The Hoggs of Fife story began in 1888 in the village of Strathmiglo, Fife, when young Andrew Hogg opened up his small workshop and began selling his unique, hand-crafted leather boots. Still owned and operated by the fourth generation of the same family, the business today is located just down the road in the historic market town of Cupar. Proud to be supplying craftsman made, fit for purpose clothing and footwear for farming, fieldsports and for all who love the British countryside. Hoggs of Fife provide honest, well-made products that give the wearer protection and pride. Trusted from family to field since 1888.

An introduction to G. Seller, their heritage & the team that see it as a privilege to care for families and their loved ones, when they need them most. They are care for families, as if they were one of their own family. A good insight into a long standing family business that has been caring for families for generations.

By their own admission, the family behind Greg Rowe Limited recognise that it is a ‘new brand from old hands’ which comes from an entrepreneurial founder who continues to drive innovation whilst at the same time transforming the tap into a multi-tasking kitchen appliance. Paul Andrews spoke to the Rowe family to find out more. The story begins back in 1965 when Greg Rowe met Bob Perrin whilst working together at Grohe UK before having the opportunity to form a tap design and manufacturing business of their own in 1978. Fast forward to today and Greg Rowe Limited is now a second generation, family-owned business that has lived and breathed kitchen tap design and manufacturing for over fifty years. Throughout this time, the Rowe name has become synonymous with innovation, and they have been responsible for transforming the humble tap into a multi-functional, must-have product. Their heritage includes the first three-in-one tap, Triflow® and the luxury kitchen and bathroom brassware brand Perrin & Rowe® but design ingenuity is the heartbeat of this business. Bob retired in 2007 and the opportunity arose for Greg Rowe Snr to form his own business and to move back into the world of design and innovation, which is at the heart of all that they do and is clearly something that is in his DNA. Today, QETTLE, which has secured global patents, is not only representative of the latest chapter in their founder Greg Rowe Sr’s commitment to product design and engineering excellence, but also of one family’s reputation as proud game-changers and blueprint makers. Put simply, QETTLE are brilliant, British-designed and engineered boiling water taps. What could be better than true, 100°C boiling water and filtered drinking water, plus normal hot and cold flows which all come from one tap? QETTLE is British innovation at its best, and better still, thanks to its ingenious, fully patented 4-in-1 design, QETTLE taps also come at pocket-friendly prices. The QETTLE range spans QETTLE Mini, a 2-in-1 tap, the best-selling QETTLE Original and the British-engineered, stainless steel QETTLE Signature. Accessories and options include coloured finishes, matching mixer taps and a QETTLE Chiller. This is a family that has designed a great product and followed their founder’s vision with a belief that there is a QETTLE for every kitchen. And today, the next generation, Greg Rowe Jr and his brother Todd, work alongside Greg Rowe Sr and his wife Alex. As Greg Rowe Sr explains, “Having the next generation of the family enter the business is great but it was never an easy option. They had to cut their teeth from the bottom up, sweep the factory floors, make the tea and learn about what we do, which at the same time helped them gain the respect of other employees.” Greg Rowe Jr continues, “I decided to pursue a career as a chartered accountant and took on a training contract with a firm in Essex which I enjoyed. But when the Financial Controller retired, there was an opening in the business. After a period of discussion, I was offered the role, joined the business and eventually made my way up to Finance Director.” Todd, on the other hand, was adamant that he did not want to join the business and became a derivatives’ trader in London before completing a degree in English and History at the University of London. Time moved on and again there was an opportunity to join the business which he took, with his experience helping with everything from finetuning fulfilment and dispatch processes to implementing a sophisticated, and fully integrated CRM platform. He now has a key role within the digital, operations and logistics aspects of the business. Formerly Perrin & Rowe’s Marketing Manager, history graduate Alex went onto establish a successful PR consultancy specializing in kitchens, bathrooms