A Gloucestershire travel company has added ten new coaches to its fleet following £3.9m of funding from Lombard. Bennetts Coaches, one of Gloucestershire’s leading coach operators, has significantly enhanced the sustainability of its operations by acquiring the energy-efficient, lower-emission coach models. This move aligns with the company's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and supporting greener travel options. The new coaches are the latest Euro 6 engine models, meaning they have better fuel efficiency than the eight-year-old models they replaced. They are also customised to meet National Express requirements, featuring luxury amenities such as leather seats, charging ports, air conditioning, heating, and TVs. The business provides coaches for school transport as well as private hire for school trips, weddings, days out and corporate events. It is National Express’s chosen provider of coaches for the Heathrow Airport route—a crucial contract that has driven the need for more modern, environmentally friendly coaches. The business regularly works with the local men’s and women’s rugby teams, and has previously seen high-profile contracts for major US presidential visits, including a visit from Donald Trump in 2018. Lombard supported the business through deals worth a combined £3.9m to fund the new coaches. Gavin Bennett, Managing Director of Bennetts Coaches said: “We are incredibly grateful to Lombard for the funding towards our new coaches and for helping us to fulfil our biggest contract with National Express. Making our fleet greener was a key deliverable for us, so to have Lombard’s support was essential." “This marks a significant step forward for Bennetts Coaches, reinforcing our position as a leader in sustainable transport solutions in Gloucestershire, while continuing to serve our wide-ranging customer base.” Jason Holness, Senior Relationship Manager at Lombard said: “It’s been great to support Bennetts Coaches to become a greener business through the introduction of these new energy-efficient coaches. Lombard’s funding is helping the business to thrive as well as improving its sustainability. Who knows what big names the business will have on its brand new coaches!” Lombard is the UK’s largest asset finance provider. The company has been supporting businesses for over 160 years; whether investing in vehicles, equipment or cutting-edge technology, Lombard's business finance solutions give businesses the tools to help them grow and thrive. Part of the NatWest Group, Lombard has been funding renewable energy projects since 2010. It has a dedicated team providing specialist funding support for businesses looking to invest in renewable energy projects. Please contact sustainability@lombard.co.uk to learn more about the funding support available.

An ornate piece of artwork created by a world-renowned sculptor has found a new home in the grounds of a spa hotel on the shores of Windermere. The hand carved statue ‘Mr Valiant for Truth’, originally sculpted from French Limestone by Josefina De Vasconcellos, has been acquired by English Lakes Hotels and relocated to the gardens at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa. The sculpture had previously been in situ at Lakeside YMCA for the past 30 years. In a bid to find a new site for its installation, the statue has been secured by the hotel group to ensure it remains in the Lake District. The catalyst behind the sculpture’s move is Josefina’s protégé, Cumbrian sculptor Shawn Williamson. Mr Valiant for Truth was completed in 1983 while Mr Willamson was working with De Vasconcellos. The jaded white limestone sculpture had originally been earmarked as a memorial carving for Josefina’s late husband, the painter Delmar Banner. Josefina had started the unfinished figure, over six feet high, at her studio in Little Langdale. She had ceased to work on it around 1970 but a new plan was hatched for its completion and location when Mr Williamson started working with her a decade or so later. Shawn Williamson explains: “When Mr Valiant for Truth was moved to Lakeside in 1985, I was working for Josefina as an assistant sculptor. The plan was to hoist it up by crane and set it out over Windermere to realise her husband’s vision of the man that looked over the burning lake in John Bunyan’s book ‘Pilgrim’s Progress’. “I feel privileged to have helped carry out some of the work on the statue under her direction at the time. It’s an incredible piece of art and I was just so pleased to be learning from her and working with hand tools in the traditional way. She has been a huge influence on my work.” Having first moved to the Lake District during the second world war, Josefina’s strong connections with Cumbria have been a feature of her historic works. One of her last stone carvings, Escape To Light, is located on the coast at Haverigg. And her war memorial carving called ‘The Hand’ is at St Bees' School. She lived much of her later life in the Langdale valley and Ambleside. English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues executive chairman Simon Berry explains: