Leading office and commercial cleaning company Cleanology will be joined at a major new London show by key partners that have supported it on its journey of sustainable growth. The Living Wage Foundation, The Hygiene Bank and environmental conservation social enterprise Carma will be on hand to pass on their expertise during stints as guests at Cleanology’s stand at Anticipate London. Informa PLC – the world’s largest exhibition organiser – has announced that the co-located exhibitions, Facilities Show, FIREX, IFSEC and Safety & Health Expo are now part of the newly launched Anticipate London, which runs from December 2 to 4 at ExCeL, London. Anticipate London will still represent the core markets of security, fire safety, Health and Safety and Facilities Management, but is expanding to cover anyone with responsibilities for the workforce and the corporate real estate driven by converging tech, risk/threat control and regulatory/climate change. Co-Founder and CEO of Cleanology, Dominic Ponniah, is a prominent Real Living Wage (RLW) advocate. He serves as the Co-Chair of the Living Wage Foundation’s Recognised service Provider Leadership Group, where he champions fair pay and supports businesses in adopting the RLW. The current UK Living Wage is £12.60 and in London £13.85. Cleanology has now raised £117,000 in its first four years of hosting an annual fundraiser to raise funds for The Hygiene Bank – the people-powered charity and social movement, committed to tackling hygiene poverty in communities across the UK. The multi-award-winning company – based in Vauxhall, South West London – has also been working with Carma, which aims to make a positive social and environmental impact through initiatives such as tree planting by Armed Forces veterans, assisting them on a pathway to meaningful employment. Welcoming the launch of Anticipate London, Mr Ponniah said: “Cleanology focuses its efforts on areas which achieve the greatest environmental impact so an event like Anticipate London is the ideal stage for Cleanology to showcase its capabilities. We have been the first to market in several key areas with the aim that environmental innovations can become established as industry norms." “We are extremely proud that 45% of clients choose Cleanology for our sustainability record. In fact, we don’t see any value in partnering with companies unless they are like-minded and similarly ambitious on sustainability”. Cleanology has been demonstrating a commitment to sustainability for some time. It has been a pioneer in eco-friendly initiatives such as being the first in Europe to introduce portion-controlled biological cleaning sachets as well as being the first cleaning company in the UK to issue staff uniforms made from recycled plastic bottles. These schemes have resulted in saving 46,800 litres of cleaning solution and 62,400 plastic bottles annually. Furthermore, the introduction of uniforms made from recycled plastic bottles prevents 7,000 bottles from entering landfill each year. From June 2023 to July 2024 Cleanology saved 143,648 pieces of plastic from being used, marking an impressive 78% increase from the previous year. Cleanology also prioritises fair pay and employee well-being, ensuring 99% of its employees receive the Real Living Wage, a massive increase from just 18% in 2017. Visit Cleanology at Stand FM2626.

Perdue Foundation $5,000 Grant Supports Society of St. Andrew Delmarva Gleaning Network Perdue Farms, through the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, is awarding $5,000 to the Society of St. Andrew (SOSA) to support the Delmarva Gleaning Network, a nonprofit organization by which volunteers harvest fresh produce from farm fields to help combat food insecurity in the region. The donation from Perdue’s charitable giving arm is part of the company’s Delivering Hope to Our Neighbors® outreach to improve quality of life and build strong communities. Society of St. Andrew is the nation’s oldest gleaning organization, working at the farm level to provide produce to hungry families and prevent food waste, said Jean Siers, SoSA’s Delmarva regional director. “We build relationships with local farmers and packing houses to rescue the good food that is left behind in fields and sorted out at the packing house,” she said. “We work with local volunteers to go into fields to gather produce left behind, and that produce goes directly from farm or packing house to local hunger agencies.” In 2023, SoSA’s Delmarva Gleaning Network distributed more than 1.3 million pounds of food to more than 90 agencies across the Delmarva Peninsula and Maryland, Siers said. The Perdue grant will help DGN lead more gleaning events, taking volunteers into the fields to harvest fresh produce that goes directly to local food organizations, Siers explained, adding that gleaning volunteers see the source of their food and learn how hunger can exist in their community. Kim Nechay, executive director of the Perdue Foundation, said DGN also helps farmers because the food they raise won’t go to waste. “This program rescues food and distributes it to food banks and local pantries for people in need on the Delmarva Peninsula,” she said. “Perdue is pleased to award this grant to Society of St. Andrew and the gleaning network.”

