36 minute read
THE PRESTON MODEL
WHY NEW YORK IS EMULATING OUR CITY
Helen Sanderson gives her take on the Preston Model
Iwas at in a meeting in late September where investment into our city was being discussed. It was interesting enough but anyone who knows me is going to appreciate that, I was struggling with the numbers and what that actually meant on paper. An individual around the table spoke up, he said: “I find it fascinating that I was on a call only the other week and the Deputy Mayor of New York was talking about the ‘Preston Model’.” My ears pricked up, New York? Really? My interest was piqued. Phillip Johnson, the current Deputy Mayor of the City of New York, my (second) favourite city in the world talking about my hometown (and favourite, just in case you were wondering!). I suddenly felt a little foolish that I knew more about Deputy Mayor Johnson, who is responsible for spearheading a diverse number of initiatives to drive economic growth in the Big Apple, than I did about the politics and investment projects in Preston. I set about learning what I could about what exactly is the Preston Model. WHAT IS THE PRESTON MODEL?
Preston City Council said: “The Preston Model is an approach to economic development that ensures wealth is redirected back into the local economy.” The ‘Preston Model’ is a term applied to how the council, its partners and ‘anchor institutions’ (I’ll explain who these are in a second) are maximising the benefit of economic development, and ensure that the wealth that is generated directly benefits the local community. Preston City Council explain its as: “The Preston Model, also known as Community Wealth Building, is an approach to economic development that tackles inequality by ensuring wealth is redirected back into the local economy and shared more equally among its residents.”
It’s about getting more ‘bang for your buck’, as our American cousins would say! In the 1980s Thatcher talked about the ‘trickle down’ idea of money being spent somehow finding its way into local communities. I guess this worked to an extent, but what is special about the Preston Model is that it tries to be much more deliberate and direct in capturing these economic benefits, and making sure they stick within the local community. Less like a ‘trickle’… more like a hose pipe! The Council committed itself to a co-operative initiative of local economic development in 2011 and Community
Wealth Building was born with the help of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) in 2013, based on the Cleveland Model and Mondragon cooperatives of the Basque Country in Spain. The co-operative model is where an enterprise is jointly owned and operated by its members for their mutual benefit. This Community Wealth Building approach is being implemented by Preston City Council and a range of organisations, often referred to as anchor institutions, which include the University of Central Lancashire, Community Gateway Housing Association, Preston’s College, Cardinal Newman College, Lancashire Constabulary, Lancashire County Council and NHS Lancashire. A key example of this approach in action is the way these organisations encourage local businesses to tender for their contracts.
The evidence shows that Community Wealth Building activities are boosting the local economy. Recent spending analysis found the procurement from institutions in Preston retained in the city was £112m which compares very well against £38m in 2012/13. In addition, since the start of the project, an additional 4,000 employees in Preston are now receiving the Real Living Wage. Community Wealth Building ensures that the benefits of local growth are shared across local areas and are used to support investment in productive economic activities. Preston City Council launched its Community Wealth Building 2.0: Leading Resilience and Recovery in Preston in February 2021, which sets the direction of travel for the upcoming years.
OPPOSITION
The Preston Model receives a lot of opposition as its viewed as a socialist policy from a Labour Preston City Council. Councillor Matthew Brown has received a lot of publicity for his role in the Preston Model, and has now co-authored a book with Rhian E. Jones, Paint Your Town Red, which claims to show ‘how Preston took back control’. Opposition state that there is no “evidence of quantifiable outcomes.” However what everyone can agree on is
that Community Wealth Building is a great idea! If we can harness the public, private, co-operative and not-for-profit sectors in a local area all to work together for the good of that area, ‘insourcing’ and keeping wealth local. Community wealth building offers an opportunity for local people to take back control, to ensure that the benefits of local growth are invested in their local areas, are used to support investment in productive economic activities and that people and their local institutions can work together on an agenda of shared benefit.
