Manufacturing output volumes fell in the three months to May, at the joint-steepest pace since August 2020, according to the CBI’s latest monthly Industrial Trends Survey (ITS). Looking ahead, output is expected to fall further over the three months to August. Total order books weakened marginally in May, relative to April, while export order books improved from a sharply negative reading last month. But both total and export order books remain well below their long-run averages. Manufacturing firms reported that stock adequacy for finished goods was largely unchanged from last month, with the balance standing close to the long-run average. Expectations for selling price inflation over the coming quarter were broadly similar to last month, remaining above the long-run average. The survey, based on the responses of 281 manufacturers, found: Output volumes fell in the three months to May at the joint-steepest pace since August 2020 (weighted balance of -25%, the same as in December 2024, and down from -2% in the quarter to April). Manufacturing firms expect output volumes to decline again in the three months to August (-14%). Output decreased in 13 out of 17 sub-sectors in the three months to May, with the fall in output being driven by the metal products, food, drink & tobacco and mechanical engineering sub-sectors. Total order books were reported as below “normal” in May (-30% from -26% in April). The level of order books remained far below the long-run average (-14%). Export order books were also below “normal” but improved relative to last month (-29% from -41%). The balance still stands below the long-run average (-18%). Expectations for average selling price inflation in May were broadly similar to last month (+26% from +23%). Expectations remain above the long-run average (+7%). Stocks of finished goods were reported as more than “adequate” in May (+10% from +13% in April), with stock adequacy standing close to the long-run average (+12%). Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, said: “Sentiment among UK manufacturers seems poor, reflecting a combination of rising domestic business costs and US tariff uncertainty. Many respondents to the survey reported a reluctance to spend among their customers." “Although there are some bright spots, notably aerospace and renewable energy, the sector as a whole is reporting that their order books remain weak, and this is expected to weigh on output volumes through the summer." “While the government has taken steps to boost UK competitiveness on the global stage by striking trade deals with India, the US and a UK-EU reset, more action is needed to shift the dial." “Businesses are facing pressure from high energy costs, rising labour costs and the threat of extra regulation with the Employment Rights Bill coming down the track. Government must avoid further burdening business while simultaneously building confidence through the launch of an innovative Industrial Strategy." “At a time of heightened global economic uncertainty this could really help to promote the UK as an attractive and stable environment for investment, which is critical for driving long-term, sustainable growth.”

A huge new stabling complex has been unveiled at the All England Jumping Course, Hickstead, as part of a £2million upgrade project. Stabling experts Cheval Liberté were in charge of building the new stabling project, which includes 204 new stables housed within six barns. The other upgrades include new hard standing areas, wash down bays, as well as new shower and toilet facilities for the riders. The barns will be used as the international stabling for the two main fixtures in the Hickstead calendar, the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting (19-22 June) and the Agria Royal International Horse Show (22-27 July). In addition, the stabling will be available for competitors at Hickstead’s national shows as well as those attending the showground for external shows, camps and clinics. Showground Manager William Bunn explains: “This project has been three years in the planning, during which we took the time to find the right contractors and the right designs, and now we've delivered what we've always wanted in terms of world-class facilities." “It’s vital that Hickstead, as one of the leading showgrounds in the world, continues to compete with other venues in the sport, and this project is the latest in a series of investments we’ve made to improve the facilities including new all-weather arenas, a new grandstand, and improvements to our hospitality suites.” During the summer months, Hickstead hosts its two major international fixtures along with three national competitions – the Hurst College National Schools Jumping Championships, the Al Shira’aa British Young Horse Championships and the All England September Tour. In recent years, Hickstead has diversified to offer corporate events and parties, as well as cross-country and showjumping training courses that are open from autumn to spring each year. The new upgrades mean Hickstead can now offer more year-round camps, clinics and training sessions. “We are hoping to attract more branches of the Pony Club, Riding Clubs, plus coaches and instructors, who wish to organise camps and clinics here using our world class training facilities,” said William. Arwel Davies, head of Cheval Liberté UK, added: “It's been a wonderful project to be involved in. We've been able to manufacture and install all the stabling in a matter of six months. I’ve been running Cheval Liberté UK for 20 years, and this project has been the pinnacle of my career. I'm very proud to have been able to provide the service that Hickstead required, and to deliver such a fantastic new facility.” Grégory Rulquin, the owner and founder of Cheval Liberté, added: “As a horseman and big fan of showjumping, it has been a dream to come to Hickstead and support this project. From the beginning to the end, it's been a big team effort, and the result is just outstanding.”

