Hendy Group has honoured long-serving colleagues with 20 new admissions to the prestigious 25 Year Club which recognises the growing number of loyal colleagues within the company. Chief executive Paul Hendy said there are now 145 members of the 25 Year Club, and he is honoured that so many people choose to stay with Hendy which currently represents more than 20 brands across the south coast and has a turnover in excess of £1 billion. A day out and evening celebration evening were held to recognise members of the 25 Year Club with colleagues and their partners involved in the event. “I’m delighted to welcome the new members to the 25 Year Club and I’d like to thank the colleagues for their dedication and loyalty to Hendy Group,” said Paul. “We pride ourselves on having colleagues of the highest calibre who share our values and having so many people who have worked with us for so many years demonstrates support in our approach to business.” Among those joining this year is Julie Southgate who is Hendy’s group sales administration manager who is based in Tunbridge Wells. Julie has been in sales admin for her whole working life after a three-week temporary job led to a fulfilling career. “This is a role I love where everyone always pulls together and there is always such a sense of achievement when we meet our targets,” said Julie. I love working with my team, watching their achievements and seeing how they have developed over the years is a very rewarding part of my role and to think that I have had a small part in their growth makes me proud.” Julie says she feels privileged to have a role she thoroughly enjoys and always feels valued and respected. “I have always felt fully supported in my role and there is a great relationship with senior management and the directors, and I like to carry that down through my team and with all colleagues that we work with throughout the whole group.” Also new to the 25 Year Club is Jo Bluer who is based in Portsmouth and is group senior warranty administrator. “I enjoy the work I do and the challenges it can bring, making the days different,” said Jo. “It’s lovely to have been in the same working environment for this length time, with great colleagues.” Jo said that her early years as a wife of forces personnel meant changing jobs every few years as they moved, and while she enjoyed travelling she said it is now nice to have roots. “Seeing customers over the years come back over time is lovely and some make you feel special as I hope we do for them.” Good training and benefits, personal development prospects and the fact it is family-run are some of the factors the business believes drive its high colleague retention. Paul added: “We are thrilled to have a happy and motivated team which enables us to offer high levels of service across our business and we are delighted to have so many long servicing colleagues alongside us every step of the way.”

Sellafield engineers, using new equipment designed and installed by a Bechtel-Cavendish Nuclear team, have begun retrieving waste from the UK’s oldest waste storage building. The Pile Fuel Cladding Silo (PFCS) at Sellafield nuclear facility in northwest England is a sealed building with six compartments of radioactive material. It was built in the 1950s to store debris from the UK’s oldest nuclear reactors. This week, a crucial stage was reached when a remotely operated crane reached through one of six shielded access doors and started safely and securely scooping out waste. The milestone is significant in the permanent, safe, and secure disposal of materials, and has Sellafield retrieving waste from all four legacy ponds and silos for the very first time. Euan Hutton, Sellafield Ltd CEO, said: “The first retrievals from the Pile Fuel Cladding Silo are a huge step towards delivering our purpose of creating a clean and safe environment for future generations. This achievement means that for the first time ever Sellafield is retrieving waste from all four of our legacy ponds and silos. This represents the culmination of years of effort by hundreds of people throughout our organisation and contractor community. I am enormously proud of all of them.” Bechtel Cavendish Nuclear Solutions Ltd designed, manufactured, tested, and installed the retrieval system for Sellafield Ltd as part of the UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s highest priority risk reduction cleanup program. A remotely operated telescopic waste retrieval crane is now lifting waste out of the silo and placing it into a stainless steel waste box. The box will be sealed up before being taken out of the building in a transport package and transferred to a more modern facility on the Sellafield site for long-term safe storage. Mike Higgins, Bechtel’s project manager at Sellafield said: “This is another leap forward in the cleanup of one of Europe’s most hazardous buildings that has posed an environmental risk for decades. The rapid and safe retrieval of this waste and repackaging into modern containers is a national priority. Getting to this position, over the last 12 years, is testament to the hard work, dedication and collaboration of the team, our joint venture partners Cavendish Nuclear, alongside our customer and all our supply chain partners.” Leigh Wakefield, Business Director, Cavendish Nuclear said: “We are proud of the truly collaborative approach adopted between Sellafield, Bechtel and Cavendish Nuclear, which has enabled yet another milestone in the decommissioning of a 1950s nuclear waste storage facility to be delivered successfully. Starting retrievals is a fantastic achievement and as a team we are pleased to be supporting Sellafield to retrieve the decades-old waste, package it safely, and dispose of it permanently - reducing the hazard on the Sellafield site to create a safe and secure world, together.”

