Winter is a magical time of year when the world transforms into a glistening wonderland, offering a unique charm that draws travellers to explore its snowy landscapes and cosy retreats. While summer vacations often steal the spotlight, there's something undeniably enchanting about winter getaways. Let's embark on a journey to discover some favourite winter holiday destinations that promise unforgettable experiences and warm memories. Lapland, Finland Lapland, Finland, is synonymous with winter magic. This snowy paradise is renowned as the home of Santa Claus, making it an enchanting destination for families and couples alike. With its ethereal Northern Lights displays, husky sledding, and cosy igloo accommodations, Lapland offers a truly immersive Arctic experience. Banff National Park, Canada For those seeking breath-taking natural beauty, Banff National Park in Canada is a winter wonderland like no other. Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Skiers and snowboarders flock to its world-class slopes, while the pristine lakes and frozen waterfalls create a serene backdrop for snowshoeing and ice skating. Swiss Alps, Switzerland The Swiss Alps are a timeless classic when it comes to winter vacations. Switzerland's picturesque alpine villages, such as Zermatt and St. Moritz, offer a blend of luxury, adventure, and stunning mountain scenery. Skiing, snowboarding, and après-ski experiences are second to none in this region. Kyoto, Japan While not your typical winter destination, Kyoto, Japan, transforms into a serene wonderland during the winter months. Snowfall blankets the city's historic temples and traditional Japanese gardens, creating a serene ambiance that's perfect for peaceful walks and contemplation. Don't miss the chance to warm up with a traditional bowl of hot ramen or matcha tea. Tromsø, Norway Tromsø, often referred to as the "Gateway to the Arctic," offers an opportunity to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights in all their glory. This Arctic city provides a range of winter activities, from dog sledding to ice fishing. And after a day of adventure, you can unwind in a cosy cabin with stunning views of the night sky. Prague, Czech Republic Prague's medieval charm takes on a new allure in winter. The city's historic architecture, like the Prague Castle and Charles Bridge, are dusted with snow, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere. Sip on mulled wine at the Christmas markets, warm up with hearty Czech cuisine, and take a leisurely stroll along the Vltava River. Aspen, Colorado, USA Aspen is a mecca for winter sports enthusiasts and celebrities alike. Its world-class ski resorts, like Aspen Snowmass, cater to all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Beyond the slopes, the town offers upscale dining, shopping, and vibrant cultural events. Winter holidays have a unique allure, drawing travellers to destinations that offer snowy landscapes, cosy experiences, and a touch of magic. Whether you seek the thrill of winter sports, the enchantment of snowy cities, or the tranquillity of Arctic escapes, these favourite winter holiday destinations promise unforgettable adventures and warm memories. So, pack your winter gear, and embrace the chill as you explore these captivating winter wonderlands.

For the third year in a row, Porsche is today crowned top car brand in the 2023 Driver Power survey, placing it first in the manufacturer table of the annual review of UK car owners’ opinions published by Auto Express magazine. The Stuttgart sports car manufacturer scooped a total score of over 90 per cent and ranks first among 29 brands. True to its goal of building the sports car in each market segment, the German marque was top of the class in the ride and handling category according to the research findings. “With everything from hardcore road racers to practical four doors now in its range, Porsche impresses right across the board in our Brands Survey,” commented Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief, Auto Express. “Classic Porsche strong points make a great showing here, with top ratings for exterior, ride and handling, reliability and infotainment. A few highlighted areas within these categories that owners really rave about include exterior styling and finish, steering and braking responsiveness, road handling, driving pleasure and overall build quality. Unsurprisingly, Porsche also scores very well for its legendary engines and gearboxes. Overall, the brand paints a very strong picture and it is a worthy winner for 2023.” “My colleagues in Porsche Cars GB and across our network of Porsche Centres can take immense pride from this Driver Power result, and especially to maintain the result from the past two years,” commented Krishan Bodhani, CEO, Porsche Cars GB. “To own a Porsche is the fulfilment of a dream for many people. We are dedicated to ensuring that every part of our customers’ product and brand experience lives up to that.” Porsche Cars GB is the manufacturer’s fourth-largest market globally. Sales in 2022 totalled 18,544 in the UK and Ireland, with the Macan being the top seller, followed by the all-electric Taycan. The popularity of the Taycan demonstrates the progress of Porsche on its path of electrification. In parallel, the 911 sports coupé continues to lead its market segment, with models like the 911 GTS and GT3 offering broad appeal to enthusiasts of high performance road cars. Devised and curated by the top-selling weekly motoring magazine, Auto Express, Driver Power is the most comprehensive and trusted survey into car ownership. Over the past 20 years, more than half a million car owners have completed the Driver Power survey, giving their feedback, perceptions and insights to car makers on what life on the road is really like.

