In an industry often driven by short-term contracts and shifting ownership, Bagnalls stands out as a rare constant. Founded in 1875 and still family-owned nearly 150 years later, the Yorkshire-based painting and decorating specialist has grown from a small Victorian enterprise into one of the UK’s most respected names in its field — without losing sight of its roots. Headquartered in Cleckheaton with operations spanning the length of the country, Bagnalls has built its reputation on quality, craftsmanship and long-term relationships. From heritage restoration and major infrastructure projects to commercial and industrial contracts, the business operates at scale while retaining a distinctly personal ethos. At the helm today is Group Managing Director Stephen Bagnall, representing the fifth generation of the family to lead the company. For him, stewardship is as important as strategy. Stephen commented: “We’ve always seen ourselves as custodians rather than owners. The business has been here for generations, and our responsibility is to leave it stronger for the next one.” A Yorkshire business through and through Though Bagnalls’ reach is national, its identity is firmly rooted in Yorkshire values: straight-talking, hard-working and quietly proud. That grounding has shaped the way the company operates, from its approach to clients to the way it treats its workforce. “Yorkshire has a strong tradition of doing things properly,” Stephen explains. “There’s an honesty about that which runs through our culture. We don’t overpromise, and we stand by the work we do.” That philosophy has helped Bagnalls weather economic cycles, industry disruption and changing procurement models. While many competitors have been absorbed by larger groups, Bagnalls has remained independent — a conscious decision that informs everything from investment choices to staff development. People at the heart of the business Employing hundreds of people across the UK, Bagnalls places significant emphasis on training and long-term careers. Apprenticeships, many of them started by school-leavers, continue to be a cornerstone of the company’s workforce strategy. Stephen commented: "So many of our managers and senior people started on the tools, that creates a deep understanding of the job and a huge amount of loyalty. People feel this is a place where they can build a career, not just have a job.” That loyalty extends in both directions. The family ownership model allows Bagnalls to take a longer view when it comes to investment in people, equipment and safety — an approach that has paid dividends in retention and reputation. Balancing tradition with innovation While heritage is central to the Bagnalls story, the company is far from stuck in the past. Investment in modern coatings, digital project management and sustainable practices has ensured it remains competitive in a rapidly evolving sector. “Tradition doesn’t mean standing still,” Stephen says. “Our values stay the same, but the way we deliver has to keep moving forward. Whether that’s embracing new technology or improving our environmental performance, we’re always asking how we can do better.” Sustainability, in particular, has become an increasing focus, with the company working closely with suppliers and clients to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the high standards for which it is known. Looking to the next chapter Bagnalls celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2025, a significant milestone for the family and the business. Now the focus is firmly on the future. Growth remains important, but not at the expense of culture or quality. Stephen reflects: “Success for us isn’t just about turnover. It’s about reputation, about being trusted, and about knowing that we’re still a family business in the truest sense of the word." "Last year was an incredible year, celebrating our journey and remembering everyone who has played a part in it and it was emotional too. We moved into our new head office and built lots of references to the past in the design and refurbishment which adds our own personality and heritage to the offices but now we turn our attention to the future and the next 150 years and beyond.” In an age of constant change, Bagnalls’ longevity is a reminder that some business principles endure. Built on Yorkshire grit, family values and pride in workmanship, it is a company that continues to paint its future with the same care and attention that has defined its past

Johnston Carmichael has agreed a new partnership with STAC (Smart Things Accelerator Centre), underlining the firm’s commitment to Scotland’s innovation economy and supporting the next generation of tech entrepreneurs. Based in Glasgow, STAC is Scotland’s industry-led accelerator for product-focused tech startups. It provides an 18-month programme combining mentorship, investment readiness, and access to world-class facilities to help founders launch, build, and scale globally competitive businesses. It aims to position Glasgow as Europe’s leading hub for transformative technologies such as IoT, robotics, AI, and advanced materials, bridging the gap between academia and industry and driving sustainable growth for Scotland’s tech ecosystem. As part of the collaboration, Johnston Carmichael will provide extensive support to the 35 businesses enrolled in STAC’s current programme. This will include finance, tax and fundraising expertise that helps businesses navigate complex financial landscapes and secure the capital they need to scale; one-to-one mentoring, enabling STAC’s founders to address strategic and operational challenges; and specialist workshops, covering critical topics for high-growth businesses, such as investor tax reliefs and Enterprise Management Incentives (EMI). The group will also get access to the firm’s technology specialists, including partner Neil Wilson, who is an expert in working with high growth businesses, and Stephen Oates, partner and head of entrepreneurial taxes. Calum Purdie, Head of Technology and Life Sciences, Johnston Carmichael, said: “Partnering with STAC allows us to build on our growing role in Scotland’s tech ecosystem.    