One of Scotland’s leading hotel and leisure groups has been crowned ‘Hospitality Business of the Year’ at the annual Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce Business Awards this week. SimpsInns picked up the top accolade having gone head-to-head with fellow Ayrshire finalists, Turnberry, Auchrannie and the RAD Group. The Irvine-based Simpson family is the driving force behind SimpsInns, which owns and operates a collection of award-winning hotels, restaurants, bars, spa, golf, and leisure activities along the Ayrshire coast, including The Gailes Hotel & Spa in Irvine, The Waterside Hotel in West Kilbride and Old Loans Inn at Troon. SimpsInns was praised for enhancing the hospitality profile in Ayrshire by developing and improving the quality of its venues and service, as well as its commitment to local suppliers and wider community. Continued investment has been a key strategy for the growth of Simpsinns over the last three years, including over £3.5 million at The Gailes and over £300,000 at Si! Ayrshire with the launch of The Potting Shed and The Terrace earlier this year. The group has further investment planned at both The Waterside and Old Loans Inn in 2024. SimpsInns also continues to provide sponsorship support to many local charities, community groups and sport clubs, including Irvine Meadow Football Club, Irvine Rugby Club, Irvine & Dreghorn Brass Band and Irvine Park Bowling Club. The judging panel for this year’s ‘Hospitality Business of the Year’ category included Ayrshire Chamber Board Member, Richard Longmuir, and Kathryn Hume from People Puzzles. Owner and director of SimpsInns, Malcolm Simpson, said: “It’s a real honour to have received this prestigious accolade and be recognised by the industry as the best hospitality business in Ayrshire for 2023." “Our dedication to excellence and providing customers with memorable experiences really sets us apart. Our community engagement, local business collaborations, commitment to our team and their development, as well as our unrivalled customer service make us a deserving recipient of this award." “SimpsInns wouldn’t be the success it is today without the dedication and professionalism of our entire team of hospitality professionals, so this award is for everyone.” Malcolm added: “We’re committed to exceeding our guests’ expectations and continually invest in our hotel and leisure facilities to make them the very best they can be. This ensures we keep up with every changing customer need and evolving trends." “Supporting around 260 local jobs, we’ve already invested over £3.5 million across our portfolio of venues over the last three years to retain our high-quality product and service, and the overall visitor experience. We’re also planning even more exciting developments at The Waterside and Old Loans in time for the 2024 season.”

JCB’s exclusive Golf & Country Club is preparing to welcome back the LIV Golf League next year as dates for the prestigious tournament are confirmed – with deposits for hospitality tickets now being taken. Last summer’s LIV Golf UK by JCB tournament exceeded all expectations with more than 37,000 fans attending the event over three days – making it the most successful LIV Golf event ever staged in the UK. Now it has been confirmed that the event will return to the JCB Golf & Country Club from Friday, July 25th to Sunday, July 27th, 2025, when many of golf’s biggest stars including reigning champion Jon Rahm (Legion XIII), Bryson DeChambeau (Crushers GC), Brooks Koepka (Smash GC), Sergio Garcia (Fireballs GC) and Cam Smith (Ripper GC) will return to the Staffordshire course for the tournament featuring team and individual competitions and fun activities for all ages. JCB Golf & Country Club Director and General Manager Chris Bentley said: “The LIV Golf UK by JCB event was the most prestigious, high profile golf event the JCB Golf & Country Club has hosted since it opened in 2018. The tournament exceeded everyone’s expectations and it was an amazing family occasion, with superb golf and great entertainment. We expect high demand for tickets next year so we urge anyone wishing to attend to mark the dates in the diary now and look out for ticket details once they are announced.” Fans can now secure first access to hospitality tickets by making a deposit at LIVGolf.com, where they can also sign up to LIV X for free to receive exclusive updates and access to tickets before they go on sale. LIV Golf Commissioner and CEO Greg Norman said: “We are thrilled to be returning to JCB Golf & Country Club in 2025. Last season’s event welcomed capacity crowds who embraced the LIV Golf League, which is committed to putting our fans first by delivering world-class team golf and event experiences. We saw a hole-in-one, a finish that came down to the final putt, and Jon Rahm lifting his first LIV Golf individual title along with a team celebration for Legion XIII. It was a fantastic setting for our first visit in 2024 and we’re going to raise the bar next season.” Spanning 240 acres of rolling countryside, the JCB Golf & Country Club has been hailed as a masterpiece in contemporary course design since it opened in 2018. The Club has been voted as one of the Top 10 most exclusive golf clubs in the UK. Photo: Captain Jon Rahm of Legion XIII hits his shot from the first tee during the second round of LIV Golf UK by JCB at JCB Golf & Country Club on Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Rocester. (Photo by Jon Ferrey/LIV Golf).

