Farmers’ fields and country lanes are being buried under piles of waste, with new figures showing fly-tipping in England has hit record highs. From sofas and fridges to large-scale builders’ waste, illegal dumpers are turning farmland into rubbish tips — leaving their victims paying to clear up the mess. The latest statistics released, reveal councils dealt with 1.26 million fly-tipping incidents in 2024/2025, though these figures only account for waste illegally dumped on public land that has been reported to the authorities. It is a nine per cent increase on the year before. Many fly-tipping incidents occur on privately-owned land, painting an even more damaging picture of the financial burden and environmental impact fly-tipping brings. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) represents farmers and rural businesses. President Gavin Lane said: “Farmers and land managers have had enough. The countryside is increasingly being targeted by organised crime gangs – often violent – who know that rural areas are under-policed and resourced." “It’s not just litter blotting the landscape, but tonnes of household and commercial waste which can often be hazardous – even including asbestos and chemicals – endangering wildlife, livestock, crops and the environment. Farmers are victims yet have to pay clean up costs themselves." “We need to see penalties being enforced that better reflect the severity of the crime, and the seizure of vehicles must be the default penalty to send a clear signal that criminals will face real consequences if they are caught fly-tipping.” There have been several high-profile incidents recently, from the 30,000 tonnes of waste dumped in ancient woodland at Hoad’s Wood in Kent, to 20,000 tonnes next to the River Cherwell and A34 in Kidlington, Oxfordshire. The CLA is also calling for: The appointment of a national fly-tipping commissioner to co-ordinate agencies, monitor incidents on private land and benchmark enforcement performance. The enforcement of fines for businesses and homeowners whose waste is found dumped. More support for victims via a new permit scheme to allow farmers who did not cause or knowingly permit the fly-tipping to dispose of it at a waste disposal site free of charge. A CLA survey found almost three quarters of farmers who responded are affected each year, with some targeted multiple times each month. Each incident costs on average £1,000 to clear up, with 85% saying they have invested in measures such as CCTV, lighting and other security. CLA members speak out Colin Rayner, whose family farm in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey, said: “We have been experiencing ongoing fly-tipping every week, highlighting the persistent nature of the problem and the need for urgent action." “Fly-tipping is out of control in the countryside. We wake up to loads of rubbish in the field or farm gateways. From car tyres to household waste, hazardous waste is often found." “Our public footpaths that cross our fields are another source of unsightly littering. Our verges are used to dump garden waste and abandon white goods and even dead dogs." “We just clear up the fly-tipping waste and bear the high disposal costs at the registered landfill site, which significantly impact our farm's finances. My team must litter pick the footpaths weekly, adding to our ongoing expenses.” Cambridgeshire farmer George Hurrell said: “Fly-tipping is a constant problem for us with waste frequently dumped in our fields and gateways. We get everything from washing machines, mattresses and builders’ rubble to large scale processed waste." “Not only is it a hazard for people and wildlife, but we also incur significant costs in having to clear the fly-tipping on our land. If we don’t remove it, we face being prosecuted. How can it be a fair to have a system that punishes those who are victim of a crime?” James Guernsey, of the Packington Estate in Warwickshire, said: “Fly-tipping continues to place a growing strain on private landowners across the country, as we are left responsible for clearing the waste that is dumped illegally on our land." “We, as landowners are guardians and play an important role in protecting the environment for all to enjoy, but the current system is broken, allowing criminal gangs to dump waste all over the countryside with little to no enforcement." “This frequently leaves us bearing the financial and practical burden of clearing potentially hazardous waste weekly. We need greater support, clearer accountability and stronger enforcement to ensure this blight on the rural environment is stopped.” A spokesperson for Colesbourne Estate in Gloucestershire said: “We have experienced regular fly-tipping for several years, but we have suffered particularly over the last few months. Since November we have had three lorry loads of cannabis waste – mostly soil and roots – as well as household waste tipped on our land. This isn’t just small amounts – it’s been 75 bags each time." “We’ve also had three lots of old motor tyres discarded, which were taken into the far end of the fields. Again, this was between 50 and 60 tyres dumped on each occasion. There’s also been a lot of building waste, particularly plaster board, which gets dumped because skip hire companies will no longer take this, and a large amount of damaged plastic car body work." “It costs a lot of money for us to clear it up each time. The problem is aggravated because you need an appointment to go to the local authority recycling centres and they are closed for longer periods during the winter months. The long, dry period last summer made it easier for lorries to get on the field. We aren’t always able to put barriers in gateways where access is frequently needed to stop people from gaining getting on the fields." Francis Fitzherbert-Brockholes from Claughton Hall in Lancashire said: “Our most recent fly-tipping incident was a trailer load of old roofing timbers dumped in a gateway. It took one of our estate workers and I – with the aid of a JCB Load – about three hours to remove and dispose of the rubbish properly." “These fly-tipping figures barely scratch the surface of a crime that’s blighting rural communities, with incidents on private land going unrecorded on a mass scale. We are calling for local authorities to help clear fly-tipping incidents on private as well as public land, while the various enforcement agencies must be properly trained and resourced.” Beilby Forbes Adam from Escrick Park in North Yorkshire