A Nottinghamshire motor dealership has gone viral after stepping up its social media content and clocking up millions of views for its light-hearted videos. From showroom sprints to musical-theatre flair and impressive acrobatics, NK Motors has proven that car sales social media content does not have to stay in the slow lane. The business, which operates across Chilwell, Long Eaton, and Derby Pride Park, says its online audience has grown rapidly since it brought marketing in-house and gave its team the creative freedom to produce what it openly admits is ‘wacky, weird and wonderful’ content that steers away from traditional motor trade promotion. Sanj Kumar, managing director of NK Motors, said: “We wanted our social media to reflect the energy, enthusiasm and personality of our teams across the business. What is being achieved resonates with our existing customers, who already praise us for our friendly, forward-thinking attitude." “Team members are being recognised locally for their part in the posts and the content is drawing in new customers with some even asking if they will feature in content during their visit to the showroom.” The team manages the full digital ecosystem, including content for all social platforms and the company website. Sanj said: “Our marketing team are fully immersed in the business, with a deep understanding of the stock, people, and customer experience. This intellectual investment means they can create more relevant content, and build a stronger, more recognisable brand identity across all channels.” After moving away from traditional car sales posts, NK Motors says across all platforms, its social media content has generated about 4.6 million views this year, with thousands of new followers, around 100,000 profile visits and hundreds of enquiries linked directly to social media. Engagement has increased dramatically, with over 1,000 comments and strong interaction across posts and reels. The content is now consistently reaching new audiences, with leads increasingly generating themselves through organic visibility, and playing a direct role in bringing people into the dealership. The business has ambitious plans to continue scaling its digital presence over the coming months, with a target of reaching 10 million views this year. At the heart of the approach are digital marketer Alfie Adamson and brand ambassador Ruby Harwood. The duo’s viral handover videos have created distinctive voice, while behind-the-scenes clips and playful showroom run-arounds, have brought the show to the showroom. Alfie, who joined NK Motors shortly after Covid, has a strong understanding of the brand. He said: “We have shifted our focus toward ‘people content’, storytelling through humour, personality, and sharing the human side of dealership life with behind-the-scenes moments." "This approach has revolutionised what main dealer social media marketing looks like, with collaboration between marketing and sales helping bring campaigns and ideas to life. It has led to multiple viral moments across platforms.” One of the standout campaigns was the grand showroom opening of NK Derby, which marked a major milestone for the business and performed strongly across social platforms. Content such as the ‘silence of an EV reversing,’ used car handover videos and more recently, ‘how trustworthy are your salesmen?” are also entertaining viewers. The star of many of the videos is 24-year-old Ruby Harwood, a professionally trained musical theatre performer who joined NK Motors in March as a brand ambassador. She has combined her performance background with hospitality and social media experience to bring out-of-the-box ideas to the dealership’s channels. Ruby commented: “My personal favourite content to film is our ‘run around’ videos, where Alfie and I will think of a relevant question and literally run around to all departments for the answer. We don't take no for an answer, and my girly giggles make the grown men scared. I think that's what people find engaging." “As expected, the comment section has been a real mix. There have been so many kind and supportive messages recognising the work and effort I've put into learning about an industry that was completely new to me, and I'm incredibly grateful for that. Of course, there have also been some comments that focus on things other than the work itself, but my experience in the showroom couldn't be more different. I've been welcomed, supported, respected, and encouraged to learn by the people around me, which has been invaluable." “If anything, I hope this inspires more women to step outside their comfort zones and pursue opportunities in industries where they may feel outnumbered or inexperienced.” Ruby said: “What makes NK different is actually quite simple: young creative