and interiors, before being the last to return to the business as Marketing Director. She is now involved with QETTLE’s brand strategy, creates a wide range of content for various digital outlets and differing customer groups and is increasingly engaged with developing key sales opportunities. The business is steeped in innovation, patents and a desire for continued improvement. They are deliberate disruptors, and under the leadership and vision of Greg Rowe Snr have combined long-held design and engineering expertise with new technology to create a product – a ‘tap appliance’ – that is accessible to the mass market. Greg Rowe Jr says, “Back in 2001, Dad stated he believed the future of tap design would include a tap with 4 in 1 functionality – and his prediction has been fulfilled. But it doesn’t stop there. We have plenty of ideas for continued product development, too. Most importantly, we strive to constantly move forward. We have always been innovators, rather than duplicators, and we put a great deal of energy and investment into ensuring we retain this position in the marketplace.” Alex adds, “There is much more to QETTLE than just being a tap. Before experiencing a boiling water tap, there’s often scepticism and the thinking that it’s a lot of money for a kettle that’s plumbed in. But after QETTLE, and once people have realised the myriad ways the tap can be used – from instant hot drinks and speedy snacks such as noodles, porridge and soup – to cooking shortcuts, filling hot water bottles and sterilising jam jars, the word ‘game-changer’ gets mentioned a lot. And of course, there’s also unlimited filtered drinking water, plus energy benefits, too.” Greg Rowe Snr is proud that this is a family business, but equally recognizes the need to build a solid business with the right people in the right positions to drive the business forward. He says, “It is great to have the next generation working with us but they are only here because they can do the job, and if they were part of a recruitment process for their roles today, I would still employ them as they are the right people with the skills that we need, and in no way employed because of who they are.” “I am proud of what we have already built, but it is also important for me in terms of legacy, to provide the kids with an opportunity in my lifetime and to watch them grow and take it to the next level, whilst I am alive, which for me is so much better than leaving it to them later on.” “Letting go is never going to be easy but for me, right from the start this was a business for the next generation, built around the whole family.” Todd reiterates, “Dad always said and continues today with the fact that the business comes first. It’s like a living organism and is a component of all of us that are involved. We have a shared purpose, are all collectively building it and working towards a sustainable business for the future too.” Greg Jnr agrees, adding that “Both Todd and I grew up when Dad was working hard in Perrin & Rowe, so have lived with taps and innovation all our lives. We grew up in this world, but when we get together outside of the business, it is important that work does not completely dominate the conversation. That said, it is never going to be easy when we all love what we do!” Building the skills and competencies needed to drive the business forward is always on the agenda too with people being recruited into roles where they are needed. People are at the heart of the business and the family recognise that they cannot do it all themselves. Greg Rowe Sr acknowledges, “We recruit the best we can for the roles we need and understand that we need to future proof the business through the way we work, the systems we operate and the innovations that we continue to drive into the business at every level. I firmly believe that we need to look to the long term and that starts now, making sure we lay the foundations early. For me, I would always advocate being brave, live, breathe and take the opportunity to shape your legacy each and every day and embrace the next generation by supporting them, empowering them in their roles and building the best team around you to give you every chance to succeed too.” Outstanding innovation and engineering for over fifty years is at the heart of this family business and with the next generation fully engaged and leading the business, the next half-century years should continue to deliver more of the same as they continue to grow and develop, as a family and a business, harnessing their full potential and continuing to tap into the innovative skills that are built inherent within the business too. Find out more about the business and their innovative products at www.qettle.com

