a notable increase from 14.6% in Q3. Tina McKenzie, FSB’s Policy Chair, said: “The fourth quarter blues reported by small firms underline how urgently the Government’s growth push is needed. Small firms are understandably nervous about their prospects as 2025 gets underway." “The upcoming Employment Rights Bill is a major source of stress for small firms, with nine in ten business owners saying they are concerned about its introduction, and this is undoubtedly a major cause of the very subdued confidence levels seen in our research." “On the plus side, the Government’s plans to reduce late payment – a perennial source of financial pain and misery to small firms – cannot come soon enough. Improving small firms’ cashflow will relieve countless headaches, and free up the mental space for them to make plans to invest – based on reliable cashflow predictions, rather than subject to the whims of their customers." “The Government has called for regulators to put forward ideas to nurture growth, while we sent our own list of suggestions targeted at helping small businesses, which we look forward to seeing adopted within the regulatory system. We would encourage the Government to extend this push to more of a pro-growth mindset to HMRC as well. Small firms collectively spend £25 billion and 280 million hours on tax compliance each year; reducing those amounts even by just a few percent would be great news for productivity, and for stress levels among small business owners." “In the Spending Review, the Government must prioritise spending on programmes that will deliver small business growth." “The King’s Speech later this year should include a Small Business Bill, to bring together the different strands of support and reform needed to give people dreaming of starting their entrepreneurship adventure the confidence they need to go for it, and to help people running small enterprises and in self-employment to expand and fulfil their potential.”

Reward Funding has further strengthened its UK growth plans by appointing Adrian Stalley as its first head of partnerships. In the newly created role, Adrian will drive forward the alternative lender’s sales and marketing strategy at a national level, by working closely with the regional directors and business development teams across its six UK offices. Adrian will also be focused on expanding Reward’s extensive network of introducers and commercial finance brokers, to ensure its overall sales strategy is closely aligned with its wider business growth aims. Adrian’s career spans over 30 years working in senior director and management roles in sectors ranging from telecoms and utilities to insurance and property. In the last six years he has focused on growing strategic partnerships and driving national business development opportunities in the commercial finance space. Adrian Stalley, head of partnerships for Reward Funding, commented: “With Reward having recently unveiled its new brand identity and strategic direction, it feels like the perfect time to be part of its continued growth success across the UK. I feel we’re really at the forefront of the lending market and filling the void left by traditional funders, by helping ambitious entrepreneurs and businesses thrive across so many sectors." “I’m looking forward to collaborating with the teams across our six offices, exploring new business development opportunities and channels, and as an ambassador of the business to further help expand our national network of introducers.” Adrian will be working alongside Sharon Ellis, Reward’s strategy and programme director, who added: “The appointment of Adrian and the wealth of sector experience and strategic insight he brings to the business, really illustrates the scale of our growth ambitions across the UK moving forwards. I know our regional directors and business development teams are really excited and energised by his arrival and are looking forward to working with him to further bolster our market presence.”

