Colton Packaging , a leading distributor of high-quality corrugated packaging solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Cora Montgomery as its new Business Development Manager for the Midlands region. With nearly a decade of experience in the packaging industry, Cora brings a wealth of expertise and proven success in customer relationship management, strategic growth and bespoke packaging solutions. In this newly created role, Cora will focus on expanding Colton Packaging’s customer base throughout the Midlands, developing strategic partnerships and supporting clients with innovative and sustainable corrugated packaging. Her appointment comes as part of the company’s ongoing investment in talent and commitment to delivering exceptional service and value across its growing client portfolio. “We’re excited to welcome Cora to the team,” said Director Duncan Smith. “Cora’s extensive industry knowledge and track record in driving business development will be instrumental in strengthening our presence in the Midlands and helping our customers achieve smarter, more efficient packaging outcomes.” Cora previously held key commercial roles with another packaging distributor, where she consistently exceeded growth targets and built long-term relationships across multiple sectors. “I initially was interested in Colton Packaging, as I was looking to take the next step in my career. They have a great reputation in the industry for being a long-standing family business." "From my first interview I could tell that Colton Packaging is a company that are really invested in seeing their team grow and succeed, I knew that I could continue to further my career here and have the companies support and investment in my development." Colton Packaging is a Loughborough-based business offering corrugated cardboard packaging to a variety of regional and national clients across FMCG, manufacturing and e-commerce sectors. Packaging has been at the heart of the Colton family since the mid-nineteenth century. The business is now in its fifth generation and with each passing year their industry knowledge, product range and customer care has grown consistently.

Experiential accommodation specialist Celebration Cottages has appointed strategic brand agency SingleThread, to help cement the family business as the definitive leader in its sector. SingleThread – based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire – has been commissioned to manage a market positioning project complete with rebrand and fresh website, which will be unveiled in the final quarter of 2025. Founded 15 years ago by the Faye family, Celebration Cottages – also headquartered in Huddersfield – has grown from a single property business, to one managing over 65 premium celebration venues across the UK. Specialising in hen parties, milestone occasions, and corporate events, the company typically delivers over 30 celebrations every weekend, with full booking calendars extending 2.5 years in advance. The goal now is to leverage the firm’s rich expertise in the sector, while demand in the market continues to rise. Faye Ackroyd, owner of Celebration Cottages explains: "We're at a pivotal moment, as a society, we value our time more than ever, so demand for experiences has grown phenomenally. But that doesn’t mean these experiences should be commoditised. The details matter, especially when we’re talking high-stakes, no-second-chances celebrations." “To leverage this opportunity, and further our national expansion, it’s crucial that we showcase what we've spent 15 years perfecting. We don't just provide accommodation – we've designed entire properties around the celebration experience.” Unlike many holiday lettings businesses who adapt generic venues for special requests, Celebration Cottages works directly with property owners to design spaces specifically for memorable group celebrations. “From interior aesthetics and optimised layouts, to activities curated to perfectly match guests’ requirements, we know what will make not only the property, but the whole getaway, something people will never forget,” Faye added. “Our goal is to lead the UK market, but our brand is the cornerstone of this strategy. That’s why we have commissioned this project.” Marcus Morgan-Etty, co-founder of SingleThread, elaborated on the timeliness of this opportunity: “The celebration accommodation sector faces significant change, with Airbnb having recently launched its new activities marketplace, for example, and regulatory developments enabling mass-market competition." “While some organisations would see challenges, the family-run Celebration Cottages team sees huge potential. But now is the time for them to stand out and own the space they’ve worked so hard to lead in." "They have what can't be replicated – 15 years of expertise, proven supplier relationships, and properties purpose-built for celebrations. As the market gets crowded, their heritage becomes their competitive moat." Having mostly worked with tech companies and serial entrepreneurs in these early years of Single Thread’s project portfolio, this is not the agency founders’ first foray into the experience economy. “Both myself and my co-director Andrew have spent decades working within or alongside a wide range of hospitality, tourism and cultural environments,” added Marcus. “From breweries and eateries, to entire community movements, we’re seeing a wave of demand from experiential businesses where authentic values combined with premium positioning will accelerate their commercial success.”

