Frozen food distributor Central Foods has been awarded the BRC Agents and Brokers certificate for the eighth time – once more achieving the highest possible classification level. The company received an AA grade accreditation again, passing the audit first time and with a full clean sheet. Central Foods MD Oli Sampson said: “We are thrilled to have once again achieved the highest possible grading of BRC accreditation – a ringing endorsement of the high standards that we are committed to." “Confidence in supply chain procedures and processes is extremely important, and we are very proud that Central Foods and its technical team is operating at the very highest levels in this area." “This accreditation is the gold standard for the industry and gives our customers full confidence in the way that we work.” BRC Global Standards operates global standards for Food Safety, Packaging and Packaging Materials, Storage and Distribution, Consumer Products, Agents and Brokers, Retail, Gluten Free, Plant-Based and Ethical Trading which set the benchmark for good manufacturing practice and help provide assurance to customers that products are safe, legal and of high quality. Central Foods is one of the UK’s leading frozen food distributors to the food service sector, offering a range of sweet and savoury products to the food service industry. The company currently sells to over 200 independent wholesalers, as well as larger national and regional wholesalers. Based in Northamptonshire, Central Foods is proud to be a catering partner across the whole food service sector, supplying to hotels, restaurants, bars, universities, schools, pubs, care homes, garden centres, leisure outlets and more.

Family Business United is delighted to announce the launch of a new campaign that seeks to identify and celebrate the very best of British family businesses. 'Britain's Finest' is the latest campaign from FBU, a leading organisation that champions the UK family business sector, and will feature family firms from all over the country, of all sizes, sectors and generations. Participants will be required to share responses to some core data requests that will then be analysed and ranked against the other family firms taking part and a full listing will be made available in due course. Paul Andrews, Founder & CEO of Family Business United adds: "We are always looking for new ways to celebrate the sector and the significant contribution that family firms make to the national economy and this Finest Family Firms campaign is a great way to do just that. Not only will we be able to showcase the individual family firms in the report but we will also be able to create good data to quantify their collective importance." "Family businesses are the backbone of the UK economy and deserve to be recognised for all that they do in terms of employment, income generated, wealth created, taxes paid and their unwavering support of the communities in which they operate." "Our inaugural Britain's Finest campaign will showcase the sector and help us once again to put the family business sector on the map. We look forward to reviewing the entries and celebrating the depth and diversity of family firms across the UK." Family firms of all sizes are eligible to take part and the methodology has been created to enable the final report to be determined based on a number of factors, and not just size. Family businesses are encouraged to enter their details for inclusion in the inaugural report which will be published in June. Simply click on the button below to submit your details. Along with contact details and information about the business, what it does and where it is located, the form will require the following data: Annual turnover Number of full time employees Number of full time apprentices Confirmation as to whether the business holds an King's Award, Royal Warrant or a B-Corp accreditation Date the business was founded The deadline for submission is March 31, 2024.

