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Wales’s next government must put the country’s 200,000 small businesses at the heart of its strategy in order to protect jobs, communities and the Welsh economy, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned. It comes as the UK’s largest small business group launches its Senedd election manifesto ahead of the hotly-contested May elections, which will decide who runs Wales for the next five years. The manifesto sets out how tackling rising costs, regulatory burdens, skills shortages and the decline of the high street could unlock Wales’s small business potential. FSB Wales is now calling on all parties to make the 2026-2031 Senedd term the Small Business Term, as new research reveals that 65 per cent of Welsh business owners say passion, not profit, is their main motivation for running a business. The manifesto is built around five pillars: Putting Small Businesses at the Heart of Government  - Introducing a new Economic Development (Wales) Bill as well as a fresh economic strategy, and creating a dedicated agency to make sure SMEs are considered in every government decision. Reducing the Cost of Doing Business  – Reforming business rates, mandating a 30-day payment term on public contracts, cutting red tape by 25 per cent, and better digital support for SMEs. Revitalising High Streets and Communities  – Creating a business rates multiplier for retail, hospitality and leisure, more funding for town centres, taking action on anti-social behaviour and creating a Planning Act to revive high streets. Real World Productivity  - Bigger infrastructure investment, better access to finance, creating a Minister for Digitalisation and establishing a new Net Zero Business Wales scheme to increase efficiency and sustainability. Successful People  - Building a start-up strategy, increasing apprenticeship funding, creating a leadership development and creating an employment incentive to address skills mismatches and build resilient workforces. John Hurst, Chair of FSB Wales, said: “This is a manifesto for small business by small business. We must put small business at the very heart of the next Welsh Government, rejuvenate our high streets, enable businesses to thrive, reduce costs and support the wider workforce." “From an innovative Economic Development Bill for small business growth to targeted rates relief and making sure businesses can get the skills they need, our proposals will empower SMEs to overcome barriers and thrive." “As we approach the 2026 Senedd election, we urge all political parties to adopt these measures to unlock Wales's entrepreneurial potential for resilient communities and a prosperous future." “Our members across Wales have created this manifesto and it is a direct reflection of their current situation and challenges and also highlights what is needed for them to continue to support the communities in which they operate, and the wider Welsh economy.” About FSB FSB is a non-profit, non-party-political grassroots business organisation that provides its members with a wide range of vital business services. These include advice, financial expertise, legal support and a powerful voice heard in Government for over 50 years.

Gebrüder Weiss, the world's oldest logistics company and a global provider of full-service transportation and supply chain solutions, announced the rollout of its Turvo-powered less-than-truckload (LTL) service across North America following a successful pilot program in 2025. The expanded LTL solution is powered by the Turvo Collaboration Cloud, a shared platform connecting shippers, carriers, and internal teams in a single operating environment. The platform supports real-time shipment visibility, streamlined execution, and improved coordination across the LTL lifecycle, enabling faster decision-making and more consistent outcomes.   Kate Leatherbury, director of North American LTL solutions at Gebrüder Weiss said: "LTL is a critical and growing part of our customers' supply chains, and the results of the pilot reinforced the need to scale these capabilities across our network. Expanding this capability allows us to better support complex shipments while improving efficiency for our customers." During the pilot phase, Gebrüder Weiss used Turvo to simplify LTL rating, booking, tracking and document management while reducing manual touchpoints and improving collaboration among internal teams, carriers, and customers. Shippers can select preferred carriers and access real-time shipment updates through a centralized interface. Pushkar Deshpande, SVP of Product at Turvo said: “This is a great example of how Turvo enables logistics providers to scale LTL while delivering service excellence through simplified execution, increased visibility, and seamless collaboration. We continue to invest in enhancing LTL capabilities on Turvo, and I am excited about the measurable outcomes Gebrüder Weis has seen from leveraging our technology.” The expanded LTL solution builds on Gebrüder Weiss' long-term strategy to invest in digital tools that enhance service reliability, scalability, and customer experience across its North American network. Mark McCullough, CEO of Gebrüder Weiss North America said: "Our approach is to combine advanced technology with the high-touch service our customers expect. Turvo helps us deliver greater operational consistency while maintaining close customer relationships." The Turvo-powered LTL service is now available to Gebrüder Weiss customers throughout North America and complements the company's existing portfolio of overland, air, ocean, and logistics services.

