A family-owned electrician business in Lanarkshire has been modernised after the new owners accessed specialist advice from Business Gateway. T.R. Aitchison is an electrical contractor with over 60 years of experience in the electrical industry. They specialise in reactive and planned electrical maintenance work and electrical testing for both domestic and commercial clients. Husband and wife Frank and Heather Rooney took over ownership of T.R. Aitchison in July 2023 after Frank had been employed by them for 22 years. The business includes an apprentice electrician, Ewan, who has been with them for over three years. Ewan reached the semi-finals of the Screwfix Trade Apprentice 2024, which had over 1,800 entrants. Dog Zeus is their mascot in the window as an unofficial team member and is well-known in the community. The team expanded in April with a new hire of an electrician to meet demand. The business was outdated from the showroom to the technology they used, and even with some services. For this reason, Frank and Heather contacted Business Gateway for support in modernising the business. Through Business Gateway, they met adviser Mark Wright, who provided 1:1 guidance and tailored business support, as well as introducing them to other experts who could help them. Mark also signposted them to information regarding employment law and apprentice support. As a result of Mark introducing T.R. Aitchison to experts, Frank and Heather received two days of marketing consultancy from an expert, and five days of specialist procurement consultancy. The procurement consultancy was instrumental in helping the business to secure contracts with key contacts in the housing maintenance sector. Thanks to the procurement consultancy, T.R. Aitchison has been able to create a basic tender library to use for public sector work. This has helped them secure a recent key contract. The marketing consultancy support allowed for a website review and update, with the appearance and functionality creating a better user experience to improve visibility and reputation. SEO was improved as a result also. A social media review gave T.R. Aitchison recommendations on ways to improve their presence on social media as well as the quality of their output. Heather Rooney, Operations Manager at T.R. Aitchison said: “When Frank and I took over running T.R. Aitchison, we knew we needed support to get the business into a better place to future-proof it. The support we’ve had from Business Gateway has been invaluable and has got us into a great place in a relatively short space of time. The business wouldn’t have survived without major updates, which is where Business Gateway came in." “We are so grateful for Mark’s help and guidance and can’t thank the Business Gateway team enough for all the support they have given us.” Mark Wright, Business Gateway adviser said: “When Frank and Heather came to Business Gateway for support, we were able to help them modernise the business and bring it into the 21st century. It’s great to see how much the team has been able to help them since July and we look forward to continuing to see them grow.”

Croots Farm Shop products went down a storm at the Houses of Parliament when they were showcased at the bi-annual Derbyshire Food and Drinks Fair ’A Taste of Derbyshire’ hosted by Derbyshire MPs. Croots took along some of its award-winning homemade products including pork pie, sausage roll, lemon drizzle cake, and Bakewell tart, plus a number of beers specially brewed for Croots. The farm shop sent a team to the event, which was held in the Jubilee Room at the Palace of Westminster, after being invited to attend by Pauline Latham, Conservative MP for Mid-Derbyshire. They also met Conservative MP for Derbyshire Dales, Sarah Dines, whose constituency borders Croots. Kay Croot, who owns and runs the farm shop at Farnah House Farm, in Wirksworth Road, near Duffield, said: “The Taste of Derbyshire event at the Houses of Parliament was a great opportunity for us to showcase some of our award-winning products to MPs." “It was also an excellent experience to visit such an historic and important place. We had super feedback and, as keen ambassadors of Derbyshire and the food produced in the county, we were proud to have had the chance to be part of the fair.” Members of the House of Commons and House of Lords visited the event, including Minister of State for Enterprise, Markets and Small Business Kevin Hollinrake, who talked to Kay about her experience of running a small business. “It was a good opportunity to share with him the challenges facing small businesses, such as huge energy bills, which have risen so much in recent times,” added Kay. Croots was launched in 2008 on the farm run by Kay’s parents and is one of Derbyshire’s most popular farm shops, with a stack of awards under its belt both for the shop and its homemade products. Croots Farm Shop specialises in selling food and drink made by local producers in Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire, and other nearby counties. It features products from more than 40 suppliers within a 50-mile radius – supporting many other family run businesses - and also sells a wide and expanding range of home-produced items made by the Croots team in-house. The store offers an extensive selection of food, drink, meat, cheeses and deli items, along with gift ideas, wines and spirits. Croots Farm Shop is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays. The café is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 4pm and 10am to 3pm on Sundays.

