JCB celebrated a major machine milestone with the production of its one millionth backhoe loader. The first JCB backhoe rolled off the production line in Rocester, Staffordshire in 1953. Called the Mark One, it brought the new wonder of hydraulic power to construction equipment for the first time. In the first full year of production in 1954 just 35 of the machines were built and it took more than 20 years for the first 50,000 to be made. It took 59 years for the first half million JCB backhoes to be manufactured – but less than 13 years for the next half million to be produced, culminating in celebrations. JCB now manufactures backhoe loaders in the UK, India, Brazil and it remains of the most versatile and productive machines in the world. Despite the maturity of the versatile backhoe loader, it is still one of the biggest selling pieces of construction machinery and it remains the world’s 4th most popular machine in the construction equipment sales league table. Hundreds of backhoe loader employees lined the road outside JCB’s World HQ, joining company Chairman Anthony Bamford to watch a cavalcade of 16 backhoes from down the ages. These spanned a 1954 Mark I through to a 2025 3CX model. Also joining in the celebrations today was retired JCB welder Ken Harrison, aged 100, who joined JCB as a welder in 1952 when only 29 people worked on the shop floor. Ken, one of the last known survivors of the production team that built the first JCB backhoes, retired 36 years later in 1988. Lord Bamford said: “I am the only person in the business now who can remember the early days when we first started to make backhoes in what was a former cheese factory in Rocester. Looking back at that time, I could never have imagined that we would make one million of these diggers after such humble beginnings. Looking back is a fun thing to do but it’s always been JCB’s way to look forward and I’m looking forward to the production of the next one million backhoes.” JCB has always invested heavily in its backhoe loader range and an early catalyst for growth was in 1980 which saw the £24 million launch of the technologically advanced 3CX. Customers then went on to reap the fuel saving benefits of the launch of JCB backhoes powered by the JCB Dieselmax, a development which saves up to 11% in fuel costs. 3CX Pro is the fastest backhoe loader in the world, capable of speeds up to 50kph, reducing travel time between sites. As well as backhoes, JCB also manufactures Loadall telescopic handers, tracked and wheeled excavators, wheeled loading shovels, mini and micro excavators, skid steer loaders, track loaders, compaction equipment, rough terrain forklifts and Fastrac tractors. JCB backhoes are manufactured in the UK, India and Brazil and the company sells the product in 120 different countries. The business unit which manufactures the machines has previously won six Queen’s Awards. Royalty, Prime Ministers, politicians and TV stars have all been photographed in the cab of JCB backhoes over the years. The JCB backhoe was even the subject of a song which made the top of the UK charts. And it was a JCB backhoe which robbers used in a failed attempt to steal £350 million worth of diamonds from the Millennium Dome in 2000. The one millionth JCB backhoe to be produced was a 3CX model, which has been decorated in graffiti art and presented to Lord Bamford at today’s celebrations.

An HR manager from a Lake District hotel group has completed her studies to attain an Associate Diploma in People Management. Faye McGuinness from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues has achieved Level 5 of the diploma qualification from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Faye, who works across the hotel group’s venues which include Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa and Wild Boar Estate near Windermere, completed six modules for the qualification over a nine month period. The diploma has given Faye a deeper understanding of strategic HR practices, such as workforce planning, employment law and organisational development. Faye’s course was funded by English Lakes Hotels, with the hotel group allowing her to take study leave to attend college one day per week. The specialist modules Faye chose to study were in employment relationship management, talent management and workforce planning and reward for performance and contribution. The core units Faye covered were in organisational performance and culture, evidence-based practice and professional behaviours and valuing people. She also learned more about handling complex employee relations issues and how to align HR strategies with business goals. “I decided to pursue the diploma to upskill and deepen my expertise in HR, particularly in specialised areas,” explains Faye. “It’s enabling me to provide stronger input to English Lakes Hotels in terms of helping to drive meaningful change, fostering stronger, cohesive teams, and developing the talented people we have here." “Overall, the course was fantastic and provided an excellent platform to share ideas, exchange thoughts and learn from others.” Faye says the most challenging aspect of achieving the qualification was balancing her time between work and her home life whilst ensuring she met the deadlines for her assignments. As part of her job role, Faye leads on various employee relations projects across the hotel group, ensuring policies and procedures are up to date. She also drives and implements new initiatives to support employee well-being and a better workplace environment. “This is an important qualification for Faye’s career progression and a really valuable asset for our teams and venues,” adds Emma Underwood from English Lakes Hotels. “Caring people management, recruitment and retention are at the core of our ethos here, and Faye’s associate level diploma reflects our approach to workforce culture, valuing our team members and rewarding great service.”

