Turcan Connell is once again delighted to support The National Family Business Of The Year Awards organised by Family Business United to celebrate the UK family business industry and recognise the achievements of small to larger family firms from all sectors of the economy. The prestigious and inclusive awards are presented with regional, sector and national titles and special recognition for family firms demonstrating sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship and community involvement. Partner and Lead of our Family Business Team Mike Kane commented, "The Turcan Connell Family Business Team is delighted to lend their expertise to the process and engage with a fantastic range of quality candidates from all corners of the UK including young, long-standing and multi-generational family businesses." "Family Business United remains a significant facilitator of family institutions and this industry is one of key focus to our firm as we strive to support and secure the future of the UK’s family businesses with the very best legal and tax advisory services." Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United added that “These awards are always a significant celebration of the very best of British family businesses and we have had some amazing winners over the years - family firms of all sizes and sectors and from all four corner of the UK." "We are delighted to be working with Turcan Connell and to have their support for these awards, and for their sponsorship of the Scottish Family Business of the Year for 2024. The process culminates in an awards evening where the family business community comes together to celebrate the very best of British family firms." "Family firms are the engine room of the national economy and these awards celebrate all of their achievements. All of our winners are fantastic examples of great British family firms and it is a real honour to host these awards and celebrate with them and we look forward to the 2024 awards process and announcing the winners in due course.” The awards process for 2024 is now open for nominations. Enter using the link here by 30th November.

Family Business United is delighted to share details of the second episode of THRIVE, a transformative business podcast presented by FBU members and family business, John Good Group. In this captivating series, they embark on a journey to explore the world of family-owned businesses and uncover the keys to their continued success. You can join John Good Group CEO, Adam Walsh as he talks to Chris Black, Managing Director of Yorkshire based jukebox manufacturers Sound Leisure. Initially founded by inventor and electrical engineer Alan Black in 1978, Sound Leisure remains owned and run by Alan and his family making it the oldest, single-ownership jukebox company anywhere in the world. A unique business, manufacturing jukeboxes for a range of global customers and even some huge celebrities! Takeaways from this episode: The strength of having a diverse business Creativity in the face of challenges How much Chris and the team are artists and compounded by real, true Yorkshire grit As Paul concludes, "Sound Leisure is a fantastic family business and we are delighted to have them as members of Family Business United too. Chris and the team create fantastic products that are shipped all over the world and his insights into the real world of work are always fascinating, candid and inspirational." "Manufactured in Leeds, delivered all around the world, this is a third generation family business that exports all over the world, creating memories for generations of families each and every day." "Another great episode and well worth a listen." There are plenty of ways to engage with the podcast including YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcast so keep up to date with all the latest news and access your preferred platform of choice via the John Good Group here

Chick-fil-A has confirmed it will open in the UK in early 2025. The third largest quick service restaurant in the US is set to open five stores in the UK in the first two years. The business plans to invest over $100m in the next 10 years. Famous for the Original Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich, the company earlier this year outlined intentions to open restaurants in Europe and Asia by 2026 and five international locations by 2030. This UK expansion marks the first permanent store outside of North America. Chick-fil-A currently has more than 2,800 restaurants across the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada, with the company having plans to open five, locally owned and operated restaurants in the UK in the first two years and expand across the UK. "We are excited our restaurants will bring new jobs and opportunities throughout the UK. Serving communities is at the heart of everything we do at Chick-fil-A, and our unique local owner-operator model provides one of a kind access to entrepreneurial opportunities,” said Anita Costello Chief International Officer at Chick-fil-A Inc. “We look forward to sharing our authentic Chick-fil-A experience: providing fresh food prepared with high-quality ingredients, served with our signature hospitality.” Key facts and figures: Aim to open five restaurants in the UK in the first two years. Each restaurant will create approximately 80 - 120 new jobs. Plan to invest over $100m in the next 10 years. Unique owner-operator model, with nearly 80% owning just one restaurant, and an investment of just $10,000. Chick-fil-A restaurant Team Members enjoy flexible work hours and competitive wages. All chicken will be sourced from the UK & Ireland, as well as 100% free range eggs and welfare certification. “From our earliest days, we’ve worked to positively influence the places we call home and this will be the same for our stores in the UK," said Joanna Symonds, Head of UK Operations. "We encourage our Operators to partner with organisations which support and positively impact their local communities, delivering great food and wider benefits to those around them.” Each time a Chick-fil-A restaurant opens globally, $25,000 is donated to a local non-profit organisation reducing incidences of hunger in communities. Additionally, through the Chick-fil-A's Shared Table™ programme, Chick-fil-A restaurants help fight food insecurity and reduce food waste by ensuring restaurants donate surplus food to local shelters, soup kitchens and charities. Both programmes will be introduced in the UK, and work is underway to identify local organisations with which to partner. Chick-fil-A is known for its handcrafted food made fresh in each location’s kitchen, friendly customer service and excellent hospitality. Popular menu items that will be introduced in the UK include: Original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, freshly made salads, and nuggets that are hand-breaded throughout the day. 1 Based on sales per restaurant

