Family businesses are undoubtedly a force for good and our 2023 charity campaign is coming to a close. Sharing food and nourishing others is one of the simplest, most powerful ways of showing we care and we asked the family business community to come together as one to help us work with organisations across the UK to redistribute food to grassroots communities that help to feed some of the most deserving and vulnerable people across the UK. Food is something that brings people together and over which memories are created, businesses discussed and plans nurtured. How often do we hear stories of how the business was always the focus of conversations around the kitchen table, the heart of the family and the birthplace of so many great British family firms? Our vision for the 2023 campaign was The Family Business Festive Food Parcel to bring the community together to celebrate as a force for good nationally and to make a tangible difference locally. The family business community did not disappoint. Cash donations poured in and were used to purchase food for donations regionally and in addition the community came together at a number of in person events around the UK where donations were made in the shape of food. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United who organised the campaign explains, "We had no idea as to how the campaign would go as we already know how much family firms embrace, support and contribute to the communities in which they operate. That said, we have been overwhelmed by all of the support and donations that have come in and to date can confirm that we have delivered the equivalent of 11,966 meals to people in need." "The generosity of the family business community is astonishing and the acts of kindness will make a real difference to lives this Christmas. Our campaign nationally has had a regional impact too as we have been able to support the work of a number of organisations including The Falkirk Food Bank, The Cardiff Food Bank, The Bread and Butter Thing and City Harvest, ensuring all areas of the country benefitted." The campaign touched hundreds of family businesses across the country with events including: A food bank collection for The Falkirk Food Bank organised by Simon Dickerson and the Workhorse Group, owners of East Stirlingshire FC that took place on the day of the East Stirlingshire FC versus Albion Rovers match where 342kg of food was donated and further cash donations were made subsequently. An evening reception at Hayman's Gin for the London and South East community came together with donations weighing in at 501kg on the night and a further spend of £740 on food that was donated directly to City Harvest subsequently, with cash donations of £500 too. A donation of £500 was made to the Cardiff Food Bank. A behind the scenes tour of Sound Leisure, the jukebox manufacturer in Leeds saw 879kg of food being donated to The Bread and Butter Thing, a charity that works across the north of England, Yorkshire and the Midlands. A food bank collection at the opening of the new Caribbean Blinds show gardens in Sudbury, Suffolk where guests donated food parcels on arrival amounting to 254kg. As Sarah Calcutt, CEO of City Harvest explains: "Your donations bring hope and opportunity to thousands of people who are unable to access and afford nutritious food. Providing free, healthy food to community partners feeding some of our most vulnerable residents enables these organisations to stretch their budgets further to offer additional, vital services to those who require them." "We are thrilled to have the support of Paul, Family Business United and the wider family business community and cannot say how much we appreciate the food donated and the impact that it will have this Christmas. Thank you so much." Mark Game, CEO of The Bread and Butter Thing adds: "Your donation went to support families across Yorkshire and managed to give a Christmas feel to over 450 people this year. We really appreciate the support of the family business community in helping us make a difference this Christmas." As Paul continues, "We are delighted with the response and have been truly delighted and humbled with the response at the same time. Every tin, leek, orange or bag of pasta is going to make a massive difference and every single item counts. We want to say thank you too." "One story that really stood out was a parcel donated in Suffolk, beautifully wrapped and adorned with symoblic sunflowers, the national flower of Ukraine. The box was donated by a group of ladies from Mariopol in Ukraine, who are currently in the UK working for a family business. Despite their own circumstances they heard about the campaign and wanted to do something to help and donated a beautiful food parcel sent with love to help others less fortunate. An incredible gesture of kindness showing that people really do care and want to help others where they can." "Their parcel summed up the campaign for us in so many ways. Simple and single acts of kindness go a long way, and we can all do something to make a difference, to change lives and to make the day a little bit brighter for someone too." "Thank you to everyone who has got involved, to our sponsors Brooks Macdonald, the families that hosted our events and everyone who donated. We have made a difference and the impact is already being felt. Thank you for collectively helping us to do something special at a time of year that for many is not easy and bringing a touch of the festive season to those in need." "We wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and all the best for a Happy and Healthy 2024." Check out some of the images from the #FamilyBusinessFestiveFoodParcel events that took place around the UK:

The Matthew Good Foundation a is grant-making charity formed by Hull-based business, John Good Group in 2011 has passed a major milestone of £1million given to non-profits since it was founded. To celebrate, employees at John Good Group have voted for two Yorkshire-based charities; Clean Planet and HER Breast Friends to receive surprise donations of £5,000 each. As the Matthew Good Foundation hits the milestone of giving £1million to good causes since their launch, they are putting the charities and non-profits they support at the heart of their celebrations. In December 2023, the Foundation entered a shortlist of its recent beneficiaries into an employee vote at the John Good Group. The winners, receiving £5,000 each, were picked from two categories important to the John Good Group’s philosophy: People and Planet. The winner in the Planet category was Clean Planet, a charity set up by hobbyist diver, Stephen Smith, who lives near the mouth of the River Tees at the top of North Yorkshire. Horrified by the amount of lost and abandoned fishing gear, termed “ghost gear,” which he discovered when diving around the coastline, he decided to take the problem literally into his own hands, removing and recycling the gear himself piece by piece. Upon hearing that his charity had won the surprise donation, Stephen commented, “I’m quite speechless, I wasn’t expecting that! Thank you for the donation, it will really help us. We do rely on the kindness of Foundations and things like that to keep us going, because we make no money whatsoever on this. Every penny that we raise goes into trying to remove this hazard from me the beaches and sea.” The winner in the People category was HER Breast Friends is a small Hull and East Yorkshire-based charity supporting local people affected by breast cancer, offering practical help with advice, a wig bank and a bra bank, and emotional help with wellbeing days and group support from local peers. The charity has been supported for a number of years by DAN Shipping (a subsidiary of the John Good Group) employee Tracy Keenan-Smith. Tracy, along with Michelle Taft, Executive Director of the Matthew Good Foundation and Adam Walsh, CEO of the John Good Group paid the team at HER Breast Friends a visit, where they surprised them with the good news. Pam Trays, Chairman of HER Breast Friends commented, “Thank you for this amazing donation! We are planning to move into our new, bigger premises next year and this will go towards helping us make them even better, providing more wellbeing services for people affected by breast cancer." "Our new premises will allow us to deliver all of our current activities and services in a new dedicated space, including more rooms for our Buddleia Therapies and also for counselling sessions. We’re so grateful to Tracy for nominating us and to all the John Good Group employees who voted for us to receive this donation. Thank you so much!” In the first year of the Matthew Good Foundation’s launch in 2011, it gave away a modest £2,111, but over the last twelve years, donations from the John Good Group and other donors have grown at pace. Today, the Foundation offers a complete range grants and support to small and local non-profits, empowering businesses and their employees to get involved. With close to £300,000 granted to hundreds of charities and non-profits in 2023, more than half of the £1million granted since 2011 by the Matthew Good Foundation was granted in the last three years. Adam Walsh, CEO of the John Good Group said, “£1million of donations have gone to amazing and heartwarming causes up and down the country and beyond." "I’m delighted for all the present and former John Good Group colleagues who have played their part in this achievement, as it is them that direct much of the giving, facilitated by the Matthew Good Foundation." “This celebration represents so much more than a number; it's a symbol of the positive change we can create for our communities and the environment when we put our collective minds to it. With the momentum provided by the Matthew Good Foundation, I’m confident that it will not be long until we are celebrating the £2million milestone!” With the generous support secured from the John Good Group, the Mathew Good Foundation now has an upscaled strategic plan to improve conditions for the small non-profit sector. Michelle Taft, Executive Director of the Matthew Good Foundation commented, “In the current climate, the small but high-impact charities and non-profits like the ones we have supported with these surprise donations are vulnerable." "They need our help more than ever to close the funding gap that exists between them and much larger charities. Many businesses now understand this, and the Matthew Good Foundation hopes to help more businesses develop highly impactful community programmes like that of the John Good Group.”

