M&S has become the first UK retailer to launch its much-anticipated Jersey Royal potatoes, thanks to its longstanding 10-year relationship with the Le Maistre family. The family has been farming the soil on Jersey since 1841 and is led by sixth-generation farmer Philip Le Maistre, who works alongside son Phil Jnr and brother Peter, as well as a team of local experts. Despite one of the wettest and more challenging planting seasons on record, the team’s potatoes have this week hit the shelves across 80 M&S stores in the UK, with their signature unique and nutty flavour. Customers can also find the Jersey Royals in M&S stores across the island, including its King St St Helier, St Brelade, St Clement, St John, St Peter and St Martin stores – operated by Sandpiper. The Le Maistre family is one of eight Select Farmers M&S is working with across Jersey this season, spanning 2,500 fields. M&S has a dedicated team on-site on the island to ensure customers experience exceptional flavour and quality. Every field is sampled and only packed for M&S if it passes a rigorous taste panel test. To help guarantee the highest quality, M&S uses a unique hydro-cooling process to chill the potatoes within hours of being harvested. This rapid cooling locks in freshness, ensuring each potato reaches stores in peak condition. Philip Le Maistre Jnr said of the launch: “It’s a real tradition for us to get the first harvest of the season onto M&S shelves. While my dad, uncle and I have never seen a planting season with such continuous rain, we’ve taken great care, planting more by hand and using the same traditional methods my great-grandfather did, to ensure the potatoes get the best possible start." "Our team works incredibly hard to deliver the very best taste, and we’re proud that families across the UK will be able to enjoy a product that is as fresh as it can possibly be.” The Le Maistre farm is part of M&S’ Plan A Farming for the Future programme and are LEAF Marque certified growers, combining traditional and modern methods to grow potatoes more sustainably. Harry Wilder, Senior Agronomist at M&S, added: “The arrival of Jersey Royals in our stores is always a highlight for us, signalling that spring and the very best of British produce season is here. Our relationship with our growers is what makes this possible and the Le Maistre family's passion and expertise, passed down through generations, is remarkable. Their hard work means we can be the first to bring these delicious, seasonal potatoes to our customers." The new season Jersey Royal potatoes are now available in 80 M&S stores across the UK, extending to over 100 stores from 1st April, just in time for Easter. M&S also has a dedicated Jersey Royal recipe section on its website, available here, from Honey harissa roast salmon and Jersey royal roasties to Jersey Royal focaccia.

Manchester-based HMG Paints has continued to demonstrate its strong commitment to charitable causes and community projects through a series of fundraising events and paint donations, supporting both national charities and local organisations. As the business marks its 95th anniversary, it has taken the opportunity to reflect on its long-standing commitment to supporting charitable causes and giving back to the communities it serves, reinforcing the strong values that have remained central to the business over the years. A strong emphasis is placed on employee involvement at HMG, with staff playing a central role in shaping the company’s charitable activities. Employees are given the opportunity to vote on the charities the business supports, ensuring the causes chosen to reflect those that matter most to them. This inclusive approach helps to drive engagement across the organisation, whilst also reinforcing HMG’s identity as a 95-year-old family business, where community, collaboration and shared responsibility remain at its core. A key initiative saw employees take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, with a team of 24 staff travelling to the Yorkshire Dales to complete the demanding route in under 12 hours. The challenge, which included climbs of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, raised over £1,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support. The event held particular significance for those involved, with participants pushing their limits while supporting a cause close to many across the business. In addition, staff also undertook the traditional Three Peaks Challenge, raising more than £2,500 for staff-selected charities including Cancer Research and Francis House Children’s Hospice. This challenge saw participants climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon over the course of three