Search Results

The Ives and Shand funeral business in Parkstone has grown following investment, with more staff joining. Belonging to the Douch Family Group, the branch is benefiting from its ceremony room that was installed several years ago.    As well as being used for funerals and wakes, it has become a favourite venue of community groups. With the extra demand for the business’s services, staff from other branches are now assisting funeral director Marcella McDonagh and manager Debbie Brown. Kerry Crowson, a funeral director, Jedda Hunt, an office administrator, and funeral support manager Helen Dean are all supporting the branch. Debbie Brown, who also manages the group’s Ferndown branch, AE Jolliffe & Son, said: “Ives & Shand has been here for a long time and it is growing. The new staff are working between two branches which means we can offer an even better service." “The ceremony room is where people can have a cost-effective funeral and wake in the same place, but it is also available for community groups and others who might need the space.” Nick Douch, managing director of the family business, said: “The investment in our Parkstone branch in Ashley Road was part of a rolling programme of improvements across all our branches." “The community is making great use of the ceremony room and it has meant we have been able to grow and take on new team members.” Douch Family Funeral Directors other branches are in Wimborne, Corfe Mullen, Blandford, Parkstone, Wareham and Swanage. Photo:  Debbie Brown, manager, centre right, with Marcella McDonagh, centre left, and behind them (l-r) Kerry Crowson, Jedda Hunt and Helen Dean.

Property consultancy Vail Williams has been appointed to manage the London headquarters of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ). The union is based near Kings Cross Station and the British Museum in prominent Headland House at 72 Acton Street, on the corner of Grays Inn Road. Surveyor Lead Emma Cooper leads the Vail Williams property asset management (PAM) team, including facilities management lead Mark Riley and property management accountant Harry Mackenzie in looking after the landmark building. Vail Williams proactively manages the seven-floor, 10,966 sq ft building which was constructed in 1969, on a day-to-day basis. The NUJ, founded in 1907 and one of the largest independent journalists' unions in the world, occupies the first floor, part of the second floor and utilises the basement space. Business consultants System Concepts occupies the rest of the second floor, with construction company Myco in temporary offices in the ground floor former café space. Floor four is currently occupied by global innovation specialists L Marks, with floor three, which has a sun terrace breakout space, occupied by Teachers’ Housing Association Limited. Floor five is currently vacant. Vail Williams’ full property management service includes managing tenants, collecting rent, administering the service charge, facilities management – cleaning, fire maintenance, any building works, lifts, toilets – as well as being available for any queries. Emma said: “We were honoured to have been awarded the PAM contract from such a prestigious organisation. Our job is to ensure the NUJ’s asset – in this case Headland House – doesn’t depreciate in value." “Our team has been working closely with the NUJ to develop a bespoke asset management strategy for the property. We consider it crucial that we offer an optimal and cost-effective customer service to give the client peace of mind that we are seamlessly protecting the commercial success of the building." “Headland House is in an up-and-coming part of north London with a great deal of development work upgrading the area, to add to the revamped St Pancras Station and the Coal Drops Yard shopping complex and public open space at Kings Cross." Jackie Clark, the NUJ’s head of finance and membership, said: “We are indebted to Vail Williams for producing an excellent masterplan to asset manage our headquarters and leave us to do what we do best – protect the interests of our members and fight for journalists and journalism." “We have found the Vail Williams’ PAM team to be professional, dedicated and courteous, with nothing being too much trouble. We are also impressed with their collaborative and transparent methods.” NUJ members work across the media, from newspapers, broadcasting and book publishing to magazines, websites, mobile devices, social media and PR agencies – across a diverse range of jobs from reporting, writing, photography and editing to design, videography, communications and presenting. Carl Grint, Vail Williams’ partner, heads the firm’s PAM operations nationally, leading a team of 31 operating across six regions and working with local authorities, private individuals, property companies and trust funds to develop bespoke property asset management strategies. The firm manages nearly 400 properties from Edinburgh to Exeter, and Dublin to Dover, with an annual rent roll of more than £44 million. Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy. Photo: Union Building: Property consultancy Vail Williams has been appointed to manage the prominent corner building housing the National Union of Journalists headquarters and other businesses in Acton Street, near Kings Cross station in London

