Brewers Kidderminster has been supporting a fantastic project at a local prison which aims to help rehabilitate inmates by getting them involved in painting murals along the prison walkways. Artist Faye Claridge worked with men at HMP Hewell on a programme called Mind Meadows to transform the pillars into colourful and vibrant meadow scenes. Jay Barrowman, Regional Operations Manager, said: ‘Faye had previously done a project with Leamington Spa branch so she got in touch with us again to see if we could help with this one. ‘We provided 10 x 5 litre tins of Albany Smooth Masonry in the various colours required as well as dust sheets and brushes.’ Speaking on behalf of Hewell prison, Dawn Payne said: ‘It looks absolutely amazing and has exceeded my expectations. The skills that they have found in themselves and used will take them a long way. It’s given them hope.’ Some of the comments from the prisoners who took part included: “therapeutic and helps with your mind as well”, “ignited a passion in me personally that I never knew I had” and “given me hope that I’m more capable of doing other things than crime”. Area Development Manager for the Midlands region, Robert Bayfield, attended the awards ceremony for all those who completed the module – one of five other projects. Robert said: ‘It was quite an experience and a bit intimidating going into the prison! But during the ceremony the guys on the programme turned round and thanked me directly which was nice and they were really happy to chat afterwards. It was definitely worthwhile and the pillars looked great.’ Faye explained: ‘The project has made a great difference to the men as well as improving the built environment and the Governor is now considering which other areas of the prison could be creatively improved! Thanks again for all your help and support of the project, we’re so grateful and it’s hugely appreciated.’ Faye based the programme on a project in the Royal Horticultural Society archives which had looked at the effects of horticulture on wellbeing and building confidence and self-esteem when the prison had been used as a World War I internment camp.

Students at the London College of Fashion (LCF) have partnered with British textile manufacturer Hainsworth to design a 100% Merino Wool bespoke jacquard cloth for their final year university project. The collaboration challenged students from LCF’s BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring course to design a custom cloth, with the winning designs invited to weave and finish their fabric at Hainsworth’s West Yorkshire heritage textile mill and incorporate their unique jacquard patterns into their garment collections. Throughout the 2022/23 academic year, students worked on a project that combined innovative design with the expertise of traditional weaving techniques - using Fine Merino Double fabric and a specific colour palette. Three student designs were selected for weaving at the AW Hainsworth HQ, with Textile Designer Andrea Noble’s guidance in adapting their weaving concepts. Winning designs by Gabriella Mann, Onora Menekse, and Enya Judge were selected for showcasing originality, craftsmanship, and sustainability—aligned with Hainsworth’s commitment to slow fashion values. Andrea Noble, Design and Product Development Manager at AW Hainsworth, said, “We were so impressed by all the students who submitted for our brief, but Gabriella, Onora and Enya stood out for their striking designs, storytelling and a strong understanding of how a jacquard weave can be incorporated into modern, refined tailoring.” Gabriella Mann’s innovative vision, Enya Judge’s monochromatic, hand-painted design, and Onora Menekse’s exploration of nationality and culture encapsulated the project’s essence. Their designs were brought to life through a visit to the Hainsworth Mill, where they watched their creations woven using Jacquard looms. The collaboration finished with a presentation at LCF’s end-of-year salon show at Protein Studios in Shoreditch last month, giving future tailors Enya, Gabriella, Onora, and fellow students a chance to showcase their collections. “This year we were delighted to partner with luxury British textile manufacturer AW Hainsworth & Sons who collaborated with three of our final year students, to weave and finish a bespoke length of Fine Merino Double cloth to the student's individual jacquard designs, which they have incorporated into their collections,” said Daniel Poulson, BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring Course Leader at London College of Fashion. Hainsworth, a subsidiary of AW Hainsworth and a pioneer in the slow fashion movement, aims to connect environmental, ethical, and social responsibility to create beautiful, well-made garments that stand the test of time. Designers, tailors and garment manufacturers choose Hainsworth’s premium woollen textiles from diverse industries, united in their desire for the best craftsmanship and true British provenance.

