St Austell Brewery is trailblazing a partnership with a food waste app giving away surplus food from its South West pubs. The company will this week be launching the scheme with Olio, a local sharing app which helps businesses to reduce food waste by re-distributing whatever’s left at the end of each day to nearby residents, made possible by Olio’s nationwide network of volunteers. Any food or ingredients which can’t be used by St Austell’s managed pub estate will be collected by Olio volunteers at the end of each day. Those volunteers then upload pictures of that food to the Olio app for people living nearby to request and collect - often in as little as 30 minutes. That way, good-to-eat food from businesses can feed local people rather than going to waste. The brewery already composts all its food waste to generate electricity and fertiliser for the South West, but this new redistribution partnership goes one step further in reducing waste and greenhouse gases. St Austell Brewery is the first UK pub company to join forces with Olio. Elle Sambrook, St Austell Brewery’s head of sustainability, said: “This groundbreaking partnership will allow our business to reduce its food waste while supporting local communities, so it’s mutually beneficial. As a business, we have set ourselves big goals including eliminating edible waste and reaching net zero by 2040." “It’s incredibly uplifting to see our pub teams getting behind the scheme to fight food waste while supporting their locals. Community is at the heart of our pubs and the teams go above and beyond to support those around them.” In a recent trial, which took place for six weeks across nine of the brewery’s pubs, more than 300 portions of food were donated and 32 local families fed, amounting to 70kg of edible food. Olio users were enthusiastic about the surplus donated by St Austell Brewery pubs. One person said: “It's amazing to see St Austell Brewery get involved in its community, helping one another is the Cornish spirit.” Another added:“[It] helps cut food costs in this difficult time.” Food items such as tins of beans, smoked fish, scones, surplus carvery and soup are amongst the surplus being provided to people in the community. Saasha Celestial-One, COO and co-founder of Olio, said: “We’re delighted that St Austell Brewery and its pubs are joining Olio on our mission to fight food waste. As global temperatures continue to rise, and the UK’s cost of living crisis continues, it’s never been more important for businesses to commit to supporting their local communities by redistributing surplus food." “We’re incredibly excited to welcome St Austell Brewery as Olio’s first major pub chain partner, and hope that many others will follow in its pioneering footsteps.” Olio’s research shows that around 45% of people requesting food via the app are part of households living below the poverty line. Olio helps these individuals and their families in an anonymous and stigma-free way that encourages broader participation than charity-only models, which many people self-select out of. The partnership will be rolled out in stages across the brewery’s 43 managed houses, with the first 20 pubs already involved in the scheme. Once fully rolled out across the company’s managed pub estate, it’s expected that almost 15,000 portions of food will be donated in a year and provide food for 342 local families across the South West. The brewery has ambitions to extend the scheme to all 184 of its pubs, including its tenanted and leased sites.

Willmott Dixon has been chosen by Swansea Council to complete work at the Copr Bay district after the original contactor, Buckingham Group, went into administration. The Copr Bay scheme covers the area of the former St David’s Shopping Centre and across the new bridge over Oystermouth Road to Swansea Arena and the coastal park. Most of the scheme is complete and open, so it’s business as usual at Swansea Arena, the Copr Bay south car park, the coastal park, the Green Room Bar and Kitchen, and the residential unit on the north side of Oystermouth Road. Willmott Dixon, which has an office nearby in Cardiff, will focus on completing the car park on the north side of Oystermouth Road and some other snagging work on site. The St David’s multi-storey car park – which is earmarked for demolition – will remain open in the meantime. A Swansea council spokesperson said: “The Copr Bay district is at the heart of Swansea’s on-going regeneration of the city centre. When our contractors Buckingham went into administration, we had to act quickly to protect the council’s position and complete the unfinished work. We’re delighted to appoint Willmott Dixon, one of the country’s leading specialists, to manage the construction and ensure the unfinished work is completed as soon as possible." “The snagging works will now be finished as soon as possible, and work to finish the car park is anticipated for completion in the spring of 2024. The financial arrangements we have in place mean we don’t envisage these works leading to extra costs for the council or the taxpayer.” Neal Stephens, managing director for Willmott Dixon in Wales and West, added: “It is very sad what happened to Buckingham Group and to see their supply chain partners go through such a difficult period. We will try to use as many as possible as we complete this important project for Swansea. We have extensive experience of working in the local area and are pleased to be working with Swansea Council to bring this fantastic development to a fitting conclusion.” Willmott Dixon brings an extensive track-recording working on town and city centre regeneration. In July it was appointed to deliver Nottingham’s new 20-acre Green Heart regeneration scheme and in June it was announced as main contractor to transform the entrance to Darlington Station as part of Network Rail's £140m masterplan to deliver extra train capacity and better passenger facilities at the station.

