Harbinson Mulholland are Northern Ireland Regional Partners of Family Business United. What We Do Services Offered To Family Businesses Visit Our Website To Find out More "Family businesses are important because TBC Job

Vistage are National Partners of Family Business United. What We Do Services Offered To Family Businesses Visit Our Website To Find out More "Family businesses are important because TBC Job

TWYD & Co are National Partners of Family Business United. TWYD & Co – Empowering Leadership in Family Businesses At TWYD & Co, we help family businesses build strong leadership for today and the future. Whether you’re planning for succession, preparing the rising generation, bringing in a non-family executive, or reviewing how your board operates, we provide clear, experienced support to help you make the right leadership decisions — and get them right first time. Our work spans executive search, leadership advisory, and board effectiveness — all tailored to the realities of running a family business. We understand the challenge of balancing commercial goals with family values, and we’re here to support you through the moments where people, legacy and strategy come together. What We Do Executive Search Leadership in a family business carries weight beyond the role itself — it’s about honouring the past while securing the future. We identify and appoint senior leaders who align with your culture and bring the expertise needed to drive long-term success. We support searches for: CEOs, CFOs and senior functional leaders Non-Executive Directors and Chairs Interim and fractional leadership during transitions Each search is shaped around your family’s values, your business goals, and your unique definition of what ‘the right fit’ really means. Advisory Services – Light Touch, High Impact For families who want clarity before committing to a full search or consulting project, we offer four quick, focused services. Each one is standalone, affordable, and delivered in 1–2 weeks: HIRE℠ – Executive Recruitment Readiness For families considering a senior hire but unsure how to get it right. We assess your readiness, shape the role, and give you tools to recruit with confidence — with or without a recruitment partner. BASE℠ – Board Effectiveness A light-touch review of your board’s structure, composition and performance. We help clarify whether the board is adding value and balancing the needs of the family and the business. PASS℠ – Succession Planning For families unsure where to begin. This structured diagnostic helps open up the conversation, align expectations, and map out next steps for a successful transition. APEX℠ – Executive Pay Benchmarking Provides clarity on whether your senior team’s reward is fair, competitive and aligned. We benchmark your pay structures against both market data and what other family businesses are doing — helping you make well-informed decisions. Why Families Work With Us We understand the family dynamic as well as the business challenge We bring a practical, experienced perspective to complex decisions We work with discretion, care, and an understanding of what’s at stake We focus on leadership that lasts — not just short-term fixes To learn more or explore how we might support your business, visit www.twyd.co or get in touch at hello@twyd.co. Visit Our Website To Find out More “TWYD was founded to give families in business the kind of support I wish more of them had — clear, honest advice around the big leadership decisions. Whether it’s thinking about succession, bringing someone in from outside, or making sure pay feels fair, our role is to help families get it right in a way that fits who they are.” David Twiddle Managing Partner, TWYD & Co E: dt@twyd.co T: 07738 649829

Dispatch manager Alan Smedley has retired after an impressive 50 years of working at Luke Evans Bakery in Derbyshire. He started working at the Riddings-based company as a van lad at the age of 16 in March 1975 – getting up at 2.30am to start his shifts. After passing his driving test at 17, Alan was later given his own van round, in and around the Matlock and Wirksworth areas, before moving to the position of dispatch manager, covering the night shift, about 25 years ago. Now aged 66, he has retired after exactly 50 years with Luke Evans. And, after his stints as a van driver starting work in the early hours and also being the night shift dispatch manager working from 7pm to 3.30am, Alan truly has worked around the clock for Luke Evans Bakery. “It’s been a lovely job. I will miss the people. I have had some very, very happy times at Luke Evans,” said Alan. “I have met with many different people from all different backgrounds, it’s unbelievable. I have spent all my life there. It’s all I have ever known. It’s been a lovely place to work.” He has seen so many changes in his 50 years with the company. “When I first started, we were delivering to little village corner shops – sometimes four or five in a village. Most of those have now gone,” he added. He praised the way that the current owners of the historic bakery – David and Helen Yates – had moved with the times, finding new outlets and developing the business so that it continues to thrive. Alan’s favourite Luke Evans Bakery products are the bread and cobs, and he’s also partial to an Eccles cake and the custards. “Luke Evans is a quality product. Out of everything, the bread and the cobs are my favourite. It’s a different product to mass-produced bread,” he added. Now that he has retired, Alan, who lives in Ironville, Derbyshire, with his wife Carol, a midday supervisor at a Riddings Infant and Nursery School, plans to spend more time on his hobby of collecting wood for storing and burning, which he enjoys with his brother Malcolm. “We’re obsessed with wood. Over the last four weeks we have fetched six tonne of weight in wood,” he added. “We have seven massive log stores.” Chairman of Luke Evans Bakery David Yates said: “Alan was always a very conscientious driver, and many of his van lads went on to have their own career with Luke Evans. He was famous for his level of customer care, visiting some of his best accounts twice a day, rather than the normal once." “He has always been a valuable member of the team, and will be greatly missed by all those who worked alongside him. We wish him well in his retirement.” Alan was presented with a Montblanc pen and a corporate hospitality day at Doncaster Races to mark his retirement. Luke Evans Bakery has been a family bakers since 1804, and supplies both retail and catering customers across the East Midlands. It is one of the oldest family bakers in the country and operates 24 hours a day, producing high quality bread and cakes.

