We are delighted to announce that Thomas Martin of Arco has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Inspirational Leader Thomas Martin, Chairman of Arco, has led a public affairs campaign to generate all-party political discussion on safety issues across UK business sectors. Throughout the last 12 months, he’s focussed on the risks of non-compliant PPE, demanding the Government takes stronger action to stop this. He’s had regular contact and briefings with Michael Kearny at the OPSS, written to Paul Scully at BEIS on the relaxation of PPE regulations and conformity post-Brexit, and developed a Position Paper on Arco’s experience and learnings from the Government’s response to COVID-19. All confirm his drive to preserve the UK’s safety credentials. "Furthermore, he has been an inspirational leader of Arco for many years before stepping up to the role of Chairman and is a fervent supporter and ambassador for all things family business and well deserving of his place within the Family Business Top 100."

We are delighted to announce that Jeremy Mathew of Dunsters Farm has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Family Business Stewardship During his tenure at Dunsters Farm, Jeremy has seen significant changes & challenges, including a recession, fuel increases, and a pandemic hit this popular family business. At the heart of his tenacity is his passion for the family business and its essential place in our community. As well as guiding the business over the past 4 decades, Jeremy has been dedicated to supporting the next generation – offering day-to-day guidance and mentoring his children since they joined the family business in 2014. "Jeremy is well deserving of recognition for his family business endeavours and inclusion within our Family Business Top 100."

We are delighted to announce that John Falder of HMG Paints has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Inspirational Leadership Sustainable Development Ambassador Champion of Change & Innovation Multi-Generational Family Business Leader To say that John has been in the paint industry and his family business for almost his whole life would almost be an understatement, as he started at HMG when he was about 7, accompanying his father and grandfather, Herbert Falder, founder of H. Marcel Guest, on Saturday mornings to go and help. “My very first job was sticking on labels, and packing tubes of adhesive this was fantastic, and a good Saturday morning which involved me earning some wages (2 shillings and 6 old pence to be exact), which were spent later in the day at a local toy shop,” said John in a recent interview. After John graduated from Bangor University in chemistry and marine biology, he started his full-time career in HMG at 21 years old and remains a huge part of the business 46 years later, stepping down as Managing Director in 2021 and becoming Chairman. In 2021 John Falder was awarded the paint industries highest honour with a lifetime achievement award from the British Coatings Federation. "John is a great example of someone that has dedicated his career to the family business and embraced each and every opportunity along the way. He thoroughly deserves recognition and his place in the Family Business Top 100."

We are delighted to announce that Richard Balson of R J Balson & Son has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Inspirational Leader Sustainable Development Ambassador Champion of Change & Innovation Next Generation Member Family Business Steward Multi-Generational Family Business Leader Richard is a family business champion, the 25th generation to run the family Butchers shop and the passion and love for his business and customers is unbelievable. He is an inspirational character, who has played his part in the fantastic history of England’s oldest family business. With Richard at the helm, he has guided the business through the pandemic, remaining open throughout, to provide great service to his customers. It has been a very busy couple of years and this is a family business that takes nothing for granted and has deep gratitude for still being here. "Richard is a great ambassador for the family business sector and truly deserving of his place within the inaugural Family Business Top 100."

We are delighted to announce that Richard Kershaw of Joseph Holt has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Inspirational Leader Next Generation Member Family Business Steward Multi-Generational Family Business Leader Richard is the fifth generation of Joseph Holt, a Manchester-based brewery and pub family. Richard is the great-great grandson of Joseph Holt, the founder, and has maintained the integrity of the company for over 21 years as CEO, and before then worked under his father at the company. To protect the family-run company, and multi-generational aspect, Richard encouraged his children to work their way up the company. Jane, his daughter, spent time as an Area Manager and Head of HR, recently becoming a member of the board. She also studied to become a Master Brewer, and won Brewer of the Year too. His son Andrew joined in 2018 and is currently working as an Area Manager, joining the Executive Board in September. "It is very evident that this company is a family and that is echoed from the top down. Richard has ensured that every member of staff feels included, whilst securing the future of the company via supporting his children. He is an inspirational leader and thoroughly deserving of his place in the Family Business Top 100."

We are delighted to announce that Stephen Bagnall of Alfred Bagnall & Sons Limited has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Inspirational Leader Champion of Change & Innovation Multi-Generational Family Business Leader Stephen Bagnall is the heart and soul of Bagnalls. He is proud of the company’s heritage as a fifth generation family business and encourages all colleagues to be proud of the reputation behind the Bagnall name. Stephen’s leadership is charismatic and engaging. His morals, values and ethics are solid and wholly reflected in the way the business is run. Stephen has a genuine, compassionate, and empathic approach to people and empowers colleagues to do the right thing and encourages them to give that extra 1% that will make all the difference to our customers. "Stephen has a natural hands-on approach and leads from the top. He regularly visits painters and managers on sites and rewards individuals with personal written messages of thanks when they have delivered exceptional customer service." He encourages innovation and new ways of thinking so that the company evolves for future generations by supporting product testing, trialling IT/application equipment and investing in people. "He is truly deserving of his place in the Family Business Top 100."