days, highlighting both individual determination and strong team collaboration. These fundraising efforts brought colleagues together to support causes that resonate personally across the business. The level of support received from the wider community further reflected the impact of these initiatives. Speaking on the fundraising efforts, Kate Puć, Fundraising Officer at Francis House Children’s Hospice, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to HMG Paints for their fantastic fundraising efforts. The support shown by the team makes a real difference to the children and families we care for across Greater Manchester, helping us to provide vital services.” Alongside these challenges, internal initiatives have also played a role, including a charity Christmas bake-off that brought together employees from across the business to create and share festive treats, judged by volunteer staff members, as well as other various fundraisers held throughout the year. Beyond fundraising, HMG has continued to support local community projects through practical contributions. One such example includes involvement in the restoration of the Bromley Underpass as part of the Great British Spring Clean, where the company supplied products including C71 Speedline and Solvent Based Masonry Paint, working alongside the Central Neighbourhoods Team in Collyhurst. Further local support has been provided to the Lalley Centre, where HMG supplied HydroPro Garden paint and staff volunteered their time to help revitalise the charity’s allotment space, creating a more welcoming and vibrant environment for those who rely on its services. These initiatives highlight HMG Paints’ continued commitment to supporting the communities it serves, combining time, expertise and resources to make a meaningful impact beyond its day-to-day operations. The business looks forward to building on this work, with further fundraising challenges, community projects and partnerships planned as part of its ongoing commitment to social responsibility.

Bestway Wholesale has appointed Charles Abraham as Food Service Director, strengthening its senior leadership team as the business accelerates its growth across catering, foodservice and the on-trade markets. Charles has extensive senior leadership experience across the foodservice and wider food and hospitality related industries, delivering growth and transformation in commercial, operational and strategy roles. Most recently Charles had been working with Gate Gourmet, supporting growth and operational change in the UK. Prior to that he worked for Sodexo as the Director of Foodservices, where he was responsible for the food strategy and transformation programme in the UK&I business. Speaking of his appointment, Charles said: “I am delighted to join Bestway and excited by the opportunity to grow and develop the foodservice wholesale business, and after 30 years working in foodservice and hospitality, I understand the needs of the customer which is even more critical in these challenging times for the industry” Dawood Pervez, Managing Director of Bestway Wholesale, added: “We are delighted to welcome Charles to the Bestway team. His leadership and extensive industry knowledge will ensure we deliver greater value, insight, and strategic support to our catering customers nationwide.” Bestway Wholesale operates one of the UK’s largest independent wholesale networks, serving retailers, caterers and licensed operators through its nationwide 70-depot estate and delivered infrastructure. Charles’ appointment reinforces Bestway’s continued investment in specialist capability as it expands its presence in high-growth hospitality and foodservice channels.

London-based family business Dina Foods supplies an artisan range of Mediterranean flatbreads and luxury confectionery to foodservice operators across the UK, offering versatile, high‑quality products that work across multiple menu formats. Project Director Wilda Haddad said: “Caterers tell us they need reliable shelf life, clear allergen labelling, cost consistency and products that work across multiple menu formats. Our authentic bakery and confectionery lines have been developed with those factors in mind, so they support smoother operations and more predictable margins.” Dina Foods’ bakery range taps directly into key growth trends in foodservice, including the rise of plant based consumption and globally inspired flavour profiles, delivering the operational efficiency, versatility and authentic experience required by operators. Provenance Dina Foods’ authentic Eastern Mediterranean bakery range is rooted in its culinary heritage. The company has its roots in the restaurant trade; its founders opened the UK’s first