Family-owned packaging firm shortlisted for 2023 East Midlands Business Masters award Loughborough-based packaging design company Colton Packaging is celebrating the news that it has been shortlisted as a finalist within the Family Business category at the 2023 East Midlands Business Masters awards. Colton Packaging is an independent, family-run firm, specialising in corrugated cardboard packaging. The company supplies into a range of sectors including manufacturing, e-commerce and food services, delivering in-house design and stock and fill solutions. Established in the 1850’s and owned by the fifth-generation of the Colton family, the business prides itself on its ability to deliver innovative packaging solutions by understanding customer challenges and offering high-quality, cost-effective solutions. Colton Packaging was named as a winner at the 2022 East Midlands Business Masters, after taking home the title of Investment Business of the Year - and the team is looking to repeat the feat at this year’s ceremony after being named as a finalist in the Family Business category. The annual awards celebrate companies from across the region, bringing together business leaders and executives, current finalists and former winners, to celebrate business triumphs and successes. This year’s glittering event will be hosted at Nottingham’s Crowne Plaza on Thursday 19 October covering 19 categories - including Small, Medium and Large Business of the Year, Professional Services, Employer of the Year, Sustainability and Start-Up of the Year. The Family Business category celebrates businesses with the ability “to show how they are thriving, utilising the skills of different generations while having a long-term vision for sustainable success.” Speaking about the news that Colton Packaging has been named as a finalist, the company’s Managing Director, Laura Colton-Smith said, “We’re thrilled to be among the finalists once more - especially at such a reputable and highly regarded awards ceremony.” “We’re proud of our family values, and we strive to bring these through in how we work as a business day in, day out. From company policies and how we recruit, to the benefits we provide for for our staff, we know that our people are our greatest asset and therefore making them feel like an extended part of our family, is vital to our ongoing success.” Laura continues, “The competition is as tough as it’s ever been this year, with some amazing businesses in the mix. We can’t wait to network with fellow business leaders on the night and celebrate the amazing achievements of companies from across the East Midlands in October.” To find out more about Colton Packaging, visit their website here

Stirling Distillery, situated in the shadow of Stirling Castle, are offering whisky enthusiasts the opportunity to invest in their distillery as well as a limited edition six bottle set of new-make Stirling Whisky this Father’s Day with their King James Cask Club membership. For anyone keen to start their journey into whisky investment, Stirling’s VI Casks for King James set will allow people to join an exclusive cask membership club at the distillery. The limited-edition single malt whisky set will see six bottles individually finished in bourbon, sherry, port, rum, wine and madeira casks and released bi-annually to members from 2027. At a cost of £350, by joining Stirling’s King James cask club, as well as six limited edition whiskies, members will receive a range of benefits including first refusal on all unique bottle releases, a branded polo shirt, exclusive pin badge and certificate. There will also be members days held at the distillery. With only 300 sets available, membership places are limited. The Distillery is putting Stirling back on the Scottish whisky map as whisky hasn’t been produced in the city since 1852 when the original Stirling Distillery closed its doors. Stirling Distillery is well known for celebrating the rich history and folklore of the famous Scottish city through their product range and their King James whisky and cask club is no different.

