A Dorset funeral group has raised more than £4,000 for two Rotary clubs in memory of its late chairman, Peter Douch. Wimborne Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Gros Islet in St Lucia have shared the amount raised by the company. Peter, who died two years ago, was a keen Rotarian and was a member of the Wimborne Club and the club in St Lucia, the island where his wife is from. Last year, Douch Family Funeral Directors – which includes seven branches in east Dorset – did a series of fundraisers. These included a yomp up Scafell Pike and Mount Snowdon, quiz nights and sales of items including knitwear. Members of Wimborne Rotary Club received the cheque and said the money would go to local causes. Its president Sue Young said: “It is our 75th anniversary this year and Peter was a valued member of Wimborne Rotary for more than 30 years and we miss him greatly." “We are thrilled to receive this cheque which will be put to good use helping local people facing hardship.” Nick Douch, Peter’s son who now runs the family business, said: “My father was a very keen Rotarian and would visit Rotary clubs wherever he went. My mother is from St Lucia and he divided his time between there and Wimborne – and was active in both Rotary clubs." The board of the Rotary Club of Gros Islet proudly receiving a certificate in recognition of a generous donation made by the Douch Family. “The staff made the decision to make the two Rotary clubs beneficiaries of last year’s charitable fundraising. We are extremely pleased with the amount raised and I’d like to thank everyone who donated.” Douch Family Funeral Directors has seven branches, in Wimborne, Ferndown, Parkstone, Blandford, Corfe Mullen, Swanage and Wareham. The late Peter Douch Top Photo: (l-r) David Meaden (Wimborne Rotary Club Secretary), Sue Young, Rotary Club President, Nick Douch, Brian Dryden, Rotary Club master-elect

Furniture Village is delighted to announce that it has recently exchanged contracts on its largest store to date, in a prominent location adjacent to the M8 just to the west of Glasgow. This will be the brand’s 58th store, following on swiftly from the successful opening in December 2024 of its first store in Scotland, on Straiton Retail Park in Edinburgh. The ‘Glasgow West’ store will be to the south of the Hillington Interchange at Junction 26 of the M8, occupying the former Peter Vardy CARZ showroom. The site commands an extremely visible position alongside Hillington Road, forming part of the wider regional centre including IKEA and Braehead Shopping Centre nearby, and next to a cluster of the most prominent car dealerships in Scotland, with Abbotsinch Retail Park only 5 minutes’ drive away. The store will provide approximately 50,000 sq ft of retail floorspace, supported by 20,000 sq ft dedicated to a warehouse at the rear for speedy fulfilment of customer orders. It will be one of the largest furniture stores in the country with its scale giving an opportunity to feature extended ranges of sofas, cabinet, beds and bedroom furniture as well as home furnishing accessories, together with re-imagined café bar areas for customers. It is planned that the store will open during June 2025. Charlie Harrison, Managing Director at Furniture Village, said: “Following the incredible success of our first Scottish store, which opened in Edinburgh in December 2024, we’re excited to announce the opening of our second location — right in the heart of Glasgow this June!" "After months of searching for the perfect spot, we couldn’t be happier to have secured a standout site on Hillington Road. Just a mile from Braehead Shopping Centre and highly visible from the M8, it’s a fantastic location to continue our expansion." "This will be our largest store in the UK so far, and we can’t wait to open the doors and welcome the people of Glasgow this summer.” The family-run business was awarded Retail Family Business of the Year at the 2024 Family Business Awards and continues to be recognised by the Best Companies Awards as a ‘world class business to work for’ with a Trustpilot rating of 5 stars. The new Glasgow store is set to open mid-June and is located on Hillington Road, a prime location which is visible from the M8 and close to the Abbotsinch Shopping Park. Top Photo: Aerial photography of Furniture Village’s new Glasgow West store