A farm near Wickham is causing a buzz in the countryside after introducing 25 new hives of bees to boost their soft fruit harvest. Westlands Farm, in Shedfield, has brought in the 25 hives of Honey and Bumble Bees to support pollination and maintain the health of its raspberry and strawberry crop during the current growing season. The bees and their hives have been supplied to Westlands by Strides New Forest Honey. As part of the relationship Strides collect all the honey produced by the bees and some of that is then sold in Westlands Farm Shop. Farmer Graham Collett, owner of Westlands Farm, said: “Using both Bumble Bees and Honey Bees enables us to maintain a really healthy strawberry and raspberry crop." “They manage the nectar levels in the flowers, which supports stronger fruit development and helps reduce the risk of disease and mould. The honey they produce from our raspberry nectar is processed off-site and sold in our farm shop, completing a full farm-to-jar process." “The Bumble Bees play a vital role in pollinating the raspberry flowers, the Honey Bees help manage excess nectar, which can build up as the fruit develops and increase the risk of mould.” Westlands produces raspberries and strawberries in glasshouses and polytunnels, enabling an extended harvesting period and helping to meet the local and national demand for fresh, seasonal produce. About Westlands: Westlands Farm Shop is a family-owned business dedicated to ethical and sustainable farming, aiming to reduce food miles and promote local food. The business has been nurturing local supply chains and supporting small businesses in the community since opening its first shop in Meon Valley in 2001. Westlands opened their second store on Winchester High St in 2024, bringing high-quality, British farm produce to the heart of the city. Above Photos: The Bumble Bees play a vital role in pollinating the raspberry flowers. The bees and their hives have been supplied by Strides New Forest Honey.

Leading British spring manufacturer Spinks launched four groundbreaking innovations at the Interzum show this month, with three of the products being recognised in this year’s prestigious Interzum Awards – including the highly sought after Best of the Best Award. Spinks’ latest microcoil and pocket spring technologies showcase its next-generation approach to comfort innovation. The newly-launched Microlution microcoil took home the ‘Best of the Best’ accolade – the highest recognition available at the show – while new spring innovations Quadrolution and Micro Copper were each awarded ‘High Product Quality’. Micro Trio, a fourth new product, was also unveiled at the international industry show in Cologne, having missed the award entry deadline. Like all Spinks’ innovative technologies, these new spring systems have been designed and created in-house at the company's Yorkshire facility to be recyclable without the use of glue. Award-winning Spinks innovations launched at Interzum 2025: • Microlution – the next generation of microcoil technology featuring Spinks’ innovative two-stage approach – two springs working together to provide initial comfort with secondary support in a single layer. The level of luxurious comfort and long-term support this patent-pending technology provides has never before been possible within a microcoil layer. • Quadrolution – an evolution of Spinks’ innovative glueless QuadCore spring technology, this recyclable system has infinite customisation opportunities, allowing Response Coils to be positioned between each group of QuadCore springs to create a secondary support system that then allows for zoning, phased zoning, or a firm edge. Made with just two raw materials, this patented design offers revolutionary recyclable core technology to the bedding industry. • Micro Copper – the world’s first microcoil to feature copper-infused nonwoven fabric, resulting in a product with antimicrobial and anti-fungal benefits. The technology utilises the hydrophilic nonwoven currently used within medical applications, while the fine-wire microcoils can be positioned close to the mattress or seating application surface, making it extremely useful where hygiene is paramount – such as transportation seating. • Micro Trio – a microcoil like no other, with three active coils formed from a single piece of wire to provide unrivalled comfort for mattresses and bedding. The revolutionary patented coil system seamlessly transitions from pressure-relieving comfort to adapt to personalised support for every body type. Darren Marcangelo, Chief Commercial Officer at Spinks, said: “This year’s Interzum has been hugely exciting for us. To launch four new technologies that set new standards for comfort and performance is a great milestone and to see three of them recognised with one of the most prestigious awards for our industry – including our first ever ‘Best of the Best’ award – has been a real honour for the team. We're confident we could have won a fourth too if Micro Trio was launched in time." “These innovations reflect growing demand from bedding and seating manufacturers for highly customisable solutions and versatile designs." “We’re the pioneers of microcoil technology, and we challenged ourselves to deliver even more comfort and support into our range of coils." “Copper is also a key trend in bedding at present, mainly in the US, but European and Asian manufacturers are starting to adopt it too. Customers want innovative products and want to be able to differentiate – so we’re responding to that with new innovations that offer high levels of customisation, with each developed to give our clients a real competitive advantage.” The award-winning Micro Copper and Micro Trio is set to be commercially available this year, with Microlution and Quadrolution available from early 2026.

