Family owned and run Mediterranean food specialist, Dina Foods, has secured a Parnationwide listing with Ocado Retail, further expanding the reach of its authentic bakery and confectionery products. From April 13th, Ocado.com will carry a selection of Dina Foods’ best-selling artisan flatbreads and premium handcrafted Baklawa, available to customers across England and Wales. The Ocado Retail deal further accelerates Dina Foods’ expansion, adding to its strong presence across major UK supermarkets, food service and wholesale customers. Wilda Haddad, Project Director at Dina Foods said: "We are delighted to be working with Ocado Retail, which is based at Gorst Road in Park Royal, North West London. Demand continues to grow for our authentic Mediterranean foods, whether that’s our artisanal flatbreads, our savouries or our handcrafted Baklawa and confectionery ranges. Our partnership with Ocado Retail will enable us to bring our products to new customers across the country.” The Ocado.com range will include White, Wholemeal, and Large White variants of Dina Foods’ signature Paninette® range. Paninette® is a two-layer flatbread, which Dina Foods stone-bakes using a bespoke milled flour mix. Ocado.com  has also listed Dina Foods’ Tasty Goodness Sourdough Toasty Pittas. These pittas are baked with a 50/50 wholemeal-white blend, following a natural fermentation process, which supports the growing consumer demand for foods with gut health and functional benefits. The Ocado.com product range includes Dina Foods’ Handmade Classic Baklawa in 200g selection packs. These are made using traditional recipes handed down through the generations, with premium ingredients such as crushed nuts, filo pastry and sugar syrup. The Ocado Retail announcement comes as Dina Foods prepares to meet customers current and new as it returns to the Food & Drink Expo (NEC Birmingham, 13th-15th April) this year. Dina Foods will showcase its full range of flatbreads, savouries, and confectionery at the show Stand W91, Hall 20, and discuss retail, wholesale and foodservice opportunities with visitors. For more on Dina Foods visit here . Photo captions: The Dina Foods team showcasing the product range now available on Ocado.com Dina Foods selection of flatbreads and Baklawa now on Ocado.com The Haddad brothers with the product range available on Ocado.com

A new survey of 500 senior decision-makers within UK businesses, commissioned by Studio Graphene, has found: Almost half (48%) know or suspect that employees in their organisation are using AI tools that have not been officially approved. 64% are concerned unregulated AI use could lead to data security or compliance risks. 34% of businesses do not have formal policies or guidelines governing AI usage, and 37% have not communicated to staff their expectations for how AI should be used. Two thirds of business leaders in the UK are worried about potential data security and compliance risks stemming from employees’ unregulated use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, according to new research from Studio Graphene.   The digital product studio commissioned Censuswide to survey 500 managers, directors and C-suite executives within UK businesses. It found that almost half (48%) know or suspect that employees in their organisation are using AI tools that have not been officially approved – this rises to 54% for larger companies (over 250 employees).   Shadow AI refers to the use of unauthorised AI tools and services, and 48% of the leaders surveyed admitted that managers in their organisation have limited visibility of how staff use AI in their day-to-day work. Just under two thirds (64%) are concerned, however, that unregulated AI use could lead to data security or compliance risks.   Despite these concerns, Studio Graphene’s research also revealed just how many UK businesses have not formally created and communicated AI policies or guidelines. More than a third (34%) of organisations said they do not have formal policies or guidelines governing AI usage, while even more (37%) have failed to communicate to staff their expectations for how AI should be used.   Elsewhere, the study showed that while three fifths (59%) of UK business leaders are worried that an over-reliance on AI could lead to employees making mistakes, 61% admitted that frontline staff are more comfortable with using AI in their day-to-day work than the organisation's senior leadership team.   Ritam Gandhi, director and founder of Studio Graphene, said: “Shadow AI isn’t the result of malice or even carelessness. It’s often the result of a disconnect between senior leadership and their teams – if the organisation is sanctioning or investing in AI tools that are not working well or delivering value, employees will turn to unsanctioned alternatives that will enable them to do their jobs better."  “It all comes down to precise strategy and effective integration. Businesses need a clear picture of where AI can make a meaningful impact and then, crucially, they have to embed it effectively into workflows so the AI can inform decisions or improve processes." "Without that, AI projects are doomed to fail, meaning employees will continue to source their own AI tools – and that undoubtedly creates risks where data privacy, security and regulatory compliance are concerned.”

