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

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

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

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

Led by celebrated head chef James Moyle, Herringbone Goldenacre has unveiled an exciting array of dishes inspired by his tenure at some of London’s top restaurants It comes as Herringbone begins actively recruiting for a range of talented chefs across its venues in Edinburgh and North Berwick. One of Edinburgh’s best loved restaurants has revealed an exciting new menu for the winter season curated by celebrated chef James Moyle, inspired by casual fine dining trends that have taken London’s eclectic food scene by storm. Herringbone Goldenacre, which is located on South Trinity Road near the city’s Botanic Gardens, has unveiled an exciting array of new dishes aimed at elevating the venue’s already outstanding reputation for excellent guest experiences. The new menu at the relaxed dining destination - which is operated by leading hospitality group Buzzworks – has been meticulously created by Moyle, drawing on his extensive experience from some of the country’s top restaurants. It comes as Herringbone launches a recruitment drive for chefs at all levels across its portfolio of existing venues in Goldenacre, Abbeyhill in Edinburgh and North Berwick ahead of the busy Christmas period and the eagerly anticipated new opening in Barnton early next year. Having operated in a variety of Michelin-starred and AA-Rosette awarded venues - including The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay at the Savoy in London – Moyle has curated a standout culinary offering for the season and is confident the new menu will bring a fresh approach to some of Herringbone’s most celebrated dishes. He said: “We’re bringing a fresh and innovative twist to Herringbone Goldenacre this winter season, having drawn inspiration from some of the most exciting food trends coming out of the UK capital." “Combining bold flavours with some of our favourite dishes in a relaxed setting is something we’ve tried to do since opening Herringbone so we’ve worked closely as a team to create dishes we believe reflect that.” “Using locally sourced, fresh ingredients has been at the heart of my cooking ethos since my career began at the Savoy in London nearly 25 years ago." “Working in a prestigious kitchen like that, under the guidance of some of the industry’s top chefs including Gordon Ramsay, really shaped how I approach food today. It was my first kitchen job straight out of school and helped instill some of the key philosophies that I still prioritise within our team at Herringbone to this day." “Not only did it help me appreciate the importance of seasonality, quality, and precision in the kitchen at a very early stage, it instilled in me a deep respect for the craft of cooking.” Among the highlights on the new menu is a selection of sharing plates, including a deliciously cured pork loin, served with a pickled red onion salad and rhubarb and ginger chutney. For those looking for something more filling, hearty dishes such as roast hake with Jerusalem artichoke, rosemary potatoes and a truffle and leek puree are designed to provide a warming meal as the cooler weather comes in. James continued: “We wanted to elevate our classic dishes to the next level to offer something special for our guests, and we truly believe this menu does that." “Our new offering at Herringbone Goldenacre is designed with that in mind. We’re delivering something that feels both refined and accessible, and I’m really proud of what the team has achieved here." “For those passionate about creativity, quality, and culinary innovation, Herringbone offers a dynamic, supportive environment where talent can thrive." “Joining us means being part of a team that values growth and teamwork, with excellent opportunities to develop skills and make a real impact on our dining experience.”

