A family-run business based in Lanarkshire has successfully expanded its services to offer the latest drone technology across the UK after its owners accessed support from Business Gateway. Horizon Drone Surveying Ltd provides state-of-the-art drone surveying services using the latest technology to deliver high-resolution images and data in the most challenging of environments, including land, sea, and in the air. Horizon Drone Surveying’s team includes certified pilots who use equipment and techniques to provide a wide range of drone surveying services, including aerial photography, thermal imaging, topographic mapping, and site surveying. The business, launched in April 2023, was founded by John and Robert Garvie, who were on a mission to use technology to deliver precision and accuracy in surveying while ensuring safety and efficiency. With John and Robert both coming from a background in health and safety, they felt strongly about providing a quality surveying service that was safety focused and approached Business Gateway for support to elevate their start up. The pair were introduced to a business adviser, Debbie Dawkins, who has provided them with ongoing one-to-one support, which included help with developing a business plan, and advice on maintaining cashflow. John and Robert also attended workshops, including trading online and Wordpress for beginners, which allowed them to pick up the skills required to develop a website. Through Business Gateway, John and Robert were signposted to funding, and secured £1,000 from the South Lanarkshire Business Start-up Grant, as well as £1,000 from South Lanarkshire Council’s Micro Business Support Grant. This funding was critical to purchase the equipment required, as well as a subscription service for drone mapping software. Thanks to the support, and the grants received, John and Robert have been able to begin trading properly, and have successfully grown their business to offer a range of surveying services. Looking ahead to the future, with an overarching goal of promoting their business to a wider audience, John and Robert will receive fully-funded consultancy support from a marketing expert which will help with SEO and advertising. John Garvie, Horizon Drone Surveying Ltd, said, “The support from Business Gateway in the background has been invaluable. Our adviser is always on the end of the phone for advice, a chat or to direct us to other resources to continue our grow as business owners and operators. With Business Gateway’s continued support, I’m confident we can continue to grow into a sustainable business and contribute to our local communities.” Debbie Dawkins, Business Gateway adviser, said: “We have been able to support Horizon Drone Surveying Ltd with a range of Business Gateway’s start-up services, which have helped John and Robert get their feet off the ground. It has been fantastic to watch the business expand and develop this year, and I look forward to watching them continue to grow in the future.”

More than 90 years after Ernest and Julio founded their namesake E. & J. Gallo Winery, the company has simplified the company name to a single word: GALLO.  Stephanie Gallo, Chief Marketing Officer at GALLO said: “The simplified name removes all limitations; it recognizes the broad family involvement, as well as our wide-ranging portfolio of wines and spirits,” “Four generations of the Gallo family have worked hard to expand the family business in both wine and spirits. Ernest and Julio started with wine in 1933 and expanded into spirits in 1975 with E&J Brandy. Today, we are the leader in the total alcohol beverage category, and we want our collective identity to reflect how far we have come and all that we aim to become.” GALLO is a privately held company that employs more than 7,000 people worldwide. Its 100+ brands include table wine, sparkling and luxury wines, beverage products, dessert wines and distilled spirits. GALLO products are available in more than 100 countries. The company has a deep commitment to its employees and community and is regularly recognized among the best places to work. The name change is expected to be well received by GALLO distributors and retailers, many of whom sell both GALLO wines and spirits products. “GALLO is a household name among consumers, and it’s how our distributors and customer partners know us,” said Gallo. “Our name has always been synonymous with wine, so this change simply opens the door for more people to appreciate that we are a leader in all categories of alcohol beverage.” The name change comes with a logo redesign to a simple typeface that honors the founders’ Italian heritage and will stand proud among other iconic brands.

