In a heart warming move to support local talent and inclusivity in sports, Allied Mobility, part of the Allied Vehicles Group, has sponsored a young powerchair football team to the sum on £16,900, enabling them to compete in an international tournament in Geneva, Switzerland. The decision to sponsor the team was inspired by a chance encounter between David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, and a young boy named Kaiden, who is already being recognized as one of the top powerchair football players in the UK despite being only eight years old. The story began in 2023 when David Facenna and Kieran McFarlane, manager of Allied’s Mobility Solutions brand, were testing a new power add-on wheelchair attachment. As they whizzed around the streets of Possilpark, near the old site of Allied founder Gerry Facenna’s first garage, they encountered Kaiden and his mother. As a young wheelchair user himself Kaiden was excited by the add-on, and David Facenna offered the lad a chance to try out the new device, sparking an ongoing connection with the family. Kaiden’s father, Peter, who has since joined Allied Vehicles as a panel beater, initially discussed the possibility of Allied sponsoring Kaiden, or simply offering a raffle prize to aid fundraising efforts and discussed concerns about the financial burden to other players of attending the competition in Geneva. Recognizing the potential impact and the importance of supporting athletes with disabilities, David Facenna discussed the matter with his father, Gerry, and they decided to sponsor the entire team’s trip. David Facenna said: “We’re not just supporting a team, we’re investing in the dreams of young athletes like Kaiden and we’re excited to help him, and his teammates, achieve their goals on the international stage.” This sponsorship underscores the Allied Vehicles Group’s commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities and promoting inclusivity in all aspects of life. The team, known as FC United Powerchair Football Club , consists of players of all ages and abilities, showcases the incredible talent and spirit that powerchair football fosters. Speaking about the impact of the Allied sponsorship, Kaiden’s mother Laura said, “When we initially came to ask for a donation, we were only hoping for something to raffle like speedway tickets or something, we were never expecting the whole team to be fully sponsored." “The team are over the moon because, some of them work, some of them don't work, so, to be able to go without having to worry about how they were going to afford it is a huge weight lifted off everybody's shoulders. We cannot thank the Facennas and Allied Mobility enough for their amazing generosity.”

Global recruiter Robert Walters has warned professionals that ‘hanging onto a job’ which no longer serves your career could not only be detrimental to the economy but also to careers. Three-quarters (76%) have stated that job security is a concern (on varying scale) when considering a new role, with 16% admitting that fears around new job security has stopped them from applying for a new role in its entirety. The findings come from a recent poll conducted by Robert Walters – which unveils the unprecedented number of professionals who are choosing to remain with their current employer, a phenomenon which the recruitment firm calls ‘The Big Stay.’ Key Findings: 71% deterred from looking for a new role because of worries around job security in a new firm 77% put job security over pay, when considering a new role 43% state that the economy plays a ‘significant role’ in whether to move jobs 74% of companies say that questions around job security come up during the interview process 79% of companies have seen an increase in job offer declines this year 75% of companies are now trying to be more ‘transparent’ about their company performance, in order to attract professionals who may be concerned over stability 25% not transparent at all about their financial health, for fear of putting professionals off applying. Over two-thirds of UK professionals (71%) have admitted that fears around job security are preventing them from moving jobs. Chris Eldridge, CEO of Robert Walters UK & Ireland comments: “It was just three years ago where we saw evidence of The Great Resignation – where professionals were taking new job opportunities at a record high, which was also matched with high starting salaries." “Whilst there was an initial fear around ‘The Big Stay’ – this is potentially a short-term trend with market confidence already returning post-election. " “Economic growth is underpinned by labour movement – organisations need fresh perspectives to remain competitive, maximise revenue opportunities and drive profitability." "Equally employees reluctant to pursue progression opportunities risk stagnating their careers or pigeonholing themselves. Statistically, professionals who move jobs more often will earn more over their working life than someone who has chosen to stay put.” Shift In Priorities An overwhelming 77% of UK professionals state that they would now prioritise job security over pay – with 16% admitting that this was only something that ‘crossed their mind’ recently. In fact, 74% of UK employers have stated that prospective employees now bring up the topic of ‘job security’ during the hiring process - with 53% stating that this has been a more recent occurrence in 2024. When probing further on this increased focus on job security, over two-fifths of professionals (43%) stated that the state of the economy plays a ‘significant role’ in their decision on whether to move roles – with inflation (22%), unemployment rates (18%), and GDP growth (4%) being primary considerations. Chris adds: “There is clearly a lot playing on the minds of professionals at the moment – even if a company can promise job security, the unstable economic environment is causing professionals to postpone making any important life and/or career changes.” Companies Struggle To Attract 79% of hiring managers stated that they have noticed an increase in prospective employees declining job offers in 2024 – with the large majority (55%) stating that this is down to salary or culture fit, followed by concerns around company security (14%) or job stability (12%). As a result, 75% of companies have stated that they have made changes to their recruitment strategies in an attempt to address concerns prospective employees may have over job security. These include sharing growth plans (38%) and being more open about industry challenges (25%). Just 13% have stated that they are being more upfront about company performance – with many companies worried this may deter professionals from joining them. When it comes to financial health and long-term company plans, organisations are increasingly taking a more transparent approach – over a third claim that they are now very transparent (39%), followed by somewhat transparent (26%) and slightly transparent (10%). A quarter (25%) state that they are not at all transparent about the financial health of the company during the recruitment process. Chris adds: “Companies may be reticent to share financial information or company challenges for fear of deterring professionals from accepting a job offer." "However from my experience, when a company is fully transparent about their financial position or industry barriers – this only helps to ensure that the ‘right fit’ accepts the job – professionals that can and are eager to offer fresh insights that support in addressing those challenges.”

Celebrating a key family business milestone is an invaluable opportunity to strengthen relationships, boost morale, and propel the business forward. To maximise the benefits associated with such a celebration, it is essential to engage in thoughtful planning and preparation, actively involve stakeholders, craft a memorable event, leverage the celebration for branding, foster continuity, and reflect on the family business journey to date too. The first step in maximising the benefits of a milestone celebration is to clearly identify the achievement being honoured. Whether it is a significant anniversary, a major business accomplishment, or a generational transition, defining the milestone will shape the entire celebration. Once the milestone is established, setting clear objectives becomes crucial. These objectives could include boosting employee morale, strengthening family bonds, enhancing brand reputation, or inspiring future growth. By having a clear vision of what the celebration aims to achieve, the planning process can be more focused and effective. Engaging stakeholders is another vital component of a successful celebration. Involving family members from all generations in the planning and execution fosters a sense of ownership and strengthens familial ties. Additionally, recognising the contributions of non-family employees is essential; their involvement can significantly boost loyalty and motivation. Furthermore, inviting key partners, such as long-standing customers and suppliers, can strengthen business relationships and showcase the company’s impact on the community. Crafting the celebration itself requires creativity and thoughtfulness. It is an excellent opportunity to tell the family business’s story, sharing its history and values. Consider creating a video or a commemorative book that chronicles the journey of the business. This not only inspires pride among family members and employees but also educates younger generations about their heritage. Highlighting key milestones and successes throughout the business’s history can be done through displays, presentations, or even a company museum or heritage wall. Creating memorable experiences, such as team-building exercises or family-friendly games, can further enhance the celebration, bringing people together and creating lasting memories. Leveraging the celebration for brand enhancement is also crucial. This milestone can serve as a marketing opportunity by creating limited-edition products or services that commemorate the occasion, generating buzz and potentially boosting sales. Engaging with local or industry media can amplify the celebration's reach; a well-crafted press release can enhance the company’s reputation and visibility. Additionally, the momentum from the celebration can inspire future planning. Holding a strategic planning session during or after the event can help set objectives for the next milestone, ensuring that the business continues to grow. Fostering continuity within the family business is essential for long-term success. Recognising the contributions of past and present family members and employees strengthens the sense of legacy and motivates future generations. Engaging younger family members in the business during the celebration can spark their interest and inspire them to carry on the family’s entrepreneurial spirit. Documenting the event through photos, videos, and testimonials serves as a powerful tool for future family business education and inspiration. Finally, reflection and growth are critical components of maximising the benefits of a milestone celebration. This occasion should be used to reflect on past challenges and successes, discussing how the family and business have overcome obstacles. These lessons can inform future strategies and decision-making processes. Reinforcing the core values that have guided the family business throughout its history is essential, ensuring that these principles continue to shape the company’s future. Moreover, the energy and inspiration generated from the celebration can be harnessed to set ambitious yet achievable goals for the next phase of the family business. Thoughtfully planning and executing a celebration of a key family business milestone can create a powerful experience that honours the past while energizing the company for future success. Such celebrations serve as important markers in the business’s journey, reinforcing family bonds, motivating employees, and strengthening the brand in the marketplace. Ultimately, the true value of these celebrations lies not just in the event itself, but in how the momentum and insights gained are leveraged to drive the family business forward.

