We are delighted to announce that Stuart Dantzic from Caribbean Blinds has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Inspirational Leader Champion of Change & Innovation Stuart’s hard work, dedication, determination and forward thinking are key to the company’s success, filtering through the entire team who take great pride in delivering high-end, quality products. Stuart took the reins of the family business in 2017, implementing an ambitious development plan to increase market share, growing the business from £1m turnover at the end of 2016 to projected £5m turnover by end of 2021, increasing net profit margins to 15.21% (as at 2020), well above the typical 9.4% margin for manufacturing. "Key to the firm’s extraordinary growth and profitability is Stuart’s fresh, dynamic approach and deep understanding of the business, together with the implementation of a strategic investment in both machinery and personnel development to enhance exacting quality and efficiency. Also a clever digital and in print marketing strategy to increase brand and product awareness." "Whilst Stuart’s passion continues to burn, Caribbean Blinds will flourish."

We are delighted to announce that Jason Rockett of Potter Space has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Inspirational Leadership Champion of Change & Innovation Family Business Steward Potter Space is a family-owned business with five business parks across the UK. Each is connected by road or rail to major business arteries, offering links to the UK’s key cities and ports. They are home to over 40 businesses occupying 1.6 million square feet across a range of commercial properties including warehouse space, factories, offices and small business lets and they also have the capability to build bespoke warehousing on their extensive land portfolio. "In over 50 years of business, building good relationships and supporting customers has been at the heart of Potter Space. Jason is the non-family Managing Director and is overseeing the next phase of the Potter Space journey bringing a wealth of experience and ideas to the table. His leadership is inspiring the next phase of the development of the business and he is well deserving of his place in the Family Business Top 100."

We are delighted to announce that John Tordoff of JCT600 has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Inspirational Leader Family Business Ambassador Champion of Change & Innovation Multi-Generational Family Business Leader With a history that stretches back more than 75 years, JCT600 has come an incredibly long way since it started life as a single garage on Sticker Lane in Bradford. Four generations later, and JCT600 remains a proud family business, despite now being one of UK’s largest and most highly respected motor retailers. JCT600 represents 24 of the world’s most iconic brands at more than 50 locations throughout Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, and the North East, and yet its ambition remains the same as ever – to be the best, not necessarily the biggest. John is an inspirational leader and presides over a business that has family values at its core with the values permeating all aspects of the business where every member of staff lives and breathes their values, delivering magic moments to customers and their fellow colleagues. "This business has come so far from the days when it started out as a single garage which is due to the incredible leadership, vision and ambition which has created a culture of empowerment and growth, all supported by family values, history and heritage. John is a fantastic ambassador for the family business sector, Yorkshire and the broader business community and thoroughly deserves his place in the Family Business Top 100."

We are delighted to announce that Fergus Bailie of Bailie Group has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Inspirational Leadership Next Generation Bailie Group is a family owned group of agencies and consultancies with the collective mission to improve people’s lives by sharing knowledge. They want to make a difference. They work on projects which keep people safer, helps the UK transport system move effectively, connects citizens with social services in their local area, provide content channels for industries like the automotive sector and get equipment to the front line so it’s safe to use and train our military to be the best they can be. Their Group mission is to create an entrepreneurial organisation of collaborative specialists. The companies are empowered to utilise technology and expert knowledge to create solutions which enable our customers to maximise their potential through intelligent use of information, content and data. As a Group their purpose is simple: invest in ideas and people which make a positive difference and properties that inspire. They have invested millions of pounds into projects to enable their group companies to thrive and grow, whilst making a positive contribution to their communities. "Fergus is the CEO and recognised as an inspirational leader, empowering the business to continue to evolve and grow under his leadership and he is a worthy inclusion within the Family Business Top 100."