said: “We usually experience between 20 and 30 fly-tipping incidents per year, which, aside from being an annoyance, is costly to clear up. It ranges from trailer loads of garden waste to van-loads of rubble and rubbish from house renovations to smaller loads gas canisters and tyres." “Our team at Escrick Park collects fly-tipped materials, and once a skip is filled, we would pay for the disposal of it. Fly-tipping is particularly frequent on Skipwith Common, a National Nature Reserve." “With the current government increasing the Landfill Tax Standard Rate by 26% and the Lower Rate by 162% since entering power, an unfortunate byproduct of the policy is that fly-tipping in the countryside will only increase." “Ministers should look urgently at making it easier for councils to crack down by meting out proper penalties for convicted fly-tippers and providing funding for them to take on the responsibility of clearing up fly-tipping.” Ralph Rayner, a landowner in Devon, says he experiences at least one incident of fly-tipping every month, ranging from household, garden and builders waste to white goods. He says it often results in hours of work for two people to clear away as well as the cost of security and recycling. He said: “Illegal dumping has worsened dramatically following tighter recycling rules, which have effectively shifted the burden onto private landowners. No one accepts injustice lightly, yet entirely innocent victims are now routinely held responsible for the actions of criminals." “Many landowners will recognise the indignity of receiving a threatening letter from their local authority warning them of prosecution for ‘unlicensed waste storage’, when in fact they are the victims of illegal dumping on their own land. Unfortunately, the law and its enforcement remain poorly aligned." “At the very least, landowners should be permitted to load dumped waste into a trailer and take it to recycling centres free of charge. Yet this proposal is dismissed on the grounds that it might encourage farmers and landowners to dispose of their own waste there. Until government makes a genuine effort to work with landowners and develop practical solutions, fly-tipping will only continue to increase.”

Rathbones, one of the UK’s leading wealth and asset management groups, previews the Spring Statement (on 3 March 2026), setting out what it could mean for the UK economy and personal finances. John Wyn Evans, Head of Market Analysis, at Rathbones, says: “A low key Spring Statement may be the most market friendly outcome." “Ahead of the Spring Statement, the UK’s fiscal position is stable but far from comfortable. Public sector net debt remains elevated at close to 90–95% of GDP - high by historical standards - even if recent borrowing figures have offered the Chancellor some near term breathing space." "Much will hinge on whether updated forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility continue to show debt falling as a share of GDP over the medium term, which is central to maintaining fiscal credibility." “That credibility will also depend on the size and durability of the Chancellor’s remaining fiscal headroom once the OBR updates its assumptions. Recent strength in tax receipts has been welcome, but much of it reflects one off or timing related factors rather than a clear structural improvement, leaving the public finances exposed if growth or revenues disappoint." “Growth, meanwhile, remains modest rather than dynamic. The economy is expanding, but not at a pace that naturally erodes the debt burden quickly. Sub trend GDP growth limits the scope for rising tax receipts and means even relatively small downgrades to growth assumptions could have an outsized impact on borrowing projections." “While debt interest costs have eased alongside lower inflation and bond yields, the UK’s large stock of index linked and relatively short maturity debt leaves the public finances highly sensitive to any reversal in market conditions. That makes policy credibility particularly important at this stage of the cycle." “Markets will be focused less on political messaging and more on trajectory. If the Spring Statement reinforces a credible path for stabilising debt and confirms easing inflation pressures, gilt yields could edge lower, reflecting confidence that the fiscal framework remains intact and that the Bank of England retains scope to ease policy." "However, any suggestion that growth is faltering or that debt servicing costs are drifting higher could prompt a reassessment, pushing yields up and tightening financial conditions.” Personal Finances Rebecca Williams, Financial Planning Divisional Lead at Rathbones, says: “The Spring Statement may lack the theatrical weight of a full Budget, but it can still shape the financial landscape in meaningful ways. Its real impact often lies in the fine print of forecasts and expectations. When it comes to your money, the ripple effects can be subtle - but significant." “The central consideration is the economic backdrop. Updated forecasts for growth, inflation and borrowing will shape expectations for interest rates, which in turn feed directly into mortgage pricing, loan costs and savings rates. The outlook from the Office for Budget Responsibility will also determine how much fiscal headroom the Chancellor has. A weaker set of numbers could increase pressure for revenue raising measures further down the line, while a stronger outlook may buy time." “As for what could be announced, don’t expect a blockbuster - but there are several areas to watch. There could be tweaks to spending plans, particularly if borrowing projections shift. We may also see signals on welfare uprating, public sector pay, or business tax incentives aimed at supporting growth." “Markets will be particularly sensitive to the inflation narrative, given its influence on the Bank of England policy path. If the Statement reinforces expectations of falling inflation and interest rate cuts, mortgage holders could see relief ahead. Savers, however, may need to brace for lower returns if rates begin to ease more decisively." “Households should also pay close attention to what is not announced. Sometimes the continuation of existing policy - such as frozen tax thresholds or unchanged spending envelopes - can have just as much impact as a new measure." “In practical terms, people should take stock of how any announcements might affect their take home pay or monthly costs, and review financial plans adjust their budgets accordingly.”

