One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of engineered timber components, Donaldson Timber Engineering Ltd (DTE), is proud to have been awarded Supplier of the Year by leading housebuilder, Taylor Wimpey. Beating competition from the entire Taylor Wimpey supply chain of more than 100 suppliers, the award is given to the team with the highest KPI score for the year. Every Taylor Wimpey site across the country scores each of its suppliers every quarter, based on a set of key criteria, covering performance areas such as quality, service and health and safety. The award was presented to DTE managing director, Luke Roberts and technical director, Oli James at the Taylor Wimpey annual supplier’s conference in Birmingham. Supplier of the Year was the only award given during the day. DTE supplies joists and roof trusses to sites across the UK for the national housebuilder, with all nine DTE branches delivering products to Taylor Wimpey. Luke Roberts, Managing Director at DTE, said: “Oli and I were immensely proud to attend the Taylor Wimpey conference and collect this award. We’re committed to always doing an excellent job for our customers, providing high quality products and service, so it’s fantastic to be recognised for consistently doing an excellent job for our customers. We supply a large amount of our products to Taylor Wimpey sites, which we deliver on time, to the highest standards and with excellent service. This award is not just for a single piece of work well done, but for a strong standardised approach across the country and that makes me very proud indeed." “Every single person at DTE is involved in the work we do for Taylor Wimpey in some way, so this is truly a full team effort. I would like to thank everyone at Taylor Wimpey who helped us achieve this award, and especially everyone at DTE who worked hard every day offering a high level of customer service, excellent manufactured products and value adding designs.” Julie Arucci, Group Procurement Director at Taylor Wimpey said: “Our suppliers and subcontractors play a crucial role in our business, including in the construction of our homes, so we set clear standards on issues such as safety, quality and environmental performance and work closely with them to ensure consistently high quality." “We’re thrilled to be able to reward DTE as our top scoring supplier of the year, recognising the excellent part they play in our trusted supply chain.” DTE is the UK’s longest established manufacturer and supplier of roof trusses, open web joists and I-joists, with a regional network of nine branches across the UK. It is part of the 165-year-old Donaldson Group. Currently led by the sixth generation of Donaldson, the Group comprises a total of 16 specialist timber and building product businesses and brands, operating throughout the UK.

Manufacturing output volumes fell in the three months to May, at the joint-steepest pace since August 2020, according to the CBI’s latest monthly Industrial Trends Survey (ITS). Looking ahead, output is expected to fall further over the three months to August. Total order books weakened marginally in May, relative to April, while export order books improved from a sharply negative reading last month. But both total and export order books remain well below their long-run averages. Manufacturing firms reported that stock adequacy for finished goods was largely unchanged from last month, with the balance standing close to the long-run average. Expectations for selling price inflation over the coming quarter were broadly similar to last month, remaining above the long-run average. The survey, based on the responses of 281 manufacturers, found: Output volumes fell in the three months to May at the joint-steepest pace since August 2020 (weighted balance of -25%, the same as in December 2024, and down from -2% in the quarter to April). Manufacturing firms expect output volumes to decline again in the three months to August (-14%). Output decreased in 13 out of 17 sub-sectors in the three months to May, with the fall in output being driven by the metal products, food, drink & tobacco and mechanical engineering sub-sectors. Total order books were reported as below “normal” in May (-30% from -26% in April). The level of order books remained far below the long-run average (-14%). Export order books were also below “normal” but improved relative to last month (-29% from -41%). The balance still stands below the long-run average (-18%). Expectations for average selling price inflation in May were broadly similar to last month (+26% from +23%). Expectations remain above the long-run average (+7%). Stocks of finished goods were reported as more than “adequate” in May (+10% from +13% in April), with stock adequacy standing close to the long-run average (+12%). Ben Jones, CBI Lead Economist, said: “Sentiment among UK manufacturers seems poor, reflecting a combination of rising domestic business costs and US tariff uncertainty. Many respondents to the survey reported a reluctance to spend among their customers." “Although there are some bright spots, notably aerospace and renewable energy, the sector as a whole is reporting that their order books remain weak, and this is expected to weigh on output volumes through the summer." “While the government has taken steps to boost UK competitiveness on the global stage by striking trade deals with India, the US and a UK-EU reset, more action is needed to shift the dial." “Businesses are facing pressure from high energy costs, rising labour costs and the threat of extra regulation with the Employment Rights Bill coming down the track. Government must avoid further burdening business while simultaneously building confidence through the launch of an innovative Industrial Strategy." “At a time of heightened global economic uncertainty this could really help to promote the UK as an attractive and stable environment for investment, which is critical for driving long-term, sustainable growth.”

