Latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows the first GDP estimate for the fourth quarter of 2023 with a contraction in GDP for the final quarter of 2023 which means the UK economy is in technical recession. Responding to Office for National Statistics figures showing that GDP fell by 0.3% in the final quarter of 2023, following a fall of 0.1% in the third quarter, Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “The news that we’re in a recession will just confirm what many small firms have been saying for some time now – it’s very tough out there. Our research found that confidence among small firms has been in negative territory for seven straight quarters, due to the energy price crisis and the knock-on impact on the cost of doing business." “There are big differences between sectors, with the hospitality sector recording by far the gloomiest confidence score, underlining that economic pain and strain are far from equally spread out," he continues. “Small firms are grappling with high interest rates, energy costs much greater than they were a couple of years ago, and weak consumer demand. Two in five small firms said their revenues decreased over the final quarter of last year, with only a third saying they increased, showing that the shine has definitely come off the so-called ‘golden quarter’, to small firms’ detriment." “The Government needs to foster an environment where small firms can grow, to the overall benefit of the economy, and to put this period of stagnation and shrinkage behind us once and for all. We have set out an ambitious but achievable programme for small business growth at the forthcoming Budget." "Small firms have the drive and the potential to get the economy back up and running, and to put this period of economic decline firmly behind us.” “Uprating the Employment Allowance to keep it in line with recent raises in the National Living Wage, raising the VAT threshold from £85,000 to at least £100,000, bringing back tax-free shopping for overseas visitors, ensuring the future of the Recovery Loan Scheme to get funds to start-up and scale-up businesses, and bringing in a national Business Energy Advice Service to help small firms with eye-watering energy costs would all provide a launchpad for growth," concludes Martin. Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “A contraction in GDP for the final quarter of 2023 means the UK economy is in technical recession. Businesses were already clear about the challenges that they face, and this news should ring alarm bells for Government." “While this recessionary data is slight, it confirms what our own business research had been saying for all of 2023. That the economy remained persistently locked in a low growth cycle of stagnation as headwinds continued to weigh heavily on firms." “The Chancellor must use the upcoming Spring Budget in just a few weeks to set out his government’s plans to help business and the economy to grow." “Businesses need long-term certainty through an economic plan that relieves their cost pressures and helps unlock much needed investment," concludes Liz. Margot Faraci, global leadership expert and prominent senior leader with over two decades of experience in the corporate world and high pressure environments adds: “The long-term trend is undeniable: the UK has long had a productivity crisis. Productivity is driven by investment, innovation, and competition. Business leaders have the opportunity to pull these levers every day." “Inflation is holding steady at 4%, bringing a sigh of relief to bankers, business owners and people. But the reality is that without high productivity, wages remain stagnant. The standard of living for everyone depends on strong productivity." “The missing piece of the productivity puzzle is leadership. Productivity increases when leaders are decisive and courageous. Productivity declines when leaders vacillate and suffocate – when they are untrusting, micromanaging, and quite simply, not acting powerfully. In many countries with large mature economies, it’s easy for complacency to set in (the same can be said of leadership in large mature companies). The demise into stagnation is slow and impossible to feel day to day. Collectively, we kick the can down the road. The digital transformation stalls, the push into the new market pauses and the toxic team member is never dealt with." “In my recent global study I found that in the UK, a quarter of emerging leaders are leading with unconscious fear, costing a staggering £2.2 billion drop in productivity and performance. It’s estimated there are 235,000 fearful leaders in the UK, nearly a quarter of all emerging leaders (leaders at the earlier end of their leadership experience)." "Alarmingly, they’re learning from more experienced leaders, who have created the productivity problem," she continues. “For productivity to increase, we urgently need business leaders and managers to look internally at their own leadership. Solving the productivity problem in your business is not beyond you. It is you.”

