East London Waste Authority (ELWA) is inviting local artists, makers, and creative organisations to submit proposals for a bold, engaging, and educational public installation. The aim of the installation will be to ‘power up’ East London residents and encourage them to recycle their small electricals and batteries at dedicated recycling points, and never put them in any bin at home.

Lithium-ion batteries hidden inside small electrical devices, such as vapes, ear pods, e-scooters, or children’s toys, can set fire when compacted in waste collection vehicles and facilities. These kinds of fires have been increasing nationwide, prompting an urgent need for more awareness of the issue amongst the public.

The selected designer will be commissioned by ELWA to create an eye-catching installation, which will tour the boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham and Redbridge in 2026.

The new initiative sees ELWA join forces with Recycle Your Electricals ’ “Stop Battery Fires” campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of incorrectly disposing of electricals and hidden lithium-ion batteries. This follows the success of ELWA’s Battery Recycling Roadshow campaign in February 2025, which saw over 1000 people interacting with the engagement team at busy venues across East London.

Artists and creators interested in finding out more about the brief should visit www.eastlondonwaste.gov.uk/batteries. The installation should stand out from the crowd, spark curiosity, and deliver a clear message about electrical recycling.

Interested applicants must submit their proposal by 9am on Monday 9th February 2026. Delivery will be required by June 2026. Email any questions to campaigns@eastlondonwaste.gov.uk

Councillor Miraj Patel, Chair of ELWA said “Battery fires in bin lorries and waste sites remain a challenge across all local authorities. There were 229 fires in ELWA’s waste facilities last year, a 57% increase over the previous year. These fires cost the waste industry millions of pounds each year, but also pose a significant risk to frontline staff collecting and treating waste.

The public can play a really important role in helping stamp out this issue by disposing of batteries and electrical items correctly. We want to use art to engage and shift recycling habits in communities across East London, and I’m really excited to see what our brilliant creative community can come up with.”

Scott Butler, Executive Director, Material Focus, the non-profit leading the Recycle Your Electricals campaign said: “With more and more products containing lithium-ion batteries, and battery fires on the rise, it’s vital that we stop these fires and reduce the air pollution impact that they have on our local communities and the dangers they present to fire fighters and waste officers. This project is a fantastic way to make sure that everyone knows to never bin and always recycle their electricals and their batteries. Just search recycle your electricals to find your nearest drop off point.”

Eight food trends set to define the capital’s dining in 2026, according to London’s oldest food market, from ‘swicy’ flavours to the return of breakfast

From globally influenced tea rituals to nostalgic bakes reimagined with Japanese flavours, the historic Borough Market has identified eight key food and dining trends it expects to shape London’s eating habits in 2026.

As London’s oldest food market, with a history stretching back more than 1,000 years, Borough Market has long acted as a proving ground for the ingredients, cuisines and ideas that go on to shape the capital’s wider food culture. Drawing on insight from its traders and restaurants, and the habits of London’s most curious cooks and diners, its outlook for 2026 points to a year defined by regional authenticity, bold flavour contrasts and a renewed appreciation for craft and ritual.

1 Taking time for tea as a ritual, not a routine

Borough Market notes a continually growing shift away from the staple English Breakfast teabag towards teas with provenance, ceremony and global influence. While the verdant green matcha has been on the up for a few years, this continues with an increase in popularity with hojicha, the roasted green tea powder with a nutty, caramelised flavour, hot on its heels and Malaysian-style teh tarik also gaining momentum. Traders such as Whisk by JENKI and Mei Mei reflect a wider London appetite for tea as a mindful, flavour-led experience rather than a functional caffeine fix.

2 South American flavours step into the spotlight

As Londoners continue to broaden their culinary horizons, Borough Market is seeing increased interest in South American cuisines. Venezuelan, Argentine and wider Latin American food is moving into sharper focus, with comforting, ingredient-led dishes rooted in street food traditions leading the way. Stalls such as La Pepiá offer their take on arepas, a corn-based savoury doughnut, made by hand using responsibly sourced British ingredients, while Porteña makes traditional Argentine street food. Come for the hearty empanadas with various fillings and stay for the alfajores – homemade biscuits filled with gooey, caramel-like dulce de leche.

3 Ancestral ingredients return to the kitchen

In response to growing concern around ultra-processed foods, Borough Market has identified a renewed enthusiasm for traditional, minimally processed ingredients. Interest in natural animal fats, raw and cultured dairy, and cooking from scratch is on the rise, as seen at traders like Ginger Pig and Hook & Son. The trend reflects a broader movement towards simplicity, transparency and flavour-first eating.