When we discovered that the search was on for a new installation site for Mr Valiant for Truth, we were determined to keep it here in the Lake District and give it a new home where it will be open to view for hotel guests and visitors to Low Wood Bay." “My Late father was a close friend of Josefina and I know he would be very pleased that this important work has now found this new home.” Josefina De Vasconcellos (1904-2005) first learned to carve at a stonemason’s yard in Manchester before winning a scholarship to London’s Royal Academy of Arts. She later studied in Paris under Antoine Bourdelle and also under the tutelage of Guido Calori and Libero Andreotti in Florence. Her sculpture works have featured all over the world, including at the Royal Academy, St Paul's Cathedral and the Paris Salon. Her most internationally famous sculpture, Reconciliation, originally installed at Coventry Cathedral, has seen subsequent versions established in Hiroshima’s Peace Park, at the Reichstag, Berlin, and on the Stormont Estate in Belfast. She was awarded an MBE in 1985. Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa is becoming a hub for local heritage, arts and culture around Windermere. As well as the new sculpture installation, other features include an ornate Victorian limestone rockery, the hotel’s Art in the Atrium display series and a print trail featuring a host of British artists. Photo: Simon Berry (left) from English Lakes Hotels and Shawn Williamson with the sculpture Mr Valiant for Truth at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa.

Good Travel Management (GTM) and CT Travel Group (CTTG) have joined forces to establish a new £85m turnover travel group. This strategic move, backed by the now majority investor in both businesses, the John Good Group, has been completed to accelerate each business' aggressive growth plans in the Business Travel, Incentive, Groups & Events, Trade Missions and Leisure Travel markets. GTM, already a John Good Group business, acquired Wexas’ corporate travel business in 2023, has set out to be the partner of choice for business travellers who want to deal with a traveller-focused partner. CTTG brands, CT Business Travel, CT Groups Conferences & Incentives, CT Trade Missions and Pettitts Travel, have ambitious plans to continue growth in both the corporate and leisure travel markets. The recent investment in several key appointments has demonstrated its ongoing commitment to growth. Mark Kempster, founder of CT Travel Group, commented, "I am delighted that we are joining with Good Travel Management. We see a great opportunity to grow our combined position in the market and share values around our people." "GTM has a long-standing reputation within the industry. It has been operating in travel since the late 1800s and is known for its client-focused service. " "It has been an amazing journey since I founded CTTG in 1988, to the proud position we find ourselves in today. That journey has been enhanced by the support of my business partners Tom Kempster, Clare Collins and David Bevan all of whom have played a key role in the success of CTTG. I’m pleased to say that Tom and Clare will be joining me as shareholders, alongside the John Good Group, in this new combined travel business." "Over the last 37 years, I have had many experiences and made many friends within the industry, and I am now excited to continue that journey with the team at Good Travel Management and the John Good Group. We will be stronger together.” Combining GTM and CTTG creates a comprehensive global offering for existing and prospective clients seeking genuine, service-focused travel expertise. This will accelerate growth opportunities, expand the range of services available to clients, and combine expertise in tech, service, and industry knowledge. Clare Collins, COO of CTTG, emphasised the benefits of the aligned growth ambition and what the wider team’s capacity and capability can bring to its customers, "The alignment of like-minded ambition combined with our passion for growth on a global scale makes this the perfect DNA to take the merged businesses to the next level." "Our teams of talented and loyal people, along with our robust supplier relationships, will continue to provide rich content, innovation and competitive pricing." "We value our clients and promise to maintain and enhance our personable approach; this will not be waived. The combined travel group have established physical office locations in London, Kent and Yorkshire, allowing us to attract the best talent in the industry to our already passionate and talented team. We will continue to invest in our remote and hybrid teams, allowing them to thrive and this is something we are looking to enhance as we move forward with GTM.” As the integration process unfolds, the merged entity will focus on leveraging the strengths of both organisations to deliver unparalleled service to clients. Adam Walsh, CEO of John Good Group, shared his thoughts: “I’m delighted to have completed this deal to bring these two brilliant organisations together within the John Good Group. We are