Wealth growth outstrips salaries by three times

  • Average wealth has increased by 59% in the past decade while earnings have grown just 19%
  • Even among the wealthiest the value of assets has grown by 64% compared with 20% for salaries

The growth in average wealth from assets including property and investments has been three times higher than the growth in average earnings over the past decade, new analysis* from Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management shows.

Figures show people are being out-earned by their homes and other investments, with average wealth rising 59% over the past decade compared with 19% growth in salaries over the same period, according to Handelsbanken Wealth Management & Asset Management’s analysis of the latest Government data on Britons’ wealth and assets and earnings.

Average wealth for Britons is estimated at £575,948 after a decade of growth from £361,831, with house price rises as well as increases in pensions, investments and physical wealth including possessions all appreciating in value since 2010. By contrast, average earnings have only increased to £31,840.

For the wealthiest 25% of the population, the growth in assets has been even more impressive – they now own wealth estimated at £733,800 compared with £447,900 a decade ago. They have seen their wealth increase 34% faster than the British average, while their salaries have increased 22% faster.

Of course, the growth in wealth has not been shared equally throughout the country – the wealthiest people in London have seen their wealth grow by 77% over the period to an average £902,400, compared with £495,200 in 2010.

The top 25% wealthiest in the North East have only seen growth of 30% during the same period, taking them to an average £459,500, which equates to an increase of £105,300. Growth among the top quartile of wealthiest people in the South East was 77% during the same period, compared with 69% in the East of England and 66% in the South and Wales. The North West saw growth of 45%.

PK Patel, Head of Wealth Management at Handelsbanken Wealth & Asset Management, said: “Earnings growth has on average been constrained over the past 10 years, with most people relying on their houses, investments, and possessions to boost their wealth.

“It is fascinating to see the gulf between the increase in asset values and the increase in average earnings over the past decade, and is instructive for advisers and their clients on how to plan their finances and assess their wealth.

“No matter how your total wealth is made up, it’s important to have a clear plan on how you want to use it for your own future and for the benefit of other family members.”

Table one: wealth and salary growth for the richest quartile by UK region, 2008-10 vs 2018-20

RegionTop quartile average wealthTop quartile average salary
2008-102018-20Growth20102020Growth
North East£354,200£459,50030%27736.5£33,10819%
North West£387,400£561,40045%29272£35,25620%
Yorkshire & the Humber£376,300£556,30048%28591.5£33,89019%
East Midlands£415,500£617,90049%29442£35,20420%
West Midlands£399,200£621,50056%28654.5£35,00322%
East of England£511,500£864,70069%33006.5£38,93818%
London£495,200£902,40082%39157.5£47,42321%
South East£597,100£1,058,00077%34775.5£40,83417%
South West£485,300£805,50066%28887£34,43419%
Wales£383,900£635,70066%27845.5£33,45320%
Scotland£364,000£584,80061%30072.5£36,88923%
Great Britain£447,900£733,80064%31401£37,62520%

Table two: average wealth and salary growth by UK region, 2008-10 vs 2018-20

RegionAverage wealthAverage salary
2008-102018-20Growth20102020Growth
North East£271,385£382,37941%£22,566£27,34321%
North West£303,074£452,15149%£24,074£28,78220%
Yorkshire & the Humber£310,994£444,36643%£23,433£28,07220%
East Midlands£337,125£473,28440%£24,294£28,99719%
West Midlands£322,423£471,56446%£23,733£29,39924%
East of England£411,000£680,54966%£28,095£33,06518%
London£395,352£678,54572%£37,746£42,56513%
South East£491,410£827,56568%£29,940£35,04017%
South West£382,253£630,25865%£23,980£28,25818%
Wales£326,424£515,76758%£22,381£26,99521%
Scotland£301,504£464,68554%£24,527£30,09723%
Great Britain£361,831£575,94859%£26,751£31,84019%

National Museums Scotland listings & summer holiday activities

The Scottish school holidays have started.  The latest National Museums Scotland listings include ideas for the whole family this summer:


Family events  

Summer of Stories 
National Museum of Scotland,
Chambers Street, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF  
9 Jul – 23 Jul 2022 
See below for dates and times 
Free, drop-in 

Gather round and settle in for our Summer of Stories with daily sessions to spark your little one’s imagination.  

From trails to storytelling, origami to film screenings, there’s all sorts going on this summer at the National Museum of Scotland as part of the Year of Scotland’s Stories! 

Supporting Year of Stories 2022 and supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

Find out more about the programme at nms.ac.uk/summerofstories 

‘Brave’ film screening 
National Museum of Scotland,
Chambers Street, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 
9 Jul – 23 Jul 2022 
Auditorium, Level 1 
Adult: £3.50, Members, Children and Concessions: £3 

Enjoy this 2012 Disney Pixar classic on the big screen and then go and explore our Scotland galleries with a specially themed trail. 

Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. “Brave” chronicles the story of Scottish princess Merida (Kelly Macdonald), a skilful and courageous archer with a decidedly impetuous nature. 