By sharing our expertise in finance, tax, and growth strategies, we aim to empower these businesses to scale successfully and contribute to Scotland’s reputation as a hub for technology and innovation.” To date, STAC has supported almost 90 early-stage companies, including Nooku, which has created a range of smart indoor air quality monitors designed to deliver healthier, happier homes. Since completing the STAC programme, Nooku has secured commercial collaborations with Dulux to showcase the measurable benefits of low-VOC paint and is joining with social landlord Wheatley Homes to install its indoor air quality technology in tenants’ homes. The Wheatley Homes initiative is part-funded by Innovate UK. Stefan Raue, COO and co-founder of Nooku, said: “Having access to Johnston Carmichael’s experts and network will be a huge boost for the founders taking part in STAC’s programme. Connecting with the right partners and receiving practical support is key to building a sustainable business.” Of the 35 businesses taking part in the current programme, 15 are spinouts from Glasgow University’s Infinity G initiative, several are spinouts from Strathclyde University, while the remainder were founded independently. Paul Wilson, CEO and co-founder of STAC, added: “Our mission has always been to create a centre of excellence for smart and connected technologies here in Scotland. Collaborations like this accelerate that ambition by giving founders access to the financial and strategic expertise they need to compete globally. Together, we’re building companies that will define the next era of innovation.” For more information about STAC and its programmes, visit here.

F.Hinds, one of the UK’s longest-established family-owned jewellers, has reinforced its commitment to responsible business, community investment and long-term high-street growth following an impressive performance in 2025. Looking ahead, 2026 marks 170 years of trading for the business, which remains under the leadership of sixth-generation members of the Hinds family. Across its retail estate, including leading outlet brand Chapelle, F.Hinds raised £40,666 for charity in 2025, demonstrating a clear, measurable commitment to ESG values and community engagement alongside commercial growth. A key focus of the year was the delivery of two national charity partnerships, both of which exceeded fundraising targets. In the first year of its partnership with Dementia UK, F.Hinds surpassed its £10,000 target to raise £14,433, supporting the delivery of frontline dementia care. The business also exceeded expectations in its ongoing support of BBC Children in Need, raising £12,074 to fund essential projects for children and young people across the UK. Complementing national partnerships, F.Hinds and Chapelle continue to operate a decentralised, colleague-led approach to community giving. In 2025, 84 local charities were supported, all nominated by store teams to reflect the needs of their local catchments. Beneficiaries included hospices, schools, sports clubs, wildlife sanctuaries, and community organisations, delivering tangible social value in every location the brands trade. Further charitable contributions during the year included Save the Children (£364), Thames Hospice (£4,000) and the Retail Trust (£5,968), underscoring F.Hinds’ support for both national causes and the wider retail sector. Andrew Hinds, Chairman of F.Hinds, commented: “Supporting our communities has always been integral to how we operate as a business. I am extremely proud of our teams across both F.Hinds and Chapelle for delivering outstanding results in 2025 - not only exceeding our national fundraising targets, but also driving meaningful local impact chosen by our colleagues themselves. This approach strengthens our culture, our communities, and our partnerships.” Alongside its community initiatives, 2025 marked a period of continued portfolio investment. The second half of the year saw new store openings and relocations across the F.Hinds and Chapelle estates. F.Hinds saw a return to Aylesbury with a brand new store in Friar’s Square Shopping Centre, and the opening of the business’s second Scottish store in Livingston. In August, the thirteenth Chapelle branch opened its doors at the new Cotswolds Designer Outlet in Tewskesbury. Building on this momentum, relocation of F.Hinds stores in Bradford and at Lakeside are scheduled for the coming months, reflecting sustained confidence in physical retail and long-term partnerships with landlords and destinations. Andrew concluded: “As we celebrate 170 years as a family business in 2026, we remain focused on sustainable growth, responsible retailing and continued investment in our stores, people and communities. Our heritage gives us a long-term perspective, and we are committed to building value for partners, customers, and future generations alike.”

