Merck, a leading science and technology company, is expanding production capacity for highly-purified reagents at its site in Nantong, China, a major transportation hub in the Yangtze River Delta region. The approximate €70 million investment will allow the large-scale manufacturing of high-purity reagents for quality control and testing for biopharma customers, increasing annual output by several thousand tons. Merck and the Nantong Economic and Technological Development Area (NETDA) today signed the corresponding agreement in support of the expansion. “Continued growth of the life science and biopharma industries in China have increased demand for high-quality products and a more resilient supply chain,” said Jean-Charles Wirth, Head of Science & Lab Solutions, Merck Life Science. “To ensure seamless supply for our customers, we have accelerated our expansion plan in China. In doing so, we continue to support the life science industry and enhance our ability to better serve our customers’ need for high-quality and reliable products.” Merck will build a new reagent production plant at the Nantong site, which is expected to be operational by 2026. The facility will cover 40,000 square meters and offer high-performance products for quality control and testing to customers in the pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors, including food & beverage. The NETDA site is already home to both the company’s Life Science and Healthcare business sectors. The facility produces cell culture media for Life Science customers; Healthcare manufactures high-quality medicines that are on China’s essential medicines list. It was opened in 2016 as part of NETDA, one of the first national-level economic and technological development zones in China. “Nantong serves as a major transportation hub in the Yangtze River Delta region, growing into an advanced manufacturing base. NETDA has taken the lead in developing a first-class economic development zone with high-end industrial modernization, sound industry-city integration, and internationalization,” said Bao Delin, Deputy Secretary and Director of the Administration Committee, NETDA. “Merck’s Life Science Center at Nantong, and its expansion marks an important milestone as the company continues to play an important role in Nantong’s transformation into an innovation-driven economy, with sustainable, high-quality growth at its core.” Merck aims to increase Group sales to approximately €25 billion by 2025. To achieve its growth targets, the company plans to increase its total investments between 2021 and 2025 significantly compared with the period from 2016 to 2020. The latest investment in Nantong further supports Merck’s strategy to diversify its footprint and increase supply chain resilience in alignment with its customer base. In 2022, the company’s Life Science business invested €29 million in a new biologics testing center in Shanghai, and €100 million to accelerate single-use manufacturing in Wuxi.

Providing delivery services on Croatian islands with their small towns and narrow streets has never been easy. This is why Gebrüder Weiss has started to offer its customers a particularly eco-friendly transport solution this summer: the logistics company now uses electric tricycles for deliveries to private homes and companies located on the islands of Rab and Lošinj. These vehicles have a low-noise but high-performance electric motor and are easy to manoeuvre, which makes them perfect for deliveries in small towns, tourist resorts and national parks – above all during the holiday season. Barbara Bujačić, Country Manager Croatia at Gebrüder Weiss adds: "It is important to maintain the islands’ authenticity and uniqueness. By using our electric tricycles to provide delivery services we help the island oases retain their charming character. And our customers will receive the goods they ordered online in an eco-friendly manner" "The vehicle can transport consignments with a total weight of up to 500 kilograms and cover 50 kilometres per day on one battery charge." In addition to electric tricycles, Gebrüder Weiss Croatia has recently started to use electric vans for deliveries to final customers in Zagreb as well. Whether furniture, washing machines, fridges and freezers or sports equipment – Gebrüder Weiss delivers the products wherever the customers need them. An electric van is able to cover 170 kilometres on one battery charge, allowing up to 35 eco-friendly deliveries per day. These vehicles are perfectly suited for transport in urban areas, and even reduce the roar of traffic thanks to their low-noise electric motor. Their batteries are charged via the company’s own Photovoltaic system recently put into operation at the company’s main location near Zagreb. The solar panels installed on the roof of the logistics facility boast an annual total peak performance of 500 kilowatts and contribute to saving about 107 tons of CO2 per year. Gebrüder Weiss implemented these sustainable measures in Croatia to take another step towards achieving the climate neutrality targets by 2030. For several years, the company has invested in alternative drives for heavy load transport, developing ecologically compatible solutions for the last mile. Thus, for instance in the Greater Vienna metropolitan area, electric trucks are used for local transport and for deliveries to final customers in Austria and Hungary. Moreover, one of the first hydrogen trucks worldwide has been in use in Switzerland since 2021. The acquisition of additional hydrogen and electric trucks in Germany is scheduled for 2024.