We are delighted to announce that Richard Wilsdon of Britcab Ltd has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Inspirational Leader Co-founding the business back in 2007, Richard has played an integral part in the establishment and progression of Britcab Ltd, helping the company grow from just 3 people around the table in 2007 to three sites, £10 million turnover and 50 employees today. "Richard is a leader that inspires others and is constantly pushing and encouraging the team to progress and develop further. Richard applies a humanistic approach to business, embracing his leadership role wholeheartedly and continues to be an inspiring example to those around him and he totally deserves his place in the Family Business Top 100."

We are delighted to announce that Jane Knapp of Phillips Brothers (Woodshavings) Ltd has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Inspirational Leadership Family Business Steward Multi-Generational Family Business Leader Established in 1894, Phillips Brothers Wood Shavings have been providing wood shavings and sawdust throughout the Southeast of England for over 125 years. They are regarded as experts in the supply of high-quality horse bedding and poultry bedding particularly in Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk, and Lincolnshire. As a company, they have over 125 years of experience and 5 generations of knowledge. Jane is a director in the business and has successfully helped the business evolve and grow, engaging the next generation and setting the business on the next chapter of its journey. Jane is a leader that leads from the front and has created a team around her to continue the long-standing success that the business has become, exploring new opportunities for growth and continuing to invest in the people and the business. "Jane is a great advocate of the family business sector too and thoroughly deserving of her place in the Family Business Top 100."

We are delighted to announce that Derrick Potter of Potter Space has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Inspirational Leadership Next Generation Champion of Change & Innovation Family Business Steward Derrick is an incredible force within the family business space having built up and sold a transport and logistics business and pivoting into the new iteration of the family business, Potter Space, where he is the Executive Chairman. Potter Space is a family-owned business with five business parks across the UK. Each is connected by road or rail to major business arteries, offering links to key cities and ports. They are home to over 40 businesses occupying 1.6 million square feet across a range of commercial properties including warehouse space, factories, offices and small business lets and they also have the capability to build bespoke warehousing on an extensive land portfolio. In our 50 years of business, building good relationships and supporting customers has been at the heart of Potter Space, much of which has been driven by the vision, passion and entrepreneurial ambition of Derrick. Derrick has an incredible energy and passion for doing business, doing it right, and crafting the right people around him to help the business succeed. He is also someone that wants to help others, often providing advice and support to fellow family business leaders. Derrick is an incredible individual and someone who has family business at the core of his business beliefs and endeavours. Each chapter in the Potter journey affords new opportunities and Derrick, through his business acumen and leadership has helped steer them successfully to where they are today, He is thoroughly deserving of his place in the Family Business Top 100.

We are delighted to announce that Chris Black of Sound Leisure has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Inspirational Leader Sound Leisure have been ‘manufacturing memories’ in the United Kingdom since 1978. Initially founded by inventor and electrical engineer Alan Black in 1978, the company remains owned and run by Alan and his family making it the oldest, single-ownership jukebox company anywhere in the world. From its foundation to the present day, Sound Leisure has remained a brave and forward-thinking organisation. From becoming the first British company to design, develop and build a commercially viable and widely adopted jukebox platform in the 1970’s, they went on to pioneer the early development of digitised music platforms in the 1980’s and were responsible for the reintroduction of vinyl jukeboxes in 2016. They remain a globally recognised and respected leader in their sector with countless patents and industry firsts to their name. Their consistent success and growth, over a 40 year period which saw the demise of many long established jukebox manufacturers such as Seeburg and Wurlitzer, is based on an ongoing commitment to the development of better products and technologies and an unfading focus on high quality British manufacturing. Now under the inspirational leadership of Chris Black, Sound Leisure continues to innovate, evolving at all times, investing in new products and expanding into new markets. As Chris explains, “We are proud of our family routes, our amazing team and of all we have achieved to date, but we still have some big ambitions. Our products are simply the best in the world and each jukebox is an entirely unique, hand-built labour of love. Where customers choose to purchase a Sound Leisure product, they join our family; a group of like-minded individuals who understand and appreciate the energy, dedication and care that goes into the production of every single jukebox.” Chris thoroughly deserves his place in the Family Business Top 100.

