Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame’s popular seasonal cask ale Late Red is returning to pubs this week - just in time for Autumn. The crimson-copper ale will be available on draught throughout September and October in selected Shepherd Neame pubs across Kent, London and the South East. Blending pale ale malt and gently-kilned crystal malt with UK Cascade and Goldings hops, Late Red offers the perfect balance between rich, dark malt flavours and a citrussy hop finish. Complex and full-flavoured, this seasonal ale is triple-hopped to enhance its taste and aroma, twice in the brewhouse with Goldings and Cascade before being dry hopped with Cascade. Senior Brewer and Quality Manager Stewart Tricker said: “We are excited to bring back Late Red, which has been a firm favourite for many years. A ruby ale, it truly is autumn in a glass, and we hope customers will enjoy this special seasonal brew.” Late Red is the seventh beer in Shepherd Neame’s popular real ale initiative Cask Club. Launched in 2019, it offers an exciting new range of limited edition innovative cask beers incorporating modern styles and flavours, while also celebrating some seasonal classics.

Here at Family Business United we are always looking for ways to celebrate the family business sector and this short video identifies 12 reasons that we think family firms are worth celebrating. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United explains, "Family firms are the backbone of the national economy and the engine room powering the growth and development of the UK and deserve recognition for all that they do." The 12 reasons identified are: Because family firms are the backbone of the UK economy Because family firms deserve recognition for all that they do Because there are over 6 million family firms across the UK Because they generate significant income across the country Because they help to put Britain on the global map Because they are innovative and stay the test of time Because they have a narrative, values and a real sense of purpose Because they are entrepreneurial and take a long-term view Because they care Because they are pioneers where things really matter Because they are often custodians of firms for future generations Because family firms are a real force for good. "We are proud to champion the family business sector and to create pieces like this which clearly demonstrate the importance of family businesses too."

We are all aware of the climate crisis the whole world is facing as huge amounts of gases caused by burning fossil fuels increase the greenhouse effect and the Earth’s temperature. There is also a relatively wide awareness of the measures proposed by various governments to combat global warming – such as the push for people to switch to electric vehicles as we prepare for production of petrol and diesel engines to end in less than a decade. Now Allied Vehicles, the UK leader in the manufacture and supply of specialist wheelchair accessible vehicles, has embarked on a tree-planting programme to balance its own carbon footprint. Peter Facenna, Allied’s Managing Director, said changes were already under way to improve the company’s green credentials, but he decided to take it further with the tree-planting programme. Allied employs more than 600 people, and he told them the company intended to plant a tree for every vehicle, scooter and powerchair they sold, and for every new member of staff that joins the firm. “We want to do our bit for the environment, as it’s incredibly important to us. We want to offset our carbon footprint,” said Peter. “And to celebrate our 30th anniversary, we’re also going to plant a tree for every member of staff currently employed.” Allied are working with a company called Grow My Tree, which plants trees specifically aimed at reducing global warming. When choosing where to plant trees, they pay particular attention to the content of the projects they support and local social conditions. Grow My Tree also helps reduce extreme poverty and restore healthy ecosystems by planting trees in cooperation with partners from Haiti to Nepal, Madagascar and Malawi. “We manufacture and we generate a lot of CO2,” says Peter. “There’s a large part of my focus now on the transition to EVs [electric vehicles] and with all of that it’s great to be able to do something to reduce our carbon footprint." “Alfie Kennedy, who heads up our stores team, is a big part of that and has been doing a lot in terms of recyclability. We do so much more recycling than we used to in segregating our waste and so on, but I’m aware there is more we can do." “The future of the planet is vitally important for us, our children and our children’s children, and I’m glad that we can play even a small part in making the world a safer place for them.”

