A spectacular porcine sculpture has been installed at a country estate near Windermere, inspired by a local legend about the slaying of a ferocious wild boar by a knight of the realm. Dutch artist Marjan Wouda was awarded the commission from Wild Boar Estate to create the corten steel sculpture for the grounds at the venue in the Gilpin Valley. Wild Boar Estate takes its name from the historic thirteenth century tale of Sir Richard de Gilpin, who bravely fought and killed a particularly troublesome wild boar which was causing havoc in the region. Measuring 1.5 metres in height and 3 metres in length, the arresting new sculpture has been designed to raise the profile of the venue’s history, showcase its 72 acres of tranquil rural woodland and provide a talking point for guests and visitors. Marjan worked in conjunction with North West firm Metalcraft Engineering to create the wild boar sculpture for English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues. It is her first major commission in Cumbria. The sculpture’s corten steel material has copper mixed into it so that only the surface oxidises to bring out the beautiful iron oxide, rusty colour finish. It is a medium that is long lasting, highly durable and maintenance free – ideal for artworks such as this in rugged outdoor environments. Similar works by Marjan include ‘Dandy’, a 2-metre high stainless steel sculpture inspired by the history of the Pendle Witches, the Dun Cow of Parlick Fell and the 3.5 metre tall Sir Hare at Gisburn Forest. Marjan explains: “I was introduced to Simon and Ben Berry from the hotel group through Mary Gavagan from Gavagan Art. They came to see Sir Hare and the Dun Cow and I think that inspired the idea of creating something similar at Wild Boar Estate." “Welder Dan Heap and I then spent a lot of time in the workshop planning how to interpret the design and model its shape and look, starting with a smaller cardboard prototype. The corten steel was laser cut into pieces, bent into the right shape with rollers and then welded together. “I love getting involved in outdoor rural works of art such as this – there is something wonderful for people coming across something unexpected out of the blue. It’s an open and democratic form of art for all people and generations to enjoy.” Executive chairman of English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues Simon Berry adds: “Marjan’s new sculpture is a wonderful monument to the history of Wild Boar Estate and the legend of the Gilpin Valley, helping to bring the story alive." “Ben and I were delighted to spend time with Marjan and see examples of her fantastic artwork. We wanted to find a way of showcasing the impact of her work in the great outdoors here in Cumbria. So the idea of commissioning a wild boar sculpture for the venue quickly found impetus.” Marjan’s artwork can be found in Hong Kong, the Caribbean, London, Greater Manchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and in many green spaces in Lancashire and Yorkshire. Her work has been featured in an international touring exhibition, Germinations IV, with displays in Marseille, Breda (Holland), London (Royal College of Art) and Bonn. She has regularly exhibited in Amsterdam and in London, the latter mainly at Curwen Gallery in Fitzrovia. Her artwork has also been included in the Chelsea Flower show and sold through fine art specialists Sotheby’s. With its own open kitchen grill restaurant, on-site smokehouse and microbrewery, Wild Boar Estate is renowned for a host of fun outdoor activities and adventures in its extensive surrounding grounds. For further information, visit here .

Hilton Banks Group, the family-owned company behind the HB42® brand of adhesives, fillers, sealants & coatings has announced the acquisition of Flag Paints Ltd, a renowned specialist paint manufacturer based in Burnham on Crouch, Essex. Flag Paints, established in 1939, has built a strong reputation for manufacturing high-quality paints, coatings, and surface finishes for various industries, including marine, decorative, and industrial sectors. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in Hilton Banks' expansion and commitment to delivering exceptional products and services to its customers. The acquisition will enable Hilton Banks to leverage Flag Paints' extensive research & development and manufacturing capabilities. “We are delighted to welcome Flag Paints Ltd into the Hilton Banks family,” says Charlie Banks, Managing Director of Hilton Banks Group. “Their expertise in specialist coatings and waxes, combined with our existing product portfolio, will enable us to offer even more innovative and tailored solutions to our customers.” Flag Paints' existing operations in Essex will continue to operate under the Hilton Banks umbrella, ensuring a seamless transition for employees, customers, and partners. The combined strengths of both companies will create new opportunities for growth and development in the paint and coatings industry and beyond.

