As the UK Employee Ownership community celebrate EO day, we take a look at what employee ownership is and whether it would be worth considering as succession option for your family business?  What Is Employee Ownership?  The clue’s in the name. Put simply, EO is when employees have a say and a stake in the company they work for.  Ownership can take a variety of forms – from employees directly owning shares in the company, to having shares held on their behalf in an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).   UK companies who have chosen EO as the way to secure sustainable success in the last 10 years range from household names Riverford Organics, Lush, Richer Sounds and Go Ape to eighth-generation family business Lodge Brothers, which transitioned to employee ownership in January 2024.   Employee Ownership As A Succession Option   As a Partner at Telos Partners , an employee-owned strategic change and advisory consultancy who support businesses with the leadership, governance and employee engagement aspects of transitioning to EO, we work with existing EO businesses to embed and accelerate the commercial and cultural benefits of being employee-owned.   "Transitioning to employee ownership can safeguard the founder’s legacy while freeing the company to shape its own path," he explains.  "It puts the business into the hands of the people who know it best and who, hopefully, also care passionately about securing its sustainable success."  "Becoming employee-owned is one way a family business can retain and strengthen its culture even when family members are no longer around." Empowering The Next Generation To Lead  Having previously worked in and then led his own fourth-generation family business, Alex finds supporting others to explore EO – and achieve a smooth handover of the reins – particularly fulfilling.   "I genuinely love it," he confirms.  "I’ve seen the impact of succession through my own family business as it passed from my grandfather and his brother to the next generation.  I’ve seen how a family business can be evolved and strengthened as new generations come on board – and I’ve seen the impact when some family members aren’t motivated to be involved. I’ve also seen the benefit that non-family members can bring." "With employee ownership, it can be very empowering for the next generation (whether family or not) to understand there’s a future for them, with the opportunity to contribute to the direction of the business they now own." Commercially, EO businesses have been shown to be more productive. They also invest more in supporting employee health and wellbeing, on-the-job training and critical benefits like flexible working, according to the findings of the eoa’s Knowledge Programme which was published in 2022.

Nearly a third (30%) of UK small and medium sized enterprises (“SMEs”) have had to stop or pause an area of their business because of a lack of finance over the last two years. This comes amid ongoing economic uncertainty driven by geopolitical tensions and global tariffs and is according to the fourth annual SME research survey commissioned by Manx Financial Group PLC. Key Findings: 30% of SMEs have had to stop or pause business because of lack of finance 9% unable to access external finance despite attempts to secure it Top funding barriers include high costs, inflexible repayment terms, lengthy application processes 38% of SMEs expect stagnant growth in the year ahead – up from 25% in 2024 With suitable finance, most SMEs believe they could grow by up to 13% The most common activities that SMEs have been forced to pause or stop because of a lack of financing were hiring personnel, R&D, launching new products, marketing and expanding into new markets. Manx Financial Group’s research showed the number of businesses that have paused an area of their activity continues to be sizeable (31% in 2024) while one in ten (9%) SMEs that looked to secure external finance and/or capital were unable to access it. The most popular external finance options for SMEs were secured loans and invoice financing. The survey also highlighted that the biggest barriers faced by SMEs in sourcing external finance and/or capital were that it was too expensive (33%), that there was a lack of flexibility with repayment terms (28%) and the process took too long (28%). SMEs also cited other barriers such as the fact that the lender did not understand their business (16%). More businesses are anticipating stagnant growth over the next 12 months – nearly two in five (38%) compared to a quarter (25%) last year and 27% in 2023. However, with appropriate external finance, most SMEs believe they could grow their business by up to 13% in the next 12 months. Douglas Grant, Group CEO at Manx Financial Group PLC, commented: "Our research highlights a persistent challenge for UK SMEs: accessing finance remains difficult, and this funding gap threatens not only their survival but also the broader UK economy. With SMEs generating around half of all private sector turnover, limited access to credit is a serious drag on national growth, especially during such volatile and uncertain times." "High borrowing costs, inflationary pressures, and a tightening labour market are compounding the strain. While some firms have shielded themselves with fixed-rate debt, many others are now facing rising costs without a financial safety net." "As the SME lending landscape evolves, the Government must prioritise targeted measures to unlock credit, boost lender collaboration, and accelerate growth. Despite strong rhetoric, there’s still a gap between ambition and action, leaving both traditional and alternative lenders key to supporting SMEs through economic turbulence and rising fiscal pressures."