York Agricultural and Horticultural College, Askham Bryan, and Yorkshire plant nursery, Johnsons of Whixley, have collaborated to create a new bespoke 12-week horticultural training course. Johnsons, a family business and one of the UK’s leading plant nurseries, is located just 12 miles from Askham Bryan College and first contacted the organisation in early spring ’23 regarding a training partnership to ensure its employees stay at the forefront of horticultural knowledge through specialised training. The two organisations have been working together since the 1970s with Johnsons providing work placements and the college providing horticultural courses for its staff. Johnsons chairman, John Richardson was also a governor at Askham for twenty years. The course, ‘An Introduction to Horticulture’, will offer employees from Johnsons the chance to broaden their knowledge in various aspects of horticulture, from plant identification to planting locations and the impacts of plant choices, with a mixture of practical and theoretical tests. The weekly sessions will be held from July – September at the college, which recently celebrated 75 years of providing specialist education. The course will be repeated for future cohorts of Johnsons employees. Attendees put their own names forward to attend the inaugural course and were selected by their line managers. Course attendees include Adam Davis, Matt Campey, Gary Hardwicke, Ashley Robinson, Tomasz Kedra, Gergo Kontos, Chris Edgar, Chris Pearce, Matthew Goodwin, Elliot Green, Katie Burlingham, Dmytro Orlov, Filippo Pellizon and Louise Roberts. Askham Bryan Curriculum area manager, Steve Bassford, said: “The college is looking forward to having the opportunity to deliver the bespoke course and building on already formed relationships." "Having a positive impact on a local business such as Johnsons of Whixley enables a commercial education partnership which will be mutually beneficial to all.” Johnsons of Whixley marketing and office manager, Eleanor Richardson, said: “It’s important to invest in our employee’s futures, to broaden and enhance their existing knowledge. This comprehensive learning experience will equip them with essential skills in the field of horticulture and is a good opportunity to get different departments working together in collaboration with our local college again."

Mitre and the Homeless World Cup are joining forces in a new partnership ahead of the 2023 Sacramento Homeless World Cup – the first time the tournament will be held in the USA. Mitre – the official ball supplier for FA competitions – will be an Official Supporter of the event and provide match balls for the next three years. The Homeless World Cup is an annual, world-class, international football tournament that brings together teams of men and women who are homeless or have experienced homelessness to represent their country. The event, which demonstrates the life-changing potential of sport, showcases the dedication and talent of players from each territory. This year’s World Cup takes place from 8th – 15th July at California State University, Sacramento. As well as acting as the venue for the games, the university will accommodate the visiting countries and their players on campus. Mitre’s support of the Homeless World Cup will feature in the film ‘The Beautiful Game’, set to be released by Netflix in 2024. The partnership aligns with the brand’s ambition to promote the game at all levels. On the partnership, Mel Young, Co-founder and Homeless World Cup President, said: “The Homeless World Cup uses football to inspire and demonstrate the power of sport in changing people’s lives. Our tournament brings a sense of purpose to those who may feel like they’ve lost theirs. It’s also a football competition of the highest quality with some outstanding talent on display.” Simon Breckon, Brand Director, Mitre, adds: “The Homeless World Cup is the perfect fit for Mitre, as it’s a tournament with real purpose, whilst also maximising quality footballing talent. At Mitre we are fans of all levels of the game and look forward to seeing our match balls in full flight in Sacramento.”

Today Canterbury announces the extension of its partnership with The British & Irish Lions as the official apparel partner and exclusive kit supplier for the upcoming 2025 Lions tour to Australia. The British & Irish Lions partnered with Canterbury for both the 2017 and 2021 series. The partnership will also launch a groundbreaking Lions Origin Schools initiative, the first official collaboration between The British & Irish Lions, Canterbury and schools rugby. It aims to celebrate the connection between the Lions and the schools that have played a pivotal role in shaping future Lions’ players. As a special tribute, participating schools will have the exclusive opportunity to wear a distinctive Lions Origin Schools kit, showcasing their affiliation with the Lions and the team’s heritage. Alongside this, Canterbury will continue its ongoing partnership with the Lions Origin Clubs programme to invest in rugby development at all levels and engage with communities who have shaped the Lions’ future. Ben Calveley, CEO of The British & Irish Lions commented: “Canterbury has been a fantastic partner to The British & Irish Lions for many years, and we are thrilled to continue our successful partnership for the 2025 tour to Australia. Anticipation is building ahead of the tour in 2025, and we believe it has the potential to be the greatest Lions tour ever.” Simon Rowe, vice president of global sports marketing at Pentland Brands commented: “This extended partnership is a testament to our longstanding collaboration and shared commitment to investing in, and celebrating, the incredible sport of rugby. Together, we will create a groundbreaking kit that reflects the spirit of the Lions and pushes the sport into a new era of Lions fan. Our focus extends beyond the field, as we aim to expand the appeal of rugby to new consumers and ignite their passion for the sport.”

