Lancashire based foster care and special needs provider Family Care has teamed up with The East Lancashire Railway to provide a British Sign Language Interpreter for children on its Santa Special trains later this year for the very first time. The innovative new facility will be available for families to book from November on select dates, promising to make Christmas even more accessible. The new festive interpreter will travel on specific Santa specials run by the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) between Rawtenstall and Bury from 29 November, helping to ensure that the magical ride is as inclusive as possible for every young traveller on board. The new interpreter service has been made possible by a special new partnership between Family Care and ELR, with Family Care sponsoring the new facility. This latest innovation reflects the ELR’s continuing commitment to making its famous Santa Special events a welcoming and magical experience for as many people as possible. In 2023 the railway ran its first-ever Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Santa Special train. This Christmas experience was adapted to make it an accessible adventure for those with special educational needs. This involved several careful refinements, all made with expert advice. The lights on the station footbridge (the Winter Wonderland Walkthrough) were toned down, with fewer flashing bulbs. The Characters were more spaced out and low-key, and the arrival window was extended to avoid the usual hustle and bustle of boarding. Once on board, visitors could avail themselves of special quiet carriages and were given signage to indicate if they wanted the characters to keep their interactions to a minimum or be more enthusiastic. The SEND Train proved to be hugely popular with local families, and it has since been expanded to multiple trains on multiple dates.This year, in order to expand the offering further, the ELR, working with Family Care, will introduce a British Sign Language interpreter to give families even more opportunities to get the most out of this event. Marie Marshall has been working as a BSL Interpreter for 26 years, having previously worked in education and covering Community BSL Bookings. She has been involved with Football interpreting in both mainstream and Deaf Football and even took part in the 2025 Tokyo Olympics with Great Britain’s Deaf Women’s Football Team. For four years, she spent her summer months providing Performance Interpreting for music events. She had this to say: “I am really looking forward to being part of the Santa Express team so deaf children can have the same experience as other children.” Phil Williamson, Director at Family Care Group, which will provide the funding for ELR to offer the interpreter service, said: “We’re proud to be supporting the ELR with their dedicated SEND Santa Specials which provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for families to enjoy this amazing trip." “As a family-owned and community focused organisation, we have a real passion for providing opportunities for all children in the Lancashire and North West, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities. Our new partnership with East Lancashire Railway reflects our own strong commitment to supporting SEND children in the work we do.” Chairman of the ELR Mike Kelly said: “We are incredibly proud to have been the first heritage railway to introduce dedicated SEND Santa Specials in 2023, creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where families could experience the magic of Christmas together." Since then, we have expanded the programme each year, ensuring even more children and families can enjoy this special experience. In 2026, we are delighted to extend our reach further by providing the support of a professional British Sign Language (BSL) signer, making our events even more accessible." "As we look ahead to the 40th anniversary of our Santa Specials in 2027, our vision is simple: that every visitor, whatever their additional needs or challenges, can experience the wonder and excitement of Christmas and create treasured memories that will last a lifetime." The East Lancashire Railway will continue its efforts to make sure that everyone can have the most magical experience possible on the Santa Special train. The Santa Specials run from late November through to Christmas Eve. Visitors can look forward to a magical Winter Wonderland walkthrough before boarding their steam train and setting off on their adventure. During the journey, they will meet colourful Christmas characters, enjoy performances from traditional brass bands, and of course be visited by Father Christmas himself, who will be handing gifts out to the little ones. Find out more about the Santa Specials by visiting here. To learn more about Family Care Group and its fostering and SEND services, visit here.