Set off the new year as you mean to continue by revisiting and taking stock of your finances to help establish a clear plan and aim to meet your long-term financial goals. Stewart Sanderson from Brooks Macdonald shares his thoughts on starting fresh financially as the new year dawns. At the start of a new year, our minds often turn to new year’s resolutions and doing our best to keep them. It is also an ideal opportunity for family business owners to engage in crucial and often overlooked conversations around planning your personal affairs. Addressing personal financial plans can help set the stage for a more stable and resilient family business long into the future. How Could You Benefit From Wealth Management? The intricacies of managing both personal and business finances can be complex, and a dedicated wealth manager can provide invaluable support in navigating these challenges. We can offer strategic insights to help optimise investments, minimise tax liabilities, and develop long-term financial plans that align with the overall objectives of the family business. Unlike traditional employees, family business owners often lack the safety net of a workplace pension scheme. We will work with you to develop a long-term retirement plan. We can also put insurance protections in place for you and your business, giving you and your family confidence that you’ve got back-up in case you ever need it. We can also help you navigate the complexities that are inherently tied to the dynamics of the family unit, such as succession planning and intergenerational wealth transfer. By addressing issues related to inheritance tax and business continuity, we can help ensure a smooth transition to next generation, while ensuring you have the capital available for a comfortable retirement and are not drawing on the business. When Should You Seek Advice? Family business owners should consider seeking personal financial advice at various key junctures to help ensure the longevity and success of both your business and personal finances. Getting married or divorced, starting a family or buying a house are life moments where you may want to reassess your finances, but you might just as easily find yourself growing your wealth and wondering what to do with it. Crucially, advice becomes important during times of transition, such as retirement planning or when contemplating the transfer of the business to the next generation. It can be a relief to have someone to talk you through the available options, particularly as you usually only have one chance to get it right. Once you’ve retired, you may well be thinking about your own healthcare and preparing to pass wealth on to children, grandchildren or charitable causes. We’ll help you put together a tax-efficient plan by exploring all the options available to you. How Often Do You Need To Review Your Plan? Annually is usually sufficient, but our door is always open. With constant political and legislative changes, we do advise reviewing matters regularly, especially in an election year or in response to budgetary announcements or changes. We’re always happy to talk to our clients and they quite often contact us to discuss all manner of questions, including how to manage income in retirement and how to extract money from the business. Additionally, during economic uncertainties and market fluctuations we are always available to assist with any queries or concerns to help keep your mind at ease. If you’d like to find out more about wealth management, we can help. Get in touch for a free, impartial conversation. Important Information Investors should be aware that the price of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up and that neither is guaranteed. Investors may not get back the amount invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Changes in rates of exchange may have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of an investment. Brooks Macdonald does not provide tax advice and independent professional advice should be sought. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future, so you should seek independent tax advice, as to your own position. The information in this document does not constitute advice or a recommendation and you should not make any investment decisions on the basis of it. More information about the Brooks Macdonald Group can be found at www.brooksmacdonald.com

The UK’s largest independently owned furniture retailer, Furniture Village, is set to open an exciting new store in Staples Corner, North West London, on 26th December 2023, replacing its current space in Friern Barnet. The new store will offer customers a total of 16,920 sq ft of home inspiration set across two floors. The store merchandise has been tailored to the needs of the company’s North London clientele, taking into consideration the best-selling styles and ranges from Friern Barnet. Additionally, the store will offer creative home inspiration, Furniture Village’s latest collections and an unrivalled customer shopping experience. The configuration of the space has been modified to reflect the business’s latest store design, incorporating the new style of platform landings and access for customers to the mezzanine floor sales area. Charlie Harrison, Managing Director at Furniture Village, comments: “We are incredibly excited to open our newest Furniture Village store in Staples Corner Retail Park, a popular shopping destination for furniture and homeware in North West London. Our new store will showcase our beautiful and unique furniture and accessories for every room in the home, with each piece handpicked by our expert team of buyers and sourced from across the globe.’’ "We have invested significantly in enhancing the customer experience and I am delighted that the new location allows us to offer a more seamless shopping experience for the North London customer, with a more immersive store layout and a variety of creative roomsets making it the perfect destination for those seeking home inspiration and expert advice.” Featuring dedicated spaces from leading brands such as Calligaris, G-Plan, Harrison Spinks and Vispring, along with exclusive collections, quick delivery lines and a lowest price guarantee, the new retail space promises to inspire and delight with expert advice from the knowledgeable and friendly team. Charlie added, “We have a wonderful team in Friern Barnet and are delighted that they will be relocating with us to the new store. We all look forward to welcoming customers through the doors on Boxing Day.’’

