Hendy Foundation, the charitable organisation affiliated with the family-run Hendy car dealer group, has donated nearly £5,000 to The Allendale Centre to help fund a kitchen upgrade that will allow the café to prepare a broader range of freshly prepared meals for those in need across the community. Hendy Foundation often receives donations from generous local organisations looking to support community-led missions, and this particular donation for The Allendale Centre benefited from funds raised by Wimborne Cricket Club at its end-of-season awards presentation, totalling £2000. Together with the charity's donation, The Allendale Centre received a sum of more than £4,800. A hub for the community, The Allendale Centre on Hanham Road in Wimborne provides a safe and familiar environment for local families. The installation of the new oven will help support after-school activities at the centre, as well as expand assistance to more local people. Following its latest round of funding in late 2025, Hendy Foundation awarded grants totalling more than £61,000 to support 50 non-profit organisations. The Foundation aims to raise £90,000 in 2026, which would take its total funds since its launch in 2018 to more than £500,000. Rebecca Hendy, Chairperson of Hendy Foundation, said: “It’s so encouraging to see organisations galvanise their own supporters for philanthropic activities, and we know this new donation from Wimborne Cricket Club will make a real and lasting impact for those who use The Allendale Centre." "We strive to help charities across the south coast through our annual funding rounds, and with support from local organisations like WCC, we can step up our ad hoc support activities.” Carole Chedgy, Vice Chair from The Allendale Community Centre, said: “This new oven allows us to widen what we can offer as a community café, from nutritious meals to simple, comforting favourites that people genuinely enjoy. It will make a real difference for families, young people attending after-school activities, and for our staff and volunteers who benefit from accessible, easy-to-use equipment. We’re extremely grateful to Hendy Foundation for their support.” Jim Williams, Chair of Wimborne Cricket Club, adds: “Hendy Group is a highly valued and significant supporter of Wimborne Cricket Club, and their backing plays an important role in helping the Club thrive both on and off the field." “As an act of appreciation for Hendy Group’s ongoing generosity, we were delighted to donate the proceeds of the WCC’s end-of-season awards evening auction to Hendy Foundation. We look forward to continuing our extremely positive relationship with Hendy Group, working together to support both local cricket and the wider Wimborne Community.” For more information, visit here .

Passing a family business from one generation to the next is about far more than the transfer of ownership or assets. It is a delicate balancing act that requires careful planning, clear communication, and a long-term strategic mindset. Done well, succession preserves a family legacy and ensures the business continues to thrive. Done poorly, it can create legal disputes, fractured relationships, and even the collapse of a company built over decades. The Distinction Between Wealth and Problems Many family business owners focus on the financial side of succession—the transfer of equity, assets, and profits. Yet equally important is the management of “problems”: unresolved conflicts, unclear governance, and lack of clarity around roles and responsibilities. Bequeathing a business successfully means passing on wealth and opportunity without leaving behind confusion or tension that could jeopardise its future. Planning Early: The Key to Smooth Transition Succession is rarely a spontaneous event. Owners who begin planning early—often decades before retirement—are able to take a structured approach: Identify potential successors and assess their capabilities, interests, and alignment with the company’s long-term vision. Establish governance frameworks, such as family councils or boards, to guide decision-making and prevent disputes. Clarify roles and responsibilities, ensuring that each family member understands their remit and expectations. Delaying this planning can lead to uncertainty, resentment, and poor decision-making during the transition period. Governance and Communication Family dynamics are often the most challenging aspect of succession. Misunderstandings or hidden resentments can quickly escalate if not addressed proactively. Open, honest, and regular communication is essential. Many successful family businesses establish formal communication channels, including family meetings, written policies, and mentorship programmes for younger generations. Formal governance structures also help distinguish the business from the family. Clearly defined boards, shareholder agreements, and advisory committees provide stability, allowing decisions to be made objectively rather than emotionally. Financial and Legal Considerations Passing on wealth through a family business requires careful attention to tax, inheritance, and legal frameworks. Effective planning can reduce exposure to inheritance tax and ensure that ownership structures support both the financial and operational continuity of the company. Common tools include: Trusts and holding companies to manage ownership and succession rights. Shareholder agreements to formalise decision-making and dividend policies. Life insurance policies or liquidity planning to provide heirs with cash to settle tax