Faversham Hop Festival is back on Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1, with Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, returning as principal sponsor for another year. The Faversham-based independent family brewer and pub company has a host of hop-related offerings to top off the festivities through the weekend, including free beer and a rare glimpse into the brewery for families. The town will come alive with music across four stages and in pubs and other venues throughout the town, with more than 70 bands and acts performing, dedicated busker areas and morris dancing, along with a fairground, magic shows and more. A number of the brewer’s historic vehicles will feature in the morning parades through the town which traditionally open each day of the festival, organised by not-for-profit company Community Heritage Events Ltd., on behalf of Swale Borough Council. Shepherd Neame is also sponsoring the main Brewery Stage over the weekend outside its Court Street brewery, with a music line-up that runs throughout the day from 10.45am until 5.20pm. It has teamed up with Herne Bay artist Peter Gander to create a special Shepherd Neame Hop Spots map to help festivalgoers navigate the many venues and line-ups over the weekend, including its own nine pubs in the town. A digital copy of the map will be available online, and as a banner at selected Shepherd Neame pubs. Shepherd Neame’s popular brewery tours are normally only open to adults, but festival goers of all ages will be able to enjoy special family tours throughout the weekend. Tours will be held on both Saturday and Sunday, with a family tour for two adults and up to four children costing £35, and a traditional tour priced £23.50 per person. Mini tours will also be held at a cost of £18.50 per person. Beer lovers will be delighted to hear that seasonal favourite Late Red (4.5%) will be on offer at selected pubs during the weekend, alongside New World XPA (5.1%), the latest in Shepherd Neame’s Small Batch range of limited edition, craft keg beers. This year’s limited edition green hop ale Hop Pocket (4.5%) will also be unveiled at the festival. Beer is usually brewed with dried hops, but Hop Pocket is made using fresh green hops which go from bine to beer in a matter of hours, giving it a delicious aroma and earthy kick. Shift Brewer Scott Wilkins travelled the short distance from the Faversham brewery to Parsonage Farm, Boughton-under-Blean on Monday (August 19) to select and help pick the first hops of the year for the brew with farmer Antony Rudgard-Redsell. Pizza lovers can visit Shepherd Neame’s new Little Tom pizza wagon, which will be situated at The Limes in Preston Street over the weekend. Handmade sourdough pizzas will be on offer from 11.30am to 7.30pm on Saturday (August 31) and from 11.30am to 6pm on Sunday (September 1). And there’s also an extra treat on offer, with the fantastic prize of beer for a year up for grabs! Festival goers simply need to scan the QR code which will be found on posters around Shepherd Neame pubs during the weekend, and on the Hop Spots map. Chief Executive Jonathan Neame said: “Faversham Hop Festival is a brilliant celebration of our hop heritage in Kent, and Shepherd Neame has been proud to support the event since it was first held more than three decades ago. It provides a fantastic boost to our town, attracting thousands over the weekend, and we look forward to joining in the celebrations across our pubs and at the brewery.” For more information and a full line-up of bands at Shepherd Neame’s pubs, visit here.