This film has a PG certification. All children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Supporting Year of Stories 2022 and supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/Brave 

Bird Bingo  
National Museum of Rural Life,
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR  
Until 31 Aug 2022   
10:00-17:00  
A trail around the museum  
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass  

Come and play Bird Bingo at the National Museum of Rural Life!   

Can you find all the birds hiding around the museum? Using the clues on our family trail sheet, see if you can spot different birds in our museum galleries and learn fun facts about them on your journey.  

This family event is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery  

Find out more nms.ac.uk/birdbingo  


Nature Track Packs
 
National Museum of Rural Life,
Philipshill Road, East Kilbride, G76 9HR  
27 Jun – 19 Aug 2022 
10:00 – 17:00 
Borrow from the ticket desk 
Free with museum admission and Annual Pass 

Explore more at the National Museum of Rural Life this summer with our new Nature Track Packs. 
 
Each pack contains fun ideas and activities to encourage children to engage all their senses to explore the countryside on a walk up to the farm. 

Nature Track Packs are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis over the summer – just ask on arrival at our ticket desk, then return the pack to the desk once your Track Pack adventure is complete. 

This family activity is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery . 

Visit nms.ac.uk/trackpacks 

Summer Satchels 
National Museum of Flight,
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF  
2 Jul – 4 Sep 2022 
10:00 – 17:00 
Free with museum admission 
Just ask at the desk in the Concorde Hangar 

See the National Museum of Flight in a different way this summer with our new family activity satchels. 

Each satchel contains all the equipment and simple instructions for five playful activities to help children explore the museum from a different perspective. The activities are designed to use outside on our spacious site. 

This family activity is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery . 

Visit nms.ac.uk/summersatchels 


Exhibitions & Displays   

National Museum of Scotland  
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF   
Open 10:00–17:00 daily  

NOW OPEN Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life  
Until 13 Nov 2022  
Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3  
Ticketed  
 

“Gripping” ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Guardian 
“First-rate exhibition” ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Telegraph 
“Summer’s must-see exhibition” The Times 

Explore the history of anatomical study, from artistic explorations by Leonardo da Vinci to the Burke and Hare murders.  
This exhibition looks at the social and medical history surrounding the practice of dissection. It will trace the relationship between anatomy, its teaching and cultural context and the bodies that were dissected. Looking at Edinburgh’s role as an international centre for medical study, the exhibition will offer insight into the links between science and crime in the early 19th century.  
 
Supported by Baillie Gifford Investment Managers.   

Book now nms.ac.uk/Anatomy  

The Silver Casket  
Until 1 Aug 2022  
Hawthornden Court   
Free entry   

See an iconic piece of Scotland’s national heritage, the silver casket believed to have been owned by Mary, Queen of Scots. Made in Paris, probably between 1493 and 1510, the casket is a superb and extremely rare work of early French silver.  It is likely that its long-standing association with Mary and her downfall has kept it preserved for over 450 years.  

Find out more nms.ac.uk/Silver-Casket   

Book of Hours  
Until 3 Aug 2022  
Kingdom of the Scots gallery (Level 1)  
Free entry   
 
Explore the pages of an illustrated prayer book featuring a handwritten poem by a young Mary, Queen of Scots in this display.    

Written in Latin on vellum, the Book of Hours contains 40 exquisite illuminations by a 16th-century Master artist. Used for private worship, it belonged to Mary’s great aunt Louise de Bourbon, Abbess of Fontevraud, who is believed to have gifted this precious volume to the young queen.   

The Book of Hours is on loan to National Museums Scotland from The Pininski Foundation, Liechtenstein.   

Visit nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events    

E.Coli by Luke Jerram 
3 Aug – 31 Aug 2022   
Grand Gallery   
Free entry   

 Part of the Edinburgh Art Festival programme, this 90ft long inflatable sculpture by Bristol-based Luke Jerram will be suspended from the ceiling of the National Museum of Scotland’s Grand Gallery. The E.coli is 5 million times bigger than the real bacteria. When standing next to it, does the bacteria alter our personal sense of scale? Does it look scary, beautiful, comical or alien? Will people be attracted or repelled by it?   

Find out more nms.ac.uk/Ecoli     

Japanese Contemporary Design  
Until 5 Mar 2023   
Exhibition Gallery 3, Level 1  
Free entry 

From striking statement jewellery to prints and porcelain vases, this new free display considers how Japanese contemporary makers have combined innovative and traditional art, craft and design elements over the past five decades.   

The star object is Hitomi Hosono’s A Large Pine Tree Pool, a sculptural porcelain bowl with complex hand-carving made and acquired in 2019. Further highlights include Junko Mori’s intricate New Pinecone Silver Organism, and colourful body adornments by jeweller Suō Emiko’s adapted from metalworking and engraving techniques traditionally used in the making of Japanese sword fittings.   

Visit nms.ac.uk/JapaneseContemporaryDesign      

The Typewriter Revolution  
Until 11 Sep 2022  
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3  
Free entry    

The typewriter’s social and technological influence is revealed in this exhibition and looks at its role in society, arts, and popular culture. It traces the effect and evolution of typewriters across more than 100 years, from weighty early machines to modern style icons.    

