Willmott Dixon’s net zero skills has been chosen by Oxfordshire County Council to deliver its highly sustainable new headquarters building at Speedwell House. The council is relocating from its current premises at County Hall in Oxford to a new four-storey home at Speedwell House, also in Oxford. Before this happens, Willmott Dixon will extend and redevelop Speedwell House to create a 5,200m2 ‘net zero in operation’ office. The company has been procured through the National Procure Partnerships framework for the project after the county council’s cabinet agreed in January 2024 to move its headquarters to Speedwell House in 2027. It allows the council to move into modern, net-zero accommodation, which in turn will enable its former home at County Hall to be re-imagined by a new owner as part of the regeneration of the West End of the city centre of Oxford. Councillor Liz Leffman, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We believe that our decisions at County Hall and Speedwell House will improve the delivery of services and will help with the physical, social and economic regeneration of Oxford. We will use the move to stimulate this ambitious thinking for the city and the county as a whole.” Willmott Dixon will start work to extend Speedwell House and add extra floors in 2025, once designs are complete. It underlines Willmott Dixon’s role as one of the country’s leading contractors for building new or refurbishing existing building environments to become net zero in operation. Recent examples include the Bridgend College redevelopment, a new campus for Wigan & Leigh College and the TBC. London development that will be net zero in operation when complete. Councillor Dan Levy, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for finance, added: "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us not only to create a modern carbon-neutral office and a welcoming and comfortable space for our employees, councillors and residents, but also to help transform this part of the city and better support those using the area. We’re looking forward to seeing the new offices take shape and to moving in during early 2027." Richard Poulter, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the South said: “We’re excited to be working with Oxfordshire Country Council to take forward its vision for a new future at Speedwell House. Being involved early will enable us to help develop plans that deliver on their net zero ambitions at the best possible value. “We recently completed a series of decarbonisation projects for Oxford City Council at four leisure centres: Ferry Leisure Centre, Leys Pool and Leisure Centre, Barton Leisure Centre, and Hinksey Outdoor Pool. We’ll be taking the skills and learning from here to Speedwell House.” Faye Dolan, framework director at National Procure Partnerships framework, said: “Procure Partnerships Framework are delighted to have supported Oxfordshire County Council on the Speedwell House project to procure Willmott Dixon." "The construction of Speedwell House will provide a fantastic office facility, that is fit for purpose and provides a comfortable environment for Council personnel and residents. We look forward to seeing the project progress on site!” Photo: The proposed new location at Speedwell House

Novus Property Solutions is supporting its longstanding client, hospitality company Whitbread, as it reveals brand new national further education college partnerships to help young people with additional needs learn new skills and get into work. The Premier Inn owner is delighted to reveal it is partnering with The Liverpool City Region and Lincolnshire County Council as part of its Thrive programme. Thrive is an acceleration of its longstanding work with Derwen and Hereward specialist colleges supporting young people with special educational needs and learning disabilities. Novus, a leading maintenance and decarbonisation contractor, has assisted the programme through creating replica bedrooms and laundry rooms. These spaces allow the young people to practice the skills needed to work in a Premier Inn hotel. The new partnerships will help scores of young learners nation-wide and puts Whitbread firmly on the path to achieving its ambition to get 100 supported interns into paid employment from special needs educational establishments every year. In the Liverpool City Region, the partnership will eventually support six local authorities, including The Wirral, City of Liverpool, St Helens, Knowsley, Sefton and Halton. Liverpool City College and Wirral MET College will be the initial educational partners. In Lincolnshire the partnership will support the council’s Young People’s Learning Provision, which works with schools across the county. The partnerships will see students learning about all areas of hospitality through work experience and supported internships under the guidance of their job coaches with the chance to move into paid employment with Premier Inn. Skills include different aspects of working in hotels from guest relations and housekeeping – which also support the students to live independent lives and enhance their social skills and confidence, including by working on curriculum and being part of the Premier Inn team. Fittingly, the announcement was revealed