A prominent Lake District spa resort has completed a £457,000 expansion project to upgrade its facilities and enhance its luxury offer. Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, which recently became the first in the North West to attain the Good Spa Guide’s highest ‘Five Bubble Luxury’ rating, has expanded its spa with the addition of industry leading outdoor amenities, plus the creation of 10 new jobs. Guests at The Spa at Low Wood Bay now benefit from a host of upgraded facilities, including a new outdoor extension, the Upper Deck, featuring an 18 metre infinity relaxation pool, private seating, fire pits and loungers. Designed in conjunction with Mason Gillibrand Architects and Unique Pool Design and Construction, guests can enjoy first class outdoor spa facilities as well as the stunning views across Windermere whilst sipping cocktails served from the open air bar. The core aim of the investment project has been to provide more space for guests and to improve the overall 5-star luxury spa experience. The new jobs created as a result of the spa expansion project means the venue’s spa team now consists of 45 employees. A key challenge during the development work was the ability to build the additional outdoor pool and seating areas unobtrusively whilst guests continued to enjoy the existing facilities. English Lakes Hotels Group Operations Director Michael Kay says: "Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa has always benefited from the backdrop of its spectacular scenery across Windermere and the Langdale Pikes. We wanted to make the most of this with the addition of the infinity pool and the extension of our outdoor spa offering." “Our aim is for our guests to be able to immerse themselves in the great outdoors of the Lake District whilst relaxing in the warmth and comfort of high luxury spa facilities." “We’ve also recently launched our outdoor thermal spa experience events. These feature our ‘Sunset sessions’ with an Ibiza style DJ, or the more sedate ‘Spa and Strings’ with the accompaniment of the Lakeland String Quartet, both of which are proving popular." “We’re excited about our plans for 2025 as we look for more opportunities to continue creating amazing experiences for our guests.” For further information about Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, visit their website here

Simon Spinks, Chairman of Leeds-based luxury mattress and bed manufacturer Harrison Spinks has been awarded an OBE in this year’s list in recognition of his contribution to the mattress and bed industry, dedicating a 35+ year career to creating sustainable, quality sleep for all. 20 years ago, concerned with the environmental impact of mattress manufacturing, Simon focussed on ways to replace glues and foams that make mattresses almost impossible to recycle, meaning millions end in landfill each year. He created the finest wire gauge pocket springs available globally, reducing steel mass by up to 80% compared to traditional springs. To date Simon holds 100 patents globally relating mainly to innovations in pocket spring and equipment design, delivering material and energy efficiencies of ~60% compared to traditional manufacturing methods. Simon also invented the Microcoil, using his fine wire to create a small, glue-free pocket spring that sits at the top of the mattress. His innovative thinking has enabled other manufacturers to copy his ideas, again reducing reliance on foams globally, creating a new category within the mattress market. In 2008, Simon acquired a farm to grow his own natural, sustainable and biodegradable mattress fillings. Harrison Spinks is now one of the UK’s largest growers of industrial hemp, which is carbon negative with zero waste. It also offsets company Scope 1 & 2 emissions. As well as other responsibly sourced materials such as recycled cashmere, wool from his mattresses feature Traceable British Wool which was another industry first. The company also weaves its own luxury mattress tick which, due to its high wool content, is naturally fire retardant, meaning no FR chemical treatments are used in their mattress production. His personal drive and vision deliver real growth within a socio-economically diverse area of West Yorkshire, growing the family business from c50 employees to over 650, across three businesses. Simon said: “To receive the award was a total surprise and an absolute honour." "I have been very fortunate to have a career in an industry that I truly love and where I have been able to combine a number of passions including, luxury sustainable sleep and innovation in engineering." "It could not have been possible without the support and contributions of my family, colleagues and peers past and present. I am thrilled and delighted." Simon was twice National Bed Federation President and is current Chair of their Sustainability Forum and under his guidance, the business has been awarded 8 Queen’s/King’s Awards for Enterprise, currently holding awards in Innovation, Sustainability and International Trade.