St Austell Brewery has unveiled a special commemorative glass celebrating its 175-year anniversary and Tribute, its much-loved pale ale that has been at the heart of the brewery's beer portfolio for more than a quarter of a century. Unveiled during Cask Ale Week alongside the return of the Tribute Ale Trail - which invites drinkers to explore more than 150 pubs across the South West - the glass forms part of St Austell Brewery's wider 175th anniversary celebrations. The design was hand-drawn by St Austell Brewery's Senior Designer, Jo Geeves, who has spent the past 13 years with the business. Filled with colourful illustrations and hidden details, the glass captures the ingredients, people and places behind Tribute, honouring the Cornish beer's history and the communities that continue to enjoy it. At the heart of the design sits a striking solar eclipse, a reference to Tribute's origins. The beer was first brewed in 1999 by the late Roger Ryman, St Austell Brewery's renowned Head Brewer, to mark the eclipse that crossed Cornwall. Due to its popularity, it became a permanent fixture in the brewery's portfolio two years later. "I wanted the design to reflect everything that makes Tribute special, from the ingredients and the people who brew it through to the communities who enjoy it," said Jo. "The colours were an important part of that too. I paired Tribute's signature purple with vibrant golds and oranges inspired by the brewing ingredients, creating something fresh and celebratory while still feeling unmistakably Tribute." After developing several initial concepts, one creative direction was chosen by colleagues from across the brewery before evolving into the detailed illustrated design seen today. Golden barley - much of it sourced from Cornish farms - and vibrant hops feature throughout the artwork alongside brewers and production teams, highlighting the ingredients, craftsmanship and local roots behind every pint of Tribute. Scenes of pubs, sport and social gatherings reflect Tribute's long-standing connection with communities across the South West and beyond. Among Jo's favourite details are a series of hidden 'Easter eggs' scattered throughout the artwork, including a light-hearted illustration of former Tribute mascot Trevor Tribute on a rugby pitch. "It's a bit of fun," she said. "Tribute has always had a connection with communities and sport, so it's nice to include those little moments that might make people smile while they're enjoying a pint." The commemorative glass arrives alongside the return of the Tribute Ale Trail, the first brewery-wide ale trail across St Austell Brewery's South West pub estate in more than 10 years. Together, they offer drinkers new ways to celebrate a landmark year for Tribute. "I'd spent so long looking at the design on screen that when the finished glass arrived it was a really proud moment," added Jo. "To see it brought to life and know it's helping celebrate such an important year for both Tribute and St Austell Brewery was incredibly special." The new Tribute glass is in pubs across the South West and available to buy online now.

Leading British spring and comfort technology manufacturer, Spinks, has announced the expansion of its portfolio of innovative spring solutions across North America through HS2 – its long-standing joint venture with U.S.-based Hickory Springs Manufacturing (HSM). Building on more than 13 years of successful collaboration, Spinks and HSM will introduce a broader range of spring technology to North American mattress manufacturers, expanding beyond HS2’s established microcoil expertise to include new pocket coil technologies, open-coil systems, and advanced spring components. At the heart of the expansion will be the introduction of several new innovations designed to add value for HS2’s customers through meaningful differentiation and greater product uniqueness in an increasingly competitive market. Many of these new coil concepts are patented or patent-pending, giving customers confidence that the innovations underpinning their products will be protected from imitation. HS2 will also offer opportunities for customer exclusivity linked to agreed volume commitments, enabling qualifying manufacturers to secure distinctive technologies and create clearly differentiated mattress collections, while helping to improve their customers’ margins. The expanded portfolio combines Spinks’ proven expertise in advanced spring design, engineering, and product innovation with HSM’s extensive North American manufacturing capabilities, market knowledge, and customer reach. Together, the partnership aims to establish one of the most comprehensive platforms of spring technologies, designed specifically to support the evolving needs of the North American bedding market. The expansion comes at a pivotal time for the U.S. bedding industry, amid a changing competitive landscape. HS2 will offer mattress manufacturers greater choice, stronger product differentiation and access to innovative spring solutions supported by domestic manufacturing and supply. Darren Marcangelo, Chief Commercial Officer of Spinks, commented: “We are delighted to bring more of our exciting spring technologies to the North American market through HS2. Our partnership with HSM has been extremely successful, and this expansion allows us to combine our strengths in a much more powerful way." "We have a great team in place, both operationally and commercially, enabling us to work closely with our key partners and deliver what they are looking for.” Tim Becker, President of HSM’s Hickory Springs Wire and Bedding divisions, commented: “Expanding our partnership with Spinks is superb news for our customers and the North American bedding industry. Together, our businesses can offer a compelling combination of manufacturing expertise, responsiveness and genuine product innovation—something mattress manufacturers are increasingly demanding." “HS2 will give our customers more opportunities to differentiate their products, create meaningful consumer benefits and bring new mattress concepts to market.” The expanded portfolio will build upon HS2’s established microcoil expertise while creating a comprehensive range of products for the development and commercialisation of new comfort, support and sustainability focused coil technologies specifically for the North American market. For more information, visit here.