Just Desserts Yorkshire has added a Chocolate & Raspberry Cheesecake and a Raspberry Ripple Shortcake traybake to their range of handcrafted desserts. The duo has been developed to ensure there is something to suit all customers and settings, covering formal and informal options. Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake A dark chocolate biscuit base, topped with a rich dark chocolate cheesecake and sweet raspberry filling, sprinkled with dried raspberry pieces. Quantity: 1 x 16 Raspberry Ripple Shortcake Traybake Classic shortbread topped with a layer of pink raspberry flavoured and white chocolate spread, finished with a sprinkling of dried raspberry pieces. Quantity: 2 x 12

Family Business United, the leading organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting family-owned enterprises, is delighted to announce the upcoming Scottish Family Business Day which is taking place on February 6. This special day is designed to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of family businesses to the Scottish economy. Family businesses play a crucial role in fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and maintaining a strong sense of community. Scottish Family Business Day provides an opportunity for these businesses to showcase their stories, share their experiences, and highlight the unique aspects that make family enterprises thrive. Paul Andrews, CEO of Family Business United, is delighted to be organising the day again this year, adding; "Family businesses are the backbone of the economy, and Scottish Family Business Day is a fantastic annual occasion to shine a spotlight on their achievements. These businesses embody resilience, innovation, and a commitment to their communities, and we are proud to celebrate their success." Participants in Scottish Family Business Day can expect a day filled with insightful discussions and insights on social media, profile raising opportunities and engagement with plenty of recognition for their dedication to building enduring enterprises. The event will bring together a diverse range of family businesses, from small local enterprises to large, multi-generational companies as well as the advisers that support them. Family Business United encourages all family businesses and advisory firms who work with family business clients in Scotland to join in the celebrations. By coming together, the family business community can amplify the impact and showcase the strength and resilience that characterises family-owned enterprises, as well as the contribution they make each and every day. As Paul concludes, “This is a day for us to highlight the significant contribution of family businesses across Scotland, in terms of the jobs they provide, the income they generate and the wealth they create, as well as the massive impact that they have on communities across the country." "Each family business has a story to tell, and we are encouraging them all to share pictures of who they are and what they do, share their narrative and the things that they do so that we can amplify their voice and demonstrate their impact too." "Each year the day gets bigger with more and more activity on social media and we are looking forward to a fabulous #ScottishFamilyBizDay which shines the light on this sector and all that it does to support the nation.”

