The prestigious National Family Business of the Year Awards are now in their twelfth year and have become a highlight of the annual calendar, crowing some incredible family business winners of the year. Adding to the value of these awards is the contribution of our judging panel who deliberate over the submissions and help us to determine the winners. Each member of the panel is recognised for their work in the family business sector either as a family business leader and winner of a previous award, an academic specialising in the field or an adviser working with family business clients. Collectively they represent hundreds of years of working in the sector and we are truly grateful to all of them for taking the time to judge these awards. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, organisers of these awards adds: "We are delighted with the depth and diversity of knowledge within our esteemed judges. They all have a great insight and perspective on the family business sector here in the UK and by combining their different skills and knowledge, our panel truly represents a great body of knowledge that helps to determine the winners of these awards." "We are proud to champion the family business sector and these awards are a great way to shine the spotlight on the great family firms that exist all over the UK. We are truly appreciative of the contribution the judges make to selecting the winners and helping to continue to maintain the integrity of the UK's only national awards programme for the family business sector too." Further judges will be announced in due course but our panel for 2024 includes: Jane Wylie-Roberts, CEO of Stafffinders Nicola Stamford - The Big Bamboo Agency Heather Matthews, Managing Director of Little's Chauffeur Drive David Dickson, Founder and CEO of Family Business Matters Mike Kane, Partner and Head of Family Business at Turcan Connell Stewart Sanderson - Brooks Macdonald Stewart is Head of Private Clients for Brooks Macdonald, a leading Wealth Manager. With 15 offices across the UK, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man, Brooks Macdonald have the privilege of managing over £17bn on behalf of their clients and are long term partner of FBU; helping families manage, grow and protect their wealth. Stewart is a fellow of the Chartered Investment and Securities Institute and a Board member and Trustee of Essex Community Foundation. Tim Croxson - Croxsons Tim is the fifth generation CEO of Croxsons, a 152 year old glass packaging supplier into the UK’s best loved food and drink brands. Tim is passionate about family businesses, believing they can make a generational difference to local communities and society. As Tim explains; "As a previous winner, I’m pleased to be involved with this year’s awards, looking at many of the fantastic businesses we have within the family business community. It is inspiring and challenging in equal measure to see so many businesses championing their cause and the family business movement." Jennifer Leeder - Birketts Jennifer is an employment law specialist with over 20 years’ post-qualification experience. A Legal Director in Birketts’ Employment Team, Jennifer leads the firm’s Family Business Service Group, which offers legal advice on succession planning, sales and acquisitions, governance issues, employment, resolving disputes, setting up trusts and other personal wealth protection issues. Jennifer said: “I’m delighted to be on the judging panel for the 2024 Family Business of the Year Awards. As with previous years, the calibre of entrants this year is incredibly high and I’m looking forward to playing a role once again in deciding the worthy winners. I hope to meet many of the entrants at the gala awards evening in June and wish everyone the very best of luck.” Stuart Dantzic - Caribbean Blinds UK Limited Stuart is the second generation Managing Director of award winning manufacturer, Caribbean Blinds UK Limited. Based in Sudbury in Suffolk they are the UK's leading External shading manufacturer and from outdoor living to solar shading, they’ve got you covered, whatever the weather. Since 1987, Caribbean Blinds have been exclusively designing and manufacturing in the UK the very finest external shading systems for discerning homeowners and businesses across the country, that transform the use, functionality and enjoyment of all types of spaces. Kirsty Ross - Turcan Connell Kirsty is a director in the business law team and part of the family business leadership team providing business, legal and tax advisory services to family businesses in Scotland. During her career, she has spent the last 25 years working with family business and the last 7 as a family business consultant, helping family businesses of all size and age during times of change. Her experience in succession planning, family governance and the creation of supportive policies has enabled families to reach consensus on their shared purpose for the future of their family business. Kirsty is an active member of the Family Firm Institute (FFI), and holds a distinction in the STEP Advanced Certificate in Advising Family Business and the Advanced Course on Family Business Governance. She also has extensive experience in delivering programmes