Luxury Cotswolds hotel Tewkesbury Park has secured a £500,000 investment from Lombard for upgrading its plant room to include combined heat and power (CHP) in a move which the resort estimates will save it £100,000 per year in energy costs. This highly efficient process captures the heat created by electricity generation to meet its water and space heating requirements. Tewkesbury Park is a family-owned, luxury hotel resort and 18-hole golf course situated on the site of the 1471 Battle of Tewkesbury. The hotel hosts premium stays, golf and tennis trips, weddings and conferences, and also has an onsite spa and fitness centre. The business, which employs 134 people, is run by Linda McIntosh, with her son Chris McIntosh and daughter Claire White. They estimate that the use of combined heat and power will save 200 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide per year. Chris McIntosh, Managing Director at Tewkesbury Park Limited, said: “We are passionate about making our hotel more sustainable and setting a positive example that others in the hotel industry can follow. This investment from Lombard has allowed us to take a big step forward in this regard." “Due to space and listed building constraints, we were unable to install solar panels – but Lombard helped us find a solution that will allow us reduce our emissions and make huge costs savings, while increasing our security of supply with a system powered by LPG that can run even if the grid does not.” Jason Holness, Senior Relationship Manager at Lombard, said: “It was fantastic to work with the McIntosh family on this deal and help them to take a big step towards their sustainability goals, with the added benefit of saving them a lot of money in the long run." "One of our business aims is to provide financing options that encourage and empower businesses to improve their sustainability, and the Tewkesbury Park team embodies exactly what we’re trying to achieve.” The family discovered the neglected hotel in 2014 and, seeing its potential, purchased and refurbished it over a four-year period, adding a new events venue and bedrooms in the main house. For further assistance with their climate action plan, Tewkesbury Park has registered with NatWest’s Carbon Planner, a free tool providing businesses with tailored solutions to reduce their operational emissions. Commercial Director Claire is putting her luxury hotel experience to good use on new ITV game show The Fortune Hotel. Claire and husband Dan are competing for a £250,000 cash prize.

Denholm Logistics Group recently marked a leadership milestone, with the appointment of Alan Platt as Managing Director, following the retirement of his predecessor, Niall Denholm. Denholm Logistics Group is a division of family-owned diversified business, the Denholm Group. Its subsidiaries are well-established in the logistics and port services sectors, providing freight forwarding, warehousing and transportation solutions, the short-sea shipping of timber products, and the port agency of a range of vessels in the UK and the island of Ireland. Niall Denholm served 12 successful years at the helm of Denholm Logistics Group, leading the division through several acquisitions and major capital projects, while always placing employees and their safety at the heart of his management philosophy. Alan Platt joined Denholm as part of the acquisition of Good Logistics in August 2021, where he led the business. As Divisional Managing Director of Denholm Good Logistics, he spearheaded the integration of two separate businesses – Good Logistics and Denholm Global Logistics – into one combined organisation. Ben MacLehose, CEO of parent company J. & J. Denholm, said, “As Managing Director of Denholm Logistics Group, Niall Denholm has grown and developed the division tremendously. He has also been an ardent supporter of enabling employees to progress their careers, from entry-level roles to company directors. I wish Niall a happy and productive retirement.” Ben continues, “I look forward to working with Alan in his new role as Managing Director. I have no doubt that Denholm Logistics Group will continue to flourish with Alan at its helm. As a seasoned leader in logistics, Alan has a successful track record of seeking growth opportunities for the businesses he leads and the people within them.” Niall Denholm retired as Managing Director of Denholm Logistics Group on 3rd May 2024. Alan Platt was appointed Denholm Logistics Group Managing Director on 4th May 2024.