Award-winning Scottish hospitality operator, Buzzworks Holdings, has announced the appointment of a new Non-Executive Chairman as it continues to expand and diversify its portfolio. Robert Cook, a well-respected figure within the hospitality sector, joins the board bringing with him more than 35 years of experience in the premium hotel and accommodation sector, including high profile leadership roles as CEO at Hotel du Vin and Malmaison. His appointment signals Buzzworks’ ambition to expand its award-winning model beyond food and drink, and his expertise in rooms, strategy and operational delivery will help support Buzzworks’ planned move into the accommodation space. The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Buzzworks, following a recent management buyout and renewed focus on expansion across Scotland’s towns and suburbs. Robert Cook, said: “I’ve admired Buzzworks’ growth and ethos for many years. It’s a business rooted in community, quality and ambition and I’m proud to be joining at such an exciting stage." “There’s huge potential in their next chapter – particularly with the introduction of rooms – and I look forward to helping shape that journey.” Kenny Blair, Co-Founder and Managing Director, added: “Robert brings a depth of knowledge in accommodation that will be invaluable as we push forward with our growth strategy." “His track record speaks for itself, and we’re pleased to have someone of his calibre join the board as we broaden our horizons and build on the strong foundations already in place.” Buzzworks currently operates 22 venues and was recently crowned Best Managed Pub Company in the UK (Under 51 sites) at The Publican Awards – the first Scottish operator to do so.

Tamarisk Furniture is delighted to announce the appointment of Deborah Dickinson as Head of Sales. Deborah brings with her an exceptional depth of knowledge and expertise in the upholstery industry, having held key roles at respected names such as At the Helm, Arlo & Jacob, and Redbrick.    Her appointment marks a significant step forward in Tamarisk’s strategic vision to enhance customer partnerships, expand market presence, and elevate the brand’s offering across all touchpoints.   Jen Barker, CEO commented: “Deborah’s industry insight, hands-on approach, and commercial acumen make her an exciting addition to the Tamarisk team. Her experience and leadership will be instrumental as we continue to grow and develop our relationships with retailers and clients.” Deborah will be working closely with recently appointed Design Director Suzanne O'Flynn to shape a cohesive and compelling product and fabric collection—true to Tamarisk’s timeless aesthetic, but refreshed with a new energy. Together, they bring a complementary set of skills in design and sales that will strengthen the brand from the inside out.    In her new role, Deborah will also focus on developing and mentoring Tamarisk’s growing sales team. She will play an active role in ensuring retailers are supported with the tools and guidance needed to present Tamarisk at its very best on the shop floor.    Deborah commented: "I’ve long admired Tamarisk for its craftsmanship and enduring style. Everything is handmade here in the UK by skilled artisans — a rare and valuable commitment in today's market. I'm really looking forward to contributing to Tamarisk's product range and sharing our beautiful collection of premium sofas, chairs, and luxurious fabrics. I’m thrilled to be joining at such a pivotal time and look forward to helping the team deliver even more value to our customers." With a strong leadership team in place and exciting plans for the future, Tamarisk is poised to take its next steps in innovation, service, and market growth—always with the customer at the heart.