Property finance specialist MSP Capital has appointed an experienced lending professional to strengthen its reach into the broker and developer community in the South East of England. Business Development Manager Michael Halsey will work to grow and deepen relationships with brokers and property developers in London, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire. He will play a key role in originating new business, supporting intermediaries with deal structuring while ensuring brokers have seamless access to funding across MSP Capital’s core bridging and development finance solutions. Michael brings more than a decade of experience in the property finance sector, including in brokerage, underwriting and business development. He began his career in 2013 as a mortgage broker at First Union Mortgages before specialising in second charge loans at a provider within the Enra Specialist Finance group. He later moved to West One Loans where he helped to grow a broker network while supporting the underwriting process. Most recently, he expanded a regional broker network at Hertfordshire-based Alternative Bridging. At MSP Capital, Michael will leverage this experience to support brokers through the deal lifecycle, from initial enquiry to completion, helping them navigate and unlock new opportunities for their developer clients. Adam Tovey, Commercial Director at MSP Capital, said: “Michael brings a wealth of experience across both broking and lending, as well as a strong track record of building meaningful relationships in the intermediary market." “Brokers are central to our growth strategy, particularly in London and the South East, and Michael’s knowledge of these regions, combined with his hands-on approach, will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our support for our broker partners.” Michael said: “MSP Capital has built a strong reputation for its relationship-led approach and ability to deliver tailored funding solutions. I look forward to working closely with brokers and developers across London and the South East." “The aim is to build lasting partnerships and help them access the funds they need to progress and complete property schemes that deliver much-needed homes for people.”

Family Business United is delighted to announce a new strategic partnership with Stafffinders, Scotland’s oldest recruitment consultancy that remains proudly family owned. This collaboration is set to provide family businesses across the UK with enhanced access to talent, expertise, and recruitment solutions tailored to their unique needs.   Through this partnership, family firms seeking to recruit new team members can now benefit from a more comprehensive approach. Businesses can choose to advertise vacancies directly through Family Business United or leverage the extended reach and professional recruitment services offered by Stafffinders. For those looking for a fully managed solution, Stafffinders will oversee the entire recruitment process, ensuring the right fit for both employer and candidate.   Family Business United continues to champion the distinctive advantages of working within a family business environment—where values, legacy, innovation, and community play a central role. Job seekers are encouraged to explore a diverse range of opportunities across the UK, from leadership roles to positions suited for emerging talent, and discover workplaces where their contributions can have a meaningful impact.   Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, commented: "This partnership with Stafffinders represents an exciting step forward in supporting family businesses with their recruitment needs. We understand the importance of finding the right people who align with the values and culture of family firms. By combining our platform with Stafffinders’ expertise, we are creating a powerful solution that connects passionate individuals with opportunities within outstanding family businesses across the UK."  Jane Wylie-Roberts, CEO of Stafffinders, added: "We are thrilled to partner with Family Business United, an organisation that shares our commitment to supporting family enterprises. As a family-owned business ourselves, we understand the nuances and strengths of this sector. Together, we can support businesses looking to recruit new staff members and offer tailored recruitment solutions that not only widen the talent pool but also ensure businesses find candidates who truly fit their ethos and ambitions." Family businesses looking to recruit are invited to advertise their roles through Family Business United or take advantage of the enhanced services available through this new partnership with Stafffinders. You can find out all there is to know and check out the current job vacancies here .