AXIOM Sustainability Software, the complete platform for measuring, tracking and reporting sustainability performance, has launched an exclusive offer and discount package for Family Business United members. As part of the package, members will receive a 10% discount, a free 30 minute-consultation plus a complimentary software trial. AXIOM’s goal is to help family businesses take the lead when it comes to business sustainability. As Joe Oughtred, co-founder of AXIOM Sustainability and part of the sixth generation of the family behind the William Jackson Food Group, explains: “We created AXIOM to help businesses of all shapes and sizes make informed decisions when it comes to sustainability and ESG. Whether they want to cut emissions, achieve Net Zero or create a more equitable business for employees, AXIOM is here to help them gather the right data, and turn it into valuable insights." “As part of the sixth generation of a successful family business, I truly believe that family businesses have a responsibility to lead the way when it comes to sustainability – which is why we’re offering FBU members an exclusive discount on the platform and our services." “While corporates might prioritise results for the next quarter, family businesses need to take a generational view on business strategy. Protecting the business and growing a legacy for future generations is what sets family businesses apart from other organisations. Successful family business owners understand that they don’t really ‘own’ the business at all – they’re looking after it and building it for the future." “It’s not about extracting value for the here and now - it’s about nurturing and protecting value for your children, grandchildren and families. The same principles can be applied to sustainability and looking after the planet for future generations!” To find out more and to get the exclusive discount, consultation and free AXIOM trial, FBU members should email FBU@axiom-sustainability.com. AXIOM is a powerful cloud-based platform for measuring, tracking and reporting the sustainability and wider ESG performance of organisations – backed up by an experienced team of procurement and sustainability specialists with a passion for saving the planet. To find out more about AXIOM, please visit their website here

"Cycling around the World", the international cycling competition organized by Gebrüder Weiss, ended with an impressive result: together, 650 cyclists the world over covered a distance of 612,246 kilometers – more than 15 times around the globe, far surpassing their original goal to circle the earth seven times. This was the second time the logistics company have invited their employees to take part in the sports competition between April and September, after last year’s inaugural competition delivered a surprising six circumnavigations of the globe. Frank Haas, Head of Communications at Gebrüder Weiss, is thrilled by the positive response: "This year’s large number of participants from all over the world has clearly exceeded our expectations. We thank all entrants for their outstanding commitment." For Gebrüder Weiss, this competition is not only a sports challenge, it also stands for sustainable mobility and active climate protection. This is further underlined by the company’s reforestation project in Nicaragua: for the kilometers covered, Gebrüder Weiss has planted a total of 7,000 trees. "Many participants were additionally motivated by the idea of helping to increase the size of our corporate forest. Meanwhile, a cycling community has evolved, demonstrating that we can achieve a lot together," adds Mr. Haas. The participants used a cycling app to record the distances they covered. The close finish between Janusz Mucha from Poland and Markus Knabl from Austria remained thrilling until the very end, when they shared first place in this year’s competition, each of them covering more than 17,000 kilometers. Primaklima, a non-profit organization active for 30 years, is the company’s cooperation partner for the reforestation project. With the trees planted in the company’s forest, Gebrüder Weiss helps reduce the burden on our atmosphere by some 154 tons of CO2each year.

