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Pride Park-based NK Motors is helping a Derby charity get its next humanitarian trip to Kenya on the road by sponsoring one of the volunteers. For the second year in a row, the Kia dealership has donated £500 to Derby County Community Trust’s (DCCT) physical activity and health officer Denise Austin, and her daughter Sarah, community administrator for DCCT, for their participation in the charity’s Rams in Kenya mission. Rams in Kenya is an annual initiative that takes staff and other volunteers to the slums of Nakuru, Kenya, in order to improve the lives, health and education of the largely impoverished children and families connected to six schools in the region. NK Motors, based in Orient Way, received a special visit from Derby County mascots Rammie and Ewie this week as a thank you for the car firm’s support of the important trip. DCCT uses the power and reach of Derby County Football Club to aid deprived or vulnerable people, communities and organisations through physical activity, health services and education. The Rams in Kenya (RIK) mission, which has been operating since 2012, takes place this year between May 17 and June 1. Sanj Kumar, managing director of NK Motors, which also has branches at Chilwell and Long Eaton, said: “We are proud of our success as a thriving business in Derby, but we are prouder still of the selfless local people like Denise who give up their time to help those less fortunate than the rest of us." “NK Motors is always seeking worthy local causes to support, and few work harder than Derby County Community Trust, so we are delighted to sponsor Denise for the second year in a row." “This week’s visit from Rammie and Ewie put a smile on everyone’s face at the showroom – and I think they liked the special ‘RIK DCCT’ number plates we created to commemorate the visit.” Rams in Kenya, which has seen more than 500 volunteers take part over the years, works in the Nakuru schools to improve things like sanitation, build new classrooms and increase safety measures as well as supporting the teaching and physical activity in those schools. Participants are asked to pay costs of either £2,400 for a one week or £2,995 for two weeks to fund this trip of a lifetime. Denise (61), who will be taking part in her second Rams in Kenya adventure for two weeks this year, said she was very grateful for the continued sponsorship from NK Motors. “Over the past 20 years as a family we have always had our cars from NK Motors at Chilwell as their family ethos is one of caring, support and professionalism,” she said. “Last year was the first year we approached NK Motors for sponsorship for the Rams in Kenya trip with Derby County Community Trust and we were grateful for the support that came from the company as a whole." “As a 61-year-old staff member who works at DCCT it is empowering to do the two weeks’ volunteering at the schools in Kenya, but also grounds you as a family to the standards and values that people live by to fulfil their daily life with limited resources of which we take for granted." “The wider sponsorship money helps us to support the innovation and development at the schools, improving their access to education, not just in Nakuru but in our home town of Derby.”

Focus Consultants’ founding partner Kevin Osbon and his wife Vicky are taking on a huge challenge to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society in memory of three of their close family and friends who all died within the last three months due to complications associated with Alzheimer’s or Vascular Dementia. The couple, both aged 60 and from Fiskerton near Southwell, are trekking the famous Camino Way Frances - an epic 780 km or 485-mile trail over a six-week period starting in mid-April. The trail starts in Saint-Jean Pied de Port in France and involves crossing over the Pyrenees into Spain and then trekking across the whole of Spain to the famous destination of Santiago de Compostela near to the far coast of Spain bordering Portugal. It is the most famous of the Camino pilgrim trails. They will trek an average of fifteen miles a day over various types of terrain on a six days walking then one day’s rest basis for the whole of the six-week period. Kevin said: “We felt so hopeless trying to support our family and friends through this terrible disease, experiencing them deteriorating into a state where they could no longer recognise who we were and then losing three such special people in such quick succession. It was heartbreaking and it motivated us to do something special to raise awareness of this awful disease." “I can’t believe the number of people that have approached my wife and I with their own heartbreaking stories and experiences of Alzheimer’s and Vascular Dementia. We’re hoping to do our bit to raise funds with the ultimate goal of funding the research to find a cure.” Kevin is a founder partner of multi-disciplinary consultancy company Focus which is based in Nottingham and has offices in London and Leicester. Focus is one of the main supporting sponsors of the challenge that Kevin and Vicky are undertaking. If you would like to donate to Kevin and Vicky’s fundraising campaign please visit their JustGiving page here .