obligations without destabilising the business. Consulting advisers with expertise in both family business and estate planning is essential, as poorly executed plans can unintentionally burden successors with liabilities or disputes. Developing the Next Generation Wealth without preparation is often a recipe for underperformance. Preparing successors involves more than financial training: they must understand the company’s values, culture, and long-term strategy. Many family businesses encourage the next generation to gain external experience, cultivate leadership skills, and gradually assume increasing responsibilities. This approach builds confidence, credibility, and competence. The Cultural Dimension Succession is as much about culture as it is about capital. Family businesses often carry traditions, principles, and reputations that extend beyond financial statements. By instilling these values in successors and embedding them into governance structures, owners can ensure continuity not just of wealth, but of the business ethos that has sustained it for generations. A Legacy of Opportunity, Not Burden Ultimately, successful succession is about leaving opportunity rather than problems. Wealth can provide security, but without preparation, guidance, and governance, it can create conflict or complacency. The goal is a legacy where the next generation inherits a business that is structured, resilient, and ready to grow—a foundation upon which they can build, rather than a minefield of unresolved issues. Bequeathing wealth in a family business is therefore not just an act of financial generosity; it is a commitment to continuity, stability, and shared purpose. By planning thoughtfully, communicating openly, and preparing successors thoroughly, owners can ensure that their business—and their legacy—endures for generations to come.

In an age of rapid technological change and global competition, family businesses have a unique asset that many corporations lack: history. The stories, traditions, and legacy accumulated over generations are more than mere anecdotes: they are powerful tools for creating identity, trust, and long-term advantage. When thoughtfully integrated into business strategy, heritage can strengthen brand loyalty, inspire innovation, and provide a sustainable edge in the marketplace. Understanding Heritage As A Strategic Asset Heritage in a family business is multifaceted. It encompasses the founding story, the evolution of the business, the values and ethics passed down through generations, and the skills and craftsmanship preserved over decades. These elements are more than sentimental relics; they are tangible differentiators that communicate stability, authenticity, and expertise. Customers and partners often perceive businesses with a rich lineage as more credible and reliable, providing a foundation for sustainable relationships and market positioning. Storytelling: Making History Visible And Memorable One of the most effective ways to leverage heritage is through storytelling. Narratives about the founding of the business, pivotal moments in its development, and the family values that guide decision-making can humanise the enterprise, foster emotional connection, and enhance brand identity. For example, highlighting generational craftsmanship or long-standing community involvement not only builds trust but also distinguishes the business from competitors in a crowded market. Modern digital platforms (websites, social media, and video content) allow these stories to reach wider audiences while preserving the authenticity that heritage demands. Preserving And Innovating Traditions Heritage should not be treated as static; the most successful family businesses balance respect for tradition with a willingness to innovate. For instance, a centuries-old winery may maintain traditional fermentation techniques while adopting sustainable viticulture practices or modern distribution channels. By integrating heritage into contemporary business practices, companies retain the credibility and uniqueness of their past while remaining relevant to current and future markets. This combination of continuity and adaptability can create a distinctive market position that is difficult for competitors to replicate. Branding And Visual Identity History can be seamlessly incorporated into branding and design. Logos, packaging, and marketing campaigns can reflect legacy through colours, typography, or symbols that evoke the business’s heritage. Limited edition products, anniversary releases, or commemorative collections can celebrate milestones while engaging customers in a narrative of longevity and craftsmanship. These visual and experiential cues reinforce the message that the business has stood the test of time, building trust and enhancing perceived value. Education And Community Engagement Incorporating heritage also extends to education and community involvement. Family businesses can host workshops, tours, or exhibitions that showcase traditional skills, historical processes, or archival collections. Such initiatives strengthen ties with the community, reinforce the brand’s authenticity, and position the company as a custodian of knowledge and culture. Customers and employees alike gain a sense of participation in a living history, deepening loyalty and engagement. Succession Planning: Heritage As A Guiding Principle Heritage is equally critical in succession planning. By clearly defining the values, principles, and cultural identity that underpin the business, family members can ensure