4 ‘Swicy’ flavours take hold

Sweet-meets-spicy flavours are set to dominate menus in 2026, delivering the layered, balanced taste experiences London diners increasingly crave. Borough Market points to growing demand for foods that perfectly balance heat and sweet, offering complexity rather than intensity alone. From small batch Scotch Bonnet Chilli Jam at Pimento Hill to dishes such as Rambutan’s mutton rolls with tamarind ketchup, the ‘swicy’ trend reflects a wider London obsession with layered flavour.

5 Snacks upgraded

Crispy crickets with BBQ seasoning anyone? Snacking is evolving from filler to feature. Borough Market highlights a move towards snacks that deliver on taste, nutrition and sustainability, from protein-rich plant-based options to globally inspired savoury bites. Products such as Raya Grocery’s edible insects or Perelló’s Spicy Broad Beans, available at Brindisa, reflect a growing appetite for snacks that deliver on taste, eco-friendly credentials and functional health benefits.

6 Regional cuisine over catch-all menus

How can you represent an entire country’s food in one menu? According to Borough Market, diners are increasingly rejecting generic representations of national cuisines in favour of clearly defined regional cooking. Restaurants such as Kolae, inspired by Thailand’s Southern Provinces, and Camille, with its take on the French bistro featuring regionally specific dishes on the daily-changing blackboard menu, exemplify a London-wide demand for specificity, authenticityand a strong sense of place on the plate while using seasonal British ingredients.

7 Breakfast makes a comeback

The most important meal of the day has returned and would like you to give it the attention it deserves. With brunch fatigue setting in, Londoners are rediscovering the appeal of a proper morning meal, whether that’s a classic fry-up, a plant-based spread or a high-quality pastry or brionut (brioche-doughnut) on the go. From Borough Market institution Maria’s Market Café to Mallow and the family-run Comptoir Bakery, breakfast is once again being treated as an occasion.

8 Nostalgic baking, reimagined with Japanese flavours

Japan’s elevation of classic patisserie has captured a worldwide audience and now Londoners want a slice of the pie (or cake) at home. Miso, matcha and black sesame have become common ingredients in British kitchens, lending depth and umami to familiar favourites such as madeleines, scones and celebration cakes. This fusion of comfort and innovation reflects a broader desire for baking that feels both familiar and quietly adventurous.

Borough Market, in its current form, was born out of the Food Lovers’ Fair held in the late 1990s, when passionate producers and discerning customers came together to reimagine the historic market space as a destination for high-quality, ethically sourced food. Since then, it has grown into a thriving six-day-a-week market, home to over 100 independent traders. Over the years, it has served as an influential platform for both established producers and emerging food entrepreneurs, many of whom have gone on to achieve national recognition – Neal’s Yard Dairy and Brindisa among them. This legacy of nurturing talent and championing food innovation has cemented Borough Market’s reputation as one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse food destinations. 

Borough Market is run by a charitable trust and is rooted in purpose, as is evident in its food policy and principles. At a time when resilient, community-led food systems are more vital than ever, the Market continues to serve as a leading voice in public food culture, sustainability and ethical enterprise. 

For more information about Borough Market and its traders, visit boroughmarket.org.uk. 

City of London’s iconic market announces festive event programme including live music, Christmas markets, Christmas guided walks and magical twice-daily snowfall

The new Lady Mayor of the City of London, Dame Susan Langley DBE, will officially switch on Leadenhall Market’s Christmas lights on Thursday 13 November, kickstarting festive celebrations at the heart of the capital.

The most magical night of year will begin at 5.15pm with live festive tunes and sing-along favourites from band The Super Tenants, before and after the official switch-on takes place at 6pm. Leadenhall Market’s Christmas centrepiece will be an impressive 18-foot real Christmas tree, which takes centre stage under the beautiful starry night atrium. The tree will be adorned with glittering baubles and twinkling lights, and the Victorian market’s shopfronts will be decked in fir tree garlands, with giant baubles and lights throughout.

This year, visitors can experience the magic of snowfall on Leadenhall Market’s cobbled, covered walkways. As part of the Christmas lights switch-on celebrations, a flurry of festive snow will fall at 6pm – but the snow doesn’t stop there; throughout the festive season, visitors can enjoy this wintry wonder twice daily, at 12pm and 6pm, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for seasonal shopping and celebrations.

