A memorial fund set up in honour of former Yorkshire businessman Andrew Lupton is set to smash its fundraising target of £20,000. Ripon-based Econ Engineering set up the Just Giving campaign to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation following the tragic death of Sales Director Andrew Lupton in 2022. Mr Lupton, who ran the second-generation family business alongside his brother Jonathan, was just 56 years old when he died suddenly of a heart attack. Founded by their father Bill 55 years ago, Econ is now the leading UK manufacturer and supplier of winter maintenance vehicles with an 85% share of the market. A series of fundraising events and team-building exercises have been held by the team, while donations have also been made from local groups, individuals and business associates. And despite the £20,000-mark being reached this week, there remains one more event for the staff to undertake as a group of employees prepare to tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks on May 18. Econ’s Managing Director, Jonathan Lupton said: "We have been proud to partner with the British Heart Foundation and absolutely delighted that we have been able to support them with our fundraising." “This is particularly poignant given the sad death of Andrew and we want to do as much as we can to increase awareness of heart disease and raise vital money for the charity, in his memory." “We may have reached the £20,000 mark, but we are not finished yet. A team of Econ employees will be tackling the Three Peaks in May and we hope people will continue to support the memory of Andrew by donating to their efforts.” BHF figures show that around 183,000 people living in North Yorkshire have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and 45,000 people are living with coronary heart disease. In Yorkshire there are around 3,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year and only 1 in 11 people survive these attacks. Every three hours, someone in the region dies from a heart or circulatory disease. BHF Fundraising Manager, Leya Baksh, said: “We are honoured that Econ Engineering has chosen to support us. More than one in four people in the UK die from heart and circulatory conditions, so the money raised is vital for us to continue our research into better ways of diagnosing, preventing and treating patients.” As well as raising money during the year, employees have been given the opportunity to participate in a number of BHF-supported health and wellbeing engagement activities, to ensure a healthier workforce. Econ’s team of expert engineers design and build every aspect of their vehicles at the Ripon factory and recently launched and sold the world’s first fully electric gritter (E-QCB) which has been successfully trialled at highways depots across the country.

Luxury bedmaker Harrison Spinks has teamed up with designer and BBC’s The Great British Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant to champion quality British craftmanship and highlight the company’s innovative manufacturing processes. Patrick has visited the 300-acre Harrison Spinks farm in Yorkshire where it grows its own natural fillings, and the nearby factory where award-winning recyclable spring systems and FR chemical-free mattress fabrics are made in-house. It marks a return to Leeds for the owner of Savile Row tailors, Norton & Sons, who studied at the University of Leeds. Patrick is also the founder of Community Clothing which champions affordable, quality clothes made in the UK from the finest materials. Fifth-generation family-owned business Harrison Spinks is one of the UK’s largest growers of hemp and the only bedmaker in the UK to weave its own mattress ticking and upholstery fabrics, which, due to their high wool content are naturally fire-retardant. It also currently grows flax, which is a more sustainable alternative to cotton.  Patrick said: “Harrison Spinks and I share many core values, from working with natural, quality, British materials to championing sustainability and innovation, making it a perfect fit." “I’m so pleased to be working with this 180-year-old British company, as not only are the beds amazing, but its dedication to doing things the right way for customers, staff, and the planet, is a fantastic example to other businesses." “Harrison Spinks is an industry leader, and I am particularly impressed with their in-house weaving and artisan bedmaking, keeping traditional manufacturing techniques alive." “Their approach to sustainable innovation and using homegrown materials and fabrics is inspiring, as is their unique approach to luxury bedmaking.” Nick Booth, Managing Director at Harrison Spinks, said: “Patrick shares our passion for celebrating the very best of great British craftmanship and creating exceptional quality products made with locally sourced, natural materials, handcrafted here in the UK using traditional techniques." “He is a true champion of British manufacturing and British textiles – something close to our heart – and will be helping us to spread the word on how we’re cut from a different cloth. Our shared ethos is a key driving force behind this partnership." “Patrick has spearheaded initiatives to revive flax growing and linen textile production across the UK – and we grow some of the finest natural fibres, including hemp and flax, right here in Yorkshire to create luxurious filling pads that are layered into our mattresses." “We’re looking forward to welcoming Patrick back to the farm and factory so he can see the incredible process for himself, and explore how we can support each other and work together further in the future.” For more information about Harrison Spinks, visit here.

