KFE are delighted to announce that they have been presented with the Digital Supporter of the Year award by maritime charity The Fishermen’s Mission, in recognition of their continued fundraising efforts. The award was presented at the charity’s Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 15th April, held at Trinity House in London. The award celebrates the success of their 12 Days of Christmas Charity Auction, which raised nearly £2,000 to support the charity’s vital work within the UK’s fishing communities. This latest honour marks a significant moment for KFE, as they become the only supplier to have received two awards from The Fishermen’s Mission, having previously been named Fundraiser of the Year in 2018. Presenting the award, Alison Godfrey, Director of Business Development and Deputy Chief Executive of The Fishermen’s Mission, praised the impact of the campaign, acknowledging not only the incredible amount of money raised but also its role in increasing awareness of the charity across social media. The auction, which ran on Facebook and Instagram, is one of many initiatives KFE have championed, helping raise over £50,000 for The Fishermen’s Mission through their annual dinner dances, race days, and other events. In 2017, they launched ‘KFE on a Mission’, which brought together ten award-winning friers who visited shops across England, Scotland and Wales in exchange for donations. The campaign culminated in a charity dinner and auction, raising £13,000 – and returned in 2019 to raise an additional £14,500. Tanya Henderson, Managing Director of KFE, shared her excitement: “We are truly honoured to receive this award. The Fishermen’s Mission is a cause very close to our hearts – without our brave fishermen, there would be no fish and chip industry. Beyond fundraising, this charity supports active and former fishermen and their families with housing, healthcare and essential services. We are delighted to be a small part of that help." “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the generous suppliers who donated prizes, and to the amazing fish and chip community who placed such fantastic bids. This wouldn’t have been possible without your support. We’re already looking forward to continuing our fundraising efforts in 2025.” Special thanks to the following supporters for their auction contributions: BDSigns and BDigital, Kerry Foods, Friars Pride, Tower Leasing, Middleton Food Products, QBTEC and The NFFF. KFE Win Award From The Fishermen’s Mission

Arco announces its biggest ever launch of a wider, modernised brand portfolio: ‘Including PPE, hi-vis clothing, chemical protection, responsible choice workwear, fire resistant/arc clothing, working at height products and gloves. Arco, the UK’s leading safety expert, has launched its most extensive range of safety products to date, bringing over 140 years of experience and expertise, to their PPE and workwear range. The new range includes high-performance PPE, hi-vis clothing, chemical protection, responsible choice workwear, flame-resistant/arc flash garments, working at height products, and gloves – all designed, developed and tested by Arco, focused on compliance through quality, sustainability and ethical responsibility, the range is Arco made. Arco tested. Designed to exceed industry standards, by Arco experts, with performance, compliance and responsible manufacturing in mind. The new range brings cost-effective safety equipment to customers without compromising on quality, included in the range: Hi-vis range: visible and stylish with enhanced hardwearing materials. Chemical protection range: defends against chemicals, contaminants, and pathogens. FR/arc clothing: Flame resistant and safety tested, made with superior flash protection, yet comfortable for the wearer. Working at height: 15 expertly designed products that are lightweight, padded, and fully compliant. Gloves: Dextrous protective gloves, with touchscreen functionality to keep workers protected at all times. Responsible choice workwear: featuring Global Recycled Standard (GRS)-certified recycled materials, this range offers ethical, durable, and traceable workwear without compromise. All Arco products are designed to the highest of safety standards, surpassing basic industry criteria and are rigorously tested in the company’s independent UKAS accredited Product Assurance Laboratory and backed by its unique five-step product assurance process. The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) found that between December 2023 and December 2024, only 10% of non-member products tested fully met compliance standards - underscoring the importance of trusted suppliers.1 Simon Allan-Brooks, Chief Commercial Officer at Arco, said: “At a time when non-compliant products are easier to purchase and harder to spot than ever before, workers need to be confident that what they’re purchasing will protect them. Our new range has been a cornerstone in our safety products offering, enabling customers to purchase all of the necessary items for their working environment at a competitive price, with the peace of mind that the products will keep them safe." “Revitalising this portfolio with modernised, responsible and optimised safety equipment, designed and tested by Arco means that customers can be confident they are making the ethical, quality and compliant choice. Our commitment to workplace safety has never wavered and with over 140 years of safety experience woven into every product, customers can trust that they and their workers are in safe hands. When it comes to protecting your people, chance nothing.” To support the launch, Arco is investing in national advertising across TV, digital streaming, outdoor media, radio, and paid social. The full range is also available to explore in person at the Arco Discovery Centre in Hull—offering a hands-on experience of Arco’s innovative approach to safety. Visitors to the Health and Safety Event at Birmingham NEC (8th–10th April) had the opportunity to explore the new range first-hand. The launch was showcased at the event, giving attendees a preview of Arco’s latest innovations in compliant, high-performance safety products—backed by over a century of expertise.