A new survey has revealed the UK’s sentiment regarding pensions and retirement. The survey, conducted by investment comparison site Investing Reviews , asked over 2,000 users their opinions and attitudes towards retirement, pensions and investments to better understand the nations sentiment around said topics. Interestingly, as tensions in France continue to rise over the raising of the retirement age from 62 to 64, UK sentiment regarding retirement ages doesn’t seem to differ much from the French. In the survey, 68.71% of respondents believe that the UK retirement age (which currently stands at 66) should be lowered. This sentiment also comes alongside 71.16% of respondents believing that it is harder to retire in the UK now than ever before. However, this seems to be easier said than done according to the survey by Investing Reviews. In fact, 62.60% of respondents believe that their pension is simply not enough to retire comfortably, citing that they believe they will need additional investments alongside their pension. This may be due to the fact that over half of respondents (55.82%) agree that they are unable to make as many pension contributions as they would like to. When it comes to employer contributions, well over a third (42.66%) of respondents would consider working in an entirely different sector to their current career if it meant greater employer contributions. In a previous study by Investing Reviews that analysed official government data from ONS, working in ‘public administration and defence (including compulsory social security)’ is the sector that have the highest percentage of employers contributing 20% or more to employees’ pension whilst employers in the ‘wholesale and retail trade (including motor vehicles and motorcycle repair)’ have the lowest percentage of employer contributions of 20% or more at only 1.3%. What is particularly interesting is that over a third (34.93%) of respondents revealed that they do not know exactly how much money is in their pension, whilst again, over a third of respondents believe they will not be able to retire comfortably in the UK. This sentiment around the difficulty of retiring comfortably in the UK and the frustration at not being able to contribute as much to their pensions as they’d like are echoed in respondents answers to the question “If I was able to, I would choose to retire outside of the UK” wherein 42.66% of respondents agreed – raising questions over the increasing rate of inflation and cost-of-living that is perhaps not something that those looking to retire, are able to keep up with if they remain in the UK. Commenting on the findings, CEO of Investing Reviews, Simon Jones said: “There are endless debates to be had regarding the UK retirement age and the state of pensions, especially considering the recent rise in retirement age in France and the backlash that received. These responses offer a fascinating insight into the attitudes that the British public hold towards pensions and retirement ages, particularly the sentiment that it is now harder to retire comfortably than ever before. It will be interesting to see if factors such as the backlash in France to the rise in the retirement age and the increasing difficulty of the cost-of-living crisis have any effect on these sentiments in the future.”

The team at a local Rotary Club has organised a Classic Car Show to raise funds for a York cancer charity. Weighton Wolds Rotary Club will hold its ninth annual Classic Car Show at Langlands Garden Centre, Shiptonthorpe on Sunday 27th and Monday 28th August in aid of York Against Cancer. Organisers are expecting between 80 and 100 classic cars to be on display daily over the two-day event, including a prewar Wolsey Hornet, a 1925 Austin 20 Open Tourer, an Austin London Taxi and some modern-day classics: a 2000 Ferrari, a Ford Capri and Morris Minors. Classic car enthusiast and Weighton Wolds Rotary Club member, John Ducker is looking forward to the event: “We’re very pleased with the calibre of classic cars that we attract to our shows. We are looking forward to this year’s event and to welcoming classic cars from East, West and South Yorkshire. “Over the years, our classic car shows have raised over £20,000 for various charities including Alzheimer’s Society and Yorkshire Air Ambulance, so we’re hopeful that this event will raise a significant amount of money to help York Against Cancer to fund their vital work. Last year we had over 200 over the two days and raised £5619.56 for the charity. “We’ve always got room to display more cars, so if you’re a classic car owner and would like to join us on either or both days, please email me .” Two cups will be awarded at the show: The Ian Peak Memorial Cup for the best pre-war car and a new for this year; the Weighton Wolds Presidents Cup for the car the President would most like to take home. These are sponsored by Drakes Garage, Shiptonthorpe and Langlands Garden Centre respectively. The Classic Car Show takes place between 10am and 4pm on 27th and 28th August at Langlands, Shiptonthorpe. All are welcome and entry is by donation, with all proceeds going to York Against Cancer. Weighton Wolds Rotary Club became a chartered Rotary Club in 2014 and its 48 members have raised over £100,000 since the club’s inception. The club raises funds for both specific charities and for the Club’s own charity account from which local bequests are made. For more information about Wolds Weighton Rotary Club, please contact Secretary, Chris Stephenson on 07957 638739.