for the Next Generation, Women in Family Businesses and the Scottish Family Business Leader’s forum, in conjunction with the Institute for Family Business (now Family Business UK) and Family Business United and sits on the Advisory Board of the Scottish Family Business Community. Paddy Dyson - HMG Paints Paddy is the marketing manager of multi-generational family business, HMG Paints, based in Mancheter. HMG Paints are previous winners of these awards and Paddy is giving back to the process by being a judge this year. As Paddy himself explains: “It’s great to be judging the FBU Awards for 2024. There are plenty of amazing family businesses shortlisted and I’m looking to learning about them via the awards process. Having previously won awards at the event I know just how much effort goes in to the entries and how much joy it can bring businesses when they win." Ben Fowler - Western Pension Solutions Ben is the Managing Director of Western Pension Solutions, a specialist pension consultancy that provides strategic advice to family businesses for managing their legacy defined benefit pension schemes. Stuart Hatcher - Forsters Stuart is Head of the Forsters’ Corporate team where he advises across a full range of domestic and international corporate law issues, including M&A, venture capital, private equity and other shareholder investments, group reorganisations and the return of value to shareholders. His expertise covers investment and shareholder activity, governance, overseas expansion, restructurings, disposing of non-core assets and management incentive schemes. Stuart is particularly known for his work with private businesses with a particular focus on family businesses, owner managed businesses and fast growth companies and entrepreneurs. Mairi Mickel - Mairi Mickel's Business Families Mairi Mickel runs her own consultancy which specialises in family dynamics, governance and communication. Supporting generational and business transitions through a blend of coaching, mediating and advising, she holds safe spaces for UK SME business families and their owners to make collective decisions about their futures together. Previously a main board director, she continues to be an active 4th generation owner of her 99 year old Scottish construction family firm, Mactaggart & Mickel Group Ltd. She is a Fellow of the Family Firm Institute (FFI), participates as an NED on a 2nd Generation Family business in Colorado and is a Visiting Professor at the Strathclyde University Business School. Mairi welcomed the invitation to be a judge on the awards adding: "I’m delighted to be taking part in the judging panel for the National Family Business of the Year Awards organised by Family Business United. It is an honour to take part in raising awareness of the myriad of fantastic businesses owned and run by families in the UK." Angela Morris - The Wool Packaging Company Angela Morris has run her own creative packaging design businesses for over 30 years and is CEO of The Wool Packaging Company and founder of the Woolcool brand. Angela’s constructional and creative packaging experience covers a variety of different sectors. Woolcool was recognised with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category in 2018, achieved B Corp Status in 2020 and won a second Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in 2022. In September 2023 Angela was extremely proud to receive a FBU Lifetime Achievement Award and in October 2023 Angela was honoured to become a member of the ancient Guild of Woolmen. Woolcool is now a second-generation family business with two of Angela’s daughters taking it forward, Josie as Managing Director and Jessica as Finance Director. Angela is delighted to be a judge on the awards this year adding: "With Woolcool being previous winners of three FBU Family Business awards and myself as a 2023 FBU Lifetime Achievement winner, I am delighted to contribute my experience in evaluating and recognising outstanding family businesses for the FBU 2024 Business Awards." "Family business values are integral to our economic landscape and the FBU awards provide a platform where we can celebrate their incredible achievements, innovation, sustainability, and resilience." Colleen Gostick - Buckles Colleen Gostick is the multiple award-winning Chairman of leading regional law firm Buckles Solicitors, and Consultant to Franco-Italian law firm CastaldiPartners. "Having sponsored these awards for a number of years I am delighted to be part of celebrating excellence in the Family Business sector across a broad spectrum of businesses and industries," she confirms. Beverley Mitchell - Beverley Mitchell Consulting Ltd Beverley Mitchell has been working in or alongside family businesses for most of her career and has personally experienced the high levels of engagement and commitment that strong family business values and culture can inspire. She set up Beverley Mitchell Consulting Ltd (BMC) in early 2015 to help family businesses to leverage their unique values and culture to attract and retain talent and drive engagement across every level and in every area of their business. She has recently expanded her offering further and is now using her experience and expertise to coach and mentor leaders