Member News

According to official statistics published by the Department for Business & Trade, at the start of 2024 there were estimated to be around 5.5 million UK private sector businesses. A rising perspective suggests that 2025 could be a year of growth for new businesses – this would give a further boost to the already sizeable sector of 3.1million sole traders, 2.1 million actively trading companies and 356,000 ordinary partnerships in the UK at the start of last year.

The Centre for Economics Business Research (Cebr) for Sage forecasts that the number of new businesses in the UK will increase by 342,000 in the next two years, while figures from QuickBooks’ ‘Entrepreneurship in 2025’ survey of 3,000 consumers and business owners shows that more than half (52%) of survey respondents say they are considering launching a new business in the coming year.

If you are thinking of starting a business, thorough preparation can be the key to long-term success. Here we look at some of the main considerations for those beginning their new business journey.

Preparation and knowledge are key

There are several financial, tax and accounting steps you must take, however there is no one-size-fits-all template. Every business owner and venture is different – the structure of your business; sector you work within; place of work; whether or not you have employees; and the nature of your sales and income.

You might decide to set yourself up as a sole trader, become a partner in a business partnership or register your own limited company. They all have different implications for how you run the business and pay tax. Ensuring you are fully informed helps avoid any unnecessary costs and enables you to make the right choices from the outset.

Here are some topics to think about :

Business structure

You will need to decide on the best legal structure:

• Sole Trader: the simplest to set up. You are taxed on the profits of the business each year, even if you do not withdraw these from the business bank account. You are personally responsible for the business debts and liabilities.
• Partnership: two or more people run a business and share the profits. All partners are responsible for any debts and liabilities. There are different types of partnership to consider – ordinary partnership and limited liability partnership.
• Private limited company: This is legally separate from the people who run it, that includes finances which are separate from your own. The company can own property and is responsible for its debts. The company pays corporation tax on its profits. You, personally, are only taxed on income that is declared to you from the company, therefore gives you some control over your personal income.

Paying tax and registering your business

If you are setting up a limited company, you must register the company with Companies House. You will file company accounts and a confirmation statement with Companies House annually and you will also need to file a corporation tax return, together with tagged accounts in iXBRL format, with HMRC.  Company accounts need to be prepared in accordance with accounting standards and company law, therefore in a set format. You also need to consider whether you need to register the directors/shareholders for self assessment personal tax returns, which will depend on their personal income levels and income sources.

If you are self-employed as a sole trader, you must register for self assessment if you earn more than £1,000 from your self-employment (before you deduct your expenses).

If you trade through a partnership, you need to register the partnership with HMRC as well as register the partners for self assessment tax returns.

Depending on profit levels, you also need to consider if you wish to pay Class 2 National  Insurance voluntarily as a sole trader or partner (for example to maintain qualifying years for state pension).

Record-keeping and bank accounts

As a limited company, you must use a business bank account and keep records about the company itself and financial and accounting records. HMRC may undertake a compliance check to make sure you are paying the right amount of tax.

Sole traders and those in a partnership must keep records of their business sales, income and expenses to enable them to complete their self assessment tax return. They should also keep proof of all receipts for goods, stock, and expenses; bank statements; sales invoices; till rolls; and bank slips.

It is worthwhile noting that from April 2026, sole traders with business and/or property income which total, when added together, to more than £50,000 (before deduction of expenses) will be required to maintain digital records and HMRC each quarter using compatible software. This is called Making Tax Digital for Income Tax – find out more here.

Expenses

Sole traders, partnerships and companies can deduct ‘allowable expenses’ (necessary costs that are directly related to running your business) from their income when calculating taxable profit. The tax rules can, however, vary between the different entities and are not always straight forward.

VAT

If your (or your company’s) taxable supplies are below £90,000, and you do not expect your taxable supplies to go over £90,000 in the next 30 days, you do not need to register for VAT. For newly set up businesses that started from scratch, you need to look at the end of each month for the last twelve months to see if the £90,000 registration threshold is exceeded.