North Yorkshire furniture specialist Hill Cross Furniture has presented £1,500 to Overgate Hospice after taking on a 1,042-mile cycling challenge inspired by the team’s work on the hospice’s new Inpatient Unit. Colleagues from the family-owned furniture business completed the virtual distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats on static bikes as part of Overgate Hospice’s Big Bikeathon corporate challenge. The fundraising followed Hill Cross Furniture’s involvement in Overgate Hospice’s landmark Big Build redevelopment in Elland, West Yorkshire. Working alongside healthcare interior designer Elaine Lewis, Hill Cross supplied furniture for the hospice’s new 16-bedroom Inpatient Unit, including patient bedrooms and the Family Lounge, as well as bespoke modular seating designed specifically for the north and south wings. The new unit has been designed to provide a comfortable, welcoming environment for patients and their families while meeting the practical demands of a busy hospice setting. Each bedroom includes an en-suite bathroom, private terrace overlooking the gardens and a sofa bed so loved ones can stay overnight. For the Hill Cross team, seeing the work of the hospice first-hand provided the motivation to do something more. Matt Waters, Group Finance Director at Hill Cross Furniture, said: “Working on Overgate’s new Inpatient Unit gave us a real appreciation of the care and thought that goes into creating the best possible environment for patients and their families." “Our team wanted to do something to support the hospice beyond the furniture project, so taking on the Big Bikeathon felt like a brilliant way to get everyone involved." “Completing 1,042 miles certainly took some determination, but knowing what we were raising the money for kept us going. We’re delighted to be able to present Overgate with £1,500 and would like to thank everyone who sponsored us.” Rebecca Ryan, Head of Fundraising at Overgate Hospice said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone at Hill Cross Furniture for taking on the Big Bikeathon and raising £1,500 for Overgate Hospice. It’s been wonderful to see their support extend beyond their work on our Big Build, with the team really getting behind the challenge." “Every pound raised helps us continue to provide vital care and support for patients and their families across Calderdale.” Hill Cross Furniture has developed growing experience within hospice environments, working with Elaine Lewis on projects including Martlets Hospice, St David’s Hospice and Severn Hospice, with further schemes currently underway at North London Hospice and Hospice in the Weald. Its approach involves more than supplying furniture. For hospice projects, the company has also developed a Sample Showcase process, bringing furniture together for patients, families and multidisciplinary hospice teams to try before final specifications are agreed. Feedback from nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, housekeeping teams and others helps inform decisions around comfort, ergonomics, durability and practicality. The relationship with Overgate Hospice is also continuing. Hill Cross Furniture is supporting Phase Two of the Big Build redevelopment, which will include a new Activity Room, Social Hub and Therapy Rooms. Hill Cross Furniture is a family-owned contract furniture specialist based in North Yorkshire. For more than 25 years, the company has supplied furniture for hospitality, leisure, healthcare and commercial interiors across the UK and internationally. The company provides loose, fixed and bespoke furniture alongside design, sourcing, project management, delivery and installation services. Overgate Hospice provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care for people in Calderdale and their families. Photo Credit: Overgate Hospice interior photography: Alisdair McIntosh

A luxury garden specialist has enjoyed a 30 per cent rise in sales this summer as a series of heatwaves and soaring temperatures across the UK have encouraged homeowners to embrace their gardens like never before. Crown Pavilions is celebrating one of its strongest summers to date as people continue to invest in their gardens and create outdoor spaces designed for entertaining and relaxing throughout the year. With forecasters warning that hotter summers and more frequent periods of extreme heat could become increasingly common, the company believes the appetite for comfortable, versatile outdoor spaces is likely to continue long after this summer's temperatures fall. Unsurprisingly, air-conditioning is top of the extras’ list, with smart thermostats enabling homeowners to manage the heat from afar. Luke Dejahang, Co-Founder of Crown Pavilions, said the strong performance reflects both the exceptional weather and a much wider shift in the way people view their gardens. “It's been an incredible summer for outdoor living, and we're seeing that reflected in the demand for our products, including gazebos and garden rooms,” said Luke. “Sales are up just over 30 per cent, which is a fantastic result, but what is particularly exciting is what that tells us about the way people are thinking about their gardens." “People aren't simply buying something to sit under on a sunny afternoon anymore. They're creating spaces where they can entertain friends, work, exercise, cook, relax and spend meaningful time with their families." “After a summer of heatwaves, people