A Morecambe community project has taken delivery of a set of high quality gym equipment donated by a North West hotel group. Morecambe FC Community Foundation is raising the bar for youth development and wellbeing for local children, thanks to the installation of the fitness equipment in its community centre. English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues has donated the equipment which includes an array of cardiovascular apparatus including treadmills, cross trainers, rowing machines and spin bikes. There is also a full range of resistance machines and free weights including dumb-bells, bar bells and a versatile Smith machine. In total over 40 pieces of equipment have been donated by the hotel group. David Brayshaw from Morecambe FC Community Foundation explains: "Our community centre here really is ‘hand to mouth’ when it comes to finances. Our income from the gym is really important as it supports the fantastic work that we do with the kids on our 3G pitch." “The gym equipment we had was old and in quite a poor state of repair. This had an adverse effect on membership and income." “The upgraded equipment donated to us by English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues has enabled us to move the gym into a bigger room and our members are really pleased with it all. We’re already seeing members return and new members joining." “This donation has made a huge difference to us and we are extremely grateful to English Lakes Hotels for their generosity and thought." Morecambe FC Community Foundation operates a range of projects supporting education, health, social inclusion and sports participation. Its programmes include extensive work with schools, local partnerships, charities and other organisations, supporting initiatives which promote health and well-being, especially for those with special needs or from socially deprived areas. English Lakes Hotels group operations director Michael Kay adds: "We have worked with David and Ben Brayshaw and their respective teams for many years and it’s a privilege to have been able to help them make a difference with this project which is so close to their hearts." Gary Tennant from the hotel group was invited to visit the community centre to see how the donated apparatus has improved the facilities for members, as well as the overall look and feel of the gym. He said: “It was great to see the gym equipment put to beneficial use again and the whole layout has had a much deserved refresh. Hopefully it will help the community centre to attract more members and put it on a firmer footing.”

Family-owned Flannery Plant Hire has invested in a massive fleet of 220 new JCB machines in a deal worth more than £22 million. Supplied by dealer Greenshields JCB, the order includes JCB Loadall telescopic handlers, X Series tracked excavators, site dumpers, mini excavators and 3CX backhoe loaders. The fleet will be delivered throughout 2025 to work on major national infrastructure projects. The investment marks the latest major deal between the two family businesses, a relationship that began in 1972 when Pat Flannery founded Flannery Plant Hire with a JCB 3C backhoe loader. Now run by sons Martin, Patrick Jnr and Paul, the company’s fleet has more than 6,500 machines. Flannery Plant Hire MD Patrick Flannery said: “Our customers continue to be delighted with the JCB range and we will continue to invest in the finest quality, innovative equipment available. We are particularly interested in JCB’s development of hydrogen powered machines and we plan to take the first hydrogen 3CX from JCB”. JCB Global Major Accounts MD Steve Fox said: “We are proud of our longstanding business partnership with Flannery Plant Hire, especially as Pat Snr started the business with just a 3C backhoe. The Flannery family should be very proud of their successful and forward-thinking business.” Greenshields JCB MD James Richardson added: “As a dealer, we have been working with Flannery Plant Hire for over three decades, which results in a deep understanding of their customers’ needs and the aftersales support required to keep their machines running smoothly.” Wembley-based Flannery Plant Hire is one of the UK’s leading family-owned equipment hire companies, specialising in operated plant. It operates 13 depots across the UK and Ireland and employs 2,200 operators supporting customers nationwide.

