Dorset’s Douch Family Funeral Directors was named family business of the year for ‘health and welfare’. It was also runner-up in the overall ‘family business of the year’ category for the south and south-west region. The company that has seven branches in the county was presented with its award at a glittering ceremony in London. It was praised for its deep engagement with staff, its commitment to providing the utmost care for client families, as well as making impactful contributions to the local community. The awards are run by Family Business United (FBU), which exists to promote and celebrate family-run companies. Douch Family Funeral Directors has been family owned and run since it was founded in 1910. It places a great emphasis on the family histories of all its branches – keeping the traditional names – and treats staff as family members. Managing Director Nick Douch and Director Jonathan Stretch were at the ceremony held at the Royal College of Physicians to receive the award from John Kettner, a sponsor from Vantage Venues. Nick said: “We are proud to be a family business and our fifth generation is now represented. It was particularly pleasing to win the health and welfare award because we place a great deal of emphasis on this area. Our clients are often elderly, deeply upset and in mourning so we have to be conscious of that and act and behave accordingly. And we also ensure we are mindful of the health and welfare of our staff because they are all part of the family and are our most important people.” “The judges also acknowledged our dedication to ‘driving change’ and ‘investing in the future’. We were runners-up overall in the south and south-west region and this was a great achievement because of the quality of the other businesses shortlisted.” Paul Andrews, founder of FBU, said: “Family businesses are the engine room of the UK economy and with six million family firms employing around 14 million people in all corners of the country they make a massive impact each and every day.” “Incomes are generated, jobs provided and wealth created, but as one of the family members said to me: ‘That is just the tip of the iceberg. Family businesses care and want to be seen as doing the right thing, doing business the right way.’”

Established in 1962 by George Goodfellow, Minnitron is a resounding British success story. From its beginnings in what was quite literally a garden shed, the company has grown into one of the country’s leading PCB manufacturers, offering a design, assembly and prototyping service, with a global customer base and an unbeatable reputation for reliability and professionalism. As a family run business, they have maintained their core values of hard work, high standards and honesty, despite the company’s ever-increasing size. This ethos has helped the business survive and flourish, even through times of economic instability. Based in Ramsgate, Kent, they now employ a workforce of around 20 skilled staff. Having a fully equipped PCB manufacturing plant in the UK enables us to deal with all types of customer requirements and provide a prompt, reliable service at all times. The business began back in 1962 when George set up the business in his garden shed in Minnis Bay in Kent and with his natural skills as an engineer, he soon gained a reputation for being the ‘go to’ person which led to the formation of the business which is still going strong today. Today, Minnitron is run by George’s Grandson, Paul Goodfellow and his wife Kirsty, who continue to drive the business forward. As Paul explains, “Grandad had an electrical shop in Birchington that sold TV’s and radios and he had a good knowledge of electrics too. He was a keen inventor and as a hobby liked to race small remote controlled boats and planes. They would often get damaged and were expensive to repair so he built his own machine that could print the miniature PCBs that helped them run again. News soon travelled and soon he was in demand to repair other broken boats and planes too!” “At the same time, my Dad worked for a company that made circuit boards and he was able to share the knowledge with my Grandad and that led to building boards,” he continues. “The business grew quickly for George and Dad soon joined the business. He had the right skills to help grow the business and their reputation as a quality manufacturer grew too. During the 1980’s there was widespread growth across the UK manufacturing sector and Minnitron was well placed to take full advantage of the opportunity, investing in innovative, sate-of-the-art technology,” continues Paul. It was at this time that Paul joined the family firm, having grown up working in the business and he soon started to add his stamp as the business grew further. “I got involved creating internal systems and helped to further professionalise the business with the structures and procedures we needed as a business to compete with overseas suppliers,” continued Paul. “It helped us develop an edge over the competition and to deliver products quickly, something that we continue to do to this day, as we have an excellent reputation for delivering on time,” he adds. This is a family business that has strong family values at their core, something that has been of real benefit to the business over the years. “We have always had good staff retention and some of our staff have been with us for many years. One of our longest serving employees has just completed 48 years of service,” continues Paul. As a family business that is now well into the third generation, staff loyalty and service is one of the main reasons the business has stayed the test of time. As Paul continues, “The other factor that has contributed to our longevity is undoubtedly our adaptability and investment over the years. We have built a strong business, supporting local businesses and local people with employment and invested to ensure that we continue to do what we do, doing it well and supporting our customers at the same time.” “We are proud to be a family business, proud to be a UK based manufacturing business and delighted to continue to build on the entrepreneurial endeavours that saw the creation of Minnitron by my Grandad over sixty years ago,” concludes Paul.

