Merck, a leading science and technology company, is investing more than € 300 million in a new research center at its global headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany. In the Advanced Research Center, the Life Science business sector will research solutions for manufacturing antibodies, mRNA applications and additional products required for biotechnological production, among other things. As of the start of 2027, it will provide space for around 550 employees. Merck laid the cornerstone for the building together with German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The new building is part of an investment program in the Darmstadt site: Merck will invest around € 1.5 billion in total by 2025. Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: “Investments such as those made by Merck here at its headquarters in Darmstadt make tremendous economic, medical and scientific sense. They are a tribute to Germany as a leading pharmaceutical, industrial and research location and reflect the strength of the life sciences." "All of this proves that we are on the right track with the changes that we have made with a view to offering the pharmaceutical and biotech industry better conditions. The German Government will continue to tread this path with all due resolve.” Belén Garijo, Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck said: “With this strategic investment, we are strengthening the leading position of Merck in key technologies for the development and manufacture of novel medicines." “As a leading provider of life science technologies, we continue to invest in research and development ‘Made in Germany’. In doing so, we are enabling scientific progress for the benefit of millions of patients and customers around the world.” The Advanced Research Center brings together research on key technologies of the Life Science business sector of Merck. These include raw materials and processes for researching and manufacturing antibodies, recombinant proteins and viral vectors. The company also researches cell culture media and pharmaceutical formulation and purification aids as well as digital reference materials. In addition, the scientists are developing analytical chromatography further. This is a method for separating, identifying and quantifying chemical substances in a sample. Research along the mRNA value chain will also be based in the new center. With the Advanced Research Center, Merck is supporting its customers in Europe and globally when it comes to finding solutions for crucial medical challenges. Antibodies and recombinant proteins are used to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases and infectious diseases, among other things. Viral vectors are predominantly used in gene therapies and vaccines while mRNA is currently being researched mainly for vaccines and cancer treatments. Research on these therapies is developing rapidly and is constantly opening up new application possibilities. In the area of mRNA alone, more than 740 clinical trials are currently in progress globally. With around 18,000 square meters, the Advanced Research Center enables collaboration across departments in an open, modern work environment. Merck is planning almost carbon-neutral research operations. Energy supply is based on photovoltaics, geothermal energy and air-source heat pumps. The specially designed facades and the green roofs also help to save energy and improve the microclimate. The building is striving for gold certification from the German Sustainable Building Council. The Darmstadt site is one of the most important Merck centers for research and development in life science technologies. In the next ten years, approximately one fifth of the Life Science business sector’s sales with new products are estimated to come from here. Since 2020, Merck has announced investments of more than € 2 billion in the business sector globally. The objective is to expand Life Science’s capacities and capabilities to meet the globally increasing demand for medicines.

National decorating contractor Bagnalls is extremely proud of their 2023 class of apprentices for everything that they have achieved during their time with the business. The company recently hosted an awards ceremony to celebrate their apprentices and reward them for all their hard work. Bagnalls has multiple branches across the country as well as an Apprentice Training Academy, which is based in Doncaster. This academy helps apprentices learn new skills and gain the knowledge base needed for them to succeed in the painting and decorating industry. The ability to train new apprentices is positive in the current climate, with painters and decorators increasingly in demand in the UK. Female painters in particular are in high demand, with searches for their services up by 125% in 2023. Bagnalls is passionate about increasing representation for women within this male-dominated sector, with 26% of women currently holding executive management positions within the company. Bagnalls also has a number of high-achieving female apprentices, including Katie Sanders who recently won the Junior section of the Apprentice Paperhanger of the Year competition 2023, hosted by the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA). With the painting and decorating industry projected to gain £404 billion in revenue by 2024, painters and decorators are expected to be in demand this year. Recent reports reveal the need for over 900,000 new recruits within the construction and trade industries by 2032, with vacancies in the painting trade alone standing at over 2,000 for 2024. Joanne