A family-owned electrician business in Lanarkshire has been modernised after the new owners accessed specialist advice from Business Gateway. T.R. Aitchison is an electrical contractor with over 60 years of experience in the electrical industry. They specialise in reactive and planned electrical maintenance work and electrical testing for both domestic and commercial clients. Husband and wife Frank and Heather Rooney took over ownership of T.R. Aitchison in July 2023 after Frank had been employed by them for 22 years. The business includes an apprentice electrician, Ewan, who has been with them for over three years. Ewan reached the semi-finals of the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2024, which had over 1,800 entrants. Dog Zeus is their mascot in the window as an unofficial team member and is well-known in the community. The team expanded in April with a new hire of an electrician to meet demand. The business was outdated from the showroom to the technology they used, and even with some services. For this reason, Frank and Heather contacted Business Gateway for support in modernising the business. Through Business Gateway, they met adviser Mark Wright, who provided 1:1 guidance and tailored business support, as well as introducing them to other experts who could help them. Mark also signposted them to information regarding employment law and apprentice support. As a result of Mark introducing T.R. Aitchison to experts, Frank and Heather received two days of marketing consultancy from an expert, and five days of specialist procurement consultancy. The procurement consultancy was instrumental in helping the business to secure contracts with key contacts in the housing maintenance sector. Thanks to the procurement consultancy, T.R. Aitchison has been able to create a basic tender library to use for public sector work. This has helped them secure a recent key contract. The marketing consultancy support allowed for a website review and update, with the appearance and functionality creating a better user experience to improve visibility and reputation. SEO was improved as a result also. A social media review gave T.R. Aitchison recommendations on ways to improve their presence on social media as well as the quality of their output. Heather Rooney, Operations Manager at T.R. Aitchison said: “When Frank and I took over running T.R. Aitchison, we knew we needed support to get the business into a better place to future-proof it. The support we’ve had from Business Gateway has been invaluable and has got us into a great place in a relatively short space of time. The business wouldn’t have survived without major updates, which is where Business Gateway came in." “We are so grateful for Mark’s help and guidance and can’t thank the Business Gateway team enough for all the support they have given us.” Mark Wright, Business Gateway adviser said: “When Frank and Heather came to Business Gateway for support, we were able to help them modernise the business and bring it into the 21st century. It’s great to see how much the team has been able to help them since July and we look forward to continuing to see them grow.”

Bagnalls is the latest family business signing up to the Sustainable Charter and pledging their commitment to making a different to the planet. Family businesses intrinsically do, or want to do the right thing, acting as agents of change and taking responsibility for their actions. They care and with a shared purpose take long-term decisions and act as stewards for next generations. They want to do the right thing, creating sustainable businesses and recognise the urgency associated with the need to care for the world in which they live too. As Paul Andrews, Founder of Sustainabler and global champion of family businesses explains: “We are delighted to welcome Bagnalls to Sustainabler. As a responsible family business they are taking plenty of steps on their sustainability journey and we are delighted that they have signed up to our sustainability pledge.” “Sustainabler has been created with a simple purpose in mind, to provide a comprehensive resource centre that will enable family businesses of all sizes to source information, knowledge and practical examples of sustainability in practice and to help everyone make sustainability manageable, measurable and meaningful and we really do welcome the support and commitment that Bagnalls have made in this regard.” Each family business that signs up to the charter agrees to further their sustainability journey by committing: To continuing on their journey to become a net zero business To reduce their energy consumption To minimise waste within their organisation To encourage the reduction of consumption of materials and reuse and recycling of as many resources as possible To reduce water consumption To consider the use of renewable energy resources To measure and reduce their overall impact on the environment To encourage and support their people to become better ‘citizens of the planet’ To support the broader communities in which they operate To be active participants in the sustainabler community as agents of change To share and report back on their endeavours and the impact that these have on their business To continue to build an approach to sustainability to look at their underlying purpose in terms of profit, people and planet The Sustainabler Charter sets to encourage more family businesses to proactively communicate and share their activities and their impact with the wider community, amplifying the impact of family firms as agents of change and sharing resources and ideas that will help other family businesses too. As Paul continues, “We created Sustainabler in response to being asked for resources and insights to help family businesses on their journey and have been delighted with the response to date. The community continues to build and it is great to see the family business mark of sustainability being embraced by great family businesses across the UK.” “Bagnalls is a long standing, multi-generational family business that have been delivering expert commercial and industrial painting and decorating projects across the UK since 1875 and are a responsible business, putting people and the planet at the heart of what they do and we are delighted to welcome them to our Sustainabler community.” Ben Featherstone, Sustainability Co-Ordinator at Bagnalls adds: "We're really excited to be a part of Sustainabler. Bagnalls is committed to using green and sustainable practices wherever possible and we are always looking for new, innovative ways to ensure we're protecting our planet." "Our painters and decorators are already using environmentally friendly Graphenstone paint across various projects, which works to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere as it dries." "We are also proud members of The Painting and Decorating Association's Paint Green scheme, which helps us recycle and cut down on waste." "We can't wait to further our green efforts with Sustainabler and help us protect our planet for the next generation of family businesses." Family businesses signing up to Sustainabler become part of a community that has sustainability matters at the core, are able to make full use of the badge on collateral and gain invitations to events that are shaped around the ongoing sustainability agenda. Find out more about Sustainabler at www.sustainabler.uk