The UK Agri-Tech Centre has announced new access to fast-track support for UK agri-tech start-ups and scale-ups as it sets out its priorities and focus to accelerate their commercial success. At a reception at the House of Lords on 3 February 2026, incoming CEO Steve McLean, who joins the UK Agri-Tech Centre from his position as Marks & Spencer’s Head of Agriculture & Fisheries Sourcing, outlined plans to build a vibrant UK agri-tech sector that boosts agricultural resilience and sustainability. The move will provide critical de-risking for investors by ensuring technologies are market-ready, fit for purpose and commercially viable. The UK Agri-Tech Centre will deliver this through access to resources that allow ventures to test, validate and demonstrate their ideas, proof-of-concept, and return on investment in real-world commercial and farming environments. By brokering strong industry and supply chain connections focused on driving adoption at scale, the UK Agri-Tech Centre helps bring the best of UK agri-tech innovation to commercial application. Steve McLean, CEO, UK Agri-Tech Centre comments: “As we enter a new technological era driven by data, automation, robotics and AI, the agri-tech sector is poised for growth. The recognition of agri-tech as a Frontier Sector in the Government’s 10-year Modern Industrial Strategy elevates its importance across the economy, and sets our context and our purpose." “Our goal is clear: to make the UK one of the world’s most successful environments for agri-tech innovation, attracting and growing the most capable, impactful ventures." “We will support the agri-tech sector in achieving its full potential by accelerating the commercialisation and scale-up of UK agri-tech ventures, by enabling access to advice, connection and capabilities. Our role in supporting agri-tech ventures on their growth path will support them in achieving commercial success with viable businesses." “Combining my commercial background from one of the UK’s largest retailers with experience from across the entire agri value chain consolidates our strategic position in supporting ventures in this high potential sector.” The UK Agri-Tech Centre has, to date, supported more than 300 agri-tech businesses across the UK with a clear plan to provide business support, test, trial and demonstration capabilities, and wider agri-tech sector support to address barriers to innovation, investment challenges and scaling internationally. This support will focus on priority technologies in the Government’s 10-year Modern Industrial Strategy: robotics and automation; advanced sensors; data and AI; controlled environment agriculture and engineering biology. The House of Lords reception is a highlight of the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s Growth Week, designed to help agri-tech ventures tackle barriers to growth, and showcase the success stories of the businesses supported by the UK Agri-Tech Centre. Exciting opportunities for agri-tech ventures launching in February include an Agri-Tech Solution Sprint – which is focused on providing one-to-one support to overcome technical and commercial challenges, and a Global Growth Accelerator – helping UK ventures scale by validating their technology in international markets, starting with New Zealand. For more information visit UK Agri-Tech Centre. Photo: (L-R) Ellie Abbiss, Events Officer, Grace O'Gorman, External Affairs Director, Steve McLean, CEO, Helen Brookes, Engagement Director, and Paige Boardman, National Exhibition and Events Manager at the House of Lords during Growth Week.

Waitrose has announced that it has completed its acquisition of the freehold of Hersham Green Shopping Centre in Surrey. This secures the future of the much-loved Hersham Waitrose, which has been an integral part of the shopping centre and local community for twenty years. As the new owner of the 54,000 sq. ft. centre, Waitrose will also become the landlord for the 16 additional retail units on site, while continuing to provide essential parking for the shopping centre and wider village. Branch Manager, Barry Spencer, said: “We are pleased to have secured the future of our Hersham store. This acquisition reflects our long-term commitment to the town and provides certainty for our customers and our Partners, who work hard to serve the local community. We have been part of Hersham for two decades, and we look forward to playing a role in the town’s continued success for many years to come.” The 27,000 sq. ft. Waitrose store is a key hub for the village, offering full-service meat, fish, and deli counters, a Sushi Daily counter and a dedicated John Lewis Click & Collect point. The shop also provides home delivery services via Deliveroo, Just Eat and UberEats. Beyond retail, the branch remains active in local outreach. Through the Waitrose Community Matters programme, the store donates £12,000 annually to local causes. In January, customers voted to support Sight For Surrey, Walton Stroke Club and Elmbridge Eco Hub. The store also maintains a surplus food partnership with FareShare and the Trussell Trust and provides work experience opportunities for local students. Nationwide Investment The acquisition represents a strategic commitment to securing Waitrose’s physical presence in key locations. This complements a wider £1bn, multi-year investment in the Waitrose estate which saw 23 shops transformed in 2025 - including nearby Weybridge and Oxted. This continues into 2026, and includes the multi-million-pound transformation of Waitrose Haslemere, which reopens on 5 March.