Property finance specialist MSP Capital has announced the appointment of a highly experienced leader from the financial services sector as its Chief Executive. Leigh Bartlett has joined the south coast-based lender bringing more than 20 years’ director-level experience in the financial and technology industries. He has held senior roles, as either CEO or Chief Financial Officer, at companies such as Portuguese bank Novo Banco, Masthaven Bank, FNZ Group, NatWest Group and Westpac New Zealand. He has also previously been the chairman of a joint venture between a major bank and a retailer. Over his years in leadership roles, Leigh has worked extensively with private equity-owned institutions in the banking, technology and wealth management industries. The announcement of his MSP Capital appointment follows several months of getting to know the business and working with colleagues to ensure the continuity of leadership and support the creation of a new growth strategy. Leigh said: “I am excited to lead MSP Capital and look forward to working even more closely with the talented team to enhance our capability to deliver exceptional financing solutions for customers across the UK.” Leigh’s appointment will see him work closely with the long-standing leadership team of Adam Tovey, Lee Merrifield, Nicky Hollamby and Daniel Curtis, all of whom have played a fundamental role in driving MSP Capital’s success. As part of the leadership transition, former Joint Managing Director Martin Higgins is stepping back from his operational role at the business after 30 years of building and leading MSP Capital to the size and scale it is today. Furthermore, Paul Miracca, also a former Joint Managing Director, will move into a consultancy role, continuing to offer his expertise to the business. Under Martin’s leadership, MSP Capital underwent a significant transformation. The company shifted from being family-owned to privately-owned in 2011, a pivotal move facilitated by the collaboration of Martin, Paul and former director David Capra. Subsequently, MSP Capital expanded its funding lines and entered a new phase as a private equity-backed entity with the addition of Cabot Square Capital as an equity partner and majority shareholder in 2018. Richard McDougall, Partner at Cabot Square Capital, said: “With his breadth of experience in financial strategy and leadership, Leigh will play a critical role as MSP Capital continues to strengthen its delivery of outstanding service and specialist funding solutions. His proven track record in driving financial success and process optimisation aligns perfectly with the firm’s goals for sustainable growth." “We thank Martin and Paul for their hard work in contributing to MSP Capital’s success over many years as a specialist, non-regulated lender for the property sector. Both Martin and Paul remain shareholders, and back the remaining management team to lead the business forward to future successes.”

New analysis by the animal welfare charity, Naturewatch Foundation , has found that the majority of dogs and puppies in the UK still come from unknown sources, including unlicensed breeders, illegal breeders and other supply routes, such as puppy smuggling. The charity says stricter oversight of the puppy trade is urgently needed. At the end of last year, Naturewatch Foundation submitted freedom of information requests to 391 councils across the UK and Ireland to update its Dog Breeding Map of the UK and Ireland - a unique tool that helps prospective puppy buyers find out about dog breeding in their area. The findings reveal that there are 2,897 licensed breeders across the UK and Ireland, collectively keeping around 26,000 female adult dogs for breeding – of which just over 23,000 are kept in the UK. With around one million dogs and puppies joining UK households each year, Naturewatch Foundation estimates that only 15-20%* come from licensed breeders. Around 6%** of dogs and puppies are imported commercially, with the rest coming from unknown, unlicensed or potentially illegal sources. Natalie Harney from Naturewatch Foundation said, “Dog lovers will be shocked to learn that most UK dogs and puppies still come from unknown sources. Despite reforms in dog breeding regulations over the past decade, loopholes and underenforcement remain major issues. Plus, with rules varying across nations, it can be difficult for the public to know when a breeder should be licensed. These issues require urgent attention from regulators." “We strongly encourage anyone thinking about getting a dog or puppy to adopt from a reputable rescue, where many wonderful animals are waiting for their second chance. If rehoming isn’t an option, though, it’s vital to make sure you know your breeder. Ask: Are they licensed? How many dogs are they allowed to keep? Are they happy for you to visit, meet their dogs and see their premises? These are essential questions any prospective puppy buyer should ask. Make sure you check out the Dog Breeding Map of the UK and Ireland during your research.” The investigation also found that just 34% of local councils could confirm exactly how many dogs the breeders they’d licensed were permitted to keep. Many councils were unable to confirm details such as the number of male dogs, litters of puppies or ‘other’ dogs (such as retired dogs and pet dogs) permitted in their area. Whilst Naturewatch Foundation’s investigation found the majority of licensed breeders are registered to keep 10 breeding adult dogs or fewer, some are allowed to operate on an industrial scale. In Ireland, four licences allow over 200 adult breeding dogs. Three of those are licensed by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, with one single premises licensed to keep a staggering 250 female dogs and 100 male dogs for breeding. Naturewatch Foundation wants to see improvements to dog breeding regulation across the UK and Ireland, increased transparency and improved enforcement arrangements to better protect dogs used for breeding, their puppies and the public. Anyone concerned about illegal dog breeding near them should report their concerns to their local council. Reports can also be submitted to Naturewatch Foundation’s Hotline4Pets.