Some of the issues to consider when thinking about VAT :

• If your supplies are in fact “taxable” – which means any supply in the UK that is not exempt VAT;
• Whether you want to voluntarily register for VAT, for example to hide the size of the business or to be able to claim back VAT on your expenses;
• If you need to register for VAT asap as you are over the VAT registration limit; and
• If you register for VAT, would it be advantageous to join a VAT scheme (such as the flat rate scheme). Also, you need to consider how you will keep your accounting records to ensure you meet the requirement of Making Tax Digital for VAT.

How M+A Partners can help

There are certainly lots of considerations when it comes to setting up your new business. Our experienced team takes the time to understand your unique business needs – explaining the different ways you can set up your business, the associated tax implications, as well as how to keep your books and records to ensure you meet any Making Tax Digital current and future requirements.

Should you wish to discuss your new business venture, or find out more about the tax considerations of working for yourself, get in touch.

Science, research and innovation are core disciplines that will undoubtedly help the human race address many of the key challenges it faces. Whether it is dealing with climate change, ending world hunger or living healthier and longer lives, we need to create environments that will enable scientists and researchers to make ground-breaking discoveries to be made. That means building a support network to work alongside them made up of individuals with other skills and disciplines.

Raising awareness of the opportunities for non-scientists to work in the science sector was the theme of an event organised by Norwich Research Park at the Norwich Science Festival. Aimed at young people who are starting to think about their future career, it featured short talks from members of the Norwich Research Park community about their jobs and careers in disciplines as varied as research, marketing, finance, construction, facilities management, therapy, architecture, operations management and nursing.

The talks were followed by a lively ‘speed-dating’ style Q&A where attendees were able to quiz the presenters about their individual roles and day-to-day activities, how they got into their line of work and the opportunities they have to contribute towards ‘making the science happen’.

Roz Bird, CEO of Anglia Innovation Partnership, the campus management organisation at Norwich Research Park, opened the event by talking about the growth plans for the park campus, which has 30,000 people on site. With 100,000 sq. ft of start-up accommodation, 1.6m sq. ft of land with planning consent available and a number of new buildings about to be started, there is a real sense of excitement about the coming years.

She said, “As we grow, so will the number and variety of jobs on offer as new companies are established and grow and other businesses relocate to Norwich Research Park. And, it won’t just be jobs for scientists. There will be all sort of jobs, as we are showcasing today. It’s important that we share news of these opportunities with the people of Norwich. Norwich Science Festival is an excellent platform for us to engage with young people who are starting to think about their future careers.

Roberta Hook, Deputy Chief Operating Officer at Norfolk and Norwich NHS Foundation Trust, looks after the day-to-day operations at the hospital from patient admission to the point they are discharged.

She said, The beauty of today’s event is that we can show young people just how many career paths there are and the different ways they can start working in a research-based environment at both the hospital and across the park campus. Whilst academic qualifications are important, we also showed that passion for something can open just as many career doors. The important thing is to keep being curious and find out what is really possible.”

Emma Waters, a postdoctoral research scientist at the Quadram Institute, works with dangerous pathogens in her work sequencing DNA.

She said, “I grew up in Norwich and discovered the Research Park thanks to an A-level summer placement at the John Innes Centre. That experience introduced me to the diverse science community and incredible research happening right on my doorstep and inspired me to become a scientist. I only spend about a third of my time in the lab; the rest involves collaboration, communication and global travel to places I’d never have imagined visiting before.”

Natassja Bush is CEO and co-founder of Inspiralis a company created as a result of research carried out at the John Innes Centre. It supplies enzymes to institutions around the world for use in further research.

She said, “Science is one of the key drivers of economic growth in the world and there are lots of jobs in it. Engagement with young people in our communities is vitally important to show them what options exist. One of the most important lessons I learned is that you can be involved in research without having to be a researcher.”

Samantha Graham, Enterprise Network Manager of Anglia Innovation Partnership, shone a light on the different services, facilities and skills that a fledgling company emerging from research needs to succeed.

She said, “When researchers have an idea for a business they don’t really know where to go for support on things like patenting their intellectual property (IP), creating a web site, designing a brand, raising finance or establishing industry partnerships. The support network we are building at Norwich Research Park has to support these very real needs and that means great job potential.”