Young people across North Glasgow will soon enjoy upgraded facilities and resources thanks to the work of Lambhill Stables. The charity provides a safe, welcoming space where the community can come together to learn, play and socialise. Lambhill Stables runs a wide range of activities for local people, including youth clubs, family nights, art classes, employability groups and seasonal boat trips. Every youth and community club session is free and includes a healthy, hot meal and the charity partners with organisations such as the local Citizens Advice Bureaux and the Department for Work and Pensions to offer benefits advice and support. With food and fuel poverty rising, these services are a lifeline for many families. Vicky, a parent who attends the Friday Night Family Night with her kids, explained how important Lambhill is to her family: “We absolutely love Lambhill Stables family club, they always go above and beyond for everyone and make sure everyone’s needs are met. My kids go to a number of clubs during the week, but Family Night is the only one they count down the days to go. As a family with children who have additional needs and a hyper toddler, the staff are amazing with every one of them and my kids have grown a bond with them.” As well as the Family Night the organisation also runs the 6+ Club, which families are quick to praise, with one parent saying: “This club is amazing! The staff are so kind and tend to my child’s needs. She is quite anxious at times, and the staff know how to keep her occupied and entertained. For those moments when she needs space, they give her that without making it a big deal or allowing other children to notice.” With Lambhill Stables proving to be a popular and, in some cases, essential destination for local families, much of their resources have become outdated or worn down due to years of heavy use. The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust has stepped in with a £4,000 donation to replace and upgrade heavily used equipment, from arts and crafts materials to gaming consoles, sporting gear and outdoor play structures. These will help young people aged 6-18 build confidence, develop practical skills and stay active, while creating opportunities for families to bond and engage within their friends and neighbours. Pauline McKenna, a Youth Coordinator at Lambhill Stables, explained the impact the refreshed equipment will have on the club, saying: “The money donated by Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is going to be just incredible. £4,000 might not seem like a lot to bigger charities, but to us it's a lot. It will keep our clubs open. It’ll provide us the ability to give good, healthy food, teach cooking skills to young people and families, and show them how to make food on a budget. If we don't have a budget, we can’t show families how to live on budget and that's what's going to keep us going.” David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, said: “We’re proud to support Lambhill Stables in their efforts to provide young people and families with safe, engaging spaces and activities. By upgrading equipment and resources, the charity can continue to make a real difference in the lives of local people and help young people develop skills that will benefit them for years to come.” This funding will make a real difference to the lives of young people in North Glasgow, helping them learn, grow and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Audiology group The Hearing Clinic UK has announced two new hires and a key internal promotion as it prepares for its next phase of growth. The Glasgow-based company is planning for future expansion in 2026 after enjoying one of its most successful years on record and welcoming more than 7,000 patients across 2025. The Hearing Clinic UK is now one of the UK’s leading independent hearing healthcare providers, employing nearly 40 people across Scotland and England. Specialist paediatric audiologist Dominique Stone has been promoted to clinical governance lead to help drive forward The Hearing Clinic UK’s gold-standard care as it scales the size of the business. As part of The Hearing Clinic’s ongoing commitment to delivering a consistent high quality of patient care, it has hired two new hearing aid dispensers Stuart McConnachie, 42, and Debs Muir, 32, who will be based at the group’s flagship St Vincent Place clinic in Glasgow, and offices in Stirling and Edinburgh. Chris Stone, founder at The Hearing Clinic UK, said: “Welcoming Debs and Stuart as hearing aid dispensers, as well as the promotion of Dominique to this key role within the business, is a real boost to our clinics across Scotland, and to our wider team here at The Hearing Clinic UK." “This news comes at an exciting time for The Hearing Clinic UK as we continue to focus on expanding our presence across the UK, ensuring more communities benefit from our personalised, high-quality audiology care." “As a group we are committed