A Glasgow charity is expanding its reach to support even more people living with mental health challenges, thanks to a new initiative that’s already making a difference. Every Friday, the sound of laughter, music, and creativity fills the halls of Common Wheel, a local charity known for its transformative work with people recovering from significant mental health trauma. The newly launched Friday Drop-In sessions offer a lifeline to those seeking connection, purpose, and healing. For years, Common Wheel has quietly but powerfully supported over 250 individuals annually, all referred by mental health professionals including psychologists, psychiatrists, GPs, and addiction units. Through 12-week programmes in music, art, photography, gardening, climbing, and cycling, the charity has helped participants rediscover joy, build confidence, and reconnect with their communities. Now, in response to feedback from participants, Common Wheel has gone a step further, introducing a weekly drop-in session that opens the door to even more activities, from yoga and cooking to crafts and monthly excursions. “Hosting the drop-ins is a very new thing to Common Wheel,” said Wendy Shaw, Art & Activity Coordinator. “It's an exciting time for us with such a varied new programme of workshops including languages, printmaking, sewing, photography, jewellery making, yoga and Tai Chi to name but a few." “We also have several excursions planned, such as a visit to the Japanese Gardens in Dollar, a variety of museum and art gallery workshops, the Botanic Gardens and National Trust tours. We are really looking forward to the months ahead - this is a very positive time for us.” The expansion was made possible by a generous £6,900 donation from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, which stepped in to cover the final portion of the £24,760 programme cost after Common Wheel raised nearly £18,000 through its own fundraising efforts. David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, shared his thoughts in supporting the initiative: “Common Wheel creates a safe, encouraging space for people to reconnect with themselves and others after experiencing some very difficult circumstances. They truly make a difference to people’s lives, and the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is proud to support their work and the positive impact it brings to the community.” Photos: • Wendy Shaw beside Common Wheel sign • Common Wheel community group • David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles

Mid-market companies remained the growth engine of the UK private sector economy in September, according to the latest NatWest UK Business Growth Tracker data. The Tracker – which surveyed mid-market businesses operating in the manufacturing and services sectors – fell from August’s 13-month high of 56.4 to 51.6 in September. A modest upturn in mid-market business activity contrasted with stalling output across the UK private sector as a whole (50.1). While some mid-market firms mentioned that a tentative pick-up in market conditions and new customer wins had supported growth, others noted subdued business investment and soft consumer demand as limiting factors. Mid-market growth continued to be centred on the services economy (index: 52.6), although the expansion here was the weakest in four months and only modest overall. Manufacturing output meanwhile fell at a solid pace that was the quickest in ten months (index: 46.4). Although small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continued to face a challenging business environment in September, the decline in new orders was the least marked seen across 2025 so far. The NatWest SME Business Activity Index – which surveyed SMEs in the construction, manufacturing and service sectors – fell slightly from 47.1 in August to 46.9 in September. SMEs in the construction and manufacturing sectors indicated the sharpest declines in output volumes during September, while service providers signalled only a moderate pace of contraction. Sebastian Burnside, NatWest’s Chief Economist, said: “UK business confidence has been on a rollercoaster ride over the last three months, but mid-market firms rounded out the quarter in a solid position." "With so much changing on both domestic and international fronts, it’s no surprise to see activity vary substantially from month to month. But it’s encouraging to see businesses reporting signs of cost pressures starting to ease, hopefully setting the scene for stronger growth into 2026.” Andy Gray, Managing Director of Commercial Mid-Market at NatWest said: “The resilience and adaptability of the UK’s mid-market firms is clearly demonstrated, as they continue to drive growth even as broader market conditions remain mixed." “While challenges persist, particularly for SMEs, it’s encouraging to see that mid-market businesses are showing elevated growth expectations and responding positively to easing cost pressures. At NatWest, we remain committed to supporting businesses as they navigate the evolving economic landscape and seize new opportunities for expansion.” Mid-market companies record marginal drop in new business Total new business placed at small and medium-size firms decreased for the tenth successive month in September, but to the least marked extent since December 2024. Across the mid-market, the overall volume of new work fell in September, marking the second reduction in three months. The contraction was only slight and a reversal on August's solid upturn.   Employment falls more prominently across the mid-market than at SMEs Employment numbers at SMEs decreased for the twelfth consecutive month in September. However, the degree of job losses remained less marked than across the UK private sector as a whole. The level of employment across the mid-market economy was solid and marked the sixth reduction in successive months in September.   Cost pressures soften for businesses of all sizes Cost burdens faced by mid-market businesses continued to rise sharply at the end of the third quarter. That said, the overall rate of cost inflation fell to its lowest since November 2024 and was below the post-pandemic average. At SMEs, overall cost inflation was the second-lowest since December 2024, with construction, manufacturing and service providers all recording slower rates of cost inflation than in the first half of the year.   Optimism fades, but remains firmly in positive territory SMEs remained confident about their own business prospects for the year ahead, although optimism levels slipped from August's 10-month high. All three sub-sectors saw confidence weaken in September. Mid-market companies were also generally upbeat in September. Although down from August's recent high, the Future Activity Index recovered back above its long-run average.