Loughborough’s Colton Packaging is pleased to be working with a Nottingham-based charitable organisation to provide packaging for their latest products. Family-run business Colton Packaging provide eco-conscious packaging solutions for a variety of businesses, and have recently partnered with Half the Story on their latest initiative. Half the Story - a Nottingham-based organisation, part of Grace Enterprises - produce packaged biscuits for a variety of national transport clients including LNER. In the process, the organisation create work opportunities for individuals who may have barriers to employment; in particular, homelessness. Their commitment to plastic-free packaging for their products saw eco-focussed Colton Packaging offer the perfect solution for their packaged products with carefully designed, bespoke boxes. Every 100 biscuits sold creates one hour of Living Wage work for a baker at Half the Story, who also have access to in-work support and mentoring. Laura Colton-Smith, Managing Director at Colton Packaging, talks about the partnership - “As a business, we’ve always been committed to supporting worthwhile initiatives. Half the Story’s work makes a huge impact on the lives of those who may otherwise struggle to gain full-time employment in society." “By creating the opportunities they do through the creation of products like the biscuit packs, they quite literally change lives: so to be a part of that effort is something we are immensely proud of.” Matt Parfitt - CEO at Grace Enterprises who founded Half the Story - speaks highly of the service Colton Packaging have offered to the social enterprise - "We love our bespoke boxes from Colton Packaging. They're a huge step up for us, they look professional and high quality. And even more importantly they help tell the story of the life-changing biscuits inside." “We're super excited to be partnering with a local, socially-minded business to make a difference together. It's about so much more than biscuits and boxes. Each pack represents hours of real Living Wage work for people who have experienced homelessness.” This partnership is set to continue - and grow - with a variety of upcoming projects on the horizon for Half the Story, and a continued dedication to supporting this organisation by Colton Packaging.

A crack team of paddlers from a Lake District hotel group has battled to victory in a charity dragon boat racing regatta on Windermere. The crew from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues took to the water to raise funds for disadvantaged children and young people in the Lakeside Dragon Boat Regatta. They were supporting the YMCA Fylde Coast charity in the Dragon boat challenge to help give young people opportunities to experience transformative day camps and residentials at one of Europe’s premier outdoor centres, YMCA Lakeside. The hotel group’s crew took part in three race heats, competing against eight other teams, with the fastest three boats going through to a grand final, from which English Lakes Hotels emerged as the overall winner. The team is looking to raise at least £1,000 from competing at the regatta which was organised by YMCA Lakeside in partnership with Kendal Rotary Club. Gary Tennant from English Lakes Hotels says: “Dragon boat racing is brilliant fun and a high-energy sport. It was a great day out for all of us and we really surprised ourselves, not just in getting through to the final, but winning the big race as well.  It was excellent for team building and morale too." “We had a couple of training sessions at the Low Wood Bay Watersports Centre thanks to the Paddlers for Life charity who kindly took us out to show us the ropes. It looks like those practice sessions really paid off. “We want to raise as much money as we can to support the charity and make a positive difference.” From origins in ancient Chinese tradition, Dragon boat racing is becoming a popular pastime.  The regatta teams raced in long, ornate boats carved with dragon heads and tails. The teams sat together in pairs, paddling in to the rhythm of a drummer, while a qualified helmsperson steered the boat. Races covered distances of approximately 200m.