National contractor Willmott Dixon has been selected to complete the design proposals for a new secure children’s home to be built on the edge of Sleaford, Lincolnshire. Plans for the 28-bed secure facility, which will be located in Bonemill Lane on the outskirts of the town, were approved by members of Lincolnshire County Council's planning and regulation committee. The scheme, which is being funded by the Department for Education, will provide care for some of Lincolnshire’s most vulnerable children as well as being a national resource for secure accommodation. Nick Heath, director at Willmott Dixon, said: “This is a hugely significant scheme, not only for Lincolnshire to address an acute need for secure accommodation, but also for the wider country as it will bring together best practice from across the UK and Europe." “The new building has been designed to support the young people to get their lives ‘back on track’ using a whole host of facilities including on-site education, wellbeing, vocational and sports facilities, as well as delivering against important sustainability credentials to make the building’s legacy especially evident.” The new accommodation will aim to achieve as close to a net-zero in operation solution as possible, with a design that is majority off-grid supported by solar panels and state-of-the-art power storage. The development will also feature a new service road, a car park, a surface water attenuation pond, and landscaped areas. Councillor Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children’s services at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “The new secure home will provide a much-improved environment for the young people living and educated there and help to meet the increased national demand for spaces. It will make sure these children are offered the required support, training and guidance in modern facilities." The scheme has been procured via Pagabo’s Major Works framework. Willmott Dixon has been appointed as contractor and Kier is the architect for the project.

Brooks Macdonald, a wealth manager with £16.8 billion in funds under management, today announced a partnership with Family Business United (FBU) to provide financial wellbeing support to UK family businesses and their employees. The partnership will see Brooks Macdonald become FBU’s financial wellbeing partner across the UK, supporting members with a range of services including financial planning and investment management, alongside access to knowledge, advice, research and insights. This will be complemented by financial educational programmes and networking opportunities across the UK. “We are delighted to partner with Family Business United,” said Stewart Sanderson, Head of UK Private Clients at Brooks Macdonald. “Running a business, can often be all encompassing, both physically and emotionally, so we want to ensure that their own finances are one less thing to worry about.” “We have extensive experience of working with family businesses and are committed to supporting them. It’s a wonderful sector, employing vast numbers of people and creating a significant contribution to UK plc. Through this partnership, we will be able to provide valuable resources and support to help FBU members achieve their financial goals.” “We are excited to partner with Brooks Macdonald,” added Paul Andrews, CEO of Family Business United. “Brooks Macdonald has a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities when working within a family business. We believe that this partnership will be a valuable resource for our members.” FBU is a membership organisation that represents over 250 family businesses in the UK with turnovers of up to £400 million. Their mission is to champion and act as the voice for all family businesses, this includes aspects of their financial and business planning.

We are delighted to announce that Rania Labaki has been inducted into the Family Business United ‘Family Business Hall of Fame,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work in advancing the field of family business. Rania is a passionate advocate of long-lived family businesses who strives to inspire and serve family businesses and their stakeholders through different roles, as a researcher, an educator, a director of family business research centre, an editor, and an advisor, with a special focus on the interplay between family dynamics and decision-making. As Rania explains; "As the oldest and predominant form of organization, family businesses continue to fascinate for the positive impact they make on the systems they interact with. They do not, however, represent a homogeneous group of organizations. While long-lived family businesses have successfully managed to navigate crises and uncertainties, others were not able to thrive nor survive in the hands of their owners-managers." "The key lies in the family which is a double-edged sword, a strength and a weakness for the business resilience and continuity. A key which is challenging but that I believe is crucial to capture and master if we are to ensure the sustainability of our economies, societies, and communities." "This is where my passion stems from, translating into research, teaching, and advising family businesses and their stakeholders on the interplay between the family dynamics and the family business decision-making. By being committed for more than twenty years to creating, disseminating, and empowering through knowledge, I hope to contribute to inspiring and supporting these emblematic organizations in perpetuating their strong values, entrepreneurial models, and long-term view over generations." "The nomination for the Family Business United Hall of Fame comes, therefore, as an absolute honor that rewards these humble efforts of mine. Since its inception, I witnessed the pioneering spirit, remarkable commitment even in crisis times, and growing impact of Family Business United." "By embracing diverse expert perspectives from around the world, recognizing and promoting the contributions of family businesses no matter where and how big they are, genuinely giving them a voice and a platform to share their experiences and learn, Family Business United is bringing valuable knowledge and visibility that serve the communities of family businesses," concludes Rania. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United adds, “Rania has made an exemplary contribution to the world of family business, and continues to do so. She thoroughly deserves her place in the Family Business Hall of Fame.”