A spa hotel resort in the heart of the Lake District National Park has played host to high-profile summit on innovation in tourism and what the future holds for the hospitality sector. Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa was the chosen venue for Cumbria Tourism’s Future Trends & Innovation Conference. It brought together a large audience of industry professionals for a packed day of learning, collaboration, and thought-provoking discussions. Featuring six engaging sessions, the event explored key topics shaping the future of the tourism and hospitality industry, including visitor trends, workforce challenges, sustainable food, travel and innovation in marketing and technology. With dynamic panel discussions, audience Q&A opportunities, and exclusive insights from industry leaders, there was a strong focus on collaboration and action to overcome current challenges and build resilience across the sector. Tourism students from Manchester Metropolitan University, Liverpool Hope University, and the University of Cumbria attended a special panel discussion led by English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues managing director Ben Berry. After spending the day learning from industry leaders, they shared their insights on the future of the tourism economy. Ben Berry says: “This is one of the most exciting conferences we’ve been asked to host here at Low Wood Bay for many years. We were fascinated to hear about the latest creative ideas in tourism, future trends and use of technology to improve visitor experiences in the Lake District." "Innovation is a cornerstone of our own approach to hospitality as we aim to give our guests more enjoyable stays with us, whether that’s through new technology, modern comforts or the traditional high standards of customer service which reflect the venue’s exceptional natural environment.” Event host, Andrew Stokes OBE, England Director, Visit England gave his thoughts on the biggest challenges for the sector: “Tourism and hospitality face challenging times, but our industry’s resilience is a strength. Skills remain a major challenge, and improving the perception of the visitor economy as a great place to work is crucial." “Rising costs are also impacting SMEs, highlighting the need for constant innovation - embracing change is essential to stay ahead. In Cumbria, we’re fortunate to have a strong foundation, with widespread recognition of the visitor economy’s importance and the goodwill to welcome visitors with open arms." The conference was sponsored by English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues as a flagship event in Cumbria Tourism’s 50th-anniversary year. It has raised £14,000 for the Cumbria Tourism 50th Anniversary Fund, launched in partnership with Cumbria Community Foundation. The fund will go towards encouraging and supporting young people to remain in Cumbria, providing them with opportunities to kickstart their training and careers in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Gill Haigh, Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism comments: “Our Future Trends & Innovation Conference was an incredible day of learning, discussion, and collaboration, bringing together over 160 people to address the challenges and opportunities ahead for Cumbria’s tourism and hospitality sectors." “The insights and conversations from the event will also play a crucial role in shaping Cumbria Tourism’s business planning and strategic focus, helping us better support local businesses and enhance the region’s destination appeal in the years to come." “Thank you to our sponsors, speakers and finally our attendees, with your help I can confirm that the event raised an amazing £14,000 for our 50th Anniversary Fund, which will support young talent and ensure the future strength of our visitor economy.” English Lakes Hotels is already adopting new technologies and innovation across its hotels in the Lake District and North Lancashire, not least in terms of sustainability and renewable energy. It’s hydropower turbine project at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa is a prime example, with various solar power and biomass initiatives also being developed. Around a third of Low Wood Bay’s current electricity needs can be drawn from generating its own power with its on-site hydroelectric turbine. Using a pipeline from the fellside beck, the automated hydropower system manages flow and output in relation to the available water. It generates around 53-60kW to achieve up to 200MWh of electricity per year.