PRESTON PARTNERSHIP
“The Preston Partnership is a private sector led independent organisation that brings together the private and public sector to help shape the future of Preston”, said a spokesperson for the partnership. The Preston Partnership was formed in 2018 by a group of private-sector business leaders combining with Preston City Council and the University of Central Lancashire. The organisation has grown to include over 100 members from all sectors including property and construction firms, manufacturers, business professionals, leisure and retail and service providers, all passionate about contributing towards the continued growth and development of the city and to see Preston realise its potential. Preston Partnership works closely with Preston City Council to help inform and shape regeneration in our city. Their work was evidenced in March 2021, when a sub-committee of Preston Partnership – the Towns Fund Board – secured a £20.9 million Town Deal which will kick-start a bold and transformational £200 million development programme in Preston’s Harris Quarter, called the Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme. The £20.9 million was secured as part of the government’s £3.6 billion Towns Fund, established to help level up towns and cities around the country. The Harris Quarter Towns Fund Investment Programme is focussed on a number of projects across culture, leisure, residential, infrastructure, community and education, and is part of the Preston City Investment Plan (CIP). Preston Partnership also played a lead role in Preston’s ambitious City Investment Plan, a 15-year strategy that will shape Preston’s future development.
A spokesperson for the Preston Partnership said: “We believe great things happen when people work in partnership. By working together, Preston can create a prosperous and healthy city which benefits its people, businesses and visitors. A city for everyone.” John Chesworth, Chair of the Preston Partnership said: “If you take a walk around Preston, you will notice a positive flow of change happening throughout the city. It’s this community spirit that is alive and well in the city that led to the creation of Preston Partnership. People from the private and public sector coming together to enable positive change for Preston and to make our economy work for all our communities.” A spokesperson for the Preston Partnership added: “From the £200m regeneration of University of Central Lancashire and transformation of Winckley Square, to the restoration of the bus station and our city living strategy, Preston’s progress is happening and is only showing signs of accelerating. The Partnership and its people are very much future focussed. Our 15-year City Investment Plan sets out a bold ambition for the city. Preparing our investment plan has stimulated collaboration, generated new ideas and sparked fresh thinking about priorities for the city. Partnership work in action.” John added: “In March 2021, we heralded the government’s decision to award Preston a £20.9 million Town Deal. This funding will help transform Preston’s Harris Quarter through a range of impressive projects and unleash the potential of this cultural and civic city district. Another positive story for Preston. The Preston community spirit is enabling tangible positive change within the city, helping improve its appeal as a place to live, visit, do business, work and invest. A ‘true’ city for everyone.” If you or your organisation want to make Preston an even better place to invest, live, work and visit then the Preston Partnership is for you. n
For more information on Preston Model or, to join the Preston Partnership visit: preston.gov.uk and/or prestonpartnership.org
Innovative interiors
Discover elegant home furnishings and accessories to suit any modern living space. Browse our outstanding collections in-store or online today and make your house into a home.
Products shown: Newton sofa collection, Bexhill sofa collection, Dalby River dining table, decorative elephant foot vase.
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LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE
Add some stylish illumination to your home with these beautiful lamps, wall lights and pendants
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Flooring were commissioned to install new flooring to the contemporary bar area aimed at nearby residents as well as visitors and members on match days. The club opted for Calderdale’s Expression Spirit, a stylish pattern with a rich palette, providing the perfect statement carpet. It’s also excellent at dampening sound, which makes it an ideal choice in spacious areas such as the bar where groups of people congregate.
BEST BAR NONE
Gainsborough Flooring is passionate about working with the local community and has been closely associated with Preston Grasshoppers Rugby Club for many years, writes Meena McDonald. Photography: Andy Tighe
Alongside sponsoring some of Preston Grasshoppers’ flagship events such as Hopfest, their annual gin and beer festival and their Ladies Day events, Gainsborough Flooring’s Contracts Manager, Eddy Brown, also plays in the club’s veterans team! Over the years the Gainsborough team has installed much of the flooring around the popular club and pre-Covid installed Polyflor’s Expona Flow and Forest fx in the bar area of the main room. This flooring collection encompasses beautifully replicated wood designs with intricate grains and natural colourways with striking abstract effects in a practical and durable vinyl sheet format. They have been specifically developed for very heavy commercial installations in the leisure sector as well as education, healthcare, office and retail environments. With Covid restrictions in place, the sports club, which not only hosts rugby matches but also a range of other sporting activities and social clubs, wasn’t able to operate. The resourceful team instead chose to utilise their facilities to support the local community and help the battle against Covid by becoming an NHS Vaccination Centre. With a substantial throughput of people, the new flooring certainly proved its hardwearing capabilities.