at existing partner Hereward College in Coventry, as four hospitality students celebrated their graduation as interns, with permanent employment secured with Premier Inn. It is the success of this existing partnership – and Derwen College, based in Oswestry – that has inspired the acceleration of the scheme. Simon Ewins, Premier Inn Managing Director UK Hotels & Restaurants said: “Our longstanding partnerships with Derwen and Hereward Colleges – and the young people we’ve come to know through them – are an enormous source of pride for all at Whitbread." "Thanks to their success, we are absolutely thrilled to reveal new partnerships with colleges and local authorities that will support young learners with additional needs from all over the country. Our hotel teams are absolutely raring to welcome the new learners into sites across the North West and Lincolnshire”. Councillor Lila Bennett, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, said: “Having a diverse workforce with people of all backgrounds and disabilities enriches the culture of an organisation and can be life changing for all involved. I hope Whitbread will inspire other organisations to take part. The scheme is a key part of our ambition to tackle inequality and maximise the life chances for residents in our city.” Councillor Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children’s services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “We want to help all local children get a good start in life. This new partnership will provide our learners with valuable work experience and provide a route into employment, helping them develop their independence. We’re very grateful to Whitbread for offering this wonderful opportunity and look forward to seeing the real difference it will make to our learners’ lives.” Gill Banks, Principal and CEO of Wirral Met College said: "We are thrilled to join forces with Whitbread in this invaluable initiative that aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting young people with additional needs." "At Wirral Met College, we believe in empowering all our students to achieve their full potential, and this partnership with Premier Inn offers them a fantastic opportunity to gain vital skills and real-world experience in the hospitality industry. Together, we are opening doors to meaningful employment and building confidence in our students. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this collaboration will have on our community." John McMonigle, Novus Property Solutions, Head of Operations said: "As a business, we have set a vision to be a force for good and as a responsible business we are committed to playing our part in supporting the communities who need the most help." "We are proud to have supported the longstanding partnerships with Derwen and Hereward Colleges helping young people with additional needs learn new skills and get into work, and we are committed to continuing to support Whitbread's national further education college partnerships across the country to provide even more opportunities to the wider local community." Thrive is part of Whitbread’s Force for Good commitment to help people live and work well. As an inclusive employer Whitbread is committed to supporting all its colleagues, including those from under-represented groups such as those with disabilities, people who are ethnically diverse and those who identify as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, trans sexual, non-binary or use another term. If you are an educational institution or local authority and are interested in exploring this opportunity, find out more and submit an expression of interest via the Thrive page of the Whitbread website. Thrive Programme - Whitbread PLC

The recent Budget introduced a key change to Business Property Relief (a form of Inheritance Tax relief) which could adversely affect many family-owned businesses throughout the country. Whilst this change has been publicly debated in terms of how it could affect farming businesses, there has been less focus upon how it could also affect other types of family-owned trading businesses. This needs to change. Business Property Relief offers different rates of relief depending upon the specific circumstances. However, at its most beneficial it can exempt the entire value of a person’s business interest from Inheritance Tax in the event of a person’s death. This has been a vitally important relief enshrined within our tax system to ensure that family businesses can pass down a business to the next generation without the cost of what could otherwise be a significant Inheritance Tax charge. This is particularly pertinent as many family-owned businesses do not have the liquidity within their business to pay such an Inheritance Tax charge. The new changes mean that the highest form of Business Property Relief, 100% Business Property Relief is limited to being applied over up to £1 million of value. The value of an individual’s business interest over and above £1 million will now only benefit from Inheritance Tax exemption on 50% of the excess value resulting in an effective rate of tax of 20% on such excess value. These changes will take effect in relation to deaths which occur on or after 6 April 2026. Whilst £1 million may