Navigating the ups and downs of financial markets can be daunting. Remaining invested when markets fall may seem counter intuitive, but it can be the best way to not crystalise losses and avoid your portfolio underperforming over the longer term. Trying To Time The Market Can Seriously Damage Your Investment Returns Amidst heightened volatility, it is understandable that you may be concerned about the impact on the value of your investments. But, while sharp declines in markets can naturally be disconcerting, if you want to give your investments the best chance of earning a long-term return, then it’s a good idea to practice the art of patience. Events Through Time Source: Bloomberg, MSCI World £ Price Index (MSCI: please see important information). Logarithmic Scale. 01/01/1971 – 07/04/2025. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. A logarithmic scale represents data by showing proportional changes rather than equal increments. It progresses in multiples of 10 instead of linear steps. This approach is used here to effectively display both small initial returns and larger long-term growth within a single chart. When markets fall and fear dominates, it can be difficult to resist the temptation to sell out of the financial markets and switch to cash, with the idea of reinvesting in the future when feeling more positive about market prospects – trying to ‘time the market’. But this is a strategy that carries with it the risk of missing out on some of the best days of market performance. And this could have a devastating impact on long-term returns. Remaining invested may be an emotional rollercoaster during times of market stress, but research shows time and again that this is the best investment approach over the long term. For example, one study of US equity mutual fund investors showed that their tendency to try and time the market was a key driver of their underperformance (Dalbar, 2019)1. In the current environment, it is understandable that many people are concerned about geopolitical risks, and how this is being reflected in the value of their investments. Despite temptations to switch into cash, data shows that missing out on just the 10 best market performing days can have a big impact on long-term returns. Staying ‘fully invested’ during the ups and downs has resulted in an initial £100,000 portfolio, for example, having an ending value of £468,000, compared to £258,000 for those that missed the 10 best days in previous 25 years. This effect also highlights the powerful effect of ‘compounding returns’ over time. If, for example, the 50 best days are missed, the long-term returns are indeed negative. Timing The Market Source: Bloomberg, MSCI AC World TR £ (MSCI: please see important information), Dates 01/01/2000 to 09/04/2025. Chart shows performance of a £100,000 investment. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. A different way of delivering the same message, where staying invested over the 25-year period generates annualised returns of 6.1%, compared to 1.1% annualised returns if one misses the 30 best days: Staying Invested Source: Bloomberg, MSCI AC World TR £ (MSCI: please see important information). Dates 01/01/2000 to 09/04/2025. One of the most common reasons investors lose money is when they try to time the market, trying to avoid the worst days of the stock market by cashing out and then re-investing when they think the market is going to pick up. However, as the chart below shows, the best and worst days of the stock market cluster. Try to miss the lows and you’ll probably miss the highs too. Missing the best days during the downturn and subsequent upturn can again have a large impact on the returns generated over the subsequent period. Best And Worst Days Tend To Cluster Source: Bloomberg, MSCI World £ TR (MSCI: please see important information), Dates 01/01/2000 to 09/04/2025. Chart shows 50 worst and 50 best days of one-day performance. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. With the benefit of hindsight, we are now fully aware of the global impact of COVID-19, and the rapidity in which it has hit equity markets. While markets rivalled the speed of the virus in trying to price-in the near-term damage, we expected they could also be swift to act when a tipping-point was seen to be close- at-hand. World equity markets returned to highs around 120 days following 2020 lows. The current market meltdown appears politically driven, sparked by President Trump’s tariff policies rather than any inherent weakness in the economy. If history is a guide, recovery could unfold as swiftly as the decline once trade tension de-escalates. By keeping to an established and proven investment framework, we can look to take advantage of short- term volatility as we continue to seek out longer- term investment opportunities. We look to avoid behavioural biases that may result in decisions that negatively impact long-term return potential. Yes, the journey may not be smooth, but generally it is important to look through the noise, and remain invested during times of market stress. Important information Investors should be aware that the price of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up and that neither is guaranteed. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Investors may not get back the amount invested. Changes in rates of exchange may have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of an investment. Investors should be aware of the additional risks associated with funds investing in emerging or developing markets. The information in this document does not constitute advice or a recommendation and you should not make any investment decisions on the basis of it. This document is for the information of the recipient only and should not be reproduced, copied or made available to others. The MSCI information may only be used for your internal use, may not be reproduced or re-disseminated in any form and may not be used as a basis for or a component of any financial instruments or products or indices. None of the MSCI information is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such. Historical data and analysis should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of any future performance analysis, forecast or prediction. The MSCI information is provided on an “as is” basis and the user of this information assumes the entire risk of any use made of this information. MSCI, each of its affiates and each other person involved in or related to compiling, computing or creating any MSCI information (collectively, the “MSCI Parties”) expressly disclaims all warranties (including, without limitation, any warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, non-infringement, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose) with respect to this information. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall any MSCI Party have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, punitive, consequential (including, without limitation, lost profits) or any other damages. (www.msci.com) Brooks Macdonald is a trading name of Brooks Macdonald Group plc used by various companies in the Brooks Macdonald group of companies. Brooks Macdonald Group plc is registered in England No 4402058. Registered office: 21 Lombard Street, London, EC3V 9AH. Brooks Macdonald Asset Management Limited is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England No 3417519. Registered office: 21 Lombard Street, London, EC3V 9AH.

Family-owned business, Little’s Chauffeur Drive has announced its expansion into the Aberdeen market through the acquisition of Vigilant Chauffeur Services. This strategic acquisition brings together two highly respected names in the industry and marks an exciting new chapter. Whilst Little’s has supported clients in Aberdeen for nearly 60 years through its established operations in Glasgow and Edinburgh, this move represents a significant local investment – including the introduction of a dedicated fleet based in the North East. Vigilant Chauffeur Services (Vchauffeur) has built a strong reputation for exceptional service and local expertise. To ensure a smooth transition and maintain the high standards both companies are renowned for, Little’s will work closely with Vchauffeur Director, Mark Cochrane, over the next year. His in-depth knowledge of the local market and long-standing client relationships are expected to be instrumental in further developing Little’s presence in Aberdeen and the surrounding areas. With this acquisition, Little’s will now offer its full suite of award-winning services directly from Aberdeen, and clients – both new and existing – can expect 24/7 access to a world-class service, not only in Scotland, but across the UK and internationally. Heather Matthews, Managing Director of Little’s Chauffeur Drive, said: "This acquisition is a great step forward for both businesses, combining strengths to enhance our service in Aberdeen. As we near Little’s 60th anniversary, it reflects our continued growth as a proud family business with a strong heritage and commitment to excellence." Mark Cochrane, Director of Vchauffeur, commented: "After an exciting five-year journey building the Vchauffeur brand and reputation, our recent acquisition by Little’s made perfect sense. We share the same principles of providing our clients with exceptional service, discretion, and professionalism. I now look forward to working closely with Little’s to further develop and enhance their presence within the North East of Scotland." About Little’s Chauffeur Drive Little’s is a highly respected luxury chauffeur company established in 1966. Headquartered in Scotland, the company operates in over 125 countries, delivering unparalleled travel support to ensure clients experience five-star service wherever they are in the world. From VIP airport transfers and large-scale events to bespoke chauffeur-driven tours of Scotland and more, Little’s caters to a wide range of travel needs with professionalism and care. Services are available 24/7, with every call answered directly by the team – no automated systems or recorded messages. Little’s is known for its personal touch, commitment to discretion, and seamless delivery, making it a trusted supplier for exceptional travel experiences.