For more than a decade, Perdue Farms has partnered with the International Center of Kentucky in Bowling Green and Owensboro to help refugees and immigrants integrate and thrive through employment opportunities at its Cromwell, Kentucky, operation. On Saturday, June 24 at the World Refuge Day Festival in Bowling Green, the International Center unveiled two co-branded vehicles funded by Perdue Farms to support the Center’s World of Work Program in western Kentucky. The World of Work Program is focused on educating refugees and immigrants who have been approved by the U.S. federal government to understand American and work culture, learn English, develop interview skills, and have transportation to job interviews and orientation, and drug testing. “For many refugees, transportation is often a barrier to securing employment,” said Albert Mbanfu, CEO of the International Center of Kentucky. “Funding support from Perdue Farms for a 76-seat bus and a van helps eliminate that barrier and is an important part of a support structure that enables them to assimilate and integrate into the community.” The vehicles were funded by a $50,000 Perdue Foundation grant. The donation from Perdue’s charitable giving arm is part of the company’s Delivering Hope to Our Neighbors® program to improve quality of life and build strong communities. Perdue Farms employs 1,269 associates at its poultry harvest complex based in Cromwell. Approximately 53 percent of the workforce is composed of refugees and immigrants, representing 25 nationalities. “At Perdue Farms, we celebrate the diversity of our workforce and the long partnership we’ve had with the International Center of Kentucky to bring opportunity to the refugee and immigrant population,” said Andrew Herndon, complex human resources manager for Perdue in Cromwell. “Partnering with the International Center of Kentucky provides Perdue access to a diverse pool of skilled and motivated workers who bring unique perspectives, experiences, and cultural diversity to our workplace. This diversity can foster innovation, creativity, and problem-solving within the company,” he said. Kim Nechay, executive director of the Perdue Foundation, praised the work of the International Center of Kentucky. “The Perdue Foundation is proud to support the wonderful work of the International Center and provide funding that removes a barrier for so many who have come to this country seeking a better way of life,” said Nechay.

A thriving Staffordshire Moorlands community cricket club has been bowled over by a five-year support deal from digger giant JCB. Oakamoor Cricket Club has secured £2,000 sponsorship from the company which will see all men’s and women’s teams as well as a host of boys and girls junior squads sporting new JCB playing shirts. The club play home games and practise at the Davies/Worthington Memorial Ground, Mill Road, and regularly fields six adult teams and junior squads ranging from under 8s through to under 16s, competing in games across North Staffordshire and South Cheshire. Club spokesman Jonathan Wood, HR Business Partner at JCB, said: “Oakamoor is a thriving cricket club and we pride ourselves on making the game accessible to all at both competitive and friendly levels. We have six adult teams and more than 100 children a week attending our practice sessions on a Friday evening. This sponsorship makes a great difference to our long-term future and every single player will be proud to wear their JCB shirts. We hope to represent the JCB name with winning results on the cricket field over the coming season and beyond.”

