A leading Scottish hotel group has announced its new charity partnership for 2023. Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, has pledged to raise much needed funds for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA), which provides life-saving services to communities in every corner of Scotland, for the next 12 months. The funds will be raised by hotel employees across the hotel group’s eight properties within the portfolio, as well as guests who pass through its doors throughout the year, with a number of activities already earmarked to kick off fundraising. The hotel group’s big-hearted employees have a fantastic fundraising track record, having raised thousands for a variety of both local and national charities throughout the years, and the team at Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels are looking forward to doing all they can for Scotland’s only air ambulance charity. With a crew based at Perth airport, close to the hotel’s flagship property, Crieff Hydro, the charity recently marked its 10th anniversary. Since May 22, 2013, SCAA has doubled its operation, launching an Aberdeen base in 2020, responded to nearly 5,000 call outs, raised over £50 million and flown nearly half a million miles, saving thousands of lives and impacting on thousands more, particularly in remote and rural areas. Stephen Leckie, Chairman and CEO of Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said: “It’s vitally important for us to support those most in need through charity fundraising, and we’re very much looking forward to embarking on this new partnership with Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance. The dedication and skill of the pilots and paramedics involved is phenomenal and their life saving efforts makes SCAA a perfect fit for our charity partner of the year.” SCAA CEO, David Craig, said: “We are immensely grateful to Stephen Leckie and the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels for choosing SCAA as their charity partner this year. The generosity shown by hotel employees and guests visiting their properties will undoubtedly help save lives as we respond to emergencies across Scotland, 365 days a year.” “SCAA’s life-saving service is only possible thanks to the ongoing support of the individuals, businesses and organisations of Scotland and partnerships like this with the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels help to fly us into the future, ensuring we are there for the people of Scotland when we are needed most.” Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels comprises eight hotels located in Perthshire, Dundee, the Scottish Borders and the Highlands.

A soaring National Insurance bill is adding to the challenges businesses face in attracting and retaining top talent, says independent consultancy Broadstone. Analysis of government data by Broadstone, a leading employee benefits consultancy, reveals that the National Insurance Contributions (“NIC”) made by employers increased by 42% over the five-year period to March 2023. The total cost of NIC to UK employers was £103bn in 2022/23 according to the latest HMRC tax receipts data, up from £72bn in 2017/18. This comes at a time when increasing inflation has also seen wage bills increase. Sharp increases in NIC receipts in the past two years, 11% and 15% respectively, have coincided with wage increases of 7% per year. Paul McGuckin, Head of EB Distribution at Broadstone, which has more than 500 specialist consultants and administrators in its ranks advising employers in the UK on the best way to attract and retain talent, says employers are looking to improve their broader benefits package to offset the salary and associated NIC increases. Paul said: “Employers are facing a difficult environment, inflation is pushing up operating costs and salaries, at the same time as the tax burden is increasing. NIC costs a particularly punishing for businesses that are having margins squeezed as they are a tax on employment, not profit.” “As a result, we are seeing lots of interest in salary exchange programmes that can help employers offer valued benefits, like healthcare or wellbeing initiatives, while reducing the cost of NICs for both them and their workforce. Engagement is key when it comes to uptake, so employers are often using technology like flexible benefits portals to manage the employee communications.”