Sarah Bennion, Finance Director at Norwich Bioscience Institutes (NBI) Partnership, manages the finances for the four research institutes at Norwich Research Park, the John Innes Centre, The Sainsbury Laboratory, Earlham Institute and Quadram Institute.

She explained, “Finance is really important in science as so much of it is publicly-funded from Government so accountability is key. My job is to take care of the finances so that the researchers can focus on what they do best without any distractions. Whilst my expertise is in finance, I still feel involved in being part of something really worthy and it is very rewarding to know we are supporting our scientists.”

Gurpinder Singh Sidhu, a postgraduate researcher at the John Innes Centre, talked about his exciting work at the interface of computational sciences, physics and biology.

He said, “I love working in science because I like solving complicated problems. I think the only two qualities you need to succeed in science are curiosity and a drive for learning. If you have those, you can gather the skills and knowledge needed to investigate a problem and help advance our knowledge of this world.”

Elissa Manzi, is a lecturer in Speech and Language Therapy at UEA, specialising in stroke rehabilitation and brain trauma.

She said, “The therapy I deliver crosses many streams of science, both biological and neurological. Many people are unaware how varied speech and language therapy can be and that we can work with people at all stages of life, from neo-nates to end of life care. I want to raise awareness of the opportunities speech and language therapy offers as a career. As well as the medical and scientific aspects, you also need a certain amount of creativity to tailor therapy to each individual. What we do really does make a difference to people’s lives.”

Suzanne O’Donovan, from SRA Architects, talked about how architects design buildings for the science sector that are inspirational, beautiful, sustainable and safe.

She said, “I think back to when I was young and the value of being given a steer on where to look for a career. There isn’t just one path into any job and I think it is important that we break down some of the misperceptions that exist around science. We need to inspire young people and get them interested in all of the opportunities available to them.”

Alex Mackay, Construction Director at R G Carter, gave an overview of the specialist aspects of building premises for science-based research.

He said, “I have been involved in building projects at Norwich Research Park for 20 years. When embarking on a build for science it is very important to understand what you are housing and the specific requirements of the organisation and its people who will be working in it. It is incredibly rewarding to finish each job knowing that you have played a role in supporting world leading research to take place in Norwich.”

Adrian Ramdass is a Lead Nurse Endoscopy Services at the Quadram Institute/Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.

He said, “One of the most important jobs we have is to generate sufficient interest amongst young people so that they can replace us when it’s our time to retire! It’s not just nurses and doctors working at the hospital, it’s physiotherapy, IT support, communications and lots more disciplines. Most people don’t see half of what goes on behind the scenes to make the hospital run smoothly. It’s a very rewarding environment to work in, alongside so many different talented people.”

The event was well received by those that attended. Parent, Antony James, said, “It’s been an eye-opening event and it is great to have direct access to the speakers. Their message, that as long as you have a passion for science there is a pathway for you to work in the sector, is a powerful one.”

Paul Pearson, 16, of Wherry School Sixth Form, said, “I found the event to be very informative and I have established an interest in this field, especially in microbiology. I found it to be very educational and a really good introduction to what Norwich Research Park offers in terms of careers.”

More than a business park, King’s Lynn Enterprise Park is a dynamic hub designed for high-growth industries, collaboration, and sustainable living.

Set in a scenic riverside location with seamless regional and global connectivity, our 15-hectare site offers ready-to- develop plots within a thriving enterprise zone. Backed by government investment and integrated into a growing community, we provide businesses with the space, support, and infrastructure to shape the future of the region.

Read more about the KLEP here

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We are proud to announce that we have won the prestigious ‘Medium-sized Apprenticeships Employer of the Year (50-249 employees)’ award at the Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards 2025.

The ceremony took place on Wednesday, 12th February at Norwich City Football Club, where our HR Director, Estee accepted the award on behalf of the company.

The Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of apprentices, managers, mentors, and businesses across the county. This year’s event welcomed around 200 guests to honour the incredible contributions made to apprenticeship programmes.

Estee expressed her gratitude, stating: “We are thrilled to receive this award. Apprenticeships are at the heart of our company’s growth and success. This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our apprentices and the dedication of our team in supporting and nurturing new talent in the manufacturing and engineering industry.”