still seem a generous threshold, there are many valuable family-owned shareholdings or business interests worth significantly more than this and individual family members may also have a number of different business interests which collectively are worth significantly more than £1 million. It is also apparent that the value of such businesses are not based upon liquid assets held by the business and may instead be based upon the business name and reputation, the contracts held by the business and plant and machinery integral to the business operation. It should also be highlighted that the payment of Inheritance Tax needs to be made by the deceased’s Personal Representatives. If funds do need to be accessed from the business itself to pay the Inheritance Tax, this could trigger a further tax charge on extraction of those funds. Consideration will need to be given by business owners as to what steps they look to take to plan for these changes. One obvious solution could be to accelerate lifetime gifting of business interests to family members so that the value is fragmented between a number of family members rather than the value being loaded so much with one individual. This will ensure that more value can benefit from 100% Business Property Relief and may represent good business succession planning in any event as certain younger family members take more of an active management role within a business. However, any fragmentation of business interests can result in wider impacts such as risks to business cohesion and family conflicts affecting the direction of a business. Capital Gains Tax would also need to be considered in relation to the gift of business assets. Establishing a family trust may also be a way of helping to address the tax concern ( the Trustees could include the owner of the original shareholding) and this approach may also help manage the concern as to business cohesion and loss of control. There is also an existing mechanism which enables the personal representatives of an estate to elect to pay Inheritance Tax on business assets in ten equal annual instalments over 10 years which can help to manage liquidity problems. It does not seem as if the Government intends to restrict this right. The exact nature of the new rules is not fully clear as the Government has not published any draft legislation relating to the proposed changes. It does seem however that the Government is intent on making the proposed changes and the only area which they are looking to make subject to a technical consultation is how the new Business Property Relief allowance should apply to lifetime transfers into trusts. This consultation is due to be released in early 2025. It is apparent that family business groups have not been as vocal in opposition to Government plans as the farming community. However, this is likely to change once the impact of the changes starts to be felt by the business community. About the author: Gavin Birchall is Head of Tax & Trusts at Birketts , a UK Top 50 law firm, with a dedicated, full service family business team. Gavin is a trusted tax advisor for a number of business owners, high net-worth individuals and their families. This role includes providing strategic tax advice as well as managing their tax affairs. Gavin can be contacted at gavin-birchall@birketts.co.uk.

Potter Space, a leading provider of industrial and logistics properties specialising in small to mid-box units, is pleased to announce the appointment of Will Hean as Non-Executive Director. This strategic addition to the leadership team reinforces Potter Space’s commitment to sustainable development and future growth. Will Hean brings extensive experience in sustainable urban development, with a strong track record in managing high-profile projects across the UK. His most recent role at Osborne+Co saw him overseeing significant real estate developments, aligning with Potter Space’s focus on long-term growth in the industrial property sector. In his new advisory role, Will Hean will support Potter Space in refining its strategic direction and expanding its presence in key markets. His expertise in real estate development and sustainability will be instrumental in driving the company’s ongoing growth initiatives and supporting its commitment to delivering high-quality business parks. Will Hean added: "It's an exciting time to be joining Potter Space, as we focus on future project developments. With an expanding pipeline and a forward-looking approach to infrastructure and innovation, I'm eager to contribute to projects that support the company's long-term vision and continued success across its sites." Jason Rockett, Managing Director at Potter Space, commented: "Will joins us at a pivotal moment as we expand our portfolio. His track record will be invaluable as we set new standards in the I&L sector. This appointment strengthens our commitment to developing adaptable, high-performance facilities that support our customers' evolving needs. " The addition of Will Hean to the leadership team, following the recent appointment of Richard Bousfield as Property Director, further enhances Potter Space's capacity to deliver high-quality developments, supporting its vision to provide a "Home for Business" to customers across the UK.