World Photography Day takes place on Saturday 19th of August. The photography industry is constantly changing and developing, witnessing some remarkable development since Joseph Niépce captured the first-known photographic image in the early 19th century. World Photography Day presents an opportunity to look how far photography has come and celebrate some of the most influential figures in the industry. “It’s amazing to think just how much photography has developed over a relatively short period of time” says James Whitten, Marketing Manager at photoGuard . How has photography changed over time? Just like any technological progress, much has changed since the initial pioneers of photography experimented with capturing still images. Less than 200 years ago eight hours of exposure time was needed to get one grainy image and now we carry around an instant video in our pockets. The 19th century witnessed significant progress, as enthusiasts worldwide experimented with various techniques to get the very best images. Innovations emerged from the camera obscura, giving rise to techniques like the calotype and collodion, which shortened exposure times to just few seconds. The last 100 years has seen several landmark achievements, as the barriers to what was possible in the world of photography were broken. Equipment such as drones, DSLR’s and GoPro’s, previously used only by professional photographers, soon became commonplace in the kit bags of amateurs. Now, many high-end cameras are built with jaw-dropping 50MP (megapixels) resolution or more. Who are the most influential photographers of all time? The 20th century has seen photographers break new ground and produce iconic images that will last a lifetime. Some of the biggest and most influential photographers include: Ansel Adams Ansel Adams was a landscape photographer and conservationist whose work elevated the North American photography. He rose to fame building up a portfolio of breath-taking images from National Parks across the west coast, most notably Yosemite. Adams was most well-known for his black-and-white landscapes, which he believed were much more expressive than colour shots. Richard Avedon Fashion and portrait photographer Richard Avedon was as big a name within the industry. Avedon worked with some of the biggest cultural icons of the 20th century, including The Beatles, Marilyn Monroe, and Martin Luther King. With daring and ground-breaking portraits, Avedon’s work gained such widespread recognition that his life served as the inspiration for the main character in the Fred Astaire film "Funny Face." David Bailey East-ender David Bailey worked for British Vogue during the height of the swinging 60’s shooting some of the biggest stars in fashion and music. Bailey’s working-class upbringing was a marked contrast to other British photographers of the time and allowed him to empathise with his subjects and portray them in a different light. “There are many influential photographers whose work is extraordinary. It is great to see new photographers taking inspiration from those influential figures” adds Whitten.

Mindfulness is a mental practice that involves paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgment. It has gained significant popularity in recent years, and research suggests that it offers numerous benefits for mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. Here are some of the key benefits of mindfulness: 1. Stress Reduction : Mindfulness can help reduce stress by promoting relaxation and decreasing the body's stress response. It encourages individuals to focus on the present moment rather than worrying about the past or future. 2. Improved Emotional Regulation : Mindfulness can enhance emotional regulation by increasing self-awareness. It allows individuals to observe their thoughts and feelings without immediately reacting to them, providing a greater sense of control over their emotions. 3. Enhanced Concentration : Practicing mindfulness regularly can improve concentration and attention span. It teaches individuals to stay focused on the task at hand, reducing distractions and increasing productivity. 4. Better Mental Health : Mindfulness has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. It can provide tools for managing and coping with challenging emotions and thoughts. 5. Increased Self-Acceptance : Mindfulness promotes self-acceptance and self-compassion. By practicing non-judgmental awareness, individuals can develop a kinder and more accepting attitude toward themselves, reducing self-criticism. 6. Improved Relationships : Mindfulness can positively impact relationships by enhancing communication skills and empathy. Being fully present in interactions with others fosters better understanding and connection. 7. Pain Management : Mindfulness-based techniques are often used in pain management. They can help individuals cope with chronic pain by changing their perception of pain and increasing their tolerance. 8. Better Sleep : Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. They can help individuals calm their minds and reduce racing thoughts that interfere with sleep. 9. Boosted Resilience : Mindfulness can enhance resilience in the face of adversity. It teaches individuals to approach challenges with a more balanced perspective, reducing feelings of helplessness. 10. Physical Health Benefits : Mindfulness has been associated with various physical health benefits, including lower blood pressure, improved immune system function, and reduced inflammation. It's important to note that the benefits of mindfulness often require regular practice and patience. Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, even for just a few minutes, can lead to these positive outcomes over time. "Whether through meditation, mindful breathing, or other techniques, mindfulness offers a valuable way to enhance overall well-being and in many ways can be found to help people lead a more balanced and fulfilling life."

