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Strong demand from buyers at recent British Wool sales has seen average prices received at auction increase by nearly 25%. Against increasing prices for many in the sheep and beef sectors, wool has also enjoyed a more buoyant trade. British Wool typically offers between 1,000 and 1,500 tonnes in each of its 18 online auctions held throughout the year. Sales are made to wool merchants which supply processors and manufacturers both here in the UK and internationally. Jim Robertson, Chairman of British Wool, says: “Demand for British wool from the very first auction of the season in early July has been strong. We have seen full clearances in most of the 10 auctions held so far in the 2024/25 season. Approximately 57% of 2024’s wool has now been sold with some core types seeing more than 60% sold." “We hope improved prices will encourage those farmers with wool still on the farm to send this in – we appreciate prices are not at the level we’d like them to be, but the market and prices are improving which is encouraging to see.” British Wool works with a wide range of manufacturers and retailers to encourage more use of British wool and to create demand on behalf of its members. Recent marketing initiatives have included a partnership with Shaun the Sheep to support retailers in the carpet sector. Jim says: “As a collective marketing organisation, everything British Wool does is about adding value to members’ wool. The demand we work hard to create from manufacturers and retailers flows back to the auction buyers, increasing the competitiveness in the auction and making British wool less of a traded commodity." “We are committed to collecting wool and providing a service to all UK sheep farmers to drive sustainable demand for British wool to maximise returns for our members. Unlike other wool buyers, British Wool is representing the best interests of members and wants to see wool prices increasing." “To maximise the returns for all sheep farmers, we need members to return their fleeces to us in 2025. If you still have wool on-farm, contact us to arrange delivery or collection, as there is still demand.”

Just weeks after the Chancellor backed a third runway, Heathrow is launching its largest investment programme in the airport’s history to upgrade and expand the ‘UK’s Gateway to Growth’ through 100% private funding  In a major address delivered at British Steel Scunthorpe, Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye responded to the Government’s strong support for expansion at Heathrow – including a third runway. Woldbye announced the largest private investment programme in Heathrow’s history and confirmed the airport is developing proposals for a third runway to share with Government by summer.  Woldbye said: “This privately funded programme will upgrade existing infrastructure while laying the groundwork for a third runway, boosting UK investment and economic growth, with tangible benefits felt this year. Heathrow is proud to answer the Chancellor's call to get Britain building."  And that: "A third runway is critical for the country’s future economic success, and I confirm we will submit our plans for a third runway to Government this summer. Ahead of then, as part of a phased expansion programme and supported by the Government’s clear backing, I am today confirming multi-billion-pound investment plans, 100% privately funded, to upgrade our terminal buildings, enhance passenger experience, and improve resilience and sustainability." "This is vital investment and will ensure Heathrow remains globally competitive and a jewel in the country’s crown – the UK’s Gateway to Growth.”   Full details of the investment programme, phasing, and the pathway to a third runway will be part of Heathrow’s initial proposals submitted to Government this summer, but plans confirmed new investment in:  Terminal infrastructure : Heathrow will work with airlines and the regulator to finalise plans to invest in the capacity of Terminal 2 and make changes to optimise and increase passenger capacity in Terminal 5.   Improving customer experience and punctuality : Reconfigure and improve the layout of the airfield, increasing the number of aircraft stands, to improve resilience and punctuality.   Local transport connections and sustainable travel : The investment programme includes plans to further improve bus and coach connections to encourage sustainable and active travel options and benefit our local communities.  Sustainability : New infrastructure will have improved environmental credentials and will use more sustainable sources of power, supporting the ambitious targets set out in Heathrow’s Connecting People and Planet sustainability strategy.  This privately funded programme to transform Heathrow’s current infrastructure, with early tangible benefits felt this year, will start with projects within the airport’s existing boundary and work towards a third runway.  The plans will help the airport become more efficient, more reliable and more sustainable for all passengers and airlines at Heathrow. These new investments build on the £2.3bn accelerated investment announced by Heathrow in December to improve service, resilience, passenger experience, and sustainability through multiple projects over the next two years.  Heathrow’s once-in-a-generation phased investment programme for airport modernisation and expansion will create transformational opportunities for UK businesses and industries, during this Parliament and beyond.  As a sign of its commitment to ensuring positive benefits nationwide, Heathrow also signed the UK Steel Charter at British Steel Scunthorpe. The charter aims to maximise supply chain opportunities for UK steel producers. Industry Minister Sarah Jones said: “This investment is the latest in a long line of wins which our Plan for Change has helped deliver, and not only supports thousands of jobs but marks a major vote of confidence in our homegrown steel sector and this government’s Industrial Strategy. Driving demand for UK-made steel is a crucial part of our upcoming Steel Strategy, and by signing the Steel Charter Heathrow will give a huge boost to steelmaking communities across the UK and help us kickstart economic growth.” According to the most recent study from Frontier Economics, a third runway could increase UK GDP by 0.43% by 2050. Over half, 60% of that boost, would go to areas outside London and the South-East. The project is supported by over 30 Chambers of Commerce and business groups up and down the country including the CBI, MakeUK, British Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses; airports including Newcastle Airport and Cornwall Newquay; and trades unions including Community Union, GMB, and BALPA.   