Four of Faversham-based brewer Shepherd Neame’s beers have been recognised with medals in this year’s International Beer Challenge. A gold medal was awarded to its Kentish Strong Ale Bishops Finger (5.2% ABV), with a silver medal for its silky Double Stout (5.2% ABV). The independent family brewery’s India Pale Ale (6.1% ABV) and Whitstable Bay Pale Ale (4% ABV) also received bronze medals. It is the 27th year of the worldwide competition launched to celebrate the very best beers from around the globe. It comprises 80 different categories, with each beer subjected to rigorous judging by panels of over 70 retailers, importers, publicans, brewers, writers and flavour analysts, who sample them in blind tastings. These are the latest in a series of honours for Shepherd Neame’s beers, with other recent wins including gold medals for Bishops Finger, India Pale Ale and 1698 at the British Bottlers’ Institute Awards. Shepherd Neame Senior Brewer and Quality Manager Stewart Tricker said: “This is an outstanding result, a testament to our team’s passion and knowledge, and our commitment to quality and innovation. We are delighted to receive such fantastic accolades, showing once again that our beers are world class.”

E-commerce brand, French Bedroom, has announced the promotion of Holly Yates to Managing Director as the company celebrates 17 years of creating beautiful, French style furniture. Holly Yates joined French Bedroom in June 2020 as Head of Brand in a role that saw her accountable for managing the business’ marketing channels. She brought with her 12 years of experience across marketing, including digital, creative and experiential as well as brand and advertising, having worked at leading companies including Johnson & Johnson. Passionate about people, leadership and communication, Holly has experience forming strategies for brands of all shapes and sizes and is adept at supporting strategy and decision making. She brings plenty of stakeholder management experience to her role as MD. In her new role as Managing Director, Holly is involved in all aspects of the business, from facilitating financial meetings and conducting HR reviews, to running creative sessions and cultivating company culture. Her key focus will be sales, marketing and driving growth as French Bedroom continues its brand building journey. Speaking of her new appointment Holly says, “Playing such a crucial role in the long-term success of a brand I adore and for founders I admire is a huge career milestone for me. Every day I am learning, growing and watching the business, team and profits grow around me, which makes all the hard work worthwhile. The last three years have absolutely flown by, and I can see the next three years of hard work, growth and success crystal clearly - with a little sprinkle of fun, that only owners like Georgia and Ben could add to the mix.” Of the year ahead Holly says, “With inflation where it is, the conditions are tough for businesses as well as homeowners. We expect the next 12 months to be harder to convert sales, which means the team has to work even harder to hit our growth targets. As an SME with so much potential for growth, we’ll be taking advantage of our size and speed to adapt to new conditions. We’re focused on how we can make unique bedroom furniture of the highest quality, and how we can make our customers feel heard and supported.” Creative Director and Founder of French Bedroom, Georgia Metcalfe adds, “Holly perfectly shares my ‘anything is possible’ mantra, coupled with my pace of work, she knows a morning idea can be an afternoon implementation. It’s a fast-paced, deep thinking, quick decision-making environment so the connection, chemistry and interdependence Holly and I share is imperative. Yet we can also be polar opposites, bringing different angles and ideas to both board room and to creative sessions. Holly is complementary force, so we form a dynamic system where the whole is greater than the individual parts. When you have a working partner who knows what you’re thinking and can osmotically absorb information, you know you have the very best.’’