Apprenticeships Norfolk highlighted the importance of the awards, saying: “Our annual ‘Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards 2025’ shone a light on the exceptional achievements of apprentices, managers/mentors and businesses right across the county – celebrating their successes with around 200 guests at Norwich City Football Club.”

This accolade reflects Warren’s commitment to providing high-quality apprenticeship opportunities and supporting the next generation of skilled professionals in the manufacturing and engineering sectors.

We are immensely proud of this achievement and look forward to continuing our work to create valuable opportunities for apprentices.

Being called a Stress Scientist was a joke, literally. One of the other dads at the school gate asked me that dreaded question “what do you do”?

I explained that I use biobmarkers to measure your stress and then coach you to perform higher in a sustainable way using science… “so your a Stress Scientist then”. He worked in Marketing and I built a brand. Here’s the brief intro to what I do…

In today’s digital age, businesses are relying more on technology and online platforms, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Cybercriminals are constantly developing new ways to exploit weaknesses, from phishing scams to ransomware attacks, to gain unauthorised access to sensitive information. Providing cyber awareness training for staff has become essential for organisations of all sizes and across all industries.

Why should your organisation invest in cyber awareness training?

The purpose of cyber awareness training is to provide employees with the necessary knowledge and abilities to recognise and counter cyber threats. This training focuses on informing them about prevalent attack methods, including phishing emails, harmful websites, and social engineering techniques. By gaining an understanding of these attack strategies, employees can enhance their vigilance and decrease their susceptibility to becoming victims of such attacks.

One of the primary benefits of cyber awareness training is that it helps create a “human firewall.” Employees are often considered the weakest link in an organisation’s cybersecurity defences, as they can inadvertently click on a malicious link or download an infected attachment. However, with proper training, employees become the first line of defence, capable of spotting potential threats and reporting them to the proper channels.

Another advantage of cyber awareness training is that it fosters a culture of security within the organisation. By educating employees on the potential risks and their responsibilities in countering them, it encourages the adoption of secure practices like using robust passwords, avoiding questionable links, and maintaining up-to-date software. This collective effort significantly reduces your organisation’s overall risk of a cyberattack.

Additionally, organisations can ensure compliance with industry regulations, data protection laws, and cyber insurance requirements through cyber awareness training. These regulations often stipulate the need to establish security awareness programs for employees. By providing such training, organisations show their commitment to protecting sensitive data and can avoid potential legal and financial repercussions.

What is the best way to deliver cyber awareness training?

Whilst online cyber awareness training offers convenience and flexibility, human-delivered training brings a dynamic edge that boosts engagement and understanding. This facilitates questions, discussions and clarifications which leads to a better understanding and retention of the security concepts, threats and prevention. 

Online training can sometimes be passive, with learners simply clicking through the material without active participation.

Delivered training comes with the added benefit of providing real-time interaction and immediate feedback which creates a more impactful learning experience. These sessions can provide content tailored to the specific needs of the organisation where trainers can address industry-specific threats and answer questions about internal security policies. Online training may be more generic without the nuanced focus that delivered training can provide.

A blended approach to cyber awareness training leverages the strengths of both methods to create a more impactful and comprehensive learning experience. For example, delivered training can be used to introduce key concepts and specific organisational components, and online training can be used to reinforce learning, provide additional resources, and track progress. 

This blended approach can maximise effectiveness and provide scalability to meet your organisation’s changing needs.

Is cyber security awareness just for the office?

The importance of cyber security awareness stretches far beyond the office walls. In today’s digitally connected world, our personal lives are intertwined with online activities, leaving us vulnerable to threats such as identity theft and financial fraud. 

Delivering tailored cyber awareness training which focuses on the personal aspects of cyber security resonates more with employees, and provides a useful context away from the office which is generally more effective in changing behaviour when compared to training which focuses solely on a corporate perspective.

By addressing the personal implication of cyber threats, your organisation can foster a security-conscious culture which extends beyond the workplace. This approach helps safeguard employee’s personal lives and strengthen the overall cyber security posture of your organisation by reducing threats entering through employees’ personal devices and online activities.

The modern workplace must view cyber awareness training as more than just a recommended practice; it is an indispensable investment. By equipping employees with the necessary knowledge and abilities to recognise and counter cyber threats, organisations can fortify their security and preserve the trust of their customers and stakeholders. 

