Hendy Group is delighted to provide the car for the Family Business Road Trip 2023. Organised by Family Business United, an organisation that champions the family business sector, the event takes place from April 24 until June 8, visiting dozens of family firms in an innovative tour around England, celebrating the significant contribution they make to the UK economy. During the course of the 2023 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. Some of the family firms included on the trip are Furniture Village, Arco, Ridgeview, The Wiston Estate, The Gallagher Group, Charles Wells Brewerry, Hayman’s Gin, Hague Fasteners, Mrs Darlingtons, Duvalay and The John Good Group. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United explains, “Family firms are the backbone of the national economy and with around 5 million family firms employing around 14 million people they make a significant contribution in terms of jobs provided, income generated and wealth created, not forgetting the charitable endeavours undertaken as a collective force for good. We have been putting family businesses on the map since 2011 and continue to champion the sector each and every day. The Road Trip is a great way to get to meet family firms that do incredible things every day, many of which have done for generations.” “2023 will be no different as we visit family firms across a range of sectors, in lots of different places from the North of England to East Anglia, Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Yorkshire, with plenty of stops in between. Each family business has its own story to tell, and we look forward to discovering some of them over the trip, from younger family firms at the start of their journey to multi-generational family firms that have been around for many years and continue to remain relevant today. Each has a real purpose, with family values at their core and pride that goes with having your name above the door, for many, following in the footsteps of their ancestors. It is a great way to showcase the depth and diversity of the family business sector and a real privilege to be welcomed in by so many family businesses over the course of the trip too,” concludes Paul. Hendy Group chief executive Paul Hendy added, “Family Business United does an incredible job highlighting the success of family-run businesses in the UK and their contribution to the economy, and we are pleased to support its annual road trip.” “As a family-run business, we are tremendously proud that we are now seeing the sixth generation of the Hendy family in this business which was set up more than 160 years ago. Now we have a turnover of more than £1billion and represent 21 automotive brands across the south coast.” Keep up to date with the journey on social media using the hashtag #FamilyBizRoadTrip2023.

Hendy Group is delighted to provide the car for the Family Business Road Trip 2023. Organised by Family Business United, an organisation that champions the family business sector, the event takes place from April 24 until June 8, visiting dozens of family firms in an innovative tour around England, celebrating the significant contribution they make to the UK economy. During the course of the 2023 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. Some of the family firms included on the trip are Furniture Village, Arco, Ridgeview, The Wiston Estate, The Gallagher Group, Charles Wells Brewerry, Hayman’s Gin, Hague Fasteners, Mrs Darlingtons, Duvalay and The John Good Group. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United explains, “Family firms are the backbone of the national economy and with around 5 million family firms employing around 14 million people they make a significant contribution in terms of jobs provided, income generated and wealth created, not forgetting the charitable endeavours undertaken as a collective force for good. We have been putting family businesses on the map since 2011 and continue to champion the sector each and every day. The Road Trip is a great way to get to meet family firms that do incredible things every day, many of which have done for generations.” “2023 will be no different as we visit family firms across a range of sectors, in lots of different places from the North of England to East Anglia, Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Yorkshire, with plenty of stops in between. Each family business has its own story to tell, and we look forward to discovering some of them over the trip, from younger family firms at the start of their journey to multi-generational family firms that have been around for many years and continue to remain relevant today. Each has a real purpose, with family values at their core and pride that goes with having your name above the door, for many, following in the footsteps of their ancestors. It is a great way to showcase the depth and diversity of the family business sector and a real privilege to be welcomed in by so many family businesses over the course of the trip too,” concludes Paul. Hendy Group chief executive Paul Hendy added, “Family Business United does an incredible job highlighting the success of family-run businesses in the UK and their contribution to the economy, and we are pleased to support its annual road trip.” “As a family-run business, we are tremendously proud that we are now seeing the sixth generation of the Hendy family in this business which was set up more than 160 years ago. Now we have a turnover of more than £1billion and represent 21 automotive brands across the south coast.” Keep up to date with the journey on social media using the hashtag #FamilyBizRoadTrip2023.

