Early years pupils at a Staffordshire Moorlands village school were treated to a very special visitor as part of a project to learn about farming in the local community. A JCB Fastrac tractor made the short journey from the JCB Landpower factory at Cheadle to be put through its paces on the playground of Hutchinson Memorial C of E First School, Checkley. JCB Agriculture Product and Marketing Manager David Timmis took along the machine and invited children from the school’s Early Years Owls class to sit at the wheel of the revolutionary machine along with a question and answer session with the youngsters. The 12 children, aged between three and five were eager to learn more about the role of farmers in the local community as part of their Understanding the World curriculum. Teacher Gemma Grady explained: “As a rural school many of the children come from farming backgrounds and a number of our children’s parents work at JCB so this visit really brought the children’s learning to life and made it real for them." “They heard about the JCB Farm and learned about what the machines do on the farm then each of them got to sit in the Fastrac and see it in action, which they loved.” JCB Agriculture Product and Marketing Manager David Timmis added: “We were delighted to be invited to the school to talk about the importance of farming, explain where food comes from and the part we play in the world of agriculture. The children were very knowledgeable and had lots of great questions about the Fastrac and our Backing British Farmers campaign." “It was fantastic to explain to the children world famous tractors are made just down the road, show them the machine and give them the chance to sit in the driving seat too.”

A family and employee-owned insurance broker in Cumbria has expanded with the appointment of an experienced commercial insurance broker. Kelly McCartney has relocated to Cumbria from Dumfries, where she previously worked for James Hallam insurance brokers, to join TL Dallas. The nine-strong team at TL Dallas is based at Lakeland Business Park in Cockermouth and provides independent insurance broking and risk management services to a wide range of commercial and agricultural clients. The close-knit team has quickly grown since TL Dallas expanded into Cumbria with just two people in May 2023. Emma Irving, Lynne Taylor, Philip Jackson, Heather Wood, Karen Coombe, Tracy Hickman and Anna Jones were all former colleagues before they joined TL Dallas alongside apprentice, Talia Frazer. Emma Irving said: “We are in a privileged position to have more than 200 years combined industry experience between us, and we work for a fabulous range of clients who value our expertise and guidance. Through personal recommendations and connections, we have quickly grown in Cumbria and were keen to recruit another experienced and reliable commercial broker to help manage our ever-growing client base.” Kelly said: “I wanted to join TL Dallas as it’s an independent business, with a real client focus and an in-house claims team and I really liked its ethos and commitment to delivering a personal service from 15 regional offices." “Having worked in an account handler role within the schemes division at my last firm, I’ve had clients that operate in varying industry sectors and helped them with every aspect of insurance, from buildings insurance to cyber insurance and everything in between! I’m an Acturis software superuser, so I know the system inside out and am very organised and love working in a busy and friendly environment.” Polly Staveley, managing director at TL Dallas, said: “Our Cockermouth office is a real success story, and it showcases why our commitment to regional offices is important." "Clients like to meet face to face, and deal with people they trust, and we are pleased to welcome Kelly to the team.”