Back by popular demand, Leadenhall Market’s very own pop-up Alpine Lodge will provide favourite winter warmer drinks, along with seasonal festive treats.

Many of Leadenhall’s restaurants and bars will be open for drinks, snacks and evening meals before, during and after the switch on including The Lamb Tavern, The Golden Goose, Old Tom’s, Oriani, Argentinian Grill, Aux Merveilleux De Fred, Boom Bap Burger, Chango Empandas, Georgio, La Viña, Luc’s Brasserie, Osteria del Mercato and Pizza Express. Christmas shopping opportunities range from specialist drinks store Amathus to British clothing brands Hobbs, Reiss and Barbour, to Pollock’s Toy Museum, Flying Tiger, Solo Craft Fair and Waterstones.

Leadenhall Market’s mayoral connections stretch back to Lord Mayor Richard ‘Dick’ Whittington who gifted the original stone structure to the City of London in 1411. This was replaced with today’s iconic wrought iron and glass architecture in 1881. Dame Susan Langley’s attendance as the third woman to hold the mayoral office, and first ever to use the title Lady Mayor – will mark another historical moment for the City of London.

Leadenhall Market’s festive events programme continues with:

Christmas Walking Tours: Amid the Victorian splendour and twinkling lights of Leadenhall Market, visitors will hear stories of some of the market’s best-loved characters – from the medieval mayor who inspired a pantomime to the resident goose who once proudly patrolled its passageways. And it wouldn’t be Christmas without mention of Charles Dickens. Led by a City of London guide, the walks are suitable for all ages and will be held every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, priced £8.30, between 19 November and 10 December. Booking in advanceis required to secure a place.
Christmas Markets – Leadenhall’s much-loved weekend markets continue throughout the festive season, offering the perfect opportunity to find unique Christmas gifts – from handcrafted art and jewellery to vintage fashion and homeware. This year, three festive pop-ups provide even more reason to visit. The SoLo Craft Fair will take place on two Saturdays (Saturday 8 November and Saturday 13 December), showcasing handmade creations from independent artisans, while The Vintage Furniture and Flea Christmas Market (Sunday 30 November) invites retro enthusiasts to discover one-of-a-kind treasures with stories to tell.

Situated in the centre of the City of London’s financial district, the current Grade II listed Market building, designed by Sir Horace Jones, dates back to 1881. Its airy and light wrought iron and glass structure replaced the stone market previously created by Lord Mayor of London, Dick Whittington in the 15th Century. Now, the market is home to 23 restaurants, cafes and bars, which sit alongside 15 retail outlets, creating a hub for shopping and dining in the City. Leadenhall Market is owned and managed by The City of London Corporation.

Environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy today launches Fight Fly-tipping Fortnight, a national campaign urging the public to protect themselves and their communities from waste criminals, who lure people in with cheap rubbish removal deals on social media, only to illegally dump household waste in our streets, fields and public spaces.

New consumer research reveals that households are unknowingly fuelling the problem by failing to carry out basic checks when hiring someone to collect their rubbish.

According to the YouGov survey, less than half of respondents (46%) were aware they should check for a licence when hiring someone to take away rubbish and of those who were aware, only 13% have ever done so. Almost half (42%) of those who considered hiring someone to remove waste said they simply ‘trusted’ an operator based on their advert, while 19% said they used someone because they were recommended without checking their credentials

Meanwhile, the problem of fly-tipping is escalating rapidly. According to new research carried out by the charity with local authorities, almost three quarters (70%) say fly-tipping is now a ‘major problem’, more than half (56%) report that the issue has grown in the past year and a staggering 40% of fly-tips are now reported to be left by rogue traders rather than individuals.

Nationally, more than 1.15 million fly-tipping incidents were reported in 2023-24 by councils. With estimated costs to landowners and council tax-payers ranging from £100 million to £150 million for clearance and investigation, fly-tipping diverts significant funds away from vital services like schools, social care and parks.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Fight Fly-tipping Fortnight campaign aims to educate people about how to avoid falling for a #RubbishDeal. Featuring real-life CCTV footage supplied by local authorities, the campaign exposes rogue ‘house clearance’ merchants being caught in the act of dumping large quantities of household rubbish in fields, alleyways and lay-bys.

Keep Britain Tidy is urging anyone getting rid of stuff they no longer want to take three simple steps to avoid falling for a #RubbishDeal that leaves them, their community and their council paying the price.

