According to VisitBritain, 77% of UK adults are planning a domestic trip in the next 12 months, and with families among the most likely group to prioritise a holiday, Northumberland is perfectly placed to answer the call.*

Northumberland welcomed almost 10.5 million visitors last year* and it’s easy to see why. The castle-crowned beaches of Bamburgh and the quieter sands of Embleton and Beadnell; the tidal magic of Holy Island; Alnwick Castle (filming location for the early Harry Potter films) and its extraordinary neighbouring garden; the 73-mile sweep of Hadrian’s Wall, and Kielder Forest, which forms part of one of Europe’s largest Dark Sky Parks.

Set within 1,000 acres of moorland and forest on the edge of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort provides an ideal base for families ready to explore and make memories in this beautiful region.

The Fantastic Four Family Break is designed to let families do the region justice, with every detail taken care of from arrival to departure. A special four nights’ accommodation, here’s what’s included:

Day 1: Arrive and settle in with a bottle of wine waiting in your room. Spend the evening over dinner (a £35 allowance per adult) with children up to 12 dining completely for free!

Day 2: After breakfast, head out to explore the sights. Return to Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort for a cream tea, with a specially adapted treat for little ones, before dinner in the restaurant.

Day 3: Breakfast, including all you can eat waffles and pancakes for the kids, then back out into Northumberland, this time with a packed picnic lunch to enjoy on your travels. A welcome drink awaits on your return, before another evening dining.

Day 4: You’re invited for a slower day. Enjoy the resort’s facilities at your own pace before lunch at Hadrian’s Brasserie. After either a relaxing day or an action-packed afternoon, there’s dinner at the restaurant.

Day 5: A hearty family breakfast, fully recharged, full, and with plenty of memories together for taking home.

With Slaley Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort as a comfortable base, the Fantastic Four Family Break offers a great way to experience the region. Families can spend their days, safe in the knowledge that dinner, downtime and a warm welcome are waiting back at the hotel each evening. For a full suggested itinerary, visit: https://www.slaleyhallhotel.com/family-friendly/

Pricing is date dependent, and the package prices start from £750 for a Classic Room (two adults and one child) and £850 for a Classic Family Room (two adults and two children) during special offer weeks commencing Monday 6 July and Monday 13 July.

Outside of these dates, the package is priced from £869 for a Classic Room and £999 for a Classic Family Room, based on the same occupancy.

The limited-time-only package is available for stays between Wednesday 1 July and Saturday 31 October 2026.

The offer has just launched and will be live to book direct on their website until 30 September 2026. For reservations, visit slaley-hall.co.uk. This is a book direct offer only and won’t be available anywhere else.

WD-40 Company Limited, a global leader in maintenance and lubrication products, is proud to announce the launch of its new WD-40 Specialist® Bio Lubricant Multi-Use. Innovation has defined the WD-40® brand for more than 70 years, and WD-40 Company Limited continues that legacy with the launch of the first multi-use product in our category certified under the EU Ecolabel lubricant criteria (Decision (EU) 2018/1702).

Made with 85% bio-based ingredients, the product meets the strict environmental standards of the EU Ecolabel while delivering the professional-grade performance end users expect. Its versatile formula enables the product to perform several core functions —penetrating, lubricating, and protecting—and is ideal for home and workshop use, outdoor and garden tools as well as facility and bike maintenance and light industrial applications.

The EU Ecolabel is a rigorous, voluntary certification managed by the European Commission and independent bodies. Earning this label requires a product to demonstrate reduced environmental impact across its entire lifecycle, from raw material sourcing and manufacturing to use and end-of-life disposal.

“For more than 70 years, WD-40 Company has helped people solve everyday problems,” said Steve Brass, president and CEO of WD-40 Company. “With the launch of WD-40 Specialist Bio Lubricant Multi-Use, we are extending that legacy and proving that our product can meet strict sustainability standards without compromising effectiveness. This launch is also a demonstration of our commitment to environmental stewardship, practical innovation and doing the right thing.”

WD-40 Company has an aspiration to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The company’s impact strategy integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities to support long-term value creation, focusing on operational net zero, product safety, circular economy principles and responsible materials use.