A Nottingham based packaging giant has joined forces with industry leaders to put its weight behind a fundraising campaign for a local cancer care charity. The Wilkins Group based in Colwick, sprang into action when it heard that a team member from one of its customers had been diagnosed with throat cancer, and was being supported by Maggie's. Now the family-run firm which makes food packaging for many of the leading food producers in the UK, is donating funds from the sales of some selected ready meals, as part of a £10,000 fundraising challenge. The fundraising drive came after Pro-Pak Foods new product development manager received a shock cancer diagnosis in 2023. The news prompted suppliers, partners, colleagues, and friends to rally round in order to raise money for the centre at Maggie's which offered support throughout this diagnosis and subsequent care. The fundraising effort has been headed up by his colleague, Giles Leverton. Now, The Wilkins Group has collaborated with Pro-Pak Foods and fellow packaging partners Sheard Packaging and Faerch, in donating 10p from every purchase of its Pro-Cook range to the fundraising total. The products, which are sold through B&M and some smaller retailers, are on sale until Christmas. Justin Wilkins, joint managing director at The Wilkins Group, said: “When we heard about this cancer diagnosis and fundraising, we wanted to help in any way we could. Cancer has touched so many lives and the support that charities such as Maggie’s gives to sufferers and their families is tremendous.” Pro-Pak Foods cooks over 150,000 freshly produced ready meals a day from its base in Malton, North Yorkshire. The Wilkins Group has been producing packaging for the firm for over 10-years. Giles Leverton, purchasing and new business development manager at Pro-Pak Foods, hopes the additional support from its packaging partners will help smash their £10,000 fundraising goal. The fundraising duo have already raised an incredible £4,690 through a series of events including Giles’s entry into the Great North Run. He said: “We can’t thank our packaging partners enough for their support. It was a tremendous shock when our friend and colleague was diagnosed with throat cancer, and it was also a great loss to the business while treatment was being undertaken." “I don’t think we truly understand the physical and physiological trauma patients go through before, during and after cancer treatment, but I am more aware now than I have ever been.” Across the UK, Maggie’s estimates that there are currently more than three million people living with cancer. They expect this figure to rise to 5.3 million by 2040. In 2023, Maggie’s supported 311,036 visits by people with cancer and their loved ones. The not-for-profit organisation, founded by Maggie Keswick Jencks, initially opened in Edinburgh in 1996. It now provides free, expert care and patient support across the UK, online and overseas. In 2011, Maggie’s Nottingham opened on the City Hospital campus. Justin Wilkins said: “Maggie’s is such a worthwhile organisation. We are so proud to be supporting Pro-Pak in their charity mission.”

Two St Austell Brewery apprentices have been shortlisted for awards, with one of them also shortlisted for the coveted Achiever of the Year award which will be determined by a public vote. Piers Smith and Alice Norris, who work at Haveners in Fowey and The Borough Arms in Bodmin respectively, have been singled out as Apprentices of the Year in the hospitality category at the upcoming Cornwall Apprenticeship Awards 2025. In total, 49 nominees from colleges and training providers have been shortlisted in 18 categories. Alice Norris has worked for St Austell Brewery for the past three years, starting out as Assistant Manager at The Central in Newquay before moving over to The Borough Arms. Alice said she fell in love with “the pub’s history and charm, the great team and community” and her passion has continued to shine through, seeing her promoted to General Manager earlier this month. Alice, who is completing her Level 4 in Hospitality Management apprenticeship, said: “The course has given me the knowledge and skills to be a well-rounded leader, understand the fundamentals of running a successful hospitality establishment and has given me a confidence to achieve the next step in my career." “The support and guidance from my college mentors has been a real stepping stone in my growth and the support from St Austell Brewery has allowed me the time and resources to thrive. I hope in the future to mentor fellow apprentices to continue their careers in hospitality.” Piers Smith, who is completing his Level 2 Professional Chef apprenticeship has also flourished in his role, with his managers saying the 23-year-old has grown in confidence and skill beyond expectations. St Austell Brewery’s Early Careers Manager, Jon Kelley, said: “Piers is a shining example of resilience, hard work and dedication, who thoroughly deserves every bit of praise that we can give him." “He’s embraced his apprenticeship journey and transformed from a shy person into an outgoing and much-loved member of his team and community.” Piers was not only shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year in Hospitality, but he is also in the running for Cornwall’s Achiever of the Year award. The winners will be announced on the evening of the Awards' ceremony on Friday 7th February.

