According to the latest report from the Federation of Small Business (FSB) the share of small businesses who said they expected their business to shrink or close, or to sell up the business over the next 12 months – 27 per cent – outweighed the proportion who predicted their business would expand – 25 per cent – in the second quarter of this year. It is the first time in the history of the Small Business Index (SBI) that the proportion of small firms bracing for contraction, sale or closure outnumbered the percentage hoping to grow. In the first quarter, by contrast, nearly half of small businesses (48 per cent) expected to grow over the coming year, while only around one in six (18 per cent) were bracing for contraction, sale or closure. The percentage of small firms predicting that they would remain around the same size has gone from a third in Q1 (34 per cent) to nearly half in Q2 (49 per cent). This unprecedented finding underlines the urgent need for the Government’s forthcoming Small Business Strategy to take decisive action to help small firms grow, and to get the economy humming. The survey of 1,400 small business owners also found their confidence levels have slipped further since the start of the year, and are still deeply in negative territory. The headline confidence measure dropped to -44 points, down from -41 points in the first quarter of this year. The gloomy finding likely reflects small business sentiment around the introduction of higher levels of employer National Insurance contributions and rises in the National Living Wage, which came in at the start of Q2 in April, as well as fears around the impending Employment Rights Bill, which looks set to impose a new raft of costs and risks onto the shoulders of small employers. The pessimistic outlook was reflected in small businesses’ predictions for their revenues over the next three months, with over two in five (42 per cent) predicting they would decrease, and only around a quarter (27 per cent) looking forward to higher revenues over the third quarter. Twice as many small businesses shed staff over Q2 (20 per cent) than increased their employee numbers (9 per cent), with similar numbers predicted for the next three months (19 per cent and 8 per cent respectively). In terms of factors which will constrain their growth over the next year, small business owners overwhelmingly pointed to the domestic economy, selected as a top-three concern by 64 per cent of small businesses. The tax burden was in second place, at 39 per cent, closely followed by labour costs, at 37 per cent – both likely in large part a response to the hike in employer National Insurance contributions. Tina McKenzie, FSB’s Policy Chair, said: “For the first time in the history of the Small Business Index more small businesses are predicting they will shrink than expand, meaning that as a country we are potentially facing a very dangerous situation." “Confidence being so low, and not showing any improvement since the start of the year, is bad enough. But add in the fact that stagnation and pessimism among small businesses spells huge risk for the overall economy, and the upcoming Small Business Strategy needs to be ambitious enough to meet the scale of the challenge facing the UK’s small firms." “The Government has made all the right noises about supporting the small business community. Now is the time for ministers to make good on their promises, and to use the Small Business Strategy to tackle issues like late payments by big businesses to their smaller suppliers, and the blanket imposition of personal guarantees on small business loans, both of which are enormous brakes on growth among small firms." “Meanwhile, the Employment Rights Bill is also a massive dampener on small firms’ appetite to take on staff. The Bill is set to load a staggering £5 billion in costs per year onto employers, so it’s no surprise that nine out of ten small employers are seriously concerned." “With no significant changes as yet to the proposals, especially to the policy of expanding day one unfair dismissal rights, the Bill will act as a thumb on the scales against taking on a new employee, maybe someone who is further from the employment market. This will endanger the Government’s goal of hitting an employment rate of 80 per cent, and will cut off routes into work for countless people who are looking for a role that will grow their prospects.”