Motoring fans were treated to a dazzling display of classic and supercars recently, as an impressive convoy of vehicles descended on Crieff Hydro Hotel for a charity event. The event was organised by Mark Ryan from Driving Scotland in aid of veterans charity Erskine that saw more than 40 automotive gems travel by police escort from the Forth Bridges in South Queensferry to Knockhill Racing Circuit, before arriving at the iconic Perthshire resort. Dozens of veterans and their families were given the chance to ride in a vast selection of vehicles including the latest Ferrari 296 GTB and Bentley Bentayga, before being treated to lunch and refreshments at the hotel. Erskine volunteer Zee Bremnar said: “Our veterans are truly the most magnificent people, and it was so rewarding to see so many of their happy, smiling faces on the day.” “We want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved, especially Mark from Driving Scotland, all the drivers, the team at Knockhill Racing Circuit and staff Crieff Hydro Hotel. It truly was a really special day.” Stephen Leckie, CEO of Crieff Hydro Hotel, said: “We were proud to welcome veterans who are in the care of Erskine to Crieff Hydro, for what was a fantastic event, supporting a worthwhile charity who go above and beyond for those who use its service and their families.” The event was also supported by luxury car retailers Bentley Edinburgh and Graypaul Ferrari Edinburgh, as well as mobile caterers, The Bonny Bean. Mark Ryan from Driving Scotland added: ““It was an honour to arrange a memorable day out for our veterans and residents and their families from the Erskine Charity.” “We owe such a great debt to so many of our military personnel and we all wanted to provide a great day out.”

The new tax year is here once again and with it comes a host of financial changes, from higher taxes to increasing bills, and almost every household will be affected. The start of the tax year is a great time to get into good habits, make use of all the available allowances and benefit from more time in the market. Our partners at Brooks Macdonald have provided a useful guide to help navigate and understand the changes which is available below:

Pentland Brands has announced Abhy Thomas-Joseph as its new global chief operating officer (COO). Abhy joined Pentland Brands in 2012 and was appointed global IT director in 2018. The following year, his role expanded to include the digital and innovation functions, where he established a new global digital strategy for the brand portfolio, growing their digital sales by 40% and significantly increasing their reach and engagement in a digital world. Abhy joined the Executive team in January 2022 as the President Asia Pacific, with responsibility for leading the brand, commercial, and operational teams across the region. In this role, his accountabilities also included leading the data, innovation, logistics, supply chain, technology, and transformation functions globally. Abhy is known for fostering trust and loyalty among employees, customers, and partners, driving large-scale digital transformations at pace within complex organisations and consistently delivering value for global businesses and their shareholders. Passionate about transforming businesses and fuelling growth, Abhy has previously ranked second in ‘The CIO 100’, which recognises the 100 most transformational and disruptive chief information officers in the UK. Chirag Patel, Pentland Brands’ chief executive officer, says: “In his new role, Abhy will take ownership of our global operating model and ensure we’re set up to be simpler and more efficient in how we work with our customers, suppliers and partners. He’ll also build strategic vendor partnerships, drive vendor led innovations, future-proof our supply chain and logistics operations, and use data and technology to power business growth. This is a natural transition for Abhy given his existing global responsibilities and leadership impact in the organisation.” “Abhy will continue to lead the Asia Pacific region in this role, providing executive leadership for what is the fastest growing region in the world.” Abhy replaces Jon Godden, who, having spent 16 years at Pentland Brands, has decided to leave the business in June 2023. Jon has held a variety of roles within the business, including managing director of Mitre Sports. As portfolio director he led the acquisition of Speedo North America and, as chief operating officer, has been responsible for leading the global finance, HR, legal and workplace teams. Chirag continues: “I’d like to personally thank Jon for his leadership and support, most recently guiding the business through the global pandemic. His calmness and professionalism, always keeping perspective and remaining resilient, were critical in helping us to navigate those challenging times. We wish Jon and his family all the best for the future.”