The UK’s leading independent paint manufacturer, HMG Paints Ltd has become part of the growing Modular and Portable Building community by becoming an associate member of the Modular and Portable Building Association (MPBA). Founded in 1938, the MPBA play a key role in connecting all sectors of the modular and portable building industry. By promoting collaboration and partnerships the MPBA is driven to open the door to various opportunities and add significant value businesses within the industry. HMG Paints have a vast product portfolio which covers a wide variety of industries, with products supplied across the globe. The paints and coatings range from standard to highly specialised, superior performance products, but all have one thing in common, they are backed by the enthusiasm and passion that HMG has for producing the highest quality finishes, with the best possible service and technical know-how.   Paul Edwards, HMG Paints Sales Manager said: “Being part of the MPBA is a milestone for HMG as we look to grow our partnerships across the modular and portable building market. Our R&D Team have been working closely with key partners to develop a portfolio of products for OEM’s, Refurbishers and Renovators and we’re excited to increase our engagement with MPBA members as we showcase our products.” HMG’s range of paints for portable and modular buildings, steel containers and more consists of both solvent-based and water-based coatings. The range consists of 1K and 2K offerings which are designed to provide durability and protection in line with customer requirements. HMG has also focused on making them easy to apply, clean up and have a range which reduces environmental impact. All of HMG’s products are backed up by market leading technical support, which includes process audits, application training both on site and at HMG’s Riverside Training Centre and post application support. As a Manchester based manufacturer HMG Paints are proud that all of their products are Made in Britain accredited and produced under ISO 9001 and ISO14001 Management Systems. The company also boasts and unprecedented colour archive allowing designers and manufacturers of modular and portable buildings an expansive colour collection to choose from. A key component of this is the ColourBase Colour Box which consists of 2400 colour chips. The ColourBase Colour Box is a multi-function tool, in the sense that not only each colour has a chromatic code that identifies its position in the colour sequence, but it also corresponds to a colour existing on the market of reference. With a host of colours including British Standard, RAL, Agricultural and Commercial Vehicle the ColourBase Colour Box is the perfect colour selection tool. When it comes to paint and colour for the modular and portable building market, HMG Paints truly is one name that covers everything. To discuss your paint and coatings requirements you can contact the HMG team directly via sales@hmgpaint.com or alternatively find out more about the range of products and bespoke development services visit   here .

Hybrid working In today's hybrid work environment, employees are extending their work from the office or home, and some are working from hotel rooms, cars, coffee shops, airport lounges, and train stations. While you may have invested significantly in ergonomic office setups, these efforts can quickly unravel when your team is on the move. The hidden costs of working on the go Consider this: after a long drive to a client meeting, your employee arrives feeling stiffness in their joints. Or picture a team member spending hours hunched over a laptop in a stylish but uncomfortable lobby chair, feeling increased tenseness in their shoulders. These scenarios are uncomfortable and productivity dampeners that can lead to long-term health issues. The reality is that even the most comprehensive ergonomic program falls short if it only addresses fixed workspaces. When employees travel, they're forced into environments designed for aesthetics or short-term use, not sustained productivity. Understanding the risks Poor posture remains one of the primary causes of workplace discomfort, and the problem intensifies in mobile work settings. Those elegant tub chairs in waiting areas? They encourage slouched backs and stiff shoulders. Hotel room desks are often too high or too low. Train station cafés offer cramped tables that force workers to hunch over their devices. The cumulative effect of these poorly designed temporary workspaces can include: Neck and shoulder strain from incorrect screen positioning Lower back pain from inadequate lumbar support Wrist and forearm discomfort from awkward keyboard angles Reduced circulation from improper seating Decreased productivity and focus due to physical discomfort Pain areas Practical solutions for every location The good news? Supporting your mobile workforce doesn't require expensive overhauls or bulky equipment. Small, portable ergonomic solutions can transform any space into a comfortable, productive workspace. Vehicle-based work When employees need to work from their cars between client meetings or during field assignments, the challenge is maximising limited space while maintaining proper posture. Equipping your travelling employees with portable ergonomic tools can make a significant difference: Recommended solutions: Portable lap desks with built-in support for stable surfaces Compact laptop trays to prevent hunching Hands-free headsets and voice-activated tools for safe, efficient task completion Document holders to reduce neck strain Transport hubs and public spaces Waiting rooms, airport lounges and train stations present unique challenges: crowded conditions, limited seating options, and furniture designed for waiting, not working. Ergonomic accessories Recommended solutions: Compact, rollable keyboards and mice for natural wrist positioning Portable seat cushions and inflatable lumbar supports Lightweight footrests to improve circulation and reduce leg discomfort Hotel workspaces Hotel furniture is designed for short stays, not extended work sessions. Recommended solutions: Compact, adjustable laptop stands that elevate screens to eye level Foldable or inflatable lumbar supports for additional back comfort Portable seat cushions that fit easily into overnight bags These lightweight solutions are non-invasive and easy to implement, allowing employees to quickly optimise working on public transport, in any lobby, hotel room, or lounge area. Building a mobile ergonomics programme At Aston & James, we understand that comprehensive employee wellbeing extends beyond the traditional office. We can help you develop a mobile ergonomics programme that includes: Assessment: Identify which employees work remotely most frequently and their typical mobile work scenarios Equipment selection: Choose portable ergonomic solutions that align with your team's needs and travel patterns Travel kits: Create standardised ergonomic travel kits that employees can easily pack and use Training: Provide guidance on setting up ergonomic workspaces in various environments Ongoing support:  Regular check-ins to ensure solutions are being used effectively A commitment to employee wellbeing A lack of space shouldn't mean sacrificing comfort, productivity, or long-term health. By extending your ergonomic considerations beyond fixed workspaces, you demonstrate a commitment to employee wellbeing that pays dividends in reduced discomfort, increased productivity, and improved job satisfaction. Good ergonomics doesn't end at the office door—it extends into every space where work happens. Let Aston & James  help you ensure your mobile workforce has the tools they need to stay comfortable, healthy, and productive, wherever their work takes them. Ready to support your mobile workforce? Contact us to discuss portable ergonomic solutions tailored to your organisation's needs.

