Around 70 dealers attended the weekend PBFA Oxford Book Fair at Oxford Brookes University held on April 18 and April 19.

These dealers were reportedly offering tens of thousands of rare, collectable and second-hand books, maps and manuscripts, including part of Ian Fleming’s James Bond series and by Jane Austen.

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Blackwell’s and Hatchards were among the sellers present at the fair with novels by Aldous Huxley and Virginia Woolf also up for sale.

Organised by Grace Barham and Tom Lintern-Mole of the Premier Book Fair Association, items were on offer from as low as £2 to over £1,000 with food and drink available from an on-site cafe.

The PBFA has further announced that there will be a one-day fair at Oxford Brookes again, on Saturday October 17.

The scheme, which pays cash directly into eligible members’ accounts, is set to expand after Nationwide’s takeover of Virgin Money – bringing millions more people into the fold.

Around half of Virgin Money’s 6.3 million customers became Nationwide members earlier this month, including those with current accounts, savings and mortgages.

But while many will be eager to see if they qualify this year, there’s a catch: the eligibility cut-off was in March, meaning new members may miss out on the upcoming payment.

Stephen Noakes, Nationwide’s director of retail, said: “The acquisition of Virgin Money enables us to expand the benefits of mutuality, and we look forward to sharing the additional value we can create for our new members.

“From exclusive savings rates to existing member benefits, we want there to be every reason to join Britain’s biggest building society, which continues to be the UK’s most switched to current account provider.”

Key details – including exactly how much will be paid and when – will be confirmed when Nationwide announces its financial results, expected on May 21.

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A statement from Nationwide clarifies: “Nationwide’s Board will decide on a Fairer Share payment for 2026 and it will depend on our financial performance.

“That assessment will be made after our financial year end, with the eligibility criteria for this year being agreed then too.

“The decision will be announced as part of our full year results in May.”

Salute has appointed Dale Harding as Managing Director for Capital Projects and Professional Services, adding a senior executive to its data centre services business.

Harding brings more than 30 years of experience in fit-out, contracting and new-build roles. He will oversee capital projects and professional services as Salute expands its work with data centre customers.

His appointment gives Salute a senior leader with a long background in construction and interiors-related businesses. The company’s clients span hyperscale, enterprise and colocation operators, and it says it works with around 80% of data centre operators globally.

Before joining Salute, Harding spent five years as Pre-Construction Director at Make One Group, where he was responsible for growth strategy, commercial and risk planning, and project development and delivery.

Earlier in his career, he held senior roles including Commercial Director at BW: Workplace Experts, Managing Director at Od (Interiors) and Managing Director at Mitie (Interiors). His background centres on project delivery, commercial oversight and client relationships across complex built-environment work.

Expansion push

The hire comes as Salute grows in EMEA, driven by demand for AI-related infrastructure and sustainable services. Both have become central to investment across the data centre sector as operators respond to rising computing needs and pressure to improve energy efficiency.

That backdrop has increased demand for companies that can support data centres through multiple stages of development and operation. Salute focuses on lifecycle services, supporting operators from construction and commissioning through to ongoing operations.

Harding’s remit reflects that market shift. Capital projects have become more prominent as developers and operators race to add capacity, while professional services are gaining importance as customers seek support with planning, risk, delivery and long-term operational requirements.

Commenting on his appointment, Harding highlighted the sector’s momentum. “In my opinion, the data center industry is just about the most exciting place to work right now,” said Dale Harding, Managing Director, Capital Projects and Professional Services, Salute. “So, to join Salute, which is defining the next generation of data centers, is an amazing opportunity.”

Acquisition effect

Salute has also been active in acquisitions over the past 18 months. Harding said those deals have strengthened the company’s position and helped shape a broader story for customers across regions.

“The acquisitions Salute has made over the last 18 months have put it in a stronger position than ever. I am excited to tell this cohesive story to our customers across the globe,” he said.

His arrival also adds senior experience in commercial planning and risk management at a time when the cost and complexity of data centre development remain under close scrutiny. New facilities require significant capital investment, while operators face pressure to build quickly despite supply chain constraints, labour availability challenges and sustainability targets.

Against that backdrop, specialist service providers are seeking deeper relationships with customers that want fewer suppliers and more integrated delivery models. Salute said Harding will help strengthen customer partnerships and improve collaboration across its global operations.

Chief Executive Officer Erich Sanchack said Harding’s background would support the company’s next phase of growth. “Dale’s experience will be invaluable for helping Salute deliver world-class end-to-end data center lifecycle solutions,” said Erich Sanchack, Chief Executive Officer, Salute. “His expertise in promoting trust between customers and the business will be instrumental as we continue to provide sustainable and comprehensive services for data centers globally.”