Deloitte Global has released its Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) 2025 Predictions report, forecasting a pivotal gap year for Generative AI (GenAI) and the TMT sector—spanning from technical challenges for the industry to societal imperatives. By addressing challenges in infrastructure, gender equity, energy consumption, trust, and capabilities, the industry could be poised for a significant leap forward and is well positioned to determine the future of Al’s legacy. Key Takeaways: GenAI Driving Data Center Energy Consumption Surge : Electricity consumption by global data centers is forecasted to double to 4% by 2030 as power-intensive GenAI consumption grows faster than other uses and applications. Women’s Adoption Gap In GenAI Usage Closing Quickly : By 2025, women’s experimentation and usage of GenAI is projected to meet or exceed that of men, but tech companies still should improve trust, representation in training models, and diversity in the AI workforce. Enterprise Use Of AI Agents On The Rise : 25% of enterprises using GenAI are forecast to deploy AI agents in 2025, growing to 50% by 2027. GenAI Set To Make Devices Smarter : In 2025, the share of shipped GenAI enabled smartphones could exceed 30%, in addition to about 50% of laptops with local GenAI processing capabilities. Streaming Fatigue Fuels Shift To Aggregated Platforms : The number of streaming video-on-demand subscriptions (SVOD) per household is forecast to peak in 2025 at four services in the US and a little over two in Europe, then decline going forward. Telecom Consolidation Expected To Reshape Global Markets : Wireless telecom mergers and acquisitions are likely to rise, especially in Europe, enhancing network resilience and efficiency. "We are standing on the brink of a new era in human invention and the choices we make today around the development and use of artificial intelligence will shape the future,” says Deloitte Global TMT Industry Leader Ariane Bucaille. “As we define the roadmap for Generative AI, we must navigate many challenges. By embracing trust, inclusivity, and sustainability, we can ensure that technological advancements positively impact not only the current generation but also businesses, consumers, and broader communities for generations to come.” GenAI expected to double data center energy usage with advanced technologies helping in clean energy transition Deloitte predicts that global data center electricity consumption could roughly double to 1,065 terawatt-hour (TWh) by 2030—or 4% of total global energy consumption, as power-intensive GenAI training and inference continue to grow faster than other uses and applications. Tech companies—including cloud providers, semiconductor companies, and data center operators—can help drive the clean energy transition and mitigate the growth in electricity usage. They may leverage substantial financial resources that their partners—innovators, renewable energy producers, and utilities—may lack. Major tech companies are actively investing in more efficient chips, innovative cooling solutions, energy-efficient designs, and carbon-free energy sources and are committed to achieving net-zero targets. While Deloitte predicts that these collaborations have the potential to mitigate the energy impact of GenAI, many associated research and development initiatives and pilot programs are expected to take years to yield tangible results and return on investment. Women’s use of GenAI projected to match that of men in 2025 in US but global gaps remain Deloitte predicts that experimentation and usage of GenAI by women will equal or exceed that of men in the US by the end of 2025. In 2023, women’s use of GenAI was just half that of men. However, over the past year, the proportion of women in the US adopting GenAI has tripled, significantly outpacing the 2.2x growth rate seen among men. Around the world, countries and regions are expected to close the adoption gap at varying rates with some achieving equal usage by men and women in 2025 and others in 2026. “While the rapid increase in women’s adoption of GenAI is promising, eliminating gender disparities in GenAI will require focused efforts. Women in tech - who are using GenAI more than their male counterparts for everyday tasks - can be an important cohort to help drive change. Tech companies must enhance trust, reduce bias, and strive for more diverse GenAI workforces – including at the leadership level – to ensure that everyone can fully engage with and benefit from GenAI technologies. By doing so, companies can unlock greater innovation and broaden their consumer base ensuring products and services are equitable and effective globally,” says Gillian Crossan, Deloitte Global Technology Sector Leader. AI agents are on the rise with 25% enterprise adoption expected by 2025 Deloitte predicts that 25% of enterprises using GenAI are expected to deploy AI agents in 2025, growing to 50% by 2027. The growth of AI agents—software solutions designed to complete tasks with minimal human intervention—will be fueled by innovation from both start-ups and established industry leaders identifying new revenue opportunities. Built on large language models, these AI agents will offer greater flexibility and a wider array of use cases compared to traditional machine learning or deep learning methods. While the ultimate aim is to achieve autonomous and dependable agents, Deloitte expects significant improvements in their capabilities in 2025 as these technologies rapidly advance, with agentic AI moving past pilots and proofs of concepts in some markets and for some applications in 2025. While early adopters will grapple with complexities and challenges, the vision is compelling enough for organizations to take proactive steps to prepare themselves now for adoption. This evolution will enable AI agents to tackle a broader range of applications, providing businesses with valuable tools to drive productivity of knowledge workers and efficiency gains in workflows of all kinds. Smartphone and PCs put the power of GenAI to test As smartphone and PC manufacturers aim to reignite consumer excitement, Deloitte forecasts that in 2025 GenAI-enabled smartphones will exceed 30% of total shipments. PCs with local GenAI processing capabilities will be around 50% of total shipments, rising from 30% in 2024. 2025 is a pivotal year to evaluate the value and comprehensiveness of early GenAI functionalities. Although Deloitte predicts a 7% increase in global smartphone shipments (up from 5% in 2024) in 2025, the revenue impact is higher than the volume impact as consumers buy higher-priced premium smartphones equipped with advanced GenAI features. But time will tell how quickly users adopt the innovative features that providers are hoping to drive sales. Fatigue and cost fuel rise of aggregated streaming platforms After peaking at around four subscriptions per consumer in the US and over two in most European markets in 2024, Deloitte predicts that SVOD stacking—the trend of subscribing to multiple standalone video-on-demand services—has reached its limit and will start declining in 2025. While standalone subscriptions are expected to decline, SVOD revenues may still rise as providers implement price hikes, tighten password-sharing policies, and enhance bundling options. Deloitte forecasts that the market will stabilize with just two or three standalone direct to consumer SVOD players per market, complemented by aggregators. Echoing the traditional model of pay TV providers, Deloitte forecasts a resurgence of aggregation, where intermediaries—like telcos, pay TV platforms, and tech platforms—will consolidate multiple content sources into single offerings. This shift may reduce costs and create a more sustainable streaming ecosystem. "This shift from a promising, user-centric model to a complex, fragmented experience has created a call for a return to aggregation, echoing the simplicity and accessibility that initially drove the streaming revolution,” says Kevin Westcott, Deloitte Global Telecommunications, Media & Entertainment (TM&E) Sector Leader. “We now expect to see a new era of streaming, one that prioritizes user experience and innovation. The future of AI-powered streaming lies in platforms that can anticipate individual preferences, deliver tailored content, and blur the lines between traditional viewing and interactive experiences." Telecom consolidation reshapes global markets Deloitte predicts that there will be an increased pace of wireless telecom consolidation, especially in Europe, beginning in 2025 and continuing on, creating a more viable and sustainable wireless ecosystem, especially in smaller markets. While Deloitte forecasts that the overall number of M&A deals will remain steady at about 400, the focus will shift towards market-level consolidation, with smaller telecom companies targeted by larger players. Since 2020, 13 telecom mergers have been approved or are under consideration, including six in the Americas, five in Asia-Pacific, and two in Europe.