have really seen the value of having somewhere comfortable to enjoy their gardens without being exposed to the full intensity of the sun. And if hotter summers are going to become more common, that is only going to become more important.” Luke said attendance at shows across the UK had also boosted sales, with niche events such as New Forest and Hampshire as successful as the big RHS events. Now he’s investing in his Oxfordshire workshop to ensure his craftsmen can cope with the demand. “We know this summer has been exceptional but all the forecasts predict this won’t be a one-off, and so I’m ensuring our team is ready with new products, machines and innovations to seize on this sales spike." “One of our biggest strengths as a family company with our own manufacturing site is our ability to respond to the trends in the market, so we’re excited about the future.” Once considered an occasional space for a barbecue or a few hours in the sunshine, gardens are increasingly being treated as an extension of the home, with bespoke pavilions, garden rooms and outdoor entertaining spaces becoming destinations in their own right. Luke said: “We believe this is much more than a short-term summer trend. People have invested heavily in their homes and outdoor spaces over recent years and are now thinking about how they can get even more from them." “While air-conditioning has been top of the extras list for the summer, we also know that customers want instant heating to enable them to maximise their space in the winter. They want year-round enjoyment.” The company's show season has already delivered an impressive collection of industry recognition, including Four Star Tradestand Awards at both RHS Badminton and RHS Sandringham, following a Five Star Tradestand Award at RHS Malvern Spring Festival, Best General Trade Exhibit at the South of England Show and Highly Commended at Hertfordshire County Show. For Crown Pavilions, the shows have provided an opportunity to showcase not only its craftsmanship but also a new generation of products and features designed around the changing way people use their gardens. Among the latest innovations is the company's Smokeless BBQ Collection, which combines Crown Pavilions' handcrafted timber structures with integrated smokeless grilling technology. Designed as a social dining environment, the collection allows homeowners to cook and entertain outdoors while reducing smoke and extending the barbecue season beyond the traditional summer months. Luke said: “We've had an amazing response at the shows this summer, from RHS Badminton and the Great Yorkshire Show through to RHS Sandringham and the New Forest & Hampshire County Show. People are genuinely excited about their gardens, our products and the possibilities they offer.” Recent research by Oxfordshire-based Crown Pavilions, which has show sites in London, Surrey, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Cheshire, has highlighted just how dramatically garden use has changed. The company found that garden rooms are increasingly being transformed into workspaces, hobby hubs, private retreats and spaces for teenage or adult children, while the average amount invested in a garden room has risen significantly as homeowners opt for larger, better-equipped spaces designed for year-round living. The company has also seen the average garden room increase in size over the past decade, while features such as triple glazing, air conditioning, kitchen appliances and bars have become increasingly popular. “People are becoming much more imaginative about what their outdoor space can be,” Luke added. “It's no longer about simply making the garden look beautiful; it's about making it useful, comfortable, and somewhere you genuinely want to be." “Whether that's a spectacular pavilion for entertaining, a garden room for working or a dedicated space for cooking and relaxing, we're seeing people invest in creating something that adds to the way they live.”

Family Business United (FBU), the UK's independent media, membership and advocacy platform for the family business community, has confirmed that National Family Business Day 2027 will be celebrated on Tuesday 16 September. The annual day recognises the vital contribution family businesses make to the UK economy, from the smallest independent traders to the largest multigenerational enterprises, and provides an opportunity for families in business, their employees and the wider community to celebrate their achievements. Family businesses represent the backbone of the UK economy, generating significant turnover and employing millions of people across every sector and region. National Family Business Day offers a moment to pause and reflect on their resilience, values and long term thinking. Commenting on the announcement, Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, said: "National Family Business Day is one of the highlights of our calendar. It is a chance to shine a spotlight on the families who pour their heart, history and hard work into building businesses that last for generations. Setting the date for 2027 early gives family businesses across the country plenty of time to plan their own celebrations, share their stories and mark the occasion in a way that means something to them." FBU will be releasing further details on how businesses can get involved in the lead up to the day, including resources, events and ways to share their stories.