Denholm Logistics Group recently marked a leadership milestone, with the appointment of Alan Platt as Managing Director, following the retirement of his predecessor, Niall Denholm. Denholm Logistics Group is a division of family-owned diversified business, the Denholm Group. Its subsidiaries are well-established in the logistics and port services sectors, providing freight forwarding, warehousing and transportation solutions, the short-sea shipping of timber products, and the port agency of a range of vessels in the UK and the island of Ireland. Niall Denholm served 12 successful years at the helm of Denholm Logistics Group, leading the division through several acquisitions and major capital projects, while always placing employees and their safety at the heart of his management philosophy. Alan Platt joined Denholm as part of the acquisition of Good Logistics in August 2021, where he led the business. As Divisional Managing Director of Denholm Good Logistics, he spearheaded the integration of two separate businesses – Good Logistics and Denholm Global Logistics – into one combined organisation. Ben MacLehose, CEO of parent company J. & J. Denholm, said, “As Managing Director of Denholm Logistics Group, Niall Denholm has grown and developed the division tremendously. He has also been an ardent supporter of enabling employees to progress their careers, from entry-level roles to company directors. I wish Niall a happy and productive retirement.” Ben continues, “I look forward to working with Alan in his new role as Managing Director. I have no doubt that Denholm Logistics Group will continue to flourish with Alan at its helm. As a seasoned leader in logistics, Alan has a successful track record of seeking growth opportunities for the businesses he leads and the people within them.” Niall Denholm retired as Managing Director of Denholm Logistics Group on 3rd May 2024. Alan Platt was appointed Denholm Logistics Group Managing Director on 4th May 2024.

Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, has completed the installation of fall protection systems on the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster- brand new Hyperia! Due to open on Friday 24 May, Hyperia is the newest ride at Thorpe Park in Surrey. Built by Mack Rides, the new attraction stands at an intimidating 72m (236ft) and will reach speeds of over 80mph. The safety systems installed by working at height specialists from Arco Professional Safety Services provide a continuous safe connection on the rollercoaster, allowing maintenance crews to carry out routine and reactive tasks with confidence. Arco installed Two MSA Latchways BridgeLatch fall arrest and restraint systems along the entire 111m (364ft) incline and crest of the rollercoaster, allowing workers to access the lift portion of the rollercoaster safely. They also fixed MSA Latchways Mansafe fall arrest systems along the station return brake platform and the station exit maintenance platform. Matthew Glass, fall protection manager at Arco Professional Safety Services, said: “We were thrilled to be a part of this project for the Hyperia coaster, the latest attraction at one of the UK’s top theme parks." “This installation is the latest in a longstanding partnership with Merlin Entertainments that has allowed Arco, the Experts in Safety, to demonstrate our expertise in working at height safety and love of (safe) thrills." “I know I speak on behalf of the whole team when I say we are looking forward to getting to experience the UK’s new tallest and fastest ride when it opens.” Dan Warwick, health & safety director at Thorpe Park, said: “Arco have been an instrumental part of the team, assisting us with the installation of working at height lines - a vital element of the Hyperia ride construction." “With the ride standing at an epic 236ft tall, these lines will be used to safely enable our engineering team to get up and down the incredible lift hill for all maintenance and daily pre-opening checks." “The lines will also be used by our staff and guests in the event of an evacuation being required on the ride. As part of this, the Arco team worked closely with us to ensure we have well-planned and expertly curated evacuation plans, which form a critical part of the overall project.” Arco Professional Safety Services provide consultancy, training, services and equipment to manage the most complex and high-risk, high hazard scenarios, specialising in working at height, confined spaces and respiratory management. Find out more at here.