We are delighted to announce that Dr Marta Widz has been inducted into the Family Business United ‘Family Business Hall of Fame,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work in advancing the field of family business. Dr. Marta Widz is a family business professor, faculty member of several universities and institutes, writer, lecturer, key-note speaker, family business trusted advisor and mentor of next generation. She specializes in family business governance, sustainability as well as purposeful ownership, wealth, and family office. Family Capital has recognized her as Top 100 Family Influencers, and as Top 20 Family Business Advisors, and “those nominating Widz say she has made a significant impact in family enterprise across Europe, America and Asia…" Marta is the founder of Family Silver Institute. She is Affiliated Faculty at the Family Business Institute at the Grossman Business School of the University of Vermont, USA; Executive in Residence at INSEAD’s Wendel International Centre for Family Enterprise; Affiliated Faculty at the Stewardship Asia Center in Singapore, as well as an Affiliated Expert of the Institute of Family Business (IBR) in Poland. She also serves as a Regional Governance Partner at the International Board Foundation and is a member of Female Board Pool. Marta obtained her Ph.D. at the Centre for Family Business at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, and was the Research Fellow at IMD Business School, Switzerland. Later, she became the leading contributor to the research at the Wealth Management Institute (WMI), Singapore, as Senior Research Fellow and Research Director and the Managing Editor of The Family Office Journal, a publication devoted to topics such as impact, sustainability, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, next gen, family office ecosystem. A truly global citizen, Marta is a citizen of Poland and Switzerland, and the alumna of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), the UK; the Global Alliance in Management Education (CEMS); the Warsaw School of Economics (SGH), Poland; HANKEN, Finland; and IMD Business School, Switzerland. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United adds, “Marta has made a significant contribution to the family business community and continues to do so and thoroughly deserves her place in the Family Business Hall of Fame.” As Marta concludes, "Resilience, socio-emotional wealth, familiness, owner’s identity, emotional value, non-family CEO, family council, publicly-listed family businesses, family office are just a few terms that describe selected aspects of the richness and complexity of the family businesses’ world." "Tasting this richness and untapping these complexities is a fascinating journey. A journey that takes distinctive shapes in different parts of the world. A journey that makes my senses, intellect, and emotions alert. A journey that never ends. I feel honoured to be recognized in the Family Business Hall of Fame’ and privileged to share this spectacular journey with my colleagues from the family business field."

We are delighted to announce that Peter Vogel has been inducted into the Family Business United ‘Family Business Hall of Fame,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work in advancing the field of family business. Peter is Professor of Family Business and Entrepreneurship and holder of the Debiopharm Chair for Family Philanthropy at IMD Business School. He is also the Director of the Global Family Business Center and the Global Family Business Award. He works with families, owners, boards and executives of family enterprises and family offices around the world, focusing on transformations, governance, ownership and leadership succession, entrepreneurship, wealth management and on establishing professional boards and leadership teams. Peter has published academic articles and books, such as the award-winning Family Philanthropy Navigator. He is frequently referenced by leading media outlets around the world, and he is a sought-after keynote speaker. Peter is the founder and Chairman of Delta Venture Partners and an Associate Partner of the Cambridge Family Enterprise Group. He was named by Poets & Quants as one of the world’s best business school professors under the age of 40 in 2022 and was included in Family Capital’s Top 100 Family Business Influencers list in both 2020 and 2022. As Peter explains, "Family enterprises are faced with a unique set of challenges related to governance, succession, family dynamics and strategy. My mission is to serve as a trusted partner and inspire enterprising families, to help them ensure family unity, business success and to have a positive impact on society. I am delighted to be recognised within the Family Business United Family Business Hall of Fame." As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United adds, “Peter is a stalwart of the family business community and continues to make a significant contribution to the sector. He thoroughly deserves is place in the Family Business Hall of Fame.”

