(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.

National decorating contractor Bagnalls has recently launched its brand-new website. Designed to communicate the brand’s values of safety, integrity, respect and people to potential customers, Bagnalls’ website is engaging and easy to use. The site reveals Bagnalls’ responsible and professional approach to painting and decorating projects across multiple sectors throughout the UK. It also contains informative case studies, showcasing the high-quality work that the Bagnalls team regularly carry out, as well as plenty of stories about team achievements and skill development. Bagnalls is known for its investment in its team and training of new talent. Bagnalls’ new site highlights the apprenticeships and management trainee schemes that the company offers, revealing that over 70 members of the current team have been with the company for more than 25 years. In fact, the average length of service for all employees is nine and a half years, with a huge 98% of office staff agreeing that Bagnalls is a good company to work for. The company’s many awards are detailed on the site, alongside their firm commitment to health, safety and mental health awareness. The brand-new branch finder also allows potential customers to find their local branch with a simple click of a button, making it easier than ever to access Bagnalls’ painting and decorating expertise. Joanne Gualda, Marketing Director at Bagnalls, reveals, “We wanted to give our website a fresh, new, engaging look, highlighting both the heritage of our brand as we near 150 years in business, but also our modern approach." “I think our new website reflects our investment in people and the benefits of retaining experienced painters and decorators, as well as developing new talent through our apprenticeship and management trainee programmes." “We also value our customers, a fact highlighted by the many case studies demonstrating that we consistently deliver a reliable, expert and safety-conscious service. We hope our customers love using the site as much as we do!” About Bagnalls Specialist painting and decorating business Bagnalls has been a family-run company for nearly 150 years, providing the finest painting and industrial coatings services to clients across a wide range of sectors. The company prides itself on doing things the right way, via investment in its people, health and safety and sustainability.

Motoring fans were dazzled by a display of classic and supercars, as an impressive convoy of vehicles returned to Crieff Hydro Hotel in aid of the veterans’ charity, Erskine. The annual event gave dozens of veterans and their families the chance to ride in a vast selection of automotive gems from the Forth Bridges to Knockhill Racing Circuit, before arriving at the iconic Perthshire resort. More than 30 cars were involved in this year’s procession, including several rare Ferrari’s and Aston Martins, as well as beautiful Lotus and Porche vehicles. Wing Commander Ian Cumming MBE, Chief Executive at Erskine, said: “We are delighted that our Veterans have once again been invited to take part in the supercar drive." “The happy, smiling faces at being chauffeured around in such a dazzling display of classic and supercars are testament to just how special a day this has been." “We want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved, especially Bentley Cars Edinburgh, Mark Ryan from Driving Scotland, Stuart Gray from Knockhill and Stephen Leckie, CEO of Crieff Hydro, for sharing their passion for cars with our Veterans." “Our extended thanks go to all the drivers, the team at Knockhill Racing Circuit and staff at Crieff Hydro Hotel, your kindness and generosity is much appreciated”. Stephen Leckie, CEO of Crieff Hydro Hotel, said: “It was our pleasure to welcome back Erskine veterans and their families for what is one of the most exciting motoring events in the Crieff calendar." “The charity does an incredible job of supporting our military personnel and we are delighted to play a small role in providing a great day out for those who benefit from the service.” Mark Ryan, organiser and founder of Driving Scotland Car Club, added: “This will be the third occasion where friends from within the Driving Scotland Club and the wider network of friends have come together to deliver a memorable day for our Erskine Veterans." “The event recognises the service to our country from all our Erskine veterans, as well as recognising the care and support of the families and staff from Erskine." “A special thanks to Chris MacMurdo and Bentley Edinburgh for again supporting the event, providing a beautiful Bentley to lead the day and covering all costs for refreshments for everyone throughout the day. Many thanks also to Stephen Leckie and staff at Crieff Hydro Hotel for warmly welcoming the event and veterans for the second year now and providing such a wonderful back drop to finish off the exciting day." “Also, I’d like to say a big thank you to Stuart Gray and Knockhill Race Circuit in Fife for hosting the event and giving all of the convoy access to the circuit on the day. “It was really appreciated by all involved.”