A Scottish home improvement specialist is celebrating a major birthday this week when it turns 150 years old. R Mitchell (Glass) Ltd, which was launched in Hawick by Robert Mitchell in 1875, is looking to mark the significant milestone by hosting a special open day at its Currie Road showroom in Galashiels on Thursday April 10th. The company is Scotland’s oldest glazer, providing a large range of conservatory, orangery, double glazing windows and doors in Edinburgh, the Lothians and the Scottish Borders. Built on a strong customer service focus, these founding principles still run through the business today under the ownership of fourth generation Lewis Roden. In addition to the open day, Mitchell Glass is planning to give itself a perfect birthday present with the £75,000 modernisation of its showroom getting underway shortly. “We’ve come a long way since Robert ran away from home at 14 and honed his glazing skills in Edinburgh,” explained Lewis, who joined the business in 1999. “He used to ride his bike to installations with the glass on his back – I’m not sure we’d get away with that these days! Mr. Mitchell was a big character who, despite not finishing school, went on to have a successful career in politics. He became a town councillor at the turn of the century and helped secure funding for a critical local bridge and library.” He continued, “It remained under Mitchell family ownership until 1947 and came into my family when my great-grandfather, James Fisher, was asked by the Mitchells to run the business during the war." “After serving his apprenticeship in Hawick, my grandfather Bill Fisher opened premises in Gala Lane, Galashiels, before converting shops and houses in Market Street (into what is now Quins). In addition to glazing, they sold paint, tools, and wedding gifts before commencing aluminium window manufacture in the basement. The move to our current purpose-built factory in Currie Road took place in 1978." “My father, Peter Roden, was taken on in 1983, and following my grandfather’s death, he and Bill’s daughter, Susan (my mum), successfully ran the company for twenty-six years before retiring and leaving me at the helm." “Family is really important to the way we run the company. Our founder made the business all about delivering personalised service and the best possible customer experience, and that’s exactly what we’re still about – achieving a Net Promoter Score of 88 and winning 92% of new orders from ‘word of mouth’ and recommendations.” Mitchell Glass, which is part of the Conservatory Outlet network, is launching several special offers at its Open Day tomorrow, including a double chance to win a free front door (worth up to £3000) and ‘get an exact day quote for your project’ - with a discount on the day or pay £150 now and pay the rest in six months. With it being the school holidays, the company has also arranged a bouncy castle and face painting for children, whilst a ‘design the door’ competition will give people the chance to win a Family Cinema voucher. Lewis went on to add: “2025 is going to be a great year for the business. As well as our showroom redevelopment, we’re really excited to be showcasing the new ‘Extreme’ window range that is due to launch later this year." “This new range features ‘Super-Vault’ locking technology, which promises to deliver the most secure and airtight solution on the market and features the UK’s first and only 12mm wide super-bolt that’s 4x bigger and tougher than other options. This new window will make your home more efficient and, importantly, safer than ever." “We’ve got exclusivity on this product, and we can’t wait to bring it to market later this year.” Mitchell Glass was the first Scottish retailer to join the Conservatory Outlet (CO) network in 2011 and has been one of the organisation’s most consistent performers. Greg Kane, CEO of CO, continued: “A massive happy birthday to Lewis and the team up in Galashiels; it’s a massive achievement to trade for more than 150 years." “We have been part of the company’s history for nearly 25 years, first under Peter Roden and now his son. It is a fantastic business that excels in customer service, and we can’t wait to help it write the next chapter in its successful history.” As it celebrates 150 years, Mitchell Glass remains committed to evolving with the times, adapting to new technologies, embracing sustainability, and continuing to deliver the personal service that has kept it at the heart of homes across the Borders for generations. Caption for pics: Mitchell Glass (Staff): Lewis, Peter and his mum Susan (centre) with the Mitchell Glass team in 2000 Robert Mitchell: Robert Mitchell, founder, outside his store in 1875 Mitchell Glass Steve Scott: (l-r) Susan, Peter and Lewis Roden (front) with some of the Mitchell Glass team in 2023.