The Exclusive Collection has enhanced its reputation within the world of golf after the collection of independent country house properties agreed a partnership with DP World Tour and LIV Golf star Laurie Canter. Canter has finalised a new 12-month agreement to represent the Exclusive Collection portfolio, a selection of seven stunning family-owned properties across England including The Manor House Golf Club in Wiltshire and Surrey’s Pennyhill Park. The 33-year-old Englishman, who produced his best-ever performance at a Major when finishing joint-17th at this year’s Open Championship will join the England men’s rugby union team in using Pennyhill Park as an elite training base in between tournaments. The partnership will see the star work closely with The Manor House Golf Club, an acclaimed par-72 parkland course within picturesque rolling countryside on the southern edge of the Cotswolds, and it’s a venue that Bath-born Canter knows well having spent much of his early golf years playing there. He will also help to promote the wider brand offering online to his growing group of followers on social media and will be a central figure in the marketing and promotion of the brand’s exciting golf packages and sport and leisure facilities. Canter said: “I am delighted to be partnering with the Exclusive Collection again. I have always had a connection to the group, having started my amateur career practising at The Manor House Golf Club, and it’s fantastic to be representing the group at such a pivotal point in my professional career." “Having relocated to Surrey, I am looking forward to making the most of the facilities at Pennyhill Park for all my off-course training, rest and recovery, and I am confident that working in such a high-performance environment will naturally transfer to benefit my on-course performances.” Canter, a devoted Bath Rugby supporter and all-round sports fan, enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2020, finishing 19th in the Race to Dubai thanks to five top-10 performances including two second place finishes at the Portugal Masters and the Italian Open. He followed that up in 2021 by finishing runner-up by one stroke to American Billy Horschel at the BMW PGA Championship, the flagship event on the DP World Tour. Since then, Canter has played across the first two seasons of LIV Golf while remaining a member of the DP World Tour, most recently finishing joint-14th in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Stephanie Hall, group director of sales and marketing at the Exclusive Collection, said: “We have known Laurie for a long-time due to him being a regular visitor of The Manor House, so we are delighted to be working alongside him even closer as we continue to expand our offering of golf to hotel guests across the Exclusive Collection.” Although The Manor House is the only Exclusive Collection property to have a golf course, both Pennyhill Park and Royal Berkshire, in Ascot, offer an exceptional hotel experience for those playing golf in the area – both are located on and close to the Surrey sandbelt, a small corner of England containing some of the highest quality golf courses anywhere in the world.

In an increasingly interconnected world, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. As cyber threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, individuals, organisations, and governments must prioritise their efforts to protect sensitive information and digital assets. This is where Cybersecurity Awareness Month comes into play. Every October, this global initiative serves as a reminder to individuals and organisations alike to enhance their cybersecurity posture and promote a safer digital environment for all. The Origins of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, often referred to as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) in the United States, was first observed in October 2004. This annual campaign was initiated by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Over the years, its influence has grown, reaching a global audience and raising awareness about the importance of cybersecurity in our daily lives. Each year, Cybersecurity Awareness Month focuses on a set of themes and issues relevant to the current cybersecurity landscape. These themes are designed to educate and engage individuals and organisations in discussions and activities that promote safer online practices. Past themes have included topics like data privacy, ransomware prevention, securing the Internet of Things (IoT), and more. The primary objectives of Cybersecurity Awareness Month are: Education : Promote cybersecurity education and awareness at all levels, from individuals to businesses and governments. Prevention : Encourage proactive measures to mitigate cyber threats and vulnerabilities. Resilience : Promote the development of robust incident response plans to minimise the impact of cyberattacks. Collaboration : Foster collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector companies, and the public. Inclusivity : Ensure that cybersecurity awareness is accessible to all, regardless of age, gender, or background. Throughout October, a wide range of activities and initiatives take place to support the goals of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. These may include: Webinars and Workshops : Organisations often host webinars and workshops to educate employees, customers, and the public about cybersecurity best practices. Awareness Campaigns : Governments and businesses run awareness campaigns through social media, websites, and traditional media to reach a broad audience. Training and Certification Programmes : Many institutions offer cybersecurity training and certification programmes to enhance individuals' skills and knowledge. Hackathons and Competitions : Cybersecurity challenges and competitions are organised to engage enthusiasts and sharpen their cybersecurity skills. Community Engagement : Local events and community engagement initiatives promote cybersecurity discussions among peers. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a vital annual event that reminds us of the ever-present need to safeguard our digital lives. In a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving, staying informed and proactive is key to protecting ourselves and our digital assets. By participating in the various activities and initiatives during this month, individuals, organisations, and governments can contribute to a safer and more secure digital environment for everyone. Family businesses are encouraged to get involved, to share the messages about best practice when it comes to IT and associated processes and to take the opportunity to reflect on their own businesses, the IT set up and to review any areas of concern and risk, putting in place plans to mitigate them as the threats are not going to go away.