Ahead of World Blind Awareness Month this October and in response to global demand, the LEGO Group announces LEGO® braille bricks are available to purchase for the first time through LEGO.com. The new product - LEGO® Braille Bricks – Play with Braille – is aimed at kids aged 6+ and has been designed so that anyone who is curious about braille, be they blind, partially-sighted or sighted, can have fun getting to know the braille system at home with their family members in a playful, inclusive way. Martine Abel-Williamson, President, World Blind Union, commented: “For blind and partially sighted children, and adults for that matter, it makes all the difference if they can share their journey of learning braille with the people they love the most. For the blind community, braille is not just literacy, it’s our entry to independence and inclusion into this world, and to have LEGO Braille Bricks made available for the wider public is a massive step forward to ensuring more children will want to learn braille in the first place. And because it’s based on a product that so many families already know and love, this is really an invitation for all family members to have fun building tactile skills and getting familiar with braille using the same tool.” Until now, LEGO Braille Bricks have only been distributed free of charge by the LEGO Foundation to organisations* specializing in the education of children with vision impairment. Since the launch of these educational kits in 2020, feedback from parents, carers, grandparents, children, and educators has continually highlighted the positive impact the bricks have and how they transform the way children with vision impairment can learn braille. This overwhelming response has led to the creation of LEGO Braille Bricks - Play with Braille to give families the opportunity to enjoy the benefits and practice their tactile skills at home. Lisa Taylor, mum to 7-year-old Olivia and 4-year-old Imogen, commented: “Olivia first discovered LEGO braille bricks at school and they had such a big impact on her curiosity for braille. Before then, she found it hard to get started with the symbols but now she’s improving all the time. To have a set at home changes everything. We can play with braille together as a family and she can introduce braille to her little sister in a way they both love. LEGO braille bricks are accessible for her without being really different for other kids, so she gets to play and learn just like every other child. That makes her feel included which is so important, not just to Olivia but any child.” LEGO Braille Bricks – Play with Braille includes 287 bricks in five colours: white, yellow, green, red and blue. All bricks are fully compatible with other LEGO products and the studs on each brick are arranged to correspond to the numbers and letters in the braille system, with the printed version of the symbol or letter situated below the studs. The set also includes two baseplates to build on and comes in packaging with braille embossing. To enhance the play experience and support pre-braille skill development, a series of supporting play starters are available on LEGO.com and will teach players how to orient, attach and stack the bricks through well-loved games such as Rock, Paper, Scissors, which all members of the family can take part in. Young girl with vision impairment touching the embossing on the LEGO Braille Bricks – Play with Braille packaging as she sits by a table. Her brother sits next to her and looks at a tablet playing one of the online play starters. Lose LEGO Braille Bricks lay in front of them on the table. The young girl has a pale complexion and blonde hair and the brother has a pale complexion and curly red hair. Rasmus Løgstrup, LEGO Group Lead Designer on LEGO Braille Bricks said: “Play has the power to change lives; when children play, they learn vital life-long skills, so we were thrilled by the reception that LEGO Braille Bricks received in educational settings. We’ve been inundated with thousands of requests to make them more widely available, so we just knew we had to make it happen!” “It’s been a fantastic journey collaborating with children, families and experts from around the world to develop the product and online activity packs. Our partners have been instrumental also in advising on what colourways should be used for the bricks, product packaging and digital experiences to ensure this is optimised for individuals who experience low vision and vision loss. We know this is a strong platform for social inclusion, and can’t wait to see families get creative and have fun playing with braille together.” With its ongoing commitment to make its play experiences more inclusive, the LEGO Group has also partnered with the free mobile app Be My Eyes. The popular app connects blind and partially sighted people with companies to help with everyday tasks through a live video call. As part of the partnership, LEGO Customer Service colleagues will provide confidential, live visual assistance through the app covering support from a wide range of topics from unboxing, to general product support. Mike Buckley, Chairman and CEO, Be My Eyes, commented: "The fact that the LEGO Group is investing in inclusion is huge because so many people in the blind and low vision community already love and enjoy LEGO products. Be My Eyes is incredibly honored to partner with the LEGO Group to enable and inspire the creativity of blind and low vision builders across the globe." The LEGO Group is also pleased to announce that LEGO® Audio & Braille Building Instructions will now become a permanent offering. Inspired and co-developed by entrepreneur Matthew Shifrin who is blind, this experience gives builders the option of having select LEGO building instructions available as audio or text for braille readers. LEGO Braille Bricks – Play with Braille is priced at 89.99 USD and now available for pre-order in English and French versions ahead of launch September 1st 2023. In early 2024, the set will also be available in Italian, German and Spanish versions. The LEGO Foundation will continue to carry out research and distribute LEGO Braille Bricks educational kits free of charge through partnering national blindness associations and other partnering organisations.