Harrisons, a leading UK manufacturer of nonwoven wet and dry wipes, is working with The Hygiene Bank, a grassroots organisation working to tackle hygiene poverty across the UK. As part of the relationship, Harrisons will donate 15,000 wipes every month to The Hygiene Bank’s nationwide distribution network, with support from Harrisons’ third-party logistics partner, Magnum Logistics. These wipes are a practical household essential — the kind many of us take for granted — but often out of reach for those who can’t afford everyday cleaning products. They’ll support people in maintaining safe, hygienic living spaces during difficult times. The announcement builds on an initial donation of nearly 40,000 wipes, which were successfully distributed through The Hygiene Bank’s Doncaster project earlier this year — a pilot that clearly demonstrated the real-world impact of such contributions. The Hygiene Bank operates through a network of community partners — including charities, schools, and local services — to ensure donated hygiene products reach those who need them most. Their mission is to bring communities, businesses and thought leaders together to tackle hygiene poverty by giving access to products and being a voice for change. Commenting on the announcement, Managing Director Stephen Harrison said: “At Harrisons, we believe everyone should have access to the basics that support a clean, healthy life. Household cleaning products might seem like a small part of everyday life, but they play a big role in daily dignity and wellbeing. We're pleased to be working with The Hygiene Bank to get these essentials into the hands of people who need them most.” Ruth Brock, CEO of The Hygiene Bank said: “We’re so grateful for our growing relationship with Harrisons. Their regular donations of essential cleaning products make a real difference to individuals and families in hygiene poverty. These product donations help to ensure that everyone has access to the basics they need to feel clean, giving hope and an opportunity for a better future." "Harrisons kind and consistent support is vital in ending hygiene poverty across the UK.” This donation programme forms part of Harrisons ’ broader commitment to making a positive impact in communities across the UK.

St Austell Brewery has partnered with London’s sustainable brewing powerhouse, Toast Brewing, to create a limited-edition beer made using surplus bread. Breakfast Club is a 4.5% golden ale with a sustainable twist. It has been brewed using British Harlequin and Jester hops, alongside Toast’s surplus breadcrumb. Toast sources surplus breadcrumb from bakeries across the UK, turning what would normally be wasted into something delicious. Each pint of Breakfast Club contains the equivalent of a quarter of a slice of bread. Breakfast Club is part of St Austell Brewery’s special limited-edition cask ale line-up for 2025. It will be available throughout the year in a selection of St Austell Brewery’s 45 managed pubs across the South West, as well as in its leased and tenanted estate across the region and in independent pubs across the UK now. This marks the third collaboration between the two breweries – the first in 2016 for St Austell’s small batch brew series and again in 2023 for St Austell Brewery’s special release of No Mow May, a 4.5% golden ale supporting the charity Plantlife. Georgina Young, Brewing Director at St Austell Brewery, said: “Our collab with Toast in 2023 was created in our small batch brew space, but this time we’ve gone big on our main 30,000-litre kit. Fresh, fruity and golden, this ale is crafted using British Harlequin and Jester hops, laid over a light base of local Maris Otter barley and surplus breadcrumb supplied by Toast – because brewing can taste good and do good.” Toast uses surplus bread to replace some of the barley. This means less land is needed to grow barley for brewing, and fewer loaves go to waste. Since 2016, Toast has saved so many slices of bread that, stacked together, they would reach more than five times the height of Mount Everest. Toast’s Head Brewer, Stuart Robson, who joined the brew day in St Austell, said: “It was amazing to join Georgina and the team to create Breakfast Club in the main brewhouse. This beer gives us a chance to scale up our impact by reaching people in pubs across the UK." “The bread has come from sandwich manufacturers, where crusts are unused. This crumb provides carbohydrates and sugars that can replace some of those normally produced from barley or wheat in the brewing process. It reduces the beer’s carbon footprint, and this particular brew has saved around 350 loaves of bread from being wasted.” Alongside unveiling its first major rebrand in over 70 years in June this year, St Austell Brewery also launched its ambitious sustainability plan, Crafting a Brighter Future. You can read more about the sustainability approach here.