Britain’s manufacturers are seeing a continued rebound in activity in the second quarter of the year, easing fears of a significant recession for the sector according to a survey published today by Make UK and accountancy and business advisory firm BDO. The findings in the Make UK/BDO Q2 Manufacturing Outlook survey show a continued positive picture with the improvement being driven by strong demand in the Other Transport and Electronic sectors in particular, with the balance of output in Other Transport (largely aerospace) extremely strong at +82%. According to Make UK and BDO this reflects continued recovery in the aerospace sector with the increase in passenger miles, together with a spate of large orders for new aircraft over the last year. Furthermore, strong balances for electronics are becoming embedded as companies invest in digitalisation and extra capacity to counter labour shortages. These investments are now translating into consistently strong balances for the South East where electronics is the second largest industrial sector in the region. However, despite conditions remaining positive, Make UK is still forecasting a slight contraction for manufacturing in 2023, although the picture remains far better than the significant contraction Make UK was forecasting at the end of last year and in Q1. James Brougham, Senior Economist at Make UK, said: “Manufacturers are seeing a gradually improving picture but the word ‘gradually’ is doing a lot of heavy lifting. However, companies are at least seeing a relative period of stability after the political and economic turmoil of the last few years when they have spent most of their time firefighting. Substantial challenges still remain, however, and so long as there is an absence of an overarching industrial strategy growth prospects will remain anaemic at best.” Richard Austin, BDO’s National Head of Manufacturing, says the burden on manufacturers still lays heavy, adding: “Despite the first half of the year seeing some pressures easing, there are longer-term systemic challenges in the UK market, with built-in inefficiencies that need to be addressed urgently in order for UK manufacturing to effectively plan and invest.” “Supply chain pressures, for example, are an endemic issue for the businesses we talk to, particularly medium-sized firms. They are facing continued disruption and increased costs, at home and abroad, with many choosing to onshore operations but facing major barriers in doing so. These issues cannot be overlooked by policymakers or we run the risk of tepid-at-best growth for UK manufacturing while neighbouring countries outpace us.” According to the survey, the balance on output increased slightly from Q1 (+24% from +21%) and is expected to remain at a similar level in the next quarter at +22%. Total orders fell slightly to +21% from +28% in Q1 although companies are more optimistic for increased orders in Q3 with a balance of +27%. In line with this stable picture, UK orders fell slightly to +15% from +20% in Q1 although as with the picture for total orders are expected to pick up in Q3 to +21%. Export orders also saw a rise from +12% to +15%, although companies see a slightly weaker picture in the next quarter at +12%. The scramble to attract and retain talent also shows no signs of abating, with recruitment intentions remaining stable at +18% (+19% in Q1) improving substantially to +30% in the next quarter. These employment balances are very elevated by historic standards and, apart from the initial quarters of the pandemic, have been at elevated levels since the EU referendum. Investment intentions, whilst still positive at +10% eased back from the 14% in the first quarter, perhaps reflecting the crossover between the end of the super-deduction scheme and the onset of the benefit from full expensing. The survey also shows that, in the face of continued skills shortages and strong labour demand, wage growth shows little or no sign of easing with a fifth of pay settlements reached in April at 5% and a further 15% of settlements at 6% or above. In terms of overall output this year Make UK and BDO are forecasting a contraction of 0.3% although this is a significant improvement from the contraction of -3.3% made in Q1 and the -4.4% forecast at the end of last year. However, Make UK is maintaining its previous forecast for growth of just 0.8% in 2024. UK GDP growth is at 0.4% for 2023 and 1.3% for 2024. The survey of 327 companies was conducted between 19 April and 24 May.

Work is underway to expand the footprint and offering at St Edburg’s CE Primary School, in Kingsmere, with Willmott Dixon breaking ground on the £12m project to increase pupil places by 50%. Procured via the SCAPE framework and designed by Acanthus Clews Architects, the works mark a return to the site for Willmott Dixon, having built the original school in 2016 when it relocated from its historic building behind St Edburg’s Church in Bicester. With a significant increase in housing around Kingsmere in recent years, the number of students attending the school has steadily increased from 160 in January 2016 – when the school was built – to 420 in September 2022, leading to many of the form entries being oversubscribed. The school expansion located on a nearby satellite site and set to house the nursery, reception and key stage one classes will see the construction of a purpose-built, net-zero in operation (regulated) facility. To make the building net-zero regulated, the design incorporates numerous sustainability elements to help lower running costs and future-proof it. It is designed to be BREEAM Very Good and will feature air source heat pumps, a PV array on the roof and seven electric vehicle charging points. Michelle Cotterill, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “Being back on site at St Edburg’s School and helping to expand their offering is really exciting. The school is the oldest in Bicester, but it continues to move with the times – modernising and expanding its facilities to offer the very best for pupils, so we’re really pleased to be back.” “We’re also looking forward to getting to know the local community again. Throughout the project, our team will be engaging with local educational institutions to provide CV advice, mock interviews, site tours and work experience opportunities. We are also looking to run our award-winning enrichment programme that teaches secondary school students about the construction industry, and the careers available, and provides them with a Bronze Industrial Cadets certificate.” Andy Terrey, headteacher at St Edburg’s CE Primary School, said: “WITH DEMAND GROWING FOR PLACES AT THE SCHOOL, WE KNEW WE NEEDED TO EXPAND OUR FACILITIES. BY CONSTRUCTING A PURPOSE-BUILT SATELLITE SCHOOL, WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE A BRAND-NEW BUILDING THAT IS IDEAL FOR THE NEEDS OF YOUNGER CHILDREN – INCLUDING AREAS SUCH AS DEDICATED EXTERNAL PLAY AREAS, WHICH ARE KEY FOR OUTSIDE LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT.” “We’re also able to meet the needs of local families head on, with new housing still underway in local community. I’m therefore really looking forward to seeing the works get underway and to be working with Willmott Dixon again, following the team’s fantastic work on our current school.” Construction is now underway. Works are expected to be completed in June 2024, ready for the 2024/2025 school year.

Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame has been named as the official beer supplier of The Open in a new three year partnership. The partnership commences this summer with The 151st Open, which will take place at Royal Liverpool. The global sporting event, running from July 16 to 23, will be attended by a record 290,000 fans. As the official supplier of The 151st Open, Shepherd Neame’s award-winning beer and cider will be on sale in the bars around the course. Guests will be able to enjoy Singha, the original Thai lager, which Shepherd Neame began brewing for the UK market in 2022, along with Whitstable Bay Pale Ale and Orchard View cider on draught. It is the third year that the Faversham-based brewer has been chosen as the official beer supplier for The Open, following the success of last year’s partnership when the Championship took place at St Andrews in Scotland. Shepherd Neame’s Chief Executive Jonathan Neame said: “We are incredibly excited to be partnering with The R&A once again for this historic sporting occasion, as we embark upon a three year partnership. The Open is a world-renowned event, and offers a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of our award-winning brands with new audiences. We are particularly excited to showcase Singha at the Championship, which has a long history of supporting flagship sporting events in the UK and globally.” Neil Armit, Chief Commercial Officer at The R&A, said: “Shepherd Neame has a long and cherished history as Britain’s oldest brewer and is renowned for producing award-winning beers from its home in Kent. We look forward to working with them during the next three years to offer our fans and guests a range of high quality British-crafted products at the Championship.”

Introduction/overview Flight Club and its cleaning and hygiene partner Sybron, celebrated their first year of partnership in March 2023. As Flight Club’s parent company, Red Engine, renews its contract with Sybron, significant benefits have been identified from their collaboration including 15% cost savings, zero stress, and 100% confidence! The first contract which was signed in March 2022 was fully mobilised in under four weeks. After the three month ‘honeymoon period’, there was no dip in the levels of service from Sybron, something which can be prevalent in many new supplier relationships. Indeed, both the purchasing manager and venue managers of Flight Club, are delighted that all it takes is just one call or email to Sybron and any issue is resolved swiftly and efficiently. The challenge Flight Club opened the oche at its first social darts venue in Shoreditch in 2015 with its focus on bringing joy, fun and quality time to its patrons. Today, Flight Club has grown to 13 venues across the UK, with two more planned by 2023 year-end. When David Piazzani joined Red Engine as Purchasing Manager in October 2021, it quickly became apparent that one of his first tasks was to review the supply of consumables for cleaning and hygiene at the Flight Club sites. “The then supplier of all the cleaning, hygiene and ancillary products caused me and our Flight Club managers a lot of stress and anxiety every day,” explains David. “With no after-sales service and a poor response to issues and problems, we started to look for a company we could develop a real partnership with. We knew that there must be a better supplier out there with more sustainable solutions, plus the attention to detail, pro-active approach and willingness to be a real business partner to us.” The solution When David met Sybron he knew immediately that they were the right partner and in March 2022 both companies began a relationship that still, one year on, astonishes the Flight Club team with its level of service and proactive approach to every day needs. Hygiene Service Partner, Sybron, provides products such as cleaning and disinfectants, hand towels and toilet paper, as well as janitorial supplies including sponges, mops and brooms to all the Flight Club venues. However, it is the Sybron ethos of differentiation through a seamless service that has delivered the bullseye for Flight Club. “Being a buyer can sometimes be very frustrating because everyone offers you the same thing over and over again,” explains David. “Sybron take a completely different approach.” The Sybron approach • Regular communication with an open and honest dialogue. • Sybron deals directly with venue managers, ‘I don’t have to be the middle-man’ says David. • Problems