Today Speedo UK unveils a limited outdoor swim collections with independent British fashion label Folk. As more consumers embrace outdoor swimming in lakes, rivers and seas, the new collection is designed to celebrate the rush and rapture of wild swimming, with the cosiness and comfort of the post-swim warm-up. Harnessing the design and spirit of Folk with Speedo’s heritage and performance expertise, the range features Folk’s outerwear styles and Speedo’s iconic silhouettes. Pieces include costumes, swim shorts, swimming accessories, fleece tops and parkas, with the swimwear using recycled fabrics. Speedo is an active supporter of outdoor swimming communities through its Outsiders Club, which explores and shares experiences from diverse groups of swimmers across the UK. Former surf champion and keen wild swimmer Sophie Hellyer fronts the campaign that’s set against the backdrop of North Cornwall’s rugged British coastline. Supported by a group of wild swimmers, the windswept shots capture moments of exhilaration in the water and the comfort of warmth back on dry land. Sophie Hellyer said: “I’m so proud to be a part of this special campaign with Speedo and Folk. This collection beautifully reflects the hunger for adventure from both brands by showcasing it authentically on real people for whom wild swimming is a way of life”. Cathal McAteer, founder of Folk Clothing said: “We have admired and been part of the love for cold water swimming – small groups and communities taking to the rivers, ponds, lakes and coast to get the elemental rush of being outdoors in the water. We wanted to make an excellent range of swim and warm-up gear, so we designed a range and partnered with swimming icon Speedo for performance-quality swimwear. We have tackled the outer cold to help deliver the inner peace.” Speedo’s brand vice president, Kirsty Saddler, shared: “The idea of working with Folk to create a cold-water swim collection feels really exciting at a time when we know there’s a growing appetite for outdoor swimming. The design ethic of Folk and its importance on quality speaks to our brand and wild swim audience. The collection is stylish and vibrant yet refined with high function – we’re thrilled to launch such a joyful collaboration.”

Two spa therapists have secured permanent full-time jobs at a Windermere hotel resort, thanks to a work experience initiative and the completion of a set of beauty therapy qualifications. Maya McGregor from Grasmere and Rhianna Bland from Kendal have both joined the team at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, having each attained their Level 2 Technical Qualifications and Level 3 Diplomas in Beauty Therapy. English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues offered both students the chance to undertake 30 hours of work experience during their two-year courses with Kendal College, which included classroom sessions coupled with in-house training. From there they applied for full time positions at Low Wood Bay and went through a multi-stage interview process and trade test before securing full time employment with the hotel group. An integral part of the course work experience was for Maya and Rhianna to observe key roles across the spa and see how its system operates, as well as benefitting from individual workshop style training on the delivery of spa treatments and techniques. This included the chance to shadow experienced spa therapists and reception staff in their day-to-day roles to see the whole client journey, including initial bookings and tours of the spa facilities, dealing with client enquires and upholding high standards of cleanliness. Maya and Rhianna were also able to experience treatments to see how they are personalised for each individual client and understand the standards required. They also gained knowledge on the full range of oils and other products used within the spa and their key ingredients and benefits. Maya explains: “The work experience showed us the top-level approaches, product knowledge and service required in our interactions with real clients and helped us to apply the skills we’ve learned and acquired at college in the working environment." “Experiencing the professional delivery of treatments at the spa at Low Wood Bay really helped to show us what the industry is like and to develop our skills and confidence as we moved from the college environment to the reality of the workplace.” Maya and Rhianna have also both passed their ESPA essential face and body training, with tuition delivered by Kiera Carrick, an ESPA qualified trainer, before the spa therapists were independently assessed. Kiera, who is spa training and development manager at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, says: “To see Maya and Rhianna successfully complete their qualifications and get jobs with us here shows that our ability to offer work experience can open up new career opportunities." “We now have a team of nine spa therapists in all, important as demand for our services continues to grow. We’ve recently relaunched our spa treatment menu to provide wider variety and more innovation within our treatments. That means a lot of training to deliver to all the therapists so that every client receives an unforgettably relaxing, indulgent treatment." “We have a close-knit team from different nationalities and backgrounds and it's exciting to see them develop and work cohesively together to deliver the highest standard of treatments. As the team continues to grow, I look forward to helping them achieve their aspirations within the spa industry.”