Much loved jewellery brand F. Hinds has celebrated success at the Family Business Awards 2023, taking home the coveted Retail Family Business of the Year 2023 prize. F. Hinds are a family run jewellers established in 1856 and have been independently family owned and run ever since. Their fantastic customer service and quality products have positioned the brand as Britain’s leading independent jeweller, with 115 stores and 13 Chapelle outlet stores in the UK and plans to expand further. The firm has seen seven generations of family run the company since it’s opening, and today Andrew, David, Jeremy, Neil and Paul Hinds still work hard to ensure the success of their family’s outstanding reputation and dedication to their valued customers. In addition, F. Hinds also centre their ethos around social responsibility, and the desire to support charities and causes including Children in Need, Disasters Emergency Committee and British Heart Foundation, for which over £50,000 has been raised through various campaigns run throughout stores. Their prize of ‘Retail Family Business of the Year 2023’ is a prestigious award and featured a line-up of exceptional nominees based across the UK. Paul Andrews, the CEO of Family Business United who host the awards, commented “Family firms are the backbone of the UK economy and contribute significantly in so many ways. Family firms deserve all the recognition they can get for all the good that they do in terms of employment, income generation and wealth creation, not forgetting their continued charitable endeavours and investment in the communities in which they operate.” Paul continues, “These awards are now in their eleventh year and each year they have raised the profile of the sector, crowned some incredible winners and discovered some true family business gems along the way. Winners over the years have come from all corners of the UK, been large and small, multi-generational and starting out but above all they share their underlying values, purpose and desire to succeed as a family firm." F. Hinds have celebrated their moment in the spotlight by showcasing their success across their social media platforms, adding another accolade to an already impressive line-up of triumphs. Paul Hinds, Managing Director at F. Hinds commented “Being a family business is at the heart of our business's values. We are delighted that we have been recognised as leaders in our field by Family Business United, an organisation of which we are proud members. We also congratulate all the other winners, who are great examples of an underappreciated part of the UK economy.”