CEO of Regal Food Products Group Plc, Younis Chaudhry has been recognised in the New Year Honours List with an MBE for his services to business and to the community of Bradford. For over twenty years Younis Chaudhry has excelled in British business and international trade, all whilst giving back at every opportunity to the Bradford community and beyond. Starting life from very humble beginnings, Younis has not only built one of the UK’s most successful food groups, Regal Food Products Group plc (home of Regal Bakery, Regal Foods, Yorkshire Baking Company, Just Desserts Yorkshire and Love Handmade Cakes), but has become one of the most exciting and well-respected entrepreneurs. Younis continues to contribute positively to the UK economy, is a tremendous ambassador for the value of export, and ‘gives back’ at every opportunity. From supporting community sporting clubs, feeding those in need in his local community, to working with charities overseas, Younis is making a difference to the people around him. Younis was recently recognised as one of The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2024, in partnership with The Times. Younis Chaudhry MBE comments: “When I started in business over twenty years ago, nothing would have prepared me for the journey I have been on, both in business and in life. The community in where I live and where I have built my business is everything to me and I am humbled to be a part of it.” “Whilst I feel it is my duty to give back, I feel truly honoured to have received such recognition. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for my family, I would personally like to thank my parents for their prayers and blessings and for the guidance they have given me in life. A heartfelt thanks also goes to my wife, children, and brothers for the support they continue to give.” “I am honoured to work with around 300 people who make up my brilliant team at Regal Food Products Group, I thank each and every one of them for joining me in my Regal journey and for working with me in building the great food group you see today.” “And finally, my dear friends, friends who have stayed by my side throughout my journey both on a personal and professional level.” Shahid Afridi, Chairman of Shahid Afridi Foundation comments: “Younis is kind, generous and down-to-earth (despite his success), his generosity to the Shahid Afridi Foundation is so vital in helping disadvantaged communities access amenities that we take for granted in the western world. It is because of individuals such as Younis, these people are provided with hope. He has a wonderful humanitarian spirit, and we are extremely grateful to him for his continuing benevolence.” The Rt. Hon. Baroness Warsi comments: “Younis demonstrated that the process of building and developing a viable commercial enterprise can be done with hard work and determination. He has become a role model to so many other business leaders.” “Younis is a renowned philanthropist and well-known across Bradford and Yorkshire. And when it comes to ‘giving back’, he is everywhere!" "From supporting cricket clubs and youth teams in the local community, to funding clean water projects in developing countries, Younis can be found, supporting quietly without fanfare.”

The UK’s largest, independently owned, furniture retailer, Furniture Village, opened its first ever Scottish store in Edinburgh’s Straiton Retail Park on Friday 20th December. Furniture Village currently has 56 stores throughout England, with the new Scottish store taking its portfolio to a total of 57. The Edinburgh opening is the family-run retailer’s first venture into Scotland, with further Scottish stores planned to follow in 2025. The new store will offer customers a total of 25,780 sq ft of home inspiration set across two thoughtfully styled floors. The ground floor is a total of 13,670 sq ft with a mezzanine level of 12,110 sq ft. Customers will be able to shop for furniture and accessories for every room of the house, from sofas and chairs, to beds, dining tables, storage and lighting – everything you need to make a house a home. Additionally, the store will offer creative home inspiration, Furniture Village’s latest collections and an unrivalled customer shopping experience. Charlie Harrison, Managing Director at Furniture Village, said: “We are absolutely delighted to open the doors to our newest store and our first ever in Scotland. Straiton Retail Park is a popular shopping destination for furniture and homeware in Edinburgh and so it was the perfect choice for Furniture Village’s first store in Scotland. We are thrilled to introduce our beautiful and unique furniture and accessories for every room in the home, to Scottish customers for the very first time." “This is an incredible milestone and achievement for the business and has been many months in the making. With several more Scottish stores in the pipeline for 2025, we are excited to continue our geographic expansion and bring our fantastic furniture and accessories to even more customers throughout the UK.” Featuring dedicated spaces from leading brands such as Tempur, Duresta, G Plan, Harrison Spinks and Hypnos, along with exclusive collections, innovative products, such as Smart Sofas, quick delivery lines and a lowest price guarantee. The new retail space promises to inspire and delight customers with expert advice from the knowledgeable and friendly team. The family-run business was awarded ‘Retailer of the Year’ in the 2024 Ideal Home awards, and named 'Retail Family Business of the Year at the 2024 Family Business United National Family Business Awards. At the Best Companies Awards 2024, it was recognised as a ‘world class business to work for’ and has a Trustpilot rating of 5 stars. The new Edinburgh store will open on Friday 20th December at 9am. Opening offers include sale prices storewide and £50 off every £500 spent until 19th February. There will also be a competition to win £1000 to spend at the local store and complimentary coffee and freshly baked cookies will be served. Straiton Retail Park is located just to the south of Edinburgh city centre with easy access from the Edinburgh Bypass and has free parking. Furniture Village is planning to open several new stores in Scotland in 2025, with further details to be announced imminently.

