We are delighted to announce that Ronnie Coote of Coote Engineering has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Inspirational Leadership "Ronnie has been working and innovating within the concrete industry since the 1970’s and now inspired several members of his family to join the family business. The Coote family are now global suppliers of precast concrete machinery to countries all over the world and much of this is down to the inspirational leadership that Ronnie has shown over the years. He is a worthy member of the Family Business Top 100."

We are delighted to announce that Peter Harrison of Furniture Village has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Inspirational Leadership Furniture Village is a household name and few people may appreciate that this is a family business. Peter set out to transform the furniture retail space and has been on quite the journey. He has built up a great business and orchestrated the transition to the second generation and as a family firm the culture and values embedded in the business set them apart. The culture of leadership is empowering and enabling of others to achieve their full potential. Peter has been instrumental in the success of the business and continues to lead from the front with a team of great people around him. Furniture Village is an award-winning business in their furniture retail sector but has also achieved national success in the family business arena too, something that would not have been possible without the business being the success that it is today, and that is clearly closely linked to Peter’s passion, determination and vision that was apparent when the business started. "Peter is a great family business advocate and thoroughly deserving of his place in the Family Business Top 100."

We are delighted to announce that Jake Karia of Jake & Nayns has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Inspirational Leadership Champion of Change & Innovation Jake is the Managing Director at Jake & Nayns which was formed by two brothers with a love of great food and started with their childhood from memories of being surrounded by beautiful and delicious food prepared by their Mum. "Mum would always make such amazing dishes that every meal was an adventure!" Having madly busy lifestyles they found that they would often rely on street food vendors to fuel them up and keep them going, however could never find anything that matched up to the tasty food mum would always make for them at home. So, they decided it was time for a change! They set out to combine the vibrancy of street food with the passion of their mums cooking and bring the street to the supermarket. And so Jake & Nayns’ was born! Two brothers with one goal, food domination! Jake leads from the front and fully embraces their family values and history into this ever-evolving brand. He is a real family business entrepreneur and seen the combined family vision become a reality. Jake has a real flair for what he does, driving from the front and creating a fantastic family business culture which continues to build on a family story. "Proud of where the business began and the narrative that has helped shape it, Jake continues to build a great business with a great team around him. He is thoroughly deserving of his place in the Family Business Top 100."

John Good Group, a renowned leader in the travel and logistics industry, is delighted to announce its strategic transformation that includes a dynamic new brand identity, redesigned website, a focused investment arm in renewable energy, and a new executive team. This shift aligns with the company's strong commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. The new branding, carefully crafted to reflect the John Good Group's heritage, whilst signalling its forward-thinking and sustainable approach, incorporates a fresh logo and redesigned website. The new website offers an enhanced user experience, comprehensive insights about the group's companies and people within the organisation. Simultaneously, John Good Group is amplifying its investment plans with a strong focus on sustainability. This move highlights the group's commitment to sustainable business practices and its aim to be an active participant in the global transition towards cleaner energy sources. Moreover, the group is fortifying its leadership with the induction of a new C-suite team. The team, comprising some of the top talent in their respective industries, is tasked with steering the company towards its growth objectives while fortifying its commitment to sustainable practices. Rich Quelch, Chief Marketing Officer of John Good Group, says, “The John Good Group is now galvanising the new phase of the group with our focus on People, Planet, and Performance, we're committing to being a real force for good and at the forefront of the John Good Group brand. Our new branding and website reflect not just our group's identity, but the sectors we are seeking to invest and expand in. This is an exciting journey as a leading, family-owned business that is continuously innovating for a brighter future.” As part of its strategic transformation, John Good Group is placing considerable emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The group believes in the power of business to bring positive change and is dedicated to integrating ESG principles into its operations and investment decisions.