Furniture Village is delighted to announce that it has recently exchanged contracts on its largest store to date, in a prominent location adjacent to the M8 just to the west of Glasgow. This will be the brand’s 58th store, following on swiftly from the successful opening in December 2024 of its first store in Scotland, on Straiton Retail Park in Edinburgh. The ‘Glasgow West’ store will be to the south of the Hillington Interchange at Junction 26 of the M8, occupying the former Peter Vardy CARZ showroom. The site commands an extremely visible position alongside Hillington Road, forming part of the wider regional centre including IKEA and Braehead Shopping Centre nearby, and next to a cluster of the most prominent car dealerships in Scotland, with Abbotsinch Retail Park only 5 minutes’ drive away. The store will provide approximately 50,000 sq ft of retail floorspace, supported by 20,000 sq ft dedicated to a warehouse at the rear for speedy fulfilment of customer orders. It will be one of the largest furniture stores in the country with its scale giving an opportunity to feature extended ranges of sofas, cabinet, beds and bedroom furniture as well as home furnishing accessories, together with re-imagined café bar areas for customers. It is planned that the store will open during June 2025. Charlie Harrison, Managing Director at Furniture Village, said: “Following the incredible success of our first Scottish store, which opened in Edinburgh in December 2024, we’re excited to announce the opening of our second location — right in the heart of Glasgow this June!" "After months of searching for the perfect spot, we couldn’t be happier to have secured a standout site on Hillington Road. Just a mile from Braehead Shopping Centre and highly visible from the M8, it’s a fantastic location to continue our expansion." "This will be our largest store in the UK so far, and we can’t wait to open the doors and welcome the people of Glasgow this summer.” The family-run business was awarded Retail Family Business of the Year at the 2024 Family Business Awards and continues to be recognised by the Best Companies Awards as a ‘world class business to work for’ with a Trustpilot rating of 5 stars. The new Glasgow store is set to open mid-June and is located on Hillington Road, a prime location which is visible from the M8 and close to the Abbotsinch Shopping Park. Top Photo: Aerial photography of Furniture Village’s new Glasgow West store

