Family Business United is delighted to announce the family firms that are in the running to take home the North & Northern Ireland Family Business of the Year Award 2024, and also in the running to take home the overall national title, Supreme Champion Family Business of the Year 2024. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United explains, "These awards are now in their twelfth year and we are delighted to see the depth and diversity of firms in the running from across the region. Family firms make an incredible contribution to the national economy in terms of employment, income generation and wealth creation, not forgetting their activities in communities and charitable support and it is an honour to host these awards and give recognition to their endeavours." "We look forward to finding out more about the shortlisted businesses and ultimately determining the regional winner and presenting them with their award in June." The shortlisted family firms in this region, in alphabetical order are: Arden Dies Challenger Site Services Dandys Dunsters Farm JJ Smith & Co (Woodworking Machinery) Ltd Joseph Holt Brewery K&S McKenzie Ltd Manor Wood Country Caravan Park Mr Cool IT Range Exchange The Fine Bedding Company The awards culminate in a gala awards evening that takes place in London on June 19, 2024 where the winners will be crowned. Keep up to date with all the latest news and updates about the awards using the hashtag #FBOTY2024 .

A 400 ft Anglesey landmark that has dominated the local skyline for more than 50 years is set to be razed to the ground. It is part of a contract that is valued at £410,000 for Nottingham based Total Reclaims Demolition and will be one of the largest chimney demolitions performed by the firm. The team has been tasked with the continued clearing of the former Anglesey Aluminium plant in Holyhead, North Wales. The 15-week contract was won by the firm following an open tender process and subsequent negotiation with East Midlands based company, Rock Civil Engineering. The specialist controlled explosion of the huge 400 ft (122 metre) tall concrete chimney in Holyhead follows a smaller chimney demolition performed by the firm in Derbyshire in 2020. Work began earlier this month on the demolition of around 200,000 sq. ft. of smelting and storage sheds. No exact date has yet been set for reducing the chimney at the former alumina processing plant to rubble. Ewan Cross, Project Manager, and the grandson of the founder of Total Reclaims Demolition, the late Melvyn Cross Snr, said: “We currently have two 50-tonne high-reach Volvos deployed at the site, supplemented by two 30-tonne Komatsus, which are the newest machines to our fleet.” He added: “The majority of the project is our bread-and-butter type of work. However, the blow-down of the chimney is the really exciting part. It’s not every day that something like this comes along." "In fact, the last chimney we blew was around three years ago and it was a quarter of the size of this, and that’s what makes it interesting for me. It’s the second explosive project I’ve been involved with since stepping up and following in my father and late grandfather's footsteps and I’m ready for it.” The former Anglesey Aluminium site closed down over a decade ago, with production ceasing in 2013. In 2016, the site was taken over by the Orthios Group, however, its recycling venture collapsed in 2022 with the loss of 140 jobs. The site, renamed Prosperity Parc, now has a new owner, Swedish shipping line company Stena Line, which purchased the land to expand its operation at the Freeport. The expansion has been hailed as a new start. According to local reports, Anglesey Freeport redevelopment is forecast to deliver up to 13,000 jobs across North Wales.

Family businesses offer several advantages that contribute to their resilience and long-term success. One significant benefit is the strong foundation of trust and loyalty within the family unit. This trust fosters effective communication and collaboration, enabling quicker decision-making processes. Family members often share a common vision and values, leading to a cohesive and unified approach to business operations. Another advantage lies in the commitment and dedication of family members. Unlike employees in non-family businesses, family members often have a personal stake in the success of the business, motivating them to go the extra mile. This intrinsic motivation can result in increased productivity and a sense of shared responsibility, as family members strive to uphold the family name and legacy. Family businesses also benefit from a long-term perspective. Since many are built with the intention of passing the enterprise down through generations, there is a focus on sustainable growth rather than short-term gains. This perspective often leads to prudent financial management, strategic planning, and a commitment to maintaining the business's reputation over time. Flexibility is another strength of family businesses. They can adapt quickly to changing market conditions due to their streamlined decision-making processes and the ability to implement changes without the bureaucratic hurdles often found in larger corporations. This adaptability allows family businesses to respond promptly to emerging trends, technological advancements, and shifts in consumer preferences. Furthermore, the personal relationships among family members can foster a supportive and collaborative work environment. Open communication channels, a deep understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses, and a shared commitment to the family's success contribute to a positive workplace culture. This familial atmosphere can enhance employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall job satisfaction. In addition to these interpersonal benefits, family businesses often demonstrate a commitment to their local communities. Many family enterprises prioritise community engagement, supporting local initiatives, charities, and contributing to the overall well-being of the areas in which they operate. This community focus can lead to positive brand perception and customer loyalty. In conclusion, the advantages of family businesses encompass trust, commitment, a long-term perspective, adaptability, a supportive work environment, and community involvement. While challenges may arise, the unique strengths derived from the familial structure often contribute to the sustained success and resilience of these enterprises over generations.