Arco, the UK and Ireland’s leading safety products and services company, marks the start of its Hull-based safety training courses with dramatic working at height display. Arco’s Professional Safety Services team showcased their expertise with a dramatic working at height demonstration at the Hull Training Centre in June, rigging ropes between its Customer Discovery Centre and new working at height structure adjacent to the A63, before traversing the ropes to deliver a striking visual display. This state-of-the-art facility is the latest investment in Arco’s Professional Safety Services, designed to provide critical, hands-on training for workers in high-risk environments across Yorkshire and beyond. The Hull centre is an expansion of Arco’s National Distribution Centre (NDC) site, integrating a dedicated learning academy and a new Customer Discovery Centre. This comprehensive hub combines product expertise, practical training, and industry collaboration. Specialising in confined space and working at height, the facility features a confined space labyrinth and safe rooftop access for practical exercises. It also includes two modern classrooms, shower facilities, and onsite parking. Key Training Courses Available in Hull: • Confined Space: Working in Low Risk, Entrant and Entry Controller for Medium Risk. • Working at Height: Courses ranging from rooftop safety to ladder safety. • First Aid: Emergency First Aid at Work, First Aider at Work, First Aid at Height. • General Health & Safety: Including Respiratory and Rooftop Safety. All confined space and working at height courses are MATS Accredited. Arco also offers a blended learning approach, incorporating e-learning, video conferencing, and virtual reality modules. Additionally, Arco Professional Safety Services provides mobile confined space units, a result of a £200,000 investment in 2023, capable of simulating diverse risks for on-site bespoke training. Jamie Sadler, Commercial Director at Arco Professional Safety Services, commented: "We have invested significantly in our NDC site this year to make safety more accessible for our customers. This new centre of excellence demonstrates Arco's approach to the future of health and safety; putting innovation, convenience and high-standards at the forefront." "Working at height and confined spaces remain the most dangerous environments and therefore they require expert training and support. Access to bespoke training that provides people with the correct skills and capabilities to carry out their work safely is essential. Whether it is equipment, training or support, our experienced teams offer a complete solution." Steve Dawson, Training Manager from Arco, added: “We are delighted to deliver training that builds valuable skills for local people, supporting both their personal development and the needs of businesses in the community.” For a full list of training courses available in Hull and to book now, please visit here .

British cherries will be the next crop to benefit from the warmest UK Spring on record when the fruit starts going on sale across the UK from this week. The great news for shoppers is that the extra sunshine and hours of daylight over the last few months means the fruit is not only bigger than in recent years but also sweeter and juicier. It’s also resulted in the largest predicted yield for three years with Tesco reporting that it will be able to completely rely on UK grown cherries from early July. Tesco cherry buyer Olivia Amey said: “The extra sunshine and daylight hours have played a major part in the quality of the fruit we’ve been sampling from around the country over the last few weeks and we know customers are going to be impressed." “And it’s also meant that overall volume is up early in the season meaning that we’ll be able to meet the usual summer demand for cherries solely with British produce." “We’re also working with UK growers to extend the season by looking at new varieties of both early and late ripening cherries that can deliver a classic British–grown taste – fleshy, firm, plump and fit to burst with a great juicy surge of sweetness.” One of those growers is AC Hulme, based near Canterbury, in Kent, which says that the company is very optimistic about this year’s UK cherry season which now lasts 10 weeks, almost double to what it was just five years ago. The UK cherry industry has transformed over the past two decades thanks to more and more British growers seeing better yields by using dwarf root stock, grafted onto new tree varieties. These produce much smaller trees which can be grown in plastic tunnels, creating a micro climate with temperatures similar to the Mediterranean and protecting the fruit from any inclement British weather. And these new smaller cherry trees can now be picked by workers on foot rather than ladders, enabling British cherries to remain competitively priced. It’s meant that UK cherry production is once again thriving and is now so strong that British growers are this year set to produce an estimated 8,000 tonnes of cherries – around four times the harvest in 2018. Given that in in 2015, 559 tonnes that were picked in the UK, it shows just how far the revival has come in such a short space of time. AC Hulme Managing Director, Tom Hulme said: “The British cherry industry is moving at pace again now and new varieties are being brought in that are not only better suited to the British climate to improve quality and taste but also to help us extend the growing season." “Over the last few years we have brought in some exciting early season varieties such as Sweet Aryana and Grace Star as well as exploring later season cherries such as Kir Rosso which will extend the current season by an extra 10 days." “But there are several other innovations being used to extend the UK season such as controlling air conditions in storing rooms post-harvest to improve shelf life and also using different types of poly tunnels to accelerate and delay ripening cherries through limiting sunlight." “Cherries are very susceptible to the weather and if it is too rainy or too humid the fruit suffers but the good news is that this year we have had pretty decent growing conditions and we are looking forward to a nice long season with the best quality fruit for several years.”