Swansway Motor Group is celebrating 23 years in business this September, marking more than two decades of growth, diversification and change across the UK automotive retail sector. Founded by Chairman Michael Smyth in 2003, Swansway began when the Smyth family acquired LC Charles Ltd, bringing Audi, SEAT and Volkswagen dealerships into the newly formed Group. Since then, the business has grown into a multi brand automotive group with more than 30 rooftops across the North West, Midlands and North Wales. Swansway represents 10 automotive brands across its retail network, alongside its Fleet division and used car business, Motor Match. The Group also operates an accident repair centre and five TPS (Trades Parts Specialists) Centres, supporting both retail and trade customers. The family owned business now employs around 1,200 people and generated £1.1 billion in turnover in 2025, demonstrating the scale of the Group’s growth since its formation in 2003. That growth has taken place against a rapidly changing automotive landscape. Over the past 23 years, Swansway has expanded its manufacturer portfolio, invested in new and refurbished facilities, launched Motor Match, developed its Fleet operation and embraced the transition towards electrification. The Group has also continued to add new automotive brands, including BYD and OMODA JAECOO in recent years. Five of Swansway’s current dealerships, Crewe Audi, Crewe SEAT, Crewe Volkswagen, Stafford Audi and Stoke Audi, are also celebrating 23 years with the Group this September, having been part of Swansway since the beginning. Despite the scale of its growth, Swansway says its approach to customers and its family values remain at the heart of the business. David Smyth, Director at Swansway Motor Group, said: “We’re proud to be celebrating 23 years as a family run business. When you look at how much Swansway has grown since 2003, it’s a huge achievement, but what makes us most proud is the people who’ve helped us get here.” David added: “The automotive industry has changed enormously over the past 23 years and we’ve had to change with it, whether that’s through new brands, new technologies or changing customer expectations. What hasn’t changed is our focus on looking after our people and our customers properly." “We’ve never lost sight of our family values and they’ll continue to guide us as we look to the future.” As Swansway enters its 24th year, the Group says it will continue to invest in its people, customer experience and the communities it serves, while evolving alongside the automotive industry. Photo: (L-R: Peter Smyth and David Smyth, Directors at Swansway Motor Group)

Award winning accountancy firm Lamont Pridmore has highlighted effective planning as a tool to combat financial uncertainty. While business success rarely relies on luck, many SMEs underestimate how important planning can be to aid long term growth. For a business to be successful and profitable, the value of planning is often understated, especially amidst current economic uncertainty and rising costs. Graham Lamont, Chief Executive of Lamont Pridmore, is looking to raise awareness of business planning as a buffer against economic uncertainty. Graham said: “Planning gives SMEs direction because they know where they are going, what they want to accomplish and how they intend to compete in a marketplace.” He highlighted five areas SMEs should cast their attention: cash flow, tax efficiency, workforce development, operational resilience and succession planning. Partner and Managing Director, Chris Lamont, agreed: “Businesses cannot plan for the future if their cash is due to run out next week. Creating a cash flow and profit model is the absolute priority because it acts as an early warning system for crises. This means what-if scenarios can be simulated to help businesses prepare for economic downturns.” A large part of keeping cash flow healthy is unlocking cash tied up in inefficient tax plans. Chris warned: “You might have a lot of cash available, but you’ll never be able to access it if you don’t use your capital allowances, optimise your income structures or effectively plan your expenses throughout the tax year.” He shifted his attention towards areas businesses should prioritise once their cash flow plans are in place. Chris explained: “Planning to develop the team of people around you mean staff can handle multiple roles, so businesses can weather sudden labour shortages and budget constraints.” “Well-trained employees are more efficient and more likely to stick around, so you can boost productivity and reduce the money being spent on ongoing recruitment.” Once businesses have established efficient operations, they should then look to remain resilient and push for growth. Using the cash flow modelling your business has in place, steps can be taken to identify whether your business is overly reliant on a small number of clients. Graham said: “Having a resilient client base can allow you to plan for innovation, such as launching targeted products and services that solve specific clients’ problems.” An important aspect of business planning that is often overlooked is the creation of succession and personal retirement plans. Succession and retirement plans, according to Graham, help to “protect personal wealth if a business was to fail, while making sure your company survives if you were to walk away.” “Planning ways to extract profits into retirement funds and training successors who might someday take the reins of your business can help secure your financial future.” He concluded by urging business owners to get in touch with one of Lamont Pridmore’s experts to start planning for long-term success. “If you want to strengthen your business against uncertainty, contact Lamont Pridmore for expert planning and tax advice.”