Family Business United today announces the launch of its 2026 Family Business Survey, an in-depth research initiative designed to capture the priorities, concerns, and future direction of family-owned firms across the UK. The survey aims to identify the key strategic themes shaping the sector while placing a particular emphasis on one of the most pressing challenges facing family businesses today: cybersecurity. As family enterprises continue to play a vital role in driving economic growth, employment and community impact in the UK, Family Business United is calling on family business leaders of all sizes and across sectors to contribute their insights. The findings will inform a comprehensive report that seeks to define the UK family business agenda for 2026 and beyond. “Family firms are built on long-term vision, resilience and stewardship — but the environment they operate in is evolving rapidly,” said Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United. “This year’s survey will uncover the issues that matter most to family business leaders — from governance and succession to digital transformation and cyber risk — ensuring the collective voice of the sector is heard and understood, and help us to determine the current family business agenda and work on creating resources to help address the challenges family businesses face.” A growing body of evidence highlights that cyber risk is no longer a peripheral issue for family firms. Research on broader business cybersecurity indicates that many are experiencing cyberattacks and grappling with gaps between awareness and practical preparedness. Despite increasing investment in security tools and training, incidents continue to occur, often linked to human-centric vulnerabilities and evolving threats like AI-assisted attacks. “Cybersecurity is no longer just an operational consideration — it’s a business-critical imperative,” Andrews added. “For family businesses — where reputation, trust and legacy matter — understanding the state of cyber risk readiness is essential.” All family business owners and executives in the UK are encouraged to participate. Responses will be anonymous and aggregated to protect individual business confidentiality.

The Yard has received a generous £2,070 donation from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust to fund three wheelchair accessible picnic benches for its new adventure play centre in Linn Park, Glasgow. Since 1986, The Yard has created safe, inclusive spaces where disabled children and young people can play, learn, and grow. Across Edinburgh, Dundee and Fife, the organisation supported more than 2,700 people in 2023–24, offering play experiences and wraparound family support that help combat isolation and provide vital community connection. The new centre at Linn Park marks The Yard’s long awaited expansion into Glasgow, an area where support for disabled children and their families has been identified as a significant service gap, with some of the highest disability rates in Scotland among children and young people. The Yard Glasgow will offer year round inclusive play sessions for families and local schools. The team aims to support 400 children in its first year, rising to 500 annually by 2026 as services expand to include youth clubs and early years programmes. The donation from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust will fund three wheelchair accessible benches for the outdoor play area. These benches will ensure that children and young people who use wheelchairs can sit, play, and socialise alongside their non wheelchair using friends, strengthening The Yard’s commitment to truly barrier free play. Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive at The Yard said: "We are absolutely thrilled that we are going to be able to have picnic tables outside for our children and families to enjoy in the summer weather, and the winter weather no doubt as well. We want to say an enormous thank you to the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust for their support in making it possible." David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director, Allied Vehicles added: “We’re absolutely delighted to support The Yard as they bring their unique brand of inclusive play to Glasgow. Creating spaces where every child can feel part of the fun is incredibly important, and these accessible benches will help make that possible." "The work The Yard does for families across Scotland is exceptional, and we’re proud to play a small part in helping more children enjoy the freedom, laughter and connection they deserve.”