The Birmingham office market is poised for sustained growth in 2025, driven by a focus on office quality, lease flexibility and sustainability credentials, believes a regional office market expert. Carole Taylor, regional managing partner (Midlands and North) at Birmingham property consultancy Vail Williams, says the positive office trends monitored throughout 2024, which was an exceptional year for office take-up in Birmingham, are continuing. She added: “With an expanding base of diverse occupiers and investment in innovation districts, the city will cement its role as a competitive and resilient destination for businesses." “As the market evolves, both traditional and serviced office spaces will remain pivotal in meeting the demands of modern occupiers." “The emphasis for landlords has to be on delivery of low-carbon, sustainable designs which are aligned with Birmingham's net-zero goals. New developments will need to meet this design premium if they are to attract quality occupiers such as more blue-chip organisations.” “Prime rents in Birmingham are now between £40-£45 per sq ft for premium office space in the city and features like energy efficiency, wellness spaces, and cutting-edge facilities are now on the essential list for occupiers.” Carole, who has more than 30 years’ property experience across the Midlands, said 2024 marked a turning point for the Birmingham office market, which saw take-up in the city exceed 843,000 sq ft, a 20% increase on 2023 figures. Companies cemented their post-pandemic office decisions and by the end of Q3 2024, the number of office transactions totalled 71 – the highest take-up for that stage of the year since 2015, according to trade body the Birmingham Office Market Forum. Indeed, Q3 alone saw a record-breaking take-up of approximately 337,236 sq ft across 23 transactions, a 156% increase on 2023 figures and the highest take-up per quarter recorded since the pandemic. And whilst there were 12% fewer deals in 2024 (96), more space was actually let, showing a desire to lease more space once again, driven by the nationwide return to the workplace that mostly remains on a hybrid basis. Carole said this demand was being driven by a number of sectors, including education, innovation, technology, media and telecommunications (TMT), professional services and the serviced office market. A standout performer in 2024, the education sector accounted for 42% of total take-up in Birmingham, including one university deal for 189,503 sq ft, which helped reaffirm the city’s appeal as a hub for education and innovation. Innovation districts such as the Knowledge Quarter, Health Innovation Campus and Enterprise Wharf, denoted significant growth and helped Birmingham to continue to attract science, technology, and healthcare firms and establish the city as a tech and innovation hub. The TMT sector was in the driving seat of leasing activity in 2024, with several notable transactions, and Colmore Business District remains a hotspot for legal and professional services, further strengthening the city’s position as a leading commercial centre. Carole added: “The serviced office market in Birmingham also thrived alongside more traditional office space in 2024, with ongoing demand for short-term flexible leasing options. “This is down to hybrid work models remaining in place for a lot of businesses, but sectors such as education have also leveraged its versatility for administrative and teaching purposes, as we saw across several transactions last year." “We are expecting even more activity in 2025 as the drive back into the workplace continues, which bodes well for the regional office market and the businesses based here.” Vail Williams has been based in the Midlands for nearly 15 years, during which time its team in Birmingham has tripled in size, including the recent appointment of property agent, Joshua Laurence from Macguire Jackson. The firm also has a presence in Leeds, with a client base which extends across the North – from Birmingham to Nottingham, on up to Leeds and Newcastle and back down to Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent. 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.

The global ecommerce market is on a trajectory of rapid expansion, set to reach $11 trillion in 2028, driven by technological advancements, seamless delivery services, and rising internet penetration. With China and the US dominating the landscape, companies must continuously innovate to meet evolving consumer expectations, embrace ESG compliance, and leverage data-driven strategies to maintain competitiveness in an increasingly dynamic sector, says GlobalData , a leading data and analytics company. GlobalData’s latest Strategic Intelligence report, “Ecommerce,” reveals that the global value of transactions for the ecommerce market is set to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1% between 2023 and 2028, driven by improved technology and delivery services and wider internet adoption. Aisha U-K Umaru, Strategic Intelligence Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The global ecommerce industry is dominated by China and the US, with market shares in 2023 of 33% and 30%, respectively." "These countries are home to some of the world’s biggest tech companies, including Alibaba and Amazon, which benefit from the huge troves of data generated by user activity on their platforms.” Subscription-based services are a growing ecommerce segment. Beauty brands like Estrid and Harry’s started with subscription services and have enjoyed great success. Both are now available in physical stores, further boosting sales. Harry’s filed for an IPO in March 2024 after reaching nearly $1 billion in revenue. However, some subscription services have struggled after a rapid rise. Once valued at almost $2 billion, meal-kit subscription service Blue Apron was bought for about $100 million by food delivery company Wonder in 2023. Umaru continues: “Consumers are also concerned with the social and governance factors of ESG. As a result, it remains high on the agenda for ecommerce companies, both to comply with relevant regulations and to meet consumer demands. ESG regulations such as the EU taxonomy for sustainable activities are also a method of clamping down on greenwashing, the practice of inflating a company’s ESG performance for marketing purposes.” Other terms such as carbon neutral, green, and environmentally friendly are being regulated, and ecommerce companies must ensure they comply with relevant guidelines to mitigate the risk of litigation. Umaru concludes: “Initiatives like the Fifteen Percent Pledge, which urges US retailers to allocate at least 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses, highlight the increasing emphasis on social equity within the ecommerce sector." "Additionally, issues such as supply chain transparency and diversity remain critical, as brands strive to align with the evolving ESG priorities of Gen Z and Millennial consumers.”