Contractor Henry Brothers Construction and Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust have jointly held a turf-cutting ceremony to mark the start of work getting under way on site for a new Belper health centre. The event marks a key stage in the development of the new £15m hub for community health services in the Derbyshire town. It was attended by representatives from Henry Brothers and the Trust, including Trust chief executive Tracy Allen, who carried out the honours. She said: “Back in 2017 we first started talking publicly about the need for new community health facilities for Belper and it’s been a long and eventful seven years to reach this point, involving several changes of plan and a pandemic which put everything on hold. So, to be able to put the first ceremonial spade in the ground to start construction is a really fantastic moment." "It’s a tribute to the many people who have helped us reach this point. I can’t wait to see the architect’s plans come off the page as the building takes shape and becomes a purpose-designed environment for local people to receive a range of community health services for years to come.” The modern facilities – designed to have high environmental credentials to ensure long-term sustainability – are being built on the site of the former Belper Clinic, as part of the Babington Hospital site on Derby Road, Belper. Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust recently commissioned Midlands-based contractor Henry Brothers to deliver the new building over a planned construction phase of 66 weeks. It is being delivered through the Pagabo Major Works Framework. John Sowter, design and planning director at Henry Brothers Construction, said: “We are very pleased to have started work on site, marking a key milestone in the mission to provide new, state-of-the-art community health services in Belper." “It was an honour to host members of the Trust who have been pivotal in developing this scheme to an official turf-cutting ceremony and we are looking forward to delivering these new NHS facilities for the community of Belper.” The new health centre will include environmentally sustainable features such as photo-voltaic panels on the roof to harness the power of the sun, with pledges to use local and recycled material from demolished buildings in the build where possible, along with timber from certified sources. It is being built to BREEAM excellent standards to ensure long-term sustainability. The health hub will feature 15 consulting rooms, six treatment rooms, a health education group room and other facilities, and will provide a range of services including community nursing, midwifery clinics, podiatry services, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, continence advisory service, wound care and phlebotomy. Designed by architects Race Cottam Associates, it will accommodate all existing outpatient and clinical services provided at Babington Hospital. Other members of the construction team alongside Henry Brothers include project manager Capita, civil and structural engineer Eastwood Consulting Engineers, and mechanical and electrical engineers EP Consulting. Henry Brothers Construction, based in Nottingham, is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit-out. In partnership with clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, accommodation, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors. For more information, visit here .

Properties will be the first ‘gas free’ homes built by City of Doncaster Council. Willmott Dixon is extending its long track-record for building homes in South Yorkshire with a contract from City of Doncaster Council to build 83 homes across four sites. Procured through the framework YORBuild, it will see Willmott Dixon build 48 homes at Cedar Road, Balby, four homes at Edlington Lane, Edlington, as well as a further 21 homes at King Edward Road, Balby, and 10 homes at Goodison Boulevard, Cantley. The developments at King Edward Road and Edlington Lane will complete summer 2025, while Cedar Road and Goodison Boulevard will be completed in early 2026. These properties will be the first ‘gas free’ homes built by City of Doncaster Council. Willmott Dixon has also previously built numerous affordable homes across various sites for City of Doncaster Council, delivering a mix of one, two, three and four bedroomed family homes and bungalows. Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing and Business at City of Doncaster Council, Councillor Glyn Jones, said: “I am delighted that a further 83 affordable homes will be built across Doncaster. We have worked alongside our partners at Willmott Dixon over a variety of exciting projects and the standard of housing delivered is always of the highest standard. I look forward to seeing these innovative new projects come to life, and welcoming new residents to their new homes.”

