The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is pleased to announce a successful funding application from Volunteer Tutors Organisation Ltd (VTO). VTO has been awarded the sum of £6,200 to support their Learning Hubs in the Possilpark area of Glasgow. Established in 1974, gaining registered charity status in 1977, VTO provides educational support to children and young people most affected by the poverty-related attainment gap. VTO’s Learning Hubs focus on homework support, literacy and numeracy skills, confidence building, and motivation to learn. These Hubs are unique in that senior pupils from local high schools tutor primary school-aged children, fostering strong, supportive relationships that benefit both the tutors and the learners. The senior pupils, many of whom face economic challenges themselves, gain essential communication and planning skills, along with endorsements for further education or job applications. Kesson Wilson, Head of Fundraising at Volunteer Tutors Organisation, spoke about the impact of the donation, saying: “We wish to thank Allied Vehicles for their contribution to our Learning Hubs in Possilpark." "Their funding will allow us to provide one-to-one academic support to local primary aged children as well as volunteer opportunities to secondary pupils. The sessions provide the children and young people a chance to improve their literacy and numeracy skills, develop their confidence and reach their full potential.” Currently, VTO operates three Learning Hubs in the Possilpark area: Possilpark Hub: Partnering with the Health and Social Care Partnership, this hub supports 14 primary pupils with the help of 12 senior pupils and 4 adult volunteers. Saracen Street Primary: Located at Possilpark Parish Church, this hub benefits 10 primary pupils with support from 10 senior pupils and 1 adult volunteer. St Theresa’s Primary: Also held at Possilpark Parish Church, this hub aids 9 primary pupils, supported by 7 senior pupils and 4 adult volunteers. Each Learning Hub costs £6,200 per academic year to operate. As VTO celebrates its 50th year, the funds from the Trust will cover the running costs of one of the Hubs for a full academic year, ensuring the continuation of this essential service. David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating: “We are thrilled to support the Volunteer Tutors Organisation. Their dedication to bridging the educational gap for disadvantaged children is truly remarkable. This funding will help ensure that VTO can continue to make a positive difference in the lives of young people right here in Possilpark.”

Dorset’s Douch Family Funeral Directors have raised well over £1,100 so far in memory of its former chairman Peter Douch who died a year ago. The money will go to the Rotary clubs of Wimborne and Gros Islet on the Caribbean Island of St Lucia, where Peter’s wife Josephine is from and where she and Peter had a home. An open day at Pelham’s Bowls Club and a sponsored walk to the summit of Snowdon accounted for most of the £1,159 raised so far. The open day saw nearly 100 people attend – including residents from Colten Care’s dementia homes, The Aldbury and Fernhill. The bowls club invited visitors to ‘roll for a cause’ and the green was laid out with various fun games. Cream teas were available and plenty of those who attended were introduced to the sport. The funeral director’s community engagement manager Emma Regan and her family then climbed Mount Snowdon, raising hundreds of pounds. They also went on the Velocity Zip Wire – the worlds fastest and Europe’s longest. Nick Douch, managing director of the business which has seven branches in Dorset and runs the award-winning Dorset Funeral Plan, said: “Losing my father last year was devastating for the family and the business. He was very active in the Rotary clubs here and in St Lucia so we decided to make the clubs our ‘charity of the year". “The staff have really got involved and the two main events so far have raised plenty of money – and we have more fundraisers planned. We are very grateful to Pelham’s for allowing us to raise funds at their open day. It is one of the sports clubs we sponsor and they were excellent hosts.”