Popular Derbyshire farm shop Croots is once again taking part in Open Farm Sunday, giving visitors the chance to find out more about life on the farm. Being held on Sunday 9th June between 11am and 3.30pm and with free admission, it’s just one of a string of events that have been organised at the farm shop near Duffield over the next few months. The list includes Paws in the Paddock on 14th July, a fun dog event featuring classes, activities and stalls. A percentage of the profits will be donated to Angels Small Paws Dog Rescue. It also features a jewellery and watch valuation day by Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers (Derby) held 2pm-4pm on Wednesday 22nd May and a Pork Butchery Evening running 6pm-8pm on Thursday 23rd May. Kay Croot, who runs Croots Farm Shop in Wirksworth Road, said: “We have taken part in Open Farm Sunday for many years now and are looking forward to once again welcoming visitors to Farnah House Farm." “It’s a great day out for all the family and will include blacksmithing and sheep shearing displays, a self-guided farm walk and trail, meet the farmer, a static farm machinery display, Shire horse dray rides, a small animal petting area, competitions and more." “Open Farm Sunday is a national event managed by LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming), which began in 2006, and is a celebration of British farming. It gives visitors the chance to learn more about farming and the countryside, and farmers the chance to talk about British food and farming." “There’s lots of information on our website about all our events this spring and summer, which hopefully have something of interest to all. The events that we have held so far have been a great success, and our bushcraft sessions run by Robin of Shire Bushcraft have been so popular that they completely sold out.” Information about all events are on the Croots visit the website.

Arco, the UK’s leading safety company, has completed the installation of fall protection systems on the UK’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster- brand new Hyperia! Due to open on Friday 24 May, Hyperia is the newest ride at Thorpe Park in Surrey. Built by Mack Rides, the new attraction stands at an intimidating 72m (236ft) and will reach speeds of over 80mph. The safety systems installed by working at height specialists from Arco Professional Safety Services provide a continuous safe connection on the rollercoaster, allowing maintenance crews to carry out routine and reactive tasks with confidence. Arco installed Two MSA Latchways BridgeLatch fall arrest and restraint systems along the entire 111m (364ft) incline and crest of the rollercoaster, allowing workers to access the lift portion of the rollercoaster safely. They also fixed MSA Latchways Mansafe fall arrest systems along the station return brake platform and the station exit maintenance platform. Matthew Glass, fall protection manager at Arco Professional Safety Services, said: “We were thrilled to be a part of this project for the Hyperia coaster, the latest attraction at one of the UK’s top theme parks." “This installation is the latest in a longstanding partnership with Merlin Entertainments that has allowed Arco, the Experts in Safety, to demonstrate our expertise in working at height safety and love of (safe) thrills." “I know I speak on behalf of the whole team when I say we are looking forward to getting to experience the UK’s new tallest and fastest ride when it opens.” Dan Warwick, health & safety director at Thorpe Park, said: “Arco have been an instrumental part of the team, assisting us with the installation of working at height lines - a vital element of the Hyperia ride construction." “With the ride standing at an epic 236ft tall, these lines will be used to safely enable our engineering team to get up and down the incredible lift hill for all maintenance and daily pre-opening checks." “The lines will also be used by our staff and guests in the event of an evacuation being required on the ride. As part of this, the Arco team worked closely with us to ensure we have well-planned and expertly curated evacuation plans, which form a critical part of the overall project.” Arco Professional Safety Services provide consultancy, training, services and equipment to manage the most complex and high-risk, high hazard scenarios, specialising in working at height, confined spaces and respiratory management. Find out more at here.

The Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is proud to announce successful funding for two local community dance initiatives, Legacy Dance Company and Partick Dancing Group. Legacy Dance Company, co-founded by Chloe Elliot and Hannah Johnstone, has been awarded £1,000 towards acquiring essential equipment for their new studio premises. This grant will support the purchase of mirrors and dance flooring, crucial for the proper functioning of their new location. The company, which provides dance education and a supportive community space for children, including those with autism and ADHD, has operated for two years. They serve the children of Ruchill and Lambhill and now find themselves outgrowing their original premises. Chloe Elliot expressed her delight at the donation, saying, "We would like to thank everyone involved at Allied Vehicles for giving us the opportunity to make our dreams come true!" “The funds awarded will allow us to purchase the proper materials needed to open our very own studio, which will give our students a new and bigger place to call their second home." " We are excited to give back to a community that we have lived in all our lives, and we can’t wait to offer more to the community by having this opportunity." “We can’t express enough how grateful we are that Allied Vehicles have appreciated the work that we are doing. From everyone involved at Legacy Dance Company, thank you." Partick Dancing Group, predominantly consisting of senior women, received £300 towards transport costs for an upcoming group trip. The group is about more than just cutting a rug on the dancefloor. It helps reduce social isolation among its members, many of whom live alone and rely on the group for much-needed social interaction. Cathie Connelly of Partick Dancing Group thanked the Trust for their help, "We are delighted to receive this award from Allied Vehicles,” she said, “We will use it to go on a trip in July when our dance sessions are off, which will allow us to keep in touch with each other over the summer break. Thank you so much!" David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, shared his thoughts on the importance of these groups, "At Allied Vehicles, we are passionate local community. We are happy to support both Legacy Dance Company and Partick Dancing Group. These groups do fantastic work in promoting activity and reducing isolation across generations. We’re happy we can help them extend their valuable services."

A multipurpose watersports centre on the shores of Windermere is celebrating the launch of its 40th summer season. The Watersports Centre at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa is marking its ‘ruby’ anniversary this year. Having started life back in 1984 as a small service from the jetty offering boat hire for scenic trips on Windermere, it has become a modern hive of outdoor sports activity. When officially opened by the minister for sport in the mid-1980s, Only You by The Flying Pickets was No.1 in the pop charts and Steve Jobs was about to launch the Macintosh personal computer in the US. Recent years have seen the addition of popular water-based pastimes such as paddle boarding, wake surfing and knee boarding. But visitors can still enjoy a step back in time by hiring a traditional rowing boat or fulfilling their Swallows and Amazons ambitions in a sailing dinghy. General manager of Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa Mark Needham: “The longevity, growth and popularity of our watersports facilities here are testament to the team’s commitment to providing our guests with a great deal of fun and laughter." “We’re very lucky in that not many Lake District venues benefit from their own private jetty and watersports facilities for guests to enjoy on the shoreline. Set against the backdrop of the Lakeland fells, it’s just a wonderful location for getting out on the water.” Sports activities on the water have always been an integral part of family life at English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues. In the 1950s, Norman Buckley, the great, great uncle of current managing director Ben Berry, broke four world water speed records on Windermere in his own designed and built boats. The Watersports Centre at Low Wood Bay offers a broad range of watersports, boat and equipment hire and an experienced team of instructors for all ages and abilities. Whilst canoes and kayaks give guests a feeling of freedom to explore, it’s stand-up paddle boarding which has become one of the most popular modern activities in recent years. The Watersports Centre is also a recognised training centre with the Royal Yachting Association. For further information, visit here.