To develop and finalise proposals to expand the UK’s only hub airport and largest port by value, Heathrow will now engage with key stakeholders including airlines and local communities.    In his address, as well as recognising the scale of the prize to be won, Woldbye commited that Heathrow’s plans will demonstrate that the project can deliver for the economy and the environment.   He said: “With strict environmental safeguards, expanding Heathrow will prove that the UK economy can be grown responsibly and deliver on commitments to future generations. This project can only go ahead if we meet the rules on noise, air quality and carbon that the Government sets out in the Airports National Policy Statement – it’s as simple as that. "  “Even though we’re serving more passengers than ever before, our noise footprint is smaller and we’re also using more sustainable aviation fuel than ever before." “I want to assure you that we are committed to listening and working with our local communities to provide them with the certainty they deserve, ending years of doubt.”  Gareth Stace, UK Steel Director-General, said: "Signing the UK Steel Charter is a vital commitment to strengthening Britain’s industrial backbone, ensuring our steel industry continues to support high-quality jobs, drive investment, and play a central role in the UK’s economic future." "By prioritising UK-made steel in major projects, businesses can build a more resilient and sustainable supply chain, keeping value and expertise within the UK. Heathrow signing the UK Steel Charter is a major vote of confidence in UK steelmaking and British businesses full stop. With the airport embarking on its largest-ever private investment programme, this commitment unlocks significant opportunities for UK steel producers and supply chains to help deliver critical national infrastructure." "Backing UK steel means backing UK jobs, innovation, and long-term industrial growth, ensuring the benefits of Heathrow’s expansion are felt nationwide."  Zengwei An, British Steel CEO, said: “We’re proud to be backing a third runway and the proposed expansion of Heathrow. Major developments like this, which require huge volumes of steel, demonstrate why the UK must have a strong and vibrant steel manufacturing sector. As Britain’s only manufacturer of heavy constructional steel sections, and rail, we have a critical role to play in helping this country meet its many infrastructure needs and look forward to working with Heathrow, other customers, and the UK Government, to support investments which grow the British economy. Our colleagues in Scunthorpe and Teesside have a distinguished history of supplying world-class products into projects like Heathrow’s expansion, and we are incredibly excited by the potential of today’s announcement and the signing of the UK Steel Charter.” Sir Nic Dakin MP (Scunthorpe) said: “It's great to see Heathrow's commitment to the UK Steel charter today, which is a big vote of confidence in Scunthorpe steel. The UK is built on construction steel made here in Scunthorpe thanks to our world class workforce." "When British companies like Heathrow forge partnerships with our steel industry, working families up and down the country benefit.” Martin Vickers MP (Brigg and Immingham) said: “I am delighted that Heathrow’s CEO, Thomas Woldbye, has signed the UK Steel Charter, thereby highlighting Heathrow’s commitment to UK made steel. As many of my constituents will work at the British Steel site in Scunthorpe, or will have family or friends working there, this will be welcome news across my constituency. I am also pleased that Heathrow have specifically chosen the British Steel site to make a landmark announcement on the upgrading and modernising of the UK’s hub airport. This investment will provide welcome opportunities for supply chains across the UK, including in my own patch. As such, I wish Heathrow all the best in this endeavour.” Anna Turley MP (Redcar and Cleveland) said: "Following the Government’s much-welcomed announcement in support of a new runway at Heathrow, it is now more important than ever that major infrastructure projects - like Heathrow’s expansion - that this new Labour Government is backing, invest in and utilise UK steel. Supporting our world-class supply chains and engineering hubs across the country, including in Redcar and Cleveland, will help secure high-skilled jobs, drive innovation and growth, and strengthen British manufacturing." "By championing UK-made steel with a proper steel strategy that this new government will put in place, we can ensure a resilient and prosperous future for our industrial heartlands, including in Teesside and across the country." Craig Beaumont, Executive Director at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Getting growth means moving forward with a strong plan for a third runway at Heathrow. Small businesses across the country will benefit - SME procurement to help build it, a step-change in global and domestic connectivity, a shot in the arm for tourism, and a major boost to exports and freight. Above all, if we can finally get a move on with the project after so much delay it will put a neon sign above the UK that we are open for business." Roy Rickhuss CBE, Community General Secretary, said: "We welcome Heathrow's support for the UK Steel Charter and the airport's firm commitment to ensuring that the infrastructure required for the new runway will use steel made here in the UK. This is a generational opportunity to procure hundreds of thousands of tonnes of UK-made steel – boosting our steel industry and supporting high quality jobs across the UK. Through this work we can showcase the high-quality steel products made here in Britain to a global audience. It's important that we seize this opportunity and use it as a springboard to ensure that other major infrastructure projects on British soil utilise UK Steel." "The benefits of the expansion at Heathrow won’t just be felt in London, but across the whole of the UK.” Andy Prendergast, GMB National Secretary, said: “This is great news. An expanded Heathrow is crucial for our country’s future prosperity. The extra runway will create tens of thousands of good, union jobs, and benefit communities everywhere. GMB welcomes the prospect of a bigger, better Heathrow – now let's get on with it.”