The LEGO Group revealed that 1001 Boylston Street, Boston, MA has been chosen as the location of its Americas head office when the company relocates in 2026. Located at the intersection of Boylston Street, Massachusetts Avenue and Newbury Street, the new office will support the business’ long-term growth ambitions and mission to continue to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow. Skip Kodak, President of the LEGO Group in the Americas said, “We’re incredibly excited to be moving to a new location with such a rich history, ideally located in Back Bay, between Boston and Cambridge." "1001 Boylston Street represents an investment in our future and a commitment to our employees. We believe that a modern, collaborative work environment will help creativity and innovation thrive, and we're excited to see what we can accomplish in this new space.” The decision to pick 1001 Boylston Street follows an extensive search of Boston after the announcement in January 2023 that the Americas head office would be relocating from its current Enfield, CT base. The location was strategically chosen to draw upon the region's diverse talent pool and foster strong relationships with other innovative companies in the area. Kodak said, “This move aligns with our long-term growth strategy and underscores our commitment to remaining at the forefront of innovation. Boston is one of the United States’ most livable cities, with world class arts and leisure activities, education and research partners, and a thriving business community. Our move to 1001 Boylston Street ensures that we can continue our mission to bring LEGO® play to even more children in the US and the Americas region." Render of the new office building Spread over five floors and more than 100,000 square feet, the new office spaces are being created with innovation and design at its heart, with spaces for effective collaboration as well as concentrative work zones. 1001 Boylston Street has been designed with wellbeing, accessibility, and sustainability in mind. The site will be accessible to those walking and cycling to work, as well as being well plugged in to public transit with Green and Orange Line stops in walking distance. The LEGO Group’s move to 1001 Boylston Street will begin in approximately mid-2025 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The transition will be carefully managed over the next four years to support LEGO colleagues currently based in the existing office in Enfield, CT. In April this year, the LEGO Group broke ground of its new factory in Richmond, VA, which is due to be completed in the second half of 2025 and will employ 1,760 positions over 10 years.

Family firms are recognised as a force for good with people at their core. In fact, people are what make family businesses different and a people culture can be created where family values are embedded into the very essence of what the business is all about. Furniture Village is a second generation family business that is a great example of a people and values based culture where family values are deeply rooted in the business and the people within it. Staff and their wellbeing has always been important and recognised within the family business sector where many generations of the same family are often linked to a single family business and there are also plenty of examples of people amassing long service periods in family businesses too. In this short film, Paul Andrews, CEO of Family Business United speaks with Nick Hipkiss, Commercial Director at Furniture Village to gain an insight as to how family values have been successfully embedded into their culture. Family businesses are important on many levels and they truly make a difference each and every day. Furniture Village have succeeded in creating and maintaining a fantastic culture where people matter - they are empowered, listened to and well supported and collectively work together to get things done. As an award-winning family business Furniture Village are justly proud of their achievements. As Charlie Harrison, Managing Director of Furniture Village concludes: "It's a real privilege to be recognised alongside some of Britain's best family businesses. Despite our size, we remain a family business at heart, which means whenever you shop in one of our 55 stores, you'll always be invited to make yourself at home." Find out more by visiting their website here

Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame’s popular seasonal cask ale Late Red is returning to pubs this week - just in time for Autumn. The crimson-copper ale will be available on draught throughout September and October in selected Shepherd Neame pubs across Kent, London and the South East. Blending pale ale malt and gently-kilned crystal malt with UK Cascade and Goldings hops, Late Red offers the perfect balance between rich, dark malt flavours and a citrussy hop finish. Complex and full-flavoured, this seasonal ale is triple-hopped to enhance its taste and aroma, twice in the brewhouse with Goldings and Cascade before being dry hopped with Cascade. Senior Brewer and Quality Manager Stewart Tricker said: “We are excited to bring back Late Red, which has been a firm favourite for many years. A ruby ale, it truly is autumn in a glass, and we hope customers will enjoy this special seasonal brew.” Late Red is the seventh beer in Shepherd Neame’s popular real ale initiative Cask Club. Launched in 2019, it offers an exciting new range of limited edition innovative cask beers incorporating modern styles and flavours, while also celebrating some seasonal classics.