minds, creative freedom, a platform and a niche. Not everyone has an all-singing, dancing performer in their showroom, and I think that light, fun, happy energy might just be what the motor trade is missing.” “The future of NK is bright. That's for sure. My ambitions, as they always have been, are big and I would like to see NK Motors reach 10,000 Instagram followers by early 2027.” NK Motors says it will continue to grow its online presence with further campaigns, giveaways and event-led content over the coming months, Ruby added: “Watch this space for all things wacky, weird, and wonderful, with a chic twist, all whilst selling the product and creating a large, permanent audience." “I feel very proud of myself and the team for delivering the stats that we have so far. The growth is quick, at this point it's not about keeping up, it's about staying ahead. Whilst we have produced strong results, we know that social media is ever-changing, so getting comfortable isn't an option.” Follow NK Motors on Instagram @nk_motors

Ready for store exclusive offers, all the best decorating brands under one roof and an expert team on hand to serve all your decorating needs? Well, Brewers Eastleigh is now open. Located on Unit 5, Stanstead Road Trade Park, SO50 4RZ, the store is conveniently next to Toolstation and Screwfix. To celebrate the opening of the new store, we’re holding a competition for customers with a trade account. You could be in with the chance of winning a spray-painting product from Graco or Mirka. There’s free parking and our popular Collect Anytime service, featuring a simple, secure and convenient lockbox system. When ordering your goods, you'll be sent a code (unique to your order) by SMS so that you can access the secure lock box at a time that suits you. Don’t forget you can also place orders for Click & Collect on our website and we also offer delivery - free for our account holders. The store has a wide range of products in store, including tinting facilities from Duluxe Crown, Albany, Little Greene, Farrow & Ball, Zinsser, Isomat, Benjamin Moore and Johnstone’s, mixed specifically for you to take away the very same day. Brewers Eastleigh also features an inspirational showroom, filled with an array of designer paint brands and over 120 wallpaper books, giving you the confidence to choose your next scheme with ease. Head into Brewers Eastleigh where Tanya and the team will be there to give you a warm welcome and offer you the very best advice. Fancy 10% off your first two purchases plus free delivery? Sign up to a Brewers Pro Trade or DIY card.

Estates worth more than £10m appear to have driven the vast majority of the latest rise in inheritance tax liabilities, according to analysis by Irwin Mitchell. HMRC figures show that overall IHT liabilities rose by 5%, from £6.70bn in 2022/23 to £7.03bn in 2023/24, despite the number of taxpaying estates falling from 31,500 to 30,400. Irwin Mitchell’s analysis of the data suggests £10m-plus estates accounted for around £300m of the £330m increase. In 2023/24, 220 estates in this band paid an average IHT bill of £4.72m, implying total liabilities of around £1.04bn. In 2022/23, 202 estates in the same band paid £734m in total. This means fewer than 1% of taxpaying estates accounted for close to 15% of all IHT liabilities in 2023/24, underlining the growing concentration of the tax burden at the top end of the estate value range. The figures relate to estates passing on death in 2023/24, rather than current-year tax receipts, due to the time it takes for estates to be reported and processed. Irwin Mitchell says they still provide an important indication of where inheritance tax pressures were heading before major reforms to Business Property Relief, Agricultural Property Relief and pensions take effect. From April 2026, reforms to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief are due to restrict the availability of 100% relief. From April 2027, unused pension funds and death benefits are also set to be brought more clearly within the scope of IHT. Andrea Jones, Head of Irwin Mitchell’s Private Client Advisory team, said: “These figures may not provide a real-time picture of inheritance tax, but they give a useful indication of how liabilities were evolving before the latest reforms." “What stands out is the growing concentration of inheritance tax among a relatively small number of high-value estates. Estates worth more than £10m appear to have accounted for a significant share of the increase in liabilities during 2023/24. “With further changes to business relief, agricultural relief and pensions now taking effect, many families will want to review their succession plans and understand how those reforms could affect the transfer of wealth between generations.”