A team of JCB cyclists crossed the finish line of an epic charity fundraising effort to ride around the world in 80 days - four days early. The 42-strong group began the 42,000-kilometre challenge last month to raise money for Hannah’s Hope charity, a fundraiser set up by JCB welding apprentice Hannah Roberts, 20, who was diagnosed with brain cancer just months after joining the company. The aim was to complete the ride on Tuesday, April 30th - Hannah’s 21st birthday - but the team put so much pedal power into the initiative, that they finished four days early, completing the last 500 kilometres today at JCB’s World HQ in Rocester. So far, the challenge has raised around £34,000 for Hannah’s Hope charity. And there to join them in a sprint to the finish was 1500 metre Olympic Gold Medallist Lord Coe, who congratulated the team on their efforts. Lord Coe said: “This has been a tremendous effort by everyone involved and for such a wonderful cause. It just shows what can be achieved through teamwork.” Hannah was given just 15 months to live in September 2022 when she was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Although she has undergone surgery to remove the cancer, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, a trait of the condition means it keeps re-growing. With the support of JCB, her family has already reached a £250,000 fundraising target for treatment in the USA when she needs it. Now, Hannah is aiming to raise £200,000 to buy and equip a luxury holiday lodge just five minutes from her home at Mercia Marina, in Willington, Derbyshire. The lodge will be offered free of charge to families of teenagers and young adults who are under the care of the Teenage Cancer Trust to spend valuable time together. Hannah and mum Gail Iredale visited the JCB World Headquarters at Rocester on Friday to watch the conclusion of the JCB Around the World in 80 Days cycle challenge. Gail said: “We are so overwhelmed by what the JCB cyclists have done for Hannah’s Hope and their efforts have given the appeal a tremendous shot in the arm. We really are truly grateful.” JCB Principal Engineer Aaron Turner, event organiser and a founding member of the JCB Cycling Club, said: “It’s been a tough challenge and we are delighted to have completed it earlier than anticipated and give Hannah an earlier than expected 21st birthday. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way, and most importantly, to everyone who has donated money to the appeal. It really will make a big difference to the lives of children and young people with cancer.” Over the ten-week challenge the cyclists clocked up the miles with individual road rides and group outings, including a route to Mercia Marina, where Hannah’s lodge will be sited. The total was also topped during spinning classes at the JCB World Headquarters each Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

The transport and logistics company Gebrüder Weiss has enlarged its logistics facility at the Dunaharaszti location near Budapest. The new logistics complex covers 10,000 square meters and includes office space, a handling facility, and a high-bay warehouse. The logistics company is creating additional storage capacity for its customers. In addition, in future all Home Delivery services for the greater Budapest area will be bundled from here. The investment volume amounts to around 25 million euros. Wolfram Senger-Weiss, CEO of Gebrüder Weiss explained: "The expansion in Budapest offers room for further growth in the future. Increasing industrial production, especially in the automotive and electrical sectors, means that demand for transport and logistics services is expected to increase in the coming years." "We opened our first Central and Eastern Europe branch in Hungary in 1989. Since then, the country has become an important hub for transporting goods between our core markets in the Black Sea region, the Balkans, the Adriatic and Western Europe. Today, our countrywide organization in Hungary is a pioneer in automation and sustainable transport." Smart technology for greater efficiency The existing logistics facility was also modernized as part of this work, with inbound storage, material flow and picking now being largely automated using the new AutoStore system. The goods are stored in plastic containers stacked in a frame system. Robots transport the containers to work stations where the goods are picked for shipping. "This saves time, space, and energy," says Thomas Schauer, Regional Manager Central and Southeastern Europe at Gebrüder Weiss. "We achieve an even higher level of efficiency in how trucks and containers are utilized. Cargometer cameras and 3D scanners measure the packaged items while they are still on the forklift truck. By ascertaining the size and weight of these items, we can make optimum use of the available space.” Sustainable energy supply and zero-emission delivery The majority of the energy required for buildings and e-vehicles is supplied by a photovoltaic system with an output of up to 354 kWp. "We use solar power to operate delivery vehicles in the home delivery sector," explains Balint Varga, Managing Director Hungary at Gebrüder Weiss. "We use e-vans to deliver furniture, consumer electronics and household appliances ordered online to end customers in Budapest and other major cities. This enables us to cut CO2 emissions by around 12.5 tons per month." Gebrüder Weiss has been present in Hungary since 1989 and today offers full-service logistics at six locations – in addition to Budapest, these are Győr, Zalaegerszeg, Pécs, Szeged and Polgár – with 450 employees – from land transport to air and sea freight to warehouse logistics. Further expansion is planned for 2026 in Győr, where a completely new logistics facility is to be built.

