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Shepherd Neame Named Supreme Champions At The Family Business Awards



Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame has been named Supreme Champion Family Business of the Year at the National Family Business of the Year Awards 2026.


After scooping awards for London and South East Family Business of the Year and Hospitality, Hotel and Leisure Family Business of the Year, the Kent-based brewer was crowned overall winner at the ceremony, hosted on June 17 at the Royal Geographical Society in London.


A total of 28 businesses were recognised at the event, which celebrates the outstanding contribution family-run firms make to the UK economy and the communities they serve.


Shepherd Neame’s Director of Professional Property, John Barnes, and Wines and Spirits Development Manager, Moray Neame, collected the awards on behalf of the company.


The judging panel praised Shepherd Neame's ‘strong governance, wider community engagement, deep history, sustainability credentials, purpose and values’, describing the business as ‘truly deserving’ and saying it ‘represents the true essence of what being an independent British family business is all about’.


Family Business United Founder and CEO, Paul Andrews, said:

“Shepherd Neame is a truly impressive example of a family business. Whilst they boast an incredible heritage, their continued growth, strength and resilience are testament to their clear purpose and values, brought to life through constant innovation and adaptation."

“Thriving in this sector is a challenge, yet they continue to demonstrate that success comes from having a clear purpose, strong governance, a long-term perspective and an unwavering commitment to the communities they serve."


“They are resilient, innovative and adaptive, and are quite simply a benchmark family business with exceptional leadership, strong values and a firm eye on where they are going."


Shepherd Neame Chief Executive Jonathan Neame said:


“We are incredibly proud to be recognised in the Family Business of the Year Awards."


“Shepherd Neame may be Britain's oldest brewer, but our approach is anything but old-fashioned."



"We remain an independent family business, yet flexible and agile, and that has enabled us to survive and thrive. We are delighted to be named Supreme Champion Family Business of the Year.”

About Shepherd Neame

Shepherd Neame has been based in the market town of Faversham, Kent for over 300 years. Perhaps best known for great British classic ales such as Spitfire Amber, which carries the Royal Warrant, its diverse portfolio includes the Bear Island and Whitstable Bay collections. It also brews international lagers under licence including premium Thai lager Singha.


The independent family business boasts an award-winning visitor centre and 286 pubs and hotels throughout London and the South East, from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline.



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In a world increasingly defined by innovation and technology, engineers play a pivotal role in shaping the future. The United Kingdom, known for its rich engineering heritage and a constant drive for progress, dedicates a day each year to celebrate the invaluable contributions of its engineers.


This year, National Engineers' Day takes place on November 1 to celebrate the brilliance, creativity, and dedication of engineers across the nation.


National Engineers' Day was officially established in 2019 by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Royal Academy of Engineering. The date chosen coincides with the birthday of George Stephenson, often regarded as the father of the locomotive, emphasising the UK's historical engineering achievements.


It is a day of recognition and celebration. Engineers from various disciplines, industries, and educational backgrounds come together to commemorate their profession and showcase the depth, diversity and opportunity that a career in engineering can offer.


Here are some common activities and initiatives associated with this special day:

  • Awards and Honours: Many organisations and institutions use this occasion to present awards and honours to outstanding engineers who have made remarkable contributions to their fields.

  • Educational Initiatives: Schools, colleges, and universities often organise workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions to inspire young minds to pursue careers in engineering.

  • Professional Development: Workshops and seminars focusing on skill development and the latest technological advancements are organised to keep engineers up-to-date with the ever-evolving landscape of their profession.

  • Public Engagement: Engineers participate in various public engagement activities, showcasing their projects and innovations to raise awareness about the impact of engineering on daily life.

  • Industry Collaboration: Companies and industries frequently collaborate with educational institutions to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications.

National Engineers' Day holds great significance, as it highlights the vital role engineers play in the UK's growth and development. It emphasises the need for innovation and the constant pursuit of excellence in engineering, essential for addressing the challenges of the modern world, from sustainable energy solutions to cutting-edge healthcare technologies.


The day also fosters a sense of community among engineers, enabling them to share their experiences and inspire the next generation of innovators.


National Engineers' Day stands as a testament to the UK's rich engineering legacy and its commitment to a brighter, more sustainable future. It serves as a reminder of the incredible feats that engineers have accomplished and the boundless potential that lies ahead.
As the world continues to evolve, the contributions of engineers are more vital than ever, and this day serves to honour and recognise their tireless dedication to progress and innovation.

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