More recently the rugby club has undertaken a major refurbishment project in the Wainwright Bar, to be renamed The 1869 Bar celebrating the history of the Hoppers. Gainsborough Vicky Brown, Managing Director of Gainsborough Flooring commented: “Customer satisfaction is a key part of our service and we have so many customers who come back to us time after time, as well as recommend us to colleagues, family and friends. We’ve built some incredible relationships over the years with a considerable number of commercial and residential customers across the region. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank Preston Grasshoppers and their members for all their support over the years.” The 1869 Bar, along with the ever-popular pitch-side Terrace Bar, will focus on the whole community, welcoming families, friends, larger groups plus those partaking in club sports. If you’d like to see Gainsborough’s installations pop along to Preston Grasshoppers or you can visit the extensive showroom to view the stunning range of flooring available. n
Gainsborough Flooring 26 Heatley Street, Preston PR1 2XB 01772 250682 vicky@gainsboroughflooring.co.uk gainsboroughflooring.co.uk
01772 250 682 gainsboroughflooring.co.uk
Gainsborough Flooring 26 Heatley Street Preston PR1 2XB Opening times: Mon - Fri 8.00am - 5.00pm Sat 9.00am - 4.00pm
equipment, now is a great time to visit Mowerpower, as there will be some fantastic end of season discounts on first class machinery. In addition to the most impressive range of mowers you’ll find anywhere in the North West, there’s a huge range of hand-held machines including strimmers, chainsaws, leaf blowers and pressure washers from all the leading brands including Stihl, Echo and Mitox. With the friendly, knowledgeable advice you’ll receive, you can be sure to get the right equipment for the job.
IS YOUR GARDEN AUTUMN READY?
Autumn gardening is made much easier with first class equipment and expert know how from the team at Mowerpower, writes Kate Ford
In autumn, as at any other time of the year, looking after your garden is easier if you have the right equipment for the job. The Webster family at Mowerpower have been running their successful business for four generations and have built up 70 years’ experience and extensive product knowledge. That’s why Mowerpower is the place to go for any piece of gardening equipment, as well as for expert repairs and servicing to keep machines running smoothly all year round.
With the onset of autumn, the really busy gardening season draws to a close, and it’s the perfect time to have your garden machinery serviced to ensure it’s in tip top shape in readiness for the arrival of spring next year. The Websters employ a team of full-time mechanics, across their two state-of-the-art workshops, and will have your mowers and hand-held garden machinery back to their best within days, wherever possible.
If you need replacement gardening
David Webster heads up the Mowerpower team with his parents Richard and Lynn and is keen to point out that customers looking for a mower – ride-on, push or robotic – can see and handle the equipment in the showroom to get a feel for it. Similarly, customers looking for hand-held machines will be advised on what will suit them and their garden best. As well as having approved retailer status with all the top manufacturers, the secret to the success of this traditional family business is their customer service and product knowledge, which enables every customer to make an informed choice and buy the machine that’s right for them. n
Mowerpower Garstang Road, Claughton-on-Brock Preston PR3 0RB 01995 643999 mowerpower.co.uk
LOVE IS BLIND
Lindsay Cavanagh and her family have brought innovative shading solutions to the heart of Lancashire. Photography: Andrew Clutterbuck
Like many people, when Covid hit Lindsay Cavanagh reflected on her working life. She had spent years on the road covering most of the UK each month, as a sales director, supplying blinds and window solutions. She decided to establish her own company and launched Solis Shutters, Blinds & Awnings right here in Lancashire.
Lindsay explained: “I have been in the window solution industry for just over 10 years with a wealth of experience and knowledge. I had thoroughly enjoyed my career but it became increasingly clear that no one locally was really offering luxury window solutions with a bespoke service. I took the plunge to fill the gap with the support of my partner Stuart and our family.”
Lindsay now offers a full service from consultation to fit out from a purpose built and designed studio in Midge Hall, near Leyland.
Solis supplies quality blinds and innovative shading solutions across the North West. With Lindsay at the helm supported by her partner Stuart and two of their children Brandon and Ellie, it’s a real family run business offering luxury solutions with the main goal of always delivering the highest levels of customer satisfaction.
