Navigate the complex decisions and critical relationships necessary to create and sustain a healthy family business—and business family. Though "family business" may sound like it refers only to mom-and-pop shops, businesses owned by families are among the most significant and numerous in the world. But surprisingly few resources exist to help navigate the unique challenges you face when you share the executive suite, financial statements, and holidays. How do you make the right decisions, critical to the long-term survival of any business, with the added challenge of having to do so within the context of a family? The HBR Family Business Handbook brings you sophisticated guidance and practical advice from family business experts Josh Baron and Rob Lachenauer. Drawing on their decades-long experience working closely with a wide range of family businesses of all sizes around the world, the authors present proven methods and approaches for communicating effectively, managing conflict, building the right governance structures, and more. In the HBR Family Business Handbook you'll find: A new perspective on what makes family businesses succeed and fail A framework to help you make good decisions together Step-by-step guidance on managing change within your business family Key questions about wealth, unique to family businesses, that you can't afford to ignore Assessments to help you determine where you are—and where you want to go Stories of real companies, from Marchesi Antinori to Radio Flyer Chapter summaries you can use to reinforce what you've learned Keep this comprehensive guide with you to help you build, grow, and position your family business to thrive across generations. HBR Handbooks provide ambitious professionals with the frameworks, advice, and tools they need to excel in their careers. With step-by-step guidance, time-honed best practices, and real-life stories, each comprehensive volume helps you to stand out from the pack—whatever your role.

The international transport and logistics company Gebrüder Weiss is expanding in the USA. Following the establishment of new locations in Laredo, Texas, and Miami last year, the US network is now expanding with yet another location. In Salt Lake City, capital of the state of Utah, Gebrüder Weiss is taking over the sea and air freight forwarding company Cargo-Link on February 1. Lothar Thoma, member of the Gebrüder Weiss Management Board responsible for the Air & Sea business unit, explains: "We are continuously consolidating our presence in North America. With Cargo-Link's services, we are targeting the logistics needs of small and medium-sized companies." "We will continue to develop Salt Lake City in our network as a starting point for worldwide air & sea transportation with a focus on transpacific and transatlantic transports." Cargo-Link was founded in 1976 and, with its 15 employees, is mainly active in the sea and air freight business segments. The company also offers customs clearance services. Cargo-Link operates a 2,000 square meter logistics warehouse close to Salt Lake City International Airport. Gebrüder Weiss has been active in the USA with its own country organization since 2017. Since then, the logistics service provider has successfully established itself on the market, supported by the continuous expansion of its network. A total of eleven locations now offer transportation and logistics services: the Chicago headquarters, as well as Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, El Paso, Laredo, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco – and now Salt Lake City.

Producers of British eggs and poultry meat face an uncertain future without greater government support and supply chain reform, an NFU survey has revealed. The survey looked at the impact of the past two years on poultry production and farmers’ intentions over the next two years. It found that 24% of egg producers and 15% of chicken meat producers, many of them owned and operated by multi-generational family farmers, were either unlikely or unsure if they would still be producing poultry beyond November 2025. The main reason cited for this was insufficient returns which suggests businesses have not been profitable. The survey also highlighted some of the key concerns for both sectors, including: The risk of avian influenza (94% of egg producers and 92% of chicken meat producers were fairly or very concerned) The lack of fairness in the supply chain (90% of egg producers and 76% of chicken meat producers were fairly or very concerned) High energy prices (92% of egg producers and 61% of chicken meat producers were fairly or very concerned) Being undercut by imports (90% of egg producers and 78% of chicken meat producers were fairly or very concerned) In order to better support the production of high quality British eggs and poultry meat, the NFU is calling for greater fairness in poultry supply chains, for poultry producers to be included in the Energy Intensive Industries scheme, and for a long-term strategy from government to be set ahead of any future outbreaks of avian influenza (AI). NFU poultry board chair James Mottershead said: “British eggs and poultry meat are staple parts of so many people’s diets, but the sector is under a huge amount of strain. Incredibly volatile production costs and the threat of avian influenza have put producers under extreme pressure." “The sector urgently needs support, certainty and fairness applied across the supply chain if it is to remain strong in its production of quality, safe, nutritious and sustainably produced poultry meat and eggs which we know the vast majority of the British public rely on." “That’s why the NFU is calling for change within poultry supply chains to ensure a fairer sharing of risk and reward, as outlined in our response to the government’s recent review of the egg supply chain." “This survey has also highlighted the ongoing threat from avian influenza that poultry farmers and their flocks continue to face. While the number of outbreaks has been minimal this winter compared to previous years, the devastating impact the disease has on farming families is keenly felt across the sector. It is important not to take our eyes of the ball and we wait in anticipation for the government to publish the recommendations from the AI Vaccination Taskforce so that informed decisions can be made to protect the national flock.”