A new version of JCB's 403E ultra-compact electric loader keeps the operator warm and snug as it eliminates at-source emissions and reduces a farm's carbon footprint. The new machine is equipped with a fully glazed, heated cab designed to provide a comfortable environment while minimising its draw on battery power, despite having heated front and rear windscreens, a heated seat and three-speed blower, and auto control features that warm-up the cab without reducing the machine’s power reserves. The 403E was introduced in 2023 with a fixed or folding open canopy as part of JCB’s growing E-Tech range of battery-electric farming and light construction machines that offer minimal running costs, exceptionally low operator and bystander noise levels, and an opportunity for businesses to lower their carbon footprint. The new JCB 403E Full Cab features include: 972kg or 1,090kg tipping load; 2.9m or 3.1m lift height with parallel-lift arms. 33.4kW electric drive motor with 0.5kph, 8kph and 20kph speed ranges. 20kWh lithium-ion battery providing four- to five-hour mixed-cycle work time. 20kW electric motor-driven hydraulics with ‘shovel/bucket’ and ‘fork’ modes. On-board and off-board battery charging solutions for 2hr to 8hr full charges. Full-time four-wheel drive, open or locking axle differentials, pivot steering JCB Agriculture Managing Director John Smith, said: “Providing a fully enclosed, warm and weather-proof working environment involved a lot more than just taking the cab from the 403 diesel and installing it on the all-electric version." “A key requirement of any electrically-driven machine is a decent amount of work-time between charges; by designing special control functions for the 403E Full Cab, we meet that demand while keeping the operator warm and comfortable.” Powertrain The 403E – JCB’s first fully electric ultra-compact wheeled loader – has a 20kWh lithium-ion battery pack, among the largest in the sector, providing four to five hours of continuous use in a mixed operating cycle. This is sufficient for a full-day’s work on a typical pig, poultry or dairy farm, or in commercial horticulture, especially if top-up charges are taken during breaks. A tipping load of 972kg or 1,090kg (with the heavy-duty counter-weight) and a choice of 2.9 metre or 3.1 metre lift heights with parallel-lift loader arms makes the 403E a practical and highly manoeuvrable proposition for handling chores in and around farm and horticultural buildings. And given an all-up weight of around 2.6 tonnes, the canopy and Full Cab versions of the machine can be transported quickly and easily between sites on a 3.5 tonne road trailer behind a 4x4 SUV or pick-up, or a light commercial vehicle. Cab environment For the new 403E Full Cab loader, JCB installs a 2.2kW heater with three temperature settings and a “blower boost” function to rapidly increase the interior temperature for 10 minutes before switching off to conserve energy. The heater is automatically disabled to preserve battery power if the cab doors are open, but in warmer months, the blower can be used to circulate air regardless of whether the doors are open or closed. During cold periods, a timer function can be used to warm up the cab for 30 minutes while the battery and charger are connected so that the machine remains primed ready to work with a full charge. A heated seat is an added comfort that will also conserve energy and run time by reducing the operator’s reliance on the cab heater, and heating elements rapidly defrost or clear condensation from the front and rear windscreen for clear visibility as work gets under way.

The food manufacturing industry, which contributes £162 billion to the economy and supports over 4.5 million jobs, has joined forces like never before to urge the Treasury to rethink changes to inheritance tax announced at the Budget. Led by the NFU, a letter from the food supply chain, which includes all major supermarket retailers, has voiced concerns about the government’s plan to scrap Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR). The coalition warns that removing these reliefs threatens the long-term stability of the nation's food resilience, which relies on continued investment to futureproof sustainable food production, at a time when the government has stated that food security is national security. It also highlights the barriers the changes could cause for boosting growth and productivity in the sector and tackling diet-related health issues. NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “We have made our views on this awful family farm tax very clear. Now so have 57 other businesses across the food supply chain. This abhorrent policy has united farming and the whole of the supply chain like never before. How loud does the chorus of concern around the policy have to be for Treasury to listen and take action?" “Scrapping critical inheritance tax reliefs not only affects family-run farms, but it stands to have far-reaching consequences for the whole industry, from food processors to supermarket retailers." “Faced with a backdrop of global instability, a changing climate, high input costs and a growing global population to feed, this policy risks destabilising an industry that is vital to feeding the nation and one that supports millions of jobs. Because when one link in a supply chain, the link that is producing the raw materials, has a crisis of confidence