A family business from Ellesmere Port is celebrating after being highly commended in the New Product competition at the UK’s leading dairy event. Eye Farm Innovative Dairy Solutions impressed judges at UK Dairy Day 2026, with Cow Locate® standing out in a highly competitive field of eight finalists. The product provides a precise location for every cow in a housed herd – helping to keep robotic milking moving by finding fetch cows easily and making it quicker and easier to pull cows out for routine health checks or emergency veterinary attention. “Solving everyday challenges for farmers by saving them time, improving profitability and enhancing animal welfare is our driver for innovation at Eye Farm,” said founder Dave Hawkes. “Being highly commended in our first New Product competition at such an important event for the UK dairy sector is a welcome endorsement of Cow Locate and its value to farmers. What really excites us, however, is the difference we are already seeing Cow Locate make on our early adopters’ farms." "For example, being able to locate an individual cow without disturbing or moving others makes working inside the shed safer for farm staff and reduces unnecessary stress for the animals.” Cow Locate uses a continuous stream of real-time data transmitted wirelessly from collar tags worn by the cows. Using a phone, tablet or PC, farmers can select an individual cow by her unique number or be guided by the health and fertility alerts from Cow Locate – all without needing to be in the shed. Cow Locate then displays her precise location on a digital map of the shed. Once inside the shed, the cow’s collar tag lights up, along with LED indicators on the antennas above her location, guiding farmers and their teams to find her quickly and efficiently. “There are more than 450 dairy farms in Cheshire – including mega dairies with over 2,000 cows,” said Dave. “Herd management involves a range of daily demands, with individual cows needing attention for everything from hoof trimming, insemination and pregnancy checks to health concerns such as mastitis. Being able to locate and bring the right cow out quickly for examination or treatment helps keep the parlour running smoothly, supports successful breeding and maintains overall farm productivity." "Our hope is that Cow Locate will make a practical difference to dairy farming in Cheshire and beyond, with the potential to benefit the wider UK dairy industry.” Eye Farm was founded by Dave and his wife Jane in 2025, and the couple have since welcomed their son William, aged 25, to the team following his graduation from Edge Hill University this summer. Their wider operations, customer service and business development team bring first-hand farming experience – having grown up on family farms or worked in the industry, alongside specialist knowledge of cow fertility and herd management. “It’s been an incredible first year in business,” said Dave, who spent 14 years specialising in electrical systems for farms before founding Eye Farm. “More than 350 farms across the UK now use our herd management system, which has continued to evolve with the addition of tools to monitor and prevent heat stress, an automatic sort gate and, most recently, Cow Locate. I would especially like to thank our colleagues at ENGS Systems Ltd.” Eye Farm are set to unveil their next innovation at Dairy-Tech 2027 – taking place in Stoneleigh Park on 3 February.

A Derbyshire bakery has said that it expects to sell its 27,000th limited edition Thor Cake by the end of the year making history for the popular bakehouse. Back by popular demand, the Viking-inspired treat is only on the shelves at Stacey’s Bakery for a limited period each year. This year, the family-owned firm estimates it will clock up its 27,000th sale, signalling an ‘historic’ milestone for the local traditional bake. The fourth-generation family firm, which has branches in Ilkeston’s Bath Street and South Street, as well as in Heanor and Eastwood, first brought the sweet treat to Derbyshire food lovers in 2016, after researching how it had become virtually obsolete in the region. Thor Cake, which was traditionally made on November 5 and helped to bring Derbyshire communities together, is a spicy autumn biscuit with a chewy texture and a gingery kick, made from oatmeal, butter and treacle, with coriander and Demerara sugar. Traditionally eaten on Bonfire Night, its flavours are similar to those of Yorkshire Parkin, but as a flatter biscuit-style of treat, it is tied to the East Midlands in that local communities would traditionally come together, bringing an ingredient each and baking the cake as a joint effort. As well as following the custom of recreating the biscuit, Stacey’s has now started a tradition of its own, firmly establishing the lead-up to November 5 as time for selling Thor Cakes over the past eight years. This year, for the first time, it will continue making the treat in the run up to Christmas. David Stacey, managing director and great-grandson of the firm’s founder, Guy Stacey, said: “It’s become a bit of a highlight of our baking calendar, as well as something our customers look forward to." “It’s really popular, so much so that we sell around 2,500 Thor Cakes each year, and considering they’re only available for a limited period, that’s really something.”