In today's fast-paced, globalized world, local businesses face numerous challenges. Big corporations dominate many markets, often pushing small, family-owned shops to the brink of extinction. One of the most effective ways to combat this trend is through strong community support. This blog post explores why community backing is vital for local businesses and offers actionable insights on how individuals can contribute. Understanding Community Support Community support encompasses a variety of actions and mentalities that propel local businesses forward. This support can come in many forms: shopping locally, sharing a business on social media, or even word-of-mouth recommendations. Each small act contributes to the overall health of the local economy. When community members rally behind their local businesses, they create a thriving environment in which innovation can flourish. For instance, data from the American Independent Business Alliance suggests that locally-owned businesses recirculate a significantly larger share of every dollar as compared to chain stores. Specifically, studies show that local businesses return about 3.5 times more money to the local economy than their corporate counterparts. A busy local market filled with shoppers and stalls. Benefits of Supporting Local Businesses Supporting local businesses contributes not just to the local economy, but also promotes a sense of community. Local shops often serve as gathering places, fostering connections among residents. Here are a few benefits of supporting local enterprises: Economic Growth When consumers choose to purchase from local businesses, they invest in the economic ecosystem of their community. More local spending means increased revenue for local governments through taxes, which can be used for public services such as parks, schools, and infrastructure. Unique Products and Services Local businesses tend to offer unique products and personalized services that larger chains cannot match. For example, a local coffee shop may provide artisanal coffee made from regionally sourced beans, which makes for a more authentic experience than a fast-food chain could offer. Job Creation Small and medium-sized businesses are responsible for creating a significant percentage of the jobs in many economies. By supporting local businesses, communities help sustain existing jobs and create new ones, contributing to lower unemployment rates. A charming local storefront that invites visitors in. Building a Strong Local Brand Community A localized brand community is born when local businesses engage with their customers and other businesses in the area. This sense of belonging can transform casual shoppers into loyal patrons. Here are some actionable strategies for strengthening community bonds: Collaborations with Other Local Businesses Partnering with other local businesses is an effective strategy. For instance, if a local bookstore collaborates with a nearby café for events like book readings, it can draw traffic to both places. This not only enhances customer experience but encourages cross-promotion. Community Events Businesses can host or sponsor community events such as farmers’ markets, craft fairs, or charity runs. These events provide marketing opportunities while fostering a sense of community. For example, when local stores participate in holiday festivals, they not only attract customers but also create a festive ambiance that draws the community together. Loyalty Programs Creating a loyalty program can encourage repeat visits and make consumers feel valued. A system offering discounts or rewards for frequent shoppers can foster customer loyalty while increasing sales. Handmade crafts beautifully displayed at a local artisan market. The Ripple Effect of Community Support The impact of community support far exceeds immediate economic benefits. When local businesses receive support, they can invest in their relationships with other community members. Here's how that ripple effect works: Enhancing Community Identity Local businesses are often a cornerstone of community identity. They reflect the culture, values, and history of the area. When residents support these businesses, they reinforce a shared sense of identity and belonging. Attracting Tourism Unique local businesses can help attract tourists. Travelers are often on the lookout for authentic experiences. If they are drawn to a community with vibrant local shops, eateries, and craft fairs, that exposure can lead to increased tourism revenue. Environmental Sustainability Supporting local businesses is also beneficial for the environment. Shorter transportation distances mean decreased carbon footprints and less congestion. Plus, many local businesses focus on sustainable practices. For instance, local farmers might use organic farming methods that benefit the land and reduce harmful emissions. In summary, the benefits of community support for local businesses are multifaceted and enriching both economically and socially. By working together, residents create a robust environment conducive to sustained growth. Ways to Show Support for Local Businesses Encouraging community support requires proactive measures. Here are some actionable suggestions for individuals who want to contribute to the well-being of local businesses: Make Local Purchases Choose to spend money at local shops, markets, and restaurants whenever possible. This simple act generates a positive impact on local economies and ensures that business owners can continue to thrive. Share on Social Media In today's digital age, your online presence can be instrumental in promoting local businesses. Share their posts, write reviews, or create your own content highlighting your favorite local spots. This can significantly enhance their visibility, especially among younger demographics. Attend Local Events Take part in community events that showcase local businesses. Whether it’s a pop-up shop or a craft fair, your participation helps to create a lively atmosphere and demonstrates your support for local initiatives. Advocate for Local Regulations Support policies that favor local businesses, such as small business grants or regulations that limit corporate expansion in your area. This kind of advocacy can make a significant difference in fostering a supportive atmosphere for entrepreneurs. In supporting local businesses, you're often supporting families. Many of these establishments are family-owned and operated, such as those you can read more about on Family Business United . Final Thoughts on Community Support In summary, community support is crucial for the survival and growth of local businesses. The benefits extend beyond mere economics; they cultivate connections, enhance cultural identity, and promote sustainable practices. Each time a resident chooses to support a local shop or brand, they nourish their community's spirit and enrich their own experiences. By coming together and committing to support local businesses, everyone plays a vital role in creating a more vibrant and sustainable local economy.

