Eastleigh residents will soon be among the first to get behind the wheel of the Geely EX5 the all-electric SUV from new Chinese brand Geely, thanks to Hendy Group opening the first Geely dealership in the city this month on Leigh road. Geely is one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of electric vehicles (EVs) and owns a number of iconic vehicle brands including Polestar and Volvo. The Geely EX5 is a feature-packed C-segment SUV that will be available in three trim levels, beginning with the entry-level SE from just £31,990 OTR. The mid-range ‘Pro’ trim adds Goodyear tyres mounted on 19-inch alloys as standard, while the top-spec ‘Max’ benefits from metallic paint, a power tailgate and panoramic sunroof. Hendy Group will mark the launch of its Geely showroom with an open day for the local community, giving attendees the chance to explore the full line-up and schedule test drives. The opening of the new site has created several new roles, including the recent appointment of a sales advisor. Interested applicants are invited to visit the careers page on Hendy’s website for more information. Paul Hendy, Chief Executive at Hendy Group, commented: “As Geely continues to grow its presence internationally, we see real potential for its product range in our local market. We’re pleased to be bringing the brand to Eastleigh and the Southeast, and look forward to playing a role in its ongoing expansion.” Adam Harkin, Dealer Development Director at Geely said: "We’re proud to partner with Hendy Group, a family-run business with 165 years of heritage, as we bring Geely to the South Coast. The Geely EX5 represents the beginning of our journey to make advanced new energy vehicles accessible to all, combining technology, value, and quality in one exceptional package." "Working with a trusted partner like Hendy enables customers in Exeter, Southampton, and beyond to experience Geely first-hand, as we continue to build a national network." To find out more about the new Geely Eastleigh site, please visit here .

The St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust has donated six specialist jackets to West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team (WCSAR), helping to equip new volunteers with the essential gear they need to respond to emergencies across the region. The jackets, designed to withstand the harshest elements the team often face, will be used by 13 new recruits currently undergoing training with WCSAR. Once qualified, these volunteers will be on call 24/7, 365 days a year, ready to respond to incidents across the TR postcode area. Founded in 2003 as the Cornwall Rescue Group, WCSAR was established to relieve pressure on Devon-based teams. Today, its volunteers range in age from their mid-20s to mid-70s, united by a commitment to helping others in times of crisis. The donation was made possible by the St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust, which has been supporting charities, communities and individuals in need across the South West since 2003. To date, the Trust has raised over £1 million which has benefitted the communities in which St Austell Brewery operates its pubs and two breweries, in Cornwall and near Bath. Piers Thompson, External Affairs Director at St Austell Brewery, said: "We’re proud to support West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team, a charity that plays a critical role in keeping our communities safe. As one of the region’s largest employers, we’re deeply rooted in Cornwall and passionate about supporting causes that make a real difference locally." "These volunteers give their time selflessly, often in dangerous conditions, and we’re pleased to help ensure they have the right equipment to carry out their life-saving work." Andy Brelsford, Chair of West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team, added: "We’re incredibly grateful to St Austell Brewery for their generous donation, which has enabled us to purchase new Mountain Equipment waterproof jackets for our volunteer call-out members. These jackets will make a real difference to our team, ensuring that our volunteers stay warm, dry, and protected while responding to incidents in all weather conditions across Cornwall. Support from local businesses like St Austell Brewery helps us continue to provide a vital service to our community." In 2024 alone, the St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust raised more than £150,000. Recent beneficiaries have included Young Lives vs Cancer, Great Western and Cornwall Air Ambulances, the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust and The Cornwall Bicycle Project CIC. The Trust also provides grants for individuals needing life-enhancing support, including mobility equipment and wheelchairs. Those interested in applying for a grant can do so by visiting: https://staustellbrewery.co.uk/charitable-trust. Photo: St Austell Brewery’s Procurement Manager Laura Murphy (left) presenting the jackets alongside a member of the West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team