WD-40 Specialist® Bio Lubricant Multi-Use is available across European markets through a network of retail partners, professional industrial distributors and leading online channels.

For more information on WD-40 Specialist® Bio Lubricant Multi-Use please visit our website: https://wd40.co.uk/product/wd-40-specialist-bio-lubricant-multi-use/

This new research from Novuna Business Finance comes at a time when some governments and major businesses have softened their commitments to Net Zero, emissions and sustainability. The Novuna Business Finance data suggests UK small businesses are emerging as the business community’s new flag-bearers on maintaining a focus and commitment to sustainability. This coincides with an improved business outlook for the year ahead. Data from Novuna’s Business Barometer tracker revealed that construction small businesses have started 2026 with an upturn in growth forecasts. Just 17% of construction enterprises were predicting growth during the final months of 2025, for the start of 2026 this had risen to 24%. 

The new Novuna Business Finance poll of 1,000 small business owners revealed the specific aspects of sustainability that construction businesses rated as more important going into 2026:

·      38% prioritised improving policies and facilities towards packaging and waste – and recycling for products and services; 

·      37% of construction businesses placed greater importance on their business having a positive social impact in their immediate community;

·      a further 17% said they were investing in local suppliers or contractors and 13% were committed to creating jobs locally.

In terms of who has been most influential in encouraging small business owners to take sustainability seriously – the close relationship many construction small businesses have with their customers and staff plays a significant role. Nationally, 27% of respondents mentioned the influence of their customers and 26% cited the influence of staff members. A reminder that business owners are also everyday consumers – 18% of small business owners mentioned their partner and 17% the pester power of their children, in committing their enterprises to sustainability.

The new research coincides with the launch of series 10 of the Sustainable Business Podcast, in which Novuna Business Finance continues to explore real-life stories from small business owners on the relationship between sustainability and business growth. This season is dedicated to the construction sector – and one of the guests featured is Sarah Hallman, Managing Director of BuyMetalOnline, which is a family sheet metal supply business, based in Newcastle upon Tyne. Developed by industry experts with over 30 years’ experience, BuyMetalOnline prides itself on the high quality of both its products and customer service. 

Sarah Hallman, Managing Director of BuyMetalOnline comments: “Our customers appreciate that we’re helping them be more sustainable. We’ve focused on reducing waste by selling offcuts directly to consumers rather than letting them go to scrap. It’s practical, it saves resources and reduces waste. Even as supply chains tighten and costs rise, these small, everyday steps are manageable and they make real a difference to our carbon footprint as a business.”

Jo Morris, Head of Insight at Novuna Business Finance adds: “From our podcast interviews and the new research, a strong picture emerges of construction small businesses investing in sustainable practices. Despite the enormous market uncertainty the sector has faced in recent years, many business owners believe sustainability makes business sense and it’s often driven by their customers. Small business owners are typically closer to their customers and see first-hand the value in supporting the communities where they operate or do business. Underpinning clear signs of small business resilience in the sector, there is a commitment to innovate, and a willingness to modernise and adapt. Sustainability is important to many small business owners for 2026 – whether this is focusing on green issues, local employment, community investment or boosting their financial resilience.”

“At Novuna Business Finance, our aim is to listen and find helpful and workable solutions to support small businesses turn these ideas into practical action. Many want to do more on sustainability but aren’t always sure where to start. Sometimes it’s a lack of financial resources, other times uncertainty about what’s required, and often the landscape can feel complex. That’s why we help break it down into achievable steps, celebrate progress, and give businesses the confidence to act and keep building from there.”

