JCB has cleared significant hurdles in its development of the world’s first hydrogen combustion engine after securing landmark rulings from licensing authorities allowing it to be used commercially in machines, the company announced. JCB is the first construction equipment company to develop a fully working combustion engine fuelled by hydrogen and a team of 150 engineers has been working on the exciting £100 million development for over three years. JCB confirmed that 11 licensing authorities across Europe have now given permission for JCB’s hydrogen engine to be sold across Europe – with authorities in other countries set to follow suit with certification in 2025. JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford, who has led the company’s hydrogen engine project, said: “This is a very significant moment for JCB. To start the New Year with certification in place in so many European countries bodes very well for the future of hydrogen combustion technology." "JCB has proved in recent years that it is a proper zero emissions solution for construction and agricultural equipment." “This formal type approval/certification paves the way for the sale and use of hydrogen engines right across the UK and Europe. I couldn’t have hoped for a better start to the year. Most of all, I am delighted for our team of British engineers who have worked tirelessly to reach this stage.” JCB confirmed that the Netherlands’ Vehicle Authority RDW was the first licensing authority to issue official certification, giving permission for the engine to sold in The Netherlands. Other licensing bodies across Europe have followed RDW’s lead by issuing the necessary certification, including Great Britain, Northern Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Poland, Finland, Switzerland and Lichtenstein. Licensing authorities in other countries are set to follow with certification during 2025. JCB has already produced more than 130 evaluation engines which are powering backhoe loaders, Loadall telescopic handlers and generator sets. Real-world testing of JCB’s hydrogen equipment on customers’ sites is now at an advanced stage and progressing well.

The Family Business Research Foundation (FBRF) has published a landmark report, ESG in Family Firms: A Review of Research, Regulations, and Practice Guidance, which offers vital insights into how family businesses can navigate the evolving landscape of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) requirements. Drawing on extensive research and interviews, the report evaluates ESG regulations, voluntary standards, and practical frameworks tailored to UK family businesses. It reveals how family firms, known for their long-term orientation and deep community ties, are uniquely positioned to leverage ESG as a competitive advantage while meeting regulatory and stakeholder demands. Key Findings: 1. Navigating Regulatory Changes Family businesses face growing pressures to align with stringent ESG regulations, including the UK’s upcoming adoption of International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards by 2026. The report underscores the importance of preparing for mandatory ESG disclosures and avoiding reputational risks such as greenwashing. 2. Going Beyond Compliance Voluntary certifications like B Corp and frameworks such as ISO 26000 are helping family firms enhance credibility while fostering innovation and stakeholder trust. 3. Opportunities for the Next Generation Younger family members are emerging as champions of ESG practices, driving ecological and social initiatives aligned with family values. 4. Practical Implications The report includes detailed guidance on integrating ESG into business strategies, focusing on data management, stakeholder communication, and crafting compelling ESG narratives. Call to Action for UK Family Businesses The report emphasises that embracing ESG is no longer optional but a strategic imperative. Sir Michael Bibby, Chairman of the Family Business Research Foundation, notes: "Family firms must act now to integrate ESG into their core strategies. This report provides a practical roadmap to safeguard their legacy while ensuring sustainable growth and compliance in an increasingly regulated environment." Read the full report here

A Dorset funeral group has revealed a sharp increase in families choosing its ceremony rooms over traditional crematorium chapels. Douch Family Funeral Directors, a family-run business with a legacy spanning over a century, invested heavily in modern ceremony rooms at its branches in Ferndown, Parkstone, Blandford and Corfe Mullen. These rooms provide families with an affordable alternative to expensive crematorium services, allowing them to host personalised funerals and wakes in the same venue. They are designed to offer a cost effective, yet dignified way to say goodbye to loved ones. Each room is equipped with cutting edge technology and two of the branches also offer live streaming for those unable to attend. Managing director Nick Douch said: “Our seven branches are very much connected to a past that goes back more than a century – but as a family business we have always looked forward." “The nature of funerals has changed and increasing numbers of people are opting for less traditional arrangements." “Direct cremations have become popular, but many families find them too impersonal. With this trend in mind we invested heavily in our own ceremony rooms creating a middle ground that balances affordability with dignity." “Demand has been higher than we anticipated, as families appreciate the flexibility, comfort and cost savings our ceremony rooms provide. Families really do value the service and for some without these options there would be no service." “The rooms are also community assets and we host bereavement groups and other meetings, further demonstrating our commitment to supporting local communities. Additionally, we’ve partnered with venues such as Kingston Country Courtyard in the Isle of Purbeck and the Italian Villa at Compton Acres in Poole, expanding the possibilities for families to honour their loved ones." “At one time services were held either in a church or crematorium, but now there are many options available and we have diversified to reflect that – particularly with our ceremony rooms.”