Lebanese restaurant, Fakhreldine in the 1980s. Wilda Haddad added: “Operators tell us that provenance matters, and some now highlight our story because it gives them a point of difference. Our products are inspired by time-honoured recipes handed down through generations.” Dietary requirements All Dina Foods’ breads are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. “At the menu level, the biggest shift we continue to see is the demand for all-purpose meal solutions, particularly vegetarian and vegan options,” comments Wilda Haddad. “That’s becoming a baseline expectation across restaurants, cafés and food to go.” Growing demand for plant-based eating is reflected in Dina Foods' sales patterns. Year-on-year growth in vegetarian lines has been strong, rising 23% in 2025 as caterers lean into meat-free formats. Innovation Dina Foods has a vibrant new product development programme, engaging with emerging customer trends on platforms such as TikTok while remaining focused on long-term relevance rather than novelty. “Our range stays aligned with consumer expectations while supporting the practical realities of running a busy kitchen,” comments Haddad. Aligned with product range, Dina Foods has targeted investment in clean-label innovation, including sourdough flatbreads, complemented by added-value products, such as seeded pittas and vegetarian deli foods. A recent launch, sourdough khobez under the Dina Foods brand Paninette®, taps into growing consumer interest in sourdough’s perceived gut‑health benefits. Wilda Haddad comments: “In this time of economic pressure, we want to help our customers stand out by delivering high-quality and innovative products. We are always looking at new ideas across our whole business.” Versatility and day part-flexibility Dina Foods range offers total day-part flexibility, giving operators a major commercial advantage. “Products such as our baklawa continue to outperform because they work across multiple occasions, as counter treats, coffee accompaniments, desserts, and even gifting items,” comments Haddad. The same applies to Dina Foods’ flatbreads, which are widely used for wraps, sandwiches, and sharing dishes, offering speedy and consistent solutions. “Our bakery products can move seamlessly from breakfast through to dessert, the breads can be eaten with sweet or savoury toppings or as a meal accompaniment,” says Haddad. Supply efficiency In a market where waste reduction and frequent ordering have been priorities (particularly since Covid) Dina Foods can offer operators the flexibility they require. That has helped it exceed pre-Covid sales volumes and continue to expand its footprint in the catering sector. Haddad comments: “We also supply traditional Eastern Mediterranean deli items such as falafel as well catering sizes of dips such as houmous, and clean label breads, so our range can allow countless combinations to create menu variety at a low cost-per-serving. In current times, where budgets are tight, our Mediterranean Foods provide great high-quality menu solutions." Shelf life remains an operational priority for caterers, and Dina Foods has invested in packaging improvements. This supports more efficient stock management in the catering sector’s tight labour and cost environment. Dina Foods’ bakery range Dina Foods’ traditional Mediterranean bakery range includes wholemeal, white, and seeded flatbreads, wraps and pitta breads, ultra-thin lavash flatbreads, and its versatile, best-selling doubled-layered khobez flatbreads (sold under the Dina Foods brand Paninette®), which can be sliced, used as a wrap or as an alternative to a pizza base. Breads are baked in bespoke stone ovens in the AA+ BRCGS accredited factory. On the confectionery side, indulgence is the order of the day, with high-quality, clean-label ingredients, such as ghee, used as standard. As the leading baklawa producer in the UK, Dina Foods uses authentic recipes passed down through the generations. Its range includes pistachio baklawa, chocolate enrobed and fruit selections such as apricot baklawa. About Dina Foods Dina Foods, established in 199, specialises in authentic, handmade Mediterranean foods, including artisan flatbreads, savouries and confectionery. Dina Foods’ well-equipped manufacturing facilities in Park Royal, London, operate to the highest safety standards. The company holds the highest accreditations for food safety including BRCAA+, IFS Higher Level and Sedex Registered. Its customers include major national food-to-go brands, wholesalers, airlines, and coffee shop groups. Its founders, the three Haddad brothers first came to the UK in the 1970s, opening the first Lebanese restaurant in the country, Fakhreldine at 85 Piccadilly, London.