It is vital to understand that cybersecurity is a collective duty, and each employee holds a significant responsibility in safeguarding the organisation’s digital prospects. An effective cyber awareness training platform will empower employees to recognise threats and reduce risky behaviours, forming an extra layer of cyber defence.

As we step into 2025, the landscape of cyber security continues to evolve at a rapid pace. With the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and the growing reliance on digital infrastructure, it is crucial for businesses and individuals to stay ahead of the curve. Here are some of the top cyber security trends to watch out for in 2025.

AI-Driven Cyber Attacks

Cybercriminals are leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to orchestrate more advanced and targeted attacks. AI enables the creation of highly personalised phishing campaigns and realistic deepfake content, making it harder than ever to distinguish between legitimate and malicious communications. 

To counter this, organisations should invest in advanced threat detection systems and provide ongoing training to help users recognise and mitigate AI-driven threats.

AI in Cyber Defence

AI and machine learning are revolutionising cybersecurity by enhancing threat detection and response. These technologies analyse vast data to identify anomalies and predict incidents, allowing proactive measures against threats. 

AI-driven systems can detect unusual network behaviour and respond in real-time, while automating routine tasks to improve efficiency. AI is also used for continuous monitoring, adaptive security, and user behaviour analytics, which helps detect insider threats and prevent breaches. 

Overall, integrating AI and machine learning significantly advances the fight against cyber threats, ensuring the security of digital infrastructures worldwide.

Cloud Security Challenges

As the world continues to migrate to cloud environments, securing these platforms is becoming increasingly critical. Misconfigurations, inadequate access controls, and lack of visibility can lead to data breaches and unauthorised access. Adopting comprehensive cloud security strategies, including continuous monitoring, encryption, and adherence to best practices, is essential to safeguard data in the cloud.

Zero Trust Cyber Security in 2025

As we move further into 2025, the concept of Zero Trust Cyber Security continues to gain traction as a fundamental approach to safeguarding digital environments. The Zero Trust model operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify,” meaning that no user or device, whether inside or outside the network, is trusted by default. This model focuses on identity verification and continuous monitoring to ensure security. 

This approach is crucial as cyber threats become more sophisticated and widespread. By adopting a zero-trust framework, you can enhance your security measures and significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access.

Internet of Things (IoT) Vulnerabilities

The proliferation of IoT devices expands the attack surface for cyber threats. Many IoT devices lack robust security features, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to exploit vulnerabilities. 

Ensuring the security of IoT ecosystems requires implementing strong authentication mechanisms, regular firmware updates, and network segmentation to prevent unauthorised access. 

Cybersecurity and Resilience Bill

In July 2024, the UK government announced plans to introduce the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, aiming to strengthen the nation’s defences against escalating cyber threats. This legislation seeks to the existing Network and Information Security (NIS) Regulations 2018, enhancing the security and resilience of critical national infrastructure and essential digital services.

The key objectives of the bill are to:

·       existing regulations to ensure that UK infrastructure and economy is not comparably more vulnerable.

·      Enhance cyber defences by aligning with evolving international cybersecurity standards.

·      Empower regulators to enforce cybersecurity measures and compliance across various sectors.

·      Mandate incident reporting of significant cyber incidents.

The Cybersecurity and Resilience Bill will apply UK-wide and be introduced to Parliament in 2025.

Quantum Computing Threats

Quantum computing is an emerging technology that, in the future, could impact how businesses secure their data. Whilst it is not an immediate concern for SMEs in 2025, its ability to break traditional encryption methods may become relevant in the coming years. Larger organisations are already exploring quantum-resistant encryption, but for SMEs this is something to be aware of rather than a top security priority right now.

Keeping up to date with developments in post-quantum cryptography and ensuring strong cybersecurity fundamentals – such as MFA and secure cloud storage solutions – will help SMEs stay prepared as the technology evolves.

Ransomware and Multifaceted Extortion

Ransomware attacks have been an ongoing issue for a number of years, and they are anticipated to keep evolving in 2025. Cybercriminals are likely to use multiple extortion techniques, combining data encryption with threats to disclose sensitive information. This method raises the urgency for victims to pay ransoms, complicating efforts to address these attacks.