Johnsons Nurseries Ltd is proud to announce the successful completion of its autumn/winter Plant Identification Training Program, an initiative aimed at enhancing employees' plant knowledge and skills. This seasonal training program exemplifies the company’s commitment to fostering professional development and building expertise within its team. 25 Employees who completed the program were formally recognized in a special ceremony, receiving certificates awarded by Group Managing Director Graham Richardson and Production Director Robert Richardson. The program builds on a year-round dedication to education, complementing earlier spring and summer Plant Identification Sessions. Together, these programs provide employees with an in-depth understanding of a wide range of plant groups across all seasons. In addition to Plant Identification Training, employees have had the opportunity to engage in Plant Health Training and enrol in the Bespoke ‘Introduction to Horticulture’ Course at Askham Bryan College. These initiatives ensure employees are equipped with a robust skill set that encompasses plant care, identification, and overall health management. Outstanding Achievements Throughout the program, employees demonstrated outstanding dedication. Simon Harrison and Ed Greaves achieved a perfect score of 20/20 in every session and 100% attendance. High scorers included Hannah Reilly, Sarah Perry, Kristian Kuzsel, Rolanda Peleckiene, Ashley Robinson, and Judah Muawuli, all of whom consistently excelled. The most improved participants were Ashley Robinson, Rolanda Peleckiene, Chris Pearce, and Tom Laws, showcasing their dedication to growth. New team members Liam Williamson, Charlie Binge, Richard Knowles, and Judah Muawuli made impressive contributions and achieved high scores despite being new to the company. Looking Ahead Group Managing Director Graham Richardson said: "Johnsons remains committed to ongoing employee development. Plans for 2025 include expanded training opportunities, such as the next round of the ‘Introduction to Horticulture’ Course at Askham Bryan, more Plant Identification Sessions, and more Plant Health Training." "Our investment in our team reflects our belief that a knowledgeable workforce is key to delivering the best possible service. We’re excited to continue building on this success.”

In the largest poll of business sentiment since October’s Budget, the BCC ’s Quarterly Economic Survey, shows concern about tax, including national insurance, has spiked. Following the Chancellor’s autumn statement, 63% of firms cited it as a worry (compared with 48% in Q3), the highest level on record. Concern about inflation and interest rates remains at similar levels to Q3. Business confidence has declined significantly with 49% of responding companies expecting their turnover to increase over the next twelve months (compared with 56% in Q3). Confidence levels are lowest in the retail and hospitality sectors (39% and 42% respectively). The survey was conducted after the Budget, with the fieldwork carried out between 11th November and 9th December. The data from over 4,800 businesses across the UK (91% of whom are SMEs – fewer than 250 employees) also shows that the majority of firms are expecting to raise prices. Tax Now By Far The Top External Concern Following the Budget, concern about taxation is now cited by 63% of responding firms, up from 48% in Q3. This is the highest level of tax concern since 2017, when the BCC started asking this question. The levels in certain sectors are higher, with 72% of production and manufacturing firms, and 68% of construction and engineering businesses raising tax as a concern. Concern about inflation remains broadly similar to the previous quarter – 47% compared to 46% in Q3. Worry about interest rates has fallen slightly to 28% (29% in Q3). Business Confidence Hit By Budget Measures There has been a significant drop in business confidence since the Chancellor’s statement. Only 49% of firms say they expect their turnover to increase in the next twelve months, down from 56% in Q3. This is the lowest figure since the aftermath of the mini budget in late 2022. A fifth (21%) of businesses expect turnover to worsen, up from 15% in Q3, and 30% expect no change. Profitability confidence has also been hit, 40% of