A trio of apprentice chefs aiming to forge careers in the restaurant trade have been recruited by a specialist training academy run by a Lake District hotel group. Syd Gallagher-Shuttleworth, Dillon Hearne and Sherif Moussa are on track to become chefs thanks to the English Lakes Hotels Culinary Academy. Dillon,18, will be working in the open kitchen Grill & Smokehouse at Wild Boar Estate near Windermere, whilst 35-year-old Sherif will gain experience with the culinary team at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa. 20-year-old Syd will be based at the Foodworks Restaurant at Lancaster House Hotel. The 15-month apprenticeship course run in conjunction with Kendal College allows the trainees to earn a living with the hotel group and gain vital experience in a thriving restaurant kitchen environment. On completion of the course, the students will benefit from Level 2 Commis Chef and Level 3 Chef de Partie qualifications. The apprentices are learning their trade under the guidance and coaching of group training and development chef Daniel Winstanley, an appointed member of The Master Chefs of Great Britain. A key milestone in the course is a plan for the Culinary Academy trainees to deliver a set menu as part of a restaurant takeover at the college in the coming months. “I’ve always enjoyed cooking at home and feeding family and friends and I wanted to expand my understanding of catering and cuisine,” explains Syd. Sherif agrees and adds: “I'm passionate about cookery and making really good, tasty food, and I wanted to master those skills in a professional environment." Dillon was inspired to apply for the Culinary Academy having seen recipes he wanted to make for his family when he was younger: “It’s nice to be around like-minded people who love fine food service and working with them helps you to be punctual and good at multitasking,” he says. Daniel Winstanley from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues says: “The culinary academy is now in its tenth year and we can’t wait to see how Syd, Sherif and Dillon develop their skills as trainee chefs." “The course gives the students the chance to attain fully accredited chef qualifications with Kendal College whilst climbing the first steps of the career ladder with paid jobs. This apprenticeship route is a great way to build experience whilst training." “Last year’s students are progressing well, with our level 2 trainee chefs reaching the end of their practical assessments where they prepare and present dishes they create themselves in line with the criteria set by the awarding body." "They are already passing on their knowledge to the new cohort. It’s great to see them all working together.” English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues is currently recruiting for staff across a range of hospitality industry disciplines. To find out more about available jobs and to apply, visit here. Top Photo: English Lakes Hotels Culinary Academy students (L-R) Jake Hart, Syd Gallagher-Shuttleworth, Sherif Moussa, Daniel Winstanley (head chef) Dillon Hearne, Natasha Bull, Rubi Bray.

The experienced Commercial Director steps into leadership role following five successful years with the business Bishopsgate Group has appointed Ryan Smith as its new Managing Director, with the business keen to launch the next phase of its development by building on recent growth and strengthening its position in the contractor market. Having spent the last five years as Commercial Director of the payroll and employment services provider, Ryan brings extensive industry experience to his new role, while his detailed understanding of the business will support a seamless leadership transition for clients, contractors and employees. He succeeds Luke Shannon-Little, who has been promoted to Director of Compliance at Bishopsgate’s parent business, the Munnelly Group, having personally overseen the appointment of his replacement. As Managing Director, Ryan’s key focus will be to build on the excellent work that has already established Bishopsgate as a leader in its field, maintaining the high standards of service and support, while looking at ways to further ensure that the needs of clients and contractors are met. Passionate about developing high-performing teams and creating a culture built on collaboration, resilience and accountability, Ryan has used data and insight to improve operational efficiency and support growth throughout his career. The appointment complements the Munnelly Group’s wider focus on compliance and governance, with Luke’s new role supporting consistent standards across its eight specialist businesses and supported by the Group’s shared philosophy of ‘One Group, One Mission, One Standard’. Luke Shannon-Little, Group Director of Compliance at the Munnelly Group, said: “Ryan brings extensive payroll industry experience, a strong commitment to compliance and a clear understanding of the importance of our contractor-first approach. I am confident that, under his leadership, Bishopsgate will continue to build on the foundations we have established and deliver the service you expect from us.” Ryan Smith, Managing Director of Bishopsgate Group, said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of Managing Director at Bishopsgate Group. Having worked closely with Luke and the team over the past five years, I have seen first-hand the strong foundations we have built and the importance we place on delivering a compliant, contractor-first service." "I am excited to lead the business through its next stage of development, working alongside our talented colleagues to build on that progress and continue providing the high standards of support our clients and contractors expect.” Photo: Ryan Smith, Managing Director of Bishopsgate Group.