Spectrum Service Solutions, a leading independent cleaning and facilities management company, has announced changes to its management team. Former Operations Director Rebecca Bell has assumed the role of Managing Director, and former MD Sara Taylor (nee Speirs) is now Chair. The changes continue the legacy of being a strong Scottish family business, staying true to its heritage, and at the same time aligning with its commitment to personal development and creating an inspiring workplace and an environment where people can thrive. Sara Taylor founded the company in 2003, and it has grown year on year. It now has an annual turnover exceeding £16m and employs over 700 people working on daily cleaning contracts and at events throughout the UK. Sara's daughter Rebecca, a graduate of the University of Strathclyde, joined the business in 2008, gaining experience across all divisions before assuming the role of Operations Director seven years ago. Speaking about the transition to Managing Director, Rebecca said: "I'm very excited to be taking on the MD role. I've worked in the business for over 16 years, and I have a deep understanding of the role that everyone plays in the company and the challenges they face daily." "But, my experience is not only on the operational side; for many years, I've been working in business development as well as customer and staff relations. Also, I have invaluable experience in the event side of the business and project managing the delivery of our services at mass audience events." Spectrum has commercial cleaning and facilities management, providing daily services to organisations such as The Malcolm Group, Knight Frank, Harper Collins, Edinburgh Zoo, V&A, CBRE, Scottish Ambulance Stations, and Wm Grant & Sons. However, it is also renowned for the services it provides at some of the world's largest sporting events. They have worked at Olympic and Commonwealth Games venues, the Ryder Cup Matches and, for the past 5 years, with the R&A at the Open Championship. In the world of entertainment, they are equally prominent, having worked at stadium concerts for global superstars such as Pink, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, and Robbie Williams, as well as many outdoor music events for DF Concerts. This news comes ahead of more promotion announcements in the business, which prides itself on the personal development of its workforce and its record of creating opportunities for advancement. Rebecca went on to say: "I know managing director at Spectrum is a significant and challenging job, but I am confident I have the experience I need and a great management team around me to continue to grow the turnover and stature of the Spectrum brand." "Naturally, the change to my role will mean other changes in the company. It's a real pleasure being able to recognise and reward people with the advancement in the business they fully deserve. I look forward to making these announcements in the near future." In tandem with the management changes, Spectrum's team has recently signed off on a new five-year strategy designed around its core values to maintain its impressive growth while achieving its sustainability, diversity and inclusivity goals. Spectrum’s founder, Sara Taylor is also excited about the future; commenting on the changes, she said: “I’m delighted that Rebecca is taking the reins, allowing me to take a step back from the day-to-day operations. I have every confidence in her; she has all the experience and attributes to take the company forward. And we have a fantastic management team in place who I know will support her and drive the business forward." “I’m also delighted to be taking on the role of chair; it provides me with the opportunity to take a step back but continue to play a role in the development of the company. It’s been an exciting journey over the past 21 years, and I suppose it’s a ‘coming of age’ in many respects. I’m excited for the future for Rebecca and everyone at Spectrum.”

