Rhubarb Seating, based in Oxfordshire, earned the title in Design Conformity’s 2026 industry report, which assessed the sustainability performance of more than 170,000 furniture businesses across the UK and Europe.

It was one of only four UK companies to receive the ‘Leader’ classification, reserved for just 0.1 per cent of those evaluated.

David Matthews, director at Rhubarb Seating, said: “Rhubarb has always got one eye on refurbishment and future-proofing when developing a product, focusing on making it easy to reupholster, repair and re-use.

“Being recognised above most of the sector’s biggest names validates what we’ve always believed: good design and sustainable design are the same thing.”

The recognition follows independent verification of Rhubarb’s Cantay and Banquette seating ranges through Design Conformity’s Carbon Efficiency platform.

Both products achieved C3 Carbon Efficiency Ratings, reflecting strong performance in planned reuse.

The analysis found the Cantay 2-Seater Sofa had a verified carbon footprint of 60.99kg CO₂e, while the Banq Medium Back Straight unit recorded 69.48kg CO₂e.

Mr Matthews said: “There is definitely something inherently beautiful about a board of timber, utilised to its maximum, to create the component elements of a piece of furniture.”

Certified products are now listed on the Design Conformity directory.

Widmore Park in Sonning Common, Oxfordshire, is once again backing Rotherfield United Walking Football Club and will provide two new goalposts as well as tournament shirts for the entire squad as part of its sponsorship.

The support builds on a growing partnership which has previously included sponsorship of a charity music event to help raise funds for the club’s nominated charities.

Ian Beale, a member of Rotherfield United Walking Football Club, said: “Sponsorship from Inspired Villages has been a very welcome boost to our club.

“We are a thriving Walking Football club but Inspired Villages support enabled us to buy new goals and a set of great new shirts which are used in monthly league matches.

“As we celebrate our 10th anniversary in 2026, we are looking to continued success and fun future years too.”

Widmore Park, owned and operated by Inspired Villages, is set to open this summer.

Georgina Ackary-Hawthorn, village manager at Widmore Park, said: “Rotherfield United Walking Football Club has been a fantastic community partner from the very beginning.

“Supporting the walking football team feels like a natural next step, as it reflects everything we stand for at Inspired Villages.

“We’re excited to see how this partnership continues to benefit both the team and the wider community.”

Widmore Park will offer 133 sustainable homes for residents aged 65 and over.

It will also feature communal amenities including a restaurant, café, hair salon, wellness centre, and fitness studio.

Knights has welcomed Rachel Khiara and Helen Close as partners, joining the firm’s corporate and property litigation teams respectively.

Ms Khiara, a corporate law specialist, advises on LLP and partnership law, SRA regulations, M&A, and private equity within the legal sector.

Her clients include professional services firms, fund managers, and family-owned businesses, whom she supports on governance, profit-sharing arrangements, partner exits, and complex cross-border matters.

Rachel Khiara, partner at Knights, said: “I’m delighted to be joining Knights at such an exciting time.

“Its ability to balance national growth with a strong local presence is one of the reasons I decided to make this move – alongside the chance to work with such a talented corporate team in Oxford and nationally.

“I’m also looking forward to embracing the firm’s unique one team approach and work with colleagues from across the Knights network to deliver the best possible experience for our clients.”

Ms Close brings extensive experience in property disputes and telecoms, with a background in advising corporate occupiers, landlords, and public sector bodies.

She also has expertise in the Electronic Communications Code and telecoms litigation.

Helen Close, partner at Knights, said: “It is clear that Knights is very much on an upward trajectory, and I’m thrilled to be joining at such an exciting time.”

Knights is the largest legal and professional services business built for the UK regions, with 1,400 professionals working collaboratively nationwide.