News
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How to care for your houseplants in a heatwave: the essential dos and don’ts
As temperatures rise and homes begin to trap the summer heat, houseplants can quickly go from thriving to struggling. While many of us welcome the sunshine, indoor plants – particularly those that prefer cooler or more humid environments - can suffer in hot, dry conditions. According to Angharad…
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The garden is the new entertaining room, and it's about more than just dining
Outdoor entertaining is evolving. While good food remains at the heart of any gathering, homeowners are increasingly placing just as much importance on the overall experience, transforming gardens into inviting spaces designed for relaxing, socialising and creating lasting memories. From coordinated…
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Nottingham Urged To Come Together For The Final Splendour
This July will be the final ever Splendour, it has been announced today. After 18 years at the heart of Nottingham summers, organisers of the much loved festival in Wollaton Park have revealed this July will be its final outing. A special 2 for 1 offer has been released today, giving the…
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Summer Deals at Langley Castle Hotel, Northumberland
Exquisite Northumberland castle hotel, Langley Castle, has special offers running this summer for guests and afternoon tea lovers who are in the area. All are ideal for anyone wanting to experience life like a knight or medieval lady, in an authentic and aesthetically stunning castle, built in…
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McPhillips recognised by Ministry of Defence for commitment to veterans
Shropshire contractor McPhillips has been recognised by the Ministry of Defence for its sustained commitment to supporting the armed forces community. The Telford-based civil engineer and construction company is one of 331 in the UK to receive a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award…
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£20,000 appeal launched to get children out of the classroom
A leading outdoor education charity has launched a £20,000 appeal to ensure more school children get the chance to go on school trips. Research suggests that nearly half of all children in the UK are currently missing out on school trips due to cost – a situation the Field Studies Council says…
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AMufacture responds to Defence Investment Plan
The UK’s leading additive manufacturing contract manufacturer has warned the UK could not squander the defence dividend in the same way it had wasted the peace dividend. Craig Pyser – chief executive of 3D printing specialist AMufacture – said the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) was “a…
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BCIS reveals updated five-year maintenance, cleaning and energy forecast
Maintenance costs, as measured by the BCIS All-in Maintenance Cost Indices, are set to rise by 15.7% over the five years to 1Q2031, according to the latest forecast data from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). Cleaning costs are expected to rise by 29.1% over the same period, driven…
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Packaging specialists join forces to create PackReady
Compliance specialist Valpak by Reconomy and innovation expert ThePackHub have teamed up to launch PackReady – a new service that provides advice on current and upcoming legislation, innovative design changes and data-driven solutions. The partnership combines regulatory expertise and data-led…
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California Prune Board welcomes EU 0% tariff announcement
The California Prune Board has welcomed the EU/U.S. tariff agreement announcement, which is set to improve market access for selected American agricultural and fishery goods - including prunes and prune juice - from today (1st July 2026). It follows the Council of the European Union’s formal…
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Steak and Chips – a Wood-fired Oven Treat for Any England World Cup Match
The nation watches with baited breath for England football games, with all hungry for more 1966-style success. But what could feed the hunger of all those footie fan friends who gather around your wood-fired oven from Valoriani? What English fare could you serve up, to really fit the bill? Well…
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Seven Stunning Finishes Define Porcelain Superstore’s New Galaxy Tile Range
Independent interiors retailer Porcelain Superstore has launched a new stone-effect tile collection designed to bring depth, drama and a touch of celestial style to the home. Introducing Galaxy. Available in seven finishes, Galaxy combines the beauty of natural stone with the practicality of…
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Automation specialist Transicon welcomes DIP but calls for SME support
West Midlands engineering firm Transicon has welcomed the Government’s increased defence spending pledge – but called for major changes around access for SMEs. The long-awaited Defence Investment Plan has now finally been published – with a further £13.5bn of investment to drive innovation…