firms expect profits to increase over the next year (48% in Q3), while 32% of businesses expect them to fall. More Businesses Expecting To Raise Prices Over half (55%) of responding firms say they expect to raise their prices in the next three months, compared with 39% in Q3. While 43% of businesses expect prices to stay the same, and only 2% expecting to decrease. Labour continues to be the main cost pressure for firms – but the issue is now raised by 75% of businesses, up from 66% in Q3. The issue is most significant for the hospitality sector with 87% reporting it as a challenge, followed by 84% of firms in the transport and logistics sector. Fewer Firms Have Increased Investment Plans Only 20% of businesses say they have increased investment plans over the last quarter, down from 23% in Q3. 24% of firms say they have cut back investment plans, a steep rise from the Q3 figure of 18%. 56% of businesses say their plans have remained the same. The issue is more marked in certain sectors, with 42% of retail and hospitality firms reporting a scaling back of investment and 30% of manufacturers. Business Conditions Struggle The percentage of respondents reporting increased domestic sales has fallen again to 32%, compared to 35% in Q3. 42% reported no change and 26% of firms said they had seen a decrease in sales. Retailers were the most likely to have seen a fall in sales (36%) followed by manufacturers (33%). What businesses have to say: “The budget has been devastating, the failure to introduce the promised business rate reform while introducing the NI changes will have a detrimental impact on the high street and the wider economy.” Large hospitality firm in North West England “NIC Increases will have a significant impact on costs which as a price taker we are unable to pass on to customers so this will hit our profitability” Large manufacturing firm in Northern Ireland “Labour’s decision to increase National Insurance for businesses has been a hammer blow to business confidence & has caused reversal in plans to increase investment.” Small Construction Firm in Scotland “The NI increase is a real concern for us; we are a hospice. It will add £225k to our payroll, and we cannot afford it.” Medium public sector firm in East of England Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce said: “The worrying reverberations of the Budget are clear to see in our survey data. Businesses confidence has slumped in a pressure cooker of rising costs and taxes." “Firms of all shapes and sizes are telling us the national insurance hike is particularly damaging. Businesses are already cutting back on investment and say they will have to put up prices in the coming months." “The Government is rightly coming up with long-term strategies on industry, infrastructure and trade. But those plans won’t help businesses struggling now." “Business stands ready to work in partnership to make the proposed Employment Rights legislation work for all, but the current plans will add further costs on firms." “To help business we need to see quick action in three specific areas. Firstly, ministers should accelerate business rate reform to create a system that incentives investment." “We also need the Government to speed up infrastructure investment, to help SMEs in supply chains across the country. Finally, it’s crucial to support exports, prioritising a better trading deal with the European Union." “Without urgent Government action to ease the pain on businesses, the challenging economic landscape will get worse before it gets better.” David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “This dataset is a clear signal that business sentiment has been significantly impacted following recent policy announcements, notably national insurance increases. Taxation is now by far the biggest concern, cited by 63% of businesses." “Confidence has now dipped to 2022 levels, with less than half of firms expecting improved turnover over the next year and over a fifth now expecting it to worsen." “Faced with rising costs, our survey paints a difficult picture and shows businesses are having to make some very difficult decisions. Many tell us they expect to push up prices and cut back on investment and we expect this to lead to a low or no-growth economic climate in the coming months.”