Almost 450 runners braved soaring temperatures to compete in the annual JCB Lakeside 5 and Fun Run – raising £4,300 for charity.   The competitors laced up their running shoes to take on either a five-mile course or two-mile fun run around the picturesque JCB World HQ at Rocester. While most dressed to keep cool as temperatures nudged 28˚C, some runners donned colourful fancy dress outfits based on the Wizard of Oz. Charles Bevan, 78, of Abbots Bromley, dressed as the Tin Man, while his son Jason and fellow JCB Lakeside Running Club members Liz Carrington, Helena Fisher and Ben Ord, came as the Lion, Wicked Witch, Dorothy, and Scarecrow. The event raised £4,300 towards JCB’s £2 million appeal for the NSPCC.   Former JCB employees Charles Bevan and Mick Grindey, 63, of Uttoxeter, have the unique distinction of having run in every single JCB Lakeside 5 since the first was held in 1983 – a total of 40 races, three having been cancelled due to Foot and Mouth and Covid. They were presented with mounted scale models of JCB backhoe loaders to honour 40 years of helping organise the JCB Lakeside 5.   Charles said: “This year is full of mixed emotions as it is likely to be my last race. I am 79 next month and I have run every year dressed as everything from Popeye to Fred Flintstone and even a pantomime horse. I have loved every minute, and I am so proud of what we have achieved raising thousands of pounds for good causes.” “The support we receive every year is amazing and it was great to see so many people here again this year as we mark our 40th race here at JCB. ”   Race Director Mick Grindey, who joined Charles at the starting line, said: “It was 28 degrees on the starting line, so we have been touched by all the support this year. It was definitely one of the busiest we have had and to have run beside Charles on each one over the past 40 events has been an honour.”   Ben Marshall, from Werrington, was the first JCB man to cross the line. Based at JCB’s World HQ, it is the 3rd time he has taken part. Joined by a team of runners from the Backhoe Loader assembly line, he completed the course in 29 minutes and 53 seconds.   Dental hygienist Angela Kiwomya came in at 49 minutes and 50 seconds to claim the place as  first JCB woman over the finish line. She said: “It is the first time I have taken part and was great to be part of the event. The atmosphere is amazing, and it was rewarding to do something for such a good cause.”   Chris Gidlow, of City of Stoke Runners, was the overall winner securing first place for the second time in a row. Beating his last time by just over 10 seconds he made it across the line in 26 minutes and 44 seconds. First female was Joanne Bentley, from Stone, who also claimed the title for the second time crossing the line in 35minutes 1 second.     Uttoxeter Road Runners had a team of 25 runners with Andrew Butterworth, of Uttoxeter, dressed as a dinosaur for his 10th JCB Lakeside 5. He said: “I normally just wear a wig and tutu so it was definitely a lot warmer with the full dinosaur outfit in this heat. The crowd were brilliant though and it was a great atmosphere.”   JCB’s Paula Woods, who works in finance at World HQ, took to the track for the first time with colleague Mark Jeffs. The 54-year-old said she was keen to take on the challenge: “I figured if I didn’t do it now, I never would, and I have found the whole experience really inspiring. It was a lot harder than expected with the hills.”   Among the other competitors were a 15-strong team of JCB India colleagues and their families. They are part of a group of design engineers in the UK on secondment from JCB India’s factory in Pune they wanted to join colleagues in racing. Badjarang Jadhav said: “It was a great experience to share with our families, and we have all enjoyed being part of such a fun event here at JCB.”

A family-run independent estate agent in East Renfrewshire has experienced rapid growth and expanded its team and operations after receiving support from Business Gateway. Originally set up as Fraser Kelly Estate Agent in January 2022, the business rebranded to Kelly Residential in 2024 after founder Fraser Kelly created a family-led structure with equal partners Finlay Kelly and Jen Kelly, his brother and wife. The business, which now has seven team members, including four estate agents, focuses on property development and operates as an independent estate agency. Kelly Residential’s business model means the team only works with a handful of sellers at any one time, ensuring that they receive a personalised service and the best advice possible when selling their home. The team’s strong foundation in social media marketing, deep-rooted local expertise and a reputation for delivering exceptional, personalised service set the stage for its growth. Having grown up in East Renfrewshire, Fraser and his team pride themselves on providing local expertise, with in-depth knowledge of local school catchments, shops, business parks and public transport links. The team opened a new office and shopfront in the area in July 2025. Fraser approached Business Gateway East Renfrewshire in 2024, in need of help with organising the back-office functions of the business which would allow him to put more focus on his role. Fraser received 1:1 business support and advice from Business Gateway adviser, Scott Arnot. As well as support with the business’ rebrand, Fraser, Jen and Finlay received tailored guidance on scaling their operations, recruiting the right team members and navigating the transition into their own office premises. Business Gateway’s support also included access to the East Renfrewshire Accelerator (ERA) programme, which provided expert-led training and mentoring tailored to ambitious local businesses. The ERA programme is funded by East Renfrewshire Council’s local discretion fund. Fraser Kelly, Director at Kelly Residential said: "As a family, we’d already built a business we were proud of - but we knew we needed the right kind of support to take it to the next level. Scott helped us focus on what we do best - looking after our clients - while also giving us the tools and confidence to grow. From understanding the funding landscape and additional resources available to us, to structuring our team and building our admin support, his guidance has been instrumental." "We would not have had the success we have this past year had we not been part of the ERA Programme, as well as having access to fantastic resources, working and growing alongside other like-minded and approachable businesses has been invaluable to us.” Scott Arnot, Business Gateway East Renfrewshire adviser said: “It’s been great working with Fraser to take some of the pressure off him as a sole trader and as he brought new team members on board. I was glad to have been able to help the team to focus on what they do best – working with their clients." "The business is doing a fantastic job challenging the traditional view of estate agents and giving a bespoke service to clients.”