St Austell Brewery's 2026 Extra Special Tribute (EST) has returned to Waitrose stores nationwide, marking the second consecutive year the sought-after limited-edition beer has secured a listing with the supermarket. Brewed at 7.4% ABV and presented as a packaged single 500ml bottle, this year's Extra Special Tribute arrives during St Austell Brewery's landmark 175th anniversary year. Available at an RRP of £6.50, it is the fourth release in the brewery's annual vintage beer series. Extra Special Tribute was first launched in 2023 to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III. Following demand from drinkers and collectors, the one-off release evolved into an annual series, with each vintage featuring a unique recipe before undergoing bottle conditioning and maturation ahead of release. This year's edition pours a deep golden colour and showcases the best of Cornish brewing. A blend of Cornish Maris Otter and Cornish Gold from locally grown Laureate barley, sourced through long-standing relationships with around 10 farming families, provides a rich malt backbone. Traditional Fuggles hops bring a smooth bitterness with subtle earthy and pine notes, while modern British varieties Olicana and Harlequin deliver layers of apricot and stone fruit. Together these hops enhance the distinctive marmalade character from the yeast at this ABV and the gentle peppery spice associated with classic English ales. Bottled in May and now beginning to mature, the beer's soft carbonation allows its complex flavours to shine. The Extra Special Tribute concept is rooted in the heritage of Tribute, St Austell Brewery's flagship pale ale. Originally brewed in 1999 under the name Daylight Robbery, the beer was renamed Tribute in honour of the people who helped the family-owned brewery reach its 150th anniversary milestone. Since then, Tribute has become one of the UK's best-known premium cask ales, winning multiple awards and earning a loyal following across the country. It remains a staple on bars nationwide and is available in cask, bottle and can formats. St Austell Brewery’s Brewing Director Georgina Young said: "Extra Special Tribute has become a beer that drinkers genuinely look forward to each year. What started as a one-off celebratory brew in 2023 has evolved into a much-loved annual release, giving people the chance to enjoy Tribute in a completely different way and even build a collection of vintages at home." "This year's release is particularly significant as it coincides with our 175th anniversary year. The beer reflects both our brewing heritage and our passion for innovation, and we're delighted to see it return to Waitrose for a second year, making it more accessible to beer lovers across the UK." Extra Special Tribute 2026 is available in Waitrose stores nationwide (RRP £6.50) and online via St Austell Brewery's website.

An ‘exceptional and compassionate’ Dorset care home chef is celebrating national recognition for her culinary excellence and personalised approach to meeting residents’ food preferences and nutritional needs. Beata Kaczynska, Head Chef at Colten Care’s Castle View in Poundbury, has been named Care Chef of the Year at the prestigious National Care Awards in London. She was one of 11 finalists in the category and, describing the moment the award was announced, said: “When they read my name out along with the others on the shortlist, my heart was pounding, it was pure adrenalin. But when I saw my face up on the big screen and they said I was the winner, I felt disbelief. I couldn’t believe it was really me." "My Colten colleagues at our two tables were going ecstatic and cheering. It was such a beautiful moment. I felt great happiness, proud and honoured to be chosen. To be recognised by judges from across the care industry makes me feel really special. It shows they appreciate we are doing something meaningful here at Colten.” After the ceremony, Beata said she received a warm welcome back at Castle View from residents, Home Manager Ashika Reddy and fellow team members, adding: “I believe a celebration is being planned.” In her nomination for the award, Beata was praised as ‘a skilled, compassionate chef whose personalised approach combines culinary excellence, nutritional expertise and genuine understanding of the residents she cooks for every day’. Examples cited included her management of a new resident’s malnutrition risk. By taking the time to learn and discuss his meal preferences, she successfully increased the calorie content of his meals without increasing their volume. Combined with her introduction of homemade high-calorie milkshakes, the approach enabled the resident to rebuild his strength without compromising on medical requirements. In their winner’s citation, judges wrote: “Beata takes residents’ health and nutrition seriously without ever compromising on taste, with personalised food fortification leading to positive health outcomes. The judges were impressed by her commitment to quality, including training under Marco Pierre White.” Colten Care’s Chief Operating Officer Elaine Farrer, who was sitting with Beata at the ceremony, said: “Since joining Castle View in 2021, Beata has combined culinary skill with a detailed understanding of residents' nutritional needs, preferences and routines, ensuring food remains a source of nourishment, choice and genuine pleasure." "We are all immensely proud of Beata, and it was a real joy to be with her and see her win on the night. Her residents and colleagues at Castle View will also be thrilled with her success.” Also there on the night was Colten Care’s Head of Hospitality Richard Pearshouse who said: “Beata goes above and beyond all the time to ensure her residents enjoy outstanding food and service. She does this tireless work without necessarily expecting recognition so to have gone through the awards process and won the national status that she rightly deserves is especially pleasing." "The award is a reflection of just how great Colten Care chefs are. As a head chef in a care home you are the heart of the home and Beata is the very definition of this.” Beata’s win is the latest National Care Awards success for Colten Care. Last year the provider won the gong for Care Home Group (Medium), for groups with 20 to 40 homes, and in 2022 Colten Chef Lorna Parsons won the same Care Chef of the Year category as Beata. Since then, Lorna has been promoted to group-wide Development Chef with senior responsibilities across all 21 Colten Care homes including input to chef training, budgeting, stock management, menu choices and compliance on food safety standards. The 2026 awards culminated in a ceremony at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hosted by comedian, writer and presenter Tom Allen. As well as Beata’s win, Colten Care was highlighted as a finalist in five other categories. The National Care Awards are designed to celebrate excellence across the long-term care sector. Top Photo: Colten Care’s Beata Kaczynska, Head Chef at Castle View in Poundbury, Dorset, on stage at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge with her award for Care Chef of the Year. On the far left is ceremony host the comedian, writer and presenter Tom Allen. Photo: Beata Kaczynska, Head Chef at Colten Care’s Castle View in Poundbury, has won the title of Care Chef of the Year at the National Care Awards. Here, Beata is pictured with Castle View resident Dorothy.

One of the UK’s largest commercial plant nurseries, Johnsons Nurseries Ltd, has reaffirmed its commitment to plant health and biosecurity after successfully renewing its Plant Healthy certification and celebrating another group of employees completing specialist Plant Health training. The family-run business, based between York and Harrogate, has maintained its Plant Healthy certification for its sixth year, demonstrating its continued dedication to high standards of plant health, responsible growing practices and biosecurity across its nursery operations. The Plant Healthy Certification Scheme is designed to help businesses demonstrate that they have robust plant health management systems in place, reducing the risk of introducing and spreading harmful pests and diseases through the movement of plants. For Johnsons Nurseries, which supplies between five and six million plants and trees annually to the landscape and garden centre sectors, maintaining these standards is an essential part of its operations. Alongside the certification renewal, the company has continued investing in employee knowledge and development, with its latest group of staff successfully completing Plant Health training this autumn. The training strengthens employees' understanding of plant health, pest and disease identification, preventative measures and the importance of maintaining effective biosecurity procedures throughout the growing and distribution process. The latest successful participants include Wayne Atkinson, Jill Rose, Tyler Lonergan, Ruby Waldron, Ashley Robinson, Nigel Robinson, Freya Lamacq-Wigham, Levi Riley, Jordan Riley and Alex McCutcheon. The programme forms part of Johnsons' wider commitment to continuous professional development, ensuring employees across the business have the knowledge and confidence to identify potential plant health concerns and contribute to maintaining high standards. Jonathan Whittemore, Commercial and Business Manager at Johnsons Nurseries, said: "Plant health is fundamental to everything we do, from growing and caring for millions of plants each year to ensuring they reach our customers in the best possible condition." "Renewing our Plant Healthy certification is an important achievement for the business and reflects the hard work and dedication of our teams across our nursery sites." "We're equally proud of the employees who have completed their latest Plant Health training. Investing in our people and developing their knowledge is essential to maintaining high standards, protecting our plants and supporting the long-term sustainability of the horticultural industry." With more than a century of horticultural experience, Johnsons Nurseries continues to prioritise plant health, environmental responsibility and employee development as key elements of its business's success.