Popular Derbyshire farm shop Croots is once again taking part in Open Farm Sunday, giving visitors the chance to find out more about life on the farm. Being held on Sunday 9th June between 11am and 3.30pm and with free admission, it’s just one of a string of events that have been organised at the farm shop near Duffield over the next few months. The list includes Paws in the Paddock on 14th July, a fun dog event featuring classes, activities and stalls. A percentage of the profits will be donated to Angels Small Paws Dog Rescue. It also features a jewellery and watch valuation day by Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers (Derby) held 2pm-4pm on Wednesday 22nd May and a Pork Butchery Evening running 6pm-8pm on Thursday 23rd May. Kay Croot, who runs Croots Farm Shop in Wirksworth Road, said: “We have taken part in Open Farm Sunday for many years now and are looking forward to once again welcoming visitors to Farnah House Farm." “It’s a great day out for all the family and will include blacksmithing and sheep shearing displays, a self-guided farm walk and trail, meet the farmer, a static farm machinery display, Shire horse dray rides, a small animal petting area, competitions and more." “Open Farm Sunday is a national event managed by LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming), which began in 2006, and is a celebration of British farming. It gives visitors the chance to learn more about farming and the countryside, and farmers the chance to talk about British food and farming." “There’s lots of information on our website about all our events this spring and summer, which hopefully have something of interest to all. The events that we have held so far have been a great success, and our bushcraft sessions run by Robin of Shire Bushcraft have been so popular that they completely sold out.” Information about all events are on the Croots visit the website .

The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is proud to announce successful funding for two local community dance initiatives, Legacy Dance Company and Partick Dancing Group. Legacy Dance Company, co-founded by Chloe Elliot and Hannah Johnstone, has been awarded £1,000 towards acquiring essential equipment for their new studio premises. This grant will support the purchase of mirrors and dance flooring, crucial for the proper functioning of their new location. The company, which provides dance education and a supportive community space for children, including those with autism and ADHD, has operated for two years. They serve the children of Ruchill and Lambhill and now find themselves outgrowing their original premises. Chloe Elliot expressed her delight at the donation, saying, "We would like to thank everyone involved at Allied Vehicles for giving us the opportunity to make our dreams come true!" “The funds awarded will allow us to purchase the proper materials needed to open our very own studio, which will give our students a new and bigger place to call their second home." " We are excited to give back to a community that we have lived in all our lives, and we can’t wait to offer more to the community by having this opportunity." “We can’t express enough how grateful we are that Allied Vehicles have appreciated the work that we are doing. From everyone involved at Legacy Dance Company, thank you." Partick Dancing Group, predominantly consisting of senior women, received £300 towards transport costs for an upcoming group trip. The group is about more than just cutting a rug on the dancefloor. It helps reduce social isolation among its members, many of whom live alone and rely on the group for much-needed social interaction. Cathie Connelly of Partick Dancing Group thanked the Trust for their help, "We are delighted to receive this award from Allied Vehicles,” she said, “We will use it to go on a trip in July when our dance sessions are off, which will allow us to keep in touch with each other over the summer break. Thank you so much!" David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, shared his thoughts on the importance of these groups, "At Allied Vehicles, we are passionate local community. We are happy to support both Legacy Dance Company and Partick Dancing Group. These groups do fantastic work in promoting activity and reducing isolation across generations. We’re happy we can help them extend their valuable services."