Jonathan Neame, Chief Executive of independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame, was officially appointed as High Sheriff of Kent. Guests and dignitaries including the outgoing High Sheriff of Kent, Dr Gill Fargher, attended the Declaration Ceremony at St Mary of Charity Parish Church in Faversham. The ceremony was conducted by Reverend Simon Rowlands and the Bishop of Dover The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, and the Declaration was led by the Resident Judge His Honour Judge Julian Smith and the President of the Supreme Court The Rt Honourable Lord Reed. It was followed by a reception in The Old Brewery Store events venue at the Faversham Brewery. The Office of High Sheriff is a non-political Royal appointment for each county in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. High Sheriffs represent the Sovereign within their county in respect of matters relating to the judiciary and maintenance of law and order. Most practical tasks are delegated to the legal courts and the Chief Constable of Police, but formal responsibilities include ensuring the well-being of High Court Judges on circuit, being present at Royal visits, acting as returning officer for parliamentary elections, proclaiming the accession of a new Sovereign and attending various ceremonial functions. High Sheriffs serve for a year, and receive no renumeration for their work. Jonathan Neame is the fifth generation of his family to run Shepherd Neame, and has been Chief Executive since 2003. His recent industry positions have included Master of the Worshipful Company of Brewers from 2022 to 2023, and he has also held a number of roles in Kent including Chairman of Visit Kent from 2015 to 2020, and serving as Deputy Lieutenant of Kent in 2013. He was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Kent in 2016 in recognition of services to Business and Kent. Jonathan Neame said: "It is an incredible honour to be appointed High Sheriff of Kent. I am proud to take on this role and look forward to serving the people of Kent during the coming year.” At the end of the Declaration Ceremony, candles were lit by representatives from Kent Volunteer Police Cadets and HMPPS Community Payback Team, along with Victim Support and Porchlight, the two Kent charities which Jonathan Neame has chosen to support during his year in office.

Birketts are East & East Anglia Regional Partners of Family Business United. What We Do Birketts LLP is a UK Top 50 law firm with a dedicated Family Business Team. We advise family-owned businesses on key strategic decisions relating to the growth and sale of family businesses. We also advise on non-family recruitment and day-to-day operational issues. Services Offered To Family Businesses Our expertise covers succession planning, sales and acquisitions, governance issues, employment, dispute resolution, trust creation and administration, and other personal wealth protection issues. Our Family Business Team comprises lawyers from a wide range of disciplines, but all with a knowledge and understanding of the particular challenges facing this unique sector. We have strong relationships with other professional advisers and organisations working alongside family businesses, meaning we can provide quick and cost-effective solutions. Visit Our Website To Find out More "Family businesses are important because they are the driving force of the UK economy. As lawyers to many of the UK’s leading family businesses, our role is to support them at stages of their evolution.” Jennifer Leeder Partner, Head of Family Business E Jennifer-leeder@birketts.co.uk T +44 1473 299153

Family Business United is delighted to announce the family firms that are in the running for the National Family Business of the Year Awards 2025. Organised since 2012 these are the only national awards dedicated to celebrating the significant contribution that family firms make to the national economy in terms of the jobs they provide, income they generate and the wealth they create, as well as recognising their philanthropic endeavours in the communities in which they operate. Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United adds; "These prestigious awards are an annual highlight as the recognise family firms that make a real difference, celebrating their achievements and bringing the family business community together to realise the collective impact they have." "Family businesses are important and these awards enable us to take stock of their achievements and crown some incredible family business winners." Taking place in London on June 18 awards will be presented to regional winners and then national awards will be given for business sectors such as manufacturing, retail and homes & gardens, and categories such as societal impact, entrepreneurship, small family business, innovation and sustainability before the crowing of the overall Supreme Champion Family Business of the Year for 2025. The family businesses in the running for the 2025 awards by