5 - 2026 | Chalmers News PR

Local journalist bags fifth national award after being named an Influential Woman In Business

Posted on May 28, 2026 by admin

Amanda Chalmers, award, Innervision Media

A local journalist of three decades has been named an Influential Woman In Business after celebrating her latest award.

Amanda Chalmers was recognised by Innervision Media for her excellence in PR & Communications consistently delivered by her company Chalmers News PR, based in Warwick.

It is ‘in recognition of demonstrating exceptional dedication, professionalism and influence in delivering impactful journalism, strategic public relations and high-quality communications services.

The recognition also ‘honours a continued commitment to excellence, creativity and meaningful storytelling, setting a high standard within the communications industry and making a lasting impact through trusted and effective PR solutions.’

Amanda Chalmers, award, Innervision Media

The news brings Amanda’s impressive national awards tally to five, since launching her business seven and a half years ago.

The former journalist’s 30 years in the regional press, culminated with a stint in the Stratford-Upon-Avon Herald editor’s chair between 2014 and 2018, before launching the agency, which specialises in affordable cross-sector PR for small businesses and start-ups as well as charities and not-for-profits.

It follows her recently celebrating being named among the Top 10 Businesses From Home in the UK Small Business Awards, in December, as well as the Ladies First Excellence In Media Award in 2023 and 2025 as well as the Woman Who Awards ‘Achieves In Media’ category gong in 2024.

UK-based Innervision Media focuses on recognising individuals and businesses making a genuine impact in their industry, bringing over 30 years of combined experience across media, PR and awards research.

The company’s Matthew Scott said: “We look at a combination of research, industry presence and overall impact. This includes consistency, how a brand is positioning itself, and the results it is delivering. We also take into account future potential and direction, not just past achievements.

“We have recognised a wide mix of founders, directors and growing brands across sectors such as PR, property, finance, health and the creative industries. In most cases, it comes down to people doing strong, consistent work and building something with long-term value.

He added: “Amanda stood out to our editorial team for her approach to PR, which feels both thoughtful and genuine. Through Chalmers News PR, she has built a strong reputation for helping brands communicate clearly and position themselves effectively in their market.

“It goes beyond visibility and focuses on making sure the message connects. That balance between creativity and results is what really stood out, along with the consistency in her work and a clear sense of long-term direction.”

Amanda worked on newsdesks in and around Warwickshire, including the former Nuneaton Tribune and Rugby Advertiser, and, as deputy editor at the Daventry Express and Buckingham and Winslow Advertiser series before joining the Herald.

Amanda Chalmers, award, Innervision Media — Amanda was also named among the Top 10 Businesses From Home in last year’s UK Small Business Awards.

She said: “I’m incredibly proud to be recognised nationally for my work once again, particularly in what must have been a very strong field. And the judges’ comments indicate they understand the important ethos that drives my work.

“While my greatest reward is spotlighting and celebrating my clients’ successes, it is a joy to feel that same sense of achievement myself. Onwards and upwards together!

Professional landscape gardener introduces ancient practices which turned his life around

Posted on May 28, 2026 by admin

Connor Healy, Healy Garden Design, numerology — Photos by Carol Bailey Photography.

A Solihull entrepreneur, who credits numerology with getting his life back on track, is believed to be the first in the UK to now offer it as part of his landscape gardening service.

Connor Healy has introduced the personalised garden mapping, also incorporating astrology and feng shui, which he claims is leaving clients feeling better about their gardens – despite some initial scepticism.

The move has been triggered by recent mental health battles for the 31-year-old who is now determined to pass on his new-found knowledge for the benefit of his Healy Garden Design customers.

Connor Healy, Healy Garden Design, numerology

All these practices are rooted in ancient and divine beliefs around the relationships with numbers, energy flow, elements and celestial cycles.

The launch of his business, eight years ago, marked a return to the trade for Connor who discovered his green fingers as young as two years old, helping his dad’s business in the summer holidays. It had been after several unfulfilling roles in sales and retail that led him back to pursue his own independent entrepreneurial ambitions.

He started out by mowing lawns, eventually responding to customer requests for other gardening services and soon growing to take on permanent staff, Ashton Box and Astley Meadows, both from Redditch.

Connor Healy, Healy Garden Design, numerology

But it was Connor’s own personal journey of healing – and a triple diagnosis of ADHD, autism and diabetes – that led him to launch this latest chapter – which he claims is unique among the trade.

He said: “I had grown the business so much that I couldn’t manage it and it came to a point where I didn’t know how to deal with it anymore and kept burning out. I couldn’t understand why.

“I would tend to catastrophise over every little thing while trying to manage expectations of customers and employees, as well as facing financial struggle.