The impact of the typewriter has been much wider than simply speeding up the way we write. It helped revolutionise the world of work and change the lives of working women in particular. Typewriters helped them launch their own businesses at a time when female employers were rare and became a vital weapon in the fight for the vote.    

Visit nms.ac.uk/Typewriters  
  

Inspiring Walter Scott  

Until 8 Jan 2023  
Exhibition Gallery 4, Level 1  
Free entry  
  
Following the 250th anniversary of Sir Walter Scott’s birth, experience his novels through objects that inspired him. In this small exhibition we show how Scott drew upon real historical objects for inspiration, placing objects alongside Scott’s words, and the stories in which they feature. While you view these fascinating objects, you can listen to an actor reading extracts from these tales.   
  
In association with Walter Scott 250: Celebrating 250 Years of Scotland’s Greatest Storyteller and supporting Year of Stories 2022.   

Visit nms.ac.uk/WalterScottExhibition  
   

Bernat Klein: Design in Colour    
5 Nov 2022 – 23 Apr 2023    
Exhibition Gallery 2, Level 3   
Free entry   

Marking the centenary of his birth, Bernat Klein: Design in Colour will celebrate the work of the influential émigré textile designer.     

Visitors will be able to explore Klein’s creative process and varied career, from providing couture fabrics for fashion designers to his influence on modernist architecture and interior design in the UK and Scandinavia    

Visit nms.ac.uk/BernatKlein  

  
Events  
 

National Museum of Scotland   
Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF  
Open 10:00–17:00 daily     

Spotlight On: Anatomy   
13 Jul 2022  
14:00 – 15:00   
Auditorium, Level 1   
Free, with optional donation  

Join exhibition curators Tacye Phillipson and Sophie Goggins as they discuss our major exhibition Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life. Dig deeper into the themes explored in our summer exhibition in this free curator talk to kick off our Anatomy events programme. Revisit your favourite stories from the exhibition or find out more before your visit.     

Find out more nms.ac.uk/spotlightanatomy   

Gilded Balloon at the National Museum of Scotland  
3 Aug – 28 Aug 2022  
Ticketed  

Gilded Balloon are back: bringing Festival fun to the National Museum of Scotland throughout August! 

Brining a colourful line-up: from science for kids to satire for grown-ups, from chat shows to live podcasts. There’s an influencer, a ventriloquist, assorted Fringe favourites and of course a couple of Britain’s Got Talent winners.  

Performers include Scottish treasures Fred MacAulay, Lynn Ferguson and Jack Docherty, alongside Paul Zerdin and assorted puppet pals, Lost Voice Guy, the one and only Chesney Hawkes and even Boris Johnson?! Plus, our own favourite – Comedy Night at the Museum where top comedians improvise a humorous look at our amazing collection.  
 
Find out more on the Gilded Balloon website

Museum Socials 
19 Aug 2022 
Third Friday of the month, 10:30–12:00 
Free 
 
Our Museum Socials events are created for anyone affected by Dementia and their relatives, friends and supporters. 

Museum Socials create a friendly environment where everyone is welcome and all contributions are valued. They are suitable for first-time visitors and for those who might not regularly come to the museum, as well as people who have always loved visiting. 

Supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. 

Visit nms.ac.uk/museumsocials 

Death and the City: Edinburgh, Anatomy and the Case of Burke and Hare  
30 Aug 2022 
Doors open 18:30, 19:00 – 21:30 
£20 Adult, £18 Over 60, £16 concession and Members, £12.50 student 
Age 14+ 

Experience an exclusive evening in The University of Edinburgh’s historic Anatomy Lecture Theatre and the National Museum of Scotland’s latest exhibition, as you discover the city’s unique role in the story of anatomy.   

Take a journey through time to discover Edinburgh’s relationship with the search for understanding of the human body.

Soak up the atmosphere of The University of Edinburgh’s Anatomy Lecture Theatre before enjoying a welcome drink in the Discoveries gallery at the National Museum of Scotland, just five minutes’ walk away.

Complete your evening with a visit to the Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life exhibition. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events 

Hoarding Histories: Beyond the Galloway Hoard  
10 Sep 2022  
14:00 -16:30  
Aged 14+ event  
Ticketed  

 Join our expert panel as they discuss the process of hoarding across time and cultures. 

From assembling and burying, to curating and displaying, our panel will give diverse perspectives on this fascinating practice.  

The keynote address will be delivered by Professor Richard Bradley, Emeritus Professor of Archaeology at the University of Reading. 

Find out more nms.ac.uk/hoarding-histories  

Silent Teachers: The Story of Modern Body Donation 
13 Sep 2022 
19:30 – 20:30 
Free, with optional donation 
Online event 

Inspired by our current exhibition, Anatomy: A Matter of Death and Life, our expert panel will discuss the modern approach to anatomical study and body donation in this online event.  

In the 18th century, Edinburgh was Britain’s leading centre for medical teaching. As anatomists sought to understand the human body, the demand for bodies to dissect and study vastly outstripped legitimate supply. As a result, grave robbing became common practice.Since then legislation has ensured bodies used today are acquired, with proper consent, through donation. 