Northern Ireland company, Environmental Street Furniture (ESF) is bringing some of the UK’s most cherished TV characters, The Wombles, back to life through the launch of its latest innovative product range, which builds on the programme’s theme of boosting the idea of recycling and raising awareness of environmental issues. The Wombles Collection by ESF, which consists of themed bins, benches, picnic tables, planters, and activity games tables, was launched today (13th September) at the Resource and Waste Management (RWM) expo at Birmingham’s NEC – one of the UK’s leading events for promoting innovative solutions that address the world’s environmental challenges - reigniting nostalgia for many of those in attendance. First aired in 1973, The Wombles tells the story of a secretive group of creatures who live beneath Wimbledon Common. The original environmental champions, their adventures involved recycling and reusing the discarded things left behind by humans on the Common, and the show went on to become one of the most popular children’s programmes of all time. The characters were brought out of hibernation in 2020 and have since inspired a new generation with their sustainability and positive environmental messages, encouraging them to think about the impact littering has on their own environment. The Wombles believe that no action is too small to make the world a better place, which will be further enhanced by ESF’s latest collection. Managing Director of ESF, Alan Lowry spoke about the collection, saying, “Getting the opportunity to launch The Wombles Collection by ESF to a global audience as the show celebrates its 50th anniversary, is a very proud moment for our company. The Wombles were a staple part of my own childhood and I know that through the launch of this collection, many other people will be transported back to their early days." “Aside from the nostalgic aspect of the collection, primarily we want to continue to promote the message that the show is renowned for – encouraging recycling, reducing waste, upcycling items, and making good use of bad rubbish." “Now more so than ever when the green and circular economies are to the fore, it’s important that we maximise the opportunities for people to recycle and reduce littering, contributing to a low carbon economy. We’re confident that through The Wombles Collection by ESF, this can be achieved. The collection is ideal for locations including public parks or spaces, educational facilities, zoos, and theme parks, as well as for businesses or organisations that are investing in their ESG. I’ve no doubt the products will be extremely well received.” The Wombles Collection by ESF includes ‘The Tobermory Smart Bin’, a fully solar powered bin, equipped with an automatic compactor that reduces street litter collections by up to 90%; ‘The Wellington Solar Bench’, a solar powered bench offering wireless and wired phone chargers, and automatic LED lighting strips; and ‘The Orinoco Activity Picnic Table’, a customisable, wheelchair accessible picnic table with activities including Wombles Ladders or Wimbledon Common Maze. All the themed recycled products in the collection have been manufactured using Plaswood, a Berry Global Product, which is a long-established market leader in recycled plastic profiles and applications. Recycled post-consumer waste, the material is also recyclable if returned to the company’s recycling plant in Scotland. ESF is a member of Made in Britain, the trade association that brings together more than 2,000 British Manufacturers across the four nations of the UK, by their licenced use of the official Made in Britain collective mark. Speaking about ESF’s latest collection, Made in Britain CEO, John Pearce, said, “This collection combines British manufacturing innovation with the communication of vital messages around circularity, which have the potential to educate and empower young minds by way of the beloved Wombles. Congratulations to ESF on this launch, which epitomises the quality, creativity and commitment to sustainability that are the hallmarks of the very best of the UK manufacturing sector." Passionate about sustainability and tackling issues that impact the environment, ESF has also announced its recent affiliation with Leave No Trace Ireland, Ireland’s only Outdoor Ethics Education organisation. This partnership marks the beginning of a collaborative journey in the environmental sector, aimed at fostering responsible outdoor recreation through a series of actions and initiatives. Commenting on the membership, Maura Kiely, CEO of Leave No Trace Ireland said it was an exciting development for Leave No Trace Ireland. The partnership embeds the organisation’s ethos of sustainability into street furniture and bin facilities that will be used by outdoor recreationists. Ms Kiely said, “We are delighted to welcome Environmental Street Furniture as a member of Leave No Trace Ireland. The Wombles Collection encapsulates our shared vision with ESF, to protect the environment for future generations. Through our membership programme, we look forward to working with ESF to promote the responsible enjoyment of outdoor spaces.” Environmental Street Furniture is a global designer and supplier of street furniture and site furnishing products, which currently exports to over 27 countries worldwide. The Newtownabbey based company delivers exceptional products that integrate technology, innovation and modern, sustainable materials to customers, which includes many of the world’s leading theme parks.