Younger demographics have higher pay increase expectations and are more likely to leave if not rewarded with firms at risk of losing some of their future superstars as younger demographics demonstrate higher levels of pay increase expectations and a greater incentive to take action if not rewarded appropriately. That’s according to the latest Robert Half Jobs Confidence Index (JCI) – an economic confidence tracker produced in partnership with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr). The data revealed that 73% of those aged 18-34 expect to receive a pay rise within the next year, above the national average of 65% and the highest of all age brackets. Those in the younger demographic also revealed a greater desire to take action if they did not receive the salary increase they expect. The majority (81%) of 18–34-year-olds would take steps ranging from moving employers to looking for additional sources of income if their remuneration didn’t change as they expect. This is significantly above the national average of 68% and higher than all other age groups. According to the JCI, this is likely being driven by the high levels of job confidence noted in younger demographics. Almost two-thirds (61%) of those in this group indicated that they are confident in their job prospects in the coming year. Gareth Gage, Regional Managing Director at Robert Half, commented: “We’re definitely seeing an increased level of job confidence in the market and younger workers appear to be the most optimistic." "With widespread reports of skills shortages and labour hoarding being noted across many businesses, it’s perhaps no surprise that these individuals are confident in their ability to secure the work and pay they want." “However, salary increases aren’t necessarily feasible on the scale that some are asking, which means employers could be at risk of losing some of their future superstars at a pivotal time in the economic landscape. Ensuring that attractive and holistic employment packages are being offered will be crucial to attract and retain core talent in the immediate future." "We’re seeing an increased desire from the workforce for benefits packages which include elements such as healthcare insurance and flexible working opportunities. These can often be a more cost-effective method of talent attraction in tough times. Those firms that really perfect their offering will be in the best place to retain high-performing professionals as we move into a more positive climate.”

HMG Paints Ltd, the UK’s largest independent paint manufacturer, has announced the launch of Hydrosol a new range of hybrid coatings designed for the metal fabrication marketplace. These innovative protective coatings bring together the superior performance of solvent-based paints with the environmental advantages of water-based products, allowing users the opportunity to reduce their VOC output without compromising in performance. The first product to launch in this range is Hydrosol QD Primer. The Hydrosol QD Primer is an alkyd-based, quick-drying primer designed for ultimate versatility and efficiency. It boasts outstanding adhesion, superior moisture resistance, and exceptional corrosion protection, thanks to the incorporation of modified Zinc Phosphate. Ideal for use on suitably prepared structural steel, chassis, and steel fabrications, this primer can be applied effortlessly using either roller, airless or conventional spray methods. Early adopters of Hydrosol QD Primer are already identifying several benefits including increased coverage compared to competitor products and improved efficiency in application. A key reason for this is volume solids of Hydrosol QD Primer which stands at 55% in comparison to approximately 40% for competitor equivalents. Paddy Dyson, Marketing Manager of HMG Paints commented: "Our new Hydrosol QD Primer represents a significant advancement in protective coatings and is a testament to the work done by our Research & Development team to bring innovations to the market." "This product not only meets the high-performance standards our customers expect from us, but also aligns with our commitment to environmental sustainability. It is the first piece of the jigsaw in our Hydrosol brand, with a variety of exciting products set to join this range in the near future." The second product set to soon join the range will be Hydrosol Compliant DTM, a Direct to Metal paint which users can apply directly to bare or primed metal surfaces. Being PG6/23 11 Compliant,the product is ideal as a single coat primer finish for use on stillages, skips, containers, agricultural and construction equipment and machinery. With lower VOCs in comparison to solvent based equivalent products and available in a range of colours including RAL & BS, this next product in the Hydrosol range will be the ideal choice for OEMs and refinishers.