Bridge of Weir, supplier of Fine Automotive Leather to the world’s most-respected luxury car brands, announces a new partnership with design and engineering consultancy, CALLUM. The agreement formalises a successful longstanding relationship between the two British-based brands, based on shared values of design-first innovation, industry-leading quality, and deep respect for heritage. Bridge of Weir has previously supported CALLUM, a business founded in 2019 by renowned car designer Ian Callum, with the creation of multiple ground-breaking luxury projects. In the automotive sector, the CALLUM Vanquish 25 – a reimagining of the iconic Aston Martin Vanquish – featured seats and panels trimmed in the finest Bridge of Weir materials, its luxuriously appointed cabin showcasing a range of completely bespoke leathers in beige, tan and dark blue. Through CALLUM, Prodrive has also trimmed its P25 with Bridge of Weir leather, CALLUM having designed a new interior for the limited-run model. In the product design world, the limited production series CALLUM Lounge Chair also featured a range of entirely bespoke Bridge of Weir leathers, available in colours including black, cranberry, fawn and bottle green, the material playing a key part in the company’s modern take on a design classic. In addition to sharing an ideological approach to creating the finest products using the most innovative and sustainable materials within and beyond the bounds of the luxury automotive sector, Bridge of Weir and CALLUM also benefit from a shared geography. With legacy roots for both sides being very much in Scotland, Bridge of Weir’s Advanced Design Studio and CALLUM’s industry-leading Design Studio are located within the same building in Warwick, in the heart of the British automotive industry in the Midlands. James Muirhead, Sales Director at Bridge of Weir Leather, said: “On behalf of the entire team, I am delighted to officially announce Bridge of Weir’s new strategic and creative partnership with CALLUM, a brand we all greatly admire for its cutting-edge, no-compromise approach to design, engineering and above all, quality." “Ian Callum and his team have a legendary reputation for pushing the boundaries of innovation. Having been proud to support CALLUM on multiple projects over the years, we are now pleased to take that relationship to the next level. With this partnership, Bridge of Weir looks forward to even closer collaboration with CALLUM, which will lead to the creation of world-class luxurious and sustainable products within and beyond the automotive sector.” Ian Callum, Design Director at CALLUM, said: “Throughout my career in the global automotive industry, I have always had the utmost respect for Bridge of Weir and the impeccable standards its expert team consistently sets. Few brands combine such a rich heritage with a passion for innovation so effectively. When we formed CALLUM, it was only logical that we would turn to Bridge of Weir to support us with projects such as the CALLUM Vanquish 25 and the CALLUM Lounge Chair." “Now, it is equally logical that we take this next step together in our relationship by forming a strategic partnership between CALLUM and Bridge of Weir. Bolstered by our shared geographical location, we look forward to setting new standards in luxury and innovation.” Bridge of Weir ensures that its leather production starts with responsible sourcing, with 100% traceability and zero risk of deforestation in the raw hide supply chain. The company's leather is the ultimate upcycled material, created through a 'circular' low-impact manufacturing process. Bridge of Weir utilises raw hides from the local beef and dairy industries, with over 98% sourced within the UK and Ireland. This upcycling approach prevents these hides from ending up in landfills, where they would emit hundreds of tonnes of harmful methane emissions each year. Since 2003, Scottish Leather Group, of which Bridge of Weir is a part, has reduced the average carbon intensity per hide by an impressive 90%. The group achieves this through the use of 100% renewable electricity and the conversion of process waste into energy. A new £14 million Super Tannery has also just been opened to further accelerate its sustainability leadership by investing in advanced tanning equipment that reduces energy and water use by 82% and 42% respectively. Bridge of Weir leather is the material of choice for the world’s leading automotive luxury brands, thanks to its quality, durability, versatility, and sustainability. To find out more about Bridge of Weir Leather, please visit here.

Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame has unveiled a new look for its popular Spitfire Lager. The refreshing British lager (4% ABV) now has an equally refreshing new visual identity incorporating a bespoke hand-drawn Spitfire logo emulating the vapour trails created by the iconic wartime aircraft which the beer takes its name from. It retains a Spitfire silhouette, along with a recrafted Shepherd Neame monogram inspired by its heritage as Britain’s oldest brewer, accompanied by the text ‘Kent Born’, drawing upon the provenance and quality of its centuries of brewing experience. In a first for the Faversham-based brewer and pub company, its Spitfire Lager keg lenses also have an eye-catching additional gold collar, representing the beer’s golden colour and further helping it stand out on the bar. Shepherd Neame has partnered with global creative partner, Thirst, to deliver the new look for the beer, part of the award-winning Spitfire collection which also includes Spitfire Amber and Golden Ale. Matt Burns, Executive Creative Director & Co-Founder at Thirst said: “Spitfire is a beer that not only represents the history of Britain, but also the modern credentials of the Shepherd Neame brand. It's not often a brief like this comes along and it provided Thirst with a perfect opportunity to celebrate the historic and the modern in equal measure." "With typography being the centrepiece of the new identity, we crafted a wordmark that felt fresh and interesting for a younger consumer, but with distinguishable hand finishes that offer the feeling of credible nostalgia. We evolved the colour palette to link directly to the open Kentish skies where the Spitfires once soared. The blue still feels proudly British yet through a modern lens.” Shepherd Neame Chief Executive Jonathan Neame said: “We are very proud to unveil this exciting new look for Spitfire Lager, offering a fresh, contemporary celebration of its iconic British namesake alongside the unique brewing heritage of our Kent homeland.”

Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, has further demonstrated its responsible approach to sustainability by installing more than 2,300 solar panels on the rooftop of its National Distribution Centre in Hull. The National Distribution Centre (NDC) is the first of several Arco sites across the UK that will benefit from rooftop solar energy, as the company moves away from a dependency on fossil fuels. Similar installations are planned for Arco Safety Centres at Bracknell in Berkshire, Eccleshall in Staffordshire, and Linlithgow in West Lothian, as well as the Arco Clothing Centre in Preston, Lancashire. Guy Bruce, Arco’s chief executive, said: “At Arco, we're looking at every aspect of our business to see how we can reduce our impact on the planet. As part of our responsible approach to sustainability, we are constantly finding ways to improve the energy and carbon efficiency of our operations, including the use of renewable energy sources, intelligent LED lighting systems and low-emission vehicles." “Renewable energy is an important part of our goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2045, and just one way in which we are taking action to secure a safer tomorrow for businesses, people and the planet.” From left: Guy Bruce, Arco chief executive; Neil Dodds, Arco general counsel & company secretary; and Tom Thurling, managing director of Heatsource Direct, take a closer look at the solar panels on the roof of the National Distribution Centre in Hull. The 425,000 sq ft NDC is Arco’s main storage and distribution centre, holding up to 40,000 pallets and servicing up to 10,000 orders a day, maintaining the company’s excellent service to customers. The 2,352 solar panels have been installed by renewable energy specialist Heatsource Direct over the past few weeks, and from next month (May) they will provide about 50 per cent of the NDC’s power demand. The panels will generate around 780,922 kWh of energy a year, roughly the same as the annual power consumption of 289 houses. This will mean an annual CO2 reduction of around 182,276kg, equivalent to planting 7,291 trees each year. i Tom Thurling, managing director of Heatsource Direct, said: “It’s fantastic to see a nationally recognised company putting renewable energy at the forefront of their agenda. “By moving away from traditional sources of energy, Arco will save money on their electricity bills, while also significantly reducing their carbon footprint, something that’s becoming ever more important for large companies."