An English rugby hero and former RAF fighter pilot who went on to lead his own strategy consultancy is helping a Dorset firm focus on a new growth trajectory. Property finance lender MSP Capital has engaged Rory Underwood MBE DL, of Wingman Ltd, to apply insights from his elite sport, military and business careers to help enhance its performance over the next five years. One of the country’s greatest wing players, he remains England’s record try scorer with 49 tries in 85 internationals between 1984 and 1996. He also won seven caps with the British Lions. In his military career, Rory spent 18 years flying jets in the RAF, achieving the rank of Flight Lieutenant and introducing a training regime around crew resources management to support effective decision-making in time-limited stressful situations. He founded his consultancy, Wingman, in 2009 and has since delivered leadership, development and strategy consultancy to a wide range of companies and organisations. MSP Capital’s senior leadership team began working with Rory in December 2024, across six one-day workshops to evolve and strengthen the company’s growth strategy. These have now been complemented by three all-employee workshops he has led in which 49 colleagues discussed, challenged and strengthened the vision. Meeting off-site in Poole, groups of team members working across the firm’s job disciplines shared thoughts and ideas for action and identified any gaps. The in-depth planning, with guidance from Rory, has produced an overall goal to grow the firm’s loan book to £750 million by 2030. Commercial Director Adam Tovey said: “Growing our business is all about continuing to make the best decisions we can based on what is right for our customers and our team." “Engaging with Rory enabled us to broaden our knowledge and consider our plans from different perspectives. Ultimately, this has given us renewed focus on a performance driven strategic direction for the company to further improve both employee and customer experience." “We have discussed values, motivation, how to get the best from people, how to measure success, and, overall, how to elevate our potential and achieve greater things as a business." “Our entire team is excited about the new strategy. Everyone was engaged in the workshops, led expertly due to Rory’s knowledge, guidance and charisma. “Drawing many parallels with success in the business world, he highlighted how best to tackle obstacles, push boundaries and aim for continually higher levels of performance.” Rory said: “It has been a real privilege working with the team at MSP Capital. Whilst delivering the Wingman LIFT programme, the team showed great enthusiasm and engagement with each member contributing to the development of the strategy for the next five years. The MSP Capital strategy launch event confirmed that there are exciting times ahead and I know they will continue to build on their success.”

RHS asks public to help map UK’s daffodils and find rare pink, white and ‘bonfire’ yellow varieties The RHS is asking industry and gardeners to help it map the UK’s daffodils and locate three rare or historically significant varieties as it celebrates the country’s most ubiquitous plant this spring and one hundred years since its science saved the daffodil industry. With hundreds of different daffodils thought to be found in the UK, the charity has launched Daffodil Diaries, asking people to log where daffodils are blooming in their area alongside basic information such as colour, type and height. Scientists at the RHS will then use this information to understand environmental influences on the plant, buyer preferences and spread. It will also invite people to join the search for three at risk or thought to be extinct daffodils. Locating these daffodils will help better understand our gardening heritage, aid their survival and even enable the preservation of genetic material that could be valuable for future breeding of daffodils, particularly as our climate changes. The call to action comes as the RHS celebrates one hundred years since its scientist James Kirkham Ramsbottom was honoured for his work in developing a hot water treatment against eelworms which saved the daffodil. The treatment remains a standard precaution in bulb production today. The RHS also holds the register of known daffodil cultivar names bred around the world, recording each plant’s distinguishing features for research and reference purposes, while its retail offerings have noted an increase in demand for plants in bulbed form in recent years. Originating in the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa, by the 1600s daffodils were recorded as being grown for aesthetic, rather than medicinal, purposes. From the early 1800s daffodils became hugely popular in Britain and were being deliberately hybridised to create new garden daffodil forms and colours. Daffodils the public are being asked to help find, selected with the help of the RHS Bulb Expert Group and horticultural conservation charity Plant Heritage, include: ‘Mrs R.O. Backhouse’ – one of the first pink daffodils, with a solid coral pink trumpet and ivory flowers. Thought to have been bred by leading female hybridiser of the era Sara Backhouse and named for her by her husband after her death in 1921. The daffodil is known to exist in national collections but its whereabouts beyond that is not known with the majority of reported discoveries in fact ‘Salome’ whose yellow trumpet transitions to peach. ‘Mrs William Copeland’ – a white, double-flowered daffodil named after the wife of breeder WFM Copeland. Not for sale in recent years but known to be gifted via an American grower in the early 2000s to a direct descendant in the UK. ‘Sussex Bonfire’ – a double-flowered yellow and orange daffodil bred by Noel Burr, an amateur breeder from Sussex who registered 58 new cultivars of daffodil, naming many after local places and people. Sussex Bonfire has never been located, and Plant Heritage’s Sussex Group would be delighted to add this to their shared National Plant Collection of daffodils. All information and images of daffodils thought to be the above varieties should be submitted via the Daffodil Diaries page on the RHS website. RHS Gardens will also celebrate the plant through colourful displays from January through to May that collectively feature more than 150 cultivars, while the RHS website will