After 28 successful years leading KFE, Paul Williams, the company’s founder and Managing Director, is stepping into a new role as Chairman, passing the baton to his daughter, Tanya Henderson, son, Nik Williams, and son-in-law, Mathew Henderson. Tanya will serve as Managing Director, and Nik as Sales Director, while Mathew will continue as Financial Controller, ensuring KFE remains in the capable hands of the next generation. Paul founded KFE in 1996 from humble beginnings — a bedroom above his family’s fish and chip shop. Over nearly three decades, he has transformed the company to become the leading supplier of frying ranges to the UK fish and chip industry. Commenting on his decision, Paul says: “After 28 years at the helm of KFE, the time has come to step aside and allow the younger generation to continue moving the company forward." “This would not have been such an easy decision if I hadn’t got Nik, Tanya and Mathew waiting patiently in the wings to pick up the reins. Over the years, they have proven that they have the ability, knowledge, and continued excellent relationships with our customers and suppliers to not only maintain our business principles but also take KFE to the next level.” Paul emphasised the importance of the 30-strong KFE staff in making the transition possible - half of whom have been with the company for over 10 years. “I know I have the full support of our wonderful KFE team, and with that in mind, I am stepping back from the day-to-day decision-making. As Chairman, I will be here to support Tanya, Nik and Matt whenever advice is needed.” While stepping back from management, Paul reassured customers they would still see him regularly. “I do still plan to visit you, our wonderful customers, and, yes, it is also fair to assume that you may still see me at the bar at all social gatherings!” Paul expressed his gratitude for the support he has received throughout his career, adding: “I would like to thank my wife Aviy and my family for their support throughout the 46 years we’ve been in the fish and chip industry. My thanks also go to Gijs, his family, and the team at QBTEC, as well as the numerous industry supply companies with whom we’ve built such special, long-standing relationships. I am deeply appreciative of our hardworking and loyal staff and, most importantly, of our customers.” Reflecting on KFE’s history, Paul acknowledged the unique bond that has developed over the years. “I know some of you have worked with us for the entire 29 years, but every one of you has become a part of our unique KFE Family. Your commitment to KFE and to myself is so very appreciated.” In his new role as Chairman, Paul looks forward to continuing his relationships with customers and supporting the company’s growth under Tanya, Nik and Mathew’s leadership. “I hope to visit many of our customers in my new role, but in the meantime, I leave KFE in the best possible hands for a positive and exciting future.”

Leading Scottish hospitality group Buzzworks has announced its recent collaboration with Mark Maynard, esteemed hospitality consultant, leadership coach, and keynote speaker, as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing company culture and driving sustainable growth. The partnership with Maynard Consulting, which specialises in hospitality, leadership, operations, and organisational culture, began in 2023, and was inspired by Buzzworks’ dedication to creating exceptional experiences for both employees and guests. Mark’s wealth of expertise, honed over decades of work with Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), has brought fresh insights and strategies to Buzzworks as it continues its journey of expansion and innovation. During a recent visit to the group’s central office in Kilmarnock, Mark shared his extensive knowledge on culture and business growth, drawing from his experience, taking the time to also visit a few of the group’s most popular venues. Kenny Blair, Managing Director of Buzzworks, said: “Mark’s recent visit provided invaluable insights into how we can enhance the authentic connections our team members create with guests." “One memorable highlight of Mark’s visit was his inspiring talk with the team, where he shared a story about the impact of small, intentional actions in shaping company culture. This moment resonated deeply with the team, reinforcing Buzzworks’ belief that every individual plays a critical role in the company’s success." “Looking forward, Mark’s guidance has helped us refine our strategies for sustainable, people-driven growth. We’ll also focus on developing training initiatives that align with his suggestions, empowering our team to deliver consistently exceptional experiences.” The partnership has already sparked new energy within Buzzworks, with Mark’s ideas influencing the company’s approach to guest interactions, team training, and internal processes. Following the collaboration, Buzzworks plans to implement strategies that prioritise the employee experience, ensuring that its culture remains the backbone of its growth. Mark commented: “It’s been an honour to get to know Kenny and the Buzzworks team, and I am thrilled to play a small part in the meaningful work they are already doing. I feel like a coach of a championship player, and my role is to further enhance their stellar performance." “I am struck by the organisation’s deep commitment to taking care of people – the team and customers alike – and I am thrilled that our work together has the potential to enhance the impact Buzzworks makes in the communities within which it operates.” The award-winning company offers an aspirational dining and entertainment experience across Scotland through its other stylish brands – Lido, Scotts, House, Vic’s & The Vine, The Duke, Thirty Knots, The Bridge Inn, The Fox and Herringbone.