Outdoor living just became even more beautiful and practical, following a team-up between Caribbean Blinds, the UK’s leading name in external shading, and Grillo Outdoor Kitchens. At the heart of the partnership is a premium louvered pergola, built by Caribbean Blinds and tailored to match Grillo’s elegant outdoor kitchens, creating the ultimate setting for garden entertaining. Designed and manufactured in Britain, this new collaboration offers a fully coordinated solution for enjoying stylish, weatherproof alfresco living throughout the year. The design provides reliable shelter from sun and rain and enhances the overall look and feel of the space, creating the perfect connection between cooking, dining and relaxing outdoors. “We’ve combined our most popular pergola with Grillo’s signature black finish, ensuring the two work beautifully together in any garden,” says Stuart Dantzic, Managing Director at Caribbean Blinds. “The result is an inviting, practical outdoor space that performs in all seasons and looks stunning all year round.” Made using durable, high-grade materials, both the pergola and the kitchen have been engineered to last. The modular nature of each system means they can be configured to suit gardens of all shapes and sizes, with finishes chosen to suit a range of property styles, from sleek modern terraces to traditional landscaped grounds. “Caribbean Blinds have nailed it,” says Dougal Donald, Managing Director at Grillo. “They’ve created a top quality, sturdy pergola that’s colour and size matched to our kitchens. It’s exactly what our customers have been looking for.” For anyone planning to upgrade their garden or patio, this new partnership makes it easier than ever to create a stylish, high-performance outdoor entertaining space. Customers can explore the collaboration in person from mid-June at the Caribbean Blinds Dream Gardens show site in Sudbury, Suffolk, where a full Grillo kitchen and pergola installation will be on display.

The countdown is on for Scotland’s largest two-day agricultural event – which is set to take place on Sunday 3 to Monday 4 August 2025. Each year, Turriff comes to life, as those from near and far are brought together to experience and exhibit the very best of northeast farming and its quality produce. Balmaud Distillery, a new family-run business based in Turriff and launching in summer 2025, is the lead sponsor of the 2025 show. The Strachan family, well-known local farmers, have supported the show in previous years through their other business, Bridgend Aggregate. Each year, the show attracts over 24,000 visitors, uniting people from all backgrounds, as they come to explore the very best of Scottish agriculture, from livestock classes and trade stands to sampling Scotland’s iconic food and drink. Crowds gather around the impressive main ring to enjoy a packed schedule of entertainment throughout the two-day event. Turriff Show is well-regarded on the agricultural ‘show circuit’ for showcasing some of the nation’s best livestock, equestrian, small animal, and dog classes, awarding one of the largest Monetary awards in the UK. In total 340 trophies are presented and over £88,000 is paid in prize money across more than 1,500 exhibitor classes. Animal classes include prime cattle, sheep, horses & ponies, rabbits, cavies, dogs, and pigeons. Industrial and craft classes are for skills including baking, vegetable growing and flower arranging. Exclusively to the main ring this year will be ‘The March of Time’, a captivating procession of agricultural machinery from across the ages - taking you on a fascinating journey in time as farm machinery of all vintages parade past the crowds. The main entertainment lineup also promises a thrilling experience. From the exhilarating Flyin' Ryan stunt show to the return of the ever popular and hilariously entertaining Sheep Show, there’s something for everyone over the two days. John Ledingham, President of the 2025 Turriff Show, said: "Having been involved in various roles over the years, it's a real honour to now serve as the fourth generation in my family to take on the role of President. No other event brings agriculture and the wider community together quite like the Turriff Show, and it holds a special place in my heart." “We are delighted to host the annual Limousin Grand Prix Show this year. The Limousin cattle, a breed known for their meat-producing qualities will be showcased and judged for this prestigious event,” he continued. Gail Greig, Turriff Show Secretary added: "No two days are the same at Turriff Show - a fun-filled family day out to experience a range of farming activities and opportunity to learn something new are a guarantee. Last year, we introduced a horse-shoe shaped marquee combining the arts & crafts display, shopping mall and exhibition all in one – which is set to return for 2025." “The EQ Food and Drink Pavilion continues to grow, as we welcome new exhibitors to showcase a rich supply of the region’s finest food. They will join other