Family brewer and pub operator Robinsons Brewery complete £1.25 million worth of investment in one month. July saw the refurbishment of three tenanted pubs in Cheshire: The Hawk Inn in Haslington, The Unicorn in Congleton, and The Swan & Chequers in Sandbach. The significant investments, each very different, showcase the brewery’s commitment to developing and enhancing its diverse 250-strong pub estate. The Hawk, The Unicorn, and The Swan & Chequers have all undergone extensive renovations, providing these villages and towns of Cheshire with inviting pubs for the community to enjoy. The investment sees the re-opening of a previously closed business, generating additional jobs within the region. Robinsons are also welcoming two new business partners onboard to operate two of the restored pubs and celebrating more than 30 years of partnership with their business partner at The Unicorn. This year, the Stockport brewers have invested the highest amount of capital expenditure across its pub estate, with 17 investment projects completed in 2023 so far. William Robinson, Managing Director (Pub Division) at Robinsons commented: “The investments we are making across our pub estate reflects dedication to our business partners and the communities they serve." "These recent investments and the innovation we are driving in our cask and keg beer range demonstrate our commitment to delivering a great experience for consumers, in unique and welcoming surroundings.” The Hawk Inn has benefited from a delicate restoration of a listed building, the well-loved Unicorn in Congleton was refreshed for its community and their interest in live sports, whilst The Swan & Chequers brings a brand new dimension to Sandbach with its transformed town centre pub. With these investments, Robinsons reaffirms its status as a key player within the pub industry.