The culmination of the Family Business of the Year Awards 2023 saw Woolcool take home the titles for the Midlands & Central region and Innovation & Sustainability Family Business of the Year at a gala awards evening held at The Royal College of Physicians in Regent’s Park in London. Organised by Family Business United, these prestigious awards are now a firm fixture in the family business calendar and celebrate the very best of British family firms from all corners of the UK. Awards are given by region, sector and nationally in recognition of qualities such as entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainability, community engagement and ultimately one family business is crowned the Supreme Champions. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United explains, “As an organisation we champion and celebrate family-owned businesses across the UK, recognising the contribution they make in terms of employment, income generation and wealth creation as well as the impact they have on the communities in which they operate.” “Since 2012 these awards have grown to become something really special, recognising family firms from all sectors, young and multi-generational family firms alike, large and small but all sharing the same underlying values, pride and passion for what they do and a strong desire to do business the right way. Each of the winners is a great business with a strong narrative and is a great ambassador for the broader family business community too.” Woolcool is a pioneering packaging company. Woolcool® was launched in 2008 and the innovative, sustainable design has scooped an impressive haul of awards in the packaging, business, and environmental arenas. Woolcool® remains the leading packaging company using a range of sheeps wool insulated packaging available on an international scale. Colleen Gostick, partner at Buckles who sponsored the Midlands & Central award adds that “The Midlands is awash with some amazing family firms, but Woolcool is a deserving winner and a great ambassador for the region, and the family business community. They are a credible business, steeped in innovation and authenticity and a desire to make a broader impact through the work that they do.” “The business is underpinned by their core values, Belief, Honesty, Responsibility, Innovation, Empathy and Legacy and whilst recognising their heritage have their eyes firmly on the future under the leadership of the next generation. This is a business that is simply outstanding in what they do and the way that they do it,” adds Colleen. As Laura Hayward, Head of Family Business at Evelyn Partners who sponsored the Innovation and Sustainability award confirms: “The judges were impressed with the clear and impressive sustainability credentials presented by Woolcool and the continual innovation within the business. This is not their first award for innovation and sustainability and is unlikely to be their last. They are world class in what they do and the way that they do it. They care. They invest. They are making a difference.” Angela Morris, CEO who collected the awards added: “As a second-generation family business founded on ecological principles, we are so proud to have been recognised as the Midlands & Central Region and Innovation & Sustainability Family Business of the Year. Now, after two decades of serious academic research and design innovation using sustainable natural materials, these prestigious awards acknowledge both the pioneering position we took many years ago and the results we have achieved since.” As Paul concludes, “Family businesses are the engine room of the UK economy, and these awards celebrate their contribution. It was great to bring the family business community back together in person to recognise the incredible family firms that operate throughout the UK and to crown some fantastic winners.” “Congratulations to Woolcool on winning these awards. It is fantastic recognition of what they do as a business, and it was a pleasure to present them with the award during a fantastic evening that once more put the family business sector on the map.”

Dorset racing driver Reza Seewooruthun has secured support from Hendy Land Rover in Christchurch as the 16-year-old takes his first steps towards becoming a Formula One driver. The youngster is driving in the Ginetta Junior Championship this year and has already secured several podium wins in the competitive series where he is bidding for the rookie championship title. And it’s a busy year for the youngster who is a sporting scholar at Canford School and taking his GCSEs this summer. “Although my ambitions are to become a Formula One driver Land Rover has a special place in my heart as I remember off roading in a Defender when I was very young with my dad and brother so it means a lot to have the backing and support of Hendy Land Rover this season,” said Reza. “The support of local companies such as Hendy means that I can have the opportunity to compete in such a competitive series and hopefully move up the motorsport ladder.” Last year Reza was English Junior Rotax Karting champion, a sport he took up when he was 13 years old. Once his CGSEs are complete Reza will be studying with the Minerva Academy, a remote school which works with young racing drivers to help them combine education with their racing careers. Andy Grant, Hendy Group’s head of brand performance for Jaguar and Land Rover said it was always exciting to be able to support up and coming talent. “Reza has tremendous talent, ambition and confidence and we are all following his season with interest,” he said.

Yorkshire-based Duvalay has been successful at this year’s Family Business of the Year Awards after winning the Family Business of the Year Award in the Homes & Gardens category. Duvalay, which sells sleep products globally to both the leisure and homes markets, has had its most successful year to date, with the award win recognising the significant growth the company has experienced. Turnover has increased to over £12.5m, as well as acquiring Nursery Connections – the UK’s leading manufacturer of cot mattresses in a pre-pack administration deal that safeguarded over 35 jobs. The awards, which were held at Royal College of Physicians Museum, are hosted by Family Business United (FBU), a leading global family business community. Their aim is to provide resources as well as helping to raise the profile of the family business sector. Elizabeth Colleran, Sales & Marketing Director at Duvalay, says: “We’re over the moon to have won this award as it recognises and celebrates the success stories of family businesses throughout the UK.” “Duvalay is currently undergoing a period of significant growth through product launches including new mattress collections for the home and through acquisitions of similar businesses. This award win is testament to the work that not only the leadership team are currently doing, but also the wider Duvalay family of employees who all play a vital role in our continued success story.” Having been founded in 2003 by husband-and-wife team, Alan and Liz Colleran, the business leadership team has grown to include their sons, Thomas and William, who hold the roles of Commercial Director and Finance Director respectively. For more information, visit www.Duvalay.co.uk