and issues are dealt with swiftly and efficiently. Cases in point! o In 2022 the Bloomsbury Flight Club in central London had a random council and risk assessment. The manager immediately emailed Sybron, who replied within 30 minutes and provided all the additional information requested by the inspector. o In December 2022 the Bloomsbury Flight Club site had all its sanitary bins unexpectedly removed by the previous contractor, leaving no facilities for that day. Within a few hours of being alerted to the problem Sybron had delivered, set up and installed bins ready for use, so there was no disruption of service. • Sybron has a pro-active approach to managing our account. o The team is consistently taking initiative and provides alternatives if there is a spike in price or a supply issue. o Sybron finds the best product, explains why it is better and what the environmental benefit is – they don’t just provide a catalogue and ask you to choose. o The Sybron approach is to engage with staff to plan and avoid problems before they happen. o They do not wait for busy managers to call them with urgent supply issues. “Usually, Sybron has presented us with the solution before the problem arises,” explains David. “That’s because Sybron is totally aligned and integrated with our business. This gives me and the Flight Club team the confidence that someone is thinking on our behalf." “Having a partner that understands the nature of our business means that I don’t have to repeat or re-explain anything. We discuss it once and it is done.” The results As a result of its partnership with Sybron Flight Club bagged a cost saving of 15% across all its sites. But as David says: “We have saved a lot of money, but to me the cost is secondary to the service. A good price is pointless without the service. Sybron delivers zero stress and the fact that I have 100% confidence is equally valuable.” “When I find a partner like Sybron, it makes my life easy. Now they are completely symbiotic with us in terms of growth and are completely integrated into our operations for the opening of a new venue. I am not even a part of it anymore, it just happens automatically. I don’t have to be the middle-man as with many suppliers. It is a dream partnership.” Our customers are our partners “Of course, service is a big part of our business,” explains Brad, director of operations at Sybron. “We are completely focused on both solving any problems promptly, but also on working to make sure there are no glitches or setbacks in the first place. “That has always been our take on business. We see every contract as a joint partnership where we help both businesses move forward and grow. That does not happen by being reactive, so we differentiate ourselves by a wholly proactive and integrated approach.” “It is thanks to our team that we have created the synergy with Flight Club, particularly our colleagues in the office and our drivers. Our ethos resonates across the whole company – our customers are our partners, and they have a name rather than a number.” Sustainable growth Flight Club has doubled its estate for venues in over three years and by the end of 2023 will have 15 locations, including the first site to open in Scotland. “With such massive growth, some things can get a bit lost. The partnership with Sybron has enabled us to meet our environmental goals to switch to eco cleaning products,” explains David. “Moving such a big ship over to using solely sustainable products is not something that can happen overnight. However, thanks to its proactive attitude and breadth of product range, Sybron is working with us to reach our aim – to move to all eco-cleaning and hygiene solutions by the end of 2023.” Forward together “WE SEE THIS PARTNERSHIP AS A JOINT VENTURE. LONG TERM, WE WOULD LIKE TO CONSOLIDATE MORE AND CREATE MORE FLUIDITY WITH SYBRON THAT WILL ALLOW US TO GROW. THEIR SEAMLESS SERVICE GIVES US THE PLATFORM TO ACHIEVE THIS. ALL OUR TEAMS HAVE TOTAL CONFIDENCE IN SYBRON.” “For me, it is something I don’t even think about anymore,” concludes David. “As a Purchasing Manager, Sybron is at the back of my mind, which is the best place to be if you are a supplier.” “Looking ahead, maintaining a top-class service gets harder as you grow, so more efficiencies are required,” adds Brad. “Our business has a strict growth strategy to ensure we maintain continuity of supply. We continually aim not just to be a box-mover, but to maintain a seamless service and be a real partner to our customers.”