In partnership with North Lanarkshire Council, Robertson Construction Central West pledged £15,000 in donations, leaving a legacy as part of the new Chryston Community Hub and aligning with its commitment to providing meaningful benefits and opportunities Robertson delivered the new £22m Chryston Community Hub for North Lanarkshire Council and NHS Lanarkshire on behalf of Hub South West Scotland, creating a new primary school and community health clinic. Guests, including the five community groups who benefitted, attended a celebratory event in December at the new state-of-the-art primary school and community health clinic. The donations were used to create a bike and tool library and community garden space for Northern Corridor Community Volunteers; a health and wellbeing programme for Chryston Primary School; an outdoor forestry education development project for Chryston High School; fund excursions for the Muirhead & District Seniors Forum; and support Chryston Parish Church. As well as, leaving a long-lasting positive impact on the local community with the fund, Robertson delivered a programme of community wealth-building benefits. Fourteen apprentices were welcomed on-site, 98 days of work experience were provided, local supply chain was employed where possible, and strong relationships were built with both Chryston Primary School and Chryston High School. Andy McLinden, managing director, Robertson Construction Central West, said: “It is important that wherever we work, we provide meaningful benefits for local communities now and in the future. I am delighted to hear about how our support has helped the new hub’s neighbouring local community groups." “With support from the Council, we ensured that creating social value and delivering a lasting positive change to benefit communities was at the core of the project. Having heard about how these funds are being used, it is heartening to know that the initiatives will make a real difference to a variety of community groups.” Councillor Angela Campbell, Convener of Education, Children and Families, said: "The new Chryston Community Hub is at the heart of its community and our successful partnership approach with Robertson Construction has realised a wonderful new facility for so many people and local groups in the area to benefit from." "It was really great to meet some of the community groups who will benefit from this fund and learn about the wide range of good uses they will put the money towards." North Lanarkshire Council Hub Delivery and Community Partnership Teams set up a grants programme to enable local groups and organisations to apply for a grant to deliver wider community provision. Drop-in surgeries enabled applicants to initially discuss proposals before completing an application. A spokesperson for Hub South West said: “We are delighted that our construction partner Robertson has made such a positive social impact on the delivery of this project. " " Community Wealth Building and social value are central functions to hub SW’s business, and we thank Robertson Construction for delivering on these values on the Chryston Community Hub project.” The school opened its doors to pupils in October and has enjoyed significant success since. The new building can accommodate up to 509 pupils and features 17 bright and spacious classrooms. With a drive for educational attainment and increased wellbeing, the new learning environments offer naturally lit, flexible spaces to accommodate a wide range of learning requirements. The purpose-built clinic provides cutting-edge health and wellbeing facilities close to where people live. With gardens for clinic patients and staff, the clinic also includes community green spaces and paths that are designed to boost connections across the site to encourage active travel.