The new owners behind troubled Wroxall Abbey Hotel in Warwickshire have pledged to ‘rebuild trust in the community’ as they announce huge plans for the site. The Warwick venue, which reopened its doors last autumn, has unveiled a million-pound refurbishment and expansion under its new ownership of ONS International Ltd T/A. It marks a bright new chapter for the historic four-star hotel which has twice gone into administration in the last four years. Some months after its sudden closure in October 2019, Trinity Hotel Ltd reopened Wroxall Abbey following refurbishment works, in June 2021. But it was never to recover from the negative impact of national lockdown restrictions due to the pandemic and fell into administration a year later, in July 2022. Today, its family owners have revealed plans for huge new investment in the Victorian neo-Gothic brick mansion hotel, a former girls’ school and one-time country estate of architect Sir Christopher Wren. Company Director Paresh Thakkar said: “We acknowledge the rich history of Wroxall Abbey and understand it’s significant importance and value to the local community." “While we understand the negative press that has surrounded Wroxall Abbey in the past, especially with the recent administration, our main goal as a business is to restore the historic reputation of this magnificent estate, re-building trust with the community and to provide a high-quality service for our guests.” Since its takeover in September, the business has obtained a wedding licence and launched afternoon tea and Sunday lunch menus. Most popular among the local community though is the reopening, after five years, of the 14th century church. Wroxall Abbey is the only hotel in the country with its own on-site chapel, and since March, it has been recommissioned and holding Sunday services again for The Order of St. Leonards as well as hosting weddings and christenings. Following the services, the congregation are then welcomed into the hotel to enjoy complimentary refreshments. The hotel was originally founded as a Benedictine nunnery by Hugh fitz Richard of Hatton in the middle of the 12th century. The church was built in around 1315, originally part of the priory itself and the only part that remains standing. In recent history it was made into a cathedral of the Free Methodist Church but has been returned to The Church of England under its new owners. The hotel currently offers 73 bedrooms, plus six conference rooms, a patio garden overlooking the 27-acre grounds, Henry’s Lounge & Bar and Henry’s Restaurant which serves seasonal British and Mediterranean cuisine as well as Sunday Lunch and Afternoon Tea. Ambitious future plans now include a new state-of-the-art spa and health club and renovation of the Courtyard Building to create an additional 24 bedrooms by the end of next year. Developed in 1866, The Courtyard formed a large part of the estate when it was transformed into a school. Paresh added: “Our dedicated team are aware of the continuous and challenging up-keep with the Grade II listed building. Our business has the long-term vision to continue to transform Wroxall Abbey into a beautiful and luxurious venue." “This is a family-run four-star hotel and we do things a little bit differently but our key objectives now are to always look after our guests and move forward with our grand plans." “We sincerely hope that you share our exciting vision for the future of Wroxall Abbey and we look forward to sharing our developments along our journey.”