Gualda, Director at Bagnalls, says: These figures reveal why apprenticeship schemes like those at Bagnalls are essential to the growth of the painting and decorating industry. The growing demand within our sector shows why apprenticeships like ours are so important – not only for the young talent who undertake an apprenticeship, but also for our company and our industry as a whole! We decided to host an awards ceremony to show our appreciation for our 2023 cohort of apprentices and reward them for their skills and talent.” Every apprentice could bring two friends or family members to the ceremony to watch them receive their accolades and celebrate together. Joel Mortlock, Group Academy Tutor at Bagnalls’ Training Academy, commented: “It was lovely to see our apprentices enjoying the day with their loved ones. They should all be very proud of their achievements and the progress they have made during their time at Bagnalls.” This ceremony also marks the first time Bagnalls has presented the David Sunderland Award, in memory of our valued colleague David who sadly passed away shortly after retiring. David is fondly remembered by the entire Bagnalls family as the Technical and Training Manager. He worked hard to support and oversee the development of all Bagnalls’ apprentices and Management Trainees. He also established Bagnalls’ current Training Academy, passionate as he was about encouraging young talent to achieve their full potential. This award was given to Luke Keeling in recognition of his apprentice success and positive attitude to delivering quality painting projects for his branch. Bernie Smith, Operations Manager at Bagnalls’ North West branch, commented “Luke is a valued member of the Ellesmere Port team. He has breezed through his apprenticeship with great results and is consistently praised for his work on site. “He has developed into a talented young painter who takes pride in his work, accepts feedback and is constantly looking for ways to improve his skills. We are very proud that he has been rewarded for his efforts.” The whole Bagnalls team had a wonderful day rewarding the apprentice class of 2023 for all their hard work. Joanne says, “We feel very proud of the opportunities our apprenticeship scheme offers young, talented people. We can’t wait to see what our apprentices achieve next!”

Members of Family Business United will be travelling across the UK for their annual road trip in electric style this year thanks to support from Hendy Group. The Family Business Road Trip is an annual event which aims to put the family business sector on the map, and this year the team will be arriving at a range of family-run businesses in style as they take to the road in a Mustang Mach-E. Hendy Group chief executive Paul Hendy said he was delighted the group could once again support this road trip and enable the team to sample the very latest in electric cars. “As a family business now in its sixth generation, we are celebrating our 165th anniversary in business and keen to support other family-run enterprises,” said Paul. “Family Business United is a great organisation which champions the success of so many family businesses across the UK and we’re sure the team will enjoy this year’s road trip in the Mustang Mach-E.” During the course of the 2024 Family Business Road Trip, there will be behind the scenes tours of family firms, interviews, dinners and plenty of photo opportunities and social media posts that all seek to raise the profile of the family business sector and all that it does on a daily basis to keep the nation going. The road trip will visit a wide range of companies, showcasing a range of success stories in industries as diverse as manufacturing, farming, communications, recruitment, wine making and food distribution. Companies set to feature in this year’s road trip include Saffron Grange Vineyard, Cladspray, Carrs Pasties, JJ Smith & Co, David Nieper, The Cleenol Group, The John Good Group, Grommets, Tims Dairy, The Pantry UK, The Wilkins Group and Bridgman. As Paul Andrews, founder and CEO of Family Business United explains, “The world of family business never ceases to surprise, delight and demonstrate positivity, be it in Bristol, Bolton, Bradford or anywhere else for that matter. Families in business are different. They take the long-term view, they care and they know they have to innovate, invest and evolve to become sustainable for generations to come.” “Family businesses are the engine room of the UK economy and each year the Family Business Road Trip affords us the opportunity to get behind the scenes, see what family businesses do what they do on a daily basis, where they do it and it is a real privilege to be welcomed and shown around by family businesses that are justifiably proud of what they do, many of whom have been doing it for generations.” “Each and every business we visit cares about what they do, how they do it, the people that work for them and the broader community in which they operate. We are delighted to be on the road once again in a car provided by the Hendy Group and look forward to putting the family business sector on the map.” “As we sit here about to embark on our journey that will take us all over England, I cannot help wondering what incredible stories we will uncover this year as we shine a light on dozens of family firms across England, hear their stories and reflect on the legacy of previous generations and discover their plans for the future.” “Let the journey of family business discovery begin!” You can keep up to date with the journey as it unfolds on social media using the hashtag #FamilyBizRoadTrip .

