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Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience Blue Diamond Garden Centres has purchased Frosts Willington in Bedfordshire.  This was forecast at the time Frosts' Woburn Sands Garden Centre was purchased in August Blue Diamond plans a store makeover next year that will create a new customer flow  MD Alan Roper expects to grow the turnover by about £3m mostly through increasing the average customer spend Originally opened as a nursery in the late 1890s the Willington garden centre grew into a successful business through the partnership of the Godber and Frost families establishing a strong reputation within the local community “The site comes with a very useful large warehouse that was Frosts distribution centre and there is enough space for another warehouse so we have submitted a planning application Both warehouses will be utilised for our Group storage and distribution as the Group continues to add new sites.” See also Gardenforum Headlines - Blue Diamond completes the acquisition of Woburn Sands Willington becomes Blue Diamond’s 46th garden centre Join nowor trial us Free Gardenforum is a trade website for the UK garden industry Sign up to our popular News and Product emails Terms and Conditions Acceptable Use Policy Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Download the Gardenforum Media Pack Gardenforum enjoys around 50,000 page views a month Repeated views of your banner will build recognition and confidence in your company Email: info@gardenforum.co.uk Look forward to hearing from you © Gardenforum 2025 | This site is intended for use by UK businesses only Gardenforum will not be responsible for any loss or liability arising from use by any other party A niche print business set up by an apprentice who completed his print qualification in double quick time has been recognised in a business awards scheme Cheshire Print was set up by owner Jake Willington in 2022 – initially as a side hustle operating out of a bedroom cupboard at his parents’ home – while he was working as an apprentice via Learn2Print at Surf & Turf in Warrington “I completed my 28 month college course in 12 months being one of the first in the country to pass the new curriculum/course layout of Level 3 in digital printing,” Willington told Printweek spotted an opportunity in producing bespoke scented and branded air fresheners for a range of businesses including car detailing and valeting firms and SMEs such as salons It has just won a Maker Award for Best Use of Technology “I found the niche for custom air fresheners when I began doing graphic design work for people in the automotive industry,” he explained “I quickly discovered that there was a high demand for good quality car air fresheners failure and testing I was able to develop a bespoke production process allowing any quantity of air fresheners to be produced without the incredible setup costs often seen with litho printed alternatives that are die cut,” he said Willington has conquered a number of challenges including printing and cutting or supermarket air fresheners last a matter of days He is keeping details of the precise equipment used under wraps The firm is in the process of implementing a new die-cutting setup for large orders and common shapes to further speed up production Willington also plans to bring the production of printed footwell mats in-house Cheshire Print is currently a team of three people including Willington’s “good friend River” who handles print finishing and his mother Jane “who handles all admin and keeps me organised!” Willington operates as a sole trader for simplicity He said turnover last year was around £60,000 and has grown this year to around £20,000-£25,000 a quarter “I can only see this going up!” Willington said Cheshire Print now operates out of space at the Portal Business Centre in Warrington Printweek welcomes informed debate, but please read our House Rules before posting Printweek is the premier website for the print industry Login For assistance please contact Our Customer Service on: Tel: +44(0)20 8955 7020. Email: musicweek@abacusemedia.com Please enter your email so we can send you password reset link An email has been sent to you containing a link to reset your password The BPI has published its inaugural Five-Year Strategy for Diversity Launched to coincide with the end of National Inclusion Week the document sets out the BPI’s vision and strategy to actively promote Diversity both within its organisation and in support of efforts by its label members and across the wider industry which opens with forewords by BPI CEO Dr Jo Twist OBE and by the members of the BPI’s Equity and Justice Advisory Group (EJAG) highlights the need for collaboration and a collective industry approach.   It acknowledges the need to build on existing good practice and to dovetail with the UK Music Diversity Taskforce’s original 10 Point Plan and its Five-Ps model for change – covering people purchasing and progress to change the status quo.  Paulette Long OBE and Kwame Kwaten co-chairs of BPI Equity and Justice Advisory Group (EJAG) said: “We recognise inclusion is an ever-changing journey and as we look to represent and give voice to unheard communities challenge and liaise with the BPI on ongoing and future efforts and strategies so that the UK music industry can be respectfully representative of all communities and individuals We welcome the BPI’s Five-Year DEI Strategy and are pleased to have contributed to it.” Dr Jo Twist OBE, BPI chief executive said: “We believe it essential that everyone who works in music in whatever capacity and from whichever background feels valued and is given the opportunity to realise their full potential within it Our industry will find it hard to be in tune with tomorrow if it does not embrace inclusive practice today and we hope this         Five-Year DEI Strategy will help to give further focus to the important work already taking place at the BPI across our label members and the wider industry.” “The BPI’s five-year plan is an ambitious and aspirational strategy that embodies the kind of action we envision for the industry," said Ammo Talwar "When we initially developed the Ten Point Plan and 5Ps Action Plan our goal was for UK Music members and the wider industry to adopt bold strategies like this By embedding EDI principles into their organisation the BPI is taking meaningful steps toward creating a more equitable and diverse workplace within the recorded music sector We look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have across the industry at large.”  