Following the acquisition of six Individual Inns pubs in 2019, family brewers – Robinsons Brewery – have completed an extensive renovation the Tempest Arms, a 17th century inn situated on the edge of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales – their largest pub investment to date. Following a five-month closure, the Inn now presents a brand new look, including a full refurbishment of its 21 guest bedrooms. William Robinson, Joint Managing Director at Robinsons Brewery, commented: “It was always very important to retain the character and heritage of the pub, and simply enhance its original features. This investment represents our dedication to our estate where we have further investments planned during the remainder of the year.” Internally, the Tempest now offers a new semi-private dining room beside the restaurant area, featuring a beautifully restored trestle table for 10 – the perfect space for a private function accompanied with delicious food, proudly made with the freshest, seasonal produce. The stunning bar, re-designed as the pub’s focal point and hub for its loyal and local community. It is the ideal base to enjoy Robinsons’ award-winning cask ales, lagers and spirits from around the world. The new design, generating a ‘farmhouse’ feel throughout, features original reclaimed furniture upholstered in an array of beautiful fabrics, with atmospheric lighting forming the perfect ambience. Stone walls were carefully cleaned, beams lovingly restored and original fireplaces retained. 21 bedrooms have benefitted from complete makeovers, designed with a mid-century feel that reflects the beautiful surrounding countryside to provide a calming, serene environment for guests. A colour palette of warm neutrals and an aged pink to the rooms was carefully selected, paired with various textured fabrics and a simple lighting design, all with the theme of nature in mind. Artwork by Yorkshire Artist Sue Lawson adorns the bedroom walls, complementing the scheme perfectly and giving a nod to the local landscapes. Popular with weddings and celebrations, the Tempest also boasts an impressive function room, the perfect space for wedding receptions and other functions. Externally, a spaciously paved courtyard garden (which sits between the bedrooms and the main bar and restaurant) shows off remarkable country planting, lantern lighting and brand new wooden dining furniture; the ideal spot to relax and take in the rolling countryside views with friends or family.

A recently launched report has shown that a family-owned ingredients manufacturer has helped 529 charities with 14 tonnes of food donations since April 2022 – the equivalent of 33,320 meals. The annual Impact Report from Glenbervie-based Macphie Ltd has highlighted numerous ways that the business has improved the lives of its local communities and charities in an effort to hit its major environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets. The food firm was among Scotland’s first businesses to achieve B Corp status in 2015, having successfully demonstrated an unwavering high standard of social and environmental performance. In its latest B Corp assessment, Macphie achieved a 93.7 rating – the median score is 50.9 – up by 15% from its first scoring in 2015. In the last 12 months Macphie has taken a number of steps in key areas to strengthen its standing impact areas. Andy Stapley, Macphie’s CEO said: “Our ways of working have always been based on the principles of sustainability and we want to make a positive impact on both our local and wider environment, both now and in the future, by doing the right thing to protect the people and places around us.” “Proving we’re not just talking the talk when it comes to sustainability, we are B Corp accredited which means we’ve proactively joined a community of like-minded businesses using their force for good and this report only highlights the work we have been successfully achieving up to this point.” Macphie’s Impact Report shows that the firm’s food donations have prevented the waste of 22.4 tonnes of CO2e, while its other contributions have included the hosting of local secondary pupils as part of a foundation apprenticeship programme and funding a scholarship and three-month work placement for a university food science student. To reduce its carbon footprint, Macphie has invested £75,000 into the installation of a sub-metre network across the Glenbervie site to closely track energy use and identify ways to operate more efficiently. Since 2014, the business has been using power from two on-site wind turbines installed and owned by Glenbervie Wind and the installation of a 1.2MW on-site biomass facility in 2008 made it the first food manufacturer to produce ingredients using this technology. Andy continued: “Since our move to Glenbervie in the seventies, we’ve closely aligned our ambitions to hit social and environmental goals, as well as financial targets, and have committed to continuous improvement across five key pillars covering governance, customers, communities, workers and the environment.” “We have made great strides as a company towards our goals, yet we are still steadfast on our ESG journey, making it a priority to not only give back to the land and our external stakeholders, but also our own Macphie family.” A winter payment scheme was also introduced to provide staff with an additional £750 to help with cost-of-living challenges, and in partnership with the Scottish Refugee Council, two Syrian refugees were taken on as full-time employees. Macphie is an internationally renowned ingredients manufacturer established in 1928, which now employs more than 250 people across its three sites. It manufactures a wide range of products including cake mixes and savoury sauces, as well as offering plant-based and gluten-free options. Its vision is to be the go-to partner for food brands around the world, turning ideas and creativity into practical solutions. Its passion for making life easier for chefs and bakers is reflected in its “simply clever” strapline.