GAP Hire Solutions, the UK’s leading independent hire company, has once again been awarded Gold Status for the Supply Chain School’s Plant Commitment Charter. This accomplishment reflects their dedication to sustainable business practices and environmentally responsible operations. In their pursuit of Gold Status, GAP Hire Solutions excelled in all four core commitments outlined in the Charter: Minimum Standard, Engagement, Awareness and Education, and Innovation. Their submission provided compelling evidence of their efforts, resulting in a perfect score. The company's achievements include impactful engagement activities that led to at least two tangible changes in procurement or hire decisions, favouring lower emission plant options. Furthermore, they executed up to four training activities that effectively engaged employees and promoted the adoption of sustainable practices. GAP also contributed by sharing valuable information on reducing embodied carbon. This achievement enables GAP to share their sustainability related knowledge with their supply chain. By doing so, they help them understand how sustainable business practices can yield cost savings, enhance equipment efficiency, and mitigate risks. The Charter has been created by the Supply Chain Sustainability School’s Plant Group to lead the way for the UK’s built environment to drastically reduce onsite emissions that are harmful to human health and the planet. The four commitments set rigorous standards for engine purchases within the GAP Group fleet, with a focus on reducing air quality impacts and carbon emissions. GAP’s vision is to be the UK’s most innovative hire solutions provider, with a focus on reducing their environmental impact on the world as their business continues to grow. This achievement coincides with the Group publishing their recent Sustainability Update which outlines how GAP Hire Solutions are forging a sustainable future. By collaborating with their customers, GAP is making a positive impact on future generations by promoting cleaner and more sustainable hire services.

The latest survey from Family Business United has identified the key challenges that are being addressed by family business leaders in board rooms up and down the country. With so much political and economic uncertainty at present it is not easy running a business where there are constant business and economic announcements and regulatory changes and therefore unsurprising that macro issues top the agenda again this year with new areas of concern on the agenda such as mental health and wellbeing and issues around the environment. This year’s Family Business Survey sought to get a picture of the issues that are facing family businesses and to highlight the complex agenda that is being addressed. The results are in and clearly identify the main areas of concern for family businesses across the country. The Top Challenges Facing UK Family Businesses Today The Economic Climate (82%) Rising Costs of Labour & Raw Materials (60%) Recruiting, Retaining & Motivating Staff (59%) Mental Health & Wellbeing (35%) Environmental Issues (32% Regulation, Red Tape & Legislation (31%) Staff Shortages/Vacancies (30%) Profitability & Sustainability Of The Business (29%) Global Political Uncertainty (27%) Cyber Security (26%) Balancing The Needs Of The Family & The Business (22%) Succession/Identifying & Developing Future Leaders (21%) Developing Business Overseas (19%) Improving Customer Engagement (18%) Supply Chain Issues (17%) As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United explains, “These results give us a broad indication of the challenges being faced by family business owners. It is well documented that the past year has continued to be incredibly challenging for businesses across the UK and the boardroom agenda is packed with challenges that do need to be addressed.” “Family firms have shown their resilience and entrepreneurship over the last few years and continue to be innovative in their business decisions but it is clear that there are concerns." “There is a lot on the business agenda and compared to prior years some of the family challenges around succession, transition, governance and engaging the next generation are deemed less important but they should not be forgotten. Family matters will need to be addressed going forward but it is understandable at present the focus remains on the measures that will enable businesses to survive for the longer term,” continues Paul. "Running a business at the moment is challenging but family firms are known to be adaptable, entrepreneurial and innovative, as many have been for generations, and will continue to take the necessary steps to deal with the challenges they face.” “The survey clearly identifies the challenges faced by family business owners around the UK and helps people appreciate that they are not alone in facing these challenges and it also gives recognition to the concerns of this rich, vibrant and diverse sector of the economy. It also gives an indication as to the nature of the conversations that should be taking place around the family business boardroom table too,” concludes Paul. Family Business United conducted the survey during the summer of 2023 canvassing the opinions of family business owners across the UK.