Lindsay explains: “Each home is unique and clients have very different needs. With my knowledge of the market and my eye for detail I’m able to work with the client to ensure their window gets the treatment it requires.
“Bedrooms might require blackout shades, while a home office might need bright, full daylight. Kitchens and bathrooms need easy-to-clean window treatments that are durable and can withstand humidity. There is so much choice a customer could become overwhelmed, which is where my experience comes in.”
There are so many options and new trends when it comes to window solutions. Solis offer everything from energy-saving cellular shades, which can help lower your electric bills. Hexagonal structures connect to create effective smaller air pockets which slow down the thermal transfer from your window, to real wood blinds, which add the warmth of natural wood grain to your decor—or faux wood blinds for rooms with higher humidity.
Lindsay added: “We also offer the latest in time-saving solutions with motorised treatments, with Smart Home voice activation options available as well as classic plantation shutters, for a beautiful and enduring look that adds to the value of your property. Why not enhance your outdoor living space by adding a retractable awning to your patio. It will offer protection against the height of the summer sun and the notoriously fickle English weather. Options to add LED lighting and infrared heaters let you party into the night.”
There is so much more to window solutions than, blinds and curtains that you really aren’t doing your home justice if you don’t visit Lindsay and her team at the Solis studio in Midge Hall to discuss all the options available to you. n
Solis Shutters, Blinds & Awnings Waltons Barn, 190a Longmeanygate Midge Hall, Leyland PR26 7TB 01772 431475 solisblinds.co.uk
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AS THE NIGHTS DRAW IN… family and friends – generous and luxurious seating to create a calm corner to reflect on the day. Create a sofa nest adding blankets and cushions to the cosiest space in the garden can make it even cosier and mimic the feeling of family gathering in front of the living room fire. There will always be something very homey about a soft, comfortable seat, able to take away the stress of a long day at work. The morning after you’ve entertained, once all guests have gone, why not grab a cup of coffee and read the morning papers Just because the temperatures dip, it doesn’t mean the end of enjoying outdoor barbecues, dinner parties and social get-togethers. on a comfortable outdoor sofa or bench, bringing an element of café chic to your patio or decking.
With gardens now a firm part of contemporary living, cutting-edge designs are aimed at the urban gardener and a new generation of green fingers that have come to appreciate the outdoors.
During the crisp, cool weather of autumn and winter, there are so many ways to make your garden look inviting and cosy. Even on the colder nights, you can create a cosy outdoor dinner party your guests will remember.
When the weather turns cooler, it’s all about comfy cushions and deep seating you can really snuggle into and sets of furniture that are ideally suited to host
Winter barbecues are ideal for the whole family, why not move your famous Sunday lunch or even your Christmas dinner outside? No matter what the weather, a barbecue can be thrown into the mix for some alfresco food or for roasting marshmallows with friends and family. A sheltered BBQ area Soften the transition between summer and winter by getting your garden geared up to make the most of the later months will get you out of the kitchen and into the great outdoors on a dry night. Fire up the grill and get those burgers and sausages on. A fire pit is a great way of creating a campfire feel at home while warming the space and people around you, creating the ultimate social hot spot. No alfresco garden gathering would be complete without soft lighting, which adds some boho atmosphere to set a charming scene as the sun gets lower. Choose from stylish solar lanterns or string lights for a cosy option that twinkle automatically when the light has almost gone. Gardenesque has recently unveiled their much-anticipated, new outdoor living furniture, lighting and heating ranges, which will extend the good times through the autumn and winter and well into 2022. The collection is a luxurious way to keep guests comfortable throughout the day and evening for conversation, relaxation or stargazing. It may be cold outside, but there are ways to keep people warm and happy while staying safe and enjoying the great outdoors. n gardenesque.com
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JEWEL
COLOURS
Costume maker Liz Poole, who worked on Netflix sensation Bridgerton, has designed a beautiful interiors accessories collection under her Velvet Linen label
Inspired by the rich autumnal and wintery tones found in her cottage garden in the heart of Sussex, Bridgerton costume maker and Velvet Linen founder Liz Poole is launching a collection of luxurious handmade home accessories in rich jewel-coloured plain and printed Liberty velvets.