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just about chatbots and sci-fi robots, it’s already making countless decisions in our daily lives, often without us even realising it. From curating the music we listen to, protecting our bank accounts, and even helping us avoid traffic jams, AI has seamlessly integrated into our routines. With AI’s influence growing faster than ever, Payman Taei, founder and CEO of Visme , reveals seven surprising ways AI is quietly shaping our everyday lives: 1. AI Decides What You Watch And Listen To Ever wondered how Netflix, Spotify, or YouTube seem to know exactly what you’ll love next? AI tracks your preferences and suggests content, creating a highly personalised experience. 2. AI Powers Alexa, Siri And Google Assistant Voice assistants like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant use AI to recognise speech, understand context, and execute commands, such as setting reminders and adjusting your smart home. 3. AI Shields Your Inbox From Spam And Scams If you rarely see spam emails in your inbox, thank AI. Platforms like Gmail use machine learning to filter out unwanted and malicious emails, protecting users from phishing and scams. 4. AI Maps Your Route Before You Even Leave AI is the backbone of navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze, analysing real-time traffic to predict delays and suggest the fastest routes. 5. AI Knows What You Want To Buy Online retailers like Amazon use AI to study your browsing habits and recommend products you might like, leading to those eerily accurate shopping suggestions. 6. AI Protects Your Bank Account Banks rely on AI-powered fraud detection to flag suspicious transactions in real-time, helping prevent fraud before it happens. 7. AI Organises Your Digital Life AI is behind facial recognition in your photo gallery, auto-tagging friends on social media, and categorising memories, making it easier to find photos without endless scrolling. Payman Taei, founder and CEO of Visme, added: “Most people don’t even realise how much they depend on AI daily, from entertainment and security to personal convenience.” “The rapid evolution of AI means that these tools will become even smarter and more intuitive. As AI grows, it’s reshaping industries, businesses, and everyday experiences in ways we couldn’t have imagined a decade ago.”

Family-owned business, Little’s Chauffeur Drive has announced its expansion into the Aberdeen market through the acquisition of Vigilant Chauffeur Services. This strategic acquisition brings together two highly respected names in the industry and marks an exciting new chapter. Whilst Little’s has supported clients in Aberdeen for nearly 60 years through its established operations in Glasgow and Edinburgh, this move represents a significant local investment – including the introduction of a dedicated fleet based in the North East. Vigilant Chauffeur Services (Vchauffeur) has built a strong reputation for exceptional service and local expertise. To ensure a smooth transition and maintain the high standards both companies are renowned for, Little’s will work closely with Vchauffeur Director, Mark Cochrane, over the next year. His in-depth knowledge of the local market and long-standing client relationships are expected to be instrumental in further developing Little’s presence in Aberdeen and the surrounding areas. With this acquisition, Little’s will now offer its full suite of award-winning services directly from Aberdeen, and clients – both new and existing – can expect 24/7 access to a world-class service, not only in Scotland, but across the UK and internationally. Heather Matthews, Managing Director of Little’s Chauffeur Drive, said: "This acquisition is a great step forward for both businesses, combining strengths to enhance our service in Aberdeen. As we near Little’s 60th anniversary, it reflects our continued growth as a proud family business with a strong heritage and commitment to excellence." Mark Cochrane, Director of Vchauffeur, commented: "After an exciting five-year journey building the Vchauffeur brand and reputation, our recent acquisition by Little’s made perfect sense. We share the same principles of providing our clients with exceptional service, discretion, and professionalism. I now look forward to working closely with Little’s to further develop and enhance their presence within the North East of Scotland." About Little’s Chauffeur Drive Little’s is a highly respected luxury chauffeur company established in 1966. Headquartered in Scotland, the company operates in over 125 countries, delivering unparalleled travel support to ensure clients experience five-star service wherever they are in the world. From VIP airport transfers and large-scale events to bespoke chauffeur-driven tours of Scotland and more, Little’s caters to a wide range of travel needs with professionalism and care. Services are available 24/7, with every call answered directly by the team – no automated systems or recorded messages. Little’s is known for its personal touch, commitment to discretion, and seamless delivery, making it a trusted supplier for exceptional travel experiences.