UK-listed companies with a Defined Benefit (DB) pension scheme issued 81 profit warnings in 2024, the highest annual volume since the pandemic in 2020 (249 warnings), according to EY-Parthenon’s latest Profit Warnings report. In total, nearly one-in-four (24%) UK-listed firms with DB sponsors issued a profit warning last year. The number of warnings issued by UK-listed companies with a DB pension scheme in 2024 made up almost a third (30%) of the 274 total from all UK-listed companies – the highest annual proportion since 2020 (43%). Highest quarterly volume of warnings since same period of 2020 In the final quarter of 2024, 28 profit warnings were issued by UK-listed companies with a DB pension scheme, a year-on-year increase of six warnings and the highest quarterly total since Q4 2020. UK-listed Household Goods and Home Construction firms behind the most warnings, with contract issues the leading cause Companies with a DB pension scheme in the FTSE Household Goods and Home Construction sector issued the highest volume of warnings during 2024 (15), followed by FTSE Industrial Support Services (12) and FTSE Retailers (seven). Rising costs (28%), contract issues and spending delays (26%) and credit tightening (11%) were cited as the main reasons for warnings from UK-listed companies with a DB pension scheme. Karina Brookes, UK Pensions Covenant Advisory Leader and EY-Parthenon Partner, said: “The latest profit warnings data demonstrates the ongoing impact of external challenges such as global geopolitical uncertainty and policy upheaval on companies’ forecasting abilities. In this environment, strategies for companies with a DB sponsor need to respond to both short-term policy changes and deeper structural issues, whilst being mindful of the changing pensions regulation including the new DB Funding Code." “All valuations from September 2024 will now fall under the new code, which emphasises the importance of covenant and the requirement to fund the scheme as soon as cash flows allow. For companies that are issuing a profit warning, there is a delicate balance between investing cash back into the business to improve longer term prospects and, if it is needed, using the cash available to fund the scheme in accordance with the guidance." “At the same time, companies issuing profit warnings that have well-funded schemes may consider whether they are able to use scheme surpluses as a source of cash support, provided there is the right support structure and agreement with the trustees in place to extract the surplus.” Paul Kitson, UK Pensions Consulting Leader at EY, added: “While average DB funding remained robust throughout 2024, the high number of profit warnings from listed UK firms with a DB pension scheme suggests not all schemes are out of the woods yet. At the same time, many trustees and companies are still digesting the Government’s recent surplus return proposals, so balancing the funding level, covenant strength and potential use of surplus will be a delicate balance." "As ever, it is critical for both trustees and companies to work together to understand their scheme, its employer covenant, and their best path forward – whether that be aiming to run-on with additional contributions, run-on with surplus release, or buy-out.”