in family businesses. Ellie Milner - Mills & Reeve Ellie Milner is a solicitor and Partner at Mills & Reeve. She specialises in advising entrepreneurs and family business owners in relation to their succession planning. Her work includes advising on estate planning, including Wills and tax efficient gifting structures, as well as advice to both the business and family on governance matters. Ellie holds advanced certificates in Advising the Family Business and Family Business Governance, and is on the STEP Business Families Global Special Interest Group Committee. As Ellie adds: “Family businesses are an integral part of our society, often with inspirational stories behind them. Being able to support those involved in these businesses in managing their succession in an open and planned way, and navigate what can often be a difficult transitional time for the family, is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. It’s an absolute privilege to be able to find out more about our best regional and national businesses through the 2024 Family Business of the Year Awards and to be a judge this year." Becky Valentine - Spenbeck Becky Valentine is one of the East Midland’s leading Sustainability and Building Health consultants, supporting and advising businesses, schools and charities in improving their sustainability, wellbeing and performance. Co-owner at multi-award-winning, second-generation family business Spenbeck and winner of the 2022 Business Desk East Midlands’ Green Leader Award, Becky, is a Certified Carbon Literacy Facilitator and the decarbonisation and retrofit lead for a 40,000ft² of Grade II Listed heritage commercial portfolio. As Becky adds: “The family business sector is the engine of UK plc and I am honoured to have been invited to help judge the 2024 Family Business Awards. I am excited to learn and celebrate how this year’s entrants have used their resilience and long-term mindset to support wider economic and societal success."

AW Hainsworth, a 240-year-old fabric manufacturer and woollen mill responsible for the look of iconic England, has hired three textile graduates from northern universities. Angela Augusto, Rachael Frame, and Polly Armond are the newest additions to the Hainsworth team and part of the company’s future of textile expertise. Angela and Rachael have joined the team as Technical and Innovation Managers, responsible for driving innovation, product development and continuous improvement. They have recently graduated with a Masters in Textile Science from the University of Leeds and are already applying that knowledge at the mill. Polly is a Design and Development Manager joining the Replin team to create bespoke fabric designs for aviation and rail. Polly studied textiles at Manchester Metropolitan University, specialising in weaving, and is already contributing to key projects as part of the design team. AW Hainsworth is committed to bridging the skills gap in the UK textile industry, and these recent hires are part of that pledge. The family-run, heritage textile mill is also investing significantly in UK textile innovation - ensuring continuous quality, skills and sustainability improvement to secure the firm’s future as an innovator in fabric development. As part of this, AW Hainsworth completed the development of a UKAS-accredited, state-of-the-art laboratory in 2022 that includes a range of advanced instruments and machinery to enhance in-house testing abilities. Amanda McLaren, Managing Director of AW Hainsworth, comments, “We are so pleased that Angela, Rachael and Polly have chosen to join us and excited to leverage the knowledge they all bring to their roles. All three talented graduates have settled into life at the mill seamlessly, and we are excited to see what their careers at AW Hainsworth will bring." “It’s no secret that there’s a huge skills gap to fill in the UK textile industry, largely due to a shift away from creative education in schools and lack of new people joining the workforce. That’s why it’s essential that we hire and develop apprentices and graduates with a passion for the industry and hunger to learn.” AW Hainsworth is a vertical textile mill that creates exquisite woollen cloth, high-performing textiles, and iconic fabrics for customers worldwide. It can process a product from raw fibre to finished cloth entirely from its site in West Yorkshire. The specialist textile company is the parent company to Hainsworth Fabric of a Nation, Hainsworth Protective Fabrics, Hainsworth Toptable, Natural Legacy by Hainsworth, John Atkinson, Hainsworth Technical Felt, Northern Rubber by Hainsworth, and Replin by Hainsworth