to delivering the highest clinical excellence of audiology care, including navigating the challenges presented by lack of access to the right hearing solutions.” The family-run group currently cares for more than 50,000 patients across the UK, operating 10 practices – from Stirling, at the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, to Glossop in Derbyshire. The business specialises in world-leading hearing technology and audiology solutions, delivered with craftsmanship, warmth and integrity. In her new role, Dominique will oversee clinical governance, patient pathway consistency, and professional development across the group, ensuring the highest standards of audiology care as the business scales. Stuart McConnachie, 42, joined the practice in November, bringing more than 14 years of audiology expertise to the group. Initially qualifying as a dispensing optician, Stuart’s move into audiology has been driven by a keen interest in continually developing not only his skill set, but his approach to patient care. “The Hearing Clinic UK’s approach to patient care is second to none, and I’m proud to be a part of that,” said Stuart. “The team is so patient-focused; they take time to go through full assessments properly with each patient, make sure they have all the information they need, and conduct a full hearing assessment process over multiple appointments to find the right solution." He added: “The people here are all fantastic – it’s a lovely, relaxed atmosphere in the clinic, which has helped me rediscover my love for the job. A desire to help people will stand you in good stead – care and empathy is at the heart of all that we do.” And Debs Muir added: “ Having come from a fast-paced clinic previously, I really appreciate that at St Vincent Place I have time to get to know my patients properly and find solutions that genuinely work best for them. Areas like speech testing are so important and need that time investment to be completed properly.” Debs began her healthcare career as an optical assistant in the eyecare sector before moving into audiology. Over seven years, she progressed from Hearing Care Assistant to fully qualified Hearing Aid Dispenser, a milestone achieved two years ago. Her day-to-day role will involve supporting patients at every stage of their hearing journey, from first-time assessments to long-term care. Outside work, Debs is a passionate music fan and enjoys attending gigs. “Working in audiology, I know I’m giving patients the ability to listen to their favourite song, or to appreciate music in greater detail, is something really special. I never take that for granted.”

St Austell Brewery has announced a year-long partnership with renowned endurance athlete Nick Butter and the immersive running retreat company he founded - Run Weekends. The collaboration will see Proper Job 0.5% - St Austell Brewery’s first low-alcohol IPA - featured at running events globally. Run Weekends offers running retreats, trail running holidays and mountain adventures around the world. Each trip is designed for groups of relaxed, like-minded runners to explore new places, forge new friendships and connect with the great outdoors. It was founded by Nick Butter, who made a name for himself by becoming the first and only person to run a marathon in every country around the world. The partnership will see Run Weekends participants enjoy Proper Job 0.5% at their events, as well the opportunity for people to get involved in competitions and pick up exclusive giveaways - including the chance to win a spot on any UK or European Run Weekends trip. Since its launch in October 2024, St Austell Brewery’s Proper Job 0.5% IPA has already scooped four major awards, firmly establishing itself as one of the best-tasting low alcohol beers on the market. Brewed with the same care and character as the original Proper Job, it delivers bold, citrusy hop notes and a crisp, refreshing finish. It’s the perfect post run pint - all the flavour, none of the compromise, just without the alcohol. Matt Heal, Senior Brand Manager at St Austell Brewery, said: “We’re thrilled to team up with Nick and Run Weekends. Our shared values make it an incredibly organic partnership grounded in Cornish roots, all about championing connection and the joy of living adventurously - qualities that our award winning Proper Job 0.5% celebrates in every sip.” Nick Butter, founder of Run Weekends added: “Cornwall is where my love of running began, so partnering with St Austell Brewery - a like-minded company - feels very special. Run Weekends are all about community, curiosity and pushing your limits in a healthy, sustainable way. Proper Job 0.5% is the perfect fit as a great tasting low-alcohol IPA. We cannot wait to share the work that has been happening behind the scenes.” The collaboration began at the first two retreats this year in Cornwall and will continue globally - from mountain adventures in the Dolomites to the Pembrokeshire trails in Wales.