Faversham-based brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame has raised £30,000 for its Charity of the Year, Kent Wildlife Trust. Based in Sandling, Maidstone, Kent Wildlife Trust (KWT) is the county’s leading conservation charity. KWT manages more than 90 nature reserves across Kent, ensuring the landscape is protected and enhanced for wildlife. KWT has been undertaking several ground-breaking reintroduction projects in Kent with species such as bison, and is also paving the way for carbon lock-up and native habitat restoration. Shepherd Neame chose KWT as its Charity of the Year at the start of 2022, and fundraising activities by team members at the brewery and across its pub estate have included taking part in the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge in Dorset last May, organising a Royal Brewery Bake Off competition as part of Platinum Jubilee celebrations, sponsored pub walks, photography competitions and a series of summer beach cleans at four of its coastal sites. It is Shepherd Neame’s third Charity of the Year partnership following the relaunch of its Sheps Giving charitable arm in 2018. The company’s Sheps Giving committee co-ordinates the donation of thousands of pounds worth of beer each year, along with vouchers for its pub and hotel estate, to local groups and individuals in support of their fundraising activities. Shepherd Neame Chief Executive Jonathan Neame marked the end of the partnership by presenting a cheque to KWT’s Chief Executive Evan Bowen-Jones last Friday (June 23). They met at Oare Marshes Nature Reserve – just a couple of miles from the Faversham Brewery – as the funds raised by Shepherd Neame during the past year are being put towards a new green energy project at the site. Oare Marshes is a flagship site for Kent Wildlife Trust (KWT), designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Local Nature Reserve (LNR), Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site. The site supports nationally important numbers of breeding and over-wintering wading birds along the coast of the Swale Estuary and wildfowl, egrets, bittern, and raptors. KWT is planning on using Shepherd Neame’s contribution to fund a new solar and wind power to electrify the reserve (namely the building known as The Watch Tower), enabling their team to increase the number of education activities on the site and create more opportunities for engagement and income. Jonathan Neame said: “We have really enjoyed partnering with Kent Wildlife Trust during the past year to help raise awareness of their fantastic work to protect and improve habitats in the countryside, coast and town for the benefit of the wildlife and people of Kent. We are incredibly proud to present them with this donation, which is going towards a fantastic project just a stone’s throw from our brewery. I would like to thank the many customers and team members who have supported our fundraising efforts during the past year.” Kent Wildlife Trust’s Director of Fundraising, Marcoms, and Advocacy, Tamarin Ward said: “We are incredibly grateful to Shepherd Neame and their amazing efforts which will help us deliver a Wilder Kent." “Over the last year, Shepherd Neame has raised much-needed funds, and staff and patrons have given up their time to clean beaches, removing plastics and rubbish from our shoreline. Their efforts have been inspiring and directly contributed to improving the Kentish landscape. Through collaborations like this, we strengthen and grow, taking meaningful action for nature together.”

Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels is celebrating the first anniversary of Highland Safaris joining the group, following the acquisition of the local Perthshire business in June 2022. Since then, the popular attraction, located in Aberfeldy, has gone from strength to strength, with new offerings added and more set to launch in the coming weeks. Over the past year, the award-winning destination has secured an exciting new location for its Loch Tay Safaris. Its boat, Lolaire, now sails from Taymouth Marina in Kenmore, boasting much better facilities for customers such as parking, restrooms and a Café onsite, as well as a more weather-proof base for the Highland Safaris team. The visitor attraction has also been able to develop new adventures for guests including a shorter, 50-minute Loch Tay Cruise and an action-packed Land Rover Mini Safari. New activities set to launch at Highland Safaris in the near future include mini electric Land Rovers for younger visitors, a Walking Safari for those keen to up their step count and archery and air rifle experiences for those who want to test their aim. Commenting on a successful first year, Stephen Leckie, Chairman and CEO of Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, said: “Outdoor, adventure and wildlife experiences are a key part of what makes a visit to Scotland so unique and memorable. Bringing a successful business such as Highland Safaris into our portfolio has meant that we are able to provide visitors with an exciting glimpse into our rich natural heritage and truly enhance their experience of our country. " “With ever increasing visitor numbers and a host of thrilling new experiences and activities introduced over the past year, our partnership with the Highland Safaris team has got off to a fantastic start, all whilst engaging with the landscape and community of Perthshire in a positive and environmentally sensitive way." “We have invested in the area and continued to help support local suppliers and partners, and with much more planned for the near future, the team can’t wait to welcome new and returning guests, as they enjoy an authentic look at what wild Scotland has to offer.” Looking back on a busy 12 months, Helga Petersone, General Manager at Highland Safaris, said: “Since joining the Crieff Hydro Family, we have been able to implement numerous improvements which have made a noticeable difference to the business, team, our visitors and the local community. " “In particular, our new experiences have been very popular with young families and customers looking for exciting excursions to fit into their action-packed day." “We aim to provide a world class experience taking in the local countryside and wildlife for those keen to get closer to nature, and our partnership with Crieff Hydro Family has ensured we continue to do just that.” Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels comprises eight hotels located in Perthshire, Dundee, the Scottish Borders and the Highlands.