North Glasgow community benefits from Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust donation The Barmulloch Community Development Centre (BCDC) were supported in putting on fantastic festive activities thanks to a four-figure donation from one of Scotland’s leading family businesses. The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust received the application and were touched by the efforts of the group to make such a positive impact in the community. The £2,000 awarded went towards events including a community afternoon tea, three children’s Christmas parties with the all-important visit from Santa, Mrs Claus and the elves and a gift to all of the children. Barmulloch Community Development Company Development Manager, Brian Land said: “We at BCDC want to thank you all at the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust so much for the continued support it has made a very positive impact in the community during some difficult times.” BCDC is a community development trust where people come together who want to make where they live better for everyone. BCDC came together to support communities in Ward 17, to offer important services and provide much needed premises. Their aim is make everyone aware they have something to offer, to inspire and empower them to maximise their abilities- all for self-development and community benefit. Allied Vehicles founder Gerry Facenna added, “It’s great to be able to support so many fantastic organisations through the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust. The communities local to our head offices have so much to offer and we were delighted to be able to support BCDC with their festive efforts.”

CFOs of the UK’s largest firms are optimistic about prospects for their own businesses as they enter 2024, according to Deloitte’s latest CFO survey. Sentiment among finance leaders has risen for the second consecutive quarter – to well above average levels – with a net 11% of CFOs more optimistic about the financial prospects of their business than they were three months ago. Key Findings: Sentiment among UK CFOs has risen for the second consecutive quarter, with optimism running well above average levels; Inflation and high interest rates have dropped down the CFO risk list; Corporate risk appetite has risen to an 18-month high but remains subdued relative to its long-term average; 63% of CFOs anticipate higher investment in new technology; CFOs believe geopolitical factors pose the greatest external risk to their own businesses over the next 12 months. Ian Stewart, chief economist, said: “These findings may seem at odds with recent economic news, particularly a contraction in third quarter GDP and forecasts of sluggish UK growth in 2024. But, while the pace of growth softened in 2023, activity proved more resilient than expected, with unemployment at low levels, corporate profitability holding up and an absence of stress in financial markets. Crucially, inflation has fallen sharply since the summer, bolstering expectations of earlier interest rate reductions.” Conducted between 28 November and 12 December 2023, a total of 72 CFOs participated in this quarter’s CFO Survey, including the CFOs of 12 FTSE 100 and 26 FTSE 250 companies. The combined market value of the 35 UK-listed companies surveyed is £328bn, or approximately 13% of the UK quoted equity market. Inflation Worries And Interest Rate Expectations Ease The inflation and rate worries that dominated the CFO Survey for much of the last two years have eased since the last quarter. The risk of higher inflation has dropped down CFOs’ list of concerns to a weighted average rating4 of 53, from 58 in the last survey. This shows that the threat of persistently high inflation and the prospect of further interest rate rises has weakened, consistent with price pressures easing faster than expected in recent months. Finance leaders expect price and wage pressures to soften over the next two years. They see the Bank of England’s base rate falling from its current level of 5.25% to 4.75% in a year’s time. Geopolitical Factors Again Rated Biggest Risk CFOs again see geopolitical factors as the greatest external risk to their own businesses over the next 12 months, with a weighted average rating of 63, up from 59 in the previous survey. Reflecting on the risk that this poses to their businesses, a net 44% of CFOs expect greater diversification and near-shoring of supply chains in the longer term. There is also increased anxiety about productivity and competitiveness in the UK economy, which is now second on the risk list with a rating of 56, up from 53 last quarter. Higher energy prices, or disruption to supply, is seen as the third biggest risk (at 54), but the rating remains well below the levels seen in the second half of last year. Notably, there is a marked deterioration in sentiment around the euro area, with an increased risk rating of 42, up from 34 in the last survey. Anticipated Higher Labour Costs, But More Investment In Technology There is a strong consensus among finance leaders that the UK has entered a prolonged period of high labour costs. A net 92% of CFOs expect labour costs to remain elevated in the long term, relative to 2023. But CFOs are decidedly bullish on investment in new technology, with a net 63% of CFOs expecting investment in new technology to increase in the long term. Finance chiefs also anticipate a greater role for the state in the economy, with significant proportions expecting an increase in levels of taxation (net 39%) and regulation (net 42%). By contrast, CFOs think that levels of flexible or home working have peaked, with a net 57% expecting home working to decline in the long term. Defensive Strategies Dominate CFOs’ balance sheet strategies remain largely defensive. Cost reduction is their top priority, with 51% of CFOs