Whisky is being distilled in Stirling for the first time in 171 years Stirling Distillery has announced they have begun production of their own new-make whisky, making history for the city of Stirling. Whisky hasn’t been distilled in the city since 1852 when the original Stirling Distillery closed its doors. The first brewing mash took place on Tuesday 3rd October 2023 with the first gravity reading taken that evening. The delicate distilling process will see craft small batch runs over the next few months as the distilling team develop the whisky’s unique gentle lowland flavour. The distillery began their whisky journey with the launch of their Sons of Scotland independent bottling range which was launched in 2021. The limited edition collection celebrates the history of Stirlingshire’s rich whisky making heritage with whiskies drawn from different regions of Scotland; the Highlands, Speyside, the Lowlands, and the Islands. Stirling Distillery opened in 2019 focusing solely on gin, with the intention of moving into whisky as the business grew. They have won countless awards as a visitor attraction and for their range of gins. Distillery co-founder Cameron McCann spoke about the distillery’s whisky process: “For us, the essential elements in creating a truly special whisky are simple; from using only the best water, yeast and malted barley to the care that goes into hand selecting the best quality casks. This will develop the rich flavours. We’re excited to be embarking on this whisky journey”. The first releases of Stirling whisky will be ready in late 2026, and will be followed by their VI Casks for King James limited edition six bottle set. These rare bottles - with only 300 available - will be released biannually over three years. By purchasing a set, whisky enthusiasts will join the distillery’s Cask Club, giving them first refusal on all limited and first release whiskies along with other member benefits.

On Sunday 24 September 2023, BBC Countryfile broadcast a segment on the dire state of the British apple industry. Two British apple growers shared their personal experiences of the challenges they face and how low supermarket returns are causing them to make a loss and remove some orchards. One clearly stated that there may well not be anything to pass on to the next generation as the business was at risk. Many of us have been brought up on the old adage that ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away’ something that is clearly linked to the nutritional benefits associated with the humble apple – packed with fibre, full of water and plenty of essential nutrients and anti-oxidants. Many of us will also remember taking an apple to school each day as part of a packed lunch too. Things have changed, in particular over the past couple of years where British growers have faced a perfect storm – soaring inflation and the rising costs associated with two of their major costs, energy and labour. New data released by British Apples & Pears Limited (‘BAPL’), exposes the dramatic shift in the fortunes of British apple and pear growers. BAPL has analysed the published business results of a number of growers that together represent over 70% of the British apple and pear industry and the findings are not good. The results show a dramatic drop in profitability, the levels of which are simply not sustainable for the longer term. We spoke to Ali Capper, Executive Chairman of BAPL, the dynamic organisation of apple and pear growers who work together to supply a delicious, high quality and sustainably-grown British crop, year after year to understand more about the challenges currently facing our growers. As Ali explains, “Grower confidence is on the floor and across six major growers the average level of profits has declined by 133% year on year. What this means in reality is that each of these representative businesses has suffered a very significant reduction in profit with many incurring substantial losses. This was inevitable because while the price of apples to the consumer has increased, input cost inflation to growers ran at around 23% while supermarkets paid growers, on average, only 0.8% more than the previous year.” “The situation is not sustainable and things need to change as this season draws to a close or for some it will be there last season growing, and the long term implications for the sector as a whole look uncertain too as the lack of profitability is driving change through reduced investment on all levels – machinery, robotics and more importantly the orchards,” continues Ali. “We tend to see orchards