Cumbrian accountancy firm Lamont Pridmore is urging business owners and high earners to plan their transition into retired life. There are currently 1.4 million people over the age of retirement that still work within some capacity – a number that continues to increase year to year. This is mainly due to an increase in part-time work of people over the retirement age. Everyone has to prepare both financially and for their work life succession as retirement approaches, but perhaps because of the challenges of running a business, many business owners are taking a different approach to retirement. Lamont Pridmore has pointed out that in the UK a growing number of business owners are postponing traditional retirement and instead are opting for phased retirement plans. Often times business owners see their company as an extension of themselves, and the idea of stepping back completely can often be complex and undesirable. Graham Lamont is the Chief Executive at Lamont Pridmore, he said: “Many businesses owners aren’t just planning for retirement, they are planning for the upheaval of their life as they know it." “Owners will spend years building emotional attachments to their business as it grows, the concept of just walking away from that on one day can be scary." “However, we are urging business owners to not see retirement as a setback, but the start of the rest of your life" . “This is where phased retirement comes into play, owners can choose to work part time over several years or months until they are confident that their business can thrive without them there.” During phased retirement owners may start exploring options like partial sales, succession planning, consultancy roles or stepping into a chairperson position as a way to keep a foot in the door once they make their step into full retirement. Graham said: “Owners would rather gradually reduce their involvement in the company rather than just stop cold turkey. Phased retirement is emerging as a practical and appealing solution for owners to take a step back, it allows owners to maintain their sense of identity, support the businesses leadership transition and reduce sudden lifestyle adjustments associated with full retirement. “We want to encourage business owners to focus on the conversation around legacy, rather than just the exit.” A conversation with one of Lamont Pridmore’s experts can help you begin your retirement planning in earnest. Visit here for more information.

Family Business United (FBU) has announced the finalists for the Family Business Lifetime Achievement Award 2026, recognising individuals whose contribution to their family businesses and to the wider sector has been exceptional. The award celebrates a lifetime of dedication, leadership and impact, honouring individuals who have shaped their businesses across generations and who continue to inspire the family business community. This year's finalists are: Gerald Bloom - Owner and Chairman, Big Bear Plastic Products Ltd Matthew Pudney - CEO, Princebuild John J Smith Senior - Funeral Director, John J Smith Funeral Service & Monumental Masons Elizabeth Rose - Marketing Manager, Rose Calendars Mark Rutter - Co-Founder & Chairman, Open Study College John Lawson - Founder & Director, Lawsons Group Terry Peck - Managing Director, Capital Roofing Co Ltd Philip Miller MBE - Executive Chairman, Stockvale Group of Companies Nigel Gardener – Business Support Manager, RSP UK Wes Arbuckle - Co-Founder, LINIAN Commenting on the finalists, Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, said: "These awards are truly special and recognise some very special people within the world of family business. Each year the evening where they are all recognised and one becomes the overall champion is a pleasure to host with some incredible people joining us on stage for a moment of reflection and celebration for all that they have achieved." "All of the finalists deserve to be recognised and celebrated. They are what family business is all about – people with a dream, family values at the heart of what they do and above all they care. We look forward to celebrating with all of them and crowning the overall winner in due course.” The Family Business Lifetime Achievement Award forms part of the National Family Business of the Year Awards, run by Family Business United. The award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding and lasting contribution to their family business over many years, demonstrating leadership, resilience and a commitment to the values that underpin family enterprise. All of the recipients will be presented with their award during a gala dinner in London on September 16, 2026. Find out more and book your tickets to join us here

JCB's hydrogen-powered Hydromax streamliner clinched an SCTA speed record on the Bonneville Salt Flats – reaching 368.347mph at the world's leading land speed racing event. Driven by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE, the car set a new record in the Southern California Timing Association’s (SCTA) Blown Gas Streamliner (AA/BGS, 500+ cubic inches) class at Bonneville Salt Flats at 8:50am today (MDT), recording a speed of 368.347 mph. The success came as the engineering giant gears up for an official FIA world record attempt next week. The run was completed as part of the Southern California Timing Association's (SCTA) renowned Bonneville Speed Week, regarded as the world's premier land speed racing event, which requires teams to make two runs on consecutive days and takes the average of the maximum speeds reached. Lord Bamford | JCB Chairman commented: “To reach 368.347mph is a fantastic achievement for the whole JCB Hydromax team. It shows just what JCB’s hydrogen engines are capable of ahead of our outright FIA world record attempt. This project is about proving that hydrogen