New research reveals that the UK development industry is entering 2026 with cautious optimism but is still held back by deep-rooted staffing challenges that are slowing delivery and squeezing project viability. The Development Index – produced by real estate and construction hiring specialist, Cobalt Recruitment – captures the current challenges, along with the opportunities and pressures shaping the year ahead. A sector stabilising, but still under strain Drawing on interviews with industry leaders across the UK’s leading property developers, housebuilders, REITs, and investment firms, the report reveals unsurprisingly low sentiment in the market in 2025, but a quiet confidence across the development ecosystem going into 2026, with slow signs of improvement emerging. Softening finance terms, potential further interest rate reductions, and anticipated policy clarity, particularly around the National Planning Policy Framework, are helping to rebuild sentiment. Yet the challenges remain significant. Increased planning delays, staff shortages, constrained project viability, a shortage of viable schemes for lenders, rising cost pressures, and an acute lack of end occupiers and buyers, are all taking their toll on the market. Skills shortages remain a barrier to delivery While there is cautious optimism, this is at risk of being destabilised by growing skills shortages. The Development Index highlights a sector still grappling with evolving talent gaps across certain skills and locations in planning, land, development, technical, design, commercial, and delivery roles, coupled with a challenging market environment. Employers are increasingly seeking professionals who combine technical knowledge with commercial acumen, ESG fluency, and digital literacy, especially in AI-enabled appraisal and design tools. With the continued shift toward refurbishment and regeneration projects, which now represent more than four fifths of new schemes underway, the demand for professionals with skills tailored to complex refurbishment, sustainability standards and evolving regulatory frameworks, is also set to increase. Commenting on the report, Maria Sinclair, Managing Director of Cobalt UK, said: “The Development Index highlights a UK development market that remains ambitious but increasingly constrained in its ability to deliver. Economic pressures, planning complexity and ongoing skills shortages are emerging as significant risks to progress across the sector." "Moving from ambition to delivery will require a renewed focus on execution, with investment in skills, stronger development teams and access to the right expertise becoming critical to navigating uncertainty and unlocking growth." "At Cobalt, we see first-hand how the availability of experienced professionals can accelerate projects and support delivery. The Index is designed to support that discussion, setting out the key pressure points and what the industry must address to move forward with confidence.”

Walmart Inc. (Nasdaq: WMT) announced that its Board of Directors has elected new leaders to its Executive Council. Incoming President and Chief Executive Officer of Walmart Inc. John Furner also shared additional changes designed to help fuel innovation and drive the new era of retail. Furner said: "Over my 32 years with Walmart, I’ve seen that our people are our greatest competitive advantage. These internal promotions reflect our culture of opportunity and the depth of our leadership bench. These leadership changes also mark a key step in how we organize for the future. Even the best teams need the right structure to win." "As AI rapidly reshapes retail, we are centralizing our platforms to accelerate shared capabilities, freeing up our operating segments to be more focused on and closer to our customers and members." These changes, which are effective February 1, 2026, reflect a bench of leaders who are deeply grounded in the company’s purpose and values, and have the vision and experience to guide our next chapter. Leadership appointments include: Seth Dallaire, EVP and Chief Growth Officer for Walmart U.S. is being named EVP and Chief Growth Officer for Walmart Inc. Over the past several years, Dallaire and his team have helped Walmart U.S. expand beyond traditional retail, building new revenue streams enhancing customer value. In his new enterprise role, Dallaire will have responsibility for global enterprise platforms, including Walmart Connect/digital advertising, Walmart+, Walmart Data Ventures, Vizio, Sam’s Club MAP, as well as a global Marketplace platform. David Guggina, EVP and Chief eCommerce Officer for Walmart U.S., will become President and CEO of Walmart U.S. Under Guggina’s leadership, Walmart has built industry-leading delivery capabilities that today serve 95% of U.S. households in under three hours. Guggina’s background in eCommerce and supply chain operations uniquely positions him to continue to drive our goal of being America’s favorite place to shop. Previously he was EVP of Supply Chain Operations for Walmart U.S. Chris Nicholas, President and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S., will succeed Kath McLay as President and CEO of Walmart International. Nicholas grew up in retail, he’s a proven operator and has significant international experience, having lived and worked in more than 10 countries. Previously he served as chief operating officer for Walmart U.S. with responsibility for all aspects of Walmart’s U.S. Store Operations and Supply Chain, CFO for Walmart U.S. and CFO for Walmart International. Latriece Watkins, EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer for Walmart U.S., is being named President and CEO of Sam’s Club U.S. Watkins started her career with Walmart as an intern in 1997. Among her many successes, she reshaped the Walmart U.S. assortment strategy, drove operational excellence, and ensured a consistent, trusted shopping experience. Watkins has held a wide range of leadership roles across Sam’s Club, Walmart U.S. merchandising, People and U.S. store operations.