and has already all but stopped investment, it has an impact on the whole of the industry; an impact that will eventually be felt on supermarket shelves. Is this the vision for economic growth the country was promised? “The Chancellor has said she has seen no alternative proposals put forward, yet there have been solutions put forward by tax experts and Labour MPs. With large numbers of Britain’s biggest manufacturing sector – food and drink – against this policy, it is time for the Chancellor to heed our calls to meet to discuss options and find a way forward out of this current mess.” Signatories from the food industry include: NFU NFU Cymru NFU Scotland UFU Morrisons Asda Marks & Spencer Waitrose Lidl Sainsbury’s Tesco Aldi Co-op Arla Muller Yeo Valley ABP Rodda’s County Milk Belton Farm Paynes Dairy Organic Herd Long Clawson RABDF PTF Dairy UK First Milk Meadow Cotteswold Dunbia Kepak Pickstock (Telford) Myton Food Group Cranswick Dovecote Park 2 Sisters Food Group Puffin Produce Castell Howell Foyle Food Group C&J Meats WD Meats Hewitt Meats Pembrokeshire Creamery Leprino South Caernarfon Creameries Laeth y Llan Cyf/Village Dairy Calon Wen Dairy Crediton Dairy Bawnbua Foods NI NIMEA Dale Farm Fane Valley Ready Eggs Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association Pilgrims Photo: NFU President Tom Bradshaw signing a Stop the Family Farm Tax poster

Willmott Dixon Interiors is delivering important upgrade work to the roof of one of London’s most iconic cultural landmarks. The company is installing more than 23,000 square foot of new, sun-protected glazing, above the central court area of the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich The £12 million project is designed to address water ingress and reduce solar heat gain issues associated with the existing glazing of the Grade I listed building. It is also expected to provide better acoustics and a much-improved visitor experience. Alongside the roof upgrades, Willmott Dixon Interiors is carrying out a deep clean and servicing of the building’s capital plant, including chillers, air coolers, air handling units, and the underfloor heating and cooling system, which will also undergo a flush. Existing plate heat exchangers are being replaced, and enhancements are being made to the air cooling systems to improve efficiency and performance. Additionally, works to the internal space will include the renewal of electrical lighting, power, and data systems. Willmott Dixon Interiors is delivering a series of social value-led activities alongside the main works. The contractor and its supply chain are engaging local communities in initiatives ranging from career and employability workshops, to work experience placements for students. Roger Forsdyke, chief operations officer at Willmott Dixon Interiors: “The central court is the much-loved heart of the National Maritime Museum, with many visitors passing beneath its huge glass roof every year. This project is about ensuring the best possible experience for those people, as well as the museum’s staff and the collections they care for. The new glazing we are installing will enable natural light to flood the space and give much improved thermal and acoustic qualities too.” The contract to deliver the works was awarded by public-sector procurement specialist, SCAPE. Mark Robinson, group chief executive at SCAPE: “We are delighted to be working closely with our partner, Willmott Dixon Interiors, to accelerate the delivery of the National Maritime Museum’s roof through our Major Works Framework. At SCAPE, we are committed to delivering social value across each one of our projects and this refurbishment is a fantastic example of how this can be achieved with local community initiatives and career opportunities.”

An award-winning JCB apprentice is kickstarting National Apprenticeship Week by urging local youngsters to consider following in her footsteps. Engineering Technician Apprentice, Amelia Dartnall, of Leek, this week graduates from the prestigious JCB Apprenticeship Scheme and is encouraging local school-leavers to explore careers with JCB by visiting its Apprenticeships Open Day on Saturday February 15th. The Rocester-based digger giant, which has more than 370 apprentices on its books, is opening its Global Learning Centre doors to launch this year’s recruitment process and hopes to showcase apprenticeship opportunities to hundreds of students, parents and teachers. The company is recruiting apprentices for its September 2025 intake - ranging from Level 2 welding and assembly opportunities for age 16+ to Level 3 Manufacturing, Engineering and Technician posts as well as business-wide degree apprenticeships. Former Endon High School student, Ameila, 26, joined JCB after studying health care and health sciences and has gone on to win a string of national and regional awards: Regional Apprentice of the Year 2023, National Highly Commended Apprentice of the Year 2023 and Career Development Metals Apprentice of the Year 2024 awarded by The Worshipful Company of Tin Plate Workers. She said: “JCB offers a multitude of apprenticeship routes and the qualifications are transferrable skills that can take you anywhere. What’s great about an apprenticeship is you get to say yes to new experiences without being afraid to fail. We all learn from our mistakes and the best thing about being an apprentice is that you CAN make