Brewers Cheltenham were thrilled to be able to support Cheltenham Paint Festival once again in their 6th year, with the donation of 145L of Albany Paint. Since 2017, 170+ artists have painted the town, creating a 5-mile art trail with 30 different locations to discover the artwork. The festival this year took place at the end of July where they created the tallest mural (7 stories high), their longest mural, painting a whole multi-storey car park and had more artists than ever before! Cheltenham Paint Festival was founded by artist Andy ‘Dice’ Davies, to create public art across the town. Held each year, the festival attracts leading UK and international street artists to paint in free-to-view locations, creating a legacy of large-scale diverse artwork. He said: “Brewers Decorator Centre's support for the festival has been invaluable and it would be very difficult to run without it. They deal with our many, varied and colourful requests promptly and professionally. This year we used their own brand Albany paints, and they were brilliant! The colours were so vibrant and the paint was thick and lustrous, we will definitely use them again! We had artists come from Australia, USA, Poland, Spain, France and all over the UK and everyone was pleased with the results. Thank you so much for your support.” As a spokesperson from Brewers confirmed, "The artwork that has been created this year has once again been an incredible display of artistry and we were so grateful to be able to contribute!"

Stepping into a family business can be both an exciting opportunity and a daunting challenge for the next generation. While some may see it as a comfortable path, it's essential to recognise that success is not guaranteed. To thrive in a family business, the next generation should be prepared both professionally and personally. Here are some key steps they can take to prepare for this unique career journey. Gain Education And Experience Education is the foundation for any career, including one in a family business. The next generation should strive to obtain a relevant degree or certification in their chosen field. Even if the family business is unrelated to their degree, education provides valuable skills and knowledge that can be applied across industries. Additionally, gaining experience outside the family business can be of real value too. Working for other companies or in different roles helps individuals develop a broader perspective, learn new skills, and build a professional network. This experience can be invaluable when returning to the family business with fresh insights. Understand The Business Inside Out To be successful, the next generation must intimately understand the family business. This means working in various departments and roles to gain a comprehensive view of how the company operates, and understanding how to read and interpret financial statements and management accounts. From the shop floor to the boardroom, hands-on experience is essential for developing a deep understanding of the business's nuances. Being brought up within a family that owns and operates a family business also affords plenty of opportunities to learn about the business. From conversations around the kitchen table to work experience during school holidays, there will be plenty of ways to soak up information, to appreciate some of the nuances of conversations, relationships within the team and to find out more about what the business is all about too. Develop Strong Leadership Skills Succession in a family business often involves taking on leadership roles. Learning effective leadership is not just about understanding how the business functions but also about managing people and fostering a positive company culture. Leadership training and mentorship from current leaders in the family business can be immensely beneficial and those that have been successful in transitioning into a family business and stepping in to senior roles have often undertaken exterior training programmes, leadership development programmes and even invested in bespoke family business programmes too. Communicate Effectively Effective communication is a cornerstone of any successful business, and it's especially critical in a family enterprise. The next generation should work on their communication skills, both within the family and with employees, customers, and stakeholders. Open and transparent communication can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts that might arise from the familial aspect of the business. Embrace Innovation Family businesses must adapt to changing times and markets to remain competitive. The next generation should be open to innovation and willing to explore new technologies and strategies. They should also be encouraged to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table while respecting the family business's traditions and values. Respect Tradition And Values While innovation is crucial, it's equally important to respect the traditions and values that have made the family business successful. The next generation should understand and honour the legacy of the company, which often includes the hard work and sacrifices of previous generations, whilst bringing new ideas, opportunities and ways of working to the table in a positive manner. Seek External Advice Engaging external advisors, such as business consultants or mentors, can provide valuable insights and objectivity. These experts can help the next generation navigate challenges, make strategic decisions, and ensure the business remains competitive and sustainable, as well as introduce them to ways of handling difficult conversations and navigating their way through potentially complex relationship issues which do arise when working closely in an environment with family members. Preparing for a career in a family business is not just about having the right last name; it requires dedication, education, and a commitment to both the family's legacy and the company's future. By gaining experience, developing leadership skills, fostering effective communication, and embracing innovation, the next generation can ensure the continued success and growth of their family business. With the right preparation, they can carry forward the proud tradition while taking the enterprise to new heights.