St Austell Brewery, the South West’s leading independent brewer, hospitality and drinks wholesale company, has reported strong financial performance with a further year of record-breaking turnover and underlying EBITDA growth of 8.7% in the 52-week period to 28 December 2024. The family-owned company has also unveiled its first significant rebrand in 70 years. The strong trading performance - and increased turnover of £231m - converted into an 8.7% increase in EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) to £22.4m – demonstrating the positive momentum St Austell Brewery generated in 2024 despite the continued economic headwinds. Gerard Barnes, Chairman, St Austell Brewery, said: “I am pleased to report that despite the sustained challenges in the sector, the company has once again achieved record turnover, and importantly, has also converted this performance into increased EBITDA." “While inflation has eased, a combination of fragile consumer confidence, higher taxation, the lowest number of visitors to the South West in a decade, and a second summer of disappointing weather, conspired to provide a challenging backdrop in 2024." “The financial results represent continued momentum and positive progress against our strategic plans. As we continue to navigate the many challenges and evolving customer demands, our ambitious capital investment programme remains key to our long-term success.” In 2024 St Austell Brewery invested £18.3m in capital expenditure across all areas of the business. During the 52-week period, St Austell Brewery’s managed houses delivered strong sales growth, significantly outperforming the market with like for like growth of 13%. Building on the success of winning Best Accommodation Provider at the 2024 Publican Awards, the company was also awarded Best Brewing Pub Company in 2025. In addition, 35 of its managed pubs and nine tenanted pubs were recognised with Reputation 800 and 900 Awards - the gold standard for exceptional guest experience. Further highlights from 2024 include the successful reopening of the iconic Pier House in Charlestown following a devastating fire in January 2023. In the beer business, there was continued investment in the company’s brewing capability and its brands. 2024 saw the launch of Proper Job 0.5% - a strategic move into the no and low category. Following the investment into Harbour Brewing Company in 2022, the performance of its lead brand, Arctic Sky, continues to deliver strong growth + 78% on the previous year. In parallel to announcing its annual results, the 174-year-old company has unveiled its first major rebrand in more than 70 years. The new brand identity aims to positively evolve the company and ensure it underpins St Austell Brewery’s ambitions for the future. Kevin Georgel, Chief Executive, St Austell Brewery, said: “I’m proud of the strong financial performance in 2024 which came off the back of a very strong 2023. The results are all the more meaningful given the challenging trading environment. Despite the sustained economic headwinds, and wider market challenges, the commitment and passion of our people, and the resilience of the company, have enabled us to deliver continued growth in both revenue and profits.” “As we look forward, whilst the outcome of the autumn budget has created significant additional cost pressures - necessitating some difficult, but necessary decisions to review and reduce our operational structure - we remain resolutely focused on delivering our long-term strategy and sustainable growth." “Our recent rebrand signals our intent to future-proof the company. The evolution of our brand isn’t just about a new identity, it’s about clarifying and refining our purpose, positively evolving our values, launching our new sustainability plan, and aligning everything we do with the world we want to help shape." “Guided by extensive research and insight from both inside and outside of the business, we are committed to ensuring that we are fit for the future. The rebrand is a natural and considered step forward which underpins our ambitions for the future and the generations to come.” Kevin added: “Next year we celebrate 175 years of St Austell Brewery. Drawing on our rich heritage, through the evolved brand story, we’re proud to unveil a clearer, more confident vision for the future. This is more than a new visual identity. It represents a thoughtful, holistic evolution of our brand - designed to reinforce our position in the market and support the next phase of our growth. More importantly, it’s a statement of intent and demonstrates our commitment to our people, our guests, and the great experiences we deliver." “With encouraging financial results, a bold new identity and ongoing investment across our pubs, brands and our people, St Austell Brewery remains firmly on a growth trajectory.”