There is an increasing enthusiasm and desire for embracing sustainability amongst Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). This was evident at the launch of the Southwark Climate Collective (SCC) initiative, a project pioneered and coordinated by Better Bankside and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Within just four months of opening applications, 160 SMEs from Southwark signed up, with many more joining the waiting list, all eager to decarbonise their operations and reap the associated climate and economic benefits. Sadie Hodgson, Sustainability Manager at Business Improvement District (BID) Better Bankside explains more about the challenges being faced by SME's when it comes to sustainability reporting. Despite the enthusiasm however, keen SMEs are facing a significant "Intention Gap" when it comes to decarbonisation. While the desire to become more sustainable is strong, smaller enterprises often lack the time, skills, and resources to implement effective changes. There is also insufficient support at a regulatory level, and we see this nowhere more keenly than in the area of sustainability reporting. Change is coming when it comes to sustainability reporting and lack of clarity and support around this threatens to leave SMEs both unprepared and jeopardise their future business success. The Impending Regulations: A Call for Clarity SMEs are currently in the dark regarding new sustainability reporting regulations. There is no clear regulatory framework or timeline, leaving them vulnerable and at risk of being excluded from lucrative contracts that require sustainability reporting compliance, particularly in relation to scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Without the ability to meet these requirements, SMEs could miss out on significant tenders – especially those for the largest contracts. Addressing the SME Gap: A Call for Support Larger corporations have the resources and expertise to navigate the complex landscape of sustainability regulation. In contrast, SMEs struggle with internal limitations. Initiatives like Grow London and the Business Climate Hub aim to support SME sustainability, but often fall short, focusing more on audits than on the steps needed for long-term change. The SCC initiative has found that tailored support addressing the specific and diverse needs of individual SMEs is crucial. One-to-one support, knowledge sharing, and upskilling are essential components of overcoming barriers to sustainability delivery. Closing the current support gap is paramount to empowering SMEs on their sustainability journey. The Path Forward: Supporting SMEs Amidst Reporting Uncertainty While urgent clarity and guidance on upcoming regulations are needed, a multifaceted approach should be employed to support SMEs in the interim. Building confidence around sustainability reporting can be achieved through decarbonization work which is measurable. The SCC programme provides SMEs with a comprehensive audit of their business operations, which informs practical steps to improve energy efficiency and sustainability performance. This approach helps break down initial barriers to reporting by providing clarity on underperformance against key sustainability measures and offering a clear pathway for improvement. Fostering partnerships between SMEs and technical experts is also crucial. Bringing in accounting and auditing expertise can support SMEs in their sustainability reporting, while a community approach involving other small firms and business partners can help address internal resource limitations. Embracing SME Decarbonisation - A Collective Endeavor As the global imperative for business decarbonisation and Net Zero intensifies, SMEs stand at a pivotal crossroads. The lack of clarity around forthcoming sustainability reporting regulations underscores the need for concerted action to support SMEs. Given that smaller businesses make up 90 percent of London’s business ecosystem and are responsible for 40 percent of the UK’s non-domestic emissions, supporting SMEs in their decarbonisation efforts is not just a "nice to have" – it is essential. The SCC initiative, which brings together a powerful cross-borough partnership, has demonstrated that creating SME communities providing a supportive ecosystem can tackle the complexity of decarbonisation and address the resourcing issues that limit change. By empowering SMEs with the necessary tools, guidance, and collaborative partnerships, we can ensure they are not left behind in the evolving landscape of sustainability reporting. As SMEs make up 99.9 percent of the business population in the UK, their role in achieving broader sustainability goals cannot be overstated. Empowering them to understand