JCB apprentices are set to share their on-the-job training experience with an audience of at least 140,000 people as part of a live broadcast across the UK. They will be put under the spotlight during National Apprenticeship Week when they host The Big Assembly – a programme which will be broadcast to students next week to highlight the fantastic opportunities apprenticeships offer. The programme will be live-streamed into hundreds of UK schools and colleges from the JCB Quarry, near its World Headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire on Tuesday, February 6th before an invited audience of Year 10 students and teachers from three local schools – Blythe Bridge High School, Sir Thomas Boughey Academy and Chesterton Community Sports College, both in Newcastle-under-Lyme. It will feature expert panel discussions with apprentices and business bosses about the benefits of the apprenticeship route as well as demonstrations of JCB machines in action. The company was chosen to host the prestigious event in recognition of its investment in apprenticeships. In the past three years JCB’s Global Learning team have trained almost 500 apprentices in every aspect of the business. JCB Global HR Director Max Jeffery will be on The Big Assembly expert panel. He said: “JCB is one of the largest construction machinery manufacturers in the world and the company is on an ambitious growth route for the next five years. We invest £8 million a year in our Early Careers programme to ensure new talent is constantly evolving and helping us to remain world leading." “Every part of the company is involved in the scheme through 44 different apprenticeship routes which range from welding on the production line through to engineering design, software development and business administration." “Last year we had more than 5,000 applicants for the programme which shows not only how keen young people are to pursue the apprenticeship route, but also how much they value the opportunity to build a career with a globally recognised brand such as JCB.” The Big Assembly was watched by an estimated 140,000 people last year and schools, businesses, parents, and members of the public can register to watch this year’s event by going to the website . The event will be followed up by an Apprenticeships Open Day at JCB Global Learning Centre, JCB World Headquarters, Rocester on Saturday February 10th at 10am and 1pm. To book a place visit here .

A family business with over 10 years’ involvement in the children's care sector is launching an alternative education establishment in Nottingham for teenagers who have been excluded from mainstream schooling. Younas & Schofield Group is this week launching SHAPE (Safe Haven Alternative Provision of Excellence) in Alfreton Road, Radford, in an effort to improve the prospects of 14-16-year-olds who have been permanently excluded from school. Many of these teenagers will have displayed signs of disruptive behaviour, violence, truancy, gang or drug-related offences, while others may have actually been the victims of bullying or suffer from anxieties that make mainstream schooling difficult. SHAPE will become the first such centre for alternative provision (AP) launched under the Safe Haven brand, which also operates over 100 semi-independent homes, children's homes and supported living units across the UK that support vulnerable and disadvantaged young people. Nottingham has the highest overall permanent exclusion rate in the country. Out of 151 local authority areas, Nottingham topped the table with 15 exclusions per 10,000 pupils in the 2020-21 academic year, according to Government data. SHAPE, which currently has capacity for around 50 Key Stage 4 students, will offer a bespoke curriculum based on the needs of individual pupils, in addition to English and Maths, which are a statutory requirement. Harvey Schofield, who has been appointed Head of Provision at the new centre, said: “The high demand for alternative provision is shockingly sad, not least in Nottingham." “There’s a massive shortage of AP for youngsters who have been permanently excluded from mainstream schooling. We want to show these young people and their families that there is life beyond things like gangs and selling drugs." “We will try to give every one of them the best chance possible for their future.” Harvey (37) himself experienced a turbulent childhood in Nottingham, coming from what he describes as “a disruptive home with no role models and heavily involved in crime.” He eventually ended up in young offenders’ institutions, until a supportive colleague later encouraged him to pursue a growing interest in education. Since that point, Harvey has become a specialist in behaviour management and has plied his trade in alternative provision education ever since. He was formerly involved with Nottingham’s Stone Soup Academy, the second AP free school in the country to ever be awarded an Outstanding Ofsted rating. With his new venture at SHAPE, Harvey will be leading a strong and carefully selected team of teachers, support and safeguarding staff. With a maximum of eight pupils per class, teaching will be more bespoke than mainstream schools, with opportunities to learn about things like independent living, football, citizenship, the uniform services and employability, alongside more traditional subjects like art, history, geography and, of course, English and Maths. The main building, which