Packaging Products (Coatings) Ltd is one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of non-slip pallet liners, waterproof paper and board serving a wide range of industries home and abroad. With many years experience in the packaging industry, Packaging Products (Coatings) Ltd has occupied the same production and paper manufacturing site in Collyhurst, Manchester since 1841. Paul Andrews spoke to family director Peter Cornford and non-family director Gary McNeely to find out more. In recent years, Packaging Products (Coatings) Ltd has combined their vast experience with modern technology to develop non slip papers. These recyclable products compliment the traditional bitumen and wax papers that they manufacture and their finished products are now used widely in a variety of industries including food, healthcare, automotive, building and furniture. This is a family business that can only be described as a ‘hidden gem.’ They are based in premises in the heart of Manchester and despite the frontage of the building looking small to the eye, it opens up into a labyrinth of spaces in a building that just goes on and on. Every space is well utilised and affords the opportunity to store raw materials, finished products and to invest in the business and to introduce new production lines. Like many family firms that have stood the test of time, it is the reinvestment and innovation that has enabled the business to continue, to remain relevant to the needs of their customers and to flourish. Family is at the heart of the business which is owned and run by Peter, his two brothers and Gary. Prior to joining the family firm Peter worked in a bank and Gary was a financial adviser. As friends they worked together and have spent time with families and when the opportunity arose for Peter to join the family business he knew that he needed as strong team around him of people whom could be trusted and Gary joined the business. Over time the nature of the business has changed. As Peter explains, “bitumen papers are still produced and there is demand for them but we have also evolved and introduced new products such as the anti-slip products which are now a core product.” “There are plenty of applications for them with regards pallet transportation where they are inserted between layers to prevent products moving which reduces damage and waste in transportation and they are also used on the floor of lorries to prevent pallets slipping too,” he adds. To accommodate the new anti-slip products they have invested in the business, building new machinery based on in-house knowledge and experience, sourced local labour, the support of local family firms and are proud to say that all of their products are proudly ‘Made in Britain’ too. Like other family firms the prevailing economic climate and associated pressures have to be contended with. As Gary adds, “There are supply chain issues within the sector, mills closing and reducing capacity and increased costs which are passed on to businesses like ours. It is a constantly changing environment and we have even been notified of price increases whilst a shipment is on the water on the way to us!” “Added to the supply chain costs the business has also seen price increases of other raw materials and there have been increased energy costs too,” continues Peter. “Having said that, we are very optimistic about the future as the new machinery has doubled our output capacity using the same manpower so we are managing to move forward with more products and to grow our customer base further,” he adds. This family business has its eyes on the future with new market opportunities being developed for their non-slip solutions which also affords environmental benefits to customers as it significantly reduces the need for shrink-wrapping, reducing the use of plastics and the paper products are also fully recyclable. In terms of family involvement going forward it is not clear as of yet where it will go as the next generation are still in their early teens and younger but there are some great opportunities in the event that they do want to take it on. “I want to carry on running the business,” continues Peter “and still get excited about our products and their applications. There are opportunities for the next generation to come through in time and take it on, we have a brilliant team of staff supporting us on the journey and I am excited about where we are going.” “My father undertook an MBO of the business and for me there is so much pride and passion to continue to build the business that he believed in. The current economic climate does not make running a business easy but we have some great, loyal customers and the relationships that we have with them are important and we work closely together to grow together too.” Peter and Gary firmly believe that being a family business is a real advantage too. “As a family business we are more agile and can make swift decisions when they are needed,” explains Peter. Real time decisions and our ability to respond means that we are always on point, managing situations and dealing with the economic challenges that present themselves, and we are always looking to the future, making improvements and investing in new ways of doing things too,” he adds. As Gary continues, “Our people are key to who we are as a business too. We look after them and are invested in them as an integral part of what we do and this has helped to create a culture of loyalty and a team that works well together, focused on making it work. We have plenty of employees that have been with us for many years and plenty of examples of generations of families that have worked for the business too.” Walking around the business provides a great opportunity to see the products being manufactured and the labyrinth of spaces really does lead to a journey of discovery. There are so many family firms doing things behind close doors that could so easily pass us by in terms of the impact they have and Packaging Products (Coatings) Ltd is one such gem. They manufacture products that have a direct impact on the way that others operate, transport the items that many of us consume on a daily basis, help to reduce damage and waste, and through their continued innovation make a positive impact on the environment too. They have been on a journey as a business since way back in 1841 and we look forward to continuing to follow their journey as a family business into the future.