Young people and children who are struggling with grief after experiencing loss will be able to take part in supportive activity days, thanks to a generous donation. Allied Parts, through its charitable arm the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, has donated £2,000 to The ARCHIE Foundation, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of children in healthcare and bereavement. The funding will help to expand ARCHIE’s Child Bereavement Service, a programme based at the Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital which provides critical emotional support to children who have lost someone close to them. Through tailored activity days that reduce isolation and encourage healing, the ARCHIE Foundation serves children and families across North Scotland, providing emergency grants, parent accommodation, and funding for healthcare staff and equipment that goes beyond NHS provisions. ARCHIE’s Child Bereavement Service is a light in the dark for young people struggling with the complex series of emotions that come with the grieving process. Their service has grown annually, helping hundreds of children affected by loss resulting from terminal illness, overdose, road traffic accidents and more. ARCHIE’s approach offers immediate tailored support to ensure children process their grief in a healthy and lasting way. The donation from Allied Parts will also fund ARCHIE’s Activity Days Programme which offers bereaved children a safe space to meet peers who understand their experiences. These days help children to rebuild confidence, manage grief, and understand that they are not alone. Events range from craft sessions and bowling nights to seasonal gatherings and visits to places like the Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay. The program supports over 350 families, allowing both children and parents to connect with others facing similar challenges. On Saturday 9th November, ARCHIE’s Child Bereavement Service hosted their winter activity day at the Hilton Sports Centre, Aberdeen. Nineteen children and their families came together for a day of winter crafts and memories. Malcolm Stewart, the bereavement services manager said, “This donation from Allied will allow us to help children who are experiencing grief after suffering significant loss and ensure that they process this incredibly complex series of emotions in a supported, healthy way. We’re very grateful to Allied Parts, and The Trust, for supporting our mission." “We run a number of free-to-attend activity days over the course of the year for children and young people who have suffered a bereavement. Bereaved children often believe that they are the only ones to have suffered a loss, bringing them together shows that they are not alone." John Forbes, General Manager at Allied Parts Aberdeen, said “We’re honoured to support The ARCHIE Foundation’s inspiring work. Helping bereaved children to feel connected and resilient through tailored activity days is a wonderful way for them to begin healing. We hope our contribution will enable ARCHIE to reach even more families who need them across the region.”

Leading national maintenance and decarbonisation contractor Novus Property Solutions has announced its social value partnership with CRADLE CIC, a national mental health charity providing support to anyone affected by the death of a baby during pregnancy, or termination of pregnancy. CRADLE CIC works nationally with the NHS to create and deliver services and pathways of support that begin during clinic care and continue long after a patient is at home recovering. It also provides a range of services to healthcare professionals including trainee doctors and nurses at universities to enhance the support provided for bereaved parents. The charity is supported by a growing national team of early pregnancy loss ambassadors, healthcare professionals, retailers, wholesalers and communities to support its initiatives including its comfort bag project, which provides assistance to those in hospital following early pregnancy loss. As CRADLE CIC’s latest social value partner, Novus is committed to driving positive impact across NHS England’s Maternity and Gynaecology Pathways through its strong reputation within the healthcare and education sectors, as demonstrated by its successful presence at the recent IHEEM Healthcare Estates and Education Estates conferences. The contractor has already supported its first joint initiative with CRADLE CIC at University Hospitals North Midlands in Stoke-on-Trent, at a training session for clinical staff at the frontline of bereavement care which concluded with all attendees assisting in the packing of its comfort bags. These packages are a vital element of CRADLE CIC’s service and are given to patients arriving in hospital via the bereavement pathway, filled with various essential items as well as signposts to additional support services. Commenting on the partnership, Sean Ryan, Head of Operations at Novus Property Solutions, said: “We’re proud to have joined forces with CRADLE in what we’re confident will be a fantastic partnership that makes a lasting impact. Our partnership with CRADLE represents a significant step forward in our mission to enhance social value within the healthcare sector. We’re delighted to have already supported the charity with a project in Stoke-on-Trent, and we look forward to making a real difference through further events and projects.” Louise Zeniou, CEO at CRADLE CIC, added: “We are proud to have the support of Novus Property Solutions and to have already welcomed engagement from many of the Novus team. In our first two months of partnership, we have delivered a study day at Stoke Hospital and co-hosted a Support group for bereaved families from Ormskirk Hospital in partnership with Costa Coffee. We look forward to taking part and contributing to the Women in Novus group and working together to prevent loneliness during pregnancy loss or following a termination of pregnancy.”