“I love watching my garden change over the seasons and some of my favourite flowers and colours are in abundance during the autumn/winter months. The warm rich tones of dahlias, fuschias and cyclamen provided me with the inspiration for the jewel collection which I feel works so beautifully for any interiors space over the season,” explains Liz, who began working on the collection following the renovation of her Victorian railway cottage.
Liz soon realised that the cushions, quilts and seat pads that were being created using the finest velvets and natural linens – were gaining attention from family and friends alike who loved the element of colour therapy and texture they added to the home and wanted to purchase them for their own spaces. It was quite by chance that Velvet Linen was born in the summer of 2020.
Liz has a studio in Ditchling, where she works with a talented team of makers and artisans, who produce costumes for musicals, theatre and opera including West End smash-hits Hamilton and Cinderella, Glyndebourne Opera in Sussex and the Royal Opera House.
Velvet Linen is rapidly becoming a name to watch in the interior’s world, offering an incredible array of home accessories for lovers of the bold and beautiful or for those who have their keen eye on refined and elegant design. n
(A6) Garstang Road | Brock | Nr Preston | Lancashire | PR3 0RD Tel: 01995 643455 | Email: info@rockform.co.uk | Web: www.rockform.co.uk
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KEEPING COSY AND WARM THIS WINTER
As the nights draw in and the temperatures dip its time to turn on the heating and light the fire. Fire place trends are constantly evolving as technology advances and styles come and go. We look at ‘what’s hot’ for winter 2021-22
Media walls are rapidly gaining popularity and though the traditional feature wall has been around for a long time, media walls are a modern spin on the classic, since they include your favourite home devices into the wall. There is an abundance of possibilities when it comes to media walls, with TV’s being the most common feature, therefore it’s not surprising they’re growing so exponentially as an interior design trend. The additional elements such as shelving and other electronic integrations also contribute to the growing trend of media walls.
The electric fireplace is a key component of the growing media wall and as homeowners look to splash out on the interior of their homes, this trend doesn’t look to be going anywhere anytime soon.
As the nation has been changing its socialising habits due to government regulations, outdoor socialising has become increasingly common. However, the British climate hasn’t always complemented the change in outdoor socialising and demand has soared for outdoor stoves and heaters. Whilst a huge benefit to outdoor stoves is of course the heat element, they’re also a great way to add depth and character to your outdoor space.
Another 2020 trend that is continuing to thrive in 2021, is wall-mounted fireplaces. With more and more houses being built without chimneys, homeowners are looking for other options to add character and warmth to their living spaces. As the advancement of technology grows, so does design and wall-hung fireplaces are more en-vogue than ever before, making wallhung fireplaces a perfect statement and focal-point in any living area. Brands such as Suncrest, Evonic and more, boast the most striking wall-mounted fireplaces.
Whilst typically it is expected that wood-burners are associated with farmhouses and country cottages, wood-burners are becoming popular additions in more modern houses. This trend has emerged throughout recent years as homeowners look to add warmth and a cosy atmosphere to their homes with contemporary wood-burning stoves.
Wood-burning stoves offer a reduction in heating costs as fuel for the stoves is becoming more readily available. n
A collection of textile art using recycled fabric and admiralty sea charts has been made available in limited edition prints, cushions, cards and coasters
This stunning collection of textile art was created by Hannah Wisdom for an exhibition at the prestigious International Boat Show last month.
The artworks were created by sewing recycled fabrics directly onto discarded admiralty sea charts in Hannah’s innovative and unique style.
The collection features a colourful squid at the Isle of Wight, Spinnaker Tower at Portsmouth and a majestic heron at Chichester harbour, as well as a portrayal of Sir Francis Chichester’s iconic yacht Gipsy Moth IV on which he undertook his legendary round the world voyage in 1967.
This particular work is a limited edition of 95 prints.
Hannah’s prints are produced by a fine art printer using cutting edge 3D scanning technology. This means that the prints show all the texture and depth of the original works and are often mistaken for the originals.
Prints are dispatched directly from the printer, carefully packaged in a protective tube and are embossed with Hannah’s signature for authenticity and hand numbered.
The Boat Show also saw the launch of Hannah’s latest and biggest publicly available artwork to date – Shipping Forecast. This measures 106 x72cm and was created by sewing directly onto a full-size admiralty chart.