Staffordshire Olympians Adam Burgess and Ben Williams played Santa to local children by delivering gifts donated to the JCB Christmas Toy Appeal. The employee appeal got under way in November with the installation of 14 collection points at JCB plants in Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and Wrexham – and a record 1,242 gifts were donated. Now the toys have been handed over to the Stoke-on-Trent Hubb Foundation, the NSPCC and Wrexham’s Yellow and Bue Charity for distribution to deserving children. Slalom canoeist Adam Burgess and triple jumper Ben Williams - who are both sponsored by JCB – helped wrap the gifts donated to the Burslem-based Hubb Foundation and delighted children at nearby Mill Hill Primary Academy in Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent when they delivered the first of the presents to them. Tana Owen, The Hubb Foundation’s School Relationship Manager, said: “The donation of toys to the children means the absolute world to them and it’s all thanks to the JCB Christmas Toy Appeal. I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated a gift.” Ben Williams, of Newcastle-under-Lyme, said: “These appeals are so, so important as not everybody is as fortunate as others. Having grown up in the exact area where this school is, I know the gifts donated to the JCB Christmas toy Appeal will be hugely appreciated.” Adam Burgess, of Stone, said: “I remember being a kid at Christmas, we always had presents. It was always really exciting. I know that some kids aren't so lucky." "We're in an area that is a bit disadvantaged and I'm really proud to be part of something like this in my local area which is supporting children at this time of year.”

This year, at Pentland Brands, they continued to make waves and reshape the industry, all thanks to the brilliant teams behind their groundbreaking products and standout campaigns. The dedicated teams have not only inspired consumers but also delivered exceptional performance. At the heart of the Chairs Awards are global teams who have truly excelled in their commitment to building a stronger and sharper business. Elevating & growing brands Team Speedo won the Stronger Award for its remarkable growth in Europe, successful expansion into Asia and outstanding performance in the USA. Team Speedo also won the Closer Award for the launch of the exclusive partnership with the China Swimming Team. This partnership will see Speedo proudly sponsor and outfit the team at all international competitions, including the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028. Our Inventory and Cash Management teams received the well-deserved Sharper Award for their unwavering dedication to continuous improvement, resulting in sharper operations across the board. Leading the way in product innovation The Canterbury team took home the Better Award for their remarkable strides in innovation with the launch and sell-out of the Canterbury Speed Infinite Elite boot. Weighing in at a mere 217 grammes, the boot is the lightest and most advanced rugby boot the brand has ever produced. By combining futuristic technology and high-tech materials, it meets the demands of the modern player and has already demonstrated phenomenal performance. Speedo’s commitment to innovation was further highlighted, with Team Speedo winning the Pioneering Moment of the Year Award for the global success of the Speedo Biofuse 2.0 goggles relaunch. These critically acclaimed goggles deliver clearer vision and enhanced comfort and showcase the team’s dedication to making the best even better. Positive Business achievements The Berghaus and Positive Business teams received the Positive Business Award in recognition of their efforts to reduce the brand’s impact on the planet and their commitment to making the outdoors accessible to all. As the first brand within the Pentland Brands portfolio to achieve B Corp status, Berghaus is leading the way in our commitment to doing good, setting an inspiring example for our other brands to follow. Chirag Patel, CEO of Pentland Brands, commented: “From music festivals to swimming pools, hillsides to sports pitches, our brands are there, making life better for millions of consumers around the world. This year has been a tapestry of incredible moments, which have been made possible by the brilliant teams that drive our success." “A huge congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their remarkable achievements, and a big thank you to everyone for their hard work and commitment in 2023. As we move into 2024, we’ll build on this success and shape an even brighter future together.” The 2023 Chair Awards winners are … Alex Wang – Alistair Farrell – Alistair Kilgour – Amy Humphries – Andy Edgar – Andy Lowe – Andy Young – Annabelle Parle – Antony Spark – Ben Cooper – Ben Lacey – Bridget Marshall-Keith – Canelle Paschal – Claire Leyland – David Li – David Lyon – Donna Elliott – Ebin Jacob – Edison Zhao – Emma Hill – Graham Gannon – Hong Chan – Ian Cartwright – Irina Ding – Isabelle Caesar – Ismahan Bel-Lahsen – Jack Richardson – Jamie Mclaren – Jiaqi You – Jon Saj – Jon Stanley – Kaiesha Gibson – Kathy Du – Katie McNamara – Kirsty Saddler – Kirsty Walker – Kristen Stoner – Laurent Ameline – Lena Yu – Lisa Bantich Cook – Louise McGeoghegan – Lucien Yuan – Lucy Evans – Mark Williams – Martyn Smith – Megan Rich – Namratha Ramesh – Nathalie Coulomb – Nathan Emms – Paula Bahn – Peggy Wang – Perveen Sanghera – Phil Greene – Rachel Hu – Rachel Maksymiw – Rebecca Burkett – Rohaan Nirmalendran – Ryan Yau – Salize Wu – Sam Carter – Sam Cockeram – Sam Keers – Sanam Soufipour – Sara Brennan – Simon Rowe – Steve Ingamells – Sully Sun – Susan Liu – Taryn Bothomley – Terry Tai – Thomas Whitmer – Tim Cox – Tracy Liu – Vicky Chang – Vivian Lau – Wayne Danby – Whitney Searcey – Ye Lu.