For many family businesses, the ultimate goal is to preserve the legacy and pass the business down through generations. However, there may come a time when selling the business is the right decision for the family, as difficult as that often is. While each business and family dynamic is unique, Charlie Hewlett, Corporate Partner at Boodle Hatfield shares his thoughts on several key practical matters to bear in mind when preparing a family business for a sale. 1. Minimise Dependence On Family Members Buyers are often hesitant to purchase businesses that rely heavily on family members for their operations. While it is common for some family members to stay involved temporarily post-sale, businesses are more attractive when they can thrive independently without reliance on the selling family. One particular issue to consider is the extent to which capable non-family managers can become more involved with running the business, a process that may take time to implement. Offering incentives, such as employee share schemes, can be a tax efficient and effective way to align staff interests with the company’s success and make the business more appealing to buyers. 2. Pre-Empt The Buyer's Due Diligence Enquiries Any sensible buyer will conduct a due diligence process on your business before purchase. One of the biggest risks for sellers is this process uncovering a major issue that jeopardises the deal. To avoid the frustration and costs of a deal falling through, conduct thorough due diligence on your own business in advance, fix the issues you can address and ensure you have to hand the documents a reasonable buyer will ask for. You will also look a lot more credible in negotiations if you have done so. In particular, address common issues early, such as: Ensuring your financial reports are clear, accurate, and well-organised (e.g., reconciled management accounts). This reporting should be set up well in advance of a sale – while many family businesses get by with informal reporting arrangements, buyers will want to see robust reports for the business's recent periods of trading. Verifying that the company owns its intellectual property, rather than contractors or individual family members. Ensuring that key employee contracts, material client and supplier agreements, and company records are up to date and well-documented. 3. Exploring Alternatives To Selling Shares Selling shares isn’t the only way to extract value from a business. For example, setting up an employee ownership trust (EOT) can provide a tax-efficient exit while rewarding employees for their contributions. Another option is an asset sale, where specific assets or parts of the business are sold. This approach can be particularly useful if a buyer is only interested in certain aspects of the company or if the family wishes to retain other parts of the business. 4. Managing Family Shareholders Navigating the dynamics of family shareholders can be complex, particularly in families with multiple generations involved. It’s often a good idea to: Secure agreement from all shareholders before entering formal negotiations with a buyer. This minimises the risk of someone disrupting the process later. Designate one or two individuals to lead the negotiation process, potentially including representatives from different branches of the family. 5. Planning For Life After The Sale Whether your family intends to invest in new ventures, purchase property, or enjoy personal pursuits, planning ahead is critical. Proactive tax planning can help you maximise available reliefs and avoid potential tax pitfalls, such as capital gains tax (CGT) or inheritance tax (IHT). It’s also important to assess how much you need from the sale, particularly if the buyer proposes deferred payments or conditions tied to future business performance. 6. Crafting A Compelling Story About Your Business A strong narrative can significantly influence the success of a sale. Building your brand through participation in competitions or awards can create buzz around your company. Additionally, showcasing your commitment to sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles can attract investors. It’s crucial to go beyond superficial greenwashing and demonstrate genuine values. About the Author: Charlie Hewlett is a Corporate Partner at Boodle Hatfield. Find out more about the work they do with family businesses by visiting their website here

Private sector firms expect another significant fall in activity over the next three months (weighted balance of -22%), according to the Confederation of British Industry’s (CBI) latest Growth Indicator. Expectations are broadly unchanged from December, which were the weakest in over two years. This pessimism was widespread across the private sector. Business volumes in the services sector are anticipated to decline (-20%), driven by a predicted fall in business and professional services (-12%) and the weakest expectations for consumer services (-49%) since September 2022. Distribution sales are expected to fall steeply (-30%), and manufacturers also anticipate a decline in output (-19%). However, expectations among manufacturing firms are less weak compared to December, when firms’ predictions for falling output (-31%) were the lowest since mid-2020. The disappointing outlook comes as private sector activity fell again in the three months to January (-23%), at a broadly similar pace to the three months to December (-21%). Activity has been flat or falling since August 2022. Alpesh Paleja, Interim Deputy Chief Economist, CBI said: “After a grim lead-up to Christmas, the New Year hasn’t brought any sense of renewal, with businesses still expecting a significant fall in activity. Alongside plans to cut staff and raise prices further, this risks an increasingly awkward trade-off for policymakers." "Anecdotes suggest that companies are being hit by lacklustre demand and caution among consumers, while also continuing to adjust to measures announced in the Budget." “There is an urgent need to get momentum back into the economy. The government can help shift the UK’s economic narrative with more determined focus on measures that could drive growth." “Reforming the business rates system, implementing flexibility in the Apprenticeship Levy and supporting people to stay in work through expanding employer occupational health provision can help." “With forecasts of underwhelming growth this year and less headroom for business investment, the way forward lies in the government and firms working together to deliver on their growth plan to restore confidence and get the economy firing on all cylinders.” Key findings from our monthly Services Sector Survey showed: Business volumes in the services sector fell in the three months to January (-24%), with the pace of decline accelerating from December. Volumes have generally been flat or falling since mid-2022. Within this, business & professional services volumes fell (-16%), at a similar pace to the three months to December. The decline in consumer services volumes accelerated, with activity falling at its fastest pace in over two years. Hiring intentions within the services sector are weak. Business & professional services expect headcount to fall over the next three months (-20%). Consumer services companies also once again anticipate numbers employed to fall sharply (-44%). Price growth expectations (+34%) have accelerated from December (+20%) and stand well above the long-run average (+7%). Inflation expectations for business & professional services jumped in January (+33%, from +13% in December) and were broadly unchanged – but remain elevated - for consumer services firms (+40%, from +42%).