Sybron, a leading UK supplier of cleaning, hygiene and catering products to some of the largest names in hospitality, has launched SySoft Luxury Bamboo Toilet Tissue. Partnering with eco-friendly and bamboo specialist, UniGreen, Sybron has created this sustainable product with exceptional environmental properties, in response to growing customer demand. SySoft Luxury Bamboo Toilet Tissue will appeal to Sybron’s environmentally committed customers, in particular premium hotels working towards reducing their carbon footprint. It is available in cases of 48, 3ply rolls with 200 sheets per roll. SySoft Luxury Bamboo Toilet Tissue is made from 100% bamboo and the packaging is plastic-free. The many environmental benefits of bamboo are widely known: it is recyclable, biodegradable and compostable; it is the single fastest growing plant, fully grown within three to five years, versus 30-50 years for trees; it thrives in depleted soil and retains soil moisture, encouraging re-growth; it generates 38% more oxygen and removes more carbon dioxide from the air than trees; it prevents deforestation by eliminating the need to cut down trees. “With the launch of SySoft Luxury Bamboo Toilet Tissue, Sybron continues its ambition to work towards a greener future,” says Sybron’s sales and marketing director, George Mason. “SySoft customers will know they are helping to create a sustainable future for the planet by replacing wood pulp paper and plastic goods with products made from bamboo, the world’s fastest growing renewable plant source, and by supporting communities and creating jobs.” UniGreen is working towards a greener future, by aiming to replace all wood pulp paper and plastic consumable goods with products made from bamboo. “Sybron is working hard to provide customers with products that minimise environmental impact, making this a meaningful partnership,” says UniGreen’s Bakhtiar Hanan. “Bamboo products are the path to a future where our forests can breathe freely and our oceans flourish once again. We believe strongly that our success will be measured by the legacy we leave behind – how we impact the life of humans, the planet and its amazing species.” SySoft is Sybron’s second own brand to launch this year, following the launch in January of SyBio, a range of biotechnology-based products that combines probiotic, enzyme and plant-based ingredients to maximise performance with minimal environmental impact. Sybron’s dedicated teams work with customers to offer the best products specific to their business. For more information go to www.sybron.co.uk.

A thriving Staffordshire Moorlands community cricket club has been bowled over by a five-year support deal from digger giant JCB. Oakamoor Cricket Club has secured £2,000 sponsorship from the company which will see all men’s and women’s teams as well as a host of boys and girls junior squads sporting new JCB playing shirts. The club play home games and practise at the Davies/Worthington Memorial Ground, Mill Road, and regularly fields six adult teams and junior squads ranging from under 8s through to under 16s, competing in games across North Staffordshire and South Cheshire. Club spokesman Jonathan Wood, HR Business Partner at JCB, said: “Oakamoor is a thriving cricket club and we pride ourselves on making the game accessible to all at both competitive and friendly levels. We have six adult teams and more than 100 children a week attending our practice sessions on a Friday evening. This sponsorship makes a great difference to our long-term future and every single player will be proud to wear their JCB shirts. We hope to represent the JCB name with winning results on the cricket field over the coming season and beyond.”