Derby-based construction firm East Midlands Masonry Ltd is celebrating after its growing order book sailed past the £2.5m milestone before its first anniversary. Since its launch in June 2024, East Midlands Masonry has experienced significant growth, securing a strong pipeline of projects and reinforcing its reputation in the construction sector. Having successfully delivered developments worth almost £2m already in the past six months, the firm – headquartered at Cardinal Square, Derby – now boasts an order book exceeding £2.5m. Business has been buoyed in part thanks to the team’s strong relationship with a Leeds-based care provider, which has led to the ongoing construction of three care homes - in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, Oadby, in Leicestershire, and Worksop, in Nottinghamshire. Specialising in commercial projects, East Midlands Masonry serves a diverse client base, including healthcare facilities, schools and Ministry of Defence developments. The company employs 16 permanent staff alongside a team of trusted subcontractors to deliver high-quality brickwork and blockwork contracts. Managing director Robert Hodgkinson expressed confidence in the firm’s outlook following just one year since incorporation. “We’ve got off to a great start and quickly built a solid foundation for the business,” he said. “I’m delighted to be leading a young, agile and committed team that people enjoy doing business with – a key quality which often sets us apart from the competition." “We’re very focused on the future and investing in the skills needed to ensure long-term success.” Robert’s claim is reinforced by the fact that four of his permanent team members are apprentices. “This clearly demonstrates our commitment to nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals – one of the biggest challenges facing the industry today,” he said. East Midlands Masonry also brings a wealth of experience to the table, with Robert supported in an ad hoc consultancy role by his dad Ian Hodgkinson, a well-connected industry veteran. Ian’s expertise was recently highlighted in his role as resident project manager on BBC1 TV series DIY SOS. Robert added: “I truly value the opportunity to draw on our family roots to help guide the business forward. A really healthy order book combined with some successfully completed projects in our first 12 months is the best birthday present we could have asked for.” For further information about the firm, visit www.eastmidlandsmasonry.co.uk .

Minister for Business Richard Lochhead has visited Crieff Hydro to see the results of a £5million investment in a complete dining refurbishment for the iconic resort. Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels CEO Stephen Leckie met with Mr. Lochhead at an event thanking the contractors, suppliers and partners involved in the landmark project, attended by more than 250 guests. The event was also attended by Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, and Xander McDade, Provost of Perth & Kinross. The hotel’s transformation has created six new bar and restaurant spaces and marks one of the largest single investments ever made by Scotland’s oldest registered trading company. Richard and Charlie Leckie – the sixth generation of the Leckie family – have steered the project, alongside Fiona Leckie, the resort’s longstanding Head of Interiors. Richard Lochhead said: “Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “This is an important milestone for a business synonymous with Scottish tourism. “Crieff Hydro is an important economic driver in the region, providing investment, jobs and bringing new customers to local businesses. I look forward to watching the business flourish for decades to come and commend their leadership and dedication to top-rate tourism and hospitality.” Stephen Leckie said: “This landmark project could not have been achieved without the hard work and passion of our entire team and the partner businesses who helped bring it to life." “This is the most significant investment we have made in decades and marks the start of a new era in Crieff Hydro’s 157-year history. This project, and our ongoing efforts to continually better the experience we offer to our guests, underscores our commitment to championing Scotland’s world-class hospitality sector.” The new venues within the resort include EAST, an Asian small plates concept; The Ballroom Bar, an elegant, relaxed, contemporary day-to-night bar; and The Winter Garden, an airy Victorian heritage space that has been modernised and offers all-day dining. Loggia, a new panoramic brunch and afternoon tea destination with sweeping views over Strathearn Valley, has also been introduced. Menus across all the new restaurants champion the very best of Scottish provenance, with Crieff Hydro’s team of chefs working closely with long-standing nearby suppliers to bring plenty of local and regional produce to customers. The project was supported by Denholm Partnership Architects, who have worked with Crieff Hydro on a number of key projects over the last two decades, with all interiors concepts and designs created by Glasgow based 3 Design. The fit out of the entire project was undertaken by principal contractors Thomas Johnstone.