BPI DEI manager and author of the strategy talks Music Week through the ambitions and targets within the inaugural Five-Year Strategy for Diversity What do you hope to achieve with a five-year strategy – why is such long-term planning important “Embedding diversity in our workforce equity in our policies and procedures and inclusion in our industry environments is obviously long-term work but meaningful change requires continuing commitment and investment thinking not just about where we are today but where we want to be in five years and the future beyond that “As a UK Music Diversity Taskforce member, the BPI is committed to UK Music’s The Five Ps – a theory of change model designed to measure change and assess impact over the longer term Having a five-year strategy is an important part of that identifying three strands of the BPI’s activity – external industry engagement internal practice and membership collaboration – and the outcomes we want to see in 2027 as key indicators of inclusive progress for each strand We believe that only by looking at where we want to go can we identify the interventions necessary to get there.” This is being introduced at a time when labels are slimming down and facing financial pressure How do you advance this agenda when there are financial challenges “There is no escaping that adequate resource is important to making progress on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) agenda The inclusive thing to do is not always the easy choice but investment in inclusive practice isn’t solely financial – human time and cultural investment in inclusion are also essential “Another important ingredient of this work is embedding practice into all areas of an organisation and the ways in which it functions with any organisational change there can be an opportunity to consider new inclusive and equitable systems It’s always important to remember that not embedding inclusive practice also comes with a cost We believe that only by looking at where we want to go can we identify the interventions necessary to get there How do you judge the progress that has been made so far across the industry “There have been significant steps forward in the past few years and there are labels and organisations in our industry and within our membership who are doing great work and leading in this area there are still challenges and much work to be done “I’m heartened to see more people in the industry discussing areas such as disability sexual orientation and socioeconomic background and approaching them in an intersectional way over time this will enable us as an industry to set and achieve a baseline of what ‘good’ inclusive practice looks like “We believe that DEI is a non-competitive issue and trust that by collaborating and sharing learnings we can help enable large-scale change and support the work already being done Our strategy aims to prioritise and put front and centre the idea of collaboration and we hope it will be an important driver of continued progress.” How important has the BPI’s Equity and Justice Advisory Group (EJAG) been for progress in this area What role will this body continue to have in the DEI efforts for the BPI “Since 2016 the Equity and Justice Advisory Group has been a fundamental partner in the BPI’s DEI work EJAG exists to assist the BPI in advocating for the progression of DEI work across the sector in line with our strategy and vision “One of the many ways in which EJAG supports us at the BPI is by providing the voice of a critical friend to create collaborative and inclusive change and they have been important collaborators in the process of writing this strategy We have just finished a round of recruitment for new members to join the founding EJAG members and we are excited about the next phase of EJAG’s work as we all collaborate to engage with and deliver this strategy.” how is the BPI itself performing on this front for instance around reviewing policies and procedures through a lens of inclusivity We think it’s important to ask ourselves what else can we be doing to go above and beyond what is required of us “The importance of developing our own internal practice is demonstrated in the Lead By Example strand of the strategy it comes down to doing what we say when it comes to DEI best practice 2023 and 2024 have very much been focused on this internal strand and the strategy over the whole five years acknowledges the importance of continuing to develop our own internal organisational commitment to inclusive practice We expect to hold ourselves to high standards over the long term.” How important was the DEI manager role being introduced “My role has been an opportunity to bring existing DEI project work together from different parts of the organisation; increase the organisation’s capacity for DEI work and go about it in a more strategically focused way One of the first things that struck me when I started at the BPI was how deeply the commitment to DEI work runs throughout the organisation "I won’t gloss over it and pretend that DEI work isn’t sometimes challenging – it is but I’m incredibly grateful to be able to work with colleagues in departments across the BPI who are committed to incorporating inclusive practice into their planning and projects and it’s fantastic to know that I have the support of an executive board who believe that inclusive practice is fundamental to the success of the BPI I value being able to work with so many wonderful partners both internally and externally to the BPI as we collectively work to continue and help achieve further meaningful change across our recorded music community.” I’m heartened to see more people in the industry discussing areas such as disability sexual orientation and socioeconomic background You list outcomes including diverse representation around gender and ethnicity in BRIT Awards and Mercury Prize nominations lists How do you achieve that when these are not within the organisation's direct control This requires continuous review and necessitates working