The latest survey by Family Business United has highlighted the key challenges family business leaders are tackling in boardrooms across the country. Amid ongoing political and economic uncertainty, compounded by changes announced in last Autumn's budget, running a family business is no easy task. This year's Family Business Survey aimed to capture the primary issues facing family enterprises and shed light on the complex decisions they must navigate. The results are in, following the canvassing of family business owners across the UK in January 2025, revealing the most pressing concerns for family businesses nationwide. Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, explain: "These findings are a broad picture of the challenges confronting family business owners. The past year has been exceptionally difficult for businesses of all sizes, sectors and generations across the UK." "Boardroom agendas are packed with pressing challenges that demand attention and important conversations that need to take place." Among the key issues shaping discussions are recent changes to APR and BPR, economic uncertainty, business costs, inheritance tax implications and succession planning. Many family business leaders are also grappling with the lingering effects of Brexit and the pandemic, further complicating their strategic priorities. The Top Challenges Facing UK Family Businesses Today The Economic Climate - 86% Taxation (Including Inheritance Tax) - 71% Government Regulation, Red Tape & Legislation - 64% Inflation & Rising Costs - 58% Profitability - 55% Succession Planning - 33% Recruiting, Retaining & Motivating Staff - 32% Survival Of The Business - 29% Growth - 27% The Next Generation - 26% Preserving Wealth & Creating A Legacy - 26% Balancing The Needs Of The Family & The Business - 24% Paul continues: "The survey highlights that family business leaders across the UK are facing similar concerns. Leadership can often feel isolating, and owners may be unsure whether others share their worries. The survey clarifies the consensus of family business leaders identifying the challenges that are top of mind for leaders nationwide, driving conversations and strategic decisions in boardrooms everywhere." "Running a business today is undeniably tough, but family firms have long been known for their resilience, adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit." "Many have successfully navigated adversity for generations, and they will continue to take the necessary steps - whether shifting their focus from growth and innovation to survival and sustainability - to ensure their businesses continue to endure for future generations."

Harborough District Council have partnered with Midlands garden centre Jacksons Nurseries to offer 3,600 free fruit trees to residents across the Harborough district to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE day. Residents can collect one tree per person from Welland Park on 2-3rd April with no appointment necessary. The fruit trees will be available ‘bare root’ and should be planted on the same day as they are collected. The giveaway is being done to promote environmental sustainability and improve community engagement across the Harborough District. By providing fruit for the future the council aims to encourage greener neighbourhoods, support local food production and contribute to the fight against climate change. The initiative also serves as a tribute ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8th May, honouring the sacrifices made during World War II and celebrating peace and community spirit. The mix of apple, cherry and plum trees are being provided by Jacksons Nurseries, a family-owned, plant-based garden centre in North Staffordshire. Jacksons Nurseries is a traditional growing nursery, producing 300,000 plants per year from a 10-acre nursery site, which are sold on the garden centre and delivered nationwide from their web shop. The nursery recently entered its third generation of family ownership and is increasingly getting involved with local community projects, especially those with a sustainability and environmental focus. Owner of Jacksons Nurseries, Luke Jackson said: “We are delighted to be part of this important initiative in Harborough. Trees are proven to improve air quality, reduce urban heat and support local wildlife. My grandad was a rear gunner on a Sunderland plane during WW2. The trees will act as a fitting tribute to the sacrifices made by my grandad and millions of others like him during the war. The trees will be in flower by 8th May in a sign of hope and new beginnings." Local resident Geoff Feavyour who hopes to take advantage of the giveaway commented: “There’s nothing more rewarding than growing your own fruit and picking it fresh off the tree. It tastes much better than mass produced fruit and avoids the need for plastic packaging. Fruit trees are a great way to teach children about the pollination process in a fun, hands-on way, helping them appreciate the importance of insects such as bees and butterflies in the ecology of our local environments.” The Harborough fruit tree initiative is the latest of several community projects supported by Jacksons Nurseries over recent months. Their planting team installed 16 root-balled Christmas trees for Pontypool council in October and regularly help with trees and displays at their local church, St Chads. The Harborough project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

