Family Business United is delighted to announce the launch of a new bespoke training academy for the family business sector. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United explains: "We are always looking to find new ways to support and add value to our family business community and respond to the needs of our members. As the world continues to evolve, the pace of change is driving the need for new skills and the programmes offered thorough the training academy and are partners will go a long way to meet the needs of family businesses." Family Business United has teamed up with a number of service providers, all of whom are family businesses to include programmes on Effective Coaching, Carbon Literacy, Sustainability, Effective Leadership, Self Awareness in Leadership and Giving Feedback to name a few. Further programmes being announced shortly tackle ways to maximise PR and communication through different media channels and marketing. As Paul continues, "Events which include elements of training and education are a key pillar of what we do to provide assistance to family firms and the new training academy will provide an increasing range of educational and learning opportunities with regards leadership, management skills training and courses for specific business needs too. The programmes will also embrace new areas of knowledge around themes such as ESG, doing business responsibly, carbon literacy and much more." "Each of the programmes seeks to enhance the skills of individuals, next generation leaders (family and non-family) and equip businesses with the skills they need to be sustainable for generations to come, and develop the necessary skills to be a sustainable business today and moving forward." "Our partners are selected not only on the basis of credibility and experience in their areas of expertise but also because they are family businesses. They already appreciate the nuances of family businesses, family dynamics and the way that these businesses think. It is important for us as an organisation that we align with businesses that share our values too and we are looking forward to building further relationships as the programme develops further." Check out the courses already available here The programmes are available to anyone working in, owning, managing or leading a family business with full course outlines, objectives and suitability included in the listings. Dr Stewart Barnes, CEO of QuoLux™ who are one of the selected training partners who already work with some well-known family business clients, is delighted to be partnering with Family Business United, adding that "“We are delighted to support Family Business United and their new training academy with our online leadership courses and look forward to working with their members.” As Paul concludes, "These courses come in various formats, online or supported with coaching and bespoke options are available for teams within family businesses to learn together. We are really excited to have launched the new Family Business Training Academy as a way to extend more benefits to the family business community across the UK." "We look forward to adding more courses to the programme and helping those working in the family business sector develop new skills, enhance existing ones and enable the next generation of leaders to continue to learn as their careers develop further."

With their inherent stewardship and longer-term mindset, family businesses are perfectly placed to support the drive to Net Zero and wider sustainability and ESG goals. But the messaging can be confusing and overwhelming, contradictory and sometimes paralysing. You’re perhaps unsure where to start with so many unanswered questions. What do all the key terms actually mean? Where does Net Zero sit alongside your business priorities? If you are already some way along your journey, how can you optimise your sustainability policies and initiatives across both operations and culture through authentic and cost-effective engagement? Why is sustainability important to building a sustainable family business? Becky Valentine, award-winning Sustainability & Building Health Consultant and Co-owner at second generation Spenbeck, will host this interactive workshop. She will simplify the overwhelm and outline the key steps required to create cost-neutral quick-wins, to either start your sustainability journey or re-energise and guide your next steps. This workshop will help you: Understand the business case for sustainability Clarify and define key sustainability terms, including ESG Recognise your alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) framework Understand how to begin measuring your carbon emissions Learn the truth about offsetting Explain how sustainability delivers social value Re-script pushbacks Nottingham-based, multi-award-winning Spenbeck has over 40 years’ experience in helping companies and organisations prosper through its client support and expertise in decarbonising heritage commercial buildings. Working across both private and public sectors, Becky is a sought-after sustainability keynote speaker, expert panellist, podcast contributor and feature article writer. Her expertise lies in supporting those with reduced capacities to deliver achievable marginal gains through her ethos of ‘progress not perfection.' These workshops are online and last for 2 hours and there will be time at the end of the workshop for Q&A. They will be run with delegates from different organisations but if you would rather a bespoke course was run for your business, with a session on your current journey and update to aid employee engagement please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to discuss putting on a bespoke programme for you. Forthcoming dates for the workshops: January 25, 2024 - Find out more and book here February 22, 2024 - Find out more and book here