Two businessmen from Dorset have driven a vehicle full of supplies to the east of Ukraine to help the people suffering in the war and narrowly missed a lethal drone strike. Jonathan Stretch from Douch Family Funeral Directors and Andy Selby, who runs a building firm in Wareham, travelled almost 2,000 miles. They donated the vehicle along with 70 kilos of medical supplies, a generator and handmade blankets and knitted toys made by volunteers from the ‘knit and natter’ groups run and supported by the Douch Family Funeral Directors. The pair drove from Dorset across Europe and then right across Ukraine to Dnipro, in the east of the country. Jonathan said: “Andy had wanted to do this for a while and when the Ford Ranger became available he bought it and we decided to go. We were able to fill the vehicle with supplies including lots of medical equipment donated by a local hospital." “We also took a generator and lots of beautifully knitted blankets and toys made by volunteers from our knit and natter groups. It was lovely to be able to take something hand made for the children." “Rather than dropping everything off in the west of the country we decided to drive 800 miles across Ukraine. We missed a drone strike at a railway station that killed 15 and began to understand the fear of Ukrainians who live with that threat every day." “They were extremely grateful for the supplies and when we delivered the medical equipment they only took what their hospital needed." “Andy and I are already hoping to make another journey and would welcome any donations or practical support that could help us do it again.” Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 and then in 2022 invaded Ukraine but were surprised by the resistance. A war of attrition developed during which has led to the deaths of 450,000 Russians and 150,000 Ukrainians. Photo: Andy Selby, left, and Jonathan Stretch, right, deliver supplies to Ukraine

Inheritance worries are influencing some of the most personal decisions made by blended families, with more than one in three (35%) saying concerns around inheritance have made them less likely to remarry, according to new research from Rathbones. This compares with 26% of people in families without children from previous relationships, highlighting the additional financial and emotional considerations that can arise when couples bring together children, assets and previous relationships. Blended and step-families are a significant part of family life. The latest ONS Census figures show there were 781,000 step-families in England and Wales in 2021, including 547,000 with dependent children. Around 1.1 million dependent children, or 8.8% of all dependent children, lived in a step-family. The research, conducted among 2,036 UK adults with at least £250,000 in investable assets, also points to an inheritance “fairness gap” within blended families. More than a quarter (26%) believe their inheritance plans are fair but say their partner disagrees, almost twice the 14% among families without children from previous relationships. The findings come as Rathbones has seen an uptick in inheritance tax-related queries ahead of the April 2027 changes, when most unused pension funds and death benefits are set to be brought within the scope of inheritance tax. The change is giving families another reason to consider whether their existing estate arrangements remain appropriate. Malvee Vaja, Chartered Financial Planner at Rathbones, says: “Blended families can face a particularly difficult inheritance balancing act. People often want to make sure a new partner is financially secure while also protecting an inheritance for children from a previous relationship, and those aims do not always sit neatly together. “You could almost think of it as an ‘inheritance pre-nup’ conversation. Couples entering a new marriage may increasingly need to talk openly about what happens to their wealth, how they want to provide for one another and, crucially, what they ultimately want their children to inherit.” When equal doesn't necessarily mean fair For blended families, deciding what constitutes a fair inheritance can be particularly complicated. Almost half (48%) describe inheritance planning as complex, compared with 35% of families without children from previous relationships, while 26% have experienced family conflict relating to inheritance planning, versus 14%. That complexity is also reflected in how families plan to divide their wealth. While 85% of families without children from previous relationships intend to divide their inheritance equally among their children, this falls to 73% among blended families. An equal division may not always feel like the fairest solution when families are balancing the needs of a current partner, children and stepchildren, different financial circumstances and wealth accumulated during previous relationships. Almost a quarter (24%) of people in blended families also feel guilty about how they intend to divide their inheritance between family members, compared with just 13% of families without children from previous relationships. While most inheritance disputes are resolved privately through solicitors, mediation or settlement, official figures point to a rise in the number that reach the High Court. Cases have increased for five consecutive years, reaching 127 in 2025, 76% more than in 2019. Malvee Vaja adds: “We hear from clients who are trying to strike exactly that balance. The difficulty is that what feels fair to one branch of the family may look very different to another. Having these conversations early and making your wishes clear can be just as important as the financial planning itself.” April 2027 gives families another reason to review their plans The research suggests the upcoming IHT changes are already prompting some blended families to revisit their arrangements. Almost a third (32%) have reviewed their will, compared with 22% of families without children from previous relationships. Almost a quarter (23%) have adjusted their pension drawdown strategy, versus 18%, while 23% have established or used trust structures, compared with 14%. Malvee Vaja, says: “Against that backdrop, the pension-IHT changes have given blended families another reason to look under the bonnet of their estate plans. We’re seeing growing interest from clients in passing wealth down sooner, particularly to help children and grandchildren with university costs or getting onto the housing ladder, when the money can make the biggest difference." “But there’s a balance to strike. You don’t want to give away money today that you may need for retirement or care tomorrow. With April 2027 approaching, the priority is to plan early, use existing allowances sensibly and avoid knee-jerk decisions driven by tax.”