continuity across generations. A structured approach to passing down institutional knowledge, from operational expertise to ethical standards, maintains both the business’s competitive edge and the integrity of its legacy. This continuity becomes a form of strategic resilience, enabling the enterprise to navigate change without losing its identity. For family businesses, history is more than a story to be told - it is a strategic resource to be leveraged. Through storytelling, the preservation of tradition, intelligent branding, community engagement, and thoughtful succession planning, heritage can be transformed into a source of sustainable competitive advantage. By honouring the past while innovating for the future, family enterprises not only preserve their legacy but also build resilience, authenticity, and market distinction. In a world often obsessed with novelty and rapid growth, family businesses demonstrate that longevity and legacy are powerful drivers of future success. The past, when embraced strategically, becomes a compass for the future, guiding decisions, inspiring loyalty, and creating a sustainable advantage that few competitors can match.

F.Hinds is proud to announce that it has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Retailer of the Year (6 stores or more) category at the highly respected UK Jewellery Awards 2026, following a record-breaking number of entries this year. The UK Jewellery Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the industry, celebrating excellence, innovation and outstanding achievement across the jewellery sector. Being recognised alongside some of the UK’s leading names is a significant milestone for F.Hinds and a testament to the brand’s continued commitment to quality, value and exceptional customer service. With a heritage spanning 170 years, F.Hinds has built a reputation as a trusted, family-run jeweller, offering a wide range of jewellery, watches and gifts across its nationwide store portfolio. His latest shortlisting reflects the dedication of its teams across the country, who work tirelessly to deliver a welcoming and knowledgeable in-store experience for every customer. Andrew Hinds, Chairman of F.Hinds said, “We are absolutely delighted to be a finalist for Retailer of the Year at the UK Jewellery Awards 2026. This recognition means so much to us as a family business and is a true reflection of the hard work, passion and commitment of our colleagues across all our stores. We are incredibly proud to be acknowledged within such a competitive and respected industry.” The winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony taking place on 8th July 2026, where leading names from across the jewellery industry will come together to celebrate the very best in the sector.

HP Inc. have released The Workflow Wakeup: How Unexpected Tech Can Help Future-Proof Small and Medium Businesses, a new report exposing growing operational strain facing small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Drawing on extensive global research, the report uncovers how outdated technology, inefficient document workflows, and overlooked print security vulnerabilities slow productivity, drain budgets, and spur employee burnout. Across industries, SMBs are working harder than ever, but not necessarily more efficiently. According to HP’s analysis, 56% of UK SMB IT leaders say their teams spend more time fixing problems caused by outdated systems, creating a cycle of constant firefighting that prevents teams from modernising or innovating. The research also finds that nearly half of SMB workers say outdated tools make daily tasks unnecessarily frustrating, while 50% of UK IT leaders spend too much time on manual tasks that could be automated— an often-overlooked drag on productivity in hybrid and distributed workplaces. Meanwhile, AI-enabled workflow tools present powerful new opportunities. HP’s data show 90% of UK knowledge workers say smart printing has reduced strain on IT, freeing teams for strategic work, and 79% of UK IT leaders say smart printing has delivered a strong return on investment, revealing significant upside in rethinking everyday office systems. On the security front, SMBs remain alarmingly exposed. Quocirca research indicates that six in 10 SMBs experienced at least one print-related data loss in the past year, underscoring the need for modernised endpoint protection as hybrid work expands the attack surface. The Workflow Wakeup consolidates these insights into a comprehensive look at how smarter, more connected print ecosystems can help SMBs reclaim time, reduce risk, and build resilience for the future of work. Aurelio Maruggi, Division President, HP Office Print Solutions, comments: “What our research makes clear is that the biggest obstacles facing SMBs aren’t always the ones that make headlines — they’re the everyday systems that quietly slow teams down." "Outdated workflows, unsecured printers, and manual document processes chip away at productivity in ways leaders can’t always see, but employees feel every day." "Modernising print and document management isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about giving growing businesses the visibility, control, and intelligence they need to compete." "When you turn a routine task like printing into a smart, secure, AI- enabled workflow, you unlock capacity across the entire organisation.” Key Findings from The Workflow Wakeup 56% of UK SMB IT leaders say their teams are constantly “putting out fires” caused by outdated systems, limiting innovation. 