power can perform at the very highest level with zero emissions, and result is powerful evidence of that.” Andy Green, the fastest man on earth at 763.035mph and the only person to break the sound barrier on land, said: “It has been an absolute joy to be back on the salt, racing at Speed Week alongside some incredible teams. The Bonneville Salt Flats are the home of the World Land Speed Record, where racers get to push the boundaries of physics and innovation." "This record has given all of us huge confidence in the car, the team and the quality of the engineering. With our first record in the bag, we're now turning up the power on the engines, aiming to go even faster next week.” JCB Hydromax Project Leader Ryan Ballard said: “Speed Week is one of the most iconic and respected events in world motorsport, bringing together competitors from around the globe who share a passion for pushing the boundaries of engineering and performance." “We are immensely grateful to the Southern California Timing Association for the professionalism, expertise and enthusiasm with which they organise this unique event. The SCTA's commitment to land speed racing has created a platform where innovation can thrive and records can be challenged. It has been a privilege for JCB to compete here, and we'd like to thank everyone involved for making us feel so welcome as we strive towards even greater achievements on the Salt Flats.” Yesterday the 32 foot long, twin-engined JCB Hydromax recorded a speed of 367.141mph and reached a maximum speed of 369.554mph, giving an average speed of 368.347mph, setting a new SCTA record on the Bonneville Salt Flats. The result surpasses the previous SCTA record of 348.342 mph set by the Spectre Streamliner in 2010, marking the first time in 16 years the class record has been broken. With the SCTA challenge behind it and valuable data gathered, the JCB team is now focussing on next week's outright Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) world record bid, where the JCB Hydromax will attempt to write a new chapter in hydrogen-powered motorsport history. JCB Hydromax is powered by two of JCB’s own production-based hydrogen internal combustion engines. With the engines now being turned up towards their full combined output of 1,600hp, the team will look to build on this SCTA record as it prepares for the FIA record attempt next week. Bonneville Speed Week is the world's leading land speed racing event, run by the SCTA, which governs and verifies official class records at the event. Following Speed Week, the JCB Hydromax team is remaining at Bonneville to pursue officially recognised world records under the FIA, the global governing body for motorsport. The JCB Hydromax team has been running to a strict test programme, completing 44 runs to date, building speed and confidence in the car as they push the limits of hydrogen combustion technology and showcase British engineering to a global audience. JCB’s speed attempt comes ahead of the opening of the company’s new $500 million, one million sq. ft, 400-acre factory in San Antonio, Texas, which will employ 1,500 people, manufacturing machines for the US market. JCB has a long history of pushing the limits of speed. In 2006 JCB’s Dieselmax streamliner clinched the world diesel land speed record, reaching 350.092 mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats powered by two JCB diesel engines. In 2019, the JCB Fastrac tractor was crowned the world’s fastest tractor at 135.191 mph, while in 2014 the JCB GT set the world record for the fastest backhoe loader at 72.58 mph.

Supporters returning to Bromley Football Club for the new football season will be able to enjoy a newly refurbished Ravens' Nest bar, following significant investment by independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame. The brewer, which first became the National League club's official drinks supplier in 2022, recently extended its pouring rights partnership until 2032. The Ravens’ Nest project has been six months in the making and forms part of Shepherd Neame's ongoing investment in Bromley Football Club. Located within the fan zone, the container bar serves a range of Shepherd Neame beers on draught, including Spitfire Lager, Whitstable Bay Lager, First Drop and Orchard View Cider. It also offers bottled Singha premium Thai lager, brewed under license by Shepherd Neame, along with wines, spirits and soft drinks. The previous Bear Island branding has been replaced with a bold new Spitfire Lager identity, giving the popular bar a fresh new look and creating a vibrant destination for supporters on matchdays. The Ravens' Nest refurbishment has been delivered alongside the installation of three new bars in Bromley FC's new George Wakeling Stand, named in honour of the club's former manager. Accommodating almost 3,000 supporters, the stand is part of the club's ongoing programme of improvements to enhance the matchday experience. Shepherd Neame Chief Executive Jonathan Neame said: "We're delighted to unveil the new-look Ravens' Nest ahead of the new season. Our relationship with Bromley Football Club continues to go from strength to strength, and this latest investment reflects our shared ambition to enhance the matchday experience." "The new Spitfire Lager branding gives the bar a fresh new identity, while our extended partnership until 2032 demonstrates our long-term commitment to the club and its supporters." Bromley Football Club’s Chief Revenue Officer Mick Livesey said: “We are incredibly proud of our long-standing relationship with Shepherd Neame. The partnership is built on shared values, a passion for our community, and a commitment to creating memorable experiences for supporters." "The new Ravens’ Nest area is a superb space, and we are excited for fans to enjoy everything it has to offer.”