Dorset racing driver Reza Seewooruthun has secured support from Hendy Land Rover in Christchurch as the 16-year-old takes his first steps towards becoming a Formula One driver. The youngster is driving in the Ginetta Junior Championship this year and has already secured several podium wins in the competitive series where he is bidding for the rookie championship title. And it’s a busy year for the youngster who is a sporting scholar at Canford School and taking his GCSEs this summer. “Although my ambitions are to become a Formula One driver Land Rover has a special place in my heart as I remember off roading in a Defender when I was very young with my dad and brother so it means a lot to have the backing and support of Hendy Land Rover this season,” said Reza. “The support of local companies such as Hendy means that I can have the opportunity to compete in such a competitive series and hopefully move up the motorsport ladder.” Last year Reza was English Junior Rotax Karting champion, a sport he took up when he was 13 years old. Once his CGSEs are complete Reza will be studying with the Minerva Academy, a remote school which works with young racing drivers to help them combine education with their racing careers. Andy Grant, Hendy Group’s head of brand performance for Jaguar and Land Rover said it was always exciting to be able to support up and coming talent. “Reza has tremendous talent, ambition and confidence and we are all following his season with interest,” he said.

Ross Testa launched his social media advertising agency whilst at university in what turned out to be the start of what is becoming an incredible family business journey. Dad, Roy and sister Jodie are now heavily involved too. Paul Andrews spoke to Roy to find out more. As Roy explained, “I have a marketing background and over the years have run newspapers, magazines and websites so have always been involved in the sector. My son, Ross was at university and started his business venture and won a few clients such that toward his final year he asked me whether he should finish the course or continue to build the business.” “As any father in the same situation will tell you, this was not an easy decision but education is important and he had come so far that I told him to complete the course and then focus on the business. It was at that point, December 2017 that we set up the business together and began in a small basement office with no windows around 6 m sq, just Ross and a freelance friend and the business started to grow.” As Roy adds, “I was always involved but due to an existing position that I was tied to for a period of time, I was not publicly involved at the start. I was the sounding board and offered guidance and together our roles and responsibilities were being determined, something that has helped on the journey to date and is important when working closely with friends and family. I officially join the business during the first pandemic lockdown.” This is clearly an entrepreneurial family and one that works well together with plenty of communication and conversation. As Roy continues, “I have always been in business and the family has always been involved in one way or another and so the dinner table was often filled with business talk. Now that we are a working family business, we have not changed anything but far from the business taking over at home, we all actually appreciate the need for a work-life balance and we know when not to talk about the business too. There is an unwritten rule that if we are with people that are not involved in the business then it is not the topic of conversation either.” It is often a fine line but many families in business cross the line and the conversations take over but Roy and the family have found a balance that works for them, and is something that others would do well to follow. Clear roles and responsibilities also help maintain the balance too. As Roy adds, “Over the years in my own career I have really enjoyed employing people and with coaching and mentoring seeing them grow into competent individuals. Now, working with my own flesh and blood it is even more rewarding to see them develop and in the short time that we have been working together they have already come on leaps and bounds and to see them holding their own and delivering to really experienced brands is fantastic. My role is to oversee and steer the ship, supporting Ross, Jodie and the wider team as the business grows, drawing from my experiences and pulling things together.” Since starting out the business has grown, they have moved into a new, bigger office space and now employ 12 people. “We are a creative agency and need space and despite the pandemic found the office helped people to work together and bounce ideas,” he continues. “As a business our people are really important and they need to feel valued and we have worked hard to create a good environment in which to work, and to recognise and reward success too. Roles are clearly defined and it helps that as a family we all have different, and complimentary skills too. Ross is the networker, actively pursuing leads and business development whilst being the champion of social media and driver of growth. Jodie is responsible for the logistics and operations is organised and works well with clients and staff and Roy is all about the commerciality of the business and driving resources and structures as the business grows.” As a business they have an excellent client bank, many driven through referrals and recommendations, something that has come as a result of hard work, determination and a stroke of luck. The agency’s work was spotted early on by Lord Sugar and resulted in Ross being hired to create some video content for one of his businesses. Other clients followed included Chelsea Football Club, Volvo, Silverstone and others. Not bad for a business that was created in the final year of a university course and now continues to grow. This is clearly a close-kinit family who get along, something that proved vital as Jodie and Ross still live at home and as a family they were together a lot during lockdown! “We all have a lot of respect for each other and get along so whilst others may have found it a challenge, we were driven. We are driven to create something together and put in the hours we need to – as I am sure anyone else working in a family business will tell you, it is never simply nine to five!” Driven, determined and with a real sense of purpose, this is a business to watch in the years to come. As Roy confirms, “First and foremost we are a business but we love coming up with solutions for our clients and to enjoy what we do. We truly value all of our staff and despite sounding ‘corny’ treat them as an extension of our family. We value them and part of our strength as a business is our people and we are proud to tell everyone that we are a family business. It’s who we are and defines what we do. However, we are forward thinking and want to grow and recognise the need to develop our people and offer them opportunities.” “We might be a small team but our team comes from all over the world and if their ambitions are to follow their own dreams in the future, we will encourage them and who knows we could be creating the family business leaders of tomorrow too,” adds Roy. For now, this family business is set to flourish, building on the individual strengths and capabilities of the management team, bringing in new skills as required, focusing on the values that matter and introducing frameworks and responsibilities as the business evolves. There is a palpable buzz and energy when you speak to the team which will stand them in good stead as they move forward too. But, as Roy concludes, “We work hard as a business and as a family and there is no letting up. Being a family business is no different to any other, as long as you treat family members the same as everyone else and there is certainly no ‘golden ticket’ just because you are family. But the fact that we work hard is not an issue. Working together as a family in a growing business is a dream come true for me and to help shape, mentor and see my kids flourish is a real joy. And above all, it makes a difference, something that our clients see, not just in terms of who we are and the culture we have created, but the quality of our work too.” The journey may only be a few years old but it is clear that there is a long road ahead as this entrepreneurial family business continues to move forward. Visit their website here to find out more.