One of Birmingham’s leading independent opticians has announced it is opening a third store in Knowle. Banks Opticians, which is run by Paul Banks and Sarah Morgan, is investing nearly £200,000 into transforming the old Indigo Art Gallery on the high street into a welcoming, state-of-the-art optical showroom. The brother and sister management team has transformed the old building, installing a new air conditioning and heating system and creating a consulting room, spacious waiting area and dispensing zone. They have also added in a bar that will serve teas, a range of coffees and something a little more exotic - all geared towards making the customer experience as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. “We have always admired the vibrancy of Knowle High Street, so when the opportunity came up to take over the art gallery, we jumped at the chance,” explained Sarah, whose father David Banks started the business over 50 years ago." “The idea is to deliver luxury eyewear in a boutique-style opticians that prides itself on providing personalised service and the very best clinical care. That’s the approach we have employed at our Acocks Green and Sparkhill branches and one we believe will really appeal to local people." “Refurbishment work is going really well, and the external branding should be completed shortly – this means we’ll be opening the first week in April.” Banks Opticians, which was named as the UK’s practice of the year in 2022 by Optical Success Academy and optical retailer of the year 2024, stocks designer frames along with independent, niche brands that have been hand-picked from around the world and can’t be found in other high street stores. Being a family run business since 1973, the company thrives in delivering a personalised service, getting to know people and treating everyone as an individual and not just a number. Qualified opticians will guide individuals through the journey of eye examination and choosing glasses, with the emphasis on making it a relaxing and fun experience. Paul, who took over the reins with Sarah in 2005, went on to add: “We believe every face is unique, and that eyewear can make people feel amazing and enhance their confidence to suit their personality." “What we’re trying to create in Knowle is a place which ‘wows’ when a client enters, from the level of care you receive, the welcome atmosphere at the bar and the latest equipment, including our OCT machine that is leading the way in how eye conditions are diagnosed and managed." “The excitement for the opening is building and we’ve already recruited three professionals to our newly formed team. There’s a real desire to be a fixture on the high street for years to come and we’ll be looking at how we can get involved in supporting local events and boosting footfall in the town.” To mark the opening of the new branch, Banks Opticians is running a competition to win a pair of designer glasses every year until 2030. There are no restrictions to what you choose, and details on how to get involved are currently advertised on the window wrap in Knowle. The lucky winner will be drawn on 9th April. Above Photo: Knowle Launch (L): (l-r) Paul Banks and Sarah Morgan

One of Scotland’s leading hospitality groups, Buzzworks, has launched a major recruitment drive in Edinburgh as it prepares to open its fourth Herringbone venue in the east of Scotland. Last month, the leading hospitality operator revealed plans to expand the popular bar and restaurant concept to the Barnton area this spring, following on from the success of its sister venues already operating in Abbeyhill, Goldenacre and North Berwick. The group – which has been named one of the best companies to work for in the UK – is on the lookout for talented individuals to join the team, including front-of-house, kitchen operations and senior chefs. The venue will be hosting Recruitment Open Days for a range of roles on Thursday 20, Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 March 2025, from 12pm – 6pm at Herringbone Goldenacre. Anyone interested in a role at the venue can pop in at their leisure to find out more, with no prior booking necessary. Ash Bairstow, operations director at Herringbone, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for us as we prepare to launch our latest addition to the Herringbone family. We’re all about providing our guests will warm hospitality and seasonally inspired food in a cool, contemporary surrounding, and we can’t wait to meet people who are excited about a career in hospitality to explore the roles we have on offer." “As well as a whole host of full and part time front-of-house and mid to senior management level positions, we also have a range of exciting opportunities in our kitchen, from entry level to senior roles." “We would especially urge any talented chefs with a passion for cooking to come along to our open day and learn more about a career with Herringbone and Buzzworks." “We hope our recruitment events will give anyone who is interested in working at Herringbone a chance to learn more about the roles on offer while providing them a taste of what life at Buzzworks is like. We can’t wait to meet all the potential candidates.” Buzzworks is renowned for its commitment to its people, offering industry-leading training initiatives including Leadership Development and Management Acceleration Programmes. Known for its supportive and rewarding work environment, Buzzworks offers competitive rates of pay, flexible working options and a range of benefits, including TRONC – a common fund into which tips and service charges are paid for distribution to the staff.