rated reducing costs as a strong priority for their business over the next 12 months. Increasing cashflow follows, with 47% of CFOs rating it as a strong priority. A sharp fall in the priority assigned to introducing new products and services or entering new markets (only 15% of CFOs say it’s a strong priority now) has driven expansionary strategies further out of favour. Ian Stewart, added: “Whilst finance chiefs are starting 2024 in positive spirits, this is tempered by high levels of uncertainty, concerns around geopolitics, and low UK productivity. CFOs foresee growth ahead but – based on their defensive balance sheet stance – not imminently." “For now, corporates are focused on cutting costs and building up cash rather than hiring, capital spending or M&A. But unlike in previous periods of uncertainty the financial system is operating and larger corporates can access debt, albeit at higher rates. Scale matters as the large corporates represented in the survey panel are generally better able to manage periods of stress and are less vulnerable to tightening credit conditions than smaller and medium sized companies.”

Britain’s manufacturers are viewing the UK as a more competitive place to locate their activities compared to twelve months ago, with an increasing number believing they are moving ahead of their European rivals. However, they remain wary of the huge threat to their competitiveness posed by the economic behemoths of the US, India and China. The findings come from a major survey of over two hundred senior manufacturing executives published today by Make UK and PwC. The survey shows that after a very difficult few years through the pandemic and, the shock to energy prices, there are optimistic signs with companies more bullish about the prospects for manufacturing in 2024. As a result, the majority of companies are seeing opportunities outweighing the risks to their business. Key findings: Companies more confident about sector prospects but wary of UK and global economic conditions deteriorating Majority of manufacturers see UK as more competitive place to locate compared to twelve months ago Manufacturers see themselves moving ahead of European rivals though India, US and China set to dominate competition Opportunities coming from new products, digital technologies and expansion into new markets But significant risks from ongoing access to skills, increasing energy and employment costs Manufacturers are backing this belief with investment in new products, expansion into new markets and accelerating use of new digital technologies to improve their business. However, the survey also shows that manufacturers are wary of the prospects for both the UK and global economies, while significant challenges remain in the faces of increased energy and employment costs, as well as access to domestic skills. Stephen Phipson, Chief Executive of Make UK, said: “The last few years have been a rollercoaster of emotions for manufacturers, yet they have more than demonstrated their resilience time after time. We are now seeing some hope that conditions may be improving, amid a more supportive and stable policy environment, but this must be cemented within a long term industrial strategy." "While undoubted challenges remain, the accelerating use of digital technologies, our strength in innovation and expansion into new markets sets the scene for manufacturing to be at the heart of efforts to boost growth.” Cara Haffey, Leader of Manufacturing at PwC added: "After what has been a rocky few years for manufacturers, it seems there is a cautious optimism in the air." "In fact, our research showed that in the year ahead, more than half of them are planning to seize opportunities in new products, with more than a quarter (27.3%) hoping to explore uncharted territory, and expand into new markets." "For many, despite January's to-do list likely looming large, as the headwinds of sustained economic challenges, geopolitical instability, and steep employment and energy costs continue, the horizon seems brighter.” According to the survey more than half of companies (52.7%) see the UK as a more competitive place to manufacture. This compares to just under a third (31%) in the same survey a year ago following the political chaos of 2022. Less than a fifth (16.6%) believe the UK is not a competitive place in which to manufacture. Furthermore, almost a third of companies believe the UK is increasing its competitiveness against Germany and France (30.7% and 30.2% respectively) while more than a quarter believe the UK is moving ahead of Spain and Italy (29.3% and 28.3%). These figures are greater than those who see the UK’s competitiveness decreasing against EU rivals. However, by contrast, the share of companies who believe the UK is losing competitiveness against the US, India and China dwarfs those who believe the UK is gaining. The survey also shows manufacturers are bullish about their prospects for the coming year with more than four fifths (44.4%) believing that conditions in the sector will improve, while a fifth (20.5%) see conditions deteriorating. In addition, almost two thirds (62%) of companies see opportunities outweighing the risks this year while just 14% disagree. However, by contrast, more