The sky is the limit for a Staffordshire Moorlands arts group’s major exhibition plans thanks to a £2,000 donation from digger giant JCB. Outside is bringing internationally renowned touring art installation ‘Museum of the Moon’ to Cheadle’s St Giles the Abbot Church as part of celebrations to mark the life of pioneering astronomer Mary Adela Blagg. The giant suspended moon by artist Luke Jerram will form the centrepiece of the three-week ‘Cheadle Moon’ celebrations, from March 15 to April 5, marking the 80th anniversary of the death of the internationally acclaimed astronomer who lived her entire life in Cheadle and is buried in St Giles’ churchyard. Outside Creative Director Sarah Bird explained: “Museum of the Moon is just part of a wide-ranging programme of lunar inspired arts and cultural activities planned for the Cheadle Moon celebrations and this can only be made possible thanks to support from organisations like JCB." “For the three weeks Cheadle will be filled with stardust and moonlight with celebrations taking place in churches, schools, shops and streets. It will tell Mary Blagg’s inspirational story and celebrate her life. Born in 1858, her groundbreaking work mapping the moon saw her become one of the first women admitted into the Royal Astronomical Society. A crater on the moon, Blagg crater, was named after Mary, and in March 2023, a planet was named Maryblagg in her honour." “Museum of the Moon will rise in the nave of St Giles the Abbot and be a stunning centrepiece for the exhibition. Measuring six metres in diameter, the internally lit sculpture features detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface and is complemented by surround sound musical compositions created by award winning composer Dan Jones.” JCB Earthmovers Operations Manager, John Godfrey visited the impressive church to meet exhibition organisers and hand over the £2,000 donation from the company. He said: “This exhibition celebrates one of the town’s most accomplished women and it is important that her achievements are celebrated and her story is told." "When Outside approached us for support, we were delighted to be able to help; JCB has two factories in Cheadle and as a major employer in the town we are always keen to support local community initiatives such as this.”

Econ Engineering’s fully electric-powered gritter has secured a landmark contract with UK highways specialist Ringway signing up to take delivery of the revolutionary E-QCB (Electric Quick Change Body). The first ever completely electric vehicle of its kind on the market utilises the very latest in sustainable technology without diminishing performance, helping customers cut their emissions footprint. As the UK’s leading manufacturer of winter maintenance and highways vehicles, Yorkshire-based Econ Engineering supplies gritters, hot boxes and tippers to hundreds of local councils and contractors, spanning the length and breadth of the UK. The E-QCB enables the vehicle’s bodywork to be switched between gritter, tipper or caged body modes, with easy transformation taking no longer than 15 minutes. With more than 300 local authorities having declared a climate emergency, the Government has already issued guidance on how those councils, and other UK businesses, should be looking to switch their fleets to zero emissions vehicles ahead of 2035. Ringway, responsible for looking after more than 50,000kms of the UKs highways network, has a long-term strategic fleet partnership with Econ and is the first contractor to sign up to a deal for the E-QCB. Both sustainable and practical, the E-QCB 19-tonne Volvo FE Electric, comes with a range of demountable body options including gritter, tipper & caged body, which can be switched within just 15 minutes. Designed with versatility in mind, the vehicle comes with alternative battery configurations to allow optimisation of range and payload, it can be fully charged in less than two hours (subject to infrastructure), runs near-silent with a range of up to 170 miles (depending on load and road conditions), and with no exhaust gases produced, can make deliveries in zero emission zones. Vigorously tested during a recent demonstration tour around the UK, the E-QCB has already gained praise and endorsements while gritting rural routes in snowy Yorkshire, spreading sand for a Royal procession in central London and negotiating inner city streets in Scotland while collecting refuse. Dave Olley, Operations Manager at Ringway said: “Ringway Hertfordshire is committed to delivering a sustainable service. Working with Econ Engineering we trialled the fully electric E-QCB multi-purpose vehicle and are now looking forward to adding it to our fleet and putting it to use on the UK’s road network.” Jonathan Lupton, Managing Director at Econ Engineering, said: “We have spent a long time developing the E-QCB, undertaking comprehensive redesigns and trials across the UK, to ensure that we can offer a fully electric solution for our customers that can be used 52 weeks a year." “We are delighted to extend what is already a strong relationship with Ringway by adding the E-QCB to its fleet. We are confident the vehicle will continue to impress and that its benefits will soon result in more deals of this kind.” Christian Coolsaet, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, said: “Every part of the transport sector needs to have its sights set on achieving net zero, and gritting and snowploughing is no exception. The team at Econ has developed an exceptional new product with our FE Electric chassis at its heart; this is going to allow gritter fleets to reap the benefits of operating cleaner, quieter and more efficient trucks.” Feedback from the demonstration tour included: North Yorkshire Council: The E-QCB was tested to the limit on a cold, snowy day at Sutton Bank which has a hill gradient of 1 in 4, and includes plenty of tight bends. The vehicle undertook two 40-mile gritting runs and an NYC spokesperson said: “The vehicle impressed us especially coping with the hills and had excellent range for an electric vehicle.” The City of Edinburgh Council: The E-QCB was put through extensive testing in both urban and hilly locations, with a council spokesperson remarking: “Simple effortless drive, easy vehicle to use. Excellent build quality – would love one in our fleet.” Glasgow City Council: On a 90-mile gritting route in urban Glasgow, carrying an eight-ton non-diminishing payload, it returned with an impressive 13% battery life remaining, while a 50-mile gritting route saw it return to the depot with 47% battery usage. A council spokesperson said: “Vehicle exceeded expectations, excellent build quality, cannot fault the vehicle at all.” City of Bradford District Council: The vehicle’s flexible attributes were tested on a couple of routes, utilising both the tipper and then the gritter body, with a council spokesman commenting: “Great drive, was pleasantly surprised. Quiet and comfortable.” City of Westminster: The E-QCB was used to lay sand across London’s streets in readiness for the King’s carriage as he attended the State Opening of Parliament. It travelled 66 miles in an urban environment and finished with 51% battery charge.