Ask for a waste carrier registration number
Check it on the Environment Agency’s public register at (visit https://environment.data.gov.uk/public-register/view/search-waste-carriers-brokers or call 0300 065 3000)
Check you’ll get a receipt

Dr. Anna Scott, Director of Services at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Fly-tipping is a #RubbishDeal for all of us. For the public, for councils, for communities and for the environment. That cheap deal on Facebook or WhatsApp may look like a bargain, but it’s a false economy and it’s you and your community that end up paying the price.

“Fly-tipping isn’t just unsightly, it’s often linked to organised criminal networks making millions of pounds by exploiting gaps in enforcement and undercutting legitimate businesses. It’s a serious criminal offence, and we all have a part to play in stopping it. People need to know that they are responsible for what happens to their own waste, even if they’ve hired someone else to take it away. By doing simple checks and getting a receipt, people can protect themselves, protect their neighbourhoods and ensure public money does not have to spent on clearing up after criminals.”

Further findings of the consumer poll include:

Worsening community impact: More than a third of people (38%) say fly-tipping has increased in the past year and 61% say they feel angry when they see people’s old stuff dumped in their local area
Out of sight, out of mind. Only 1 in 3 (34%) would ask for a receipt or proof of the service when paying someone to remove their rubbish, and less than a quarter (23%) would check where items will be taken and how they will be disposed of.
Confusion over legal ‘duty of care’: Almost half of households (47%) believe the person they hired is responsible if rubbish is dumped illegally, while only one in five (19%) correctly understand that they remain legally responsible as the owner of the items.
Strong support for solutions: 86% of people said they would back schemes requiring retailers to collect old bulky items like sofas or mattresses when delivering new ones, helping to cut fly-tipping at the source.

Fight Fly-tipping Fortnight will run nationwide from 10^th– 23rd November, with local authorities across the country joining forces with Keep Britain Tidy to shine a spotlight on waste crime and share practical advice to help consumers avoid a #RubbishDeal.

To find out more, visit www.keepbritaintidy.org/fight-fly-tipping

Love Where You Live Heckmondwike campaign urges local dog owners to tackle hotspots and keep the town clean, green and proud

Local people in Heckmondwike have spoken out about the problem of dog poo blighting their streets and parks ahead of an activation by Keep Britain Tidy. The Love Where You Live Heckmondwike campaign is calling on dog owners to sign the Poo Promise, a pledge to always pick up after their pets, helping to tackle local hotspots and restore pride in the town.

With one in three residents (35%) saying unbagged dog poo is a problem in their area, and more than a quarter (27%) also concerned about bagged poo being left behind, the scale of the problem is clear. Keep Britain Tidy has identified the town’s hotspots for the issue, which includes places near schools and recreation grounds – where children, families and vulnerable residents should feel safe.

Heckmondwike resident, Sue, said, “I often see dog poo on the Greenway, or just the bags that people have discarded in the hedgerows or on the footpath. It’s SO lazy and unnecessary”. Fellow local, Anna added, “I see it on every walk, unfortunately. There is no excuse to not pick it up, or to pick it up and throw the bag where it does not belong. It’s not only a nuisance, it is a health risk to humans, wildlife and pets”.

Despite being unpleasant and antisocial, myths persist and some believe that leaving dog poo is ok if it’s out of the way of a public path or that it can be good for the ecosystem and that it washes away in the rain. However, the reality is that it lingers, contaminates soil, pollutes waterways and can spread harmful diseases among humans and wildlife.

Every day in the UK, more than 13.5 million dogs produce at least 1,500 tonnes of waste. Left behind, this waste poses real health risks, including toxocariasis, which can cause serious illness and, in rare cases, blindness.

Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, Chief Executive at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Love Where You Live Heckmondwike is about restoring local pride. Together, our small actions can make a big impact. We want everyone to feel proud to live here, and dog owners can play their part simply by picking up after their pets. The message is simple: there’s no excuse for leaving dog poo behind. We want to make Heckmondwike’s streets and green spaces clean, safe and welcoming for everyone. We’re reminding dog owners, there’s no such thing as the poo fairy, and asking them to sign our Poo Promise to pick up after their pups.”

By signing the Poo Promise, dog owners are showing they care about their neighbours, their community and the places everyone in Heckmondwike shares. The promise can be signed online at: keepbritaintidy.org/poopromise

This autumn, London’s iconic Borough Market will be filled with the buzz of young traders, as local primary school pupils take over the Market’s historic stalls for the annual Young Marketeers Harvest Sale, taking place 11am – 1:30pm on 2 October 2025.