A group of retired men in one of Glasgow's longest-running hobby clubs are keeping their passion for model railways alive despite rising costs, and ensuring their inclusive community club continues to welcome members with varying abilities. Clyde Side Model Railway Club was established in 1958 and meets in the CIRCLE building in Easterhouse. It brings together around 16 retirees who build and display detailed railway layouts at various shows throughout the year. The club has become a social hub for the group, helping to combat isolation and providing a supportive, inclusive platform where creativity is shared and friendships formed. In addition to the layouts built for shows, the club creates a special Christmas track each year which is displayed for local nursery children, bringing seasonal joy to the youngest members of the community. However, like many small community groups, the club has struggled with increasing operational costs, with members paying for rent of the club room, utility bills, and materials from their own pockets, leading some to reluctantly leave when they can no longer afford the expense. The financial pressure on club members has been eased thanks to a £500 donation from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust. "Groups like this are the backbone of our neighbourhoods," said Gerry Facenna, founder and owner of Allied Vehicles Group. "Clyde Side Model Railway Club has created a welcoming space in the heart of their community, for everyone, regardless of ability. We're delighted to help keep the trains running for the club members who bring so much joy to not only themselves, but so many others through their hobby.” Douglas Marshall Boyle, a club member for over 50 years, said: “Like every organisation we have expenditure that keeps rising, and our members pay for everything out of our own pockets. Every year we have a rent and electricity rise and we lose a member or two who tell us they just can’t afford it anymore. “We have several shows coming up this year and with this donation from Allied Vehicles, our members can go full steam ahead creating the layouts without worrying about financial constraints.”

The Autumn Budget introduced significant changes to the Inheritance Tax (IHT) system, specifically affecting how Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR) apply to family-owned businesses. These reforms are expected to have a major impact on family businesses and farms across the UK, particularly those with multi-generational ownership. With 5 million family firms in the UK employing more than 15 million people and contributing over £200 billion annually in taxes, the sector plays a crucial role in the national economy. Since 1976, the current IHT relief system has enabled family business owners to plan for the future with confidence, ensuring that their enterprises could transition smoothly to the next generation without significant tax burdens. However, the Autumn Budget changes could threaten the sustainability of many of these businesses. To assess the impact, Family Business United conducted a nationwide survey of family businesses in January 2025, revealing significant concerns across the sector. BUSINESS CONFIDENCE HAS DECLINED How do you feel about the future financial profitability of your family firm following the Autumn Budget? More confident 0% About the same 13% Less confident 87% GROWTH AMBITIONS HAVE BEEN IMPACTED Has the Autumn Budget affected your family firm's growth plans? Yes 80% No 17% Don't Know 3% BUSINESS PROPERTY RELIEF CHANGES ARE A MAJOR CONCERN Will the changes to Business Property Relief affect your business? Yes 82% No 9% Don't Know 9% RISING IHT LIABILITIES COULD FORCE BUSINESS SALES What do you estimate the IHT liability on shares passed to the next generation to be? Less than £1 million 16% Between £1 and £5 million 37% Between £5 and £10 million 17% Over £10 million 11% Don't Know 19% Will your business need to sell part or all of its assets to meet this liability? Yes 52% No 15% Don't Know 33% NATIONAL INSURANCE CHANGES ADD FURTHER FINANCIAL STRAIN Wil the changes to National Insurance Contributions impact your family business? Yes 94% No 3% Don't Know 3% What is the estimated additional annual cost to your business due to the increased National Insurance Contribution rates? Less than £10,000 12% Between £10,000 and £50,000 27% Between £50,000 and £100,000 12% Between £100,000 and £250,000 21% Between £250,000 and £500,000 14% Over £500,000 7% Don't Know 3% Not Applicable 4% HOW ARE FAMILY BUSINESSES RESPONDING? The results of the survey identified that family businesses are already making difficult strategic decisions in response to the financial pressures that they are facing. The top actions taken as a result of the changes introduced in the Autumn Budget: Reviewed/revised short-term business strategy - 58% Conducted/conducting full succession planning review - 53% Frozen new recruitment - 48% Frozen/reduced pay rises/bonuses - 47% Cancelled planned capital expenditure - 42% Considered selling the family business - 30% Cancelled already approved capital expenditure - 29% Reviewed headcount and implemented or plan to implement redundancies - 26% A CALL TO ACTION Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United underscores the gravity of the situation: "The family