longstanding favourites including Wark Farm Pies, Louise’s Farm Kitchen, Bakery Lane, Rora Dairy and many more.” Mr Ledingham concluded, "Agricultural shows like ours are at the heart of rural life. They bring us together to showcase the best of the north east region - from livestock and horticulture to food, crafts, and the incredible talents of our community. These events are more than just competitions - they’re a celebration of hard work, resilience, and the spirit that defines our farming communities." “We strive to ensure our visitors to get out as much out of their day(s) at Turriff Show as possible. To save money and enjoy quicker entry, we recommend pre-purchasing tickets online through our website to take advantage of our early bird offer. Be sure to check our social media for the latest updates on what’s happening. We look forward to welcoming you to Scotland’s largest agricultural show this summer.” Top Photo: The Ingram Family of Logie Durno Sheep winning the overall champion of champions at Turriff Show 2024

A Leicester-based children’s book publisher, who once appeared on Dragons' Den, met his childhood hero David Beckham at The Chelsea Flower Show.   Tom Willday, 37, showed the football ace his plantable children’s books, after which the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star shared a post about the books on his Instagram stories.   The post then went viral and helped Tom’s business really take off. Tom, creates unique plantable children’s books through his family printing business, so that children get to meet their heroes. But when he met his very own hero at the show, Tom couldn’t believe it. And after the football star shared a video of him and Tom with his 88 million Instagram followers, demand for books has skyrocketed. Tom, who owns the business called Willsow, appeared on Dragons' Den in 2022 when Sara Davies became his business partner.   He said: “Meeting David Beckham was like a dream come true, he is such a lovely man and he absolutely loved the books and shared a story on his Instagram about us, I couldn’t believe it.” But it didn't stop there with other stars getting on the bandwagon, including Ferne McCann from TOWIE who also posted a video about the Willsow books.   Tom continued: “We met the King last year, and as David Beckham is part of the King's Trust, which is trying to get children gardening, I thought he would be the perfect person to introduce these books to."  “So when he went on a walk around, I just approached him and said ‘hi David, do you mind if I show you my books?’   “When he took a closer look, he said ‘these are excellent, really incredible’, and he asked for a book to take away. “Of course I gave him one, and I thought, nothing of it."   “The next day a photo of my book was shared to his Instagram story to his 88 million followers! Then other stars started sharing it too.”   Since Becks shared the post, Willsow’s business has been catapulted, with enquiries coming in thick and fast for the books which are all about superhero vegetables and herbs - Carrot, Lettuce, Dill, Parsley and co.   Tom, who has a 16-month-old girl called Olive, said: “Once you read the book, you plant it in the ground and it grows the actual vegetable. It all started because I wanted to educate children about nature's wonders. Some kids struggle to understand where vegetables come from - many think they come from Tesco. I wanted to show them that you can grow them yourself." “You don’t have to plant the whole book, just tear the back page off and keep reading the story while it's growing. We make all these books in the UK, including the seed paper.   “We also have the Royal Horticultural Society Christmas crackers and calendars that grow a different flower every month. We also have a licence with Shaun the Sheep that grows hundreds of wildflowers.”   The business hopes to expand internationally next year, and the team already has a distributor in the US lined up. They are also trying to launch the books in Japan.   Tom said: “Retail is difficult, and print faces a tough challenge. We are just a small family run business trying to grow and this has really helped put us on the map.” Willday, the company which prints Tom’s books started with Tom’s great-grandad Alfred, who passed it down to his grandad Raymond and then his dad. Tom now uses that company to print his unique creations under the brand name Willsow.   Tom said: “We are now the UK’s leading manufacturer in printing seed paper. I have put my heart and soul into it, and hopefully it will grow for the next generation for my daughter and her kids, and so on.” And getting support from David Beckham has certainly been a major boost. Tom said “It is so amazing to think that David Beckham posted about my books, it's just incredible that he's willing to support such a small brand. He is just the kindest and nicest bloke. He didn’t mind posing for photos at all."   “Meeting your hero can be daunting, but I realised it doesn't matter who you are, everyone's the same.”