A weekend extravaganza of fine food, drinks and entertainment is on the cards at a Lake District spa resort to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the hotel group which runs it. Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa is hosting two days of party fun and games on the shoreline of Windermere across the weekend of 15 and 16 July 2023. With an outdoor marquee the centrepiece on the hotel lawns, the Saturday line-up includes live music from solo acoustic artists and a saxophonist, the Lakes Distillery Gin Bar, an ESPA Skincare spa experience bar in the hotel atrium, mind reading magic from Christopher Hurst, and a firework display at around 10:00pm to close the party. As well as Low Wood Bay’s own mouth-watering fare, food stalls include the Mansergh Hall Farm hog roast, Smokey Pikes BBQ, Jockey’s Food Truck and Fiery Mamma’s pizza. A family day on the Sunday from 10:30am to 4:00pm offers free entry to children and features a bouncy castle, crazy golf and soft play, as well as a popcorn and candy floss cart and free boat trips from Windermere Lakes Cruises. DJ Gary Mills provides the musical entertainment throughout the day. English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, which runs Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, the Wild Boar Inn and the Lancaster House Hotel, was established in 1953. The hotel group is marking its 70th year of operation with a host of competitions, activities and free stay giveaways. Mark Needham from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues says: "This is a wonderful opportunity for friends of Low Wood Bay and all our guests past and present to join us in celebrating the group’s success, rich history and growth over the past 70 years." “There will be great fun to be had on both days including a host of food and drink stalls as well as our very own delicious BBQ, and a variety of entertainment with music, magic, mini spa treatments and fireworks.” Tickets for the event are £5 per person, with the ticket value redeemable at the bar as a discount on drinks orders. Ticket bookings also offer the chance for a select few to win a complimentary B&B stay at one of English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues in the Lake District or North Lancashire as part of the hotel group’s 70th anniversary giveaway. The free one-night guest stays are based on a bed and breakfast room booking for two people.

Faversham-based brewery and pub company Shepherd Neame has named FareShare as its Charity of the Year for 2023/24. FareShare is the UK’s biggest charity fighting hunger and food waste. It works with the food industry to get good to eat food, that might otherwise go to waste, to a network of 8,500 charities and community groups across the UK. These charities help tackle the root causes of poverty, and provide vital services including homelessness shelters, lunch clubs for elderly people suffering with isolation, and support with issues including debt, employment and mental health. Chief Executive Jonathan Neame said: “We are committed to doing the right thing for our communities, our people and our environment. In light of the ongoing cost of living crisis, we wanted to choose a charity partner which made a real difference to families and individuals in need. FareShare’s ethos also fits with our ongoing efforts throughout the business to limit waste and recycle wherever possible, in line with our pledge to achieve zero waste to landfill by 2025.” Last year FareShare provided the equivalent of 128 million meals to charities and groups across the UK, reaching 1 million people. For every £1 raised by Shepherd Neame, FareShare will be able to provide the equivalent of 4 meals. The Sheps Giving committee, which oversees Shepherd Neame’s charity initiatives and donations, will be working with FareShare to organise fundraising and promotional activities at the brewery and across its pub estate throughout the next 12 months. These include a pledge to donate 50p from every Kids Meal Deal sold across its managed pubs and hotel to the charity. Visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk/sheps-giving.co.uk for full terms and conditions. As part of its fundraising activities, Shepherd Neame continues to partner with Pennies, the digital charity box. Customers drinking and dining at selected pubs are invited to make a 25 pence donation when they spend over £10 and pay on a card via Chip & Pin. Every penny given goes to charity: 90% to FareShare and 10% to Pennies. Jonathan Neame added: “In addition to raising money for the charity during the year ahead, we will also be offering our team members the opportunity to take time away from their roles to volunteer with FareShare, including helping out at one of their warehouses and supporting food drives or collections. FareShare partners with a number of charities helping communities in our Kentish heartland, along with London and across the South East, so our pubs and hotels in those areas will be able to get involved as well. We are really excited about working with FareShare during the coming year.” Shabnam Amini, director of fundraising at FareShare said: “We are delighted that Shepherd Neame has chosen us as their Charity of the Year. The money raised will make a valuable contribution to helping us get good-to-eat surplus food to people who need it most, and help strengthen communities by supporting the essential work of our network of 8,500 charities.”