P1 Contractors Ltd and urban design architects, OOBE, have enlisted Yorkshire commercial nursery, Johnsons of Whixley Ltd, to help enhance the grounds of a new residential development, Blindwells in East Lothian. Blindwells site owner and developer Hargreaves Land plans to transform Blindwells from a brownfield site into a rich, bio-diverse landscape with thousands of plants, trees and meadow grasslands that will enhance the grounds of the residential development and surrounding areas by increasing aesthetic value and increasing habitat opportunities for local wildlife. The new residential development located just 12 miles from Edinburgh will comprise of 1,600 homes, educational facilities, a healthcare hub, retail outlets, a town centre and quality green open spaces to help facilitate healthy lifestyles with running, cycling and walking routes around the site. P1’s works included the soft landscaping of all the main infrastructure and structure blocks within phases one and two. Richard McMonagle, Director of P1 Contractors said: “Blindwells has been a great project to be involved in, The client and design team have placed a massive emphasis on the green spaces within the development to make this a highly desirable place to live and work. Having previously worked with Johnsons on all our major projects in Scotland they were our first choice to partner with on this project due to the quality & service they always deliver.” Johnsons supply of plants so far in phases one and two has included over 25,000 Hedging and tree transplants, over 2,000 shrubs and over 160 mature trees. Native hedging varieties such as Acer campestre, Crataegus monogyna and Prunus spinosa were used in the project to create natural screening and structure as well as providing food and shelter for wildlife. Over 40 Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’ trees were planted, a variety that has become known as the perfect street tree with clouds of white flowers appearing in spring, and in autumn its leaves turn to shades of red and purple. Additional soft landscaping will commence in phases three and P1 hope they take the excellent collaborative approach into the future phases of the project. Eleanor Richardson, Marketing Manager at Johnsons of Whixley said: “It’s great to be associated with this new residential development that will see our plants and trees enjoyed by residents and wildlife for decades to come. We have worked with P1 Contractors for over ten years, so it was a pleasure to have been enlisted to supply the plants for this new development and work with them again.“ Scott Waite, Head of Project Management at Hargreaves Land, said: “We’re excited to be working with Oobe and P1 Contractors to create sustainable green spaces that will leave a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy. By working together, we have a real opportunity to not only to create diverse habitats that enhance and protect our wildlife, but also transform former industrial landscapes and give them a new lease of life.” Johnsons have supplied several projects in Scotland including The Helix Project at Falkirk, The Event Complex, Aberdeen, the new Queensferry Crossing at Edinburgh and the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Perdue Farms has been recognized as one of the most trustworthy companies in America for 2023 by Newsweek. The fourth-generation, family-owned, U.S. food and agriculture company is one of 700 companies awarded this distinction, which was evaluated based on trust amongst consumers, employees and investors, and ranked 16th out of 45 food & beverage businesses. “At Perdue Farms, our vision is to be the most trusted name in food and agricultural products,” said Randy Day, CEO of Perdue Farms. “It is a key driver of every decision we make as a company. We are thrilled to be recognized for our commitment to our associates and customers in Newsweek’s report of the Most Trustworthy Companies in America and take great pride in providing our customers and consumers with premium food and agricultural products. The dedication of our associates and farming partners enables everything we do. Now in our second century of business, we remain committed to these important stakeholders.” Newsweek’s second annual Most Trustworthy Companies in America report was done in collaboration with market research partner, Statista. They reviewed 3,100 U.S.-based companies with revenues over $500 million and ranked them based on feedback from 25,000 Americans regarding customer treatment, career growth opportunities, and investor interest.

GAP Hire Solutions, the UK’s leading independent hire company, has announced the opening of their brand-new depot in Norwich. Due to extensive growth in the area, GAP made the decision to expand their premises and relocate to a larger depot, creating a number of jobs within the local area. Located at Broadland Business Park, the extensive 3-acre site can be easily accessed from the A47. The brand-new depot will provide products and services from four of GAP’s specialist divisions, consisting of Plant, Tools, Lifting and Survey & Safety. These services will be available throughout most of East Anglia, consisting of Norfolk and Suffolk. GAP worked with R G Carter, a Construction Services company, to support with the design and construction project management of the depot, offices and external storage yard. Gavin Smith, Head of Estates at GAP Group, commented: “Due to the continued growth of our business in east Anglia it became apparent that the old existing premises were not compatible for our future growth ambitions. As such, we purchased a 3-acre development plot in Broadlands and created a 10,000 sq ft industrial building and secure concrete storage yard. We are delighted with our new depot and R G Carter were first class construction partners.” Mario Rackham, Director at R G Carter said: “It has been a pleasure for R G Carter to help deliver GAP Group’s new warehouse as part of their expansion programme. We are extremely proud to now be handing over the building and to see it start to benefit the local community through recruitment and support the services and needs of many companies across the county.” This depot is part of GAP’s expansion plans across the UK – investing in people, plant and premises to grow the business.