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Seedball helps retailers meet growing demand for sustainable, wildlife-friendly gardening
As consumer demand for sustainable gardening products continues to rise, Seedball, is helping garden centres and horticultural retailers capitalise on the growing interest in biodiversity and wildlife-friendly gardening with an easy-to-stock, easy-to-shop product range. Specialising in seed balls…
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Care Providers Urged To Look Beyond Compliance As Oliver McGowan Training Moves From Rollout To Impact
The Health & Safety Group is urging care providers to look beyond compliance when delivering The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism, after seeing growing demand for the course. The call comes as the sector approaches the 10th anniversary of Oliver McGowan’s death…
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Shropshire manufacturing giants join forces with Telford College to build new food and drink apprenticeship
Three of Shropshire's biggest food and drink manufacturers are partnering with Telford College to design a brand new engineering apprenticeship. Kraft Heinz, Avara Foods and Pickstock are joining forces with the college to develop the new qualification aimed at delivering the skills the sector needs…
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14forty clinches major long-term extension with Wavin
Integrated FM specialist 14forty has secured a new three-year contract extension with Wavin - the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of plastic drainage and piping solutions. The announcement takes 14forty’s relationship with one of their longest-held clients to 12 years in total and was won…
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Gumbo – The Perfect One-Pot Pizza Oven Dish for USA’s World Cup Footie Games
“Jambalaya, crawfish pie, filé gumbo”, sang The Carpenters and there’s not much more traditionally American than the southern delight that is filé gumbo. This stew-type soup, originating in Louisiana, brings together three main cuisines – European, Native American and West African, with…
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MaxContact is named one of the UK's most thriving companies to work for
MaxContact, the Manchester-based customer engagement software provider, has been named one of the UK's most thriving companies to work for in the 2026 Culture 100 Awards, earning national recognition for its people-first culture. The accolade places MaxContact among an elite group of 100 UK-based…
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Scope 3 without the headache: supplier data, carbon footprints and cradle-to-gate emissions
By Timothy Holman Scope 3 emissions are often the largest part of an organisation’s footprint, and they are usually the hardest to measure well. This article focuses on Category 1: purchased goods and services. Complex supply chains, inconsistent data, and varying supplier maturity make purchased…
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Charles Bentley expands Acacia collections with stylish new pieces for outdoor entertaining
As homeowners look to make the most of their outdoor spaces, Charles Bentley has expanded its popular Acacia furniture collection with a selection of new dining and lounging pieces designed to bring style, comfort and flexibility to garden living. Crafted from FSC-certified wood, the new additions…
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BCIS reveals updated five-year construction industry forecast
Building costs are forecast to increase by 13.1% over the next five years, while tender prices are expected to rise by 15.5% over the same period, according to the latest construction forecast data from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). Total new work output is forecast to contract by…
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McPhillips machine driver retires after 50 years
A machine driver from Telford has retired after an incredible 50-year career with award winning construction firm McPhillips. Mark Busby, aged 66, joined the company as a labourer in March 1975 when he was just 16-years-old. Now after five decades of unbroken service, Mark, known to his colleagues…
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Work begins on bespoke home for South East's first 3D metal printer
Sussex contractor Pilbeam Construction has started work to refurbish a building at the University of Sussex to upgrade the mechanical workshop capabilities, including installing the South East's only state-of-the-art 3D metal printer. The printer will soon be moved into the newly named Firle…
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Mer powers eHGVs for Wren Kitchens with bespoke depot charging installation
Consett UK, 29 June 2026: Mer Fleet Services, the specialist fleet electrification business, has completed a bespoke EV charging installation for Wren Kitchens and Bedrooms at its Barton upon Humber depot in North Lincolnshire, supporting the retailer's programme of initiatives to achieve Net Zero