Leading Scottish hospitality operator Buzzworks has unveiled the exciting plans behind its new Herringbone venue, set to open this May in the heart of Barnton, Edinburgh. The expansion – which will bring up to 40 jobs to the region – will offer guests the Herringbone’s cool but casual experience to one of the city’s most vibrant suburbs. Located at 201-205 Whitehouse Road, the new venue sits on a historic site that has previously served as a retail unit, office space, and most recently, a Sainsburys store. With a sizeable six-figure investment being dedicated to a kitchen featuring an Italian Moretti Forni pizza oven, the transformation will create a warm, welcoming space that is both stylish and comfortable. This will be the fourth Herringbone venue to be opened by Buzzworks, with the group already operating sites in Edinburgh’s Goldenacre and Abbeyhill, as well as the original Herringbone in North Berwick. With a capacity of 110 guests indoors and an additional 20 in the outdoor seating area, Herringbone Barnton is designed to be a welcoming, all-day neighbourhood local. Guests can enjoy a central bar with adjacent high tables, a thoughtfully designed restaurant space split into two areas, and an inviting outdoor terrace with heaters and dog-friendly seating. Ash Bairstow, operations director for Herringbone, said: “We are incredibly excited to bring Herringbone to Barnton and to introduce our warm hospitality, seasonally inspired food, and beautifully designed space to the Barnton community." “Herringbone is all about creating a welcoming neighbourhood venue where people can relax, enjoy great company, and experience outstanding food and drink. We can’t wait to open our doors and become part of the local community.” Buzzworks’ internal design team has carefully curated the venue’s interior, blending a cool mix of celadon, teal and sand for a fresh, sleek Scandinavian-inspired design. Guests can expect natural materials, bold lighting, eye-catching murals, and stylish wallpaper. Much of the furniture is custom-made by Buzzworks’ own joinery team, seamlessly paired with modern classics. Building on the success of previous Herringbones, this new Barnton spot is a natural next step — elevated yet effortlessly inviting. The venue will undergo its final transformation in the coming months, with major milestones including bar installation in early March, kitchen completion in mid-April, and final interior styling by late April. The new menu has been carefully developed by operational head chef James Moyle and operations director Ash Bairstow, with contributions from the wider culinary team, to showcase locally sourced ingredients and fresh, seasonal flavours. Herringbone favourites will be on offer, including seared steak slices with rocket and parmesan, wild mushrooms on toast with spinach and crispy shallots, and the famous East Lothian seafood chowder. Guests can also enjoy beautifully crafted cocktails and 30 wines by the glass. Meanwhile, the Barnton venue introduces an expanded all-day menu featuring breakfast dishes and stone-baked Neapolitan pizzas, alongside seasonal highlights. James Moyle, executive chef for Herringbone, said: “Herringbone has always been about fresh, locally inspired dishes with bold flavours, and our new Barnton menu is no exception." “With a focus on seasonality, our menu changes every 6-8 weeks to showcase the freshest ingredients at their best. Every dish has been crafted with quality and attention to detail, ensuring there’s always something special to enjoy.” Herringbone is now hiring for all positions, including chefs, managers, front-of-house, bartenders and kitchen staff, with recruitment events planned for March. Herringbone is part of the award-winning Buzzworks group, which has been recognised as one of the top 100 companies to work for in the UK and is committed to creating a supportive and rewarding work environment. The company offers competitive rates of pay, industry-leading training and development opportunities, and flexible working options to help team members achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Contractor Henry Brothers is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the opening of its first English office with record turnover and growth. Part of the Northern Irish-based Henry Brothers Group, the company set up in Nottingham in February 2015 and following significant success in the North established an office in Manchester in September 2022. It was originally named Henry Brothers Midlands and launched with a handful of staff. Under the leadership of managing director Ian Taylor and fellow directors John Sowter, John Fielding and Justin Hicklin, the company has grown strongly and consistently to become a £65m-a-year-turnover business, with a team of 60. Now renamed Henry Brothers Construction to reflect its work nationally, the business has expanded across the country - delivering key infrastructure developments including schools, university buildings, defence facilities and blue-light schemes. MD Ian Taylor said: “The Nottingham office was opened in 2015 to complement Henry Brothers’ offices in Northern Ireland and Scotland. We started from scratch in the Midlands and have steadily grown to become a key member of the construction industry across the Midlands, into Yorkshire, the North West and further afield." “Our current order book stretches from the East of England across to the West Midlands and up into the North West, supporting our clients with significant infrastructure schemes." “We have delivered major projects for a wide variety of sectors including education, health, blue-light and defence, as well as for public