Berry Bros & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant in its 325th year, and Symington Family Estates, the world’s leading producer of premium port, are pleased to confirm their acquisition of Hambledon Vineyard, following a successful plc takeover bid. The bid has reached 90% shareholder acceptance and has been declared “unconditional”, which triggers the mandatory purchase of the remaining shares, leading to a 100% acquisition. This is a 50/50 joint venture between two multi-generational British-owned family businesses. Both Berry Bros. & Rudd and Symington Family Estates are Royal Warrant Holders, and this move represents growing confidence in the dynamic English sparkling wine category and its future potential. Hambledon is widely considered to be one of the leading English sparkling wine producers, winning multiple awards, and is England’s oldest commercial vineyard, with vines first planted on the site in 1952. Today, Hambledon produces wine from 200 acres of vineyard planted on the same grade of chalk as Grand Cru Côte des Blancs in Champagne. It is one of a few leading English producers with the capacity to produce more than 500,000 bottles per year of estate-grown sparkling wine 100% from chalk soils. Lizzy Rudd, Chair of Berry Bros. & Rudd says; “We are delighted to confirm this exciting joint venture with Symington Family Estates. Together, we are committed to sustainable viticulture and winemaking, and we believe that this business, which was the first commercial English vineyard of the modern era, has the foundations and potential to lead the way in the English sparkling wine category." “We are two family businesses who have worked together and been friends for many years. We share the same values and ethos and are delighted to be partnering to bring stability and growth to this business at a very exciting time for English sparkling wine.” Johnny Symington, Chair of Symington Family Estates, added; “It was going to take something very special for us to make wine in a new country, having produced port and wine in Portugal for five generations. Following lengthy analysis of the English sparkling wine category we are thrilled to be acquiring one of the leading producers in partnership with Berry Bros. & Rudd." “The quality of the wines is absolutely spectacular and is a reflection of the fantastic Hambledon terroir – with classic Champagne varieties planted exclusively on chalk soils and an extremely favourable microclimate situated in Hampshire close to the English Channel. We believe that these are world-class sparkling wines that will play a leading role in the development of English sparkling into a world-renowned fine wine.”

Goole’s plans to invest in a new town centre community hub has seen Willmott Dixon appointed for a £16m project to deliver a multi-purpose facility that provides health, fitness and leisure under one roof. The company has been chosen by East Riding of Yorkshire Council via the YORbuild3 framework for the Goole Hub redevelopment on North Street in the centre of the East Yorkshire town. The project, which received £3m from the Goole Town Deal, involves demolishing much of the existing East Riding Leisure Goole facility – with just the swimming pool building and sports blocks retained – to make way for Goole Hub. Designed by Watson Batty Architects, Goole Hub will include more than 1,600 square metres of new floor space delivering a variety of community-based services such as a food court, library, customer service centre, laser tag area, ten-pin bowling alley, soft play, and learner pool with health suite. In addition, Willmott Dixon will refurbish the existing swimming pool, changing facilities and spectator area. It follows a similar facility Willmott Dixon completed earlier this year in Morpeth that is now a focal point on the town’s high-street and comes a few weeks after the company was appointed to build a similar all-purpose community hub by Portsmouth City Council to deliver more local services under one roof. Nick Heath, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “The all-new Goole Hub will provide a connection between culture, recreation and leisure in one easily accessible location and there is a real ambition to create a new destination within the town. We’re therefore really pleased to have been selected as the preferred bidder by East Riding of Yorkshire Council to deliver this exciting project. “Aging leisure facilities are fast becoming out of touch with modern requirements, so it’s our job to not just deliver a building but create a high-quality multipurpose destination for the people of Goole, which will enhance lives and serve multiple generations. It will incorporate sustainable energy technologies – such as solar panels and air source heat pumps – to ensure it performs more efficiently and runs as healthily as its users." “Parts of the existing facility will remain in use while the new building is constructed, so we’re looking forward to getting on site and beginning works to deliver a new hub for the town.” Although historically successful, this is a much-needed improvement to the existing East Riding Leisure Goole facility. The council recognised that the site needed a major refurbishment as well as an enhanced and more diverse service offering to compete against alternatives in the area. As a result, the town side elevation has also been identified as an opportunity to replace a tired and uninviting building with a new one that boasts a vibrant and welcoming visual identity for the entire town. Councillor Nick Coultish, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “This proposed scheme is very exciting for Goole and will provide a wonderful new facility for the town and for East Riding Leisure members.” External work will include improving pedestrian access to the building as well as new landscaped areas to provide public spaces for the community to relax and enjoy outside. The development will also create additional parking spaces for visitors.