A partner at UK top 10 accountancy firm Azets has been appointed to look after the finances of the organisation that runs Kent County Agricultural Society. Ashford-based Hayley Kingsnorth is the new voluntary honorary finance director of Kent County Agricultural Society (KCAS). Hayley, who joined Azets in May 2019 and has more than 20 years’ experience working with owner managed businesses, specialises in rural businesses and the agricultural sector. Her new role was confirmed at the KCAS annual meeting in February. She steps into the shoes of the much-missed Hugh Summerfield, who served as a board member and honorary finance director for eight years before his death last September. Hayley said: “I hope to honour Hugh’s memory by continuing his important work in ensuring KCAS’s financial strength, supporting our charity objectives and securing the future of our organisation." “KCAS is a hugely important organisation in our rural county, and I will do my utmost on behalf of all members and supporters as we look to protect the agriculture sector.” Hayley’s portfolio at the Ashford office of Azets, the UK’s specialist business advisor to SMEs, includes a number of growing small businesses across many sectors, including rural and property, supporting entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses looking to grow. She is particularly passionate about helping rural businesses, offering tailored advice to help them navigate unique challenges such as diversification, succession planning, and adapting to regulatory changes. KCAS Chairman, fifth-generation East Kent farmer Matthew Cullen, welcomed Hayley to her new role. He said: “Hayley’s vast experience in supporting family-owned businesses in Kent’s agricultural sector is the perfect background for this post. She is entrusted with ensuring that not only do our finances remain on an even keel, but that income from our brands and events helps us to deliver our vital charitable objectives.” The team at Azets ’ Ashford office, at Dover Place in the town’s Commercial Quarter, has extensive experience in all areas of business and personal accounting and tax advice. Working with a diverse range of businesses and specialising in working with rural, education, academies and property and construction businesses, the team’s key priority is providing excellent client service and assisting clients with business growth. The agricultural sector is a key part of the town and is a large contributor to its economy. Kent County Agricultural Society (KCAS) is a registered charity which has been supporting the county’s farming community since 1923. Its aims include the improvement of agriculture, forestry, horticulture, allied industries, rural crafts and the breeding of livestock and the encouragement of agricultural and horticultural education, research, and experimental work. KCAS : stages a number of events, including its popular annual exhibition of food, farming and rural life, the Kent County Show at the Detling Showground, which this year runs from July 3-5. Photo : New role - Ashford-based accountant Hayley Kingsnorth, centre, is welcomed to her new role as honorary finance director of Kent County Agricultural Society by KCAS President Roz Day and Chairman Matthew Cullen

Property consultancy Vail Williams has made two strategic promotions to bolster its building consultancy team as business demand grows. Partner Chris Davies has been named as the firm’s national head of building consultancy and Holly Vos has been promoted to partner. Chris takes over from experienced partner Jeremy Firth who headed the discipline for six years and remains with the firm as an integral part of the building consultancy team. Chris leads a team of more than 20 experienced chartered building surveyors and project managers across the UK supporting clients from pre-acquisition surveys to the end of occupation or disposal – and everything in between. Based in the firm’s South Coast region, Chris has 30 years’ experience as a chartered building surveyor and specialises in the provision of building and project consultancy services. He advises a range of corporate and private clients across all aspects of commercial building surveying and project delivery, representing landlords, tenants, investors and developers. Chris also has experience working with public sector clients including local and central government and higher education. He worked on several multi-million-pound commercial schemes in the UK and overseas, ranging from the refurbishment of heritage buildings to the new build of commercial and industrial buildings. Chris said: “I am excited and humbled to be taking over from Jeremy, who is a hard act to follow – and will be doing my utmost to ensure that the firm’s renowned second-to-none customer service is maintained and exceeded." “My strong background in professional building surveying work on the client and consultancy side, as well as previously managing my own businesses, has given me significant commercial and business administration skills which I intend to continue to put to good use." “At Vail Williams I have highly skilled and dedicated building consultancy colleagues who routinely go the extra mile for clients. It is a personal honour to be leading such an excellent team.” Holly Vos, who joined Vail Williams in 2021 after working for major consultancy firms in the City, leads the