The company has been appointed by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire to redevelop the existing headquarters building of Hertfordshire Constabulary in Stanborough, Welwyn Garden City. This will involve demolishing 11 of the 1960s-era buildings at the site to make way for a brand-new working environment for over 600 operational staff that will achieve a BREEAM Excellent for ultra-high sustainability standards. Procured via the SCAPE Construction framework, it also responds to new Policing working methods by providing agile space that addresses staff wellbeing and working needs, and is targeting WELL Platinum Certification, a major benchmark for advancing health and wellbeing within a single building. The 9,000 square metre new headquarters will reduce the current Stanborough estate’s long-term running costs as well as provide a new home for services and departments based at the site including the Major Crime Unit, victim services and the dog unit, along with the senior leadership team and operational support staff. Designed by Vincent & Gorbing Associates, work will complete in summer 2026 on the new headquarters. Stewart Brundell, managing director at Willmott Dixon in North London and Northern Homes Counties said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Hertfordshire Constabulary to deliver their new headquarters. As a proud Hertfordshire-based company, it is fantastic to be starting on site to provide a new facility for our county’s police force." “This project follows on from our successful delivery of the Bedfordshire Police’s new custody suite. The new HQ will provide Hertfordshire Constabulary’s people with a sustainable, flexible working environment which can be utilised for police and community groups as well.” Mark Robinson, group chief executive at the SCAPE group, added: “The redevelopment of the headquarters of Hertfordshire Constabulary will provide a considerable boost to policing services in the area, bringing positive change and benefits to the local community. Through our close-working relationship with Willmott Dixon, we are dedicated to providing efficiency and cost savings throughout the project, alongside delivering social value for the public.” This extends Willmott Dixon’s track record of projects for the emergency services across the UK. Recent work includes a new forensics centre for Thames Valley Police, a new fire station and training centre for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, as well as new headquarter buildings for Dorset, Humberside and Merseyside Police Forces. Also, the company built a purpose-built facility to house all the teaching requirements within one building for South Wales Police.

Latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows the first GDP estimate for the fourth quarter of 2023 with a contraction in GDP for the final quarter of 2023 which means the UK economy is in technical recession. Responding to Office for National Statistics figures showing that GDP fell by 0.3% in the final quarter of 2023, following a fall of 0.1% in the third quarter, Martin McTague, National Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), said: “The news that we’re in a recession will just confirm what many small firms have been saying for some time now – it’s very tough out there. Our research found that confidence among small firms has been in negative territory for seven straight quarters, due to the energy price crisis and the knock-on impact on the cost of doing business." “There are big differences between sectors, with the hospitality sector recording by far the gloomiest confidence score, underlining that economic pain and strain are far from equally spread out," he continues. “Small firms are grappling with high interest rates, energy costs much greater than they were a couple of years ago, and weak consumer demand. Two in five small firms said their revenues decreased over the final quarter of last year, with only a third saying they increased, showing that the shine has definitely come off the so-called ‘golden quarter’, to small firms’ detriment." “The Government needs to foster an environment where small firms can grow, to the overall benefit of the economy, and to put this period of stagnation and shrinkage behind us once and for all. We have set out an ambitious but achievable programme for small business growth at the forthcoming Budget." "Small firms have the drive and the potential to get the economy back up and running, and to put this period of economic decline firmly behind us.” “Uprating the Employment Allowance to keep it in line with recent raises in the National Living Wage, raising the VAT threshold from £85,000 to at least £100,000, bringing back tax-free shopping for overseas visitors, ensuring the future of the Recovery Loan Scheme to get funds to start-up and scale-up businesses, and bringing in a national Business Energy Advice Service to help small firms with eye-watering energy costs would all provide a launchpad for growth," concludes Martin. Dr Liz Cameron CBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “A contraction in GDP for the final quarter of 2023 means the UK economy is in technical recession. Businesses were already clear about the challenges that they face, and this news should ring alarm bells for Government." “While this recessionary data is slight, it confirms what our own business research had been saying for all of 2023. That the economy remained persistently locked in a low growth cycle of stagnation as headwinds continued to weigh heavily on firms." “The Chancellor must use the upcoming Spring Budget in just a few weeks to set out his government’s plans to help business and the economy to grow." “Businesses need long-term certainty through an economic plan that relieves their cost pressures and helps unlock much needed investment," concludes Liz. Margot Faraci, global leadership expert and prominent senior leader with over two decades of experience in the corporate world and high pressure environments adds: “The long-term trend is undeniable: the UK has long had a productivity crisis. Productivity is driven by investment, innovation, and competition. Business leaders have the opportunity to pull these levers every day." “Inflation is holding steady at 4%, bringing a sigh of relief to bankers, business owners and people. But the reality is that without high productivity, wages remain stagnant. The standard of living for everyone depends on strong productivity." “The missing piece of the productivity puzzle is leadership. Productivity increases when leaders are decisive and courageous. Productivity declines when leaders vacillate and suffocate – when they are untrusting, micromanaging, and quite simply, not acting powerfully. In many countries with large mature economies, it’s easy for complacency to set in (the same can be said of leadership in large mature companies). The demise into stagnation is slow and impossible to feel day to day. Collectively, we kick the can down the road. The digital transformation stalls, the push into the new market pauses and the toxic team member is never dealt with." “In my recent global study I found that in the UK, a quarter of emerging leaders are leading with unconscious fear, costing a staggering £2.2 billion drop in productivity and performance. It’s estimated there are 235,000 fearful leaders in the UK, nearly a quarter of all emerging leaders (leaders at the earlier end of their leadership experience)." "Alarmingly, they’re learning from more experienced leaders, who have created the productivity problem," she continues. “For productivity to increase, we urgently need business leaders and managers to look internally at their own leadership. Solving the productivity problem in your business is not beyond you. It is you.”