Bridge of Weir, supplier of Fine Automotive Leather to the world’s most respected luxury car brands, proudly announces its partnership with Car Design News and the Royal College of Art to introduce the first-ever Peter Horbury Fellowship Award. The distinguished accolade, named in honour of the late Peter Horbury, a luminary in car design, will be presented alongside a £5000 bursary to the next generation of design talent at the CDN People Awards in 2024. Peter Horbury, who sadly passed away in June 2023, had an illustrious 50-year career, recognised as one of the greatest car designers of his generation. To continue Peter’s legacy by inspiring the next generation of designers, Car Design News, in partnership with Bridge of Weir Leather and the Royal College of Art, where Peter himself was a student, the Peter Horbury Fellowship Award has been established to support young design talent. It is open to first and second-year full-time bachelor degree students from the RCA transportation design course, with the winner selected by course head Dale Harrow and the RCA faculty. James Muirhead, sales director at Bridge of Weir Leather, said: “It is with great honour and pride to support the Peter Horbury Fellowship Award, working in partnership with Car Design News and the Royal College of Art to recognise Peter’s profound contributions to the automotive industry and inspiring the future of designers. Peter was not only a visionary and an inspirational designer for some of the world’s most renowned automotive brands, but he was also a cherished friend of Bridge of Weir.” Muirhead continues: “Over the past three decades, our collaboration with Peter in crafting the interiors of iconic models for Volvo, Aston Martin, Ford, and Geely Group has been a testament to his unparalleled expertise and passion. This award is a beacon of inspiration, passing on Peter’s remarkable legacy to the next generation of designers, ensuring his visionary spirit lives on.” The prestigious Peter Horbury Fellowship Award will be presented at the CDN People Awards ceremony, a celebration that shines a spotlight on the industry's brightest talents and acknowledges the collaborative efforts of design teams behind ground breaking cars. The event is scheduled to take place at the Londoner in London’s Leicester Square on December 7th.

Graham’s Port which holds a Royal Warrant of Appointment from the late Queen Elizabeth II is releasing 10 of the very last remaining bottles of 1948 Vintage Port from its cellars to mark His Majesty King Charles III’s 75th birthday. Produced three years after the end of World War II, this exceptional wine was made with no electricity using the traditional method of foot-treading in granite tanks at Graham’s estate, Quinta dos Malvedos, in the Upper Douro Valley. After ageing for 75 years in Graham’s cellars, the 1948 Vintage Port takes its place as one of the most iconic vintages of the 20th century. With extraordinary elegance and finesse, this Vintage Port has evolved into a truly sublime wine with great class and power. Third generation port producer, Peter Symington, described the 1948 as “a truly magical vintage, which confirmed Graham’s as a first division Vintage Port house.” The aromas are utterly seductive, with vestiges of brambly red fruit, while the palate is refined with subtle tannins and an exceptionally composed finish. The 10 bottles of the 1948 Vintage Port are presented in beautiful individually numbered walnut wood boxes. They will be available exclusively at the Graham’s 1890 Lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia at €5,000 per bottle. Johnny Symington, Chairman of Symington Family Estates, commented: “It takes a rare constellation of events for the quality of a harvest to be such that we can produce a Vintage Port that can mature beautifully in bottle over so many decades. The Graham’s 1948 Vintage Port is one of those extraordinary wines." "As holders of the Royal Warrant for Graham’s Port, we have been honoured to commemorate various special occasions for the Royal Family by releasing some of our rarest and finest wines. We are delighted to now be releasing a Vintage Port as spectacular as the 1948 – the year His Majesty King Charles III was born.”

Independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame has expanded its estate with the acquisition of historic seafront pub The Ship Inn in Herne Bay. The addition of the freehold property, which was part of the Stonegate Group portfolio, takes Shepherd Neame’s total of pubs and hotels to 296, across Kent, London and the South East. The Ship Inn will continue to be run by current licensees Alan and Michele Clarke, who already have another Shepherd Neame pub, the Chestfield Barn. The husband and wife team took on The Ship Inn in April this year, and welcomed the change in ownership. Alan said: “We have been running the Chestfield Barn for the past six years, and have always enjoyed a great relationship with Shepherd Neame during that time, so we were really happy to learn that they would be taking on this site as well." “We know Shepherd Neame’s team well, and are confident that we can work together to fulfil our ambitions for the pub.” The Ship Inn is thought to be the oldest building in Herne Bay, with parts dating back to 1385, and was once a renowned smugglers’ haunt. Located on Central Parade, it boasts extensive sea views, particularly from its large terrace area, which is a popular spot for al fresco drinking and dining. Alan said: “Things have been going really well at the Chestfield Barn, so Michele and I had begun looking for another opportunity to expand into a second site, and when The Ship Inn came up earlier this year, we decided to go for it. It is in a fantastic location and there was a huge amount of potential as it had been closed for a while and needed some refurbishment." “We have introduced the elements of our offer which have proved popular at the Chestfield Barn, including creating a delicious new menu of traditional pub classics and light bites. We have received a fantastic welcome from locals and are really pleased with how things are going so far.” Jonathon Swaine, Shepherd Neame’s Managing Director, Pubs, said: “We are delighted to expand our tenanted estate with the acquisition of this characterful pub. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with Alan and Michele and supporting them in their efforts to ensure the pub goes from strength to strength.” The Ship Inn is open every day from 12pm, with food served from 12pm to 8.30pm, Monday to Saturday, and from 12pm to 5.30pm on Sunday. For information visit here .

A new truck is set to hit the world stage to thrill families and motorsport fans after digger maker JCB and entertainment giant Monster Jam ® announced a new partnership. The two family companies are joining forces to establish JCB as the official heavy equipment partner of Monster Jam - an alliance which has seen a new truck design added to the Monster Jam fleet known as JCB DIGatron. It was designed in conjunction with JCB’s engineering team and inspired by JCB’s iconic construction equipment and is set to make its debut at Monster Jam in January at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas - the city which is also the site of a proposed new JCB factory announced last month. JCB DIGatron will be driven by reigning Monster Jam World Finals® Racing champion Tristan England at events around the United States, wowing hundreds of thousands of fans. At selected events where DIGatron is participating, JCB will provide equipment to support track construction as well as a JCB 457 wheeled loader for recovery purposes. Juliette Feld Grossman, Chief Operating Officer, Feld Entertainment, said: “The Monster Jam and JCB partnership brings together two long-standing, family businesses that are both committed to providing the highest value to our customers, including performance and innovation. We are excited to welcome JCB into the Monster Jam family.” Alice Bamford, who is daughter of JCB Chairman Anthony Bamford, said: “Our family is delighted by the partnership between Monster Jam and JCB." "Our son, Otis, is the original Monster Jam fan in our family, and it is through his eyes that we realised how incredible it could be to join forces with another family business like Feld Entertainment as both companies share the same values of innovation, dedication, passion, and attention to detail. We are thrilled about the hours of entertainment that JCB DIGatron, with Tristan at the wheel, will bring to children, families, and our customers across North America!” About Monster Jam Unexpected, unscripted, and unforgettable, Monster Jam® features world-class athletes competing for championships on perfectly engineered dirt tracks that push these ever-evolving, state-of-the-art trucks to the limit. Beyond the 350 global live events each year, the Monster Jam brand extends off the track into the home through products, content, and merchandise that keeps the fun alive year-round. For more information, visit MonsterJam.com. About Feld Motor Sports Feld Motor Sports Inc., a subsidiary of Feld Entertainment Inc., is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting specialized arena and stadium-based motorsports entertainment. Properties include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Visit monsterjam.com, SupercrossLIVE.com, and feldentertainment.com for more information. About JCB JCB is the world’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of construction and agricultural equipment, with plants in the UK, USA, India, China and Brazil. JCB manufactures a range of more than 300 products including Loadall telescopic handlers, backhoe loaders, excavators, wheeled loaders, compact excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, aerial work platforms, rough terrain forklifts, and Fastrac tractors.