AW Hainsworth , a 242-year-old woollen mill based in Pudsey, has made a substantial investment in its sustainability strategy and partnered with Planet Mark to measure and reduce the business's carbon footprint. The company’s 2024 Sustainability Report explains how the historic textiles manufacturer plans to use 2024 as its baseline year for sustainability reporting by changing how emissions are measured to embrace a data-first approach, incorporating external validation to ensure transparency and efficient progress tracking. The cloth producer aims to maintain the heritage production and processes that preserve the company's history while continuously innovating, reducing its environmental impact year-on-year, and prioritising the well-being of its 210 employees. It is adopting a data-driven methodology aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, which saw them conduct a comprehensive site and process assessment last year to identify all scope 1 and 2 emissions sources from onsite operations and purchased electricity. The West Yorkshire manufacturer also completed a suite of energy-reduction projects in 2024, which includes retrofitting existing equipment, replacing 570 lightbulbs with LED lights, and optimising processes for compressed air and heating water. Last year’s carbon emissions data has been independently verified and certified by Planet Mark, a globally recognised certification body. This approach has already guided investment in key pieces of production equipment and a new data collection platform, which has been installed into the mill’s electrical distribution system. The next step for AW Hainsworth is to begin collecting and verifying Scope 3 emissions data to measure emissions generated across the value chain by AW Hainsworth and Atkinson Dyeing. It will set an official Net Zero target in 2028 while working on short and mid-term plans for carbon reduction across its sites. Their short-term plans include using real-time energy monitoring equipment to track electricity consumption patterns and pinpoint energy-intensive processes. The zero-to-landfill manufacturer will also work towards installing an energy recovery unit to capture waste heat from the flue exhaust gases, which will be used to pre-heat the feed water in a closed loop system, reducing the fuel demand and reducing carbon emissions from this source by over 20%. AW Hainsworth, which sells to 60 countries worldwide, will also use the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a guide, documenting its journey towards evolving into a more sustainable business in its annual sustainability report. The Royal Warrant Holder has created two new job roles dedicated to sustainability. Paul Dudley has been hired as the company’s head of Sustainability and Engineering, responsible for driving sustainability strategy, and Matt Lambert, Senior Process and Sustainability Engineer, who manages sustainability projects and initiatives across the mill. Managing Director of AW Hainsworth Amanda McLaren explains: “We continue to make substantial progress—not only in improving our processes and facilities but also by triggering a company-wide cultural shift towards a sustainable mindset. As a business, our understanding of what sustainability means to us has evolved and grown and now sits at the heart of our company values." “We’ve set a standard across the mill for sustainable behaviour and it’s been a joy to see the entire Hainsworth team contribute to the creation of a safer, more efficient and responsible business. In 2024 we made our biggest commitment yet. A key building block of our sustainability strategy is establishing accurate and comprehensive tracking of all our emissions and output, so we can have a full picture of our carbon footprint and set reduction goals that are substantial yet achievable." “I have confidence that by investing in rigorous data tracking, committing to continuous process improvement, and prioritising our corporate social responsibilities, AW Hainsworth can continue to set the standard for sustainable textile manufacturing in the UK.” In 2025, the company aims to build on the insights from its monitoring systems and has identified a suite of improvements to implement to reduce energy usage. One of the planned projects will see work begin on a new borehole water treatment plant. As agreed with Planet Mark, the goal at the end of 2025 is to reduce total carbon emissions by 5%.