While the specific pillars of success for family businesses can vary depending on the industry, size, and individual circumstances, here are 12 key characteristics that are generally associated with the long-term success of family businesses. Clear Vision and Values : Establish a clear and shared vision for the business, along with a set of values that guide decision-making and behaviour within the family and the company and ensure that they are fully embedded within the culture of the organisation too. Strong Leadership : Cultivate effective leadership within the family and the business, with a focus on both family and non-family members who possess the necessary skills and expertise to ensure the success of the business going forward. Effective Governance : Implement governance structures and processes that address issues like succession planning, conflict resolution, and decision-making to ensure the business's long-term viability. Effective governance also needs to take into account the need to provide an appropriate framework to manage the relationship between the family and the business, as well as all of the other stakeholders too. Succession Planning : Develop a well-thought-out succession plan that identifies and prepares the next generation of leaders, while considering merit-based appointments. Successful family firms start the process as early as possible with open and honest conversations which then need to be implemented appropriately. In many instances the transition from first to second generation is the hardest as it is the first time that a family have been through the process. Professionalism : Promote professionalism in all aspects of the business, from hiring practices to performance evaluations, to ensure that the best interests of the business are prioritized. Communication : Establish open and transparent communication channels within the family and the organization to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. Communication is crucial to success and needs to be clear, open and transparent. Adaptability : Be adaptable and willing to embrace change, innovation, and new technologies to stay competitive in a dynamic business environment. Financial Discipline : Practice prudent financial management, including budgeting, financial reporting, and managing debt, to ensure the business's financial stability. It is also important when it comes to finance that the family and business are separated to ensure that the business is financially sustainable and that family members do not become dependent on dividends from the business to fund their own lifestyles which can be to the detriment of the business. Customer Focus : Prioritise customer satisfaction by consistently delivering value and quality products or services that meet their needs. Talent Development : Invest in the development and training of employees, including family members, to enhance their skills and capabilities. Family businesses are well known for investing in the development of their people with many employees spending their entire working life with one family firm. Family businesses however should not become complacent as the new generation of employees are keen to grow and fulfil their full potential and may not be as committed to one firm in the same way their predecessors were. Investment and career development is therefore an important tool for family firms when it comes to recruitment, retention and motivation of staff. Community Engagement : Engage with and contribute to the local community, fostering goodwill and building a positive reputation. Long-Term Thinking : Maintain a long-term perspective, with an emphasis on sustainability, rather than short-term gains, to ensure the business's longevity. These pillars are interconnected and serve as a foundation for the success of family businesses. They help address the unique challenges and opportunities that arise when personal and professional interests overlap within a family-owned business and successful family businesses adapt and evolve with these underlying principles helping to drive decision making. Obviously, these pillars are not prescriptive and times change, not forgetting that each family has different traits and ambitions, but clearly documented, communicated and followed pillars like those above stand family firms in good stead to achieve their goals and remain in business for years to come.

Good Travel Management Ltd, the Yorkshire-based travel management company has acquired the corporate customer base of London and South-East based, Wexas Travel Management. The acquisition, for an undisclosed amount, will add 70% growth to the turnover of the Hessle-based corporate travel operator and the deal sees all 21 business travel employees from Wexas joining Good Travel Management bringing their headcount to more than 50. Kevin Harrison, MD of Good Travel Management said, “We’ve been an admirer of Wexas’ corporate business for a number of years. They’re known for high quality service, delivered by a very experienced team. In an industry where the quality of people makes the difference, we believe this acquisition complements our business and aspirations perfectly.” The newly acquired team will continue to work from their central London location, with support from Good Travel Management’s team in Hessle. With GTM boasting a range of new services and tools to help clients book travel better and make smarter choices when it comes to travel and business’ ESG policies, Harrison is confident of a bright future, “The joining of these two corporate travel teams will create benefits for both sets of customers and this acquisition reinforces our commitment to delivering the best travel service experience for customers. Together, we will continue to shape the future of corporate travel while leaving a positive impact on the travellers and businesses we serve." The John Good business can trace its travel industry routes back to the late 1890s, at which time it was looking after passengers travelling to and from Scandinavia. In 1946 it became one of the first travel management companies to be recognised by IATA. Today, Good Travel Management is a proud member of the John Good Group of companies, which traces its roots back to 1833. The group compromises of interests in shipping, logistics, warehousing, property and travel.