John Good Group, a purpose-led group of businesses, which put people, planet and performance at the heart of its operations, have joined Hull Business Angels to help support and promote the continuation of regeneration within the city. Committed to the city's regeneration, John Good Group is proud to support the Hull Business Angels by supporting large and small events across Hull that raise awareness of the city’s culture and talent. The first event is the upcoming Humber Street Sesh in August. Adam Walsh, Chief Executive Officer at John Good Group, shares his enthusiasm, “It was a privilege to be asked to join other local businesses who share a passion for our community, in supporting this event. It was an easy call to make for the John Good Group. The Hull Business Angels foster both enthusiasm and passion for the city of Hull, bringing local businesses together to promote growth within the city, and that aligns well with our commitment to investing in our local community and helping businesses thrive and grow." "The Humber Street Sesh is a two-day event, filled with live music and people attending from across Hull and the UK. It’s set to be an incredible event, attracting around 40,000 people, and ultimately promoting the city together. We’re looking forward to being involved.” RSM UK, a fellow Hull Business Angel, comments, “We are thrilled to welcome John Good Group to the Hull Business Angels. Their commitment to the local community and sustainable practices aligns perfectly with our values. Having John Good Group join the group of businesses who originally brought Hull City of Culture 2017 to Hull not only strengthens our collective impact but also brings fresh energy and innovativeness." "Our combined support, alongside Neill and Brown, The Deep, Gosschalks Solicitors, F&T Vending, Keepmoat, Hull Citywide Partnership, and other new Angels, North Atlantic Fishing Company, for the Humber Street Sesh, is a testament to their dedication to fostering creativity and culture in Hull. Together, we are excited to continue building a vibrant and thriving community.” Humber Street Sesh was launched in 2001 in a pub in Hull and still takes place every year. An additional event in the old warehouses of Humber Street soon attracted tens of thousands of people and became an annual event. In 2018, it expanded to the Hull Marina and became a two-day event. John Good Group are now unified with other local businesses supporting Humber Street Sesh, reinforcing Hull as a visitor destination and providing a platform for emerging artists and creatives.

A successful independent insurance broking and risk management specialist has appointed two experienced commercial insurance brokers following new client wins in the commercial and agricultural sectors. TL Dallas opened its office on Lakeland Business Park in Cockermouth, in the heart of Cumbria in May 2023 with a team of two. Since then, Emma Irving and Lynne Taylor have been joined by three of their former colleagues, Philip Jackson, Heather Wood and Karen Coombe, as well as appointing an apprentice - Talia Frazer. Now Tracy Hickman and Anna Jones have joined TL Dallas, and the firm plans to recruit another commercial broker, as well as an account executive. Tracy, who has almost 35 years industry experience, said: “I wanted to work for an independent broker that cares about its employees and clients. I’ve known Lynne all my working life and worked with other members of the TL Dallas team for many years, so it’s great to get everyone back together!" "I enjoy building long-lasting client relationships and always do my best for each and every client, which includes businesses of all sizes, as well as working for some farm clients.” Anna Jones has worked in the insurance industry for 13 years, starting out as an apprentice in personal insurance, before moving across to commercial client work. Anna said: “After taking a short break from the industry, I approached TL Dallas as I knew that four of my former colleagues were happy there." "Right from the first interview it immediately felt like home, with a positive and friendly atmosphere and a real dedication to prioritising individual clients’ needs and obtaining the most successful outcomes.” Polly Staveley, managing director at TL Dallas, said: “Our Cockermouth office is a prime example of why it’s so important to have a local presence serving clients that operate across all industry sectors throughout Cumbria." "Their experience levels really are unrivalled, and as our client base continues to grow so does the team, in order to keep providing a personal and knowledgeable insurance broking service, alongside our in-house claims team for when things go wrong.”