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, one of the UKs largest family businesses and the primary SPAR wholesaler across the Midlands and Wales, announced the addition of two state-of-the-art electric HGVs to its fleet, marking a significant step towards its commitment to sustainable operations. These zero-emission vehicles, supplied by Hartshorne Group and Volvo Trucks, boast an impressive range of 185 miles, significantly reducing the company's carbon footprint and contributing to cleaner air in communities across the Midlands and Wales. Caoire Blakemore, A.F. Blakemore’s Responsible Business Director said: "We are thrilled to be at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution in the convenience retail sector. The addition of these electric HGVs demonstrates our commitment to reducing our environmental impact. We believe this is just the beginning of our journey towards becoming a net zero carbon company by 2040 and we are excited to see the positive impact these vehicles will have on our operations and the environment." The two new Volvo FM Electric trucks are equipped with innovative battery technology and regenerative braking, offering a clean and efficient solution for long-distance deliveries. Additionally, the company is committed to further reducing its carbon footprint by partnering with Certas to utilize fridge trailers powered by HVO fuel. HVO, a biofuel produced from renewable sources, offers a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional diesel. James Cowen, Managing Director at Hartshorne Group said: "We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with A.F. Blakemore in their journey towards a more sustainable future. Our electric trucks, which have proven themselves to fit seamlessly into the operation during a rigorous trial, provide a powerful way to reduce environmental impacts without compromising on performance or reliability. This collaboration is a testament to the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions in the UK, and we are confident it will inspire other businesses to follow suit." The initial two electric HGVs are just the first phase of A.F. Blakemore’s commitment to electric transportation. As part of the UK Government's Electric Freightway Programme, two additional electric HGVs are set to be delivered in March to service their Bedford depot, further expanding the company's zero-emission fleet.

From February visitors to the world-famous The O2 arena will be able to purchase award-winning ciders from Thatchers for the first time. The news comes as the Somerset cider maker is announced as the Official Cider Partner of The O2 in a deal brokered by AEG Global Partnerships. With the iconic entertainment venue recording its strongest ever year for ticket sales in 2023 selling over 2.5 million tickets, Thatchers will be bringing its much-loved range of ciders on a category exclusive arrangement to each of the main arena bars. The world’s busiest arena, The O2 will be hosting over 200 shows and concerts in 2024 building on its stellar year in 2023, including performances such as Take That, Girls Aloud, Country to Country, and Michael McIntyre. Its hospitality offering is an integral part of visitor experience. Thatchers has a range of much loved and best-selling premium cider brands. Available on draught will be its flagship Gold, together with its fruit flavoured Apple & Blackcurrant and Blood Orange ciders. Thatchers Cider is celebrating its 120-year anniversary in 2024. And with ciders that continue to shake up the market, the family run, independent business has recorded its highest ever share of the cider market in 2023. The British cider maker has added more volume to draught cider than any other producer in the last 12 months, with Thatchers Gold having the highest rate of sale of any draught cider in UK Managed and Free trade outlets. Martin Thatcher, fourth generation cider maker comments, “We’re excited beyond words to be serving our ciders at The O2. This world-famous venue plays host to global acts and events, with fans travelling from across the UK and Europe to enjoy the very best entertainment. It’s therefore fitting that the very best cider is now available in the bars for customers to enjoy, adding to their experience of memorable hospitality at The O2.” Visitors to The O2 can expect to see the new, iconic, Thatchers Balloon Bar at the venue on selected occasions during the year, as well as out-of-home media and digital activation. Martin continues, “We share a commitment with The O2 for a greener future, and in particular their values of driving change to make more sustainable choices. We believe that meaningful, sustainable practices, such as using 100% renewable electricity to make our cider, are part and parcel of being a responsible drinks producer.” Laura Dignan, Director, Partnership Sales at AEG Europe says: “Thatchers is one of the UK’s most popular ciders, and with this new partnership we are bringing a world-class cider into a world-class venue. Their new Balloon Bar activation offers another way for people to engage with the brand, playing a role in achieving our shared goal of elevating fans experiences to the best they can be. Thatchers, The O2 and AEG Global Partnerships share common values that we’re certain will make the partnership a success.” This partnership was forged between Thatchers and AEG Global Partnerships, which oversees sponsorships across AEG’s global portfolio of assets, including The O2, and sits behind some of the most iconic brand partnerships in the entertainment industry.