From their perspectives as exhibition curator, professor, medical student and living donor, our expert panel will discuss the modern approach to body donation and contrast the ethics, practices and beliefs of today with those from two centuries ago. 

Book now nms.ac.uk/exhibitions-events   

National Museum of Flight     
East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF  
Open daily 10:00 – 16:00  
  

Behind the Scenes Tours 
25 May – 26 Oct 2022   
11:00–12:00 & 14:00–15:00  
Object Store  
Free with museum admission  
Booking required  

Find out about our collection of aero-engines and propellers on a curator-led tour of our Object Store. Join Aviation Curator Ian Brown for one of our regular guided tours of the museum’s Object Store. Explore some of the collections not normally on public view and discover the fascinating stories behind them.  

Find out more nms.ac.uk/behind-the-scenes-tours   

Follow us on Twitter…twitter.com/NtlMuseumsScot  

Follow us on Facebook…facebook.com/NationalMuseumsScotland  

Follow us on Instagram…instagram.com/nationalmuseumsscotland/  

For booking, opening times and location details, contact National Museums Scotland on 0300 123 6789 

Joseph Coelho crowned Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2022-2024

Joseph Coelho, award-winning performance poet, playwright and children’s author, has today been crowned the Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2022 – 2024.

Coelho was presented with the bespoke silver Laureate medal by outgoing Waterstones Children’s Laureate, Cressida Cowell MBE, at a ceremony held at The Unicorn Theatre, London.

The Waterstones Children’s Laureate is the foremost representative of children’s literature, awarded biannually to a renowned writer or illustrator in recognition of exceptional talent.

Managed by BookTrust – the UK’s largest children’s reading charity – and sponsored by Waterstones, this prestigious role celebrates creativity and storytelling, promotes the vital importance of reading and children’s literature, and champions the right of every child to enjoy a lifetime enriched with books and stories.

Each Laureate brings their own passion and creativity to their tenure.

At yesterday’s ceremony, Joseph Coelho – who is acclaimed for his work including the Luna Loves picture books, middle grade series Fairy Tales Gone Bad, YA verse novel The Girl Who Became a Tree, as well as poetry collections for all ages including Overheard in a Tower Block and Poems Aloud – revealed that his tenure will celebrate the power of poetry, showcase new authors and illustrators to diversify bookshelves and inspire bookmakers of the future, and champion public libraries and the role they play in communities.

Joseph also performed a new poem written to mark the occasion, entitled ‘The Power of a Poem’.

Joseph Coelho, Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2022–2024, said: “Poetry is powerful, it is the medium we turn to at weddings, funerals and new births because it goes beyond mere words, poetry translates the soul.

“I want to use the prestigious platform of the Waterstones Children’s Laureate to highlight and celebrate the power of poetry. To invite the nation, young and old, to write poems, to become poets.

“I want to ensure that every child has the opportunity to see themselves in books and as bookmakers through the plethora of new and exciting voices we have coming out of the UK – to diversify bookshelves so that every child can imagine themselves as writers, illustrators and poets.

“And, finally I want to hug every library, these miraculous institutions where new horizons line the shelves, where minds go to grow. Libraries made me a writer and make communities thrive – I wish to champion the services of these essential launchpads of learning.

“I’m trying to connect with and heal my younger self – a self-unable to imagine a future writing and publishing books. Through this work, through the young people and families I am lucky enough to interact with, I’m trying to reach down through time and tell little Joe “You can write, you can be a writer, your voice is valid your words are waiting to be heard.” Because I know that when the youth of today hear that message, he’ll hear it too.

To deliver Coelho’s ambitions, his Laureateship will focus on three major projects:

  • Bookmaker Like You’ will showcase new talent within the industry and spotlight their work, so that children are introduced to a range of creatives that truly reflect everyone in our diverse society, and ensure that every child can see themselves as a bookmaker.
  • ‘Poetry Prompts’ will celebrate the power of poetry in all its forms, breaking down the fear often associated with reading and writing to show why poems are for everyone, and the joy that writing, reading and performing poetry can bring.
  • Coelho will also champion local libraries, highlighting the vital role they play within the community and inspiring a love of reading in young people, by completing his ‘Library Marathon’ to join a library in every local authority in the UK, and encourage even more people to register with their local library.

Kate Edwards, Chair of the Waterstones Children’s Laureate Steering Group and Chair of the Waterstones Children’s Laureate 2022–24 Judging Panel, said: “Nominations for this prestigious role are invited from hundreds of literature, literacy and education organisations across the UK, and we are thrilled to welcome Joseph to the ‘League of Laureates’.

“His dynamic performance, passionate advocacy and engaging writing – which inspires children of all ages – cemented our choice for the next Waterstones Children’s Laurate, to champion the right of every child to enjoy a lifetime rich in books and stories.

“The Steering Group is looking forward to working with Joseph over the next two years to reach even more children and communities, following on from the wonderful work of the outgoing Laureate Cressida Cowell MBE. On behalf of the judges, I extend Joseph our warmest congratulations.”