Two Yorkshire horticultural businesses have teamed up to supply and beautify the 12.5-acre botanical garden at York Museum Gardens. Commercial plant suppliers Johnsons of Whixley, located just 11 miles from York Museum Gardens, partnered with Boroughbridge-headquartered landscaping contractor ATM Ltd to supply thousands of plants to refresh and update some of the beds within the Gardens as part of the recent Environment Agency flood defence improvements project. The planting design was developed by Steve Williams, Garden Manager at York Museum Trust; and consultants AECOM. York Museum Gardens are located along the north bank of the River Ouse and are a listed botanical garden, containing many varieties of trees, deciduous and evergreen, native and exotic. The Gardens were first established in the 1830s by the Yorkshire Philosophical Society and The Yorkshire Museum, situated onsite, was one of the first purpose-built museums in the country. The gardens and museum were given in trust to the City of York Council in 1960 and have been managed by the York Museums Trust since 2002. ATM Ltd, one of the UK’s leading landscaping, highway and maintenance contractors is located 18 miles down the road from the Gardens and was tasked with providing the soft landscaping for the project, following engineering works to raise an existing flood bank. Some planting had to be removed, whilst other areas along a woodland path were in need of rejuvenation. Johnsons plants used in the project include Astilbe, Astrantia, Bergenia, Brunnera, Carex, Digitalis, Euonymus, Helleborus, Hosta, Hydrangea, Pulmonaria, Viburnum, Cercis ‘Forest Pansy’ and Clerodendrum trichotomum. They were carefully selected to ensure there would be a range of flowering plants throughout the year to help pollinators thrive. Eleanor Richardson, Marketing Manager at Johnsons, said: “It’s an honour to join forces with ATM, one of our long-standing customers, to supply and beautify these local botanic gardens." “York Museum Gardens is on our doorstep, so it has been great to visit the site and see the hard work ATM have completed and see the plants thriving. We hope the new planting will be enjoyed by visitors to York for many years to come.” Daniel McClaren, Contracts Manager at ATM Ltd, said: “ ATM has been proud to complete the soft landscaping of this project. It was a pleasure to work with York Museum Gardens, AECOM and Johnsons of Whixley to refresh and update some of the beds within the gardens as part of the recent flood defence improvements. The plants were carefully selected with wildlife and seasons in mind. The gardens will be enjoyed all year round. ” York Museum Trust Garden Manager, Steve Williams said: "We are committed to improving the biodiversity of our city-centre gardens which welcomes over 1.3 million visitors a year. The plants have helped us to implement a new biodiverse scheme for our Riverside walk in an area which has recently undergone flood scheme alleviation. We selected plants that would flower at different times of the year, including pollinator and butterfly-friendly flowers which will help insects to thrive and also support the lifecycles of wider wildlife in the area."

Energy Secretary Grant Shapps has challenged JCB to have its super-efficient hydrogen machines working on building sites and farms by next year – declaring himself “impressed” with the company’s early success in developing engines powered by the zero-carbon fuel. The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero visited JCB Power Systems, Derbyshire, yesterday to see the progress a team of more than 150 engineers have made in developing hi-tech hydrogen combustion engines for use in construction and agricultural machinery. More than 50 prototype engines have been produced so far and several machines are currently undergoing testing. Mr Shapps said: “This is a unique prospect that works well, and I've challenged JCB by the middle of next year - by 2024 - to be operating some of these on our roads and on construction sites. And JCB told me that it will be happy to try and achieve that objective, and good luck to them!” Mr Shapps was hosted by JCB Chairman Lord Bamford and JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald. He was told how JCB had successfully launched a range of battery-electric compact machines, with more than 20,000 battery-electric machines already sold. He was shown how battery-electric technology was largely unsuitable for heavier equipment due to the higher energy demands, and the longer working hours of such machinery in remote locations where access to grid connections is limited. At JCB’s Staffordshire proving ground, the Energy Secretary drove a hydrogen-powered JCB backhoe loader and tried his hand at the quick and easy task of refuelling the prototype. Mr Shapps added: “JCB operates in two fundamentally quite difficult areas to decarbonise: construction and agriculture. I have to say they're making decarbonisation look easy, and I've been very impressed with what I've seen.” Lord Bamford said: “It was a pleasure to show the Secretary of State the great progress JCB’s British engineers are making in developing a zero-carbon solution to power our future machines." "They need to be powered by something other than fossil fuels in the future and super-efficient, affordable, high-tech hydrogen combustion engines with zero emissions can be answer for the construction industry and agriculture. What’s more, they can be brought to market quickly using our existing supply base.” JCB’s emergence as a leader in zero-emission hydrogen technology comes as governments around the world unveil strategies to develop the infrastructure needed to support the use of hydrogen to drive down CO2 emissions. JCB has manufactured engines since 2004, producing around 200 per day at its UK plant in Derbyshire and 200 per day at its plant in Delhi, India.

National contractor Novus Property Solutions has further expanded its presence in North Wales with a £1.45 million refurbishment contract with Adra. This latest contract win with Adra follows a series of successes across North Wales, with Novus having been awarded several contracts and frameworks in the region in recent weeks. Novus’ expert team will carry out a series of kitchen and bathroom refurbishment works, including rewires, over a period of 13 months across approximately 135 properties in and around Gwynedd. Novus has also worked on further schemes with Adra, including an ongoing refurbishment contract for the social housing provider’s property stock in Caernarfon. The family-owned contractor has a long history of giving back to the communities in which it works, and this has been evident throughout its partnership with Adra, with Novus leading initiatives including donating to local food banks, litter picking in Caernarfon, and giving residents in Bro Ogwen vouchers for Christmas. Commenting on this new contract win with Adra, Sam Frame, Regional Operations Director at Novus Property Solutions said: “This is the latest in a series of contract and framework wins in North Wales, proving that Novus is fast becoming a contractor of choice in the region." "Our ever-growing reputation plays a significant role in our ambitious five-year growth strategy, which includes successfully bidding for new, high value contracts while also maintaining our fantastic relationships with existing clients." “We’re therefore delighted to have been awarded this significant contract with Adra, allowing us to continue to build on our partnership while also demonstrating our commitment to putting residents and local communities at the heart of everything we do.”