Apprentices working at Yorkshire-based gritter manufacturer Econ Engineering, have urged more young people to follow in their career footsteps as they learn a valuable on-the-job trade. During National Apprenticeship Week, two young employees at the company’s Ripon-based assembly plant have spoken of the exciting opportunities their roles have provided. Oliver Merrin and Jacob Condie are in the middle of their specialist apprenticeships with Econ, the UKs leading manufacturer of winter maintenance vehicles, and believe the experience is providing them with the best possible start to their careers. Family-owned and run since 1969, Econ – which has a workforce of around 240 – has welcomed a continual string of apprentices to their team, learning their trade both on the factory floor and at technical college. Oliver Merrin, 19, started his apprenticeship back in 2021 as an Apprentice Welder, and is grateful for the opportunity that it has given him and said: “I have been at Econ for two-and-a-half years and a typical day would be making up the frames and welding them. The frames are what the gritters, the hot boxes and the de-icers sit on." “It is a good way to get into a trade and that is what I was looking for. Welding is quite a hands-on thing to do and I thought it would be right up my street… and it was." “Econ is a very well-structured company, there is a lot you can learn here. Everyone is very welcoming, if you get stuck with anything then you can ask anyone in the factory and they will help you out." “The key is to not let the college work pile up, so that you have a lot to do before the deadline. Crack on with it straight away so that you do not fall behind." “My mentor here at Econ, Darren, has been great from the very start and the college itself has plenty of resources for us to use. If anyone is thinking of what they should do after school, then I would definitely suggest an apprenticeship.” Jacob Condie, 25, who is in the middle of his IT apprenticeship, echoed the thoughts of his colleague: “Typically in a day, I respond to tickets from my colleagues here and essentially looking over the systems to make sure they are running properly. “My manager is really supportive and helps with anything that I might need." “My advice would be for people to look out for all the opportunities that you can get and just go for it. You won’t regret it.” Econ Engineering Managing Director, Jonathan Lupton, who himself worked his way up from the factory floor as an apprentice before taking over the reins of the family business, said: “From the very earliest days of Econ, we have employed apprentices within the business and we are proud of the fact that so many of them have gone on to work for the business for many years." “After leaving school at 16, I worked my way across many of the various Econ departments as an apprentice, learning from those people who knew their jobs inside out and who could teach me valuable lessons about every aspect of the company." “It made me the person I am today and if university is not for you, then learning a trade through being an apprentice is certainly something I would advocate.”