Over the course of 100 years, Disney has entranced the world with its enchanting universe. Meanwhile, for 24 years, the LEGO Group has been spreading the magic and boundless potential for creative play to fans all around the world. This calls for a celebration, and the LEGO Group is doing so in collaboration with LEGO House in Billund. In honour of the anniversary and the launch of the new LEGO® Disney Castle as well as Disney’s 100th anniversary, three talented female artists – Lakwena Maciver from London, UK, Amy Jones from Paris, France and Kristin Texeira from New York, USA – have created four expansive castle window murals using LEGO bricks. The stunning murals draw inspiration from the storytelling and possibilities of the new LEGO set. The murals feature some of the artists’ favourite Disney characters from the last 100 years including Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Ariel, Tiana, Mirabel, Daisy Duck and Pixar's Woody and Buzz Lightyear, who also now feature in LEGO Disney sets, surrounded by the artists’ own unique style. The first mosaic, created by artist Lakwena Maciver, was unveiled on the 21st of June at Tower Bridge in London. The remaining three windows, each standing at 4.5 meters in height, have been built throughout the summer by Disney and LEGO fans and families at building events in Manchester (UK), Paris (France) and New York (USA). World premiere at LEGO House The four artworks are now exhibited together for the first time at LEGO Square, the large open space in the center of LEGO House, with free access for public. Kathrine Kirk Muff, Managing Director of LEGO House, is thrilled to invite everyone to the largest special exhibition in the history of the house: “There is something poetic about the LEGO Group’s celebration of Disney's 100th anniversary culminating here at the LEGO House in Billund, where the LEGO story, our own fantastic adventure, began just over 90 years ago." "When we gather the four giant mosaics at LEGO Square, it will be our biggest and one of the most impressive exhibitions to date, a must-see for all Disney and LEGO fans. These impressive mosaics illustrates the endless possibilities of the LEGO bricks which the LEGO House is all about,” says Kathrine Kirk Muff. Around the four giant mosaics, visitors can admire some of the many popular LEGO | Disney sets released since the LEGO Group launched the very first LEGO® DULPO® Winnie the Pooh set 24 years ago. Of course, the new LEGO | Disney Disney Castle is also there by the LEGO Store, filled with references to no less than 14 Disney film classics - from Snow White (the very first Disney Princess) and Cinderella to Rapunzel and Moana, as well as a tiny "time capsule" with memories from 100 years of Disney films. Two magical brands Benedikte Stamp is the Creative Design Lead for LEGO | Disney and has been involved in developing the celebration of Disney's 100th anniversary and the four magical mosaics. When asked about the partnership and the campaign, Benedikte said: “Over the last century, Disney has created some of the world’s greatest stories which are loved by generation after generation. Just like these stories, LEGO play transcends age, language, culture and interests to inspire millions of children to build and create anything they can imagine. As a designer, it’s my role to bring together the magic of the two brands and give fans of all ages the chance to celebrate their love for Disney stories through building. The four mosaics are an outstanding example of how this can be achieved, and I am tremendously excited to see them all together at LEGO House.”

Willmott Dixon has started work on two new state-of-the-art specialist facilities developed by Prime plc in partnership with University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS). Situated on plot 2 of the Adanac Health and Innovation Campus in Southampton, the new multi-use facility, which is being funded by Macquarie Asset Management on behalf of the retirement specialist, Just Group plc, will comprise an Aseptic Pharmacy and Sterile Services Department (SSD), with further flexible expansion space. The Aseptic Pharmacy will act as an MHRA-licensed pharmacy, with sterile medicines manufactured for UHS and other NHS providers in the region. Meanwhile, the SSD will sterilise surgical tools and equipment for use by UHS; these services will be delivered at the new location by strategic provider IHSS. UHS is one of the largest acute teaching trusts in England and experiences a very high demand on its geographically constrained site. By working with Prime, through the Southampton Commercial Estates Development Partnership (CEDP), the Trust has been able to unlock a number of complex estate challenges. These new facilities will be the latest in a series of developments designed to create more space for the Trust to expand. Previous development on the hospital site has produced a new entrance, retail space and staff car park. The partners then worked together to create Adanac Health and Innovation Campus, providing additional expansion space with good proximity to the hospital and easy access to the motorway network. To date, a multi-storey park and ride car park serving the hospital and Costa Coffee have been delivered at the new campus, and a remaining 3 plots are still to be developed. This is the latest scheme between Willmott Dixon and Prime. In 2022, the two delivered a 600+ space multi-storey car park at Dorset County Hospital, creating valuable parking provision for the Trust’s staff, patients