The team at a North Yorkshire farm shop and café are celebrating after reaching the final of a regional business award. Pickering business, Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Café has been shortlisted in the Rural Business of the Year category in the seventh Yorkshire Post Rural Awards. Cedarbarn co-founder, Mandy Avison said: "We're fourth-generation farmers and are proud to grow and rear a large percentage of our farm shop's produce and meat. We're delighted to be in the final and are looking forward to catching up with fellow rural businesses at the dinner." Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Café faces competition from fellow finalists, Soanes Poultry; Homestead Kitchen, Goathland; Moss Valley Fine Meats; Timmstock Farming and The Wensleydale Experience. The team will learn whether they have been successful at an awards ceremony at The Pavilions in Harrogate on Thursday, 28th September. Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Café began as a small PYO strawberries operation from a caravan 26 years ago and now is a thriving farm shop and café that sources a large percentage of its produce from its own farm and a neighbouring farm supplemented with local suppliers.

HMG Paints, a leading manufacturer of high-quality coatings and paints, is excited to announce the relaunch of Ferrozinc, a revolutionary water-based rust converter. With its exceptional performance and ease of use, Ferrozinc is the go-to solution for rust conversion in areas where shot blasting, or complete rust removal is impractical or impossible. “Ferrozinc has been a popular product for our customers for a number of years and we’re proud to introduce the new 250ml size” commented James Burton of HMG. “It’s such a handy product for users in a number of industries from decorators and industrial applicators to agricultural and classic vehicle restoration.” Traditionally, rust removal has been a laborious and time-consuming process, involving hours of wire brushing or the use of strong acidic chemicals that pose significant safety hazards. With HMG's Ferrozinc rust converter, however, this arduous task becomes a thing of the past. This is the perfect solution to anyone working in the decorative or industrial markets, and even classic car enthusiasts! Users only need to remove loose debris and poorly adhered surface rust, followed by a degreasing step to eliminate any contamination that may interfere with the chemical reaction. Afterward, a thin coat of Ferrozinc is applied to the rusted area, and within 30 minutes, the surface transforms into a black/navy colour, indicating the successful rust conversion. Any excess product can be easily wiped off, and after just +3 hours, the treated surface is ready to be overcoated with the user's preferred coating system. Ferrozinc's water-based formulation not only provides excellent rust conversion properties but also ensures a low odour, making it a more pleasant and user-friendly option compared to solvent-based alternatives. Ferrozinc is available in 250ml, 1 Litre or 5 Litres and can be purchased direct from HMG or their nationwide distributor network.

Community groups around the country have been planting apple trees this spring thanks to The Thatchers Community Orchard Project. Attracting hundreds of applications in the project’s third year, from as far afield as Aberdeen to Worthing, we’re delighted to have supported over 100 groups wanting to enhance their communities, with 500 apple trees donated this year. Including residents’ associations, parish councils, allotment groups, and care homes, five apple trees were donated to each of the successful applicants. To apply, they needed to explain why planting apple trees would make a difference to their communities. “It’s always a real pleasure to distribute apple trees to organisations who really care about the community around them,” says Martin Thatcher, our fourth generation cider maker. “We’ve been brought up with trees all around us at Myrtle Farm – so through this project we’re looking to spread apple tree love across the UK". “With applications from the North of Scotland to the South West, from both rural and urban communities, by donating apple trees we can help communities in so many different ways – from helping green urban residential communities, providing an area of peace and solitude to care homes, and an educational resource to schools and colleges.” With leading ciders such as Gold and Haze to our name, and over 500 acres of our own orchards in Somerset, we know a thing or two about planting apple trees. “There’s no better tree than an apple tree,” continues Martin. “From the tree’s beauty in spring when in full blossom, to the fascination of seeing the fruit develop throughout the summer, to the excitement of harvest, there’s always something new to see in an orchard." “The enthusiasm we’ve seen amongst volunteers supporting their communities is inspirational, and we’re delighted to be playing our part with this community tree planting project.” This is the third year we have run our Community Orchard Project, and brings the total number of organisations supported since launch to 175, with almost 1000 apple trees so far donated and planted across the country. “The project shares our family’s passion for apple trees, building communities and constant support of the environment and ecosystem around us today and for the future,” Martin concludes." Thatchers Community Orchard Project was first run in 2021. The project attracted such demand in its first year, we decided to more than double the number of trees we gave away in our second year, and in the third year doubling the number of organisations we supported.