An increasing need for workers in the catering and hospitality sector in and around Southampton has led a recruitment agency to open a new desk. The city’s long-established Berry Recruitment branch covers a number of sectors but the demand for certain roles prompted the new direction. Tommy Hunt is running the desk that provides temporary and permanent roles across the catering and hospitality sector. With Christmas approaching hotels, pubs, bars and restaurants will be looking for people to work over the festive season. Tommy commented: “The demand has been growing for these types of candidates and with our new app it was an area we were keen to get into. The permanent roles are of the management type - general and duty managers – and the temporary positions are things such as kitchen [porters, bar and waiting staff and assistant chefs." “Already we have a number of clients from Southampton and the wider conurbation which are gearing up for Christmas and New Year. What has made this new desk work so well is the Berry Recruitment app which clients and candidates can use." “It makes finding work and getting hired extremely simple and puts power in the hands of the workers." “The app and the branch working together has made entering the catering and hospitality sector so successful. With Christmas approaching all outlets will be looking for staff, and there will be one-off events that require all manner of staff.” Max Perceau, who manages the branch, said: “Our traditional areas are construction, driving, hospitality, industrial, warehouse, office and professional." “Adding catering and hospitality made sense because there is a high demand for these roles. Providing the workers saves clients a great deal of time and stress, enabling them to run their business or their event. And our candidates know that we will be able to offer jobs that are relevant to their experience and skills.” Berry Recruitment is part of Berry Recruitment Group that works from around 40 branches in England and Wales and includes the Wild Recruitment brand that has a big branch in Portsmouth.

Reinforcing their commitment to excellence, GAP Hire Solutions, the UK’s leading independent hire company, proudly announces a substantial investment in their plant hire fleet in collaboration with JCB. This substantial investment includes a diverse range of equipment such as Dumpers, Rollers and Telehandlers. Key additions to GAP's hire fleet include machinery such as 6 and 9-tonne Dumpers, Compaction Rollers (CT160-80 and CT260-120), and a versatile range of Telehandlers, featuring the 525-60 HIVIZ, 531-70, 535-90, 535-125, and more. Further reinforcing their commitment to environmental responsibility, GAP continues to integrate JCB Dieselmax Stage V engines into its equipment. James Anderson, Head of Asset Management & Supply Chain, at GAP Hire Solutions, commented: “This substantial investment solidifies our longstanding partnership with JCB. It not only reflects our unwavering confidence in JCB equipment but also underscores our dedication to providing our customers with the finest tools for success." "Strengthening our collaboration aims to raise industry standards, delivering unparalleled service, and empowering our clients to thrive. This investment is a testament to our shared commitment to innovation and excellence.” Iain Bryant, Joint Managing Director at Scot JCB, highlighted: “Building a strong relationship with GAP Group is a testament to our shared dedication to customer service excellence. Our mutual focus on fostering successful relationships, both with our customers and each other, is the cornerstone of our commitment to providing the most efficient machinery solutions for our customers’ needs.” GAP's unwavering commitment to supplying top-tier equipment aligns seamlessly with JCB's consistent delivery of machinery renowned for safety, productivity, and unmatched performance—equipped to tackle any on-site challenge head-on.