John Broons is a globally awarded family business expert. One of only three people in Australia to hold the coveted title of Fellow of Family Firm Institute (Boston, USA), John has dedicated his working career to answering the question: how do I guide and support families in business to a place where they’re thriving? Passing the torch from one generation to the next in a family business is a time of reflection and transition, filled with both excitement and trepidation. As the older generation, looking to hand over the reins, you have the opportunity to shape the future of your family’s legacy. Let’s explore some considerations, both from a business and personal perspective, as you embark on this important transition. Identify a capable successor From a business standpoint, it’s crucial to ensure a smooth handover that maintains the stability and growth of the company. Start by identifying a capable successor within the family. This person should not only possess the necessary skills and passion but also embody the shared values that have made your business what it is today. Keep in mind that expertise can be developed, but alignment with the family’s vision is something that runs deeper. Getting the right advice is critical Alongside finding the right successor, it’s imperative to establish a clear and comprehensive succession plan. This plan should encompass various aspects, including legal and financial considerations, leadership roles, and communication strategies. Take the time to consult with professionals who specialise in family business succession, as they can guide you through the intricacies of estate planning, tax implications, and ownership transitions. Embracing emotions and personal connections Now, let’s consider the personal side of things. As you pass on the baton, it’s natural to experience a mix of emotions. Pride in the accomplishments of your family business, joy in seeing it flourish under new leadership, and perhaps even a twinge of nostalgia for the days when you were at the helm. Embrace these emotions and use them as fuel to maintain a strong connection with both the business and your family. Consider mentorship and advisory roles Remember, the transition doesn’t mean you have to completely sever ties with the business. Consider taking on a mentorship role or becoming an advisor to the new leadership team. Your experience and wisdom are invaluable assets that can continue to contribute to the success of the business. Prioritise your own well-being At the same time, it’s essential to prioritise your own well-being during this transition. Explore new passions, spend quality time with loved ones, and create a fulfilling life beyond the business. Reflect on your achievements and celebrate the legacy that you’ve built. After all, being part of a family business is a source of great pride and joy. So, as you embark on the journey of handing over the family business, keep these considerations in mind. Be proactive in setting up a strong succession plan, find a successor who embodies the family’s values, and nurture a positive connection with both the business and your personal life. Embrace the next chapter of your life while cherishing the memories and lessons of the past. You’ve built something truly special, and now it’s time to ensure its enduring success for the generations to come. JOHN BROONS John Broons is a globally awarded family business expert. One of only three people in Australia to hold the coveted title of Fellow of Family Firm Institute (Boston, USA), John has dedicated his working career to answering the question: how do I guide and support families in business to a place where they’re thriving?

Arco has pledged to donate a share of profits from its hard hat sales to the Mental Health Foundation, as part of a new partnership to “protect heads inside and out”. From next month, the UK's leading safety experts will donate 10% of all profits from sales of own-brand hard hats to the UK’s leading charity for mental health. Arco announced the partnership today as part of Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May), underlining the company’s commitment to keeping people safe at work, and its preventative approach to physical and mental well-being. Guy Bruce, chief executive of Arco, said: “Everything we do is focused on protecting people. We are Experts in Safety, and alongside the physical aspects of safety, we are increasingly aware of how important mental wellbeing is to keeping people safe." “That is why I am delighted to embark on this partnership with the Mental Health Foundation, supporting their focus on protecting people’s mental wellbeing. Prevention is at the heart of everything we do at Arco, and this completely aligns with the Mental Health Foundation’s approach." “Our collective fundraising activities will help the Mental Health Foundation work to prevent mental wellbeing problems and support people with understanding and achieving better mental health." Arco chief executive Guy Bruce and chief people officer Di Hopper (Pictures: Arco: Experts in Safety) Arco will be organising activities and events throughout the year to further support the Mental Health Foundation’s efforts to educate and build people’s mental resilience. The company is encouraging its staff to take part in the charity’s challenge events, with Guy and his executive team leading the way by signing up for a 25km fundraising hike in the Peak District. Mark Rowland, CEO of Mental Health Foundation, said: “We are delighted to be launching this partnership with Arco. The Mental Health Foundation are the leaders in good mental health in the UK, and Arco’s support will help our work with some of the most vulnerable communities all over the country.” The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”. Throughout the week, Arco will be providing its staff with daily updates and resources to support their personal and collective mental health, as well as holding a company-wide step challenge.

Leading glass packaging company, Croxsons, is currently promoting its new sustainability campaign, reiterating its commitment to environmental stewardship in the packaging industry. As part of this initiative, Croxsons is focusing on major sustainability efforts including promoting the use of and planning for zero-carbon furnaces for glass production, which are part of the UK’s broader aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The company is planning for a rapid transition from traditional natural gas furnaces to those powered entirely by renewable electricity and hydrogen, aiming to substantially reduce the carbon footprint of its manufacturing processes. Further demonstrating its dedication to environmental causes, Croxsons has partnered with Ecologi to fund global climate initiatives and has already planted 150,000 trees to combat deforestation and climate change, as well as offsetting the carbon footprint of their entire team. This undertaking highlights the company’s pledge to undo decades of carbon damage and provide tangible benefits to the environment, meeting 13 of the UN Sustaintability Development Goals. Additionally, Croxsons’ recent recognition at the Ecologi Awards, where it won a Gold Award, highlights the company's proactive approach to sustainability and its effective strategies in setting and achieving significant emission reduction targets. Tim Croxson, Croxsons CEO, said: “Our commitment to sustainability is central to our operations. We are not just adjusting to a better way of doing business, we have to make sure that we are playing our part in ensuring that the packaging industry contributes positively to the planet's future.” Providing bespoke solutions to global food and beverage brands, Croxsons continues to expand its reach and services worldwide, maintaining its commitment to sustainable practices in all aspects of its business.