bodies and commercial businesses. Many of these have been repeat contracts. “I am beyond proud of the team we have created at Henry Brothers Construction, thrilled at the growth we have achieved, and look forward to building on what we have already accomplished for both the company and our many clients.” Among the projects delivered by Henry Brothers since launching in the Midlands ten years ago are the joint headquarters for Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, the net zero nursery and forest school at Staffordshire University, Loughborough University’s SportPark Pavilion 4 - the first Passivhaus development on the university campus – and multiple projects at various military bases including a new dye pod facility for the Red Arrows at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, plus four schemes delivered for Nottingham Trent University, including the Dryden Enterprise Centre. Henry Brothers Construction is currently on a number of well-established national and regional Frameworks including Crown Commercial Service, Pagabo, Procure23, Department for Education, Ministry of Justice, North West Construction Hub, The University of Manchester and more. It specialises in delivering projects up to £30m in value, working in partnership with clients across a range of sectors including education, defence, blue-light, health, custodial and commercial. With defence projects a significant part of the work undertaken by Henry Brothers Construction, more than 75% of staff are security cleared. “Our ethos has always been to work hard and get the job done,” added Ian Taylor. “Our practical approach ensures integrity, reliability, quality, innovation and sustainability for all our partners and in all we do. These values were in the DNA of Henry Brothers when it was first established and are still very much evident throughout the business today. “We take enormous pride in our work because when we take on a project, we see it as an opportunity to deliver something inspiring that will benefit the community and the environment, long into the future. We are proud that many of our projects are secured through repeat business.” Henry Brothers Construction has an outstanding health and safety record, having been RoSPA Gold Award holders for eight years, with another rating due shortly. Last year, Henry Brothers received a King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development in recognition of its commitment to responsible business and sustainable practices, which have been at the heart of Henry Brothers’ operations since its inception. The story of Henry Brothers first began in 1976 when Jim Henry set up a small construction business called H&K construction, focusing on small-scale construction projects in Northern Ireland. Trading under this name for ten years, in 1986 the business became known as Henry Brothers. As it continued to flourish, several acquisitions followed during the 1990s, and Henry Brothers - along with the acquired businesses - became part of the wider Henry Group. Henry Brothers is now recognised as a leading construction company with offices in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Henry Group, meanwhile, comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit-out. Photo: John Fielding, Commercial Director at Henry Brothers Construction, David Henry, Group Managing Director, Ian Taylor, Managing Director at Henry Brothers Construction, Clare Swaine, Business Development Manager at Henry Brothers Construction, Justin Hicklin, Construction Director at Henry Brothers Construction, and John Sowter, Design and Planning Director at Henry Brothers Construction.

National Apprenticeship Week, running from 10th–14th February, is a time to celebrate apprentices and their contribution to businesses across the UK. It’s also the perfect chance to find out more about apprenticeships – whether you’re considering doing one or you know someone who is. Statistics published during last year’s National Apprenticeship Week revealed a growth in the number of people undertaking higher apprenticeships, with starts increasing by 6.2%. Advanced apprenticeships are also extremely popular, accounting for almost 44% of all apprenticeship starts. With the majority of apprenticeships in recent years taken on by people aged 25 and up, it’s clear that the idea of apprenticeships only being relevant for those just leaving school is shifting to include a wider range of applicants. However, annual spending on Level 2 apprenticeships has dropped by over £200 million in recent years. One business that is bucking the trend when it comes to these figures is national painting and decorating company Bagnalls, taking on over 70 new Level 2 entrants during the last two years. Bagnalls provides sustainable, high-quality careers for those just starting out in the world of work. The company has also been nominated no less than three times at this year’s Apprenticeship and Training Awards. During National Apprenticeship Week, Bagnalls’ Group Marketing Director, Joanne Gualda, will be joined by HR Director Ellie Jobes and Group Academy Tutor Joel Mortlock at the Houses of Parliament in recognition of the company’s nominations. The three Bagnalls representatives will enjoy an event hosted by Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP. It’s clear that the dedication and success levels of apprentices only continue to rise. Bagnalls has seen incredible success among their most recent intake of apprentices, with many of them winning prestigious and notable awards. Bagnalls apprentice Matthew Clayton has won no less than three awards in recent months! He was named Apprentice Painting