Bagnalls has had a passion for painting since 1875 and now the national decorating contractors are changing the game for female decorators when it comes to workwear. During development of its new range of inclusive PPE – specifically created in a variety of sizes and fits to cater to both men and women – Bagnalls realised that no one else had ever considered the needs of a female-specific bib and brace for painting and decorating. So, the team decided to create a bespoke Bagnalls version. Bespoke workwear for all Bagnalls worked with its supply chain partner to design new workwear to combat the issues that one-size-fits-all clothing creates. Becky Slater, Head of Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) at the company, realised that many other female colleagues were dealing with the same issues that she faced on a daily basis. “There’s not a huge choice for women when it comes to PPE and workwear in the painting and decorating industry – and the choices we do have are usually limited to a shade of pink! Almost all of the workwear used in our industry is intended for the male body and is therefore very oversized on a lot of women, especially those of us who are of a smaller build." “I found a lot of the workwear uncomfortable to wear when on site and would often wear two pairs of thick socks to ensure that the work-issue boots fit my feet properly. Speaking to other female colleagues – and male colleagues who are of a smaller build – we realised we were all experiencing the same issues." “That’s when I decided to do something about the situation and develop our own, Bagnalls-branded workwear, with options tailored to both the male and female body. This ensures that everyone feels comfortable, safe and equal at work. Each piece of clothing has been designed by us using the invaluable feedback provided by our people.” It was also important to Bagnalls that the clothing range be sustainable. “Some of the workwear is even made from recycled bottles,” Becky explains. “Once the clothes are finished with, they are collected locally at our individual branches, so that they can be recycled into either car door insulation or industrial rags. Bagnalls is committed to doing what we can to make our business more environmentally friendly, doing our bit to help protect our planet.” The bespoke workwear is available to everyone within the Bagnalls family, from apprentices to painters, decorators and the managerial team. Empowering women Created in partnership with Stronghold, the bespoke work garments are stretchy, breathable and move with the body during physical work. The range encompasses t-shirts, trousers, footwear, high-visibility clothes and more – including the traditional bib and brace. “No one else offers a female-fit bib and brace,” Becky proudly reveals. “It’s fantastic that Bagnalls can be the first company to offer this style of workwear, specifically made to fit the female body. However, it is also troubling that our industry hasn’t already identified and solved this problem. We want to correct this imbalance and make sure that the female members of our Bagnalls family feel empowered, safe and comfortable at work.” Bagnalls has seen an increase in the number of young women becoming a part of the painting and decorating industry, with women making up 33% of their recent apprentice intake. Women are increasingly becoming an integral part of the industry, whether as painters on site, Supervisors, Contracts Managers, or working in other office-based roles. Now, with Bagnalls’ new workwear range, female talent within the industry will feel that their specific needs have been recognised and addressed. As Becky explains, “We want women to feel excited about beginning a career in such a rewarding and varied industry. That’s why it’s so important to solve these issues, making the space one that welcomes, empowers and values women and their contributions.”