Family Business United (FBU) has written to the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP, calling for an urgent and substantive review of the changes made to Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR). The letter, sent on behalf of FBU and family business owners from across the UK, was posted today. Collectively the signatories generate an annual turnover of £2.4 billion, employ 17,162 people and have been trading for a combined 4,278 years, a striking illustration of the depth of experience and economic contribution held within the family business community. A Sector Too Significant To Overlook In the letter, Paul Andrews, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Family Business United, sets out the scale of the sector affected by the BPR and APR changes. Family businesses account for approximately 85 per cent of all UK businesses, number around 5 million firms, employ some 15 million people and contribute an estimated £575 billion to the UK economy each year. The letter argues that family businesses plan in generations rather than in electoral or financial cycles, and that the current rules penalise precisely that long term horizon. Owners are being asked to confront a significant tax liability with no corresponding cash crystallisation event to fund it, and investment decisions are already being shelved as a direct result. Risk Of Forced Sales And Lost Stewardship Family Business United warns that many family firms will be forced to borrow heavily or pay dividends simply to meet a tax bill of this scale, diverting funds away from investment, skills and job creation. Others, particularly those that have reinvested heavily in their long term future, will be forced to sell, often to private equity, public companies or overseas competitors that do not carry the same commitment to community, continuity and long term stewardship that family ownership provides. A Call For Review, Not Confrontation The letter is careful to recognise the fiscal pressures facing the Government and does not dismiss the need to raise revenue. Instead, it proposes that there are more effective and less damaging mechanisms available, including approaches that capture value at the point of a genuine sale following generational transfer, rather than at the point of succession itself. Family Business United has asked the Prime Minister to consider reversing the changes or to commission an urgent review of BPR and APR, with a view to designing a system that is fair, proportionate and compatible with the long term future of Britain's family owned businesses. The letter also offers to arrange meetings or business visits so that the Government can hear directly from affected owners. Commenting on the letter, Paul Andrews, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Family Business United, said: “Family businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, and the families behind them think in generations, not in tax years. The current rules around Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief punish exactly the kind of long term commitment the country should be encouraging." "We are asking the Prime Minister to pause, listen and work with us on a fairer approach, one that supports growth and continuity rather than forcing families to sell what they have spent generations building.” The letter represents a coordinated call from across the family business community, backed by owners whose businesses together generate £2.4 billion in turnover, support 17,162 jobs and represent 4,278 years of combined trading history. Family Business United will continue to campaign on behalf of the sector and will update members as soon as a response is received from Downing Street. Read the letter submitted here:

High net worth investors regard taxation and Government policy as the biggest threat to their wealth – way ahead of economic and geopolitical issues, new research from Wealth Club, the UK’s leading non-advised investment service for high-net-worth individuals, shows. Nearly half (47%) of the respondents cited higher taxes as the biggest threat to their wealth while more than a quarter (26%) highlighted Government policy as the biggest threat substantially ahead of geopolitical events (9%). Macroeconomic and market risks such as higher inflation and volatility were only seen as a threat by around 3% while 6% fear slow economic growth. Estimated average wealth of those surveyed is around £4.5 million. Investors are pessimistic on