Willmott Dixon is building the £15.8m Telford Digital Skills & Enterprise Hub that will become a central hub for digital and business learning in the region as part of the Telford Station Quarter regeneration. They are working for Telford & Wrekin Council, in collaboration with educational partners Telford College and Harper Adams University, after being procured through the Pagabo framework. The five-storey hub’s purpose is to provide a combined education and business offering, with shared spaces and start-up offices, as well as become a new base for Telford College and Harper Adams University. When open for the new academic year in 2024, the hub will accommodate 200 Telford College students aged 16 to 18, while Harper Adams University will offer a range of degrees, including Applied Data Science, Robotics, Automation & Mechatronics, Engineering Business Management, and Digital Manufacturing. It will serve as a bridge from education to employment by attracting and retaining young talent, upskilling residents of all ages, and aiding businesses in their growth journeys by providing support services and flexible enterprise incubator accommodation for new or young enterprises in the digital and related sectors to establish and expand in the town centre. Willmott Dixon has already completed the enabling works for the entire Station Quarter site, in line with the wider masterplan, prior to starting on the Telford Digital Skills & Enterprise Hub. For Telford College, Station Quarter is an opportunity to make its curriculum even more accessible to people across the borough, and to help local employers develop the sort of skilled workforce they require - providing local people with a vital pathway to higher quality and better paid careers. Dan Doyle, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “The Telford Digital Skills & Enterprise Hub brings enterprise, focusing particularly on start-up businesses, and education together – which is the perfect partnership as educating and training the next generation and bridging the skills gap is crucial for the future of so many sectors." “The wider site also marks a new chapter for Telford by creating a more accessible, cohesive, and vibrant town centre that supports the council’s carbon neutral by 2030 pledge. The Telford Digital Skills & Enterprise Hub contributes to this, including sustainable elements such as solar PV panels and no gas on site." “As with all our schemes, we aim to leave a positive lasting impact on the communities we work within. Throughout this project, we will be delivering a range of initiatives that focus on providing employment and educational opportunities to students in the area; something that is particularly topical given the nature of the building.” Station Quarter is a new residential-led, mixed-use regeneration project, which will deliver accessible and high-quality homes along with complementary education, hospitality and leisure uses to provide an active destination where people can live, learn, and relax. The project is being partly funded by a £200m investment of match-funding from the private sector, as well as £22.3m from the Government's Towns Fund.