John Good Group is excited to announce that Tim Good, Non-Executive Director and Chairman of Matthew Good Foundation, has been shortlisted for the Family Business Next Generation Award by Family Business United. The recognition comes in the celebration of the best of family business, and the winners will be revealed at a gala dinner in London on National Family Business Day on September 21. Tim Good says, "Being shortlisted for the Family Business Next Generation Award is a testament to the strength and character of the entire John Good Group. Our people, their passion, and our shared commitment to sustainable growth and a better future is what truly defines us as a family business". "Our team’s dedication and enthusiasm make 'Good' things happen. This nomination isn't just about me - it's about each and every one of our passionate team members.” This isn't the first time that the John Good Group has been acknowledged by Family Business United. The group was previously crowned the winner of the People’s Choice Family Business of the Year, Yorkshire award in June 2023. This nomination for Tim Good further affirms the dedication and accomplishment of the John Good Group in upholding the values and spirit of family businesses. John Good Group also extends its congratulations to all the finalists for the Family Business Next Generation Awards and are proud to be sharing the platform with other family-run enterprises.

Middleton on the Wolds-based chicken specialist, Soanes Poultry has received further accolades for four of its products that were entered into the prestigious fine food and drink accreditation scheme, The Great Taste Awards. Soanes Poultry's Red Tractor-assured Grain Fed and Free-Range whole chickens were rewarded with a one-star award, as were Grain Fed Chicken Supremes and Drumsticks after going through rounds of blind-taste testing. The judges' feedback for the Grain Fed whole chicken included: "The flavour is outstanding. We are so used to breast meat as being flavourless and mushy - this is how it should be! This is how we remember chickens being. Utterly wonderful" and "This is a generous meaty chicken, tender and moist with a distinctive chicken flavour and a mild grassy note. Clearly well cared for chickens!" They also commented: "These are neat drumsticks which have been well-butchered. The meat looks moist and there is a fresh, clean, poultry aroma. The texture is mostly soft and tender with a slight bite. The flavour is light, appealing and clean. This is good simple chicken that would have family appeal" about the drumsticks. Soanes Poultry's MD Ben Lee said: "This is the eighth consecutive year that our chicken has won the prestigious awards that are dubbed the Oscars of the food industry. "This consistency of product is a testament to our farmers' high welfare standards and to the skill of our operations team. It's a real team effort and I couldn't be more pleased." The Great Taste Awards are organised by the Guild of Fine Food and are the largest and most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme. They support and promote food and drink producers, large and small, giving buyers and food lovers in the UK and overseas reliable recommendations for great-tasting food. Due to Soanes Poultry's success, both in this year's competition and in previous years, the business can use the coveted Great Taste Producer logo for multiple wins in successive years. Soanes Poultry is a family-owned business that has been rearing and preparing chicken since 1947. It employs over 100 people and sells its chicken to butchers and independent retailers in Yorkshire and to wholesalers and catering butchers nationwide.

Douch Family Funeral Directors has appointed two new staff for its AE Jolliffe & Son branch in Ferndown. Leanne Adimi is a senior funeral director and community engagement officer and Helen Dean is an office administrator. Leanne, who previously worked for the business in the 1990s, will also be working for the Ives & Shand branch in Parkstone. She took time out to have a family and complete a degree and has also worked on a self-employed basis. Leanne said: “It’s great to be back working for the Douch family and to see how far the company has come. The facilities in Ferndown and Parkstone are superb and I will be making sure they are utilised for community groups." “Being an active part of the community is something that is very important for the business and I’ll be striving to ensure the branches are fully involved.” Helen added: “Previously I worked in the alarms and access control sector where I learned a great deal about working with the elderly which is helpful for this role. I have always wanted to work in the funeral sector and am pleased that I have a role with such a friendly, forward-looking group.” Nick Douch, managing director of the group, said: “Leanne and Helen are great appointments for us." “Both come with lots of practical and sector experience and being local they know the area well. Recruiting the right people is so important in our business because first impressions count more than they do elsewhere.”