business sector has spoken, and the results are deeply concerning. The shift in emphasis from long-term planning to short-term survival is detrimental to the UK's growth ambitions." "Family businesses are the backbone of our economy, providing jobs, innovation, and stability. They need policies that enable them to invest in their future, support their employees, and continue contributing to their communities." "The changes to the inheritance regime fail to recognise that family businesses are often asset-rich but cash-poor." "The death of a shareholder does not generate liquid cash, yet these changes may force businesses to divert funds from growth initiatives - or even sell the business altogether - to meet IHT obligations." "As a community, we must continue to raise our voices, engage with policy makers, and ensure that decision-makers understand the full impact of these changes. Family businesses matter, and the consequences of these decisions will affect not just our sector but the entire UK economy."

A much-loved Nottingham city farm has received a cash boost following sharp rises in its operating costs. Stonebridge City Farm in St Ann's was named as the recipient of March’s charity donation by Colwick based The Wilkins Group in its ‘year of giving’ campaign. The packaging firm's 12-month campaign is championing a different Nottinghamshire charity each month during 2025 and making donations to lessen the impact of the current challenging economic climate. This week, Stonebridge City Farm received a cheque for £1,000, after staff at The Wilkins Group heard its plea for help. Stonebridge City Farm was established in 1980 as an urban farm dedicated to offering training, education and diverse volunteering opportunities particularly for individuals facing mental health challenges or learning disabilities. Justin Wilkins, joint managing director at The Wilkins Group, which makes food packaging for many of the UK's leading brands, said: “We know times are hard for so many people and organisations across the country at the moment. Stonebridge City Farm gives so much joy to visitors but its financial struggles due to the sharp rise in costs is heartbreaking." “We hope that our donation will help support the farm and its 200 plus volunteers so that it can continue to bring a little piece of the countryside to city residents.” The Wilkins Group announced its ‘year of giving' campaign in December. It kick-started the initiative with an innovative calendar and desk tidy that was sent to its customers. Each month, the calendar highlights a different Nottinghamshire charity, outlining its work and why The Wilkins Group would be donating towards each cause. Charities that have already benefited from support include Green’s Windmill, in Sneinton, and Papplewick Pumping Station, in Ravenshead. Justin said: “The idea of our ‘year of giving’ calendar and campaign has been a huge success. Our clients have loved it. While we may be a global brand, we are immensely proud of our Nottingham roots and want to support local attractions and charities to grow and flourish." Peter Armitage, CEO of Stonebridge City Farm, said: “It is amazing to see a successful Nottingham based business supporting our cause. I would like to express a huge thank you to The Wilkins Group. Donations like this one help us going forward at a time when it is so hard to raise money and much-needed funds.” The not-for-profit organisation launched a JustGiving Winter Appeal with a target of £30,000 to help with rising costs and maintenance. While 2024 was a record year for the centre, with around 100,000 visitors and the support of 300 volunteers, it was also a record year for rising costs. Justin said: "The work being done by Stonebridge City Farm and its volunteers is simply inspiring. To be able to support such a fabulous facility in our hometown, one that has been enjoyed by many of our team and their children and grandchildren, has been tremendous." “The farm is just 10-minutes' drive away from our Colwick headquarters. It is a fantastic use of green space in the city as well as a tremendously diverse education and volunteering space.” The Wilkins Group is dedicated to improving its local community spaces and mitigating the environmental impact of industry. Creating packaging designs and innovations that aim to reduce and ultimately eradicate single-use plastics within the industry, it is already leading the way in alternatives including board trays for food packaging, including the use of compostable materials, and 100 per cent plastic-free hangers. The Wilkins Group is a family run firm that produces food packaging for the likes of Pukka, Pizza Express, Harrods and Cadbury. It also is credited with producing bespoke and award-winning items such as eco-friendly coat hangers and the iconic M&S light-up glitter gin bottles.