The RFU is pleased to announce a new multi-year deal with leading global electronics innovator, LG Electronics, which will deliver world-class fan experiences and grassroots growth in 2025 and beyond. LG Electronics is now the Official TV Partner to the Red Roses as well as Official Screens Partner of Allianz Stadium – the home of English rugby. Despite increases in women’s sport content over the past few years, coverage for women’s sport remains at only 8% across key UK channels [1]. 2024 was the most watched year for women’s sport in the UK with significant momentum for women’s rugby. With 2025 set to be a momentous year for women’s sport, LG will use its “Let’s Go” sponsorship platform in collaboration with the RFU on various soon to be announced campaigns to amplify the growth of the sport. Together with the Red Roses, LG hopes to inspire and enable more women and girls to watch and engage in women’s sport. 2025 is set to be a huge year for women’s sport in the UK with the Women’s Rugby World Cup coming to England in August and September featuring all the home nations, plus the UEFA European Women's Championship taking place in Switzerland in July with both England and Wales set to take part. LG will also support the RFU’s grassroots development plan as well as supply key improvements to Allianz Stadium – in a year in which it will host the blockbuster final round of the Guinness Women’s Six Nations clash with France and the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup Final. LG UK is a long-term sponsor of The FA, having worked with the national football body since 2019 on campaigns including various major international tournaments, and now adds the new RFU deal to its existing roster of sporting partners. LG’s partnership with the RFU will not only invite more viewers into the sport but also encourage a new generation of players with grants that support English community rugby clubs. What’s more, LG will provide cut-rate technology solutions and products to provide grassroots players a great experience and give clubs the opportunity to reduce their environmental impact too. LG has also become the Official Screens Partner of Allianz Stadium and will support discussions as the RFU start their multi-million pound masterplan to improve the iconic stadium. New and improved LED big screens and TVs around the stadium and hotel at Allianz Stadium will be upgraded in 2025, to deliver a new level of fan experience in the ground. Speaking on the announcement, Daniel Michelson, head of marketing at LG UK, said: “2025 will be another monumental year for women’s sport around the world. In recent years we have seen the women’s game take periodic steps forward in popularity, reach and fan engagement around key tournaments and this year should be no different. The “Let’s Go” platform, represents the desire to create change, using innovation, design and creativity to captivate fans and elevate outcomes." “At LG we’ve been lucky to be part of these incredible moments for women’s sport via our work with The FA and now we are proud to work with the RFU to continue our support. This multi-year deal, will help to improve fan experience and reduce the stadium’s carbon footprint moving forward. Myself, the team, and the whole global business is excited to get to work on this new partnership.” Claudio Borges, Executive Director Commercial & Marketing, comments: “We are delighted to announce LG as England Rugby’s Official TV Partner to Red Roses, as well as Official Screens Partner of Allianz Stadium." “LG’s support in amplifying the work of the Red Roses and the amazing personalities in the team as they build into an important year will be of huge value, as will enhancements to our multiple screens around the stadium that are so critical to the matchday experience of our fans.”

Leading European plant and tool hire company BOELS Rental has placed its biggest ever order with JCB as it invests in a new machine fleet worth £65 million (€78 million). Netherlands-based BOELS Rental has ordered more than 700 machines including tracked and wheeled excavators, wheeled loading shovels, Loadall telescopic handlers, rotating telescopic handlers, electric scissor lifts and electric site dumpers. The deal includes the introduction to the BOELS’ fleet of a large volume of the recently launched 145XR X Series tracked excavators. Delivery of the machines will be completed in the next few months. The order also marks a huge milestone for JCB which has now supplied a total of more than 3,000 machines to BOELS Rental since the first was sold in 2012. All the excavators and wheeled loading shovels purchased in the latest deal are largely destined for use in central Europe, particularly in Germany, to support BOELS’ focus on the contractor sector. JCB Global Major Accounts MD, Claudio Fiorentini, said: “We are delighted to secure this major order from one of Europe’s leading plant and tool hire companies, particularly as the deal represents one of the biggest in JCB’s history for excavators and wheeled loaders." "BOELS Rental has been a valued customer of JCB’s for many years and it’s testament to the quality of JCB’s machines, as well as our world-class service back-up, that we’ve secured another valuable order.” Boels Group Chief Procurement Officer, Guy Cremer, said: "BOELS Rental is one of Europe’s leading rental companies and our annual growth is driven by investing in the best machines available. JCB’s range is tailored exactly to the needs of the rental sector which makes them our machine of choice. The high standard of service back up we receive across Europe was also key to our purchasing decision.” Established in 1977, Boels Rental is one of Europe’s leading machinery, tools, modular accommodation, and event equipment rental companies. It operates in 27 countries and has more than 830 branches.

