For more than a decade, Perdue Farms has partnered with the International Center of Kentucky in Bowling Green and Owensboro to help refugees and immigrants integrate and thrive through employment opportunities at its Cromwell, Kentucky, operation. On Saturday, June 24 at the World Refuge Day Festival in Bowling Green, the International Center unveiled two co-branded vehicles funded by Perdue Farms to support the Center’s World of Work Program in western Kentucky. The World of Work Program is focused on educating refugees and immigrants who have been approved by the U.S. federal government to understand American and work culture, learn English, develop interview skills, and have transportation to job interviews and orientation, and drug testing. “For many refugees, transportation is often a barrier to securing employment,” said Albert Mbanfu, CEO of the International Center of Kentucky. “Funding support from Perdue Farms for a 76-seat bus and a van helps eliminate that barrier and is an important part of a support structure that enables them to assimilate and integrate into the community.” The vehicles were funded by a $50,000 Perdue Foundation grant. The donation from Perdue’s charitable giving arm is part of the company’s Delivering Hope to Our Neighbors® program to improve quality of life and build strong communities. Perdue Farms employs 1,269 associates at its poultry harvest complex based in Cromwell. Approximately 53 percent of the workforce is composed of refugees and immigrants, representing 25 nationalities. “At Perdue Farms, we celebrate the diversity of our workforce and the long partnership we’ve had with the International Center of Kentucky to bring opportunity to the refugee and immigrant population,” said Andrew Herndon, complex human resources manager for Perdue in Cromwell. “Partnering with the International Center of Kentucky provides Perdue access to a diverse pool of skilled and motivated workers who bring unique perspectives, experiences, and cultural diversity to our workplace. This diversity can foster innovation, creativity, and problem-solving within the company,” he said. Kim Nechay, executive director of the Perdue Foundation, praised the work of the International Center of Kentucky. “The Perdue Foundation is proud to support the wonderful work of the International Center and provide funding that removes a barrier for so many who have come to this country seeking a better way of life,” said Nechay.

A thriving Staffordshire Moorlands community cricket club has been bowled over by a five-year support deal from digger giant JCB. Oakamoor Cricket Club has secured £2,000 sponsorship from the company which will see all men’s and women’s teams as well as a host of boys and girls junior squads sporting new JCB playing shirts. The club play home games and practise at the Davies/Worthington Memorial Ground, Mill Road, and regularly fields six adult teams and junior squads ranging from under 8s through to under 16s, competing in games across North Staffordshire and South Cheshire. Club spokesman Jonathan Wood, HR Business Partner at JCB, said: “Oakamoor is a thriving cricket club and we pride ourselves on making the game accessible to all at both competitive and friendly levels. We have six adult teams and more than 100 children a week attending our practice sessions on a Friday evening. This sponsorship makes a great difference to our long-term future and every single player will be proud to wear their JCB shirts. We hope to represent the JCB name with winning results on the cricket field over the coming season and beyond.”

Faversham-based brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame has raised £30,000 for its Charity of the Year, Kent Wildlife Trust. Based in Sandling, Maidstone, Kent Wildlife Trust (KWT) is the county’s leading conservation charity. KWT manages more than 90 nature reserves across Kent, ensuring the landscape is protected and enhanced for wildlife. KWT has been undertaking several ground-breaking reintroduction projects in Kent with species such as bison, and is also paving the way for carbon lock-up and native habitat restoration. Shepherd Neame chose KWT as its Charity of the Year at the start of 2022, and fundraising activities by team members at the brewery and across its pub estate have included taking part in the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge in Dorset last May, organising a Royal Brewery Bake Off competition as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations, sponsored pub walks, photography competitions and a series of summer beach cleans at four of its coastal sites. It is Shepherd Neame’s third Charity of the Year partnership following the relaunch of its Sheps Giving charitable arm in 2018. The company’s Sheps Giving committee co-ordinates the donation of thousands of pounds worth of beer each year, along with vouchers for its pub and hotel estate, to local groups and individuals in support of their fundraising activities. Shepherd Neame Chief Executive Jonathan Neame marked the end of the partnership by presenting a cheque to KWT’s Chief Executive Evan Bowen-Jones last Friday (June 23). They met at Oare Marshes Nature Reserve – just a couple of miles from the Faversham Brewery – as the funds raised by Shepherd Neame during the past year are being put towards a new green energy project at the site. Oare Marshes is a flagship site for Kent Wildlife Trust (KWT), designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Local Nature Reserve (LNR), Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site. The site supports nationally important numbers of breeding and over-wintering wading birds along the coast of the Swale Estuary and wildfowl, egrets, bittern, and raptors. KWT is planning on using Shepherd Neame’s contribution to fund a new solar and wind power to electrify the reserve (namely the building known as The Watch Tower), enabling their team to increase the number of education activities on the site and create more opportunities for engagement and income. Jonathan Neame said: “We have really enjoyed partnering with Kent Wildlife Trust during the past year to help raise awareness of their fantastic work to protect and improve habitats in the countryside, coast and town for the benefit of the wildlife and people of Kent. We are incredibly proud to present them with this donation, which is going towards a fantastic project just a stone’s throw from our brewery. I would like to thank the many customers and team members who have supported our fundraising efforts during the past year.” Kent Wildlife Trust’s Director of Fundraising, Marcoms, and Advocacy, Tamarin Ward said: “We are incredibly grateful to Shepherd Neame and their amazing efforts which will help us deliver a Wilder Kent." “Over the last year, Shepherd Neame has raised much-needed funds, and staff and patrons have given up their time to clean beaches, removing plastics and rubbish from our shoreline. Their efforts have been inspiring and directly contributed to improving the Kentish landscape. Through collaborations like this, we strengthen and grow, taking meaningful action for nature together.”

Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels is celebrating the first anniversary of Highland Safaris joining the group, following the acquisition of the local Perthshire business in June 2022. Since then, the popular attraction, located in Aberfeldy, has gone from strength to strength, with new offerings added and more set to launch in the coming weeks. Over the past year, the award-winning destination has secured an exciting new location for its Loch Tay Safaris. Its boat, Lolaire, now sails from Taymouth Marina in Kenmore, boasting much better facilities for customers such as parking, restrooms and a Café onsite, as well as a more weather-proof base for the Highland Safaris team. The visitor attraction has also been able to develop new adventures for guests including a shorter, 50-minute Loch Tay Cruise and an action-packed Land Rover Mini Safari. New activities set to launch at Highland Safaris in the near future include mini electric Land Rovers for younger visitors, a Walking Safari for those keen to up their step count and archery and air rifle experiences for those who want to test their aim. Commenting on a successful first year, Stephen Leckie, Chairman and CEO of Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said: “Outdoor, adventure and wildlife experiences are a key part of what makes a visit to Scotland so unique and memorable. Bringing a successful business such as Highland Safaris into our portfolio has meant that we are able to provide visitors with an exciting glimpse into our rich natural heritage and truly enhance their experience of our country. " “With ever increasing visitor numbers and a host of thrilling new experiences and activities introduced over the past year, our partnership with the Highland Safaris team has got off to a fantastic start, all whilst engaging with the landscape and community of Perthshire in a positive and environmentally sensitive way." “We have invested in the area and continued to help support local suppliers and partners, and with much more planned for the near future, the team can’t wait to welcome new and returning guests, as they enjoy an authentic look at what wild Scotland has to offer.” Looking back on a busy 12 months, Helga Petersone, General Manager at Highland Safaris, said: “Since joining the Crieff Hydro Family, we have been able to implement numerous improvements which have made a noticeable difference to the business, team, our visitors and the local community. " “In particular, our new experiences have been very popular with young families and customers looking for exciting excursions to fit into their action-packed day." “We aim to provide a world class experience taking in the local countryside and wildlife for those keen to get closer to nature, and our partnership with Crieff Hydro Family has ensured we continue to do just that.” Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels comprises eight hotels located in Perthshire, Dundee, the Scottish Borders and the Highlands.

Sybron, a leading UK supplier of cleaning, hygiene and catering products to some of the largest names in hospitality, has launched SySoft Luxury Bamboo Toilet Tissue. Partnering with eco-friendly and bamboo specialist, UniGreen, Sybron has created this sustainable product with exceptional environmental properties, in response to growing customer demand. SySoft Luxury Bamboo Toilet Tissue will appeal to Sybron’s environmentally committed customers, in particular premium hotels working towards reducing their carbon footprint. It is available in cases of 48, 3ply rolls with 200 sheets per roll. SySoft Luxury Bamboo Toilet Tissue is made from 100% bamboo and the packaging is plastic-free. The many environmental benefits of bamboo are widely known: it is recyclable, biodegradable and compostable; it is the single fastest growing plant, fully grown within three to five years, versus 30-50 years for trees; it thrives in depleted soil and retains soil moisture, encouraging re-growth; it generates 38% more oxygen and removes more carbon dioxide from the air than trees; it prevents deforestation by eliminating the need to cut down trees. “With the launch of SySoft Luxury Bamboo Toilet Tissue, Sybron continues its ambition to work towards a greener future,” says Sybron’s sales and marketing director, George Mason. “SySoft customers will know they are helping to create a sustainable future for the planet by replacing wood pulp paper and plastic goods with products made from bamboo, the world’s fastest growing renewable plant source, and by supporting communities and creating jobs.” UniGreen is working towards a greener future, by aiming to replace all wood pulp paper and plastic consumable goods with products made from bamboo. “Sybron is working hard to provide customers with products that minimise environmental impact, making this a meaningful partnership,” says UniGreen’s Bakhtiar Hanan. “Bamboo products are the path to a future where our forests can breathe freely and our oceans flourish once again. We believe strongly that our success will be measured by the legacy we leave behind – how we impact the life of humans, the planet and its amazing species.” SySoft is Sybron’s second own brand to launch this year, following the launch in January of SyBio, a range of biotechnology-based products that combines probiotic, enzyme and plant-based ingredients to maximise performance with minimal environmental impact. Sybron’s dedicated teams work with customers to offer the best products specific to their business. For more information go to www.sybron.co.uk.