53% of UK knowledge workers say they spend too much time on manual tasks that could be automated. 50% of UK IT leaders say print issues take up more support time than they should. 25% of UK knowledge workers say smart printing has saved me more than an hour each week. UK SMBs could unlock up to $7.1 billion annually in productivity gains by modernising print workflows. Younger employees — especially Gen Z — are the quickest to abandon inconsistent tools and the fastest to embrace intelligent, seamless workflows, illustrating the rising expectation for friction-free technology at work. Six in 10 SMBs have experienced a print-related data loss, highlighting major security blind spots. 73% of UK IT leaders say smart printing has delivered a strong return on investment. For additional insights on digital transformation for SMBs, please visit The Workforce Wakeup Download and read the report here:

Family businesses are the backbone of the economy. From multi-generational manufacturing firms to fast-growing professional services companies, they are built on trust, reputation and long-term relationships. Yet it is precisely these strengths that can create a dangerous blind spot when it comes to cyber security. While large corporations often dominate headlines after cyber attacks, family-owned enterprises are increasingly becoming preferred targets for cyber criminals. The assumption that “we’re too small to be of interest” is no longer just outdated, it is actively risky. Why Family Businesses Are Particularly Vulnerable Family businesses tend to operate differently from publicly listed or private-equity-backed firms. Decision-making is often concentrated within a small group of trusted individuals, many of whom have worked together for decades. Systems evolve gradually, layered on top of legacy processes that “still work”, and technology investment may be viewed as a cost rather than a strategic necessity. This environment can unintentionally create ideal conditions for cyber attackers: Legacy IT systems that are no longer supported or regularly updated Informal access controls, where staff have broad system permissions Limited internal cyber expertise, particularly in smaller firms High levels of trust, making employees more susceptible to social engineering and phishing attacks Cyber criminals understand this. They know that a well-crafted email appearing to come from a family director or trusted supplier is more likely to be acted upon quickly and without question. The Real-World Impact of a Cyber Incident For family businesses, the consequences of a cyber breach can be far more personal than for large corporations. A successful attack may lead to: Theft of customer or employee data Financial loss through fraud or ransom payments Operational disruption, halting production or service delivery Regulatory penalties and legal costs Reputational damage that affects not just the business, but the family name itself Unlike large enterprises, family firms may lack the financial resilience or insurance coverage to absorb a major incident. In extreme cases, a single cyber event can threaten the survival of a business built over generations. Complacency: The Greatest Cyber Risk The most dangerous cyber threat facing family businesses is not malware or hackers — it is complacency. Common warning signs include: “We’ve never had a problem before.” “Our IT provider takes care of that.” “We don’t hold sensitive data.” “Cyber security is an issue for big companies.” In reality, past safety offers no protection against future attacks. Cyber criminals constantly evolve their techniques, often exploiting human behaviour rather than technical weaknesses. A single untrained employee clicking on the wrong link can undo years of hard work. Cyber Security as a Governance Issue Cyber security should not be treated as a purely technical matter delegated to IT support. For family businesses, it is fundamentally a governance and risk management issue. Boards and senior family members should be asking: What are our most critical digital assets and data? How would we continue operating if our systems were unavailable for a week? Do we know who is responsible for cyber risk at board level? When did we last test our ability to respond to an attack? In the UK, organisations can draw guidance from bodies such as the National Cyber Security Centre, which provides practical, accessible advice tailored to businesses of all sizes. Building a Cyber-Resilient Family Business Cyber resilience does not require enterprise-level budgets, but it does require intent and discipline. Practical steps include: Regular staff training to recognise phishing and social engineering Strong password policies and multi-factor authentication Routine system updates and patching Data backups that are tested and stored securely offline A clear, rehearsed incident response plan Perhaps most importantly, cyber security must be embedded into the culture of the business, treated with the same seriousness as financial controls or health and safety. Protecting the Business — and the Legacy Family businesses are defined by continuity. They are built not just for the next quarter, but for the next generation. In today’s digital world, protecting that legacy means recognising that cyber risk is business risk. Complacency is no longer a neutral position; it is a strategic vulnerability. By taking cyber security seriously now, family businesses can safeguard not only their operations, but their reputation, their relationships and the future they intend to pass on.