Family-run commercial textile manufacturing business, The Beal Group, is a group of companies originally founded in Glasgow in 1979 as Tony Beal Ltd, which has grown over the past 40 years through innovation and acquisitions. The group of companies are committed to UK manufacturing of quality textile products across various sectors through individual companies that include Mitco, Rhino and Rhino Defence, Stronghold, Graffix Detail and the latest acquisiton, BCT Outdoors. Passionate about delivering quality products, The Beal Group is synonymous with manufacturing excellence and providing customised and printed textile products that meet the needs of their customers. Manufactured in the UK, supplying to businesses around the world, their products cover a range of sectors from Oil & Gas, Defence, Automotive, Agriculture, Construction and Sport & Leisure. With a combined production facility of over 120,000 square feet, across their two UK bases, one in Glasgow and one in the West Midlands, they have the capacity to manufacturer over 2,500 items per week. Paul Andrews spoke to second generation Managing Director, David Beal to find out more about this pioneering family firm. As David explains, “It all started when my Dad moved to Scotland and after a few jobs, he settled into one working with hauliers and farmers and was often asked to repair their tarpaulins which is where it all started and he built up a successful business manufacturing and supplying flat covers to the haulage and agricultural sectors.” The business was founded in 1979 but it was not until 1988 that David joined the family business. “I didn’t necessarily apply myself at school and was not interested in going to college so I started work in the business. I loved it and loved the fact that we were actually making things,” continues David. “As time went by we there was less demand for tarpaulins and it became obvious that there was not the market to grow this side of the business in Scotland. We started thinking about the future and where to take the business,” he adds. The next stage in the journey was literally the result of ‘knocking on a door’ as David approached the Ministry of Defence in Glasgow. “I literally walked in the door, met the right person at the right time and walked out with a tender document to complete,” explains David. “I was 21 years of age and thought that sales was easy after that as we went on and won the contract to supply the MoD, a customer that we still work with today. Business continued to evolve and diversify into new sectors.” Sadly, the business suffered a serious setback in 2007 when Tony passed away. David was the eldest of three boys and he recognised their differences and that it would not be a good idea to go into business together. One of his brothers was also honest enough to ask David to “tell me you are going to buy the business and take it on” as he had no interest in taking on a role in the business. The stage was set and David ‘begged, borrowed and raised the funds' to acquire the business and a new chapter in the family business began. The timing of the purchase was far from ideal as the economy was on the brink of recession and the transport sector, still a key source of business, was one of the first sectors to be hit by the downturn. The business needed to focus and David took strategic decisions to future proof the business and make sure that it was not dependent on one core sector again. They began moving into new sectors, understanding the specific needs of each and offering a service that resulted in them becoming the ‘go to place’ for their products. The group continues to grow with David at the helm, coming a long way since ‘we supplied flat covers to the farming sector, although that’s a specific market we still continue to service and have fond memories ofand their journey of diversification has stood them well. For David, the fact that it is a family business really resonates. “My son now works in the business, having worked like I did during school holidays. He continued with his education and gained a good degree and has a skill for the operational side of the business. He also gets the culture and understands the impact that having our name above the door generates." "It might sound corny but family means everything to me, my family personally and the wider workforce who I see as family too,” continues David. “There are people in the factory who have worked for us since I started here and never worked for anyone else. There is a great culture and shared values when you have worked with individuals for such a long time but it also means that they can read you like a book so you have to be careful to keep an eye on everything, the business, the finances, the culture and the future because now that we are the size we are, there is not enough time in the day for everyone to have their ‘moment’ with me,” he adds. “We are focused on introducing structures and procedures to match the size that the business has grown to need but there is still an emotional tie to a business that you have seen grow over the years and put your heart and soul into developing too. We have a good team and a good culture that is based around the values that are important to me,” continues David. “These values and the loyalty of our team came to the fore during the pandemic when we continued to operate as we were fulfilling a number of ‘essential contracts’ and everyone pulled together to make things happen. It was obviously a difficult time for the country as a whole but we made it work and took all the necessary steps to protect the workforce too.” David understands the nuances of running a family business and appreciates that it is people that make the difference. He also appreciates the personal journey that he has been on and that as the business has grown the way it is managed has had to evolve too. “We have developed the team and I have been able to step away from the day-to-day operations with a number of key roles that have made such a positive difference, to me and the business." "I have been able to take time to focus on the strategy and to continue to identify ways for us to continue to diversify and embrace new opportunities but also to look at how we can become more sustainable too, and to remove the cyclical impact of some of the sectors on our business too.” This is a business that is continuing