with partners across the industry We see our role in awards as facilitating a framework where that talent and the diverse artists who achieve success can be acknowledged and celebrated.” How will you collaborate with other organisations such as UK Music “The BPI are founding and active members of UK Music’s Diversity Taskforce and the legacy of UK Music’s Ten Point Plan has had a huge positive impact on the BPI as an organisation This strategy is also closely aligned with UK Music’s Industry Action Plan We believe that making impactful progress on inclusion issues necessitates collaboration We represent our members in recorded music but we also know that we need to be working with the wider industry and UK Music has an important role to play in that we have intentionally included the commitment to publish an annual report sharing our successes and challenges with the industry key stakeholders and our UK Music Diversity Taskforce partners in the plan.” How will you report on progress over the next five years “We believe that transparency and the trust that it helps build are essential to achieving effective and impactful DEI work There are likely to be specific details that are unable to be shared due to sensitivity or confidentiality both for our organisation and members our approach of focusing on outcomes rather than publishing action plans and deliverables has been designed to mitigate this We are committed to reporting on our progress against them and transparently sharing our learning challenges and best practices with our membership we aim to do our part to embed large scale change and inclusive environments across the sector Equity and Inclusion are non-competitive issues Whether you are an individual or part of an organisation large or small we invite you to collaborate and join us on this journey.” For more stories like this, and to keep up to date with all our market leading news, features and analysis, sign up to receive our daily Morning Briefing newsletter You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today or install Google Chrome Frame to better experience this site The way the UK generates electricity is changing rapidly and we are transitioning to cleaner and more secure forms of energy This means we need to make changes to the network of overhead lines cables and other infrastructure that transports electricity around the country so that everyone has access to clean electricity from these new renewable sources At National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) we are investing £1.3bn each year to adapt and develop our network - of pylons cables and substations - to connect new sources of low carbon energy to homes and businesses connecting more and more low carbon electricity to our network and playing a crucial role in turning the UK’s ambitions into reality.  We are grateful to everyone who took the time to share their feedback we have been developing more detailed proposals including through careful consideration of all the comments received at the Stage 1 consultation These proposals are also informed by further survey and assessment work we are continuing to undertake key areas which were highlighted in the feedback and our next steps We anticipate that the next stage of consultation will take place in early 2026.  Our Chesterfield to Willington proposals will support the country’s energy transition and make sure the grid is ready to connect to more and more sources of low carbon electricity generated in Britain The project would transport clean energy from the North of England to homes and businesses in the Midlands and play an important role in building a more secure and resilient future energy system.  the network won't have the capacity that is needed to move electricity from where it is produced to where it is needed we need to upgrade it to maintain system compliance and prevent overloading circuits as they transport the energy that is generated.  The Brinsworth to High Marnham project includes a proposal to build and operate a new 400 kV substation in Chesterfield This new substation would be the northern connection point for Chesterfield to Willington The substation does not form part of this project however it will be considered during the ongoing design studies and when assessing cumulative effects These proposals form part of The Great Grid Upgrade which is the largest overhaul of the grid in generations.   Find out what we're proposing Certain types of energy infrastructure fall within the categories of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) which require a Development Consent Order (DCO) under the Planning Act 2008 To build and operate the new Chesterfield to Willington line Consultation is an important part of the DCO process and the feedback we receive will shape our plans ahead of submitting the DCO application which we anticipate will be in 2026.  Consultation on Chesterfield to Willington is planned to take place over two stages. The first Stage 1 (also called a non-statutory consultation) is consultation on our early proposals to help shape our plans Stage 2 (our statutory consultation) is consultation on our more detailed proposals following the feedback provided in the first phase.  All the feedback received throughout our consultation process will be recorded and reported in our final Consultation Report including how we have had regard for your comments The Report will form part of our application for development consent We want to ensure that all stakeholders and communities are engaged in the development of our proposals and can comment on the proposals at key decision-making points From 14 May 2024 to 17 September 2024 we held our first stage of public consultation to:  The first stage of consultation is now closed but our communication channels are still open Please get in touch if you have any questions or comments about the Chesterfield to Willington project by: Calling our community helpline: 0800 073 1047 (lines are open Monday to Friday 9am – 5:30pm with an answering service in place outside of these times) Emailing us: [email protected] Writing to us: FREEPOST NATIONAL GRID PROJECTS (JBP) - no stamp or further address is needed. Find out how – and why – we’re connecting more clean energy to power the things you love. A man in his 40s is in a critical