Author John M Hayes has released his latest book, A Quest for Meaning: A Memoir from Pit to Pulpit; from Business to Philanthropy, charting an extraordinary journey through hardship, faith, business and charitable work.

The novel tells the extraordinary, true story of an awkward, thoughtful boy, who was born into the restricted world of a pit community, who turned to religion as his escape into the wider world. 

The poor local schools offered no support for the student, and, when his secondary school teacher, recognising his academic potential, got him an offer of a grammar school place, he declined due to lack of understanding.

From Sunday school to youth clubs his talents as a leader and preacher sparkled, and at twenty-one, he left the colliery world to train to be a full-time pastor. 

Inner doubts about the depth of this belief soon surfaced. He was tormented for two decades by feelings of academic inferiority and being a clerical imposter. Nevertheless, he persisted with this studies gaining a degree in Divinity. 

He married very young to a woman two and a half years older who became a qualified teacher. Throughout his marriage, he doubted his capabilities as a parent and husband.

Once he qualified, despite this religious torment, he was a storming success as an evangelist, significantly increasing his congregations. But disaster struck in his second big church, in the form of a split between traditionalist and modernists. 

With his marriage under stress, he fell for Maggie, a married member of his congregation. He lost his chapel and finally his beliefs, and after further years of trying, his first marriage.

Still searching for meaning in his life he tried politics and eventually discovered Humanism. He also founded a successful business and is now an affluent philanthropist able to enjoy the better things in life, along with Maggie, who he tracked down and married many years later.

As a colloquial autobiography, part written from memory and part from diaries, it is a convincing social study of the mores of his mining community, of family life, and of the extraordinary hypocrisy of the church, and of the life of a pastor in the 1960s and 1970s.

The book is an astonishingly frank and detailed account of the man’s struggles with his faith and his journey to faithlessness.

Speaking of A Quest for Meaning: A Memoir from Pit to Pulpit, author John M Hayes said: “This memoir is the most honest account I could give of a life spent searching for meaning—through faith, doubt, love, loss and ultimately self-discovery. 

“I hope readers will find in the book not only an insight into a very different world, but also something of their own journey.” 

A Quest for Meaning: A Memoir from Pit to Pulpit; from Business to Philanthropy is now available to purchase from major retailers, including Waterstones and Amazon.

Specialist seating provider Ergochair and workplace furniture supplier Office Interiors Wholesale are joining forces under a new parent identity, Access Environments group.

oth businesses will continue to operate as distinct brands, with their existing teams, customer relationships and routes to market remaining in place. The Access Environments identity has been introduced to communicate the broader capability now available across the group, while preserving the expertise and reputation of each business.

For customers, dealers and partners, the closer alignment means access to a wider product offering: Ergochair’s ergonomic seating expertise alongside Office Interiors’ extensive workplace furniture portfolio, stockholding and delivery infrastructure. The group structure also supports more joined-up project support, broader sourcing options and a more resilient supply chain.

Rob Lunga, Chairman of Access Environments, said: “Ergochair and Office Interiors are highly complementary businesses with distinct strengths.”

“Access Environments gives us a clearer way to communicate the scale and capability behind the two brands, while allowing each business to retain the identity, relationships and focus that made it successful.”

Ben Caton, Managing Director at Ergochair, said: “Ergochair has always been focused on helping people sit, work and live better. Our strength is bespoke seating, particularly where comfort, adaptability and personalisation really matter.”

“Being part of Access Environments allows us to support customers with a broader workplace solution when they need it, without diluting our focus on ergonomics.” 

Ben England, Managing Director at Office Interiors Wholesale, added: “Office Interiors has built its reputation on product range, stock availability, service and reliable delivery. Our customers value the speed and consistency we bring, and that will not change.”

“Working alongside Ergochair within Access Environments adds specialist ergonomic seating expertise to the wider group, giving customers and partners access to a more complete solution.”

The Access Environments identity is now in place, with both businesses focused on building on their respective strengths while responding to increasing demand for more flexible, performance-driven workplace solutions.

Both teams will be attending Clerkenwell this week and look forward to connecting with partners, customers and industry colleagues throughout the event.

Author Reed Lovac has published a new collection of four short stories inspired by life events and built around the mysterious history of an ancient item of clothing.

The Goatskin Coat is a selection of stories centred around a mysterious jacket, made from the skin and hair of Angoran goats, with strange ancient symbols on it.

It soon becomes clear that it was once worn by a terribly, evil being and is steeped in the blood of innocent souls. The wearer of this artefact becomes shrouded in an evil force and they are capable of creating utter devastation.