St Austell Brewery has released its first impact report demonstrating the family-owned business’ commitment to sustainability and its efforts to have a positive impact on people and the planet. The report includes some ambitious targets, including the goal to reach net zero by 2040. With more than 160 pubs across the South West, two breweries, a drinks wholesale business and six distribution centres, St Austell Brewery is one of the region's largest businesses. Sustainability has long been at the heart of St Austell Brewery’s mission. Since 2002, the company has partnered with Cornish farmers to source local barley, continuing to reduce food miles by building a strong South West supply chain and supporting local businesses, as well as backing good causes through its Charitable Trust. The impact report, which highlights the company’s sustainability efforts over the past three years, details initiatives aimed at tackling its carbon footprint. These include reducing emissions from the drays which transport beer across the country by updating the lorries to Euro 6 engines, and its partnership with a food waste platform to redistribute leftover food from managed pubs to local communities. St Austell Brewery’s Chief Executive, Kevin Georgel, said: “Our priority is to build a company that will continue thriving for generations to come. This means investing in resilient, regenerative practices that not only support our operations, but also create lasting, positive impacts for our people, the places we cherish and operate in, and through our important local communities." “We are a very proud regional employer and, as one of the largest private-sector companies in the South West, we recognise the significant role our people have in our ambition, but also the scale of our responsibility. From equality, diversity and inclusion to leadership and development training, we are continuing to invest in a number of people initiatives across the business to establish ourselves as a leading employer in the South West.” Kevin added: “Whilst we are making progress in many areas, from investing in renewable energy and advanced water treatment technologies to reducing waste, we outline future focus areas in the impact report. Our ambitious roadmap will help us eliminate the largest sources of carbon emissions and reach our net zero goal by 2040. We are also strengthening our supply chains, working closely with food suppliers and barley farmers to promote nature-first farming.” A focus for St Austell Brewery going forward is investing in regeneration projects. In 2023, the company’s iconic Pier House pub in Charlestown reopened after a devastating fire the previous year. The refurbishment marked the business's first circular economy pub refurbishment project. Working with the University of Exeter, the company reused, recycled, and donated materials to minimise waste and restore the building with as little environmental impact as possible. This model will serve as the blueprint for future St Austell Brewery pub refurbishments. In recent years, St Austell Brewery has made other sustainable changes, including switching to a 100% renewable CO2 supply at both of its production sites. The business also continues to reduce water consumption in its brewing process. Since 2022, both breweries – St Austell and Hare – have sent 3,433 tonnes of spent grain from brewing back to local farmers for use as high-protein, high-fibre animal feed. Yeast produced during the beer fermentation process is also reused by local farmers as natural fertiliser. In addition, the business has invested in a new state-of-the-art canning line at Hare Brewery, its second brewing site in Warmley, near Bristol, helping to reduce plastic packaging and overall production waste. In late 2023, the business partnered with the local sharing app Olio, which helps reduce food waste by redistributing surplus food from a selection of its pubs to nearby residents. As of October 2024, 1,504 food items had been diverted from waste and shared with the community. To further its renewable energy focus, the company has already installed solar panels at Hare Brewery in Bath, St Austell Brewery, and its Central Distribution Centre (CDC) in St Columb. As a result of these ongoing efforts, the business was shortlisted for Best Sustainability Pub Company at the 2024 Publican Awards. Other key focus areas for the company going forward include rolling out EV charging points across its entire pub estate by 2028, with plans to install at least 400 additional chargers to improve EV accessibility across the rural South West. The company also plans to expand its solar energy initiatives by adding more solar panels at its St Austell and Hare Brewery sites. Emily Coon, St Austell Brewery’s Sustainability Manager, said: “Sustainability has always been a core part of our business. We work closely with the natural world and prioritise locality and seasonality in everything we do, from sourcing barley from local farmers for our beers to curating a menu that showcases South West produce and suppliers." “Now, we are formalising our sustainability strategy to provide a solid foundation for it to thrive. This includes focusing more on reporting and improving our data collection. We’re committed to expanding the data we capture and improving transparency in our decision-making.” To further enhance its sustainability efforts, the business will soon be installing steam and electricity submeters, which will help identify energy-saving opportunities across the business.