Outkast Panda Crew, a Community Interest Company which evolved from a modified car club in Hull, has featured in a new mini documentary. The 11-minute film, funded by The Matthew Good Foundation and produced by INIT Creative, highlights the power held by grassroots organisations to improve inner-city communities, by raising aspirations beyond a life of crime and anti-social behaviour for disadvantaged youths. Outkast Panda Crew started life as an inner-city car club, founded by modified car enthusiast Jonny Cahill in 2017. Living in Hull City Centre, Jonny witnessed first-hand the effects of crime and anti-social behaviour in his community, alongside a decline in availability of youth services. When speaking to young people, he saw an opportunity for the car club to help them find a route to more positive engagement in their community. Outkast Panda Crew: The Film is available to view now on YouTube. It explains how, since 2021, Jonny and a team of volunteers have been teaching Hull’s disadvantaged youths a wide range of automotive skills including electrics, welding, mechanics, body panelling and painting. In a behind-the-scenes look at the workshop, viewers witness students modifying cars for real-life motorsport events, with some getting the opportunity to be part of an event pit crew. The documentary features an interview with Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner Jonathan Evison. In the interview he comments, “Outkast Panda Crew is a breath of fresh air, it’s something completely different. It’s got practical, engineering input, it’s learning skills that will certainly be transferrable, but it’s also experiences. It’s raising aspirations. That means that things like anti-social behaviour, car theft, motorbike theft, crime within shops will reduce.” Garreth Byrne is a Councillor for North Carr ward in East Hull, which includes parts of the Bransholme estate. In the film he comments, “It’s about trying to offer kids an opportunity to take the skills that they have, put them into something constructive, and take that forward and move it into a career or another path, and change the roundabout that we have on the estate at the moment. We need more of them, and we need them funded better.” The film was funded by the Matthew Good Foundation, based in Hessle. An organisation specialising in grant funding, they recognised that Outkast Panda Crew would benefit from telling their inspirational story to a wider audience, so offered them support through their Amplify Charity Films programme. Amplify Charity Films offers funding and support for small non-profits who are making a high impact in their communities, but lack the funds or expertise needed to invest in communications campaigns. Using their connections to local and national business networks, the Matthew Good Foundation creates opportunities for non-profits to access professional-quality communications services, helping them to amplify their voice. The documentary was produced by INIT Creative, a Hull-based creative agency specialising in film and digital media production from a state-of-the art studio on Clough Road. INIT Creative is run by local brothers, Adam and Brendan Storch, whose knowledge of local issues was crucial to the creation of the powerful documentary. Real-world experiences and connections with skilled mentors at the project have already inspired dozens of young people out of dissolution and onto real career paths, including apprenticeships in the motor industry. Outkast Panda Crew Director, Jonny reflects, “All they’re being told throughout their young lives is, ‘you’re bad, you can’t do this, you’re only from Bransholme, you’re only from Orchard Park, you live in Hull mate, you ain’t going anywhere.’ The fact is they can do it, because we’ve already proved it.” Having attracted grants initially from local funders including Humberside PCC Community Safety Fund, John Good Group’s Grants for Good, and the Matthew Good Foundation, plus support from local automotive suppliers, the team at Outkast Panda hope that the documentary will help them attract more of the long-term funding that will be vital to their ability to continue operating, and increase their impact in the local community.

Join Paul Andrews in discussion with Anna Price from the Rural Business Awards as they discuss the rural community and how family firms are an integral part of this community and the contribution made by rural businesses to the UK economy. Topics include dispelling some of the myths around the rural sector, the firms that make it up and the real sense of purpose and community that shines through. The digital agenda and opportunities for rural firms to seize the opportunities available to them and some of the challenges around the rural economy are also addressed.