The gripping stories cover everything from Devil worship, soul gathering and blood soaked escapades and are told over a span of 21 years.

Lovac, also known as Nat Coverdale, has targeted his latest release at those aged 18 or over. He has been writing since 2008 and has published four books so far.

The 56 year old said: “My writing comes from years of experiencing events that have shaped me as a person, and I wanted to share this with others through these stories.

“The latest book is called The Goatskin coat. It covers four short stories surrounding an ancient item of clothing. A thing so powerful it grants your hearts desire and also corrupts you into doing evil things to people.

“There are four main characters, loosely based on pieces of people I have met in the past.”

Explaining where the idea of the book came from, Lovac added: “I had already written three stories in long format called The Mortal Dean Trilogy. I wanted to show that I was capable of writing in both long format and short format styles. The result turned out to be a very capable piece of work that I am extremely proud of.

“I asked a question. Why as a good person, does it take forever to get what you pray for? When it seems bad people get an immediate response to their evil actions. Almost always with devastating consequences.

“I asked this question and then wrote these stories. So, as the characters wore the coat, the answers would be found within these stories. That is how The Goatskin Coat came to be.”

The Goatskin Coat is designed by White Magic Studios and published by Maple Publishers, a UK-based publishing company. It is now available to purchase from major retailers such as Amazon.

 A book focusing on finding your own destiny and battling negativity from the harsh reality of the world has been published by author Mia Cannell. 

The novel, The Lost Jem, aims to show readers that no matter how much things go wrong, it’s important to always have faith that things will work out in the end. 

It focuses on a woman who has been diagnosed with dyslexia at a very young age called Jemima. The now-22-year-old girl is very quiet, reserved but incredibly daring when she has to be. She is very fond of animals, has a pet Moluccan cockatoo called Peachy and dreams of being an explorer. 

She has just graduated from university and is on a mission to find work and spends her free time doing TikTok videos with Peachy while teaching her new songs and phrases. 

Jemima, or Jem (as she is referred to in the novel), was raised by her aunt, Rainie – who is always around for her when her parents are not. Despite having a bunch of friends who enjoys spending time with, she is not so lucky when it comes to her love life. 

Jem had never once been on a date in her entire life – until meeting mystery man Ezra, also known as The Birthday Boy, when he came to visit on the night of her seventh birthday. 

Later, she meets him again in another world called Slythorne after he left some coincidental clues and she followed him. But there are secrets that she doesn’t know about yet.

Speaking of her latest work, Mia said: “Ever since I have been able to walk on two feet, my brain has always been able to conjure up lots of imaginary things and ideas. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of three and things were never easy for me as my brain can find it difficult to catch up with all of the information that it is given needing more time to process what people say to me and how I feel about different things such as dealing with anxiety and depression as well. 

“I wasn’t very good at writing properly until I got the hang of it. That was when I first started talking to my stuffed animals and my friends from the Inside World – that was the only safe place I felt like I could be myself and I am grateful to have it when it comes to dealing with harsh realities of life. 

“That’s what inspired me to write this novel.”

Mia says her husband is also a huge inspiration when it comes to her writing. The 29-year-old added: “My husband has been diagnosed with dyspraxia and he inspired me a lot. He has given me great support since the beginning of our relationship. He is the reason why I should never give up my dreams and I should always believe in myself.”

The novel has been published by Maple Publishers, a UK-based publishing company, and is now available to purchase at major retailers such as Waterstones and Amazon.

Legacy Funding Corporation has announced a major opportunity for industry partners to collaborate in the development of innovative Charity ISAs, aimed at advancing new approaches to charitable funding and investment.

The UK’s ISA market is worth £700 billion in value. The Legacy Funding Company deems that now is the time for similar financial instruments to be developed in order to address a growing funding gap in the charity sector. 

According to recent data from AJ Bell, UK savers currently hold between £726 billion and £900 billion in ISAs, with more than 22 million adults using the tax-efficient savings vehicle. ISAs continue to attract strong participation due to their flexibility and tax advantages, with over 4 million people subscribing to stocks and shares ISAs annually, and a marked shift back towards cash ISAs amid economic uncertainty.  A proposed Charity ISA would allow funds pledged in wills to be partially released early to charities through secured financial products.

The UK charity sector—receiving approximately £4.5 billion annually from legacy giving—is under increasing financial pressure due to probate delays. Research from IFA Magazine indicates that 87% of charities are impacted by probate delays, with over half forced to sell assets or cut services to manage cashflow gaps. 