replanted in full every fifteen or so years so with poor performance and lack of profitability over the past couple of years as a result of inflationary pressures, growers have had to make difficult decisions and that has consequences for the industry going forward,” she adds. For many of the leading apple and pear growers across the UK the business has been in the family for generations, with skills being passed down from generation to generation. Investment over the years has continued but for now certain difficult decision are having to be taken. Whilst there is a desire to continue to invest, the funds from trading are simply not available. As Ali continues, “For some there is fear of the business failing and the future for many is not even in their own hands. Decisions are having to be made on commercial performance and sadly there is little room for manoeuvre. Growers are facing increased costs for energy and labour and there is little way to reduce these costs and despite some of the schemes available to support businesses with increasing energy costs, they do not apply to businesses in our sector.” “Furthermore, some of the actions of supermarkets need to be called into question as shoppers are already paying more for their apples and pears as it appears retailers have increased their prices to cover the increased costs that they are incurring but not taking into account the increased cost of food production and it is clear that someone is making a profit and it is certainly not the growers. The numbers do not lie. Apple growers are not receiving a fair return from supermarkets. This is putting the future of British apple growing at risk. It’s a situation that must change and change quickly.” Change is needed and our growers need more support. As Ali continues, “If retailers really were ‘doing their best to ensure a sustainable future’ as claimed by the British Retail Consortium, we would not see farmers pulling out of apple growing and reducing the numbers of new trees they’re planning on planting.” The industry is already subject to plenty of regulation to grow the perfect apple for shoppers in store and that again adds to the challenge for our food producers. “Specifications are very tight,” continues Ali. “In many respects the specifications would be more relevant to a manufacturer producing marbles in a factory where everything can be measured and controlled but this is a far cry form growing apples outdoor with all the challenges of the British weather that affect production on a daily basis, but it is an outdoor crop and it is certainly not easy,” she continues. “We want profit-led investment by growers, but that requires a fair return from supermarkets and the growers themselves need more support too.” “This is an exciting industry and prior to the last couple of years with the level of inflation that we have all seen there has been plenty to shout about. Investment has been significant over the years, the inventory was growing and productivity was increasing too. Growers have introduced lots of innovation and invested heavily in their businesses and were optimistic about the future, introducing new varieties and planting new orchards,” continues Ali. “People like eating apples, and the want to support British growers too and seeing home grown apples and pears is much better for the planet than shipping in produce from overseas. We understand that retailers want to guarantee a supply all year round but there is plenty of scope to increase the proportion of domestic produce from 40% of the total sold without compromising on the supply chain.” As Ali concludes, “A lot needs to be done and the farming community needs support to ensure that our growers are still doing what they do best in years to come, as they have done for generations. Our growers need to be able to look to the future, plan as they have done for years to invest money made back into the business and secure their future, and the food supply from Britain for the retailers. We continue to work hard to drive change and offer our support but more needs to be done.” “We encourage everyone to check the produce when they are next out shopping for fruit and vegetables and wherever possible to shop local and buy British. But we need to make sure that the growers are rewarded for their endeavours in order for us to continue enjoying British apples and pears for years to come as well.” “Support our growers so that they can continue to grow fabulous apples and pears for us all to enjoy each and every day.” Find out more about BAPL by visiting their website here .