As part of the ongoing #FamilyBusinessMatters campaign, in light of announcements in the Autumn Budget, Family Business United ('FBU') is calling upon members of the family business community to sign a petition asking the Chancellor to reconsider the changes to Business Relief, also known as Business Property Relief which could have devastating consequences for many family firms. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of FBU explains, "As champions of the family business sector we know the effort that family business leaders put in to running their businesses, creating a culture of sustainable business practices and looking to the long term making decisions that endure long past their time at the helm for future generations." "The announced changes will have significant impact for many family businesses across the UK, in all sectors of the economy, as the changes to the rules will jeopardise the transition of ownership between the generations and some businesses may have to resort to a sale in order to meet liabilities that fall due. The unintended consequences for family businesses in all sectors could be significant and our members are rightly concerned about them." "We need to do all that we can to raise awareness of the importance of family firms to the UK economy in terms of income creation, wealth generated, taxes already paid, communities supported and the long term stewardship view that they take, and at the same time are encouraging them to sign our petition that we hope will make the Chancellor and other decision makers take stock and reverse the decision recently announced." Family business owners, shareholders, those working within the family business sector and those with concerns about the impact of the announcement are encouraged to sign the petition and help us in our campaign to ask for the 'Family Business Tax' to be reversed. Add you voice to the campaign by signing the petition here This is part of our wider campaign to continue to champion and raise awareness of the importance of family firms to the UK economy because #FamilyBusinessMatters

As of today (November 13) there are just 102 working days left for entrepreneurs to cash in before new higher rate on capital extraction kicks in to 14% from current 10%. Thousands of business owners in the UK are now in a race against time to wind up their companies solvently and extract capital before the Chancellor’s tax guillotine falls on 6 April. That’s the cut-off date in the new year before the tax rate on Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) rises from 10% to 14% on the first £1m of qualifying gains. Announced in the Autumn Budget, the red-ink deadline of 5 April has already resulted in a surge of get-the-ball-rolling enquiries to Azets, the UK top 10 accountancy and advisory firm, as founders look to minimise their tax bills. “Any business owners who are contemplating winding down and extracting capital are urged to take immediate action,” said Chris Tate, an Azets partner who advises business owners on solvent liquidations. “Leaving it much longer to kickstart such plans could risk missing out on what can be life-changing amounts of money.” He added: “Whilst the changes represent a further tax grab, the silver lining is that the lifetime allowance of £1 million and existing qualification rules have not been tampered with, providing a further window of opportunity for business owners to maximise their tax savings." “Many business owners have spent years building their businesses, working hard and taking risks, so they understandably want to keep as much of the fruits of their labour as possible.” For distributions above the first £1 million BADR threshold, the capital gains tax rate of 24% applies. Chris, who works out of Azets’ South Coast offices, said: “What might not be appreciated by Westminster is that the 5 April deadline could have wider unintended consequences with a wave of well-run companies calling it a day on trading in order for owners, worried by the financial implications of the Autumn Budget, to accelerate retirement plans and exit earlier than planned." “If you own a business and have worked tirelessly to build it up over the years, generating jobs and employment taxes, you can be forgiven for feeling a tad sore about the impending tax relief reductions." “By way of basic example, if you qualify for BADR and your business has net assets worth £500,000, you’d receive £450,000, with a tax bill of £50,000 at the current 10% tax relief." “From 6 April, at 14%, you’d receive £430,000, with a tax bill of £70,000, and from April 2026, at 18%, that is a tax bill of £90,000, leaving £410,000 for you." “There will be many businesses with assets worth millions of pounds – and these can be life-changing sums of money which could end up needlessly being taxed at the higher rate of 14%.” Chris added: “As of Friday, 15 November, there will be only 100 working days left until 5 April, which is a Saturday – it is going to be tight for many unless they act now as there are many compliance hoops to jump through. They don’t want to be on the wrong side of that date.”