so well aligned in terms of growth ambition and outlook. It’s in both businesses’ DNA to deliver the best possible service to travellers." "Mark, Tom, Clare, Dave and the rest of the CTTG team have been on an impressive journey over the last 37 years in building the group of businesses we see today, and they should be congratulated for their successes. It’s a real credit to their dedication, entrepreneurial spirit and can-do attitude, and these characteristics resonate strongly with us." "Our business has been in the travel industry for more than a century, and this is another historic moment in its development. We want to be the travel company of choice for businesses and consumers." "We’re very focused on growing domestically and abroad and are committed to delivering an experience for clients where they feel the quality of our service. We’re not stopping here.” This reinforces the three pillars at the core of GTM's philosophy: People, Planet, and Performance. As a travel management company that delivers purpose with profit, the new entity is committed to creating a positive social impact for internal and external stakeholders. The company will maintain its planet-first approach, operating operationally carbon neutrally, with Business Travel, Incentive, Groups & Events, Trade Missions and Leisure Travel management teams trained in sustainability to advise clients on best practices for environmentally conscious business and leisure travel. This deal aims to set a new standard for travel businesses by uniting two respected names in the industry. It promises a future of innovation, sustainability, and exceptional service in the travel sector.

It is fair to say that family businesses, which are rightly described as the backbone of our economy, have not fared well in Rachel Reeves’ first Budget as Chancellor. Such businesses seem to have taken a disproportionate brunt of the burden and there is genuine concern that, in long term, these changes will have an impact on the survival of multi-generational family businesses. For context, the statistics from the IFB Research Foundation Report prepared by Oxford Economics in 2021, tell us that there are 5.3m family businesses in the UK and between the top 100 of these, turnover exceeds £138m. These businesses are said to employ 14.2m people and pay more than £200bn in tax each year. And yet, it seems that this contribution is not enough for our Chancellor! The headlines from the budget that will have a direct impact on family businesses on a day-to-day basis are that from April 2025: Employers NI contributions will increase from 13.8% to 15% and the threshold from when contributions become payable will reduce from £9,100 to £5,000. The National Living Wage will increase by 6.7% to £12.21 an hour (with increases for those under 20 as well). These increases are going to hit businesses hard when they follow the cost-of-living crisis, the inflationary wage pressure faced over the last few years and not forgetting the increase in corporation tax in 2023 from 19% to 25%. If this wasn’t all bad enough, the Chancellor is making changes to Business Asset Disposal Relief (already capped at a lifetime limit of £1m by the previous government), which effectively phases it out over the next couple of years. Rates are rising from 10% to 14% and then 18%. The big punch, though, comes from the restriction on the availability of inheritance tax relief. From April 2026, qualifying business and agricultural assets worth more than £1m will no longer attract 100% relief from inheritance tax. They will subject to a charge to IHT at a reduced rate of 20%. This includes AIM listed shares (but these do not benefit from the £1m tax free allowance). Introducing a 20% IHT charge to business owners (and farmers) is extremely punitive and likely to be damaging to the longevity of family businesses. Business Relief was introduced in the 1976 Finance Act to ensure that family businesses could survive as trading entities following a death, without having to be sold or broken up to pay IHT. And yet we are now facing a landscape where that is going to be unavoidable for some. Extracting money from a business to pay the IHT bill on the death of an owner will have its own tax implications or in the alternative, the deceased person’s estate will have to take the burden and meet the liability. And if you are reading this and struggling to feel sorry for the business owner and their family, what about the people they employ? All my business owner clients feel the responsibility they have to their employees, who in most cases are viewed as extended family. If these businesses can’t survive the increased tax burden on them on a day-to-day basis and then on the death or an owner, the implications will be further reaching that I think the Chancellor has considered. We will be keeping a close eye out for further detail as it emerges – and in the absence of any anti-forestalling measures, our advice to business owners is to take advice on the available planning opportunities pre April 2026 which might safeguard the family business for the longer term.