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, one of the UKs largest family businesses and the primary SPAR wholesaler across the Midlands and Wales, announced the addition of two state-of-the-art electric HGVs to its fleet, marking a significant step towards its commitment to sustainable operations. These zero-emission vehicles, supplied by Hartshorne Group and Volvo Trucks, boast an impressive range of 185 miles, significantly reducing the company's carbon footprint and contributing to cleaner air in communities across the Midlands and Wales. Caoire Blakemore, A.F. Blakemore’s Responsible Business Director said: "We are thrilled to be at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution in the convenience retail sector. The addition of these electric HGVs demonstrates our commitment to reducing our environmental impact. We believe this is just the beginning of our journey towards becoming a net zero carbon company by 2040 and we are excited to see the positive impact these vehicles will have on our operations and the environment." The two new Volvo FM Electric trucks are equipped with innovative battery technology and regenerative braking, offering a clean and efficient solution for long-distance deliveries. Additionally, the company is committed to further reducing its carbon footprint by partnering with Certas to utilize fridge trailers powered by HVO fuel. HVO, a biofuel produced from renewable sources, offers a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional diesel. James Cowen, Managing Director at Hartshorne Group said: "We are proud to continue our longstanding partnership with A.F. Blakemore in their journey towards a more sustainable future. Our electric trucks, which have proven themselves to fit seamlessly into the operation during a rigorous trial, provide a powerful way to reduce environmental impacts without compromising on performance or reliability. This collaboration is a testament to the growing demand for sustainable transportation solutions in the UK, and we are confident it will inspire other businesses to follow suit." The initial two electric HGVs are just the first phase of A.F. Blakemore’s commitment to electric transportation. As part of the UK Government's Electric Freightway Programme, two additional electric HGVs are set to be delivered in March to service their Bedford depot, further expanding the company's zero-emission fleet.