the economic outlook for the UK in general and on taxation, interest rates and inflation specifically. Seven in ten (70%) said they were not very confident or not confident at all about the UK economy over the next 12 months. Nearly six in ten (58%) expect the Bank of England to raise interest rates over the next 12 months, while nearly two thirds (63%) expect inflation to increase over the same period. Almost all (97%) believe taxes will definitely or probably increase over the next 12 months. They are most concerned (22%) about a rise in inheritance tax while 21% are worried about the introduction of a wealth tax and 18% about an increase in capital gains tax. They are more optimistic about the UK stock market – more than a third (34%) believe it is undervalued and offers attractive long-term investment opportunities while 36% believe it is fairly valued. Alex Davies, Founder and CEO of Wealth Club, said: "It is deeply worrying that millionaires now see tax and Government policy as a bigger threat to their wealth than inflation, market volatility or geopolitical events. That is an extraordinary finding and suggests confidence in the UK's economic direction is already at a very low ebb." “Investors understand that markets rise and fall. They can diversify, invest for the long term and take sensible steps to make their finances more tax efficient. But there is only so much individuals can do when the perceived threat to their wealth comes from Government policy itself." “Governments inevitably face difficult choices and must balance the public finances. However, they should also recognise that every increase in the tax burden and every policy change that makes Britain a less attractive place to save, invest and build businesses risks further undermining confidence." "That should concern ministers because confidence is ultimately what drives investment, entrepreneurship and long-term economic growth.”

Mayfair's oldest surviving pub is set to begin an exciting new chapter as the Coach and Horses undergoes a major refurbishment designed to enhance the customer experience while preserving the character and heritage that have defined it for almost 300 years. Just a stone's throw from Berkeley Square, the Grade II-listed Coach and Horses in Hill Street has welcomed generations of customers since 1744, earning its reputation as one of London's most authentic and characterful traditional pubs. The pub closed on Saturday (August 1), and will reopen on Tuesday, August 25 following completion of the refurbishment. Independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame has carefully planned the project to celebrate the pub's rich heritage while sensitively refreshing it for the future. Externally, the building will undergo a complete redecoration, featuring a bespoke handcrafted swing sign and a traditional red lantern above the entrance. The pub's iconic barrels will remain at the heart of its outdoor space, complemented by new heated awnings to ensure customers can enjoy the terrace throughout the seasons. Inside, refreshed décor, new flooring, wall finishes and carefully chosen furniture will create a warm and welcoming environment, while the pub's much-loved listed bar will be carefully preserved. The customer toilets will also be fully refurbished as part of the project. The reopening will also see the launch of a new food offer centred around speciality flatbreads and charcuterie boards, complementing Shepherd Neame's range of award-winning Kentish ales and lagers, premium English wines, spirits and soft drinks. Shepherd Neame’s Retail Operations Director Shane Godwin said: "The Coach and Horses is one of London's great historic pubs, and we're delighted to be investing in its future." "Our aim is to preserve everything that makes this pub so special while creating an experience that reflects modern Mayfair. The refurbishment will respect the building's remarkable heritage while enhancing the food and drink offer, improving customer comfort and ensuring the Coach and Horses continues to thrive for generations to come." "We look forward to welcoming customers back when we reopen later this month to enjoy the next chapter in the story of Mayfair's oldest surviving pub." The project forms part of Shepherd Neame’s ongoing investment in its premium London estate, following refurbishments at the Hoop and Grapes, The Tom Cribb, The Westminster Arms, The White Horse and Bower and the acquisition of the Bishops Finger in Smithfield. Find out more here.