Staffordshire canoeist Adam Burgess took a break from training to inspire a group of JCB employees – and left with a special good luck message. The talented canoeist heads for Paris on Friday where he will be bidding for a medal in both the slalom canoe and kayak cross events. Yesterday he took time out to address a group of more than 60 JCB apprentices at JCB’s World HQ about his career as a canoeist and the grit and determination it takes to be a world class athlete. And at the end of his presentation employees formed a good luck guard of honour to wish him well as he heads to the French capital. Adam started canoeing aged 10 on the River Trent in Stone, Staffordshire with the Stafford and Stone Canoe Club and has been competing internationally for Great Britain and winning medals since the age of 14. He has been sponsored by JCB since 2020. Adam said: “I was very close to a medal last time around in Tokyo and I have learned a lot in these last few years and I am ready to give it my all and let’s hope we can get on to the podium this time." "The backing of JCB means so much to me and knowing that I am supported by such a brilliant company which is local to me and where I grew up is fantastic. It’s huge and having that support will give me that extra bit of energy when I am sprinting to the finish line.” JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford said: “We all send Adam our very best wishes and wish him the best of luck this summer.” Adam competes in the canoe slalom heats on Saturday, July 27th. The semi-finals and final take place on Monday, July 29th. He will compete in the kayak cross heat on Tuesday, July 30th, with the semi-final and final taking place on Thursday, August 1st.

A Cumbrian based manufacturer of artisan fragrances and skincare products is helping a prominent North West hotel to improve sustainable practices and the skincare of its guests. Dent based Bath House has struck up a new supplier arrangement with Lancaster House Hotel to provide a range of its products with sustainable, natural ingredients and packaging. Guests and staff at the hotel are now enjoying an array of Bath House products in their rooms and public areas around the venue, including body lotions, shampoos, hand soaps and shower gels. The hotel has set up a mini shop display featuring the new products too. The partnership between the two businesses came about as a result of an introduction at a Lake District hospitality show. And two members of the Lancaster House team, reception and housekeeping managers Lizzie Milner and Gail Atkinson-Barlow, were invited up to the Bath House factory to see its product manufacturing processes. Lancaster House Hotel general manager Emma Underwood says: “We’re always on the look out for ways to improve sustainability and working with Bath House seemed opportune. It means we’re partnering with another local supplier and using more natural ingredients in our skincare and hygiene products." “We were impressed by their depth of knowledge in terms of ingredients, their experience of fragrances and ways to improve health and wellbeing through natural skincare. And their smaller artisan batches of products are an ideal fit for the needs of the hotel and great for our guests.” The Bath House team has worked closely with formulators and perfumers to make its products, overseeing the whole process from sourcing raw ingredients to final formulation and packing. With its packaging also carefully redesigned, it aims to take a more minimalistic, durable and functional style using recyclable materials, many of which can be refilled and reused. Pauline Marshall from Bath House says: “It’s always great to find new local customers and supplying Lancaster House Hotel with our products gives us the chance to work with a like-minded business." “Our aim is to make the whole business, including our supply chain, as ethical and transparent as possible, encouraging our customers to join us on a journey towards better sustainability.” Bath House now has stores in York, Ilkley, Kirkby Lonsdale, Knutsford, Ambleside and Bowness. For further information visit here .