A local landowner has launched a new team building business which he says will be a much needed ‘shot in the arm’ for local corporate growth post-lockdown. The 700-acre Hatton Estate, which has been in the Arkwright family since the early 19th century, now hosts exclusive indoor and outdoor hospitality and events from four to 400 people. It is available on both fully managed days and a venue hire basis, with activities from sport and leisure through to individual and team challenges. Incorporating the Hatton Country World and Hatton Arms businesses, the new events menu includes everything from Laser Combat, Escape Rooms, Soap Box Derby, Scaling the Heights, Bridge The Divide and The Bigger Picture to It’s A Knockout, Circus Skills Workshop, Sports Days and Inflatable Games. Plus amateur sleuths can even take on a Crime Scene Investigation challenge. As well as team building, Hatton Estates’ new events marquee can host parties, events, conferences and weddings. This marks the latest in a series of diversifications for Hatton Estate, part of a country estate owned by the Arkwright family. The family – who are direct descendants of Sir Richard Arkwright, a pioneer of the industrial revolution – acquired seven small farmsteads in 1830. Over the years the small buildings on the farms became redundant due to the modernisation of British farming. Johnnie Arkwright said: “Exclusive Team Building, Family Fun and Activity Away Days are now a key part of business planning as companies decide how best to tackle what for many are more demanding times. It’s how best to build relationships with clients, to make your teams as effective as possible, to celebrate success and to motivate your employees.” “Located five minutes from the Midlands motorway network and regular trains to London and Birmingham, we’re obviously in a great position to host both local and national events.” “And because we have a whole range of the activities and facilities that most venues have to buy in, we are able to put on Events Days at very competitive prices.” He added: “For all businesses staff and clients are key and it’s well established that Away Days can boost both productivity and sales. Tailor making programmes that focus on a company’s objectives is an art-form in itself and the numerous venue options that Hatton is able to offer make this task that much more straightforward.” “If the Midlands is to thrive in an era of increasingly global competition where AI and digitalisation is fast changing both work practises and markets, we need forward-looking businesses prepared to invest in their teams and to explore new markets. And we want to do our bit to help our great region to stay at the forefront for decades to come.“ Hatton Estate has been home to the Arkwright family for the last 200 years when, back in 1770 they had the vision to build the first mechanised factory in the world and is now regarded as ‘The Father of the Factory System.’ “Carving a successful role for the Midlands over the next 100 years might be every bit as big a challenge as The Industrial Revolution all those years ago!” More information is available on their website here

A local landowner has launched a new team building business which he says will be a much needed ‘shot in the arm’ for local corporate growth post-lockdown. The 700-acre Hatton Estate, which has been in the Arkwright family since the early 19th century, now hosts exclusive indoor and outdoor hospitality and events from four to 400 people. It is available on both fully managed days and a venue hire basis, with activities from sport and leisure through to individual and team challenges. Incorporating the Hatton Country World and Hatton Arms businesses, the new events menu includes everything from Laser Combat, Escape Rooms, Soap Box Derby, Scaling the Heights, Bridge The Divide and The Bigger Picture to It’s A Knockout, Circus Skills Workshop, Sports Days and Inflatable Games. Plus amateur sleuths can even take on a Crime Scene Investigation challenge. As well as team building, Hatton Estates’ new events marquee can host parties, events, conferences and weddings. This marks the latest in a series of diversifications for Hatton Estate, part of a country estate owned by the Arkwright family. The family - who are direct descendants of Sir Richard Arkwright, a pioneer of the industrial revolution - acquired seven small farmsteads in 1830. Over the years the small buildings on the farms became redundant due to the modernisation of British farming. Johnnie Arkwright said: “Exclusive Team Building, Family Fun and Activity Away Days are now a key part of business planning as companies decide how best to tackle what for many are more demanding times. It’s how best to build relationships with clients, to make your teams as effective as possible, to celebrate success and to motivate your employees." “Located five minutes from the Midlands motorway network and regular trains to London and Birmingham, we’re obviously in a great position to host both local and national events." “And because we have a whole range of the activities and facilities that most venues have to buy in, we are able to put on Events Days at very competitive prices.” He added: “For all businesses staff and clients are key and it’s well established that Away Days can boost both productivity and sales. Tailor making programmes that focus on a company’s objectives is an art-form in itself and the numerous venue options that Hatton is able to offer make this task that much more straightforward." “If the Midlands is to thrive in an era of increasingly global competition where AI and digitalisation is fast changing both work practises and markets, we need forward-looking businesses prepared to invest in their teams and to explore new markets. And we want to do our bit to help our great region to stay at the forefront for decades to come.“ Hatton Estate has been home to the Arkwright family for the last 200 years when, back in 1770 they had the vision to build the first mechanised factory in the world and is now regarded as ‘The Father of the Factory System.’ “Carving a successful role for the Midlands over the next 100 years might be every bit as big a challenge as The Industrial Revolution all those years ago!” More information is available on their website here