The culmination of the Family Business of the Year Awards 2023 saw Spenbeck take home the national title as the Professional Services Family Business of the Year at a gala awards evening held at The Royal College of Physicians in Regent’s Park in London. Organised by Family Business United, these prestigious awards are now a firm fixture in the family business calendar and celebrate the very best of British family firms from all corners of the UK. Awards are given by region, sector and nationally in recognition of qualities such as entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainability, community engagement and ultimately one family business is crowned the Supreme Champions. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United explains, “As an organisation we champion and celebrate family-owned businesses across the UK, recognising the contribution they make in terms of employment, income generation and wealth creation as well as the impact they have on the communities in which they operate.” “Since 2012 these awards have grown to become something really special, recognising family firms from all sectors, young and multi-generational family firms alike, large and small but all sharing the same underlying values, pride and passion for what they do and a strong desire to do business the right way. Each of the winners is a great business with a strong narrative and is a great ambassador for the broader family business community too.” Spenbeck is underpinned by family values, values that were defined by their founder Mich Stevenson OBE DL and immortalised by his daughters and current owners Becky Valentine and Victoria Green, who sit at the heart of how they work with their clients. They fuel the close partnerships they have with them and allow them to foster ongoing relationships built upon trust. With a heritage firmly rooted in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market, they’ve earned an enviable reputation as a multi-award-winning first mover specialising in bespoke, sustainable and beautifully designed offices in Nottingham’s Creative Quarter. Now they’re using their expertise to support clients with their sustainability, building health and interior design needs. Spenbeck is a business that is always looking ahead – keeping up to date with best practice to ensure that clients are fully informed about how best to meet the needs of the Gen Z workforce. This includes maximising work environments for hybrid working to attract the very best talent and offering bespoke advisory services around interior design, building health and sustainability. As Paul continues, “Spenbeck may be a smaller business compared to some of the other contenders but they make a big impact through their work and family is at the heart of what they do. Their family name is part of the brand and being a family business underlines everything they do, adding true authenticity to the business and their reputation.” “Place is important too and akin to the family values, the business has been built on a desire to preserve their local heritage for future generations and to use the business to benefit the broader local community." "Drive and passion have made things happen and they are worthy winners of the 2023 Professional Services Family Business of the Year title.” Becky and Victoria comment, “Like almost everyone, lockdown afforded us time to reflect on how we wanted to move forward, both personally and professionally. A complex decision at the best of times, made harder for those in family businesses who have legacies and tradition to throw into the mix." "It means everything to us that we have our parents’ full support in evolving Spenbeck, combining our passions and expertise with their legacy. To receive national recognition for this is the icing on the cake!” As Paul adds, “Family businesses are the engine room of the UK economy and these awards celebrate their contribution. It was great to bring the family business community back together in person to recognise the incredible family firms that operate throughout the UK and to crown some fantastic winners.” “Congratulations to Spenbeck on winning this award. It is fantastic recognition of what they do as a business and it was a pleasure to present them with the award during a tremendous evening that once more put the family business sector on the map.”

The culmination of the Family Business of the Year Awards 2023 saw Hayman’s Gin take home the Essence of Family Business of the Year award at a gala awards evening held at The Royal College of Physicians in Regent’s Park in London. Organised by Family Business United, these prestigious awards are now a firm fixture in the family business calendar and celebrate the very best of British family firms from all corners of the UK. Awards are given by region, sector and nationally in recognition of qualities such as entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainability, community engagement and ultimately one family business is crowned the Supreme Champions. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United explains, “As an organisation we champion and celebrate family-owned businesses across the UK, recognising the contribution they make in terms of employment, income generation and wealth creation as well as the impact they have on the communities in which they operate.” “Since 2012 these awards have grown to become something really special, recognising family firms from all sectors, young and multi-generational family firms alike, large and small but all sharing the same underlying values, pride and passion for what they do and a strong desire to do business the right way. Each of the winners is a great business with a strong narrative and is a great ambassador for the broader family business community too.” “Each year we identify a family business that we think defines the true essence of what it means to be a family business.” As Amit Sharma, Head of Family Business at Goodman Jones who sponsored the Essence of Family Business of the Year award confirms: “It was the evident love and care that had gone into reviving their great great grandfather’s recipe and reputation and putting that message into everything they do including their advertising that made Hayman’s stand out.” “They are carefully blending their pride in what’s gone before with the need to build a strong and sustainable business of the future for all the people they support in the business and the community.” “They truly represent the real essence of what being a family business is all about,” concludes Amit. Miranda Hayman, Co-owner of Hayman’s Gin who collected the awards added: “We were thrilled to be recognised for both our longevity as well as our drive to be innovative and remain relevant for gin drinkers all over the world.” As Paul concludes, “Family businesses are the engine room of the UK economy and these awards celebrate their contribution. It was great to bring the family business community back together in person to recognise the incredible family firms that operate throughout the UK and to crown some fantastic winners.” “Congratulations to Hayman’s Gin on winning this award. It is fantastic recognition of what they do as a business and it was a pleasure to present them with the award during a fantastic evening that once more put the family business sector on the map.”