Diana Gerald, CEO at BookTrust, said: “At BookTrust we believe all children should enjoy the life changing benefits of reading, and we are honoured to manage the Waterstones Children’s Laureate.

“Joseph Coelho is a truly wonderful successor to Cressida Cowell MBE as he becomes the twelfth Laureate. Joseph is an extraordinary advocate for making poetry accessible to all, celebrating creativity and storytelling and inspiring younger generations to find their voice, pick-up a pen, join a library and read a book.

“I have no doubt that the Laureate platform will help amplify his ability to reach even more young people, and show how books and reading can broaden horizons.”

Florentyna Martin, Head of Children’s at Waterstones, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Joseph Coelho to the post of Waterstones Children’s Laureate.

“His passion for stories and poetry brings a hefty dose of sunshine to readers, inspiring all those who experience his work. It is exciting to think what the next two years will bring and our booksellers are eager to support his Laureate ambitions from the off; Joseph’s term will undoubtedly be one for the history books.”

Joseph Coelho will deliver the Creative Keynote at The Children’s Media Conference on Wednesday 6 July in his inaugural appearance as the new Waterstones Children’s Laureate.

I AM THE 12TH WOMAN – new equality campaign ahead of Women’s Euro’s

One passion, one tournament and one subtle name change to a familiar football phrase that is being substituted by Heineken®

  • Ellie Taylor, Harry Redknapp, Karen Carney, Jermaine Jenas, and AJ Odudu show fans of all genders how they can show their passion and be the ‘12th Woman’ for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.
  • The unlikely group star in a new campaign from Heineken® that urges all fans of football to declare themselves the ‘12th Woman’ – starting with this summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 tournament.
  • Heineken is releasing an official ‘12th Woman’ tournament t-shirt – as worn by its celebrity squad – for public sale. Fans can wear the t-shirts to show their support at home, in pubs and at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 matches.
  • All profits from the 12th Woman t-shirts will be donated to Women in Football, an NFP that supports the women’s game.
  • The 12th Woman is part of a wider campaign entitled ‘Passion Knows No Gender – Cheers To All Fans’ where Heineken® is challenging bias and promoting equality in football, on and off the pitch, across all male and female UEFA competitions.  

You’d look twice if you saw them enter a pub together for the big match, so what do Ellie Taylor, Harry Redknapp, AJ Odudu, Karen Carney and Jermaine Jenas all have in common? They’re passionate fans of football and for this summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 they are all showing their support for the beautiful game by becoming the ‘12th Woman’.

This eclectic all-star squad was enlisted by Heineken®, Official Partner of UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, to be ambassadors for its new ‘12th Woman’ campaign. Throughout the tournament, Heineken is rallying fans of all genders to get behind their national teams by displaying a twist on the term usually associated with collective, passionate fan support: the 12th man.

The ‘12th Woman’ is part of an ongoing campaign by Heineken® which shines a light on bias and challenges stereotypes in football culture.

Stephanie Dexter of Heineken® commented, “For so long football culture and fandom has been influenced by the men’s game. So, while the women’s game has grown massively, a legacy of terms such as ‘man on’ and the ‘the 12th man’ continue to dominate.

“Meanwhile the ‘12th woman’ is relatively unheard of. We want this campaign to help close the gender phrase gap in football language, but also invite a conversation about the entrenched bias and inequality that persists across football culture.”

The ensemble of Taylor, Redknapp, Carney, Jenas, and Odudu officially issue Heineken’s invitation in a new film wherein they all declare themselves to be ‘12th Women’. In the video they bring attention to the decades-long gender imbalance in football language and encourage other fans to join the 12th Woman movement in time for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.

The film shows Harry at the wheel of a van as he rounds up the celebrity fans to watch a tournament match at Wembley. Along the way the famous five question the unconscious bias in football terminology before exiting the van, walking down Wembley Way and proudly revealing their t-shirts – all emblazoned with the slogan ‘I Am The 12th Woman’.

But said Tees aren’t being reserved for the all-star cast – the good news for fans is that they’re being made available for public sale on Amazon for a price of £12.00 here with all profits donated to the NFP Women in Football.

Throughout the tournament supporters are encouraged to wear them in a show of allegiance, wherever they may be watching the action.

Karen Carney, who played 144 times for England said: “There are 11 women on the pitch who are giving everything to win for their country.

“Knowing that fans are cheering them on in the stands, at homes and in pubs across the country makes a difference and that’s why being a 12th Woman and saying it aloud really matters. Football fans’ approach to this tournament could be a major stepping-stone to real change in terms of how we all talk about football.”

Harry Redknapp said: “When I was playing professionally it really was a man’s game – women were banned from playing football in 1921 and the Women’s Football Association wasn’t even established until 1969.

“Thankfully times have changed, and in a big way, and I’m really proud to be a 12th woman and to wear the T-shirt for all to see. Some people could be confused by the term the ‘12th Woman’, they might have to stop and think. But that’s the whole point, that’s what Heineken is trying to do with this campaign.”