The Young Marketeers programme gives children the opportunity to get their hands in the soil and discover where their food comes from. With the support of food educators and Borough Market traders, pupils not only deepen their knowledge of healthy, seasonal, British grown vegetables, but have the unique opportunity to develop the skills needed to market and sell their own produce in Borough Market. The Young Marketeers programme is delivered by charities School Food Matters and Borough Market.

Previous research from Borough Market highlights just how valuable this education is. While children were generally familiar with common produce, with 95% able to correctly recognise carrots and strawberries, the easy-to-grow courgette and beetroot were identified by just 31% and 28% of children*. Initiatives like the Young Marketeers sale help close these gaps and broaden children’s food literacy.

Borough Market’s experienced traders play a crucial role in the programme, sharing their expertise to help students develop business know-how, presentation skills and the confidence to engage with customers. By passing on a legacy of knowledge about quality produce and customer service this project sets out to inspire the next generation of chefs, growers and market traders.

This Harvest Sale will once again support food redistribution charity Plan Zheroes. Since 2014, Plan Zheroes has worked with Borough Market traders to collect surplus food and deliver it to charities and community groups across London. Together, they have rescued more than 151,000kg of food, the equivalent of over 360,000 meals for Londoners in need. Dedicated volunteers visit the Market six days a week to ensure good food never goes to waste.

Alistair Maddox, CEO at Borough Market, said: “Harvest is one of the most special times of year at Borough Market and it’s a joy to see the next generation of Londoners taking their place behind our stalls. The Young Marketeers sale is more than just a fun day out – it’s a way of equipping children with food knowledge, cooking skills and the experience of running a business. As a charitable trust, sharing our love for good food with the community is at the heart of what we do, and this programme embodies that spirit.”

Stephanie Slater, Founder and Chief Executive of School Food Matters, said: “For nearly 15 years, the Young Marketeers programme has demonstrated the powerful impact of food education. Children not only learn how to grow fresh fruit and vegetables but also develop the skills and confidence to share that knowledge with their friends and family. Research shows that food education has lasting impacts on children’s health and wellbeing, which is why hands-on projects like this are so important. By giving children and young people the chance to experience food from seed to market stall we’re setting them up for healthier and happier futures.”

The Young Marketeers Harvest Sale will take place at Borough Market on 2 October 2025 from 11am – 1.30pm.

In-person BSL-interpreted tours available for the first time
The popular tours run for a limited time each year and typically sell out fast

Tower Bridge is inviting visitors to experience London’s defining landmark like never before, as its exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Tours return for a limited time only, this year with in-person British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted tour options. Tickets for the first release – tours taking place in November and December – go on sale this month.

Perfect for curious explorers, these expert-led tours offer a rare chance to go beyond the standard visitor route and delve into the Bridge’s inner workings, including access to areas usually closed to the public, such as the cavernous Bascule Chambers beneath the Thames, which allow for the movement of the huge counterweights used during Bridge Lifts. These limited-edition tours run on selected dates between November and March and sell out quickly every year due to high demand. This year’s tours are also Tower Bridge’s most inclusive to date, featuring the first-ever BSL-interpreted Behind-the-Scenes Tours, available on selected dates.

Chris Earlie, director of Tower Bridge, said: “These tours are an incredible opportunity to see the Bridge from the inside out; from the thrilling machinery that powers it, to the stories of the people behind its construction. Making this unique experience accessible isn’t easy due to the operational nature of the working Bridge but with the introduction of BSL interpretation, we hope to provide a more inclusive offer. Continuing to increase accessibility to such a historic icon reflects our commitment to removing barriers and creating unforgettable experiences for all our visitors.”

Martin Fox-Roberts, BSL interpreter, added: “Tower Bridge is such a powerful symbol, not just of history and engineering but of London itself. Collaborating with the team and further opening that experience up to Deaf people is incredibly meaningful. So many Deaf visitors miss out on the richness of historic places because information isn’t presented in a way they can fully engage with. Tower Bridge continues to develop its offer and with this latest BSL-interpreted tour continues to set a benchmark for other attractions to follow suit.”