contains classrooms, a games room and cafeteria, benefits from a 2,500 sq ft warehouse, where Harvey also intends to teach construction skills, particularly in relation to renewable and sustainable energy. Despite the fact that Harvey’s turbulent background mirrors that of many of the young people he supports in his profession, he said that the best mentors and educators could equally come from very advantaged, affluent backgrounds. “It’s all about how we behave as people in this environment,” he said. “That’s what will make a difference to these youngsters. In fact, the only behaviour that is more important than the students is our behaviour as teachers and people.” The philosophy of setting good examples extends to SHAPE’s planned daily interaction with parents and guardians. Through a social media dashboard developed by Harvey - called The Sphere - parents, pupils, referrers, and staff can interact safely, to encourage involvement from all parties. The communication tool will also offer advice and educational opportunities directed to parents, such as enabling them to complete their own English and Maths qualifications, perhaps to help set an example for their youngsters. Shamraiz Younas, the CEO of Safe Haven Support Care & Education Group, expressed great enthusiasm about the addition to their current offerings in place for vulnerable young people. This venture holds special significance for him as it is located in the heart of his hometown, allowing him to give back in a personally meaningful way. He commented: “This opportunity is both rewarding and exciting. Moreover, we anticipate that this venture is just the beginning for the group, as we aspire to positively impact the lives of numerous young individuals across the country.” The group already has a nationwide presence, providing support to young people with accommodation and daily support, including a focus on fostering independent living for those aged 16-25. SHAPE is launching tomorrow (Feb 1) with an open day, where key people involved in Nottingham’s education provision and pupil referrals have been invited to attend.

Family Business United is delighted to publish its inaugural report celebrating the role of women and their contribution to family firms across the UK. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United explains, "Family businesses are the backbone of the UK economy, making a significant impact on a daily basis through the jobs they provide, income they generate and the wealth they create, not forgetting the impact they have on the broader communities in which they operate." "Women play a massive role in driving the family business agenda and family businesses across the country and their contribution to such a vital sector should not be ignored. In all corners of the UK, women are going above and beyond on a daily basis - as inspirational leaders, champions of change, drivers of innovation and sustainability, motivators of others - and making a truly positive impact on the family firms in which they work." "Here at Family Business United we wanted to recognise their contribution, as leaders, next generation ambassadors, non-family executives, agents of change and even the unsung heroes, those women that ‘get it’ and ‘get on with it’ and help build sustainable family businesses with little or no obvious recognition for their contribution." “Women play a massive role in driving the family business agenda and family businesses across the country and their contribution to such a vital sector should not be ignored.” "This report celebrates a collection of wonderful individuals, great ambassadors for the family businesses in which they are involved and their impact on the broader community, and their contribution to this thriving sector which is at the very heart of our nation." "We set out to identify women who really do make a difference and have uncovered some remarkable and inspirational individuals in compiling this inaugural report," concludes Paul. Read the full report here:

Manchester based HMG Paints Ltd are delighted to share the news that Family Business United have named several members of our team within the “2024 Women in Family Business Report.” The inaugural edition of the report includes Gracienne Ikin, Rebecca Bristow, Helen Clark, Shannon Williams and Melissa Strowbridge who have all been credited for their positive and significant impact on the business. All of these women play a key role in HMG Paints on a daily basis. This recognition by Family Business United reflects the dedication and influence HMG Paints staff have within the business, and the report showcases the essential roles played by these accomplished women. HMG Paints takes pride in the achievements of its team members, and this acknowledgement highlights the contributions taken by team members to help drive the success of a proud multi-generational family business. Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United who compiled the report is delighted with the results; “We wanted to celebrate the many different roles that women have within the world of family business across the UK today and have uncovered some truly inspirational individuals, some who have given a lifetime of service and support and others that are just embarking on the early stages of their journey." "They are all being recognised for their contributions, family members and non-family members alike, all of whom continue to make a difference each and every day.” “This report celebrates a collection of wonderful individuals, great ambassadors for the family businesses in which they are involved, and for the broader impact that they have on their colleagues and the broader community, and for the contribution they make to the thriving family business sector which is at the very heart of our nation." "It is clear that women play a massive role in driving the family business agenda" "It is a privilege to be able to compile a report that highlights the diverse roles they play and give recognition for their endeavours as pioneers, innovators, agents of change, truly inspirational leaders and to celebrate the next generation who are making their mark and to shine a light on the unsung heroes that continue to make a difference and embody everything that being a family business is all about.” Celebrating the role of women and their contribution to family firms within the UK, Company Secretary Rebecca Bristow commented: “It’s an honour to be mentioned alongside not only the brilliant and inspirational women from HMG, but champions of many different industries across the family business sector.” HMG’s Senior HR Assistant, Melissa Strowbridge added: “It was a lovely surprise to be featured in the report. HMG has provided me with a brilliant base for my career by enabling me to complete my Degree Apprenticeship. I'm excited now to move onto the next stage of my career at HMG.” This achievement is an incredible start of the year for the team at HMG, as the Women in Family Business Report brings forth a collective effort from all areas of the business. We take pride in all of our members of staff and these awards favour the unity found throughout the family-owned business. On the benefits of working at a family business, Helen Clark added: “I think 27 years’ service should answer any questions!!!! It has always been a great pleasure to work for a family business as you are never just a number, but a name and a person.” Helen who is Head of Purchasing at HMG further added, “John Falder who is now our chairman but was our Managing Director for over 30 years should have been awarded the Best Managing Director of all time. John is passionate about HMG and about Paint. As I was employed by John 27 years ago and am still employed here, I think that should tell its own story. Many of our employees have worked here for over a decade and some have even served 40+ years starting out here straight from school.” "Everyone at HMG is incredibly proud of our team and believe that the encouragement obtained by this achievement will help lead them all to a successful 2024." "We thank Paul Andrews and the team at Family Business United and wish all mentioned a very successful year ahead."

Family Business United, the leading organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting family-owned enterprises, is delighted to announce the upcoming Yorkshire Family Business Day which is taking place on February 8. This special day is designed to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of family businesses to the national economy. Family businesses play a crucial role in fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and maintaining a strong sense of community. Yorkshire Family Business Day will provide an opportunity for these businesses to showcase their stories, share their experiences, and highlight the unique aspects that make family enterprises thrive. Paul Andrews, CEO of Family Business United, is delighted to be organising the day again this year, adding; "Family businesses are the backbone of the economy, and Yorkshire Family Business Day is a fantastic annual occasion to shine a spotlight on their achievements. These businesses embody resilience, innovation, and a commitment to their communities, and we are proud to celebrate their success." Participants in Yorkshire Family Business Day can expect a day filled with insightful discussions and insights on social media, profile raising opportunities and engagement with plenty of recognition for their dedication to building enduring enterprises. The event will bring together a diverse range of family businesses, from small local enterprises to large, multi-generational companies as well as the advisers that support them. Family Business United encourages all family businesses and advisory firms who work with family business clients in Yorkshire to join in the celebrations.  By coming together, the family business community can amplify the impact and showcase the strength and resilience that characterises family-owned enterprises, as well as the contribution they make each and every day. As Paul concludes, “This is a day for us to highlight the significant contribution of family businesses across Yorkshire, in terms of the jobs they provide, the income they generate and the wealth they create, as well as the massive impact that they have on communities across the country." Each family business has a story to tell and we are encouraging them all to share pictures of who they are and what they do, share their narrative and the things that they do so that we can amplify their voice and demonstrate their impact too.  Each year the day gets bigger with more and more activity on social media and we are looking forward to a fabulous #YorkshireFamilyBizDay which shines the light on this sector and all that it does to support the nation.” Follow the social media activity on X relating to the day here