The ambitious plan to build a highly anticipated new state-of-the-art Wellbeing Hub and Lochies School in Alloa has passed a major milestone. Councillors were told at a meeting earlier today that a full project team has been selected to design and build both facilities. The Wellbeing Hub and swimming pools will be built alongside a new Lochies School, specifically designed to meet the needs of children and young people with severe and complex needs, at the Pavilions in Alloa West. The flagship facility will offer accessible sport, health, learning and development, and leisure opportunities, providing a space where the local community and visitors can connect with each other and to the surrounding outdoor environment. The project is being managed for Clackmannanshire Council by hub East Central Scotland with principal contractor Robertson Construction Central East, JM Architects, Blyth & Blyth civil and structural engineers and BakerHicks mechanical and electrical engineers. Green credentials and sustainability will be at the heart of the design and construction of the new facility which will be built to Passivhaus standards, where super energy-efficient measures and providing a comfortable environment are an integral part of the process. Clackmannanshire will be one of the first areas of Scotland to have a leisure centre designed to meet this world-leading energy efficiency standard. Councillor Scott Harrison, spokesperson for sports, leisure and active living, said: “I am delighted that a design team has been selected to deliver our ambitious plans for a new Wellbeing Hub and Lochies School. This is a key step on the journey to delivering these exciting facilities which will bring huge benefits to the health and wellbeing of residents and visitors to Clackmannanshire." “I look forward to hearing from the newly-appointed team as they make progress in the coming months.” Gary Bushnell, chief executive, Hub East Central Scotland, said: “We are excited to have passed this crucial milestone and the team will now focus on progressing work as quickly as possible to deliver this important facility for the local community.” David Cairns, managing director, Robertson Construction Central East, said: “This state-of-the-art facility is a significant investment, and one that will bring real benefits to the local community long before it opens." “With the Robertson head office located only five miles away, we know the local supply chain well and will engage them wherever possible to keep the pound in Clackmannanshire and support the local economy." “I have no doubt that, together with Clackmannanshire Council, we will deliver a Wellbeing Hub and new Lochies School that the whole community can enjoy and be extremely proud of.”

The new AE Jolliffe & Son Ceremony Room in the centre of Ferndown has been officially opened by Sir Christopher Chope OBE MP. Huge investment has led to the creation of a state-of-the-art facility which not only offers families a place for personal and poignant funeral services, but also to serve as a venue available to community groups. The business is part of Douch Family Funeral Directors which oversaw the programme of development. Sir Christopher praised the company for its recent family business award and said he had attended the funeral of a friend at the new premises. He said: “This is a great investment for Ferndown. It will benefit the whole community and I know the family has its fifth generation coming up in the business. It is a great pleasure to be asked to officially open what is a great asset for the town.” Sir Christopher unveiled a plaque in the new Sheila Kendrick Ceremony Suite, which is named after the daughter of Bert Jolliffe who set up the business before the Douch family took it over. The suite has an attached catering area making it ideal for hosting wakes following funeral services. The 1930s house on the site has been extended to provide reception area, offices meeting rooms and five chapels of rest which were blessed during the opening by representatives of local churches. A serene garden space has been planted which provides a gentle atmosphere for reflection when people visit. Buildings for the other parts of the business have been added along with parking spaces for visitors and the business’s funeral fleet. Nick Douch, managing director of the company, said: “While the new facility has been operational for some time, it has now had its official opening. Our chapels of rest were blessed by Rev Patches Chabala and Fr Anthony Achunonu, with numerous other clergymen attending." “We had a presentation in the new ceremony room before Sir Christopher Chope unveiled the plaque. And we were pleased that Krissy Stamp, Mayoress of Ferndown, was able to attend." “We had many other official guests including representatives from DMW Architects and Greendale Construction, who designed and built the premises." “Our commitment to the community we serve is something we take seriously and we want local people to use what we have created. We have a rolling programme of updating or rebuilding all our seven branches across Dorset.”