Beyond the bricks and mortar, beyond the balance sheets, lies the motivations and goals that drive the hearts and minds of family business owners. There is a complex network of emotions, values, and aspirations that shape the unique psychology of family businesses. Legacy And Continuity At the core of every family business is the desire to create a lasting legacy. It is a deep-rooted motivation to create something that will endure for generations to come – a living testament to the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices made by those who came before. The psychology of family business is intricately linked to preserving traditions, values, and the sense of belonging that comes from being part of something greater than oneself. Passion And Purpose Family businesses are often born from a deep passion and sense of purpose. There is often a desire to align personal values with business endeavours. For family members, the business becomes a manifestation of their passions, allowing them to pursue meaningful work that resonates with their authentic selves. This alignment between personal and professional purpose creates a powerful driving force that fuels motivation and propels the business forward. Family Bonds And Relationships The desire to work alongside loved ones, to build something together, creates a sense of connection and unity that is unparalleled is a goal for most families in business together. The emotional ties within a family business fosters a deep sense of trust, commitment, and shared purpose. Nurturing and managing these relationships is a key aspect of the psychological landscape of family businesses. Autonomy And Independence Family businesses often thrive on the autonomy and independence that comes from being in control of their own destiny. Many family businesses cherish the freedom to make decisions based on values, long-term vision, and the best interests of both the business and the family. This autonomous mindset fosters a sense of empowerment, ownership, and the ability to steer the business in directions that align with their unique goals and aspirations. Balancing Tradition And Innovation One of the challenges faced by family businesses is the delicate balance between honouring tradition and embracing innovation – recognising the importance of preserving what has worked in the past while also adapting to the changing needs of the present and future. This balancing act requires a mindset that values the wisdom of experience while remaining open to new ideas, technologies, and business practices. The psychology of family business is complex, combining legacy, passion, family bonds, autonomy, and tradition. Understanding the motivations and goals that drive these family businesses allows us to appreciate the deep emotional connection and unique mindset that sets them apart. About the Author: John Broons is a globally awarded family business expert. One of only three people in Australia to hold the coveted title of Fellow of Family Firm Institute (Boston, USA), John has dedicated his working career to answering the question: how do I guide and support families in business to a place where they’re thriving? Find out more by visiting his website here

The LEGO Group is investing further in Denmark with a new Hub in Copenhagen set to open in 2027 in The Stamp, a building currently under construction in the Postbyen development close to Copenhagen Central Station. The new Hub will be in addition to its growing headquarters in Billund where more than 5,900 people are based and investments are ongoing in two new campuses. Niels B Christiansen, CEO, said: “It is important for the LEGO Group to have inspiring workplaces in the best locations to continue to attract the right talent. " " In Denmark, we are investing in both our Billund headquarters with two new state-of-the-art campuses and the new Copenhagen Hub. With great access to the Capital and Øresund regions, the new Copenhagen Hub enables us to attract world-class talent to two fantastic locations in Denmark.” The LEGO Group will be the sole occupant of The Stamp which will offer 30,000 square meters over nine floors and provide space for up to 1,500 colleagues. Throughout its design, sustainability is a key focus with the building being constructed to achieve Gold certification under the DGNB sustainable building standard. The Copenhagen Hub will be fitted with world-class, accessible facilities that foster collaboration, creativity and playfulness like in all LEGO® locations. The Stamp is part of the Postbyen development which includes new offices, housing, restaurants, retail stores, and health and wellness facilities, close to Copenhagen Central Station. The LEGO Group currently has an office in Østergade and will open a second office in Postgården on Løvstræde 1 (on the corner of Købmagergade) in September 2024. In total, these two offices will house around 650 colleagues while The Stamp is being built. Colleagues based in these two sites will be brought together in the new Hub once it opens. The Copenhagen Hub will be the company’s fifth hub, joining Boston / Enfield (USA), London, Singapore and Shanghai. In addition, the LEGO Group has 37 sales offices and five factories, with two new manufacturing sites under construction.