Robertson Construction was joined by WEPCo and Flintshire County Council to mark a significant milestone on-site at the state-of-the-art Mynydd Isa Campus. The building was officially ‘topped out’ to mark the highest point in the build. When complete, the Campus will accommodate more than 1,300 pupils from the ages of three to 16. Robertson Construction North West is the construction partner of choice for the Campus, which is being delivered through WEPCo (Welsh Education Partnership Company) utilising the Welsh Government’s Mutual Investment Model (MIM) on behalf of Flintshire County Council. To commemorate the milestone, a ceremonial brick was prepared, which according to ancient legend in the construction of buildings, ensures its prosperity and success. Councillor Claire Homard, Chief Officer for Education and Youth, Flintshire County Council; Councillor Mared Eastwood; and head teachers Paul Smith and Richard Collett were invited to add symbolic ingredients to the brick mould. Oil was added to represent liberty and prosperity; corn, to enable to property to ripen in abundance; salt for purity; and wine to represent hospitality and wisdom. Robertson also presented the school with a fir tree that will become part of the planting scheme at the Campus and is intended to grow with pupils over the years. Guests were invited to witness the preparation of the ceremonial brick on the roof of the new campus. The roof area is circa 5,536m2, which is a greater area than five Olympic swimming pools. Dirk Pittaway, Managing Director, Robertson Construction North West, explained: “In addition to celebrating the milestone with a symbolic age-old tradition, the presentation of the fir tree signifies the creation of a Campus that will flourish and provide a quality environment to nurture pupils and encourage educational growth and attainment.” Robertson has been engaging with the local community throughout the build, including hosting site visits, presenting progress to local schools and delivering a programme of community benefits that will support the area socially, economically and environmentally. Mynydd Isa Campus will replace Argoed High School and incorporate the local primary school Ysgol Mynydd Isa. The schools will operate separately from the two-storey campus and with some shared facilities. Dirk continued: “Works are well underway for the new campus that will provide a modern, first-class learning environment that will address both educational and personal needs. The topping out has been a real celebration of the relationships that have been formed and the progress that has been made, which will ensure that Mynydd Isa Campus has strong deep roots in the community." “We look forward to continuing our relationships over the next 12 months and beyond, when we will hand over the building to Flintshire County Council and Robertson Facilities Management, who will maintain a presence in the local area as the hard FM provider for the Campus.” Christian Stanbury, CEO, WEPCo, said: “I am delighted to see this exciting WEPCo project reach such an important milestone. All of our partners have been working exceptionally hard to deliver on our promise of an education campus which leads the way on net zero carbon as well as making a huge difference to the learners, staff and the local community for many years to come.” Councillor Mared Eastwood, Cabinet Member for Education, Welsh Language, Culture and Leisure, said: “It is a great privilege for me to have the honour of being part of the topping out ceremony and learning about the significance and tradition of the ceremony itself." Getting to this stage of the build has involved a lot of hard work and support from so many people. The ceremony represents a major milestone for Flintshire County Council and is a big step forwards for the present and future learners of Flintshire.” With a focus on user wellbeing, the outdoor facilities will meet the needs of nursery, primary and high school pupils. This includes a variety of external play spaces and sports areas as well as pitches, including an all-weather grass pitch, and a carpark. Aligning with the Welsh Government’s commitment to net zero, the 10, 507m² Mynydd Isa Campus will be BREEAM excellent and carbon neutral in operation. The roof will also be home to 1,080 solar panels that will generate up to 508,987 kWh per annum, with 600 kVA being exported back to the grid in the height of summer.

Family Business United is delighted to announce that the voting for the People's Choice Family Business of the Year Awards is now open. Voting for the regional and national titles will be open until March 31 and will determine the winners in each of the region. Winners will be announced at the Gala Awards Evening in London on June 19 where there will also be a countdown of the top 10 nationally and the crowning of our National People's Choice Family Business of the Year for 2024. Vote for your favourite family business from those shortlisted in each of the regions below. East & East Anglia London & South East Midlands & Central North of England Scotland South, South West & Wales Yorkshire Voting for the People's Choice Family Business of the Year 2024 will take place from February 1 until March 31, 2024. One vote per email allowed. Good luck to all those in the running - We look forward to announcing the winners in June.