St Austell Brewery has signed a three-year deal with the prestigious Rick Stein Restaurant Group to supply its beer in its venues. The two Cornish-born businesses have had close working relationships for many years, with the Stein family having run The Cornish Arms in St Merryn for 15 years, which is a St Austell Brewery owned pub. korev, St Austell Brewery’s flagship lager, is now on draught at eight of the 11 Stein’s sites across the UK, including in Padstow, London and Winchester. Bottled Tribute will also be available as well as Harbour Brewing beers, Arctic Sky and Daymer Bay - both to be supplied on draught in six of the Stein’s sites. St Austell Brewery took a minority share in Harbour in 2022, to help grow the company’s South West beer distribution. Lee Tinn-Stephens, St Austell Brewery’s Sales Development and Export Manager, said: “It’s fantastic to have solidified this Cornish-born partnership that extends beyond the South West." “It’s a hugely rewarding partnership that the whole team and I have been looking forward to. That’s because of what the Steins represent in Cornwall and beyond, in terms of quality food and establishments." “It’s great to be associated with Stein’s and have our beers, as well as Harbour beers, in their sites.” Jack Stein, Chef Director for The Rick Stein Group, added: “It's great to be working and forming closer ties with another longstanding Cornish business. I'm looking forward to an ice-cold pint of korev or two in our restaurants this summer.”

​In an environment many businesses are describing as ‘challenging’ Leicestershire-based Quality Life UK has enjoyed a catalogue of successes. Amelia Benskin, Director and Registered Manager at Quality Life UK, commented saying: “We are care at home specialists offering live-in care, night care and block hours day care. The last six months have been incredibly busy for us and has seen us open a second office, this time in Kegworth." "We were incredibly moved to receive such a warm welcome from the village and have welcomed several new clients from the village too. We also held our first community event – the Quality Life Bake Off in nearby Normanton on Soar." "On the back of this successful community event we have been working with the Local Authority and Social Prescribers to launch a touring Dementia Café which will visit four local villages – one each week of the month - providing opportunities for socialising, engagement and support for those affected by Dementia as well as their families and carers. In addition we have increased our team to 85 members of staff which includes seven Care Managers." "All this whilst continuing to receive excellent feedback and reviews from our clients and their families. We’ve also started to look at cutting-edge fall prevention technology as well as GPS enabled wearables. We’ll be trialling these products with the aim of being the first homecare provider offering tech-assisted care in our area in 2024." “Our continued growth coupled with outstanding, high quality, person-centred service and support has also been recognised via several awards including our Founder and Registered Manager, Amelia, becoming a finalist in the Women’s Awards and Quality Life UK being shortlisted in the national, prestigious Family Business Awards as well as nominated in the Midlands Family Business Awards. We were also absolutely delighted to have recently won the Homecare Award ‘Infection Control Expertise’ which particularly mentioned our latest Care Quality Commission inspection rating of ‘Good’. In that same report we were recognised as ‘Outstanding’ in the category of ‘Responsiveness – something that’s extremely rare for a company of our size.” Asked what he puts the company’s success down to Anthony replied, “We’re a family business with a strong set of family values and a clear guiding principle; we’re ‘A family to support your family’. Our clients very much understand and appreciate our values and our guiding principle which they see as our USP and which clearly differentiates us from others working in this space”. Quality Life UK is an award-winning local, friendly, family-run home care agency specialising in offering high quality, bespoke, person-centred, 1:1 care supporting families in Loughborough and the surrounding villages. We provide live-in care, night care and block hours day care. We’re a professional, regulated (we achieved ‘Good’ at our latest CQC inspection) and fully insured provider of home care services. In a nutshell we make it possible for clients to continue living in their own home, in the area they know and with people they love most rather than move into a care home. We do this by supplying warm, compassionate, professionally trained carers who are supported by our strong Management Team. We are steadfastly committed to doing all we can to help our clients achieve the very best quality of life, whatever their circumstances. We’re also a family business who have put traditional family values at the heart of our company.