The Autumn Budget introduced significant changes to the Inheritance Tax (IHT) system, specifically affecting how Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR) apply to family-owned businesses. These reforms are expected to have a major impact on family businesses and farms across the UK, particularly those with multi-generational ownership. With 5 million family firms in the UK employing more than 15 million people and contributing over £200 billion annually in taxes, the sector plays a crucial role in the national economy. Since 1976, the current IHT relief system has enabled family business owners to plan for the future with confidence, ensuring that their enterprises could transition smoothly to the next generation without significant tax burdens. However, the Autumn Budget changes could threaten the sustainability of many of these businesses. To assess the impact, Family Business United conducted a nationwide survey of family businesses in January 2025, revealing significant concerns across the sector. BUSINESS CONFIDENCE HAS DECLINED How do you feel about the future financial profitability of your family firm following the Autumn Budget? More confident 0% About the same 13% Less confident 87% GROWTH AMBITIONS HAVE BEEN IMPACTED Has the Autumn Budget affected your family firm's growth plans? Yes 80% No 17% Don't Know 3% BUSINESS PROPERTY RELIEF CHANGES ARE A MAJOR CONCERN Will the changes to Business Property Relief affect your business? Yes 82% No 9% Don't Know 9% RISING IHT LIABILITIES COULD FORCE BUSINESS SALES What do you estimate the IHT liability on shares passed to the next generation to be? Less than £1 million 16% Between £1 and £5 million 37% Between £5 and £10 million 17% Over £10 million 11% Don't Know 19% Will your business need to sell part or all of its assets to meet this liability? Yes 52% No 15% Don't Know 33% NATIONAL INSURANCE CHANGES ADD FURTHER FINANCIAL STRAIN Wil the changes to National Insurance Contributions impact your family business? Yes 94% No 3% Don't Know 3% What is the estimated additional annual cost to your business due to the increased National Insurance Contribution rates? Less than £10,000 12% Between £10,000 and £50,000 27% Between £50,000 and £100,000 12% Between £100,000 and £250,000 21% Between £250,000 and £500,000 14% Over £500,000 7% Don't Know 3% Not Applicable 4% HOW ARE FAMILY BUSINESSES RESPONDING? The results of the survey identified that family businesses are already making difficult strategic decisions in response to the financial pressures that they are facing. The top actions taken as a result of the changes introduced in the Autumn Budget: Reviewed/revised short-term business strategy - 58% Conducted/conducting full succession planning review - 53% Frozen new recruitment - 48% Frozen/reduced pay rises/bonuses - 47% Cancelled planned capital expenditure - 42% Considered selling the family business - 30% Cancelled already approved capital expenditure - 29% Reviewed headcount and implemented or plan to implement redundancies - 26% A CALL TO ACTION Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United underscores the gravity of the situation: "The family business sector has spoken, and the results are deeply concerning. The shift in emphasis from long-term planning to short-term survival is detrimental to the UK's growth ambitions." "Family businesses are the backbone of our economy, providing jobs, innovation, and stability. They need policies that enable them to invest in their future, support their employees, and continue contributing to their communities." "The changes to the inheritance regime fail to recognise that family businesses are often asset-rich but cash-poor." "The death of a shareholder does not generate liquid cash, yet these changes may force businesses to divert funds from growth initiatives - or even sell the business altogether - to meet IHT obligations." "As a community, we must continue to raise our voices, engage with policy makers, and ensure that decision-makers understand the full impact of these changes. Family businesses matter, and the consequences of these decisions will affect not just our sector but the entire UK economy."

Children at Ferndown Middle School who make a difference will receive gift vouchers thanks to a local business. AE Jolliffe & Son funeral directors provided five Amazon credits, which the school will hand out at the end of the term. The school is part of the Castleman Academy Trust and has a number of values that it has embedded in its ethos. Children who demonstrate those values or make other achievements will be chosen by a committee of teachers. Debbie Brown who manages Jolliffe’s said: “As a business we are always trying to find ways to help our community and this scheme is a great example. The school asked if we could provide some Amazon vouchers with which they can reward children who have made a difference through work, behaviour or in demonstrating school values." “We gave them five vouchers which they will hand out at the end of the term." “It was also a good relationship to develop for future projects such as the children from the school joining us to sing in our multi-purpose community ceremony room when we hold an afternoon tea for local care home residents. “We also have a good relationship with the upper school and attend their careers fair each year.” AE Jolliffe & Son is part of Douch Family Funeral Directors which has seven branches in Dorset, each with its own traditional name. Rich Bebbington from the school said: “We are so happy to be building relationships with our local community and working with local businesses to support each other." “We have been delighted by the kindness and support shown to our school which have included donations of tickets from Jay Miller’s Circus and the free use of a coach from Laguna Travel to transport our pupils there and back.” Alysia Dolan, acting headteacher said: “We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated teaching team who are going above and beyond to rally support from the local community." “These links will have a positive impact on our pupils and we look forward to future work with members of the community.” Above Photo: Rich Bebbington from Ferndown Middle School with Debbie Brown and Helen Dean from AE Jolliffe & Son