Last summer William Funnell set a new Hickstead Derby record when he lifted the Boomerang Trophy for a fifth time – making him the only rider in history to have won the class five times. Previously William had been the joint record holder alongside four other showjumping greats: brothers John and Michael Whitaker; Harvey Smith, and Irish showjumping legend Eddie Macken. Eddie was the first rider to achieve four Hickstead Derby wins, and he remains the only rider to ever win four years in a row, with all his victories coming courtesy of the same horse – the great Boomerang. After their fourth consecutive win in 1979, a new trophy was created depicting Eddie and Boomerang descending the Hickstead Bank, which has been presented to the winning rider ever since. It is apt that Funnell has now lifted this trophy more than anyone else, as it was watching Eddie Macken in the Derby that originally inspired a teenaged William to become a showjumper. “I was here when Eddie won on Boomerang for a fourth time in really wet, muddy conditions, and I remember thinking how unbelievable that was,” said William. “It really inspired me to want to be a showjumper and to one day jump the Derby.” Recently, Eddie Macken sat down with Chloe Breen, daughter of Hickstead founder Douglas Bunn, for a video interview about his Hickstead memories. Although his record of four wins in a row will continue to stand, Eddie was quick to pay credit to William’s new record total of five wins. “William has won five Derby titles now, and I'm delighted – he's a good friend of mine, and great guy,” said Eddie. “He bookmarks the class in his calendar every year and always gives it his best shot, and I think he prepares and sets his horses up for it really well, so there’s no better guy to do it.” As well as Eddie’s remarkable Derby record, he had an incredible showjumping career including winning countless Grands Prix and Nations Cups, and he was top of the world rankings for three years running. His riding career spanned 50 years, with Eddie only stepping back from competing in 2018 at the age of 69. Since then Eddie has had an extremely successful career as a coach in Canada and the USA, though recently he has made the decision to fully retire. “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, and still loved the horses and the coaching, but the traveling and time away from home sort of got to me,” Eddie explained. “I am enjoying my retirement, and we have a lovely place where we live near Whistler. Anybody who has a career in showjumping knows they have to give up a lot. Riders live on the road, and we miss out an awful lot of time with our family, and obviously our families have to be very tolerant to put up with it. Hopefully I'm going to be able to make up somewhat for all that lost time, and I love spending time with my six grandkids.”

An inspiring new addition to the Windermere shoreline is honouring the memory of Olympic swimmer, teacher and mother of two Helen Smart. Helen sadly and unexpectedly passed away in 2023 at the age of 42 whilst on holiday with all her family in the Lake District. Her husband Craig Smart wanted to honour Helen’s incredible life and the place she loved so much by creating a memorial at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa in the Lake District, where the couple tied the knot in 2015. Craig contacted the spa resort’s wedding team to explain his idea, which led to discussions with English Lakes Hotels estates director Tim Berry and the hotel group’s resident local sculptor and stone mason Shawn Williamson. The result is the creation of ‘Helen’s Seat’, a Lakeland slate boulder carved as a memorial and a place to sit on the edge of Windermere with sweeping views of the Langdale Pikes and surrounding fells. Craig says: “The idea was to create a place where Helen’s spirit can be felt and her memory celebrated. Helen was a remarkable woman: an Olympian, an inspirational educator, a talented musician, and above all, a deeply loved wife, mother, daughter and friend. Her career was marked by incredible dedication, discipline and belief in herself." “Helen’s favourite place in the world was the Lake District, where she found peace, happiness, and shared many treasured memories with her family. Our wedding at Low Wood Bay was the most amazing day and every year, we returned on our anniversary." “A huge and heartfelt thank you to Tim Berry, Shawn Williamson and the rest of the Low Wood Bay team for creating this amazing memorial for Helen. It is absolutely perfect - a peaceful, loving space where all of Helen’s family and friends can come, sit, reflect, and remember the amazing person she was. Helen was a true champion - on the world stage, in the classroom, and in our hearts.” As a world-class backstroke swimmer, Helen proudly represented Great Britain in the 200m backstroke at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. She earned a bronze medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, and silver medals at the 1999 World Short Course Championships and the European Championships, setting numerous British records and winning national titles along the way. Following her retirement from competitive swimming, Helen devoted herself to teaching. As Headteacher of Worsley Mesnes Community Primary School in Wigan, she continued to inspire with her passion, warmth, and commitment to every child’s future. Her school motto was “learn like champions”. She was also a proud playing member of the Pemberton Old Wigan DW Brass Band, where her joy for music shone brightly. English Lakes Hotels estates director Tim Berry says: “From speaking to Craig from the moment he got in touch with us, we were keen to help. It’s clear that Helen achieved so much, not only through her exemplary careers in top flight sport and education, but also in the inspirational way she lived her life." “We put Craig in touch with Shawn to develop the idea of the stone memorial and organise its installation here. We wanted something natural and that children and adults alike would enjoy for years to come." “The boulder originally came down the fell from behind Low Wood Bay and was dropped here by a glacier, so it’s fitting that it should still remain here on site and is now in a location where we are helping to restore the shoreline and regenerate the natural reed bed.”