The latest Lloyds UK Sector Tracker reveals that in October, food and drink manufacturers recorded the fastest output growth of all sectors for the fourth consecutive month (65.3 vs. 66.1 in September). The Tracker, which uses exclusive PMI data to track the performance of 14 sectors of the UK economy, also revealed this was despite slower demand growth (53.6 vs. 66.5 in September). Businesses were surveyed between 10 and 29 October. Food and drink producers saw input costs rise at the slowest rate (55.0) since March 2024. As a result, they also slowed the rate at which they raised prices charged to customers (50.5 vs. 58.4), which includes supermarkets and retailers. Firms in the sector also hired staff at their fastest pace on record (59.7 in October vs. 50.7 in September), since January 1998 when the Tracker began. A reading on the Tracker above 50.0 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50.0 indicates contraction. Aled Patchett, Head of Consumer at Lloyds, said: “This month’s Tracker reflects the determined optimism of the businesses that we speak to in the sector, as we head into one of the busiest times of the year." “Branding and positioning are more important than ever as consumers think more actively about the composition of their food and drink spend, and they are increasingly looking for nutrition and convenience." "Businesses are also keeping a close eye on the possible impact on supply chains caused by recent global weather impacts. The sector sees some challenges ahead, but businesses continue to work hard to navigate their way through them.” The Broader UK Picture Looking at activity across all 14 sectors, October’s Tracker shows that six sectors saw output rise month-on-month, one more than in September. Five sectors saw demand, as measured by new orders, rise, which remains unchanged from the previous month. Overall, 12 sectors saw their input costs rise, two fewer than in September. The same number (12) also raised their prices charged to customers, which remains unchanged from September. Nikesh Sawjani, Senior UK Economist at Lloyds, said: “While the number of sectors reporting higher output increased in October, the data suggests that growth in recent months has become focused on fewer sectors compared to the first half of the year. In part, this has been driven by some softening in demand conditions – with the number of sectors reporting increases in new orders also moderating in recent months – but also likely reflects some firms facing capacity limits due to lower employment levels.”