Against a backdrop of rising costs and inflation Rishi Sunak’s Spring Statement focused on easing the burden for families and businesses. Our friends at Goodman Jones have provided a summary of the key points and their report can be read/downloaded below. The previously announced rises in National Insurance contributions remain but are sweetened a little by an increase in the starting thresholds for employees and the self-employed. There is no such sweetener for employers as employers’ National Insurance thresholds are not affected, but those eligible for the Employment Allowance will get an extra £1,000 as this is to increase from £4,000 to £5,000 for 2022/23. Other measures announced include: A temporary 12 month decrease in fuel duty. This will benefit individuals and businesses alike and go some way to helping with the spiralling costs of fuel. A review of the capital allowances system in advance of the Autumn budget. Confirmation that the government is considering improving the effectiveness of the R&D tax regime. And finally, we were promised a 1% drop in the basic rate of income tax, but not until 2024. Check out the full summary below:

After a decade of success, HMG Paints, the UK’s leading independent paint manufacturer, has renewed its Technical Partnership with Prodrive, one of the world’s largest and most successful motorsport and technology businesses based in Banbury, UK. The partnership, which began in 2013, has seen HMG’s range of paints and coatings appear on a number of iconic cars built and run by Prodrive in several global racing series and FIA World Championships. The most prestigious of which was the team’s win at 88th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance event in 2020 with Aston Martin Racing. The team’s cars use HMG’s Acrythane 4GTE paint system, and a colour developed by the HMG Advanced Colour Design Team. “We’re delighted to be renewing our technical partnership with Prodrive,” comments Paddy Dyson, HMG Marketing Manager. “The last decade has created some very special memories and we’ve been so proud to see our paints at such iconic events including 24 Hours of Le Mans, Six Hours of Spa and even the X-Games.” Even though Prodrive is renowned for running successful global motorsport programmes, including leading the 2023 FIA World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) with its Bahrain Raid Xtreme Team, and winning the 1995 World Rally [Drivers’] Championship with Colin McRae behind the wheel of the iconic blue Subaru Impreza 555, the new partnership will also see HMG support Prodrive in other areas of its business. For almost four decades the Prodrive group of technology and design companies has also showcased its skills and agile approach to developing innovative engineering solutions in the automotive, aerospace, defence, and marine sectors alongside the design and manufacture of advanced lightweight composites. “Prodrive’s enduring success has been based upon long term partnerships across all aspects of our business, and we are therefore delighted to be entering a second decade of collaboration with HMG who, for the last 10 years, have supported not only our motorsport programmes but also the development of our facilities. We look forward to many more years of success together,” added Richard Taylor, Business Development Director (Motorsport) at Prodrive. The manufacturer’s latest endeavour in both motorsport and automotive sectors, is the Prodrive Hunter Hypercar. A 600 bhp, four-wheel drive all-terrain adventure vehicle with unrivalled ability and performance across any landscape, the Prodrive Hunter road legal model was born out of the Bahrain Raid Xtreme racing team competition vehicle. The race car, with its striking red and white painted livery, is driven by nine-time World Champion, Sebastien Loeb, in the toughest motorsport series, the W2RC, which includes the notoriously dangerous and challenging Dakar Rally as one of its race events.