A milestone director appointment at one of the UK’s most prominent ingredients manufacturers is helping usher in a new era for the family business. Macphie Ltd has appointed Donald MacDonald to the role of Operations Director, overseeing the development of its two manufacturing facilities - Glenbervie near Stonehaven and Tannochside in North Lanarkshire. With Donald taking on oversight of operations, former Site Director, Ed Widdowson, has moved into the role of Strategy & Sustainability Director, and will look to aggressively pursue Macphie’s sustainability goals. Andy Stapley, Macphie CEO, says the appointment and subsequent changes are crucial for the future success of the business: “We’re at a generational crossroads. The business has come through a strong period of growth despite the recent economic challenges and the latest appointments will be instrumental in driving our business forward." “We have signed off a huge investment commitment to overhaul elements of our sites at Glenbervie and Tannochside to boost production and jobs, while also improving upon our sustainability credentials." “It’s also important to invest in talented individuals who will bring fresh ideas and energy to the business and help us to thrive in the market.” The move comes at a pivotal moment for the £70m+ business, and Donald will be leading a programme of works to expand and improve production across both Scottish sites. Originally from Argyll but now living in Glasgow, the father-of-four brings more than 20 years of experience leading operations, supply chain and engineering roles within the food industry. With a background in chemical engineering, Donald has held senior roles at Rio Tinto and Bakkavor. Prior to his move to Macphie he spent four years as Operations Director at Scottish Salmon Company. He said: “It’s been fascinating learning all about Macphie’s large portfolio of products. The global potential is enormous." “This is a high-growth, high-ambition company. In many ways it feels like a 50-year-old startup, such is the energy and the appetite for positive change." “In the shorter term we have major investment programmes underway, and I’m getting heavily involved as we expand our manufacturing capacity in Scotland." “One thing I’ve already come to realise is there’s an incredibly strong team of people at Macphie, which has been supplemented in recent years with senior leaders from a range of different backgrounds. I’m delighted to be able to play my part.” Macphie, which has held B Corp certification since 2015, aims to be carbon neutral by 2035 and Ed will be instrumental in laying the groundwork to achieve this target over the next decade. Recently, the firm implemented sustainability incentives including the installation of solar panels at the Tannochside site, and upgraded to high-efficiency boilers across facilities, which is expected to reduce energy usage by 20-25%. As a member of the fourth generation of the Macphie family to run the business, Ed will help ensure that the family-owned company retains its heritage while continuing to innovate under his strategic direction. Ed said: “Donald’s appointment enables me to take on a much more overarching role to set the longer-term direction of the business." “We’re a truly unique business with headquarters in a rural setting like no other, meaning the people we work with are fundamental to everything we do. Its why so many have stayed with us for decades and they will remain a vital part of our success moving forward." “Reward and recognition are critical to our core values. We must continue to attract the best talent, and a key part of that is ensuring our facilities are at the top of the game, which will enable us to continue high-performance, high-quality manufacturing." “Our outlook is really positive and through those investments in people and our sites we are positioning ourselves for the next 50 years of success." Originally founded in 1928 in Glasgow, the company later relocated to Glenbervie, near Stonehaven, in 1973, it has since grown to have 250 employees with revenues of over £70m. The game-changing move to Glenbervie in the seventies came alongside forward-thinking sustainability initiatives by Macphie. In 1974, Macphie began treating the effluent at the Glenbervie site to be used in a sustainable way, which marked the start of an impressive green journey for the food firm – now the site features its very own wind turbines to power the factory sustainably. Sustainability is a key element of the fourth-generation family firm’s philosophy: it was among Scotland’s first businesses to achieve B Corp status in 2015, having successfully demonstrated an unwavering high standard of social and environmental performance. Macphie Ltd is now an internationally renowned ingredients manufacturer, producing a wide range of products across its core categories of sauce, bakery and ice cream inclusions, as well as offering plant-based and gluten-free options. Macphie’s vision is to be the go-to partner for food brands around the world, turning ideas and creativity into practical solutions. Its passion for making life easier for chefs and bakers is reflected in its “simply clever” strapline.