Multi award winning office and commercial cleaning company Cleanology has launched its third annual fundraising event in aid of The Hygiene Bank. The event has been a resounding success after raising around £40,000 in its first two years. This year the popular fundraiser is being held on Tuesday 3 October in The Balcony Room at the majestic Globe Theatre in London’s Bankside. Dominic Ponniah, CEO of family-run Cleanology, which is headquartered in Vauxhall, South West London, said: “Guests can look forward to an array of entertainment, including networking opportunities, refreshing drinks, delicious canapés, a lively auction, a raffle with amazing prizes, and a panoramic view of London and the River Thames from one of London’s most iconic venues.” Ticket buyers will contribute to this important cause and make a positive impact on The Hygiene Bank. In October 2022, YouGov published Hygiene Poverty 2022, commissioned by The Hygiene Bank, the first comprehensive, national, mixed methodology research report into the scale and impact of hygiene poverty in the UK. Over 3.1 million adults in the UK are living in Hygiene Poverty and the research showed that hygiene products such as toothpaste, shampoo and laundry detergent are the first to be cut when budgets are tight. Ruth Brock, CEO of The Hygiene Bank, thanked the organisers and sponsors: “The Hygiene Bank is so grateful to Dominic Ponniah and Cleanology and all the sponsors of this event for their fantastic generosity." " We are thrilled by their efforts to raise crucial funds for the charity’s work and it’s so important to us to have had the chance to raise awareness of hygiene poverty and how it affects the lives of millions of people across the UK. As the need for the charity’s work grows, we need more individuals and companies who, like Cleanology, believe that everyone deserves to feel clean, to follow in their footsteps and join us, as we work together to end hygiene poverty for good.” Hygiene poverty is life-limiting and uniquely oppressive. It makes even small social interactions seem impossible and limits access to education and opportunities at work. The YouGov 2022 research found that: 1. A third of those affected isolate themselves from friends and family. 1. 16% of young people aged 16-24 have missed days at school. 1. Around 12% have missed job interviews or days at work. 1. It erodes our confidence and self-esteem, with over 60% of people saying it negatively impacts mental health. This year’s sponsors – all leading lights in the cleaning and FM sector are: Bridge Recruitment, Darwin Clayton, Futures Supplies, Liberty Hygiene, Evans Vanodine and The Cheeky Panda. All acknowledge that hygiene poverty is a growing issue across the UK. Chris Forbes, Co-Founder of The Cheeky Panda, said: “Hygiene poverty is a significant social issue in many communities. By sponsoring the event and providing products to The Hygiene Bank, Cheeky Panda is taking concrete action to combat this issue.” Michelle Brightly, Managing Director of Bridge Recruitment, said: “Cleanology have made a huge effort to highlight The Hygiene Bank and we are thrilled to make a contribution to help such a cause. In today’s world, it is unacceptable that hygiene poverty is something that holds someone back in life.” Jeannette McWilliams, UK National Account Manager of Evans Vanodine plc, said: “As a manufacturer of cleaning and hygiene products, we realise the importance of staying clean. Evans is proud to support the vital work that The Hygiene Bank do to ensure everyone has access to the basics they deserve.” Scott Marshall, CEO & Founder of Liberty Hygiene, said: “In 2023 there should not be anybody who is in hygiene poverty Hopefully with the wonderful work of The Hygiene Bank soon it will be no more. We are all really excited about the event. If it's anything like the last two it will be an amazing night and lots of money will be raised." Ashley Hoadley, Director of Darwin Clayton, said: “We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of the Cleanology Hygiene Bank Charity Evening in 2023, following such a fantastic event in 2022. It will be another exciting evening and an opportunity to raise more funds needed to support the important work the Hygiene Bank is doing to help those living in poverty in the UK.” Marc Kemp, Managing Director of Futures Supplies, said: “Hearing the difference The Hygiene Bank is making to individuals’ lives is moving and humbling. Poverty has never been more important than it is today with the cost-of-living crisis. Our team are excited to be part of something that is contributing to making a real difference, Keep up the great work The Hygiene Bank!” The Hygiene Bank is a grassroots people-powered charity supporting people suffering from hygiene poverty, inspiring social change and giving people access to the basics they need. The charity believes it is not right that feeling clean should be a luxury or a privilege for anyone in our society.

We are delighted to announce that John Anderson has been inducted into the Family Business United ‘Family Business Hall of Fame,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work in advancing the field of family business. John has devoted much of his career to the field of family business, having had the privilege of working with owners of growing family businesses, both in the delivery of practical executive education programmes at Strathclyde Business School and in a personal capacity as a hands on Non-Executive Director and Chairman. Today, at Strathclyde, he delivers practical executive education programmes for family and non-family executives, leads on the development of their family business specialism and manages their sponsorship of The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards and the Family Business United Scottish Family Business Road Trip." John previously served as a director of a family-owned technology company engaged in the design, manufacture and distribution of laboratory equipment and as a chartered accountant in professional practice, latterly as a partner at grant Thornton, he worked with a mixed portfolio of growth companies after returning to Scotland from EY in Chicago in 1989. John is currently the Chairman of family-owned leadership development company BlueSky Experiences and a non-executive director of The Beal Group, a second generation family manufacturing business. Over the years John was a founding GlobalScot, a regular contributor to the Scottish Government's National Economic Forum and a founding member of the Enterprise Research Centre advisory group. He sat on the CBI Scotland Management Practices and Innovation working group and CBI/KPMG Productivity Index Business Advisory Group. Today he is a member of the Institute of Directors where he chairs the Glasgow & West of Scotland Branch Committee and of Chapter Zero, The Directors' Climate Forum. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United adds, “I have known and worked with John on many occasions over the years and he remains an incredible contributor to the family business space. He is a joy to work with and I am thrilled that we are able to give recognition to his notable contribution to the world of family business and to induct him formally into the Family Business Hall of Fame.” As John concludes, “At times I have felt like a voice in the wilderness when trying to explain to politicians, their officials and the media that family businesses are the real wealth creators in our economy. My firm belief that family businesses are the original responsible business, taking a long-term view and having an authentic commitment to all stakeholders, often fell on deaf ears." "Today, however, I no longer feel like that lonely voice and I am honoured to join fellow champions of family business in the FBU Family Business Hall of Fame.”