National painting contractor Bagnalls has been named on the shortlist for the Employer of the Year category at the British Business Awards 2026 – one of the most competitive business awards in the UK. The announcement places Bagnalls among seven other shortlisted organisations in the Employer of the Year category, including Sodexo, Stagecoach and Highland Spring Group. The competition received a record number of more than 400 entries this year, with shortlisted companies independently evaluated across five core pillars: business performance, innovation, workforce and culture, customer impact, and contribution to society and the wider economy. The awards ceremony takes place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on 30 April 2026, with up to 2,000 business leaders expected to attend. This year's event features a fireside conversation with Oscar-winning actor and humanitarian George Clooney, a keynote address from Sir Bob Geldof, and co-hosting from Rob Brydon and Elaine C Smith. The ceremony will also raise funds for Social Bite, the UK homelessness charity. Shortlisted businesses also form the inaugural British Business Leaders List, published in partnership with The Times and The Sunday Times, recognising organisations setting the standard for modern enterprise across the UK. With over 150 years in the painting and decorating industry, Bagnalls has built a reputation that extends well beyond the quality of its paintwork. Last year, the company's Community Paintbrush scheme reached more than 49,000 people across the country through charitable painting projects and donations. Alongside this, Bagnalls runs one of the most highly regarded apprenticeship programmes in the sector, with a significant proportion of its current management team having begun their careers at Bagnalls as apprentices. That commitment to growing talent from within was formally recognised last year, when Bagnalls won the Aptem Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Award at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025 – beating household names including Tesco and Kier Group to take the national title. The company also received a prestigious Princess Royal Training Award in 2025, in recognition of its apprenticeship and Management Trainee schemes. The commitment to EDI was again recognised at this ceremony, with Bagnalls also taking home an EDI Commendation – one of only seven companies, out of a total 57, to be honoured in this way. Stephen Bagnall, Group Managing Director at Bagnalls, commented: "Being shortlisted for Employer of the Year at the British Business Awards is a huge honour – and one that belongs to every member of our team. Our people are what set Bagnalls apart, and this recognition reflects the culture we have worked hard to build: one that champions apprenticeships, values diversity, rewards hard work and gives individuals the opportunity to build long and rewarding careers." "To be shortlisted alongside businesses of this calibre, in a year that attracted more than 400 entries, tells us we are definitely doing something right! We look forward to representing the painting and decorating industry in Edinburgh on 30 April."

Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep is back for another year, giving shoppers in South Scotland the chance to raise vital funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). Inspired by the iconic game show, the high-energy challenge is set to bring a buzz to the aisles, offering one lucky DG or TD postcode holder the chance to race through their local Aldi store in South Scotland and fill the trolley with their favourite products. Now in its eleventh year, the initiative has raised over £60,000 for charities across Scotland. First launched in 2016, the Supermarket Sweep invites participants to take part in a five-minute trolley dash, collecting as many items as possible before the clock runs out. Once time is called, the winner takes home their haul, while Aldi matches the total value as a donation to CHAS. Each year, CHAS supports more than 500 babies, children and young people across Scotland with life-shortening conditions, along with their families. In 2026, every penny raised through Aldi’s Supermarket Sweep will go directly to the charity, with £10,000 pledged in support. This April, CHAS launched its £20 million More Than A Hospice appeal, a once in a generation opportunity to transform children’s palliative care across Scotland and redesign how the country cares for children with life shortening conditions and their families. The appeal will fund the crucial rebuilding and refreshing of CHAS’s hospices, alongside the expansion of care in homes, communities and hospitals, giving families real choice over where and how they are supported when they need it most. Residents in South Scotland can apply to take part in the Supermarket Sweep from Monday 27 April - Sunday 10 May. Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “We are proud to once again be partnering with CHAS, following the success of last year’s Supermarket Sweep campaign. It is always a highlight to bring this initiative to communities across Scotland, and we’re looking forward to giving one lucky South Scotland resident the chance to enjoy a truly unique supermarket experience." “CHAS is a charity very close to our hearts, providing vital support to families across the country. As the Supermarket Sweep returns for 2026, we are pleased to once again raise important funds and awareness for the incredible work they do.” Iain McAndrew, Director of Income Generation and Engagement, CHAS said: “Last year’s partnership with Aldi Scotland was a huge success, with the team going above and beyond to raise vital funds and awareness through its Supermarket Sweep and a range of generous initiatives. That support has had a real impact on the families we care for and means so much to everyone involved." “This year, we have really ambitious plans. Our bold £20 million More Than A Hospice appeal comes at a critical time and will allow CHAS to meet rising pressure on children’s palliative care services by transforming how Scotland cares for its most vulnerable children and families. “Across Scotland, we support babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions, as well as their families, through a range of services including specialist palliative care, respite stays, emotional support and bereavement care. Every contribution makes a difference, and we are incredibly grateful to Aldi Scotland and everyone taking part for helping us reach more children and families across the country.” Entry is free and customers can apply by emailing their name and chosen store to supermarketsweep@aldi.co.uk before Sunday 10 May. Further details and full T&Cs can be found here. For more information about CHAS and how to support its work, visit here.