92% of family business owners want to keep their business in the family - but is the next generation ready? A vast majority of family business owners in the UK, 92%, intend to pass their business down to the next generation. However, new research suggests that many may not be preparing their successors adequately for the transition. A recent survey by Hymans Robertson Personal Wealth of over 500 UK family business owners highlights significant challenges in succession planning. While the desire to keep the business within the family is strong, only 15% of owners believe their chosen successors are fully prepared to take over. The study also found that 38% of business owners struggle with a lack of interest or capability among potential heirs. Family conflicts (36%), business stability concerns (35%), and tax burdens (34%) further complicate the process. Jeff Simpson, Chartered Financial Planner at Hymans Robertson Personal Wealth, emphasises the importance of early planning to avoid these pitfalls: “Transitioning ownership of a family business is one of the most critical moments in its history. Without the right preparation, it can put both the business and family relationships at risk." "Taking proactive steps - such as mentoring the next generation, structuring tax-efficient ownership transfers, and having open conversations about succession - can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and successful transition.” The full research report delves deeper into these challenges and offers actionable insights for business owners navigating succession. Read the full findings here

Hilton Banks Group, the family-owned company behind the HB42® brand of adhesives, fillers, sealants & coatings has announced the acquisition of Flag Paints Ltd, a renowned specialist paint manufacturer based in Burnham on Crouch, Essex. Flag Paints, established in 1939, has built a strong reputation for manufacturing high-quality paints, coatings, and surface finishes for various industries, including marine, decorative, and industrial sectors. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in Hilton Banks' expansion and commitment to delivering exceptional products and services to its customers. The acquisition will enable Hilton Banks to leverage Flag Paints' extensive research & development and manufacturing capabilities. “We are delighted to welcome Flag Paints Ltd into the Hilton Banks family,” says Charlie Banks, Managing Director of Hilton Banks Group. “Their expertise in specialist coatings and waxes, combined with our existing product portfolio, will enable us to offer even more innovative and tailored solutions to our customers.” Flag Paints' existing operations in Essex will continue to operate under the Hilton Banks umbrella, ensuring a seamless transition for employees, customers, and partners. The combined strengths of both companies will create new opportunities for growth and development in the paint and coatings industry and beyond.

The latest survey by Family Business United has highlighted the key challenges family business leaders are tackling in boardrooms across the country. Amid ongoing political and economic uncertainty, compounded by changes announced in last Autumn's budget, running a family business is no easy task. This year's Family Business Survey aimed to capture the primary issues facing family enterprises and shed light on the complex decisions they must navigate. The results are in, following the canvassing of family business owners across the UK in January 2025, revealing the most pressing concerns for family businesses nationwide. Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, explain: "These findings are a broad picture of the challenges confronting family business owners. The past year has been exceptionally difficult for businesses of all sizes, sectors and generations across the UK." "Boardroom agendas are packed with pressing challenges that demand attention and important conversations that need to take place." Among the key issues shaping discussions are recent changes to APR and BPR, economic uncertainty, business costs, inheritance tax implications and succession planning. Many family business leaders are also grappling with the lingering effects of Brexit and the pandemic, further complicating their strategic priorities. The Top Challenges Facing UK Family Businesses Today The Economic Climate - 86% Taxation (Including Inheritance Tax) - 71% Government Regulation, Red Tape & Legislation - 64% Inflation & Rising Costs - 58% Profitability - 55% Succession Planning - 33% Recruiting, Retaining & Motivating Staff - 32% Survival Of The Business - 29% Growth - 27% The Next Generation - 26% Preserving Wealth & Creating A Legacy - 26% Balancing The Needs Of The Family & The Business - 24% Paul continues: "The survey highlights that family business leaders across the UK are facing similar concerns. Leadership can often feel isolating, and owners may be unsure whether others share their worries. The survey clarifies the consensus of family business leaders identifying the challenges that are top of mind for leaders nationwide, driving conversations and strategic decisions in boardrooms everywhere." "Running a business today is undeniably tough, but family firms have long been known for their resilience, adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit." "Many have successfully navigated adversity for generations, and they will continue to take the necessary steps - whether shifting their focus from growth and innovation to survival and sustainability - to ensure their businesses continue to endure for future generations."