An industry report by leading I&L property company Potter Space, in partnership with Savills, has revealed the scale of a decade of undersupply of sub-100k sq ft I&L space, also referred to as small to mid-box. Small to mid-box accounts for 95% of I&L units. However, occupiers are still struggling to find space as the undersupply is failing to meet resilient demand. At a national level, from 2014 to 2024, demand has been suppressed by 35%. This means that had it been available, businesses would have taken 35% more space to meet their needs, equating to 60 million sq ft, over the last decade. It is estimated that meeting this demand could have facilitated 48,000 jobs and £3.3bn of Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy. The BIG Things in SMALL Boxes report is authored by Potter Space in partnership with Savills. It identifies essential steps to support the small to mid-box sector and calls on the Government to recognise sub-100k sq ft I&L properties as essential economic infrastructure in its growth strategies and proposed planning reforms. Jason Rockett, MD of Potter Space, said: “It is encouraging to see the Government acknowledge I&L as an integral part of the economy through the Modern Industrial Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)." “However, as our latest BIG Things in SMALL Boxes research clearly demonstrates, the Government is missing a trick if it does not recognise the potential of the sub-100k sq ft I&L sector." “For years we have championed sub-100k sq ft I&L and celebrated its economic contributions and role as an engine for growth, yet it continues to face significant barriers. Our latest report shows that this is not only leaving occupiers struggling for space but also hindering the UK’s prosperity.” The report identifies the challenges restricting sector growth, including unclear Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards timelines, a strained planning system, poor understanding of sub-100k sq ft I&L among planning professionals and policy makers, and spiralling business costs. Jason continues: “More than ever, we need to recognise the role of sub-100k sq ft I&L as a facilitator of growth." “Getting small to mid-box in the NPPF, Planning and Infrastructure Bill and the upcoming Freight Plan is a starting point. Doing this will facilitate a joined-up local and national planning system which prioritises policies that redress supply shortages and help unlock the sector’s full potential.” Regional analysis shows that suppressed demand is not limited to a particular part of the country. In the South East, annual suppressed demand is at 34%, which equates to an additional 689,000 sq ft of missed occupation each year. The North West could have leased an additional 838,000 sq ft annually if it had been able to meet occupier demand. Resulting low availability has meant that on average, rents for sub-100k sq ft I&L units have increased by 79% on average since 2014, adding significant cost pressures to occupiers. Mark Powney, Savills director, Planning Economics: “Recognising suppressed demand strengthens the case for treating I&L as critical national infrastructure. It reinforces the need to support the sub-100k sq ft market in requiring local authorities to plan effectively for business needs in their area to support their local economic growth." "This includes recognising the particular locational needs of the sub-market and realising its importance to supply-chains facilitating the Government’s Industrial Strategy for a strong and growing British economy.” Clare Bottle, CEO of the UK Warehousing Association, added: “Warehousing is not just space, but a key factor in business decision-making. Within this, the sub-100k sq ft I&L space has a key role, providing essential employment land for businesses of all sizes and across all sectors, and it is vital that the market has champions." “That is why we welcome the latest BIG Things in SMALL Boxes report from Potter Space and Savills, which clearly sets out the challenges and helps the sector, and policy decision-makers, navigate a path forward.” For more information and to download the full BIG Things in SMALL Boxes report, visit here . For further information please contact potterspace@prohibitionpr.co.uk . About BIG Things in SMALL Boxes 2026: In its fourth iteration of BIG Things in SMALL Boxes, Potter Space takes an in-depth look into the economic role of the mid-box I&L sector alongside the complex supply and demand dynamics affecting the market. Featuring data, analysis, opinion and occupier perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing this underappreciated market, the report is available to download free here .