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How the right gloves simplify summer garden care
Summer is when the garden demands the most attention. Plants are growing quickly, weeds are establishing fast, and regular maintenance becomes a weekly job rather than an occasional one. Having the right pair of gloves makes those tasks easier, more comfortable and far more effective. As specialists…
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Grow together– greenhouses for budding gardeners
Make this autumn the season that your little ones catch the gardening bug. Town & Country’s new greenhouse collection is perfect for giving children their own space to sow, plant, and care for their very own crops – all while keeping plants protected and thriving well throughout autumn. From…
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Beyond branded pens: Seedball helps businesses rethink corporate gifting
From plastic pens and keyrings to notebooks and mugs, traditional corporate gifts have long been used by businesses to build relationships and reward employees. However, as sustainability continues to rise up the corporate agenda, many organisations are moving away from disposable giveaways that can…
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SNACK SMART: KALLØ LAUNCHES NEW POPPED CORN CAKES, THE ULTIMATE GUILT-FREE SOFA TREAT
Kallø, the natural food company, is set to launch its big flavour Popped Corn Cake range that makes light work of healthier snacking. Inspired by traditional bags of cinema popcorn, Kallø Popped Corn Cakes (RRP, £2.75) will initially launch in six indulgent flavours: Cinnamon, Caramel, Buttery…
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Geopolitical tensions ease as tender prices rise in 2Q2026
Tender prices increased by an estimated 1.0% between 1Q2026 and 2Q2026, according to the latest data from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). The increase resulted in 3.2% annual growth in the BCIS All-in Tender Price Index (TPI). The estimate reflects the consensus view of the BCIS TPI…
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No Sand. No Seagulls. No Sweat. Why Woodlands Win in a Heatwave
As temperatures climb across the UK, many people will be looking for ways to escape the heat. While beaches, parks and pub gardens are often the first choice, Britain's woodlands could be one of the most comfortable places to spend a hot summer's day. According to experts at Woodlands.co.uk, forests…
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Restore Information Management cuts mileage and CO2 with AI-powered fleet optimisation
Restore Information Management has reduced mileage and CO2 emissions by 25% at four of its sites after introducing AI-powered route optimisation technology to improve the efficiency of its national fleet. The UK's largest independent provider of information management services has partnered with…
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Historic Garden Reveals the Back Story to its ‘Jungle Book’ Years
Ahead of showcasing one of the great works of late Victorian literature in musical and theatrical performance form, Levens Hall and Gardens has delved into the history books to discover what was happening in its gardens at the time of that work’s publication. The work in question is The Jungle…
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Civil engineering tender prices rose in 2Q2026, BCIS panel finds
Civil engineering tender prices increased by an estimated 2% between 1Q2026 and 2Q2026, according to the latest meeting of the BCIS Civil Engineering TPI Panel. The panel, comprised of cost consultants from firms involved in multiple civil engineering tenders in the UK, advises on the latest…
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Chamber celebrates Black Country Day in bostin’ style
Businesses are being invited to put their detective skills to the test as part of a bostin’ Black Country Day celebration. The Black Country Chamber of Commerce is celebrating the very best of the region and bringing together businesses for an exciting event on July 14. Taking place at the Black…
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Exciting New Garden Centre Planned for Chichester
Hillier Garden Centres has announced plans to redevelop its Chichester site into a brand-new destination garden centre, bringing an enhanced and more inspiring experience for customers. The new centre will replace the existing site and has been designed to create a welcoming space where visitors…
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Hillier Garden Centres Announces Plans for Expansion of Chichester Garden Centre
Hillier Garden Centres has announced that planning permission has been granted for the redevelopment of its Hillier Garden Centre Chichester. A longstanding and well-established site within the Hillier portfolio, the Chichester centre has served the local community for decades and is recognised as a…
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California Prune Board seats new leadership to guide industry priorities and investments
The California Prune Board (CPB) has officially seated its 22-member board and 15 alternates for the 2026-2028 term. Following certification of the election by the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the new board serves as the governing body responsible for directing…