We are delighted to announce that Tim Good of The John Good Group and The Matthew Good Foundation has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Inspirational Leadership Next Generation Multi-Generational Family Business Leader Champion of Change & Innovation Over the years, the John Good Group is proud to have created, grown and acquired an expanding range of respected brands across the logistics and travel industry. Tim is a Non-Executive Director of the John Good Group and Chairman of the Matthew Good Foundation. He is the 6th generation custodian of the family business whose passion for maritime and travel began when he started sailing at six years old. After studying law, Tim created several successful companies before joining the John Good Group board in 2008. Known for his energy, ideas and entrepreneurial spirit, Tim is passionate about having a measurable purpose that fuels success which can help their people lead fulfilling lives and make a positive difference to the world. "In 2011, Tim founded the Matthew Good Foundation and takes a keen interest in projects that positively impact people, communities and the environment. The Foundation continues to make a significant difference to the lives of others through Tim’s leadership and direction and he in inspirational in continuing to empower others to make a difference. He is a great steward and great ambassador for the broader family business community and thoroughly deserves his place in the Family Business Top 100."

We are delighted to announce that Andrew Malcolm of The Malcolm Group has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Inspirational Leadership Next Generation Multi-Generational Family Business Leader Champion of Change & Innovation Originating as a family-owned business in the 1920’s, The Malcolm Group has become one of the leading providers of Logistics, Construction and Maintenance services in the UK. The Malcolm Group began with assets of just a single horse and cart. A small family-run enterprise, its operation involved collecting coal from the nearby railway station, filling individual sacks in preparation for door-to-door deliveries in and around the local area. The success the company has enjoyed since then is largely due to the hard work and business savvy of one man – Donald Malcolm – who inherited the coal-round business from his late father. With entrepreneurial foresight and prudent investment in vehicles, plant and depots, he is responsible for building the business which we know today. By 1960, when the firm was acquired by Grampian Holdings, Donald had built it up to a fleet of 37 vehicles – plus seven items of plant. Consistent investment in the business, often ahead of market trends, lifted the company to its current status as a respected player in the logistics and construction markets. On 18th January 2002, Grampian Holdings plc was renamed The Malcolm Group plc and was fully listed on the UK Stock Exchange. In May 2005, after 45 successful years in the “public” domain, the Group was once again taken into private ownership by the Malcolm family, currently run by Donald’s two sons Andrew and Walter Malcolm. "Andrew is Joint Managing Director of The Malcolm Group and he has helped to create the ‘family culture’ that we see today, empowered individuals sharing a set of family values that have been passed down through the generations. He is a respected leader and driver of change and a great supporter and ambassador of the broader family business sector and he is well deserving of his place in the Family Business Top 100."

We are delighted to announce that Donald Ward of Ward has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Inspirational Leadership Next Generation Champion of Change & Innovation Ward was established in 1940, specialising in the recycling of ferrous metals in Woodville near Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire and as a family business has continued to grow ever since. Today Ward has an annual turnover in excess of £140m, employs over 400 people and operates a fleet of over 100 vehicles. The company is now managed by third and fourth generation family members who continue their commitment to developing waste management and recycling techniques, saving their customers money and helping them to meet and exceed their recycling targets. "Donald Ward is one of the next generation taking a leadership role and a directorship within the business. He continues the long family line of respected individuals to lead the business and drive the business forward, implementing change and investing for the future. He is truly deserving of his place in the Family Business Top 100."

We are delighted to announce that William Robinson of Robinson’s Brewery has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business. Recognition in respect of: Inspirational Leadership Multi-Generational Family Business Leader Family Business Steward The story of Robinsons is one that stretches back over 181 years, from humble beginnings to becoming one of the UK’s largest independent family brewers, with around 260 pubs across the North West and Wales. "William is the Managing Director of the Pubs Divisions at Robinson‘s Brewery and a great ambassador not just for the brewing sector but the family business sector as a whole. He is passionate and determined and recognised for the impact that he makes on a daily basis and fully deserving of his place in the Family Business Top 100."