Hendy Foundation, the charitable arm of the family-run Hendy car dealer network, has donated over 200 Easter Eggs to local charities across the South Coast as part of a new appeal. The business invited colleagues to donate chocolatey treats to bring some Easter cheer to children and families, and the generous response has exceeded early expectations. Hendy Foundation has donated the Easter Eggs to Wimborne Food Bank, Hope for Food Bournemouth, Christchurch Food Bank, Eastleigh Basics Bank, Cosham Larder, Nourish Food Bank Tunbridge Wells and Love Works Redhill. Supporting food banks and food poverty charities across the South Coast has been a key theme in Hendy Foundation’s support over the past 12 months. Last year, Hendy Group Ambassador Rosemary Shrager participated in her ‘Two Wheels for Meals’ cycle challenge, where the TV chef raised over £35,000 for food poverty and welfare charities by cycling nearly 450 miles from Land’s End to Dover in June. Rebecca Hendy, Hendy Foundation Chair said: “Supporting children and families within our local area has been a core principle of the Foundation since it was founded in 2018. We hope these small gestures will make the holiday a little bit brighter for many families. I’d like to thank the Hendy Group dealerships that took in part in helping make this appeal such a success.” Following its latest round of funding in late 2025, the Foundation awarded grants totalling more than £61,000 to support 50 non-profit organisations. With a fundraising target of £90,000 set for 2026, achieving this goal would take the total amount donated by the Foundation since its launch in 2018 to more than £500,000. For more information, visit here .

In the heart of Cheltenham, tucked along Fairview Road, stands a business that has quietly outlasted empires, economic swings and the relentless march of modern retail. George Bence & Sons (Cheltenham) Ltd is not merely a builders’ merchant; it is a living thread in the fabric of Gloucestershire’s commercial and architectural history. Founded in 1854, George Bence & Sons began life in an era when deliveries were made by horse and cart and Cheltenham itself was still basking in its Regency heyday. While countless firms of similar vintage have disappeared or been absorbed into national chains, Bence has remained resolutely independent—and, perhaps more remarkably, family-run. That continuity is more than a point of pride; it informs the company’s ethos, where relationships and reputation carry as much weight as stock and supply. Step inside today and the scale of the operation quickly becomes apparent. What began as a traditional merchant has evolved into a comprehensive supplier serving everyone from seasoned tradespeople to ambitious home improvers. The shelves and yards are stocked with everything required to build, renovate or refine a property: bricks and blocks, timber and insulation, roofing systems, tools, plumbing supplies, and landscaping materials. It is the sort of place where a builder can source an entire project—or where a homeowner might begin one. Yet to think of Bence purely in terms of bricks and mortar would be to miss a key part of its modern identity. In recent years, the company has invested heavily in its showroom offering, most notably through its striking “Obsidian” space. Here, the tone shifts from functional to aspirational. Kitchens and bathrooms are presented not as necessities but as design statements, with curated displays that would not look out of place in a London design studio. It is a reminder that today’s builders’ merchant must cater as much to lifestyle as to logistics. As Paul Bence, sixth generation Managing Director explains: “We are a family business steeped in history and heritage but that isn’t a golden ticket for long term survival. We have worked hard to continually evolve and remain relevant in the world we are doing business in today.” Like many family firms today, Paul and the team are having to deal with everything that the prevailing geopolitical and economic environment throws at them, with the war in the Middle East adding more complexity to the ever changing business world. As Paul continues, “It is not easy being in business today but as a family firm we have survived two world wars, eight pandemics and 14 recessions and will find a way through. Recent changes to business rates, the national living wage, the employment rights bill and changes to inheritance tax rules are also having an impact but we continue to press forward, monitoring costs, diversifying to spread risk and innovate