St Austell Brewery and Cape Cornwall Pilot Gig Club have joined forces to co-fund a new defibrillator at the Fisherman’s Arms in Newlyn. This is the latest in a series of defibrillators which have been installed since St Austell Brewery launched its Heart of the Community campaign last year. The company identified 56 pubs in its estate which do not currently have access to a lifesaving device and is raising money - through its Charitable Trust - to install one at each site. The company is match funding every pound raised towards their mission. St Austell Brewery has installed 21 new defibrillators in locations across the South West to date, which have already been used to save two lives at the Rashleigh Arms (Charlestown) and Harbour Inn (Porthleven). The latest defibrillator to be installed is at the Fisherman’s Arms in Newlyn. The Cape Cornwall Pilot Gig Club played a big part in securing this particular defibrillator, having part-funded the equipment following a cardiac arrest of one of their rowing team in 2022. David Sheppard suffered a heart attack at sea whilst rowing near St Michael’s Mount. Thankfully, his fellow rowers, assisted by retired GP Dr Simon Dean, gave David CPR on the gig at sea before getting him on dry land, when a defibrillator was used by the ambulance service. After the incident, the club began crowdfunding for a defibrillator. There are already two in Newlyn, but the top of the village, by the Fisherman’s Inn and near the main Brixham fishing port, hasn’t been covered by the 200 meter radius required for the ambulance service to direct people to their nearest defibrillator. Working with the Ronnie Richards Memorial Charity (RRMC) – which fundraises for defibrillators to be installed in schools and public places all over the Duchy and train young people how to use the devices - they identified the Fisherman’s Arms as the best place to mount the defibrillator, with the additional funding coming from St Austell Brewery’s Charitable Trust. Thankfully, David made a full recovery and is back to rowing. He said: “I’ve been rowing since about 2018. It’s such a wonderful experience, I was smitten with it as soon as I started. After my incident, I couldn’t wait to get back on the water." “We’re so pleased to have funded the defibrillator. People have a much better chance of survival with access to defibrillators. It gives people a higher chance of staying alive until the emergency services arrive.” Piers Thompson, St Austell Brewery’s External Relations Director, said: “Our partnership with the RRMC has been going from strength to strength with defibrillator installations ongoing throughout our pub estate. The equipment has already been used to save two lives, showing just how vital it is to have such this resource in places not currently covered." “The efforts that the Cape Cornwall Gig Club went to, to keep David alive on the water, and their subsequent fundraising to fund part of this defibrillator shows how strong our communities are in working together to ensure everyone in the South West - whether living here or visiting - has the best chance of surviving a cardiac arrest should the worst happen.” The pub is also the first in the South West to have been provided with a bleed kit from the RRMC, which will be located inside the defibrillator case at the pub. The Heart of the Community campaign raises money through St Austell Brewery’s Charitable Trust to buy and install defibrillators. Pub customers can help save lives by purchasing a portion of fish & chips (25p per portion will go towards the defibrillator campaign) or by scanning a QR code on posters. St Austell Brewery will match fund every £1 donated by the public. In the UK as many as 100,000 hospital admissions each year are due to heart attacks - that's 260 admissions each day or one every five minutes. It’s estimated that around 1.4 million people alive in the UK today have survived a heart attack - around one million men and 380,000 women. The business has partnered with the Ronnie Richards Memorial Charity to buy the vital equipment. Co-founders Paul and Liz Williams set up the charity in memory of Liz’s brother Ronnie who sadly died from sudden cardiac arrest whilst playing his beloved game of football at Penzance Leisure Centre.