Robert Whitaker and Vermento, the winners of the Al Shira’aa King George V Gold Cup in 2023, reclaimed the trophy during a thrilling final day of action at the Agria Royal International Horse Show. His victory gave his family a third successive victory in this Grand Prix, with Robert’s cousin Donald having won last year’s class. It also made Robert the fourth rider in Hickstead history to win the Al Shira’aa Derby and the King George V Gold Cup in the same year. “It’s surreal,” said Robert. “To win both is very, very special.” Robert was one of just four of the 46 starters to jump clear round Kelvin Bywater and Ben Townley’s challenging track, which caught out many of the sport’s leading names – including Olympic gold medallist Ben Maher, who had returned to the showground for the final day of the show after attending the wedding of his Paris 2024 team-mate Harry Charles and Eve Jobs. Ireland’s Jordan Coyle was the first of the quartet to jump round the shortened course in the second round. Riding the 14-year-old Chaccolino, he finished in a time of 40.17sec, leaving his rivals very little breathing space. Reigning champion Donald Whitaker was next into the International Arena. Last year he’d won the title on the grey mare Millfield Colette, but this year she was not at the show after being part of the silver medal-winning British team at last week’s FEI European Championships in Spain. This year he was riding the eye-catching stallion Di Caprio, and in the jump-off Donald looked to be in with a good chance of retaining the title – only for a stumble in the middle of the double to put paid to their chances. Next in was Robert, once again riding Caroline and Stephen Blatchford’s 12-year-old black stallion Vermento, a son of Argento. They set off in determined fashion, crossing the finish in a time of 38.88sec to go into the lead. Only one rider could stop him from winning, and that was the 22-year-old United Arab Emirates rider Omar Al Marzooqi, making his first appearance at Hickstead’s five-star event. In the end it went right to the wire, with the smallest of slips from the 10-year-old Enjoy De La Mure meaning the pair finished less than a second in arrears, in a time of 39.74sec, to give Robert the win. Robert is now chasing his father John’s total of three King George V Gold Cup victories. “My Dad gets quite emotional – he bred the horse as well, so the whole story is very special,” said Robert, who hails from Huddersfield but now lives in West Sussex. “It’s just been an amazing year for me and my owners – but the year is not over, and we’ve got to keep going!” Robert and Vermento had originally been selected for the British squad in Friday’s Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain, but Robert opted not to compete for the team and just focus on the Grand Prix. “I jumped at Aachen [last month], and it’s quite hard on the horses to jump both the Nations Cup and the Grand Prix. I was thinking of my horse a little bit – it’s good to have the horse to jump the five-star Grands Prix, and he’s the only one I’ve got for those big classes,” he explained. “He's had two days off since the qualifier, so he was very fresh, and jumped incredibly.” Hickstead Director Edward Bunn thanked Al Shira’aa, who now sponsor two of Hickstead’s biggest classes. “We cannot thank Al Shira’aa enough for what they’ve done for Hickstead. With Omar on the podium and two UAE horses in the top six, it just shows they’re becoming a serious force to be reckoned with, so congratulations to them, and thank you for their support of this world-class event,” he said. Earlier this morning, Kent rider Pippa Goddard won the Breen Equestrian CSIYH1 Final with PDV Constanza. Nine combinations went through to the jump-off, with Pippa stopping the clock on 36.01sec – nearly 2.5sec seconds faster than second-placed Holly Smith and Nike van het Singraven. “She’s really brave, she’s super careful, and she wants to do it, so she tries really hard,” said Pippa. “But she also has her own mind, and you have to go with her rather than interfering and telling her what to do. At home, we don’t do much with her – we hack her out a lot, and she goes in the field. It’s all about keeping her as happy as possible.” The Agria Royal International Horse Show drew to a close. The next competition to take place at Hickstead is the Al Shira’aa British Young Horse Championships (14-17 August), when admission and parking is free of charge to spectators. Photo: Robert Whitaker and Vermento, winners of today’s Al Shira'aa King George V Gold Cup at Hickstead (c) Boots and Hooves Photography

Westlands Farm Shop in Winchester is supporting the city’s food pantry by donating surplus bread to The Carroll Centre, helping reduce food waste while supporting local families in need. The Carroll Centre collects unsold bread from Westlands Farm Shops several times a week, which is then distributed through the community centre’s food pantry service. Westlands Farm Shop is known for its locally sourced produce and commitment to sustainable practices. By repurposing surplus bread that would otherwise go to waste, the initiative not only helps reduce food waste and potential landfill but also provides essential support to locals facing hardship. Kayleigh Collett, one of the owners of Westlands Farm Shop said: “We’re really proud to be supporting such an important local service. As a small, independent shop, we care about the community we’re part of. Donating surplus bread is a simple way we can help reduce waste while making sure food reaches people who need it. The Carroll Centre does amazing work and we’re pleased to play even a small part in that.” The Carroll Centre offers a range of support services to local families, including youth programmes, education support, and a food pantry for households facing financial pressure. Surplus bread donated by Westlands Farm Shop helps stock the pantry, ensuring consistent access to essential food items.

On Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore, more than 47 percent of households struggle to afford the state’s high cost of living and don’t earn enough to afford necessities, according to the 2025 ALICE Report. As part of a commitment to help ease that burden for its Lower Shore neighbors, Perdue Farms and its associates have delivered $302,955 to the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore since December 2024. The contribution includes associate campaign pledges, investments from the company, and the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the charitable giving partner of Perdue Farms. Kevin McAdams, CEO of Perdue Farms said: “Our associates are the heart of our company, and they care deeply about the well-being of their neighbors. We have been long-time supporters of the United Way mission. I’m proud of the impact our associates have made through their generous support of local organizations making lasting positive change in the communities where our associates call home.” Perdue’s support of the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore aligns with its “Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors®” outreach, which focuses on improving quality of life and strengthening communities where its associates live, work, and raise their families. Perdue employs more than 2,220 associates on the Lower Eastern Shore. Pam Gregory, President and CEO of the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore said: “We are honored and thankful for the leadership Perdue demonstrates in helping the local community through our partnership, especially in our most recent 80th anniversary year. Thousands of our neighbors are living paycheck to paycheck and making tough choices every month. Perdue’s commitment to supporting us is seen all year and inspires others to get involved. Perdue is a respected leader throughout the United Way network, helping deliver opportunities for all neighbors to thrive.” Perdue remains the No. 1 contributor to the annual United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore campaign, which allows associates to deduct funds from their paychecks to support United Way partner agencies. Perdue and its associates have contributed more than $5 million to the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore since 1994. Perdue’s entire donation remains on the Lower Shore to support crucial programs and services provided by 43 local agencies through nearly 80 programs annually. Perdue Farms’ commitment to its communities is highlighted in the company’s FY26 Corporate Stewardship Report. About United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore (UWLES), celebrating 80 years of local service, harnesses the power of our community to advance health, education, and financial stability for all neighbors in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. UWLES and their community partners help empower Lower Shore residents by addressing barriers for better health, supporting educational success for learners of all ages, and strengthening economic security for local households. UWLES provides direct services, collaborates with stakeholders, and supports dozens of local nonprofits to strengthen the entire community, impacting 1 in every 3 neighbors annually. Through the Get Connected Volunteer Center, UWLES connects over 200 nonprofits with community members who want to get involved.

In a thunderous victory lap for Scottish sport, Glasgow Tigers Speedway has been catapulted onto the world stage - earning a coveted spot among the top 10% of global sporting experiences on Tripadvisor. This electrifying recognition is powered by glowing reviews from fans and first-time visitors alike, who’ve been captivated by the Tigers Friday night showdowns at their home in Ashfield Stadium. For the first time ever, the Tigers have gone from local legends to international icons, with Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards 2025 spotlighting the speedway as a must-see attraction. “A great afternoon with brilliant racing on a superb track,” raved one reviewer. Another called it “probably the most fun, entertaining and thrilling event you can go to in Glasgow.” Riders from two teams tear around the oval dirt track at speeds of up to 70 mph, on bikes with no brakes, racing each other for vital league points. It’s a spectacle of skill, speed, and sheer nerve that’s leaves fans breathless and begging for more. Tripadvisor President Kristen Dalton praised the Tigers for leaving a “memorable impact” on visitors, adding, “Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you’ve inspired people to share their joy with the world.” Club owner Gerry Facenna credited the fans: “Our passionate supporters are the heart of this club. Their passion fuels every race, and we can’t wait to welcome even more fans from around the globe.”