Leon Paul, the world’s premier fencing equipment manufacturer, has transformed its warehousing and logistic operations and driven significant growth following its adoption of Forterro’s ERP and Warehouse Management Solution, Orderwise. The 100-year-old family-run business produces and distributes 90% of its products from its London manufacturing and warehousing facility and had previously relied on a paper-based system. This was highly inefficient and resulted in a warehouse environment best described as 'chaos' and an estimated £150,000 wastage every year in lost time and products, according to James Fay, Commercial Director, Leon Paul. "We had no control of ordering from stock to delivery, no barcoding technology in the warehouse, no form of KPIs to manage our performance. We couldn’t vet orders properly and weren’t even sure if products were being sent to the right places,” he said. “Morale was low amongst staff because they felt they couldn’t do their jobs to the best of their ability, and we were wasting money, time and products hand over fist. We were known for the quality of our fencing equipment, but our warehousing was far from Olympic standard. Orderwise was cost-effective and scalable, and it was actually recommended to me by a competitor, so it felt like the best fit for us right from the off." Since implementing Orderwise, Leon Paul has been able to automate many processes and see vast efficiency improvements. It has eased pressure on employees, improved order management and customer service, and delivered a ten-fold increase in order processing. Order shipping time went from an average of nine days to less than one day. In a complex manufacturing environment—Leon Paul makes more than 3,000 SKUs, which can then become any one of 98,000 SKUs—Orderwise has become integral. It allows the business to make quick and informed decisions, and it has meant that when the company turned over £3.5m, there were seven people in the warehouse, whereas in 2024 (turnover of £10m), there are five. Leon Paul has more than 75% of the UK market—including supplying the entire Team GB Olympic fencing team—and recently won the 2024 Kings Award for Enterprise in Innovation and Export, strengthening its recent strategy of focusing mostly on exports. "To further our global growth plans, we needed a modern warehouse and an ERP system to support our e-commerce engine, ensuring our customers all over the world get the right product in good time,” continued James Fay. "Orderwise has done exactly that and more. Our global agents are also connected to it, and we now all have the information to make smarter, data-based decisions about the business.” Orderwise is an ERP solution that provides wholesalers, distributors, retailers and manufacturers with a platform for growth. It was initially deployed by Leon Paul in operational logistics, sales, and customer service, followed by accounts, and is currently being implemented in the manufacturing plant. “Leon Paul is an iconic UK manufacturer, rightly celebrated for its quality, longevity and commitment to fencing,” said Jon Roberts, Director, Forterro. “Our ERP solutions are all designed with specific industries in mind, and we are very proud that Orderwise has played a role in Leon Paul’s success.”

The Manor House Golf Club has continued its drive toward sustainable golf course operations by rolling out a series of new initiatives to help lower its environmental footprint. Fresh from receiving GEO Certification – a coveted industry accolade presented to clubs globally who have shown a long-standing dedication and priority for sustainable practices across all facets of operations – Exclusive Collection’s popular Wiltshire venue is furthering its drive to promote sustainability by introducing an additional range of measures. As well as distributing bag tags made from wood found on the course to all new members, The Manor House – where you can enjoy golf on another level within 365 acres of picturesque Cotswolds’ countryside – is replacing Perspex signage with wooden signage and installing recycling bins across the course. The club continues to work closely alongside Wiltshire Wildlife Trust to gain a greater understanding of the wildlife that live within the acclaimed par-72 parkland layout’s natural habitats, while work is also continuing on a long-term course bunkering project, with BunkerMat technology being installed on the majority of the 80 bunkers to improve sand retention on the steep slopes. Golf club manager, Andy Ryan, said: “Despite recently receiving GEO Certification, the team refuse to take their foot off the pedal and continue to go above and beyond to ensure the golf club is operated in the most sustainable way." “This is something that as a B-Corp company we strive to achieve and would not be possible without the continued efforts of each and every member of staff.” There is still time for golfers to book a stay at The Manor House this summer. The Manor House golf break package includes bed and breakfast in a Cosy room, a £36 per person allocation to use towards dinner at The Castle Inn, use of the driving range and 18 or 36 holes. Prices start from £240 per person through till September. For more information on The Manor House, please visit: The Manor House Golf Club.