Work has completed on a strategically important ward refurbishment project at Freeman Hospital to create an environment for care that is supportive to clinical staff, and reassuringly calm for patients. The transformation was delivered by Robertson Construction North East for the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and designed by Medical Architecture. The work forms part of the Newcastle Hospitals Internal Improvement Programme, which is a result of the Trust’s estates strategy, developed in partnership with Medical Architecture. As well as the continuation of clinical ward refurbishments, this phase of work includes upgrades to a set of prominent lift lobbies and circulation spaces. Working to a consistent design standard, particular attention is given to design for patients with dementia and frailty, as well as technical standards and guidance compliance, working within the constraints of the existing structure. The aesthetic is light and bright, with good quality and well-coordinated ceilings, lighting fixtures and finishes. Working with the Trust’s dementia team, an artistic approach to wayfinding was developed to aid those with cognitive impairment, with different rooms and spaces identified by their own unique local landmark. Biophilic design principles were incorporated in the upgraded circulation and lobby spaces to improve the environmental qualities of these high-traffic spaces. Attention to detail was crucial, as space was often limited. This included making sure that furniture was well-planned and considered, to provide optimal facilities for clinicians. Generously sized equipment bays were also provided to ensure that circulation spaces are left clutter free and accessible. Garry Hope, Managing Director, Robertson Construction North East, said: “Continuing our close relationship with the Trust, these improvements were delivered with the end-users in mind to create bespoke spaces that will support the NHS in its delivery of excellence in healthcare.” Alex Ferguson, Architect, Medical Architecture, said: “These strategic upgrades will make a big difference to the experience of patients, staff, and visitors, demonstrating that relatively modest but well-planned interventions, can create high-quality spaces that deliver excellent value to the Trust.” Russell Jones, Deputy Director Strategy, Planning & Capital Development, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “A great deal of engagement, care, and attention to detail was accomplished in developing these design standards and branding for the Trust’s clinical upgrades. It is fantastic to see the results where environments are transformed for the betterment of clinical care, patient experience and staff wellbeing.” Robertson previously delivered the Freeman Hospital Day Treatment Centre for the Trust. Built to tackle the COVID-19 backlog, it was transformed from a staff car park into a state-of-the-art surgical facility in just 10 months.

Buzzworks Holdings, one of Scotland’s leading independent restaurant and bar operators, has welcomed esteemed Scottish chef Brian Maule to the business. The chef - who ran one of Scotland’s most famous fine dining restaurants, Brian Maule at Chardon d’Or, in Glasgow for 22 years - has joined the team as a consultant to help Buzzworks build on its culinary excellence. Brian, who cut his teeth in the culinary capital of the world - Lyon, France, before working for the Roux Brothers at the prestigious 2-star Michelin Restaurant, Le Gavroche in Mayfair, will use his wealth of experience to focus on enhancing collaboration and overall efficiency across Buzzworks’ 19 venue kitchens. Maule, who enjoyed a 15-year tenure with the Roux Brothers, progressing from Chef de Partie to Chef de Cuisine, and successfully built a stellar reputation for his own venue across two decades, joins Buzzworks at an exciting time. The family-run business continues to go from strength-to-strength, having recently announced that negotiations are underway for new venues and plans to grow the business further, creating jobs and careers within local communities. Speaking on the six-month project, Maule expressed his passion to pass on his decades of experience and make a positive impact across Buzzworks. He said: “I started my career in Ayrshire as a chef apprentice before heading to France to hone my skills, so this feels in part like a homecoming, collaborating with Buzzworks, which also started its successful tenure here in the region." “The business is already well regarded, and I’ve been impressed with their high standards. My role will be to enhance this further, working with the talented kitchen teams to raise their level once more so that the business can continue to grow and bring its first-class brand of hospitality to new communities across Scotland.” Buzzworks, consistently named in the Top 100 Companies to Work For, currently operates 19 prestigious venues across Scotland, employing more than 800 team members. With an ambitious expansion and growth strategy, Head of People, Nicola Watt, believes that working with the industry’s best will help the business push on further. She said: “Bringing in Brian Maule is an excellent coup for the business and testament to our ambition of growing Buzzworks further." “With more than 40 years in the business, operating at the highest level, Brian’s knowledge will be invaluable as we look to not only continue delivering an exceptional experience to our customers, but looking behind the scenes at streamlining our operations to ensure the highest standards possible." “Despite challenging conditions for everyone within the industry, working with the likes of Brian will help ensure our continued success, optimising our ways of working so that we are best equipped to deal with the increasing external pressures, whilst maintaining and building on our well-regarded reputation." “We look forward to seeing what added benefits Brian brings over the next six months.” As well as working behind the scenes across the venues, Brian will also be headlining a special chef’s evening at Buzzworks’ flagship venue, The Vine." Having cooked for the likes of Morgan Freeman, Cameron Diaz and Halle Berry, those keen to enjoy an evening of exquisite cooking from Brian and the talented kitchen team in Prestwick, should keep an eye on the Buzzworks Love Food Feel Good website for information. Buzzworks offers an aspirational dining and entertainment experience across Scotland through its stylish brands – Scotts, House, Lido, Vic’s & The Vine, The Duke, Thirty Knots, The Bridge Inn, The Fox and Herringbone.