James Cordiner & Son Limited is honoured to have been awarded a Royal Warrant for goods supplied to His Majesty The King. Royal Warrants are a highly prized mark of recognition for individuals or companies who have supplied goods or services for at least five years to one of the Royal Households. It entitles that company to use the Royal Coat of Arms on its products, packaging, stationery, vehicles and premises. Cordiners held a royal warrant for goods supplied to the late Queen for many years and with this new warrant they look forward to continuing their close working relationship with the Royal Household. Cordiners is a Timber and Builders merchant with a wide range of home improvement and building products from construction timber to kitchens and bathrooms. It operates from a site on Sinclair Road, beside Aberdeen harbour. The showroom and trade counter are open to both the public and trade customers. The King, then the Duke of Rothesay, visited Cordiners in September 2021 to mark the 150th anniversary of the company and spent time talking to staff and touring the site. As a 5th generation family owned and run business, Cordiners is one of the oldest family businesses in Scotland and continues to strive for quality and sustainability. Cordiners is privileged to be among many household names and famous brands which hold a Royal Warrant such as Fortnum and Mason, Burberry, Walkers Shortbread and Johnstons of Elgin. Stuart J A Cordiner – Managing Director James Cordiner & Son Limited said “I was thrilled to be informed by the Office of the Lord Chamberlain this week that our family owned and run company had the considerable honour of being granted a royal warrant for goods supplied to His Majesty The King."

Charities in North Staffordshire have Christmas all wrapped for local children – thanks to a helping hand from JCB employees and Olympian Adam Burgess. Employees at plants in Rocester, Uttoxeter, Cheadle and Foston donated gifts in record numbers to the 2024 company’s JCB Christmas Toy Appeal – with the final total exceeding 1,700 presents. Now the gifts have been handed over to the NSPCC and the Stoke-on-Trent based Hubb Foundation – and the first batch have been wrapped and delivered to the Co-op Academy Glebe in Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent. JCB-sponsored athlete Adam Burgess, who won a silver medal in Paris in the summer, and fellow Stafford and Stone Canoe Club member Harry Kirby, 17, gave a helping hand with the wrapping before delivering the first gifts to the excited school pupils. Adam said: “It's brilliant to be involved with the JCB Christmas Toy Appeal again. It was a really rewarding experience last year, especially seeing the kids' faces light up as they opened their gifts. I had a great childhood and always had presents at Christmas, so it's really great to be a part of this, which gives something back in our local area.” Hubb Foundation School Relationship Manager Tana Owen said: “It's incredible to have more than 1,700 presents - there are going to be so many happy children in Stoke-on-Trent when we get these delivered. I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone at JCB for these gifts.” Harry Kirby added: “As a youngster I always had presents to open at Christmas so it’s s great to be involved with the JCB Christmas Toy Appeal which is helping children who aren’t quite as fortunate as I was as a child.” Co-op Academy Glebe Head of School Kirsty Suleman said: “We're really privileged to have had this donation towards our school and it was absolutely wonderful to see the children’s faces when they opened the presents." "We've worked in partnership with the Hubb Foundation and JCB for many years and we really are so thankful for the support.”

Taking place in London on March 19, our flagship family business event brings the UK family business sector together to celebrate the significant contribution that family firms make in terms of employment, income generation and wealth creation. This inspirational event brings the family business community together sharing insights on all manner of topics to help others achieve their family business goals. Book your seat for what is always a day packed with learning with plenty of opportunities to make new connections during the networking sessions. Speakers for the event in March include representatives from a number of multi-generational family firms who will share their insights, knowledge and wisdom to help others undertaking the same journey or facing similar challenges to those that they themselves have faced. Our speakers include: Simon Brewer, CEO, Brewers Decorator Centres Sarah Bianchi, CEO, Arighi Bianchi Paul Bence, Managing Director, George Bence & Sons Helen Tonks MBE, Co-Founder & Director, Hydraulics Online Bertie Matthews, CEO, Matthews Cotswold Flour Tim Croxson, CEO, Croxsons Mairi Mickel, Shareholder, Mactaggart & Mickel Michelle Taft, The Matthew Good Foundation Kedge Martin, KM Advisory Sian Steele, Sian Steele Consulting As well as keynote speakers we have a number of workshops and panel discussions throughout the day and a number of exhibition stands throughout the venue to visit during the breaks. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, organisers of the event explains: "All to often I hear from family business leaders that it is lonely at the top and they feel in a unique situation dealing with a challenge around topics such as succession, legacy, employing family members and governance. We created this flagship conference back in 2012 to bring like-minded family businesses together to share their perspectives, network and meet peers that readily deal with all manner of unique challenges associated with being a family business today." "The day is always inspirational, packed with learnings and the speakers are honest and authentic when they tell their own story. The atmosphere in the room is energised and palpable and the feedback from those attending exceptional." Book your tickets to join us for The Great British Family Business Conference taking place at The Royal Geographical Society in South Kensington, London today.