Well loved Robinsons pub, The Crown, Heaton Mersey, receives a blue plaque on behalf of Juan Illingworth, Ecuador’s hero. Juan Illingworth, originally named John William Illingworth, is an important historical figure in Heaton Mersey because he was born there. He was born at Parr's House, Heaton Norris in 1786. Although he left England at a young age and achieved fame abroad, his roots in Heaton Mersey make him a notable figure from the area. Despite his significant accomplishments in South America, his connection to Heaton Mersey has largely been uncelebrated until now. Acknowledging Juan Illingworth in Heaton Mersey highlights the local origins of a figure who became an important military leader and independence hero in Ecuador, bridging the local history with broader global narratives. The new blue plaque at The Crown acknowledges his birthplace and brings recognition to his important role in South American history, especially in Ecuador, where he is honoured for his military achievements and contributions to the country's independence. The plaque unveil happened on Wednesday 23rd October 2024 where The Crown welcomed five officials from Ecuador. The mayor of Stockport, Suzanne Wyatt, and Captain Julio Romo, Ecuador Defence Attache unveiled the plaque. The local sea scouts were also in attendance and greeted the special guests. From Robinsons, Managing Director, William Robinson, was there to witness the special moment the plaque was revealed and shake hands with the Ecuadorian representatives. Before unveiling the plaque, Phil Rowbotham, Chairperson of the Heatons Heritage Society, explained a little about Juan’s impact in Ecuador and his local roots. Jamie and Goska, Robinsons Pub Partners at The Crown, were excellent hosts providing their warm hospitality and great pub for the celebrations and each of the visitors were left with a Robinsons ‘party bag,’ including their famous Old Tom, which celebrates 125 years this November. This is the second notable plaque a Robinsons pub has received this year, with the Bells of Peover recognised earlier in the year.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal was given an exclusive behind-the-scenes look to at how luxury British-made beds go from farm to factory. The royal visit at British bedmaker Harrison Spinks’ farm at Bolton Percy, York, and its manufacturing facility in Leeds celebrated the family-run business’ achievements in sustainability and innovation, ending with the presentation of a prestigious King’s Award for Sustainable Development. The visit began at the bedmaker’s Yorkshire farm, where The Princess Royal met the Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mrs. Jo Ropner, and the Harrison Spinks team including Chairman and family member Simon Spinks. Her Royal Highness learnt about Harrison Spinks’ sustainable farming practices, including its award-winning Wensleydale sheep and pioneering use of hemp and flax, which is processed into its own luxury mattress fillings. During the visit, the company demonstrated its environmentally friendly processes, including its use of homegrown hemp and responsibly-sourced natural materials such as Traceable British Wool, its innovative ethical manufacturing practices, as well as its commitment to protecting the local environment and dedication to biodiversity on its farmland. Afterwards, The Princess Royal was taken on a tour of the bedmaker’s Leeds manufacturing site with the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mr. Ed Anderson CBE, where they experienced the bespoke craftsmanship behind Harrison Spinks’ luxury beds and mattresses, including a live demonstration of the traditional hand side stitching, tape edging and tufting techniques, which the business has been championing for 180 years. Simon Spinks, Chairman of Harrison Spinks, expressed his pride in the visit – he said: “We are deeply honoured and grateful to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to our farm and factory, and thank her for taking the time to learn about our sustainable practices, meeting with our hard-working team, and presenting us with the King’s Award for Sustainable Development, which is an incredible privilege." “This recognition reflects our team's unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation at every stage of production, from our farm to the final product. As a family business, we take so much pride in leading the industry towards a more responsible future, and we remain dedicated to making a positive impact on our local communities and the environment." “Sustainability is at the core of everything we do, so The Princess Royal presenting us with this incredible award and taking the time to learn how we’re continuing to push the boundaries of what it means to be a sustainable business, has been a really special day for our entire team.” The news comes shortly after Harrison Spinks was awarded the title of Bed Manufacturer of the Year at the 2024 National Bed Federation Awards, being commended for its commitment to sustainability and focused environmental achievements.