New research by UK top ten accountancy and advisory firm Azets has revealed that fewer than one in ten UK businesses have succession planning fully integrated into their strategy, despite 30% of companies demonstrating a widespread recognition of its importance. Key Findings: More than half (58%) of respondents to the Azets Barometer January 2024 have considered succession in their strategic planning 30% of UK companies demonstrate widespread recognition of succession planning’s importance However, fewer than one in ten UK businesses have succession planning fully integrated into their strategy 6% of UK businesses have given succession planning no thought at all The Azets Barometer January 2024 survey shows that more than half (58%) of businesses have considered succession in their strategic planning, with almost a third (30%) scoring 8 or above out of 10 when asked how much thought their organisation giving to succession planning (0 = no thought at all; 10 = fully integrated). However, just 9% of businesses have succession plans fully integrated, while 6% have given it no thought at all. Overall, UK businesses score 6.0 out of 10 for succession planning. While this outperforms the overall survey average (5.1 out of 10), it indicates a strategic gap that could impact shareholder value. Lee Humble, UK Head of Corporate Finance at Azets, commented: “It is encouraging to see a significant number of UK companies that are considering succession planning in their strategic planning. However, the Azets Barometer highlights gap in the long-term direction of too many businesses." Succession should be high up on the agenda of every business owner, particularly in the current economic climate. Meticulous planning that is fully embedded into your business strategy ensures future proofing and strategic continuity. It’s imperative that business owners think about their options and take control of their exit route, before it becomes forced.” In terms of business size, the UK's approach to succession planning aligns with the overall survey trend, where larger and upper mid-sized businesses and those with higher revenues are more committed to this essential aspect in comparison with smaller companies. Lee Humble added: “The UK mid-market is full of innovative, ambitious and entrepreneurial companies, so successful businesses can easily land on the radar of acquisitive corporates, whether they are based here in the UK, in continental Europe, or further afield, without knowing." “Analysis by Azets of the deals we completed in 2023 shows that up to 50% of business exits stem from an unexpected approach from a buyer. Having a succession plan built into the business strategy ensures you are prepared to realise the business’ full potential and maximise shareholder value.” The Azets Barometer provides insight into the current and future business climate through the perspective of ambitious mid-market, owner-managed, and family-owned businesses in the UK, Ireland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark. The January 2023 survey is the first in a new triannual series to identify trends relating to economic outlook, financial performance, and emerging threats and opportunities. It reveals optimism among businesses, with an overall average score of 5.6 out of 10. The UK's economic outlook for the next 12 months scored of 5.1 out of 10, hinting at a cautious, wait-and-see approach towards prospects. Of the 323 UK respondents, 41% expressed moderate optimism with scores of 6 or above, contrasted with 35% who were more pessimistic, scoring 4 or lower, and 24% opting for a neutral score of 5. This places UK businesses as the least optimistic in the survey. Economic (6.1 out of 10) and geopolitical (5.7) uncertainties are the highest concerns for among UK business owners, closely followed by talent recruitment and retention (5.2) and regulatory compliance (4.9).

Possilpark-based Allied Vehicles is helping a troupe of youngsters to put their best foot forward by donating £2,500 towards the running of a school’s Dance programme. Smithycroft Secondary is a high school in Riddrie, in the east end of Glasgow. Due to the area in which they are situated many of the pupils who attend face high levels of deprivation. Despite these challenges, Smithycroft has been able to offer a wide range of sports and extracurricular activities. The school operates on the values of "We Belong. We Learn. We Achieve." Their aim is to break down barriers for learners and show them there are no limits to their success, offering students lots of opportunities they otherwise may never have. Smithycroft's dedication to providing a comprehensive educational experience has led to a diverse range of programmes for its students. Miss Paige Dougan, Smithycroft's recently appointed PE & Dance teacher, is in the process of integrating dance into the school curriculum, working with a talented and highly motivated group who are already making a name for the school's burgeoning programme. They have recently been successful in auditioning to perform at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow in the 2024 'Go Dance' event and are also competing at two large events in the school calendar in February, namely the Scottish Schools Cheerleading Competition and Glasgow's City of Dance competition. These experiences will allow their pupils to perform on a professional platform and show them that anything is possible when they work hard. Miss Dougan said, “As a school we try our best to offer our students lots of opportunities they otherwise may never have. The contribution from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust will allow these young people to display their talents and have unforgettable experiences while building their confidence and enhancing their future, without placing additional financial pressure on parents and carers.” David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director of Allied Vehicles, said of the donation, “When we set up the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust it was our hope and intention that local community initiatives would benefit from it. The time these young kids are at school is so important, and we are immensely proud that we can help Smithycroft High School to elevate these young peoples’ education experience.“

