Willmott Dixon’s extensive track-record for breathing new life into popular cultural attractions has seen it chosen by Southend Council as its construction partner for a proposed major upgrade of the Cliffs Pavilion. As part of a pre-construction agreement with the council, Willmott Dixon will carry out design development and a pre-construction health and safety plan as well as a construction methodology and programme planning including phasing. The company will then agree a full contract subject to planning approval, an agreed cost plan and works programme that enables the Cliffs Pavilion to stay open for performances throughout the work. This work at Cliffs Pavilion Theatre will help secure its long-term future as one of the top ten regional theatres in the country. It is owned by the council and operated by Trafalgar Theatres (for Trafalgar Entertainment). Over £8m is set to be invested into the theatre to fund a major expansion of the restaurant, a new entrance and lobby to improve the customer experience, upgraded ventilation, a new outdoor piazza and several other improvements to the bars, toilets, lifts and other areas. The theatre will remain open throughout the project, which is expected to start in January 2024, with £5.5m of the project funded through Round 1 of the Levelling Up Fund announced by Government on 27 October 2021, with additional investment from the City Council and Trafalgar Entertainment. A revised planning application will be submitted in July, when a resident event will take place and artists impressions will be available. Councillor Derek Jarvis, cabinet member for arts, culture, heritage and leisure, said: “The Cliffs Pavilion Theatre is one of Southend’s key venues for culture, arts and events and adds so much to our reputation as a cultural destination and brings millions of pounds into the local economy. This work will ensure that we reinforce its position as one of the top ten regional theatres in the country." “The proposed expansion and upgrade of the theatre will also help us to secure the future success of the Cliffs Pavilion, in the hopes of benefiting from larger touring shows and bringing larger audiences to Southend whilst also benefitting our local economy.” This is the latest in a series of major projects for Willmott Dixon to improve the cultural and heritage offering of major towns and cities. Others include The Globe in Stockton, the east wing of Alexandra Palace, The Box in Plymouth, Darlington Railway museum and Bristol Beacon. It is currently on site at Walthamstow transforming the EMD Cinema into an entertainment venue run by Soho Theatre.

KPMG Private Enterprise have launched a new report that considers the diversification of the family businesses financial, human and social capital entitled ‘Redefining Wealth in Family Businesses.’ Family businesses the world over are well known for their patient capital strategies and a focus on long-term value creation, the concept of ‘capital’ and how it is allocated is evolving, and with the idea of patient capital becoming more expansive and inclusive. Indeed, the idea of patient capital now commonly includes less tangible sources of social and human capital that are typically reflected in the family’s purpose and values. The report finds that many business families are facing a new reality from a wealth creation and capital allocation perspective. After a lifetime of having the family wealth almost entirely bound up in their business, the need to de-risk and diversify their wealth is becoming apparent. And it is a key driver for families that are seeking more independent wealth — especially tech savvy next-generation family members who are eager to set out on their own entrepreneurial journeys. The report explores three key issues: The need for greater diversification of their assets – both inside and outside the business (De-risking and diversifying the family’s wealth) The impact of generational shifts in business and family wealth transitions (Protecting and growing the business family’s assets) Patient capital – Ensuring that the family’s purpose and values continue to be aligned with their long-term capital allocation strategies with respect to their company’s financial, human and social capital assets (Adopting a world view of the family’s strategic assets) “The report provides much food for thought for the family business community, especially in light of the past few years where businesses have had to deal with plenty of uncertainty surrounding the pandemic and continuing economic and business uncertainty. It is not surprising that family business owners are looking to remove elements of risk and to diversify the nature of the family’s wealth by branching out into new business areas using the core skills and strengths of the next generation either,” explains Paul Andrews, Founder & CEO of Family Business United. “It is also good to note that family businesses are being recognised for their strategic thought and approach to the stewardship and governance of their firms with the report receiving more attention than anticipated outside of the family business arena." "It is great to see that increasingly the family business space is providing lessons for the wider business community and that their innovative and entrepreneurial approach being recognised at the same time,” concludes Paul. Download and read the full report here:

HMG Paints have marked National Apprenticeship Week 2023 with a celebration of a number of colleagues at various stages of their Apprenticeship journeys. The Manchester based manufacturer has been a long-term advocate of apprenticeships and developing its own staff and allowing them to develop careers within HMG. This is highlighted with current Chief Operating Office Steve Crossman, who joined HMG as an 18-year-old apprentice himself. The business employs a number of apprentices across the business in roles ranging from paint production, laboratory and logistics to office-based roles. One of the newer apprentices just starting her journey is Gabby Parfitt who joined HMG in 2021 as a member of the Print Room. Gaby is undertaking a level 3 apprenticeship. The 16-month course will provide her with a Level 3 business administrator qualification. “I like doing my course at HMG because it gives me further education while working. HMG also provides time and a quiet space to do my apprenticeship work and participate in online lessons” said Gabby “My apprenticeship has taught me how to manage my time and set priorities for tasks that are urgent and non-urgent and helping create healthy habits. The 4D’s (delete, defer, delegate and do it) helped me with this.” At the other end of the journey is Shannon Williams, who completed her Degree Level Apprenticeship in Business Management (Chartered Manager) in 2022 and achieved an Upper Second-Class Honours and has since been promoted to Product Manager. On her apprenticeship journey Shannon commented “The Degree Apprenticeship helped to develop my skills and knowledge of business through a wide range of subjects and management processes. These skills have helped with my new role as Product Manager. HMG provided me with the support and time needed throughout to enable me to complete the degree”. HMG Paints COO Steve Crossman, is proud of the ongoing success of the apprenticeship scheme “We’re pleased to support our staff in developing themselves professionally and personally, and the apprenticeships are the perfect way to gain academic knowledge and real-life experience. We have a number of staff who have been here for decades with a wealth of knowledge and we’ve found combining that with the learning providers is a perfect way to bring numerous advantages to HMG.” One of the common misconceptions of apprenticeships is that they are for early career journeys, however HMG also employ apprentices who are undertaking Level 7 qualifications. Once such employee is Lewis Whalen who is currently studying for his CIMA Level 7 Professional Accounting Technician qualification. Once Lewis completes his three-year apprenticeship course, he will be a qualified Management Accountant – ACMA (Associate of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants). “Completing my CIMA qualification whilst at HMG means I can apply some of my learning in the workplace and I have a better understanding of some modules due to the exposure and experience I have within HMG. It is an ideal way to combine practical experience with theoretical knowledge” Lewis added. As a Made in Britain accredited manufacture HMG offer a number of colour career choices. The nature and variety of HMG’s customer base & product portfolio means that there is a broad range of roles and opportunities within the company from apprentice and graduate opportunities in production and operations to roles for experienced chemists within the Laboratory. These roles include technical positions such as paint technologists, research & development chemists and colour specialists with one eye on a sustainable, net zero future. Believe it or not the company even have roles that require watching paint dry.

Speedo’s new capsule collection combines its technical swimwear expertise with fun and vibrant artwork from UK-based illustrator Tegan Price . The limited collection is aimed at competitive club swimmers and consists of one swim cap and four swimsuits. Printed with Tegan’s exclusive illustrations, each encapsulates a different creative mood: simple and chic, abstract, playful and typographic. Speedo’s training swimwear has been engineered for performance. The fully lined suits are 100% chlorine resistant and made with 50% recycled fabrics, with one of the yarns made from post-consumer waste, such as plastic bottles. For freelance illustrator and designer Tegan, the collaboration has been a surreal experience: “I have a long-standing love for the brand as I have worn Speedo since childhood when I would swim each week with my grandparents,” she says. “In my art, I’m inspired by all things colourful and energetic and I’m keen to use my work to spark happiness and empowerment. This collaboration, hopefully, will bring more joy to the wearer’s time in the water and allow them to feel their strongest, most powerful and absolute best when wearing it.” Kirsty Saddler, global vice president of brand marketing at Speedo, commented on the collection saying: “This collaboration was born to help young competitive swimmers express themselves in the training pool, without compromising on the technical quality of their suits." "With this collection, it was important to work with a relevant artist to combine graphic, trend-led ranges with our classic suits, allowing the swimmers to not only feel good, but to bring their personality to the pool with Speedo." The limited-edition Speedo x Tegan Price collection is available at www.speedo.com . Image: Tegan Price with Team Speedo athletes Alice Tai, Freya Anderson and Anna Hopkins.