Children from disadvantaged households in North Glasgow will wake up to a Christmas gift this year, thanks to the efforts of Allied Vehicles and its staff. Presents numbering almost 600 were delivered to the Possilpark Mansion Street North Glasgow Social Work office, ensuring festive cheer reaches families in need. This year, Allied staff contributed over 150 gifts, with donations coming from every part of the business. To meet the pledge of nearly 600 presents, the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust provided the remaining 441 gifts, ensuring no child in the area would be left out. In addition to their generosity, Allied staff volunteered their time to help sort, pack, and transport the gifts. Their hands-on involvement added a personal touch to this year’s donation, highlighting the company’s commitment to supporting the local community where its founder, Gerry Facenna, grew up and started Allied Vehicles. Steven Frize, Yard and Valet Coordinator at Allied was one of many staff who pitched in on the day, and said: "The feeling of packing the gifts, helping load the van and then dropping those gifts off at the social work was amazing. I feel like I've done something really positive today for the community". Gerry Facenna, founder and owner of Allied Vehicles Group, said: “The Directors and I are immensely proud of the generosity and community spirit shown by staff at Allied. Christmas is a time for giving, and it’s heartening to see so many of our people come together to make a difference for children in this community." This is the seventh year Allied has partnered with Glasgow Spirit of Christmas, pledging gifts to children who might otherwise receive nothing. Karen Russell, Team Leader at the Possilpark Mansion Street North Glasgow Social Work thanked Allied staff, saying: “We are so grateful for the amazing generosity of Allied Vehicles every year. Our families are so grateful for all the gifts and the difference it makes at what can be a difficult time of year. We are so appreciative of the kindness and thoughtfulness of all the staff. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Following the donation of gifts to Spirit of Christmas, Allied also partnered with local housing group ng Homes and the Possilpark Business Improvement District to provide the lights and Christmas tree in the area’s Saracen Street.

Business confidence among Britain’s manufacturers has dipped at the sharpest rate since the pandemic due to rocketing costs according to a major survey published today by Make UK and business advisory firm BDO.– Make UK/BDO survey Key Findings: Output returns to levels of a year ago Domestic market remains weak compared to exports Recruitment and investment activity stable Make Work Pay reforms to result in big cost increases Manufacturing forecast to contract in 2024, 0.7% growth in 2025 The Make UK/BDO Manufacturing Outlook Q4 survey shows that while output and orders remain positive, with recruitment and investment intentions stable, the mood among companies has darkened markedly since the last survey when almost six in ten companies (58%) saw a brighter economic outlook under a new Government. Furthermore, the sharp fall in business confidence among manufacturers contrasts with the Q3 survey when, bar the immediate post covid recovery, it reached its highest level in a decade. According to the latest survey, almost three quarters (70%) of manufacturers have seen their costs increase by up to a fifth in the last year, while almost one in ten (8%) had seen their costs increase by up to a half. In particular, the survey shows almost nine in ten companies (86%) will see their business costs increase specifically as a result of the new employment reforms, with almost half of companies (44%) saying the increase will be ‘significant’. With the Budget set to add substantial extra business costs, in particular the changes to National Insurance Contributions, Make UK has cut its growth forecasts with manufacturing contracting by -0.2% this year and growing by just 0.7% in 2025. In response, Make UK is urging the Government to look at measures which might help alleviate the impact of rising costs, in particular reforms to business rates and current incentives to decarbonise. Commenting, Fhaheen Khan, Senior Economist at Make UK, said: “Having faced a cost creep for most of the year, manufacturers are now facing a cost crisis which has brought a sharp dip in their confidence. While overall conditions had begun to gradually improve during the year, the Budget has brought this to a shuddering halt, with the substantial increase in National Insurance Contributions potentially the straw that might break the camel’s back for some. There is now an urgent need for Government to look at other measures which might mitigate the impact of the rocketing costs that businesses are now facing.” Richard Austin, Head of Manufacturing at BDO, added: “While manufacturers have welcomed the Government’s Industrial Strategy green paper, optimism across the sector is declining, driven by increased input costs, the implications of the latest budget on employment costs and lacklustre domestic demand." "An overlay of a turbulent geo-political landscape and talk of potential tariffs adds to future uncertainty in the short to medium term. Increasing investment in improving productivity is vital now more than ever to maintain stability and offer opportunities for growth in the sector.” According to the survey, the balance on output rose to +20% from -2% in the last quarter, with total orders following a similar pattern, up to +16% from +7% in Q3. Export orders (+10%) exceeded UK orders (0%) but, the pattern since the pandemic when UK orders have consistently exceeded export orders is forecast to resume in the next quarter at +8% and +7% respectively. Having gone negative for the first time in four quarters in Q3, recruitment intentions turned positive at +8%, with investment intentions remaining stable at +10%. Make UK is forecasting that manufacturing will contract by -0.2% in 2024, down from a forecast of +0.5% in the last quarter, before growing by 0.7% in 2025. GDP is forecast to grow by 0.7% in 2024 and 1.4% in 2025. The survey of 303 companies was carried out between 28 October and 27 November.