“I was just moving forward without direction. I almost felt like my mind was scattered. And because of the hormone imbalance with the diabetes, and then with the ADHD and autism, I think it all just became too much to navigate.

“But the diagnoses did answer a few questions and, in particular, helped me understand that as you put systems into business, you also need to put systems into yourself. Habits, values etc. are so, important.”

Numerology is the mystical study of the numerical vibrations behind numbers, letters, and symbols, often used to understand personality, life purpose, and future cycles. Rooted in the belief that all things are interconnected numerically, it uses a person’s birth date and name to calculate core numbers – most notably the Life Path Number – which reveal insights.

Determined to share his numerology knowledge with as many as possible, Connor has also reaches out to people online in need of support. And, this month, he launched his new Numerical Profiling website. www.numericalprofiling.co.uk.

“I really love trying to teach people about this, because it’s helped me understand my patterns, and I take great reward in seeing how it can help others. I realised I could also use it as part of their design vision for their gardens. The readings help you to align your outdoor space with the life you want to lead,” he said.

“The mapping helps my customers make better decisions so making a better long-term investment in their garden and it leaves people feeling more of a sense of achievement. They often tell me afterwards that they feel proud of it because it feels exactly the right fit for them.”

“The free energy readings provide an added element to my work which builds trust quicker because it’s giving them something that no other landscaper does.”

By also adopting Feng Shui (which translates as ‘wind water’), Connor ensures harmony, balance and positive energy flow are optimised in the garden by adjusting furniture layout, incorporating the right natural elements and minimising clutter. While astrology takes into consideration the importance of the sun’s movements as well as aspects of the person’s personality.

But Connor admits it’s a leap of faith for many of his customers, adding: “I think the sceptics will always be sceptics but most people embrace it. I haven’t come across a single person who says the reading is wrong. They’ve agreed afterwards it makes total sense.

“Sometimes certain things aren’t working for them in their garden but they don’t know why and this is where the energy reading reports come in. I give them an angle that no one else offers.”

Connor says he knows his dad, and former mentor, who died in December, was supportive of the successful business he went on to build.

He said: “Dad had taught me a lot but I have also learned a lot as I’ve gone along. I know he was proud of me because other people have told me. It’s been a steep learning curve but now the mapping service has given both the business – and myself – a new lease of life.”

New chapter as popular town centre pub reopens its doors

Posted on May 15, 2026 by admin

The Courthouse, Rugby, Machan Pubs — Hari Shankarkrishnamurthy and The Courthouse team.

The Courthouse pub in Rugby reopened it doors under new ownership on Monday (11^th) following a huge £350k refurbishment.

It marks a rousing return to the town centre after 16 months for the formerly popular venue which is set to become an entertainment hub with live music, late-night DJ, retro games and Sky Sports showing all the major tournaments on big screens.

Behind the project are Heineken-owned Star Pubs and the newly-formed Machan Pubs portfolio, which also includes The George at Kilsby and the Old Lion at Harborough Magna.

It’s an exciting new venture for operator Hari Shankarkrishnamurthy who perfected his skills working at top hotels across the world, from Dubai and India to Singapore and The Cayman Islands as well as cruise ships.

Since moving to the UK he’s enjoyed spells in senior kitchen roles at Birmingham Hilton Metropole; Walton Hall in Wellesbourne; The Belfry and Resorts World in Birmingham, where he managed head chefs at five outlets across the site.

Hari said: “The Courthouse is designed to offer a true sports bar experience, bringing together big screens, great sound and an atmosphere the builds with every game, whether it’s football, rugby, cricket, the big fight or major sporting events from around the world.

The Courthouse, Rugby, Machan Pubs

“The design and concept of the pub is to create a sort of mini Albert Schloss with live music and late-night entertainment until 2am.

“There has been a huge buzz around the reopening and we are very excited to finally show off this stunning new space which is sure to be a hugely welcome addition to the town centre.”

The North Street pub, which has created 25 jobs, features a spacious bar and lounge/dining area and has taken on a new contemporary look, incorporating exposed brickwork and herringbone flooring. Outside has also undergone an overhaul, with covered areas for year-round use, summer barbecues, a Mr Whippy ice cream machine and huge outdoor screen, just in time for the World Cup.

The Courthouse, Rugby, Machan Pubs

An extensive pan-Asian-inspired menu, running throughout the day, is overseen by Executive Chef Durai Kaliyaperumal, who has relocated to the UK after 15 years of working in top restaurants in Dubai.

It is complemented by a varied drinks menu of barista coffee, premium lagers, wines and soft drinks as well as an array of cocktails, including five signature recipes!