Bridge of Weir, supplier of Fine Automotive Leather to the world’s most-respected luxury car brands, announces a new partnership with design and engineering consultancy, CALLUM. The agreement formalises a successful longstanding relationship between the two British-based brands, based on shared values of design-first innovation, industry-leading quality, and deep respect for heritage. Bridge of Weir has previously supported CALLUM, a business founded in 2019 by renowned car designer Ian Callum, with the creation of multiple ground-breaking luxury projects. In the automotive sector, the CALLUM Vanquish 25 – a reimagining of the iconic Aston Martin Vanquish – featured seats and panels trimmed in the finest Bridge of Weir materials, its luxuriously appointed cabin showcasing a range of completely bespoke leathers in beige, tan and dark blue. Through CALLUM, Prodrive has also trimmed its P25 with Bridge of Weir leather, CALLUM having designed a new interior for the limited-run model. In the product design world, the limited production series CALLUM Lounge Chair also featured a range of entirely bespoke Bridge of Weir leathers, available in colours including black, cranberry, fawn and bottle green, the material playing a key part in the company’s modern take on a design classic. In addition to sharing an ideological approach to creating the finest products using the most innovative and sustainable materials within and beyond the bounds of the luxury automotive sector, Bridge of Weir and CALLUM also benefit from a shared geography. With legacy roots for both sides being very much in Scotland, Bridge of Weir’s Advanced Design Studio and CALLUM’s industry-leading Design Studio are located within the same building in Warwick, in the heart of the British automotive industry in the Midlands. James Muirhead, Sales Director at Bridge of Weir Leather, said: “On behalf of the entire team, I am delighted to officially announce Bridge of Weir’s new strategic and creative partnership with CALLUM, a brand we all greatly admire for its cutting-edge, no-compromise approach to design, engineering and above all, quality." “Ian Callum and his team have a legendary reputation for pushing the boundaries of innovation. Having been proud to support CALLUM on multiple projects over the years, we are now pleased to take that relationship to the next level. With this partnership, Bridge of Weir looks forward to even closer collaboration with CALLUM, which will lead to the creation of world-class luxurious and sustainable products within and beyond the automotive sector.” Ian Callum, Design Director at CALLUM, said: “Throughout my career in the global automotive industry, I have always had the utmost respect for Bridge of Weir and the impeccable standards its expert team consistently sets. Few brands combine such a rich heritage with a passion for innovation so effectively. When we formed CALLUM, it was only logical that we would turn to Bridge of Weir to support us with projects such as the CALLUM Vanquish 25 and the CALLUM Lounge Chair." “Now, it is equally logical that we take this next step together in our relationship by forming a strategic partnership between CALLUM and Bridge of Weir. Bolstered by our shared geographical location, we look forward to setting new standards in luxury and innovation.” Bridge of Weir ensures that its leather production starts with responsible sourcing, with 100% traceability and zero risk of deforestation in the raw hide supply chain. The company's leather is the ultimate upcycled material, created through a 'circular' low-impact manufacturing process. Bridge of Weir utilises raw hides from the local beef and dairy industries, with over 98% sourced within the UK and Ireland. This upcycling approach prevents these hides from ending up in landfills, where they would emit hundreds of tonnes of harmful methane emissions each year. Since 2003, Scottish Leather Group, of which Bridge of Weir is a part, has reduced the average carbon intensity per hide by an impressive 90%. The group achieves this through the use of 100% renewable electricity and the conversion of process waste into energy. A new £14 million Super Tannery has also just been opened to further accelerate its sustainability leadership by investing in advanced tanning equipment that reduces energy and water use by 82% and 42% respectively. Bridge of Weir leather is the material of choice for the world’s leading automotive luxury brands, thanks to its quality, durability, versatility, and sustainability. To find out more about Bridge of Weir Leather, please visit here .

Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, has further demonstrated its responsible approach to sustainability by installing more than 2,300 solar panels on the rooftop of its National Distribution Centre in Hull. The National Distribution Centre (NDC) is the first of several Arco sites across the UK that will benefit from rooftop solar energy, as the company moves away from a dependency on fossil fuels. Similar installations are planned for Arco Safety Centres at Bracknell in Berkshire, Eccleshall in Staffordshire, and Linlithgow in West Lothian, as well as the Arco Clothing Centre in Preston, Lancashire. Guy Bruce, Arco’s chief executive, said: “At Arco, we're looking at every aspect of our business to see how we can reduce our impact on the planet. As part of our responsible approach to sustainability, we are constantly finding ways to improve the energy and carbon efficiency of our operations, including the use of renewable energy sources, intelligent LED lighting systems and low-emission vehicles." “Renewable energy is an important part of our goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2045, and just one way in which we are taking action to secure a safer tomorrow for businesses, people and the planet.” From left: Guy Bruce, Arco chief executive; Neil Dodds, Arco general counsel & company secretary; and Tom Thurling, managing director of Heatsource Direct, take a closer look at the solar panels on the roof of the National Distribution Centre in Hull. The 425,000 sq ft NDC is Arco’s main storage and distribution centre, holding up to 40,000 pallets and servicing up to 10,000 orders a day, maintaining the company’s excellent service to customers. The 2,352 solar panels have been installed by renewable energy specialist Heatsource Direct over the past few weeks, and from next month (May) they will provide about 50 per cent of the NDC’s power demand. The panels will generate around 780,922 kWh of energy a year, roughly the same as the annual power consumption of 289 houses. This will mean an annual CO2 reduction of around 182,276kg, equivalent to planting 7,291 trees each year. i Tom Thurling, managing director of Heatsource Direct, said: “It’s fantastic to see a nationally recognised company putting renewable energy at the forefront of their agenda. “By moving away from traditional sources of energy, Arco will save money on their electricity bills, while also significantly reducing their carbon footprint, something that’s becoming ever more important for large companies."

A family-owned craft drinks B-Corp, an electric vehicle company and a rapid diagnostic tests specialist are among the 2024 winners of the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards  announced today. Now in their second year, the awards celebrate the international sales success of small-medium businesses across the UK and provide a stepping stone for further growth and opportunity. Winners include Warner’s Distillery, an independent, family-owned craft drinks producer that creates 100% natural, sustainably sourced products crafted from ingredients grown on its farm in Northamptonshire. Awarded in the Agriculture, Food and Drink category, the B Corp accredited business’s range of spirits and non-alcoholic drinks are listed in major UK retailers and sold in over 30 countries, including the United States, Australia, China, and nations across mainland Europe.  The awards come after new figures from the UN’s body that leads on global trade show the UK was the 4th largest exporter of goods and services globally in 2022, moving up from 7th in the rankings in 2021.   Minister for Exports Lord Offord, said: “We’re proud of our British exporters and these Awards highlight some fantastic businesses punching above their weight and selling UK-made products around the world." “I hope the winners serve as inspiration to others looking to get onto the exporting ladder and encourage more businesses to showcase the incredible talent and innovation of UK businesses selling abroad.” Cabinet Office Minister Ester McVey said: “Selling overseas is key to driving economic growth across the UK. As part of the GREAT campaign, it’s wonderful to celebrate these businesses who showcase the best of what Britain and Northern Ireland have to offer the world.” The winning businesses have been drawn from a diverse range of 12 sectors across 10 categories: Agriculture, Food & Drink; Creative Industries; Education & EdTech; Financial Services and FinTech; Retail & Consumer Goods; Consultancy & Professional Services; Healthcare; Infrastructure & Engineering; Low Carbon Energy; and Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing & Construction. The latter five categories have been introduced as new additions this year to ensure that businesses from all sectors could enter. In the Low Carbon Energy category, Glasgow-based Munro Vehicles was recognised for its next-generation, fully electric commercial vehicles that are designed to help essential but carbon-intensive industries transition to net zero. The company, which exported to 16 countries in 2023, ranks as Scotland’s only “volume production” car company and plans to build 50 vehicles by mid-2024 before shifting to a new purpose-built site near Glasgow later in the year, creating up to 300 jobs. The Healthcare winners are pioneers CIGA Healthcare, a leading UK company specialising in rapid diagnostic tests including fertility tests, blood pressure monitors and blood glucose monitors. CIGA Healthcare’s products are supplied to national health services and international brands, such as Walmart and AmerisourceBergen, and the company’s international reach extends to over 80 countries, including the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Canada, and nations across South America. Within each category, three additional businesses were also awarded highly commended status for their inspiring business stories and exporting prowess. Marco Forgione, Director General of The Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) and judge on the panel for this year’s awards, commented: “The calibre of businesses that entered across all categories has been incredibly high and selecting a winner has been a tough job. We are delighted to offer an IOE&IT membership to these winners alongside the businesses that are highly commended and look forward to working with this year’s companies, helping them to grow and expand through international trade." “These awards provide an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the global trade success stories of small businesses from all Nations and regions – and we hope these winners will inspire even more budding business owners." “The evidence continues to tell us that businesses that trade internationally are more sustainable, more resilient, more innovative, employ more people and, ultimately, are more profitable. So, it is vital that these businesses are supported in their exporting journeys and that their success stories are celebrated.” In 2021, DBT launched the ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ campaign to celebrate exporting success from across the UK and tell businesses’ stories. The awards programme builds on this to further recognise and celebrate the global trading success of SMEs from across the UK. Winning businesses receive an invitation to an evening Parliamentary Reception and receive a year’s free membership with the Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE&IT). They will also win a digital badge, physical certificate and trophy and enjoy promotional activity across DBT channels, including individual profiles to share their export success.