Bagnalls has successfully completed a major redecoration project at The Milner Hotel, a four-star landmark in the heart of historic York. The work was delivered by the company’s Leeds branch and involved extensive upgrades across guest and communal areas within the hotel. The project was overseen by Bagnalls Contracts Manager Max Rollinson, who led a team of experienced painters and decorators throughout the six-month programme. Works included the preparation and redecoration of multiple guest bedrooms and a wide range of communal spaces, such as corridors, bar areas, entrance lobbies and meeting rooms. Initial preparation involved scraping back all surfaces to remove loose or flaking paint, followed by filling and abrading cracks and holes to achieve a smooth, even finish. Tower scaffolding was used to safely access high-level ceilings in the reception, bar and lounge areas. Ceilings were refreshed using Dulux Vinyl Matt, while walls received two coats of Dulux Diamond Matt. In the hotel bathrooms, Dulux Sterishield Diamond Eggshell was applied. This water-based coating is quick-drying and contains a bactericide designed to reduce bacterial growth, supporting high standards of hygiene. All colours were carefully selected to match the hotel’s existing palette, ensuring the refreshed interiors complemented the building’s established style and character. The project ran from March to September and was carefully planned to minimise disruption to guests. Much of the work in communal areas was completed during night shifts, allowing the hotel to operate smoothly during the day while maintaining high standards of safety for both guests and staff. The quality of the work led to further redecoration and painting tasks being awarded to Bagnalls during the project, reflecting the hotel management’s positive response. The project also marks another milestone for Max Rollinson, who began his career at Bagnalls as a Management Trainee and now leads major projects for the business.

HMG Paints is combining its passion for Art and the local environment by supporting an upcoming exhibition entitled “River Stories” focusing on the River Irk, the very river that runs through the heart of the companies Manchester site. The exhibition being produced by Fiona Brehony, in collaboration with Liz Wewiora and Many Hands Craft Collective and in partnership with Manchester Histories, commences on 16th February 2026 at The Hub, Manchester Central Library. This multidisciplinary exhibition explores the River Irk through sound, image, and community storytelling. It will combine field recordings (including from HMG Paints), collaborative documentary film, and creative works from Many Hands Craft Collective, all rooted in the river's industrial, social, and ecological significance. John Falder, HMG Paints Chairman, commented: “We’re delighted to be supporting this incredible project which brings together artists, community groups, and heritage organisations to explore the environmental, historical, and emotional dimensions of this vital local waterway. It's been a pleasure to welcome Fiona onto our site over the last year or so and we’re excited to see the result of her work and delve deeper into the rich history of the River Irk.” Having a river running through a paint site might not sound like a perfect scenario but HMG have embraced the river as a key feature since moving to Riverside Works in 1958. In fact, the business even won an award for its work with the river having been awarded the Waterside Regeneration Award in the Northwest Business Environment 2003 scheme, organised by the Mersey Basin Campaign. Like the river and the local environment, HMG has also been supportive of the local arts and is well known for its iconic ‘Dreadnowt’ sculpture by artist Jonathan Woolfenden, which was erected in 1993, at the entrance of the New Era Woods, which were planted by HMG in the 1980’s. However, HMG’s engagement with the arts doesn’t stop there, the business also hosted Mancunian artist Max Hague who developed a series of works utilising salvaged paints and materials from HMG’s production. They also collaborated with Interactive Arts students from the Manchester School of Art, Ryan Higgins and Adam Renshaw as part of their project to explore the colours and history of the Adoration of the Magi Tapestry which was designed by Edward Burne-Jones and made by William Morris in 1894. When it comes to Manchester Central Library this isn’t HMG’s first engagement with the landmark building as HMG also supplied over 6000 litres of paint for the refurbishment of the library in 2014, including for the iconic Wolfson Reading Room. The decorative coatings produced by HMG and used at the library were the launchpad of a new business area which has seen significant growth since 2014. "It's been a privilege to work with HMG Paints over the past year, recording the extraordinary sounds of their water-based paint machinery and the river itself at their Riverside Works site. These recordings form a vital part of the exhibition's soundscape, connecting the industrial and ecological life of the River Irk,” said Fiona on the exhibition. “I'm particularly grateful to HMG for welcoming me to install and document a durational cyanotype work at the site - a piece that responds to the river's flows, the changing light, and the paint factory's relationship with the waterway. HMG's decades of environmental custodianship of the Irk, including their Waterside Regeneration Award, is an important part of the river's ongoing story that we're celebrating in this exhibition. Their support makes it possible to bring these layered histories - industrial, ecological, and community-based - to public life at Manchester Central Library." A durational cyanotype is an art project using the slow, extended UV light exposure of the cyanotype process to create images that reveal over time, often representing evolving data or natural processes. The cyanotype produced by Fiona at HMG paints will be featured in the exhibition for visitors to see. Visitors will be able to access the exhibition at Manchester Histories Hub located on the lower ground floor of Manchester Central Library.