Spirit of Gallo continues to grow its luxury spirits portfolio through a strategic partnership with Mezcal Derrumbes, becoming the brand’s exclusive importer in the United States. The announcement comes as the mezcal category has seen significant growth, reaching 803K cases in the U.S. last year*, and ISWR data projecting the category to grow 10% by 2027. Grown in the most biodiverse appellation in the world, Derrumbes represents a mezcal journey through the heart of Mexico. Each of the seven expressions in the portfolio highlight the unique terroir, flavours and styles of a different Mexican state where it was crafted. “The growth of the mezcal category is driven by consumer exploration and, with seven different expressions, Derrumbes offers a uniquely diverse portfolio,” said Britt West, Chief Commercial Officer Gallo Wine and Spirits. “This range, paired with their commitment to premium ingredients, authenticity and tradition, makes them the perfect addition to our portfolio.” Mezcal’s rise in popularity has also been fuelled by growing consumer interest in artisanal spirits and Mexican culture combined with an increased presence on cocktail menus. “As a family-owned brand, we have found the perfect partner in Gallo to help us, and all the mezcaleros families we know, continue to grow,” said Esteban Morales, Co-Founder of Derrumbes. “We look forward to expanding our distribution in the U.S. and putting many incredible mezcal regions on consumers’ radars.” The full Derrumbes portfolio includes three core expressions: Oaxaca, San Luis Potosí and Durango, and four small batch expressions: Michoacán, Zacatecas, Tamaulipas and Guerrero, ranging from an SRP of $39.99 to $99.99. For more information on Derrumbes, visit here .Spi *Source: Impact Databank 2019-2023 About Spirit of Gallo: Spirit of Gallo is the second largest spirits supplier in the United States by volume and represents some of the most iconic brands in the industry including: High Noon Hard Seltzer, New Amsterdam Vodka, E&J Brandy, RumChata, Camarena Tequila, RumHaven, Stratusphere Gin, The Dalmore Scotch Whisky, Tequila Komos, Don Fulano Tequila, Horse Soldier Bourbon, Amaro Montenegro and Condesa Gin. The entire portfolio is featured on www.spiritofgallo.com.

Employees used LEGO® bricks in building the design of their future workplace, including one of the world’s largest libraries of LEGO elements. The campus is designed with creativity and sustainability at its core and is part of the company’s investment in its global workplaces. CEO Niels B Christiansen and Chief Product and Marketing Officer (CPMO) Julia Goldin, broke ground on a 50,000 sqm Innovation Campus in the LEGO Group global headquarters in Billund, Denmark. The new building will house 1,700 creative colleagues from across product marketing and development, gaming, product and quality teams including the company’s 600+ designers in one space to create the LEGO experiences that inspire children and adults across the globe. The building will also be home to the world’s largest library of LEGO elements covering a collection of around 20,000 different LEGO elements in 70 different colours. The new Campus is part of the LEGO Group’s commitment to building and creating a world class headquarters in Billund where more than 5,900 employees from around 90 countries work. Niels B Christiansen, CEO, said: “I am thrilled to mark the beginning of construction of another new campus as we continue to invest in attractive workplaces for our colleagues around the world. Not only is the building design creative at its core – it is also true to our sustainability ambitions, including our commitment to reducing carbon emissions.” LEGO bricks also played a pivotal role in the building’s design. CEBRA Architects invited colleagues who will work in the building to provide input to their future workspaces at different stages of the design and frequently used LEGO bricks to capture and evolve ideas. Consultations were held over 18 months during the design process to ensure the building provided the right environment to inspire creativity and idea-building while reflecting the company’s values and commitment to sustainability. Innovation Campus - Brick Library The result is an innovative building in six overlapping modules with up to four floors featuring play zones and atriums and a bustling PlayWay that moves through neighbourhoods and connects people and functions. There will be lots of green spaces and maximised daylight to spark creativity, in a structure made entirely from sustainable wood. Julia Goldin, CPMO of the LEGO Group, said: “Innovation Campus will be an inspiring workplace that honours the modular design of LEGO bricks. With colleague input playing a key role in shaping the overall design, the campus will foster creativity, inclusivity, and the free flow of ideas." “We have a truly global and diverse team, and this new building has been designed to represent the fun and innovation embodied