to grow, building on the legacy and entrepreneurial spirit of its founder and now in the hands of a pioneering and equally entrepreneurial second generation. Education and continual learning is also part of the philosophy that has enabled the business to evolve. “I am a firm believer in learning and completed the Growth Advantage Programme at the University of Strathclyde and that helped us immeasurably, personally for me as it helped me to shape our strategy, but also the way it has influenced the trajectory of the business too,” continues David. Family remains at the core of the business and one of the proudest moments on the journey to date for David was being able to fund the acquisition and continue the legacy of his father. “My Dad and I were very close and had worked together for a number of years and to lose him when we did and then to have to face a hostile takeover bid before successfully taking on the business was not easy. I put everything on the line and borrowed what I could and to look back and know that every penny was repaid and to see where we are today makes me incredibly proud. We have come a long way and that is down to the people that we have involved and I know that Dad would be proud of what we have built and where the business is today,” continues David. This is a business that continues to evolve and has plenty of plans for the future. They are currently growing a new ‘second life’ business that recycles other products and prevents them ending up in landfill which is exciting and offers plenty of scope too. “This is really exciting and signals a new chapter for the business and is an exciting addition to our portfolio of products,” continues David. “It is great to see new ideas and ways of working, especially when it is ultimately good for the planet too,” he concludes. There is a next generation in the wings with David having a son and two daughters, one of whom is already involved in the business so who knows what the future has in store. One thing that is certain is that the family values, purpose and resilience are inherent in the business and the name above the door is well respected within the sectors in which they operate. For David, this is really important. “We want everyone involved to feel values and know that they are appreciated for what they do. If we do the right thing and our people fell happy working for us and doing what they do, feeling that they have actually achieved something, then we have done our job and are conducting business the right way, “ he continues. “Family business is important. It matters and it is because we are family that we can make a really positive impact, doing business the right way. Nobody will say that is easy but with the right guidance, frameworks and values in place, the family business can be a real force for good – being a good place to work but also a good place for innovation, customer service and by looking at the circular economy, good for the environment too.” A nod to the past, an eye on the future – this is a family business that has it covered.

Contractor Henry Brothers Construction is working on its third scheme at The University of Manchester as it continues its growth in the North West. The company has been appointed on a £12m project to refurbish levels two and three of the Chemistry Building. It follows successful completion of phase one at the Chemistry Building, where Henry Brothers undertook the complete refurbishment of floors four and five, along with work to the level eight plantroom, roof and external ductwork and services. The company has also recently completed brick recladding at University Place in Oxford Road – a 1,000 capacity university venue which is also used for conferences and high profile events. Success in the region has led to Henry Brothers relocating to a larger space in the offices it opened in Manchester in 2022. The company has also taken on five new members of staff – a senior quantity surveyor, a senior design manager and three additional site-based staff. The news comes after Henry Brothers Construction was recently appointed to the North West Construction Hub Framework, which could also open up a pipeline of opportunities for the business. Henry Brothers Construction MD Ian Taylor said: “We are very pleased to be partnering with The University of Manchester on our third project together, supporting the university with its plans to improve facilities for students and staff." “Henry Brothers has built up a good relationship with a number of universities in the Midlands over the past few years, including Nottingham Trent, Loughborough, and Staffordshire, and we are delighted to see this being replicated in the North West, where we opened a dedicated office last year." “Our sustained growth in the region has led to Henry Brothers Construction recruiting two new senior members of the team in recent weeks, plus we have just taken larger office space. The North West is a vibrant region, and we are excited to have cemented a place on the North West Construction Hub Framework, which we hope will create new and continuing opportunities for the business in the area.” Work is progressing well on the latest scheme at The University of Manchester, which involves a full refurbishment of levels two and three of the 1960s-built, seven-storey building. It includes reorganising the layout of the two floors to create flexible lab space to feature new fume cupboards and fixed benching, dedicated write-up spaces with glazed screens for visibility throughout the lab, modern offices and attractive break-out areas. Housing one of the largest Chemistry departments in the UK, the building is situated at the junction of Brunswick Park and Upper Brook Street. The project was procured through the Crown Commercial Services Framework, and is due for completion in September 2024. The design team for the refurb includes Gardiner and Theobold as NEC project manager, RLB as quantity surveyor, Halliday Meecham Architects, structural engineers Curtins and EDPI for M&E services. Henry Brothers Construction is part of The Henry Group, which comprises a number of manufacturing and construction sector companies, ranging from external construction through to interiors fit-out. In partnership with clients, it has a proven track record in education, defence, accommodation, commercial, industrial, transport and healthcare sectors.