A huge new stabling complex has been unveiled at the All England Jumping Course, Hickstead, as part of a £2million upgrade project. Stabling experts Cheval Liberté were in charge of building the new stabling project, which includes 204 new stables housed within six barns. The other upgrades include new hard standing areas, wash down bays, as well as new shower and toilet facilities for the riders. The barns will be used as the international stabling for the two main fixtures in the Hickstead calendar, the Al Shira’aa Hickstead Derby Meeting (19-22 June) and the Agria Royal International Horse Show (22-27 July). In addition, the stabling will be available for competitors at Hickstead’s national shows as well as those attending the showground for external shows, camps and clinics. Showground Manager William Bunn explains: “This project has been three years in the planning, during which we took the time to find the right contractors and the right designs, and now we've delivered what we've always wanted in terms of world-class facilities." “It’s vital that Hickstead, as one of the leading showgrounds in the world, continues to compete with other venues in the sport, and this project is the latest in a series of investments we’ve made to improve the facilities including new all-weather arenas, a new grandstand, and improvements to our hospitality suites.” During the summer months, Hickstead hosts its two major international fixtures along with three national competitions – the Hurst College National Schools Jumping Championships, the Al Shira’aa British Young Horse Championships and the All England September Tour. In recent years, Hickstead has diversified to offer corporate events and parties, as well as cross-country and showjumping training courses that are open from autumn to spring each year. The new upgrades mean Hickstead can now offer more year-round camps, clinics and training sessions. “We are hoping to attract more branches of the Pony Club, Riding Clubs, plus coaches and instructors, who wish to organise camps and clinics here using our world class training facilities,” said William. Arwel Davies, head of Cheval Liberté UK, added: “It's been a wonderful project to be involved in. We've been able to manufacture and install all the stabling in a matter of six months. I’ve been running Cheval Liberté UK for 20 years, and this project has been the pinnacle of my career. I'm very proud to have been able to provide the service that Hickstead required, and to deliver such a fantastic new facility.” Grégory Rulquin, the owner and founder of Cheval Liberté, added: “As a horseman and big fan of showjumping, it has been a dream to come to Hickstead and support this project. From the beginning to the end, it's been a big team effort, and the result is just outstanding.”

A farm near Wickham is causing a buzz in the countryside after introducing 25 new hives of bees to boost their soft fruit harvest. Westlands Farm, in Shedfield, has brought in the 25 hives of Honey and Bumble Bees to support pollination and maintain the health of its raspberry and strawberry crop during the current growing season. The bees and their hives have been supplied to Westlands by Strides New Forest Honey. As part of the relationship Strides collect all the honey produced by the bees and some of that is then sold in Westlands Farm Shop. Farmer Graham Collett, owner of Westlands Farm, said: “Using both Bumble Bees and Honey Bees enables us to maintain a really healthy strawberry and raspberry crop." “They manage the nectar levels in the flowers, which supports stronger fruit development and helps reduce the risk of disease and mould. The honey they produce from our raspberry nectar is processed off-site and sold in our farm shop, completing a full farm-to-jar process." “The Bumble Bees play a vital role in pollinating the raspberry flowers, the Honey Bees help manage excess nectar, which can build up as the fruit develops and increase the risk of mould.” Westlands produces raspberries and strawberries in glasshouses and polytunnels, enabling an extended harvesting period and helping to meet the local and national demand for fresh, seasonal produce. About Westlands: Westlands Farm Shop is a family-owned business dedicated to ethical and sustainable farming, aiming to reduce food miles and promote local food. The business has been nurturing local supply chains and supporting small businesses in the community since opening its first shop in Meon Valley in 2001. Westlands opened their second store on Winchester High St in 2024, bringing high-quality, British farm produce to the heart of the city. Above Photos: The Bumble Bees play a vital role in pollinating the raspberry flowers. The bees and their hives have been supplied by Strides New Forest Honey.