As workplace stress continues to rise, new data from international recruitment firm, Robert Half, reveals that British workers want their employers to do more to boost their physical and mental wellbeing. The firm’s latest Salary Guide - which reveals skills commanding salary premiums, evolving pay expectations, and the importance of emerging perks and benefits - highlights a growing expectation for companies to offer health-focused benefits as part of their employee value proposition. This sentiment comes at a time when data from the Priory reveals that 79% of people in the UK feel stressed at least once a month. Key Findings: More than half (54%) of employees view access to mental health resources as a deciding factor whether to join or stay with a company 48% place the same importance on stress reduction programmes A third of businesses still not offering stress reduction support for their staff According to Robert Half, workers are seeking support from their employers to help tackle the strains on their mental wellbeing. More than half (54%) have stated access to mental health resources and employee assistance programmes would influence their decision to join or stay with a company, while a further 48% are drawn to companies offering stress reduction initiatives. With a third of businesses still not offering stress reduction support according to the data, it’s clear that tackling workplace burnout has become an urgent priority. Supporting Employee Wellbeing Through Physical Health Initiatives Also Key On top of the mental health support workers are seeking, a large number have also indicated a desire for additional perks to help improve their physical health. 49% of employees say access to gym memberships influences their decision to join or stay with a company. Over a third (36%) also value in-office physical activities such as yoga and group exercise sessions, which 41% of employers currently don’t offer. For employees working remotely, there also remains a desire for perks to keep them active. 36% of respondents indicated that access to virtual physical activity platforms is desirable, while 42% of employers still don’t feature this in their perks and benefits packages. Amid rising concerns about burnout and work-life balance, these findings underscore a clear call to action for businesses to prioritise health-focused benefits as a core part of their employee offering. Matt Weston, Senior Managing Director UK & Ireland at Robert Half, commented: “This data reinforces what we’ve long believed - employee wellbeing must be at the heart of every organisation’s culture. At Robert Half, we’ve made meaningful investments in mental health resources, physical activity initiatives and flexible benefits to support our teams. When businesses prioritise wellbeing, they don’t just retain talent, they empower people to thrive." “These findings reflect a broader shift in employee expectations, where wellbeing is no longer seen as a perk but a priority. With wellbeing clearly now a key factor in talent attraction and retention, companies that embrace holistic support for their workforce are better positioned to succeed in today’s competitive landscape.”

The results of the 2025 Family Business Survey, compiled by Family Business United (FBU) and conducted in July 2025, reveal that confidence and growth expectations within the UK family business sector have weakened, as firms also prepare for a major generational handover of leadership. According to the latest findings, only 41% of family business leaders expect their businesses to grow over the next 12 months, reflecting the challenges posed by the current political and economic climate. This cautious outlook aligns with wider concerns expressed across the sector in this year’s survey, which highlighted the pressures of regulation, taxation, and market uncertainty on business performance and planning. The survey also indicates a significant period of transition ahead for the family business community. 43% of respondents are planning a leadership transition within the next five years, as the older generation of leaders begin to step back and retire from their day-to-day roles. Encouragingly, 51% of businesses expect the next leader to be a family member, underlining the continued importance of family values and succession within the sector. For many, the sense of continuity remains strong. 82% of current leaders see themselves primarily as custodians or stewards of their business, focused on protecting the family legacy and ensuring the business is passed to future generations in a stronger position than they inherited it. However, achieving that goal is becoming increasingly difficult. Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, commented: “Family businesses are built on long-term vision, purpose and commitment — qualities that have enabled them to weather many storms over the years. But this year’s findings show that optimism is under pressure, and many leaders are finding it harder to plan for the future with confidence.” “Succession is a defining moment for any family firm, and it’s encouraging to see so many preparing for leadership transition and seeking to keep the business within the family. However, the prevailing political and economic environment — with rising costs, shifting policies and market uncertainty — is making that stewardship role more challenging than ever." "The determination to pass on a stronger, more sustainable business remains, but the path to doing so is increasingly complex.” “Family firms remain at the heart of the UK economy, and supporting them through this next chapter is crucial." "Policymakers and their advisers need to recognise the long-term value they bring — not just in terms of employment and economic output, but also in terms of investment, community engagement, values, and sense of purpose.” The 2025 Family Business Survey provides an annual insight into the attitudes, priorities and challenges facing family firms across the UK and beyond, serving as a barometer of the health and sentiment of this vital sector.