A family-owned craft drinks B-Corp, an electric vehicle company and a rapid diagnostic tests specialist are among the 2024 winners of the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards announced today. Now in their second year, the awards celebrate the international sales success of small-medium businesses across the UK and provide a stepping stone for further growth and opportunity. Winners include Warner’s Distillery, an independent, family-owned craft drinks producer that creates 100% natural, sustainably sourced products crafted from ingredients grown on its farm in Northamptonshire. Awarded in the Agriculture, Food and Drink category, the B Corp accredited business’s range of spirits and non-alcoholic drinks are listed in major UK retailers and sold in over 30 countries, including the United States, Australia, China, and nations across mainland Europe. The awards come after new figures from the UN’s body that leads on global trade show the UK was the 4th largest exporter of goods and services globally in 2022, moving up from 7th in the rankings in 2021. Minister for Exports Lord Offord, said: “We’re proud of our British exporters and these Awards highlight some fantastic businesses punching above their weight and selling UK-made products around the world." “I hope the winners serve as inspiration to others looking to get onto the exporting ladder and encourage more businesses to showcase the incredible talent and innovation of UK businesses selling abroad.” Cabinet Office Minister Ester McVey said: “Selling overseas is key to driving economic growth across the UK. As part of the GREAT campaign, it’s wonderful to celebrate these businesses who showcase the best of what Britain and Northern Ireland have to offer the world.” The winning businesses have been drawn from a diverse range of 12 sectors across 10 categories: Agriculture, Food & Drink; Creative Industries; Education & EdTech; Financial Services and FinTech; Retail & Consumer Goods; Consultancy & Professional Services; Healthcare; Infrastructure & Engineering; Low Carbon Energy; and Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing & Construction. The latter five categories have been introduced as new additions this year to ensure that businesses from all sectors could enter. In the Low Carbon Energy category, Glasgow-based Munro Vehicles was recognised for its next-generation, fully electric commercial vehicles that are designed to help essential but carbon-intensive industries transition to net zero. The company, which exported to 16 countries in 2023, ranks as Scotland’s only “volume production” car company and plans to build 50 vehicles by mid-2024 before shifting to a new purpose-built site near Glasgow later in the year, creating up to 300 jobs. The Healthcare winners are pioneers CIGA Healthcare, a leading UK company specialising in rapid diagnostic tests including fertility tests, blood pressure monitors and blood glucose monitors. CIGA Healthcare’s products are supplied to national health services and international brands, such as Walmart and AmerisourceBergen, and the company’s international reach extends to over 80 countries, including the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Canada, and nations across South America. Within each category, three additional businesses were also awarded highly commended status for their inspiring business stories and exporting prowess. Marco Forgione, Director General of The Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) and judge on the panel for this year’s awards, commented: “The calibre of businesses that entered across all categories has been incredibly high and selecting a winner has been a tough job. We are delighted to offer an IOE&IT membership to these winners alongside the businesses that are highly commended and look forward to working with this year’s companies, helping them to grow and expand through international trade." “These awards provide an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the global trade success stories of small businesses from all Nations and regions – and we hope these winners will inspire even more budding business owners." “The evidence continues to tell us that businesses that trade internationally are more sustainable, more resilient, more innovative, employ more people and, ultimately, are more profitable. So, it is vital that these businesses are supported in their exporting journeys and that their success stories are celebrated.” In 2021, DBT launched the ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ campaign to celebrate exporting success from across the UK and tell businesses’ stories. The awards programme builds on this to further recognise and celebrate the global trading success of SMEs from across the UK. Winning businesses receive an invitation to an evening Parliamentary Reception and receive a year’s free membership with the Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE&IT). They will also win a digital badge, physical certificate and trophy and enjoy promotional activity across DBT channels, including individual profiles to share their export success.