The culmination of the Family Business of the Year Awards 2023 saw GAP Group take home the Supreme Champion Family Business of the Year award at a gala awards evening held at The Royal College of Physicians in Regent’s Park in London. Organised by Family Business United, these prestigious awards are now a firm fixture in the family business calendar and celebrate the very best of British family firms from all corners of the UK. Awards are given by region, sector and nationally in recognition of qualities such as entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainability, community engagement and ultimately one family business is crowned the Supreme Champions. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United explains, “As an organisation we champion and celebrate family-owned businesses across the UK, recognising the contribution they make in terms of employment, income generation and wealth creation as well as the impact they have on the communities in which they operate.” “Since 2012 these awards have grown to become something really special, recognising family firms from all sectors, young and multi-generational family firms alike, large and small but all sharing the same underlying values, pride and passion for what they do and a strong desire to do business the right way. Each of the winners is a great business with a strong narrative and is a great ambassador for the broader family business community too.” Early in the evening Iain Anderson collected the Scottish Family Business of the Year award for GAP Group before being awarded the ultimate accolade and collecting the Supreme Champion title that has been won previously by the likes of Smith of Derby, St Austell Brewery and Furniture Village. GAP Group is the market-leading equipment hirer in the UK with over almost 200 locations nationwide. The business was founded back in 1969 and they have been recognised as an inspirational family business that has been on an incredible growth journey. They now employ over 2000 people across the UK, have family values embedded within the organisation and a strong, and engaged next generation to help drive the next chapter of their journey. As Derek Hamill, Partner at Gilson Gray who sponsored the Scottish Family Business of the Year award confirms: “GAP Group is an inspirational company that continues to push boundaries. It has a strong family ethos and has shown strong engagement and commitment to the next generation.” “There are some incredible family businesses across Scotland and there were some strong contenders for this award but GAP Group stood out. They are a fantastic and well-resourced business, have demonstrated great financial performance throughout their history and show a strong commitment to the well-being of all their staff.” As Stewart Sanderson, title at Brooks Macdonald who sponsored the Supreme Champion award continues: “This is a family business that continues to invest in all aspects of what they do and how they do it.” "An incredible business. An incredible family. Great family business ambassadors. GAP Group are a worthy winner of the ultimate award and deserve all the accolades that come with winning this title." Iain Anderson, joint Managing Director of GAP Group who collected the awards added: We were delighted to accept the two prestigious awards at the Family Business of the Year Awards 2023 held in London. We have built a business we are extremely proud of, servicing the construction and utility markets and couldn’t have done it without the dedication and commitment from our 2000 employees.” “We strive to help lead the way with other family businesses in the UK to ensure our sector is acknowledged and supported. Over the next five to six years we will expand the range of equipment we can offer our customers with the aim of doubling our turnover.” As Paul concludes, “Family businesses are the engine room of the UK economy and these awards celebrate their contribution. It was great to bring the family business community back together in person to recognise the incredible family firms that operate throughout the UK and to crown some fantastic winners.” “Congratulations to GAP Group on winning this award. It is fantastic recognition of what they do as a business and it was a pleasure to present them with the award at the end of a fantastic evening that once more put the family business sector on the map.”

At some point during the year, one Briton in four is likely to experience a mental health issue, and there is no hiding that work conditions and environment can actively contribute to that figure. Research carried out by Mind UK found that more than one worker in five (21%) has, at least once, called in sick to avoid stressful work situations. Not only that, but it also showed that 42% of UK employees have considered resigning because of their workplace’s negative influence on their mental health. As a business owner, it’s crucial to make sure that your people are as happy and healthy as can be and that mental illness isn’t treated as a taboo subject. Sometimes, you may not have immediate control over what is causing your employees feelings of stress or anxiety, as they could be triggered by personal, family, or external factors. But on a whole, offering mental health support in the workplace can both enhance people’s morale and save UK businesses up to £8 billion annually. Here, with Vicky Walker, Director of People at Westfield Health , we outline a few mental health myths that should be debunked in order to promote workplace wellbeing and create an open, supportive work environment. Myth #1 – Mental health conditions are a sign of weakness First things first, it’s important to address the fact that people suffering from poor mental health are not weak. Mental illnesses are diagnosed medical conditions, rather than a sign of a fragile character. There are several reasons why employees may be struggling with mental health problems, from work-related stress to day-to-day life troubles. What’s more, some individuals may be more prone to developing these issues, as mental illnesses could be part of their family medical history, favoured by genes and biological factors. If a worker confides to you that they are dealing with sentiments of stress, anxiety, or depression, you should recognise this as an act of personal strength. Sharing one’s feelings, especially if they are not positive, requires determination and courage. So, as the employer, make sure to take action to reduce stigma associated with mental health. This way, you can foster an empathetic environment to help all your people flourish in their roles. Myth #2 – People with mental health issues can’t do their jobs Another misconception about people living with mental health conditions is that they are not able to carry out their job adequately. But the truth is that mental health issues may, in some scenarios, have little or no impact on an employee’s performance. This generally depends on the individual in question and the nature of the illness. People experiencing sentiments of stress and anxiety may still be able to plough through, maintaining good productivity levels and attendance records. Working hard – or more than is expected – could even act, for someone, as an unhealthy coping mechanism, adopted to brush aside their condition. However, this doesn’t cure their struggles, and masking their issues could worsen their mental wellbeing in the long run. It’s not always easy to spot whether one of your employees is battling with their mental health. Therefore, you may want to provide managers with useful guidance and training, which may help them detect any warning signs within their team. By doing so, you’ll give your team the necessary tools to nip a problem in the bud, intervening before it can escalate. Myth #3 – Pressure always improves productivity and performance Some believe that pressure can drive employee performance, productivity, and efficiency. It can keep people on their toes, preserve their motivation levels, and help them achieve specific targets. However, balance is vital. Excessive pressure can have the opposite effect, leading to a collapse in confidence and concentration. Also, people have different levels of tolerance for stress, meaning they respond differently to work pressure. If the pressure becomes too much to handle, it can rapidly turn into a risk factor both for the employee and your business. One of the most frequent consequences is ‘presenteeism’, which refers to a loss in productivity when employees disengage because they are unwell without taking a leave of absence. As a business owner, you can prevent this by ensuring your people are feeling enough pressure to motivate them to excel without overwhelming them. As well as benefitting your employees’ personal wellbeing, you’ll also nurture the efficiency of your company. Myth #4 – Managers can’t assist with mental health issues Of course, managers are unlikely to have the medical expertise to guide people living with mental health through the recovery process. However, they can certainly make a difference when it comes to maximising their team’s wellbeing in the workplace. In fact, there are several ways in which, as a manager or company owner, you can instil a positive work culture which accounts for mental health. For example, you can create open forums that allow employees to voice their concerns and feelings, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Embedding mental health into your organisation will encourage workers to talk freely about their personal and professional problems. This means that any worry can be addressed from the outset, so timely support can be offered while avoiding unwanted consequences. What’s more, it will help create a work environment where people are aware, sensitive, and respectful of the pressures faced by their colleagues. There are many myths surrounding mental health in the workplace. Some employers may view mental illnesses as a ‘weakness’, whereas others may believe that those living with mental health conditions aren’t able to fulfil their job roles. But more often than not, this is simply not true. This is why it’s crucial for owners and managers to embrace a work culture that fights mental health stigma and focuses on their people’s wellbeing. Ultimately, by creating a supportive, empathetic environment, you’re bound to always get the best out of your team.