region are: East & East Anglia  - Sponsored by Birketts LLP Cambridge Juice Company Ltd Cladspray Solutions Hercules Removals Jenolite KFE Matthew Douglas Limited Objective IT Princebuild Limited Rose Calendars RSP UK Suction Excavators Ltd Source One Consulting Wallis Shipping White Bicycle Ltd London & South East  - Sponsored by Forsters Active Digital Brewers Decorator Centres Chartway Janitorial Croxsons Dina Foods Limited F. Hinds Ltd Fraser and Fraser Homesitters Morgan's Dairy OCL London Office Space In Town Shepherd Neame The Pantry UK  Welham Jones Midlands & Central  - Sponsored by Buckles Betterweld Group Cleenol Colton Packaging Food Attraction Ltd John Pye & Sons Ltd Matthews Cotswold Flour Noble Foods North of England  - Sponsored by TWYD & Co Candour Care Group English Lakes Hotels HMG Paints Newman and Bright Penningtons Tea & Coffee Packaging Products (Coatings) Limited The Fine Bedding Company UK Docks Marine Services Ltd Scotland - Sponsored by Turcan Connell Allied Vehicles Apex Hotels Pagazzi Lighting Redpath Bruce Stobo Castle Health Spa Thorburn Group South & South West  - Sponsored by Foot Anstey Cornish Accounting Solutions Ltd Douch Family Funeral Directors Team HH HW Facilities Nomadic UK Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd Aston & James Wyke Farms Yorkshire  - Sponsored by Western Pension Solutions HDM Solar (Wholesale) Ltd Hill Cross Furniture HSL Jackson Woodturners Ltd John Good Group Regal Food Products Group Plc The Becklands School The Ice Co The TFP Group VCare24 Workplace Bereavement Finalists for the sector awards and the national categories will be announced in due course. Thanks to our other award sponsors: Innovation - Para Studio Sustainability - Barclays Entrepreneurship - Rickard Luckin Essence of Family Business - Goodman Jones Small Family Business of the Year - Mighty Atoms Supreme Champion Family Business of the Year - Brooks Macdonald For further information, details of the gala evening and to book tickets to join the gala evening to see the winners crowned, visit the website here

One of Cornwall’s oldest coaching inns, which has hosted renowned historical figures - including kings and poets - reopens following a transformative refurbishment by owners St Austell Brewery. Nestled among towering clifftops in the heart of the quaint harbour village of Boscastle, The Wellington boasts a stunning new look, complete with an extensive terrace dining area, alongside three bar and restaurant spaces. Its 14 bedrooms and three family-sized apartments have also been elegantly and sensitively renovated. The reopening of the pub, affectionately known as ‘The Welly’, marks the first of three investment projects across St Austell Brewery’s 45-strong managed pub estate this year. The highly anticipated transformations at Pedn Olva in St Ives and the Royal Castle in Dartmouth will follow later this year. The Wellington’s new design, inspired by its rich history - including its resilience through the devastating 2004 flood - draws from the surrounding woodland and coastal landscape. Original features such as the large open fire in the main bar, stained-glass panelling, and other period details have been lovingly preserved, ensuring a connection between past and present. Additionally, the restoration of a previously condemned fireplace means the pub now boasts three open fires, further enhancing its warmth and character. St Austell Brewery has introduced a locals’ snug area and additional intimate dining spaces on the first floor. The careful design blends tradition and modernity, ensuring that the heart and soul of the building have been preserved. The newly extended bar will also offer a wider selection of St Austell Brewery’s award-winning beers. With the addition of the terrace, the pub will boast 125 covers inside and 100 outside. A revamped food menu, championing local produce, will feature the freshest fish from Matthew Stevens, meat sourced from Redruth-based butcher Brian Etherington and artisanal bread from Baker Toms. Guests can choose from three room types: The Welly Rooms - super-premium suites with spacious layouts, the best views, and thoughtful touches to enhance the stay, as well as premium and cabin rooms, offering a variety of accommodation options. The Wellington also features 10 dog-friendly bedrooms, with all rooms providing plush swim robes and beach bags for guests to use, whether for a harbour dip or a visit to the secret tidal pool just steps away. Andrew Turner, Chief Operating Officer at St Austell Brewery, said: “We are incredibly excited to be reopening The Wellington, the first of three major refurbishments across our managed estate this year. When we acquired the pub three years ago, we had a vision of what it could be and following this investment, we believe that The Wellington has been transformed for the next chapter of its wonderful history. We can’t wait to welcome our regulars and visitors back to showcase our award-winning hospitality.” Past guests include King Edward