Endura is reviving a piece of forgotten cycling history ahead of the August World Cycling Championships in Scotland — the groundbreaking pedal cycle. First created by a Scottish inventor Kirkpatrick Macmillan in 1839, the pedal bike will be seen in action on the same route he once rode from Thornhill to Glasgow almost two centuries ago. The ambitious project pays homage to the inventor, Macmillan, whose vital contribution to modern-day cycling has rarely been spotlighted until now. A team of Scottish experts will bring the bike to life, capturing the essence of the invention while incorporating modern engineering capabilities. The journey is set to take place on 10th August while the World Cycling Championships, the biggest cycling event of the summer, is in full swing across Scotland. Endura athlete and professional rider Mikayla Parton will ride the new bike at significant points along Kirkpatrick’s original 1842 journey. Other athletes and personalities will also join the journey, with riders kitted out in Endura gear including the iconic Hummvee Short and a bespoke event day jersey. Noah Bernard, Brand Director at Endura, shared his excitement for the project, saying: “As a proud Scottish brand, we want to remind the cycling world that the foundations of this great sport were laid by a proud Scotsman, Kirkpatrick Macmillan, in Dumfriesshire." "Our historic ride will merge the past with the present in a way that encapsulates Endura’s commitment to performance and heritage while celebrating the spirit of innovation that drives our industry forward.” The project would not be possible without help from boat builder Tim Loftus; bicycle manufacturer Steven Shand; David Hurdle, distant relative of Macmillan and author of “The Life of Kirkpatrick Macmillan” and Dumfries Museum. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as Endura’s ‘Forgotten Legend’ project unfolds. Image: Tom Loftus, a boat builder, helps recreate the pedal bike.

Merck, a leading science and technology company, is expanding production capacity for highly-purified reagents at its site in Nantong, China, a major transportation hub in the Yangtze River Delta region. The approximate €70 million investment will allow the large-scale manufacturing of high-purity reagents for quality control and testing for biopharma customers, increasing annual output by several thousand tons. Merck and the Nantong Economic and Technological Development Area (NETDA) today signed the corresponding agreement in support of the expansion. “Continued growth of the life science and biopharma industries in China have increased demand for high-quality products and a more resilient supply chain,” said Jean-Charles Wirth, Head of Science & Lab Solutions, Merck Life Science. “To ensure seamless supply for our customers, we have accelerated our expansion plan in China. In doing so, we continue to support the life science industry and enhance our ability to better serve our customers’ need for high-quality and reliable products.” Merck will build a new reagent production plant at the Nantong site, which is expected to be operational by 2026. The facility will cover 40,000 square meters and offer high-performance products for quality control and testing to customers in the pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors, including food & beverage. The NETDA site is already home to both the company’s Life Science and Healthcare business sectors. The facility produces cell culture media for Life Science customers; Healthcare manufactures high-quality medicines that are on China’s essential medicines list. It was opened in 2016 as part of NETDA, one of the first national-level economic and technological development zones in China. “Nantong serves as a major transportation hub in the Yangtze River Delta region, growing into an advanced manufacturing base. NETDA has taken the lead in developing a first-class economic development zone with high-end industrial modernization, sound industry-city integration, and internationalization,” said Bao Delin, Deputy Secretary and Director of the Administration Committee, NETDA. “Merck’s Life Science Center at Nantong, and its expansion marks an important milestone as the company continues to play an important role in Nantong’s transformation into an innovation-driven economy, with sustainable, high-quality growth at its core.” Merck aims to increase Group sales to approximately €25 billion by 2025. To achieve its growth targets, the company plans to increase its total investments between 2021 and 2025 significantly compared with the period from 2016 to 2020. The latest investment in Nantong further supports Merck’s strategy to diversify its footprint and increase supply chain resilience in alignment with its customer base. In 2022, the company’s Life Science business invested €29 million in a new biologics testing center in Shanghai, and €100 million to accelerate single-use manufacturing in Wuxi.

Providing delivery services on Croatian islands with their small towns and narrow streets has never been easy. This is why Gebrüder Weiss has started to offer its customers a particularly eco-friendly transport solution this summer: the logistics company now uses electric tricycles for deliveries to private homes and companies located on the islands of Rab and Lošinj. These vehicles have a low-noise but high-performance electric motor and are easy to manoeuvre, which makes them perfect for deliveries in small towns, tourist resorts and national parks – above all during the holiday season. Barbara Bujačić, Country Manager Croatia at Gebrüder Weiss adds: "It is important to maintain the islands’ authenticity and uniqueness. By using our electric tricycles to provide delivery services we help the island oases retain their charming character. And our customers will receive the goods they ordered online in an eco-friendly manner" "The vehicle can transport consignments with a total weight of up to 500 kilograms and cover 50 kilometres per day on one battery charge." In addition to electric tricycles, Gebrüder Weiss Croatia has recently started to use electric vans for deliveries to final customers in Zagreb as well. Whether furniture, washing machines, fridges and freezers or sports equipment – Gebrüder Weiss delivers the products wherever the customers need them. An electric van is able to cover 170 kilometres on one battery charge, allowing up to 35 eco-friendly deliveries per day. These vehicles are perfectly suited for transport in urban areas, and even reduce the roar of traffic thanks to their low-noise electric motor. Their batteries are charged via the company’s own Photovoltaic system recently put into operation at the company’s main location near Zagreb. The solar panels installed on the roof of the logistics facility boast an annual total peak performance of 500 kilowatts and contribute to saving about 107 tons of CO2 per year. Gebrüder Weiss implemented these sustainable measures in Croatia to take another step towards achieving the climate neutrality targets by 2030. For several years, the company has invested in alternative drives for heavy load transport, developing ecologically compatible solutions for the last mile. Thus, for instance in the Greater Vienna metropolitan area, electric trucks are used for local transport and for deliveries to final customers in Austria and Hungary. Moreover, one of the first hydrogen trucks worldwide has been in use in Switzerland since 2021. The acquisition of additional hydrogen and electric trucks in Germany is scheduled for 2024.

