The build up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve is always a busy time for the industry and this year will be no exception. It’s also a good time to look back and reflect on the events of the last 12 months. In this issue, Alix Partners take a look back over the last 12 months in M&A and columnist Dom Walsh chooses his annual awards. It’s also been a year of challenges. Peter Martin dives into the challenge of hiring and retaining talent, while Georgia Cronin examines the dangerous world of allergens. But as ever, there is cause for optimism. Steve Gotham looks at the ever popular Nando’s, and our exclusive interviews with the new CEO at Paul, Mark Hilton, and Coco Di Mama MD Jim Attwood, reveal bright plans for the future.