The results of the 2025 Family Business Survey, compiled by Family Business United (FBU) and conducted in July 2025, reveal overwhelming dissatisfaction among the UK’s family business community with the level of government support for the sector. When asked whether they felt the government was doing enough to support family businesses, a resounding 92% of respondents said no — a clear signal of growing frustration within a sector that forms the backbone of the UK economy. Respondents were also asked what single policy amendment or change they would most like to see to better support family enterprises. The most frequently mentioned areas were Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), with many expressing deep concern about recent and proposed changes to inheritance tax, national insurance increases, VAT on school fees, and the ongoing impact of business rates. One respondent commented: “Reconsider the punitive BPR changes which will damage family businesses that have healthy balance sheets, built up over decades, with limited liquid assets where the intention was passing on a viable business to the next generation.” This sentiment was echoed by another who added: “Look at BPR, which seriously undermines family business plans and the ability of family firms to invest more for the future, employ more people with confidence and support local communities. A longer-term outlook has shifted to short-term with less investment as a result.” A third respondent urged policymakers to take a more informed and empathetic approach: “We need those in power making decisions to really understand the way that family firms operate — their long-term vision and desire to do business the right way, creating growth and opportunities across the country." "Too many increases are causing difficult conversations in family business boardrooms across the country, and there will undoubtedly be casualties as a result of the increasing costs and taxes being applied to these businesses.” Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, said: “These results are deeply concerning. Family businesses are the lifeblood of communities across the UK — they provide jobs, reinvest profits locally, and take a long-term view on sustainability and growth. Yet the message from this year’s survey is crystal clear: many feel ignored and increasingly burdened by government policy.” “The strength of family businesses lies in their values, resilience, and commitment to doing business the right way — but these qualities can only go so far when faced with mounting tax pressures and constant policy uncertainty." "The government needs to recognise the unique contribution that family firms make and ensure that tax and regulatory frameworks support, rather than hinder, their ability to invest, grow, and plan for the next generation.” The findings on government support follow other data from the 2025 Family Business Survey, which also revealed that 70% of family business owners feel less optimistic about their business prospects than last year, underlining the difficult environment the sector continues to navigate.