Here at Family Business United we are always looking for ways to celebrate the family business sector and this short video identifies 12 reasons that we think family firms are worth celebrating. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United explains, "Family firms are the backbone of the national economy and the engine room powering the growth and development of the UK and deserve recognition for all that they do." The 12 reasons identified are: Because family firms are the backbone of the UK economy Because family firms deserve recognition for all that they do Because there are over 6 million family firms across the UK Because they generate significant income across the country Because they help to put Britain on the global map Because they are innovative and stay the test of time Because they have a narrative, values and a real sense of purpose Because they are entrepreneurial and take a long-term view Because they care Because they are pioneers where things really matter Because they are often custodians of firms for future generations Because family firms are a real force for good. "We are proud to champion the family business sector and to create pieces like this which clearly demonstrate the importance of family businesses too."

Family Business United is delighted to launch a new campaign to create an inaugural Family Business Food & Drink Index and are inviting any family businesses working in the food and drink sector to share their data and be part of this inaugural report. We have previously done similar campaigns such as the Scottish Family Business Top 100 and the ongoing Family Business Apprentice Employers Report and think that the new Index, which will be updated every two years, will really shine a positive light on the UK food and drink sector. We are looking to create a buzz around the sector and to highlight some key statistics in the report, generate plenty of noise around family firms in the food and drink industry and to showcase some of these businesses in the report. The final Index will be driven by the data supplied, analysed and ranked with weighting to allow the smaller producers to be included within the listing too. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United explains, "We are the UK family business champions and always looking for new ways and campaigns to celebrate the contribution of family businesses to the national economy. This report is the latest campaign to be launched which like others we hope will become a stalwart of the family business community in years to come." "We are looking forward to celebrating the incredible depth and diversity of family businesses in the food and drink sector, businesses young and old, emerging family businesses and the older multi-generational family firms within the sector as well as showcasing the different sectors within the industry too." To enter, simply complete and return the form below to paul@familybusinessunited.co.uk and the team will be in touch as the report comes together.

Midlands-based metal recycling and waste management firm, WARD, has launched new trade waste and compaction services, further expanding its commercial waste management offering. With an investment of over £1 million, it has upgraded its fleet to accommodate the extended services, with the addition of new wheelie bins, Front End Loading (FEL) vehicles, skips and bespoke containers. The new services boost Ward’s commercial waste management offering across several sectors, including hospitality, construction and demolition, manufacturing and industrial, retail, facilities management, offices and public sector organisations such as education and local authorities. The service will initially focus on Derby, Nottingham, Chesterfield and the surrounding area, with plans to expand beyond the East Midlands over time. Ward has also launched a new dedicated online quoting system, providing clear and concise pricing information which allows customers to raise estimates for services in their area and this can be found via ward.com/compaction. Heather Foo, Head of Sales (Waste) at Ward, said: “This is a great addition to the wide range of waste management solutions we already provide, offering a comprehensive waste collection and recycling service across all sectors.” “Our compaction business provides a cost effective service solution for regular waste management with our fleet designed to meet the needs of every customer. We are proud of our reputation for providing an exemplary service and this new launch underpins our commitment to being a leading provider of waste management solutions.” Ward is focused on providing its customers with the most cost efficient carbon neutral recycling service via its modern energy efficient fleet, all recycled at its state-of-the-art new £10m recycling facility in Ilkeston. Ward’s existing waste management solutions include a fully comprehensive collection service for commercial, industrial and construction waste, ferrous and non-ferrous recycling, hazardous waste management, secure destruction, confidential waste management and textile recycling.