Thomas Taylor Bowls has secured a Virgin Money funding package backed by government department UK Export Finance (UKEF) to help the family business continue its international growth. Glasgow-based Thomas Taylor Bowls is the oldest bowls manufacturer in the world, with over 200 years of experience. They export to over 70 countries around the world and are the preferred supplier to a number of national teams including Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, Australia plus many more. Their bowls, known for their expert craftmanship, have found favour with players across the world, from seasoned pros to enthusiastic newcomers. This widespread appeal speaks to the business’s commitment to quality and innovation. Following a recommendation by an existing Virgin Money customer, Thomas Taylor Bowls contacted the bank whose Business Direct, Trade Finance and Treasury teams worked closely with UKEF to structure a deal providing the specialised support the business needed to continue to grow internationally. Virgin Money has provided a tailored funding package including foreign exchange services, international payments and a UKEF guarantee offered under its General Export Facility (GEF), which were all vital elements given the importance of international exports to Thomas Taylor Bowls’ strategy. The GEF product is a flexible, government-supported scheme that helps UK export businesses – especially SMEs – to access working capital facilities, helping to improve cashflow or speed up international trade growth. Grant Heron, Managing Director, Thomas Taylor Bowls Ltd said: “The breadth of experience with the team at Virgin Money was exceptional. They understood our needs and put a great package together with UKEF to help us meet our full international aspirations and requirements.” Craig Wilson, head of FX sales & trade finance at Virgin Money said: “I’m delighted that we were able to support Thomas Taylor Bowls with a range of tailored products designed to help them continue their impressive record of international growth." "At Virgin Money we aim to ensure businesses have access to key specialists that can add value at the right time, and by bringing together the skills of our Trade Finance team, who are available to support internationally trading businesses, our Business Direct colleagues and UK Export Finance, we have delivered a winning package for the customer." Carol Harvey, UKEF Export Finance Manager for Fife and Central Belt including Edinburgh and Scottish Borders, added: “Thomas Taylor has shown that there is global demand for quality Scottish exports." "Our support is now helping this family business to take the next step in their exporting journey. Most of UKEF’s deals support smaller businesses like Thomas Taylor’s, ensuring that entrepreneurs and owners from all over the country can benefit from international trade.”

Allied Mobility, the leading supplier of wheelchair accessible vehicles in the UK, is proud to announce the funding of two key initiatives aimed at increasing accessibility to water sports for individuals with disabilities. Donations have been made to Inclusive Surfing Scotland and the Disabled Sailors Association as part of our ongoing commitment to move people and make a difference in their lives. Inclusive Surfing Scotland, a newly established charity, has been awarded £2,335 from Allied Mobility’s charitable arm, The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, to cover half of the cost of a specially adapted seated tandem surfboard, with the Weir Charitable Trust also funding half. This funding will enable the charity to provide unique surfing experiences to individuals with complex needs, including wheelchair users and those with sensory impairments. The surfboard, a key piece of equipment for their operations, will be used at the beaches of East Lothian, the Borders, and Fife starting around May/June 2024. Ian Donaldson from Inclusive Surfing Scotland expressed his gratitude, stating, "We at Inclusive Surfing Scotland are absolutely delighted to have been awarded £2,335 by the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust. We are a new charity, and Allied Mobility have shown amazing belief in our mission to make surfing accessible to everyone. The award will contribute towards a bespoke seated tandem surfboard, with an attached bucket seat, that will allow surfers with complex needs to ride the waves." The Disabled Sailors Association received £1,500, which will fund sailing experiences for 20 individuals in 2024. This contribution will support the Association’s wide range of activities, including tailored sailing days and competitive events, designed specifically to cater to sailors with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities and those requiring wheelchair access. Susan Simmons of The Disabled Sailors Association remarked on the impact of this funding, saying, "Over the past 30 years, the Disabled Sailors Association has provided active sailing for people with all types of disabilities, no matter how complex their needs, together with their family and carers, in our specially adapted fleet of boats. Thanks to the generosity of the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, 20 people will enjoy the improvements to their mental health, happiness and confidence, that the exhilarating sport of sailing creates." David Facenna, Director at Allied Mobility, said: "We are immensely proud to support these fantastic initiatives that align perfectly with our values of inclusion and accessibility. It’s essential that everyone has the opportunity to participate in and enjoy the benefits of sports like surfing and sailing." "These activities are not just sports; they are powerful platforms for improving mental health, personal confidence, and social interaction. We look forward to seeing the joy and freedom these projects bring to participants."