wherever possible.” Behind the scenes, the business runs with the efficiency one would expect of a contemporary operation. A fleet of vehicles—ranging from standard delivery lorries to specialist crane-equipped trucks—fans out across a roughly 40-mile radius, supplying building sites, homes and developments throughout the region. It is a far cry from the firm’s 19th-century beginnings, yet the principle remains unchanged: getting the right materials to the right place, reliably. Recognition has followed. Over the years, George Bence & Sons has collected a string of industry accolades, including honours for family business excellence and showroom design. Such awards, however, seem almost incidental to its standing locally. In Cheltenham and beyond, the name “Bence” carries a certain quiet authority—a shorthand for dependability built up over generations. What ultimately sets the company apart is its ability to balance heritage with relevance. In an age dominated by national chains and online ordering, there remains something distinctly valuable about a business where knowledge is personal, service is consistent, and history is tangible. George Bence & Sons has not simply survived for over 170 years; it has adapted, expanded and, in many ways, flourished. As Paul concludes, “Being at the helm of a business as old as this is a big responsibility and one that I truly embrace. That doesn’t mean it is easy and to be honest I don’t think that it has ever been so hard, but as a team we work together and continually look to the future." "Our next generation are young so who knows what the future holds but the business will be there if they decide they want to take it forward into the seventh generation and beyond,” And so, on Fairview Road, the story continues—one delivery, one project, one customer at a time.

Six-week journey across the UK to celebrate and connect family businesses nationwide. Family Business United is delighted to announce the launch of its 2026 Family Business Road Trip, a six-week journey across the UK celebrating the innovation, resilience and community impact of family-owned firms. Commencing on 30 March 2026, the road trip will travel the length and breadth of the country, visiting a wide range of family businesses in locations including Preston, Leeds, Norwich, Cheltenham, London and many places in between. The initiative aims to shine a spotlight on the vital contribution family firms make to the UK economy while fostering meaningful connections within the sector. The journey will be undertaken in a vehicle generously provided by Hendy Group, the UK’s largest family-run car dealer business, enabling the Family Business United team to engage directly with business owners, hear their stories first-hand, and share their successes with a wider audience. Throughout the six weeks, the tour will feature business visits, interviews, networking opportunities and digital coverage, offering an authentic insight into the diversity of family enterprises operating across multiple industries and regions. Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, commented: “We are incredibly excited to be taking to the road once again to champion family businesses across the UK. This road trip is all about celebrating the people behind the businesses, լսing to their stories and highlighting the unique role they play in driving economic growth and supporting communities. From long-established firms to the next generation of innovators, we look forward to engaging with many inspiring family businesses along the way.” Paul Hendy, Chief Executive of Hendy Group, added: “We are proud to support the 2026 Family Business Road Trip by providing the vehicle that will power this important journey. As a family business ourselves, we understand the values, challenges and opportunities that come with running a family enterprise. This initiative is a fantastic way to recognise and celebrate those businesses that are the backbone of the UK economy, and we are delighted to play a part in making it happen.” The 2026 road trip builds on previous successful tours, further strengthening the Family Business United network and reinforcing its commitment to supporting and promoting family firms nationwide. Hendy Group represents more than 25 automotive brands across over 60 locations along the south of England and has been delivering a premium automotive experience for more than 165 years. Regular updates, stories and highlights from the journey will be shared throughout the tour via Family Business United’s digital platforms.