Family-run farm shop thrives with a spectacular first month in Winchester, welcoming more than 7,000 customers Independent business Westlands Farm Shop has had an incredible first month on Winchester High Street with estimated total customers exceeding 7,000. In its first month of business, the shop has firmly established itself as a destination for high-quality, locally-sourced produce in Winchester, selling: Over 500 loaves of fresh sourdough Over 400 boxes of Vale Farm Eggs Over 300 steaks from the butchery counter Over 300 bottles of Cross Valley Milk Over 100 bottles of local ale Westlands Farm Shop has been a hive of activity since Mayor Russell Gordon-Smith cut the ribbon and declared the shop officially open on 8th November. Located at 154 Winchester High Street, the new shop and butchery brings a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables, premium meats, and artisanal goods, all designed to connect city shoppers with the finest Hampshire produce. This marks the second location for the family-run business, which has been operating from its original farm shop in the Meon Valley since 2001. The opening of the Winchester shop also included hiring a new team, following over 450 job applications for various roles, ensuring the store is fully staffed. Farm Owner Graham Collett said: “The response has been nothing short of incredible. Winchester has shown so much enthusiasm for what we bring to the High Street, and it’s been a joy to welcome so many new faces into our store. We’re grateful for the support and are delighted to provide the city with a truly local shopping experience." “The team and I are excited for what’s to come as we continue to grow in this fantastic city.” Christmas pre-orders are now open at the Winchester store, offering a range of locally sourced meats and festive essentials.

If you’re looking for a festive tipple with a twist this Christmas, why not try Shepherd Neame’s Neame Noël? Simply combine the Faversham-based brewer and pub company’s award-winning Grants Morella Cherry Brandy with a Kentish sparkling wine of your choice, and top with a cocktail cherry for the perfect serve. It is the perfect time to enjoy the delicious drink, as this year marks the 250th anniversary of Grants Morella Cherry Brandy. First created by Grants Distillery in 1774 in Dover, it remained a family-owned Kent business until the 1960s when production ceased, but in 1990 Shepherd Neame acquired the brand and revived it. It was granted a Royal Warrant by His Majesty King Charles III, in his former role as the Prince of Wales, in 1998. The liqueur is made with 100 per cent English cherries and blended with pure English grain spirit to produce a warming and delicious liqueur, perfect for this sparkling winter cocktail. The Neame Noël recipe was created by Shepherd Neame’s late former president, Robert ‘Bobby’ Neame. His daughter Moray Neame, Shepherd Neame’s Wines and Spirits Development Manager, said: “Grants Morella Cherry Brandy mixed with sparkling wine was always a favourite of my father, brought out for everyone to enjoy at family celebrations. He would be incredibly pleased to know that we are now sharing the recipe so more people can enjoy it. It is even more special now that we have so many fantastic locally produced Kentish sparkling wines to incorporate in the cocktail.” "The delicious drink has been passed down the generations of the Neame family, who continue to raise a Neame Noël to Bobby every Christmas Day." Moray added: “Our Neame Noël is not only a fantastic celebration of the fantastic produce available in our Kentish heartland, but also the perfect winter-warming choice for this Christmas, and we hope our customers will enjoy it.”