The Fox pub, a hidden gem nestled in the small hamlet of Brookbottom, near New Mills, recently marked a momentous occasion. Its respected landlord, Terry Wild, celebrated an impressive 42 years at the pub as he heads towards his retirement journey. Owned by Robinsons Brewery, The Fox - one of Robinsons’ oldest pubs purchased in 1898 - has been a pillar of the local community, known for its warm ambiance, delightful beverages, and friendly service. On Saturday, 29th July, the Brookbottom community, alongside friends, family, and loyal customers, gathered to celebrate Terry’s remarkable dedication. For over four decades, he has poured heart and soul into creating a welcoming haven for everyone who stepped through the doors. Terry said: "It has been an extraordinary journey with my wife, Freda, filled with unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships. The firm support from Robinsons and the community, partnered with the joy of serving our customers have made every moment worthwhile." "It has been a pleasure working for Robinsons for so many years and I couldn’t have done it without the support from everyone within the Robinsons family; the support has always been exceptional. I’m sure Mel is going to do an amazing job." As Terry embarks on a well-deserved retirement, an exciting chapter unfolds for The Fox. Stepping into the role of Landlady with equal enthusiasm and passion, Terry's daughter, Melanie, will be taking over the pub. Having been an integral part of the pub's success throughout the years, Melanie is no stranger to the heart and soul of this popular local pub. "I am so pleased to follow in Terry’s footsteps and continue the legacy he has built," says Melanie. "Together with our dedicated team, we look forward to preserving the warm and inviting atmosphere The Fox is known for." To celebrate this transition, an official retirement party took place at The Fox pub on Saturday, 29th July. The event was a celebration of memories and laughter, as well as an opportunity to toast to new beginnings. Alan Chapman, Business Development Manager at Robinsons Brewery, said: "The Fox has been an integral part of Robinsons for 125 years, and Terry's loyalty has stood out massively." "We are delighted to welcome Melanie as the new Landlady and are confident she will continue the tradition of an inviting welcome and wonderful service.”

The team at an East Yorkshire brewery are celebrating after reaching the final of a regional business award. Wold Newton-based Wold Top Brewery has been shortlisted in the Rural Event of the Year category in the seventh Yorkshire Post Rural Awards. "The tours and events side of our business is going from strength to strength so we're very pleased that our beer festival has been shortlisted for this prestigious award," said brewery director, Kate Balchin. Wold Top faces competition from Yorkshire Agricultural Machinery Show, The Barn That Rocks and Rudolph's Run. The team will learn whether they have been successful at an awards ceremony at The Pavilions in Harrogate on Thursday, 28th September. Wold Top was founded in 2003 and is located on the Mellor family farm at Hunmanby Grange. The team use home-grown barley and water from the farm's borehole to produce a range of award-winning cask, keg and bottled beers that are available throughout Yorkshire and nationwide. They also host a series of events throughout the year. Forthcoming events include the inaugural Wold Top 10k all-terrain race on 16th September and an Oktoberfest event on 30th September.