HMG Paints, the UK’s leading independent paint manufacturer, is proud to continue its support of the Minutes Matter campaign. The campaign encourages the transformation of iconic red telephone boxes into vital community defibrillator stations, with paint manufacturers donating materials to help bring these icons back to life. One such project recently took place in the small hamlet of Donaldson’s Lodge, Cornhill-on-Tweed. After BT decommissioned the local phone box, the Parish Council stepped in to preserve the familiar red kiosk under the “Adopt a Telephone Kiosk” scheme. The box was repurposed as a community book exchange, which quickly became a much-loved feature for both locals and visitors. By early 2025, the kiosk had fallen into disrepair and was at risk of being removed altogether. A survey carried out by the Parish Council revealed strong support for keeping the kiosk as a book exchange, with many residents also suggesting that it could house a defibrillator, giving the project a new lease of life. Elspeth Gilliland from the Parish Council reached out to HMG Paints for support, and with their experience in heritage restoration projects, HMG were more than happy to help. HMG supplied a paint system that is specifically suited for traditional telephone boxes, ensuring a durable finish that protects and enhances. Rusted areas of the phone box were treated with Ferrozinc Rust for the initial prep. This was overcoated with two coats of HMG’s DG142 Synthetic high opacity undercoat, before being top coated with HMG Coach Enamel, in the iconic BS 381C 539 Currant Red. Thanks to the dedication of the local community volunteers and the right products for the job, the kiosk has now been beautifully restored. It continues to operate as a book exchange, and the newly installed defibrillator is a valuable addition to the area. Speaking of the project, Elspeth said, “While we hope the defibrillator will never be needed, its presence could make a critical difference in an emergency. In regions like Donaldson’s Lodge, where homes and farms are spread out over long distances, having accessible defibrillators is incredibly important.” Alyssia Thorburn of HMG said, “Projects like this remind us how colour and community care can truly bring landmarks back to life. We are proud to have played a small part in preserving a piece of British heritage while supporting local wellbeing.” HMG Paints is encouraging more community support for the "Minutes Matter" campaign by sharing your Telephone box. If you have painted a Telephone Box and converted it to a Defibrillator station or even a community library, please share your images with us on social media using the hashtag #HMGpaints or tagging us using @HMGpaints. If you are planning to convert your community's phone box, please get in contact with HMG Paints, who will support with paint donations.

A Lake District primary school has a newly renovated outdoor play house for its nursery children, thanks to a local hotel group offering to cover the cost of repairs. The Wendy house restoration project was initiated by the nursery at St Martin and St Mary primary school in Windermere. The wooden play house in the nursery playground was no longer usable after 17 years and the school was looking for help in getting it restored to its former glory. The team at the Sam’s Club charity at English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues heard about the project and stepped in to help with a donation of £840 to cover the school’s costs. Local parent Sam Bell, who owns Yew Tree Joinery, undertook the maintenance and repair work along with his apprentice Connor. Repairs included waterproofing the leaking roof, installing new woodwork, replacing rotten window boxes and repainting the play house exterior. Annabel Berry from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues explains: “This has been a lovely project for us to get involved in through our Sam’s Club charity. When the school told us about their project to restore this beautiful play house, we were keen to help and make it all happen as quickly as possible so the children could play in it once again.” The Sam’s Club charity supports local charities and good causes. The hotel group’s mascot Sam the Dog was invited to the school on a special visit to see the nursery pupils and the refurbished play house. Liz Russell from the nursery explains: “Our Wendy house was in obvious need of urgent repair, and we are extremely grateful to English Lakes Hotels and Sam's Club for stepping in with their generous donation to cover the costs of labour and materials. It’s wonderful to get the play house back into beneficial use again, as it’s been loved and enjoyed by so many of our children over the past 17 years.” For further information about Sam’s Club and the hotel group’s support for local communities, visit here . Above Photo: (left to right) Annabel Berry and Sam the Dog from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues with St Martin and St Mary nursery pupils together with Janette Berry, Liz Russell and Lisa Brockbank.