A multipurpose watersports centre on the shores of Windermere is celebrating the launch of its 40th summer season. The Watersports Centre at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa is marking its ‘ruby’ anniversary this year. Having started life back in 1984 as a small service from the jetty offering boat hire for scenic trips on Windermere, it has become a modern hive of outdoor sports activity. When officially opened by the minister for sport in the mid-1980s, Only You by The Flying Pickets was No.1 in the pop charts and Steve Jobs was about to launch the Macintosh personal computer in the US. Recent years have seen the addition of popular water-based pastimes such as paddle boarding, wake surfing and knee boarding. But visitors can still enjoy a step back in time by hiring a traditional rowing boat or fulfilling their Swallows and Amazons ambitions in a sailing dinghy. General manager of Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa Mark Needham: “The longevity, growth and popularity of our watersports facilities here are testament to the team’s commitment to providing our guests with a great deal of fun and laughter." “We’re very lucky in that not many Lake District venues benefit from their own private jetty and watersports facilities for guests to enjoy on the shoreline. Set against the backdrop of the Lakeland fells, it’s just a wonderful location for getting out on the water.” Sports activities on the water have always been an integral part of family life at English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues. In the 1950s, Norman Buckley, the great, great uncle of current managing director Ben Berry, broke four world water speed records on Windermere in his own designed and built boats. The Watersports Centre at Low Wood Bay offers a broad range of watersports, boat and equipment hire and an experienced team of instructors for all ages and abilities. Whilst canoes and kayaks give guests a feeling of freedom to explore, it’s stand-up paddle boarding which has become one of the most popular modern activities in recent years. The Watersports Centre is also a recognised training centre with the Royal Yachting Association. For further information, visit he re.

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? Passing the torch from one generation to the next in a family business is a time of reflection and transition, filled with both excitement and trepidation. As the older generation, looking to hand over the reins, you have the opportunity to shape the future of your family’s legacy. Let’s explore some considerations, both from a business and personal perspective, as you embark on this important transition. Identify a capable successor From a business standpoint, it’s crucial to ensure a smooth handover that maintains the stability and growth of the company. Start by identifying a capable successor within the family. This person should not only possess the necessary skills and passion but also embody the shared values that have made your business what it is today. Keep in mind that expertise can be developed, but alignment with the family’s vision is something that runs deeper. Getting the right advice is critical Alongside finding the right successor, it’s imperative to establish a clear and comprehensive succession plan. This plan should encompass various aspects, including legal and financial considerations, leadership roles, and communication strategies. Take the time to consult with professionals who specialise in family business succession, as they can guide you through the intricacies of estate planning, tax implications, and ownership transitions. Embracing emotions and personal connections Now, let’s consider the personal side of things. As you pass on the baton, it’s natural to experience a mix of emotions. Pride in the accomplishments of your family business, joy in seeing it flourish under new leadership, and perhaps even a twinge of nostalgia for the days when you were at the helm. Embrace these emotions and use them as fuel to maintain a strong connection with both the business and your family. Consider mentorship and advisory roles Remember, the transition doesn’t mean you have to completely sever ties with the business. Consider taking on a mentorship role or becoming an advisor to the new leadership team. Your experience and wisdom are invaluable assets that can continue to contribute to the success of the business. Prioritise your own well-being At the same time, it’s essential to prioritise your own well-being during this transition. Explore new passions, spend quality time with loved ones, and create a fulfilling life beyond the business. Reflect on your achievements and celebrate the legacy that you’ve built. After all, being part of a family business is a source of great pride and joy. So, as you embark on the journey of handing over the family business, keep these considerations in mind. Be proactive in setting up a strong succession plan, find a successor who embodies the family’s values, and nurture a positive connection with both the business and your personal life. Embrace the next chapter of your life while cherishing the memories and lessons of the past. You’ve built something truly special, and now it’s time to ensure its enduring success for the generations to come. JOHN BROONS 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?