Leading British spring manufacturer Spinks launched four groundbreaking innovations at the Interzum show this month, with three of the products being recognised in this year’s prestigious Interzum Awards – including the highly sought after Best of the Best Award. Spinks’ latest microcoil and pocket spring technologies showcase its next-generation approach to comfort innovation. The newly-launched Microlution microcoil took home the ‘Best of the Best’ accolade – the highest recognition available at the show – while new spring innovations Quadrolution and Micro Copper were each awarded ‘High Product Quality’. Micro Trio, a fourth new product, was also unveiled at the international industry show in Cologne, having missed the award entry deadline. Like all Spinks’ innovative technologies, these new spring systems have been designed and created in-house at the company's Yorkshire facility to be recyclable without the use of glue. Award-winning Spinks innovations launched at Interzum 2025: • Microlution – the next generation of microcoil technology featuring Spinks’ innovative two-stage approach – two springs working together to provide initial comfort with secondary support in a single layer. The level of luxurious comfort and long-term support this patent-pending technology provides has never before been possible within a microcoil layer. • Quadrolution – an evolution of Spinks’ innovative glueless QuadCore spring technology, this recyclable system has infinite customisation opportunities, allowing Response Coils to be positioned between each group of QuadCore springs to create a secondary support system that then allows for zoning, phased zoning, or a firm edge. Made with just two raw materials, this patented design offers revolutionary recyclable core technology to the bedding industry. • Micro Copper – the world’s first microcoil to feature copper-infused nonwoven fabric, resulting in a product with antimicrobial and anti-fungal benefits. The technology utilises the hydrophilic nonwoven currently used within medical applications, while the fine-wire microcoils can be positioned close to the mattress or seating application surface, making it extremely useful where hygiene is paramount – such as transportation seating. • Micro Trio – a microcoil like no other, with three active coils formed from a single piece of wire to provide unrivalled comfort for mattresses and bedding. The revolutionary patented coil system seamlessly transitions from pressure-relieving comfort to adapt to personalised support for every body type. Darren Marcangelo, Chief Commercial Officer at Spinks, said: “This year’s Interzum has been hugely exciting for us. To launch four new technologies that set new standards for comfort and performance is a great milestone and to see three of them recognised with one of the most prestigious awards for our industry – including our first ever ‘Best of the Best’ award – has been a real honour for the team. We're confident we could have won a fourth too if Micro Trio was launched in time." “These innovations reflect growing demand from bedding and seating manufacturers for highly customisable solutions and versatile designs." “We’re the pioneers of microcoil technology, and we challenged ourselves to deliver even more comfort and support into our range of coils." “Copper is also a key trend in bedding at present, mainly in the US, but European and Asian manufacturers are starting to adopt it too. Customers want innovative products and want to be able to differentiate – so we’re responding to that with new innovations that offer high levels of customisation, with each developed to give our clients a real competitive advantage.” The award-winning Micro Copper and Micro Trio is set to be commercially available this year, with Microlution and Quadrolution available from early 2026.

Outdoor living just became even more beautiful and practical, following a team-up between Caribbean Blinds, the UK’s leading name in external shading, and Grillo Outdoor Kitchens. At the heart of the partnership is a premium louvered pergola, built by Caribbean Blinds and tailored to match Grillo’s elegant outdoor kitchens, creating the ultimate setting for garden entertaining. Designed and manufactured in Britain, this new collaboration offers a fully coordinated solution for enjoying stylish, weatherproof alfresco living throughout the year. The design provides reliable shelter from sun and rain and enhances the overall look and feel of the space, creating the perfect connection between cooking, dining and relaxing outdoors. “We’ve combined our most popular pergola with Grillo’s signature black finish, ensuring the two work beautifully together in any garden,” says Stuart Dantzic, Managing Director at Caribbean Blinds. “The result is an inviting, practical outdoor space that performs in all seasons and looks stunning all year round.” Made using durable, high-grade materials, both the pergola and the kitchen have been engineered to last. The modular nature of each system means they can be configured to suit gardens of all shapes and sizes, with finishes chosen to suit a range of property styles, from sleek modern terraces to traditional landscaped grounds. “Caribbean Blinds have nailed it,” says Dougal Donald, Managing Director at Grillo. “They’ve created a top quality, sturdy pergola that’s colour and size matched to our kitchens. It’s exactly what our customers have been looking for.” For anyone planning to upgrade their garden or patio, this new partnership makes it easier than ever to create a stylish, high-performance outdoor entertaining space. Customers can explore the collaboration in person from mid-June at the Caribbean Blinds Dream Gardens show site in Sudbury, Suffolk, where a full Grillo kitchen and pergola installation will be on display.