Springburn, Glasgow - Hundreds of families in Springburn can continue to access basic food, toiletries, and support services each week, thanks to the work of local charity Spirit of Springburn. Based at the Community Hub in Springburn shopping centre, the organisation offers a broad range of services including welfare rights assistance, mental health support, community events, and their recently launched “Monday Essentials” programme. Every Monday, locals use the charity’s Community Fridge to access tea, coffee, sugar, toiletries, and cleaning basics - items that have become increasingly in demand as the cost of living continues to rise. To meet the growing need, Spirit of Springburn has expanded into a larger unit, providing more space and a safer environment to deliver its services. However, with over 200 families now using their services for essential supplies, the cost of supplying the Monday Essentials programme alone is around £250 per week. On top of that, the charity is facing increasing running costs, particularly for electricity to power fridges and freezers. The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust has awarded Spirit of Springburn £2,500 to help cover these ongoing costs. The funding will directly support the Monday Essentials programme and contribute to the organisation’s increased electricity expenses as they continue to grow their services. Helen Carroll, founder and Chair of Spirit of Springburn, explained what the Trust’s donation would mean for the charity: “More people use the Monday Essentials now than ever before. This donation will keep us going for another three months of weekly fridges; more if we can get some food donations to top things up. It will make a big difference to local folk, because those wee essentials are usually what people give up first when they're struggling. This money is a blessing.” David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, said: “The dedication of Spirit of Springburn to improving and supporting their community is remarkable. By helping them meet everyday costs, we’re proud to play a small part in ensuring their doors stay open to those local people who rely on them.” This support will help Spirit of Springburn to continue to make a real difference to the lives of families and individuals in Springburn, strengthening community ties and offering a place where people can come for support, essentials and companionship.

Brewers were thrilled to support the London School of Muralism (LSoM) once again with the donation of 25L of Albany Masonry Paint and sundries for their latest mural. Just opposite Waterloo Station, a once harsh and overlooked underpass has been transformed into a riot of colour and humour thanks to the brand-new mural from the renowned Artmongers collective. Led by artist Patricio Forrester, founder of LSoM and co-founder of Artmongers, the project brought together seven emerging muralists with members of the local community through a creative collaboration with St John's at Waterloo Arts Club. Aptly titled “Water Loopy Flypass”, the artwork features a flock of fashion-forward, commuter pigeons soaring under the arch in quirky, colourful outfits – a cheeky nod to both urban life and London's beloved feathered residents. After five lively design sessions, two bold concepts were presented to the public for a vote, via local networks LERA, Coin Street, SOWN, and St John's at Waterloo. With 189 people casting their votes, the playful pigeon design took 65% of the vote. “This space felt a bit unloved,” said Patricio Forrester. “Humour can dissolve the tension in a space like this. And pigeons—often stigmatised—deserve the spotlight. They’re graceful, resilient and undeniably part of London’s soul.” Painting directly onto the high-arched structure posed unique technical challenges. Artists had to account for extreme viewing angles and distort figures accordingly. The mural was brought to life by LSoM students: Tessie Orange Turner, Charlotte Clarke, Finn Donovan, Tia McKoy, Beci Ward, Farya Hussein, Ana Mendoza and Ruan Murphy, with painting contributions from local residents John Pierce and Francesca Hearn. To see how Brewers support projects like this across the UK, please click here

P1 Contractors Ltd, one of Scotland’s leading landscape construction specialists, has successfully completed the soft landscaping works at the newly opened Woodmill and St Columba’s RC High School in Dunfermline—the world’s largest certified Passivhaus education building. The landmark project, led by Hub East Central Scotland on behalf of Fife Council, was constructed by BAM UK and Ireland and designed by AHR Architects. The 26,666 m² campus brings together two schools on a single site and sets a new global standard in low-energy, high-performance education buildings. It was officially certified to the Passivhaus Classic standard in June 2025, following its opening to pupils in August 2024. As the appointed landscaping contractor, P1 Contractors was responsible for delivering all external soft landscape works. The team