and Decorating Student of the Year at the York College Construction Awards and Apprentice of the Year at the 2024 REACH Awards. Matthew also took home the York Guild of Building’s Bronze Award. Contracts Manager at Bagnalls, Andy Holt, commented: “Matty has done some fantastic work during his time with us and I’m thrilled that he’s receiving the recognition he deserves!” Another high achiever at Bagnalls is Max Rollinson, who recently won a regional award in the Rising Star category at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards. Max is in the process of completing a Management Trainee apprenticeship with Bagnalls, furnishing him with the skills to manage clients, contracts and more. “Max has shown great dedication and determination throughout his apprenticeship with us,” Ellie Jobes says. “It’s fantastic to see that those outside of our organisation are noticing his talent as well.” The Leeds College of Building BIG Awards celebration was another big night for Bagnalls, with four of their apprentices taking home titles. Katie Sanders was named Painting and Decorating Apprentice of the Year, while Khiara Anderson took home the prestigious Principal’s Award. Faith Loynes was awarded the Multi-Skills Student of the Year Award, while Owen Sheldon was named Apprentice of the Year across all disciplines. Kirsty Stokes, HR and Learning Development Advisor at Bagnalls attended the ceremony alongside the four winners. She said, “I’m so proud of all our apprentices! They have each achieved exceptional milestones in their young careers and I can’t wait to see their skills grow and develop." “They should each be very proud of themselves and shout about their excellent awards from the rooftops!” The Painting and Decorating Association’s Junior Apprentice competition was also a successful night for Bagnalls apprentices. Willow Patey was named overall winner of the junior section, with Owen Sheldon taking home the runner-up title. Joel said, “It’s been great to see Willow and Owen’s talent in action during their apprenticeships and it’s lovely that their dedication and hard work is being rewarded. They both show exceptional promise and I’m sure they have fantastic careers ahead of them.” This is just a small snapshot of the recent awards won by Bagnalls apprentices, showcasing the company’s reputation for attracting talented, dedicated and hard-working apprentices. Bagnalls was recently ‘Highly Commended’ regionally at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2024 for the second year in a row, thanks to their apprenticeship scheme. The company also won the Best Apprenticeship in Construction award at the first-ever Apprenticeship Guide Awards last year – celebrating the excellent opportunities and support that Bagnalls provides its apprentices. Stephen Bagnall, Group Managing Director at Bagnalls, said, “We strive to provide our apprentices with real-world experience, alongside bespoke training via our Training Academy. It’s fantastic to see so many of our apprentices achieve such success – a testament to their hard work and determination." “As we enter our 150th year as a business, it’s brilliant to know that the next generation of painters and decorators are enjoying such success.”

ABG Installs has played a key role in Sheffield Hallam University's latest city centre development, delivering and installing insulation, blue and green roofs, paving, planters, and soft landscaping. Additionally, over 1,700 plants and greenery, supplied by Johnsons Nurseries via ABG Installs, have been incorporated into the state-of-the-art academic building, featuring an impressive roof terrace designed to promote sustainability and well-being. The newly constructed university block is part of a transformative development aimed at enhancing the student experience and promoting eco-conscious architecture. The plant supply, sourced from leading horticultural specialists Johnsons Nurseries via ABG Installs, enhances the aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits of the building, contributing to improved air quality, biodiversity, and an inviting atmosphere for students, staff, and visitors. The selection includes Stipa tenuissima, Clematis, Echinacea, Euphorbia, Kniphofia, Salix, Salvia, Sempervivum, Stipa, Carex, and Calamagrostis, along with a variety of bulbs. “We take great pride in supplying a diverse range of plants for this development,” said Graham Richardson, Group Managing Director at Johnsons Nurseries. “By integrating greenery into urban spaces, we contribute to biodiversity, air quality, and overall wellbeing, reinforcing the importance of green infrastructure." "We hope the space is enjoyed for many generations to come.” “We are delighted to have been involved in such a significant project,” said Kirstin Forsythe, Sales Manager at ABG Installs. “Our work in delivering high-quality blue and green roofs and landscaping solutions aligns with our commitment to creating sustainable and visually appealing urban environments.” The development's key feature is the two roof terraces, which have been carefully designed to provide a serene retreat from busy university life. With a selection of robust and low-maintenance plants suited to urban environments, the terraces offer students and faculty a place to relax, study, and socialise in nature. Sheffield Hallam University’s investment in green spaces aligns with its broader commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. Including adding integrated eco-friendly practices into its developments, ensuring that new infrastructure contributes positively to both the local community and the global effort to combat climate change.