Compromised Identities in Hybrid Environments

With the shift towards hybrid work environments, the risk of compromised identities has increased. Cybercriminals will exploit vulnerabilities in remote work setups to gain unauthorised access to sensitive information. To mitigate this threat, it is essential to implement robust identity and access management solutions to safeguard your data.

Conclusion

The cyber security landscape in 2025 will be shaped by advancements in technology and the evolving tactics of cybercriminals. By staying informed about these trends and adopting proactive security measures, businesses and individuals can better protect themselves against emerging threats. As always, vigilance and continuous improvement in cyber security practices will be key to staying ahead in this ever-changing digital world.

For any of your cyber security business needs, don’t hesitate to get in touch with CyberScale. Our team of experts is ready to help you navigate the complexities of cyber security and ensure your organisation’s safety in 2025!

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Commuter emissions reduction specialist Mobilityways has been presented with a King’s Award for Enterprise, for Sustainable Development, by the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk.  

At the event, the Lord Lieutenant Lady Dannatt, MBE, handed Mobilityways Managing Director Julie Furnell a Kings Award crystal, while Deputy Lieutenant Carol Bundock read The Grant of Appointment. The Sheriff of Norwich, Sirajul Islam, was also in attendance to celebrate this significant honour. 

Mobilityways is one of only 252 organisations nationally, and four in Norfolk, to be recognised with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in the latest accolade. The company has been celebrated for its excellence in sustainable development, due to its commitment to zero-carbon commuting. Mobilityways’ climate tech enables employers to provide full visibility of commuting challenges and solutions, and is the only software solution dedicated to decarbonising the commute.  

This presentation makes it the third time that Mobilityways has been handed the award, having also been recognised with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2019 and 2008. Each win allows use of the Queen’s/King’s Award emblem for five years, meaning Mobilityways has earned the right to continue using the royal award emblem until 2029 after its win last year. 

Before presenting the award, the Lord Lieutenant announced: “To be recognised with this award three times is quite exceptional. Here I am today presenting you with the King’s Award, and there really is no higher accolade. Norfolk is fantastically proud of you all. You are a young, vibrant, exploring firm of people, very dedicated, highly qualified, and we are very grateful for what you do for the planet.” 

The event dignitaries met some of Mobilityways’ 40 staff at their Norwich office, including Chief Technical Officer Ross Hewitt, who’s worked at the company for 21 years. Mobilityways was founded as Liftshare in 1998 and has since expanded its suite of climate-tech solutions to a full portfolio that measures, reduces and reports commuting emissions for large employers. 

Julie Furnell, Managing Director of Mobilityways, said: “It is a true honour to be recognised with a King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development. Winning the award is a testament to our relentless dedication to revolutionising commuting.  

“At Mobilityways, we’re not just creating innovative climate tech solutions; we’re helping influence how people can travel more sustainably. As an SME, this recognition underscores our commitment to partnering with large employers to make a tangible impact on realising the art of the possible and decarbonising the commute.” 

The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed last year to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 58th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country, with successful businesses able to use the esteemed King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years.  

For more information on the King’s Award, visit https://www.gov.uk/kingsawards-for-enterprise. 

Find out more at mobilityways.com

The winners of the inaugural Commute Zero Hero Awards have been announced, celebrating outstanding achievements in sustainable commuting by workplaces across the UK. These initiatives have supported more than 53,000 individuals to make greener journeys over the last twelve months. 

Hosted by the climate tech provider Mobilityways, the awards honour organisations and individuals driving innovative commuting solutions that reduce carbon emissions and foster a culture of sustainability. 

Entries showcasing creative projects poured in from both the public and private sectors. Among the winners are Heathrow Airport, with the UK’s largest single-site Liftshare scheme; University Hospitals Dorset, whose travel team introduced the Footbus app to enhance safety for colleagues using public transport at night; and West Sussex County Council, recognised for its Active Travel Strategy prioritising school journeys. 