National decorating contractor Bagnalls is extremely proud of their 2023 class of apprentices for everything that they have achieved during their time with the business. The company recently hosted an awards ceremony to celebrate their apprentices and reward them for all their hard work. Bagnalls has multiple branches across the country as well as an Apprentice Training Academy, which is based in Doncaster. This academy helps apprentices learn new skills and gain the knowledge base needed for them to succeed in the painting and decorating industry. The ability to train new apprentices is positive in the current climate, with painters and decorators increasingly in demand in the UK. Female painters in particular are in high demand, with searches for their services up by 125% in 2023. Bagnalls is passionate about increasing representation for women within this male-dominated sector, with 26% of women currently holding executive management positions within the company. Bagnalls also has a number of high-achieving female apprentices, including Katie Sanders who recently won the Junior section of the Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year competition 2023, hosted by the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA). With the painting and decorating industry projected to gain £404 billion in revenue by 2024, painters and decorators are expected to be in demand this year. Recent reports reveal the need for over 900,000 new recruits within the construction and trade industries by 2032, with vacancies in the painting trade alone standing at over 2,000 for 2024. Joanne Gualda, Director at Bagnalls, says: These figures reveal why apprenticeship schemes like those at Bagnalls are essential to the growth of the painting and decorating industry. The growing demand within our sector shows why apprenticeships like ours are so important – not only for the young talent who undertake an apprenticeship, but also for our company and our industry as a whole! We decided to host an awards ceremony to show our appreciation for our 2023 cohort of apprentices and reward them for their skills and talent.” Every apprentice could bring two friends or family members to the ceremony to watch them receive their accolades and celebrate together. Joel Mortlock, Group Academy Tutor at Bagnalls’ Training Academy, commented: “It was lovely to see our apprentices enjoying the day with their loved ones. They should all be very proud of their achievements and the progress they have made during their time at Bagnalls.” This ceremony also marks the first time Bagnalls has presented the David Sunderland Award, in memory of our valued colleague David who sadly passed away shortly after retiring. David is fondly remembered by the entire Bagnalls family as the Technical and Training Manager. He worked hard to support and oversee the development of all Bagnalls’ apprentices and Management Trainees. He also established Bagnalls’ current Training Academy, passionate as he was about encouraging young talent to achieve their full potential. This award was given to Luke Keeling in recognition of his apprentice success and positive attitude to delivering quality painting projects for his branch. Bernie Smith, Operations Manager at Bagnalls’ North West branch, commented “Luke is a valued member of the Ellesmere Port team. He has breezed through his apprenticeship with great results and is consistently praised for his work on site. “He has developed into a talented young painter who takes pride in his work, accepts feedback and is constantly looking for ways to improve his skills. We are very proud that he has been rewarded for his efforts.” The whole Bagnalls team had a wonderful day rewarding the apprentice class of 2023 for all their hard work. Joanne says, “We feel very proud of the opportunities our apprenticeship scheme offers young, talented people. We can’t wait to see what our apprentices achieve next!”