Six children with disabilities from Parkview Primary School in Summerston have been able participate in an eight-week block of horse-based therapy with the Glasgow Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), thanks to a donation of over £3,000 from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust. The funds will support the group’s mission of improving the lives of disabled children and adults through equine therapy, enabling them to build confidence, improve physical health and enjoy new activities in a supportive and inclusive environment. As the only large Riding for the Disabled centre in the West of Scotland, and the sole centre in Glasgow, the RDA provides physical and mental health benefits to over 170 disabled participants each year, and have been delivering these life-changing services for over 50 years. The one-hour weekly sessions are designed to improve muscle tone through riding exercises such as obstacle courses and horseback games. Instructors and volunteers help riders develop their skills, building confidence and creating meaningful connections with their four-legged companions. Additional preparations prior to the sessions ensure horses are well-balanced and responsive to riders’ needs, while volunteers undergo specialised training to assist participants effectively. Supported by 100 volunteers and 12 coaches, participants take part in fun activities like horse riding and stable management which promote therapy, fitness, skill development, and personal achievement. The centre welcomes people of all ages and abilities, including those with additional physical support needs, disabilities, Autism, ADHD, and mental health challenges. Marianne Prentice, the Trusts & Foundations Manager at RDA Glasgow Group, said: “RDA Glasgow Group is about more than pony rides. Participants are welcomed as they are and feel a huge sense of accomplishment on being presented with rosettes that recognise the new skills they have learned." “We know how much our riding at RDA Glasgow Group means to our riders and the great benefit to their wellbeing. Their favourite place to ride is the sensory trail through woodland paths that curves round a duck pond. Novice riders are supported by RDA volunteers and coaches to build confidence in their own riding ability, and they can thrive with additional support." “We really appreciate the thoughtful and caring donation from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust to enable disabled participants to enjoy their own adventures on horseback.” David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles said: "We’re thrilled to support the Glasgow Group of the Riding for the Disabled Association. Equine therapy offers significant physical and emotional benefits, and it’s inspiring to see the positive impact that these sessions have on the participants and their families." "We’re delighted that our donation will provide a fun, memorable experience for these children." Photo : David Facenna, Allied Vehicles Group's Corporate Culture Director.

VINCI Construction has signed a share purchase agreement in relation to the acquisition of FM Conway, one of the UK’s leading infrastructure services businesses. FM Conway delivers essential construction and maintenance for public transportation networks and community spaces. The business is an important producer of highways materials in the UK, pioneering the use of high recycled asphalt on the local and strategic road networks. FM Conway acquired independent surfacing contractor Toppesfield in 2021, and bought specialist drainage operator Flowline in 2023. Following completion of this transaction, FM Conway and its entities will join the network of VINCI Construction to support the further growth of FM Conway and strengthen VINCI Construction’s position in the UK market. Completion is subject to any necessary regulatory approvals and is expected in early 2025. FM Conway’s turnover in the financial year ending March 2024 was £580 million. The value of the deal has not been disclosed. Commenting on the acquisition, Joanne Conway, CEO and Executive Group Chair at FM Conway, said: “We’re a proud family business that has grown considerably through sheer hard work and determination to become an industry leader and a significant part of the UK’s critical infrastructure delivery. The time is now right for the next chapter of our growth story. Beyond the obvious operational and commercial synergies, we share a set of values with VINCI and an approach to business that’s about putting people first, doing great work, and respecting the communities we operate in.” Scott Wardrop, chief executive of the UK division of VINCI Construction, said: “This acquisition is a clear indication of our ambition to strengthen our business, through greater self-delivery and grow the circular economy in our UK market sectors. FM Conway is an excellent commercial and cultural fit for us, especially for Ringway, Eurovia and Taylor Woodrow. It has a powerful heritage and we are privileged to be in a position to build on the Conway family’s legacy. We’re looking forward to working alongside the FM Conway team to take the business to the next stage.” In 2023, VINCI Construction’s UK division generated a total revenue of £2.2 billion – with a total workforce of 6,700 employees – through its five business lines: Eurovia (road construction), Ringway (maintenance services), Taylor Woodrow (civil engineering), VINCI Building (building) and VINCI Facilities (facility management).