Figures published by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) this morning, show inheritance tax receipts hit £5 billion in the 7 months from April to October 2024. This is £0.5 billion higher than the same period in the previous tax year and continues the upward trajectory over the last two decades. In the last full tax year inheritance tax raised £7.499 billion with just one in 20 estates is liable. However, in the Autumn Budget the Chancellor announced: An extension to the freeze on IHT thresholds, which have been frozen for a further two years (until 2030). Agricultural Relief and Business Property Relief have been reformed, meaning that from April 2026, the first £1m of qualifying combined assets will have no inheritance tax at all, but for assets overt £1m a 50% relief will apply, at an effective rate of 20%. Qualifying AIM shares will no longer have full exemption from IHT, instead from 2026 they will have an inheritance tax rate of 20% if they are held for two years. From 6th April 2027, inherited pensions could be subject to inheritance tax in addition to income tax levied on the recipient meaning passed down pensions could be taxed at an effective rate of up to 67% - subject to consultation. Alex Davies, CEO and Founder of Wealth Club said: “Inheritance tax was already an absolute cash cow for the government. The extreme changes announced in last month’s Budget which badly affect farmers, business owners, pension policyholders and investors, mean these figures are only going to increase over the coming years." "We believe all the changes to inheritance tax made in the Budget are extremely short sighted. Firstly, the tax burden is already at its highest in 70 years and growth is very low. More tax is likely to stifle growth further. Secondly these changes have given those affected no time to plan. It’s very much a case of 'one day, that’s your money, the next day, it’s not'; a sentiment which is hardly going to encourage people to invest for the future whether that’s in their own business or in a savings vehicle such as a pension." "That said you can only base your decisions on the facts as they are now and seemingly there are still ways available to reduce the inheritance tax paid by your estate, although many of them do require time and more risk." As Alex continues, those concerned about inheritance tax should seek advice and consider: Giving Money Away Early Gifts taken out of regular income, which are not deemed to affect the giver’s standard of living, are inheritance tax free on day one – as are certain smaller gifts. Timing is key as you can give unlimited amounts away but typically these take seven years to be completely inheritance tax free. Of course, once you give away the money you’ve lost control. If you need it back for an emergency, that’s not an option. Investing In Unlisted Companies That Qualify For Business Property Relief These are typically inheritance tax free after two years. Investing in unquoted businesses can be risky, however, unlike giving the money away, you retain control. From 2026 you will have an overall £1 million Business Relief Allowance. Anything in addition will be taxed at 20%. Investing In An AIM ISA. ISAs are not inheritance tax free. When you pass away, your loved ones could miss out on 40% of your hard-earned cash. AIM ISAs are a popular, although much riskier way, to reduce this. Currently after two years they could be IHT free. From 2026 the IHT will be halved toa rate of 20%.