A Dorset funeral group is hosting workshops for those experiencing ‘anticipatory grief’ - a growing phenomenon. Along with the charity PramaLife, accredited counsellor Cindy Weller who works with Douch Family Funeral Directors, will explain the nature of what is sometimes called ‘ambiguous loss’. It is the type of grief that occurs when a terminal diagnosis is given and loved ones and carers must come to terms with it. In dementia it is often called the ‘long goodbye’ and it can feel like the person dies twice; when their mind dies and then when their body dies. Douch Family Funeral Directors is running the workshops with PramaLife for its Memory Lane groups and volunteers, but is planning to widen them out for others in the community. PramaLife supports older adults in BCP and East Dorset through a range of support groups, special interest activities and telephone befriending. Its aim is to improve the quality of life for older adults and their carers, as well as people living with memory loss and other long term health conditions. PramaLife runs a dementia carers’ group and information course as well as over 80 clubs, groups and activities to support older people and adult carers. Cindy said: “Anticipatory loss is the grief we feel before a loss actually happens - when someone we love is living with a terminal illness, advanced dementia, or a serious life-limiting condition." “It can start at the moment of a diagnosis, or creep up slowly over months or years - many carers of someone with dementia call this ‘the long goodbye’. You are grieving someone who's still with you and the grief is real even while they're right in front of you." “The person you're caring for is still there, but the relationship keeps changing shape, and the losses can happen again and again in ways that don't get any easier. There are many feelings that people might feel including sadness, guilt, anger, numbness, fear and loneliness." “The workshops are designed to help those dealing with this type of grief and with a growing elderly population there is more anticipatory grief around.” Emma Regan from the funeral group said: “We have been working with Cindy for many years and we run various groups that deal with grief." “The anticipatory grief workshop is new and we are running them with Prama Life for their local support groups but plan to widen their scope in due course. Many people are affected by this type of loss and counselling can really help.”

A new Barclays report finds UK businesses see adapting to a changing climate as critical to growth, but fewer than one in ten are fully resilient and well adapted to climate risks. The research shows that flooding, drought and extreme heat are influencing where UK businesses invest. Businesses that are investing to protect themselves from extreme weather do report multiple benefits. However, limited data and capability gaps are impacting businesses’ ability to assess interventions and demonstrate returns that allow adaptation to compete with other business priorities. New Barclays research reveals there is a gulf between UK businesses’ awareness of climate risks and how they invest to improve resilience as the climate changes. The survey of 700 UK business leaders and farmers found that 85% think investing to protect themselves from extreme weather patterns is critical to growth, while 83% believe underinvestment is constraining growth. However, fewer than one in ten businesses believe they are fully resilient and well adapted to a changing climate. Only a quarter of those surveyed are currently investing to protect their business from climate change. Competing priorities, uncertain returns and data gaps are holding back investment. This is despite businesses reporting that a more proactive approach results in stronger assets, greater operational resilience, better decisions and improved access to insurance. Barclays’ Business of Adaptation report also shows that more extreme weather is already impacting where UK businesses invest, with one in ten having closed or downsized sites due to climate risk. Businesses see an urgent need to respond to climate risks but few are fully resilient The businesses surveyed recognise the growing risks of extreme weather. More than four in five see protecting their business as an immediate priority, while 80% believe climate risks are moving faster than they can respond. Concern is highest in sectors most exposed to weather impacts, with 95% of agricultural businesses, 90% of energy and utilities firms and 87% of property and housing organisations describing adapting to climate change as an immediate priority. Yet action is not keeping pace and only a quarter of businesses are investing in measures to protect themselves. Three-quarters say climate resilience is one of the most undervalued investments, and most believe underinvestment holds back future growth. Changing weather is reshaping where investment and growth take place Flooding, drought and extreme heat are already influencing where businesses invest. More than a third say extreme weather has influenced where they locate new sites and facilities, and a similar number report it has influenced supply chain relocation or reshoring decisions. Over the past five years, half of businesses surveyed have moved investment away from high-risk assets, with flood risk the biggest factor shaping a region’s attractiveness. Real estate