Award-winning handcrafted rum Merser is to open a new London Rum House later this year. Located in Balham, South West London, the house will offer the opportunity to explore the history of rum, try different styles as well as have the opportunity to blend your own rum. It will also house the barrels where Merser’s unique blends are further rested in London. Works are due to start shortly, and more details will be shared later in the year. A new expression, Merser White has also recently launched which is a blend of unaged rums from Barbados, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. It has been created to offer an alternative to mainstream commercial rum brands and is bottled at 40% abv. Merser Rum, which launched in 2019 with Merser Double Barrel and a blending house in central London, selects the world’s finest rums before blending them in London to bring out their individual characteristics. The range has since been joined by Merser Signature, Merser Reserve and now Merser White. It is owned by James and Miranda Hayman and is part of the Hayman Distillers portfolio that includes Hayman’s – The Original Gin and Respirited British Made Vodka. James Hayman, co-owner comments “Our new London rum house has been in development for several years and we are excited that works are about to start. It will offer an experience and bring rum to life for both the trade and consumer in a way that has not been possible before. It is the perfect home for Merser." "Merser White is an authentic Caribbean rum of the highest quality to offer a real alternative to mass made neutral white rums and expensive craft brands. The initial feedback has been very positive from early conversations.”

Banks Opticians, the newest addition to the Knowle High Street, is growing again after it completed the merger of Bannister Eyecare’s local practice. The deal will see all clients transferred over and brings together two practices with a shared love of personal service and a genuine community connection. As part of the transition, some of the familiar Bannister team - including two much loved reception staff and a locum optometrist - will be joining the team at Banks Opticians, which is run by brother and sister team Paul Banks and Sarah Morgan. “We’d only just opened our Knowle branch when we were approached by Bannister Eyecare,” said Paul Banks, who now runs the business his father started back in 1973. “The opportunity felt like a natural fit. Both practices believe in taking time with patients, embracing new technology and offering a fantastic range of eyewear you won’t find everywhere else." “Bannister Eyecare is one of Knowle’s longest standing independent opticians and has been a familiar and trusted presence in the village for many years - we’re honoured to continue this legacy at our newly opened practice just a short walk away.” Banks Opticians offers a thoughtfully curated selection of designer and independent frames from around the world, alongside friendly, expert guidance to help clients find the perfect glasses. £200,000 has been invested on transforming the former Indigo Art Gallery into a modern practice, complete with a welcoming lounge where clients can enjoy a fresh cup of tea or coffee as part of their visit. Everyone joining from Bannister Eyecare can also enjoy an introductory offer of 10% off any glasses purchased on the day of their next eye examination. Co-owner Sarah Morgan concluded: “It feels like a real full-circle moment as I previously worked with founder Austin Bannister earlier on in my career! Now we’ll be looking after 5000 of his former clients!” For further information, please visit www.banksopticians.co.uk