The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (Alliance) and Perdue Farms (Perdue) celebrated the 54th Earth Day and their strong partnership by planting more than 300 trees on a family poultry farm in Quarryville, PA. This partnership, announced in October 2023 with funding from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), has already made substantial strides to positively impact the environment on farms in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, meeting with over a dozen farms that are now moving forward with enhancements to increase sustainability on-farm. The partnership has big plans for additional on-the-ground projects throughout the rest of 2024 that will help reduce energy costs, minimize disease risk, increase carbon sequestration, and boost local air and water quality. This includes providing technical and financial support to install six manure storage sheds and/or compost barns and seven tree planting installations within pastures and around poultry barns, planting 1,800+ trees on farms in the region this spring, and leveraging various state and federal cost-share programs to accelerate conservation practice implementation and effectively stretch the grant dollars further. Drew Getty, vice president of environmental sustainability at Perdue Farms said: “Earth Day is a reminder of our obligation to future generations to protect and preserve our communities, like the beautiful Chesapeake Bay watershed. To go beyond good stewardship and make a big impact, it takes all of us working together." "That’s why this partnership is so mission critical. Collectively, we can make sustainable practices more accessible and approachable to anyone who works with Perdue Farms, which ultimately advances the work to protect our natural resources.” Since 2017, the Alliance has worked alongside agricultural supply chain corporations, like Perdue Farms, and their farm providers to accelerate conservation efforts throughout supply chains in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This approach allows farms to increase long-term sustainability while elevating environmental standards throughout the agricultural industry. “The Alliance is excited to partner with Perdue. Their commitment to helping farmers reach conservation standards that go above state regulations is exciting,” said Brittany Smith, agriculture project manager at the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. “Through this collaboration and Perdue’s investment in conservation, the team can build capacity for technical support and offer financial assistance for Perdue’s independent-contract growers, often with no out-of-pocket costs to the farmers. Perdue’s leadership and commitment to sustainability elevates environmental standards throughout the agricultural industry.”

A hotel employee has notched up a century of customer and colleague testimonials for going the extra mile in her work. Ilse Bujok, the reception manager at The Wild Boar near Windermere, is the first person from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues to reach the milestone as part of the hotel group’s +1 initiative. The customer service led programme is designed to raise standards and encourage creativity and innovation amongst team members. The +1 initiative is all about recognising the small acts of extra care, service and kindness occurring each day across its venues. Perhaps a bit like a player of the match award in sport, it seeks to recognise the efforts of staff to go over and above normal service for guests and colleagues. Every month team members are nominated for activities or performance that exceeds guest or colleague expectations. Ilse is the very first member of staff to attain 100 +1 award nominations and the first recipient of English Lakes Hotels Platinum award for reaching that milestone. She has also been rewarded with £250 worth of English Lakes Gift Vouchers to mark her customer service excellence achievement. Highlights along the way have included Ilse finding a guest’s lost wallet which they had left at Windermere golf club, and rescuing a stray dog which ran into The Wild Boar on its own. Giving the stray a bowl of water, Ilse’s first thought was to ring around the local farmers and sure enough, she managed to find the owner. English Lakes Hotels managing director Ben Berry explains: “We all know how good it feels when someone highlights a good piece of work you have done. Now imagine that happening 100 times. It’s quite an achievement and a real feather in the cap for Ilse and the team at The Wild Boar.” “The +1 award scheme is a great source of motivation for me,” adds Ilse. “It’s nice to hear from colleagues or guests that they think I’m doing a good job.” The hotel group also awards silver, gold and champions awards to team members who achieve over 10, 25 and 50 +1 nominations respectively.