and housing businesses are leading the way in shifting investment towards climate resilience, including moving spending from net zero initiatives and other priorities. This suggests that businesses are shifting their focus from long-term climate risk to immediate resilience, although they will increasingly need to find a way to fund both. Investing in adaptation typically meets or exceeds expected returns Importantly, the report shows investments that protect against extreme weather deliver returns. Almost nine in ten businesses surveyed say these investments have met or exceeded expectations, rising further among larger firms with revenues above £100 million. Over the past five years, 86% of businesses have faced challenges with the cost, availability or level of insurance cover due to extreme weather. However, almost half of those that have invested in resilience report better access to insurance or lower costs. Farmers are seeing the greatest benefits, with over 60% saying that investments to prepare for more extreme weather have delivered greater value than expected. As the sector most directly exposed to climate impacts, agriculture also leads in the use of data and scenario analysis to manage risk and are more likely than any other sector to view adaptation as a strategic investment in future growth. But businesses lack the data, evidence or capability to act Despite the growing concern, investment in climate resilience remains low. This report finds that only three in ten businesses primarily use data, modelling and scenario analysis to assess physical climate risk, while 51% rely mainly on high-level assessments with limited data and 19% are using qualitative judgement or assumptions. Businesses also highlight gaps in supply chain resilience planning (49%), climate adaptation planning and delivery (48%) and climate risk assessment, data and modelling (46%). Improving these capabilities will be critical because risks that cannot be measured are difficult to manage, and investments that cannot be evaluated are harder to justify. Daniel Hanna, Group Head of Sustainable & Transition Finance, Barclays, said: “Businesses understand the risk from a changing climate but the challenge is turning that recognition into practical investment. Our research shows that fewer than one in ten businesses feel fully prepared for a changing climate, even though businesses investing in adaptation overwhelmingly see the value." “This is a growth and competitiveness issue for the UK, with climate risk already shaping where businesses invest. More than a third of businesses say climate has influenced where they locate new sites, half have redirected investment away from higher-risk assets, sites or regions, and 9% have closed or downsized assets due to a changing climate. Building resilience can protect assets and operations as well as attract investment to support long-term business growth.”

A JCB sponsored Olympic silver medallist has brought paddle power to his home county in a bid to kickstart the next generation of sporting success stories for primary school children from disadvantaged areas of Stoke-on-Trent. Potteries-born canoeist Adam Burgess invited six children from Fenton’s Co-op Academy Glebe to try out the sport at Stafford and Stone Canoe Club as part of the JCB Hubb Holidays scheme. Adam, 34, won silver at the Paris 2024 Games and also team Gold and individual Silver medals at this summer’s World Canoe Championships in Oklahoma. He took up the sport by chance at the age of 10 and last week coached the youngsters through a taster session, designed to inspire and open up new opportunities. Each half-term break charity The Hubb Foundation is funded by digger giant JCB to work with 35 local schools to deliver a host of aspirational activities for 1,000 disadvantaged Stoke-on-Trent children. Paris Olympics’ silver medallist Adam said: “I got into canoeing by chance when someone at school dropped out of a taster session just like this and I put my hand up to go instead. So, it’s fantastic to be able to inspire the next generation by sharing my experience and showing anything is possible with determination and self-belief." "I am a passionate believer in the power of sport to teach great lessons in life too - whether that’s resilience, teamwork or just working hard to achieve your full potential." “JCB has backed me for many years now and it’s brilliant for me to be part of the Hubb Holidays scheme. It is helping thousands of children from my home county explore activities they may otherwise never get to try and I’m proud to be doing my bit to encourage local youngsters to think and dream big.” The Hubb Foundation Chief Operating Officer Adam Yates added: “All children need great role models and as a local lad Adam is perfectly placed to inspire these young people. The JCB Hubb Holidays scheme aims to break down the barriers of disadvantage by giving children opportunities to grow and thrive, and this is a perfect example of how our partnership brings this ambition to life." Other Hubb Holidays activities through the week saw children from Chell Heath and Bradeley experiencing live professional performances by Newcastle’s New Vic theatre and JCB apprentices leading innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) sessions at St Margaret Ward Catholic Academy, Tunstall. For more information about the Hubb Holidays scheme visit here.