Leading glass packaging supplier Croxsons has received B Corporation (B Corp) certification, a globally recognised standard that measures social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. The certification recognises Croxsons as part of a select group of innovative organisations that meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. Certified by B Lab, the non-profit organisation behind the B Corp movement, this achievement proves that Croxsons has legally embedded its commitment to purpose beyond profit into its operations. B Corp certification evaluates a business across five key areas: governance, workers, community, environment and customers. The thorough process took about a year to complete, with Croxsons’ longstanding values and established practices providing a solid foundation for the assessment. Tim Croxson, CEO of Croxsons, said: “We have a long history of wanting to make a difference, to our customers, our team and our local and global communities. B Corp gives us the accountability and transparency to demonstrate that we don’t just talk the talk, but we walk it too. It also provides a framework for how we can be even better. As a business, we can’t do everything, but we must do something.” Giving back is fundamental to Croxsons’ culture, with the company’s charitable foundation - The Milk & Honey Trust - playing a vital role in its ethos. This dedication to social impact was a prominent aspect of the assessment and reflects the company’s belief in supporting both people and the environment. The certification also reinforces Croxsons’ core values of integrity, responsibility and long-term partnership. The company sees its achievement not as a milestone, but as a natural evolution of its longstanding approach to business, one that already prioritises stakeholders, communities and sustainability in every decision. Tim Croxson added: “Achieving B Corp status felt like a validation of who we are. It wasn’t about redesigning our business, but recognising the way we already work and the values we’ve always held. For us, this is not a moment in time, but an ongoing journey to improve; to be a better employer, a better partner and a positive influence within our industry.” Croxsons now joins over 10,000 B Corps worldwide, including Gu Puds, Tony’s Chocolonely, Patagonia and Sipsmith Gin. The company announced the news on the first day of London Packaging Week, held on 15 and 16 October at Excel, London. Learn more about Croxsons here .

The NFU is calling on the government to renew its relationship with farmers and growers at the Budget by introducing measures that will ignite investment and growth in the industry, as rock-bottom confidence leaves investment as bone-dry as the fields this summer. That confidence has been knocked most severely by the changes to inheritance tax, announced at last year’s Budget. At kitchen tables across the country, farmers and growers have been making choices about where to cut investment on farm to try to save capital to pay for possible tax liabilities that they'd been promised this Labour government wouldn't introduce. From the farmer in Yorkshire who can no longer invest in a new grain store to hold the wheat needed for your weekly loaf of bread, to the grower in Lincolnshire who has put off investing in a temperature controlled storage unit to keep the potatoes for your fish and chips fresh, farmers and growers across the country are holding back. NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “Farmers and growers either choosing not to or being unable to invest in their businesses should worry us all. These are the businesses that produce the nation’s food, underpin the UK’s largest manufacturing sector – which is worth £153 billion to the economy and supports 4.2 million jobs – and manage and protect our iconic countryside." “This is the same farmed countryside that the Prime Minister and his Cabinet stood in front of on stage at the Labour Party conference with the slogan ‘Renew Britain’ emblazoned on top of sunny rural landscapes. The reality is far from sunny in those communities, with confidence levels at an all-time low. This matters because without investment in farming today, we risk food supplies for tomorrow." “During the Labour Party conference, the Defra Secretary said she wanted to ‘make sure the government renews our relationship with the NFU and the farming community’. Even at this late stage, there is still time for the government to do that. That’s why ahead of the Budget, I have urged the Chancellor again to take the handbrake off of Britain’s farmers, look at the alternatives on offer to the family farm tax and work with us to unlock the investment British food production so desperately needs."