Family businesses often cherish their values as they are deeply rooted in the company's history and culture. These values are typically established by the founding generation of family business leaders and become an integral part of the company's identity. However, as time goes by and the business landscape evolves, it becomes crucial for family businesses to assess whether their values remain relevant and effective. This article explores the importance of periodically re-evaluating family business values and how doing so can positively impact long-term growth and success. Times Change: The Need for Fresh Values While the values that guided a family business in its early days may have served it well, they might no longer be as applicable or effective in the current market environment. Here are some signs indicating that it may be time to consider a values re-evaluation: The business has changed and evolved, and the original values are no longer as relevant as they originally were A new generation of the family has taken over the leadership and wants to signal a fresh approach Your values no longer distinguish you from other companies Your values no longer totally reflect the type of business you aspire to be Your people can no longer identify with your values in a way that they once did Your values are no longer your USP when it comes to attracting customers and employees The Value of Values Understanding the significance of values is crucial for family business leaders. Your values have the potential to be your USP. If written and executed well, they can differentiate you from the rest and directly impact long-term profitable growth. Your values have the power to: 1. Attract the right people who share your values and mindset 2. Reduce staff turnover and the costs associated with that 3. Increase productivity 4. Differentiate you in the eyes of your customers 5. Differentiate you in the eyes of your suppliers 6. Underpin the culture of your business and 'how we work together around here' 7. Position you as a business that is serious about its people and its long-term impact Revamping Your Values: An Evolution, Not a Revolution The process of re-evaluating family business values need not be a complete overhaul. Instead, it can be an evolutionary process that builds upon the existing foundation. Here are steps to consider when embarking on a values re-evaluation: Firstly, identify what is driving the need for a change in your values Identify the success criteria for any Values refresh - what is it you want to achieve and how will you know when you've got there? Decide on the role of your various stakeholders e.g., your people, the leadership, your customers, your suppliers etc Create a process for involving all those highlighted above Identify a communication plan to run alongside this activity Identify how you will ensure that your values can be translated into everyday behaviours which will shape your culture Identify what external help and expertise you will need to achieve the desired outcome Family businesses that recognise the need to periodically re-evaluate their values demonstrate a commitment to staying relevant and competitive in a changing business landscape. By carefully revisiting and evolving their values, family businesses can attract the right talent, enhance employee engagement, build stronger relationships with customers and suppliers, and position themselves for long-term sustainable growth. Embracing values as a powerful tool for differentiation and culture-building can lead to a more prosperous and purpose-driven family business journey. Inste

The team at a North Yorkshire farm shop and café are celebrating after reaching the final of a regional business award. Pickering business, Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Café has been shortlisted in the Rural Business of the Year category in the seventh Yorkshire Post Rural Awards. Cedarbarn co-founder, Mandy Avison said: "We're fourth-generation farmers and are proud to grow and rear a large percentage of our farm shop's produce and meat. We're delighted to be in the final and are looking forward to catching up with fellow rural businesses at the dinner." Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Café faces competition from fellow finalists, Soanes Poultry; Homestead Kitchen, Goathland; Moss Valley Fine Meats; Timmstock Farming and The Wensleydale Experience. The team will learn whether they have been successful at an awards ceremony at The Pavilions in Harrogate on Thursday, 28th September. Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Café began as a small PYO strawberries operation from a caravan 26 years ago and now is a thriving farm shop and café that sources a large percentage of its produce from its own farm and a neighbouring farm supplemented with local suppliers.