Noodles, the beloved and versatile staple found in cuisines across the globe, have been captivating taste buds for centuries. From the streets of Tokyo to the trattorias of Rome, noodles come in countless shapes, sizes, and flavours. Let's take a look through the world of noodles, exploring their history, regional variations, and the sheer delight they bring to our plates. A Brief History of Noodles The history of noodles is a fascinating tale that spans centuries and continents. While the exact origin of noodles remains debated, it is widely believed that they were independently invented in various cultures. Chinese noodles, with a history dating back over 4,000 years, are among the oldest known examples. Legend has it that Marco Polo introduced Chinese noodles to Italy during his travels in the 13th century, leading to the birth of pasta as we know it. Varieties of Noodles The diversity of noodles is staggering, and each culture has its own unique spin on this culinary delight. Here are some noteworthy examples: Italian Pasta: Italy boasts an astounding array of pasta shapes and sizes, from delicate angel hair to hearty pappardelle. Favourites like spaghetti, fettuccine, and ravioli are enjoyed worldwide. Chinese Noodles: China's contribution to the world of noodles is vast. You'll find everything from chewy hand-pulled noodles to delicate wonton wrappers, with regional specialties like Beijing's zhajiangmian and Sichuan's fiery dan dan noodles. Japanese Ramen: Ramen has evolved into an international sensation. Whether you prefer the rich, pork-based tonkotsu or the clear, soy-based shoyu, there's a ramen for every palate. Thai Pad Thai: A stir-fried noodle dish with a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours, pad Thai is a Thai street food classic. Korean Jajangmyeon: These black bean sauce noodles are a Korean comfort food staple. The thick, savoury sauce is balanced by the chewy noodles. Vietnamese Pho: Pho is a fragrant and hearty noodle soup, typically made with beef or chicken. It's famous for its complex, aromatic broth. Greek Pastitsio: A Greek baked pasta dish, pastitsio combines tube-shaped pasta with a rich, meaty sauce and a creamy béchamel topping. Noodles Around the World Noodles have become integral to the culinary identity of many countries. Here's a glimpse into how noodles are enjoyed around the world: China: In China, noodles are a daily staple. From street-side stalls serving bowls of hand-pulled noodles to fine dining establishments offering intricate noodle dishes, China's noodle culture is diverse and deeply rooted. Italy: Italy's pasta traditions are world-famous, with countless regional specialties. Pasta is often enjoyed with simple yet flavourful sauces, highlighting the quality of the ingredients. Japan: Ramen shops are a common sight in Japan, and each region has its own unique style. Savour the flavours of tonkotsu in Fukuoka, or enjoy the clean simplicity of shio ramen in Hokkaido. Thailand: Street vendors in Thailand whip up pad Thai with a dazzling array of ingredients, from shrimp and tofu to bean sprouts and peanuts. It's a dish that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and spicy notes. South Korea: Jajangmyeon is popular in South Korea, especially as a comforting dish for special occasions. It's a rich, satisfying dish that combines noodles with black bean sauce. Noodles are more than just a source of sustenance; they're a celebration of culture, history, and flavour. Whether you're twirling Italian pasta, slurping Japanese ramen, or savouring a spicy bowl of Thai pad Thai, noodles have a universal appeal that transcends borders and continues to delight taste buds worldwide. So, the next time you're in search of a culinary adventure, consider embarking on a noodle expedition—you'll be sure to discover oodles of noodles and endless gustatory delights.