Prime Appointments (‘Prime’) are a family-owned and family-run recruitment agency, who believe in doing things differently. They’re committed to building long-term partnerships that boost their clients business and contribute to the growth of the economy in their local area. Paul Andrews spoke to the family to find out more. The Prime journey began over a glass of wine in the local pub when two Witham girls decided to make their dream a reality. Robyn Holmes’ and Margaret Locke’s combined mission to create a recruitment agency with a difference was born. Witham’s recent industrial boom provided the catalyst for the start of the Prime journey over 31 years ago and the rest is written in history. As Robyn explains, “I had been working in recruitment for a number of years and always wanted to do it for myself and Margaret and I got on well, our husbands got on well too, and we had a shared entrepreneurial desire to build something. We formed a plan, secured £15,000 backing from an entrepreneur and we were off!” Not ones to make it easy for themselves, they set out to build the business, with Robyn having a baby Jack in a moses basket by her side (he later is set to become MD) and so it grew, client by client. The business was created at a time when recruitment businesses were dominated by male leaders and people were very vocal about what the future would hold for two women setting out in the sector on their own but how wrong they have all proven to be. Robyn and Margaret grew a successful business and sadly due to ill health Margaret retired from Prime and Robyn and her family acquired the shares. They remain good friends to this day and in true family spirit of giving back and a true sense of purpose, the Prime team are focused on raising significant funds to help research in Alzheimers, the illness that Margaret became ill with. Prime made a profit in their first year of trading although this was before paying any corporation tax which wiped the profits, teaching the team a crucial lesson, and one that has remained with them to this day. Fast forward to 2023 and the next generation are now firmly ensconced in the business. Jack, the eldest son is now a director with the plan for him to become Managing Director in 2025 when his sister Katie will become a director, and Robyn and her husband Peter are still involved but less so on a day-to-day basis as the business moves with the next generation. As Robyn continues, “Our vision is to continue to offer a really good service, finding the right people for positions, and as a family firm we have to do just that, with Jack and Katie in their roles based on merit and performance, something that enables us to take a step back too.” Robyn is the first to appreciate that stepping back from a family business is not easy. “This is something that I created, that I have been responsible for growing, and in many respects it is like a ‘third child’ to me. It is hard letting go but it is also important. Jack and the team are suitably skilled to drive it forward in its next chapter and I can add value from the sidelines, guidance from years of running it, and help them take it forward. Change is important for the business to move forward too.” The family have a shared purpose and vision for the business and a succession plan that will see the transition to the next generation in due course too. As Robyn continues, “Over the years we have seen the pitfalls of being in business with family and never wanted that to happen to us. We have benefitted from sitting in board rooms with clients and that has engendered a really good culture within our family where we do have crossed words from time to time but also respect opinions and are able to have open, honest and authentic conversations too. We all need to be open minded and it is this approach that has helped us to evolve.” As Jack adds, “Being family run is really beneficial to our business too as so many of our clients are fellow family run businesses. We get it and that helps us develop the relationships that we have with our clients, many that have been on our journey with us over the past 30 years.” Like many next generation family members there was never any pressure to join the business. Jack and Katie had their own choices to make and whilst Jack started as a temp and progressed with various roles within the business, Katie worked elsewhere for a short time before making her mind up and joining. As Jack explains, “Being a temp provided the opportunity to see the business from the temp side and also the relationship with the client and I got hooked and knew this was right for me. It is a fun place to work with great people around you and from time to time there are special moments such as working in the business with Olly Murs before he became a musical icon and TV star.” Katie adds, “I loved graphic design which I studied at university before getting a job in London. I had begun to think about the family business and eventually decided it was for me. I started on the recruitment desks as I had to gain the respect of the team and despite not being sure if that was my skill set, I have grown into one of our leading consultants and absolutely love it.” As siblings, Jack and Katie are different, with different personalities and traits that means they work really well together. As Katie continues, “I am more like Mum and have an opinion whereas Jack is very calm and considered and knows how to handle me. We get on really well, respect one another and have clear roles and responsibilities and have found a way to work well together, collectively sharing the same passion as the founders to make a difference and drive the business forward too.” As Robyn continues, “We aspire to develop and evolve, ensuring the best recruitment experience possible. With this in mind, our teams work in close collaboration, sharing expertise and knowledge with each other, our candidates and clients. We are a conscientious