Wales’s next government must put the country’s 200,000 small businesses at the heart of its strategy in order to protect jobs, communities and the Welsh economy, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned. It comes as the UK’s largest small business group launches its Senedd election manifesto ahead of the hotly-contested May elections, which will decide who runs Wales for the next five years. The manifesto sets out how tackling rising costs, regulatory burdens, skills shortages and the decline of the high street could unlock Wales’s small business potential. FSB Wales is now calling on all parties to make the 2026-2031 Senedd term the Small Business Term, as new research reveals that 65 per cent of Welsh business owners say passion, not profit, is their main motivation for running a business. The manifesto is built around five pillars: Putting Small Businesses at the Heart of Government - Introducing a new Economic Development (Wales) Bill as well as a fresh economic strategy, and creating a dedicated agency to make sure SMEs are considered in every government decision. Reducing the Cost of Doing Business – Reforming business rates, mandating a 30-day payment term on public contracts, cutting red tape by 25 per cent, and better digital support for SMEs. Revitalising High Streets and Communities – Creating a business rates multiplier for retail, hospitality and leisure, more funding for town centres, taking action on anti-social behaviour and creating a Planning Act to revive high streets. Real World Productivity - Bigger infrastructure investment, better access to finance, creating a Minister for Digitalisation and establishing a new Net Zero Business Wales scheme to increase efficiency and sustainability. Successful People - Building a start-up strategy, increasing apprenticeship funding, creating a leadership development and creating an employment incentive to address skills mismatches and build resilient workforces. John Hurst, Chair of FSB Wales, said: “This is a manifesto for small business by small business. We must put small business at the very heart of the next Welsh Government, rejuvenate our high streets, enable businesses to thrive, reduce costs and support the wider workforce." “From an innovative Economic Development Bill for small business growth to targeted rates relief and making sure businesses can get the skills they need, our proposals will empower SMEs to overcome barriers and thrive." “As we approach the 2026 Senedd election, we urge all political parties to adopt these measures to unlock Wales's entrepreneurial potential for resilient communities and a prosperous future." “Our members across Wales have created this manifesto and it is a direct reflection of their current situation and challenges and also highlights what is needed for them to continue to support the communities in which they operate, and the wider Welsh economy.” About FSB FSB is a non-profit, non-party-political grassroots business organisation that provides its members with a wide range of vital business services. These include advice, financial expertise, legal support and a powerful voice heard in Government for over 50 years.

Gebrüder Weiss, the world's oldest logistics company and a global provider of full-service transportation and supply chain solutions, announced the rollout of its Turvo-powered less-than-truckload (LTL) service across North America following a successful pilot program in 2025. The expanded LTL solution is powered by the Turvo Collaboration Cloud, a shared platform connecting shippers, carriers, and internal teams in a single operating environment. The platform supports real-time shipment visibility, streamlined execution, and improved coordination across the LTL lifecycle, enabling faster decision-making and more consistent outcomes.   Kate Leatherbury, director of North American LTL solutions at Gebrüder Weiss said: "LTL is a critical and growing part of our customers' supply chains, and the results of the pilot reinforced the need to scale these capabilities across our network. Expanding this capability allows us to better support complex shipments while improving efficiency for our customers." During the pilot phase, Gebrüder Weiss used Turvo to simplify LTL rating, booking, tracking and document management while reducing manual touchpoints and improving collaboration among internal teams, carriers, and customers. Shippers can select preferred carriers and access real-time shipment updates through a centralized interface. Pushkar Deshpande, SVP of Product at Turvo said: “This is a great example of how Turvo enables logistics providers to scale LTL while delivering service excellence through simplified execution, increased visibility, and seamless collaboration. We continue to invest in enhancing LTL capabilities on Turvo, and I am excited about the measurable outcomes Gebrüder Weis has seen from leveraging our technology.” The expanded LTL solution builds on Gebrüder Weiss' long-term strategy to invest in digital tools that enhance service reliability, scalability, and customer experience across its North American network. Mark McCullough, CEO of Gebrüder Weiss North America said: "Our approach is to combine advanced technology with the high-touch service our customers expect. Turvo helps us deliver greater operational consistency while maintaining close customer relationships." The Turvo-powered LTL service is now available to Gebrüder Weiss customers throughout North America and complements the company's existing portfolio of overland, air, ocean, and logistics services.