publish a succession of content charting the history and cultural influences of the plants. The original copper boiler that administered the hot water treatment, saving the daffodil industry, resides in The Old Lab at RHS Garden Wisley. Dr Kálmán Könyves Principal Scientist in the Cultivated Plant Diversity team at the RHS and expert in classifying and recording daffodils said: “Daffodils have come to mark the arrival of spring and are celebrated for their welcome burst of colour in gardens, parks and roadsides. But there’s more to this ubiquitous yellow flower than meets the eye, with 31,000 known varieties available in green, pink and red. Understanding where they can be found will help us in preserving this diversity for the future.” Gwen Hines, CEO of Plant Heritage said: “Springtime daffodils are abundant, but rare varieties could be lost from our gardens and roadsides if they’re not found and cared for. While six National Plant Collections do protect some, many others aren’t yet safeguarded, which is why we encourage everyone to look for rare varieties this spring.” Daffodil Diaries runs from 12th February until 4th May when RHS Garden Harlow Carr hosts the Late Daffodil Show. Daffodil Shows also take place at RHS Garden Rosemoor (8-9th March), RHS Garden Hyde Hall (19-20th March) and RHS Garden Wisley (8-9 April). RHS Daffodil Facts: Daffodils are a source of galantamine, an important Alzheimer’s treatment which cannot be reliably synthesised. The Daffodil has come to symbolise resilience – being the first of the spring flowers to brave the cold but in Victorian times the plant meant ‘egotism’, ‘disdain’ or ‘unrequited love’. There are 31,000 cultivars of daffodil which are organised according to 13 different types, including trumpet, double and split corona daffodils Tooting in South West London has a long association with daffodils having been home to the nurseries of Peter Barr, otherwise known as the ‘Daffodil King’. Peter amassed a collection of more than 400 varieties, with rare types known to still spring from the ground. The Peter Barr Memorial Cup is awarded by the RHS each year. The UK grows 90% of the world’s cut flower daffodils

Thousands of pupils across the country will learn how to prepare and cook nutritious fruit and veg recipes using slow cookers donated to their schools by Tesco. The donations build on the £4m Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools programme, launched in October last year with influencer and Michelin-trained chef, Poppy O’Toole, which provides funding for more than 140,000 pupils to receive at least one piece of fruit or veg a day and gives their diets a healthy and nutritious boost. Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools supports pupils in over 400 schools where there is a higher-than-average free school meal ratio, and in total aims to provide around 16 million pieces of fruit and vegetables. Over a school year, that’s the equivalent of 110 portions per child on average.   Since the launch of the scheme, pupils in the schools taking part have enjoyed almost 2.5 million portions of fruit and veg weighing more than 194,000 kilos! The five most popular items of fruit were apples bananas, oranges, kiwi and satsumas, and most popular veg were potatoes and carrots. The slow cookers will help the schools currently receiving fruit and veg make the most of the produce they’re receiving and teach pupils how to prepare, cook and try nutritious recipes. The donations were inspired by Hillborough Junior School who used a Tesco Stronger Starts grant to set up a slow cooker club that saw pupils prepare and cook meals and take them home for their families to share. According to The Institute For Global Food Security: Queens University Belfast, learning to cook at a young age can set young people up with positive dietary patterns for adulthood. Children tend to be more willing to eat vegetables and food in general when they’ve been involved in cooking it. Only 12% of children aged between 11 and 18 are meeting the five-a-day recommendation and for children taking part in the scheme, Tesco expects to see their overall fruit and veg intake increase by 23%, based on the average 5-a-day intakes in school-aged children. The focus on areas with higher free school meal participation is particularly important because data shows that families on lower incomes struggle to afford a healthy diet. Mark Carr, head teacher at Holly Hill Church School, which is taking part in the Tesco Fruit & Veg For Schools, said: “The Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools scheme has allowed us to help children try fruit and veg that they wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to try, resulting in them getting a healthier diet and making healthier choices." "The children look forward to their breakfast fruit snacks and are excited to come to school to see what they have that day. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries have been the biggest hits so far!” Claire De Silva, Head of Communities at Tesco said: “Tesco Fruit & Veg for Schools is making a significant difference by providing young people in some of the most challenged communities in the UK with more of the essential vitamins and minerals that children need to thrive." "The slow cookers will help schools go even further in encouraging pupils to give healthy foods a try and form habits that will stay with them as they grow up.” Elaine Hindal, Chief Executive of the British Nutrition Foundation, said: “We are delighted to see that the scheme has already delivered almost 2.5 million portions of fruit and vegetables into schools, contributing to improving diets of children and young people. It’s particularly inspiring to see the wide variety of different produce being purchased. With over 80 different types so far, from asparagus to edamame and persimmon to pomegranate, these varieties may be new to children and likely out of reach on the tight budget that schools usually have to work to.” Chef, Poppy O’Toole, who is supporting the campaign, said: “Making sure young people have a healthy diet packed with nutritious food is an important part of giving them a stronger start in life." "Getting youngsters involved in preparing and cooking food is the best way to encourage them to try new foods and help them develop healthy eating habits that will hopefully stay with them for life."