Family-owned enterprises continue to be a major driver of global economic growth. The world’s 500 largest family businesses generate US$8.8 Trillion in revenues – a 10% increase from the 2023 index – and employ 25.1 million people worldwide across 44 jurisdictions. The aggregate revenues of these businesses, if compared to GDP by country, equate to the world’s third largest economy, ranking behind only the US and China. These and other findings were published today in the 2025 EY and University of St.Gallen Global 500 Family Business Index , which is a biennial ranking of the 500 largest family businesses in the world by revenue. Key Findings: The 500 largest family businesses generate US$8.8 Trillion and employ more than 25 million people across 44 jurisdictions Nearly half participated in M&A activities in the last two years More than a third have a legacy extending beyond a century Europe remains home to almost half (47%) of the companies on the index, with North America housing 29% and 18% being based in Asia. Regarding industry sectors, retail has the largest representation, leading with 20%. The second largest sector is consumer (19%), the third is advanced manufacturing (15%) and the fourth is mobility (9%). Despite today’s challenging business environment, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) remain a cornerstone of growth and capital strategy for these types of companies with the top 500 well positioned to take advantage and seize opportunities. Forty-seven percent have engaged in one or more transactions in the last two years and of the disclosed deals 34% completed transactions exceeding US$250 million. Seeking long-term value, being agile and having an innovative approach is what gives these businesses a strategic advantage and speaks to why 34% of the companies have more than a 100-year legacy and 85% have been operating for more than 50 years. At the top end of the spectrum, a Japan-based company has been running for more than 400 years, and two European companies have been operating for more than 300 years. Lauri Oinaala, EY EMEIA Family Enterprise and EY Global NextGen Leader, says: “It is remarkable how, amid notable market disruptions, the world's leading family enterprises can shape their future for the better, combining a unique blend of long-term vision, resilience and drive toward sustainable growth." "Their diverse capital sources and readiness for mergers and acquisitions enable them to seize strategic opportunities and navigate slower-growth periods." Thomas Zellweger, Professor from the Center for Family Business at the University of St.Gallen, says: “Family-owned businesses have a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in dynamic environments." "The focus of family firms on their long-term survival, combined with high concern for efficiency and conservative financing practices, sets many of these firms up for continued success.” Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United adds: "There are 14 family businesses from the UK in the top 500 who have collectively been trading for over 1,111 years, employ over 236,000 people and generate turnover of $77.11 billion (£59.69 billion) annually." "These businesses demonstrate the significant impact that family firms have on the UK economy in terms of jobs provided, income generated and wealth created, not forgetting the massive impact they have on the wider communities in which they operate." "These 14 businesses are fantastic examples of the importance of the family business model across the UK today and when you then consider the fact that there are over 5 million family firms in the UK employing over 15 million people, the size of the sector really does deserve to be recognised for the good that it does." The UK's Leading Family Businesses (as included in the Global 500 Family Business Index) UK Rank Global Position Family Business Turnover US$ (Billions) Number of Employees Year Founded 1 225 Dyson Technology 9.00 14,000 1985 2 251 Pentland Group 8.00 76,000 1932 3 283 JCB Service 7.00 11,000 1945 4 339 Arnold Clark 5.99 9,000 1954 5 340 Bestway Group 5.99 28,000 1963 6 376 Westcoast Group Holdings 5.32 2,000 1984 7 387 Iceland Foods 5.17 26,000 1970 8 391 European Metal Recycling 5.13 4,000 1940 9 409 Laing O'Rourke 4.85 11,000 1848 10 420 Rigby Group 4.69 8,000 1975 11 429 TJ Morris 4.54 22,000 1976 12 457 Bet365 Group 4.11 7,000 1974 13 487 Boparan Holdings Ltd 3.67 15,000 1993 14 489 Schroders plc 3.65 3,000 1800 Check out the full findings of the research and the businesses included in the full listing, together with other insights and reflections on the data included within the Global 500 Family Business Index here