The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (Alliance) and Perdue Farms (Perdue) celebrated the 54th Earth Day and their strong partnership by planting more than 300 trees on a family poultry farm in Quarryville, PA. This partnership, announced in October 2023 with funding from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), has already made substantial strides to positively impact the environment on farms in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, meeting with over a dozen farms that are now moving forward with enhancements to increase sustainability on-farm. The partnership has big plans for additional on-the-ground projects throughout the rest of 2024 that will help reduce energy costs, minimize disease risk, increase carbon sequestration, and boost local air and water quality. This includes providing technical and financial support to install six manure storage sheds and/or compost barns and seven tree planting installations within pastures and around poultry barns, planting 1,800+ trees on farms in the region this spring, and leveraging various state and federal cost-share programs to accelerate conservation practice implementation and effectively stretch the grant dollars further.   Drew Getty, vice president of environmental sustainability at Perdue Farms said: “Earth Day is a reminder of our obligation to future generations to protect and preserve our communities, like the beautiful Chesapeake Bay watershed. To go beyond good stewardship and make a big impact, it takes all of us working together." "That’s why this partnership is so mission critical. Collectively, we can make sustainable practices more accessible and approachable to anyone who works with Perdue Farms, which ultimately advances the work to protect our natural resources.” Since 2017, the Alliance has worked alongside agricultural supply chain corporations, like Perdue Farms, and their farm providers to accelerate conservation efforts throughout supply chains in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This approach allows farms to increase long-term sustainability while elevating environmental standards throughout the agricultural industry. “The Alliance is excited to partner with Perdue. Their commitment to helping farmers reach conservation standards that go above state regulations is exciting,” said Brittany Smith, agriculture project manager at the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. “Through this collaboration and Perdue’s investment in conservation, the team can build capacity for technical support and offer financial assistance for Perdue’s independent-contract growers, often with no out-of-pocket costs to the farmers. Perdue’s leadership and commitment to sustainability elevates environmental standards throughout the agricultural industry.”

A hotel employee has notched up a century of customer and colleague testimonials for going the extra mile in her work. Ilse Bujok, the reception manager at The Wild Boar near Windermere, is the first person from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues to reach the milestone as part of the hotel group’s +1 initiative. The customer service led programme is designed to raise standards and encourage creativity and innovation amongst team members. The +1 initiative is all about recognising the small acts of extra care, service and kindness occurring each day across its venues. Perhaps a bit like a player of the match award in sport, it seeks to recognise the efforts of staff to go over and above normal service for guests and colleagues. Every month team members are nominated for activities or performance that exceeds guest or colleague expectations. Ilse is the very first member of staff to attain 100 +1 award nominations and the first recipient of English Lakes Hotels Platinum award for reaching that milestone. She has also been rewarded with £250 worth of English Lakes Gift Vouchers to mark her customer service excellence achievement. Highlights along the way have included Ilse finding a guest’s lost wallet which they had left at Windermere golf club, and rescuing a stray dog which ran into The Wild Boar on its own. Giving the stray a bowl of water, Ilse’s first thought was to ring around the local farmers and sure enough, she managed to find the owner. English Lakes Hotels managing director Ben Berry explains: “We all know how good it feels when someone highlights a good piece of work you have done. Now imagine that happening 100 times. It’s quite an achievement and a real feather in the cap for Ilse and the team at The Wild Boar.” “The +1 award scheme is a great source of motivation for me,” adds Ilse. “It’s nice to hear from colleagues or guests that they think I’m doing a good job.” The hotel group also awards silver, gold and champions awards to team members who achieve over 10, 25 and 50 +1 nominations respectively.