Nestlé Cereals has launched a new £5 million media campaign for Cheerios, demonstrating its strong commitment to support this well-loved multigrain family cereal brand. The new campaign, launched this month promotes the great taste and nutritional value of Cheerios, the UK’s No. 1 Multigrain breakfast cereal brand, bringing delicious morning moments to the entire family. The media campaign is forecast to reach more than 24 million UK parents and 93 per cent of households with children, strengthening brand awareness and consideration. The campaign highlights Cheerios key nutritional attributes – high in fibre from oats, wheat and barley. The cereal also contains 7 Vitamins & 2 Minerals, including Vitamins B2 & B6 to help start the day with energy and Iron to support immunity, while ensuring a delicious taste in every bite. For the first time since 2019, the brand will appear on TV with a new creative running alongside popular family programmes. Running throughout 2025, the integrated campaign is also supported by digital media, featuring on BVOD, YouTube, Social and OOH. Furthermore, with a radio partnership with Bauer Media, Cheerios will connect with parents through widely favoured programs on Absolute, Kiss and Magic Radio, leveraging trusted voices to promote brand consideration and engagement. Sarah Fordy, Head of Marketing, Cereal Partners UK – makers of Nestlé Cereals in the UK, said: “Cheerios is an iconic brand loved by families everywhere. We are excited to launch our new campaign in the UK, highlighting what makes Cheerios exceptional. As a delicious multigrain cereal that is high in fibre and with vitamins and minerals, our little O’s make little wins for all the family." "This multimillion-pound investment is our largest campaign yet, reinforcing our commitment to Cheerios and the growth of the breakfast category.”

Hill Cross Furniture, the market-leading, family-owned contract furniture supplier, celebrates its 25th anniversary on Valentine’s Day with a deep commitment to sustainability, community, and an ambitious vision for the future. From humble beginnings on the Barker family farm in North Cowton, North Yorkshire, Hill Cross Furniture has grown into one of the UK’s largest independently-owned contract furniture suppliers, now employing over 50 people across the group. Their work is global, serving prestigious clients such as Kensington Palace, Nando’s, Grantley Hall, Cote Restaurants, Newcastle United Football Club and Formula 1, all while still operating from their headquarters on the family farm. A Legacy of Sustainability and Innovation In celebration of the company’s anniversary, Hill Cross Furniture revisited its first-ever project at Swinton Estate, where original co-founders Richard Barker and Jake Bailey delivered the handcrafted bedroom furniture used by Swinton to set up their opulent castle hotel in Richard’s cattle wagon! The team was delighted to see that some of the very pieces from that initial delivery are still in everyday use, showcasing the lasting quality and durability of their furniture. That first delivery, 25 years ago, marked the beginning of a journey that now spans global projects, driven by a commitment to sustainable, high-quality furniture solutions. As part of its anniversary celebrations, Hill Cross has planted trees on the estate to offset its carbon emissions locally through the Carbon Plus program. This effort reflects the company’s dedication to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2035 and its current carbon neutral status. Co-founder Richard Barker reflects, “Revisiting Swinton Estate was a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come, and it was uplifting to be amongst the tree planting that’s contributing to our environmental goals.” Expanding Offerings with Sustainability at the Forefront In 2022, Hill Cross Furniture expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of Tamarisk Designs, a luxury furniture brand known for its commitment to blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations. Tamarisk, based in the beautiful town of Bourton in the Water in the Cotswolds countryside also has a recently refreshed showroom in Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire together with a new website launching in March. A key highlight of this acquisition is the launch of Sitting Green – a more sustainable version of Tamarisk’s existing collections and a market-first offering. Debuting at the January Furniture Show 2025, Sitting Green is the result of extensive research and collaboration with trusted supply chain partners. The new range features eco-conscious plant-based foams, recycled fibres, and sustainable fillings, all rigorously tested for longevity and quality. The introduction of Sitting Green marks a significant step in Tamarisk's ongoing journey toward reducing environmental impact, offering clients a stylish yet environmentally conscious option that upholds Tamarisk’s renowned quality standards. A New Era: The Showroom and Growth To mark this quarter-century milestone, Hill Cross Furniture recently opened a new on-site showroom, providing clients with an immersive experience to sample its high-quality furniture offerings. Officially opened by Former Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak MP, the new showroom showcases the company’s growth trajectory and unwavering commitment to innovation. Over 50 people work for the Hill Cross Group extending to and supported by an eco-system of local suppliers, several of whom are also based at the farm, providing local employment, enhanced flexibility and quality control across the supply chain. Celebrating Community and Family Values Throughout its history, Hill Cross Furniture has maintained strong community ties. CEO Jen Barker, reflecting on the company's journey, said, "Our success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and we’re grateful to have had the privilege of working with so many incredible clients. We’re a family business at heart, and we remain committed to sustainability, innovation, and giving back to the community that supported us." A Future of Growth and Innovation What began 25 years ago as a small business operating out of repurposed farm sheds has transformed into a leader in the contract furniture industry. “We’ve exceeded expectations and are proud to be a trusted partner to some of the world’s most well-known brands,” said Jen Barker. “Our ambition is to continue growing while staying true to our core values: delivering exceptional furniture, pioneering sustainability, and maintaining a supportive, family-driven work environment." Hill Cross Furniture looks forward to the next chapter of its journey with an eye toward further innovation, expansion, and sustainability, as well as continuing to enrich its local community.