than four in ten companies (41.5%) see the UK economy deteriorating in 2024 compared to just over a third (36.6%) who see it improving. A similar proportion (37.6%) see the global economy getting worse this year compared to just under a third (31.2%) who see it improving. In the year ahead, more than half of manufacturers (52.7%) see opportunities in new products while more than a quarter (27.3%) are expanding into new markets and a similar proportion (26.3%) are net zero opportunities. Furthermore, digital technologies have the potential to boost productivity with almost three quarters of companies (71.2%) believing digitising operations will boost operational efficiency. In addition, more than half of companies (52.2%) see generative AI increasing the productivity of their workforce. However, more than half of companies still see risks from increased energy costs (53.2%) closely followed by the impact of political instability (43.9%). More than two thirds (36.1%) are still seeing supply chain disruption while a similar number (35.1%) see lack of access to domestic skills as a risk. The survey of 205 companies was carried out between 8 and 29 November.

Family businesses around the world are experiencing a transformative shift in their nature and drivers as they navigate the complexities of the next generation. Traditionally characterised by strong family ties, long-term perspectives, and a commitment to legacy, these businesses are now encountering a new set of challenges and opportunities that are reshaping their dynamics. One notable change is the evolving role of technology. The next generation is entering family businesses at a time when digitalisation is ubiquitous, requiring them to adapt to rapidly changing technological landscapes. The integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics is becoming crucial for the sustainability and growth of family enterprises. Those who can effectively harness these tools gain a competitive edge, while those resistant to change may find it challenging to keep up. Moreover, the shifting demographics of the next generation workforce are influencing family businesses. Younger family members are often more globally minded, diverse, and socially conscious. As a result, family businesses are embracing more inclusive and sustainable practices. This generation places a strong emphasis on corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability, influencing strategic decisions and shaping the values of the family business. The rise of entrepreneurship within the family is another key trend. Rather than simply inheriting and maintaining existing enterprises, the next generation is increasingly inclined towards starting their own ventures. This entrepreneurial spirit introduces a dynamic element to family businesses, fostering innovation and adaptability. It also allows family members to diversify their interests and potentially create new sources of revenue for the family enterprise. Succession planning is always a critical aspect of family businesses that is undergoing significant changes. While the traditional approach involved passing the business down to the eldest son or a predetermined family member, modern family businesses are recognising the importance of meritocracy. The next generation is encouraged to gain relevant education, skills, and experience before assuming leadership roles, ensuring that leadership transitions are based on competence rather than familial hierarchy. Globalisation continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of family businesses. Increased connectivity and accessibility to international markets present both opportunities and challenges. Family businesses must navigate cultural nuances, diverse regulations, and global economic fluctuations. Those that can successfully expand their operations globally can tap into new markets, diversify risks, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the business. Furthermore, the changing nature of consumer preferences and expectations is impacting family businesses. The next generation is more attuned to the importance of customer experience, brand image, and digital presence. Family businesses are investing in marketing strategies, online platforms, and customer engagement initiatives to remain relevant in an ever-evolving market, areas that the next generation of family members are likely to be more skilled in understanding and applying to their own family firms. The next generation of family business members is witnessing and living through a paradigm shift driven by technology, changing workforce dynamics, entrepreneurship, evolving succession planning, globalisation, and shifting consumer preferences. Adaptability, innovation, and a willingness to embrace change are becoming essential for family businesses to engage their next generation and for these firms to thrive in the dynamic business landscape of the 21st century. As they navigate these changes, family businesses have the opportunity to build on their traditional strengths while embracing the modern practices needed for long-term success when it comes to engaging and onboarding the next generation as they seek to build sustainable businesses for generations to come.