implemented a wide-ranging planting scheme that included the installation of over 200 semi-mature trees, more than 19,000 shrubs, herbaceous plants, and hedging species, and 2,000 spring-flowering bulbs. These were carefully integrated across the site to enhance pedestrian, recreational, and outdoor learning areas, supporting both the environmental goals and the visual identity of the campus. Johnsons Nurseries Ltd, one of the UK’s largest commercial growers, located between Harrogate and York, provided the plant supply. Johnsons worked in close partnership with P1 Contractors to deliver robust, high-quality nursery stock on schedule, ensuring the scheme reflected both the design intent and the project's long-term sustainability goals. Ryan Whitelaw from P1 Contractors said “From day one, we worked hand-in-hand with BAM, AHR and Johnsons to create outdoor spaces that are every bit as energy-efficient, resilient and inspiring as the buildings themselves. By combining native planting, pollinator-friendly meadows and innovative rain-garden systems, we’re not only cutting the campus’s carbon footprint—we’re giving students a living classroom that will flourish for decades to come." Martin Cooper Construction Director with BAM said that becoming No.1 in the world is not just about size. "It is about vision, collaboration and a belief that we can raise the standard for everyone. Passivhaus is more than a building method; it is a commitment to quality, wellbeing, environment and a better future. Delivering the largest certified Passivhaus education building on the planet is something every one of us at BAM can be proud of." Johnsons Group Managing Director, Graham Richardson, said: “We are incredibly proud to have supplied the plants for such a landmark development in sustainable education. Our team worked closely with P1 Contractors to ensure every plant was grown, selected, and delivered to meet the specific requirements of this pioneering Passivhaus project. It’s fantastic to see our stock forming part of a green space that will enrich the lives of students and staff for generations.” The project was supported by the Scottish Futures Trust and funded through Fife Council’s capital investment programme. It also acts as a pathfinder for Scotland’s Net Zero Public Sector Buildings Standard, marking a step change in how public infrastructure is designed, built, and maintained. The planting scheme delivered by P1 Contractors and Johnsons Nurseries will not only support biodiversity and environmental performance, but also bring seasonal colour, structure, and natural beauty to the campus—creating a vibrant, living landscape that will be enjoyed by pupils, staff, and the wider community for many years to come.

Family Business United is delighted to launch its latest research project to quantify the impact of family businesses in the community. All across the UK family firms make a difference each and every day but we want to understand the impact, the activities undertaken and the reasons family firms get behind a cause. We want to encourage family businesses to complete the short survey to help us determine the extent to which family firms make a difference, locally, regionally and nationally. As Paul Andrews, Founder & CEO of Family Business United explains, "Family businesses do so much for the communities in which they operate and we are keen to ascertain the drivers behind their giving and the impact it has." "We know that family firms do a lot in the charitable space and often don't shout about it and we want to collectively create a piece of research that shows the impact they have - from grass roots support of local sports clubs to national research projects - and to publish it in due course and show what we already know, that family firms are a force for good." Family Business United is encouraging all family firms across the UK to share their thoughts by completing the short questionnaire below:

Fifth-generation luxury British bedmaker, Harrison Spinks, has appointed Jimmy Caines as National Hospitality Account Manager, in a brand-new role created to support the company’s growth plans within the hospitality sector. The appointment coincides with the relaunch of the company’s dedicated mattress collections, as part of a focus to invest further in its hospitality offering. With over 20 years’ experience in the furniture and mattress industry, including senior roles at well-established national mattress manufacturers, Jimmy joins Harrison Spinks as the company’s primary hospitality lead to further advance its strategy – representing the brand at key industry events including Decorex and the Independent Hotel Show, as well as building strategic relationships to support ongoing growth in this market. Commenting on his new role, Jimmy Caines said: “Joining Harrison Spinks presents an exciting opportunity to bring my years of field experience to a forward-thinking, innovative company renowned for its dedication to providing luxury, responsibly made beds and mattresses." “The hospitality sector holds immense