The day-to-day running of the bar is in the experienced hands of manager Jai Lingham who brings more than 20 years of working in hospitality and tourism around the world.

He said: “When I heard about the Courthouse I immediately bought into their vision. This property stands out as a signature of the city pub scene and there’s hardly anywhere that offers pan-Asian cuisine in the area.

“There is a definite anticipation around the relaunch. Everyone I talk to is excited to see it open its doors again – and with a fresh new look. This is going to be a happening place in Rugby. I really look forward to welcoming in former regulars as well as new faces as we re-establish our place as the go-to entertainment and food venue in the local community.”

The Courthouse menu is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, between 8am and 9pm every day while live music nights are served up every Thursday (RnB and Hip Hop), Friday (80s) and Saturday (noughties) from 7-9pm followed by a DJ until 2am.

The doors fling open at 12pm on Monday. For more information and the latest entertainment line-up visit HERE.

Join Coventry’s Foodbank team for the Foodbankathon and Treasure Trail

Posted on May 7, 2026 by admin

Feed The Hungry, Coventry Foodbank, Foodbankathon

Volunteers are being sought to take part in The Great Coventry Foodbankathon to raise awareness and vital funds for the charity at a time of increased need.

Coventry Foodbank is inviting members of the public to take part in their annual event, which this year spans a week of raising funds and awareness for the charity, including a new Family Treasure Hunt.

The 34 km route stops at all of the city’s 15 foodbank centres and central distribution hub, starting from St Catherine’s Church in Stoke Aldermoor and finishing at St Stephen’s Church in Canley.

Individuals and businesses are also being invited to sponsor the Foodbankathon, which takes place on Saturday, May 30^th, and are hoping to raise significant funds in support of the Foodbank.

Feed The Hungry, Coventry Foodbank, Foodbankathon — Feed The Hungry’s Rich Smith takes part in a previous year.

This year they have also introduced a free Foodbankathon Family Treasure Hunt running throughout the week, inviting people to hidden treasures en route as they explore the city using their smartphone. For more information or to register visit: coventryfoodbank.org.uk/treasurehunt

People are being invited to join the walking team, led by Foodbank founder Canon Gavin Kibble MBE.

He said: “We’re facing unprecedented times as the cost of keeping Coventry foodbank running is an increasing financial challenge. The Foodbankathon is an important event to raise awareness and vital funds.

Feed The Hungry UK, Coventry Foodbank, Foodbankathon — The Treasure Hunt is a new feature of the Foodbankathon this year.

“With food prices on course to be 50 per cent higher by November than they were at the start of the cost-of-living crisis in 2021, it is not surprising that donations to the foodbank have decreased whilst demand for its services has increased.

“That’s not a sustainable position for the foodbank, so we’re asking the general public to donate food and money so we can help families struggling to put food on the table.”

Last year over 22,000 people in Coventry needed to use a foodbank. The cost of living squeeze is meaning that hundreds of people are needing to use a foodbank in the city every week. Over 250,000 people have received food from the Foodbank in the 15 years since it was founded.

Gavin added: “If you don’t fancy taking part and aren’t able to give money, you can help by raising awareness of the Foodbankathon and, on the day, you are welcome to come and cheer-on those doing the walk.”

The Treasure Hunt is a new feature of the Foodbankathon this year.

Businesses interested in sponsoring The Great Coventry Foodbankathon are invited to contact: fundraising@coventryfoodbank.org.uk

The route will take in the 15 Coventry foodbanks, The Cathedral, Coventry Building Society Arena and the central distribution warehouse as follows:

St Catherine’s Church, Stoke Aldermoor
John the Divine Church, Willenhall
The Halo Centre, Binley
Walsgrave Baptist Church
Coventry City Mission
St Laurences Church
Coventry Building Society Arena
Holbrooks Evangelical Church
St Francis of Assisi Church
Foleshill Baptist Church
RCCG Holy Ghost Zone
Christian Life Ministries
Coventry Cathedral
Authentic Church, Lamb Street
Queens Road Baptist Church Centre
Allesley Park Evangelical Church
Our Lady of The Assumption RC Church, Aldermans Green
Canley, St Stephen’s Church

There are different variations that someone wanting to take part can opt to do – a shorter walk between two or more foodbank centres; the 34km traditional Foodbankathon route or ‘The Loop’ – starting and ending at the same foodbank centre, which totals around 42km, the distance of a Marathon.

Participants can choose their own start time and route maps can be downloaded from the website. More information about taking part or donating is available HERE.

* Please be aware that the suggested route for the Foodbankathon uses public roads. It is the participants’ responsibility for their own safety when taking part in the event. Coventry Foodbank cannot bear any responsibility for the safety of participants taking part.