Willmott Dixon is continuing its long-term relationship with Westminster City Council with a £36m project to restore the historic 1930s Grade II listed Seymour Centre in Marylebone. Procured via the SCF framework, Willmott Dixon will provide a complete restoration of the three-storey centre, delivering a refurbished swimming pool, new sports hall and open plan gym, café and a permanent home for the Marylebone Library over two floors. The upgrade to the five-court sports hall will also see new flooring installed to make it more accessible for wheelchair users. Additionally, the pool will become more accessible with the installation of a pool pod. Scheduled to be completed in 2026, the modern new Seymour Centre will deliver a facility that can be fully utilised by the local community, with dedicated space for children and families, an upgraded climbing centre, expanded soft play area, and additional space for buggy parking. Willmott Dixon has teamed up with MAKE Architects and Hadron Consulting as project manager to undertake the modernisation. This is the latest in a series of projects by Willmott Dixon for the council over the past decade. Earlier this year, it was appointed for the Westmead development to build 65 new affordable homes on Tavistock Road, and during the summer it completed a further 112 new homes on 300 Harrow Road. Previously it built Dudley House (below), providing 197 affordable homes in Paddington. On the Seymour Centre, Councillor David Boothroyd, Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform at Westminster City Council, said:  “Our Seymour Centre refurbishment is an incredibly exciting project that will create not just a leisure centre; but a new library and community space in Marylebone for all our residents to enjoy. It will greatly improve the quality of facilities on offer, creating more opportunities for our residents to become, and stay active." Stewart Brundell, managing director for Willmott Dixon in North London and Eastern Homes Counties, added: “We’re delighted to be extending our nearly decade-long relationship with Westminster City County to provide an exciting new future for the popular and historic Seymour Centre." "We’ll be deploying our specific heritage property restoration skills to rejuvenate the centre as a place serving the community for many generations to come, as well as helping to meet the council’s commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2030 with improvements to heating, temperature and ventilation in the refurbished centre that will reduce carbon emissions.” James Wright, SCF senior framework manager said: “We are delighted to see the positive long-term relationship continue between Willmott Dixon and Westminster City Council. The restoration of the Seymour Centre not only preserves a significant piece of heritage but also enhances community facilities for generations to come.”

JCB’s third annual Christmas Toy Appeal is under way and is set to bring festive cheer to hundreds of Staffordshire and Wrexham children. Since the appeal was first launched in 2022, more than 2,000 gifts donated by JCB employees have been distributed to youngsters in the Stoke-on-Trent and Wrexham areas. Every JCB plant in the UK is taking part in the initiative, with 15 individual collection points set up for the donation of gifts for youngsters aged up to 17. At JCB’s World Headquarters in Rocester, JCB’s DIGatron monster truck is the focal point of the collection area in the main reception where employees - and members of the public – are dropping off their festive donations. Employees at JCB’s other factories in Uttoxeter, Cheadle, Foston and Wrexham are also supporting the appeal. JCB Group HR Director Max Jeffery said: “The way JCB employees embrace this appeal every year is truly heartwarming, and it really does help disadvantaged youngsters enjoy the festive season. Over the last two years, our appeal has proved to be an overwhelming success, with a total of more than 2,250 toys donated by our employees and the public at our UK sites.” The 2024 appeal culminates on Monday, December 2nd, when the gifts will be handed over to three charities: the NSPCC, the Stoke-on-Trent Hubb Foundation and Wrexham-based Salvation Army for distribution. JCB apprentices Harvey Napier, 21, of Hilton, Laura Wilson, 20, of Fulford, Lilly Smith, 19, of Sutton Coldfield, and Muqadas Saleem, 19, of Meir, are helping to co-ordinate the appeal. Harvey said: “The gifts we collect will help to bring a smile to the faces of local children during the festive period – every donation really does make a positive difference.”