Budding DJs at Ferndown Middle School have taken to the wheels of steel with such aplomb they are now training their teachers. Head of Music, Scott Welcomme, managed to secure the loan of some high-tech turntables for the benefit of the school. The youngsters took to it at once and are now able to create their own music on the decks and add effects at ‘DJ Club’. Furthermore, they are lined up to DJ at up-coming school discos and the enthusiasm has led to other classes and year groups using the equipment. The youngsters enjoy mixing and are in the process of compiling their own setlists. Not only do they learn to DJ during the sessions, they explore the art of turntablism too. Scott said "We were able to obtain the turntables from the Dorset Music Hub – now the Octagon Music Hub – through its Music Area Lead, Pili Lopez. It 's much more than clicking play on the decks. To nudge and get an exact beat match - while the tracks are playing - is the art of turntablism." “The children are lined up to DJ at school discos and the enthusiasm has led to other pupils using the decks in class and at lunchtimes. It is all digital and enables the children to create their own music and work together to come up with new sounds." “The group is held during the morning and has proved hugely popular.” Scott also used resources provided by DJ School UK to get started and has been updating co-founder Jim Reiss with the pupils' progress so far, and he is excited for future developments. DJ Dom from Year 6 said: “Music is my life because it calms people. It brings out different emotions while you are doing it. The music has really inspired me and I love it.” DJ Isla, Year 6, said: “It has really given me confidence and makes me want to come to school. It’s really fun and cool – there are loads of songs and you have the power to control them." DJ Poppy said: “It’s fun and I love playing around with songs and it makes me enjoy learning.” Headteacher Amber Barter said: “Extra-curricular activities are really important across the trust. This DJ Club is superb and has not only taught them about music, but provided many other lessons too.”

The LTA and HSBC have entered into a four-year partnership through until 2028 that will see the bank become the title sponsor of the HSBC Championships - an exciting new two-week proposition of world-class women’s and men’s tennis at The Queen’s Club, taking place from 7-22 June 2025. The partnership comes following the announcement last year Opens in new window that 2025 will see the launch of a new calendar for the grass-court tennis season. The calendar includes The Queen’s Club hosting two consecutive weeks of world class tennis, as the LTA stages a women’s Tour-level event (WTA 500) in London for the first time in more than 50 years. The existing men’s (ATP 500) event was recently named by ATP players as tournament of the year for the third consecutive year. The partnership was recently agreed following a very competitive tender process involving a number of potential partners. The HSBC Championships will undergo a comprehensive rebrand and refresh that will fully complement its new status as both a women’s and men’s tournament. LTA Chief Executive, Scott Lloyd said: “We are delighted to welcome HSBC to our LTA family of partners, becoming the title sponsor of the HSBC Championships of our ATP and WTA 500 events in June. The LTA’s goal is to increase the visibility and accessibility of tennis, particularly of the women’s game, with HSBC helping us reach new audiences. The HSBC Championships will mean fans can enjoy the tradition of world class tennis in a unique setting and be part of the return of women’s tour-level tennis to London for the first time in more than half a century. We can’t wait to get started.” HSBC UK Chief Executive, Ian Stuart said, “Tennis has the power to unite and inspire, and we are incredibly excited to partner with the prestigious LTA and sponsor the new HSBC Championships starting this June." “As the tournament grows to showcase some of the best in women’s and men’s tennis, we are looking forward to helping bring this exceptional event to an even broader global audience. Our ambition is to create a phenomenal experience for athletes and fans – including exclusive benefits for our customers – that serves up passion, perseverance and opportunity both on and off the court.” HSBC has a long-standing commitment to world class sport, including its brand ambassador partnerships with former British No.1 Tim Henman and 2021 US Open Champion Emma Raducanu. Their position as the UK’s leading international bank with an ambition to open up a world of opportunity makes them a perfect fit as the new title partner of this new two-week event. The addition of HSBC to the LTA’s growing partnership roster is in tandem with the newly revamped grass court season for 2025, which sees both genders play in new tournaments at The Queen’s Club and Edgbaston Priory Club in Birmingham complementing the pre-existing combined men’s and women’s events at Eastbourne, Nottingham and Ilkley. For the first time, all the LTA’s grass court events will feature both male and female players. LTA Advantage Fan+ and Compete members will have exclusive early access to buy tickets for the new WTA 500 event at the HSBC Championships from 10:00am on Tuesday 11 February. By signing up to LTA AdvantageOpens in new window now fans can be first in line to see the world’s biggest stars at The Queen’s Club this summer. General sale will open from 10:00am on Tuesday 18 February.