by the LEGO brand. The space will serve as a global centre for product and design excellence, enabling opportunities to explore new dimensions of creativity, including digital experiences and interactive design, ensuring we continue to innovate every aspect of the LEGO experience. By bringing our teams together into one building, Innovation Campus becomes a unique and powerful driver for uniting all aspects of our development process, from ground breaking physical products to immersive digital experiences and world-class marketing, all under one roof.” Sustainability has also been central to the design. The building’s innovative wooden structure will feature a core and walls of FSC certified timber. This helps achieve a significant reduction in upfront emissions. The building aims to meet LEED Platinum standards by enhancing energy efficiency, materials, biodiversity, and water conservation. This is achieved through deliberate choices made throughout the design, like overall building geometry, building heights, or façade design. The new Innovation Campus is set to open in 2027. Photo: Julia Goldin, CPMO, the LEGO Group _ Stephanie Storbank, Mayor, Billund Municipality _ Niels B Christiansen, CEO, the LEGO Group

Willmott Dixon has completed its latest affordable homes for Londoners, with 96 homes handed over to Hounslow Council. Tintern, Hamlet and Sonnet houses in Brentford are part of the council’s ongoing commitment to driving inclusive growth, creating homes, jobs, and a stronger economy for the future. They are key to the council’s commitment to drive inclusive growth, create homes, jobs, and a stronger economy for the future. They form part of the larger masterplan to regenerate Brentford, delivering high-quality homes, community spaces, and business opportunities, transforming the area into a vibrant and sustainable neighbourhood. Councillor Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader of Hounslow Council and Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration, and Development, said:  "The completion of these homes showcases our commitment to building a brighter future for Brentford and the wider borough. This project isn’t just about new homes – it’s about creating a thriving community, where residents can live, work, and grow. We are unlocking the potential of Brentford with more affordable homes, new job opportunities, and better public spaces, all designed to improve the quality of life for everyone."   Richard Poulter, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the South, said: "We are incredibly proud to have partnered with Hounslow Council on this transformative project. The completion of Tintern, Hamlet, and Sonnet houses is a significant achievement that reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable homes for the local communities. This project demonstrates the power of collaboration and shared vision in creating spaces where people can thrive. We are delighted to have played a part in the regeneration of this area.”

Independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame reopened historic Essex pub The Bellhouse, following a three week, £300,000 transformation. Built as a hunting lodge around the 16th century, The Bellhouse in Leigh-on-Sea was acquired by Shepherd Neame in 2022. During the recent renovation project, its team have taken care to retain and enhance the pub’s original features while creating a fresh, stylish feel. Work has included redecorating throughout in warm colours and reupholstering all the furniture in soft tartans and velvets. The pub’s herringbone wooden floor has been restored, brightening the dining area, and its restaurant carpet has been replaced with a more contemporary design. The main bar has also been refurbished, including refinishing all its classic brass fixtures and fittings. An eye-catching new swing sign has been introduced, featuring a real bell, and the pub is being completely repainted, with the finishing touches expected to be completed at the start of December. The spacious pub has a large patio area and garden perfect for alfresco drinking and dining, while during the colder months customers can relax by the open fires in the bar and restaurant areas. It is also a popular function venue, able to cater for up to 200 guests with a range of delicious buffet options available. To coincide with the pub’s reopening, Head Chef Simon Spooner and his team have introduced a new menu celebrating the best local and seasonal produce. Pies are a speciality, with a variety of delicious options - many incorporating Shepherd Neame’s award-winning craft ales and lagers - including Steak Shin and Bishops Finger Ale Pie, and Chicken, Ham Hock, Leek and Whitstable Bay Blonde Pie. Other menu highlights include the popular classics Haddock and Chips with Whitstable Bay Batter, and Ashmore Cheeseburger using Kentish Ashmore Cheese. There are also a tempting range of puddings on offer including Warm Double Chocolate