condition after a house explosion in County Durham which killed a German Shepherd dog. Emergency services received reports of the blast on Coronation Terrace, in Willington, near Bishop Auckland, at about 1:30am on Monday 24 June. Firefighters assisted in the rescue of a man who suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, where he remains in a critical condition. Durham Police confirmed on Monday afternoon that a German Shepherd dog had died in the blast. Nearby residents were evacuated as a precaution following the explosion. Most have since been allowed to return to their homes. A cordon remains in place around the scene while police and fire investigators work to establish the cause. A spokesperson for Durham Police said: "Officers responded to reports of a house explosion at around 1.30am today (June 24) in Coronation Terrace, Willington. "A man sustained serious injuries during the incident and has been taken to hospital by paramedics for treatment. "A cordon has been put in place around the property while emergency services work at the scene. "Nearby residents have been evacuated as a precaution and people are advised to avoid the area." They added: "We appreciate that this is a terrible incident, and ask that people do not speculate online about the circumstances until a thorough investigation has been carried out." Chris Williams, group manager at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service said: “Our crews remain at the scene of an explosion in Willington, Crook. “At 1.28am we received a call reporting an explosion at a residential property on Coronation Terrace in Willington. “The first crew were at the scene within minutes, with crews deployed from Durham, Bishop Auckland and Crook, along with the Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) from Durham. “Firefighters assisted in the rescue of one man, who was attended to at the scene by police officers and North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), before being taken to hospital. “Nobody else has been reported to be injured. “Some residents in the immediate vicinity were evacuated as a precaution." Mr Williams added the service would be investigating the blast. “Our crews will remain in the area today alongside colleagues from Durham Constabulary, Durham County Council and Northern Gas Networks to assess the site and ensure it is structurally safe," he continued. “We know this will be concerning for local residents and if you live in the area please listen to the advice and instruction of the emergency services. “An investigation will take place into the incident in due course.”A statement from the North East Ambulance Service said: "We were called to a house explosion in Coronation Terrace, Willington, shortly after 1.30am this morning (24 June)."We dispatched one ambulance crew, a duty officer and four crews from our Hazardous Area Response Team. We also requested support from Great North Air Ambulance Service."One patient has been taken to the RVI for further treatment." Anyone that has any information that could assist the investigation should call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 20 of 24 June. Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know... Credit: ITV Tyne TeesA man remains in a critical condition as investigations continue into the cause of an explosion which destroyed a house in County Durham at about 1.30am on Monday 25 June - leaving a man seriously injured and killing a German Shepherd dog The man in his 40s was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary Durham Constabulary is continuing its investigation into the cause of the fire but has stood down its officers from the scene A cordon which was in place around the explosion site has now been lifted Gas engineers will remain in the street for the next few days while the local authority and landlord work to make the property safe said: “This was an extremely frightening experience for all those involved and has caused a great deal of concern within the local community “Several residents displayed extraordinary bravery coming to the injured man’s aid following the explosion and I’d like to sincerely thank them for their selflessness in helping someone during their time of need “The community spirit shown by these residents has been extremely moving to witness – if anyone needs any extra support in the coming days or weeks please contact us and we can signpost you to people who can help.” He added: “While our enquiries at the scene have been completed our investigation to establish the cause of the blast remains ongoing “I’d like to ask anyone who may have any information that could assist these enquiries to contact us as soon as possible.” Footage from Neandercol Photography captured the force of the explosion and the immediate aftermath business operations lead for Northern Gas Networks said: “Our teams attended the site on Monday morning at the request of the emergency services making the situation safe by turning off the gas to the affected property and a small number of surrounding properties “We remain on site today (Tuesday) supporting the emergency services as investigations continue.” Anyone who has any information that could assist the investigation should call Durham Constabulary on 101 Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.. Bedfordshire Police is appealing for witnesses after an incident in which a 59-year-old woman was sadly killed in a collision in a garden centre car park in Willington The incident occurred just before 2.30pm on Sunday (9 June) at Frosts Willington Garden Centre on Sandy Road was on foot when she was in collision with a grey Renault Captur car and suffered serious injuries when she was trapped under the car She was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge but sadly died as a result of her injuries The car was also in collision with two other vehicles of Bedfordshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “It was a busy Sunday afternoon at the garden centre and we are hopeful that this appeal may yield more information “We would particularly like to hear from anyone who left before the police arrived.” Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or report online Report | Bedfordshire Police (beds.police.uk) with the reference number 235 from 9 June.