Family Business United (FBU) has today released the findings of its 2025 Family Business Survey, providing a detailed snapshot of the challenges and priorities currently shaping the UK’s family business landscape. Conducted in July 2025, the survey canvassed opinions from family firms of all sizes and sectors across the UK, revealing a community that continues to demonstrate resilience but faces mounting pressure from a complex and uncertain trading environment. When asked to identify the key challenges currently facing their businesses — the issues that together define the prevailing UK family business agenda — respondents highlighted a broad range of economic, operational, and generational concerns. The top-ranked challenges for 2025 are: The economic climate – 68% Government regulation, red tape and legislation – 60% Taxation – 53% Inflation and rising costs – 42% Profitability – 36% Succession planning – 27% Survival of the business – 24% Recruiting, retaining and motivating staff – 23% Global political uncertainty – 19% The next generation – 18% Preserving wealth and creating a legacy – 17% Cyber security – 16% These findings follow a key headline from the same survey showing that 70% of respondents feel less optimistic about their business prospects compared to last year, reflecting the wider challenges facing family firms in the current political and economic climate. Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, commented: “Family businesses are the backbone of the UK economy — deeply rooted in their communities, creating jobs, and driving innovation. However, the 2025 survey clearly illustrates the scale of the pressures they are currently under." "From navigating an unpredictable economic climate and increased regulation to dealing with taxation, inflation, and rising costs, it’s no surprise that confidence levels have dipped this year.” "It is also worrying to see that just under a quarter of family business leaders across the UK have expressed concern over the actual survival of their business and a third concerned over profitability. This should be of significant concern to policy makers as it reflects the deep levels of uncertainty within the family business community at present." “Despite these challenges, we know that family businesses are determined and resilient and will do their utmost to survive by adapting and evolving, although this detracts them from working on long term plans for growth and sustainability. Issues such as succession planning, staff engagement, and legacy preservation remain central to their long-term vision. These are businesses that think beyond the next quarter — they think in generations — and that long-term mindset continues to be one of their greatest strengths but this needs to be understood by those making decisions that at present are seeing significant and difficult decisions being made that are essential for the long term survival of many family firms across the UK." The results also suggest that while economic and regulatory challenges dominate the short-term agenda, strategic family issues such as next-generation involvement, succession, and wealth preservation continue to feature prominently, highlighting the unique dynamics that distinguish family businesses from their non-family counterparts. Andrews added: “Understanding the evolving family business agenda is vital." "It helps inform policymakers, advisers and stakeholders so that support and policy frameworks can be better aligned to the realities that family firms face day-to-day. Family businesses want to thrive, but they need an environment that enables them to do so.” The full 2025 Family Business Survey Report will be published shortly.

Family Business United (FBU) today released the results of its 2025 Family Business Survey, offering a detailed insight into the views, challenges and expectations of the UK’s family business community. Conducted in July 2025, the annual survey polled family business leaders from across the UK to assess confidence levels, trading conditions, and the wider outlook for the sector. A headline finding from this year’s report highlights the growing sense of caution among family business owners. Seventy per cent (70%) of respondents said they feel less optimistic about their business prospects compared to last year, reflecting the impact of a changing political, economic and business landscape both globally and in the UK. In contrast, just 12% reported feeling more optimistic than in 2024, while 18% said their outlook remains broadly unchanged. How do you feel about your family business prosects? Response % Of Respondents Less optimistic than last year 70% Same as last year 18% More optimistic than last year 12% Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, commented: “Family businesses are renowned for their resilience, long-term perspective and ability to adapt — but the results of this year’s survey clearly show that current levels of uncertainty are weighing heavily on confidence." "From shifting political priorities to economic pressures and global instability, together with the ongoing uncertainty around the last Budget with regards APR and BPR, many family firms are finding it increasingly difficult to plan ahead with the same optimism that has traditionally defined this sector.” “While short-term sentiment is subdued, the family business sector remains a cornerstone of the UK economy — employing millions and contributing significantly to regional growth." "The resilience and commitment of family firms continue to be an essential part of the nation’s economic and social fabric, but they undoubtedly need the support of policies to enable them to continue to be the engine room of the nation and we hope that the forthcoming Budget affords them the opportunity to do so with more certainty and support." The full results of the 2025 Family Business Survey will be published shortly in the forthcoming Family Business Survey Report.

Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland, helping to bring a touch of magic and sparkle where it’s needed most. The family-owned business, known for its passion for homes and communities, is giving back ahead of the festive period with a donation of beautifully chosen items including cushions, throws, garlands, table runners and other seasonal pieces to CHAS, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland. These thoughtful touches will be used to decorate and refresh rooms in children’s hospitals and hospices, creating uplifting, comforting environments for families to enjoy precious moments together. CHAS provides unwavering care to children who may die young and their families, walking beside them every step of the way. Founded in 1992, the charity supports young people across Scotland from pre-birth up to the age of 21, providing comfort, love, and joy in hospices, children’s homes, and hospitals. Euan Graham, Buying & Marketing Director and third-generation family owner at Sterling Home said: “At this time of year, we’re reminded more than ever of the importance of community and the joy that comes from giving back. We’re honoured to support CHAS in creating warm, welcoming spaces where children and their families can experience the magic of Christmas together. Our hope is that these small touches of comfort and festive cheer help bring smiles and special moments to those who need them most this year.” Lyndsay Stobie, Community Fundraising Manager at CHAS, said: “We are so grateful to Sterling Home for their generous donation and continued support of CHAS. Their kindness will help bring comfort and festive cheer to the children and families we care for across Scotland this Christmas. Gestures like this make such a difference, reminding families that they’re not alone and helping to create special moments of joy during what can be a very difficult time.” Sterling Home has worked with CHAS for 18 years. It also proudly hosts a CHAS library in its Mill Café at the Tillicoultry store and in other cafes across the estate, where hundreds of much-loved books, from children’s stories to cookery favourites, have been generously donated by both customers and staff. Through heartwarming initiatives like this, Sterling Home has helped raise over £115,800 for CHAS to date. The donation aligns with the retailer’s ‘Get Ready for Christmas’ event, which launched at the weekend across all eight stores across Scotland including Sterling Home’s flagship destination in Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire. The event marked the unveiling of Sterling Home’s Christmas ranges, with shoppers treated to goody bag giveaways and exclusive offers. Shoppers were the first to explore this year’s furniture and décor ranges. From Scandi simplicity to bold, playful, glittery and luxurious décor, Sterling Home’s Christmas ranges feature home accessories, soft furnishings, wall art and styling pieces to make spaces of all shapes and sizes warm and festive. Pre-Christmas delivery is also available on furniture items until 8 December, and homewares right up to the final week before Christmas. With more than 50 years of experience in furnishing homes across Scotland, Sterling Home is committed to offering premium-quality products that help customers create spaces they’re truly proud of. Featuring trusted, high-end brands such as G Plan, Stressless, and Nicoletti, every piece reflects Sterling Home’s dedication to exceptional craftsmanship and lasting quality. With more than 200 staff members across the company, Sterling Home’s expert team takes pride in helping families create spaces they love and is available in-store and over the phone to help and provide advice.

The announcement of a long term industrial strategy is set to bring immediate benefits to the UK economy, with more than a third of companies saying they will now accelerate investment projects as a direct result of the announcement according to a major annual survey on investment priorities published today by Make UK and RSM UK. Key Findings: 37% of companies will increase investment in response to the Industrial Strategy Decarbonisation, AI and digital technologies to be main focus of investments Almost 4 in 10 companies make investment decisions based on the availability of incentives But, investment intensity the lowest since the EU Referendum Confidence in domestic demand the biggest driver of investment, while frequent changes to tax policy cited as one of the biggest barriers However, Make UK and RSM UK are urging the Government to use the forthcoming Budget to not just safeguard vital investment incentives which the survey shows are key drivers of manufacturers’ investment decisions but, to extend them further. According to the survey, almost four in ten companies (37%) make their investment decisions based on the availability of tax reliefs. This call coincides with findings that investment intensity in manufacturing dropped to its lowest level last year since the immediate aftermath of the EU Referendum in 2016. Fhaheen Khan, Senior Economist at Make UK, said: “Manufacturers have long called for an industrial strategy and it’s clear that this is set to bring immediate benefits in terms of accelerating investment projects. However, it’s clear that we’re at a critical juncture for investment, and there is a real sense of urgency.