Staff at a country estate in the Lake District have taken to beekeeping in a drive to help nurture its surrounding woodlands and wildflowers. Wild Boar Estate near Windermere is now home to three burgeoning beehives which are allowing the rural estate venue to produce its own honey for guests to enjoy at breakfast or purchase to take home as a tasty memento of their stay. The beehives have been carefully stationed in the estate’s private woodlands to give the bees the best chance to flourish on the its 72 acres of rural land. At the peak of summer, each beehive will contain up to 60,000 bees committed to the welfare of their queen and the colony as a whole. Wild Boar Estate gives the bees acres of high quality rural landscape in which to roam and forage, with good sources for a continual supply of food and water throughout the spring, summer and autumn months. The busiest time for the budding beekeeping team is late spring and into the early summer when they are routinely checking on the hives and the welfare of the bees. This is important to prevent swarming, to monitor their health and to ensure there is enough space for them to store their honey. In the winter, the team will simply need to keep a check on the hives to ensure the bees have enough stored food and remain healthy. General manager of Wild Boar Estate Adam Bujok says: “This is a wonderful project to get involved in and a chance for us to give nature and sustainability a helping hand. Our seasonal countryside cycles and natural rhythms would be broken without the humble worker bees. As major pollinators, we simply couldn’t live without them." “So it’s fantastic for us to see them buzzing around from flower to flower and meandering through our woodland glades and meadows. Then there’s the added benefit of harvesting their honey here on site for our guests to enjoy. We are even planning to use the honey in the microbrewery for the production of small batches of mead which visitors no doubt will be keen to sample.” English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues has been working with experienced apiarist Jackie Kerr to install the hives and teach members of the Wild Boar Estate team the basics of beekeeping. Jackie adds: “It’s been a pleasure to be involved in setting up the Wild Boar Estate apiary which continues to flourish and grow." “With last year’s very wet weather, it was difficult for bees to gather nectar and many colonies languished until late summer. But the spring dry spell has given the season a real kick-start and the beautiful Wild Boar woodlands are now alive with some very busy bees." “The estate team’s enthusiasm and commitment to protecting pollinators is both inspiring and wonderful to see.” With its own open kitchen grill restaurant, on-site smokehouse and microbrewery, Wild Boar Estate hosts a range of fun outdoor activities and adventures in its extensive surrounding grounds. For further information, visit here .

Biddenden 2021 Vintage Sparkling Cider has officially been named Supreme Champion at the British Cider Championships 2025, held at the Royal Bath & West Show, one of Europe’s most prestigious cider competitions. The win marks a milestone moment for the Barnes family and for Kent, placing Biddenden at the pinnacle of British cider-making. Crafted using méthode traditionnelle, the same approach used to produce Champagne, this vintage cider is a masterclass in Kentish fruit, winemaking finesse, and patience. Made from a carefully balanced blend of Bramley, Cox and Russet apples grown in Kent, the cider is aged in stainless steel, with some lees stirring and spends a minimum of 12 months on cork before being released. The result: crisp bubbles, vibrant orchard aromas and a refined dry finish that has wowed judges and cider lovers alike. “Fantastic,” says Tom Barnes, General Manager and third-generation family member at Biddenden. “As a business we’re just so very proud. To be awarded Supreme Champion at such a high level is an honour and testament to what we do here blending local ingredients, heritage and winemaking precision. We’re so honoured to have brought this accolade home to the Heart of the Garden of England, Kent.” Cider Reimagined – from the Heart of Kent Originally planted in 1969, Biddenden is Kent’s original commercial vineyard, still owned and managed by the Barnes family over 56 years later. While renowned for their wines, Biddenden has been producing cider since the 1970s and this further highlights this success story. “We’ve been making cider since the 1970s when my father, Julian, first launched Biddenden Cider and although we no longer have orchards, we work closely with local growers in Kent, some for over 40 years!”, Tom explains. “Kentish Bramley apples play a heavy role in our blends and work well alongside Cox and Russet. The key