Mars Inc, a family-owned, global leader in pet care, snacking and food, and Kellanova, a leading company in global snacking, international cereal and noodles, North American plant-based foods and frozen breakfast foods, have announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Mars has agreed to acquire Kellanova for $83.50 per share in cash, for a total consideration of $35.9 billion, including assumed net leverage. The transaction price represents a premium of approximately 44% to Kellanova’s unaffected 30-trading day volume weighted average price and a premium of approximately 33% to Kellanova’s unaffected 52-week high as of August 2, 2024. The total consideration represents an acquisition multiple of 16.4x LTM adjusted EBITDA as of June 29, 2024. Kellanova is home to iconic snacking brands including Pringles®, Cheez-It®, Pop-Tarts®, Rice Krispies Treats®, NutriGrain® and RXBAR®, as well as cherished food brands including Kellogg’s® (international), Eggo® and MorningStar Farms®. With roots dating back more than 100 years, Kellanova has a rich legacy of quality and innovation. Kellanova had 2023 Net Sales of more than $13 billion, with a presence in 180 markets and approximately 23,000 employees. Kellanova’s portfolio complements the existing Mars portfolio, which includes billion-dollar snacking and confectionery brands like SNICKERS®, M&M’S®, TWIX®, DOVE® and EXTRA®, as well as KIND® and Nature’s Bakery®. Mars also has 10 pet care brands with over $1 billion in sales, including ROYAL CANIN®, VCA®, PEDIGREE®, BANFIELD®, WHISKAS®, BLUEPEARL®, CESAR®, SHEBA®, ANICURA® and IAMS®. With more than 150,000 Associates across its Petcare, Snacking and Food businesses, Mars had 2023 Net Sales of more than $50 billion. Poul Weihrauch, CEO and Office of the President of Mars, Incorporated, said: “In welcoming Kellanova’s portfolio of growing global brands, we have a substantial opportunity for Mars to further develop a sustainable snacking business that is fit for the future. We will honour the heritage and innovation behind Kellanova’s incredible snacking and food brands while combining our respective strengths to deliver more choice and innovation to consumers and customers. We have tremendous respect for the storied legacy that Kellanova has built and look forward to welcoming the Kellanova team.” Steve Cahillane, Chairman, President and CEO of Kellanova, added: “This is a truly historic combination with a compelling cultural and strategic fit." "Kellanova has been on a transformation journey to become the world’s best snacking company, and this opportunity to join Mars enables us to accelerate the realization of our full potential and our vision." "The transaction maximizes shareholder value through an all-cash transaction at an attractive purchase price and creates new and exciting opportunities for our employees, customers, and suppliers." "We are excited for Kellanova’s next chapter as part of Mars, which will bring together both companies’ world-class talent and capabilities and our shared commitment to helping our communities thrive. With a proven track record of successfully and sustainably nurturing and growing acquired businesses, we are confident Mars is a natural home for the Kellanova brands and employees.” Snacking is a large, attractive and durable category that continues to grow in importance with consumers. Upon completion of the transaction, Kellanova will become part of Mars Snacking, led by Global President Andrew Clarke and headquartered in Chicago, allowing Mars to bring even more beloved brands to more consumers globally. Mars intends to apply its proven brand-building approach to further nurture and grow Kellanova’s brands, including accelerating innovation to meet evolving consumer tastes and preferences, investing locally to expand reach and introducing more better-for-you nutrition options to meet evolving consumer needs. Andrew Clarke, Global President of Mars Snacking, commented: “This is an exciting opportunity to create a broader, global snacking business, allowing Kellanova and Mars Snacking to both achieve their full potential." "Kellanova and Mars share long histories of building globally recognized and beloved brands. The Kellanova brands significantly expand our Snacking platform, allowing us to even more effectively meet consumer needs and drive profitable business growth." "Our complementary portfolios, routes-to-market and R&D capabilities will unleash enhanced consumer-centric innovation to shape the future of responsible snacking.” Transaction Advances Strategic Vision for the Future of Snacking Accelerates ambition to double Mars Snacking in the next decade, in alignment with global consumer demand trends. The addition of Kellanova provides Mars Snacking with entry into new attractive snacking categories. It will add two new billion-dollar brands – Pringles® and Cheez-It® – to the Mars business, which today includes 15 billion-dollar brands. It will also expand the Mars health & wellness