What a chapter Jacqueline O’Donovan has put down in her tenure as Managing Director of O’Donovan Waste Disposal from the young age of 19. Toward the end of her reign in 2023, she was honoured by receiving an OBE (Order of the British Empire) at Windsor Castle on the 19th of December, bestowed on her by King Charles III for services to recycling, safety and industry. During Jacqueline’s time at the helm, she has pushed boundaries in all aspects of safety and sustainability, not to mention being a trailblazer and disrupter in the sector of waste, transport, and construction, making best practice a minimum and going above and beyond the norm. Her unwavering attitude and determination has seen the multi award-winning O’Donovan Waste Disposal grow year on year, being widely known as the industry leader. As Jacqueline wraps up at the office at the end of January, she moves into an exciting new chapter of her career, and leaves O’Donovan Waste Disposal in the very capable hands of Sortera. Sortera are a Swedish Company, professional, well invested, and responsible organisation. They are focused on delivering a superlative customer experience, to continue the growth with implementation of new services and bringing new people to the business. Mark McCleery, Managing Director of the Sortera UK says, “I am excited with what we plan to achieve in 2024 and beyond, with our aim of being the partner of choice in respect of sustainable construction. O’Donovan Waste Disposal is clearly an industry leader and along with the second acquisition of GBN (in mid-2023) we have secured fantastic businesses to build upon.” Sortera UK is looking to grow organically in 2024, alongside strategic growth. Mark continues “with the assistance of Jacqueline as an independent advisor I am confident that we will be able to continue our growth in line with our clients’ requirements including the all-important ESG element.” Currently the offering from Sortera is as far as Southend to the East and Heathrow in the West, extending service capabilities to their clients. With a combined fleet of 220+ and 6 depots servicing London and the Southeast, Sortera aim to deliver value for money with the peace of mind that the safety and environmental impacts are on the top of the agenda. Jacqueline O’Donovan said “I leave knowing that I have handed over the batten to Mark McCleery, MD of Sortera UK, after 36 years knowing that our family business is left in capable hands with quality trained staff all round. I am super excited to move into different industries to see what else I can turn my hand to. I have no intention of abandoning the waste industry as it has been my love for 36 years and it has been such a fantastic journey that I have had from £175k turnover back in the 80’s, leaving on a £20m+ high is an amazing achievement from all the family and staff." "I will be on the end of a telephone available at any time for the team and the directors. I will be representing Sortera on a small number of industry working groups. I am looking forward to exciting new challenges ahead." "Receiving my OBE on 19th December was simply the cherry on the cake for me, an amazing high to finish on, as they say in the films - that’s a wrap!”