VII and the esteemed novelist and poet Thomas Hardy, who gifted the pub intricate brass and ruby glass oil lamps. These historic fixtures take pride of place in the guest areas, complemented by modern design touches and historic artwork that celebrate the building’s evolution. The Spy Glass, which can be booked for private functions, and Chart Room upstairs, offer northerly views through tall windows that rise across the hill above the River Valency. The names of the rooms pay homage to the area’s maritime heritage, with their walls adorned with images of Arthur Wellesley, The Duke of Wellington, after whom the building is named. Natasha Milne, Property Director at St Austell Brewery who has overseen the project, said: “We are delighted to unveil the transformation of The Wellington. Our focus has been on preserving its character and heritage while incorporating modern touches, including a welcoming and accessible outdoor seating area. We’re excited for both locals and visitors to experience it, and we can’t wait to hear their thoughts.” The Wellington forms part of St Austell Brewery’s growing managed estate across the South West, and its pub team - who have been working at other St Austell Brewery pubs during the four-month renovation - is being led by general manager Taylor Cameron. This project follows the success of previous major renovations, including the Pier House in Charlestown, the Rising Sun in St Mawes and the Masons Arms in Branscombe.

Westlands Farm Shop near Wickham is gearing up for a busy weekend of lambing, educating the public on British farming practices. Running across the first four days of the school Easter holidays, from Sat 5th - Tue 8th of April, Westlands Lambing Days will give families the chance to see adorable new-born lambs up close and hear from expert farmers. This year is particularly special for Westlands, as it marks the first Lambing Weekend since opening its Winchester store in November 2024. With a brand-new audience in the city, the farm is excited to welcome even more visitors and introduce them to the realities of British farming. Kayleigh Collett, who runs the farm with her husband Graham, said: “Lambing season remains one of the most exciting times of the year for us, and we love sharing it with the public." “This year is particularly special as we welcome visitors from Winchester for the first time since opening our second store. It’s a fantastic opportunity to educate a wider audience about British farming and give them a firsthand experience of life on the farm.”

Navigating the intricate landscape of a family business is a journey filled with both rewarding milestones and formidable challenges. Among the most daunting of these challenges is initiating and engaging in difficult conversations. These discussions often unearth past traumas or unresolved issues, making them particularly sensitive and complex. However, addressing these topics is essential for the health and longevity of both the family and the business. The Reluctance To Engage In family enterprises, the lines between personal and professional relationships are inherently blurred. This intertwining can lead to a reluctance to address sensitive subjects, as family members may fear damaging personal bonds or disrupting business harmony. Avoidance, however, often leads to long-term resentment and business stagnation. I know this struggle personally. In my own family, I found myself as the one who took the lead in ensuring we had the difficult conversations that everyone was avoiding. At first, it was deeply uncomfortable. There were moments of defensiveness, frustration, and even tears. But I knew that if we continued to sidestep these crucial discussions, the issues would only fester and grow more complicated. The Weight Of Unresolved Histories Family businesses carry the weight of shared histories, which can include past traumas and unresolved conflicts. These lingering issues can resurface during business discussions, adding layers of complexity to decision-making processes. When I started facilitating these conversations in my own family, I quickly realized that our business disagreements were often rooted in personal grievances from years—sometimes decades—before. Tensions that seemed to be about financial decisions or company leadership were, in reality, tied to childhood experiences, perceived injustices, and long-standing emotional wounds. It became clear that if we wanted our business to thrive, we needed to heal as a family first. Strategies For Facilitating Difficult Conversations Create a Safe Environment Establishing a space where family members feel safe to express their thoughts and emotions is paramount. This involves setting ground rules that promote respect, active listening, and confidentiality. Encouraging open dialogue without fear of judgment can pave the way for more honest and productive discussions. Acknowledge and Address Past Issues Recognizing the impact of past traumas and unresolved conflicts is a critical step. By