David and Abbie Coslett, Co-Founders of Hello Social Avenue, have hired a full-time team for their social-first digital marketing agency after a period of significant business growth and client wins, which saw business turnover grow by 74%. The duo, who got married in 2021, started the business from their kitchen table in January 2023, utilising their previous experience working in digital marketing and social media careers. They offer a range of marketing services for businesses, including content marketing, digital marketing strategy, social media support, video production and editing, and marketing training and courses. They were fortunate to receive two grants towards their initial business startup costs, to help with purchasing equipment for the studio, based in Chesterfield’s Clowne Business Centre. Within three months of launching, customer demand for Hello Social Avenue’s services grew exponentially, and the agency owners hired two full-time members of staff, a Head of Client Success and a Videographer. They were later joined by a Business Development Manager and Social Media Videographer, who will support the agency’s roster of clients, including Bolsover District Council, ActionCoach Sheffield, Anderson Entertainment, Stancliffe Homes, and Dalton Roofing. Before entering the world of marketing, David worked in the music industry, performing gigs up and down the country as a singer and songwriter, launching an EP album that reached number seven on the iTunes charts. He attributes much of his musical success to digital marketing, and spent a large proportion of his time as an artist building a community, nurturing relationships and growing a social media presence. Co-Founder, David Coslett, explains, “One of my most important marketing questions came from playing in an empty room. I’d hired venues that were far too big because I assumed the audience would come, and they didn’t. I realised I needed to build audience interest, scale slowly and build a community of fans that loved the music, and that’s when everything changed. I lived and breathed marketing when I was working in music, which sets me apart. I was actually doing it and seeing it was working.” “Hello Social Avenue started with a vision to remove the guesswork from marketing, and it’s grown into a business built on trust, results and relationships. Our turnover increased by 74% in 2025, and we are honoured to have supported over 150 businesses through strategy, content, events, and training." “As we continue to evolve, one thing has become clear, the next stage of the business isn’t about doing more ourselves. It’s about bringing in the right people to do it better.” David and Abbie have big plans for their business in 2026. They are launching a new CRM platform for service-based businesses to simplify their marketing, and will be hosting several online and in-person events to support more people with their digital marketing and social media. Their next event is a Marketing Mixer that will take place in May, with guest speakers Katy Leeson, Growth Mentor and ex Managing Director of Social Chain, and Ben Hacker, Co-Founder of Content Jungle. To top it off, they’ve recently been ranked #65 in the Elite Business Top 100 SME Businesses for 2026.