Consumer card spending declined -0.7 per cent year-on-year in September, down from 0.5 per cent growth in August and lower than the latest CPIH inflation rate of 4.1 per cent. Essential spending fell -2.6 per cent, while growth in discretionary spending slowed to 0.2 per cent. Clothing, furniture and beauty all had strong months, however, as affordable, ‘pick-me-up’ purchases were prioritised amid wider cutbacks. Following an uplift in August, consumer confidence in the strength of the UK, European and global economy all fell in September, to 25 per cent, 29 per cent and 26 per cent respectively (down from 28 per cent, 31 per cent and 28 per cent). Consumers’ confidence in their ability to live within their means, however, reached its highest level in over four years, at 78 per cent, while confidence in household finances climbed to 74 per cent – a seven-month high. This comes as almost half of UK adults (44 per cent) say they are making changes to their personal finances in anticipation of November’s Autumn Budget, with a third (35 per cent) of this group building a savings buffer. Balancing budgets while finding room for treats Essential spending declined (-2.6 per cent) for the fifth consecutive month in September, while two in three (64 per cent) say they are trying to spend less on groceries. Growth in discretionary spending reached a 15-month low, up just 0.2 per cent year-on-year. This trend looks likely to continue, as almost half (46 per cent) of consumers say they are planning to reduce non-essential costs. Despite broader cutbacks, multiple non-essential categories benefited from ‘pick-me-up’ purchases. Furniture enjoyed its tenth consecutive month of growth, up 7.5 per cent, while pharmacy, health & beauty saw a strong performance once again (up 9.0 per cent). Clothing stores, up 2.1 per cent, marked eight months of year-on-year growth, as 20 per cent of shoppers reported spending more on clothes, shoes and accessories in September. Ahead of retail’s ‘golden quarter’, one in four (23 per cent) have already made a start on their festive shopping, buying gifts early to spread out costs, while three in 10 (27 per cent) put aside money in September to spend in the seasonal sales. Amid the rise of ‘kidulting’, which sees adults increasingly embracing hobbies and products once designed for children, one in ten (11 per cent) have purchased a game, video game, toy or collectible for themselves or another adult in the last year. One in five (17 per cent) believe playing with toys and games is good for stress relief and escapism, and 16 per cent see it as a positive alternative to screen time. In terms of these adults’ most purchased toys, 53 per cent bought a video game, followed by board games and jigsaws (24 per cent), Lego (22 per cent) and arts and crafts (21 per cent). Public transport slows amid London strikes Spending on public transport saw its greatest decline since March 2021 in September, down -2.6 per cent, following widespread transport strikes. Over one in three (36 per cent) Londoners said strike action reduced their monthly outgoings, with the biggest savings made on office food or lunches (£29 less), eating out (£29 less) and non-food retail (£26 less). Overall, face-to-face spending decreased -1.6 per cent across the UK – its greatest fall since June 2024. The travel category saw marginal annual growth of 0.8 per cent in September, below August’s 3.1 per cent. Within this, travel agents saw the strongest performance, up 4.2 per cent, however hotel spending (-2.2 per cent) dipped for the first time since July 2024 and airlines (-4.3 per cent) declined for the first time in over four years. Looking ahead, 38 per cent of those planning to cut non-essential spending say they will spend less on holidays abroad. Streaming excels once again Spending on ‘insperiences’ (at-home experiences) rose 2.7 per cent in September, while digital content and subscriptions grew 3.9 per cent year-on-year, helped by popular series such as The Summer I Turned Pretty, House of Guinness and The Girlfriend. Takeaways, however, dipped -0.6 per cent in September, as 53 per cent of those looking to reduce discretionary outgoings intend to spend less ordering meals “on-demand”. Of those treating themselves even when on a budget, a quarter (24 per cent) are opting to buy ingredients to make home-made treats, which likely contributed to the 1.5 per cent growth in food and drink specialist stores. Karen Johnson, Head of Retail at Barclays, said: “It is encouraging to see that UK consumers feel confident in their ability to manage their budgets, amid ongoing cost of living concerns. We’re continuing to see cautious spending, and shoppers are consistently seeking out areas they can cut back on. However, multiple retail categories have proven to be resilient in recent months, with furniture, clothing, and beauty all remaining in growth since February of this year.” Julien Lafargue, Chief Market Strategist, Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management, said: “Although spending habits keep evolving, the UK consumer remains resilient in the face of an uncertain macroeconomic backdrop. With wage growth continuing to outpace inflation, there is room for spending to accelerate again when visibility improves.”