In the long-anticipated judgment of HMRC v Fisher [2023] UKSC 44 (21 November 2023), the Supreme Court held that the transfer of a business to Gibraltar was not caught by the Transfer of Assets Abroad rules as the transfer was not made by the individual shareholders but rather by their UK company. This ruling against HMRC’s expansion of the Transfer of Assets Abroad rules to cover transfers made by a company provide some much-needed comfort to family businesses. The Fisher family were shareholders in a UK betting company. As the company branched into tele-betting, they decided to carry on this part of the trade from Gibraltar, for reasons of tax efficiency. The tele-betting business was therefore transferred from the UK company to a Gibraltar company. HMRC sought to tax the Fishers on the income of the Gibraltar company under the Transfer of Assets Abroad rules, on the basis that they had the power to enjoy the income of the Gibraltar company. In the First-Tier Tribunal, it was held that the Fishers were “transferors” and therefore caught by the Transfer of Assets Abroad rules (though one family member, Anne, successfully appealed on a point of EU law). The Upper Tribunal disagreed and held that the rules did not apply as the family members did not affect the transfer personally. In the Court of Appeal, it was held that since the family were involved in the decision-making of the business, they were “quasi-transferors”, so the rules applied. Finally, the case went to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court held that, for the rules to apply, the transfer of assets has to be made by the individual transferors who then have the power to enjoy the income of the person abroad. It was held that an individual’s family members cannot be treated as transferors by virtue of being shareholders in the company which made the transfer. This would still be the case for majority shareholders and directors of the company. It was also held that a taxpayer cannot avoid the rules by simply transferring income-generating assets to a UK company prior to the transfer abroad. After ten long years through the courts, the Fishers’ appeals were allowed. The Supreme Court was highly critical of HMRC’s general approach to the Transfer of Assets Abroad rules, and in particular their argument that taxpayers’ uncertainty about whether the rules applied to them should be regarded as something positive. As the judgment notes, the Transfer of Assets Abroad rules are some of the most fiendishly complex and least understood UK tax rules. It is hardly surprising that the court has reached a different judgment at each stage. It remains to be seen whether the Government will implement legislation to counter the result of this case in Finance Bill 2024. The Birketts View This case offers some much needed and long-awaited certainty to family businesses that where a UK company set up for commercial reasons and carrying on a trade transfers assets to an overseas entity, the shareholders of the UK company are not the transferors for the purposes of the Transfer of Assets Abroad rules, even in the case of majority shareholders.