mistakes." “I have learned a great deal from many mentors and shadowing the experts, continuously asking questions and just getting stuck in. I also had the opportunity to gain an extra qualification alongside my apprenticeship in ultrasonic weld testing, and this opened up many doors for me as it made me the only qualified ultrasonic weld tester in the whole of JCB UK." “My ambition now is to enter a leadership role within JCB. I would also like to continue to advocate for apprenticeships and use the knowledge and experiences I have gained to inspire future apprentices to ensure they take as much as they can from the experience.” The JCB Apprenticeships Open Day will feature two sessions – 10am and 1pm – with insight talks on the journey through a JCB apprenticeship, how to apply, opportunities for women in engineering and the exciting projects which apprentices take part in. JCB Early Careers Talent Manager Neil Fowkes said: “JCB is one of the largest manufacturers of construction equipment in the world. Through our apprenticeship schemes we are proud to train and develop the next generation of engineers, assemblers and business administrators who will keep us at the forefront of innovation and always pushing those boundaries." “More than 1,800 people have joined us through our Early Careers programmes. Whether it is working on our ground-breaking Hydrogen engines or welding our world-leading Backhoe Loaders, our apprenticeship schemes are integral to our vision of the future." “We hope young people and those considering a career change will take this opportunity to visit us and hear for themselves about the varied and exciting opportunities at JCB. The open day could be their first step on an incredibly exciting pathway into work.” To find out more about apprenticeships and careers at JCB visit their website here and if you are interested in attending the Global Learning Centre Open Day can register at www.eventbrite.co.uk and search JCB Apprenticeship and Graduate Open Day.

Family run Robert Scott’s P-Wave brand is looking forward to a year of growth after unveiling a fresh new look. P-Wave Brand Manager Mark Wintle at Robert Scott commented: “We’ve been enhancing the washroom experience with our air-freshening products for many years, and now it’s time to refresh our brand." “Simple and elegant, our newly developed branding is as memorable and effective as our popular fragrances and brings a breath of fresh air to the P-Wave brand. The new design captures the bold and fun side of what we do, and it is appropriate to go into a new year with a new look as we celebrate two major milestones for P-Wave in 2024." “First, the huge success of our collaboration with NHS England to deliver its incredibly important men’s health message – “Blood in your pee? Contact your GP practice” – via specially branded awareness-raising urinal mats in thousands of washrooms nationwide, and the second, our becoming a Robert Scott brand in September." Success for NHS collaboration “During Q1, with the help of our customers, we will have succeeded in placing over 750,000 of our NHS-branded Slant6 urinal mats in men’s washrooms across the country, from pubs, offices and restaurants, to shopping malls and stadiums. Our partnership with NHS England is unique and has gained amazing momentum as many large businesses have come on board to support this important and potentially life-saving initiative. We are thrilled that this ever-growing group of partners includes Sodexo, PHS Group, Balfour Beatty, Mitchells & Butlers, Wincanton, and even Manchester United football club. The more men see the message, the more effective the campaign becomes." P-Wave – the trailblazers in fragrance solutions “We were delighted to welcome P-Wave into the Robert Scott family last September,” says Alastair Scott, Sales Director at Robert Scott. “We’re always looking to add innovative brands that can help us enhance our position in the market and the offering to our customers. P-Wave is a brand we have long admired and fits that bill perfectly." “P-Wave has built a strong reputation for innovation and quality in the washroom sector, and we see great potential to grow its market share and commercial success even further." “Our aim is to integrate the high-performance product range with our established distribution channels, to extend the reach of the brand to new audiences and deliver even more value to our customers. The new look will help us to further differentiate P-Wave, rightfully positioning the brand as the trailblazers in fragrance solutions that captivate and inspire.” The Cleaning Show 2025 “Our fragrances are unrivalled in potency and longevity, standing head and shoulders above the competition, and we maintain a relentless focus on innovation – pushing boundaries with cutting-edge designs and forward-thinking solutions,” concludes Mark Wintle. “Our commitment goes beyond products – it’s about contributing to a better future – through sustainable practices and our ongoing meaningful partnership with NHS England." “We achieved over 25% growth last year and we’ll be introducing new air freshening products in 2025. A fresh look to our website and literature is on the way, and we are excited that our new branding, as part of the Robert Scott group, will enable a dynamic and fresh approach for the coming year.” The new look brand will be unveiled in its entirety at The Cleaning Show 2025.