Despite strong public support (over half of UK adults donate to charity annually), funds pledged through wills can take months or years to reach beneficiaries due to estate administration and HMRC approval processes. The charitable sector makes up approximately 1% of global GDP.

The Legacy Funding Corporation believes that industry voices should now explore whether a charity-linked ISA-style or asset-backed funding model could provide a solution.

The concept would enable earlier access to a portion of pledged legacy funds, capital secured against estate value during probate, reduced reliance on volatile equity markets and potential tax benefits for both individuals and government.

Peter Collins, of The Legacy Funding Corporation, said: “There is a significant disconnect between when charitable funds are pledged and when they are received. During probate, millions of pounds just sit there—capital that could be deployed immediately to support essential services. Commercial organisations can forward-finance their invoices—why can’t charities access forward finance on their legacies?”

Recent data highlights a shift in saver behaviour, with static and rising interest rates and economic volatility driving increased demand for lower-risk, cash-based products. In the 2023/24 tax year alone, UK savers deposited nearly £70 billion into Cash ISAs—a 67% year-on-year increase. 

This trend suggests that any future model aimed at supporting charities would need to balance security, accessibility, and modest returns, rather than relying on high-risk investment performance.

The proposal is not positioned as political policy, but as an industry-wide opportunity requiring collaboration between political parties, financial institutions and funders, pension funds and asset managers, legal and probate professionals, charities and policymakers and digital, print and broadcast media.

With millions of UK adults already engaged in ISA products, and over £4.5 billion annually flowing into charities via legacy giving, is it time to explore how financial innovation could unlock “capital in limbo” for social impact.

The Legacy Funding Corporation is seeking partners to work with to deliver this product for the charity sector and help the country. For more information contact Peter Collins.

The UK’s appetite for rosé wine continues to grow, with the category now valued at more than £712 million and projected to reach £928 million by 2035. As consumer demand rises – fuelled by premiumisation, lifestyle-driven purchasing and a preference for lighter wine styles – retailers and hospitality operators are being encouraged to expand their rosé offerings beyond the most established labels.

While Provence has dominated the rosé boom through recognisable branding and distinctive packaging, the category itself remains one of the most diverse in the wine market, offering consumers a wide variety of styles to explore.

Neil McAndrew, wine consultant and advisor to the EU’s More Than Only Food & Drink campaign, explains: “The EU produces a huge diversity of rosé styles, from dry and mineral to fruity or off-dry, as well as sparkling; depending on grape variety and winemaking technique. Yet the trend for pale-coloured rosé in a Provençal style has exploded, and major regions from the Languedoc to Bordeaux, the Rhône and the Loire Valley are now producing their own successful expressions. 

“A similar picture is seen across Europe, with key wine-producing countries including Spain, Italy and Portugal embracing the style, while Germany – the fourth largest producer in Europe – has also invested heavily in rosé, particularly organic production. Meanwhile, emerging regions such as Slovenia and Czechia, alongside cooler-climate areas in Greece, are producing notably fresh styles.”

A commercial opportunity for retailers and hospitality

For UK retailers and hospitality venues, expanding rosé listings and coming up with strategies to promote the category offers a simple way to drive discovery, increase premium sales and tap into one of wine’s most dynamic categories. The visual aspect of rosé and its attractive packaging is a powerful tool to utilise in online imagery, back-bar or window displays, and in prominent retail spaces.

McAndrew continues: “Premium rosé has seen significant growth in the UK and doesn’t face the same barriers as other premium wines. While entry-level rosé sells well in supermarkets, independents, restaurants and bars can benefit from trading consumers up to more premium wines. The distinctive bottles and strong brands support premiumisation and deliver higher price point bottle sales as well as opportunities for higher-margin by-the-glass sales. Yet many wine lists still default to one or two Provençal rosés, despite Europe producing dozens of distinctive styles.”

To help retailers and operators expand their offer, Neil McAndrew shares six EU rosé styles to explore this summer:

1. Tavel PDO from Rhône Valley, France: the powerful rosé

“Often described as the “red wine drinker’s rosé”, Tavel PDO from France is deeper coloured and fuller-bodied than the pale Provençal style. Typically based on Grenache with Syrah or Cinsault, it delivers flavours of strawberry, herbs and spice, and is structured enough for grilled meats or Mediterranean dishes.

“A serious, gastronomic rosé that proves pink wine doesn’t have to be delicate.”

2. Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo PDO from Italy: vibrant cherry rosé

“Italy is the third largest producer of rosé with great examples produced in all wine-making regions, from Veneto in the north to Sicily in the south. Made primarily from Montepulciano grapes, cerasuolo literally means “cherry-coloured”. Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo PDO sits stylistically between rosé and light red: vivid, fresh and juicy with cherry, raspberry and subtle tannins.