An award-winning Glasgow family-run pizza business is moving into a larger factory in Coatbridge to meet growing demand, creating 17 new jobs and doubling its production capacity. Victor Pizza Ltd, founded in the 1970s as a small family bakery, has grown into a £5 million business while staying true to its roots in quality and tradition. In the early days, the team was approached by a local Italian fish and chip shop owner with a unique request: a pizza that could be fried - a nostalgic nod to how it was made back in Naples. What started as a backroom experiment became Pizza Fritto, now a chip shop favourite across Scotland, more commonly known as pizza crunch or deep-fried pizza. As the company grew, so did its ambitions. With a greater focus on nutrition, Victor Pizza teamed up with Donnie Maclean from Scottish food brand Eat Balanced, who had worked with health experts from the University of Glasgow to develop a nutritionally balanced pizza. The result was a multi award-winning pizza made with iodine-rich seaweed and a natural prebiotic fibre (good for gut health) in the base and vitamin-packed red pepper paste mixed through the sauce. Today, these pizzas are shipped across the UK to schools and sports venues, providing healthier options that don’t compromise on taste. Backed by a seven-figure funding package from Bank of Scotland, Victor Pizza is relocating from its 12,000 sq ft site in Possilpark to a new 24,500 sq ft facility in Coatbridge. The upgraded site more than doubles production capacity, introduces new product lines - including High Protein Pizza, Pizza Wraps and Mini Buffet Pizza Bites - and brings in 17 new hires, bolstering the team to 54 employees. Inside the factory, it feels more like a family home. Generations work side by side - mums and sons, cousins and neighbours - with co-founder Anne Marie Cairney still fondly known as the “Chief Soup Maker” for her warm presence and legendary home-cooked lunches. Community values are at the heart of Victor Pizza. The business regularly donates surplus food through organisations like FareShare, Too Good To Go and homelessness charity Emmaus, and frequently welcomes school pupils on educational visits to learn about food production and career opportunities. Five members of the senior leadership team began with no formal qualifications and have worked their way into senior roles. Looking ahead, sustainability is firmly on the menu. The new site is being prepared for solar panel installation and Victor Pizza is working with Scottish Enterprise on projects to reduce food waste and lower carbon emissions. Anne Marie Cairney, co-founder at Victor Pizza, said: “We’ve come a long way from frying pizzas in the back of a Glasgow bakery. Now, we’re sending out hundreds of pallets every month to customers all over the UK." “Winning Scottish Family Business of the Year in 2019 was a real ‘pinch me’ moment and proof that all the hard work and heart hasn’t gone unnoticed." “We’ve built something more than a factory. It’s a family. And that’s the difference people feel when they work with us. This new chapter in Coatbridge gives us space to grow while staying grounded in the values we started with.” Kyle Gibson, relationship manager at Bank of Scotland, said: “Victor Pizza is a fantastic example of how a value-led, family-run business can grow without losing its heart. Their commitment to innovation, sustainability and community shines through and we’re proud to support them on their journey.” Above Photo: Anne-Marie and Paul Cairney, Founders, Victor Pizza.

St Austell Brewery is looking for a new publican to take on one of Cornwall’s most cherished pubs which boasts seven acres of land and glamping pods. After 15 successful years at the helm, award-winning licensees Tanya and Alex Williams are handing over the keys to St Austell Brewery’s iconic 16th-century Polgooth Inn. Nestled in Pentewan Valley on the south coast of Cornwall, it has become a cornerstone of the local community and a destination for food lovers, walkers, and holidaymakers alike. Located just outside of St Austell and close to popular beaches of Pentewan and Porthpean, the Polgooth Inn is a hidden gem surrounded by stunning countryside and walking trails. From hearty food and crackling open fires in winter, to live music and sunsets in the expansive beer garden -complete with a stream and acres to explore in summer - the pub has become a go-to spot for locals and visitors seeking an authentic Cornish pub experience. The Polgooth Inn, which forms part of St Austell Brewery’s 120+ strong leased and tenanted pub estate, also features three glamping pods on site, offering a unique stay experience. Tanya Williams, who took on the pub with her husband Alex in 2010, said: “We believed from the start that the Polgooth Inn could sit at the heart of the community – and now the pub definitely does. From village celebrations to local events, we’ve loved being part of this community and are so proud of what’s been built. Running the pub has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve worked closely with St Austell Brewery, who have supported us at every step, and we’re excited to see new publicans bring fresh ideas and passion to this wonderful place.” With three distinct dining areas and space for 80 covers, the pub’s cosy interiors are filled with character – from low beams and original features to welcoming nooks and historic charm. Outside, guests enjoy a large beer garden, cycle and horse parking, and a covered seating area. Andy Spry, Business Development Manager at St Austell Brewery, said: “The Polgooth Inn is one of the jewels in our tenanted estate – full of warmth, history, and opportunity. Tanya and Alex have done an incredible job over the last 15 years. We’re now looking for an ambitious and experienced business partner who can take on this thriving business, maintain its exceptional standards, and bring new ideas to help it flourish.” The incoming business partner will have access to a well-equipped commercial kitchen, complete with walk-in chillers and freezers – perfect for high-volume service. There’s also a spacious three-bedroom flat, offering a home for the incoming business partner. With the backing of St Austell Brewery, the next custodians of the Polgooth Inn will be welcomed in to add a new chapter to the pub’s long and storied history.