The Directors of the All England Jumping Course are pleased to announce that one of Hickstead’s most iconic showjumping classes has attracted a new sponsor for 2025. JCL Insurance Brokers have signed a three-year deal as the new title sponsor of the Queen Elizabeth II Cup, which takes place on Saturday 26 July at the Agria Royal International Horse Show. This prestigious championship is open to the highest-ranked national riders in Great Britain, and recent winners include Harriet Biddick, Shane Breen, David Simpson and Jessica Burke. The class used to be open to lady riders only, but was changed in 2008 when men and women were allowed to compete in both the Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the King George V Gold Cup. Jane Chewins, Managing Director of JCL Insurance Brokers, said: “I have watched the Royal International and the Derby Meeting at Hickstead from a very early age. It features heavily in my calendar on an annual basis, so to have the opportunity to work with such an iconic venue and with such lovely people is such a wonderful achievement, and something I am very proud of!” Lizzie Bunn, Hickstead Director, added: “Thank you to JCL Insurance Brokers for joining our valued roster of sponsors for this season. The Queen Elizabeth II Cup is a class with a rich history, and an important target for many British-based riders every summer.” Tickets for Hickstead’s two international shows are on sale now from www.hickstead.co.uk . Photo Credit: Jessica Burke winning the Queen Elizabeth II Cup in 2024 (c) Boots and Hooves Photography

Sustainability is everywhere. Governments, organisations, businesses, and individuals across the globe are focusing on sustainability like never before. But what does it truly mean? In this feature, Joe Oughtred, co-founder of Axiom Sustainability Software explains the concept of sustainability - what it is and why it matters to organisations in the UK and around the world. What is Sustainability? The concept of sustainability emerged in the 1970s and gained global prominence with the Brundtland Report, a 1987 document published by the United Nations’ World Commission on Environment and Development. This pivotal report highlighted the impact of our consumption patterns and economic activities on the environment and natural resources. The Brundtland Report defines sustainability as: “Economic development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Today, sustainability is a global imperative with far-reaching implications for governments, organisations, and society. At its core, sustainability seeks to balance three key dimensions: economic growth, social advancement, and environmental protection. Why is Sustainability Important? Sustainability is about building a successful future for all. It acknowledges that every individual is entitled to growth and prosperity while ensuring that the planet’s natural systems and resources remain intact for future generations. The concept of sustainability revolves around three interconnected pillars: Environmental Protection Social Advancement Economic Prosperity Understanding and addressing the relationships between these dimensions is key to creating effective and impactful sustainability programs. Why Sustainability Matters – Environmental Protection Protecting the environment is fundamental to sustainability. Organisations must define and act upon their commitment to preserving natural resources, reducing emissions, and minimising carbon footprints. In practice, this involves: Protecting and restoring ecosystems Promoting sustainable product development Minimising resource consumption Reducing waste and emissions Complying with local, national, and international regulations Embedding resource-reduction strategies into day-to-day operations can lead to a win-win situation, benefiting both the environment and organisational performance. Why Sustainability Matters – Social Advancement The social pillar of sustainability focuses on fostering equitable practices that promote societal growth and well-being. For organisations, this means maintaining ethical standards, supporting their workforce, and contributing to the broader community. Key areas of focus include: Workforce: Health and safety, diversity, training, and quality employment Customers: Transparency in product labelling, accurate information, and safe products Communities: Respect for human rights and positive community impacts Organisations must balance the varying concerns of stakeholders, recognising that changes for one group often affect others. Why Sustainability Matters – Economic Prosperity Economic sustainability involves creating and maintaining a sound economic system that supports both organisational growth and individual independence. It’s not about profit at any cost but rather ensuring ethical practices, robust governance, and financial stability. Practical steps for organisations include deploying cost-effective, incremental sustainability initiatives while ensuring their consumption of resources is aligned with regeneration rates and emission levels that the environment can manage. For individuals, economic sustainability ensures access to the resources needed to secure livelihoods and meet basic needs. The Future