We are delighted to announce that Jonathan Lupton of Econ Engineering has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Inspirational Leadership Multi-Generational Family Business Leader Jonathan Lupton has dedicated his career to supporting the highways sector by enhancing the products and services first introduced in 1969 by his father’s business, Econ Engineering. With a history of innovation, Econ has grown to a £40m turnover company that holds over 80% of the UK winter highway maintenance market. Jonathan fundamentally changed the winter maintenance market by introducing the flexibility of a hire contract for gritters. This innovative move secured Econ’s future growth by allowing local authorities to procure at short notice, with fixed budgets and the reassurance of all service and maintenance guaranteed. Today, Econ has over 1,000 gritters in its hire fleet, housed in a newly opened £7m site. Jonathan works tirelessly to lead over 250 staff working across five UK sites. Since the sudden loss of his brother Andrew in January 2022, he has remained firmly dedicated to supporting his colleagues and customers as the business continues to move forward.

For the sixth year running, GAP Group are sponsoring youth teams throughout the UK and are delighted to be sponsoring more teams than ever for our sixth year. The teams which selected for sponsorship for this year are: Boldmere St Michaels FC – Under 14s football team who play in the Derby City Football League. Bronte Barbarians ARLFC – Under 14s rugby team who play in the Premier League, the top division of Girls Rugby League. Falkirk 2008s – Under 15s football team who play in the West Lothian Association of Youth Football Club, Under 15s A Division. Isla Thistle – Under 12s football team, playing in the Central SWFL League. Leicester Lions Speedway Team – Speedway racing who competes in the National Development League. Leon Henderson Racing – Junior kart racing who competes in the Motorsport UK British Rotax Championships. Newmains United FC – Football team who play in the Central Lanarkshire Youth Football Association. Rayleigh Harriers – Under 11s football team who play in the Essex Girls League. Rhos Aelwyd FC – Under 7s football team who play in the Wrexham & District Junior Football League. Thatto Heath Crusaders – Under 13s rugby team who play in the North West Counties Junior Rugby League. Waterhead Warriors ARLFC – Under 11s rugby team who play in the North West Counties League. Running youth sports is not an easy job, and GAP is thrilled to be able to help out these deserving teams. The funding allows them to cover costs during the season including kits, equipment, and hire and maintenance of ground and pitches. At GAP we are delighted to be cheering the teams on. We will keep in regular contact with them throughout each of their seasons and hope to share their experiences.