Gallo’s Luxury Wine Group is pleased to announce the addition of Massican to its portfolio of wines, as well as Gallo’s partnership with its visionary founder and winemaker, Dan Petroski. Since its founding in 2009, Massican has been a “white wines only” winery – a rarity in California – that prides itself on transparency and ethical environmental practices. In recent years, Dan has been vocal about Massican’s uncommon goal in the luxury wine space: fair pricing for a more inclusive wine community – a “scalable authenticity.” Dan will continue to control winemaking, sourcing, and brand vision while benefitting from Gallo’s extensive vineyard holdings and grower relationships. Through Gallo’s Lux Wines sales team, Massican will expand its distribution footprint to reach more customers and consumers. “Dan makes great wine,” says Brand Manager John Irwin, “That’s where it has to start, but credibility matters, stewardship matters, and all wine drinkers, from the collector to the novice, want an authentic experience. These are not typical wines, especially for California; they’re low in alcohol, high in acid, salty, fresh. I think that’s because they’re an extension of Dan…there’s a humanity and vision to his wines.” “As a solopreneur, I have taken Massican as far as I could go alone,” says Dan Petroski. “To achieve my vision of being one of the most important white wines made in California, I needed the support of the best professionals in this industry – I found that in Gallo. I can’t wait to see what we can do.” Together, Massican and Gallo will carve out a welcoming space in luxury wine: Mediterranean-inspired white wines made with transparency and respect for environmental impact. About Massican and Dan Petroski: Massican was founded in 2009 in Napa by Dan Petroski to make the kinds of wines he and his friends always drank. Inspired by Italy’s fresh and mineral white wines, he started Napa’s first - and only - white wine winery, growing from 400 cases in his first vintage to 7,500 cases in 2022. Beyond making wine, Dan has been a thought leader regarding the future of California wine, long advocating for a more transparent and inclusive approach to fine wine. He serves on the Board of the Napa Valley Grapegrowers as Chair of the Industry Issues Committee, overseeing all things from land use policy, climate change, water rights, wildfire, pesticide regulation, and more. He also serves on the Board of Napa Green, a global leader in sustainable winegrowing certification. In 2017 he was named “Winemaker of the Year” by the San Francisco Chronicle, and in 2022, Food & Wine Magazine named him one of their Innovators of the Year.

Robertson Construction Group (RCG) has been awarded the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Gold Award for having exceptional standards of health and safety. For the third year in a row, RCG has been awarded a Gold accreditation for its health and safety performance. Organisations receiving a RoSPA Award are recognised as being world-leaders in health and safety practice. Every year, around 2,000 entrants apply to achieve the highest-possible accolade in what is the UK’s longest-running health and safety industry awards. Elliot Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, Robertson, said: “The RoSPA Gold Award Robertson Construction Group has received illustrates the importance we place on employee, customer, supply chain and local community health and safety. Across the family of businesses, we continue to put health and safety at the forefront whilst always striving for continuous improvement in the prevention of accidents and ill health at work." “Being recognised as world-leaders in health and safety by RoSPA is a credit to Team Robertson for upholding and championing health and safety standards every day.” Julia Small, RoSPA’s achievements director, said: “Accidents at work and work-related ill health don’t just have huge financial implications or cause major disruption – they significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. That’s why good safety performance deserves to be recognised and rewarded." “We are thrilled that Robertson Construction Group has won a RoSPA Award and would like to congratulate them on showing an unwavering commitment to keeping their employees, clients and customers safe from accidental harm and injury.” Sponsored by Croner-i, the RoSPA Awards scheme is the longest-running of its kind in the UK, and receives entries from organisations across the globe, making it one of the most sought-after achievement awards for the health and safety industry.