Recruitment budgets are not expected to grow in line with the economic landscape, putting employers on the back foot with 2025 recruitment plans. That’s according to data from resourcing transformation expert, Omni RMS, and the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development. The latest edition of the Resourcing and talent planning report revealed that just under a third (32%) of private sector organisations expect an increase in recruitment budgets for 2024 – 25. With business and employment costs set to surge – particularly with the announcement of NICS increases in the Chancellor’s Budget – hiring budgets need to be reviewed urgently. According to Omni RMS, this is more pertinent given the growing skills gaps. The report revealed that more than two thirds (69%) of employers in the UK feel that competition for well qualified talent has increased over the last year. A further 56% indicated that talent is more difficult to retain. Louise Shaw, Managing Director at Omni RMS commented: “Business costs are, broadly speaking, increasing in line with the economic climate and the growing costs of living. But the area that is likely to see greatest pressure on budgets and workload – namely talent acquisition and retention – is seemingly being ignored in 2025 investment plans.” “People are typically the largest cost for an organisation, but they are also their greatest asset. Even without the skills shortages that are prevalent across all remits, HR and recruitment budgets aren’t increasing at a rate we would expect. When you add to this the difficulties around attraction and retention, organisations are heading into the New Year already on the back foot from a talent attraction point of view. Using tools like Omni’s true cost of hiring and retention calculator, allows organisations to rethink how the can optimise budgets and gain greater value from the right investments.”

Stickley is excited to announce a special Factory Outlet event with deep discounts available to Newington-area customers for a limited time. L. & J.G. Stickley, the historic American furniture brand headquartered in Central New York, is excited to announce a special Factory Outlet event available to Newington customers for a limited time. This temporary showroom is located at 172 Kitts Lane, Newington, next to Planet Fitness. For the duration of the sale, Stickley is offering its best-selling, high-end furniture collections and hand-knotted rugs for every room at deep clearance discounts, as well as luxury furnishings from famous brands including Bernhardt, Fulton Lane, Nichols & Stone by Stickley, Stressless, and more. While they last, marked-down items in limited quantities are available for immediate take-away or quick local delivery, making this a great opportunity to purchase new furniture ahead of the coming holidays. Shoppers who want to place orders for furniture in custom finishes, fabrics, and leathers will also have the opportunity to do so at this event. Founded in 1900 by Leopold and John George Stickley and owned by the Audi family since 1974, L. & J.G. Stickley will soon celebrate its 125th anniversary as an iconic American brand, producing best-quality hardwood furniture and upholstery that has set the standard for craftsmanship. Time-honoured furniture-making techniques, honest materials, and a dedication to quality ensure that every piece of Stickley furniture will become a treasured family heirloom. Aminy Audi, CEO and Chair of the Board said: “Newington is a location that is dear to our hearts. From 2003 to 2008, we were fortunate enough to have a showroom just down the road on Berlin Turnpike. We’re very pleased to be making a return visit to old friends!” “We’re excited to be returning to Newington and offering this wonderful opportunity to its customers,” said Stickley President Edward Audi. “This region has always had a wealth of devoted Stickley fans, so we’re thrilled to bring our beautifully crafted product and tremendous value to them in Central Connecticut!” The Stickley Factory Outlet Sale at 172 Kitts Lane is open Mondays through Saturdays (closed on Wednesdays) from 10am to 6pm and Sundays from 12pm to 5pm. With thirteen retail showrooms across the country, including Factory Outlets and Clearance Centers, family-owned Stickley offers a range of fine brands, curated collections for every lifestyle, and a selection of the industry’s highest-quality mattresses. Customers will find budget-friendly price points that never sacrifice quality and craftsmanship, as well as complimentary interior design services for both large and small projects.