Love Family Women’s Center doors open for next generation. For matriarch of the Love family, Judy Love, not much will stand in her way when it comes to her dedication to making a difference in the community. Not even a global pandemic. Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City started its campaign for a massive new women’s center in December 2019, a few months before the beginning of the pandemic. Most involved had no idea what was coming. At the time, Love was on the Mercy Health Foundation board and believed the organization had the ability to raise the funds to bring an innovative and technologically advanced women’s center to the Oklahoma City metro. Her and late husband Tom Love gave a $10 million lead donation to kick off the project, and in partnership with co-chair and former state first lady Cathy Keating, they helped raise more than $30 million from Oklahoma families and businesses. The facility is called the Love Family Women’s Center and honors four generations of the family. A onesie that says "I'm a Love Family Women's Center Baby" for Mercy. New facility expands women’s care, touching the lives of generations of families to come. “Mom and Cathy were very involved in co-chairing a silent campaign to raise funds for this women’s center,” explained Jenny Love Meyer, Judy’s daughter and chief culture officer of Love’s. “Trying to raise $40 million during normal times would have been a lofty goal, but COVID changed a lot and only three months into the campaign. We are very proud of them for dedicating themselves to raising an historic amount of money during a time of economic uncertainly and amid a global pandemic.” The impressive new Love Family Women’s Center is dedicated to providing advanced medicine and exceptional care for Oklahoma women. The new center is a 175,000-square-foot, four-story building on the Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City campus and has 30 patient rooms to accommodate the significant increase in child births. Over the last 10 years, the hospital has experienced a 34 percent increase in childbirths, which is nearly 4,000 births each year. The women’s center will increase the hospital’s delivery capacity by 40 per cent. Mercy honors three generations of the Love family and looks forward to the fourth generation. According to Love Meyer, just like the Love family, Mercy’s roots run deep in Oklahoma, which is another reason the family decided to support the project. The facility’s expanded capacity and innovative technology will have a lifelong impact on the community. “Our family’s roots run deep in Oklahoma and so does Mercy’s roots with the Sisters of Mercy and their commitment to serving Oklahomans. This project builds on both legacies and reinforces our standard of supporting the communities in which we live and work. As the only remaining family-owned and operated travel stop company in the industry, it’s wonderful this center is opening during our 60th anniversary as we look to investing in and supporting future generations.”

Inspirational achievers have been named among the finalists in the sixth Ladies First Network Business and Inspirational Women Awards. Finalists, selected from hundreds of nominations from across the UK, were invited to an independent judging day in Leamington Spa, ahead of a prestigious awards ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club, in Warwickshire, on June 13th. New categories are also among those being contested this year, including Sustainable Business Leader, Trailblazer of the Year and Inclusivity Leadership with a special Inspirational Women Award going to The England Women’s football team, The Lionesses. The Awards were unveiled at The House of Commons in January and are headed up by Ladies First directors Tracey McAtamney from Balsall Common and Karen Massey from Leamington Spa. Tracey said: “With over 300 nominations entering this year, each and every finalist should be exceptionally proud of their achievements." “We strive to make every finalist feel special and like a winner, with goodie bags, certificates and professional head shots on interview day. A huge thank you to Mallory Court, the Awards Team, all of our judges and sponsors Edwards Wealth Management Ltd, Alsters Kelley Solicitors and Pertemps for a fabulous day!" “We are beyond excited to announce that we are presenting our 2024 Inspirational Woman Award to the England Football Team." “The Award is in recognition of their outstanding leadership which embodies true spirit, determination, unity and excellence. Also, for their profound impact on the world stage, inspiring and capturing young hearts around the globe!” Vying for to top Business Woman of the Year award are: Elinor Perry - Pentlands Accountants and Advisors, in Leamington; Jackie Allan – Revolve, in Leamington; Jaide Ellery-Martin – Jaide’s Stage Studios Limited, in Rugby; Louise Adkins – Share Haulage, in Rugby and Marie Quarterman – The Education Network, in Birmingham and Nina Attfield – Lustrelash in Wellingborough. For the full list of finalists visit here: This year’s awards are also supporting The Giles Trust Brain Tumour Fund, established in 2015 by former England cricketer Ashley Giles MBE and his wife Stine, who was diagnosed with three brain tumours over 12 years. The charity raises funds for research, pioneering equipment and support for patients. Photo credit: Karen Massey Photography.