• Deployment of high-performance system-on-chips for advanced infotainment capabilities within Volkswagen Group’s Software Defined Vehicle architecture, developed through its joint venture with Rivian Automotive
• Current collaboration already extends to Automated Driving Alliance, the initiative led by CARIAD and Bosch, driving further development of automated driving technologies

Wolfsburg, Germany and San Diego, USA, January 8, 2026 – Volkswagen Group and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. today announced a Letter of Intent (LOI) for a long-term supply agreement to deliver advanced infotainment and connectivity capabilities powered by Snapdragon® Digital Chassis solutions. Under this intended agreement, Qualcomm Technologies would serve as Volkswagen Group’s primary tech provider for the launch of its zonal SDV architecture – developed for the Western hemisphere through Volkswagen Group’s joint venture with Rivian Automotive, Inc. – Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies (RV Tech) – providing high- performance system-on-chips (SoCs) for infotainment capabilities starting in 2027. A current collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies already extends to the Group’s Automated Driving Alliance (ADA), formed by CARIAD and Bosch, to accelerate highly automated driving development. This intended agreement reinforces Volkswagen’s strategy to consolidate procurement of key components and expand expertise in integrating semiconductors and AI technologies, ensuring scalable, future-ready mobility solutions across its vehicle portfolio.

Karsten Schnake, Member of the Board of Management for Procurement at the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand and Member of the Extended Volkswagen Group Executive Committee, said: “Next-Gen infotainment solutions and driver assistance systems are becoming increasingly important for differentiating our products and now account for a significantly higher share of vehicle value. With Qualcomm Technologies as one partner for the future, we are securing long- term access to the semiconductors that are essential for these technologies. Qualcomm Technologies is among the leading global suppliers of automotive semiconductors. Together, we are continuing a trusted collaboration to deliver a greater efficiency, stability, and predictability in our supply chain – while strengthening our capabilities in developing key technology fields.”

Werner Tietz, Member of the Board of Management for Research and Development at SEAT S.A. and Head of Volkswagen Group Research and Development, said: “High-performance semiconductors are the foundation for the next generation of connected vehicles. They enable us to seamlessly align software and hardware. With access to these advanced chips, we aim to accelerate the development of powerful and scalable technologies to deliver a digital driving experience that continuously evolves for our customers at competitive costs.”

Following a competitive tender process, Southbay Falkland Islands Ltd (SFI Ltd), a wholly owned subsidiary of the multi-award-winning contractor Southbay Civil Engineering Limited is to be based in the Falkland Islands for the next 18 months as they design and construct a new causeway.

The existing causeway, which extends to a large pontoon barge and spans 240m into the harbour of the islands’ capital city Stanley, is to be replaced. The new causeway will have increased capacity to accommodate vehicles of a larger size.

The work, which involves the construction of a structure consisting of an inner rock core and outer rock armour, along with a new heavy steel ramp to connect it to the floating barge, is part of a site investment that will support increased offshore operations for the next 30 years.

Southbay managing director, Paul Stephenson explained: “To have been awarded this prestigious contract demonstrates our technical and logistical capability to deliver large projects on an international scale, and our success was made possible due to our development of a simplified design and low risk construction method based on our extensive knowledge as specialist marine civil engineers.”

To maximise efficiency given the site’s isolated location, and mitigate the potential for delay in the event of equipment breakdowns or issues with on-site supplies, a significant volume of plant and equipment has been transported directly from the Port of Tyne, including a 150-tonne Crawler Crane, three 20-tonne dumper trucks, three excavators up to 60-tonnes in weight, compaction equipment, and all the small tools required.

In support of the Falklands economy, local labour and raw materials will be used to complete the project, after which time the existing causeway structure will be decommissioned.

Paul continued: “Having successfully coordinated the load out of the specialist plant and materials from the Port of Tyne, we look forward to completing on-site operations to enhance our reputation as one of the UK’s leading marine contractors – both at home and on the other side of the world!”

The news comes just a few months after the 60-strong team relocated to a new headquarters in Team Valley, Gateshead, to accommodate its ongoing expansion after nearly 25 years in North Tyneside.

The study scored cities across the country on salaries, demand for trades, the number of active construction firms, and business survival rates. Bristol came out top overall, followed by London, Coventry, Edinburgh and Belfast. 

Top 5 cities to start a construction business: 

1. Bristol 

1. London 

1. Coventry 

1. Edinburgh 

1. Belfast 

London leads the way when it comes to pay, with construction workers earning an average of £60,892 a year. The capital also boasts the largest number of construction businesses, with more than 61,000 currently operating. 