of Sustainability Sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity. The shift from a linear to a circular economy, along with the emergence of new technologies, is accelerating progress toward a more sustainable future. Organisations must ensure their resource consumption does not exceed regeneration rates, emissions remain within absorbable limits, and non-renewable resource use is minimised. About AXIOM – Empowering Sustainable Business AXIOM is a powerful cloud-based platform designed to help businesses monitor, analyse, and improve sustainability performance. From calculating emissions and tracking progress to managing SECR compliance and supporting sustainable procurement, AXIOM is your partner in achieving sustainability goals. Free Carbon Emissions Calculator in Collaboration To help businesses on their sustainability journey, AXIOM Sustainability Software has introduced a free carbon emissions calculator for members of Family Business United. Try it for free here

Business property relief (BPR) - and agricultural property relief (APR), together APR/BPR - were very valuable exemptions from UK inheritance tax (IHT). It was announced in Budget 2024 that BPR/APR will be reformed from 6 April 2026 and the 100% rate of relief for qualifying business and agricultural assets will be available for the first £1m of combined agricultural and business property but will be reduced to 50% thereafter. Laura Cullinane, Private Client & Tax Senior Associate at Boodle Hatfield shares her thoughts. This relief has meant that many businesses (and farms) were not taxed on death but now business owners may be considering planning opportunities such as making outright lifetime gifts to the next generation and to transfer shares into trust during lifetime. The Government announced that it would publish a technical consultation in early 2025 . Given the discussions around changes to BPR, this article comments on the impact of proposed changes to BPR on family businesses and briefly considers similar reliefs in some other jurisdictions. Background To The Budget 2024 And Proposed Changes To put Budget 2024 into context, various changes or conditions to restrict reliefs, including BPR/APR, had been considered in an OTS report and an All Party Parliamentary Group report (among others). In 2021, a report was published on how other OECD countries approach inheritance/estate tax and noted equivalent reliefs for family businesses . The effective reduction of the rate of relief announced in the Budget will mean business owners may have an IHT exposure which may not necessarily have been considered or reviewed in any detail. This will have a huge impact on family businesses, which may have otherwise relied on BPR at a rate of 100%, to pass businesses to the next generation. These businesses might have to raise sufficient liquid funds to settle the IHT charge on the death of the shareholder (and this may occur on the transition to every new generation if it is not practical to make lifetime gifts). The instalment option is often cited to assist with payment of IHT which can justify an upfront tax charge but will not necessarily soften the blow for family businesses where there is insufficient liquidity – or reserves – to pay the tax and could have an impact on cash flow and future profits of the business. How Are Other Jurisdictions Approaching The Relief? This relief is not specific to the UK and there are existing reliefs in other jurisdictions to allow for the continuation of entrepreneurship and family businesses. Like BPR/APR these reliefs have conditions to target the relief and to genuinely support business continuity particularly across different generations of the family . These include: Generally, allowing a full or partial exemption for business assets, or offering lower tax rates, preferential valuation rules and deferrals. In Germany, businesses choose between a full or partial exemption and taxpayers can choose between the two exemptions (which have slightly different conditions). Requiring the business to pass to the heirs by having minimum ownership periods and/or control requirements. It should be noted that in many other jurisdictions, tax may be paid by the heirs (and not by the estate which is the case in the United Kingdom). In countries including Belgium, Germany, Ireland and Italy, conditions include requiring heirs to hold the business for minimum ownership period following a transfer/succession event. This is similar to a condition for BPR in the UK whereby shares or the interest in the business must be held for a two-year minimum ownership period for BPR to apply. During this time, heirs continue to be involved in the business, which may constitute carrying out paid work and/or being a member of the managerial team. In Italy for example, there is an 100% exemption from inheritance and gift taxes in the case of business transfers to the spouse and/or descendants, provided that the beneficiary continues the business activity for at least five years following the transfer. Some countries have conditions as to how the business is run - requiring businesses to maintain a share of the wage bill (e.g. Germany), a number of employees or assets invested in the company. In the UK, the