Tower Bridge continues to enhance its accessibility across the whole visitor attraction, with a new BSL self-guided experience available to all visitors, delivered via Smartify, plus the introduction of ‘Quieter Time’ offering more times to experience the Bridge in a calmer environment. These sessions build on the Bridge’s existing Relaxed Openings and are designed for visitors who feel more comfortable in a less stimulating environment, including neurodivergent people, those living with dementia or sight impairment and their companions. These are in addition to the option to experience a Guided Tour with BSL, led by an expert guide and an accredited British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, and Deaf-led Guided Tours with John Wilson, an experienced Deaf guide – both available on selected dates.

While the Behind-the-Scenes Tours offer something truly unique, every visit to Tower Bridge delivers a memorable experience: from walking on the Glass Floors suspended 42 metres above the Thames and stunning skyline views from the High-level Walkways to stepping back in time in the atmospheric Victorian Engine Rooms.

Tickets for Tower Bridge’s Behind-the-Scenes Tours cost £80 per adult and £72.50 per child, with disabled adult tickets available at £75 per person. The November and December tour tickets go on sale this month, with January to March tour tickets released later this year. BSL-interpreted Behind-the-Scenes Tours will take place January-March, dates to be confirmed.

Sign up to the Tower Bridge newsletter to be the first to know when tour tickets are available. For more information, to book or to sign up for the email newsletter, visit: towerbridge.org.uk/events/behind-scenes-tour.

Alistair Maddox takes helm at London’s oldest food market
Nicole Casey joins as Director of Operations

London’s iconic Borough Market has today announced the appointments of Alistair Maddox as Chief Executive Officer and Nicole Casey as Director of Operations. From 1 September, the charitable trust’s strengthened senior leadership team will continue to champion sustainability, education and community, with unique, top-quality produce from expert traders at the Market’s core.

Following a rigorous selection process, Alistair’s appointment is backed by the Market’s Board of Trustees, its community of traders, and staff across all disciplines; reflecting Borough Market’s ongoing commitment to providing a world class food market for the community of London and beyond.

With over 20 years of experience across the food, property and market sectors, Alistair Maddox is widely respected for his people-first approach and ability to drive thoughtful innovation.

Incoming Borough Market CEO, Alistair Maddox, said: “Borough Market is more than just a collection of great food stalls, it’s a vibrant community supporting over 100 independent traders. Having spent years running some of London’s top destinations like Broadway Market and Brixton Village, I’m honoured to lead a trusted institution that creates a platform for small businesses to thrive and champions sustainability and education. I’m excited to build on this legacy with the talented businesses and staff who make this place so special.”

Joining Alistair is Nicole Casey as the Market’s incoming Director of Operations. She brings a strong background in operational leadership, venue management and public realm strategy and will lead the day-to-day running of the Market, working closely with traders, partners and the local community.

New Director of Operations at Borough Market, Nicole Casey, said: “I’m looking forward to working with our talented team and getting to know the diverse community that comes to shop, get expert tips and share a love of food at London’s oldest market. It’s such a unique place, and I’m excited to continue to honour its rich heritage while also being focused on the future development of Borough Market.”

Shane Holland, Borough Market’s chair of trustees, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Alistair and Nicole to Borough Market. This is a strong, values-led team, perfectly placed to guide the Market through our next strategic phase – to develop our position as a cultural and culinary landmark rooted in our charitable purpose.”

Borough Market, in its current form, was born out of the Food Lovers’ Fair held in the late 1990s, when passionate producers and discerning customers came together to reimagine the historic market space as a destination for high-quality, ethically sourced food. Since then, it has grown into a thriving six-day-a-week market, home to over 100 independent traders. Over the years, it has served as an influential platform for both established producers and emerging food entrepreneurs, many of whom have gone on to achieve national recognition – Neal’s Yard Dairy and Brindisa among them. This legacy of nurturing talent and championing food innovation has cemented Borough Market’s reputation as one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse food destinations.

Borough Market is run by a charitable trust, with responsibility for its day-to-day operation devolved to a dedicated senior management team. From delivering food education in schools and fostering sustainable practices, to nurturing a thriving network of independent producers, the Market is rooted in purpose, as is evident in its food policy and principles. At a time when resilient, community-led food systems are more vital than ever, the Market continues to serve as a leading voice in public food culture, sustainability and ethical enterprise.

For more information about Borough Market and its traders, visit boroughmarket.org.uk.

Keep Britain Tidy’s latest initiative sees 41% drop in littering behaviour

Have you ever left a newspaper on a public bench or an empty coffee cup at a bus stop? According to new research by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, more than one in four people (26%) in Heckmondwike admit to this behaviour – known as ‘careful littering’. But the message is simple: It’s still littering.