Aldi, Asda, the Co-op, Lidl, Morrisons, Ocado and Tesco have publicly stated their shared concerns over the government’s proposed changes to inheritance tax, and the NFU understands more major retailers are expected to follow suit. Supermarkets have called for the government to pause and consult, after talks with the NFU. Responding to the news, NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “Those huge food retail businesses which have come out in support of our call for the family farm tax to be paused, and to have a proper consultation, are doing so not only because they see what a terrible effect it will have on the farmers they work with, but also because they know that if it is allowed to devastate family farms it will also devastate retailers’ ability to source the high-quality, sustainable food their customers want." “On behalf of NFU members I want to thank them for their support.”

Residents in Poole have been de-cluttering their homes at the start of the year like never before, according to one of the largest storage businesses. Store & Secure in Hamworthy said they have seen a huge increase in home-owners emptying their properties. Lucy and Sophie Maidman said that there seems to be two reasons; preparing for building work and a new minimalist outlook for the year. Lucy said: “We’ve been in this business for many years now and never has January heralded so many people taking storage to help them de-clutter." “January is always a time when people start afresh and turn over a new leaf, but de-cluttering seems to have really taken off this year – up by 50 per cent on any previous year." “I think a lot of people have decided to extend their homes rather than sell and move and in preparation for that they’ve taken storage out and have started to clear rooms. But there also seems to be a move to more minimalist interiors. Whether this is a wider trend I don’t know, but we’ve seen a lot of it." “Some people, especially those in the very small new homes, simply don’t have much space and are making room. But others who live in modern homes with lots of glass and windows find they look better with a more minimalist interior. Therefore, following Christmas, they are taking storage with us and bringing things they don’t want in their homes." “What they intend to do is rotate their possessions – such as paintings and small pieces of furniture. I think because we are physically secure, but also put a great deal of emphasis on our cyber-security and information security, people really trust us to look after their often very valuable possessions." “We are a family business and are well-known in the area, and that familiarity really helps. I also think that our own interior, with its brightness, clean lines and minimalist feel helps encourage people to clear their own homes.”

Two chefs at a North Lancashire hotel are celebrating the completion of qualifications to equip them with new leadership skills in the hospitality sector. The dynamic culinary duo of Joey Longmire-Dodd and Sam Pierce from Lancaster House Hotel have both been studying two year courses as part of their continuing professional development. 28-year-old Joey from Lancaster re-joined the hotel’s culinary team in 2018 and has worked his way up to being a sous chef. He has successfully completed his NVQ Hospitality Manager Level 4 qualification. Meanwhile, Sam, 38, also from Lancaster, is Babcock International’s first learner to achieve a distinction in his Level 3 Senior Sous Chef apprenticeship. The chefs’ training has been delivered with support from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues working in partnership with Inspiro Learning and Babcock International. It has allowed them to hone their skills whilst continuing to forge their careers and earn a living. Both chefs have been able to step up and take on greater responsibilities as a result of their studies, supporting head chef at Lancaster House Hotel Damien Ng in overseeing kitchen team members, managing shifts and helping to plan and deliver menus. Sam explains: “Joey and I both feel that our training has had a really positive impact on how we visualise the business. It’s certainly sharpened our awareness of managing the kitchen so that it runs as smoothly as possible." “We’ve both really enjoyed our studies and can clearly see how our development over the last two years is helping the food and beverage teams move forward. Our aim is to pass on as much knowledge as possible to the rest of the culinary team.” Damien Ng adds: “We’re thrilled with Sam and Joey’s progress and the completion of these highly valuable, practical qualifications. The training has had a big impact on the pair. They now have the ability to see the bigger picture when challenges arise and the management skills to think creatively to deal with them.”