James Cowper Kreston has announced the release of its latest Year-End Tax Planning Guide, designed to help family businesses and their owners take a proactive approach to tax planning ahead of the financial year-end. The new guide provides practical advice and insights tailored specifically to the needs of family-owned enterprises, offering clarity on key tax considerations and opportunities to optimise financial outcomes in an evolving economic landscape. With many family businesses balancing long-term stewardship with short-term pressures, the guide highlights the importance of early planning and informed decision-making. It covers a range of areas including personal and corporate tax planning, succession considerations, remuneration strategies, and reliefs and allowances that may be available before the year-end deadline. Darren O'Connor, Partner at James Cowper Kreston commented: “Family businesses face a unique set of challenges and opportunities when it comes to tax planning. Our aim with this guide is to provide clear, actionable guidance that helps owners and leaders make confident decisions, protect value, and plan effectively for the future.” The firm emphasises that year-end tax planning is not just about compliance, but about taking a strategic approach to support business continuity, growth, and generational transition. The guide is particularly relevant for business owners considering investment decisions, profit extraction strategies, or longer-term succession planning, and encourages early engagement with professional advisers to maximise available opportunities. Family businesses and their advisers can now access the guide which provides a valuable resource to support planning ahead of the year-end below:

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has issued new guidance to help protect savers and give employers and trustees more choice ahead of Government legislation. The guidance unveils the high bar it expects new superfunds to meet to ensure savers in defined benefit (DB) schemes are protected ahead of Government legislation. The new guidance, which comes into force immediately, sets out TPR’s expectations for how DB consolidator superfunds and other new models must show they are well-governed, run by fit and proper people and are backed by adequate capital. It also explains how they will be assessed and regulated. The regulatory regime announced by TPR is interim to ensure clear rules are in place as these models emerge. It ensures that savers and the PPF are protected while providing employers and trustees with more choice during this period of uncertainty caused by COVID-19. TPR believes DB superfunds have the potential to offer benefits for pension savers and sponsoring employers, such as economies of scale and good governance. However, before a permanent regime is in place, TPR has acted to introduce a stringent set of standards and robust regulatory framework to manage the risks and to ensure that retirement incomes are protected. This guidance has been long awaited but as Jon Sharp, Director at Western Pension Solutions explains, “Innovation is welcome in the pensions market and we are pleased to see the release of this interim regime and associated guidance by the Pensions Regulator. We feel that it is important for family businesses and their Trustees to work together to find the best solutions both for their businesses and for the support of their pension scheme members.” Family businesses can expect TPR to request information about four areas to ensure a smooth transition to the legislated framework once it is in place: The superfund is capable of being supervised. The superfund is run by fit and proper people and has effective governance arrangements in place. The superfund is financially sustainable and has adequate contingency plans in place to manage funding level triggers as well as to ensure an orderly exit from the market. The superfund has sufficient administrative systems and processes in place to ensure that it is run effectively. As Jon concludes, “Family businesses are a key part of our economy; the emerging Superfunds market is a new option available to them and their Trustees. Moving to a Defined Benefit Superfund could be helpful for some family businesses to finally resolve their legacy pension schemes issues. This will in turn help them to support their communities with investment and employment in these challenging times. Superfunds provide an opportunity to gain economies of scale, reducing advisory costs and potentially provide additional protection for members through external investment.” If you are a family business that needs any help with regards your legacy pension scheme please contact Western Pension Solutions on their free helpline 0207 726 2718. WPS are part of Vestey Holdings Limited, a pioneering fourth generation family-owned food and farming business, whose origins date back to the 1890’s. Headquartered in the City of London, at the home of the Vestey family office, WPS combine the values of a multi-generation family business with a team of highly experienced professional consultants across the country that can provide all aspects of corporate pensions advice. Find out more at www.westernpensionsolutions.com