Senior officers from Borealis joined Lord Mayor Mary Rasmussen in the Parlour for high tea to honour the remarkable partnership between Fred. Olsen and the vibrant city. Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Captain Victor Stoica, Chief Engineer Marko Cvjetkovic, Senior Officer Abbie Sanders and Senior Logistics and Operations Manager Georgie Skittlethorpe were joined by Head of Cruise Liverpool John Mawer and Liverpool City Council’s Communications and Digital Marketing Executive Sophie Shields on a tour of Liverpool’s Town Hall as part of the event. Clare Ward, Director of Product and Customer Service at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: "Two decades of sailing from Liverpool is a remarkable achievement, and we are privileged to celebrate this milestone with the city. It was an honour for our senior officers to be invited to high tea with the Lord Mayor to talk about Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines while enjoying a tour of the Town Hall." “We are proud of our 20-year maritime alliance with Liverpool and look forward to many more years of delivering exceptional cruise experiences.” The Lord Mayor was presented with a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines plaque to commemorate the occasion while Liverbird pin badges were gifted to the senior officers. Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Mary Rasmussen, said: “As a port city, we are incredibly proud of our maritime alliance with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and it was wonderful to meet these senior officers in person." “It was the perfect opportunity for me to thank them for the important role they play in helping to put Liverpool firmly on the map as a home port for regional departures – and it was a great excuse for me to show off our Town Hall which is something I love to do!”

As the first generation of the UK's wind turbines come to the end of their serviceable life, "Re-Rewind" aims to pioneer a sustainable, circular economy to recover and secure essential resources needed for the next generation of wind turbines. Re-Rewind, an innovative partnership between global leader in sustainable materials, EMR, world experts in recycling rare earth magnetic materials, HyProMag, the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult, Magnomatics, and University of Birmingham, part funded by Innovate UK, has embarked on a groundbreaking mission to establish the UK's first circular supply chain for the rare earth magnets used in wind turbines. This pioneering collaboration seeks to play a pivotal role in securing the future of sustainable wind energy by recycling critical materials and reducing the reliance on our Earth’s depleting resources. From high-quality construction steel, copper and other metals to a range of rare earth elements (such as praseodymium and dysprosium), modern wind turbines contain a wealth of materials which, if they cannot be sourced from recycled channels, must be mined, leading to increased environmental impacts and resource scarcity. In particular, the wind turbine sector uses very large quantities of a rare earth magnet that’s an alloy of neodymium, iron and boron (NdFeB). These NdFeB magnets are critical components used in PMSGs (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator) in larger onshore and offshore wind turbines. With the UK’s rapid transition towards net-zero emissions, it’s predicted that in 2040 there will be a 240,000 tonne shortfall of rare earth magnets, which will slow down our progress dramatically unless an alternative source is established. With no consistent route to recycle these materials, due to safety, economy and technical challenges in extracting and recycling the magnets, the “Re-Rewind” project is set to combat this impending shortage, bolster the UK’s rare earth material security, foster the creation of green jobs, and alleviate the strain on Earth’s diminishing resources. EMR’s Energy Infrastructure Lead, Dr Charlotte Stamper said: “Our collaborative effort represents a significant step forward in securing the sustainability of wind energy. By establishing a circular supply chain for rare earth magnets, we not only reduce the environmental impact of wind turbine production, but we also lay the foundation for a greener, more self-sustaining future.” HyProMag Operations General Manager, Nick Mann said: “We are thrilled about this groundbreaking project and the chance to enhance the UK's rare earth magnet recycling supply chain. Thanks to the backing of Innovate UK and our outstanding consortium of project collaborators, we see immense potential. Each company's unique expertise comes into play to tackle the complex task of extracting magnets from retired wind turbines." “This project is set to overcome the obstacles associated with recycling rare earth magnets from wind turbines, effectively opening up a new domestic source of these magnets, which is a significant achievement in itself.” Although wind power has been utilised through the ages, the first great wave of large-scale wind energy occurred in the 1990s. Consequently, many early-generation wind farms are approaching the end of their typical serviceable lifetime, estimated at around 20 to 25 years. Re-Rewind is leading the way in the renewable energy sector during this crucial time. Through its commitment to pioneering circular supply chain solutions, the partnership aims to make sure that wind energy remains viable in the UK for the long run and helps to create a more sustainable future for future generations.