September has always held a special place in my heart. It feels as though here’s an unmistakable shift in the air—a gentle reminder that change is upon us.

There’s a sense of renewal, much like a second New Year. The back-to-school buzz lingers, even if our school days are long behind us, reminding us that it’s never too late to learn something new or start fresh.  

September, more than any other month, has a way of making us pause, reflect and reset. It’s a bridge between the sun-soaked days of summer and the cosy embrace of autumn, during which every crisp morning and dark night hints at the merry months ahead.

It’s also a time to reconsider our goals, to reorganise our lives and look ahead with optimism, taking stock of what we have gained, accomplished and made it through in the eight months before us.

In this issue, we’re embracing all that September represents. From giving you the lowdown on the latest openings and new seasonal menus from the world of food, drink and hospitality to shining a light on the best autumn networking events for your diary, we’ve curated the best content to help you make the most of this time of year.

We also reveal upcoming plans and inspiring success stories from our region’s hardworking BIDs, provide expert advice from the worlds of PR and property investment, share the stories behind some of the best-loved creatives on our doorstep and let you in on what we’re watching, reading and listening to this month – from powerful podcasts and TED Talks to must-read books.

All this, plus uplifting tales from the worlds of technology, energy, construction and more, along with exclusive interviews from some of the most successful and influential business figures in the region.

So, as we step into September together, let’s embrace this new chapter with optimism and a sense of adventure. The cosy months are calling, and I, for one, can’t wait to answer.

As always, a big thank you to you, our loyal readers and valued clients, for your ongoing support.

Happy reading.