When it comes to creating a family firm fit for the future, what needs to be done in terms of governance, communication and finance? Life for many in the family business space over the past year has not been easy, but family firms have shown their resolve and resilience and are now beginning to look to the future. So, how do you go about creating a family firm fit for the future with regards governance, communication and finance? Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United is joined by a panel of experts talking all things governance, communication and strategy and how to create a family firm fit for the future. Our panellists: Edouard Thijssen – Co-Founder and CEO at Trusted Family Edouard is a next generation member from a multigenerational business family from Belgium, and co-founder and CEO of Trusted Family. Trusted Family is an award-winning technology platform serving the world’s leading family businesses that provides a single, secure and centralized governance platform, enabling directors, shareholders, family members and their close advisors to easily connect, communicate and collaborate from anywhere, at any time, on any device. The company is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, with offices in London and New York, and family business clients in 25 countries globally. The company leverages a decade of industry expertise to help multi-generational family businesses thrive and achieve sustainable, long-term success. Jason Oakley – Founder and CEO at Recognise Bank Jason is the CEO of Recognise, a Lombard MBA Banker, who has spent his entire 35-year career in banking and has considerable SME and commercial banking experience. Most recently he worked at Metro Bank where he was a member of the Executive Committee and a Managing Director of Commercial Banking and Mortgages and worked as Head of SME Banking at RBS and NatWest, serving over 1 million customers. Jason appreciated that SMEs had a chronic lack of support from their banks – and in 2017 Recognise was born. He wanted to establish a bank that recognises the immense value of SMEs to the UK economy and wider society, and the extraordinary potential of that community which remains unrealised due to this lack of support. Recognise takes much that was good about business banking from the past – experienced relationship managers who know and understand the businesses they work with, many of them family firms, who are based in the local community and will be in situ to build relationships and provide accessibility. They pair this with the latest cloud-based technology to offer business customers speed (appreciating time to cash is paramount for businesses) along with a human touch, that has been so lacking in mainstream banking in recent years. They aim to listen and respond to family businesses, recognising that in many respects, it isn’t complicated. Their clarity of vision and purpose, combined with the best relationship managers makes them confident that they can give family businesses a banking experience that is truly useful, accessible and does what they really need it to do. John Harte – Managing Partner at Integrity Governance John leads a global team that is focused on making boards more effective. A boardroom expert working with multinationals and SME’s, he provides practical, impartial advice to directors, business owners and CEO’s to help improve performance. He is a regular speaker and thought leader on board effectiveness, practical governance and business disruption. John grew up in a family business and his extended family run fifth generation businesses and he has also served as a board member, chairman and adviser to many family firms. He also worked within Mars, a globally recognised family business for the best part of a decade.

In this latest family business insight session, Paul Andrews speaks to Alex Atherton about Generation Z, the future of the family business workplace and how family firms can look to recruit, retain and motivate the best of the youngest generation in the workplace. Going forward Generation Z will represent over 25% of the UK workforce by 2025 and businesses need to understand what makes this generation tick, what they are looking for in terms of opportunities and how to market these in order to attract the necessary staff going forward. The session covers a range of topics from the factors and circumstances that have influenced a generation, living through uncertain economic times, a pandemic and the growth of social pressures that are shaping the desires and work intentions of the future workforce. We also explore some of the characteristics of Gen Z, what they are looking for and how important it is for family businesses to tell their story, be authentic and honest, reinforce the opportunity and to listen and showcase their newest recruits to demonstrate their words are real too. Gen Z are different but they are bright, academic achievers and able to focus when they need to. Businesses need to be heard by them, career opportunities need to be presented in the right way and Gen Z want to be engaged. Family businesses have a story to tell and are well placed to use their authenticity to attract the right people but from day one, retention and motivation is on the agenda and it is really important the family firms do deliver on any promises made because this is a generation that knows what they want and they will move on if they feel that the opportunities are not being delivered. Watch the recording and join us for a fascinating insight into the world of Gen Z and how to adapt your business so that it is more likely to be of interest to your future employee pool.

Listen to Paul Andrews and Guillermo Salazar explore some of the generational challenges associated with family firms and how conversations and understanding can help drive alignment and create engagement by building bridges between the generations. The session covers a number of themes including the need to understand individual biases and preferences, history and values, the emergence of a shred dream and alignment of purpose.

In this session Paul Andrews speaks to Jean Santos and Celine Casamina from Business Consulting Resources about the findings from their latest 'Women Leaders in Family Enterprise' research project that explored the experiences of women in family business with regards gender bias and imposter syndrome. The conversation explores the findings, some of the differences between the results for the US and UK and looks at some of the possible reasons for some of the findings too. 49% of all respondents acknowledged having experienced some degree of gender bias, of which 24% in the UK and 43% in the USA felt that this came from fellow family members. There were statistically significant results confirming that there are still challenges balancing family and work responsibilities, that women felt the need to work harder than others to prove themselves and that imposter syndrome remains prevalent today. This is an ongoing project but the initial findings clearly demonstrate that more needs to be done, education is needed and that plenty more conversations need to be had, role models identified and celebrated and certain societal matters still need to be addressed too.