An award-winning Glasgow family-run pizza business is moving into a larger factory in Coatbridge to meet growing demand, creating 17 new jobs and doubling its production capacity. Victor Pizza Ltd, founded in the 1970s as a small family bakery, has grown into a £5 million business while staying true to its roots in quality and tradition. In the early days, the team was approached by a local Italian fish and chip shop owner with a unique request: a pizza that could be fried - a nostalgic nod to how it was made back in Naples. What started as a backroom experiment became Pizza Fritto, now a chip shop favourite across Scotland, more commonly known as pizza crunch or deep-fried pizza. As the company grew, so did its ambitions. With a greater focus on nutrition, Victor Pizza teamed up with Donnie Maclean from Scottish food brand Eat Balanced, who had worked with health experts from the University of Glasgow to develop a nutritionally balanced pizza. The result was a multi award-winning pizza made with iodine-rich seaweed and a natural prebiotic fibre (good for gut health) in the base and vitamin-packed red pepper paste mixed through the sauce. Today, these pizzas are shipped across the UK to schools and sports venues, providing healthier options that don’t compromise on taste. Backed by a seven-figure funding package from Bank of Scotland, Victor Pizza is relocating from its 12,000 sq ft site in Possilpark to a new 24,500 sq ft facility in Coatbridge. The upgraded site more than doubles production capacity, introduces new product lines - including High Protein Pizza, Pizza Wraps and Mini Buffet Pizza Bites - and brings in 17 new hires, bolstering the team to 54 employees. Inside the factory, it feels more like a family home. Generations work side by side - mums and sons, cousins and neighbours - with co-founder Anne Marie Cairney still fondly known as the “Chief Soup Maker” for her warm presence and legendary home-cooked lunches. Community values are at the heart of Victor Pizza. The business regularly donates surplus food through organisations like FareShare, Too Good To Go and homelessness charity Emmaus, and frequently welcomes school pupils on educational visits to learn about food production and career opportunities. Five members of the senior leadership team began with no formal qualifications and have worked their way into senior roles. Looking ahead, sustainability is firmly on the menu. The new site is being prepared for solar panel installation and Victor Pizza is working with Scottish Enterprise on projects to reduce food waste and lower carbon emissions. Anne Marie Cairney, co-founder at Victor Pizza, said: “We’ve come a long way from frying pizzas in the back of a Glasgow bakery. Now, we’re sending out hundreds of pallets every month to customers all over the UK." “Winning Scottish Family Business of the Year in 2019 was a real ‘pinch me’ moment and proof that all the hard work and heart hasn’t gone unnoticed." “We’ve built something more than a factory. It’s a family. And that’s the difference people feel when they work with us. This new chapter in Coatbridge gives us space to grow while staying grounded in the values we started with.” Kyle Gibson, relationship manager at Bank of Scotland, said: “Victor Pizza is a fantastic example of how a value-led, family-run business can grow without losing its heart. Their commitment to innovation, sustainability and community shines through and we’re proud to support them on their journey.” Above Photo: Anne-Marie and Paul Cairney, Founders, Victor Pizza.