Aldi Scotland has awarded £2,500 to Gogar Park Young Curlers through its Scottish Sport Fund as part of a special one-off Champion’s Award launched to celebrate Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Gogar Park Young Curlers will use the funding from Aldi Scotland to invest in essential equipment, including sliding shoes, brushes, coaching aids and team uniforms. This support will help the club provide more inclusive and accessible entry-level opportunities, ensuring that every child has the chance to take part in the sport, regardless of their access to equipment. Mihoko Pooley, member of Gogar Park Young Curlers, said: “This funding from Aldi Scotland will make a huge difference to our club and the young people who take part in our sessions. Curling can be difficult to access without the right equipment, so being able to provide shoes, brushes and uniforms will help us welcome more children and give them the best possible start” Founded in 1979, Gogar Park Young Curlers is a junior curling club based in Edinburgh with around 70 members under the age of 21, mainly from Edinburgh and the Lothians. The club operates weekly Sunday morning sessions at Curl Edinburgh between September and March, supported by volunteer coaches and parent helpers. Young curlers from the club compete in a wide range of internal and national competitions, from Under 12s to Under 21s leagues, travelling across Scotland from Stranraer to Inverness. The club has a strong track record of developing elite talent, with former members Jennifer Dodds and Bruce Mouat going on to win Olympic gold and silver medals at Beijing 2022 and set to represent Team GB again at Milano Cortina 2026. Pooley continued: “With the Winter Olympics coming up in 2026, there is a real buzz around curling just now. This support will help us build on that excitement, grow participation and continue our proud history of developing young curlers.” The Scottish Sport Fund Champion’s Award was introduced as a celebratory extension of Aldi Scotland’s long-running sports funding initiative, recognising a single club that demonstrates a strong commitment to developing young sporting talent. The award aims to harness the national pride sparked by Scotland’s return to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and invest it back into grassroots sport. Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup was a huge moment for the nation, and we wanted to celebrate that success by giving something back through our Scottish Sport Fund." “The Scottish Sport Fund Champion’s Award recognises clubs that go above and beyond to support young people, and Gogar Park Young Curlers is a fantastic example of that commitment. We are proud to support the next generation of sporting champions across Scotland.” Aldi Scotland introduced its Scottish Sport Fund in 2016 to support individuals of all ages and abilities to get involved in physical activity in their local communities. Over the past decade, the retailer has supported more than 650 clubs across Scotland, donating over £500,000 to improve access to sport at a grassroots level.

Marieta Grigorova, who has served as head of Gebrüder Weiss’ Bulgarian operations for 32 years, is retiring. Lyudmil Elshishki, a logistics expert with international experience, is assuming responsibility. After 32 years at the helm of Gebrüder Weiss Bulgaria, Marieta Grigorova (63) is retiring. Her successor, Lyudmil Elshishki (37), assumed the role of Managing Director on January 1. He is already well-prepared for the task, having joined the company several months ago and, during a transition phase, jointly managing the national organization together with Ms. Grigorova, as well as taking on the area management for Albania and North Macedonia. Thomas Moser, Director and Regional Manager Black Sea/CIS at Gebrüder Weiss commented: “Marieta Grigorova has played a pivotal role in shaping the history of Gebrüder Weiss in Bulgaria. Demonstrating vision, courage, and great dedication, she led the company through three decades of dynamic expansion. We would like to thank her sincerely for this.” Grigorova’s career began in 1993 with Gebrüder Weiss’ market entry in Bulgaria. Under her leadership, the company developed into a full-service logistics provider: the Sofia location grew from a small transshipment point for groupage freight from Western Europe, into a central logistics hub for international transport and specialized warehousing solutions. Two additional logistics centers were established in Plovdiv and Varna, and the service portfolio was continuously expanded – today it also includes home delivery for private customers. Gebrüder Weiss is now one of the leading logistics providers in the country, serving well-known customers from the automotive, IT, and consumer goods industries with a workforce of around 160 employees. With Lyudmil Elshishki, an internationally experienced manager is taking over responsibility. The 37-year-old has been active in the logistics industry for more than 15 years, most recently in a management role at a global logistics group. There, he led strategic projects in 14 countries and successfully expanded the retail network. At Gebrüder Weiss, he aims to continue developing the national organization in a stable manner while providing new momentum, particularly in the areas of international transport services and logistics solutions for the automotive and heavy industry sectors. The conditions are favorable: Bulgaria is becoming increasingly important as a hub for transports to the Black Sea region and Central Asia.