Beer Cheer: Property consultancy Vail Williams, acting on behalf of Wimborne-based property developer Harry J Palmer Ltd, has let a detached unit at Stone Lane Industrial Estate, Wimborne, Dorset, to Eight Arch Brewing Co on a 10-year lease. From left, May Palmer of Harry J Palmer Ltd, Steve Farrell, Brewer and Founder of Eight Arch Brewing Co, and Bryony Thompson, a Vail Williams’ Associate. The business is named after the eight arches of historical landmark Julian’s Bridge in the minister town. An expanding brewery in Dorset has raised a glass to the future with a 10-year lease on a warehouse which has been transformed into a production centre and tap room. In a deal through property consultancy Vail Williams, Eight Arch Brewing Co signed up to 5,748 sq ft of space at Unit 1, Stone Lane Industrial Estate, Wimborne. Following a six-figure investment in equipment and fittings, part of the ground floor has been converted into a high-tech brewery, with a tap room for customers on Fridays and Saturdays at specified times, and seating areas inside and out. Eight Arch Brewing Co, named after the eight arches at nearby historical landmark Julian’s Bridge in Wimborne Minster, relocated from smaller nearby premises. Founded by brewer Steve Farrell in 2015, the business, which has pale ale Square Logic as a best seller, employs five people and sells beer primarily in and around the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole conurbation. The detached two-storey building, with a mezzanine floor and previously occupied by emporium Toad Hall, is owned through the commercial property arm of Harry J Palmer Ltd, the Wimborne-based property developer. Steve said: “We are a Wimborne brewery owned and run by a Wimborne born and bred guy and we want to continue to grow from our Wimborne home. This signing of the 10-year lease on our new premises underlines our long-term commitment to Wimborne." “This is our third brewery in Stone Lane during ten years of Eight Arch with each move prompted by growing demand for our products and because of the popularity of our Tap Room." “The founding of Eight Arch represented the first time in 80 years that an independent brewery had made and sold beer in the town." “We’ve had an incredibly warm welcome from the local community since moving in and look forward to striking up more supplier partnerships with pubs, clubs and restaurants which champion ‘buy local’ and are also looking to reduce transport emissions and costs.” Vail Williams, which has its Dorset office in Bournemouth, advises on the commercial property interests of family-run housebuilder Harry J Palmer Ltd. Bryony Thompson, a Vail Williams’ Associate working out of the consultancy’s Bournemouth office, said: “The vacant warehouse at Stone Lane Industrial Estate serves as the ideal expansion location for Eight Arch Brewing Co." “Steve and his team have worked tirelessly to create bigger and better premise for their national award winning beers and Tap Room. " May Palmer of Harry J Palmer Ltd, which was established in 1938 in Wimborne and is a member of Dorset Chamber, said: “It’s lovely to see new life breathed into the vacant warehouse, creating new jobs, inward investment and doing our home town proud.” Eight Arch Brewing Co produces hop-forward pale ales to full-bodied stouts, winning awards in regional and national competitions held by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA). These include the IPA Corbel being named National SIBA Bitter & Strong Pale Ale Cask Champion in 2017, and Square Logic becoming National SIBA Session IPA Small Pack Champion 2020 and National SIBA Overall Small Pack Champion 2020. According to SIBA figures, there were 1,815 active brewers in the UK at the beginning of this year, with 211 in the South West, generating employment for 10,000-plus people.