In a world that never seems to slow down, where the demands of daily life constantly pile up, it's easy to forget that the most important journey is the one within ourselves. World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10 each year, serves as a crucial reminder that mental well-being is as vital as physical health, and it's time to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues. People make family businesses what they are and are not immune from needing to address the challenges around mental health and wellbeing. Many already do a great job looking after their staff and providing support and resources too but as a community we need to come together to raise awareness of some of the ways that resources can be developed and made available so that nobody is left without the support they m any need. The significance of this day goes beyond just raising awareness; it's about fostering a global conversation, igniting empathy, and encouraging action. Mental health is a universal concern that knows no boundaries of age, race, gender, or socio-economic status. It touches every corner of the globe, affecting individuals, families, and communities in profound ways and today of all days emphasises the necessity of assuring that everyone, regardless of age, socioeconomic class, or background should have access to high-quality mental health care and support. This year's theme, "Mental health is a universal human right," underscores the inequities that persist in accessing mental health care and support. In a world where access to resources and opportunities varies dramatically, so too does access to mental health services. Disparities in mental health care have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, making it even more crucial to address this issue. One of the most significant obstacles to mental health care is the stigma that surrounds it. World Mental Health Day seeks to eradicate this stigma by encouraging open and honest conversations about mental health. It reminds us that it's okay not to be okay, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Communities worldwide come together on this day to organise events, discussions, and campaigns that aim to promote mental well-being. From workshops on stress management to art therapy sessions and panel discussions featuring mental health experts, there's a wealth of activities designed to engage and educate people about the importance of mental health. Social media plays a pivotal role in this global movement. The hashtag #WorldMentalHealthDay trends worldwide, flooding timelines with messages of support, personal stories of triumph over mental health challenges, and resources for those in need. This virtual gathering of voices has a profound impact, making people feel less alone in their struggles and inspiring them to seek help or offer it to others. World Mental Health Day also highlights the need for systemic changes in healthcare and education. Advocates and organizations use this day to call for increased investment in mental health services, more comprehensive mental health education in schools, and improved access to mental health care in underserved communities. The power of World Mental Health Day lies in its ability to unite people across the globe, transcending borders and cultures to shine a light on the common human experience of mental health. It encourages us to look beyond the surface and ask one another, "How are you, really?" It prompts us to extend a hand to those who might be struggling in silence. As we mark another World Mental Health Day, let us remember that mental health is not a solitary journey. It's a collective responsibility, a shared commitment to fostering a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. So, let's continue to break down the barriers, challenge the stigma, and support one another on this journey toward better mental health for all.

The culmination of the Family Business of the Year Awards 2023 saw the Workhorse Group take home the national title as the Transport & Logistics Family Business of the Year Award at a gala awards evening held at The Royal College of Physicians in Regent’s Park in London. Organised by Family Business United, these prestigious awards are now a firm fixture in the family business calendar and celebrate the very best of British family firms from all corners of the UK. Awards are given by region, sector and nationally in recognition of qualities such as entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainability, community engagement and ultimately one family business is crowned the Supreme Champions. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United explains, “As an organisation we champion and celebrate family-owned businesses across the UK, recognising the contribution they make in terms of employment, income generation and wealth creation as well as the impact they have on the communities in which they operate.” “Since 2012 these awards have grown to become something really special, recognising family firms from all sectors, young and multi-generational family firms alike, large and small but all sharing the same underlying values, pride and passion for what they do and a strong desire to do business the right way. Each of the winners is a great business with a strong narrative and is a great ambassador for the broader family business community too.” As Paul continues, “Our Transport and Logistics winner can only be described with one word – entrepreneurial. Entrepreneurship is in the DNA of this family business, a business that comprises a number of businesses within the group, all of which make a difference too. A strong focus on giving back to the community and sustainability are key drivers, along with the vision of the owner and a passion that just wants to make a difference.” “This business is entrepreneurial unlike many others, but with family values throughout. Expanding, innovating and looking to the future, our winner is well deserved and clearly has an exciting journey ahead.” Workhorse Group director Simon Dickerson said, “To win a national award and then to come Runners Up in another is truly humbling! This award is for everybody involved with, and part of, the Workhorse family both past and present! What a journey we are on, but it is only the start. We now take the next steps and will use this inspiration and feeling to help us to push forward.” As Paul adds, “Family businesses are the engine room of the UK economy and these awards celebrate their contribution. It was great to bring the family business community back together in person to recognise the incredible family firms that operate throughout the UK and to crown some fantastic winners.” “Congratulations to the Workhorse Group on winning this award. It is fantastic recognition of what they do as a business and it was a pleasure to present them with the award during a fantastic evening that once more put the family business sector on the map.”