“Bright fruit and structure make it ideal for food – from charcuterie to pizza.”

3. Getariako Txakolina PDO from Basque Country, Spain: zippy Atlantic rosé

“Spain is the second largest producer of rosé in the world, with famous regions such as Rioja and Navarra crafting high-quality examples. However, at the more individual and interesting level, Getariako Txakolina PDO is produced near Spain’s northern coast using grapes such as Hondarrabi Beltza. These wines are light, saline and naturally high in acidity, sometimes with a slight spritz.

“A refreshing coastal style that pairs perfectly with seafood.”

4. Grenache Rosé (Languedoc-Roussillon region, France): great value rosé

“Grenache rosés from the south of France, specifically the Pays d’Oc and Languedoc-Roussillon offer exceptional value for money and are widely available. Ranging from very pale pink to a delicate salmon-pink, the wines are similar to the iconic Provence style but without the price tag. Many producers blend in Cinsault, Syrah, or Mourvèdre to increase complexity.

“A great mid-week treat which whisks you away to the sunny South of France, even on a dark November evening!”

5. Greece: Emerging rosés

“For new and exciting rosé wine, consistently delivering exceptional quality, great value and individuality, join the rush to explore the best that Greece has to offer. Normally produced from a blend of native grape varieties like Xinomavro, Agiorgitiko, Fokiano and Malagousia, this ancient wine-producing country has gained a firm foothold in the UK with the wines now available from local and national retailers.

“Classy, elegant style, great with mediterranean dishes.”

6. German Rosé / Rosé Sekt (Germany): cool-climate precision 

“Germany is the fourth largest wine producer in the EU and produces rosé in the Pfalz, Rheinhessen, and Baden regions from grapes such as Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir), Portugieser and Dornfelder. Styles range from dry to off-dry still rosé to Rosé Sekt, the country’s sparkling wine category.

“Crisp acidity and delicate fruit — a cooler-climate alternative to Mediterranean rosé.”

Together, these styles highlight the breadth and versatility of EU rosé wines, offering retailers and hospitality a clear opportunity to refresh their ranges and inspire consumers to explore beyond the familiar.

For more information please visit the campaign website or contact: [email protected]

A new national register of vetted funeral celebrants and officiants has been introduced in response to increasing concerns around professional standards, safeguarding and accountability within sections of the funeral industry.

The Funeral Officiant Authority (FOA), founded by experienced celebrants Sacha Mulligan and Michelle Harvey, aims to introduce clearer professional standards for those conducting funeral ceremonies across the UK.

The organisation is launching an initial pilot scheme in the South-East of England and plans to expand nationally, with the longer-term goal of establishing a recognised benchmark for funeral officiants nationwide.

Currently, there is no formal regulation preventing individuals from conducting funeral ceremonies without recognised training, vetting or accountability processes.

The launch follows wider industry concerns surrounding safeguarding, transparency and professional oversight within the sector.

The FOA will operate as a voluntary national register of vetted officiants and celebrants and will be overseen by a board including experienced officiants, funeral directors, legal professionals and sector specialists.

Alongside the register, the organisation is also launching a public awareness campaign, “Let’s Talk About Death”, aimed at encouraging greater openness, professionalism and public confidence around funeral services.

Under the proposed standards, all officiants listed on the register will be required to:

• * Hold DBS checks
• * Meet minimum training and competency standards
• * Maintain appropriate insurance
• * Adhere to a formal complaints and accountability process
• * Commit to ongoing professional development and compliance monitoring

The FOA is also calling on government, political parties, funeral providers and insurers to support the introduction of clearer professional standards across the sector.

Sacha Mulligan, co-founder of the Funeral Officiant Authority, said: “We co-founded the Funeral Officiant Authority after more than six years of work to create real protection, accountability, and meaningful support for both the families we serve and the celebrants who support them.

“Every benefit, standard, and safeguard has been built to ensure families, celebrants and funeral directors have somewhere trusted to turn to, and somewhere concerns can be properly raised and addressed.”

Michelle Harvey, co-founder of the FOA, added: “The Funeral Officiant Authority (FOA) is dedicated to helping families find trusted, professional officiants to deliver meaningful and personal funeral services.

“The FOA provides access to approved officiants who are experienced, compassionate, and fully DBS certified for complete peace of mind. Through its carefully maintained database, the FOA is committed to supporting families with dignity, care, and professionalism during life’s most difficult moments.”