Sybron, a leading supplier of cleaning, hygiene and catering products to some of the largest names in UK hospitality, is expanding operations with the opening of a second distribution centre in Stafford in the heart of the Midlands. After many years of operating from a single depot in Harlow, Essex, Sybron’s second distribution centre will strengthen service to its growing number of national customers, offering more efficient support to key areas such as Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Nottingham, Sheffield, Derby and Leeds. The Stafford depot is strategically located to increase delivery frequencies, minimise mileage and cut emissions and the carbon footprint of the business, in line with the company’s commitment to sustainability. Sales & marketing director, George Mason said: “This is a big step forward for us and a reflection of our ongoing commitment to delivering the best possible service to our customers nationwide." “We’re really excited about this next chapter for Sybron, focusing on ensuring the long-term success of the business, whilst at the same time preserving and expanding on the business legacy built by the founders.” The fit-out of the new unit will begin shortly and the management team expects it to be fully operational by November 2025. Site development will be as sustainable as possible, including solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, as the business works towards achieving net zero. The new warehouse will be led by Joe McCann, who joined the Sybron team five years ago. Staff recruitment will take place in September. “We will establish and run the new depot in the right way, led by Joe, an experienced member of our Essex team, to ensure our values and culture carry through,” says operations director, Bradley Henwood. “We’re confident this new depot will be a brilliant extension of everything Sybron stands for. Also, importantly at Sybron headquarters it is business as usual, with no changes to the team as we continue to grow.” This major initiative follows the recent announcement of Sybron’s management buyout, safeguarding the long-term future of the business. The management team is now well established having taken leadership roles over two years ago, bringing fresh skills to evolve and drive the business forward. During this time, Sybron has made significant strides, launching new Sybron-branded product lines, including SyBio, a range of biotechnology-based cleaning products and SySoft, which offers a selection of paper and tissue products, such as eco-friendly bamboo toilet rolls.

Turner & Co. (Glasgow) Limited ['Turner'] has confirmed the sale of its aviation business, Turner Aviation, to Precision Aviation Group (PAG), a global provider of aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services. The move contributes significantly to Turner’s resources, with substantial funds available for investment in its existing companies and new acquisitions. Based in Glasgow and established in 1947, Turner Aviation provides MRO services to the global aviation and industrial gas turbine industries. The business has operated as part of Turner for several decades. The sale forms part of Turner’s long-term strategy to evolve its focus. The independent family business is looking to invest in its existing companies and acquire UK-based businesses across industrial and service sectors, particularly those aligned with its existing interests in sustainability, energy transition and technology-enabled services. Craig Campbell, Chief Executive of Turner, said: “Turner Aviation has been a valued part of Turner and we’re proud of the business it has become. We have grown the company over many years, and this sale is sign of its success in a competitive global market. The new ownership represents a fresh chapter for the company and its new partnership with PAG opens up excellent opportunities for further growth. We’re confident it will continue to thrive." “For Turner, this marks an important step in our own journey. The sale releases capital that will be used to invest in ambitious businesses across the UK. We back strong management teams and support long-term growth, building on the values and experience that have shaped Turner over more than a century.” Alan Turner, Chairman, said: “It’s a bittersweet moment for us given how long Turner Aviation has been part of our family. It has come far since emerging from a company that supported Rolls-Royce Griffon Engines after the Second World War, growing over the last 78 years to become recognised across the globe as outstanding in the sector." "The company’s sale shows what a small team, dedicated to excellent engineering and customer service, can achieve.”