Croxsons’ long-lasting partnership with Yarty, known for its unique and handmade premium cordials and vinegars, continues to evolve. The ongoing collaboration demonstrates the value the leading glass packaging firm places on aligning with brands that share its vision of excellence. And despite challenges like sourcing bottles post-Brexit and COVID-19, the relationship between both parties has thrived, ensuring a continuous supply of quality packaging. Yarty is known for creating drinks of exceptional quality, with each cordial being handmade from the finest fruits. Showcasing their commitment to craftsmanship by bottling and labelling each product by hand, their drinks are favoured at prestigious events and by corporate clients. Croxsons supplies Yarty with high-quality glass packaging in 250ml and 750ml sizes that perfectly complement Yarty’s cordials. These include the elegant 250ml mountain bottle, the 750ml soft drink bottle and the 250ml king quadra bottle for oils and vinegars. Additionally, Croxsons provides various screw caps that ensure the longevity and quality of the product. Yarty’s Violet Cordial stands out as a symbol of this partnership's success. It connects back to a historic recipe made for royalty, now enjoyed by modern consumers, including King Charles himself. Recreated for the King’s coronation in 2023, Croxsons was honoured to contribute to this tradition by supplying the necessary packaging. David Mugridge, Yarty's co-founder and marketing director, commented: "Our partnership with Croxsons is invaluable. Their commitment to quality and understanding our needs ensures that our cordials are presented beautifully, reflecting the mastery that goes into each bottle." Tim Croxson, CEO of Croxsons, added, "Working with Yarty is a testament to our shared values of tradition and quality. We are proud to supply them with packaging that meets their high standards and celebrates their artisanal products." For more information on Croxsons, visit here .

LEGO Group has been ranked as the most reputable company in the world in the annual Global RepTrak®100 survey released by the RepTrak Company™. Chief Executive Officer of the LEGO Group, Niels B. Christiansen, said: “I am very proud the LEGO Group has been named the World’s Most Reputable Company again in 2024. This is testament to the dedication of our colleagues who all play a part in building a sustainable future and a better world for our children to inherit. Together, we’re working to create positive, lasting impact and inspiring the builders of tomorrow.” This is the second consecutive year that the LEGO Group has been ranked number one, and the eighth year in a row the LEGO Group has been ranked in the top three. The Global RepTrak® report developed by the RepTrak Company™ ranks the 100 Most Reputable Companies. The report is the world’s most comprehensive reputation study, compiled for the past 13 years using RepTrak’s in-depth analysis. RepTrak gathers data from more than 230,000 ratings surrounding perception on a variety of elements of reputation, including ESG, Workplace fairness, leadership, branding, and more.

Bavaria’s Minister-President Dr. Markus Söder opened the new branch of GW in Straubing. On “Logistics Day” (“Tag der Logistik”), when the nationwide industry opens its doors every year, the Minister-President described the 14 million euro investment by Gebrüder Weiss in Straubing as: "Excellent news at a time when the Federal Government is massively jeopardizing truck logistics in Germany. CO2 prices are up, tolls have doubled, e-mobility funding has been cut." "This is damaging to such a systemically relevant industry, and once again fueling inflation. It can’t be overstated: we need forward-looking entrepreneurs and motivated employees more than ever." Wolfram Senger-Weiss, CEO of Gebrüder Weiss, made a clear commitment to Bavaria as a place of business: “The Free State of Bavaria offers us a good set of conditions on which we can base our plans for expansion in Germany. Over the past five years, we have invested 120 million euros in Bavaria with the aim of giving Bavarian industrial and commercial enterprises access to markets both in Germany and around the world.” "At the same time, Senger-Weiss was critical of the obstacles facing e-mobility. “E-trucks cost three times as much as diesel-powered vehicles, which is why we need a clear roadmap in Germany on the future of e-truck subsidies.” Nevertheless, his company is taking advantage of every opportunity available to transport freight in a climate-friendly way, eschewing no technology, with the aim of operating its own facilities and vehicle fleet in a climate-neutral manner by 2030. An e-truck is already stationed in Straubing for short-distance transport of general cargo. During his visit, Minister-President Söder was briefed on operating processes and procedures. Incoming goods are prepared in Straubing over an area of 3,700 square meters for forwarding in Germany, for onward transport to European countries and for air and sea freight overseas. The terminal also serves as a distribution center for the economic regions of Eastern Bavaria, Lower Bavaria and Upper Palatinate. “Our new location brings us even closer to our customers in Bavaria, to whom we offer reliable transport and logistics solutions, digital services and a direct connection to our global network. We guarantee efficient land transport from a single source with our close-knit network of locations, particularly to Austria and South-Eastern Europe,” said Wolfram Senger-Weiss. There are already plans in the works to expand the location in the coming years to include additional warehouses and handling facilities. The company is investing an eight-figure amount in expanding the Straubing location. In recent years, Gebrüder Weiss has built up a dense network of locations in southern Germany and, in addition to Straubing, has its own branches and subsidiaries in Aldingen, Altensteig, Bayreuth, Esslingen, Konradsreuth, Memmingen, Nuremberg, Passau and Waldkraiburg.