Now, as part of the Love Where You Live Heckmondwike campaign – a community-led effort to tackle litter and restore local pride – Keep Britain Tidy is challenging residents to rethink what littering looks like. And already, a 41% reduction in littering in areas running the ‘still littering’ behavior change intervention has been recorded in Heckmondwike since the campaign began.

Allison Ogden-Newton OBE, Chief Executive at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “You might think you’re doing the right thing or think it’s harmless to leave a bit of packaging neatly on a ledge or bench – after all you didn’t throw it on the ground. But it’s littering all the same and the damage is real.

“Litter not only wrecks the environment, but it also undermines our sense of pride, affects our mental wellbeing, makes us all feel unsafe and lowers property values. With Love Where You Live Heckmondwike and the effective initiatives across the town, we’re seeing that by working together, small changes in behaviour can make a big difference to everyone. Let’s keep that momentum going, don’t place litter anywhere and love where you live.”

A community on a mission

A recent local survey found more than a third (37%*) of Heckmondwike residents do not feel proud to live in the area, and national research by Keep Britain Tidy has shown that living in a heavily littered area can have a negative impact on our mental health*.

But there’s hope. Nearly half (44%) agree that people in the area are willing to work together to make a difference to the way the areas looks. Throughout the campaign, Heckmondwike will see:

School-led clean-up events
Litter-picking days
Business partnerships to keep public areas clean
Tackling of persistent problems such as dog mess, fly-tipping, and cigarette litter

The campaign is a pilot for best-practice litter reduction, with findings intended to shape recommendations for litter reduction efforts across the UK.

Litter reductions as a result of the interventions placed in Heckmondwike are being closely monitored by Kirklees Council, who are working closely with Keep Britain Tidy on the project.

Councillor Amanda Pinnock, Cabinet Member for Communities and Environment at Kirklees Council said:“Unfortunately littering has become a real issue in our communities and changing people’s behaviour about this is a really important part of our wider ambition to have a cleaner and greener Kirklees for everyone. Through our partnership with Keep Britain Tidy, this project in Heckmondwike aims to highlight how even the smallest and unintentional actions can still count as littering. By changing people’s behaviour about littering, we can have cleaner towns and greenspaces to enjoy for longer.”

Love Where You Live Heckmondwike is part of the Litter Pact project by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, with support from Kirklees Council, and leading food and drinks brands Coca-Cola, KFC, Mars Wrigley, McDonald’s and Nestlé with the aim of investing in research and programmes to reduce litter. The campaign is being closely watched as a test model for broader adoption across the UK.

• MP Kim Leadbeater presents cheque to Rainbow Baby Bank in Heckmondwike
• Residents raise funds by binning litter as part of Keep Britain Tidy initiative

The simple act of binning litter in Heckmondwike’s Market Square has raised £500 for a vital local baby charity, and it’s just the start of a community-wide campaign from Keep Britain Tidy bringing pride back to the town centre.

Part of the wider Love Where You Live: Heckmondwike initiative, which is inviting residents and businesses to reconnect with their community and play a part in making their environment cleaner, greener and more cared for, Bin it For Good sees good causes rewarded for local people’s responsible litter disposal. The first month of the campaign has seen an incredible 52% reduction in litter on the ground.

The more rubbish correctly disposed of in Market Square’s new smart bins, the higher the donation to a local charity — up to £500 per month. Rainbow Baby Bank is the first of three much-loved local charities, all nominated and voted for by Heckmondwike residents, which will benefit from the initiative. The more that locals and visitors bin their litter, the more money the charities will receive.

On presenting the cheque, Kim Leadbeater MBE, Labour MP for Spen Valley, said: “I’m thrilled to be able to present this donation. It’s inspiring to see such a simple idea making a big difference, both in keeping Heckmondwike cleaner and supporting brilliant local causes.”

Rainbow Baby Bank is a registered charity based in the heart of Heckmondwike town centre which helps disadvantaged families, both locally and across Kirklees, with new and pre-loved baby essentials.

Samantha Cottam, Rainbow Baby Bank Manager, said: “We all want to see a cleaner, tidier Heckmondwike and we’re doing this together by supporting this fantastic initiative. The money that has been raised, by simply disposing of rubbish, will make a huge difference to our charity. The number of families needing our help has increased dramatically due to the cost of living crisis. Small charities, like ours, need your support more than ever.”