A highly popular aviation display is returning to Windermere this September in a partnership between a spa hotel resort and the flight crew of the historic seaplane, Waterbird. Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa will be the take-off station for the renowned seaplane, an exact replica of the prototype which first flew from Windermere in 1911. Subject to weather conditions, the seaplane’s demonstration flights will take place on the evenings of 4 and 5 September 2026. In preparation for the ‘Wings over Windermere’ flight displays, Waterbird will taxi along the shoreline to the spa resort waterfront. The aircraft will then take off from the water in front of spectators on Low Wood Bay’s lawns and fly at heights of up to 100 feet. Displays begin at 6:45pm on both evenings, with the bonus of a flypast by an aircraft of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight scheduled to take place between 5:15pm and 5:45pm on 4 September. There will also be a flypast from another seaplane, the Aviat Husky, and the displays will benefit from a professional commentator. After each display, spectators and aviation enthusiasts can meet the Waterbird pilot, chief engineer, flying display director and event organiser to chat with them about the seaplane project in the conference centre at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa. This year's Waterbird pilot is Lieutenant Commander Chris Gotke, a serving Royal Navy pilot and graduate of the Empire Test Pilots' School at Boscombe Down, where he leads fixed-wing operations. English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues managing director Ben Berry says: “Seaplanes are a big part of Windermere’s heritage and my late grandfather Michael Berry OBE had a passion for the Short Sunderland flying boats. He even went as far as fitting out a boat of his own with sonar equipment in a bid to track down the wreckage of the Sunderland aircraft scuttled on the lake at the end of World War II." “He was also involved in a campaign to establish commercial seaplane operations from the lake to boost tourism." “I know he would have taken immense pride in seeing Waterbird flying in front of the resort and our overall support for the project. That’s just one reason the team and I at Low Wood Bay are so proud to be supporting the Windermere Waterbird flying displays with our event hospitality, lakeside accommodation, conference facilities and safety boat cover from our watersports activity centre.” Chairman of the Lakes Flying Company Ltd Ian Gee added: “Having stayed at the spa resort last year, we got into talks with English Lakes Hotels about the potential for making the lawns of Low Wood Bay the main vantage point for this year’s flight demonstrations." “We’re looking forward to these flight displays with a great deal of excitement and anticipation, especially in light of the venue’s historic interests in seaplane aviation and of course the Berry family’s connections with water speed records.” In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Low Wood Bay was at the centre of ambitious proposals to introduce seaplane services on Windermere Michael Berry OBE was involved in a campaign to establish commercial operations from the lake. A Tiger Moth seaplane landed at the hotel’s waterfront in 1979 and a four-seat Cessna also made a visit in 1983. But the plans for a ‘water taxi’ service connecting Windermere with regional airports, alongside scenic leisure flights over the Lake District, never took off. Waterbird’s flights on Windermere involve extensive planning, including consultation with the Lake District National Park Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority to attain flight permissions and licences. For more information about the displays, visit here or here.

The release of Deloitte Private’s global Family Business Insights Series: Family Business Succession Planning and the Next Generation, 2026 reveals the experience family businesses have with succession planning in today’s environment and the challenges they face in preparing the next-generation for leadership. Based on a survey of 1,587 family businesses with revenues of at least US$100 million across 35 countries and in-depth interviews with 30 senior executives, the research highlights that while succession planning is widely recognized as an important priority, many family businesses still face significant gaps in preparedness and confidence. Key Takeaways: Leadership succession is a widespread challenge, with 27% of families and 40% of family businesses either currently navigating or expected to face succession within the next decade. The biggest barriers to successful succession are next-generation readiness (35%), difficulty identifying a suitable successor (33%), and reluctance from current leadership to step aside (32%). Confidence around succession preparedness remains limited globally, as the combined number of respondents globally who are highly unconfident, somewhat unconfident, and somewhat confident in current family leadership is just 52%, rising to 63% for next-generation leadership and 57% for family business leadership overall. Family businesses expecting to appoint a non-family CEO after succession are projected to double from 13% today to 26%. Top challenges for next-gen leaders are technological advancement (38%), leadership and management development (37%), and maintaining competitiveness (36%). The next-generation is poised to reshape family businesses with a focus on technology modernization (42%), artificial intelligence (42%), new product/service development (40%), and geographic business expansion (39%). “Succession is one of the defining moments for family businesses because it requires balancing legacy, governance, and future growth at once,” says Dr. Rebecca Gooch, Deloitte Private Global Head of Insights, Deloitte Global. “Deloitte Private’s findings show that many family businesses understand the urgency of preparing