Yvonne Harrison, CEO at Women in Football said: “We’ve been really impressed by Heineken’s commitment to addressing gender inequality in football.

“That’s what Women in Football is all about too, so it’s fantastic to team up with them on the 12th Woman campaign.Every action that supports our work and amplifies our message helps to level the playing field and make football a fairer and better place.”

With two-thirds of women in football having experienced gender discrimination*, Heineken® is on a mission to evolve its sponsorships in the sport by addressing harmful stereotypes which are perpetuated by an outdated footballing phrasebook.

It’s time to tackle gender inequality in the beautiful game by interrogating the unconscious bias in the songs we sing, match reports we write and even the encouragement we give.

Stephanie Dexter concluded: “In its aim to be the most inclusive football sponsor, Heineken® is inviting supporters to confront the bias and promote equality.

“We’ve created this campaign and, with the support of our ambassadors, we hope that the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 is the first step in changing the way we think and speak about sport. We can see a future where football is just called football, no matter who is on the pitch or in the stands.”

Heineken®’s first move in correcting the gender bias in football was to address inaccurate statistics present across the internet that are often the source of the prejudice.

‘Fresher Football’ is a webpage in partnership with GOAL that provides correct responses to the most popular questions asked online about the UEFA Champions League. It includes key data and statistics on the women’s game, which are often overlooked.

The aim of Fresher Football is to encourage search engines and fan sites to recognise, amend and update their current information to give accurate answers, regardless of gender.

Jermaine Jenas, BBC presenter and former England footballer said: “The profile of the women’s game has risen massively over the past 10 to 15 years and players such as Lucy Bronze and Karen Carney have rightfully taken their places alongside some of the greats of the men’s game.

“But the culture and language attached to the women’s game still lags behind. Women’s football has inherited male-oriented terminology – phrases like ‘man on’, and, of course the ‘12th man’.

“I’m extremely proud to be part of a campaign that celebrates the women’s game and the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022, but also one that addresses issues of gender inequality around our national sport.”  

Presenter AJ Odudu, said: “The brilliant thing is that anyone can be a 12th Woman.

“I can’t wait for the tournament to start and I can’t wait to put on my 12th Woman Tee, head to the pub and enjoy what should be a true festival of football.”

TV comedian and writer, Ellie Taylor said: “It’s not every day you get recruited by the national treasure that is Harry Redknapp to join a cohort of fabulously talented people all committed to re-engineering an outdated football phrase – and celebrating the women’s game.

“Harry had me at hello to be honest. In all seriousness, I love watching big tournament football and I’m thrilled to be a 12th Woman. It might not be a thing, yet. But it will be”.

Letter: Fuel price hike shows it’s time to turf out the Tories

Dear Editor

People of our area alongside many communities have had a very tough time under this disgraceful Tory led government.

It has been no accident but deliberate policy.

The manipulation of the fuel prices causing absolute confusion.

But not for the fuel suppliers, No!! In particular the shareholders of the fuel suppliers who are making hundreds of millions of pounds in profit at the same time.

In contrast the Tories are ‘promising’ another 10% rise in the cost of living this year!

The lesson is there for us: it’s time the people slung out the Tories like they did in Honiton recently.

Tony Delahoy

(by email)

Team at Western and Barnetts Mazda complete their first-ever charity walk

  • Western and Barnetts Mazda employees tackle 14.5 mile walk to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
  • First-ever charity walk took over four hours to complete and has raised over £13,500 so far.
  • Local customers can visit the Scottish dealerships located in Edinburgh and Dundee.

Team members from Western and Barnetts Mazda completed a charity walk on Sunday 12 June to raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Exemplifying Mazda’s ‘challenger spirit’, employees from Western and Barnetts Mazda tackled their first-ever 14.5 mile walk in just over four hours and saw the team travel from one of our Group dealerships in Fife, through historic areas of Dunfermline, across the Forth Road Bridge and finish with a celebratory BBQ picnic at the Western Mazda dealership near Edinburgh.

Helen Burns, Marketing Manager at Western and Barnetts Mazda, said: “We are incredibly proud of our entire team for completing the walk and raising such vital funds for Macmillan. A short while ago, we collectively chose a charity to raise a serious amount of money for and Macmillan Cancer Support is a fantastic choice that is close to so many people’s hearts as cancer is something that sadly affects too many of us and our families.”

Adding, “We set ourselves an impressive target of raising £15,000 for Macmillan which we’re so incredibly close to achieving. By raising over £13,500 already, we’re proud that this money could pay for a Macmillan nurse for over two months which would help people living with cancer and their families receive essential medical, practical and emotional support. We’re grateful for every single donation so far, kind comments and messages of support, from our colleagues, friends and family and business partners.” 

Established as a Mazda dealership since 2010, Western and Barnetts Mazda are part of the Eastern Western Motor Group, founded in 1927, which is one of Scotland’s largest privately-owned dealer groups.

To donate or for more information on Western and Barnetts Mazda’s Macmillan walk, visit the Just Giving page here. Alternatively, call Western Mazda on 0131 313 0500 or visit the Luxury Car Village dealership near Edinburgh. You can contact Barnetts Mazda on 01382 665 506 or visit the dealership on Riverside Drive, Dundee.