Commenting on the win, Cllr Joy Dennis at West Sussex County Council said: “WSCC is committed to making sustainable travel journeys a safer, more convenient and more accessible option for our residents and visitors alike. A cornerstone of this commitment is our approach to Active Travel, which is about providing our residents with the ability to choose to walk, wheel or cycle instead of using their cars for journeys to school, work and many more destinations. Our Active Travel to School programme provides site-specific footway and cycle improvements, with behaviour change interventions to build the habit of travelling actively from a young age.” 

Meanwhile, Encirc was honoured with the Best Workplace Initiative Award for its car-share solution with a reward system that’s saved 3.33 tonnes of CO2 and 16,938 miles within the first six months. Stuart Jensen, Head of Reward and Analytics said: “Sustainability is at the core of all we do at Encirc. The car-sharing initiative rewards our people for taking part in the scheme and helps us to cut back significant emissions on the commute to work. This recognition is a timely boost for our car-share solution at Encirc as we look to increase and develop further its impact across the business.” 

Mobilityways Managing Director, Julie Furnell, commented, “The Commute Zero Hero Awards recognise those leading the charge in making commuting greener, healthier, and more efficient. Our winners have developed best practices that deliver measurable impacts in the mission to make zero-carbon commuting a reality. From reducing emissions to improving the health, wealth, and happiness of their teams, these organisations demonstrate the transformative power of sustainable commuting solutions. We’re delighted to celebrate their success and inspire others to follow suit.” 

Hear more from Julie in the Commute Zero Hero Awards 2025 video. 

Often overlooked, Scope 3 commuting emissions account for 5% of the UK’s total carbon footprint, equating to 18 billion kilograms of CO2e annually. As more workplaces encourage a return to the office, reducing the environmental impact of commuting is essential for achieving ambitious net–zero targets. 

The AA 2 Rosette WinePress Restaurant at the Maids Head Hotel has two exciting announcements.

Firstly, talented Head Chef, Alastair Grand, joined the Kitchen Brigade in October. With the busy festive season now firmly behind he has lots of new ideas he wants to bring to the table.

Norwich born and bred, Ali originally thought he wanted to be a PE Teacher. But a part time job in a local kitchen at the age of 16 gave him the bug to pursue his career as a Chef. Ali trained under several well-known local chefs aspiring to his first sous chef position at the age of 22.

Ali said “My style of cooking is French classics with a modern twist. I joined the Maids Head as I relish the trust given to the Brigade to cook the food we love to produce. I am being supported to strive for a 3^rd Rosette which we all want to achieve this year”

He went on to add “The WinePress Restaurant offers a fine dining experience. Diners can choose between the a la carte menu or the tasting menu with the option of a wine flight. Menus champion seasonal ingredients sourced from the wealth of local suppliers on our doorstep.”  

When asked about his favourite dish on the new Rosette menu Ali was quick to say “ I prefer savoury over dessert so it would be the Moroccan pan seared lamb rump infused with liquorice, duchess potato, compressed butternut squash, lamb & apricot tagine, liquorice puree, Moroccan spiced jus. A dish packed full of incredible flavours and also looks exciting on the plate!”

Ali loves to travel and to experience the local cuisine. He is also passionate to get involved with the local Food community and to inspire more young people to consider a hospitality career. Since the pandemic, the industry has lost so many good chefs, Ali is keen to try and turn this around.

In a climate which has seen several fine dining restaurants close their doors for economic reasons the Hotel is committed to the WinePress. General Manager, Christine Malcolm said “As an independent hotel we are proud to offer our guests the opportunity of a Rosette dining experience. There are also very few City centre restaurants which boast a car park which diners are welcome to use”.

Joining Ali’s kitchen brigade is Pastry Chef, Rebecca Redwood. Also Norfolk born and bred, she got the kitchen bug when completing her Year 10 work experience and has never looked back.

When asked why pastry, Rebecca said “there is always something to strive for, you never stand still. I love to experiment with new ideas and the Maids Head is allowing me the opportunity to explore and develop these. I am excited to bring a new twist to the Hotel’s afternoon tea experience too.”

Afternoon tea is served every day, visit our website to find out times available. 

To book a table in the WinePress Restaurant call 01603 272010, alternatively go online. Remember to request afternoon tea and add any dietary requirements in the notes.