Staffordshire boxing sensation Nathan ‘Hitman’ Heaney is pulling no punches when it comes to supporting JCB’s £2 million appeal for the NSPCC – with a donation of a prized pair of his gloves. Stoke-on-Trent born Nathan took time out from his preparations for his World Boxing Association’s Continental Europe Middleweight Championship title bid in Manchester next month to hand over the gloves for auction. The donation was arranged by Stoke-on-Trent based JCB supplier Rayne Precision Engineering through its insurance brokers and Nathan’s sponsors, Newcastle-under-Lyme based AMB Insurance Services. Rayne Precision Engineering Managing Director Andrew Simmill is spearheading his own fundraising drive to support the JCB NSPCC appeal, which has so far raised more than £2,000 – including a £500 donation from AMB Insurance Services. The £2 million JCB NSPCC Appeal is set to culminate in 2025 in JCB’s 80th anniversary year with all proceeds helping the charity’s work in North Staffordshire. Father-of-two Nathan, 35, said today: “I’m delighted to support the JCB NSPCC Appeal with this donation because it will help the charity’s work in the city that I know and love and where so much of my support comes from. It’s a sad fact that in our community there are children who are at risk and I applaud anything that is being done which can make them safer.” Nathan is also an ardent Stoke City fan and the plan is to auction the gloves at the Potters’ home game against Oxford United at the weekend – a game sponsored by Rayne Precision Engineering to throw the spotlight on the JCB NSPCC Appeal. Andrew Simmill said: “I’m very grateful to Nathan for giving his support to this cause. Nathan is a true local hero and when our community pulls together, we are a force to be reckoned with. We all want to help the NSPCC make a real difference to the lives of local children.” Nathan will enter the ring at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on February 8th to take on the current French champion Sofiane Khati. He has just single handedly delivered more than 1,500 tickets for the bout to the home addresses of his loyal North Staffordshire fans.

Johnsons Nurseries Ltd, a leader in the UK’s horticultural industry, is thrilled to announce its fourth successive year of achieving Plant Healthy Accreditation. This continued recognition underscores the nursery’s enduring commitment to safeguarding plant health and championing sustainability in the sector. The Plant Healthy Accreditation is awarded to organizations that meet rigorous plant health management standards as outlined by the UK Plant Health Assurance Scheme (UKPHAS). By achieving this certification, Johnsons reaffirms its dedication to upholding best practices in biosecurity and plant care and recently completed internal plant health training for its staff. Plant health is vital not only to Johnsons but also to nurseries across the country for a multitude of reasons. Protecting our woodlands from pests and diseases such as ash dieback and oak processionary moth is essential to safeguarding native flora and fauna from the threat of non-native species. Healthy plants are fundamental to the creation of beautiful gardens and landscapes and are essential for life itself. They produce the oxygen we breathe and absorb carbon dioxide. Plants also play a critical role in our food systems; without them, humanity would not survive. Securing Plant Healthy Accreditation for a fourth consecutive year is a significant milestone for Johnsons Nurseries Ltd. It reflects the company’s proactive measures in mitigating biosecurity risks and delivering impeccable-quality plants. Jonathan Whittemore, Commercial and Business Manager at Johnsons Nurseries Ltd, said: “Reaching our fourth year as a Plant Healthy accredited business is a proud achievement for everyone at Johnsons Nurseries Ltd." "It’s a clear indication of our ongoing efforts to prioritise plant health and support the resilience of the UK’s horticultural ecosystem. We remain committed to setting industry standards for quality and environmental responsibility.” In addition to this accomplishment, Johnsons is proud to be certified under BSI ISO 14001 for Environmental Management and ISO 9001 for Quality Management. These certifications further demonstrate the company’s commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and delivering the highest quality products and services to its customers.