Drum Property Group starts construction at Stead’s Place

Edmond de Rothschild Real Estate Management to Forward Fund First Phase of 110 Build-to-Rent Apartments

Drum Property Group’s ambitious vision for the long-awaited redevelopment of a key site on Leith Walk, Edinburgh, is now to be realised with on-site construction starting in July 2022. 

Drum’s proposals for Stead’s Place, near the foot of Leith Walk, were approved by the City of Edinburgh Council in 2021 heralding a major regeneration of the 2.9-acre site and bringing much-needed investment to this important part of the city. 

The Stead’s Place site has been earmarked for development by the Council since 2008 and consisted largely of an aged industrial estate and office space, together with a two-storey red sandstone building facing directly on to Leith Walk. 

With refurbishment of the red sandstone building nearing completion, Drum has cleared the Stead’s Place site to the rear and, in the first phase of construction, will build 110 high-quality build-to-rent apartments for Edmond de Rothschild Real Estate Investment Management (REIM), who have agreed to forward-fund the development.

The apartments will be completed by spring 2024. The Stead’s Place apartments represent the second Scottish investment for the firm, having forward funded a build-to-rent development of 114 apartments in Finnieston, at Drum’s G3 Square development in December 2021. 

Graeme Bone, Group Managing Director of Drum said: “The start of construction of the new apartments represents another significant step forward in the long-awaited regeneration of the Stead’s Place site. 

“Once completed, the apartments will be a huge boost to the area and to local businesses, bringing life and access to what has been an inhospitable site, and delivering much-needed homes for local people.” 

The Edmond de Rothschild Residential Investment Fund UK, which invests in the private rented sector (PRS) on behalf of European institutional investors, was launched in August 2018 and to date has raised equity commitments of £320m. 

Charlie Miller, co-head of residential in the UK and director of residential transactions at Edmond de Rothschild REIM, said: “Stead’s Place is an excellent opportunity to establish the fund’s first development in Edinburgh and second in Scotland. 

“We will provide high-quality rental accommodation at affordable levels in line with the strategy for the fund. Edinburgh is the sixth most competitive financial centre in Europe, second in the UK behind London and has six universities, a diverse economy and a thriving tourist market – all contributing to exceptionally strong demand for homes to rent”. 

The final phase of construction at Stead’s Place will start at the end of the year, and will comprise of 38 affordable homes, owned and operated by registered social landlord, Hillcrest Homes, completing the attractive landscaped residential scheme linking Leith Walk to Pilrig Park and beyond.  

David Milton, Development Manager at Hillcrest Homes said, “Stead’s Place provides the opportunity to deliver 23 new social-rented homes and 15 mid-rented homes, all of which will be allocated to those in housing need.  

“The Social Rented homes will deliver a good mix of one, two and three bed apartments and we are particularly pleased to be delivering family sized homes in this location.

“There is a continuing unmet demand for affordable homes across Edinburgh and this development will help meet this demand and provide high quality, energy efficient new homes to those who need them the most.” 

The start of construction is the culmination of five years of research, planning and local community engagement by Drum since the company first purchased the site in 2017.  For more information about Drum Property Group’s redevelopment of the Stead’s Place site, visit www.steads-place.com

Get set for Gadgeteers: join the Summer Reading Challenge 2002

Get ready for Gadgeteers, arriving online and in your local library this summer.

Science is all around you! What do you love doing? Are you a brilliant baker? Or a mega music fan? Are you the tech wizard amongst your friends? Join the Gadgeteers for the Summer Reading Challenge to discover the amazing science and innovation behind the world around you, including some of your favourite things!

Curious? Perfect! Your imagination can unlock endless possibilities… We’re teaming up with Science Museum Group for a very special science-themed Challenge that will inspire you to use your imagination and creativity!

Gadgeteers will feature amazing books, awesome rewards, and plenty of ideas for cool experiments and activities to discover the science all around you. The Challenge will be brought to life by top children’s writer and illustrator Julian Beresford.

Are you excited to join the #Gadgeteers this summer? Keep an eye on our blog for all the latest Summer Reading Challenge news!

Land reform consultation launched

Consultation on new legislation launched  

Transformative changes’ are being proposed to the way Scotland’s land is used and managed in order to ensure greater benefit to communities and the environment.

The Scottish Government is seeking views on ambitious proposals for its new Land Reform Bill, which will be introduced by the end of 2023.

The Bill aims to address long-standing concerns about the highly concentrated pattern of land ownership in rural areas of Scotland.

Proposed measures include:

  • The introduction of a public interest test for transfers of large-scale landholdings
  • A requirement on owners of large-scale holdings to give prior notice to community bodies of their intention to sell
  • A requirement on those seeking land-based subsidies to have the land registered in the Land Register, to ensure transparency around who benefits from public funding

In addition, the consultation asks questions about how to ensure communities benefit from future investment in Scotland’s natural capital, and that there is greater transparency around land and asset ownership.