While every family business needs to plan for the future, conversations about what this means in practice aren’t always easy. The Logan family of hit TV programme Succession springs to mind as one example of how not to hand over a business from one generation to another. One of the primary strengths of family businesses, however, can lie in their long-term perspective. Family-owned enterprises often prioritise sustainability over immediate gains, whilst aiming to leave a positive legacy for future generations. Yet succession planning can be a delicate process; and planning ahead is not just needed as we get older and potentially lose the capacity to make decisions. Illnesses and accidents can change the fortunes of a business overnight. Conversations about such risks are vital to protect the long-term future of a business. Here are our three top tips for any family firm planning how to manage potential capacity issues, illness and lasting power of attorney. 1. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate The first step is to have those potentially difficult conversations that are easy to put off. When publishing a report about the families that STEP members advise, and their wealth and succession planning needs, we asked what one piece of advice they would give. Respondents overwhelmingly identified communication and, in particular, early and open conversations about planning and succession within families. This means putting aside time for everyone concerned to have an honest, open conversation about succession planning. This can avoid upset in the future, which will benefit not only those crucial family relationships but also the business and its legacy. 2. Protect Your Business With A Power Of Attorney Individuals can lose mental capacity because of dementia or sudden illness, such as a stroke. Fortunately, a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) allows you to nominate someone to take decisions on your behalf. There are two types: one for health and welfare matters, and another for property and financial affairs. However, it’s much less well known that an LPA can be put in place for a business. Sudden illness of the owner could have serious ramifications, so we strongly advise anyone involved in a family business to set this up. If a business owner does not have an LPA and they lose capacity, the Court of Protection will appoint a ‘deputy’ who will have the power to run the business. This process can take several months; plenty of time for the decision-making processes and daily operations of a business to fall apart. Conversely, putting a business LPA in place ensures that a person you know and trust will take the reins immediately. As with personal LPAs, it is very important to choose the right person. 3. Don’t Wait To Take Action A recent STEP survey found that the majority of solicitors and professionals have witnessed first-hand instances of actual or suspected financial abuse of a vulnerable person. A whopping 70% of STEP practitioners in the UK – including solicitors and those helping clients with estate and wealth planning – have observed instances of financial abuse or suspected financial abuse. The report also considers growing mental incapacity issues among an increasingly ageing population. Cases of dementia are set to triple by 2050. In the UK alone, there are more than 900,000 people living with dementia and The Alzheimer’s Society estimates that this will rise to 1.6 million by 2040. This underlines the importance of having an LPA in place and choosing someone you really trust. This may be a lawyer rather than a family member or friend. We urge those managing family businesses to seek expert legal advice and appoint only the most trusted family members, friends or legal professionals to act as representative. Preparing For Any Eventuality Lives can change very quickly and even the best laid plans may not cover every eventuality. If your family business needs to remove a director due to sudden illness, for instance, it’s important to navigate the process of applying to the Court of Protection to appoint a deputy. We would also welcome wider cross-border recognition of LPAs, which will benefit an increasing number of families whose assets are spread across different countries. Family businesses are a significant contributor to the global economy in terms of employment, income generation, taxes, wealth and philanthropic endeavours. They contribute significantly to both local and international economies. Logan Roy and his offspring in Succession scheme amongst each other to take over their family-owned media conglomerate, proving that it can be a messy thing being in business with family. But with strategic forward planning, it doesn’t have to be. Forward planning can ensure your business continues to flourish for generations to come. About STEP - STEP is the global professional body for inheritance advisors, with over 21,000 members in around 100 countries. STEP helps families plan for their futures, from drafting wills to issues surrounding international families, protecting the vulnerable, family businesses and philanthropic giving.