More than 1,200 Hendy Group colleagues gathered in Bournemouth this month for its annual awards which this year also marked 165 years since the company was founded. Comedian Russell Kane acted as host for the event at the Bournemouth International Centre with Hendy Group chief executive Paul Hendy paying tribute to the exemplary performances from individuals and teams, and pledging a bumper year ahead. He thanked colleagues and manufacturers for their tremendous support over the years and promised significant plans for the future as the group continues to expand. “2023 was the biggest year for the company in terms of revenue and growth and this year we are looking at a turnover of more than £1.2 billion,” Paul told guests. “We’re 165 years old and we are just getting started.” There were awards presented to colleagues working across the business which represents more than 20 automotive brands across the south coast across more than 70 dealerships. The key Hall of Fame award was this year presented to two colleagues in recognition of the tremendous contribution they have both played in the business. Group ICT manager Steve Nicholas and director of estates and IT John Hendy were both inducted into the Hendy Group Hall of Fame. Steve joined Hendy in 1983 at IT manager and Paul said he had played a pivotal role in the development of the IT team. John joined the family business in 1994 and Paul said that he had been instrumental in helping the business grow and plays a key role in all estate development work. John Hendy was also involved in the Team of the Year Award with the Property & Estates Team honoured for their work in the field of acquisition, new sites, and major project work during 2023. Tunbridge Wells Langton Road was named Site of the Year with colleagues praised for their outstanding performance across all brands and their customer care. Individual winners included Ollie Clayton, the company’s first sales apprentice who picked up the Apprentice of the Year award and Sales Colleague of the Year was Sanjay Sivarajah who works at Poole MG. Sales manager of the year was Martin Witt-Smith, also at the group’s MG site in Poole. There were three awards for colleagues working at the group’s Villeneuve Way site in Eastleigh with Chris McLuckie named Technician of the Year, Graham Biggerstaff Aftersales Colleague of the Year, and Steve Davie Aftersales Manager of the Year. The awards also recognise those in support roles with Lucy Beardsley named Support Function Colleague of the Year and Oliver Halstead Support Function Manager of the Year. The final award was for the Hendy Hero 2023 which was awarded to Andy Yates for his running endeavours which included taking part in the 90km Comrades Marathon in South Africa. Andy completed this for the second time in 2023, raising vital funds for Hendy Foundation.

A Bournemouth-based charity that was launched a decade ago to help military veterans has been presented with a cheque for £400 from a local funeral directors. The Bournemouth Above and Beyond Trust said the money will go towards a new electric wheelchair. The money was donated by AE Jolliffe & Son in Ferndown, which is part of Dorset’s Douch Family Funeral Directors group. Set up by the then former town councillor Amedeo Angiolini, the charity has a base on the beach at Southbourne as well as operations at Avon Heath Country Park and Upton Country Park. More than 400 veterans have been assisted since its inception and it has expansion plans. Amedeo said: “When I was a town councillor a veteran in his 20s was found dead in freezing weather in a local church doorway. He had difficulty re-integrating after a tour in Afghanistan." “It prompted me to start the charity as a place where veterans could meet and we could offer help through water-sports activities and working in woodlands." “The group meets every Tuesday and Thursday morning on the beach at Southbourne near Gordon’s Zig Zag where we have a boat shed and provide hot drinks, food and therapeutic water-sports activities. Everyone is welcome." “Many people go swimming throughout the year and we need a new electric wheelchair to help people gain access to the beach. We have plans to fund another building so we can widen our group to include the local community." “We also help veterans at Avon Heath Country Park with woodland skills such as tree work, and at Upton Country Park where we have some bee hives. Working with other organisations we are able to offer one-to-one help as well as our group sessions." “The donation is extremely generous and will be put to good use in helping veterans.” Helen Deans, from AE Jolliffe & Son, said: “We became aware of the charity through someone in the town and it seemed a wonderful cause." “And having met Amadeo and some of the veterans its clear what a great service the charity offers." “Our company fundraises for many charities and good causes and we’re so pleased to have been able to help the Bournemouth Above and Beyond Trust.” The total amount donated was £404.35