The 180-year-old, fifth-generation family business, which manufactures all its handmade 100% natural mattresses and beds in Yorkshire, England, has made a significant six-figure investment in the LA facility to benefit customers in the United States. Harrison Spinks, UK Bed Manufacturer of the Year at the 2022 National Bed Federation Awards, has made the investment following growth in the region, and the new facility will significantly reduce delivery lead times from three months to around two weeks. It is a significant milestone for the brand which first launched into the North American market in 2021. This distribution centre will facilitate an upgraded US stocking programme which will hold its Euston, Northumberland, Leicester and Strand mattresses, luxury enhancers and divan beds. The British family bedmaker offers handmade mattresses that are 100% recyclable and free from harmful chemicals while being naturally fire retardant, and include a glue-free spring system made with ultra-fine wire pocket springs for superior comfort. Products start life on the company’s 300-acre farm in the English countryside, where sheep are reared on rich, untreated pastures and hemp and flax crops are grown on fertile fields without pesticides. Scott Hollis, North America Sales Manager at Harrison Spinks, said: “When we launched into the market here in North America, our aim was to grow and expand across the country. Now we have achieved growth and brand awareness, we’re now doubling-down on distribution times so that our US customers can enjoy a better night’s sleep much faster than before.” “This facility is incredibly significant within our business plan, as it ensures our brand is much stronger within the country and more competitive, as customers can now have premium comfort with less wait times.” “It also greatly benefits our stockists along the West Coast of the United States, as we can now offer our beds to them with an extremely competitive lead time. We have plans to open more distribution centres as we continue to grow our independent retailer offering within the USA and Canada.” The facility is leased in partnership with logistics specialists, Rhenus Group, which Harrison Spinks is working with to provide this brand-new distribution service to its US customers.

Brits have revealed their top energy boosters, including doing star jumps, shouting – and slapping themselves around the face. A study of 2,000 adults found that almost two thirds turn to sweets or chocolate to revitalise themselves and 34 per cent resort to listening to high tempo music. More than a quarter wind the window down in the car in an attempt to wake their brains and bodies up. A further one in 10 said chewing on gum is a tried and tested way to feel more refreshed, while 46 per cent drink a glass of water. Other unusual methods Brits have used to get an energy boost include jumping up and down (11 per cent), singing (9 per cent) and even taking an ice bath (5 per cent). More than six in 10 (63 per cent) also claim fresh air is important when it comes to maintaining good energy levels, with 50 per cent opting for a walk and 13 per cent going for a run to give themselves a boost. A further 51 per cent said spending time outdoors makes them feel more awake. The research was commissioned by Volvic as it launched its new Touch of Fruit Vitality Pineapple and Orange with added vitamin B6 to help reduce tiredness and fatigue. Marie Chaigneau, brand manager at Volvic said: “It’s been interesting to uncover the lengths to which people will go to give themselves an energy boost – some of which are certainly more unusual than others." “Feeling refreshed all the time can be challenging, so we’ve been on a mission to find a simple and effective way to invigorate the nation’s energy levels. As nationwide restrictions start to lift, and with warmer weather on the horizon, we’re on a mission to invigorate the nation, and encourage them to explore the great outdoors.” The study also found more than two thirds of adults perform these methods to stop them feeling tired or sluggish, with three in 10 struggling to keep their eyes open when low on energy and 26 per cent unable to get out of bed in the morning. A tenth even admitted to falling asleep at their desk because they’ve run out of steam, while 36 per cent admitted they have forgotten to do something important and 22 per cent have made a mistake at work. A third also revealed they tend to lack inspiration when levels are low, while 45 per cent usually become mentally sluggish. But 42 per cent claim energy boosting methods help them to think better, while a third said it encourages them to actively do something, such as exercise. It also emerged that 37 per cent find themselves needing to apply one of these ‘tricks’ on a daily basis – with the average adult needing a boost twice a day. The first energy lift is needed at 11.49am, with productivity levels peaking an hour later – but adults then see another low at 3.49pm. The day job takes up most of their energy for 34 per cent, while almost three in 10 said cleaning the house wipes them out. And for 19 per cent it’s either exercising or walking that will leave them feeling tired. However, more than half of those polled via OnePoll feel ‘more awake’ while spending time outside and for 45 per cent this has a positive impact on their overall mood and mental health. Similarly, 29 per cent admitted their appreciation of nature has increased due to the lockdowns. Top 20 Ways Brits Boost Their Energy: 1. Drink coffee 2. Go for a walk 3. Drink some water 4. Eat a chocolate bar 5. Listen to music 6. Open a (building) window for fresh air 7. Put the window down in a moving car 8. Eat sweets 9. Drink an energy drink 10. Eat an energy bar 11. Take a vitamin supplement 12. Go for a run 13. Go for a bike ride 14. Jump up and down 15. Chew gum 16. Sing 17. Slap their face 18. Do star jumps 19. Pinch themselves 20. Scream/shout