Credit and debit card spending grew 1.9 per cent year-on-year in January – the highest uplift since March 2024, but remaining lower than the latest CPIH inflation rate of 3.2 per cent. Despite falling consumer confidence in the UK economy, down five percentage points to 21 per cent, non-essential spending grew 2.7 per cent, led by the resilient performance of entertainment, health & beauty and digital content & subscriptions. These figures come form the latest Barclays monthly review on consumer spending trends that they established back in 2014. The Barclays Consumer Spend report combines hundreds of millions of customer transactions with consumer research to provide an in-depth view of UK spending Key Findings: Spending on essentials increased for the first time since August 2024, but was outpaced by the growth in non-essential spending January’s storms gave takeaways and streaming services a boost with more time spent indoors The share of online retail spending reached a three-year high, as 13 per cent of consumers said they opted to shop at home due to the wet and cold weather Pharmacy, health and beauty saw its strongest performance in almost three years, as the New Year encouraged a renewed focus on wellness Spending on essential items returned to growth in January, up 0.1 per cent, after four consecutive months of decline. Supermarket spending also increased for the first time since August 2024, up 1.0 per cent year-on-year. For the third month running, 86 per cent of consumers are concerned about rising food prices, while 64 per cent are looking for ways to get more value from their weekly shop, also on par with November and December. Of those cutting costs, 51 per cent are making use of loyalty schemes and deals, while 27 per cent are seeking discounted or lower-priced items, such as “wonky” vegetables. Meanwhile, 16 per cent snapped up post-Christmas offers on festive food, as supermarkets sought to offload their remaining stock. Despite this cost-conscious consumption, food and drink specialist stores saw a 3.9 per cent increase in January. This follows one in 10 (9 per cent) making a New Year’s resolution to cook more at home, perhaps encouraging more local shopping and giving independent stores such as butchers and greengrocers a boost. January Storms Boost Online Spending Barclays data shows spending on clothing and department stores declined by -0.7 per cent and -0.2 per cent respectively, after posting growth in December. This comes as almost half (49 per cent) of consumers say they are planning to cut back on non-essential spending, with the majority (55 per cent) of this group limiting impulse purchases, and a similar proportion cutting down on new clothes and accessories (54 per cent). Over a third (37 per cent) said the colder and wetter weather combined with the dark evenings in January impacted their spending. In addition, one in eight (13 per cent) reported they opted to do more online shopping from the comfort of the couch. This preference for at-home browsing drove the share of online retail spending (excluding groceries) to a three-year high in the month, at 58 per cent. Cinemas And Streaming Services Soar Entertainment continued its stellar performance into the New Year, with spending rising 8.1 per cent. Cinema spend was up 15.1 per cent, as family-friendly films Mufasa: The Lion King and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 lured in viewers. Spending on digital content & subscriptions increased 8.3 per cent and one in five (19 per cent) said they used their entertainment subscriptions more than usual due to the weather, while growth in takeaway spending reached a year-long high, at 5.1 per cent. Pubs Keep Pace With Dry January Demands Both pubs, bars & clubs, and restaurants enjoyed growth of 2.6 per cent, showing not everyone spent the month sheltering from the cold. The increase comes despite a third (34 per cent) of consumers saying they significantly reduced their alcohol consumption in January. This suggests the hospitality industry had prepared to cater for the growing popularity of Dry January, having witnessed a rise in punters shifting to low and no alcohol alternatives. Now Trending: The Influence Of Social Media And Wellness Spending on pharmacy, health & beauty increased 10.7 per cent in January – the strongest growth in almost three years. This comes as one in five consumers (19 per cent) say they have recently been influenced by social media content to make a purchase, rising to 40 per cent for Gen Z. A higher proportion – two fifths – of consumers (41 per cent) say they have recently bought products or services in response to popular wellness trend. Trending wellness products most commonly purchased include supplements or vitamins (19 per cent), and high protein food ranges (12 per cent). Karen Johnson, Head of Retail at Barclays, said: “January’s figures are a positive signal that non-essential spending should remain strong in 2025. Despite expressing economic uncertainty and a cost-cutting mindset, shoppers are continuing to prioritise the things love – entertainment, wellness and evenings with family and friends." “Social media is increasingly influencing purchasing decisions – whether it’s a trending beauty product or a must-visit holiday destination." "Looking ahead to February, which brings Valentine’s Day and half term for schools, it’s likely we’ll see more of this careful balancing act, with people continuing to seek out deals and discounts to enjoy the good times without breaking the bank.” Jack Meaning, Chief UK Economist at Barclays, said: “With the economy looking like it stagnated in the second half of last year, we’re expecting GDP growth to pick up to 0.9 per cent in 2025. This will have been aided by Thursday’s reduction in interest rates by the Bank of England." "We expect Bank Rate to fall to 3.5 per cent before the end of the year, which should give a further boost to consumers who will once again feel the pinch as inflation rises in the coming months, albeit it temporarily.”