A leading Dorset funeral director has welcomed government plans to increase regulation of the industry. Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said the Department of Health and Social Care will be ‘taking the lead’ in the changes. It follows several scandals including two in Hampshire and one in Hull that saw an unscrupulous funeral director hoard bodies and ashes. Nick Douch, managing director of Douch Family Funeral Directors that runs seven branches in Dorset, said he agreed that more should be done to stop ‘rip off providers’, as Streeting described them. Nick added: “The majority of funeral directors are honest and provide a professional service. But there are a minority who give everybody else a bad name and will rip people off and provide an extremely unprofessional service." “These behaviours are bad enough in other industries, but dealing with those mourning the loss of a loved one gives funeral directors a much bigger responsibility. People at this time are vulnerable and more easily taken advantage of and it is greatly upsetting to see funeral directors do exactly this." “Therefore I welcome any regulations that prevent it from happening – those of us who act professionally need have nothing to fear. It will be interesting to see what regulation is brought forward and how it will be enforced.” Streeting said funeral regulation in England had been ‘all over the place’ and ‘non-existent’ in some areas. He added: "We will be taking a lead in the Department of Health and Social Care of working across government to make sure we've got effective funeral legislation in place." It follows the case of Robert Bush in Hull who will be sentenced in July after he admitted hoarding 30 bodies, half a tonne of human ashes and fraudulently running his business. In Hampshire, two undertakers were jailed for four years for preventing a lawful and decent burial, causing a public nuisance by keeping bodies in unrefrigerated conditions and fraudulent trading. In Leeds, a funeral director was banned from NHS maternity wards and mortuaries after keeping babies' bodies at her home. Nick added: “We have already been working closely with local authorities in Dorset, having been selected as a pilot ‘champion’ to help shape what good inspection standards should look like." “That kind of collaboration is important. Any regulation needs to be practical, consistent and focused on maintaining dignity and proper care for the deceased, while giving families confidence in the services they receive." “Our family business has been operating for more than a century, our reputation is everything and we work incredibly hard to provide the best possible service.” Douch Family Funeral Directors runs branches in Wimborne, Ferndown, Corfe Mullen, Parkstone, Blandford, Wareham and Swanage. It also runs an award-winning funeral plan. Douch Family Funeral Directors have been helping families with funeral arrangements for over 100 years. Branches include Douch & Small, A E Jolliffe & Son, Albert Marsh, James Smith, Ives & Shand and Lesley Shand Funeral Service. They’re based in Wimborne, Ferndown, Wareham, Poole, Swanage, Blandford and Corfe Mullen.

A restaurant manager from a Lake District spa resort has turned his passion for the great outdoors into a new role, having successfully completed an intensive winter skills course. Pav Moskala from Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa travelled to the Cairngorms to take part in the specialist course thanks to the English Lakes Hotels Personal Development Fund, which helps the hotel group’s employees to develop new skills. The course has allowed Pav to take on an additional role as the spa resort’s new walking guide, sharing his love and knowledge of the Lakeland fells while taking guests on walks and helping them explore the spectacular landscapes surrounding the venue. Pav’s course with Glenmore Lodge was designed to teach him the essential techniques required for safer travel in the mountains. It provided in-depth and practical knowledge and experience of changing weather conditions in the fells and highlands. The training covered key skills including navigation techniques in low visibility conditions using a map and compass, equipment selection and route planning, avalanche awareness, ice-axe use and crampon techniques, and emergency procedures such as the use of group shelters. Pav, who helps run the Blue Smoke restaurant at the spa resort, explains: “The Cairngorms was the perfect base for developing the practical and safety skills I need for guiding walks, especially in terms of assessing conditions and planning accordingly. It’s strengthened my technical abilities and given me more confidence and knowledge." "It was also inspiring to be under the wing of some incredible instructors who showed the invaluable ability to stay calm in such harsh conditions while leading our group. It’s reinforced my enthusiasm for sharing the outdoors with others. The discipline required for such an intense 5-day course was also immensely rewarding." “I’m very grateful for the opportunity and excited to use what I’ve learned to help our guests discover the amazing walks around Low Wood Bay and Windermere.” Michael Kay, group operations director at English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, says: “Our personal development fund actively supports our employees’ career progression and allows them to pursue training opportunities that enhance both their personal interests and their professional roles within the business." “Pav’s course was 95% funded after he provided a detailed business case to support his request for additional skills support. It’s opened a new door for Pav as our new Low Wood Bay walking guide, leading small groups on local walks so that they can better appreciate the fantastic surroundings and learn more about the Lake District National Park.” Subject to assessment and line manager agreement, training or courses underwritten by the English Lakes Hotels Personal Development Fund can be taken within most disciplines. Employees let their manager and the group operations director know what the course is, its cost and why they wish to complete it. Michael Kay adds: “We work with applicants to identify training programmes or courses across a wide range of disciplines. By investing in our teams’ development, we aim to help people reach their potential and move forward in their careers. The initiative also contributes to creating a stronger, more balanced working life for all employees." “We hope Pav’s passion for the outdoors and his new winter skills will help create memorable guided walking experiences for visitors to Low Wood Bay.” Pav’s walks take place on Thursday and Saturday mornings and are for guests at the spa resort who want to explore the fells with some guided company. For further information about new job roles at English Lakes Hotels, visit here.