Since launching local estate agency EweMove just over two years ago, owners Mike and Rachel Bailey have been committed to giving back to their local community. The award-winning duo decided to become firm friends and supporters of House of Bread – a charity close to their hearts – and Mike and Rachel have been true to their word ever since. In their partnership with House of Bread, a charity dedicated to providing food, friendship, advice, and support to vulnerable and homeless people, Mike and Rachel have made a real impact on those in need in Stafford and the surrounding areas. Donating unwanted but perfectly useable furniture from house moves to the charity, the pair have raised thousands yearly to support House of Bread’s work and also donate a percentage of each property sale to the charity. “When we initially launched in 2021, we sat down and asked ourselves what do we want our business to look like?” said Rachel Bailey, co-owner of EweMove. “We didn’t want to be a run-of-the-mill agent known only for sales and lettings – we wanted to make a real impact on the community and to use our business as a force for good. We sat down with Will from House of Bread and their values seemed to really align with ours." "We all care about going the extra mile and providing disadvantaged people with a safe place – as an estate agent that puts our community first, we’re firm believers and drivers of the charity’s mission.” Established in 2010, Stafford charity House of Bread was founded on the belief that everyone from every walk of life deserves to have a place they can call home. They provide support to vulnerable and homeless people in and around Stafford, hosting drop-in sessions, activities, organising food banks, toiletry banks and clothing banks, supporting people with finding housing and running Cafe43, a ‘safe space’ meeting place for anyone who needs it. Mike and Rachel’s support comes in a variety of ways: as estate agents, they donate the unwanted furnishings from properties to the charity for use in crisis shelters, temporary housing and permanent homes - items which would have otherwise ended up in landfill. When people are placed in crisis shelters, often they aren’t given the means to live and aren’t provided with cutlery, crockery or even a bed. EweMove and House of Bread’s work allows people with little or no possessions to feel properly at home, providing those home comforts others may take for granted. Through various fundraising activities, Mike and Rachel also raise thousands to support the charity’s work, which includes things such as their annual ‘reverse advent calendar’ for which Mike and his online followers donate one item each day in December – resulting in a major collection on Christmas Eve. The duo also donate a percentage of each property sale directly to the charity, which last year alone amounted to well over £1,500. “We’re really happy to have been able to help out with goods and donations so far, but we want to do a lot more so House of Bread can develop and thrive,” added Mike. “It’s our intention to continue supporting them in their incredible work with the local community, helping more vulnerable people to find a safe and comfortable place to live.” “Through their work as estate agents, Mike and Rachel have a real insight into property matters, so fully appreciate the struggles confronting people unable to find a home,” said Will Morris, founder and director of House of Bread. “When we started our mission to help the local community back in 2010, we were told we wouldn’t last 18 months. So, to be where we are nearly 14 years later is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our team – we really value the help from our dedicated friends such as Mike and Rachel. Their compassion and commitment for people from all walks of life is making a real difference – long may it continue.”

Source One were thrilled to celebrate the opening of the Big C’s new state-of-the-art Cancer Support Centre on Dereham Road, Norwich. Source One are proud to have supported The Big C, a local Norfolk based cancer charity, in getting this support centre up and running. Big C has worked hard to expand the scope of its support and to raise awareness of the breadth of help, which is completely free of charge, available for cancer patients and their families. The new centre features a light, calming central lounge area with comfortable seating and private rooms for one-to-one counselling, complementary therapy treatment rooms, The Big C Studio; a bright space for group activities and exercise classes, an intimate alcove library and a sensory wellbeing garden all make this space welcoming and comforting for those affected by cancer in Norfolk. Supporting the new centre is something that has a true meaning to the team at Source One. Cancer touches each of us in some manner, and as some may be aware, it hit close to home at Source One in 2021 when their Managing Director, Lisa Lewis, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Thankfully Lisa now has the all clear. As Lisa explains, "We take immense pride in our contribution to the Big C organization’s endeavours. We furnished and provided seating for their new meeting room, a small gesture towards the significant work they do. The warm reception and smiles we received on the completion of the work reflected the genuine appreciation Big C holds for our support." "As the dedicated staff and volunteers of Big C continue their valuable work assisting those in need, we extend our heartfelt well wishes." Another great example of a family business supporting the local community and giving back to make a real difference to the lives of others.

Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame has gained four awards at this year’s national drinks industry awards from the British Bottlers’ Institute (BBI). Three beers – Bishops Finger (5.2%), 1698 (6.5%) and India Pale Ale (6.1%) – received gold for taste, topping the Ale 5.0 – 5.9%, Ales 6.0 – 7.4% and IPA 5.5 – 7.4% categories respectively. A diploma was awarded for taste to Singha, the original Thai beer, which the Faversham-based brewer began importing in 2019 before brewing under license for the UK market in 2022. BBI President Ed Binsted said: “This year’s BBI Competition had a larger number of entrants compared to last year, with UK and International Brewers packing out the classes in the Ales and Lager categories." “Shepherd Neame scored three Gold medals this year which is a fantastic result. Bishops Finger was very well received by the judges and its popularity mirrors this award. Shepherd Neame IPA and 1698 were both highly rated for their quality and deserving of Gold medals. It is also great to know that Singha is in very safe hands being brewed the UK by Shepherd Neame and receiving a Diploma of Excellence.” Shepherd Neame Director of Brewing Mike Unsworth said: “We are delighted to receive such fantastic accolades for our beers, showing once again that our brands are outstanding in their categories." "The taste awards are a testament to our brewing and production team’s passion and knowledge, and our commitment to quality as a brewer.” Ed added: “When the Blind Tasting categories increase so much, successful winners of Gold and Silver medals and Diplomas for Excellence can be very proud of their achievements. They have produced top quality products which were recognised by the Judges - congratulations to all the winners.” Shepherd Neame’s award-winning beers are available from its online shop and brewery shop in Faversham. To find out more, visit: www.shepherdneame.co.uk .