St Austell Brewery has announced a £25,000 donation to A Band of Brothers (ABOB) Cornwall, a charity transforming the lives of young men through mentorship and long term community support. Founded nationally in 2006 and active in Cornwall for over a decade, ABOB works specifically with men aged 18-25 who are facing significant challenges, often including trauma, addiction, offending, or social isolation. Its Cornwall branches in Penzance, Falmouth and St Austell, run entirely by trained male volunteers, deliver a powerful 12 week mentoring journey culminating in a ‘homecoming’ graduation ceremony that celebrates each young man’s progress. Young men - often referred to the organisation by the judicial system to prevent them from ending up in prison - are supported by one-to-one mentors through their journey. Not only is St Austell Brewery helping to fund the vital group, but some of its staff are also training to become mentors. Piers Thompson, Head of External Affairs for St Austell Brewery presented the donation cheque from St Austell Brewery’s Charitable Trust to the group last month. Piers said: “A Band of Brothers is doing extraordinary, life changing work with young men across Cornwall, and we’re proud to support a programme making such a tangible difference in our communities. Our donation will help ABOB train more local mentors, expand the 12 week mentoring scheme, and provide ongoing community support for young men in Cornwall.” Mentor and local businessman Sam Galsworthy first discovered ABOB around five years ago through the Cornwall Community Foundation. After attending a graduation ceremony, he says he was “so moved” by what he witnessed that he knew he had to be involved. Later, as High Sheriff of Cornwall, Sam made ABOB his chosen charity after a moment he describes as “a lightning strike.” While with the Devon & Cornwall Police forensics team in the emergency call room, he experienced a deeply affecting time. Sam said: “Whilst working with Devon and Cornwall Police one evening, a hotline went off: a death - a young male, no suspicious circumstances. Half an hour later, another, the same again. Then another. Four calls in three hours. All young men and all from Cornwall. That moment crystallised for me just how urgent the situation was.” Recognising the crisis facing young men in the county, he joined ABOB as a mentor. He described the experience as transformative. “The most profound thing happens when you mentor, you get just as much back as the young men. At the passing-out ceremonies, the bravery of these young men - sharing their stories, often for the first time - is extraordinary.” Four years ago, James was in a dark place. Drinking heavily, struggling with drugs, and not coping with the pressures of fatherhood, he said his life was “basically going downhill.” He was introduced to ABOB through the Wild Young Parents Project. After completing the rites of passage weekend and 12 weeks of mentoring, James turned his life around, eventually starting his own business. He has since referred four young men to the charity and even mentored two others. “It’s a place for men to find community, role models, to learn and grow. It helped me accept parts of myself I never could before.” One of the men James encouraged to join the programme was his colleague Seb. Seb, 20, was struggling with alcohol when he started working for James. Seeing the signs he once recognised in himself, James encouraged Seb to connect with ABOB. “Taking that step was huge,” Seb said. I’d struggled with drinking for a while. But I’ve just graduated the homecoming and I’m proud of myself. I dropped out of school and college - I never had that end of year certificate. Seeing all those people there to support me was eye opening.” Since 2003, the St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust has been proudly supporting local charities, community causes, and individuals in need across the South West - helping to make a meaningful difference, close to home. More information on the trust can be found here.