Established in 1962 by George Goodfellow, Minnitron is a resounding British success story. From its beginnings in what was quite literally a garden shed, the company has grown into one of the country’s leading PCB manufacturers, offering a design, assembly and prototyping service, with a global customer base and an unbeatable reputation for reliability and professionalism. As a family run business, they have maintained their core values of hard work, high standards and honesty, despite the company’s ever-increasing size. This ethos has helped the business survive and flourish, even through times of economic instability. Based in Ramsgate, Kent, they now employ a workforce of around 20 skilled staff. Having a fully equipped PCB manufacturing plant in the UK enables us to deal with all types of customer requirements and provide a prompt, reliable service at all times. The business began back in 1962 when George set up the business in his garden shed in Minnis Bay in Kent and with his natural skills as an engineer, he soon gained a reputation for being the ‘go to’ person which led to the formation of the business which is still going strong today. Today, Minnitron is run by George’s Grandson, Paul Goodfellow and his wife Kirsty, who continue to drive the business forward. As Paul explains, “Grandad had an electrical shop in Birchington that sold TV’s and radios and he had a good knowledge of electrics too. He was a keen inventor and as a hobby liked to race small remote controlled boats and planes. They would often get damaged and were expensive to repair so he built his own machine that could print the miniature PCBs that helped them run again. News soon travelled and soon he was in demand to repair other broken boats and planes too!” “At the same time, my Dad worked for a company that made circuit boards and he was able to share the knowledge with my Grandad and that led to building boards,” he continues. “The business grew quickly for George and Dad soon joined the business. He had the right skills to help grow the business and their reputation as a quality manufacturer grew too. During the 1980’s there was widespread growth across the UK manufacturing sector and Minnitron was well placed to take full advantage of the opportunity, investing in innovative, sate-of-the-art technology,” continues Paul. It was at this time that Paul joined the family firm, having grown up working in the business and he soon started to add his stamp as the business grew further. “I got involved creating internal systems and helped to further professionalise the business with the structures and procedures we needed as a business to compete with overseas suppliers,” continued Paul. “It helped us develop an edge over the competition and to deliver products quickly, something that we continue to do to this day, as we have an excellent reputation for delivering on time,” he adds. This is a family business that has strong family values at their core, something that has been of real benefit to the business over the years. “We have always had good staff retention and some of our staff have been with us for many years. One of our longest serving employees has just completed 48 years of service,” continues Paul. As a family business that is now well into the third generation, staff loyalty and service is one of the main reasons the business has stayed the test of time. As Paul continues, “The other factor that has contributed to our longevity is undoubtedly our adaptability and investment over the years. We have built a strong business, supporting local businesses and local people with employment and invested to ensure that we continue to do what we do, doing it well and supporting our customers at the same time.” “We are proud to be a family business, proud to be a UK based manufacturing business and delighted to continue to build on the entrepreneurial endeavours that saw the creation of Minnitron by my Grandad over sixty years ago,” concludes Paul.