Property consultancy Vail Williams has been named Professional Services Firm of the Year at the at Gatwick Diamond Business Awards. The firm scooped the prestigious award in a glittering ceremony attended by hundreds of people at Brighton’s Grand Hotel. Other finalists were Birkett LLP and Starford People & Legal. Suzanne Holloway, Vail Williams’ Gatwick Regional Managing Partner, said: “We are overjoyed to have won this award. It is testament to the fantastic effort put in by our skilled, diligent and dedicated team across the year for our valued clients." “What sets Vail Williams apart is our ability to combine the breadth of a national, full-service property consultancy with the personal approach of a regional firm. The result is a practice that delivers technical excellence, deep local knowledge, and client-first solutions that create real, lasting value. In short, Vail Williams is more than a property consultancy." “We are a people led, market-leading, community-focused professional services firm that combines industry expertise, innovation, sustainability, and a people-first ethos to deliver long-term value for clients and communities alike.” Suzanne added: “The Gatwick office leads innovation, piloting drone technology, digital property platforms, and iPad-based reporting tools that improve accuracy, consistency and efficiency. New initiatives in video marketing, drone footage, and 24/7 client data room platforms are reshaping the way property is promoted and managed." “From unlocking inward investment and shaping regeneration, to supporting the public sector and creating thriving communities, we are proud to be a trusted partner making a tangible difference to Sussex’s prosperity and built environment." “Our difference lies in our client – and people-first ethos – providing strategic, cross-discipline solutions that go beyond transactions to deliver long-term value. People are central to this success. We invest in training, wellbeing and inclusivity to empower our teams to deliver excellence while making a positive social impact.” The award was sponsored by Crawley-based SOS Systems Ltd, a leading provider of print and document management solutions since 1985. SOS Systems Solutions Director Gary Tomlinson, who was named Business Person of the Year himself, said: “We congratulate Vail Williams on winning this award which was achieved after a robust judging process in a particularly tough category. To be named Professional Services Firm of the Year is a well-deserved accolade for Suzanne and the team.” Vail Williams has a proud history of supporting businesses and communities across Sussex as a full-service property consultancy for more than 30 years. An Investors in People Gold-accredited firm, Vail Williams operates from Crawley and Brighton at the heart of the Gatwick Diamond, delivering specialist property advice spanning agency, valuation, lease advisory, planning, business rates, building consultancy and investment. With a team of 20, the Sussex offices combine deep local knowledge with national reach, enabling Vail Williams to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth. From landmark regeneration and development projects to strategic sites in Crawley and Horsham, the firm has been instrumental in securing inward investment around Gatwick – helping businesses expand and thrive. Now in their 18th year, the awards are a well-established highlight of the business calendar and are strongly supported by the Gatwick Diamond business community. Celebrating the achievements of individual businesses and businesspeople across a wide range of categories, they also showcase the success of the Gatwick Diamond economic area as major driver of the regional and national economies. This year’s ceremony was hosted by Ellie Taylor, a comedian, actress, writer and television personality who is a regular on shows such as on 8 out of 10 Cats, Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week and Ted Lasso. Other award winners were: Apprentice of the Year – sponsored by Glide Training, Gabriel Silva - Annex Media; SSIoT Graduate of the Year – sponsored by Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology, Tom Miller; Environmental Culture Award – sponsored by MHA, Denbies Wine Estate; The Award for Customer Delight – sponsored by Nescot, Advance Online; Kindness In our Community – sponsored by Chichester College Group, Jenni Standen, Crowne Plaza London Gatwick Airport; International Business of the Year – sponsored by Irwin Mitchell, The English Soap Company; The Award for Community Contribution – sponsored by Crawley Innovation Centre, Olive Tree Cancer Support Group. Manufacturing Business of the Year – sponsored by Menzies LLP, The English Soap Company; New Business of the Year – sponsored by DigiBubble, Roots Chiropractic; The Award for Innovation – sponsored by Chess Dynamics, Airware Solutions; Employee of the Year – sponsored by Birketts LLP, Kellyann McGovern – Aircraft Leasing and Management; Employer of the Year – sponsored by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, Annex Media; Business Person of the Year – sponsored by Lotus Labels, Gary Tomlinson – SOS Systems Ltd; Business of the Year (Up to £1M) - sponsored by Carnegie Group, Stribe; Business of the Year (Over £1M) - sponsored by Richard Place Dobson, Carnegie Group; The Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Gatwick Diamond – supported by Gatwick Diamond Business Council, Julie Kapsalis MBE. The Gatwick Diamond is a key economic area, not just for the South East, but for the whole country. It is home to a vast range of businesses which span all sectors of the economy, from household names to niche companies and from multinationals to sole traders. The Gatwick Diamond Business Award winners are those businesses, organisations or people who have shown innovation and inspiration in their work and have demonstrated a real commitment to this fast-developing region. Gatwick Diamond Business is a not-for-profit organisation, owned and run by its members, and whose purpose is to support the success of Gatwick Diamond businesses and to promote the Gatwick Diamond as an economic area of regional and national importance. Photo: Top of the Props: Vail Williams’ Gatwick regional team with the Professional Services Firm of the Year trophy at the at Gatwick Diamond Business Awards