Family businesses remain the cornerstone of the UK economy, contributing a staggering £985 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2023 and employing 15.8 million people, according to a new report, 'The State of the Nation: the UK Family Business Sector in 2023.' The report, produced by the Family Business Research Foundation (FBRF) in collaboration with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), provides a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the Family Business sector in the UK. The findings underscore the importance of family firms, which represent 93.2 per cent of all UK private sector businesses and span industries including construction, retail, professional services, and agriculture. These businesses, often celebrated for their resilience and long-term focus, are revealed to be pivotal in driving regional and national economic growth. Key Highlights from the Report: Economic contribution: Family businesses generated £2.8 trillion in turnover in 2023, almost half of the UK private sector total. Employment: With 57 per cent of private sector employment, family firms are significant job creators, particularly in micro and small enterprises. Family businesses are particularly prevalent in Wales and Northern Ireland, where they account for over 70 per cent of private sector turnover. Tax revenue: Family businesses contributed £422 billion in taxes, reinforcing their critical role in sustaining public services and infrastructure. The wholesale, retail, and construction sectors were the largest contributors to turnover and employment among family firms. Sector Resilience and Opportunities The report highlights the adaptability of family businesses in navigating challenges such as the post-pandemic recovery and Brexit, highlighting their ability to sustain operations and protect jobs. Sir Michael Bibby, Chairman of the Family Business Research Foundation, commented: "This report demonstrates the extraordinary contributions of family businesses, not only as economic drivers but as pillars of their local communities." "Their resilience and long-term vision make them vital to the UK’s future prosperity." There is currently a great deal of interest and commentary on the importance of family businesses to the UK. There is more detailed work to be undertaken to look at the impact of specific measures on growth and tax contributions; but this report provides essential material and background for those debates.” Why It Matters The latest Family Business Economic Sector Report from the FBRF provides actionable insights for policymakers, advisers, and trade organisations seeking to understand and support the sector. It underscores the urgent need to include family firms in key economic strategies to ensure sustained growth and innovation. Download the Report The full State of the Nation report and an infographic summary is available for free download here: State of the Nation: UK Family Business Sector in 2023

A local Edinburgh business is brewing up success with its unique coffee blend after accessing support from Business Gateway. Georgia and Grant Fraser launched Cortino in August last year, blending their passions of coffee and Scottish whisky to create one-of-a-kind barrel aged coffee, delivering distinct and exciting flavours as they aim to change the traditional coffee experience. Cortino’s coffee beans, which are sourced from Brazilian farms, rest in whisky barrels sourced from across Scotland, infusing them with a rich and smooth depth of flavour. The beans are then roasted locally in Edinburgh, with every batch of coffee offering a distinct profile. With backgrounds in sustainable product design, Georgia and Grant are determined to ensure Cortino delivers environmentally conscious coffee, using sustainable packaging and partnering with responsible suppliers. Throughout their start-up journey, local Business Gateway adviser, Lee Briggs, has supported Cortino, providing one-to-one support and advice across business planning, marketing insights and routes to funding. Lee has also introduced Georgia and Grant with local contacts, and signposted events and scaling opportunities. Having enjoyed a successful launch last year, with Cortino’s coffee proving popular at a host of local markets and trade shows, Georgia and Grant now have their sights set on a year of growth in 2025, aiming to scale up the business and bring their unique brew to a new audience, with a number of exciting whisky collaborations in the works. This has been made possible thanks to support from Business Gateway, which helped them to successfully apply for grant funding worth £4,000 which will be put towards marketing activities and trade show events as the pair gear up for a bumper year. Georgia Fraser, co-founder, Cortino, said: “Business Gateway has provided fantastic support that has allowed us to start Cortino on the best possible footing." “Lee has been an invaluable resource for us. His insight and connections have enabled us to access funding and develop a robust strategy for scaling up this year. He has always been on hand to answer any questions or guide us to where we need to get to.” Lee Briggs, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Georgia and Grant’s passion to create a unique new product is a brilliant example to anyone looking to start up their own business. Their drive and determination to make their product the best it can be and deliver it sustainably by making the most of the local knowledge has seen their efforts rewarded greatly." “We look forward to supporting the team as they gear up for an exciting year in 2025.” To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here . To discover more about Cortino’s unique blends, visit here .