to the quality of our ciders is the wine-making techniques that we employ, including ageing on the lees, the disgorging of the yeast and the addition of a ‘dosage’, the ingredients of which are a closely guarded secret. To have our cider recognised at the national level is incredibly special.” The winning cider impressed judges with its lightness, balance and standout character, taking top honours in a field of entries from across the UK. Chair of Judges, Martin Thatcher, from Thatcher’s Cider, described it as: “Outstanding – perfectly balanced, light, fresh, and with that ‘wow factor’ from the first sip.” Championing Local, Supporting Tourism, Celebrating Kent The award comes at a time when Kent’s reputation as a food and drink destination is booming, with visitors seeking authentic, local experiences. Biddenden’s tours, tastings and on-site shop have become a must-visit for both tourists and trade, offering a true taste of the county’s rural richness. “We’re more than just a producer,” says Tom. “We’re a place to visit, to learn, to taste and to celebrate what makes Kent so special. This win helps put Biddenden and Kent on the map, even more so than before, not just for wine and cider, but for craftsmanship and being a tourism destination.” Biddenden’s Sparkling Cider is already making waves among buyers, hospitality outlets and discerning drinkers looking for premium, English-made alternatives to Champagne and Prosecco. The cider is available directly from Biddenden or online. It is ideal for celebrations, gifts or a summer aperitif. Award-Winning Across the Board This year’s competition saw Biddenden take home two major accolades: • Supreme Champion & Best in Class – Sparkling Cider 2021 • Best In Class Fruit Cider – Biddies Strawberry Mint • Silver award – Biddenden Ice Cider 2021 Visit Biddenden year-round for tastings, tours and local produce.

Manufacturers’ opinion of the United States (US) as a growth market for exports have fallen sharply, with the US slipping out of the top three global regions for the first time according to a major survey published today. The findings come on the back of official data published last Thursday showing exports to the US fell £2 billion in April, the steepest monthly decline since records began in 1997. According to the Make UK/BDO Q2 Manufacturing Outlook survey, the US has slipped to fourth place as a growth market for UK manufacturers, with preference now shown to Asia/Oceania and the Middle East as companies respond to tariffs and increased uncertainty. This is the first time the US has not been the second most favoured destination for export growth for UK manufacturers, behind the EU, in the history of the survey. Six in ten companies expect to see exports to US impacted by tariffs Key Findings: Output volumes grow following a contraction last quarter Domestic orders negative while export orders recover 6 in 10 companies expect impact on their exports to the US from tariffs Employment levels remain stable, but investment trending sharply downwards Manufacturing growth forecast cut sharply for 2026, already negative for 2025 Separate data from a survey on the impact of tariffs conducted by Make UK shows that six in ten companies expect their export volumes to the US to be hit, while a similar number (63%) expect their business overall to be negatively impacted. Furthermore, almost a third (30%) of companies are assessing changes to their supply chains in terms of where they source from, while just 4% say they will consider setting up manufacturing facilities in the US. Make UK also referred to figures from the Q2 survey carried out by its American counterpart, the National Association of Manufacturers, which showed that US manufacturers’ optimism has dropped to the lowest level since the pandemic. Trade uncertainty was cited as the biggest factor, reported by more than three quarters of companies (77%). The survey also reveals worsening prospects for UK manufacturers ahead, with the growth forecast for manufacturing in 2026 slashed from a previous +1% to -0.5% in the face of a weak domestic economy and tariffs. Given the growth forecast is also negative for this year (-0.2%) off the back of a flat year in 2024, this presents a worrying trend. In response to the significant downgrading of growth prospects for manufacturing, Make UK warned that the forthcoming industrial strategy must address the UK’s crippling industrial energy costs. Commenting, Seamus Nevin, Chief Economist at Make UK, said: “While at first glance the headline numbers may not look too bad, manufacturers are facing a gathering storm of huge uncertainty in one of their major markets, a skills crisis and eye watering energy costs which are providing a harsh reality for many." "In response, it’s absolutely essential that the forthcoming industrial