Arkell’s Brewery and Donnington Brewery, two historic names in British brewing, are thrilled to announce the launch of a unique collaboration brew. This exciting new beer represents the culmination of a shared passion for quality brewing and showcases the craftsmanship and heritage of both breweries. The brew team from Arkell’s Brewery in Swindon (Wiltshire) joined forces with the team at Donnington Brewery in Stow-on-the-Wold (Gloucestershire), where they utilised the renowned spring water to mill, mash, and boil the beer. The Spring water (or in brewing terms 'liquor') is drawn from the spring beside the mill pond and is known for giving Donnington beers their signature taste. The unfermented brew was then transported to Arkell’s Brewery, where it underwent fermentation using their specialist lager tanks and house lager yeast. The result is a remarkable 4% ABV cask lager, known as Donkels—a nod to the German Dunkel style and a play on the breweries' names. This beer is characterized by its light, refreshing, and crisp profile, its sweetness, and its depth of flavour, all complemented by a soft condition from natural cask carbonation rather than forced carbonation from CO2. By blending the unique qualities and brewing traditions of both breweries, this collaboration has resulted in a beer that stands apart from anything either has produced on their own. Arkell’s Brewery , based in Swindon, is one of the oldest family breweries in the UK, established in 1843 by John Arkell. With a long-standing tradition of brewing excellence, Arkell’s offers a range of classic ales and lagers, brewed with passion and expertise. "We're excited to bring this new cask lager to customers," said Alex Arkell, Head Brewer at Arkell’s Brewery. "The collaboration with Donnington has allowed us to explore a new flavour brew while honouring our rich histories. Joining together with not only a fellow Independent Family Brewer, but my brother, has been wonderful." "The combined expertise of Arkell’s and Donnington, boasting a collective 340 years of brewing heritage, has produced a beer that is both traditional and innovative. Mixing an ale malt with a lager yeast has created a hybrid that my brother John and I are extremely proud of.” Donnington Brewery , located in Stow-on-the-Wold, in the heart of the Cotswolds, has been crafting traditional beers since 1865, when Richard Iles Arkell started brewing beer alongside the farming enterprise. Known for using pure spring water from its own source, Donnington Brewery prides itself on producing beers with a distinctive character and high quality. John Arkell, Donnington Brewery commented: "This collaboration has been a remarkable journey for both of our breweries. It has allowed us to blend our rich brewing traditions and create a beer that is truly unique. The Donkels cask lager is a testament to what can be achieved when two historic breweries come together with a shared vision. We're excited for beer lovers to experience this blend of classic and contemporary brewing techniques." The new brew is a seasonal special and will be available at participating venues in August.

Model and TV presenter Jodie Kidd has accepted a new role as a Director of the All England Jumping Course at Hickstead. Jodie is a close friend of the Bunn Family, owners of Hickstead. Her godfather was Douglas Bunn, who founded the showground in 1960, while Jodie’s mother Wendy Kidd is godmother to Douglas’s daughter, Chloe Breen, and her father Johnny Kidd is godfather to Douglas’s son, John. Like Douglas Bunn, Johnny Kidd represented Great Britain in showjumping, and Jodie has inherited his love of equestrian sport. She grew up competing in pony showjumping classes at Hickstead and is an accomplished polo player. Jodie is proud to take on the new role as a Director. She is the third generation of the Kidd family to hold the position, following on from her grandmother, Janet, and father, Johnny. Janet was the very first Patron of Hickstead and was instrumental in the early development of the showground, introducing Douglas to his first sponsor, W.D. & H.O. Wills in 1960. They went on to become almost the sole sponsor for the next 20 years, a period of growth that saw Hickstead quickly become established as one of the most famous showgrounds in the world. Recently, Jodie filmed a series of interviews with some of Hickstead’s best known riders, including John and Robert Whitaker, and Harry and Peter Charles. Jodie commented: “I have so many great memories of Hickstead when growing up – such as watching Buddy Bunn win the Hickstead Derby in 2004, which was one of my Godfather Douglas’s proudest moments – there wasn’t a dry eye in the house that day.” "I also remember this one day when John Whitaker and Milton rode over to one of the back rings to watch us jump our 13.2hh ponies – none of us could concentrate! Other teenagers had posters of Brad Pitt on the wall, but I had pictures of John and Milton.” As part of Jodie’s new role, she will be attending the Agria Royal International Horse Show and helping to promote Hickstead’s events to a wider audience. “There is so much on offer at Hickstead, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re horsey or not,” she added. “The shopping is fantastic, and children always love all the family entertainment during the shows – especially the funfair. If you just want to enjoy some excellent sport in the Sussex countryside, perhaps with a glass of Pimms or Champagne, then I’d definitely encourage everyone to head down to the showground for a brilliant day out.”