As part of the programme for The Great British Family Business Conference  taking place in London on March 19, Family Business United is delighted to confirm the details of the participants in the philanthropy workshop being hosted by Kedge Martin. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United explains, "Family businesses are a force for good in communities the length and breadth of the country and continue to make an impact each and every day." "We wanted to showcase their endeavours by way of a workshop showcasing the many different ways that family firms make an impact, from donations to volunteering, grant making and setting up their own foundation and the speakers lined up are all fantastic in their own right and will share their experiences in a rich and inspirational session." Find out more about the conference which is taking place at the Royal Geographical Society in London on March 19 here In the meantime, meet our panel members:   Michelle Taft Michelle serves as an independent non-executive director at sixth generation family business, John Good Group. She also chairs its People and Planet Committee. For the past five years, she has led the Matthew Good Foundation, a charity established by the Group that has donated over £1.5 million to various causes since its inception in 2011. In 2022, the Foundation became a shareholder in the John Good Group, further aligning the Group's performance with social impact. With more than 25 years of experience in sales, strategic communications, and employee engagement within family businesses and the charity sector, Michelle is passionate about businesses creating a positive societal impact that engages employees. This commitment is evident in the Group's strong ESG strategy and philanthropic initiatives. In 2024, she received the Judges' Award at the Women in Business Achievement Awards for her efforts in driving social impact and significantly increasing funding for small charities through the Foundation.   Caroline Coates Mother of four, Caroline founded and now runs Harry’s Hydrocephalus Awareness Trust (Harry’s HAT) after her own son was diagnosed with the condition.  The charity has grown significantly since its launch in 2018 and is now working with the government to change policy which will improve early detection for babies with the condition.  The charity is the only one in the UK to focus solely on paediatric hydrocephalus, a life-threatening condition which affects 1 in every 770 babies born each year.  Caroline serves on the advisory panel for BBC Children In Need and has worked in fundraising for over 20 years, being named Fundraiser of the Year in the process.  She has a BA in PR and Community studies from the University of Exeter and holds the Diploma in Fundraising from the Institute of Fundraising.  She is currently learning BSL so she can communicate more effectively with friends and colleagues in the Deaf community.   Alex Day Alex joined Big Give as Managing Director in 2015. Big Give is the UK's biggest digital match funding platform which has raised £350m for not-for-profit organisations since 2008. He also works on a part-time basis for Reed as their Director of Social Impact and is heavily focused on their ESG agenda. Prior to Big Give and Reed, he worked for a number of international development and humanitarian NGO's including Tearfund and Medair. Alex holds a BA Hons in Business & Geography from Exeter University and an MA in Charity Management from St Mary's University. He is Vice-Chair of Sand Dams Worldwide, an international development charity specialising in water conservation. He is listed as a Spears 500 Top Philanthropy Adviser and lives in Surrey with his family.   Kedge Martin Kedge has more than 30 years’ strategic and operational leadership experience across global business, politics, family offices, and philanthropy. Beginning her career in the late 1980s as a researcher to a Member of the European Parliament and political lobbyist, she then moved to newly liberated Poland in 1991 to establish her first business which she sold five years later. Returning to the UK in the late 1990s she transitioned into the not-for-profit sector, founding WellChild , now the UK’s leading charity for children with complex health needs. In 2009, she was appointed CEO of Sentebale , Prince Harry’s Foundation for children in Africa and working out of St James’s Palace, served as a principal advisor TRH’s Charities Forum, working across a wide spectrum of critical issues including homelessness, conservation, early childhood development, and healthcare.   She now advises family businesses and family offices on succession, next gen education and philanthropy.