HMG Paints, a leading manufacturer of high-quality coatings and paints, is excited to announce the relaunch of Ferrozinc, a revolutionary water-based rust converter. With its exceptional performance and ease of use, Ferrozinc is the go-to solution for rust conversion in areas where shot blasting, or complete rust removal is impractical or impossible. “Ferrozinc has been a popular product for our customers for a number of years and we’re proud to introduce the new 250ml size” commented James Burton of HMG. “It’s such a handy product for users in a number of industries from decorators and industrial applicators to agricultural and classic vehicle restoration.” Traditionally, rust removal has been a laborious and time-consuming process, involving hours of wire brushing or the use of strong acidic chemicals that pose significant safety hazards. With HMG's Ferrozinc rust converter, however, this arduous task becomes a thing of the past. This is the perfect solution to anyone working in the decorative or industrial markets, and even classic car enthusiasts! Users only need to remove loose debris and poorly adhered surface rust, followed by a degreasing step to eliminate any contamination that may interfere with the chemical reaction. Afterward, a thin coat of Ferrozinc is applied to the rusted area, and within 30 minutes, the surface transforms into a black/navy colour, indicating the successful rust conversion. Any excess product can be easily wiped off, and after just +3 hours, the treated surface is ready to be overcoated with the user's preferred coating system. Ferrozinc's water-based formulation not only provides excellent rust conversion properties but also ensures a low odour, making it a more pleasant and user-friendly option compared to solvent-based alternatives. Ferrozinc is available in 250ml, 1 Litre or 5 Litres and can be purchased direct from HMG or their nationwide distributor network.

Community groups around the country have been planting apple trees this spring thanks to The Thatchers Community Orchard Project. Attracting hundreds of applications in the project’s third year, from as far afield as Aberdeen to Worthing, we’re delighted to have supported over 100 groups wanting to enhance their communities, with 500 apple trees donated this year. Including residents’ associations, parish councils, allotment groups, and care homes, five apple trees were donated to each of the successful applicants. To apply, they needed to explain why planting apple trees would make a difference to their communities. “It’s always a real pleasure to distribute apple trees to organisations who really care about the community around them,” says Martin Thatcher, our fourth generation cider maker. “We’ve been brought up with trees all around us at Myrtle Farm – so through this project we’re looking to spread apple tree love across the UK". “With applications from the North of Scotland to the South West, from both rural and urban communities, by donating apple trees we can help communities in so many different ways – from helping green urban residential communities, providing an area of peace and solitude to care homes, and an educational resource to schools and colleges.” With leading ciders such as Gold and Haze to our name, and over 500 acres of our own orchards in Somerset, we know a thing or two about planting apple trees. “There’s no better tree than an apple tree,” continues Martin. “From the tree’s beauty in spring when in full blossom, to the fascination of seeing the fruit develop throughout the summer, to the excitement of harvest, there’s always something new to see in an orchard." “The enthusiasm we’ve seen amongst volunteers supporting their communities is inspirational, and we’re delighted to be playing our part with this community tree planting project.” This is the third year we have run our Community Orchard Project, and brings the total number of organisations supported since launch to 175, with almost 1000 apple trees so far donated and planted across the country. “The project shares our family’s passion for apple trees, building communities and constant support of the environment and ecosystem around us today and for the future,” Martin concludes." Thatchers Community Orchard Project was first run in 2021. The project attracted such demand in its first year, we decided to more than double the number of trees we gave away in our second year, and in the third year doubling the number of organisations we supported.

Perdue Farms’ two Associate Resource Groups have been recognized in the 2023 Diversity Impact Awards, an annual award released by Talent Dimensions and the Global ERG Network (previously the Association of ERGs & Councils). The awards celebrate companies’ DEI strategies and inclusive workspaces that allow employees to feel supported. Perdue Farms’ Groundbreaking Associate Inclusion Network (GAIN) was named in the TOP 25 ERG Award category. GAIN strives to foster a sense of belonging for all people of color at Perdue to unleash Perdue’s fullest potential. Disabled Associates & Family Members (DAFM) was among 10 recipients of the Diversity Spotlight Impact Award. The members of DAFM work to ensure an inclusive environment for associates with any type of disability at Perdue, and support those with family members with disabilities. Perdue Farms is the only food and agriculture company awarded in the 2023 Diversity Impact Awards. “At Perdue Farms, we are committed to working together to promote diversity, cultivate an inclusive work culture, and foster a sense of belonging for all associates,” said Gary Miller, Vice President of Human Resources, and Interim Chief D&I Officer. “Our ARGs’ recognition at the 2023 Diversity Impact Awards is a testament to Perdue Farms’ industry leading commitment and continued strides to that goal.” Perdue Farms and other award recipients will be recognized at The Diversity Impact Awards Ceremony in Washington, DC, during the 2023 Global ERG Network Conference October 11- 13, 2023.