and visitors, while also freeing up space so the Trust can extend its Emergency Department and Critical Care unit. It also further underlines Willmott Dixon’s role as one of the UK’s largest constructors of healthcare space. Notable projects include Bolton College of Medical Sciences, a ‘first of its kind’ facility that's a blueprint for training NHS staff across the country, plus the Pears Building - Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, a world-leading research centre at the Royal Free Hospital. Ewan Forsyth, Development Director for Prime, said: “The construction of these facilities will be a major milestone in our partnership with UHS and a big step towards our shared goal of deepening the reputation of Southampton as a centre for medical excellence, preserving clinical space and enriching the local economy.” Richard Poulter, managing director of Willmott Dixon in the South, said: “We are delighted to be working with Prime again following our successful collaboration at Dorset Country Hospital. We’ll now be taking the learning from there to this project for UHS with a team that provides continuity in what we can deliver with Prime for the healthcare community. We’ll also be looking to work with local companies where possible to sustain jobs and help the local economy benefit from this important investment on the South Coast.” James Allen, chief pharmacist at UHS, said: “We are delighted to be working alongside Wilmott Dixon and Prime in the construction of our new pharmacy aseptic production facility. This state-of-the-art facility will be a significant leap forward in our capacity to produce sterile, pre-prepared medicines. Sterile aseptically prepared injectable products are vital in the care of patients in areas such as surgery, intensive care and cancer services." “As an MHRA-licensed unit, the facility will utilise advances in automation to produce products at scale, enhancing the capacity of patient pathways in UHS and NHS Trusts in Hampshire and neighbouring healthcare systems.” Gary Clarke, Managing Director at IHSS, said: “It brings us great joy to reach this significant milestone and commence the next phase of this exciting project. The new SSD at the Adanac Health & Innovation Campus will bring to huge advancements to UHS which will enable the future provision of care in the community.“ "The additional capacity will support the inevitable expansion of surgical procedures in the upcoming years and allow clinical health to be delivered in a more efficient and sustainable way. Furthermore the new facility will bring a modern and enchanting working environment with new technology for our skilled employees, and with our shared ambition for growth with UHS we hope to attract more people from the local community to join our mission in Sterile Services.”

There’s a huge intergenerational wealth transfer brewing, as baby boomers start to think about passing on their assets. Private Client Director, Luke Ashton, from our partners at Brooks Macdonald shows you how you can get ready for the handover. And with priorities shifting across the generations, it should be interesting. Why Is Inter-Generational Wealth Transfer Such A Hot Topic Right Now? The baby boomer generation hold a lot of wealth in this country, and they’re getting older. Inheritance tax has always been a hot topic, and following the announcement in the last autumn statement that the threshold where it kicks in has been frozen until 2028, it’s now an even hotter topic. My colleague Leanne Harvey talks more about inheritance tax in her article on estate planning. Also, given the current financial climate, transferring wealth is one of many financial milestones that can seem more complex than it did before. What’s The Best Way To Introduce The Next Generation To Money Management? Education and support are crucial, so start them young. Children can learn by managing pocket and birthday money, balancing spending with saving. Set a good example and get them involved with savings accounts and Junior ISAs. We encourage our clients to involve their adult family in our financial review meetings, particularly as they prepare to pass their wealth on. It’s a great way for the younger generation to become familiar with their family finances. How Can I Encourage The Next Generation To Value Money They Inherit? It’s good to foster an appreciation of family money and how it was achieved. Talk about where the money comes from and get children to spend time around the business, the properties or the work environment. When passing on wealth, it’s not unusual to have concerns about how it may be spent. We can help address these concerns by putting a nominal amount in an investment account for each child, or by setting up a philanthropic trust. Another big worry is that family wealth will be lost through divorce. We can make sure your money goes where you want it to, with various options for appropriate trusts - perhaps to pay for grandchildren’s education. What Else Can I Do To Ensure A Smooth Transition? Be organised and keep clear records in a suitable place where the right people know where to find them. Sorting out an estate is really time consuming and difficult, especially for someone who is grieving. If you have your affairs in order, your family will be in a good place to move forward. Write a will and set up power of attorney, so that someone else is able to organise your affairs for you, if you are unable to. Take professional advice – not just from a wealth manager, but also from accountants and/or