North West accountancy firm Lamont Pridmore has raised concerns about how prepared family businesses are for succession, retirement and planning future tax liabilities, with many lacking a clear understanding of what their company is worth. Hymans Robertson Personal Wealth recently released survey results revealing that 68 per cent of family businesses have only an informal sense of their value. Graham Lamont, Chief Executive at Lamont Pridmore, says this lack of clarity is unsurprising: “It does not surprise me that so many family businesses do not know their true value, given the realities of running a family enterprise, where commercial decisions are often closely tied to personal relationships." “Businesses need to understand what they are worth and who will run them in the longer term, yet those conversations can be difficult to start.” A formal share valuation is often recommended, although the cost can deter some owners, particularly when the process brings wider issues to the surface. “A valuation tends to unravel other questions that need to be addressed at the same time, especially around succession and future ownership." “For instance, is there anyone in the family who can be the successor? Do they actually want the role and are they capable of it? Sometimes you have to assess skills and potentially choose one family member over another, which can be uncomfortable, but the best way to answer these questions is usually by openly talking about the topic with each other at as early an age as possible,” Graham says. “Families can find those discussions hard because they involve both business and personal relationships, and nobody wants to cause a fallout. So instead, they choose to avoid having the conversations in the first place because they think this is the easier route, but this is one of the most common mistakes I see people make." “If you do have concerns about addressing these questions with your family, a trusted adviser can help guide you through those discussions." “A family constitution or charter can be developed which will support these conversations and help family members agree their shared values, vision for the future and the way both the business and the family relationships should be conducted to provide continuity.” Graham explains that misunderstanding the company’s worth can have serious financial consequences, particularly where owners expect a future sale to fund retirement. “Many business owners assume they can rely on selling the company to support their plans, although in a challenging market that may not deliver the value they expect,” he says. “Planning at least five years ahead gives time to develop a strategy, obtain a valuation, strengthen performance and profits if needed and ensure the business is effectively marketed for sale.” Accurate information is even more essential where most family wealth is tied up in the company rather than held personally. “It is impossible to plan properly without clear information,” Graham says. “Owners need to know whether the business is generating enough to support those planning to retire and those continuing to work in it." “They will also need to answer questions such as how shares will be passed to the next generation, how family and non-family members are appointed to the board and what family members who are not involved in the business can expect." “The answers can be documented in a Shareholder Agreement to avoid confusion and future disputes.” When planning for family succession, Graham also encourages clients to consider how to make the transfer of ownership as easy as possible. “Can the next generation afford to fund the transition, and do they have the right skills or experience? These are issues that need to be considered early so they can be addressed where possible." “For instance, if the future successor lacks the experience required to take the reins successfully, they can work outside the business or shadow the current owner to learn first-hand what they will be expected to handle.” Upcoming changes to Inheritance Tax and Business Property Relief are prompting many higher-value businesses to review their position, particularly where company valuations exceed £5 million. “With the Government choosing to raise the threshold for Business Property Relief to £2.5 million each for husband and wife from the originally planned £1 million, some family-owned businesses may find they fall outside the changes, although higher value firms still need to plan carefully around Inheritance Tax and succession,” Graham says. Decisions such as gifting shares can reduce Inheritance Tax if the owner survives seven years, although this may transfer a pregnant Capital Gains Tax liability to the next generation. “It is important to look at taxes together because they affect one another. An accurate valuation is needed to understand the overall position,” says Graham. A lack of clarity can create serious difficulties if a business owner dies unexpectedly, leaving uncertainty around both tax exposure and the company’s ability to continue supporting family members and employees. Graham shared that enquiries from business owners concerned about Inheritance Tax have significantly increased at his firm. He encourages all family business owners to obtain an accurate valuation and plan early to gain more control over what happens next. “Valuations should be reviewed whenever significant changes are being considered, including restructuring, redistributing shares or preparing for retirement, as well as when trading conditions shift materially in either direction." “Without early planning, some businesses risk having to sell assets or even the company itself to meet unexpected tax liabilities.” Lamont Pridmore is family run firm and offers a full range of accounting, tax, and business advisory services from its offices in Barrow, Carlisle, Carnforth, Kendal, Keswick, Penrith, Whitehaven, and Workington. For more information about the firm, please visit here .

One of the UK’s fastest growing suppliers of architectural and sustainable tiles is celebrating a record twelve months, with news of a major showroom upgrade on the way. Solus, which was founded by Peter Bentley in the family home in 1995, has seen sales soar from £16m in 2021 to £26m last year, with high profile projects currently being completed at Kensington Olympia and Finsbury Dials. The company’s commitment to ‘people’, ‘product’ and ‘planet’ has seen it develop an international network of trusted suppliers that provide unique ranges of sustainable tiles for architects, designers, commercial contracts and retail. With strong growth seen across its satellite showrooms in London and Manchester, the company is also nearing completion of a significant upgrade to its Birmingham HQ and showroom on Warwick Road in Birmingham. CEO Marcus Bentley, who is the son of founder Peter commented: “Last year was our 30th birthday and it gave us the perfect opportunity to celebrate what we’ve achieved in that time and, importantly, how we want to move forward over the next decade." “We’ve been based at our HQ in Tyseley since 2008 and felt it was the right time to press the button on a complete transformation of the showroom, creating a unique space that will appeal to the residential market, as well as being a fantastic hub for architects and the design community.” He continued: “The layout has been carefully designed to deliver a clean, intuitive, and enjoyable customer journey. Thoughtful features, such as slab walls, cross-section displays, a free sample wall, and a fast quotation service, make it easy for clients to explore options and make confident decisions. “We’re just putting the finishing touches to the ambitious project and will look at holding a special launch event in early March.” Solus, which holds the Investors in People Gold’ standard, has built its success on strategic partnerships with leading factories and collaborations with top architects, designers and developers. Its current portfolio of high-quality tiles spans more than 300 different ranges, including LoopCrete and LoopStone (both incorporating 63% of pre and post-consumer recycled content) and its recently launched ‘carbon zero’ Caldera and Masso. Since 2019, the company has supplied over 2.5million sq metres of tiles and has been involved in prestigious locations with Porsche, Five Guys, BMW and Aston Villa Football Club. Sam Frith, Creative Director at Solus, went on to add: “In the retail space and certainly in the West Midlands, we are probably the home improvement market’s best-kept secret." “Our reputation is strong with architects, designers and big corporate specifiers and we can bring that same quality, attention to detail, innovation and customer service to the local public." “The new HQ and showroom will display a carefully curated product range that blends exceptional quality with accessibility across all budgets. And this will be reinforced by our friendly and knowledgeable team that will be on hand to help homeowners choose the ideal tiling solutions for homes and gardens.” For further information, please visit here . Photos: Solus Garden Centre: Solus’ Construct range can create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Ryan and Marcus (Solo): (l-r) Ryan Bennett (Managing Director) with CEO Marcus Bentley.