Wholesale Domestic is delighted to announce the promotion of Anne Scullion to Head of Commercial. Anne joined Wholesale Domestic in December 2020, during the depths of the pandemic, starting out as Marketing Manager. She was promoted to Senior Brand and Marketing Manager in May 2024, and has now stepped up to Head of Commercial as of July 2026 - a reflection of the impact she's had across the business over the past six years. Anne has been instrumental in shaping the company's growth journey, playing a pivotal role across Sales, Marketing and Brand. In her new position, she will also take responsibility for Ecommerce, bringing together all of the business's customer-facing areas under one commercial function – Sales, Marketing, Brand, Ecommerce and its showrooms across Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. The appointment reflects Wholesale Domestic's continued ambition to evolve, strengthen collaboration across the business and deliver an even better customer experience. Commenting on her new role, Anne said: "I'm looking forward to leading Commercial across Wholesale Domestic Bathrooms and Top Radiators, with a clear focus on growth. Customers don't think in channel, whether they're browsing online, visiting a showroom, or speaking to our team, it's all part of one overall customer experience and journey." "Getting that omnichannel experience right, so it feels genuinely joined-up at every step, will be central to how we grow. We've got a fantastic product range and a team that already delivers real value and inspiration for customers, and I'm looking forward to connecting that more tightly with our digital experience and building on it from here." From the first online interaction, to visiting one of its showrooms, to completing a bathroom transformation, Anne's leadership will help ensure a consistent and exceptional experience at every touchpoint. With more than 60 years of experience behind the business, Anne's new role will be instrumental in building on Wholesale Domestic's strong foundations and supporting its continued growth into the future.

When you are writing a book about family businesses, you quickly come up against some of the myths and stereotypes surrounding them. First, their importance to the UK economy. Those involved in family businesses would be aware of the frequently used figures – that there are more than five million family firms in Britain, employing 15 million people between them. But the wider public would be surprised by these figures, astonished, even. Perhaps the gap in understanding is because many family companies are small, so their collective importance is not fully appreciated. Secondly, performance. Family businesses in this country are still regarded by some as a sleepy backwater, slow to change and sometimes even resistant to it. In some cases, this would be accurate. But there is plenty of research available which demonstrates that, over the long-run, family companies perform just as well as their non-family counterparts, and sometimes better. A further point about performance is that family firms frequently have a broader definition of success beyond purely financial measures. They want to make a profit, but not at any cost. They want to grow, but not too fast, and not too much, because they don’t want to jeopardise the business. What’s important to them is continuity, maintaining the businesses so it can be passed on to the next generation. This drives a different set of priorities, for which family businesses rarely get any credit. I set about challenging some of these misconceptions in my new book, The Great Survivors. I looked at a dozen of Britain’s oldest family businesses and examined the reasons for their long-standing success. After all, if a company has lasted for 100-200 years or more, they must be doing something right. The aim is to draw out the common denominators. The companies featured include RJ Balson, the Dorset butcher which was first established as a market stall in 1515. There is also Hoare’s Bank, Lock & Co, the London hat shop, and well-known consumer brands such as Barbour, the clothing company, and Walker’s Shortbread. I visited each of the businesses, spending time with family members and other employees. What are the common themes? Perhaps the biggest attribute these great survivors share is that they think long-term, often inter-generationally. As part of this, they often take a cautious approach to their finances; they avoid debt and own freehold property. They usually avoid the stock market too. Many of these choices are about maintaining control. My research also showed that these long-established family firms also tend to have a strong set of values. They play an important role in their local communities because they have been operating in their town or village for so long, and being a good employer is important to them. They also professionalise their structures, bringing in outside expertise in the boardroom