(l-r) Liam Wyatt from Lansdowne Woodward, Ben Pulford from Pulford Publicity, Debbie Brown from AE Jolliffe and Son, Steve Heald, impresario, and Stuart Fleetham from Xerocad Acid jazz and funk pioneers The Brand New Heavies are to play in Bournemouth – after a fan asked them to perform in memory of his mum. Steve Heald, from Ferndown, will donate all profits of the concert to UK Dementia Research Institute. The group had a string of hits in the 1990s – including Midnight at the Oasis - and continue to wow audiences. They are regarded as a top class live act and they play with an eight-piece band – and at their Bournemouth concert will be supported by Omar. Steve’s mum Thelma died two years ago and he has sought the help of funeral directors AE Jolliffe & Son in Ferndown to assist him with organising the event. The concert will be held at Bournemouth Pavilion on Saturday 10th August and tickets are now on sale through BH Live or bournemouthpavilion.co.uk. Other local businesses that are helping Steve include Pulford Publicity which has designed the publicity posters, Xerocad which has printed them and Lansdowne Woodward which has assisted with the insurance. Steve said: “I love music and when my mum died I decided to do something. I go to a lot of concerts and afterwards I always try and speak to the band." “I saw The Brand New Heavies at the Barbican in London and asked them if they’d play and they said they would. I was really taken aback, but delighted they agreed. I don’t use computers or emails so I asked AE Jolliffe & Son if they’d help. They said they would and without them I wouldn’t have been able to do it." “They are doing all the emails for me and Pulfords and Xerocad have also been amazing with the promotional material. The Brand New Heavies are one of my favourite bands - they are as good as anybody live." “You can’t fake it live and they have an eight-piece band and a wonderful singer. The sound and quality are absolute class. I have seen them a number of times. Hopefully we can sell out and raise as much as possible for the dementia charity.” Debbie Brown from AE Jolliffe & Son, part of Douch Family Funeral Directors, which has been helping Steve, said: “After doing the funeral for Steve’s mum we continued to support him and then he asked if we could help him put on the concert." “As he doesn’t use emails we said we’d be delighted to help and have been liaising with all the necessary people in order to get the show on the road." “It will be a great concert and the more people who go, the more that will be raised for a great cause.”

Merck, a leading science and technology company, is investing more than € 300 million in a new research center at its global headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany. In the Advanced Research Center, the Life Science business sector will research solutions for manufacturing antibodies, mRNA applications and additional products required for biotechnological production, among other things. As of the start of 2027, it will provide space for around 550 employees. Merck laid the cornerstone for the building together with German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The new building is part of an investment program in the Darmstadt site: Merck will invest around € 1.5 billion in total by 2025. Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: “Investments such as those made by Merck here at its headquarters in Darmstadt make tremendous economic, medical and scientific sense. They are a tribute to Germany as a leading pharmaceutical, industrial and research location and reflect the strength of the life sciences." "All of this proves that we are on the right track with the changes that we have made with a view to offering the pharmaceutical and biotech industry better conditions. The German Government will continue to tread this path with all due resolve.” Belén Garijo, Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck said: “With this strategic investment, we are strengthening the leading position of Merck in key technologies for the development and manufacture of novel medicines." “As a leading provider of life science technologies, we continue to invest in research and development ‘Made in Germany’. In doing so, we are enabling scientific progress for the benefit of millions of patients and customers around the world.” The Advanced Research Center brings together research on key technologies of the Life Science business sector of Merck. These include raw materials and processes for researching and manufacturing antibodies, recombinant proteins and viral vectors. The company also researches cell culture media and pharmaceutical formulation and purification aids as well as digital reference materials. In addition, the scientists are developing analytical chromatography further. This is a method for separating, identifying and quantifying chemical substances in a sample. Research along the mRNA value chain will also be based in the new center. With the Advanced Research Center, Merck is supporting its customers in Europe and globally when it comes to finding solutions for crucial medical challenges. Antibodies and recombinant proteins are used to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases and infectious diseases, among other things. Viral vectors are predominantly used in gene therapies and vaccines while mRNA is currently being researched mainly for vaccines and cancer treatments. Research on these therapies is developing rapidly and is constantly opening up new application possibilities. In the area of mRNA alone, more than 740 clinical trials are currently in progress globally. With around 18,000 square meters, the Advanced Research Center enables collaboration across departments in an open, modern work environment. Merck is planning almost carbon-neutral research operations. Energy supply is based on photovoltaics, geothermal energy and air-source heat pumps. The specially designed facades and the green roofs also help to save energy and improve the microclimate. The building is striving for gold certification from the German Sustainable Building Council. The Darmstadt site is one of the most important Merck centers for research and development in life science technologies. In the next ten years, approximately one fifth of the Life Science business sector’s sales with new products are estimated to come from here. Since 2020, Merck has announced investments of more than € 2 billion in the business sector globally. The objective is to expand Life Science’s capacities and capabilities to meet the globally increasing demand for medicines.