company that is transparent in all our partnerships. With Jack and Katie now fully involved and leading the business, I am proud to continue to say that we are a family business, supporting other family businesses with their recruitment needs.” The succession process has clearly been a success but as Robyn explains it did not just happen over night. “We had plenty of conversations and considered all the options but it soon became apparent that Jack and then Katie wanted to get involved. Further discussions ensued and a plan was put in place. It is not easy but planning helped and we have not rushed the process either. It is important to keep it simple, fair and to make sure it is as transparent a process as possible with plenty of communication too.” This is a family that are truly engaged, living and working with shared purposed and on a journey together, something that they are happy to share. “As Robyn explains, it is important to retain a focus and a purpose. I lost my best friend to Alzheimers and we had plenty of great times starting out and building Prime. This was where it all started and for me to be able to pass on the baton to the next generation who have the same passion, drive and ethics that Margaret and I had when we started out is a real pleasure and makes me really proud. Family businesses need to focus on the future but it is also important to remember your roots and what went before. These are influences that determine the culture and purpose of any organisation and it is great to see the next generation taking the mantel and driving more change, which is fantastic to see.” “I am immensely proud of Prime, our brand and the position that we have in the community and the legacy that we have already created. I am positive for the future and know that with Jack and Katie the business is in safe hands too.” Prime is well placed to continue their incredible journey. For over 30 years they have been supporting local businesses and there is ample evidence to say that they will be doing it for the next 30 years and beyond. You could say this family business is really reaching its prime and we look forward to seeing what the future holds.

Yorkshire-based Duvalay has been successful at this year’s Family Business of the Year Awards after winning the Family Business of the Year Award in the Homes & Gardens category. Duvalay, which sells sleep products globally to both the leisure and homes markets, has had its most successful year to date, with the award win recognising the significant growth the company has experienced. Turnover has increased to over £12.5m, as well as acquiring Nursery Connections – the UK’s leading manufacturer of cot mattresses in a pre-pack administration deal that safeguarded over 35 jobs. The awards, which were held at Royal College of Physicians Museum, are hosted by Family Business United (FBU), a leading global family business community. Their aim is to provide resources as well as helping to raise the profile of the family business sector. Elizabeth Colleran, Sales & Marketing Director at Duvalay, says: “We’re over the moon to have won this award as it recognises and celebrates the success stories of family businesses throughout the UK.” “Duvalay is currently undergoing a period of significant growth through product launches including new mattress collections for the home and through acquisitions of similar businesses. This award win is testament to the work that not only the leadership team are currently doing, but also the wider Duvalay family of employees who all play a vital role in our continued success story.” Having been founded in 2003 by husband-and-wife team, Alan and Liz Colleran, the business leadership team has grown to include their sons, Thomas and William, who hold the roles of Commercial Director and Finance Director respectively. For more information, visit www.Duvalay.co.uk

Johnsons of Whixley have been supplying the nation with millions of quality plants and trees for over 100 years from their nurseries in Yorkshire. Paul Andrews went to visit them to find out more. Johnsons of Whixley is a three-generation family business located in North Yorkshire, equidistant between York and Harrogate, with over 100 years experience in growing and supplying trees, shrubs, and plants to UK-wide planting schemes. 12 members of the family have an active role within the business, from senior leadership positions and administration to more hands-on roles on the shop floor. The team is made up of 130 full-time staff, which can increase by up to 50% during peak seasons. From those in the office, on the shop floor, or on the ground tending to the plants and trees, this is a family business that puts people first. They strive to nurture and develop all their staff and are proud to say that each staff member plays an important role in the growth of the business. Spread over five production sites covering 200 acres across North Yorkshire, they are one of the longest-established and largest wholesale commercial nursery businesses in the UK, annually growing and supplying millions of plants, shrubs and trees to the UK trade for 100 years. As a business they supply in excess of five million plants and trees annually, which enables them to operate across three channels to market, providing plants and trees to the wholesale commercial sector for amenity and civil engineering projects, direct to garden centres, and wholesale direct via an on-site professional trade outlet supplying landscape gardeners, garden designers, tree surgeons, estates, caravan parks and Universities, with a large variety of stock all year round. The journey for the current family owners dates back to 1964 when John Richardson had just got married, had their first child and then bought this small nursery. But even prior to that there was a long family history in the sector, with hard work and entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of all that he did. Growing