and meet new regulations is crucial for climate change being addressed by the whole business community and achieving a truly sustainable future. The Southwark Climate Collective (SCC) project, provides free decarbonisation support for 160 SMEs within the borough of Southwark. Bringing together a powerful, cross-borough partnership of Team London Bridge, Southwark Council, The Blue Bermondsey and Elephant and Castle Business Forum, led by Better Bankside, the SCC pools resources, advice and business relationships, to help SMEs decarbonise their operations in four areas: energy, waste, freight and supply chains, with the aim of a 1,204 tCO2e reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by March 2025. The project has been funded by a £653,000 grant from the Mayor of London as part of its UK Shared Prosperity fund (UKSPF) and is in response to specific challenges faced by SMEs when it comes to the decarbonisation of their businesses. New applications for the programme are now closed, but SMEs can access additional resources to support the decarbonisation of their own businesses here

Over the last two years, Perrywood Tiptree and Perrywood Sudbury have raised a grand total of £40,791 for local charities, schools and community projects.  Every two years, Perrywood chooses local charities or community groups to support. In 2023/24 £22,790 was raised for Hope for Tomorrow, The Red Rose Community Care Farm (The Befriending Scheme), Abberton Rural Training and Greenfingers. Fundraising activities by the Perrywood team and customers included a quiz night, prize draws, team Christmas jumper days, and tours and talks to gardening and community groups. An additional £18,000 was given as plant donations, gardening equipment and raffle prizes to other local charities, schools and community projects. In 2025, Perrywood is celebrating 70 years of trading with a brand new campaign aimed at supporting 70 local schools, charities, and community groups. The initiative aims to support the local community through donations of plants, tools and equipment which will help get 70 gardening projects underway during 2025. For more details, visit their website here . Louise Smith, Senior Communication Manager comments: “I am incredibly proud to be part of raising these valuable funds year after year. As part of our celebration of 70 years of trading in 2025, we’re thrilled to launch our brand-new charity initiative. The Perrywood team is excited to get started. We understand how important being outdoors and connecting with nature is for both mental and physical health. Through this campaign, we aim to empower local schools and charity groups to kickstart gardening projects that will benefit the wider community."

Perdue Farms associates in Salisbury, Maryland delivered a record $104,210 to the American Cancer Society (ACS) through fund-raising efforts aligned with Relay for Life and Men Wear Pink campaigns. Perdue associates have raised more than $915,000 for ACS since 1998. The campaigns are part of the company’s Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors® outreach to improve quality of life and build strong communities where our associates live and work, and beyond. Bill See, senior manager of community relations for Perdue Farms commented: “Delivering hope to our neighbors is fundamental to who we are at Perdue Farms. In the U.S., and across every community we conduct business, so many of our neighbors and associates and their families are affected by cancer. We’re proud of the compassion and generosity of our associates to raise awareness about a disease that impacts millions of cancer survivors and helps countless others avoid it.” Perdue was named the American Cancer Society’s Northeast Region Team of the Year by generating $81,210.82 in donations through a variety of Relay for Life fund-raising activities, including a golf tournament and raffles. Perdue’s Men Wear Pink campaign delivered $23,000 through associate fund-raising. It was supported by a $10,000 grant funded through the Arthur W. Perdue and Frank Perdue Foundation, the charitable giving partner of Perdue Farms. Perdue associates’ contributions will support the American Cancer Society’s priorities of funding cancer research, providing education on cancer prevention, screening and treatment, and patient and family services for those undergoing cancer treatment. “Perdue Farms and its associates have a long history of supporting the American Cancer Society,” said Debbie White, senior development manager for the Northeast Region. “Their generosity and ongoing support have a direct impact in the fight against cancer while honoring survivors and remembering loved ones lost to the disease, which impacts almost everyone in some way.”