An award-winning Leamington pizzeria is reopening its doors to diners with a unique new look more than three years after the pandemic forced it to pivot into takeaway food. We Love Pizza has unveiled the two-storey dining space above its take-out business, in Regents Place, in response to customer demand. It marks a new chapter for Jose, Geanina and their team whose restaurant plans were thwarted just two months after the launch, in September 2020. Now they hope to build on the subsequent success of the takeaway business by welcoming customers back in. Jose explained: “We are trying to take people on a multi-sensory journey, from the visual side through to music playlists and even scent. Every room has a different aroma, from woody to citrus." "The different themes allow regular customers to have a new experience each time they come. The rooms range from Italian and Neopolitan and Amalfi coast through to more Industrial Urban vibes. Even the toilets have an exotic theme.” He added: “The original plan when we set up the business was actually to be more focused on the eating-in service. When Covid hit we realised we needed to pivot and takeaway was a lifeline and, ultimately, a great opportunity." “When things started opening back up after the lockdowns we were ticking over nicely on takeaways and the business was sustainable but people were always asking for a table. It got us thinking again. We always wanted to welcome people in, that is what we think we do best – showcasing our product, showing our hospitality." “It was a great moment when we finally opened the doors again. We felt complete because we always thought that we were missing a piece of the puzzle here. " " Now we are delivering what we originally set out to, by welcoming people into our ‘house.’ We can invite people to come in full confidence that they will get an outstanding product at its very best.” The three vibrantly themed eating areas are the work of talented Leamington muralist Gemma Grao. Gemma commented: “We wanted to give each room its own personality, so that you each time you visit you have a different experience. From the traditional Italian lemon room, to the cool graffiti room and pizza oven, then to the tropical floral toilets…each room takes you on a different journey!" “We also wanted to tell a story on the walls, so to do this I created a timeline on the staircase to show the history of pizza making, and then one wall is painted with all of the traditional ingredients on, so you really get a feel for the history of pizza!" Jose and Geanina pride themselves on delivering ‘affordable quality’ to their customers by using only the best and most nutritious flour combinations and implementing exact temperature control and longer fermentation periods for the sourdough. Fresh ingredients are sourced directly from Italy – including tomatoes from the volcanic soils of Mount Versuvius - as well as locally. Keen to support local businesses as much as possible, they count among their drinks menu south Warwickshire brands Windmill Hill, BRUBL and Napton Cidery. Jose said: “It is the heart and science behind what we do that is the reason we’re passionate about it. Not only does it taste better, but is much healthier and much more digestible. We use less salt than most pizza restaurants and don't use to refined flour anymore.” The health and sustainability ethos is also evidenced in the restaurant’s partnership with the WaterAid charity. Sizeable monthly donations come from the sales of PH-regulated Kangen water which is both served at the table and used to make the dough. We Love Pizza’s vegan and gluten-free products have also become a favourite but it’s the unexpected cutlery item as part of the table setting which piques most interest. Jose explained: “We were inspired by one of the most recognised pizza chefs in Italy who uses scissors. Our product, especially our dough, is different from the mainstream pizza products – crispy on the outside and soft and airy on the inside, very light on the palette and thin in the middle. Scissors allow you to cut the pizza in a more efficient way without causing a mess and better showcasing the product. It’s much more practical but also a fun element. The customers love it." “We offer something that is more personal and different than the mainstream. It’s this character and not being afraid to be different that reflects the ethos behind what we do and that we’re most proud of.”

LandyCampers, a family-owned business specialising in unique Land Rover Defender camping adventures, proudly announces its position as a Finalist in the East Of England Tourism Awards, ‘Self Catering Accommodation of The Year’ category. This prestigious nomination distinguishes LandyCampers among the elite tourism services in the region, despite being a small-scale operation. Situated in North Essex, close to London, LandyCampers is renowned for its personalised service and commitment to sustainable travel. Co-founders Max and Bela emphasise a 'white-glove' approach, ensuring each guest experiences the best of British adventure in an eco-friendly manner. "Our recognition as finalists is not just about our unique camping experience," said Max. "It's a nod to our dedication to personalised, eco-conscious tourism. This honour encourages us to continue innovating and providing memorable adventures." Equipped with unique high-quality camping gear and rooftop tents, LandyCampers' Land Rover Defenders offer guests a unique blend of adventure and comfort. This attention to detail and commitment to quality is evident in the numerous industry accolades LandyCampers received in 2023, setting a high standard in the self-catering accommodation sector. "As a family business, we're thrilled to represent the best of the East of England's tourism," said Bela. "This finalist status reflects our passion for delivering exceptional travel experiences and our vision for sustainable adventure." Judges praised LandyCampers 'fantastic product and service, and work towards sustainability' when naming them in the final three for the Award. LandyCampers continues to redefine outdoor travel - being the UK's only TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice winning adventure vehicle hire - offering personalised itineraries and a deep connection with nature, all while ensuring a minimal environmental footprint.