Frozen food distributor Central Foods has introduced meat-free tikka kebab skewers to its plant-based range for the food service sector. The Shicken Tikka Kebab Skewers feature tasty meat-free chicken-style pieces in a medium-spiced vegan tikka marinade, threaded onto a biodegradable bamboo skewer. Perfect for buffets, tapas, starters, sharing platters, mains and as fillings or toppings to flat breads, the Tikka Kebab Skewers are suitable for vegetarians and vegans – helping food service operators to serve delicious plant-based options to their customers. Gordon Lauder, MD of frozen food distributor Central Foods, said: “There’s an increasing awareness that eating more plant-based food has a positive impact on health and the environment. Our aim is to offer delicious meat-free alternatives that will appeal to all, not just those with dietary requirements. “Now available to the frozen foodservice market from Central Foods, these delicious Shicken Tikka Kebab Skewers are super versatile and make a great addition to menus for any day part.” Parm Bains, CEO at Shicken, added: “As a UK based, family run, dedicated plant-based manufacturer the Shicken range offers the highest quality plant-based kebabs. Adding plant-based menu options has never been more accessible in the UK and we are very excited to be working with the Central Foods’ team.” At approximately 80g per skewer, the tikka kebab skewers are available in packs of two, with each pack containing ten kebabs. Oven cook from frozen or chilled. Central Foods, based at Collingtree near Northampton, is one of the UK’s leading frozen food distributors. The company was founded more than 25 years ago and is a catering partner across the whole food service sector, supplying to hotels, restaurants, bars, universities, schools, pubs, care homes, garden centres, leisure outlets and more. It currently sells to over 180 independent wholesalers, as well as larger national and regional wholesalers. For more information about Central Foods visit www.centralfoods.co.uk

Businesses are finding the trading relationship with the EU as challenging as they did a year ago, according to the latest data from the Institute of Directors. In response to an IoD survey in July 2022, 47% of members indicated they were finding the UK’s trading relationship with the EU challenging. Nearly a year on, this figure has remained constant. In June 2023, 46% of members agreed the relationship is a challenging one. That figure increases to 59% when discounting those who do not trade with the EU. In both 2022 and 2023, the top reason firms gave for why they were finding EU trade difficult was related to immigration, business mobility and travel. In June 2023, 72% of members cited these changes as having a negative impact on their organisation. 85% of large businesses cited changes to business mobility as a cause of difficulty, compared to 69% of SMEs. For SMEs, although mobility changes came out on top, there is a more even spread across the board, with 55% citing customs changes, and 45% citing non-tariff barriers to goods trade. When invited to give their own comments on the situation, the most common responses from business leaders include the lack of a level playing field, regulatory divergence, exclusion from EU research funds and political instability. Emma Rowland, Trade Policy Advisor at the Institute of Directors, said: “Anecdotally, the consensus from many businesses, particularly large ones, is that they are starting to get used to some of the regulatory barriers to trade, such as customs controls and labelling. However, our latest data shows there are still issues that need to be addressed." “Changes to business mobility is a big sticking point, and one which larger businesses have expressed more concern over than SME's." “For some businesses, the issue lies in how much friction there is to travel for work. For others, it’s about getting visas to work in the EU. For the majority, the biggest challenge seems to be filling skills gaps in the UK without the option of the EU pool of 500 million potential candidates." “There are clearly many aspects of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), signed between the UK and the EU in January 2021, that are proving detrimental to business. The fact is trade between the two is no longer completely seamless. The review of the TCA, which is due to take place in 2026, should provide an opportunity to address some of these pain points, depending on how much the EU is willing to negotiate.”