or as advisers. One of the biggest myths about family companies is that they are set in their ways. In fact, innovation and adaptability are one of the common attributes of the firms in the book. Take Barbour. Over the last 20 years Barbour has transformed itself from a somewhat conservative maker of waxed jackets, into an international fashion business that is arguably more successful now than it has ever been. Berry Bros & Rudd, the wine merchant founded in 1698, has overseen dramatic change in recent years. It has created two storeys of event space under its London premises, opened a new spirits shop, bought a wine making business and taken a stake in a spirits firm. As one of its directors told me: “We want to have the mindset of a 300 year-old start-up.” But if we are to see a re-appraisal of family businesses in this country, some things will need to change. It’s true that the government could do more to understand this under-appreciated part of our economy. The media could do more to report on family firms. Universities and business schools could do more research into this area rather than concentrating on larger corporates or entrepreneurship. But family businesses could do more too. The community needs more leaders who are prepared to step forward and speak about the way they operate their companies. That would help inform media coverage and send an important message to government. As it stands, too many family businesses stand in the shadows. There is lots of talk about economic growth in the UK at the moment. Our new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, says he wants growth in every post code. Well, family businesses are in every post code. If we are looking for economic growth that is underpinned by a strong set of values, Britain’s family businesses would be a good place to start. Now is the time to make their voices heard. About the Author - The Great Survivors: Can Britain’s oldest family businesses show us a new way forward? by Nigel Cope (Eye Books, £20) Find out more and order a copy here

Beer lovers are being invited to explore some of the South West's most-loved pubs as a new ale trail launches across more than 150 venues to mark the start of Cask Ale Week 2026. The Tribute Ale Trail, launched by St Austell Brewery to celebrate the 25th anniversary of its flagship pale ale, rewards participants for exploring pubs across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset, with prizes ranging from free pints to a complimentary overnight stay. From cosy village locals and coastal inns to countryside favourites, pub-goers can enjoy one of the region's best-loved cask ales while collecting rewards and visiting new destinations along the way. Trail maps are available from any participating pub. Purchase a pint of Tribute to receive that venue's exclusive location sticker, with only one sticker available per pub. To progress through the trail, participants must visit different venues across the region. The more pubs visited, the bigger the rewards: Collect stickers from 10 different participating pubs and receive a free pint of Tribute Visit 50 different pubs and earn a £50 St Austell Brewery voucher Reach 100 different pubs and receive a further £50 voucher Complete the entire trail by visiting all participating pubs and win a one-night stay at a St Austell Brewery managed house worth £200 It's the first ale trail to span St Austell Brewery's pub estate in more than a decade, encouraging people to explore the region, support local pubs and celebrate its thriving cask ale culture. The trail launches during a landmark year for both Tribute, which turns 25, and St Austell Brewery, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary. To mark the occasion, a special commemorative Tribute glass has also been created, showcasing the beer's heritage, quality ingredients and the people behind its success. Georgina Young, Brewing Director at St Austell Brewery, said: "The South West is home to some of Britain's best pubs, so we wanted to create something that gives people a reason to get out and experience more of them." "The Tribute Trail is part pub adventure, part celebration of cask ale and a chance to support the brilliant pubs and communities that make this region so special. Whether you're aiming for 10 pubs or all 150-plus, it's a great excuse to explore somewhere new, find a new favourite pub and enjoy a pint along the way." Tribute began life as an experimental brew created by former Head Brewer Roger Ryman to mark the solar eclipse of 1999 before becoming a permanent beer in St Austell Brewery's portfolio in 2001. It is one of Britain's best-known cask ales and remains closely associated with the South West. Over the years, the brand has supported a number of sporting organisations across the region, including Cornwall County Cricket Club, Cornish Pirates and Bath Rugby, and is currently the official beer partner of Plymouth Argyle. To find out more visit here.