St Austell Brewery’s Brewing Director has been named Brewer of the Year by the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group (APPBG). Georgina Young, who has led the production teams at St Austell for the past five years, was recognised at the APPBG’s annual dinner in early July. The Brewer of the Year award is nominated by an expert panel comprising representatives from the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), Frederic Robinson, Titanic Brewery, and the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA). The award recognises not only brewing expertise but also the individual’s wider contribution to beer, brewing, people, and the community. Rita King, Honorary Secretary of the APPBG, said: “Georgina was a standout candidate and a truly deserving winner of this year’s award. Her dedication to brewing, her innovative spirit, and her passion for educating and welcoming others into the industry are highly respected across the beer community. When we speak to people about influential brewers, Georgina’s name is often mentioned as an inspiring figure whom many admire.” Georgina joined St Austell Brewery – a leading independent, family-owned brewing, hospitality and drinks wholesale business in the south west - in May 2019, leaving her role as Head Brewer at Fuller’s to return to the West Country, where she grew up. Georgina was promoted to Brewing Director in 2020 and oversees production at both St Austell Brewery’s brewing sites – St Austell and Hare Brewery in Bath. She continues to receive international recognition for the quality of St Austell Brewery’s beers – including Proper Job, Tribute, and korev. Last year, she successfully launched St Austell Brewery’s first no and low beer, Proper Job 0.5%, which has already scooped awards just nine months on from its debut, as well as releasing a canned version of her refreshing pale ale made with 100% British ingredients, Anthem. Georgina said: “I’m incredibly proud to have been given this award, which I was truly not expecting. It is a real privilege to be a brewer at St Austell Brewery and to be able to collaborate with such talented individuals across the industry." “Together, we are committed to celebrating great British beer, inspiring the next generation of brewers, and advancing sustainable practices in an ever-evolving world." The award comes hot on the heels of being voted Brewers’ Brewer of the Year at the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) Business Awards in 2025. In 2023, Georgina also received two further accolades: Brewer of the Year at the Guild of Beer Writers Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Brewer’s Congress. Georgina is a trustee of the Chartered Institute of Brewing & Distilling and a member of the Worshipful Company of Brewers. At St Austell Brewery, she serves on the Sustainability Steering Committee, where she champions energy-saving and environmentally responsible initiatives. She plays a key role in helping St Austell Brewery progress towards its ambitious – yet essential – target of achieving net zero ahead of the government’s 2050 deadline. The Annual Beer Awards Dinner, supported by the APPBG for over 30 years, celebrates achievements across the beer industry and Parliament. This year’s event welcomed 170 attendees, including 70 MPs and peers. The APPBG’s mission is to promote the enjoyment of beer and the unique role of the pub in UK society. It seeks to raise awareness of the social, cultural, and historic significance of brewing and pubs in the UK and their contribution to tourism and employment and to support the success of the UK’s brewing industry at home and abroad.