Sainsbury’s is the first supermarket to partner with Royal Mail to support its rapid expansion of parcel points in convenient locations. Royal Mail will roll out parcel lockers at Sainsbury’s supermarkets across the UK, as part of a long-term partnership. First lockers are already live in Clapham, Desborough, Kempshott, Low Hall, Kidderminster and Chislehurst – with fast expansion planned over the coming months. Royal Mail and Sainsbury’s have announced a long-term partnership introducing parcel lockers at Sainsbury’s stores across the UK. Sainsbury’s is the first supermarket chain to partner with Royal Mail on its rapidly expanding network of parcel drop-off and collection points. Royal Mail launched its parcel locker network back in December to meet surging demand for convenient parcel drop-off and collection points and to cater for the growing number of second-hand marketplace sellers. Royal Mail's lockers, which can already be found in six Sainsbury’s stores across the country with more rolling out soon, offer a hassle-free parcel drop-off service, and soon they will include convenient collection options. With prices starting from just £1.55 online for a small parcel that fits through the letterbox, Royal Mail offers the most affordable rates in the market. The smart lockers also feature label printing, making the process even more convenient. Customers simply need to pay for postage online and print the label by scanning a QR code at the locker or request a QR code if they are returning a purchase. The partnership is part of Royal Mail’s widely expanding network of lockers and other drop off and collection points. There are now more than 1,500 lockers and 7,000 Collect+ stores that Royal Mail customers can use, and they can also drop off parcels small enough to fit in any postbox, and use the app to request proof of postage. Jack Clarkson, Group Strategy and Transformation Director at Royal Mail, said: “Partnering with a retailer with the scale and popularity of Sainsbury’s is great news for our customers and the UK public, who will now have even more ways to drop off and collect their parcels in convenient locations." “Due to the relentless growth in online shopping and second-hand marketplaces, there is increased demand from our customers for more parcel drop off and collection points. To meet our goal of making sending and receiving parcels as easy as possible, we must considerably expand our network. This is the start of an exciting partnership with Sainsbury’s that will help us to meet that goal at pace.” Patrick Dunne, Chief Property and Procurement Officer, Sainsbury’s, said: “A "Sainsbury’s we’re always looking for innovative ways to deliver the best value, quality and service for our customers. That’s why we're delighted to be partnering with Royal Mail to offer this fantastic new proposition at our stores. The lockers will be available 7 days a week, giving customers an easy, convenient way to drop off and collect parcels via Royal Mail as they shop.”

With demand for no and low alcohol booze continuing to soar, the drinks market is now getting behind the latest trend for moderators, mid-strength wine. In the last year, UK demand for these wines - which have a typical strength of between five to nine per cent ABV - has soared by nearly 100 per cent, according to retail analysts Nielsen (25 Feb 2025). The market is still very much in its infancy but last year Tesco launched five mid-strength wines on the back of two record-breaking years for no and low alcohol across the board. Since then, the supermarket has seen demand grow on a monthly basis and it is now considering widening the range as more shoppers get to hear about the availability of these wines. Tesco wine buyer Steve Garwood said: “Mid-strength wine as a category only really started less than two years ago in the UK so these are still very early days but all the signs are that it’s set to become the next big trend in alcohol moderation." “Health and well being have become far more pronounced in the food and drink industry in the last five years and we are definitely seeing that with the continuous strong demand for no and low alcohol, especially within wine." “Moderation does not have to mean total abstinence but with the arrival of mid-strength wines it offers drinkers more control over their alcohol intake.” According to a new retail report called The Mid Strength Opportunity*, the main takeouts in researching the burgeoning market were: Fifty per cent of consumers would rather have two mid-strength drinks than one strong one if they were “just going to the pub for one”. Thirteen per cent of consumers are already ‘coasting’ or drinking mid-strength drinks for the entirety of their social occasion in order last the occasion Julian Dyer, Chief Operating Officer for McGuigan Wines UK & Europe said: “Consumers are increasingly seeking lighter drinking experiences for reasons of health, responsibility, or personal control. But they don’t want to compromise on taste, and they want a drink that still makes a social or home occasion special." “Mid-strength wine addresses that consumer need without compromising on taste or quality. Moderation is increasingly prevalent, with 50 per cent of consumers favouring two mid-strength drinks over one full-strength, enabling them to enjoy meaningful moments for longer.”