A North West based food ingredients business is diversifying and expanding into new markets with the creation of two new divisions. Innovative Food Ingredients, which specialises in the development of quality dry blended spice mixes and rubs, liquid marinades and sauces, has launched the new business units to work more closely with food manufacturers, regional retailers, butchers and farm shop owners. The family run Lancashire business, with a team of experts including passionate foodies and qualified butchers, is an established partner for international manufacturers such as Newly Weds Foods (NWF) and AVO, a leading European spice, liquid marinade and sauce specialist. Its new Butchers’ Collective sub-group will provide a free members portal for an innovative community seeking to enhance the art of butchery and encourage collaboration. It will offer butchers and business owners exclusive access to trade support, with knowledge sharing of food and flavour trends, educational webinars from experts, industry insights and marketing tools. Meanwhile, the Taste Creation platform, an addition to the company’s online shop, is targeted at food manufacturers, food development businesses and regional retailers. It will cover key aspects of the company’s fully customised food product development services, as well as partnership working opportunities. The new business units have been set up in response to the rapid expansion of the foodie market, with butchers and meat retailers across the UK diversifying what they offer. More discerning consumer tastes are driving up demand for more distinct, multi-cultural flavours, which Innovative Food Ingredients is bringing to the table with its products. Innovative Food Ingredients has achieved significant growth over the last 18 months, with the addition of four more employees, a new senior leadership team in place and a rebrand as part of the launch of The Butchers’ Collective and Taste Creation. The firm has also custom built and designed a modern demonstration kitchen at its headquarters in Poulton-le-Fylde to help showcase its food ingredients solutions and recipes. It will enable the team to conduct its webinars and host food preparation and demo sessions. Innovative Food Ingredients commercial director Chantelle Brennand explains: “The Butchers Collective will provide a free, supportive community for butchers, apprentices and shop owners, with exclusive access to educational webinars from our team and key industry experts." “The portal will be an invaluable source of industry insight and expertise, with cutting-edge flavour trends, food production techniques, exclusive promotions, marketing tools and buying tips." “Taste Creation is an opportunity for us to show manufacturers and retailers how we can specifically meet their needs. This is not only with the innovative food ingredients we offer, but also in terms of new product development, supply and batch production, distribution and resource support which dovetails with their manufacturing processes." “The new units are in response to changing purchasing behaviours, diversification and a renewed drive for greater value and taste as we put customers’ needs at the heart of everything we do." “Food manufacturers, butchers and meat retailers now want to design and market dishes with different continental flavours. When they are in need of new flavours to extend their ranges, we have the consumer insights, creativity and technical knowledge to make it happen.” Innovative Food Ingredients acts as a catalyst to bring UK and international food processors, farm shops and retail butchery sectors together to add value and enhance the quality of their product ranges. Products include oil-based marinades, sauces, crumbs and fillings, plus traditional burger and sausage mixes and seasonings. As well as supplying traditional family run butchers, grocers, delis and farm shops, it also works with food processors and retailers, offering a fully bespoke development service to satisfy specific client requirements. For further information, visit their website here

The Nero Group, the family owned and operated premium coffee house business behind Caffè Nero, has announced new partnerships with Waitrose and John Lewis. Building on their successful relationship established in 2021, Waitrose and the Nero Group have come together and developed a new cafe concept which will initially launch in five Waitrose stores. The cafes will offer customers a menu with quality food and recipes from Waitrose and coffee roasted specially for Waitrose by The Nero Roasting Company. There is also the opening of the first Caffè Nero in a John Lewis store, in White City, London. The 1500 sq ft store will seat 72 people and will offer the full range of Caffè Nero’s premium speciality coffees and its deli food. Customers can also expect the same warm welcoming experience they would receive from any Caffè Nero store on the high street. The first Waitrose stores to offer the new cafes will be Billericay, Godalming, Keynsham, Locks Heath and Stroud. The new Waitrose café concept provides customers with a full sit in café experience. Collaboration between The Nero Group and Waitrose started back in 2021. Since then the Nero Roasting Company has been supplying Waitrose’s 9 million myWaitrose loyalty customers with high quality roasted and blended coffee designed especially for them. Will Stratton- Morris, Caffè Nero CEO UK commented: “Our partnership with Waitrose continues to build and we’ve been delighted with the close working relationship we have grown. We have always seen the potential to deepen that relationship further and the launch of the new cafes in Waitrose is a key step in that process, as is widening the scope of our relationship with our first Caffè Nero store within a John Lewis store." "I’m excited that customers can enjoy the hospitality and premium coffee of a Caffè Nero within the unique shopping experience of John Lewis. It’s a perfect pairing and there is still so much scope for our partnership to continue to grow." Charlotte Di Cello, Commercial Director for Waitrose commented: “We’re excited to build on our successful partnership with the Nero Group with the launch of our new cafes. The initial tranche of five cafes will offer the best of Waitrose food together with coffee from The Nero Roasting Company, in a welcoming environment, served by our brilliant Waitrose Partners." "Our stores are hubs for local communities across the country and we know our customers love to have the option of enjoying a coffee, snack or meal after their shop.”