A Perthshire-based wellness business is planning to expand across the UK after the owners received specialist support from Business Gateway. Husband and wife, Paul and Tara Scott, founded Enriched Being in 2023. Tara is a qualified nutrition coach and Paul has a background in biology and aquaculture, having recently earned a Diploma in Biomedicine as a refresher for going into the business. Tara first discovered the health benefits of microgreens after facing some health challenges in her thirties. She radically altered her diet to include microgreens and noticed huge improvements. Microgreens are tender, young shoots of various vegetable or herb plants which are harvested at an early stage of growth. Despite their small size, they are full of flavour and packed with nutrients, with up to 40 times as many nutrients as adult plants. Incorporating microgreens into your diet is said to help boost your immune system, support digestion and enhance overall wellbeing. Through Enriched Being, Tara and Paul harness these health benefits by offering fresh microgreens, which can be added to most meals, whether added to a sandwich, a soup, a salad or in pesto. The couple supplies their products to several Scottish hotels, including Andy Murray’s Cromlix Hotel, Kinloch House Hotel and Cairn Lodge Hotel. The duo will soon be selling a new signature product, Big Shot, a 30ml cold-pressed microgreen shot designed to deliver a powerful burst of nutrition in a single sip. Each bottle contains a whole punnet of fresh microgreens, naturally fermented to unlock nutrients, improve absorption and last longer. These are made with all natural products and come in glass bottles to ensure freshness for longer. They currently hand-deliver the freshly harvested microgreens to local chefs and consumers to ensure maximum freshness and quality. These have a two week shelf-life, meaning the customers have all had to be local. However, with Big Shot the couple is able to expand the reach thanks to it’s naturally longer shelf life of around 30 days. This means Big Shot can be posted across the UK, making the powerful benefits of microgreens more accessible than ever. Tara and Paul are also exploring other options to expand their reach even further. Although Tara and Paul had business experience, they had never worked in the food industry before, so approached Business Gateway for support in 2024. Their Business Gateway adviser, Michelle Maddox, provided one-to-one support, shared market insights and was able to help the pair understand food safety regulations. Michelle also supported with funding applications, which has recently resulted in a Beyond Scotland Grant. This grant provides specific support to businesses to enable them to expand into new markets overseas or into other parts of the UK. Thanks to support from Business Gateway, Tara and Paul successfully applied for Futures4All funding, which is going towards a new staff member who works eight hours per week to help with harvesting. Enriched Being was also a regional winner at the Scottish EDGE Awards, where they received a £10,000 grant. Tara Scott, co-owner of Enriched Being, said: “Running a business is always full on, especially when you're growing something from the ground up – literally! Moving into the food and drink industry has been a steep learning curve, even with our previous business experience." “The support we've had from Business Gateway has been a game-changer, from helping us understand food safety regulations to giving us insight into the market and helping us with funding applications. We've also loved connecting with other local producers through events and the Perthshire community. It's been so valuable to learn from others who are on a similar journey.” Michelle Maddox, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Tara and Paul have shown incredible passion and dedication in building Enriched Being Microgreens. They came to us with a clear vision, and it’s been a pleasure to support them as they’ve grown their business. We’ve worked closely together to help them take the next steps. I’m excited to see how their innovative products continue to make an impact across Scotland and beyond.”

The Matthew Good Foundation, established by Hull-based family business The John Good Group in memory of director Matthew Good, has won the Corporate Foundation Award at the prestigious Third Sector Business Charity Awards. This accolade is a remarkable achievement for both the John Good Group and the Matthew Good Foundation, which triumphed over some of the UK’s biggest corporate names. The Business Charity Awards, run by Third Sector – the UK’s leading publication for the non-profit sector – celebrate outstanding contributions from businesses making a real difference to society. Previous winners of the Corporate Foundation Award include major players like Sony Music, Greggs, and Aviva, highlighting how prestigious this national recognition is. The Matthew Good Foundation was established in 2011 by Matthew’s family and colleagues at the John Good Group. Matthew was a passionate charity fundraiser who tragically passed away at the age of 32 while participating in the Humber Half Marathon to support a grassroots cause he cared about. Since then, the foundation has championed his vision of employee-led giving with a focus on supporting small non-profits, providing unrestricted grants to help them thrive. Unlike many larger corporate foundations, the Matthew Good Foundation