Thatchers, the award-winning family-owned cider maker, has launched three exciting new additions to its exclusive Cider Barn range: Thatchers Oak-aged Redstreak, Thatchers Scrumptious, and Thatchers Heritage. Crafted with passion and skill, the Cider Barn range celebrates Thatchers’ long-standing tradition of small-batch, experimental ciders. Made with the finest apples each new cider in the collection highlights unique qualities, from apple variety tastes, to innovative techniques, unusual blends and craft of Thatchers’ expert cider makers. Thatchers’ Myrtle Farm is home to not just eight varieties, but 458 varieties of apple, making it the largest collection in the UK. This offers the cider makers a rich and diverse range of flavours to experiment with. Richard Johnson, Head Cider Maker at Thatchers Cider said: “It is such a joy and a privilege to be able to have the freedom and space offered by the Cider Barn to simply create. It is our unique place to experiment with varieties, fermentation and blending to uncover new and exciting styles of cider." “Each cider tells a story about the apple varieties, the orchards they come from and the craftsmanship behind every bottle. This year I have enjoyed working with traditional bittersweet somerset apples, rediscovering their unique characteristics, and using our 175-year-old oak vats to infuse depth and flavour.” Martin Thatcher, fourth-generation cider maker says: “The Cider Barn range holds a special place in our hearts. As we celebrate 120 years of cider-making here at Myrtle Farm, innovation remains as important to us now as it was back in 1904." "These small-batch ciders represent the passion of our expert cider makers and often serve as a scratch pad for new ideas and flavours. In fact, our Thatchers Juicy Apple was born from a Cider Barn cider. After receiving such an amazingly positive reception, we knew we had to put it into wider production, and I’m proud to say it’s now available in Morrisons, Tesco, Co-op, Sainsbury’s, as well as bars and pubs across the country!” Meet the new members of the Thatchers family… Thatchers Oak-aged Redstreak This bold and distinctive cider is a tribute to the Somerset Redstreak apple, a variety known for its unique tannins and rich bittersweet flavour. Matured in Thatchers’ 175-year-old oak vats, Thatchers Oak-aged Redstreak (8.4% ABV) has a smooth, full-bodied character with hints of spicy apple pie, vanilla, and a peppery finish. Created by Thatchers Head Cider Maker, Richard Johnson, this single-variety cider embodies the ethos of Thatchers, with a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, making it a must-try for those who enjoy complex, wine-like ciders. Thatchers Scrumptious For those who love a lighter, fruitier cider, Thatchers Scrumptious (5.0% ABV) delivers a delicate balance of sweetness and elegance. This delightful blend of early summer dessert apples, including Katy, Scrumptious, and Discovery, boasts natural strawberry notes that dance on the palate, complemented by a crisp, bubbly finish. Crafted by cider maker Paul Ross, *Scrumptious* is a vibrant and effervescent cider, perfect for enjoying as a refreshing treat at any time. Thatchers Heritage A true celebration of Somerset’s cider-making heritage, Thatchers Heritage (6.0% ABV) is made from a blend of bittersweet apples grown at Thatchers’ Mabots Orchard. This farmhouse-style cider offers a rich and smooth taste with soft tannins and deep, authentic flavours that showcase traditional bittersweet apple varieties like Tremlett’s Bitter. With its full-bodied character and complex finish, Thatchers Heritage is a tribute to both the past and the future of cider-making. The new Cider Barn range is now available in 500ml bottles exclusively from the Thatchers Cider Shop at Myrtle Farm, online at www.thatcherscider.co.uk/cider/cider-barn and at the Railway Inn in Sandford, priced from £2.60. The ciders make a perfect gift for cider lovers this Christmas, or a special treat for those who love to try something new. In addition to the Cider Barn range, Thatchers has also launched its ever-popular ‘Thatchers 12 Days of Cider Christmas Calendar’. Available exclusively at Thatchers Cider Shop or online at www.thatcherscider.co.uk/shop, the calendar is the ideal present for any cider enthusiast. This year’s collection includes exclusive Cider Barn ciders alongside classic favourites and surprise merchandise.