Coventry shines on job opportunities, posting the highest number of listings per 1,000 residents. This points to a particularly strong demand for skilled trades in the city, from plumbers and electricians to carpenters and tilers. 

Belfast takes the crown for business survival. Just 7.9% of construction firms in the Northern Irish capital closed, compared with much higher death rates in other parts of the UK, suggesting it offers a stable environment for start-ups in the sector. 

A spokesperson at Travis Perkins said: 

“Construction is the backbone of our economy, and it’s encouraging to see cities across the UK where the trade is thriving. For anyone thinking about starting out, this research highlights the areas with the strongest balance of demand, opportunity and long-term sustainability.” 

The strategic partnership builds upon HiiLIFE’s successful collaboration with Samsung in the UK, extending their joint commitment to deliver advanced heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions to both the commercial and residential markets nationwide.

Charles McAlpine, technical sales director at HiiLIFE, says: “We’re delighted to extend our work with Samsung and become its official climate solutions distributor in Ireland.  This expansion marks a significant milestone in HiiLIFE’s growth strategy, reinforcing our position as a leading technology provider in both the UK and Ireland.

“Samsung introduced its first air conditioner in 1974. Since then, the company has continuously invested in new energy-efficient solutions for cooling, heating, domestic hot water, refrigeration, and smart building technology, setting the standard in the industry. We are excited to bring these advanced climate control products to customers, backed by our dedicated expertise and support.”

HiiLIFE will leverage its extensive industry experience and customer-focused approach to deliver comprehensive sales, design, installation and after-sales support for Samsung’s HVAC products.

Andy Burt, head of sales and business development at Samsung UK and Ireland, adds: “We are delighted to broaden our collaboration with the HiiLIFE team to Ireland, building on our successful distributor agreement in the UK.  HiiLIFE’s expertise and strong presence in the construction sector make the firm an ideal partner to deliver our HVAC solutions to the Irish market.”

For more information about HiiLIFE and the Samsung HVAC systems available in Ireland, please visit https://ie.hii-life.com and https://hii-life.com/climate-solutions or telephone 0838948281.

Victory for 2 Seas Motorsport

In the GT3 class, 2 Seas Motorsport emerged victorious, with Kevin Tse and Maximilian Götz piloting their Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo to a well-earned win. Their success was marked by consistent speed, flawless execution of pit stops, and adept handling of the circuit’s notorious twists and turns. The team’s ability to maintain composure and pace, particularly through Spa’s challenging sections like Eau Rouge and Raidillon, was instrumental in securing their top spot​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Motorsport Stats)​.

Impact of Weather Conditions

The race was notably affected by adverse weather, which necessitated a reduction in the race length. The unpredictable Belgian weather added a dramatic twist to the proceedings, making tire choices and timing of pit stops even more crucial. Teams that adapted swiftly to the changing conditions were able to capitalize, while others struggled to keep pace under the challenging circumstances​ (Motorsport Stats)​.

GT4 Class Highlights

Academy Motorsport shone brightly in the GT4 category, with their Ford Mustang GT4 driven by Erik Evans and Marco Signoretti taking the win. The duo’s performance was a masterclass in managing wet conditions, demonstrating superior car control and strategic acumen. Their ability to maintain a strong and steady pace despite the slippery track conditions was key to their victory​ (Wikipedia)​.

Strong Showings and Notable Performances

Blackthorn Motorsport’s Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo also had a noteworthy performance, securing a commendable finish. Meanwhile, Beechdean Motorsport, with drivers Andrew Howard and Jessica Hawkins in their Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo, showed resilience and skill, navigating the race’s complexities and finishing strongly despite the weather disruptions​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Motorsport Stats)​.

Conclusion

The Spa round of the 2024 British GT Championship was a true testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of endurance racing. The event highlighted the high level of competition within the championship, with teams and drivers displaying remarkable skill and adaptability. As the season progresses, the performances at Spa will undoubtedly influence the strategies and preparations for the upcoming rounds, keeping fans eagerly anticipating the next races.

For detailed race results and more information, you can visit Motorsport Stats​ (Motorsport Stats)​.