Following the changes to BPR and APR in the Autumn Budget, Family Business United has prepared a guide on the changes, some of the implications and suggested areas that families in business together should consider as conversation starters. As every family and family business have unique differences the report should be used as a guide for conversation and not used as the basis for any decisions. Professional advice should be sought taking into account personal circumstances prior to any decisions being made. You can download the full report here:

An East Staffordshire football club is on target for an ambitious goal of launching three new youth teams next season thanks to support from digger giant JCB. Rocester FC Juniors, which shares its home village with JCB World Headquarters, is blazing a trail for girls and mixed football and appealing for new players to join its ranks. After launching three new girls’ teams last year, the club is now aiming to grow its girls and mixed teams at under six, seven and eight age ranges ready for September. The squads will join more than 250 young players who are proudly pulling on smart new Rocester Juniors shirts, after JCB supported the club’s rolling two-year kit replacement programme, totalling £5,000. It has seen all 14 teams from age six to 16 presented with ultra-modern design match kits. Rocester Juniors has teams training weekly at Denstone College, Thomas Alleynes High School, Oldfields Hall Middle School, Abbotsholme and Picknalls First School, Uttoxeter. Home matches are played across the East Staffordshire area, including at the JCB Lakeside pitches, while girls teams play in the Derby league. Club Chairman Russell Mason said: “As a club we are passionate about making football accessible to all, which is why we are continually adding new teams and supporting youngsters to realise their dreams and create as many opportunities as possible.” Russell added: “Having a kit the team are excited to wear is important and gives them a sense of pride in the club as they play each week. Every shirt is emblazoned with the JCB logo, which looks really powerful and we so are grateful for the support JCB has shown to make this happen. We believe in positive, supportive coaching and try to develop youngsters as footballers, team-players and as people. It doesn’t matter if you have never played before or have been playing for a while, we look to give everyone the same opportunity to thrive.”

The four farmer founders of The Green Farm Collective (TGFC) have teamed up with Eurostar Commodities to develop a line of flours produced using regenerative farming practices. RISE RE:GEN Flour has the strapline Farmed with Nature and its launch underpins the intent of TGFC, to encourage the food industry to value sustainable farming both financially and ethically. The farmers behind TGFC, Jake Freestone, Angus Gowthorpe, Michael Kavanagh and Tim Parton, formed the regenerative farming community four years ago to support other growers in their regenerative practices, promising to create new and lucrative end markets for TGFC members. Jake Freestone commented: “The Eurostar team has embraced the importance of the farming approach that our members practice centred around soil health, reduced environmental impact and improving farmland biodiversity." “They also recognise that the way we farm should be rewarded and we couldn’t have asked for more. They have developed an exclusive partnership and a bespoke brand of TGFC flours which they sell to their influential customers for pizza, bread and other wheat-based foods, and also pay us a fair and reflective price for our crops. It really is a true and respectful partnership and one that demonstrates Eurostar’s progressive leadership in the food supply chain.” Eurostar Commodities is a family-run importer and supplier of ingredients to manufacturers, wholesalers, foodservice, retailers, and consumers across the UK, Ireland, northern Europe, the Middle East, and Iceland. The launch of the RISE range fits a growing interest from their customers for environmentally conscious ingredients. Diane Crabtree, Sales Manager at Eurostar commented: “The market for regeneratively farmed flours is growing because consumer demand is growing, so it is a proud moment for our business to partner on such an important range." The flour is sold in 16kg paper sacks as Strong or All Purpose Flour. As yet, a standard for Regenerative Farming hasn’t yet been created, however, TGFC recognised the importance ensuring verification of both the farmer and their practices. Jake adds: “We have teamed up with Food Integrity Assurance, an audit body, to establish under our own set of standards, including carbon and environmental baselining, diversity in crop rotations, farmland biodiversity policies, a nutrient management plan and minimal soil disturbance practices. We also have a partnership with Trinity Agtech’s Sandy software to record and report on members’ farming interventions to give full transparency to our farming methods.” "Beyond the standards and the new flour range, Jake says that TGFC is having an important impact, “our farmer members from around the UK and Europe are at different stages of their regenerative journeys and our community is one that shares and supports to give advice. Collectively we are creating a credible, traceable and fully audited set of practices which gives confidence to partners like Eurostar as well as their all-important customer base.” The Green Farm Collective won the 2023 BBC Food and Farming Awards Farming for the Future category with Farming Today and The Archers. Top Photo: (L to R): Tim Parton, Michael Kavanagh, Angus Gowthorpe, Jake Freestone