@ "The forthcoming Budget must not only safeguard current incentives but, refine them with a set of carefully targeted measures to focus on boosting the take up of accelerating technologies and innovation. Furthermore, the statement should end the frequent tax changes to incentives we have seen in recent years by committing to a business tax regime which is set in stone for the lifetime of this Parliament." Mike Thornton, head of manufacturing at RSM UK, added: “Despite headwinds, UK manufacturers remain optimistic, but to allow them to transform, invest and drive future prosperity they need a helping hand from the government, not more taxes." "Simplification is key here. We know tax reliefs influence investment decisions, so the chancellor has a real opportunity to make them more accessible and easier to claim in the forthcoming budget. This will not only boost investment but drive innovation, improve productivity and accelerate economic growth through industry.” As well as analysing the impact of Government policy, the survey also provides a comprehensive view of investment trends across UK manufacturing. The announcement of an industrial strategy is being specifically used to drive investment in decarbonisation by more than 4 in 10 companies (43.%). Investment in data analytics and AI (35.4%) and increased manufacturing capacity (34.2%) are a priority for around a third of companies. Skills has overtaken plant and machinery as the leading general investment priority in the next twelve months (47.6% and 44.1% respectively). Amid the ongoing debate about the investment performance of UK industry compared to international competitors, almost two thirds of companies (68%) invest up to 10% of their turnover in plant and machinery, with a further fifth (18%) investing between 10% and 50%. However, investment intensity (investment as a percentage of turnover) is now the lowest since 2017 at 6.8%, down significantly from last year when it reached a ten-year high of 8.1%. Furthermore, more than two thirds of companies (68%) invest up to 10% of turnover in R&D, while almost one in five (18%) invest between 10% and 50%. R&D intensity has also fallen slightly to 6.2% from 6.5% last year. The survey of 170 companies was conducted between 23 July and 21 August.

A Lancaster couple have turned a 50th birthday party into their dream wedding with a surprise ceremony kept secret from friends and family. Natalie Marshall and Peter Woodruff had booked Lancaster House Hotel several months in advance for Natalie’s 50th birthday celebrations. As the time of the autumn birthday party drew nearer, the couple, who have been together since 1998, started to discuss the idea of turning the day on its head and making it into a secret wedding ceremony. Natalie and Peter held private talks with Lancaster House Hotel general manager Emma Underwood and wedding and events co-ordinator Lisa Ramwell to re-plan the big day, also enlisting the help of ceremony celebrant Liam Shannon. Over 90 guests arrived at the supposed birthday bash in the hotel’s Bowland Suite without any clue as to what was about to happen. “Peter and I have been together for 28 years and engaged for over 20 so perhaps it was time to tie the knot,” explains Natalie: “When we booked my 50th birthday party, my Dad and I had a heartfelt discussion and from that the idea of getting married really took root. Peter was on board with it straight away." “We knew what we were going to do over six months ago, so it was quite a challenge to keep it from friends and wider family members. My parents were really the only ones to know in advance because we had to book them in as our witnesses." “The team at Lancaster House Hotel were fabulous right from the start and were genuinely excited about the party and how it would all unfold with guests being none the wiser.” Natalie, who moved to North Lancashire in early childhood, is a family support worker. Peter, 49, was born and grew up in Lancaster and runs his own local landscaping business, Woodvale Groundworks. The couple had known each other for some years before they got together and there had always been a spark of chemistry between them. “This was an extra special wedding event for us and an exciting one too having been asked to get involved in changing Natalie’s 50th into her wedding day." “There was quite a lot to think about on the day to ensure that the surprise element was kept right up to the last minute when the wedding celebrant came in. It was brilliant to be in the room with them." “I have known Natalie since high school and we even went to college together, so it was great that I could help and plan my friend’s special day.” Live entertainment on the night was provided by DJ Gareth James and Pink tribute singer Emily Clark. The function room was decorated by venue dressers Poppins, who work regularly with the Lancaster House Hotel wedding and events team.

