The pledge comes as part of Dalcour Maclaren’s newly published Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Impact Report 2025-26, which outlines progress to date and maps out further sustainability targets.

One highlight of the report is the company’s transition to 100 per cent renewable electricity across all offices under its control.

Francesca Herratt, chief financial officer at Dalcour Maclaren, said: “ESG is embedded in how we operate and how we make decisions.

“This report sets out where we are today – not just where we aspire to be – and establishes a clear baseline against which we will track progress year-on-year.”

Additional achievements include zero Scope 1 emissions, an 18 per cent reduction in energy use intensity, and the introduction of decarbonised heating systems.

The company has also enhanced its carbon measurement processes by establishing a baseline for business travel emissions.

Social impact is another focus, with a gender-balanced workforce and 23 per cent of employees in early career or ‘Earn and Learn’ roles.

Its employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) stands at +43, placing it in the upper tier globally.

On governance, the company has implemented a formal ESG framework aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and holds five ISO certifications.

James Neil, chief executive at Dalcour Maclaren, said: “Our ESG focus is more important than ever at DM, and our aim is to be leading this in our industry, working closely with our clients so that we achieve our shared goals.”

The retailer is rolling out a new Healthcare Ambassador Accreditation to 75 stores, with plans to expand further.

The scheme will equip trained staff to offer advice on minor health concerns such as coughs, sore throats, and headaches.

Customers will also be able to ask for guidance on over-the-counter treatments and supplements.

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Simon Comins, Superdrug’s chief operating officer, said: “People are increasingly looking for convenient, trusted support with everyday health concerns, and the high street has an important role to play.

“This programme builds on the strong foundations already in place across Superdrug stores, giving colleagues even greater confidence to help customers with everyday health needs and ensuring they offer clear, responsible advice at the right moment.”

Superdrug said demand for accessible health support continues to grow.

The eight-week training course is designed to give employees the confidence and knowledge to offer sound health guidance in-store.

Superdrug’s own research found 66 per cent of customers view health and beauty retailers as playing a growing role in everyday healthcare, and 65 per cent want more in-store support.

Customers are seeking support including advice on sleep, over-the-counter treatments, help with minor illnesses and symptoms such as sore throats, coughs and headaches, and guidance on vitamins and supplements.

Mr Comins added: “As demand for accessible healthcare support grows, it is important that our teams are equipped to respond safely and confidently.”

The company stressed the importance of clear, responsible advice being given at the right moment, especially as more people look to the high street for everyday support.

The scheme will continue to be rolled out to more Superdrug locations over the coming months.

The Rose & Crown in Ratley, near Banbury, closed unexpectedly in December 2024 for personal reasons and has been on the market for more than a year.

New owners Dee and Norm Knight-Barrett plan to reopen it as a “traditional British ‘pie and pint’ pub,” but first need to complete some refurbishments.

Mr and Mrs Knight-Barrett said on Facebook: “We wanted to reassure everyone that we intend to reopen The Rose & Crown as a traditional British pie and pint pub.

“There is quite a bit of work to do internally, in particular the cellar and kitchen.

“We want to offer the best beers and pies that we can so we need to carry out some upgrades.

“We will keep you posted with regard to progress so please bear with us.

“We are looking forward to meeting you all and making lots of new friends.”

The couple also shared plans for a pub experience shaped with community input, including theme nights, live music, a pool table, sports events, and food evenings like pizza, curry, and barbecues.

Rose & Crown is Grade II listed

The Rose & Crown is a Grade II listed building and is believed to have operated as a pub for more than 250 years.

No opening date has been set yet, as renovations are still underway.

The pub is 10 miles north of Banbury.