business must be trading for BPR to apply i.e. not wholly or mainly of holding investments. Similarly, other jurisdictions do not allow relief for investment businesses such as in Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands. The design of tax relief can affect behaviour. In the UK, the recent announcements may prompt earlier conversations about the governance of family businesses and how they may involve the next generation to ensure they have a role to play on a business transition event. If ownership of a family business is fragmented as a result of a transition event, then fragmentation of shareholdings can result in discounted valuation, which in turn can reduce values for the purpose of calculating the tax. Conclusion In light of the UK Government overhaul to BPR/APR from 6 April 2026 and the pending consultation, the reduction of the relief will mean that there is an IHT exposure that will need to be considered – and budgeted for. This will have a real impact on family business (and farming) operations which could struggle to raise liquid funds to pay an IHT charge. Considering the above, now is a good time for business owners to be looking at their businesses and forming a succession plan and to consider planning opportunities. About the Author - Laura Cullinane is a Private Client and Tax Associate at Boodle Hatfield. Find out more about the work they undertake with family businesses by visiting their website here

Here at Family Business United we are delighted to announce the launch of our second Global Family Business Think Tank Report which summarises the thoughts of over 100 leading family business owners, experts and advisers from around the world on specific topics that will help to shape family business discussions and strategies going forward including thoughts on managing nepotism in family firms, shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations and the case for the next generation gaining experience outside of the family firm. Check out the full Global Family Business Think Tank Report here Key Findings: 82% of respondents believe that nepotism still exists today 87% of respondents believe that family firms want to do business the right way 86% think that it is important for the next generation to gain external experience before joining the family business 94% of respondents feel that it is inevitable that there will be a degree of conflict within family firms Only 10% of respondents believe that family firms educate their stakeholders sufficiently about their history, heritage and purpose 94% believe that community is an integral part of the very essence of being a family business Philanthropy and community engagement are important to family businesses around the world Imposter syndrome is a real challenge for the next generation in family firms 46% of respondents no longer believe that the adage of shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations is relevant in the world of family business today. As well as the top level statistics that highlight areas that need to be on the family business agenda, we have included quotes from some of the global participants and a number of articles too. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United who published the report explains, "We hope that the report enables conversations to take place to bring the family business community together to further innovate, drive changes as a force for good and helps provide further support for families in business to continue to flourish for generations to come." "The aim of the report was to harness the collective voice of the family business community around the world and share their thoughts and comments on areas that are certainly being discussed in family business board rooms and there is certainly plenty to think about and for family firms that are looking to plan for the next stage in their journey, areas that they should, if they are not already, be considering." "This is the second of our Global Family Business Think Tank Reports and not only does it highlight key areas for family businesses to consider, it will prove useful in helping us to develop and deliver further resources, insights and thought leadership pieces to address the areas discussed and enable family businesses to continue the conversation." "We could not have compiled the report without the assistance and participation of our friends around the world and we are immensely grateful to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts with us, contributing to a document that will certainly make a difference too," concludes Paul. Find out more: These results were part of the 2024 Global Family Business Think Tank Report that was published in Autumn 2024. A copy of the final report is available to download here  and is free to Family Business United members and digital subscribers. Find out more about becoming a member of Family Business United here or take out a digital subscription to access all areas and content available on the platform including this report here Furthermore, if you would like further details about the report, wish to supply your insights for the 2025 campaign or are interested in sponsoring the next report, please do not hesitate to contact us .