Digital games can contribute to and support the well-being of children if they are designed with the needs of children in mind, according to new research from UNICEF Innocenti – Global Office of Research and Foresight. The study shows that well-designed digital play experiences can allow children to experience a sense of control, have freedom of choice and experience mastery and feelings of achievement. They can also help children to regulate their emotions, feel connected to others, and find joy in creating and exploring as well as acting on new ideas. These types of experiences are vital for children’s well-being and can even support their development. Bo Viktor Nylund, Director of UNICEF Innocenti, said: “For decades, people have often assumed that playing digital games is somehow bad for children, undermining their well-being. But our new study paints a far more complex picture – one in which these games can actually contribute to children’s well-being and positively support them as they grow up.” “But not all children are impacted positively by games, and – crucially – not all games are having a positive impact on children. In fact, for games to support the well-being of children, game designers must take the needs of children into account and design games that support those needs,” Nylund said. Anna Rafferty, Senior Vice President of Digital Consumer Engagement, the LEGO Group, said: “This exciting research from UNICEF and leading academics shows that safe and inclusive digital play can have a profoundly positive impact on children’s lives." "We are proud to be partnering with like-minded organisations to understand how digital experiences can be designed in a way that puts children’s well-being first. These findings will empower responsible businesses to create a digital future where children are safe, nurtured and equipped to thrive.” Digital producers can and should design for the well-being of children. This research was produced as part of the Responsible Innovation in Technology for Children (RITEC) project, an international collaboration between organisations that believe the design and development of digital technology should support the rights and well-being of children. The project was co-founded by UNICEF and the LEGO Group and is funded by the LEGO Foundation. The study found that games can support children’s senses of autonomy, competence, creativity and identity, as well as help them regulate emotions and build relationships. But to support one or more of these aspects of well-being, digital games need to contain certain features. For example, to support children’s sense of autonomy, a game could put them in control, allow them to make decisions about gameplay and encourage them to develop their own strategies to progress. Or to support creativity, a game could allow children to freely explore and solve problems or create their own characters or narratives. Bo Viktor Nylund said: “This research helps us understand not only how games can impact the well-being of children, but also helps the producers and designers of these games understand what elements they can include to support children. We hope they will consider these findings as they design the games our children will be playing in the future.” Safety and security of children playing digital games – a vital topic which is already the subject of much research – was not as strong a focus in this study, but it was still found to be of fundamental importance to protect the well-being of children. This research – which was produced in partnership with the University of Sheffield, New York University, City University New York and the Queensland University of Technology – establishes that digital games companies and games designers can and should support the well-being of children through the games they produce, convincingly demonstrating that digital play has a particularly positive impact on children’s well-being when it responds to their deep interests, needs and desires. A report on the research and its findings will be followed later this year by the launch of a guide to assist businesses to incorporate these findings into the games they design.

Arco has pledged to donate a share of profits from its hard hat sales to the Mental Health Foundation, as part of a new partnership to “protect heads inside and out”. From next month, the UK's leading safety experts will donate 10% of all profits from sales of own-brand hard hats to the UK’s leading charity for mental health. Arco announced the partnership today as part of Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May), underlining the company’s commitment to keeping people safe at work, and its preventative approach to physical and mental well-being. Guy Bruce, chief executive of Arco, said: “Everything we do is focused on protecting people. We are Experts in Safety, and alongside the physical aspects of safety, we are increasingly aware of how important mental wellbeing is to keeping people safe." “That is why I am delighted to embark on this partnership with the Mental Health Foundation, supporting their focus on protecting people’s mental wellbeing. Prevention is at the heart of everything we do at Arco, and this completely aligns with the Mental Health Foundation’s approach." “Our collective fundraising activities will help the Mental Health Foundation work to prevent mental wellbeing problems and support people with understanding and achieving better mental health." Arco chief executive Guy Bruce and chief people officer Di Hopper (Pictures: Arco: Experts in Safety) Arco will be organising activities and events throughout the year to further support the Mental Health Foundation’s efforts to educate and build people’s mental resilience. The company is encouraging its staff to take part in the charity’s challenge events, with Guy and his executive team leading the way by signing up for a 25km fundraising hike in the Peak District. Mark Rowland, CEO of Mental Health Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be launching this partnership with Arco. The Mental Health Foundation are the leaders in good mental health in the UK, and Arco’s support will help our work with some of the most vulnerable communities all over the country.” The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”. Throughout the week, Arco will be providing its staff with daily updates and resources to support their personal and collective mental health, as well as holding a company-wide step challenge.