Few foods have managed to capture the world’s affection quite like pizza. Universally loved and endlessly adaptable, this iconic dish has transcended its humble beginnings to become a global culinary phenomenon. Whether it’s shared among friends at a lively gathering or enjoyed alone as a guilty pleasure, pizza holds a special place in hearts and stomachs everywhere. The story of pizza begins in the bustling streets of Naples, Italy, where, in the 18th century, resourceful cooks began topping flatbreads with simple, flavourful ingredients. Tomatoes, once thought to be poisonous, had found their way into the kitchens of Naples, and when combined with fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil, they created a dish that would soon conquer the world. The classic Margherita pizza, named in honour of Queen Margherita of Savoy, remains a timeless tribute to the Italian flag with its vibrant red, white, and green colours. What makes pizza so universally appealing is its remarkable versatility. At its core, it is a simple concept: dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings, yet the variations are virtually limitless. From the thin, wood-fired crusts of Neapolitan pizza to the deep-dish indulgence of Chicago-style, every culture has put its own spin on the beloved pie. In the UK, the debate over pineapple as a topping continues to divide opinions, while in Japan, squid and mayonnaise offer a completely different, yet equally beloved, experience. Beyond its mouth-watering taste, pizza also carries an undeniable sense of community. There’s something deeply satisfying about gathering around a hot, freshly baked pizza, tearing off a slice and savouring that first delicious bite. It is the ultimate sharing food, bringing people together regardless of age, culture or background. Even the act of making pizza, with its flour-dusted countertops and bubbling tomato sauce, is a joyful, often communal ritual. In recent years, pizza has enjoyed a renaissance of sorts, with artisan pizzerias and creative chefs elevating it to gourmet status. Sourdough bases, heirloom tomatoes, truffle oils and locally sourced cheeses have all found their way onto modern menus, proving that pizza can be as sophisticated as it is comforting. Meanwhile, home cooks are embracing the art of pizza-making, experimenting with everything from gluten-free doughs to plant-based toppings, making the dish more inclusive than ever before. Yet, for all its reinventions, pizza never strays far from its roots. At its heart, it remains a celebration of simple ingredients, bold flavours and the universal joy of good food shared. Perhaps this is the true magic of pizza: its ability to be both endlessly inventive and wonderfully familiar all at once. So, whether you find yourself in a rustic Italian pizzeria, at a bustling takeaway counter, or in your own kitchen crafting the perfect slice, take a moment to appreciate the enduring charm of pizza. It is more than just a meal — it is a symbol of comfort, creativity, and connection, a dish that continues to unite the world, one delicious bite at a time.

A Scottish home improvement specialist is celebrating a major birthday this week when it turns 150 years old. R Mitchell (Glass) Ltd, which was launched in Hawick by Robert Mitchell in 1875, is looking to mark the significant milestone by hosting a special open day at its Currie Road showroom in Galashiels on Thursday April 10th. The company is Scotland’s oldest glazer, providing a large range of conservatory, orangery, double glazing windows and doors in Edinburgh, the Lothians and the Scottish Borders. Built on a strong customer service focus, these founding principles still run through the business today under the ownership of fourth generation Lewis Roden. In addition to the open day, Mitchell Glass is planning to give itself a perfect birthday present with the £75,000 modernisation of its showroom getting underway shortly. “We’ve come a long way since Robert ran away from home at 14 and honed his glazing skills in Edinburgh,” explained Lewis, who joined the business in 1999. “He used to ride his bike to installations with the glass on his back – I’m not sure we’d get away with that these days! Mr. Mitchell was a big character who, despite not finishing school, went on to have a successful career in politics. He became a town councillor at the turn of the century and helped secure funding for a critical local bridge and library.” He continued, “It remained under Mitchell family ownership until 1947 and came into my family when my great-grandfather, James Fisher, was asked by the Mitchells to run the business during the war." “After serving his apprenticeship in Hawick, my grandfather Bill Fisher opened premises in Gala Lane, Galashiels, before converting shops and houses in Market Street (into what is now Quins). In addition to glazing, they sold paint, tools, and wedding gifts before commencing aluminium window manufacture in the basement. The move to our current purpose-built factory in Currie Road took place in 1978." “My father, Peter Roden, was taken on in 1983, and following my grandfather’s death, he and Bill’s daughter, Susan (my mum), successfully ran the company for twenty-six years before retiring and leaving me at the helm." “Family is really important to the way we run the company. Our founder made the business all about delivering personalised service and the best possible