People earning more than £60,000 a year have a new way to manage their child benefit repayments following a change in HMRC’s process, according to a senior payroll professional. Julie Gunnell, Associate Director of Payroll Growth at international accountancy and business advisory group Azets, said those who were eligible could now manage their High Income Child Benefit Charge (HICBC) repayments monthly. “Previously, people who had to repay HICBC had to do so via a self-assessment tax return, but that changed at the end of September when HMRC announced that it could be done through PAYE,” she said. “Now, staff can have their HICBC repayments automatically collected every month through their PAYE code if they don’t have any other reason to complete a self-assessment tax return. HMRC will update the code so the repayment is spread evenly throughout the year – much like income tax or student loan repayments." “However, it’s worth being aware that if you opt in part-way through a tax year you will have less time to repay and will find there’s a larger deduction made via your tax code – but this will only be temporary. If you’re eligible and register for this, it will save you time and reduce the risk of an unexpected bill at the end of the tax year.” The High Income Child Benefit Charge applies where a parent or partner earns more than £60,000 per year and receives Child Benefit. To pay via PAYE for the 2024–25 tax year, eligible employees must register with HMRC by 31 January 2026 and you only need to register once. HMRC will issue the appropriate tax code adjustments to employers so the HICBC can be automatically collected via payroll from the month after you register. Julie Gunnell added: “This is a great opportunity for people to manage their child benefit repayments through their PAYE and remove the need to complete an annual self-assessment, but the clock is ticking when it comes to registration." “My advice to those who are eligible for this option is to register as soon as possible via the Government website or the HMRC app.”

Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce they have beaten off competition from a leading Super League club to secure the signing of Andy Ackers on a two-year deal from Leeds Rhinos. The 31-year-old made his professional debut for Swinton in 2014 before spells at London Broncos and Toronto Wolfpack. His impressive performances for the Canadian outfit earned him a move to Salford Red Devils, where he earned the reputation of one of Super League’s top nines. Ackers earned his first England call up for the 2022 Rugby League World Cup where he featured twice, scoring in the 94-4 victory over Greece. Ahead of the 2024 campaign, the Wigan Academy product made the switch to AMT Headingley Stadium in a high-profile move and has now made over 100 appearances in the sport’s top-flight. Andy Ackers said: “I am really excited, when my agent told me my time at Leeds was coming to an end and with Kurt getting the job at Bradford, it was a no brainer really. I worked with him at Toronto and Salford, he knows me as a bloke and vice versa. I trust him and he trusts me, Bradford is a massive club with a rich history and I cannot wait to get going again and get my love back for playing.” “Kurt knows me as a person and as a player and that’s massive in Rugby League, we go back nearly 10 years when he started coaching me at Toronto, he knows what makes me tick and he’s a very smart coach and I am excited to work under him again. I believe he’ll get the best out of me and the team.” “I still haven’t played my best rugby yet, the last couple of years have been a bit hit and miss but knowing Kurt and the relationship I have with him I really do think he’ll get the best out of me. I won’t just be relying on Kurt but also my mentality to come in and lead the squad, I just have a good feeling about this move." “It’s a very exciting move for myself and my family. Kurt was a big influence but knowing everything the club have got planned behind the scenes and the team they are recruiting, it sounds the right fit for me. Bradford have re-established themselves now, it is a fresh challenge for me and something I am proud to be a part of." “I’m a bit of an older head now, I am 31 with a lot of experience playing in Super League and for my country so that’s the kind of player and person I’ll be coming in to be. I know there’ll be young lads stepping up into a full-time environment so if I can add my part and my experience it will be good for the club and myself." “I’ll be really proud to run out as a Bradford player for the first time with my wife and three kids being able to witness their husband and dad walking out on the pitch. My family have grown up having seen Bradford be the biggest team in Super League for many years. The fans have always been amazing, they had one of the biggest followings in Super League now it is about getting them back behind the club with the big plans they have behind the scenes.” Bradford Bulls Head Coach Kurt Haggerty has hailed the recruitment of Ackers as a “statement signing”. “I am delighted to get the signing of Andy over the line. This is a statement signing for the club,” said Haggerty. He is a fantastic person and plays his best rugby when he is happy and is constantly being pushed to maximise his full potential." “Andy was playing international rugby for England at the last World Cup, which shows the pedigree of player we have managed to acquire here at the Bulls.”