Children at Ferndown Middle School who make a difference will receive gift vouchers thanks to a local business. AE Jolliffe & Son funeral directors provided five Amazon credits, which the school will hand out at the end of the term. The school is part of the Castleman Academy Trust and has a number of values that it has embedded in its ethos. Children who demonstrate those values or make other achievements will be chosen by a committee of teachers. Debbie Brown who manages Jolliffe’s said: “As a business we are always trying to find ways to help our community and this scheme is a great example. The school asked if we could provide some Amazon vouchers with which they can reward children who have made a difference through work, behaviour or in demonstrating school values." “We gave them five vouchers which they will hand out at the end of the term." “It was also a good relationship to develop for future projects such as the children from the school joining us to sing in our multi-purpose community ceremony room when we hold an afternoon tea for local care home residents. “We also have a good relationship with the upper school and attend their careers fair each year.” AE Jolliffe & Son is part of Douch Family Funeral Directors which has seven branches in Dorset, each with its own traditional name. Rich Bebbington from the school said: “We are so happy to be building relationships with our local community and working with local businesses to support each other." “We have been delighted by the kindness and support shown to our school which have included donations of tickets from Jay Miller’s Circus and the free use of a coach from Laguna Travel to transport our pupils there and back.” Alysia Dolan, acting headteacher said: “We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated teaching team who are going above and beyond to rally support from the local community." “These links will have a positive impact on our pupils and we look forward to future work with members of the community.” Above Photo: Rich Bebbington from Ferndown Middle School with Debbie Brown and Helen Dean from AE Jolliffe & Son

Research reveals strong international growth outlook for UK businesses amid global trade complexities, with Europe ranked as the most attractive market as businesses value economic stability Nearly three-quarters of UK businesses remain optimistic about taking their operations global, despite shifting trade regulations and global market complexities, new research commissioned by Equals Money has revealed. The survey of 509 senior decision-makers in UK businesses found that 63 per cent expect rising protectionist tariffs, such as those from the US, to benefit international growth. Businesses are also confident that UK government initiatives – such as the financial services regulation reforms (70 per cent), the AI Opportunities Action Plan (69 per cent) and Invest 2035 (65 per cent) – will drive domestic growth. Europe remains the most attractive market for UK businesses, with 46 per cent planning to invest in the region over the next five years. North America follows closely (38 per cent), while East Asia is a target for 17 per cent. In 2023, 41 per cent of UK exports were directed to the EU, a proportion that decreased from 53 per cent in 2003. This decline is attributed to a substantial increase in services exports to non-EU countries, which have more than doubled since 20031. Thanim Islam, Head of FX Analysis at Equals Money said: “With two thirds of businesses anticipating that rising protectionist tariffs could create favourable conditions for international growth, there's cause for optimism." "Historically, international expansion has been fraught with the challenges of FX fluctuations, but today’s tools and strategies are making it easier than ever. With the right FX solutions and currency hedging, businesses can manage exchange rate risks, protect their margins, and capitalise on global growth opportunities." 43 per cent view international expansion as a key growth driver, while almost a third (31 per cent) consider it essential for future business survival. Beyond market size (40 per cent), economic stability (38 per cent) is the most important consideration for market selection, followed by regulatory conditions (30 per cent), political stability (29 per cent) and labour costs and tax incentives (27 per cent). A quarter (25 per cent) cite growing demand from international customers as a motivating factor for international expansion. Yet businesses face significant operational and financial challenges in the international arena. The survey found that the most common obstacles include: · Complying with regulations and legal requirements (38 per cent) · Establishing partnerships and supply chains (37 per cent) · Managing international payments and currency exchange risks (35 per cent) For businesses looking to manage cross-border payments confidently, Equals Money offers integrated financial tools that streamline global payments and protect against currency risks. Find out more here.