Much loved jewellery brand F. Hinds has celebrated success at the Family Business Awards 2023, taking home the coveted Retail Family Business of the Year 2023 prize. F. Hinds are a family run jewellers established in 1856 and have been independently family owned and run ever since. Their fantastic customer service and quality products have positioned the brand as Britain’s leading independent jeweller, with 115 stores and 13 Chapelle outlet stores in the UK and plans to expand further. The firm has seen seven generations of family run the company since it’s opening, and today Andrew, David, Jeremy, Neil and Paul Hinds still work hard to ensure the success of their family’s outstanding reputation and dedication to their valued customers. In addition, F. Hinds also centre their ethos around social responsibility, and the desire to support charities and causes including Children in Need, Disasters Emergency Committee and British Heart Foundation, for which over £50,000 has been raised through various campaigns run throughout stores. Their prize of ‘Retail Family Business of the Year 2023’ is a prestigious award and featured a line-up of exceptional nominees based across the UK. Paul Andrews, the CEO of Family Business United who host the awards, commented “Family firms are the backbone of the UK economy and contribute significantly in so many ways. Family firms deserve all the recognition they can get for all the good that they do in terms of employment, income generation and wealth creation, not forgetting their continued charitable endeavours and investment in the communities in which they operate.” Paul continues, “These awards are now in their eleventh year and each year they have raised the profile of the sector, crowned some incredible winners and discovered some true family business gems along the way. Winners over the years have come from all corners of the UK, been large and small, multi-generational and starting out but above all they share their underlying values, purpose and desire to succeed as a family firm." F. Hinds have celebrated their moment in the spotlight by showcasing their success across their social media platforms, adding another accolade to an already impressive line-up of triumphs. Paul Hinds, Managing Director at F. Hinds commented “Being a family business is at the heart of our business's values. We are delighted that we have been recognised as leaders in our field by Family Business United, an organisation of which we are proud members. We also congratulate all the other winners, who are great examples of an underappreciated part of the UK economy.”

The culmination of the Family Business of the Year Awards 2023 saw Woolcool take home the titles for the Midlands & Central region and Innovation & Sustainability Family Business of the Year 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.” Woolcool is a pioneering packaging company. Woolcool® was launched in 2008 and the innovative, sustainable design has scooped an impressive haul of awards in the packaging, business, and environmental arenas. Woolcool® remains the leading packaging company using a range of sheeps wool insulated packaging available on an international scale. Colleen Gostick, partner at Buckles who sponsored the Midlands & Central award adds that “The Midlands is awash with some amazing family firms, but Woolcool is a deserving winner and a great ambassador for the region, and the family business community. They are a credible business, steeped in innovation and authenticity and a desire to make a broader impact through the work that they do.” “The business is underpinned by their core values, Belief, Honesty, Responsibility, Innovation, Empathy and Legacy and whilst recognising their heritage have their eyes firmly on the future under the leadership of the next generation. This is a business that is simply outstanding in what they do and the way that they do it,” adds Colleen. As Laura Hayward, Head of Family Business at Evelyn Partners who sponsored the Innovation and Sustainability award confirms: “The judges were impressed with the clear and impressive sustainability credentials presented by Woolcool and the continual innovation within the business. This is not their first award for innovation and sustainability and is unlikely to be their last. They are world class in what they do and the way that they do it. They care. They invest. They are making a difference.” Angela Morris, CEO who collected the awards added: “As a second-generation family business founded on ecological principles, we are so proud to have been recognised as the Midlands & Central Region and Innovation & Sustainability Family Business of the Year. Now, after two decades of serious academic research and design innovation using sustainable natural materials, these prestigious awards acknowledge both the pioneering position we took many years ago and the results we have achieved since.” 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 Woolcool on winning these awards. It is fantastic recognition of what they do as a business, and it was a pleasure to present them with the award during a fantastic evening that once more put the family business sector on the map.”

Dorset racing driver Reza Seewooruthun has secured support from Hendy Land Rover in Christchurch as the 16-year-old takes his first steps towards becoming a Formula One driver. The youngster is driving in the Ginetta Junior Championship this year and has already secured several podium wins in the competitive series where he is bidding for the rookie championship title. And it’s a busy year for the youngster who is a sporting scholar at Canford School and taking his GCSEs this summer. “Although my ambitions are to become a Formula One driver Land Rover has a special place in my heart as I remember off roading in a Defender when I was very young with my dad and brother so it means a lot to have the backing and support of Hendy Land Rover this season,” said Reza. “The support of local companies such as Hendy means that I can have the opportunity to compete in such a competitive series and hopefully move up the motorsport ladder.” Last year Reza was English Junior Rotax Karting champion, a sport he took up when he was 13 years old. Once his CGSEs are complete Reza will be studying with the Minerva Academy, a remote school which works with young racing drivers to help them combine education with their racing careers. Andy Grant, Hendy Group’s head of brand performance for Jaguar and Land Rover said it was always exciting to be able to support up and coming talent. “Reza has tremendous talent, ambition and confidence and we are all following his season with interest,” he said.