Residents are encouraged to keep binning their litter in Market Square, with donations now supporting Brighter Grays and, from August, food bank Magic Wishing Well.

A spokesperson for Brighter Grays said: “We are very passionate about Heckmondwike as this is where our groups first began and where our office is now based. It feels like home to us! The ‘Bin it for good’ project is a fantastic idea which both means people re playing a part in keeping Heckmondwike tidy and also supporting Brighter Grays, ensuring we can continue to provide our much-needed service.”

Bin it for Good is the first of a year-long initiative inviting the local people of Heckmondwike to reconnect with their community and play a part in making their environment cleaner, greener and more cared for.

Love Where You Live Heckmondwike is part of the Litter Pact project by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, with support from Kirklees Council, and leading food and drinks brands Coca-Cola, KFC, Mars Wrigley, McDonald’s and Nestlé with the aim of investing in research and programmes to reduce litter. The campaign is being closely watched as a test model for broader adoption across the UK.

Students from 12 London primary schools sold school-grown fruit and veg at iconic market
All proceeds will be donated to redistribution charity Plan Zheroes, tackling food poverty

The Young Marketeers Summer Market Day returned to Borough Market on Thursday 3 July 2025, with 60 pupils from 12 London primary schools setting out their stalls in one of the capital’s most iconic food markets. The children sold a selection of fruit and vegetables they had grown from seed in their school gardens, raising a total of £730.08 for Borough Market’s food waste charity partner, Plan Zheroes.

The Young Marketeers programme, now in its 14th year, is a partnership between charity School Food Matters and Borough Market, itself a charitable trust. Through the programme, pupils not only learn how to grow fresh seasonal food, but they also gain first-hand experience of running a business and receive expert training from Borough Market’s traders on how to be confident and engage customers. The children joined traders such as Hickson & Daughter, Raya and Northfield Farm in March to learn what it takes to be a brilliant market operator.

This summer’s budding market traders offered up an impressive homegrown harvest, including beetroot, French beans, lettuce, salad leaves, peas, carrots and Chinese radishes, all nurtured by the children in their school gardens.

learned how to care for their crops with former Blue Peter gardener and horticultural expert Chris Collins. Each school also received a visit from a School Food Matters gardener to check on progress and give growing advice.

This year’s Summer Market Day continued to support the food redistribution charity Plan Zheroes. Since 2014, Plan Zheroes has been collecting surplus food from Borough Market’s traders and delivering it to charities and community groups across London. In that time the partnership has repurposed over 151,000kg of food and provided 360,594 meals for Londoners, with their volunteers visiting the Market six days a week.

The brief

The UK generates some of the highest levels of electronic waste in the world, with millions of unused devices sitting idle in homes. Virgin Media O2 and environmental charity Hubbub launched the Time After Time fund to spark practical behaviour change around tech repair, reuse and recycling, while also tackling digital exclusion. Barley was asked to raise national and local awareness of the fund and its community projects, drive participation and encourage people to take tangible action on e-waste.

Insights and approach

Our insight was clear: e-waste feels abstract until it becomes a local story. Communities needed to see the social and personal value of reuse — not just the environmental case.

We developed a targeted media-relations strategy rooted in real-world stories from the 18 funded projects. By tailoring press releases for regional outlets and elevating compelling human narratives — such as neurodivergent volunteers gaining new skills, or a refugee accessing education with a refurbished laptop — we created emotional connection and relevance.

Our outreach combined regional amplification with national and trade engagement, ensuring strong visibility for the fund’s impact and opportunities for public involvement. Close collaboration with project partners helped surface authentic case studies and barriers to participation, enabling us to frame repair and reuse as achievable, beneficial actions.

Our focused approach ensured every story worked hard to inspire change and spotlight the fund’s contribution to both environmental sustainability and digital inclusion.

Results

he campaign successfully shifted awareness of e-waste from a niche environmental topic to an issue with deep community relevance. Engagement was strong, with thousands taking practical steps such as donating unused tech or repairing devices — directly supporting the fund’s aims of reducing waste and increasing access to digital opportunities.

Projects reported immediate surges in device donations following media coverage, and several initiatives expanded their teams to create inclusive training and employment opportunities. By linking environmental action to skills, education and community support, the campaign delivered meaningful, lasting behaviour change.

Get in touch

The brief

Insights and approach

Results

3,000+

29k

6,000

75

95m