solicitors. Professional advisers can provide continuity and some helpful handholding. Gauge your heirs’ interests and capabilities – for example, will they take over the business or would it be wiser to sell in advance? Most people give away wealth when it feels right for a number of reasons. They think the person they’re giving it to is in a good place financially, with a good understanding and the right attitude to working and spending. But, even if your children are in the right place, are you? Take some time to mentally prepare yourself to hand over control. It’s natural to worry about the future, and particularly the next generation, but there’s a lot you can do to ease the way. Some thoughtful preparation can make all the difference for a smooth financial transition. If you’re looking for help from a financial professional, get in touch for a free, impartial conversation by emailing the team at Brooks Macdonald on pc@brooksmacdonald.com or visit their website here 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. 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 article does not constitute advice or a recommendation and you should not make any investment decisions on the basis of it. Brooks Macdonald is a trading name of Brooks Macdonald Group plc used by various companies in the Brooks Macdonald group of companies. Brooks Macdonald Group plc is registered in England No 04402058. Registered office: 21 Lombard Street, London EC3V 9AH. Brooks Macdonald Asset Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England No 03417519. Registered office: 21 Lombard Street, London EC3V 9AH. Brooks Macdonald International is a trading name of Brooks Macdonald Asset Management (International) Limited. Brooks Macdonald Asset Management (International) Limited is licensed and regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission. Its Guernsey branch is licensed and regulated by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission and its Isle of Man branch is licensed and regulated by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority. In respect of services provided in the Republic of South Africa, Brooks Macdonald Asset Management (International) Limited is an authorised Financial Services Provider regulated by the South African Financial Sector Conduct Authority. Registered in Jersey No 143275. Registered office: 5 Anley Street, St Helier, Jersey JE2 3QE. More information about the Brooks Macdonald Group can be found at www.brooksmacdonald.com

It's that time of the year again! Hot on the heels of crowning all of the winners at the 2023 Family Business of the Year Awards which saw Gap Group take home the Supreme Champion title, the search is on for the contenders for the Family Business of the Year Awards 2024. Now in their 12th year, these awards are the UK's only awards dedicated to celebrating the significant contribution of family businesses to the UK economy. Each year, winners come from all over the UK, representing a myriad of sectors and firms large and small, young and multi-generational. They all have many things in common too - family ownership, strong values at their core and an essence of business that comes from being a family business. Awards are presented by region and sector, as well as nationally for special qualities such as innovation, sustainability, community involvement and entrepreneurship as well as recognising 'ones to watch' for the future and our overall national winners in the categories of small business and the ultimate accolade, Supreme Champions. Nominations/entries can be made online using the short form before the closing deadline of November 30. No extensions will be made past this date. A detailed desktop review is then undertaken before regional shortlists are announced in January. A further reporting submission is requested before finalists are announced and the judges deliberate. Our judging panel is exemplary, comprising family business leaders and senior executives, representatives from previous winners, leading academics and professional advisers from the world of family business. They review all of the entries from the finalists before results are collated, discussed and the winners determined. The winners will then be announced at a gala reception at the Royal College of Physicians in London in June 2024. Nominations/entries can be made here As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business Untied explains, "These awards are fabulous and over the years have discovered some incredible family businesses. Family firms do so much to make this country great and make a significant contribution in terms of employment, income generated and wealth created, not forgetting the incredible impact they make on communities the length and breadth of the nation." "It is an absolute privilege running these awards and to receive feedback each and every year from those involved. It is always a lovely evening when the winners are crowned but even those not fortunate to take home a title on the night are part of something special, a community that cares and makes a real difference each and every day." "We look forward to uncovering more great family businesses again this year. Entry is free and we are excited about what the Family Business of the Year Awards 2024 has in store and to crowning another class of worthy winners in June next year." "#FBOTY2024 starts now but you have to be in it to win it so compete the registration form today and who knows, you could be the next Supreme Champion Family Business of the Year!"