Nearly 6,000 high-growth business owners left the UK in just two years between 2024 and 2026, with the greatest proportion working in tech sectors, according to new analysis commissioned by Rathbones, one of the UK’s leading wealth and asset management groups. The findings reflect a marked rise in international mobility among UK business owners and amount to a significant outflow of entrepreneurial talent from the country, underscoring wider concerns about economic competitiveness, tax pressures and the attractiveness of alternative jurisdictions. The analysis of filings at Companies House show that 5,940 business owners left the UK between January 2024 and January 2026. During this time, 3,182 business owners also came into the UK creating a net outflow of 2,758. The data also shows that 8,423 companies in total saw a business owner leave the UK, as many business owners work across multiple firms. UAE was the most attractive destination for those leaving the UK, with Spain in second and the US in third. Portugal and France completed the top five. Certain industries were more affected than others by the exodus, with 10% of companies in software, more than three times the number of the next largest sector, property development, followed by marketing. The departures were also skewed geographically, with nearly half (46%) leaving London and 14% from the South-East, the next highest proportion. While the UAE, Spain and the US were attractive destinations, the analysis showed, the UK saw its strongest inward mobility from Hong Kong, Pakistan and France, followed closely by the US; Hong Kong, Pakistan, Türkiye and China were the only net importers. The data does not show the sectors in which these owners work. Commenting on the research, Michelle White, Head of Private Office at Rathbones Group said: “International mobility among business owners and wealth creators continues to accelerate, and these findings show a clear shift in where UK entrepreneurs choose to base themselves.” “We are talking to more individuals and families – particularly younger business owners – considering relocation in search of better opportunities, more favourable tax environments, and more optimism about long-term growth prospects. While the UK remains a strong global centre, these trends highlight the importance of ensuring that our economy, talent pathways and tax system remain internationally competitive.” These macro trends are mirrored in the experiences of internationally mobile individuals and families seen by Rathbones. One recent example involved a UK born senior professional working at a multinational technology company who relocated from London to New York to take up a global leadership role but still holds UK and international investments managed by Rathbones from the UK. William Luttrell-Hunt, Senior Investment Director who provides discretionary services to US resident clients through Rathbones’ Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) licence, said: “We are seeing more clients, including many Americans, looking to manage their tax, regulation, currency exposure and long-term financial planning across multiple jurisdictions. They include people leaving the US or wanting to manage at least some of their wealth elsewhere.” Earlier this year, coinciding with the opening of the World Economic Forum at Davos, Camilla Stowell, CEO Wealth, warned of the increasing and complex risks facing internationally mobile professionals and business owners. Rathbones has been developing its services to meet rising demand in this area.