focuses on very small but impactful charities and non-profits. Through easy-to-access initiatives like the Grants for Good programme, it empowers fledgling and community-based organisations across the UK to make a lasting difference. This grassroots-first approach has earned it a reputation for meaningful, community-focused corporate philanthropy. The award ceremony, held in London’s Grosvenor Square on 8th May 2025, celebrated the foundation’s commitment to grassroots giving. The John Good Group and Matthew Good Foundation team were joined by Sailors’ Children’s Society, a Hull-based charity that nominated them for the award after receiving significant support. Natasha Barley, CEO of the Sailor’s Children Society said, “The Matthew Good Foundation is completely different to any other foundation we have worked with. Their support has been far-reaching and covered so many layers. They supported us with an Amplify Charity Film, John Good Group staff fundraised £20,000 for us through the Bridge2Bridge Challenge, the Group generously provided office space while we secured a new building, and their CEO, Adam Walsh, has become a mentor to me. They truly are a force for good." Tim Good, Matthew’s brother and sixth-generation custodian of the John Good Group, expressed his pride: “We’re incredibly proud of everyone involved in the Foundation’s success, from the John Good Group staff who choose the projects we support, to our dedicated Foundation trustees and staff, both past and present, whose hard work has been pivotal. We’re also deeply grateful to the wider Good family, whose commitment to embedding the Foundation within the core of the John Good Group ensures it continues to thrive and receive a substantial share of our profits.” This win honours the legacy of Matthew Good, whose spirit of giving remains central to the foundation’s mission. It also highlights how big-hearted philanthropy can triumph over sheer financial power, and proves that even small grants can make a significant impact. The Matthew Good Foundation continues to invite local businesses to collaborate, demonstrating that supporting grassroots projects can make giving more meaningful. For more information, visit the Matthew Good Foundation’s website here . Above Photo: John Good Group and Matthew Good Foundation picking up the Corporate Foundation Award. Left - Right: Kevin Harrison - Director at Good Travel and Trustee of Matthew Good Foundation, Jen Murden - Comms Manager at Matthew Good Foundation, Jamie Lewis - Trustee at Matthew Good Foundation, Michelle Taft - Non-Executive Director at John Good Group, Awards presenter Hal Cruttenden. Photo Credit: Haymarket Media Group

St Austell Brewery is looking for a new publican to take on one of Cornwall’s most cherished pubs which boasts seven acres of land and glamping pods. After 15 successful years at the helm, award-winning licensees Tanya and Alex Williams are handing over the keys to St Austell Brewery’s iconic 16th-century Polgooth Inn. Nestled in Pentewan Valley on the south coast of Cornwall, it has become a cornerstone of the local community and a destination for food lovers, walkers, and holidaymakers alike. Located just outside of St Austell and close to popular beaches of Pentewan and Porthpean, the Polgooth Inn is a hidden gem surrounded by stunning countryside and walking trails. From hearty food and crackling open fires in winter, to live music and sunsets in the expansive beer garden -complete with a stream and acres to explore in summer - the pub has become a go-to spot for locals and visitors seeking an authentic Cornish pub experience. The Polgooth Inn, which forms part of St Austell Brewery’s 120+ strong leased and tenanted pub estate, also features three glamping pods on site, offering a unique stay experience. Tanya Williams, who took on the pub with her husband Alex in 2010, said: “We believed from the start that the Polgooth Inn could sit at the heart of the community – and now the pub definitely does. From village celebrations to local events, we’ve loved being part of this community and are so proud of what’s been built. Running the pub has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve worked closely with St Austell Brewery, who have supported us at every step, and we’re excited to see new publicans bring fresh ideas and passion to this wonderful place.” With three distinct dining areas and space for 80 covers, the pub’s cosy interiors are filled with character – from low beams and original features to welcoming nooks and historic charm. Outside, guests enjoy a large beer garden, cycle and horse parking, and a covered seating area. Andy Spry, Business Development Manager at St Austell Brewery, said: “The Polgooth Inn is one of the jewels in our tenanted estate – full of warmth, history, and opportunity. Tanya and Alex have done an incredible job over the last 15 years. We’re now looking for an ambitious and experienced business partner who can take on this thriving business, maintain its exceptional standards, and bring new ideas to help it flourish.” The incoming business partner will have access to a well-equipped commercial kitchen, complete with walk-in chillers and freezers – perfect for high-volume service. There’s also a spacious three-bedroom flat, offering a home for the incoming business partner. With the backing of St Austell Brewery, the next custodians of the Polgooth Inn will be welcomed in to add a new chapter to the pub’s long and storied history.