A family-owned Hampshire farm has partnered with Greening Shedfield Parish to host a ‘Seed, Seedling, and Plant Swap’ - a community-driven event aimed at encouraging sustainable gardening and biodiversity. Westlands Farm Shop in the heart of the Meon Valley recently hosted the free-to-attend event for all ages in support of the Greening Campaign by Shedfield Parish. The Greening Campaign aims to bring communities together through a program of 'Engagement' to give Hampshire residents a voice in how they tackle climate change. Event attendees were able to bring excess seeds and plants from their own gardens and trade them for new varieties, helping to reduce waste, increase plant diversity, and promote self-sufficient gardening. Other Greening Campaign activities across Hampshire include tree planting in Waltham Chase and creating pollinator-friendly patches in Bishopstoke. Chris Parker from the Greening Campaign said: “We're thrilled to partner with Westlands Farm Shop for this event. Community-driven initiatives like this are vital in empowering residents to make sustainable choices and protect our local environment and build community.” Kayleigh Collett runs Westlands Farm Shop with her husband, Graham. She said: "Encouraging local people to grow their own food and plants is not just great for the environment, but also builds a stronger, greener community." "Attendees were encouraged to bring what they could and take what they needed. We’re proud to support this initiative and look forward to hosting similar events in the future." "We had a great morning with around 25 attendees across the two hours, including families."

Britain’s manufacturers have hit the buffers as a wave of increasing employment taxes and wider business costs bite hard, as well as worries of a global trade war according to new figures in a major survey published today by Make UK and business advisory firm BDO. Following the final quarter of last year when business confidence slumped at the fastest rate since the pandemic, this has now translated into a fall in both output and orders, with output falling in the first quarter of the year for the first time in a decade, a highly unusual occurrence according to Make UK. Key Findings: Output and orders contract Domestic orders decline while growth in export orders slows Half of companies freeze recruitment, more than a quarter consider job cuts Third of companies delay investment Manufacturing forecast to contract in 2025 Impact On Employment In response, companies are freezing recruitment and considering redundancies, while investment plans are being delayed and, in some cases, cancelled altogether. As a result, Make UK is now urging the Government to consider measures to mitigate these actions, in particular reform of the business rates system to remove disincentives to invest and, policies to aid industrial decarbonisation and fix the broken skills system. Furthermore, according to Make UK it is now essential that Government brings forward a comprehensive and fully funded modern, long term industrial strategy which has advanced manufacturing at its heart. This must be aligned across Government with a defence industrial strategy as well as energy, trade and skills strategies to demonstrate to business and foreign investors that there is joined up thinking on how to grow the economy. Commenting, Verity Davidge, Policy Director at Make UK, said: “Manufacturers feel like they are currently wading through treacle, facing barriers and increased costs being imposed on them at every turn. However, there is no more resilient a sector in the economy and, just as they have done in the past, they will find ways to adapt." "The one light at the end of the tunnel is the prospect of a modern, long term industrial strategy which will enable them to plan for the future with confidence in a supportive policy environment. But, this cannot be a case of more jam tomorrow, come the summer it has to be a case of jam today.” According to the Manufacturing Outlook survey, the balance on output fell sharply to -1% from +20% in the last quarter, with total orders following a similar pattern down to -6% from +7%. Export orders are no longer shielding a weak domestic market, falling to +1% from +10% in Q4, while UK orders turned negative at -7%, down from 0%. Recruitment intentions also turned negative at -3%, down from +8% in Q4, while investment intentions, although positive, weakened to +5% from +10%. Richard Austin, Head of Manufacturing at BDO, added: “Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, the manufacturing sector has relied heavily on exports to help protect it from other downward trends. As this data shows, we cannot be complacent - our manufacturers are resilient but they’re not invincible." "While there are pockets of investment and opportunity, output levels are down across the board and, in order for manufacturers to continue their push on growth, they need targeted support from government, whether that be reducing complexity, streamlining trade or boosting access to capital.” In response to this much weaker picture, a separate survey by Make UK in response to the measures announced in the Autumn 2024 Budget showed almost half of companies (48%) are freezing recruitment and four in ten (41%) will reduce planned pay increases. Worryingly, around a quarter (27%) are considering redundancies. Furthermore, a third of companies (34%) are delaying investment plans, while 15% have cancelled planned investments altogether. As well as the impact on companies from increased employment costs, with more than 9 in 10 companies expecting them to increase this year, the survey also showed the scale of increases hitting companies from other business costs. Almost three quarters of companies (70%) expect their energy costs to go up this year, with a similar number (71%) seeing their logistics and transportation costs go up. Almost eight in ten (79%) are seeing raw material costs increase. Make UK is now forecasting that manufacturing will contract by -0.5% in 2025, down from a forecast of -0.2% in the last quarter, before growing by 1% in 2026. GDP is forecast to grow by 1% in 2025 and 1.5% in 2026. The Manufacturing Outlook survey of 306 companies was carried out between 13 and 27 February. The Budget impact survey of 256 companies was carried out between 28 January and 11 February.