All Hannah’s designs are also available across a range of cushions, tea towels, coasters and cards. n
SOUTH COAST COLLECTION
how people can limit their impact on the environment and reconnect with mother nature. The organic and sophisticated Restore Midnight is designed with healing, rejuvenation and reconnection with nature all in mind. Juxtaposing the natural and synthetic, this elegant design is reminiscent of a wild yet calming concrete jungle. The
RESTORE & BREATHE
design features wild, exotic botanicals taking over a soothing, smoky blue backdrop. Restore is available in two further colourways. The cool, refreshing, Sky, and misty, tropical Emerald. Restore Sky is the lighter, featuring a calming colour palette of icy whites and sky blues. Restore Emerald is a tranquil yet refreshing design, created to bring the outdoors into your home. Featuring crisp green, botanical trails meandering through the depths of the emerald green Each Autumn, Lancashire-based Graham & Brown the UK’s backdrop. This organic and sophisticated leading wallpaper and paint specialist, announces its Wallpaper design is also available as a bespoke, madeof the Year and Colour of the Year to-measure mural.
Looking to the future and drawing inspiration from recent events alongside over 75 years of design and manufacture expertise, Graham & Brown’s in-house design studio has chosen to bring calm and rejuvenation to the home. Launching the 2022 statement pieces from its design headquarters in Blackburn in a globally streamed interactive showcase, Andrew Graham MBE announced the brand’s shift to renewable electricity, decreasing its carbon emissions by 29 per cent and that Graham and Brown would be carbon neutral by January 2022. The brand’s Wallpaper of the Year Restore and Colour of the Year Breathe, reflect this celebration of nature, self-care, reflection and optimism for the future.
RESTORE MIDNIGHT
This year’s design, Restore, features a variety of wild plants placed on a chalky, concrete-like backdrop imitating the unstoppable forces of nature reclaiming the manmade. Drawing from the hardships of the past two years, this pattern is a symbol for self-care and consideration of Mural of the Year: Restore Midnight, highlights how far wall covering production and technology has developed and evolved over the years. Designed to reflect our refreshed state of mind and new lifestyle, this is a manifestation of the coming year. Design Manager, Maryanne Cartwright comments: “When designing our Wallpaper
and Colour of the Year for 2022 we really took our time to consider what is important to us and what we have valued over the past year. As time seemed to slow, we had a moment of self-reflection to consider the environment around us from the protective shells of our homes, we discovered the importance of self-care.
When choosing our Colour of the Year we considered sustainability and the need to take a breath, this soothing mid blue hue invokes a cool calmness in almost any room creating a space for reflection. Through the limited access to the outdoors, we have truly appreciated the importance of nature, and the natural calmness that we find in the elements. This led us to the creation of our Wallpaper of the Year, Restore, its wild and trailing detailing references the natural habitat reclaiming the urban spaces, questioning our impact on the environment and a need to reconnect with nature’s healing qualities.” As with all Graham & Brown wallpaper and murals each colourway is perfectly partnered with four paints designed to complement the wallpaper. One of these paint colours is the 2022 Colour of the Year, Breathe, a calming mid blue made to create tranquil and soothing spaces.
BREATHE
To complement the Restore wallpaper design, Graham & Brown has announced its Colour of the Year 2022: Breathe. A soothing mid blue hue, the Colour of the Year 2022 is truly a breath of fresh air. Breathe is perfect for creating calm and peaceful spaces which is exactly what is needed for the year ahead. Dark enough to add colour and depth but light enough to remain refreshing, this tranquil shade can be used almost anywhere in the home. Pair with crisp whites and cool greys for an airy feel or try partnering with deeper blues to create a moody space. Like all Graham & Brown paint, Breathe is waterbased, low odour and VOC, resulting in fewer fumes and a more environmentally friendly product. The paint cans are fully recyclable and there is no animal testing involved in any Graham & Brown products. Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Graham MBE comments: “This year’s Wallpaper |and Colour of the Year captures our reconnection with nature – which resonates with the continued improvements in how we manufacture, which has always had sustainability at its heart. We are delighted to be taking our sustainability to the next level this year with our switch to renewable electricity and becoming carbon neutral.” n
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CHANGING SEASONS
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