A life-saving men’s health screening programme is coming to Uttoxeter – with the help of a £750 donation from digger giant JCB. Uttoxeter Lions Club has announced it will be holding its annual Prostate Cancer Screening event on Thursday 5th June at Oldfields Sports Ground in Springfield Road, Uttoxeter. The event, which will deliver 500 free PSA blood tests to men over the age of 50 in the Uttoxeter area, will help to detect the early signs of the cancer which affects more than 50,000 men every year. If left untreated prostate cancer, the most common cancer in men, can spread, so early detection through screening is crucial. Terry Adams, one of the volunteers at Uttoxeter Lions Club, who himself benefited from the screening programme two years ago, said: For the last 11 years Uttoxeter Lions Club has provided free prostate cancer screening in the town. Each year we find that 5% of those tested require further testing, or early treatment for Prostate Cancer. In 2023 I was one of that 5% and fully appreciate the benefits our events provide. I couldn’t be more grateful to JCB for their support which will help us to save lives through early diagnosis and treatment.” JCB’s donation will help to provide around 30 lifesaving screenings with the club using funds from their Party on the Pitch fundraiser on the weekend of Friday 6th to Saturday 7th June and other donations to make up the £14,000 needed to offer the free lifesaving screening. To mark their 50th anniversary the club will be offering an additional 100 tests this year to reach their 500@50 milestone. Each test, which has to be pre-booked, takes a few minutes with a sample of blood taken by NHS registered phlebotomists and sent to a laboratory to assess how much of the prostate cancer detecting protein PSA is in the blood.

Arco , the UK’s leading safety expert, has opened its latest safety training centre in Hull, to serve businesses in the Yorkshire region and beyond. The new Hull-based site is the latest investment in Arco’s Professional Safety Services training facilities, tailored to workers across a range of sectors including the highest risk industries. This new practical training facility follows Arco’s ongoing investment in its National Distribution Centre (NDC) site to develop its learning academy and brand new Customer Discovery Centre that brings together product expertise, training and industry collaboration under one roof. Specialising in confined space and working at height "hands-on" training, the facility includes a confined space labyrinth and working at height course with safe access to the rooftop of the National Distribution Centre, alongside a multitude of classroom-based courses, increasing accessibility to critical safety education. As part of the Arco Professional Safety Services offering, Arco also provide mobile confined space units for bespoke training in any location. Following Arco’s £200,000 investment in 2023, these state of the art units can simulate risks in different environments for businesses across Yorkshire. The new site also offers courses with a blended learning approach including: o Classroom training in Arco’s learning academy o E-learning and video Conference o Practical Training o Virtual Reality Modules Jamie Sadler, Commercial Director at Arco Professional Safety Services, said: “We have invested significantly in our NDC site this year to make safety more accessible for our customers. This new centre of excellence demonstrates Arco’s approach to the future of health and safety; putting innovation, convenience and high-standards at the forefront." “Working at height and confined spaces remain the most dangerous environments and therefore they require expert training and support. Access to bespoke training that provides people with the correct skills and capabilities to carry out their work safely is essential. Whether it is equipment, training or support, our experienced teams offer a complete solution.”