Harborough District Council have partnered with Midlands garden centre Jacksons Nurseries to offer 3,600 free fruit trees to residents across the Harborough district to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE day. Residents can collect one tree per person from Welland Park on 2-3rd April with no appointment necessary. The fruit trees will be available ‘bare root’ and should be planted on the same day as they are collected. The giveaway is being done to promote environmental sustainability and improve community engagement across the Harborough District. By providing fruit for the future the council aims to encourage greener neighbourhoods, support local food production and contribute to the fight against climate change. The initiative also serves as a tribute ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8th May, honouring the sacrifices made during World War II and celebrating peace and community spirit. The mix of apple, cherry and plum trees are being provided by Jacksons Nurseries, a family-owned, plant-based garden centre in North Staffordshire. Jacksons Nurseries is a traditional growing nursery, producing 300,000 plants per year from a 10-acre nursery site, which are sold on the garden centre and delivered nationwide from their web shop. The nursery recently entered its third generation of family ownership and is increasingly getting involved with local community projects, especially those with a sustainability and environmental focus. Owner of Jacksons Nurseries, Luke Jackson said: “We are delighted to be part of this important initiative in Harborough. Trees are proven to improve air quality, reduce urban heat and support local wildlife. My grandad was a rear gunner on a Sunderland plane during WW2. The trees will act as a fitting tribute to the sacrifices made by my grandad and millions of others like him during the war. The trees will be in flower by 8th May in a sign of hope and new beginnings." Local resident Geoff Feavyour who hopes to take advantage of the giveaway commented: “There’s nothing more rewarding than growing your own fruit and picking it fresh off the tree. It tastes much better than mass produced fruit and avoids the need for plastic packaging. Fruit trees are a great way to teach children about the pollination process in a fun, hands-on way, helping them appreciate the importance of insects such as bees and butterflies in the ecology of our local environments.” The Harborough fruit tree initiative is the latest of several community projects supported by Jacksons Nurseries over recent months. Their planting team installed 16 root-balled Christmas trees for Pontypool council in October and regularly help with trees and displays at their local church, St Chads. The Harborough project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

One of Birmingham’s leading independent opticians has announced it is opening a third store in Knowle. Banks Opticians, which is run by Paul Banks and Sarah Morgan, is investing nearly £200,000 into transforming the old Indigo Art Gallery on the high street into a welcoming, state-of-the-art optical showroom. The brother and sister management team has transformed the old building, installing a new air conditioning and heating system and creating a consulting room, spacious waiting area and dispensing zone. They have also added in a bar that will serve teas, a range of coffees and something a little more exotic - all geared towards making the customer experience as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. “We have always admired the vibrancy of Knowle High Street, so when the opportunity came up to take over the art gallery, we jumped at the chance,” explained Sarah, whose father David Banks started the business over 50 years ago." “The idea is to deliver luxury eyewear in a boutique-style opticians that prides itself on providing personalised service and the very best clinical care. That’s the approach we have employed at our Acocks Green and Sparkhill branches and one we believe will really appeal to local people." “Refurbishment work is going really well, and the external branding should be completed shortly – this means we’ll be opening the first week in April.” Banks Opticians, which was named as the UK’s practice of the year in 2022 by Optical Success Academy and optical retailer of the year 2024, stocks designer frames along with independent, niche brands that have been hand-picked from around the world and can’t be found in other high street stores. Being a family run business since 1973, the company thrives in delivering a personalised service, getting to know people and treating everyone as an individual and not just a number. Qualified opticians will guide individuals through the journey of eye examination and choosing glasses, with the emphasis on making it a relaxing and fun experience. Paul, who took over the reins with Sarah in 2005, went on to add: “We believe every face is unique, and that eyewear can make people feel amazing and enhance their confidence to suit their personality." “What we’re trying to create in Knowle is a place which ‘wows’ when a client enters, from the level of care you receive, the welcome atmosphere at the bar and the latest equipment, including our OCT machine that is leading the way in how eye conditions are diagnosed and managed." “The excitement for the opening is building and we’ve already recruited three professionals to our newly formed team. There’s a real desire to be a fixture on the high street for years to come and we’ll be looking at how we can get involved in supporting local events and boosting footfall in the town.” To mark the opening of the new branch, Banks Opticians is running a competition to win a pair of designer glasses every year until 2030. There are no restrictions to what you choose, and details on how to get involved are currently advertised on the window wrap in Knowle. The lucky winner will be drawn on 9th April. Above Photo: Knowle Launch (L): (l-r) Paul Banks and Sarah Morgan