Musicals have been enchanting audiences around the globe for decades, blending the magic of music, dance, and storytelling into unforgettable theatrical experiences. While there are countless remarkable musicals to choose from, a select few have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Let's take a look at some of the world's favourite musicals. The Phantom of the Opera Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" is a timeless classic that has been captivating audiences since its debut in 1986. Set in the hauntingly beautiful Paris Opera House, the musical tells the story of a disfigured musical genius who falls in love with a young soprano. The lush score, elaborate set design, and iconic mask of the Phantom have made this musical a global sensation. Its haunting melodies and themes of love and obsession continue to resonate with audiences of all ages. Les Misérables "Les Misérables," based on Victor Hugo's novel, is another enduring favourite. This epic musical, composed by Claude-Michel Schönberg, follows the lives of several characters against the backdrop of 19th-century France. With its powerful score and emotional storytelling, it explores themes of justice, redemption, and the human spirit. Songs like "I Dreamed a Dream" and "Do You Hear the People Sing?" have become anthems of hope and resilience. The Lion King "The Lion King" is a Disney masterpiece that has wowed audiences of all ages since its Broadway debut in 1997. This musical adaptation of the beloved animated film transports viewers to the African savannah through breath-taking puppetry, elaborate costumes, and a score by Elton John and Tim Rice. It's a heart-warming tale of the circle of life, with unforgettable characters like Simba, Nala, and the wise Rafiki. Hamilton Lin-Manuel Miranda's "Hamilton" revolutionised the world of musical theatre when it premiered in 2015. This hip-hop-infused musical tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of America's founding fathers, using a diverse cast and modern musical styles. Its clever lyrics, historical depth, and innovative approach have made it a cultural phenomenon, attracting a new generation to the world of musicals. Wicked "Wicked," composed by Stephen Schwartz, takes audiences on a journey to the Land of Oz but with a twist. It explores the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch, revealing their complex friendship and the events that led to their iconic roles in "The Wizard of Oz." With its catchy songs and themes of friendship and acceptance, "Wicked" has become a fan favourite. West Side Story Leonard Bernstein's "West Side Story" is a modern take on Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," set in the streets of New York City. With its unforgettable music and choreography by Jerome Robbins, it tackles themes of love, prejudice, and cultural clashes. The tragic love story of Tony and Maria continues to resonate with audiences, highlighting the timelessness of its message. Musicals have a unique ability to transport us to different worlds, evoke deep emotions, and leave a lasting impact on our hearts. The world's favourite musicals, including "The Phantom of the Opera," "Les Misérables," "The Lion King," "Hamilton," "Wicked," and "West Side Story," continue to enchant audiences with their timeless stories and captivating music. These musicals remind us of the power of live theatre to inspire, entertain, and touch our souls, making them enduring favourites for generations to come.

The M&S Food store at Edinburgh Waverley Station has reopened to passengers following a complete transformation by food travel experts SSP Group. Located in the station’s booking hall, the refreshed store has been given a new look for passengers grabbing a quick bite for their journey or picking up dinner on their way home. Customers can choose from M&S favourites including a wide range of Food on the Move sandwiches, salads, snacks and drinks. There’s also a comprehensive selection of deli options and tasty pizzas alongside some local favourites including haggis, black pudding, and all butter Scottish shortbread. Edinburgh Waverley is the first of several M&S Food store upgrades planned for SSP at Scottish travel hubs in 2025. SSP operates 55 M&S Food stores across the UK, and the revamps will deliver quality, value and convenience for passengers at every stage of their journey. “It’s great to see our brighter, fresher and modernised store now open at Edinburgh Waverley Station which will provide passengers with a much-improved shopping experience” said Cathy Granby, Business Development Director of SSP UK & Ireland. “The station is a key travel hub for Scotland, not only transporting passengers all over the country but also welcoming visitors and tourists to the country’s capital." "We’ve received positive customer feedback from our most recent transformations, such as at London Liverpool Street, and I’m looking forward to seeing more come to life in Scotland later this year.” Matt Harrison, Channels Director, Marks and Spencer commented: "We're delighted to partner with SSP to continue bringing our trusted value and delicious M&S Food range to customers at Edinburgh Waverley Station." "This newly transformed store offers busy travellers a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience, with a wide selection of fresh, great quality products perfect for any journey." Alan Muir, Property Director for Scotland's Railway at Network Rail said: "The newly-refurbished M&S Food at Waverley station will help bring excellence to our Edinburgh customers and we welcome SSP’s investment in delivering this premium-look unit. Passengers expect a quality food and beverage offer at a major city terminal and M&S Food offers exactly that and in the right location - perfect for a grab and go lunch or for that takeaway on your way home from work."