Frozen food distributor Central Foods has unveiled a new flavour in its range of Menuserve meringue roulades for the food service sector. The Menuserve Peach Bellini Meringue Roulade is hand-rolled and finished, and is filled with peach curd and Prosecco-infused dairy cream, topped with honeycomb pieces. Just like the other meringue roulades in the Menuserve range, it is gluten-free and suitable for coeliacs and vegetarians. MD of Central Foods Oli Sampson said: “Our Menuserve meringue roulades are one of the most popular desserts sold by Central Foods. If all the meringue roulades we sold last year were laid end to end, they would be the equivalent of 100 times the height of the Eiffel Tower." “This new Peach Bellini Meringue Roulade is perfect for spring and summer menus, as well as special occasions, giving our customers a delicious addition to their dessert menus which is sure to go down well with their own customers.” Offering great plate coverage, an appealing artisan look, and with excellent holding ability, each meringue roulade contains ten portions and takes four hours to defrost at 4 degrees. There are two meringue roulades in each pack which, once defrosted, can be stored in the fridge and served for up to 48 hours to help reduce wastage. The Menuserve meringue roulades are sold exclusively via Central Foods through wholesalers across the country. Other flavours include Black Forest, banoffee, lemon, strawberry and Prosecco, raspberry and hazelnut, and raspberry and white chocolate, meaning there is a flavour to suit all occasions and all seasons. Central Foods is one of the UK’s leading frozen food distributors, offering a range of sweet and savoury products to the food service industry. The company currently sells to over 200 independent wholesalers, as well as larger national and regional wholesalers. Based in Northamptonshire, Central Foods is proud to be a catering partner across the whole food service sector, supplying to hotels, restaurants, bars, universities, schools, pubs, care homes, garden centres, leisure outlets and more here.

Young people in the West of Scotland facing a cancer diagnosis will receive vital emotional support, thanks to the Teenage Cancer Trust’s Youth Empowerment Programme. The programme ensures young people undergoing cancer treatment have access to specialist Youth Support Coordinators who provide essential emotional and practical assistance at a critical time in their lives. Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to providing specialised nursing care and support for young people with cancer. Through its dedicated units in the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, the charity ensures young people receive age-appropriate care and access to trained professionals who understand their unique needs. Every year, around 248 young people in Scotland aged 13-24 are diagnosed with cancer, and many struggle to access the support they need to navigate their diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The Youth Empowerment Programme provides tailored support to young people living with cancer. They offer guidance on managing treatment side effects, assist in maintaining social connections, and create opportunities to meet others going through similar experiences. Through individual and group activities, the programme reduces feelings of isolation and helps young people maintain their mental health and wellbeing throughout and beyond their treatment. The programme’s impact has been strengthened with a £2,000 donation from Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust. This funding will provide 80 hours of emotional support, ensuring more young people can access the care they need at a time of immense challenge. With no government or NHS Scotland funding, the Teenage Cancer Trust relies entirely on donations like these to continue its important work. Joanne Clark, Trusts and Foundations Executive at the Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “Thank you to the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust for their incredibly kind support of our work. This generous donation will make a lasting impact on the lives of young people with cancer, making sure they get the best possible care and emotional support they need and deserve.” Gerry Facenna, founder and owner of Allied Vehicles Group, said: “Cancer touches every family, including my own, and a cancer diagnosis is something nobody should have to face alone at any age, especially as young as just 13. The work of the Teenage Cancer Trust provides essential support at a time when it is needed most, and we’re proud to contribute to this wonderful programme.” This funding will ensure that young people in the West of Scotland facing cancer are not alone. By providing vital emotional support, the Teenage Cancer Trust makes a profound difference in the lives of Scotland’s young people who are undergoing cancer treatment, giving them the confidence, care, and connections they need at a crucial time.