A major new report from professional services firm Deloitte has found that most Scottish workers are now using GenAI at work, with those who have adopted it making clear productivity gains. However, while Scottish adoption and usage is broadly in line with the rest of the UK, a clear gap with London remains. The findings come from Deloitte UK’s inaugural GenAI Workforce Survey, the largest study of workplace GenAI use conducted in a single country. Based on responses from 25,000 workers across the UK, collated between 7th May and 10th June 2026, the research reveals how employees are really using GenAI* in their jobs and how organisations are responding. The survey will be repeated every six months to monitor how usage evolves as the technology becomes more widely adopted. Adoption trails London, but Scotland is no outlier Almost six in 10 Scottish workers (58%) have used a GenAI tool for work, compared with 76% in Greater London. Scotland sits slightly below the 61% average across the UK outside the capital, however. In Scotland, 36% of respondents said they use GenAI at least weekly (compared to 55% of those in London), while 21% said they used it at least daily (with London sitting at 37%). Over seven in ten (71%) of Scottish GenAI users say that they use AI tools that they have permission to use. However. one in five Scottish (21%) said that they use tools at work without their employer’s knowledge, believing they would approve, while a further 9% do so believing they would not, indicating around three in ten don’t have explicit employer permission. Sentiment is broadly positive across the country. Over a third (37%) said that they see their use of GenAI for work as a positive, against 23% that see it negatively. A quarter (26%) remain neutral. A fifth (22%) of Scottish GenAI users said that their work is more enjoyable because they’re using it, against 8% that said it is less enjoyable. The majority, 63%, said that enjoyment levels remain the same. Time saved, but not yet transformation Just under half of Scottish GenAI users (49%) say the tools save them time. Of those, almost six in 10 (59%) save up to three hours a week and almost one in ten (9%) save more than 10 hours. That time is coming from routine tasks rather than complex work. Scottish users most commonly turn to GenAI for looking up information (42%), writing or editing emails (41%), summarising documents (32%) and fact-checking (31%). Almost three in ten (28%) of Scottish GenAI users said they complete ‘some’ of their work by using GenAI. A tenth (12%) said they complete ‘most of it’ by using the technology. However, 22% said that they complete ‘hardly any / none of it’ with GenAI. Training: an opportunity to boost usage and impact Fewer than three in ten Scottish employees (29%) have received formal GenAI training, against 47% in London and 33% across the UK. Where it has been given, it is valued, with eight in ten (81%) Scottish recipients rating it as helpful. A quarter (25%) of Scottish respondents said that training on how to evaluate/fact-check GenAI would be helpful. A fifth (20%) want more GenAI skills training at an advanced level, 21% would like more cybersecurity training specific to AI. A third of Scottish employees (32%) said their employer has a GenAI policy, the same amount (32%) that said their employer does not, 36% do not know, or aren’t sure whether one exists. A lack of trust remains in Scotland More than half of Scottish workers (51%) are concerned about the misuse of personal data, a third (34%) cite bias or discrimination in AI outputs, and 26% worry that managers will overestimate what AI can achieve. Additionally, nearly six in ten Scottish workers (56%) worry that essential workplace skills will suffer because of generative AI, slightly ahead of the UK figure of 55%. Turning to leadership, 22% of workers say leaders at their organisation talk about GenAI and have a good understanding of it, while 29% say leaders do not talk about it at all. Angela Mitchell, practice senior partner at Deloitte Scotland, said: “Scotland is embracing technological change, supported by a skilled workforce and world-class universities. Our survey points to where businesses can go further to better support their people in harnessing GenAI to deliver lasting productivity gains and economic growth." “Adoption rates across Scotland are strong, and workers want to learn about the technology, and understand how to use it in a responsible and impactful way. Firms across the country have an opportunity to build genuine workforce capability that moves beyond providing access to tools and focuses instead on capability, confidence and trust. Doing so will enable employees to spend more of their time on the activities that create value for firms, customers and the wider economy." Nationally, the survey found that British workers are spending close to £1 billion a year from their own pockets on GenAI tools they use for work, with Deloitte estimating annual personal spend at £958 million. One in six (17%) UK GenAI users pay for at least one tool themselves. In Scotland that figure is 14%, against 24% in London, while 46% of Scottish users rely on free tools. *In this press release, GenAI refers to generative artificial intelligence: AI tools, including chatbots, that can generate content such as text, images, video and audio in response to user prompts.