Environment and Land Reform Minister Mairi McAllan visited The Ecology Centre in Kinghorn, Fife, to formally launch the consultation.

The centre is a community-led charity that has been supported with grant funding from the Scottish Land Fund.

Ms McAllan said: “Land reform is a pervasive issue in Scotland. We have a strong record of progressive and innovative land reform – but this journey is not complete. We must continue to develop and implement land reform that addresses historical inequalities and at the same time, we must rise to changing social, environmental and economic issues in contemporary Scotland.

“I recognise, and am fully committed to tackling, the adverse effects of scale and concentration of landownership – and empowering communities in the process.

“I am also clear that while investment in Scotland’s natural capital is vital to tackle the climate and nature emergencies, we must ensure that our people and communities are not disadvantaged and indeed can benefit.

“Finally, we must continue to improve transparency of ownership of land in Scotland. That’s why this summer we will be consulting on a wide range of transformative proposals – including our aim to ensure that the public interest is considered on transfers of particularly large-scale landholdings.

“The new Bill will be a significant step forward in ensuring our land is owned diversely and is used in the public interest and to the benefit of the people of Scotland.

“This is the next step on Scotland’s land reform journey as we continue the work to pass more power to people and local communities, encourage and support responsible and diverse landownership and ensure communities have a say in how land in is used.”

Chair of Community Land Scotland Ailsa Raeburn said: “Community Land Scotland warmly welcome the launch of the Consultation on the forthcoming Land Reform Bill.  It is becoming ever clearer that who owns and controls land, is incredibly important in building a fairer greener Scotland.

“We very much hope the new Bill encompasses a range of measures that effectively tackles the endemic issues of scale and concentration of land ownership and the adverse effects this has on local communities.  The Bill is a great opportunity to ensure Scotland’s land is owned and used fairly and that as many people as possible can benefit from it.”

Chair of the Scottish Land Commission Andrew Thin said: “The ways land is owned and used is central to tackling the climate emergency, contributing to a successful economy and supporting communities.

“It is great to see the Government launch the consultation of the upcoming Land Reform Bill which includes a range of potential measures to ensure that the benefit of land is shared by all.

“The Scottish Land Commission has been working over the last five years to provide a robust evidence base for our recommendations on making land work better in the public interest, highlighting the opportunity land reform can bring to Scotland and its people.

I would encourage everyone to take part in the consultation and help to shape the next step in Scotland’s land reform journey.”

Link to consultation

New package of support to help over 50s jobseekers back into work

The UK Government has announced millions of pounds of new measures to tackle unemployment amongst the over 50s on benefits.

  • New measures set to help quarter of all jobseekers get back into work
  • Multi-million package will increase jobcentre support for over 50s including those thinking about retirement
  • Long term unemployed will be referred to the multi-billion-pound Restart Scheme which is already supporting a quarter of a million back into work

The new support follows ministers meeting their target to get half a million people into work in under six months, as part of the Way to Work jobs push launched in January.

Keeping up the momentum, £22 million will be invested in new measures to tackle unemployment amongst the over 50s on benefits, as a stable income is the best route for people to support themselves through challenging times.

Jobseekers over the age of 50 will have more one-to-one support at jobcentres to help them get into, and progress in work, boosting their earnings ahead of retirement.

This increased support will be boosted by 37 50PLUS Champions covering every district across England, Wales and Scotland who will work with local employers to help them realise how their recruitment could benefit from the talent of older workers.

Mid-life MOTs will also be available in jobcentres, targeting those thinking about retirement and engaging them to take stock of their skills and finances, and consider taking jobs that could boost their incomes based on their skills experience.

Minister for Employment, Mims Davies MP said: “Older workers are a huge asset to this country, and there are currently more than 400,000 over 50s in roles than before the pandemic.

“We’re increasing funding and support at every step of their journey up the career ladder, to ensure everyone gets the support they need to get into work, progress and use their experience to boost their earnings and plan for a better future.

“Helping people find the security of a stable income, through a job they can take pride in, is also one of the best ways for people to support their families during these challenging times.”

Carole Easton, Chief Executive at the Centre for Ageing Better, said: “Seeing DWP continue to recognise the importance of a bespoke approach to older workers is really welcome.

“We know that older workers face unique challenges, such as ageism in the workplace and a possible gap in skills compared to some of their younger counterparts, so we will gladly support any tailored action that begins chip away at these significant roadblocks standing in the way of older people accessing fulfilling work.”

Research shows that people over 50 are more likely to have caring responsibilities, with 12% of men and 16% of women aged 55-64 providing informal care and increased support from Work Coaches will help them navigate these barriers.

With the economy back on its feet, and the demand for experienced staff, the advice will help older workers make the right choice for them. And for those who have been out of work for nine months, the government’s Restart Scheme will provide a year of intensive support to get them back on the career ladder.

One year since its launch, the Restart Scheme is already seeing the first jobseekers take up work and leave the scheme and is currently supporting a quarter of a million people get the skills they need to re-enter the workforce.

This is part of the government’s renewed focus on growing the economy and helping people find work and boost their earnings.