Gebrüder Weiss is simplifying global supply chains for industrial and commercial companies in the Nuremberg metropolitan region. At the beginning of the year, the international transport and logistics company completed the integration of the air and sea freight forwarder B+A, which it acquired in 2023. The new Air & Sea department is now integrated into the Nuremberg branch of Gebrüder Weiss, which previously focused primarily on land transport and logistics. Importing and exporting companies in the region will now benefit from a single point of contact for their international transport needs, thereby achieving greater stability for their supply chains. Glenn Gabler, Air & Sea Branch Manager Nuremberg at Gebrüder Weiss explains: "With this step, we have developed Nuremberg into an all-round logistics location in one of the country's economically strongest metropolitan regions. An export quota of almost 50 percent shows that the goods produced here are in demand worldwide. It was therefore a logical step to combine all national and international transport services – including land transport, logistics solutions, air and sea freight – under one roof." The Nuremberg Metropolitan Region is an urban agglomeration in Bavaria that includes not only Nuremberg, but also cities such as Fürth, Erlangen, Bamberg, Bayreuth and Hof, as well as numerous rural districts in the region. In the Air & Sea sector, Gebrüder Weiss in Nuremberg specializes in weekly container crossings by ship from Asia. Groupage freight containers (LCL) loaded with goods for several consignors or consignees are shipped from Asia to Hamburg and then transported by rail to Nuremberg, where they are picked and delivered to regional companies. The same process applies in reverse. Gebrüder Weiss has been operating in Nuremberg since 2017, employing a total of around 200 people at the location. The company offers its air and sea freight services at central transhipment points throughout Germany: Hamburg, Bremen, Bremerhaven, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Munich.

Fathers and daughters will have the opportunity to strengthen their relationships and break down taboos around menstrual health, thanks to an innovative project by The Period Place. The charity is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of women and girls by addressing menstrual health, menopause, mental health, fibroids, and period poverty. Through awareness campaigns, educational workshops, and support initiatives, the organisation works to remove stigma and empower individuals to take control of their health. Their projects include period education workshops, menopause discussions, and support networks for women at various stages of life. Their latest project, Dad & Daughter Daycation, will bring together 40 fathers and their daughters for a day of bonding, education, and fun, designed to equip dads - particularly single fathers - with the knowledge and confidence to support their daughters’ menstrual health. Through interactive workshops, fathers will learn about emotional support strategies, PMS and period products, while daughters will receive guidance on puberty, menstrual health, and identifying health concerns. The day will also feature engaging activities such as outdoor games, indoor workshops, and a ‘Dad & Daughter Dance’ to strengthen emotional connections and create lasting memories. This project has been made possible through a £1,100 donation from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust. The funding will cover essential costs, including venue hire, facilitators, and activity expenses, ensuring that all participants can benefit from a safe and supportive learning environment. Florence Igboayaka, CEO of The Period Place, said: "Funding for our Dad & Daughter Daycation will enable us to create a memorable and impactful experience for 40 dads and daughters. By covering the costs of venue hire, qualified facilitators, and interactive outdoor activities, this support ensures we can strengthen family bonds, promote positive menstrual and mental health, and create lasting memories in a safe and supportive environment, bringing families closer together and making a real difference in their lives." By empowering fathers with the knowledge to support their daughters, The Period Place is fostering a culture of openness and understanding, helping to break down menstrual stigma and promote positive family relationships. Jennifer Miller, National Sales Manager at Allied Vehicles and a member of the Charitable Trust committee, added: "This excellent project will create a space where fathers can connect with their daughters in a meaningful way, learn about their needs and how to properly support them. We’re delighted that by funding The Period Place’s Dad & Daughter Daycation we’re helping families foster stronger bonds and build open, healthy conversations around menstrual health."