Snacking portfolio with the addition of new complementary products like RXBAR® and NutriGrain® to reflect global trends and preferences. With this transaction, Mars can extend its commitment to nourishing wellbeing through an expanded global reach and diversified product portfolio to meet evolving consumer tastes and demands. Enhances portfolio with addition of unique, category-leading and growing brands. Kellanova’s differentiated brand portfolio is defined by uniqueness, delivering category leadership and spring-loaded platforms for future growth. The majority of Kellanova snacking brands outperform category competitors, particularly among Gen Z and Millennial consumers. Delivers stronger, differentiated portfolio and distribution platform for priority international markets. Kellanova’s globally recognized portfolio includes beloved and growing brands with untapped potential. The combined portfolio will be well-suited to meet consumer demands for a variety of tastes and price points in fast-growing geographies, including Africa and Latin America, through complementary routes-to-market, supply chains and local operations. Brings together world-class talent with leading brand-building experience. Both Mars and Kellanova have portfolios of some of the world’s most iconic brands, all of which have been nurtured and grown by world-class talent with deep expertise. The acquisition of Kellanova by Mars will enable each company’s talent base to take advantage of greater combined resources and professional development opportunities, given the complementary nature of the broader family of brands. Combines complementary capabilities to unlock growth and consumer-centric innovation. The addition of Kellanova’s R&D capabilities will enable the combined business to share best practices in brand building, deliver enhanced digital capabilities, unlock complementary channel strengths and advance brand ecosystems and immersions. Enhances positive societal impact of strong sustainability efforts. Kellanova has a long history of social and environmental leadership, including its Better Days Promise initiative, complementing the Mars Sustainable in a Generation Plan, which has delivered tangible progress, as reflected in its latest Sustainability Report, which documented strong decoupling of business growth from greenhouse gas emissions. Kellanova will also become part of the Mars Net Zero commitment and align with the Mars Responsible Marketing code.

An award-winning packaging firm has invested £3.6m in peak performance equipment, securing its future as the biggest family run company in its sector. Nottinghamshire headquartered Wilkins Group made the huge investment in machinery earlier this month when the team visited Drupa, the world's biggest printing equipment exhibition, in Dusseldorf, Germany. The move is set to propel the £50m-turnover company towards its ambitious growth target of £70m within the next few years. Deals were made for new high-end equipment including the Heidelberg Mastermatrix 106 CSB Die Cutting machine as well as a huge £2.7m investment in a Komori GLX740 printing press. Justin Wilkins, joint managing director of Wilkins Group, said: “This huge investment demonstrates our solid commitment to growth. As a family owned and run business, we have a responsibility to our staff and customers in the UK and overseas to ensure we can achieve and sustain growth within the industry." “The purchases will further increase the capacity and efficiency of our manufacturing facility, securing future growth.” The Mastermatrix 106 CSB is the newest addition to Masterwork’s range of die-cutters. It has been specifically optimized for higher machine speeds, handling an impressive 9,000 sheets per hour, and has the ability to tackle unusual or challenging carton designs, which Wilkins Group has a reputation for producing. The new Komori printing press, which can handle up to 18,000 impressions per hour, includes a double coater, used to apply two varnishes in line allowing its customers to design really eye-catching products with a high-quality finish. With a maximum sheet size of 750x1050mm, the press has an asynchronous automatic plate change (AAPC) capability, automatic blanket cleaner and a new, energy efficient DC blower. Aron Wilkins, joint managing director with his brother Justin, said: “This next generation equipment bolsters our already state-of-the-art fleet of machines. These new additions alone will help to increase productivity by 17% and really enhance the finish of our products.” In November 2022, the firm added a Komori Lithrone GLX40 press to its already impressive portfolio when it opened its multi-million-pound, 50,000 sq ft Phase 3 factory extension. The new equipment purchased at Drupa will be installed at the Wilkins Group’s UK headquarters, a three-acre site at Colwick Industrial Estate, where food packaging for many of the UK’s leading supermarkets is produced. For more information about the Wilkins Group, visit here.