Fondant with Shepherd Neame’s exclusive Creekside Coffee Ice Cream, and Clock House Farm Black Cherry Frangipane Slice using fresh Kentish fruit. An extensive selection of Shepherd Neame’s beers are available, along with a selection of acclaimed English wines, along with premium spirits and cocktails. Managing Director, Pubs, Jonathon Swaine said: “We are delighted with the new look at The Bellhouse, and General Manager Athena Sigismondi and her team have already reported a fantastic reaction from customers. Our aim with this project was to really showcase the unique character of this stunning pub, while keeping its warm, traditional feel, and we are confident that it will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Westlands Farm Shop has officially opened on Winchester High Street, marking a significant milestone for the family-run business, which has served the Hampshire community from its original Wickham location for more than two decades. Among the first attendees was the Mayor of Winchester, Russell Gordon-Smith, who came along to officially open the store. He said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome this new shop to the high street in Winchester. I’m really pleased this farm shop will be bringing fresh food from selected sources into the city centre - it’s something we really do need.” The new shop boasts a team of local talent who share a passion for sustainable farming and high-quality produce. This team is led by Head Butcher Suzi Howard, who brings five years of butchery experience from the original Wickham shop. The Grade II listed property at 154 High Street recently underwent renovations to create a welcoming space that reflects the charm and quality associated with Westlands Farm Shop, retaining original features like wooden beams. Graham Collett, owner of Westlands Farm Shop, said: “We’re thrilled to finally open our doors in Winchester, and the support we’ve received from both the local community and our loyal customers from Wickham has been overwhelming.” “Visitors can expect to find diverse and quality offerings, with highlights such as British free-range meats, daily-baked bread, and freshly harvested fruits and vegetables sourced within a 40-mile radius." About: Westlands Farm Shop has been nurturing local supply chains and supporting small businesses in the community since opening in 2001. The business is dedicated to ethical and sustainable farming and aims to reduce plastic waste.

Arco Professional Safety Services has officially launched its safety competition series, ACE (Arco Challenge Event), pushing safety knowledge to the limit by bringing training to life with challenges that mimic real-life scenarios. The events, located at Arco’s Safety Centres, see teams put through a variety of safety exercises while a team of assessors keep watch and grade each scenario as it unfolds. Similar to other well-known European rescue events such as Grimp Day and Rope Rescue Day, Arco Challenge Events are designed to encourage collaboration with other teams, build a sense of camaraderie and allow for friendly competition while learning new skills and testing old ones. The inaugural ACE competition took place in October, focusing on Rope Access challenges that tested teams against each other and the clock, on Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) syllabus tasks such as rescue techniques, access solutions and rigging. Six teams took part in the event, with Paul Hardman and Bruce Kemp claiming first place, taking home prizes worth over £1,000, including an IRATA training course, premium work-at-height products and an exclusive event goody bag. Bruce also topped the individual leaderboard in the ascent rescue challenge, sponsored by Safehold, with a time of three minutes and 16 seconds, winning a rescue harness. Jack Ball, training and consultancy team leader at Arco Professional Safety Services, said: “The event was a huge success. The ethos of the event to share knowledge, collaborate with other like-minded technicians, and of course the friendly competition, couldn’t have been upheld any more than it was." “Every team was keen to take part and learn from others, and this has definitely cemented the desire to host more of these challenge events, so watch this space.” Because of the skill level necessary for the event, each team member was required to be an IRATA-qualified technician, including one qualified to IRATA level 3. At the closing awards ceremony, Paul Hardman and Bruce Kemp were named Arco Challenge Event Rope Access Champions, a title that will be competed for again in next year’s rope access challenge event. After the success of the first competition, Arco plans to continue the ACE series into 2025. Further events will challenge experts in other areas of health and safety, such as working in confined spaces. This first ACE rope access competition was sponsored by Safehold, Guardian, Skylotec, Never Let Go, Petzl, Rock Exoctica and Edelrid.