2023 is turning out to be a highly successful year for Lincoln based entrance matting manufacturer Make An Entrance, whose Managing Director Stuart Burlton has been shortlisted for the sought after title of Institute of Directors, Director of the Year. The IoD Awards are designed to find the stars of UK business and leadership. There are 3 regional awards: North, Midlands, and the East and South, with directors being recognised in 9 categories such as: Innovation, Young, Family, and Sustainability. The story of the Make An Entrance journey is truly inspirational. Having started out as a simple e-commerce operation, today it has brought almost all production in-house to become a thriving UK manufacturing business and in doing so has prevented the traditional skill of hand-stitched doormat making from being lost. The team’s hard work was recognised earlier this year when they scooped the Business Transformation Award in the 2023 Business Champions Awards. This further nomination in recognition of Stuart’s particular leadership skills as an accomplished Managing Director is the icing on the cake for the family firm. The IoD said: “The calibre of entries has been consistently high this year, so it is a great achievement to be shortlisted. Congratulations!” Stuart Burlton, Make An Entrance Co-Founder said: “I am delighted to be shortlisted as a finalist in these awards. It is wonderful for me and the team to be recognised for all the hard work that has gone on, to transform ourselves from a humble online company 5 years ago to a full-blown UK manufacturer today. Success is a complete team effort, and my shortlisting is just a reflection of that, and is proof that manufacturing in the UK can succeed!!!” Winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony at IoD Headquarters in Pall Mall, London on Friday 29th September 2023.

Robinsons Brewery announce another year of increased operating profits despite the challenging economic climate that the hospitality and brewing industry has faced. The sixth-generation Stockport-based family brewers generated an operating profit of £5.9m and invested a further £7.7m across their 249 tenanted and managed pubs. Recently the company further consolidated its family shareholder base by concluding a share buyback. Sixth-generation family members and Joint Managing Directors, Oliver and William Robinson, commented: “2022 was a year of challenges across our sector and across the UK. Although we had the first full year without significant coronavirus restrictions in place, we faced new challenges. Brexit arrangements impacted on worker availability, the lasting impact of the pandemic and the cost increases caused by the war in Ukraine hitting utility and food costs particularly hard. We saw our business affected by difficulties in recruiting new team members across all areas of the business from chefs to engineers. Like many businesses, these pressures have driven up our operating costs. We have risen to this challenge and are investing in our systems and processes to improve efficiency and performance across the business; whilst simultaneously developing our consumer offering and our learning and development program.” In this challenging economic climate, Robinsons has maintained a strong performance in the market. The family brewers increased sales by approximately 20% in 2022, rising from £63.3m (2021) to £83.1m comparing favourably with our pre-pandemic sales of £75m in 2019. The increase in turnover for the brewers delivered an operating profit of £5.9m, noticing a growth in trade as the country recovers from the impacts of the pandemic. Robinsons have continued their commitment to investing into their pub estate, this year almost trebling their investment figure (£2.8m in 2021). The company spent £7.7m on the development and improvement of 40 sites to achieve quality and enjoyable environments for their guests and licensees. This figure saw the family brewers invest £3.9m across their tenanted estate. Significant investments included the Shoulder of Mutton, Chapel-en-le-Frith and the Church House, Buglawton. The company has also acquired two new premises for their managed house division, in 2022 The Woodman Inn, Thunderbridge, West Yorkshire and more recently in early 2023, Hartford Hall near Northwich. The £3.8m investments across their managed house division included the Tatton Arms, near Manchester Airport and the Waggon and Horses, Eaton. The year also saw brewhouse plans come to fruition as construction work began at their Unicorn Packaging Centre in Bredbury with plans for the new brewery to be operational by 2024. The sixth-generation family directors commented: “We feel confident our business is well placed to develop and continue strengthening and investing over the coming years. The conclusion of the buyback of a number of shares from family branches less directly connected to the operation of the business is a significant moment for the business and family. It is the first time since the company was founded such an exercise has been undertaken. We are committed to continuing investment in our pub portfolio during 2023 and will continue to seek to acquire pubs, or small pub groups in exceptional trading or idyllic locations which align with our future business vision.”