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Insurers look beyond exposure assessment with new insight into risk remediation
Cyber insurers can now access a live, portfolio-wide view of where risk sits and whether insured organisations are acting to address it, following the launch of Portfolio Analytics from cyber risk intelligence provider KYND. The launch comes as insurers face growing pressure from regulators and…
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Local Business Launches Tenanted‑Property Service Amid Rising Landlord Exits
24 June 2026, UK: Bettermove, the UK property solutions company based in Leeds, has launched a formal tenanted‑property service as more landlords look to sell homes with tenants in situ following the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act. In March the Landlord Association reported that in the…
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Tenanted‑Property Service Launches Amid Rising Landlord Exits
Tenanted‑Property Service Launches Amid Rising Landlord Exits 24 June 2026, UK: Bettermove, the UK property solutions company, has launched a formal tenanted‑property service as more landlords look to sell homes with tenants in situ following the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act. …
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First of Its Kind AI 'Digital Admin' Assistant Launches to Ease Fleet Management Pressures
23 June UK: Blossom Vehicle Leasing, the independent vehicle funding specialist, has launched Meet Sam, the first-of-its kind AI-powered assistant designed to help businesses and fleet managers reduce administration, stay on top of compliance requirements and access vehicle information instantly.…
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Local Firm Launches First of Its Kind AI 'Digital Admin' to Ease Car Leasing Pressures
24 June, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire: Blossom Vehicle Leasing, the independent vehicle funding specialist based in Cheltenham, has launched Meet Sam, the first-of-its kind AI-powered assistant designed to help individual drivers, businesses and fleet managers access vehicle information instantly,
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New Cotswold Garden Collection Blends Country Softness with Everlasting Florals
The quiet magic of an English garden in summer is the inspiration behind a new collection of luxury artificial bouquets from The Faux Flower Company. The five-strong Cotswold Garden Collection brings together a delicate palette of pale pinks, soft whites, fresh greens and gentle blush tones. Each…
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Beat the heat: TOG24's Cool Women's Shirts For A Summer Heatwave
To keep cool and to protect you from the sun, a lightweight shirt is the go-to piece this summer. TOG24's range of airy, loose-fitting shirts includes breezy designs in cool cotton, iron-free cheesecloth, and breathable seersucker. These bestsellers are now reduced in the summer sale so you beat the…
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Aviramp founder hails 'special relationship' as US veterans return to Normandy
The founder of award-winning aircraft boarding ramp manufacturer Aviramp has hailed the "special relationship" between his company and Delta Air Lines after the two aviation businesses joined forces to safely return US World War II veterans to Normandy. Graham Corfield, who designed the world's…
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Depot charging demand drives CES debut at Road Transport Expo
Renewables engineering specialist CES is exhibiting at the Road Transport Expo (RTX) for the first time, as demand for depot charging infrastructure from fleet operators accelerates. The government's Depot Charging Scheme (DCS), which closes to applications at the end of the month, is offering up to…
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Orford Jubilee Pharmacy Prescribes Digital Signage Upgrade by TVC
Bolton and Warrington, June 23 2026 - Commercial AV and digital signage integrator TVC Technology Solutions has completed a comprehensive digital signage communications installation for Orford Jubilee Pharmacy in Warrington. The updated system provides the busy community healthcare provider with a…
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TVC Prescribes Digital Signage Upgrade for Orford Jubilee Pharmacy
Bolton and Warrington, June 23 2026 - Commercial AV and digital signage integrator TVC Technology Solutions has completed a bespoke healthcare communications project for Orford Jubilee Pharmacy in Warrington. The project delivered a multi-screen digital signage network designed to enhance patient…
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Essex insurer Surewise launches first-of-its-kind TV advert campaign
Surewise, a specialist insurance intermediary based in Hadleigh, has launched a first-of-its-kind TV advert campaign for mobility scooter insurance, using England’s steepest street as the setting. Believed to be the first campaign about mobility scooter insurance to air on UK television, the…