Family Business United is delighted to share the report into The Oldest Family Businesses In Essex which was produced in association with Rickard Luckin. As Paul Andrews, Founder & CEO of Family Business United explains, “Essex is awash with some long standing family firms and it has been a pleasure researching their stories. The report contains the top 25 oldest family firms in Essex and they are a diverse bunch of businesses too. It is great to see so many family firms standing the test of time and continuing to pass down through the generations too and it clearly shows the importance of the family business sector across Essex today.” Download and read the full report below:

A TV programme, aired by the BBC in January 2014 charting the history of butchery and lives of the Balson family in Bridport, the oldest family firm in Britain. Butchers for over 500 years, dating back to 1515 when Henry VIII was on the throne and an incredible story that has succeeded for many generations. Well worth a watch!

An introduction to G. Seller, their heritage & the team that see it as a privilege to care for families and their loved ones, when they need them most. They are care for families, as if they were one of their own family. A good insight into a long standing family business that has been caring for families for generations.

Mitre and the Homeless World Cup are joining forces in a new partnership ahead of the 2023 Sacramento Homeless World Cup – the first time the tournament will be held in the USA. Mitre – the official ball supplier for FA competitions – will be an Official Supporter of the event and provide match balls for the next three years. The Homeless World Cup is an annual, world-class, international football tournament that brings together teams of men and women who are homeless or have experienced homelessness to represent their country. The event, which demonstrates the life-changing potential of sport, showcases the dedication and talent of players from each territory. This year’s World Cup takes place from 8th – 15th July at California State University, Sacramento. As well as acting as the venue for the games, the university will accommodate the visiting countries and their players on campus. Mitre’s support of the Homeless World Cup will feature in the film ‘The Beautiful Game’, set to be released by Netflix in 2024. The partnership aligns with the brand’s ambition to promote the game at all levels. On the partnership, Mel Young, Co-founder and Homeless World Cup President, said: “The Homeless World Cup uses football to inspire and demonstrate the power of sport in changing people’s lives. Our tournament brings a sense of purpose to those who may feel like they’ve lost theirs. It’s also a football competition of the highest quality with some outstanding talent on display.” Simon Breckon, Brand Director, Mitre, adds: “The Homeless World Cup is the perfect fit for Mitre, as it’s a tournament with real purpose, whilst also maximising quality footballing talent. At Mitre we are fans of all levels of the game and look forward to seeing our match balls in full flight in Sacramento.”