Arco, the UK and Ireland’s leading safety experts, has opened a specialist centre to help oil, gas, and renewables sector companies minimise risk and maximise productivity across demanding onshore and offshore operations. Strategically based in Aberdeen, the new £500,000 centre offers access to Arco’s more than 140 years’ safety experience through best-in-class safety training, face fit testing and respiratory servicing and product decoration services. The centre also provides offshore kit drops which means any order placed before 3pm can be delivered the same day from its 13,700 sq ft base near Aberdeen airport. Each week up to 100 kit bags are dispatched from the Aberdeen centre to the North Sea and beyond as Arco supports workers across the globe, including Africa and the Middle East. The centre’s launch comes after the safety specialists announced in November a 37 per cent rise in pre-exception EBITDA in the past year to £11.4million - a third year of progressive improvement across financial, operational, innovation and service parameters, despite a challenging economic backdrop. Alex Richards, Arco's Energy and Export Director, said: “We've been keeping customers in Aberdeen safe for nearly 40 years, and this new centre signifies more than just a move to a new site." "Our £500,000 centre enables access to Arco’s more than 140 years’ safety experience through best-in-class training, respiratory servicing, face fit testing, and same-day offshore kit drops." “We supply highly certified PPE selected specifically to combat hazards faced offshore, onshore and across complex industrial environments." “Our people are energy sector specialists, with deep understanding of industry regulations, working conditions and operational challenges. That knowledge allows us to provide informed guidance, the right solutions first time, and a level of service customers can rely on. “By keeping people at the centre, and offering products dedicated to the energy industry, we’ve built long-standing partnerships that help protect workers, reduce risk and maximise productivity across Aberdeen’s energy community.”

The rugged landscapes of Northern England are the focal point of a new art exhibition in the latest gallery display at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa. The Spring 2026 ‘Art in the Atrium’ exhibition at the spa resort near Windermere is celebrating the work of two renowned artists with close connections to the Craven district of North Yorkshire. The gallery is featuring Katharine Holmes, who currently works from her studio at the Malham cottage where her mother and grandmother lived and painted before her, and Anna Adams, whose watercolour paintings of Ribblesdale, as well as her ceramics and poetry, won widespread acclaim. Working with Lancaster based Gavagan Art, English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues has developed the ‘Art in the Atrium’ gallery at Low Wood Bay into a quarterly exhibition which is introducing an array of contemporary and historic fine art to new audiences. Katharine, who paints outside in all weathers, is best known for her paintings and drawings of her native Yorkshire landscape. One of her most prominent exhibitions was ‘A Malham Family of Painters’ in conjunction with Leeds University and her work is found in many private and corporate collections too. The distinctive limestone environment around Malham Cove and Gordale Scar feature in many of Katharine’s paintings. Her large oil painting, ‘Limestone and Rain’ forms the centrepiece of the latest exhibition. As part of the gallery’s ceramics showcase section, a host of ceramics, small scale paintings and a selection of Anna Adam’s poetry books will also be on display. Anna and her husband, the painter Norman Adams RA, made a farmhouse close to Pen-y-ghent in the Yorkshire Dales their main base from the mid-1950s. Executive chairman at English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues Simon Berry says: “This is already the eighth independent, free and open art exhibition that we have put on here in the atrium at Low Wood Bay in the last two years. They continue to prove highly popular with both guests and visitors." “Just like the spectacular landscapes of the Lake District, the dales have their own distinctive limestone formations, rolling hills and valleys which have inspired and attracted artists such as Katharine and Anna for hundreds of years. It’s a pleasure to be able to put their works on display here for more people to see and to learn about the artists and their careers.” Mary Gavagan from Gavagan Art adds: “There is much to see and marvel at with Katharine and Anna’s work exhibited in the latest gallery at Low Wood Bay." “It is a pleasure to present Katharine’s work to a new audience. She is fascinated by the effects of light and her paintings are as much about atmosphere as they are about the physical features of the landscape. “She works in a range of media from ink, watercolour and gouache on paper to oil or acrylic on canvas. And alongside her Yorkshire works, the exhibition includes drawings and paintings of other locations around Britain. “Anna’s sensitive figurative works in clay, especially her ceramic birds, are a striking example of her ability to capture the essence of the world around her. The display includes birds, animals and examples of her watercolour paintings and prints.“ Having graduated from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Katharine returned to live and work in the Yorkshire Dales in 1990. Beyond home and the familiar landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, she loves to paint and portray the wilder fringes of Britain and Ireland, especially the Scottish highlands and isles and South West Cornwall. Anna Adams (1926-2011) was educated at Harrow Art School and Hornsey College of Art. She worked as a designer, a freelance artist and an art teacher before devoting her creative energies to writing prose and verse in the 1960s. Anna’s first poem was printed in 1969 and Peterloo Press published her first book, A Reply to Intercepted Mail, in 1979 as part of its Peterloo Poets series. Anna was poetry editor of The Green Book from 1989 to 1992, and also a member of the Poetry Society and the Piccadilly Poets Committee. Anna published a number of books with her husband Norman, including ‘Life on Limestone: A year in the Yorkshire Dales’, featuring her writing along with his watercolours. An earlier publication was Island Chapters, documenting their visits to the island of Scarp in the Outer Hebrides. The latest exhibition in the ‘Art in the Atrium’ gallery at Low Wood Bay runs until late May. For further information, visit here .