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has awarded Birse Community Trust grant funding to conserve and reopen The Souter’s Shop in Birse, a purpose-built shoemaker’s shop left largely untouched for over half a century and the only surviving example of its kind. Opened in 1897, the Souter’s Shop was run by local shoemaker James Merchant and his son until the 1940s. After business ceased, the shop lay completely undisturbed for 60 years, its tools, ledgers and fittings frozen in time. When it was rediscovered in 1999, it provided a rare window to another time, a piece of built heritage telling the story of a rural craftsperson and how small-scale industries operated at the time. Birse Community Trust has been awarded £74,500 from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) through the Historic Environment Grants (HEG) Programme to repair and conserve the fabric of the shop. Repairs are needed on the roof, timber, chimney and the joinery glazing, and the interior will also be opened to visitors on site and across the globe with a virtual exhibition and online tour. Funding will also support traditional skills training, ensuring that the shop’s features are restored using techniques similar to those employed when originally built. Listed as a category A building in 2000, the Souter’s Shop is recognised as nationally significant and the only known example of its kind in Scotland. The building and its contents show a world before commercial, mass-produced shoemaking became prevalent, and the Birse Community Trust plan to use the building to explain the historic shoemaking tradition and its place in rural industry. Remarkably, even the shop’s business ledgers have survived, giving insight into the role of the shop as well as the surrounding communities. Dr Susan O’Connor, Head of Grants at HES, said: “The Souter’s Shop in Birse is a fascinating building with an important story to tell. We are excited to support the Trust's efforts to unlock this story with the community and the wider public." "Our historic environment is one of Scotland’s greatest assets, but it needs care, investment and collaboration to thrive. Our grants programmes are available to help communities unlock the history, knowledge and progress that is embodied in the built heritage around them.” Toni Watt, Manager at Birse Community Trust, said: “BCT are absolutely delighted to receive such generous funding from Historic Environment Scotland. This grant together with support from other funders and from many individuals means that we are able to start work to save the Souter’s Workshop and Shop. It is such a special place." "To enter the Souter’s feels like you are stepping back in time. It is a window into a now disappeared way of life, showcasing the life of a souter and his role in rural society." “At one time every settlement would have had a Souter; our visitors tell us about grandparents who were souters, but in a few more generations this tradition will be lost from memory. History, oral history and saving the rural architecture where this history takes place matters so much.” Work is now starting to train volunteers to pack and decant the collection of artefacts in the Souter’s Shop, as well as basic conservation work. Repair works on the building will begin in spring 2026.

Business exit strategies were the focus of a seminar given by three Hampshire-based professional services firms. Experts from HWB Chartered Accountants, Hybrid Legal and Asset Management Financial Advisers (AMFA) shared essential insight with owners and senior decision-makers representing more than 20 companies. The interactive event, featuring presentations and roundtable discussions, touched on many aspects of preparing for and structuring a business exit, sale or transfer. On the agenda were the pros and cons of management buyouts, employee ownership trusts (EOTs), company purchases of own shares, sales to third parties and gifts to future generations. The expert panel comprised HWB’s Tax Director Gemma Hedges and Senior Tax Manager Alan Rolfe, Hybrid Legal’s Director and Head of Corporate Mike Duggan, and AMFA’s Head of Advice Adam Keith. Alan, who has 25 years’ experience of providing tax advice, said: “We ran it as an informal roundtable discussion, inviting questions. We tried to make it not too technical in terms of the detail of tax and financial planning, but were keen to emphasise the importance of preparing in advance and being realistic and clear about what to expect from a business exit strategy." “We discussed the need to get everything ready as regards tax compliance and legal contracts and we also touched on the ‘human aspects’ of business exit planning such as communicating well with family and staff.” Alan added: “Participants said they found the format