Clancy has appointed Tom McGinness as an independent non-executive director to the infrastructure specialist’s Board. Tom will support Clancy as it pursues its long-term strategy as an independent, family-owned business. He brings decades of experience, having served as a senior partner for KPMG for 26 years, leading the firm’s tax advisory services for privately and family-owned businesses. He also held the role of the firm’s Global Chair of Family Business for five years from 2018 and is now Global Leader of ESG for KPMG Private Enterprise. He has worked with clients across a range of sectors and international jurisdictions, including the Wates Group, the Bestway Group and McLaren Automotive Limited. As part of his non-executive role, Tom will work with the wider Board to ensure the highest standards of corporate governance and to support Clancy’s long-term strategic priorities. Tom joins the Board from January 2024. Kevin Clancy, chairman at Clancy, commented: “Tom’s wealth of experience in advising family businesses on ESG and business planning will be extremely valuable in further bolstering the skills and expertise of the Board as we continue to grow our business. Tom has worked closely with us over the past couple of years in his role at KPMG and his new role will be a great opportunity to build on this relationship." “Our country’s infrastructure faces significant challenges, from unpredictable rainfall, rising temperatures, a growing population and the need to decarbonise our networks while maintaining affordability for customers. Clancy is in a good position to support our clients in managing these headwinds, and the Board plays a vital role in ensuring the right investment and decisions are in place to allow us to work as trusted partners for the long term.” Tom McGinness, non-executive director at Clancy, said: “Over recent years, I’ve been able to get to know the Clancy business and its people through my work at KPMG and I’m delighted now to expand that role as a non-executive director." "Clancy is at an exciting point in its history, having transitioned smoothly and effectively to its third generation of leadership. The nature of a family business provides a unique opportunity to take a long-term view on strategy – planning not just a few years ahead, but decades – and I’m looking forward to playing a part in continuing that success.”

Business activity at UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expanded at the fastest rate for seven months in December, led by renewed growth in the service economy. Adding to signs of a steady turnaround in business conditions, new orders stabilised at the end of 2023, which ended a five-month period of reduced workloads. Key Findings: Fastest rise in overall UK SME output since May 2023 Service providers report growth rebound, but manufacturers see an accelerated decline Business optimism among SMEs reaches highest level since March 2022 Cost inflation hits three-month high and is seen as the biggest obstacle to sustainability action in 2024 The headline NatWest SME PMI® Business Activity Index registered 51.2 in December, up from 50.7 in November and the highest reading since May. This signalled a marginal overall increase in SME business activity, with growth in the service economy more than offsetting sustained declines in manufacturing and construction output. The latest fall in manufacturing production was the steepest since October 2022, reflecting weak demand in both domestic and export markets. Survey respondents often commented on relief at the pause in Bank of England interest rate hikes last autumn, alongside a positive impact on business and consumer spending from lower borrowing costs and easing inflationary pressures. This contributed to an improvement in business activity expectations for the year ahead. Overall business confidence among SMEs was the highest since early-2022, helped by a marked improvement in service sector optimism at the end of last year. Elevated wage pressures and squeezed margins meant that UK SMEs were wary about adding to their staffing numbers. Job creation stalled in December, which ended a 33-month period of employment growth. A number of firms commented on the non-replacement of voluntary leavers due to spare capacity and efforts to contain business expenses. Input cost inflation accelerated to its highest since September, which was overwhelmingly linked to greater salary payments. December data also signalled a robust rise in prices charged by SMEs, led by those operating in the service sector, largely in response to higher operating expenses.        Meanwhile, the latest NatWest Sustainable Business Tracker indicated that 35% of UK SMEs viewed sustainability action as a high priority for the year ahead, down from 36% in Q3 and the joint-lowest since the survey began in 2020. A slide in prioritisation was reported by both manufacturers and service providers, with survey respondents often commenting on the need to focus on rising business expenses and challenging economic conditions. In contrast, the proportion of large enterprises citing sustainability action as a high priority rose from 59% to 64% in Q4.       