Family businesses are the engine room of the UK economy and deserve all the recognition they get for the contributions they make. Family Business United is delighted to announce the launch of a new badge for British Family Business to recognise and celebrate the sector. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United ('FBU') explains, "We are encouraging all British family businesses to subscribe to the British Family Business Badge to proudly promote that they are a family business and proud of their roots. Research confirms that consumers place more trust in family owned businesses (Source: Edelman Trust Barometer) and the products and services they provide." FBU members gain use of the emblem as part of their membership which enables them to use the emblem on websites, letterheads, signs and other assets whilst other family firms simply purchase a licence to use the badge on an annual basis. As Paul continues, "Family businesses are the engine room of the UK economy, making a significant contribution through the people they employ, the income they generate, the wealth they create and the communities that they support, which for many, has been something that they have done for generations." "We truly believe that family firms deserve all the recognition that they can get and to be proud of their roots, to celebrate all the good that as a community they do, and as such have created a ‘badge’ that enables them to celebrate who they are as part of a wider community. Family businesses displaying the badge demonstrate the underlying essence of being a family business, notably that they are: Proud in being a family business Committed to doing business the right way Invested in creating a sustainable firm for future generations Committed to taking a long term view Proud in having a heritage but recognising the need to remain relevant, now and for the future Family firms are encouraged to sign up or become FBU members and use the emblem as part of their pride in being a family business, taking the long term view, acting as custodians for future generations, doing business the right way and continuing to invest in their businesses to ensure that they are fit for the future. The badge has been created and endorsed by Family Business United, a globally recognised champion of family firms, and seeks to bring the family business community together to celebrate the important role it has today, and will do going forward. Family firms across the UK are already engaging with the new campaign and displaying the badge. Joanne Gualda, Group Marketing Director at Alfred Bagnall & Sons in Yorkshire i supporting the campaign adding: “Founded back in 1875, Bagnalls continues to be a proud family business, now in its fifth generation. We continue to look forward as a specialist painting contractor as we approach our 150 year anniversary in 2025." "Family values are embedded into our culture and as a family business we pride ourselves on the work we do and the way that we do it, as we have done for generations. We are delighted to support the launch of the Family Business badge which recognises the contribution of family firms and celebrates the very essence of businesses like ours.” Grant Georgiades, Managing Director of Plan Group in Surrey adds: "We are proud to support the new campaign from FBU. As a family business we’re passionate about trading in the right way and are steadfastly committed to the long term. Our ethical practices aim to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come and we honour our heritage whilst embracing innovation to remain relevant today and resilient for the future. Join us on this journey, where pride in our family values shapes a business that will stand the test of time." Workhorse Group Managing Director, Simon Dickerson said, “As a family business, Workhorse Group are proud to be using the new British Family Business Mark. Being a member of Family Business United gives us access to support and an extensive information centre that benefits our customers." "By seeing the new mark, our customers can be confident in our values, and know that they are working with a quality British family firm.” As Paul concludes, “We wanted to create something iconic, that reflects the importance of the sector, draws from the past in terms of the roots of where family firms were founded and from where they have grown to become great family firms of today and with their focus firmly on tomorrow." "We hope that the badge will encourage family firms to embrace their ownership, the very nature of who they are and what differentiates them, and provide a means by which we can celebrate their importance." "What is more, research has demonstrated over the years that family firms are trusted and more respected than their non-family owned counterparts and to that extent celebrating their very ownership is a good thing and we are delighted to have created a badge that celebrates the sector and that will hopefully make an even greater difference too.” Find out more about the Badge of British Family Business here