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has heaped praise on the outstanding work of a long-established packaging firm. Nottingham-headquartered The Wilkins Group has been recognised as spearheading the national reputation of not just East Midlands firms but businesses nationally, by Mr Hunt. The award-winning family firm was one of around 100 ‘Business Champions’ honoured by the Chancellor during a recent visit. Business champions are beacons of good business practice and Andre Wilkins, head of the Wilkins family and managing director of the company, was invited to represent the company at a reception at 10 Downing Street. After praising the Wilkins family firm, the Chancellor said: “Local businesses are vital for our economy, our day to day lives and our communities. Creating jobs, supporting growth in a huge variety of sectors, their tireless hard work does not go unnoticed." "As Chancellor, I see the contribution that local businesses make across the country to all our cities, towns and villages and this is something we can all be proud of. Not only do they bring immeasurable value to the economy, but they are also the heart and soul of so many of our communities." The praise from the Government is the pinnacle of a number of achievements for the Wilkins Group over the past few years, which has seen the firm named Midlands Family Business of the Year, win Best Business in the Pride of Gedling awards and launch its multi-million-pound 50,000 sq ft Phase 3 factory extension at its UK headquarters at Colwick Industrial Estate. The three-acre addition to the site also aims to bring further investment in numerous new machines, capable of assisting in the current demands of the wider food packaging sector. Mr Wilkins, who was just 17 when he helped his father Ken set up the firm in a room in a house in Talbot Street in 1963, said: “It was an honour to get invited to meet the Chancellor." “It really is a spin-off from the massive investments we have been making in the last 12 to 18 months, creating more highly skilled jobs to grow the business at a higher level.” He added: “Mr Hunt was very supportive, and was keen to give recognition to key businesses, particularly family firms, that are supporting the local economy.” The firm - well-known for designing the LED light base for Marks & Spencer’s festive snow globe liqueurs and supplying packaging to leading supermarkets - hopes to have a £70 million turnover in the next five years. The company’s headquarters are in Gedling and Mr Wilkins was invited to the reception by the constituency’s MP, Tom Randall, who gave him a tour of the Houses of Parliament beforehand. Mr Randall said: “Thank you to the Wilkins Group for investing in and expanding its Colwick head office and employing so many local people.” The Wilkins Group, a family-run carton packaging supplier, now has manufacturing hubs in Colwick, Eastern Europe, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, China and the USA, employing 340 people in Nottingham and around 500 globally. To find out more, please visit www.wilkins.co.uk .

Stirling Distillery is delighted with the latest recognition for their award-winning distillery, earning a coveted 2023 Travellers’ Choice Award from online travel website Tripadvisor. The award supports the distillery’s goal to be recognised as a top tourism destination in the city and marks the second success for their visitor experiences in 2023, having recently picked up Visitor Attraction of the Year at the annual Stirling Business Awards. Travellers’ Choice Awards celebrate businesses that have consistently received great visitor reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months, with the distillery earning over 700 five-star reviews since opening its doors back in 2019. Situated in the heart of Stirling on the city’s castle rock, and housed within a renovated building which is said to be the location used by King James VI to stable his horses, the historic distillery produces a range of award-winning gins and whiskies alongside the industry-leading visitor experiences. Distillery Manager Elle McCann shared her pride in the growth of the attraction over the last 12 months: “Everyone at the distillery has worked incredibly hard since we opened to continuously develop and grow our experiences into an industry-leading product for visitors to Stirling." “With the number of guests we’ve welcomed doubling in 2023, this award is a testament to our team of passionate tour guides who work hard to tell the rich history and folklore of Stirling and give guests a truly unique taste of our city.” John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor, offered his congratulations to all award winners: “Congratulations to the 2023 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice winners. The travel resurgence we’ve seen throughout the past year has even further heightened the competition. Earning a Travelers’ Choice Award demonstrates that you have provided great experiences to those who matter most: your guests.” “With changing expectations, continued labour shortages, and rising costs, this is no easy feat, and I am continually impressed with the hospitality industry’s resilience and ability to adapt. Cheers to another successful year!”