Family Business United is delighted to announce the finalists who are now in the running for the Family Business Lifetime Achievement Award 2023. Family businesses would not be what they are without strong leadership, embedded values and a culture of shared purpose, drive and determination to succeed. Our finalists have all shown strength, persistence and a desire to succeed over the years, shaping the very essence of the family business that has evolved under their direction. Our finalists, in no particular order and now in the running to be crowned the Lifetime Achievement Award Winner for 2023 are: Gerry Facenna, Allied Vehicles Limited James Croxson, Croxsons Alan Colleran, Duvalay Simon Shadbolt, Shadbolt David Barsby, G Seller Christopher Hayman, Hayman’s Gin Robyn Holmes, Prime Appointments Mich Stevenson OBE DL, Spenbeck Angela Morris, The Wool Packaging Company Ltd Pat Gallagher, Gallagher Group As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, organisers of these awards adds, “Each of our finalists is special and has achieved great things over the course of their family business journey to date. Our judges are in for a difficult decision deliberating and determining the overall winner." "All of the finalists deserve to be recognised and celebrated. They are what family business is all about – people with a dream, family values at the heart of what they do and above all they care. We look forward to announcing and crowning the winner in due course.” The winners will be announced at a gala dinner in London on National Family Business Day 2023 which is taking place on September 21. Find out more about the event here

Hendy Group is set to represent one of the new key players in the premium motoring market having been appointed as a retail partner for Genesis. The premium Korean brand launched in the UK just over two years ago and has quickly established itself as a true alternative in the segment. A signing ceremony was held at the Genesis Scottish Open at the weekend and Hendy Group chief executive Paul Hendy said the opening of the Genesis studio in Poole to cover the Southampton Genesis territory marks a key milestone for the automotive group and further builds on the group’s expertise in the performance and luxury market. “Genesis has a commitment to personalised hospitality and customer service excellence which aligns perfectly with our values,” said Paul. “Being part of the Genesis journey in the UK is exciting for us as a company and we look forward to being part of the story as it unfolds.” Hendy Group will cover Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, and West Sussex from the new Genesis studio which is expected to open from the start of 2024. As a newly appointed partner Hendy Group will support the Genesis business expansion plans, grow capacity and capabilities for test drives, sales and service operations, and support the brand’s commitment to customer service excellence. “This is an exciting milestone for Genesis in the UK. Earlier this year, we announced we would be expanding the Genesis footprint and we are delighted to now have Hendy on board which shares our vision for the future,” commented Lawrence Hamilton, managing director for Genesis Motor Europe. “With Hendy now officially part of the Genesis family, it means we can deliver our unique Korean customer service directly to our new and existing customers from the Poole studio.” Colleagues from Hendy Group who will work at the studio are now immersed in the Genesis brand and the customer experience. Visitors to the new studio will be welcomed by a high level of hospitality based on Korean customs for welcoming guests. They will be treated as Genesis’ son-nim - ‘son’ meaning ‘guest’ and ‘nim’ being an honour. This reflects the Korean virtue of providing the best to those who step inside your home. Genesis will join other performance and luxury brands in the Hendy Group portfolio including Maserati, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Lotus.

Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels has announced the expansion of its senior management team, with a number of key appointments ahead of the busy summer season. The group – which operates some of Scotland’s best-loved hotels including Crieff Hydro and Peebles Hydro – has appointed Gavin Edwards as Head of Learning and Development, while Ryan Gourlay takes on a new role as IT Technical Manager. With more than a decade of experience working in a variety of senior learning and development roles within Scotland’s hospitality sector, Gavin joins the Crieff Hydro family from Glasgow-based Klarent Hospitality, where he spent over four years supporting the progression of the workforce at hotel groups such as Hilton and Mercure. With a focus on employee retention within the wider Crieff family, his role will see an overhaul of the group’s onboarding process, while building on the already successful internal training schemes and employee development programmes currently on offer. Gavin said: “I’m very excited to be joining the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels at a crucial time for Scotland’s hospitality sector. It’s no secret that the industry is facing recruitment challenges and that’s why building a strong portfolio of excellent career progression opportunities for our team is so important to us." “The service industry sets itself apart from any other sector when it comes to progression. You can join at entry-level and advance relatively quickly into a senior management role compared to other industries due to the soft skills you acquire." “It’s vital to illustrate these pathways for the team from day one, so establishing a fantastic onboarding process to allow people to feel welcomed, knowledgeable and inspired in their role from the get-go is crucial.” Gavin’s role will also involve reinvigorating the portfolio’s apprenticeship offering as well as further developing the group’s manager and high-potential programmes. He continued: “I aim to transform the whole company’s approach when it comes to building on the skills our employees already have by providing them with bespoke opportunities to excel in their careers. By making sure our employees are happy and fulfilled within their roles, excellent service for our guests will inevitably follow.” Ryan joined the Crieff Hydro family in 2014 as an IT Support Technician, after being made redundant following his previous role as an IT apprentice at Microspec Computer Ltd in Falkirk. He said: “I joined the Crieff team right at the start of my career, and I still had a lot to learn. My boss at the time described my potential as a ‘ball of clay’, which meant the company was able to shape the skills I had to fit the needs of the business at that time. It was an invaluable start to my career and meant I could gain the experience I needed to continue to progress over the following years.” He continued: “The employees in the wider Crieff team are so supportive when it comes to development, and they really take the time to ensure that you’re following a career path that works for you." “There’s a big emphasis on on-the-job training here, which helps you get to the nitty-gritty of how the cogs in the Crieff machine work together. It’s a great place for career development.” The Crieff Hydro Family’s commitment to developing internal talent within the company has been further spotlighted with the appointment of Niall Kelly, who takes on the role of IT Operations Manager working alongside Ryan. Niall who joined the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels in 2016– will now oversee IT operations for the full family of hotels within the portfolio having started his career as an IT Support Technician seven years ago. He said: “I’ve always been impressed with the attention to detail that’s been shown to employees who are keen to progress their careers at Crieff. I joined as an IT support technician and was given fantastic support, guidance and advice when it came to building on my skills and stepping into a senior role. Now, I’m in a position to help support other people in my team who are keen to follow a similar path, and that’s extremely rewarding.” Stephen Leckie, CEO of Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said: “It’s great to welcome Gavin to the business, whilst promoting Niall and Ryan from within the portfolio, and we are certain that these key appointments will bring continued success to the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels." “We are proud of the fantastic employee culture we have created across our portfolio of hotels, and with the appetite for staycations remaining strong, there has never been a better time to pursue a career in Scotland’s hospitality sector." “Our commitment to providing fantastic employee development opportunities and clear pathways of progression sets the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels aside from the crowd. We’re all about creating unforgettable memories for our guests – and the only way we’ll do that is with a fantastic team at the helm.”

Frozen food distributor Central Foods has launched two new versions of its popular KaterBake bao buns after strong demand for the street food staple from its foodservice customers. The 30g KaterBake mini bao buns and the Menuserve bao buns hoisin jackfruit are both perfect for starters, sharing platters, buffets and street food-style dishes. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians, the new products are being launched just in time for caterers who are starting to plan their festive menus for later in the year, as both are perfect for event catering and many other menu options. Gordon Lauder, MD of Central Foods, said: “Our regular KaterBake bao buns have proved a real winner with our foodservice customers. These new mini versions and the hoisin jackfruit filled bao buns bring extra versatility to the table, offering options for buffets, starters, sharing platters and tapas-style menu items." “Bao buns are a real street-food favourite, and we are pleased to have launched these new additions to our bao buns range.” Also known as Hirata buns, bao buns are steamed and folded, soft and pillowy bao bread buns which are usually served warm, filled with slow-cooked meat or vegetables, crunchy salad or pickles and a sticky sauce. The Menuserve bao buns hoisin jackfruit are delicious pleated-top bao buns which are filled with hoisin flavoured jackfruit and vegetables. Steam or microwave before serving them as starters, on a buffet, as part of a sharing platter or tapas, or as a street food option on your menu. The 40g filled bao buns are available in cases of 40, while the new mini KaterBake bao buns are available in cases of 50 for the catering sector. Both can be steamed or microwaved before serving. 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.