up, his mother’s family had been growers for generations with their main crops being rhubarb, vegetables and salads, and from the age of 12 he spent every spare minute helping out on the farm, being paid for the work he did. “My wage at this time (aged 15) was £3.20 for a 47 hour working week which was paid to my mother in return for all my food and clothing and I kept the money that was paid for any overtime that I did,” John explains. “I then got a place at the local agricultural college, but was encouraged to do a two year course in Essex, which resulted in a big move down South. It was a thoroughly enjoyable time in my life as I was working hard and building up a good amount of capital too. I then moved back to the East Riding of Yorkshire with work with the Bean family in their horticultural business whilst at the same time earning extra money by doing gardening projects at weekends.” Entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to be successful was evident from a young age. Balancing jobs with extra work in the community helped to build up savings and John was never shy of trying something new. Working for Secretts in Surrey provided more opportunity too as he was driving lorries to Covent Garden with produce from the farm and then stopping off on the way home at Buckingham Palace to collect horse manure on the return journey! His career continued, and when he was considering his future, a role in Scotland as a commercial grower advisor arose, which he took, moved to Scotland, and it was here that he met his future wife. As a rep on the road life was busy but John loved it, clocking up about 25,000 miles a year back in the late 1950’s and he was happy. It was whilst he was based in Scotland, away on a business trip to Aberdeen and staying in a hotel, that John received a call from his Uncle back in Whixley. A Mr Johnson, who was 67 years old had a nursery business that he wanted to sell, and his Uncle asked John if he was interested in taking it on. 17 trips between Scotland and Whixley and the deal was done, and the journey to begin the business that it is today, had begun. For John, looking back today, he recognises the effort that has been put in to build the business and for him one of the proudest moments is the fact that it provided an opportunity for his three sons to join the business and to work together building it. “I worked with my kids and that was fantastic,” adds John, “but they had to work for the benefits and make a real contribution, which they did, and over time they took on more and more of the responsibility too,” adds John. Graham, one of John’s sons adds that “I learnt a lot from my Dad and he led by example, as we do now, doing it the family way. There was no ‘big stick’ and there was no pressure to join the business, but it is in the blood and part of the ‘working the land mentality’ that we have as a family. We have never had a family fall-out, and every decision has always been made by consensus.” As a family they grew up on the nursery, in the house that was previously owned by Mr Johnson. As John explains, “he built another home next door which my brother now lives in. When we took on the nursery and bought the business we took out a loan to help pay for it and at the time there was £2,000 left to pay with two years to go. Mr Johnson and his wife, both veterans of World War I, were so pleased with the way that we had taken on and run the business, feeling that it was in safe hands to such an extent that they wrote off the balance of the loan.” The family business has grown from an 11 acre site with 11 staff and a turnover of around £30,500 to what it is today, 200 acres, multiple sites, turnover of around £17 million and a full time staff of 130 with a further 50/60 added to cope with seasonal pressures. The business has grown under the Richardsons and there are now seven of the third generation actively involved in the business. As John explains, “My great satisfaction is that the family have become so engaged in the business and are taking it forward, something that gives me so much pleasure and pride, knowing that it is continuing into the next generation. Graham has developed the business elements of the company, whilst Andrew concentrated on sales and promotion, and Iain controlled physical expansion and production.” As Graham adds, “It is fantastic for us to be working together, each and every day, coming together as a family, as one, and building on the legacy that has been created by our parents. It is a pleasure to be taking it forward and continuing to build something for the future with an engaged family, core values, and a great team of staff too.” John is the first to admit that the business has changed a lot since he acquired it back in 1964. “So much has changed and yet so much remains the same. The way things are grown and the need for sustainability is high on the agenda but the passion that we have as a family to continue to invest in the business is still evident for all to see. We work together as one and continue to invest in the future of the business and I am truly proud of the business that we have created today, and delighted that it is passing safely into the hands of the next generation.” Johnsons of Whixley continues to grow and develop new routes to market. As Graham concludes, “We are proud of the business and our family values that shape our growth. We are also proud of our low staff turnover and ability to identify, recruit and develop staff members who go on to give 20, 30 or even more than 40 years’ service, and endeavour to recognise and reward long service.” This is a great family business, a great ambassador for Yorkshire and a business that is proud of its’ heritage, the plans for the future, and one that continues to successfully build on the entrepreneurial spirit of the generations that have gone before. We look forward to seeing their continued growth and development in the years to come.