Leading glass packaging company, Croxsons, is currently promoting its new sustainability campaign, reiterating its commitment to environmental stewardship in the packaging industry. As part of this initiative, Croxsons is focusing on major sustainability efforts including promoting the use of and planning for zero-carbon furnaces for glass production, which are part of the UK’s broader aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The company is planning for a rapid transition from traditional natural gas furnaces to those powered entirely by renewable electricity and hydrogen, aiming to substantially reduce the carbon footprint of its manufacturing processes. Further demonstrating its dedication to environmental causes, Croxsons has partnered with Ecologi to fund global climate initiatives and has already planted 150,000 trees to combat deforestation and climate change, as well as offsetting the carbon footprint of their entire team. This undertaking highlights the company’s pledge to undo decades of carbon damage and provide tangible benefits to the environment, meeting 13 of the UN Sustaintability Development Goals. Additionally, Croxsons’ recent recognition at the Ecologi Awards, where it won a Gold Award, highlights the company's proactive approach to sustainability and its effective strategies in setting and achieving significant emission reduction targets. Tim Croxson, Croxsons CEO, said: “Our commitment to sustainability is central to our operations. We are not just adjusting to a better way of doing business, we have to make sure that we are playing our part in ensuring that the packaging industry contributes positively to the planet's future.” Providing bespoke solutions to global food and beverage brands, Croxsons continues to expand its reach and services worldwide, maintaining its commitment to sustainable practices in all aspects of its business.

Beer Cheer: Property consultancy Vail Williams, acting on behalf of Wimborne-based property developer Harry J Palmer Ltd, has let a detached unit at Stone Lane Industrial Estate, Wimborne, Dorset, to Eight Arch Brewing Co on a 10-year lease. From left, May Palmer of Harry J Palmer Ltd, Steve Farrell, Brewer and Founder of Eight Arch Brewing Co, and Bryony Thompson, a Vail Williams’ Associate. The business is named after the eight arches of historical landmark Julian’s Bridge in the minister town.   An expanding brewery in Dorset has raised a glass to the future with a 10-year lease on a warehouse which has been transformed into a production centre and tap room.   In a deal through property consultancy Vail Williams, Eight Arch Brewing Co signed up to 5,748 sq ft of space at Unit 1, Stone Lane Industrial Estate, Wimborne.   Following a six-figure investment in equipment and fittings, part of the ground floor has been converted into a high-tech brewery, with a tap room for customers on Fridays and Saturdays at specified times, and seating areas inside and out.   Eight Arch Brewing Co, named after the eight arches at nearby historical landmark Julian’s Bridge in Wimborne Minster, relocated from smaller nearby premises. Founded by brewer Steve Farrell in 2015, the business, which has pale ale Square Logic as a best seller, employs five people and sells beer primarily in and around the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole conurbation.   The detached two-storey building, with a mezzanine floor and previously occupied by emporium Toad Hall, is owned through the commercial property arm of Harry J Palmer Ltd, the Wimborne-based property developer.   Steve said: “We are a Wimborne brewery owned and run by a Wimborne born and bred guy and we want to continue to grow from our Wimborne home. This signing of the 10-year lease on our new premises underlines our long-term commitment to Wimborne." “This is our third brewery in Stone Lane during ten years of Eight Arch with each move prompted by growing demand for our products and because of the popularity of our Tap Room."   “The founding of Eight Arch represented the first time in 80 years that an independent brewery had made and sold beer in the town."   “We’ve had an incredibly warm welcome from the local community since moving in and look forward to striking up more supplier partnerships with pubs, clubs and restaurants which champion ‘buy local’ and are also looking to reduce transport emissions and costs.”   Vail Williams, which has its Dorset office in Bournemouth, advises on the commercial property interests of family-run housebuilder Harry J Palmer Ltd. Bryony Thompson, a Vail Williams’ Associate working out of the consultancy’s Bournemouth office, said: “The vacant warehouse at Stone Lane Industrial Estate serves as the ideal expansion location for Eight Arch Brewing Co." “Steve and his team have worked tirelessly to create bigger and better premise for their national award winning beers and Tap Room. " May Palmer of Harry J Palmer Ltd, which was established in 1938 in Wimborne and is a member of Dorset Chamber, said: “It’s lovely to see new life breathed into the vacant warehouse, creating new jobs, inward investment and doing our home town proud.” Eight Arch Brewing Co produces hop-forward pale ales to full-bodied stouts, winning awards in regional and national competitions held by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA).   These include the IPA Corbel being named National SIBA Bitter & Strong Pale Ale Cask Champion in 2017, and Square Logic becoming National SIBA Session IPA Small Pack Champion 2020 and National SIBA Overall Small Pack Champion 2020.   According to SIBA figures, there were 1,815 active brewers in the UK at the beginning of this year, with 211 in the South West, generating employment for 10,000-plus people.