strategy takes bold measures to bring down the cost of energy and takes equally radical action to ensure companies can access the people they need to take advantage of a more competitive landscape. If these two issues are not addressed, then we will face the serious prospect of the UK accelerating into de-industrialisation.” Richard Austin, Head of Manufacturing at BDO, said “This quarter’s results are a testament to the increasingly challenging landscape our British manufacturers are operating in. The forecasted decline in growth is concerning and the delayed industrial strategy won’t help to assuage uncertainty in the sector. That said, there remains pockets of positivity." "Growing output levels are proof of manufacturer’s resilience and last month’s trade deals should remove barriers as UK companies seek new trading partners and opportunities for growth. As always, they need urgent clarity and targeted investment from the government if this recovery is to continue into next quarter.” According to the Manufacturing Outlook survey, the balance on output recovered from -1% in Q1 to +9% in the last quarter, with total orders following a similar pattern up to -2% from -6% in Q1. Export orders have resumed the pattern of shielding a weak domestic market, increasing to +7% from +1%, while UK orders remained negative at -1% (-7% in Q1). Looking forward, the survey shows prospects appear to be slightly brighter with output forecast to increase slightly to +11% and total orders to +13% in Q3. The recovery in exports also appears to be much firmer after the global turmoil of the first half of the year, increasing to a balance of +22% which is above long-term averages. Recruitment intentions remained fairly flat at +1% (-3% in Q1) while investment intentions continued on a sharply downward trend from the last quarter of 2024, barely remaining positive at +2% (+5% in Q1 and +10% in Q4 2024). Make UK warned that if this downward trend continued it would be highly likely that investment intentions will turn negative in the second half of the year.

Family has always been important at leading zero-emission bus manufacturer Wrightbus, but this Father’s Day will be extra special with 19 pairs of dads and lads on the payroll. From factory floor to senior management, 19 fathers work in the record-breaking Ballymena firm alongside their children. “It’s a real privilege seeing my son come into the company and grow in his role,” said Global Sales Director John McLeister, whose son Nathan joined in 2022. “Watching his progression unfold has not only made me proud as a father, but it’s also given him a real insight into the kind of work I’ve been doing throughout his formative years. It’s brought a new level of understanding and connection between us.” Nathan, who’s the UK Commercial Manager, explained: “My dad has worked at Wrightbus for as long as I can remember. Growing up just outside Ballymena, I would often pass the factory and always knew that’s where he worked. I also remember him giving me model buses, which I still have today." “When I finished University and moved back home, I realised the huge amount of different roles that were available at Wrightbus, and the great opportunities it offered locally.” Manufacturing Manager William Lorimer celebrates 40 years of working at Wrightbus next year, a feat made all the sweeter for the fact his son Jason has worked there for nearly half of them. “We get to spend a lot of time together and watching him progress through the company fills me full of pride,” he said. “While it also means that we’re never able to switch off – talking about work at the dinner table or over the weekend - bus-building is something we just have in common. I wouldn’t change it.” Jason, who started as an apprentice in 2007 and is now Head of Output at the factory, added: “Over the last 18 years I have developed through various roles, all with different challenges, but the good thing is that I always had someone to ask for advice, someone I could give scenarios too and who I was able to trust." “If there were weeks that got on top of me, I was able to discuss over the dinner table or at the weekend and he always listened or gave me advice on similar situations he was involved in.” Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales said while the company was constantly evolving the next generation of products, it was the next generation of workers who would push the business to even greater heights. “We always say Wrightbus is like a family but these people prove it, quite literally, and our business is all the better for it,” he explained. “Father’s Day is a really special day in the calendar but this is our turn to celebrate the fathers who work here alongside their children every day, helping Wrightbus become the best bus manufacturer in the world.”