An East Staffordshire sports club has been bowled over by a donation to help with vital repairs to its clubhouse. Ellastone and District Bowls Club received £350 from nearby neighbour JCB towards pavilion renovations which members hope will secure the future of the community hub. The club was in danger of folding during Covid lockdowns but members have worked tirelessly to breathe new life into the picturesque lawn and pavilion in heart of the village at Church Lane, as membership now goes from strength to strength. Club Chairperson Lou Parlett said: “The club was established in 1988 and membership dropped to just three during Covid. The Green was in a terrible state but our member John Wood worked tirelessly on it and last year the club put on two successful open days to attract new members. “We now have about 20 members and play friendly matches against local clubs with practice sessions on Wednesday and Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons in the summer and indoor bowls in the parish hall on Thursday evenings in the winter. “There was also plenty of work to be done on the bowls pavilion which, of course, all comes at an expense and we are very grateful to JCB for their donation which has gone towards new cladding for the pavilion.” Anyone interested in joining Ellastone and District Bowls Club is welcome to attend winter indoor sessions at Ellastone Village Hall, Church Lane, on Thursday evenings from 7-9pm. For further details visit their website here

A Derbyshire housebuilder has provided a sneak peek inside its flagship Ashbourne development after a batch of surprise pre-Christmas sales. Hodgkinson Builders has been handed an early Christmas present having sold the first three homes at its highly anticipated Rosarium Heights site. Rosarium Heights appears to be bucking the traditional trend of a sales slow-down in the approach to Christmas with a small flurry of unexpected November and December sales as the development approaches its final stages of completion. Robert Hodgkinson, operations director at the firm, said: “We are immensely proud of the homes at this select development. House hunters have proved that they agree that what we have created is something special, with three of the 10 properties already snapped up.” New homes partner Kerri Bywater, of Bagshaws Residential, confirmed that the development, off Clifton Road, has produced three sales in the last month and a half. She said: “Since the spade was first put in the ground a year ago, there has been much anticipation when it comes to what the finished properties would look like. Buyers have not been disappointed.” There are 10 homes on the site providing a perfect spread of 2-, 3- and 4-bed semi-detached houses. Each home will be finished to a high standard with quality kitchens and integrated appliances, oak style internal doors and patio or bi-fold doors onto the rear gardens. Layout choices include either open-plan living or separate kitchen and living spaces. Generously sized bedrooms and en suites wrap up the house buying package. Robert said the firm was also keen to keep the history of the site, recognising the importance of the location within the local community. Rosarium Heights is named after a cottage that was historically on the site, while individual homes are named after nearby beauty spots – The Dovedale, The Carsington and The Wolfscote. While the Ashbourne development draws on the firm’s 30-plus years' experience in the industry, this is the first development in the Midlands under the Hodgkinson Homes banner. The Hodgkinson Builders team, which enjoyed TV fame recently on the BBC3 fly-on-the-wall documentary Brickies, is the big name behind landmark construction projects such as the apartment building on the site of the former Debenhams store in Derby’s Victoria Street. It is also hailed for its social housing projects as well as the construction of family homes for other property clients – all sectors of the business that continue to thrive. Robert said: “We are passionate about building the right properties for individual communities and helping those communities to grow and flourish. Reaction to the almost-finished homes has been tremendous and we can’t wait to show off their stunning interiors." “From a muddy field in Ashbourne just a year ago to the stunning development we have now... we are thrilled by the result. Kerri and the team at Bagshaws Residential are doing an amazing sales and marketing job for us with homebuyers first and foremost.” As always, Hodgkinson is also championing apprenticeships and trade jobs in the industry. Robert added: “On any development that we create, we will always be looking for local people first, and we’re always keen to get good people on board.” Prospective homebuyers are now invited to book a first look around the Rosarium Heights homes. For more information contact Bagshaws Residential, in Ashbourne, on 01335 346677. For information about the firm, or to check available job opportunities, visit www.hodgkinsonbuilders.com .