both engaging and helpful. We’ve had good feedback with people saying they welcomed the opportunity of an in-person rather than online event.” Questions covered topic areas such as the complexities of EOTs, the reduction of Business Asset Disposal Relief applied to the first £1 million of capital gains involved in a business sale, and options around what to do with sale proceeds in retirement. Among the attendees at the breakfast-time event were owner-managers and entrepreneurs from a range of business sectors. The Best Business Exit strategy seminar took place at the Chilworth Manor Hotel at Chilworth, near Eastleigh. Gemma Hedges, who joined HWB in 2020, advises on a range of tax issues, particularly owner-managed businesses, tax enquiries, Inheritance Tax and Trusts & Estates. Mike Duggan is an experienced corporate lawyer and business advisor whose CV includes 27 years as a senior partner at a Tier 1 international law firm. Adam Keith manages a team of 10 financial advisers at AMFA which he joined in 2016, after seven years at NatWest in both financial advice and compliance roles. HWB Chartered Accountants, founded in 1985 and based at Chandlers Ford, near Southampton, provides business and tax advice. Hybrid Legal, founded in 2013 and based in Winchester, is an innovative, modern, fixed-fee law firm specialising purely in business law. AMFA, established for 40 years and based in Southampton, Winchester and Bishop’s Waltham, has more than £500 million in assets under management. Photo: BUSINESS ADVICE. At the Chilworth Manor Hotel, Hampshire, are Business Exit Strategy seminar presenters, from left: HWB Chartered Accountants’ Tax Director Gemma Hedges; Hybrid Legal Director and Head of Corporate Mike Duggan; Asset Management Financial Advisers’ Head of Advice Adam Keith; and HWB Chartered Accountants’ Senior Tax Manager Alan Rolfe.

St Austell Brewery has announced the launch of Extra Special Tribute (EST) in over 250 Waitrose stores nationwide. Available from today (13th October 2025) it is the first time this limited-edition beer has been available in supermarkets.   A supercharged 7.4% ABV strong ale, EST is a bold reinterpretation of the independent, family-owned brewery’s flagship pale ale, Tribute (4.2% ABV). First brewed in 2023 to mark the coronation of King Charles III, EST has since become a special annual release, crafted in small batches and individually numbered.   Each edition of EST is brewed to a unique recipe, bottle-conditioned and matured. The 2025 release celebrates English hops and honours two other longstanding St Austell Brewery beers celebrating milestone anniversaries this year - Hicks Special Draught (5% ABV) and Gem amber ale (4.8% ABV).   Georgina Young, Brewing Director at St Austell Brewery, said: “The idea for Extra Special Tribute came from wanting to brew something unique to mark the return to ‘normality’ after the Covid lockdown, which also coincided with the coronation of the King. It felt like the perfect moment to craft a beer that was both celebratory and rooted in our brewing heritage."  “EST 2025 is a rich, moreish brew. It pours a deep gold, almost amber, hinting at the richness within. It delivers sweet notes of caramel and toffee, gentle spice, and subtle hedgerow fruit from the British hops. The flavours pay homage to two of our other much-loved beers, Hicks - which turns 50 this year - and Gem, to mark its 30th anniversary."   “Whether enjoyed now or stored for future tasting, EST 2025 is a celebration of craftsmanship – distinctive, indulgent and memorable.”   A limited run of 13,000 individually numbered and boxed bottles will be available in Waitrose across the UK from today (13th October), with an additional 7,400 bottles sold via St Austell Brewery’s online shop, available from next week. As the beer conditions in its bottle, drinkers can expect emerging notes of orange and sherry to enhance its complexity - just in time for the festive season.   Ryan Crisp, National Account Manager - Off Trade at St Austell Brewery, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see Extra Special Tribute land on shelves in Waitrose for the first time. This listing brings one of our most characterful and premium brews to a wider audience. Waitrose customers value quality and provenance, and EST delivers both in abundance.” Jourdan Gabbini, Waitrose Beer & Cider Buyer, added: "I’m excited to add the 2025 vintage Extra Special Tribute from St Austell Brewery to the premium ale range at Waitrose."  "We know that our customers are always looking for new ales to try, with sales up in this segment since a year ago. This 2025 edition is robust and malty - a moreishly drinkable experience, pairing well with rich foods. It’s perfect for the upcoming winter season."   Price:  RRP £6.50, 500ml bottle.