The culmination of the Family Business of the Year Awards 2023 saw Spenbeck take home the national title as the Professional Services Family Business of the Year 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.” Spenbeck is underpinned by family values, values that were defined by their founder Mich Stevenson OBE DL and immortalised by his daughters and current owners Becky Valentine and Victoria Green, who sit at the heart of how they work with their clients. They fuel the close partnerships they have with them and allow them to foster ongoing relationships built upon trust. With a heritage firmly rooted in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market, they’ve earned an enviable reputation as a multi-award-winning first mover specialising in bespoke, sustainable and beautifully designed offices in Nottingham’s Creative Quarter. Now they’re using their expertise to support clients with their sustainability, building health and interior design needs. Spenbeck is a business that is always looking ahead – keeping up to date with best practice to ensure that clients are fully informed about how best to meet the needs of the Gen Z workforce. This includes maximising work environments for hybrid working to attract the very best talent and offering bespoke advisory services around interior design, building health and sustainability. As Paul continues, “Spenbeck may be a smaller business compared to some of the other contenders but they make a big impact through their work and family is at the heart of what they do. Their family name is part of the brand and being a family business underlines everything they do, adding true authenticity to the business and their reputation.” “Place is important too and akin to the family values, the business has been built on a desire to preserve their local heritage for future generations and to use the business to benefit the broader local community." "Drive and passion have made things happen and they are worthy winners of the 2023 Professional Services Family Business of the Year title.” Becky and Victoria comment, “Like almost everyone, lockdown afforded us time to reflect on how we wanted to move forward, both personally and professionally. A complex decision at the best of times, made harder for those in family businesses who have legacies and tradition to throw into the mix." "It means everything to us that we have our parents’ full support in evolving Spenbeck, combining our passions and expertise with their legacy. To receive national recognition for this is the icing on the cake!” As Paul adds, “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 Spenbeck 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 during a tremendous evening that once more put the family business sector on the map.”

Dorset racing driver Reza Seewooruthun has secured support from Hendy Land Rover in Christchurch as the 16-year-old takes his first steps towards becoming a Formula One driver. The youngster is driving in the Ginetta Junior Championship this year and has already secured several podium wins in the competitive series where he is bidding for the rookie championship title. And it’s a busy year for the youngster who is a sporting scholar at Canford School and taking his GCSEs this summer. “Although my ambitions are to become a Formula One driver Land Rover has a special place in my heart as I remember off roading in a Defender when I was very young with my dad and brother so it means a lot to have the backing and support of Hendy Land Rover this season,” said Reza. “The support of local companies such as Hendy means that I can have the opportunity to compete in such a competitive series and hopefully move up the motorsport ladder.” Last year Reza was English Junior Rotax Karting champion, a sport he took up when he was 13 years old. Once his CGSEs are complete Reza will be studying with the Minerva Academy, a remote school which works with young racing drivers to help them combine education with their racing careers. Andy Grant, Hendy Group’s head of brand performance for Jaguar and Land Rover said it was always exciting to be able to support up and coming talent. “Reza has tremendous talent, ambition and confidence and we are all following his season with interest,” he said.

JCB has won one of its biggest orders of the year after a 900-machine deal was signed with national builders’ merchant Jewson. The order for machines worth more than £12 million is the biggest ever placed by Tool Hire - the rental division of Jewson - in the 20 years since JCB first began supplying the company. And the special anniversary is being marked in electrifying style – literally – as the new fleet of machines includes 19C-1 E electric mini excavator models and 1TE electric site dumpers. As well as being considerably quieter, the electric models offer zero emissions at the point of use and comparable performance to diesel counterparts. Each delivers a full day’s typical operation on a single charge. Steve Fox, JCB Global Major Accounts MD said: “We are delighted to mark 20 years of supplying Jewson Tool Hire with an order of such magnitude, which is testament to the quality of JCB’s compact equipment range. The addition of electrically-powered machines demonstrates that Jewson is looking to the future and the opportunities that zero emissions machines present.” The order also includes JCB 8008 micro excavators, JCB 16C-1 mini excavators, 1T site dumpers and VMT160-80 vibratory tandem rollers. The machines will be supplied by JCB dealer Gunn JCB. Jewson Business Development Director Mark Esling said: “JCB is a key partner, and we are proud to mark such an important anniversary of working together. We are aligned on our core values of supporting the trade and empowering builders, tradespeople, and contractors across all industries with the best products, services and expertise and we look forward to a bright future together.” Jewson, which is based in Binley, Coventry, entered the micro excavator market in 1995 and first bought JCB machines in 2003 when the company purchased 70 JCB micros.