Scotland's top hospitality operators will have to find a staggering £3* million after today’s Budget announcement by Chancellor Rachel Reeves. The decision by the UK Government to raise National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage has dealt a body blow to businesses across the country with hospitality one of the worst affected. Stephen Montgomery spokesperson for the Scottish Hospitality Group, which represents the largest group of independent, family-owned hospitality businesses in Scotland, comments, “Today's announcements are a blow to businesses across the country, but it is particularly concerning for the hospitality industry. It is estimated that it the Chancellors plans will add 10% to operating costs and it could certainly cost jobs." He explains, “The rise in National Insurance Contributions for employers at 1.2%, and the reduction from £9,100 to £5,000, will see most of our members paying an additional £160,000 a year and that’s before the 6.7% and 16% increase in the National Minimum Wage is included or the added costs implementing the Employment Rights Bill. For the larger businesses in our group, those with 700+ employees, it will add a staggering £3 million of costs when you factor in the National Living Wage increase." “SHG cannot see how this budget addresses the Government's ambitions of a 'dynamic, modern and growing economy.' The effect on hospitality, a key sector to growing the economy, will be to stifle growth and investment, the very opposite of what has been promised.” “With £3.4 billion in additional Barnett consequentials, the Scottish Government now has the funds available to make good on its commitment to support the hospitality sector and deliver an immediate reduction of the business rates poundage to 35p in the coming Holyrood budget." “This is particularly the case given the Chancellor of the Exchequer has extended business rates relief for the hospitality sector in England and has also indicated the UK Government will reform the entire business rates system from 2026." “Reducing the business rates poundage to 35p in the Holyrood budget would help the hospitality sector to boost economic growth, create jobs and support Scotland’s communities and high streets, while also ending the inherent unfairness that sees hospitality businesses taxed at a higher rate than retail businesses.” *The £3m quoted is made of National Insurance and NMW increases it excludes Pension Contributions increase and cost implementing the new Employment Rights Bill.