One of Hull’s most prominent businesses has received another national award for its workplace travel plan, which encourages and supports its workforce to walk, cycle and use public transport for their daily commute. Rix Group, the sixth-generation, family-owned business, with a portfolio of 22 companies ranging across many industries, has received a ‘Very Good Travel Plan’ award from Modeshift STARS Business programme, its second accolade in just over 12 months. The national STARS accreditation scheme recognises workplaces that go above and beyond in developing, implementing, and monitoring an effective travel plan to bring about a change in travel behaviour and reduce the number of single occupancy car journeys to, from and between their sites. Sites are awarded Approved, Good, Very Good, Excellent and Outstanding accreditation. Rix Group’s latest certificate recognises the business’ ongoing work to: 1. decrease single occupancy car journeys among staff by promoting and increasing an uptake in car sharing 2. pool umbrellas to support those that walk to work in inclement weather 3. a lunchtime running club for staff 4. delivery of an onsite, secure cycling marking event in partnership with Humberside Police 5. improvements to onsite shower facilities to benefit those choosing to cycle to work 6. sharing promotional materials for Hull City Council active and sustainable travel events to their workforce and to neighbouring businesses and organisations. Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transportation, roads and highways, said: “Rix is one of Hull’s most iconic business names and it is a great pleasure to present them with their latest award, which recognises their ongoing efforts to support their staff to make more sustainable and active travel choices." “The Modeshift STARS Business Programme offers real benefits, both to people and the local environment, and it is brilliant to see so many organisations within Hull taking advantage of the opportunity to participate in the programme and work with the council to create a greener and healthier city.” Cerys Davies, business analyst at Rix Group, said: “We’re proud to have achieved our second Modeshift STARS accreditation. Building on last year’s success, we’ve focused on making sustainable travel more accessible, practical, and appealing for our staff. From improving facilities for cyclists and supporting those who walk to work, to creating new opportunities like our lunchtime running club, we’ve aimed to embed active travel into everyday routines." “It’s also been great to reach out and offer initiatives we are running, such as secure cycle marking or our running club, to other local businesses near to our office at Humber Quays, helping to strengthen sustainable travel efforts across the wider community. We hope that this inspires other companies in the area to explore similar initiatives to support green travel choices.” Hull City Council offers businesses and organisations within the city the chance to join Modeshift STARS for free as part of its strategic objective of promoting active travel choices. The benefits and advantages of a workplace travel plan, include: 1. reductions of single occupancy car journeys, which helps alleviate pressure and congestion across site car parks 2. identifying availability and accessibility of viable transport options, based on staff locations 3. potential to improve and develop site connectivity links through sustainable and active travel 4. improving staff wellbeing, with physical and mental health benefits. Above Photo: BACK-TO-BACK SUCCESS - Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transportation, roads and highways from Hull City Council, presents the Rix Group’s certificate to Cerys Davies, business analyst

More UK entrepreneurs are considering selling their business following tax changes, according to a recent survey of 4,000 UK adults commissioned by Brown Shipley, the UK wealth manager and subsidiary of Quintet Private Bank. Almost two fifths of UK entrepreneurs (38%) say they plan to explore selling their business earlier than planned due to tax changes announced in the October 2024 Budget, according to the latest research. Meanwhile, just over two in five (44%) UK entrepreneurs say that the increase in National Insurance will impact their plans for business growth. These tax changes combined with challenging market conditions are likely informing sentiment among business owners. Over a third (36%) of respondents say they intend to sell their business in its entirety to crystalise value and manage wealth, compared to 21% in January 2024. Financial risk remains top of mind, and an increased number of business owners intend to seek external investment in their companies over the next 12-36 months to diversify their financial risk, with those figures increasing significantly since the October Budget (December 2024: 40% vs January 2024: 25%). Slightly fewer (37%) intend to seek external investment over the same period as part of their company’s strategic growth plans. Despite UK inheritance tax changes for businesses, a third of entrepreneurs say they plan to reduce their equity in the business but keep it within the family as part of their generational wealth planning. Younger entrepreneurs are more interested in this than are older entrepreneurs (18-34: 49% vs 55+: 10%). Meanwhile, over one third of entrepreneurs (36%) have plans to reduce their ownership through internal succession to employees; similarly, this decreases with age (18-34: 53% vs 55+: 9%). Entrepreneurs are focused on managing wealth, and confidence in financial planning increased in the last year. 54% of survey respondents reported confidence in the planning they have undertaken, with confidence higher among young entrepreneurs at 68%. That is up from 47% recorded in January 2024. Simon Smith, Head of Private Banking, South at Brown Shipley said: “The survey findings are reflective of conversations we are having with entrepreneurs. Confidence in the UK market is currently more challenging than it has been, and entrepreneurs are carefully assessing their options. In addition to business sentiment, entrepreneurs are considering what inheritance tax changes will mean for the legacy of their business. This reflects the fact that preserving wealth for future generations and succession planning are often key considerations for entrepreneurs when they are looking to sell or pass on their businesses.”