Pride Park-based NK Motors, one of the UK’s top performing car dealerships, is opening a new showroom in Long Eaton, 25 years after purchasing the site. The showroom, in Tamworth Road, Long Eaton, had been leased to Pidcock Motorcycles since 2014 until that firm entered administration last year. But it was also the site where NK Motors’ current managing director Sanj Kumar began his career as a car salesman 25 years ago, after the property was purchased by his dad and NK Group chairman Nindy Kumar in 2000. The Long Eaton business – called ‘NK Motors – The Used Car Centre’ - will provide the group with additional stock capacity for 80 used vehicles, with plans for an overflow showroom for 40 additional cars at another Long Eaton site owned by the group nearby. The decision to expand the group by re-opening its former site has created seven new jobs, with a further four in the pipeline. More than 500 candidates applied for the various roles. NK Motors’ flagship showroom in Orient Way, Pride Park, combined with its second site at Eldon Road Business Park, Chilwell, Nottingham, is one of the country’s best-performing Kia dealerships for new car sales. Both current sites also sell hundreds of used vehicles every month. Sanj said: “It’s a great feeling for me personally to see the site I began my career at 25 years ago coming back into use as our latest car showroom" “Since those days, when we were selling 60 cars a month, we’ve grown from a small family business into a huge dealership, particularly through our partnership with Kia." “Having outgrown the Long Eaton site back in 2014, we’re so looking forward to bringing it back to its former glory as a centre for used cars. The new staff are all ready and raring to go, currently undergoing some intense training at our other sites in Pride Park and Chilwell.” Sanj said that the new showroom will stock cars ranging from £5,000 to £50,000 in value. The NK group is currently offering above-market prices to sellers in order to build up its stock in time for opening during the first week in April. The firm has spent around £100,000 on refurbishments and repairs of the property since getting the keys back in November 2024. Sanj and Nindy had been looking to expand the business last year and conducted viewings of several potential sites before learning that their Long Eaton site had become available to them as an option. “It was sad to see Pidcock Motorcyles go into administration,” said Sanj, “but it came at the right time for our expansion, so it seemed like the obvious thing to do. We were initially considering re-opening as a motorbike franchise, but that market has faced some recent challenges recently so we decided to revert back to a dedicated used car centre.” NK Motors, which employs 80 staff, turned over around £80m in 2024, with sights set on a milestone £100m turnover this year. The business leases more than 1,000 fleet cars to large business clients every year as well as selling around 1,000 new Kia vehicles each year and a target of 3,500 used cars in 2025.