Dorset racing driver Reza Seewooruthun has secured support from Hendy Land Rover in Christchurch as the 16-year-old takes his first steps towards becoming a Formula One driver. The youngster is driving in the Ginetta Junior Championship this year and has already secured several podium wins in the competitive series where he is bidding for the rookie championship title. And it’s a busy year for the youngster who is a sporting scholar at Canford School and taking his GCSEs this summer. “Although my ambitions are to become a Formula One driver Land Rover has a special place in my heart as I remember off roading in a Defender when I was very young with my dad and brother so it means a lot to have the backing and support of Hendy Land Rover this season,” said Reza. “The support of local companies such as Hendy means that I can have the opportunity to compete in such a competitive series and hopefully move up the motorsport ladder.” Last year Reza was English Junior Rotax Karting champion, a sport he took up when he was 13 years old. Once his CGSEs are complete Reza will be studying with the Minerva Academy, a remote school which works with young racing drivers to help them combine education with their racing careers. Andy Grant, Hendy Group’s head of brand performance for Jaguar and Land Rover said it was always exciting to be able to support up and coming talent. “Reza has tremendous talent, ambition and confidence and we are all following his season with interest,” he said.

Dorset racing driver Reza Seewooruthun has secured support from Hendy Land Rover in Christchurch as the 16-year-old takes his first steps towards becoming a Formula One driver. The youngster is driving in the Ginetta Junior Championship this year and has already secured several podium wins in the competitive series where he is bidding for the rookie championship title. And it’s a busy year for the youngster who is a sporting scholar at Canford School and taking his GCSEs this summer. “Although my ambitions are to become a Formula One driver Land Rover has a special place in my heart as I remember off roading in a Defender when I was very young with my dad and brother so it means a lot to have the backing and support of Hendy Land Rover this season,” said Reza. “The support of local companies such as Hendy means that I can have the opportunity to compete in such a competitive series and hopefully move up the motorsport ladder.” Last year Reza was English Junior Rotax Karting champion, a sport he took up when he was 13 years old. Once his CGSEs are complete Reza will be studying with the Minerva Academy, a remote school which works with young racing drivers to help them combine education with their racing careers. Andy Grant, Hendy Group’s head of brand performance for Jaguar and Land Rover said it was always exciting to be able to support up and coming talent. “Reza has tremendous talent, ambition and confidence and we are all following his season with interest,” he said.

Dorset racing driver Reza Seewooruthun has secured support from Hendy Land Rover in Christchurch as the 16-year-old takes his first steps towards becoming a Formula One driver. The youngster is driving in the Ginetta Junior Championship this year and has already secured several podium wins in the competitive series where he is bidding for the rookie championship title. And it’s a busy year for the youngster who is a sporting scholar at Canford School and taking his GCSEs this summer. “Although my ambitions are to become a Formula One driver Land Rover has a special place in my heart as I remember off roading in a Defender when I was very young with my dad and brother so it means a lot to have the backing and support of Hendy Land Rover this season,” said Reza. “The support of local companies such as Hendy means that I can have the opportunity to compete in such a competitive series and hopefully move up the motorsport ladder.” Last year Reza was English Junior Rotax Karting champion, a sport he took up when he was 13 years old. Once his CGSEs are complete Reza will be studying with the Minerva Academy, a remote school which works with young racing drivers to help them combine education with their racing careers. Andy Grant, Hendy Group’s head of brand performance for Jaguar and Land Rover said it was always exciting to be able to support up and coming talent. “Reza has tremendous talent, ambition and confidence and we are all following his season with interest,” he said.