The new range, introduced under family run Celebration Packaging’s SolutionWare brand, includes sandwich packs, rectangular salad containers with hinged lids, and deli containers with separate lids. Celebration Packaging Managing Director Nick Burton says: “Our new ranges of high-clarity tamper-evident food containers feature a patented safety lock lid, giving tamper proof protection to prepared foods. These new ranges are manufactured with a minimum of 30% post-consumer rPET recycled plastic, and are therefore not liable for the plastic packaging tax. Once used, the packaging can be rinsed and recycled through kerbside collection.” Both the rectangular tamper-evident rPET salad containers with hinged lids, and the square tamper-evident rPET deli containers, with separate lids, are available in 8oz, 12oz, 16oz, 24oz and 32oz sizes. An rPET tamper-evident triangular sandwich pack with hinged lid is also available. Celebrating 40 years of innovative off-the-shelf packaging solutions Celebration Packaging – based in Stanley Street, Burton upon Trent - has been supplying innovative off-the-shelf catering disposables since 1983. Today, the SolutionWare brand encompasses a wide range of essential foodservice packaging solutions, from hot and cold drink cups and salad and deli containers, to platters, trays and bar accessories, and microwavable and tamper-evident containers. The SolutionWare brand sits alongside the PrintPac brand which offers a wide range of custom print and bespoke packaging options from drinks coasters to placemats and cutlery sleeves, and the EnviroWare® brand which was established over 17 years ago to deliver exciting and innovative sustainable food and drink packaging. Ensuring product integrity while enhancing reputations “Tamper-evident food packaging helps to ensure product integrity by providing a visible indication as to whether the container has been opened or compromised. It also helps to prevent contamination and preserve the quality and freshness of the product,” concludes Nick Burton. “These new high-clarity rPET packaging solutions ensure excellent product presentation, and whether it is for fresh salads, deli products or sandwiches, the use of tamper-evident packaging in any foodservice business delivers added confidence for consumers. Ensuring tamper-proof protection for food while also specifying packaging which is made from a percentage of recycled material and can be recycled, can also enhance an operator’s reputation.”

One of Glasgow’s oldest family businesses is donating a four-figure sum to Beatson Cancer Charity to assist in the provision of essential podiatry care for cancer patients. Allied Vehicles, through the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, will provide a grant of £2,000 to Beatson Cancer Charity, a vital organisation dedicated to supporting those affected by cancer in the west of Scotland. This generous donation will specifically fund the charity’s highly demanded Wellbeing Services, focusing on essential podiatry treatment for cancer patients. Beatson Cancer Charity works alongside The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre (The Beatson) in Glasgow; one of the UK’s most advanced and busiest NHS cancer centres which delivers an unprecedented level of care to thousands of patients. The charity provides over 1,200 podiatry sessions every year, addressing critical issues which can arise in patients’ feet as a result of their cancer treatment. Chemotherapy can damage nails and the surrounding tissues, which can lead to severe infections and complications. Podiatry equipment must be single-use, as mandated by NHS infection control policy. The past few years have seen podiatry product costs rise sharply, in some cases by almost 25%, leaving Beatson Cancer Charity with an annual cost of just over £8,000. The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust’s contribution will support the purchase of vital podiatry equipment and products, ensuring the continuation of this indispensable service for three months. Claire Bradley, head of wellbeing at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We are so grateful for this generous support from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust. Podiatry treatment is vital for patients during and after chemotherapy and this grant will allow us to continue delivering this important service to patients at The Beatson.” Allied Vehicles founder Gerry Facenna expressed the company’s enthusiasm for the support, stating, “Words can never truly express how important charities like this are to people going through cancer treatment. Cancer touches every family, including my own, and we are honoured to support Beatson Cancer Charity in continuing to the provide these invaluable services to their patients.”