Family Business United (FBU), a leading voice of the family business community, is delighted to announce a new annual partnership with Downs Solicitors LLP, a leading Surrey-based law firm with a strong track record of supporting family-owned enterprises. This partnership brings together two organisations united by a shared commitment to championing the success, sustainability, and longevity of family firms — a vital part of the UK economy and local communities. Through this collaboration, Downs Solicitors will support Family Business United’s programme of research, events, and initiatives over the coming year across helping to raise awareness of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by family-run organisations. Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Downs Solicitors as a regional partner supporting our endeavours across the south of England." "Their understanding of the values, dynamics, and complexities that define family businesses makes them a perfect fit for our community. Together, we aim to provide meaningful support and guidance to help family firms continue to thrive — not just for today, but for generations to come.” Downs Solicitors has a long history of working closely with family businesses, providing trusted legal advice across succession planning, governance, corporate and commercial law, property, and dispute resolution. Julian Harvey and Amber O’Connor, Joint Managing Partners at Downs Solicitors, agreed: “Family businesses are at the heart of so many communities, and supporting them has always been a key part of what we do." "We’re proud to partner with Family Business United — an organisation that truly celebrates the passion, purpose, and legacy of family enterprises." "Together, we look forward to helping families navigate the challenges of growth and succession while protecting what matters most.” The partnership will see Downs Solicitors involved in a range of FBU activities throughout the year, including events, thought leadership articles, and campaigns designed to celebrate the contribution of family firms and provide practical insights to help them succeed. As Paul concluded: “Partnerships like this are what make Family Business United so special — organisations coming together to share expertise and champion the family business cause." "We’re excited to see what the year ahead holds.”

Family Business United is proud to announce the launch of its 2025 Charity Initiative – a national campaign with local impact, created in partnership with The Pantry UK. The initiative will bring together family firms across the country to share food, support local communities, and help those most in need this festive season. At the heart of the campaign is The Family Business Festive Food Parcel, an initiative designed to redistribute food to grassroots communities through The Pantry’s school network, helping to feed vulnerable children and their families across the UK. “Sharing food and nourishing others is one of the simplest, most powerful ways of showing we care,” says Paul Andrews, CEO of Family Business United. “We’ve seen first-hand that far too many children are going to school hungry, and through this campaign we’re determined to make a tangible difference — one parcel, one family, one community at a time.” Food has always been central to family life and to the spirit of family business. Around countless kitchen tables, ideas have been shared, businesses born, and futures shaped. This campaign celebrates that sense of connection — while helping to create new stories of kindness and community across the country. Join the Celebration: Two Events Planned: Leeds – December 4, 2025 - Sound Leisure Family businesses are invited to come together for a morning of networking and community spirit, together with a tour of the factory which is the last remaining traditional juke box manufacturer in the world. Guests are encouraged to bring along food parcels filled with tinned goods, cereals, soups, rice, lentils, and festive treats, which will be sorted and distributed to families in need through local schools. Find out more and book a complimentary ticket to attend or make a donation to the event in Leeds here London – December 10, 2025 - Hayman's Gin Hosted at Hayman’s of London Distillery, guests will enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the distilling process, sample one of Hayman’s signature drinks, and connect with fellow business leaders — all while contributing to the Festive Food Parcel campaign. Food donations will be collected on the day, sorted, and delivered to families across London and the South East. Find our more and book a complimentary ticket to attend or make a donation to the event in London here Those unable to attend can still support the cause by donating online via the ticketing platform, or host their own collection which can de delivered to the event location of choice on the day. Donations will be used to purchase fresh fruit, vegetables, and other essentials to be added to the parcels. “The family business sector has always been a force for good,” adds Andrews. “This initiative is about coming together as a community to share what we have and make a real difference to families who need our help this Christmas.” "The last time we ran the campaign in 2023 we collected food that equated to more than 24,000 meals which were donated to those in need and made a real difference and we hope to be able to exceed that target this year." Family Business United and The Pantry UK encourage all family firms, partners, and supporters to join the campaign, host local food collections, and help ensure that no child goes hungry this festive season. If you have any questions about the campaign or want to find out more about getting involved, please do not hesitate to contact us .