Finally, our special feature on obstacles to sustainability actions in 2024 illustrated that worries about higher business costs were by far the most prevalent constraint cited by UK SMEs. Around 60% of the survey panel noted that rising business costs was a major obstacle to becoming more sustainable in the next 12 months. Difficulties measuring carbon footprint were the second-highest ranked barrier, reported by 31% of SMEs in Q4. Large enterprises also noted that rising business costs (59%) were the top ranking obstacle for 2024, while uncertainty about government regulation was the second-highest cited constraint on sustainability action (37%). Sebastian Burnside, NatWest Chief Economist, said: “Small businesses are starting 2024 on a positive footing with confidence getting back to pre-energy crisis highs. Costs are clearly a concern and rising wages, especially the national minimum wage, means businesses are going to be working hard to find efficiencies this year. That may mean sustainability initiatives slide down the priority list for some, but investments in energy efficiency will make even more sense for others. The market’s expectations of interest rate cuts may also help lower financing costs, if the Bank of England builds more confidence that inflation is falling reliably.” James Holian, Head of Business Banking at NatWest Group, said: “After a turbulent year for the economy, it is really encouraging to see that small businesses ended 2023 in higher spirits, with growth accelerating at the fastest rate since May. The services sector in particular has been buoyed by strong sales in the last quarter as borrowing costs have eased. With business confidence now at its highest level in over a year there’s a real sense of momentum as we start 2024." “For those businesses looking to improve their environmental sustainability, rising business costs remain the biggest challenge. At NatWest we have developed the tools to support businesses to understand where they can improve their energy efficiency and save money, so they can concentrate on the day-to-day running of their business.” Obstacles To Sustainability Goals in 2024: NatWest asked businesses to report on obstacles that UK SMEs face in becoming more sustainable in 2024. Of the ten potential barriers covered by the survey, rising business costs were cited as the biggest challenge for SMEs when looking to improve their environmental sustainability. Six-in-ten SMEs noted this as the largest obstacle, with manufacturers more likely to report this as a constraint than services companies (66% versus 54%). Furthermore, the proportion of SMEs stating rising costs as a barrier was nearly double that recorded for the next biggest obstacle; the inability to accurately measure their carbon footprint (31% of all SMEs). A number of companies reported that suppliers, particularly those based overseas, were often unable to provide information on their carbon emissions, which made it challenging to calculate their companies' overall footprint. A lack of customer demand for more sustainable products (26% of all SMEs) and difficulties in making a business case for sustainability in terms of cost savings (25%) were also key concerns. While rising business expenses were also the main concern among large companies when it came to future sustainability goals in 2024 (59%), uncertainty around government regulation placed second in the rankings of top obstacles. Around 37% of large firms reported uncertainty around government policy as a constraint on sustainability plans for the year ahead, compared to 30% of SMEs.

Embarking on the journey of planning for a successful year is a significant step for family businesses. With a purposeful mindset and a well-defined roadmap, your family business can navigate the challenges and set the course for greatness. Let’s delve into specific actions to ensure your family business thrives in the upcoming year. Reflecting On Your Goals Take a moment to pause and reflect on your aspirations for the year ahead. Consider your personal, family, and business goals. Document these goals to bring clarity and intention to your path forward. Recognise that the synergy between personal and professional aspirations forms the foundation of a thriving family business. Consider scheduling a dedicated reflection session to outline specific goals for the personal, family, and business dimensions. Your Vision Translate your dreams into a tangible vision for the year. Surround yourself with visual cues, such as images, quotes, and symbols, that inspire and reinforce your aspirations. This visual representation will serve as a constant reminder of the collective future you aim to build for your family business. Habits That Propel Success Identify key habits that can propel your family business towards success. Whether it’s fostering daily communication among family members or adopting a proactive mindset, recognise the power of habitual choices. Determine habits you want to increase or decrease in frequency to shape the trajectory of your family business. Sharing With Trust And Accountability Harness the power of connection by sharing your goals and aspirations with someone you trust implicitly. This could be a family member, mentor, or close friend. Creating a sense of accountability and support through shared plans allows for mutual encouragement, celebration of victories, and guidance during challenging times. Embracing The Power Of Dreams Dreams fuel our passion, ignite our creativity, and propel us towards greatness. As you embark on this year, always keep this passion alive. Embrace this and let it be the launchpad for new ideas, bold endeavors, and uncharted territories. The joy and pride that come with being part of a family business are rooted in the limitless possibilities you can create together. About the Author: John Broons is a globally awarded family business expert. One of only three people in Australia to hold the coveted title of Fellow of Family Firm Institute (Boston, USA), John has dedicated his working career to answering the question: how do I guide and support families in business to a place where they’re thriving? Find out more by visiting his website here