As part of a commitment to improve the quality of life in its communities, Perdue Farms is awarding a $20,000 grant to La Plaza Delaware and its Latino Leadership program through the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation. The donation from Perdue’s charitable giving partner is part of the company’s Delivering Hope to Our Neighbors® outreach. La Plaza Delaware is a nonprofit organization designed to increase economic stability and prosperity for Latinos in Sussex County. The program offers leadership training in partnership with the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE), a national model with programs in 37 states. Mary Dupont, La Plaza executive director commented: “Funding from Perdue enabled La Plaza to secure the partnership with HACE, train the trainer, and conduct the first Latino leadership training program with 13 graduates in 2022,”. “The latest Perdue Foundation grant will build on the foundation established over the past year to provide HACE scholarships to 40 aspiring Gen Z and Millennial leaders over the next 12 months.” La Plaza’s strategy brings leadership education and training to young professionals in the corporate, government and nonprofit sectors and includes aspiring young Latinos who work in small or family businesses at the community level. Kim Nechay, executive director of the Perdue Foundation, said Perdue is pleased to support La Plaza. “La Plaza and HACE build a foundation for aspiring Latino entrepreneurs in Delaware. It’s so important to expand business ownership for the next generation,” she said. “We’re impressed with La Plaza and HACE and proud to lend our support again.”

Perrywood Tiptree is delighted to have raised and donated £12,500 to chosen charities in 2023. This includes donations to Abberton Rural Training, Hope for Tomorrow and Greenfingers Charity. These organisations are very closely linked to the Perrywood vision to inspire people of all ages to get more plants in their lives and enjoy gardens and gardening. Money was raised throughout the year across a range of activities including a quiz night, an afternoon tea, raffles, a staff Christmas jumper day, as well as talks to gardening groups. Over £4,600 of the overall total was raised by the Coffee Shop & Restaurant team. They encouraged our fantastic customers to donate enough money for us to purchase a new fridge for mobile cancer unit ‘Maureen’, with the extra going towards new chemotherapy chairs. Perrywood also donated over £7,000 worth of plants, gardening equipment and gift vouchers to local schools, charities and community groups.

In their 170th year, Pickerings celebrated by opening of their fifteenth regional office. Based in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, the office is headed up by their previous North London Regional Manager, Julie Greyling. Paul Brooks, Managing Director commented  "Julie has done a phenomenal job with the North London Office and she is now looking forward to running the new office. I am sure it will go from strength to strength under her capable management". Gary Rains, Service Director commented "Julie has put a lot of time and effort in setting up the new premises and I know she will make it a success". Pickerings Lifts are the largest independent lift service company in the United Kingdom, and are the trusted partner to thousands of instantly recognisable businesses and organisations. Established in 1854 Pickerings Lifts is still owned by the original family, with 15 regional offices and 400+ employees, they offer engineering expertise to the retail, hospitality, industrial, transportation, healthcare and government sectors.

Family Business United is delighted to announce the family firms that are in the running to take home the London & South East Family Business of the Year Award 2024, sponsored by Forsters, 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: Allan Reeder Ltd Biddenden Vineyards Brewers Decorator Centres Charles Ivey Specialist Cars Cleanology Dina Foods Furniture Village Gargini Will Services Gibsons Games Ltd Homesitters Inscripture Kent Demolition Lemongrove Productions Lyfeguard Roman Pools The Pantry UK Ltd The Pizza Post Unicorn Orange As Stuart Hatcher, Head of Corporate at Forsters and one of the judges again this year explains: "I am delighted to be invited again to judge the 2024 Family Business of the Year Awards for the 3rd consecutive year. It is a privilege – but also a real challenge - to be a judge for London and the South given the number of high quality family businesses in the region and to try to select one winner amongst so many fantastic stories. I wish all of the shortlisted family firms the best of luck." 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 .

Family Business United is delighted to announce the family firms that are in the running to take home the Yorkshire Family Business of the Year Award 2024, sponsored by Western Pension Solutions, 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: Arco Bagnalls Cedarbarn Farm Shop & Café Cromwell Polythene Feather Smailes Scales Heck Food Hill Cross Furniture John Good Group Little Wold Vineyard North Cote Farm Pavers Limited Regal Food Products Group Plc Scarborough Group International Study Links UK Cabins Vcare 24 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 .