A world-leading and pioneering defence and security technology business that now owns its own airport has credited early support from Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) with helping establish its UK journey. TEKEVER said FAC played an important role in supporting the company in its early stages, helping it access the backing needed to develop software capabilities that would go on to support its growth. TEKEVER is a pan-European technology company driving innovation in defence and security through AI-centric autonomous systems. The company established its first UK office in Southampton and has since expanded its presence to Bath and London, with Bristol set to follow. It owns West Wales Airport and is preparing to open a major engineering and manufacturing hub in Swindon, where it will produce its pioneering unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other advanced systems. TEKEVER’s systems have been proven in demanding operational environments, providing critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability and supporting complex defence and security missions. What began as a small UK team has grown into a significant national presence as part of TEKEVER’s wider international business. Recently, Alan Fisher, FAC’s CEO, visited the business to see first-hand how far the company had come. He said: “We were pleased to support TEKEVER in its early stages in the UK, and it is remarkable to see how far the company has progressed." “It underlines the importance of backing innovative start-ups and SMEs, helping them turn strong ideas, technical talent and ambition into globally relevant businesses. “At FAC we support our members in a range of ways, and TEKEVER’s growth is a powerful example of what can be achieved. We work across the aerospace, aviation, defence and space sectors, and their supply chains, and it is always encouraging to see companies develop and thrive.” Paul Webb, one of the two original founders of TEKEVER’s UK business, said: “TEKEVER is a Portuguese company and, together with my colleague Ricardo Mendes, we launched it in the UK because we could see its extraordinary potential." “In the early days, support from FAC helped us build momentum and develop key software capabilities, including technology that made it easier for operators to work with unmanned aircraft systems." “That early support helped lay the foundations for where we are today. Since then, TEKEVER has grown significantly in the UK and we are now delivering a long-term programme of investment through OVERMATCH, our commitment to expanding sovereign capability, industrial capacity and high-skilled employment in the UK." “We now design and produce our own UAVs, and West Wales Airport plays an important strategic role in that wider effort." “It is a place where we can test systems, train operators, demonstrate capabilities to customers and support broader collaboration across the sector." “We are also preparing to open a major engineering and manufacturing site in Swindon, which reflects the scale of our long-term ambition in the UK and the next phase of that OVERMATCH journey." “Our software continues to evolve and has potential application across a wider range of autonomous systems.” Photo: (l-r) Alan Fisher, FAC, Paul Webb, TEKEVER, Alan Maskell, FAC

In response to the increasingly complex trading environment for businesses, professional services firm, AAB, has launched a new ‘Office of the CFO’ service designed to give organisations the ability to strengthen their finance leadership and gain clarity in their numbers without the difficulties of recruitment of finance professionals at all levels. Businesses across the UK are facing more challenges than ever before – from inflationary pressures and rising costs to increasingly complex reporting requirements. For many organisations, these pressures are stretching finance teams and make reliable financial insight more critical than ever. The new offering provides flexible finance leadership and specialist accounting expertise to businesses experiencing growth, navigating complex group or funding reporting requirements or preparing for major transactions. The AAB Office of the CFO team includes more than 50 finance specialists across the UK with senior expertise in operational finance, forecasting, technical accounting, statutory reporting, finance transformation, cash flow modelling and transaction accounting. The service combines operational finance support, technical accounting expertise and strategic CFO-level leadership, allowing organisations to strengthen their finance functions and gain clearer financial insight at critical stages of their development. Lauren McCluskey, Head of Office of the CFO and Partner at AAB, commented: “Businesses are operating in an environment where they are expected to be able to adapt and change at pace. Cost control remains a priority with CFOs expected to make decisions quickly and decisively whilst navigating the technology changes alongside the day to day operations." "Many finance teams are resource constrained with CFOs and CEOs personally sponsoring both technology and transformation projects. The Office of the CFO is able to support the day to day operations and senior team freeing up valuable time.” The Office of the CFO service is designed to support organisations at every stage of growth, including entrepreneurs, SMEs, AIM-listed companies, multinational groups and public sector organisations. By integrating with existing finance teams or providing additional capability where needed, the service enables organisations to strengthen reporting, improve financial visibility and respond more effectively to growth or change. The service is particularly valuable for organisations facing increased regulatory scrutiny, complex accounting requirements, or major transactions such as acquisitions, fundraising or market listings. AAB’s rapid growth journey across the UK and Ireland is set to continue with backing from Goldman Sachs Alternatives