Viarae Prosecco introduces an exciting new voice in wine, celebrating good times and great friends no matter the occasion. A partnership between Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actress, producer, entrepreneur, and writer Issa Rae and E. & J. Gallo Winery, Viarae Prosecco is a bright, crisp, lively, and refreshingly refined take on the classic Italian sparkling wine. Releasing this month in select markets, Viarae’s expressive, aromatic, and subtly dry style is perfect for sipping on its own or as a co-star in a cocktail. “I am thrilled to share my love of Prosecco with everyone through Viarae. It’s carefully crafted, deliciously crisp, and the perfect beverage to celebrate La Dolce Vita,” stated Issa Rae, creator and founder of Viarae Prosecco. Prosecco is the longtime signature sip of Rae both on and off screen. The Italian bubbly was also the hallmark drink of the protagonist in “Insecure,” the acclaimed, Peabody Award-winning HBO show that Rae co-created, starred in, and produced. Founding her own Prosecco label was a natural next step for the creative trailblazer to explore and one she has been working on for several years. Rae is known for her unique flair and infectious sense of humor that she’s weaved into the Black stories she’s brought to life on screen. With Viarae Prosecco, Rae is helping create representation for herself and the vibrant Black female community in a category where it didn’t previously exist. That commitment is reflected in the radiant gold and brown packaging. Inspired by the spirit of Italy 1978, the label unapologetically represents the freedom to let loose and be authentic. “We are excited to partner with Issa Rae, who entrusted us with executing her vision of the perfect Prosecco – one that shares our desire to serve joy in everyday moments. Crisp, lively, and expressive, this is a perfect choice for those candid, unfiltered times with friends, whether that’s a sunny day by the pool or in the bright city lights at night,” says Beth Orozco, Vice President of Marketing for E.& J. Gallo Winery. “Issa also shares our mission to demystify wine and make it more inclusive. Viarae will help us reach that goal.” Vintage-dated Viarae Prosecco D.O.C. is crafted from 100% Glera — the traditional grape of Prosecco — grown and made by the prestigious La Marca cooperative in Treviso in Northern Italy.

Willmott Dixon teamed up with Oxford Brookes University to celebrate the topping out of its project to construct two new, innovative buildings offering teaching, learning and research space at the university’s Headington Hill site. The occasion was to mark both buildings reaching their highest points. When complete, the new teaching buildings and workshops will enhance STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and creative industries activities as part of the University’s long term Oxford Campus Vision which will see Oxford Brookes bring together all its Oxford activities on the Headington Campus over the coming years. The new buildings are set to open their doors for the 2024/25 academic year and will be the new home for the University’s School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, currently based at Wheatley. The topping out ceremony saw Willmott Dixon director Neville Dale joined by guests including Professor Alistair Fitt, Vice-Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University. Professor Fitt said: “The construction of these two innovative buildings is moving at a fast pace, and we look forward to opening the doors in the 2024/25 academic year." “Students, staff, industry partners and the local community are going to benefit immensely from the rich and stimulating environment that these fantastic new spaces will offer, where they can learn, study, work and socialise. I would like to extend a thank you to our construction partners, Willmott Dixon, as well as a range of partners who have played a key role in the development of two important buildings for the University and wider region.” Richard Poulter, managing director of Willmott Dixon, added: “This project is about the future of education, the nurturing of young minds and the creation of an environment that inspires creativity and learning." “The Headington Hill buildings are designed with the environment in mind, embodying modern construction principles that align with the University's mission to promote responsible and sustainable development. We look forward to seeing the project progress and are excited for the opening.” Transforming student and staff experience As well as being the new home for the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, the facilities will also co-locate the University’s Schools of Architecture and Built Environment and the School of Arts on one campus. The teaching building will be on three floors and include innovations such as immersion and robotics laboratories, as well as technologies like Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR) and 3D printing. A centrepiece VR Cave will allow students to step into an immersive world in order to create virtual buildings and towns, and disassemble Formula 1 cars and test different designs. The workshop will become a hub for students and staff from motorsport and mechanical engineering who will benefit from high-voltage testing facilities, advanced scanning technology and an automotive lab with a range of Formula 1 racing cars. In addition, Oxford Brookes Racing, the University’s award-winning Formula Student team, will be based in the workshop.