Business confidence amongst UK CEOs is growing, despite ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic challenges, according to the latest EY-Parthenon CEO Outlook survey. The survey of 100 UK CEOs, which evaluates optimism levels and provides insights on capital allocation, investment and transformation strategies, found that 82% of UK CEOs felt very or somewhat optimistic about the business landscape over the next 12 months, an increase from 67% in September 2024. Key Findings: UK CEOs are embracing strategic growth opportunities, according to the latest EY-Parthenon CEO Outlook UK business leaders are prioritising customer engagement, achieving sustainability targets and digitisation in their transformation efforts 62% of respondents said they will be considering M&A activity in the next 12 months Over half of UK CEOs (52%) said the UK is their top destination for capital investment According to the findings, UK CEOs have strong confidence in their companies' performance, with 78% feeling optimistic about revenue growth, 80% about profitability, and 77% about maintaining a competitive position in the next 12 months. Despite this optimism, UK CEOs are cognisant of challenges on the horizon. Seventy-one per cent (71%) of respondents said that rapid technological advancements, evolving sustainability agendas and geopolitical tensions will see a shift in compliance being a key strategic factor, separating industry leaders from laggards. Business transformation remains key, but initiatives need to adapt to market trends The survey found that UK business leaders plan to undertake transformation initiatives in the next 12 months, prioritising improving customer engagement and retention (45%), achieving sustainability targets (43%), and optimising operations through digitisation and productivity enhancements (43%). However, UK CEOs acknowledge that their transformation approach needs improvement in certain areas. Almost one-in-five (19%) said they need to increase the speed of transformation, whilst a similar number (18%) said they need to improve transformation outcomes through greater collaboration across functions and the c-suite. Almost a quarter (24%) said cost and return on investment (ROI) is influencing its organisation’s approach to digital transformation initiatives. Silvia Rindone, UK&I Managing Partner for Strategy and Transactions, commented: “Our latest CEO Outlook reflects a resilient and forward-thinking mindset among UK CEOs. However, with nearly a quarter citing cost and ROI as key factors in shaping their digital transformation strategies, it’s clear that businesses are seeking a balance between innovation and sustainable growth." "The coming year will be crucial for organisations to refine their transformation approach and unlock long-term value." Dealmaking expected to rise in 2025 as the UK remains the top investment destination Nearly all respondents (99%) said they expect to actively pursue transaction initiatives over the next 12 months. Of these, 62% said they will be looking at M&A – up from 40% in September 2024. Three in five (62%) intend to pursue joint ventures or strategic alliances with third parties, and 45% say they will consider divestments, spin-offs or IPOs. The top priority for UK CEOs when evaluating a potential acquisition is whether it improves product and process innovation with 46% of respondents identifying it as one of their key priorities. The UK remains the top destination for capital investment, with 52% of UK CEOs planning to invest domestically over the next year. The United States (20%), France (18%), Germany (16%), and Canada and Switzerland (14% each) were all identified as other key investment locations. Silvia Rindone added: “With M&A activity set to rebound in 2025, driven by strategic imperatives, digital innovation, and a more favourable regulatory climate, business leaders must prioritise diligent, data-driven investment decisions to capitalise on emerging opportunities.”

Only 51% of part-time and full-time workers in the UK feel their employers provide support, resources or initiatives that improve their wellbeing, a new study from infinitSpace has revealed. The flexible workspace operator commissioned an independent survey of 1,210 UK employees to uncover the relationship between staff and business leaders when it comes to their physical and mental wellbeing. The research also found that over two-fifths (44%) of employees believe their bosses prioritise performance over health and wellbeing, while 39% feel their employers talk about prioritising employee wellbeing but fail to deliver meaningful support. infinitSpace’s survey highlighted how this discontent is affecting employee retention. One in four (26%) respondents said they are considering changing jobs in 2025 due to the poor wellbeing support offered by their current workplace – this figure rises to 33% among those aged 18-34. Wybo Wijnbergen, CEO of infinitSpace, said: “Over the past decade, there have been far more open, progressive conversations when it comes to the relationship to people’s wellbeing and their work. But it’s clear that there is still work for organisations to do." “Our research shows that many employees still feel there is a need for meaningful change, most notably when it comes to employers backing up discussions around wellbeing with concrete action. "And clearly, if organisations don’t act, it seems that the employees will, with a quarter thinking of moving jobs this year to find better wellbeing support." “Employers, therefore, not only need to think long and hard about the strategies they have in place, but also how their choice of workplace can benefit their employees. We are seeing wellbeing facilities play an ever-greater role in organisations’ choice of workspace, and understandably so." "By selecting the right workspace, employers can show their teams that they care about and are investing in their physical and mental wellbeing.”