A new premium residential home has opened near Skipton, following significant investment and a full redevelopment of the existing site. The 27-bed, North Yorkshire home is set within a restored 1870s manor house overlooking the Craven Hills. Thornton Hill Care Home offers a boutique, lifestyle-led living environment, delivering luxury accommodation for individuals and couples seeking independence alongside the comfort of daily support and community living. The historic building has long been a part of Thornton-in-Craven’s community, and has been thoughtfully redesigned by its new owners to provide a modern, lifestyle-led approach to residential living. The opening has also created 13 local job opportunities, with more roles on the horizon as Thornton Hill becomes more established. Thornton Hill Care Home is led by Managing Director Ben Redhead, who has deep experience in the sector from running Well Springs Care Home in Heaton, Bradford, a setting voted in the Top 20 care homes in Yorkshire and Humber for the past 6 years. Ben and his wife, Naomi, personally led the acquisition and redevelopment of the site, with him overseeing all aspects of the transformation, and Naomi leading the interior design. Ben’s family have run Well Springs for over 20 years, and he joined the family business in 2015. He previously worked in a leadership role in banking, managing a department of over 90 members of staff. Since joining the care sector, he’s worked every role at Well Springs to get an in-depth understanding of each person’s role and the part they play in delivering great care. He’s also completed an NVQ Level 5 in Health & Social Care Leadership, taking a hands-on approach to care delivery, staff roles and resident experience. He explains: “Thornton Hill has been a real passion project for us. We saw the potential in the building and wanted to create something that felt different, and somewhere people would genuinely want to live, not just somewhere they felt they had to move to." "It’s a beautiful setting, but what matters most to us is the care, the team and the day-to-day experience for our residents. We’ve built everything around that, with an emphasis on community, social connection and quality of life." "We’re really proud to now be open and welcoming our first residents into what we hope feels like a true home.” Feedback and online reviews from residents living at Thornton Hill and their relatives has been overwhelmingly positive already. We want to ensure these high standards are maintained for years to come and are excited for the future.

Audiology group The Hearing Clinic UK has expanded its footprint across the UK as it announced the acquisition of an award-winning clinic in Cheshire. The Glasgow-based company has acquired Congleton Hearing Centre, which recently won an award for its services to the local area. Congleton Hearing Centre was founded by audiologist Anthony Berg nearly two decades ago and will continue to be led by Anthony under the same clinic name, with The Hearing Clinic UK investing in enhancing facilities and digital technology at the site over the coming months. The new addition comes after The Hearing Clinic UK enjoyed one of its most successful years on record, welcoming more than 7,000 patients across 2025. Chris Stone, senior audiologist and director at The Hearing Clinic UK, said: “It’s great to welcome Congleton Hearing Centre to The Hearing Clinic UK group. Anthony has done an incredible job building a trusted community focused business over many years, and we’re looking forward to supporting the next phase of its growth." “This acquisition is an important step in our continued expansion across the UK, as we look to bring our approach to hearing care to more communities.” Anthony Berg said: “This is an exciting new chapter for Congleton Hearing Centre to be joining the wider The Hearing Clinic UK group. We’re extremely proud of how we’ve grown the clinic over nearly two decades." “It is fantastic news for our patients, who will still continue to see the same friendly faces day-to-day, as well as benefiting from additional investment to further enhance the care we provide.” Earlier this year Congleton Hearing Centre was presented with a Congleton High Street Award by the Mayor of Congleton, Councillor Robert Brittain. The award recognises independent businesses that have demonstrated longevity on the high street, a commitment to serving local people, and a dedication to keeping Congleton’s town centre thriving. The Hearing Clinic UK is now one of the UK’s leading independent hearing healthcare providers, employing nearly 40 people across Scotland and England. The family-run group currently cares for more than 50,000 patients across the UK, operating 10 practices – across locations including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling, and Glossop in Derbyshire. It specialises in world-leading hearing technology and audiology solutions, delivered with craftsmanship, warmth and integrity.