customer experience, and that’s exactly what we’re still about – achieving a Net Promoter Score of 88 and winning 92% of new orders from ‘word of mouth’ and recommendations.” Mitchell Glass, which is part of the Conservatory Outlet network, is launching several special offers at its Open Day tomorrow, including a double chance to win a free front door (worth up to £3000) and ‘get an exact day quote for your project’ - with a discount on the day or pay £150 now and pay the rest in six months. With it being the school holidays, the company has also arranged a bouncy castle and face painting for children, whilst a ‘design the door’ competition will give people the chance to win a Family Cinema voucher. Lewis went on to add: “2025 is going to be a great year for the business. As well as our showroom redevelopment, we’re really excited to be showcasing the new ‘Extreme’ window range that is due to launch later this year." “This new range features ‘Super-Vault’ locking technology, which promises to deliver the most secure and airtight solution on the market and features the UK’s first and only 12mm wide super-bolt that’s 4x bigger and tougher than other options. This new window will make your home more efficient and, importantly, safer than ever." “We’ve got exclusivity on this product, and we can’t wait to bring it to market later this year.” Mitchell Glass was the first Scottish retailer to join the Conservatory Outlet (CO) network in 2011 and has been one of the organisation’s most consistent performers. Greg Kane, CEO of CO, continued: “A massive happy birthday to Lewis and the team up in Galashiels; it’s a massive achievement to trade for more than 150 years." “We have been part of the company’s history for nearly 25 years, first under Peter Roden and now his son. It is a fantastic business that excels in customer service, and we can’t wait to help it write the next chapter in its successful history.” As it celebrates 150 years, Mitchell Glass remains committed to evolving with the times, adapting to new technologies, embracing sustainability, and continuing to deliver the personal service that has kept it at the heart of homes across the Borders for generations. Caption for pics: Mitchell Glass (Staff): Lewis, Peter and his mum Susan (centre) with the Mitchell Glass team in 2000 Robert Mitchell: Robert Mitchell, founder, outside his store in 1875 Mitchell Glass Steve Scott: (l-r) Susan, Peter and Lewis Roden (front) with some of the Mitchell Glass team in 2023.

British Cycling has welcomed Science in Sport (SiS) as its official sports nutrition partner for the next four years in a powerhouse pairing designed to fuel every rider, from grass roots to elite. Throughout the LA cycle, SiS will supply their elite level nutrition products to the Great Britain Cycling Team, supporting over140 athletes across all seven cycling disciplines to deliver their best performances on the world stage. The collaboration will also see the development of cutting-edge nutrition solutions to help riders optimise training, racing, and competitions, while also supporting health and well-being. Cyclists up and down the country will benefit from the new partnership, whether as part of the Great Britain Cycling Team (GBCT) chasing medals from now to LA28, lining up for a local crit race, or simply riding their local lanes at the weekend. The partnership uses SiS’s world-leading products to help cyclists ride stronger, recover smarter, and experience the joy of cycling more than ever. Beyond elite sport, the partnership brings added benefits for British Cycling members – including exclusive discounts, giveaways, and expert advice. This will ensure riders at any level can access the same high-quality products and insights as world-class athletes. British Cycling’s Chief Commercial Officer, Darren Henry said: “We know how valued Science in Sport products are by our members, with many already seeking them out as part of their training and racing." “Together, British Cycling and SiS are working to challenge the idea that sports nutrition is only for the pros. With early access to new products, behind-the-scenes R&D opportunities, and practical education, this is fuel for everyone.” Performance Director for the Great Britain Cycling Team, Stephen Park CBE said: “At GBCT, we work hard to provide our riders with the best quality support for all their training and nutrition needs and SiS’s impressive range, performance knowledge and commitment to providing clean and certified products made them the clear choice to support our 140-strong squad on the road to LA." “We are well-known for being world-leaders in innovation and constantly looking for additional performance gains, so we are incredibly excited to have found in SiS a likeminded collaborator who are keen to develop world-leading nutrition solutions that will support our athletes with fuelling and recovery on their way to gold.” Dan Lampard, Chief Operating Officer of Science in Sport said: “This unique partnership will embed our nutritional expertise, formulating tailored nutrition and training protocols in the team to deliver success at the LA Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028.” “In addition to supporting the elite athletes, we will be providing nutrition and education support to the broader British Cycling community, working jointly together to fuel the love of cycling across the UK.” Photo Credit: Science In Sport