the next-generation for leadership roles, but the transition from informal planning to structured succession strategy remains a work in progress." "Businesses that invest early in leadership development, governance, and practical experience for future leaders should be better positioned to sustain continuity across generations.” Preparedness Remains Uneven As Succession Pressures Grow The report highlights the scale of generational transition currently underway across family businesses globally, as 27% of families are either currently navigating succession or expect to do so within the next decade, and 40% of family businesses anticipate changing CEOs during the same timeframe. Although succession planning is widely recognized as important to businesses, the findings reveal that preparedness remains uneven across the board. While 89% of families and 82% of family businesses report having some form of succession plan in place, merely 50% of families and 46% of family businesses say those plans are broad and well-developed, suggesting that more needs to be done to help ensure the longevity of family businesses amid leadership shifts. Globally, the leading succession challenges centre on leadership readiness and governance. Respondents identified the next-generation being insufficiently qualified or lacking experience (35%), difficulty identifying a suitable successor (33%), and current leadership being reluctant to relinquish control (32%) as the three most significant barriers to successful succession planning. However, the report notes that successors should be given access to relevant leadership experience to be able to fully grow into new roles. Family Businesses Increasingly Look Beyond Family Leadership As family businesses confront growing operational complexity and leadership readiness concerns, many are becoming more open to outside executive leadership, rather than exclusively relying on members of the family. Globally, 85% of respondents indicate some level of confidence in current family leadership, while 48% are highly confident, 37% are somewhat confident, and 15% are somewhat or fully unconfident. In response, the report finds that the proportion of family businesses expecting to appoint a non-family CEO after succession is projected to double globally, rising from 13% today to 26% post-succession. This trend is visible across the regions and reflects a broader shift toward professionalized governance structures and external knowledge. The findings suggest that many family businesses increasingly view outside leadership as a path toward strengthening continuity, reducing succession-related tensions, and navigating increasingly competitive and globalized markets. At the same time, next-gen family members are already playing a growing role in shaping the future direction of family enterprises. While senior family members continue to dominate top leadership and governance roles, next-gen family members are especially active in technology (51%), philanthropy and community engagement (51%), sales and marketing (50%), and innovation and R&D (49%) positions. Technology, AI, And Innovation Emerge As Next Gen Priorities Management, innovation, technology, and philanthropy are common "testing grounds" for next-gen, as they build credibility before moving toward CEO or board-level positions as the business and family mature. Globally, respondents expect next-gen leaders to place greater emphasis on technology modernization (42%), artificial intelligence (42%), new products and services (40%), and international expansion (39%). However, the next-generation also faces significant challenges while working within the family business with advancement of technology (38%), developing leadership and management capabilities (37%), and remaining competitive (36%) as the top obstacles confronting future leaders. To address these challenges, family businesses are increasingly emphasizing experiential development and accountability. Forty-four percent of respondents say they assign formal roles with accountability and performance management structures to next-gen leaders, while 43% prioritize on-the-job training and leadership shadowing. Additionally, 40% of family businesses require next-gen family members to gain outside work experience before joining the family business. “Family businesses are increasingly recognizing that succession is not simply about transferring ownership or leadership titles—it is about preparing future leaders to operate in a far more complex and technology-driven environment,” says Yali Yin, Deloitte Private Global leader. “The next-generation is already influencing business transformation through technology, innovation, and new approaches to governance." "Organizations that embed succession into long-term strategy and leadership development should be better equipped to preserve both continuity and competitiveness.” For more information or to access the full report, please visit Deloitte Private’s website. About Family Business Succession Planning and the Next Generation, 2026 Deloitte Private’s global Family Business Succession Planning and the Next Generation report is the latest report in the Deloitte Private Family Business Insights Series. To identify these insights, senior executives from 1,587 family businesses worldwide were surveyed between March and June 2025, with each having a minimum revenue of US$100 million and the families owning a controlling (51%+) share of the company. In 2024, these businesses generated an average revenue of US$2.8 billion and collective revenue of US$4.4 trillion. In-depth interviews with 30 senior family business executives were also conducted, many of whom are the heads of multi-billion-dollar families and 100+ year old family businesses. These interviews offer invaluable insights and advice that can help family businesses navigate the playing field and plan for long-term success. 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