Some of Britain’s leading national showjumpers came forward for the JCL Insurance Brokers Queen Elizabeth II Cup, with 2018 winner James Whitaker taking the title for a second time. It’s been a phenomenal few years for the Whitaker family at Hickstead, with British showjumping’s first family picking up many of the major titles at the showground. John Whitaker was on the winning British team at the Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain in 2023 and 2024, his son Robert joined him on the winning team in 2024 and won the King George V Gold Cup in 2023, while cousin Donald took the same Grand Prix title in 2024. Robert was back at the top of the leaderboard in last month’s Al Shira’aa Derby, and now cousin James has won the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Cup thanks to a storming round on Just Call Me Henry, a horse owned by his dad Ian. The JCL Insurance Brokers Queen Elizabeth II Cup used to be an international class open to women riders only, but in 2008 the rules were changed to allow both men and women to compete. Renewal saw nine of the 29 starters jump clear in the first round, with James Whitaker making the most of his late draw to shave 1.43sec off leader Allana Clutterbuck’s time. “It’s a great class to win. Some people are lucky enough to win it once, and now I’ve won it twice, so I’m very happy,” said a delighted James. The rider was quick to give credit to his 10-year-old gelding Just Call Me Henry. “The only way he was going to knock a fence down was if I messed it up, and luckily I didn’t,” James added. “He’s been knocking at the door for a little while, and for the last couple of weeks he’s been jumping great.” Allana Clutterbuck finished in second place with the 16-year-old Vykinbay, a horse with whom she’s enjoyed a lot of success at county shows and Area Trials. For the second year in a row, she won the Cindy Mead Memorial Trophy for the best rider under-25. Ireland’s Peter Moloney took the third spot, finishing 1.6sec slower than Allana with the chestnut gelding Nielson. Sweden's Marcus Westergren has been making his Hickstead debut this week, and he made up for disappointment in Friday's Agria Nations Cup of Great Britain with a win in today's Unex Group Speed Classic. It was a last-minute decision to ride the 11-year-old Fellaini de Liebri Z in the class, and it paid off with a brilliant win ahead of Britain's Millie Allen and the in-form Quick Diamant HR. The Netherlands’ Sanne Thijssen won the opening international class of the day. Forty-eight combinations came forward for the €28,200 class, with 17 horses jumping clear to go through to the jump-off. For much of the second phase, it looked as though first-to-go Robert Whitaker and his Al Shira’aa Derby winner Gentlemen van het Veldhof would prove unbeatable. Their quick time of 34.95sec saw Robert stop the clock nearly a second faster than his cousin William Whitaker, riding Millfield Quickstep. But neither Whitaker had reckoned on Sanne Thijssen, who took off almost half a second from Robert’s time to secure victory with the 12-year-old Cupcake Z. The Agria Royal International Horse Show takes place from 23-27 July. Photo: James Whitaker won today’s JCL Insurance Brokers Queen Elizabeth II Cup at Hickstead (c) Helen Cruden

For older family breweries, it was once a tradition to install ceramic plaques on the outside of pubs, often as a form of early corporate branding. As one of only twenty-nine remaining independent family brewers still operating in the UK today, Arkell’s is proud to continue that tradition. Over the years, many pubs have been sold, bought, and built, but the presence of a family brewery plaque has long served as a marker of a moment in time, preserved for future generations. To carry this heritage forward, Arkell’s is unveiling a brand-new plaque design across its pub estate. Family brewer Arkell’s, Swindon’s longest running business, is introducing the new design to proudly mark its pubs across the region. This week, following a full exterior repaint, The Freke Arms in Swanborough, Swindon, also known as The Grill on the Hill, received its new plaque and welcomed Arkell family members, James, George & Alex from the brewery to unveil it, along with James’ wife Carolyn and sister Rosalind. The striking new plaques pay tribute to Arkell’s proud heritage, featuring an illustration of the iconic Victorian tower brewery in Swindon, complete with its landmark tall chimney. The design also includes two elegant swans, a nod to the Arkell family coat of arms, blending tradition and symbolism into a distinctive emblem that will soon adorn all Arkell’s pubs. “We’re incredibly proud of our history and the legacy behind the brewery and each of our pubs,” said George Arkell, Managing Director. “This new plaque is a visual celebration of the heritage of our brewery and family.” The new plaques continue a tradition upheld by the Arkell family for generations. “My grandfather, Peter Arkell, introduced the belt plaques in the 1980’s that you still see on many of our pubs today, and my great-grandfather before him introduced the ceramic ark plaques,” George added. “This new design is a continuation of that legacy.” Arkell’s, founded in 1843, operates more than ninety pubs across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Berkshire, Hampshire, and Oxfordshire. The plaques will be installed in line with the brewery’s ongoing decoration schedule, throughout the next year.