building consultancy team in Surrey. A chartered building surveyor, she is experienced in providing building consultancy services to investors, landlords and occupiers of commercial property, including offices, bank branches industrial and retail units. Based in Woking, she is experienced in providing pre-acquisition advice to purchasers and also specialises in strategic dilapidations advice and the negotiation of financial settlements for both occupiers and landlords. Holly said: “I am thrilled to have been promoted. My role is to lead the Surrey team in genuinely adding value for our existing and future clients across the whole range of building consultancy services.” Vail Williams managing partner Danny George said: “Chris is an excellent addition to our senior management team. He is renowned for strategic thinking and for building trusted relationships with clients by providing honest straightforward advice in a timely manner." “His experience in growing and managing building surveying teams has not only provided a great sense of achievement and satisfaction over the years but has also allowed him to support those entering into the profession." “He has a big role to play in our future as we continue to expand our building consultancy offering and increase market share across the regions." “Holly’s promotion is well deserved. She is adaptable and able to apply her skills and previous experience to individual client requirements across a variety of asset types, taking pride in always being open and honest with client, building working partnerships which stand the test of time.” Vail Williams has also announced two other promotions. Natalie Furtado (agency, Surrey) has been promoted to Surveyor Level 3 and Freddie Worth (valuation/agency/occupier advisory, London) has been made surveyor level 2. The firm’s 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 : New Roles - Chris Davies, right, and Holly Vos have both been promoted by property consultancy Vail Williams as the firm continues to grow its building consultancy offering

One of the UK’s fastest growing suppliers of architectural and sustainable tiles is celebrating a record twelve months, with news of a major showroom upgrade on the way. Solus, which was founded by Peter Bentley in the family home in 1995, has seen sales soar from £16m in 2021 to £26m last year, with high profile projects currently being completed at Kensington Olympia and Finsbury Dials. The company’s commitment to ‘people’, ‘product’ and ‘planet’ has seen it develop an international network of trusted suppliers that provide unique ranges of sustainable tiles for architects, designers, commercial contracts and retail. With strong growth seen across its satellite showrooms in London and Manchester, the company is also nearing completion of a significant upgrade to its Birmingham HQ and showroom on Warwick Road in Birmingham. CEO Marcus Bentley, who is the son of founder Peter commented: “Last year was our 30th birthday and it gave us the perfect opportunity to celebrate what we’ve achieved in that time and, importantly, how we want to move forward over the next decade." “We’ve been based at our HQ in Tyseley since 2008 and felt it was the right time to press the button on a complete transformation of the showroom, creating a unique space that will appeal to the residential market, as well as being a fantastic hub for architects and the design community.” He continued: “The layout has been carefully designed to deliver a clean, intuitive, and enjoyable customer journey. Thoughtful features, such as slab walls, cross-section displays, a free sample wall, and a fast quotation service, make it easy for clients to explore options and make confident decisions." “We’re just putting the finishing touches to the ambitious project and will look at holding a special launch event in early March.” Solus, which holds the Investors in People Gold’ standard, has built its success on strategic partnerships with leading factories and collaborations with top architects, designers and developers. Its current portfolio of high-quality tiles spans more than 300 different ranges, including LoopCrete and LoopStone (both incorporating 63% of pre and post-consumer recycled content) and its recently launched ‘carbon zero’ Caldera and Masso. Since 2019, the company has supplied over 2.5million sq metres of tiles and has been involved in prestigious locations with Porsche, Five Guys, BMW and Aston Villa Football Club. Sam Frith, Creative Director at Solus, went on to add: “In the retail space and certainly in the West Midlands, we are probably the home improvement market’s best-kept secret." “Our reputation is strong with architects, designers and big corporate specifiers and we can bring that same quality, attention to detail, innovation and customer service to the local public." “The new HQ and showroom will display a carefully curated product range that blends exceptional quality with accessibility across all budgets. And this will be reinforced by our friendly and knowledgeable team that will be on hand to help homeowners choose the ideal tiling solutions for homes and gardens.” For further information, please visit here . Photos: Solus Garden Centre: Solus’ Construct range can create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Ryan and Marcus (Solo): (l-r) Ryan Bennett (Managing Director) with CEO Marcus Bentley.