Family Business United is delighted to launch its annual campaign to bring the family business community together as a force for good and to make a difference to charities the length and breadth of the nation. Taking place between December 1 and the annual flagship event, The Great British Family Business Conference in London on March 19, representatives from the family business community are being encouraged to run, walk and/or cycle the equivalent of 9,260 a day in order to hit the 1,000,000 steps target. (1 cycled mile is the equivalent of 440 steps). As Paul Andrews explains, "We have always used our community to make a difference and appreciate that it is difficult to be active during the colder months but were asked by a group of family business owners to do something competitive to encourage them to get mobile for a good cause so decided on the steps campaign." "We all know that being active is a good thing and the campaign will be a collective endeavour, everyone coming together to hit the steps target whilst raising money for a cause that is close to their heart. We will be monitoring progress and publishing a league table to encourage healthy competition and announcing the total funds raised at the conference in March." Every participant will have a page created on Just Giving which will enable us to keep track of the funds raised for an assortment of causes around the country. They may form part of a team supporting one of the charities already selected by another participant, or be the team leader of a charity that has not already been selected as part of the campaign. Either way, they will have their own unique page that will keep track of the funds raised that will form part of the overall total from the campaign. As Paul continues, "My Mum passed away three weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2021 and I am determined to raise money to support research into this terrible disease. Other founding partners have their own charities and reasons for their cause and we want to encourage others to get mobile and make a difference too." The more people involved the bigger the impact so if you would like to find out more about the campaign and get involved by committing to do the steps, simply get in touch via the contact form here and we will be in touch to get you set up ready to start on December 1. Outlined below are the charities that are already being supported by members of our family business community so if you would like to join one of the these simply click on the link to join the team or let us know who you would like to support and we can add them to the list and you can raise funds for your charity of choice as part of the national campaign. Chosen Charities Being Supported To Date: The Brain Tumour Research Trust - Join the team or donate to support here The Samaritans - Join the team or donate to support here The UK Sepsis Trust - Join the team or donate to support here Parkinsons UK Check out the latest news about the event and see how may steps our team of fundraisers have taken once the journey starts of December 1 here

UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) Chief Clare Bottle has expressed her grave concern that the Government’s commitment to major infrastructure improvements has not factored in the increased pressure on supply chains. The warehousing sector will necessarily take the strain, she says, but where is the additional support from Government? “While we welcome the Government’s commitment to major growth-related projects, including massive investment in rebuilding the NHS, additional funding for the HS2 London Link, £1.4bn to rebuild 500 schools and £5bn for housebuilding, it is frustrating in the extreme that the role of supply chains – particularly warehouses – have neither been understood nor acknowledged, let alone helped with funding. From building materials to hospital beds and scanners, all will all require a functional supply chain for transport, storage and delivery." "Successful infrastructure projects depend on efficient, well connected supply chains. While the budget has announced funding for road and rail, yet again warehousing has been overlooked. We had hoped that the new Government would recognise that logistics is the fundamental backbone to growth of the UK economy and listen to our key ‘asks’. However, from that point of view, this budget feels like déjà vu." "The announcement of hundreds of new planning officers is very encouraging, as is the Government’s commitment to £240m investment in Trailblazer projects aimed at getting people into work. Warehousing has long faced challenges with labour and skills shortages, and UKWA has been closely involved with Trailblazers in the past. We await further details, but hope our sector is included in plans and will benefit from this funding opportunity." "On Business Rates, we note that there will be relief for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, but not for warehousing. This is deeply disappointing as the basis for rating assessment of warehouses is intrinsically unfair, and we will continue to make this clear to policymakers." "Finally, the ‘double whammy’ of increasing employers’ National Insurance (NI) by 1.2% (which was expected) and reducing the threshold at which employers pay it from £9,100 to £5,000 (not expected), will hit warehouse operators hard, along with most other industries." "In summary, we support the capital investment plans outlined today by the Chancellor but believe that without investment in the supporting supply chains, successful delivery of such huge infrastructure projects is compromised. This budget simply goes to prove we need a Logistics Minister!”

A.C. Whyte is delighted to have commenced a £6m contract to deliver a major refurbishment project across three phases in Bingham, Edinburgh. This contract was awarded through a competitive tender as part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s CEC framework. The extensive works include roof strengthening and replacement, external wall insulation, cavity extraction and refill, loft insulation, window and door replacement, ventilation improvements, and common area upgrades such as lighting and close painting. Additional elements include disabled access improvements and electrical upgrades. These upgrades will significantly enhance the thermal performance of the buildings, ensuring greater energy efficiency and comfort for residents. In partnership with key stakeholders from the Bingham and Magdalene community, A.C. Whyte will also deliver a Community Benefit plan, bringing lasting positive outcomes to the area. Commenting on the project, A.C. Whyte’s Construction Director, Steven McNellis said: “We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council. Having successfully delivered across multiple projects in recent years, this new opportunity at Bingham reinforces our commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable solutions that benefit both residents and the wider community.” We are proud to continue this partnership as we work to improve the lives of residents through transformative works in the months to come.