Bagnalls, based in Cleckheaton celebrates 150 years as a family run and managed business on March 13th, 2025. Originally established in 1875 by Alfred Bagnall, the company is now managed by fifth generation and great, great grandson Stephen Bagnall. Stephen describes the landmark event in the company’s history, “Today, we celebrate 150 years since Alfred Bagnall, my great, great-grandfather founded the company." “Alfred’s original vision and determination has seen the company transform from its humble beginnings in Shipley in 1875 to now being the UK’s leading specialist painting and decorating firms, still with its roots firmly in Yorkshire." “As I reflect on the company’s heritage, I can’t help but wonder, what Alfred would make of Bagnalls today? Would he have imagined that the business he built with such care, dedication and skill would still be thriving 150 years later, now led by the fifth generation, with the sixth generation already making their mark? I somehow doubt it." “His world was one of horse-drawn carts and handwritten accounts, yet, at its core, Bagnalls remains what it has always been, a family business built on values, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to its people and customers.” Bagnalls has a wealth of experience in the painting and decorating industry and includes landmark projects such as the original Wembley Stadium painted in the 1920s and a new pharmaceutical plant for Boots in Beeston, in the 1930s, when Bagnalls first used a new paint product called Dulux. More recent projects from the 1990s onwards include the Alhambra Theatre and Salt’s Mill in Bradford, where world famous artist David Hockney donned a Bagnalls’ bib and brace. Bagnalls are proud to name amongst their customers household names including, JCB, Oxfam, Jaguar Landrover, Cadent Gas and Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Now, celebrating the company’s 150th anniversary, Bagnalls has grown from a small painting contractor into a national leader in their industry, evolving with economic shifts and industry trends whilst maintaining core values of safety, integrity, respect and people. This journey of expansion, strategic adaptation, and commitment to training and development has positioned Bagnalls as the premier specialist painting and decorating company in the UK. Stephen adds “We were recently named Employer of the Year at the 2025, Yorkshire Business awards, a true testament to the people who have helped make the business what it is today. I remain committed to safety, quality and long-term family ownership and focused on ensuring the company’s legacy for future generations.” As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United adds, "Bagnalls are celebrating a wonderful anniversary, a milestone to be truly proud of. This is an incredible story of a family firm that continues to achieve great things too. They took home three titles at the most recent Family Business of the Year Awards, including the crown as Supreme Champion Family Business of the Year 2024 which they currently hold as they celebrate their anniversary." "Bagnalls are without exception, a shining example of a great British family business with all the positive attributes in place. Proud of their heritage, committed to their values and their people with family members leading by example, not to mention the quality of their craftsmanship," "We wish them continued success as they look forward to the next 150 years too."