Arkell’s Brewery, in partnership with Harlequin Group, have created a fantastic new play area for the local community! A brand-new, space-themed play area opened this week at Arkell’s Brewery’s popular family pub, The Sun Inn, at Coate Water. Arkell’s appointed local Swindon-based contractor, Harlequin Group, to install this exciting scheme, which will be welcomed by families across Swindon ahead of the Spring and Summer months. Work has been completed this week on the play area, which features a fantastic range of play equipment for a wide range of age groups. The park includes a mini multi-play unit for the younger years, a fun trail, toddler, junior and team swings, an exciting, challenging space-themed multi-play unit for older children, as well as a range of sensory play panels. The area has also been re-surfaced with sky blue wet pour safety surfacing, giving it a bright, fresh new look. The investment by Arkell’s Brewery in this scheme will provide a new destination for families over the months to come, with the friendly team at The Sun Inn inviting those visiting the area to spend time enjoying the pub’s excellent food and playing in the new park. As one of the oldest and most well-renowned businesses in the area, Arkell’s are always proud to support other local businesses, and were delighted to be able to appoint Swindon-based Harlequin Group to undertake this project. The partnership is a great example of local businesses supporting each other and investing money within the local community. George Arkell, Managing Director from Arkell’s Brewery said “It has been fantastic to work with another Swindon firm on our new children’s play area at The Sun. The Sun Inn is a wonderful family pub and, having invested over £90,000.00 in upgrading the play area to create a modern, safe space, we hope it will be a great addition for customers and their families when they visit.” On behalf of Harlequin Group, Nikola Andrews, Director, said “We are delighted to have been chosen to undertake this project on behalf of Arkell’s Brewery, and have had a great deal of fun developing the space-themed design. The Arkell’s team have been fantastic to work with, and the park packs plenty of play value for all ages into the available space." "While we work all over the UK, delivering projects like this one in our local community is always special for us. We are a family-run business and have young children ourselves, so not only are we helping to improve facilities in our local community, we will also get to enjoy the play area with our own family too.”

A scented candle making workshop organised by two Lake District businesses has inspired a new recipe which has been adopted by a local spa resort. Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa has been working with Far Sawrey based Pure Lakes Skincare on new fragrances for its own branded scented candle and diffuser. The businesses asked five couples to attend and contribute to a scented candle making workshop to experiment with an array of ingredients and choose their favourites. The spa resort invited a selection of its most frequent and loyal guests from all over the UK for a complimentary overnight stay with dinner, followed by the candle making workshop with Pure Lakes. The workshop was designed as a fact finding exercise to understand the types of scents the group were naturally drawn to, and to help the venue’s team to identify which fragrances its most frequent Low Wood Bay guests associated with the resort. During the session, the couples also tried their hand at candle making, before sampling various scent options and mixtures and providing their feedback so that English Lakes Hotels can develop the scented candle and diffuser in collaboration with Pure Lakes Skincare. Annabel Berry from Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa explains: “We wanted to create and manufacture our own distinctive scented candle for guests, one that would capture the essence of the venue, and perhaps act as an evocative reminder of their stay with us and the atmosphere of the venue." “We thought one of the best ways to achieve this was by involving our regular guests and listening to their views on the fragrances and scents that they most enjoy. The couples all had a chance to make their own scented candles with a host of ingredients. The group then sampled the options we had devised together and we collated their comments.” Claire McKeever from Pure Lakes Skincare adds: “The workshop was a great idea to garner the views of regular Low Wood Bay guests and encourage them to be creative with fragrances and ingredients for the new scented candle." “We know that scents stimulate our sensory system and the mind in such a positive way, from emotive reactions and nurturing memories to relieving stress levels and tension. For example, the use of lavender, bergamot or jasmine in scented candles can make a notable difference in helping the mind and body unwind." “We’re looking forward to manufacturing the first batch of candles for the resort as part of its home fragrance range and seeing how they are received by the spa resort’s guests.”