Little’s Chauffeur Drive, a family owned business based in Glasgow today announced a partnership with Family Business United (FBU) to provide the vehicle that will be used for the duration of the Scottish Family Business Road Trip 2023 which is organised by Family Business United. The partnership will see the chauffeur driven car support a week long tour of family businesses across Scotland as part of the Scottish Family Business Road Trip that is taking place from October 2-6 and will showcase family businesses and their significant impact on the national economy. From their headquarters in Scotland, Little’s provide a comprehensive chauffeur drive service on a global scale. For over 50 years, their clients have trusted them to deliver award-winning business services and leisure tours with efficiency, professionalism and discretion. “We are delighted to partner with Family Business United,” said Heather Matthews, Managing Director of Little’s Chauffeur Drive. “We were involved with this event a couple of years ago and it was a fantastic celebration of the family business community in Scotland, something that resonates closely with us as a family business ourselves. We are delighted to be providing the car to enable Paul and the team at Family Business United visit as many family firms as possible during this week long tour that will take in family firms in and around Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling and the Borders." "It shines the light on family firms across many sectors, sizes and generations and we are really happy to be a part of it.” “We are excited to partner with Littles as it adds real authenticity to the trip given that they are a family business and it also ensures that we make the most of our time in Scotland,” added Paul Andrews, CEO of Family Business United. “They have plenty of experience of organising events and tours and we are thrilled to leave this to the family business experts in this field. The Scottish Family Business Road Trip is a special event, firmly fixed in our annual calendar where we get to go behind the scenes of family firms, conduct interviews with family business owners in their own place of work and each year their pride, passion and entrepreneurial spirit comes to the fore." "There is something truly special about family businesses, many having the family name above the door, an undeniable essence for doing business the right way, looking after their staff and they care. They care about their people, their businesses and the communities in which they operate and it is a real pleasure to meet them where the magic happens." "Family business matters and this event really does help to put the family business sector on the map. We are truly appreciative of the support from Little’s in making it happen once again.” As well as Little’s the Scottish Family Business Road Trip is supported by sponsors Brooks Macdonald, AAB, Turcan Connell and Western Pension Solutions.

Sibling businesses from the Yorkshire coast have collaborated to launch two unique drinks. The teams at Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery and sister company Wold Top Brewery have announced the dual launch of Filey Bay IPA Finish Batch #2 and Barrel Wave 2023 respectively. Matured first in ex-Bourbon casks and then finished in second-generation IPA casks, Filey Bay IPA Finish Batch #2 is fruity and biscuity with green apple notes and a slightly hoppy flavour profile that makes for a distinctive single malt. It is described as ‘light, fruity and biscuity with notes of green apple, pear drops, lemon cake and hops.' Barrel Wave 2023 spent over a year in casks that latterly held Filey Bay whisky, extracting the creamy, vanilla notes from the wood whilst leaving hops and apple notes behind. Within hours of the beer being disgorged, the casks were refilled with mature Filey Bay whisky and left to finish further for several months. Of the launch, Spirit of Yorkshire's Whisky Director, Joe Clark said: "Single malt whisky matured in IPA casks is a very rare thing, and ones from field to bottle distilleries like ours are even rarer." "Filey Bay IPA Finish Batch #2 is a unique whisky on many levels, tying together the farm, brewery and distillery perfectly into one whisky. These casks have now done two cycles of IPA, yielding two batches of beers: Barrel Wave 2021 is 9.1% abv and spent eight months in cask; Barrel Wave 2023, is 8.5% abv and spent 14 months in cask. The charging of the casks with the beer after whisky in turn imbues the casks with wonderful flavours readying them for filling with mature whisky again for further finishing to create our latest IPA Finish." "Without our farm, brewery and distillery, it would be impossible to create casks or a whisky quite like this. These very special casks are amongst the most unique in our warehouse and, now being second generation, some of the rarest in the whisky industry." "Barrel Wave 2023 is a beautifully rounded, smooth, full-bodied beer where hints of soft citrus fruits and hoppy bitter notes marry with the light, creamy, vanilla flavours of the Filey Bay whisky," said Brewery Director, Alex Balchin. Filey Bay IPA Finish Batch #2, 46% ABV costs £65 and is available from the distillery shop in Hunmanby, online at spiritofyorkshire.com and from selected specialist retailers nationwide. Barrel Wave 2023 costs £5.94 and is available online at woldtopbrewery.co.uk and spiritofyorkshire.com, from the distillery shop and from Wold Top's network of stockists nationwide. Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery is Yorkshire's first single malt whisky distillery and is one of only a handful of distilleries that grows all of the barley for its whisky production. It was founded in 2016 by Tom Mellor and David Thompson. Wold Newton-based Wold Top was founded in 2003 by Tom and Gill Mellor and is located on the Mellor family farm. The team uses home-grown barley and water from the farm's borehole to produce a range of award-winning cask, keg and bottled beers that are available throughout Yorkshire and nationwide.