The UK manufacturing sector showed tentative signs of stabilisation in July, but the underlying picture remains fragile as demand softens and cost pressures mount. Manufacturing output was broadly flat in the three months to July, according to the latest CBI Industrial Trends Survey. Although declines were recorded across a wide range of sub-sectors, these were largely offset by stronger activity in the motor vehicles & transport equipment and food, drink & tobacco sectors. However, manufacturers expect output to fall slightly over the coming quarter to October. Demand conditions continued to weaken. Total new orders fell during the past quarter, primarily due to a drop in domestic orders, while export orders remained unchanged. Looking ahead, firms anticipate declines in both domestic and overseas orders through to October. Exporters, in particular, are grappling with growing headwinds. More than half of manufacturers—56%—cited pricing as a key constraint on exports, up significantly from 38% in April. This likely reflects a combination of higher US tariffs and the appreciation of Sterling against the US dollar. In addition, one in five firms reported that quotas and licensing issues are limiting export potential, a level rarely seen since the 1980s. Cost pressures intensified further. The growth in average costs accelerated for the third consecutive quarter, reaching the fastest pace since January 2023. While both domestic and export prices rose, they failed to keep up with rising unit costs, pointing to a continued squeeze on manufacturers’ profitability. Firms expect domestic prices to rise at an above-average pace over the next three months, while export prices are anticipated to remain flat. Business sentiment has continued to decline. Optimism among manufacturers deteriorated again in July, with little sign of recovery in investment appetite. Spending plans for the year ahead remain weak across the board, including in buildings, plant & machinery, training & retraining and product & process innovation. Firms highlighted that investment is being held back by uncertainty around future demand, inadequate returns, and persistent labour shortages. The jobs outlook also remains subdued. Manufacturing employment fell for the third quarter in a row and is expected to decline slightly further in the three months to October. Shortages of skilled labour remain a pressing issue, with more than one quarter of firms citing this as a constraint on output in the next three months. Ben Jones, Lead Economist, CBI, said: “Conditions in UK manufacturing remain challenging, with many firms reporting subdued and unpredictable demand. High input costs, labour shortages and global supply chain disruptions are continuing to put pressure on margins and capacity." “Rising labour costs have undermined manufacturers’ external competitiveness. While some exporters are finding opportunities overseas, overall sentiment is cautious, with economic and policy uncertainty weighing heavily on investment decisions." “What manufacturers really need now is stability—starting with predictability in the tax environment, alongside delivery at pace on the government’s industrial strategy, skills reforms and steps to bring down energy costs. As we look ahead to the Autumn Budget, government must work to reassure businesses to avoid additional uncertainty that could further weaken investment prospects.” The survey, based on the responses of 304 manufacturing firms, found: Output volumes were broadly unchanged in the quarter to July, after falling sharply in the quarter to June (weighted balance of -2%, from -23% in the three months to June). Firms expect volumes to fall slightly in the three months to October (-6%). A broad range of sub-sectors reported lower output volumes (12 out of 17 sub-sectors), but this was largely offset by higher output in the motor vehicle & transport equipment and food, drink & tobacco sub-sectors Total new orders fell through the quarter (balance of -17%, from 0%), driven by a decline in domestic orders (-16%), as export order volumes were flat (0%). Manufacturers expect the total volume of new orders to decline in the three months to October (-18%). Business sentiment continued to deteriorate in July (balance of -27%, from -33% in April). Export optimism for the year ahead also weakened (-26%, from -35%). Manufacturers’ competitiveness has deteriorated in both EU markets (balance of -13%, from -7%) and non-EU markets (-23%, from -18% in April), with the latter falling at the fastest pace since 2005 in the three months to July. Competitiveness is expected to worsen again in the three months to October (-10% and -13%, respectively). Investment intentions for the year ahead are weak. Manufacturers expect to reduce investment in buildings (-28%, from -38% in April), in plant & machinery (-15%, from -33%), in training & retraining (-13%, from -20%), and in product & process innovation (-6%, from -22%). The main constraint on investment was uncertainty about demand (cited by 50% of manufacturers, close to the long run average), followed by inadequate net return (27%), and labour shortages (21%). Average costs rose in the quarter to July, at the fastest pace since the quarter to January 2023 (+63%, from +48% in April; long run average of +19%). Costs growth is expected to slow in the quarter to October (+41%). Average domestic prices rose at their fastest pace since January 2023 in the quarter to July (+33%, from +13% in April), and export prices also rose (+19%, from +3%). Domestic prices are expected to rise at a slower pace in the quarter to October (+21%), whereas export prices are anticipated to be unchanged (+1%). Stocks of work in progress fell in the three months to July (-12%, at the fastest pace in four years). Stocks of raw materials were broadly flat (-1%) and stocks of finished goods rose marginally (+3%). Manufacturers expect stocks of work in progress (-21%, the weakest expectations since January 2021), of raw materials (-19%) and of finished goods (-6%) to all fall in the three months to October. Numbers employed fell in the quarter to July (-11%, from -16% in the three months to April). Manufacturers expect numbers to fall again, albeit marginally, in the quarter to October (-5%)