Leading safety experts Arco have launched a powerful awareness campaign in the heart of Sheffield to highlight the growing threat of “silent killer” silicosis to workers across the UK. Appearing in the historic Steel City of Sheffield, Arco have created cinematic projections to highlight the invisible yet deadly threat of silica dust exposure, and the urgent need for stronger workplace protections. The campaign, Breathing Space, forms part of Arco’s wider work with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Respiratory Health, calling for greater awareness, improved protections and stronger action to safeguard workers across high-risk industries from silicosis, and other potentially fatal occupational lung diseases. As the UK’s leading safety experts, and the country’s only integrated safety products and services provider, Arco is uniquely positioned to support businesses in identifying, monitoring, and reducing workplace health risks. Built on more than 135 years of safety excellence, Arco works meticulously with organisations across the country to deliver practical safety solutions and reliable expertise that protects workers every single day – allowing tradespeople to focus on what they do best, without having to second-guess the equipment designed to keep them safe at work. The campaign launches as research reveals respiratory diseases to be the third biggest cause of death in England, with around 1.8 million workers suffering from new or long-term work-related respiratory illnesses. Silicosis remains one of the most dangerous occupational health threats facing UK workers. The disease, described by Arco experts as a “silent killer”, is caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust, commonly generated during activities such as cutting, drilling or grinding materials including concrete, stone, and engineered stone. An estimated 600,000 workers are exposed to silica dust every year, and tragically, more than 500 construction workers die annually as a result of exposure. By shining a spotlight on the issue through the spectacular Breathing Space campaign, safety experts Arco aim to spark conversation – and inspire drastic, immediate action – to combat a disease that often develops silently, over decades. Silicosis is a progressive and incurable lung disease. Early symptoms can include breathlessness, fatigue and a persistent cough, with some severe cases leading to disability, premature death, and an increased risk of secondary conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tuberculosis, lung infections, and lung cancer. The economic impact of silicosis is also significant, with occupational lung diseases believed to account for more than 400,000 lost working days each year in the UK, costing construction employers an estimated £1 billion annually. Respiratory disorders cost the wider economy £11.1 billion every year, with £10 billion falling directly on the NHS.   While silicosis typically develops after 10-20 years of exposure, higher levels of silica dust can cause a more rapid onset. Despite the scale of the issue, silicosis is an entirely preventable disease when the correct workplace controls are in place. Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, employers in the UK must limit workers’ exposure to silica dust, including a requirement to conduct thorough risk assessments, and the implementation of preventative measures such as dust extraction, wet cutting methods and appropriate respiratory protective equipment (RPE). As an expert safety partner for workplaces, Arco supports businesses across the UK in implementing these controls through a strategic, end-to-end approach across the hierarchy of control, combining safety products, specialist training and consultancy to empower organisations to effectively manage workplace hazards. Alex Turgoose, Respiratory Product Manager at Arco, said: “Silicosis and other respiratory diseases caused by exposure to silica dust remain a serious and entirely preventable risk in UK workplaces." “Respiratory illnesses can lead to life-changing health problems, disability and even death where workers are unnecessarily exposed." “Through our Breathing Space activation in Sheffield, we want to bring visibility to a disease that too often goes unnoticed until it is too late. By raising awareness, we hope to encourage employers and workers alike to take proactive steps to protect respiratory health." “Preventative action must be prioritised. Employers should implement effective controls to remove dust at source, ensure proper ventilation and provide appropriate industry-standard respiratory protective equipment."  “Monitoring crystalline silica levels through real-time exposure technology is also critical to protecting workers and maintaining workplace compliance. We are proud to support the APPG on Respiratory Health in its work and continue to urge the Government to act on its findings and recommendations."   “By working together with industry partners and regulators, we can significantly reduce the risk of silicosis across some of the UK’s most vital industries.” More information about Arco’s research into silicosis can be found on the company’s website .