As part of a commitment to improve the quality of life in its communities, Perdue Farms is supporting La Plaza Delaware and its new Latino leadership program with a $20,000 grant funded through the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation. The donation from Perdue’s charitable giving arm is part of the company’s Delivering Hope to Our Neighbors® outreach focused on improving quality of life and building strong communities. La Plaza’s leadership program will aim to transform high-potential Latinos into high-performing leaders, focusing on GenZ and Millennials. Around 50 individuals from across Delaware will participate in the first year. “We want to help rising leaders develop the skills necessary to promote immediate and sustainable results for themselves and the organizations they serve,” said Mary Dupont, La Plaza Delaware executive director, at a press conference at Perdue’s Milford, Del., operation. La Plaza will use a nationally recognized curriculum from Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) that includes three months with programming content, networking, and collaboration in a group project. Nuestras Raices, the cultural nonprofit based in Wilmington, is a program partner. Additional funders include the Arsht Cannon Fund and the Delaware Hispanic Commission, which is also a program partner. La Plaza Delaware is a nonprofit partnership created to increase opportunities, business savvy, and prosperity for Latino and minority-owned businesses. Delaware Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, said the First State should be proud of the organizations that are supporting La Plaza’s leadership program. “I am thrilled over the moon with the partnerships that we have here. This will make a difference in the lives of individuals who will go through the program . . . and to the state. We need to have true representation not only in workforce but in all leadership opportunities in our communities.” Gary Miller, Vice President of Human Resources and Interim Chief Diversity Officer for Perdue Farms, said the leadership program will strengthen the region as rising Latino leaders use the skills they gather to further their careers and serve the community in many meaningful ways. “We are so grateful for an opportunity to invest in a leadership training program for the Latino population, specifically, and partner with such wonderful organizations as La Plaza Delaware,” he added. Delaware Hispanic Commission Chair Carlos de los Ramos said the Latino community is fast changing and evolving. “We are the new leaders. We are the people who are moving and shaking the economy here in the state of Delaware. This program will help us nurture even more leaders,” he said. Funding from the Perdue Foundation will support HACE in southern Delaware, building on HACE’s record of professional leadership development, with workshops, mentoring and leadership training for emerging community leaders and entrepreneurs. Delaware is the 37th state to join HACE. Since 1982, HACE has been a resource for Latinos in the workplace and is an expert for corporations seeking to access diverse talent. Through professional development, resources and networks, and by offering access to meaningful career opportunities, HACE helps Latinos succeed. “In our survey to assess the needs and capacity of Latino businesses in Sussex County, Del., a common theme emerged,” said Dupont. “Business owners were reluctant to assume high-profile leadership roles, as they were focused on day-to-day business survival. However, they were confident that their children, who grew up here and are more comfortable with the language and culture, are in a better position to represent the community. This feedback underscored the need for a two-generation approach that includes business and leadership development to achieve the goals of capacity building, increased financial stability and self-reliance.”

Perdue Farms is continuing its support of Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina (SHFBM) with a $10,000 grant for its school-based mobile pantry program. The funds will support quarterly school-based mobile pantries for the 2022-2023 school year at Winecoff Elementary, a Title I school near the Perdue plant in Concord, N. C. The mobile pantries will provide healthy food for children and families in need. The grant is funded through the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation as part of the company’s Delivering Hope to Our Neighbors® outreach focused on improving quality of life and building strong communities. “We are grateful for the continued support that the Perdue Foundation has provided over the past seven years,” said Carter, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. “Thanks to Perdue Farms, our school-based mobile pantries continue to serve foods higher in nutritional value such as fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, eggs and milk, and meat. All these foods help provide a well-balanced diet to high-need individuals and their families.” As Carter explains, school-based mobile pantries provide low-income children and their families with approximately a week’s worth of groceries. “Families receive staple pantry items, fresh produce, whole-grain breads, meat and dairy at each distribution. Children and their families will receive approximately 40 pounds of food. Food will be distributed to approximately 200 families at each drive-through mobile pantry.” Staple pantry items to be purchased include canned fruits in 100 percent juice, low-sodium canned soups and vegetables, pasta and pasta sauce, rice and beans, macaroni and cheese, oatmeal, peanut butter and jelly, and low-sodium canned meat such as chicken, tuna or beef stew. “SHFBM’s school mobile pantries supplement the Backpack Program at high-need schools in the counties we serve,” Carter said. “While the Backpack Program provides nutritious, ready-to-eat foods to children on weekends when school meals are not available, school mobile pantries allow the Food Bank to provide more nutrient-dense foods like fresh produce, meat and dairy. These foods not only help provide a more well-balanced diet, but they are foods that help reduce chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, obesity and asthma that are prevalent in poor communities.” Kim Nechay, executive director of the Perdue Foundation, praised the work of Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and its mobile pantry program. “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Second Harvest and Winecoff Elementary to help ensure that some of our youngest and most vulnerable neighbours and their families have the food they need,” said Nechay. “At Perdue, we believe that no one should go hungry. That’s why hunger relief is a top priority year-round in partnership with Feeding America and a network of affiliated food bank partners across the footprint of our company. We hope our donation will deliver a little hope to our neighbours in need.”