92% of family business owners want to keep their business in the family - but is the next generation ready? A vast majority of family business owners in the UK, 92%, intend to pass their business down to the next generation. However, new research suggests that many may not be preparing their successors adequately for the transition. A recent survey by Hymans Robertson Personal Wealth of over 500 UK family business owners highlights significant challenges in succession planning. While the desire to keep the business within the family is strong, only 15% of owners believe their chosen successors are fully prepared to take over. The study also found that 38% of business owners struggle with a lack of interest or capability among potential heirs. Family conflicts (36%), business stability concerns (35%), and tax burdens (34%) further complicate the process. Jeff Simpson, Chartered Financial Planner at Hymans Robertson Personal Wealth, emphasises the importance of early planning to avoid these pitfalls: “Transitioning ownership of a family business is one of the most critical moments in its history. Without the right preparation, it can put both the business and family relationships at risk." "Taking proactive steps - such as mentoring the next generation, structuring tax-efficient ownership transfers, and having open conversations about succession - can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and successful transition.” The full research report delves deeper into these challenges and offers actionable insights for business owners navigating succession. Read the full findings here

RH Amar has signed a deal which will see it move to a new 94,756 sq ft state-of the-art facility in High Wycombe at the end of the year. The move follows a period of significant growth and expansion for the UK food distributor and growth partner which has seen it achieve double-digit growth in each of the past five years, with new business wins including Weetabix, Dr. Oetker and Divine Chocolate. The new home for the third-generation family business will provide a high-specification facility with increased warehouse capacity and more office space, while continuing to provide the excellent transport links of its current HQ less than a mile from M40 Junction 4 on the outskirts of High Wycombe. Rob Amar, Managing Director, RH Amar said: “We are excited to be a step forward to a new headquarters which will enable us to further build on the success we’ve achieved with our brand partners and customers. The premises are being purpose-built to support our expanding operations and will provide the foundation we need to realise our long-term growth ambitions and those of our brand partners." He added, “As we celebrate 80 years in business, this move is a significant milestone in the history of our family business, and we look forward to calling this new building our home at the end of the year.” The sustainable headquarters have been designed to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating, EPC A+ scores, and will be net zero carbon in construction – all underpinning RH Amar’s commitment to being a sustainable business. RH Amar works with some of the UK’s best-loved food names, including Del Monte, Mutti and Weetabix, alongside smaller specialist brands - working in partnership to successfully grow brands across the UK market with distribution, sales, marketing and technical support and expertise. RH Amar’s new premises are owned by Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension scheme in the UK. The state-of-the-art facility is being rebranded to High Wycombe X, joining Railpen’s growing portfolio of X-branded industrial parks. RH Amar will be the anchor occupier for the new development, situated on High Wycombe’s wider Cressex Estate.

St Austell Brewery’s head of brewing was celebrated by industry professionals at a prestigious beer awards ceremony last week. Georgina Young, who has been at the helm of brewing operations at St Austell Brewery for five years, was voted the Brewers’ Brewer of the Year at the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) Business Awards 2025. The awards shine a light on excellence in the brewing industry across a variety of categories, highlighting the efforts taken by brewers to improve business, innovation, and diversity. This is Georgina’s third award in the past two years, recognising her dedication to the brewing industry and supporting those within it. She was crowned Brewer of the Year at the 2023 Guild of Beer Writers Awards and also received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Brewer’s Congress in the same year. Renowned beer writer Pete Brown, who hosted the SIBA awards, said: “Georgina is one of the UK’s most respected brewers. She is a true beer enthusiast with an obsessive eye for quality and consistency. In a brewer-voted category, she was a clear winner, which shows the enormous admiration held for Georgina and the time she gives back to the industry.” After joining St Austell Brewery in 2019 from Fuller’s, Georgina has inspired new generations of brewers, supporting the HIIT brewing apprenticeship scheme with the International Centre for Brewing Science (ICBS) at Nottingham University. The course launched in 2019, with St Austell Brewery being one of the first breweries in the country to take on those brewing apprentices. Brewing Director Georgina said: “It feels very special to have won this award, particularly as it’s voted for by other brewers in the industry. I’m very fortunate to be surrounded by brilliant people in the beer world, and having been chosen by peers to receive the accolade is a proud moment.” Other notable achievements of Georgina’s include the launch of her first core beer, Anthem (3.4% ABV), in cans this month. The all-British pale ale was first introduced on bars in cask in 2022, with the refreshing and sessionable beer now reaching supermarket shelves nationwide. She also led on brewing St Austell Brewery’s first low-alcohol beer, Proper Job 0.5% IPA, which was released in October last year. The crisp, citrusy beer was the top pick in Good Housekeeping's no and low-alcohol guide for January 2025, as well as winning Gold in the Taste of the West awards.