Sybron, a leading UK supplier of cleaning, hygiene and catering products to some of the largest names in hospitality, has been awarded the world-renowned Ecocert certification for its natural cleaning product range, SyBio, under the Ecodetergent certification. The accolade is a major achievement for family owned and run Sybron, as it is also the first UK distributor of commercial cleaning products to achieve the certification. Recognised as the world-leading specialist in the certification of Natural & Organic sustainable practices, Ecocert advances sustainability through its Ecodetergent certification programme, ensuring that products are both naturally derived and eco-friendly. Their emphasis lies in environmentally responsible practices and natural ingredients in their approved detergents, while also rigorously testing product performance and safety. Manufactured by Biovate Hygienics, which was also awarded Ecocert certification, SyBio is a range of planet-conscious products which deliver improved performance, safer applications and reduced costs. SyBio replaces harmful, non-renewable chemicals with adaptive biotechnology that cleans, augments, remediates and protects a range of environments. SyBio aims to replace toxic chemicals with low-hazard solutions that look after people and ensure the longevity of our aquatic ecosystem. Sybron’s sales & marketing director, George Mason commented: “We are delighted to have achieved the Ecocert certification. Earlier this year we achieved Carbon Neutral status and entered a long-term partnership with Planet Mark to help us achieve our net zero targets and drive sustainable change in the industry. The Ecocert certification is another step towards Sybron’s greener future and our ultimate goal of achieving net zero." “As a business, we recognise sustainability as a long-term approach and are pioneering the way forward to become a sustainability leader. We are aware of the challenges customers in the cleaning and hospitality sectors face to achieve their own sustainability targets and as an innovative and forward-thinking business, we aim to deliver improved sustainability for all, confident that together we can achieve our collective targets.”

Coach operators across Britain have warned that the long-term viability of their business is under threat from changes to Inheritance Tax announced by the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves. With activities ranging from school buses to corporate transport, day trips and low-cost holidays, coach operators account for 450 million journeys a year. Aside from a handful of national players, the industry is dominated by small and medium sized businesses. About 85% of small and medium sized coach operators in Britain are family owned. Under changes announced in the Budget, family businesses with assets of more than £1 million will, for the first time, be subject to inheritance tax. Most coach operators own garages with substantial land for parking, in addition to vehicles themselves – which can cost more than £300,000. Given the capital intensive nature of the industry, most operators have assets above the threshold. In response to a survey by the Confederation of Passenger Transport, 71% of coach operators said they would be affected by the change to inheritance tax rules, and 46% believe it threatens the viability of their companies. Several said they had put plans for expansion – including acquisition of new vehicles and property – on hold. Alison Edwards, Director of Policy and External Relations at the Confederation of Passenger Transport, said: “Coaches are part of the fabric of daily life in communities across Britain – taking children to school, sports teams to matches, offering day trips and taking people on holiday." "Many of these operators are long established local businesses which have been painstakingly built up over several generations. They are run by entrepreneurial families with much of their net worth tied up in garages, land and vehicles." "The industry only recently recovered from a near death experience during the Covid-19 pandemic and is now looking at spending hundreds of millions of pounds on low-emission coaches. So it is perplexing that the Government is discouraging investment with the prospect of hefty and unaffordable inheritance tax bills, in addition to a rise in national insurance contributions." "It is disappointing that this change has been announced with so little warning or consultation, prompting members to scramble to reconsider investment plans. We will be urging the Treasury to reconsider.” The coach industry directly employs 54,000 people and supports a further 27,000 jobs in its supply chain. A recent KPMG study commissioned by the CPT found that the industry generates £6.4 billion of economic value annually through employment. On top of this, visitors who arrive by coach spend £8.3 billion a year in towns, cities and tourist destinations across Britain.