For half a century, Ruby Gondek has been ‘part of the furniture’ at Sterling Home, dedicating her career to the furnishing and homeware store in Tillicoultry. Ruby’s journey began in what was then known as Knowles the Furnishers, the original business that would evolve into Sterling Furniture and, more recently, Sterling Home. When Ruby first began her furniture career in 1976, a brand-new sofa would set you back between £80 and £150. Having just moved to the area at the time, Ruby first encountered the store as a customer, purchasing carpets and arranging custom-made curtains through the Knowles carpet shop. Ruby recalls: “When I saw a position advertised for weekend work in the cash office, it suited me perfectly as I’d been working in a bank. The motivation was initially financial, but what truly stood out, and has kept me here ever since, was the real family feeling within the business. That sense of belonging and how approachable the family and management are makes all the difference.” Starting in an office-based role, Ruby quickly became a familiar and valued presence across the store, stepping in to support the sales team during busy periods. Over the decades, her career has evolved alongside the business itself. Ruby now works on the shop floor as a sales associate, helping customers find the right furniture for their homes and sharing her product knowledge. “Part of why I love my job so much and have stayed in it so long is the social aspect. I enjoy interacting with people and building relationships with customers and colleagues,” said Ruby. Today, Sterling Home’s flagship Tillicoultry store continues to attract visitors from across Scotland and beyond, offering a unique retail experience. The branch recently underwent its biggest refurbishment in 50 years following a multi-million-pound transformation. Ruby has witnessed first-hand the remarkable transformation of the store. What began as a single showroom with suites displayed on racks and only two small offices has grown into a multi-level retail destination offering furniture and decor from around the world. Euan Graham, Buying and Marketing Director and 5th generation family-owner at Sterling Home, said: “I’ve known Ruby my whole life. Her personality is infectious, and she cares about our customers more than anything. You see it every day, and it’s why she’s so well liked across the team." "I grew up running about the Tillicoultry store with Ruby never too far away, and she even sang at my parents’ wedding, so she’s always been part of our story." "Her dedication over nearly 50 years is incredible. She represents everything we stand for as a family business, caring, hard working, and always putting people first.” Reflecting on her long career, Ruby is also keen to encourage the next generation to consider opportunities in retail and hospitality. “These industries offer fantastic opportunities for progression,” she says. “People can sometimes be put off by weekend work or late hours, but things are changing. There’s more flexibility now, and the rewards both professionally and personally can be great.” Even after nearly five decades, Ruby’s enthusiasm for her work remains as strong as ever. “I still find so much to love about Sterling Home - especially my colleagues. No matter what role they have, we all work together as a team. That’s what makes this place so special.” Outside of work, Ruby has a vibrant social life and enjoys spending time with her family, including her granddaughter and twin great-grandsons who live in Calgary, Canada. Ruby will celebrate 50-years of dedication to the brand in November this year, with plans for a celebration already underway. And as for retirement plans? There are none on the cards just yet. Spring Savings is now on at Sterling Home, with up to 50% off in-store and online. To find your local Sterling Home store or shop its products, visit here.