A Bracknell entrepreneur whose business was inspired by her son following his brain tumour diagnosis, has been named among the UK’s Top 100 Most Impressive Female Founders. Kimberley Shamtally has made the list of Small Business Britain’s ‘f: Entrepreneur #IAlso100’ campaign, for her success with Muscle Mechanics. The business was established during the height of the pandemic in 2020 and produces pain-relief balms and mood-enhancing inhalers. The research and development of the hand-made muscle balms was based on a real life need to help her son Jenson overcome the pain he endured through rehabilitation after surgery caused long term complications for his mobility. Kim said: “During major surgery to remove the tumour, disaster struck. A brain injury developed into Posteria Fossa Syndrome. Jenson lost all mobility and couldn’t eat, sleep, walk or move his head. To most this would be the sort of devastating blow that would end a hero’s journey. But not Jenson." “He kept fighting. For two years he pushed and fought to regain his physical skills. However his nemesis then clawed its way back into his life – the tumour had returned.” She added: “Throughout Jenson’s process of recovery the Muscle Mechanics products have been incredibly helpful in keeping him calm.” As a sports massage therapist and aromatherapist, Kim Shamtally had been providing customised pain relief balms and soothing essential oil blends to her clients for 15 years to help ease muscle aches between massage sessions. Deeply aware that her work was not just helping relieve muscular aches and injury but also help support creeping mental illness that can come with struggling through muscular recovery, she worked to make these more widely available. It has also caught the attention of local football clubs looking to find ways to improve physical recovery from matches. Muscle Mechanics can be seen at various sporting events across the UK. The latest accolade follows on from a series of successes last year, including winning Product of the Year at The Business Success Recognition Awards; Female Entrepreneur of the Year finalist at The Surrey Business Awards and finalist for Innovation of the Year at last week’s Thames Valley Business and Community Awards when. She will now go on and compete for the national awards in April. Jenson himself won a True Inspirational Hero Award in London in 2022 and The Pride of Bracknell Forest Award last year. Jenson, now aged eight, has since undergone more than 70 weekly chemotherapy sessions and requires around-the-clock care but is now walking independently with the use of a walker. Kim has also worked with oncology patients at The Royal Surrey County Hospital. She added: “Combining exercise with the right recovery tools can improve the experience of how the body can cope with everyday aches and pains. More importantly, it keeps my son focused on his mission to become as physically independent as possible." “Creating Muscle Mechanics Balms is a family business where each person truly understands what it takes to become more resilient." “I hope that Jenson’s courageous and resilient energy serves as an example of how you can rise up from the worst of circumstances. I hope our products can help others in their own fight with pain, whether its big or small, mental or physical.” “This award is an incredible moment to shine the light on female business owners and their impact on local communities.” From AI companies to female-run tradeswoman platforms and sustainable fashion designers, the f: Entrepreneur ‘#IAlso100’ line-up particularly showcases trailblazing female founders who lead purpose-driven businesses alongside a roster of other responsibilities, such as volunteering, mentoring and community support. Launched in 2017 by Small Business Britain – the leading champion of small businesses in the UK - the f:Entrepreneur campaign aims to raise greater awareness of the impact of incredible female business owners across the country, and help provide inspiration and role models to the wider small business community. Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain, said: “Congratulations to Kimberley and each of the phenomenal women featured in this year’s #IAlso100.” “It is so important that we call out the incredible contribution of women running businesses across the UK. As well as growing economic prosperity, they are also having a tremendous, wider positive impact on local communities too. Despite all of the challenges of recent times, it is fantastic to see female entrepreneurship continuing to grow and flourish in the UK, and we must do all we can to encourage and build this further.”

As part of a commitment to protect the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, Perdue Farms has renewed support of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay with a $10,000 grant to help fund its Project Clean Stream initiative. The donation is funded through the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the company’s charitable giving partner. It aligns with the company’s Delivering Hope to Our Neighbors® outreach to improve quality of life and build strong communities. Project Clean Stream is the Alliance’s annual program that links thousands of volunteers from communities and companies in the Chesapeake watershed to collect trash before it reaches creeks, rivers, and streams. Kate Fritz, Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay commented: “At the Alliance, we are thrilled with Perdue’s continued participation in Project Clean Stream,” said Kate Fritz, Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay." “Perdue’s continuing financial support and the volunteer participation by their employees personify our mission to restore the Chesapeake Bay through collaborative engagement with the communities that work and live in the Bay watershed. We’re proud to call Perdue a valued partner.” Since 2008, Perdue has provided $80,000 in funding to support Project Clean Stream and its associates have contributed more than 23,000 volunteer hours. They are among the thousands of volunteers that participate in PCS cleanups throughout watershed states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Drew Getty, Vice President of Environmental Sustainability for Perdue Farms, commended the work of the Alliance and Project Clean Stream. “At Perdue, we’re committed to enhancing the environment in our communities and appreciate the dedication that goes into keeping the Chesapeake watershed clean and vital,” he said. “We’re proud of our Perdue associates for volunteering with this program and proud to continue support for Project Clean Stream.”