Two Yorkshire family businesses have collaborated to create recipes that celebrate Yorkshire produce. The team at Thixendale based Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil has created a series of three recipes using cheese and yoghurt from Yorkshire Dama Cheese in Sowerby Bridge to celebrate summer: Smoked Chilli Squeaky Cheese Flatbreads, Baked Ricotta with Chilli and Spice and Labneh Topped Spiced Carrot Cake. Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil’s Marketing Manager, Jennie Palmer explained the rationale for the recipe creation: “Here at YRO, we’re passionate about spreading the word about fabulous Yorkshire producers. Over the years we have found that the best way to do this is to create recipes that encourage people to try the fabulous food that we have on our doorstep. “Yorkshire Dama Cheese was established by Razan Alsous after she fled war torn Syria in 2012. She was inspired to make dairy products after discovering the distinctive taste of Yorkshire cow’s milk for the first time and has gone on to win numerous awards for her products that include Squeaky Cheese, Ricotta Cheese and a selection of dairy lines including the spreadable yogurt Labneh that we used to top the spiced carrot cake.” Mrs Alsous said: “We love the creative ways that the Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil team have used our products in their recipes and we can’t wait to try them – especially the Smoked Chilli Squeaky Cheese Flatbreads.” Mrs Alsous and Mrs Palmer are both Board Members with deliciouslyorkshire; the organisation dedicated to making Yorkshire food and drink the first choice by respecting tradition, encouraging innovation, and celebrating great taste. Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil was established in 2008 by the Palmer family on their farm in the heart of the Yorkshire Wolds. They produce a range of oils, dressings and mayonnaise based on their award-winning Yorkshire Rapeseed Oil that is pressed, blended, bottled and labelled on the family farm.

Grasmere Gingerbread® has opened a second shop in Hawkshead; 169 years after its inventor Sarah Nelson first sold her world-famous famous spicy-sweet cross between a biscuit and cake from her Church Cottage home – now The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop – in the village of Grasmere. The new venture sells freshly baked Grasmere Gingerbread® and takeaway coffee supplied by artisan roaster Duffin’s Coffee, Staveley, near Kendal. It also offers Grasmere Gingerbread® ice cream and stocks dozens of other foodstuffs and gifts – many of them ginger themed – made by fellow Cumbrian small businesses. “The response from customers has been overwhelming,” said Andrew Hunter, co-director of the 169-year-old business. “Our Hawkshead shop does not simply replicate The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop experience in Grasmere; it provides terrific takeaway coffee and consciously showcases lots of great products made by other small and family Cumbrian businesses, many of whom we have been working with for years but whose products we may have only sold online due to a lack of space in our original shop.” “Duffin’s Coffee provided all the barista training for our staff and they have been a joy to work with.” The Staveley-based artisan roaster is known for its commitment to eco-friendly and ethical coffee bean production in South America. “As we already produce Sarah Nelson’s Comfort Coffee for Grasmere Gingerbread® we were absolutely thrilled to collaborate with them on this exciting venture in Hawkshead,” said Steven Duffin. The Hawkshead shop, which is located at Corner Shop, Main Street, is open to the public seven days a week, 10 to 4.30 pm.