Bradford-based food and confectionary manufacturer Regal Food Products Group, which specialises in world food bakery and confectionery products and owns brands including Yorkshire Baking Company and Just Desserts Yorkshire, has bought the former FSD works on Hopbine Lane in Bradford. The 45,000 sq ft warehouse building in the South Bowling area of the city was marketed and sold by property consultancy Eddisons, which is currently working with FSD to secure a new Bradford production site for the sliding doors manufacturer. Eddisons associate director Matt Jennings said: “We were really pleased to be able to secure a rapid sale for FSD on their Hopbine Lane site. The freehold industrial market is increasingly robust due to an ongoing lack of supply and there is definitely healthy demand out there for sizeable warehouse space.” “It is great to see Regal Foods, another great Bradford company, step in to take this large unit to accommodate the firm’s growth and it’s a really positive sign that Bradford’s economy is doing well.” Employing over 300 people, £32m turnover Regal Food has made a series of acquisitions, the most recent of which was of Leeds cake manufacturer Love Handmade Cakes in January. The firm currently operates from six sites across Bradford. Regal Food CEO Younis Chaudhry said: “Following our latest acquisition earlier this year, we are really pleased to be bringing this new facility into the Regal group. The new addition promises to not only boost operations but play a key part in the development and growth of our business.” “As a company that has the Bradford community close to its heart, the new warehouse facility will create several new jobs, boosting employment in a range of areas of the business.”

Disruptive technologies are set to revolutionise the consumer goods value chain from automated farms to robot-run shops over the next 10 years. As precision agriculture, plant-based proteins, and AI-driven retail evolve, industries will undergo profound transformations. These innovations, driven by the need for efficiency and sustainability, promise to reshape how we produce, consume, and interact with goods, according to GlobalData , a leading data and analytics company. GlobalData Thematic Intelligence’s latest report, “The Future of Consumer,” identifies several innovations that will completely transform the consumer goods industry. By 2035, the market for precision agriculture will dramatically expand, and the market for meat substitutes will climb from under $10 billion in 2023 to more than $22 billion. Revenue from service robots will exceed $170 billion by 2030 – more than three times the 2020 figure. As exciting start-ups materialize and new leaders emerge across the sector, GlobalData highlights the importance of hyper-personalization, robotic automation, and ecological sustainability. Aoife McGurk, Associate Thematic Intelligence Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “As agricultural land and labour levels fall, farming must become more efficient to keep up with population pressures. Vertical farming will provide these efficiency gains in 2035 – especially when enabled by artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and the Internet of Things (IoT). “Other less conventional approaches to precision agriculture will also become mainstream. As Bird Control Group’s laser scarecrow has demonstrated, lasers can be used to manage pests without harmful agrochemicals. Lower-tech innovations, like using bees to safely deliver agrochemicals directly to crops, will make precision agriculture accessible to smallholder farmers, supporting food security worldwide.” At the next stage of the value chain, GlobalData notes that increased climate awareness is driving major changes in food preferences. The shift towards meat-free protein is already accelerating and will not stop any time soon. This has been met with a wave of firms developing these products, like The Better Meat Co. and Redefine Meat, via a combination of technologies like 3D printing and older methods like the fermentation of mycoproteins. AI will also support the reduction of food wastage. Holly Anness-Bradshaw, Associate Thematic Intelligence Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “People will begin shifting towards non-meat alternatives to reduce carbon emissions. Less water and land are used in the production of proteins, as illustrated by The Better Meat Co. fermenting pea proteins to mimic the protein makeup of chicken and pork. Moreover, alternative protein sources frequently offer healthier options. With a variety of groundbreaking solutions emerging, consumers can now explore unique choices—from proteins created out of thin air to experiencing the taste of a woolly mammoth.” Regarding retail and ecommerce, GlobalData identifies the super-app as a key innovation. Super-apps combine multiple services in a single platform, either within a single industry or across multiple. The impact of super-apps will be particularly impactful in emerging markets. Hugo Shapero, Associate Thematic Intelligence Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Super-apps and their AI-powered potential will be transformative for ecommerce and mobile computing. The Middle East and Africa region presents the greatest growth opportunities for super-apps.” In-store retail and hospitality will incorporate mass automation into their operations, with robots to run stores and restaurants and AI to respond to consumer demand for hyper-personalized products and experiences. Anness-Bradshaw concludes: “Physical retail and hospitality sectors are poised to embrace robotics and AI. In the US, Caper Carts equipped with weighing sensors and tablets are undergoing trials. These smart carts allow customers to upload shopping lists, receive optimized store routes, and suggest alternatives for out-of-stock items. As customers shop, the cart calculates the total and facilitates payment directly from the cart.”