potential for us, and I’m keen to ensure more guests across the country experience the exceptional comfort and high-quality craftsmanship of a Harrison Spinks mattress." “I’m proud to be joining a team who are incredibly passionate about the brand and its story, and are committed to enhancing the guest experience for our clients. While my primary focus is hospitality, I will be drawing on the strong relationships I’ve built over the years to support the retail side of the business too.” Harrison Spinks has relaunched its two bespoke collections – the Signature Collection, designed for hotels and hoteliers, and the iD Collection, created with interior designers in mind. Each collection offers thirteen expertly handcrafted designs available in a range of tensions, including turn-free, dual-sided and pillowtop options tailored to meet the diverse needs of hotel and contract clients. The company has also refreshed its product brochures which detail its tailored service – where beds can be made to any width or length, with a choice of tension, fabric and headboard. Each mattress is carefully layered with responsibly sourced natural materials, including breathable, homegrown hemp and flax, and temperature-regulating traceable British and Yorkshire wool, combined with ultra-responsive HD micro springs and award-winning Cortec™ Quad pocket springs, for targeted support and cloud-like comfort. Nick Booth, Managing Director at Harrison Spinks Beds, said: “Our renewed focus on the hospitality sector marks an exciting chapter for Harrison Spinks. The appointment of Jimmy into this newly created role, combined with the relaunch of these two specialist collections demonstrate our commitment to delivering unique, highly tailored beds that provide exceptional sleep and a lasting impression on our clients’ guests." “This strategic investment reflects the growing demand for luxurious, handcrafted and responsibly made beds in the hospitality space, and our investment in our leadership, innovation and storytelling is helping us grow this important part of our business.” Photo: (Left to right): Signature Collection 23,000 cut through at the Harrison Spinks farm & Jimmy Caines, National Hospitality Account Manager at the Harrison Spinks Innovation Centre.

Bradford headquartered TL Dallas has signed a deal to continue its longstanding partnership with Bradford City AFC. The new three-year agreement will take its involvement with the club beyond 25 years. As a fourth-generation family and employee-owned business, that has been based in Bradford for over 106 years, TL Dallas first began its official journey with the Bantams in the 2000/01 season, securing an executive box in the newly developed main stand – a space it’s held ever since. This new agreement will see TL Dallas retain the executive box for the next three seasons, alongside its ongoing sponsorship of The Bradford End Stand. Mike Martin, Group Director of TL Dallas, said: “Our connection with Bradford City stretches back even further, through our long-standing friends at Thomas Fattorini Ltd – the famous makers of the 1911 FA Cup trophy won by Bradford City. In 2003, we proudly became the naming rights partner of The Bradford End Stand, which is now known as the TL Dallas Community Stand. This latest deal will extend our naming rights through to 2028, marking more than a quarter of a century of support for the club." “Last year, we were delighted to see the stand renamed the TL Dallas Community Stand, reinforcing our commitment to the local community. Through the Bradford City Community Foundation’s Community Ticket Scheme, the stand has hosted thousands of schoolchildren and community members – something we’re incredibly proud to support." “Our backing of Bradford City has never wavered, and we were thrilled to see the team achieve promotion at the end of last season. The passion shown by the city, its supporters, and everyone at the club was remarkable." “We wish Graham and the squad every success in Sky Bet League One, and we’re looking forward to seeing the TL Dallas Community Stand full once again – particularly with the buzz of more local derbies and the continuation of the Community Foundation’s fantastic ticketing scheme." “The club’s progress in recent years under the leadership of Stefan Rupp, Ryan Sparks, and the senior team has been impressive, and we are honoured to be part of that journey. We thank Bradford City for their ongoing partnership and look forward to continuing our shared success both on and off the pitch.” Bradford City’s commercial manager, Michael Shackleton, added: “It has been a privilege to work with Mike and his team during my time at the football club, and we are excited to continue the partnership over the next three years. TL Dallas has been a huge supporter of Bradford City commercially and we always enjoy working closely with Bradford-based businesses. TL Dallas has been heavily involved, partnering in several areas, including naming rights, executive boxes, branding and player sponsorship and we are very grateful for that.”