bringing these issues to light, families can work collaboratively to heal and move forward. This process requires empathy, patience, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. Engage Neutral Facilitators Sometimes, the presence of a neutral third party can help mediate discussions and provide unbiased perspectives. Facilitators can guide conversations, ensure that all voices are heard, and help navigate emotionally charged topics. Develop Clear Communication Channels Establishing regular family meetings with structured agendas can provide a platform for ongoing communication. This consistency helps in addressing issues before they escalate and ensures that everyone remains informed and involved in decision-making processes. Prioritize Emotional Intelligence Cultivating emotional intelligence within the family fosters empathy and understanding. Encouraging family members to develop self-awareness and emotional regulation can lead to more constructive interactions and conflict resolution. Set Boundaries Between Personal and Professional Roles Clearly defining when discussions pertain to family matters versus business matters can help in managing expectations and reducing misunderstandings. This delineation allows individuals to navigate their roles more effectively and maintain healthier relationships. The Role of Leadership Leaders within the family business play a crucial role in modelling and promoting open communication. By demonstrating vulnerability and a willingness to engage in difficult conversations, they set a precedent for others to follow. This leadership fosters a culture where addressing challenges is normalized and encouraged. For me, stepping into this role within my family was not easy. There were times I questioned whether I was making things worse instead of better. But over time, as we developed a habit of open and honest communication, we saw real progress—not just in our business operations but in our relationships as well. Trust grew stronger, and tensions that had once been insurmountable slowly began to dissolve. The Benefits of Embracing Difficult Conversations While initiating these conversations can be uncomfortable, the long-term benefits are substantial. Open dialogue can lead to: Strengthened Relationships : Addressing and resolving conflicts can deepen trust and understanding among family members. Enhanced Business Performance : Clear communication leads to better decision-making and a more cohesive strategic vision. Personal Growth : Individuals develop resilience and improved interpersonal skills through navigating challenging discussions. Conclusion In the dynamic environment of a family business, difficult conversations are not just inevitable—they are essential. By proactively creating spaces for open dialogue, acknowledging past issues, and fostering a culture of empathy and respect, families can transform challenges into opportunities for growth. Taking on this role in my own family was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it was also one of the most rewarding. Embracing these conversations paved the way for a more harmonious family dynamic and a thriving business legacy. And while it wasn’t easy, I wouldn’t trade the progress we made for anything. About the Author - Kyler Gilbert is a Consultant and Vice President at Business Consulting Resources (BCR), a family owned professional services organisation that has been championing successful transformations for 40 years. They provide a comprehensive portfolio of consulting service solutions to help solve complex problems. Find out more about their work with family businesses here

Responding to the news that tariffs will be imposed on UK firms exporting to the US, Tina McKenzie, Policy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “The news of 10 per cent tariffs on UK-US trade is a major blow to SMEs. Currently, 59 per cent of small UK exporters sell into the US market." “Tariffs will cause untold damage to small businesses trying to trade their way into profit while the domestic economy remains flat. The fallout will stifle growth, hurt opportunities, and put a serious dent in the global economy. Now, we’ll need to look at the fine print to work out the precise implications for the UK’s small exporters." “We support the push for an agreement between the UK and US governments that brings an end to tariff wars and puts SMEs at its centre by reducing non-tariff barriers." “It’s already tough out there for small firms wanting to export. However, the opportunities it brings are endless – allowing them to tap into new markets and diversify their revenue streams. Those who do export are more likely to grow faster during tough economic times, too." “The UK Government should now be ready to provide emergency assistance to any SMEs at risk of collapse. This will provide breathing space and support, protect people's wages, and ensure that suppliers owed payments are paid - all helping to contain the fallout and allow firms a bridge as they adapt.”