A rural café and deli in Dumfries and Galloway has strengthened its offering to locals and tourists alike thanks to support from Business Gateway, enabling the business to invest in sustainable infrastructure and continue its growth. OakHill Café & Deli, owned by partners Eshan Owarish and Suzy Johnson, opened in early February 2022 and is located on the A75 on the grounds of Carsluith Castle, a key route connecting England with Northern Ireland, western Scotland and beyond. An artisan hospitality business, the café is known for freshly prepared food, welcoming customer service and a carefully curated deli showcasing high quality local produce. Food lovers with a shared passion for great hospitality, Suzy and Eshan brought together complementary skills to create OakHill Café & Deli. Suzy draws on years of hands-on experience managing a successful pub, restaurant and hotel, while Eshan combines a background in IT transformation with long-standing experience supporting hospitality businesses. Keen to channel their skills into their own venture, the couple set out to create their version of an artisan café and deli experience. After searching extensively across the country, a visit to Carsluith Castle proved to be the turning point, and they knew instantly they had found the perfect place to begin their journey, relocating to Dumfries and Galloway in 2022. OakHill serves breakfasts, lunches, snacks, cakes and treats alongside hot and cold drinks, with a deli offering locally produced meats, cheeses, antipasti, pasta sauces, condiments, shortbread and tablet. The café prides itself on being food inclusive, with an extensive Free From and plant-based offering, ensuring all visitors have genuine choice on the menu. Dogs are welcomed inside and out, making OakHill a popular stop for both travellers and locals. Looking to increase footfall, Eshan identified an opportunity to support the growing number of electric vehicle drivers using the A75. Visitors regularly stopped to ask where they could charge their vehicles, with many highlighting the lack of convenient charging options directly on the route. Although chargers were available in nearby towns and villages, they often required drivers to divert, adding time and inconvenience to their journeys. With support from Business Gateway, OakHill Café & Deli was signposted to routes to funding through the Climate Resilience Programme, which led to securing a £3,000 EV Charger Grant. The installation allows visitors to charge their vehicles while enjoying food and drink and has resulted in increased footfall and sales, establishing OakHill as a trusted stop for EV drivers travelling along the A75. Business Gateway has supported Eshan and his partner Suzy from the early stages of the business, providing dedicated one-to-one adviser support alongside advice on business planning, funding routes, HR, pricing and environmental health. Access to online tools, planning resources and events has also helped shape the growth of the café. The business has recently completed a major refurbishment, upgrading systems, refreshing the décor, installing a new front counter and investing in a specialist coffee machine. True to its family run ethos, family members were drafted in to help with the refurbishment, including creating new homemade Scottish bunting. The couple continue to invest in technology, equipment and efficiencies, while offering apprenticeship opportunities, mentorship and training to staff. Eshan Owarish, Owner of OakHill Café & Deli said: “Business Gateway were there for us from the very beginning, providing invaluable local insights when we were new to the area and helping us shape the business with confidence. Later, their guidance in signposting the Climate Resilience Programme and the EV Charger Grant allowed us to turn a practical idea into something that genuinely benefits our visitors." “The support we’ve received has made a real difference, and as we look ahead, we’ll be seeking their advice again as we explore the next stage, expanding and scaling OakHill while keeping it the welcoming, inclusive place our customers love.” Gail MacGregor, chair of the Business Gateway board, said: “OakHill Café & Deli shows how rural businesses in Dumfries and Galloway can innovate to meet changing customer needs. By identifying a gap in local infrastructure and responding in a sustainable way, Eshan has strengthened his business and enhanced the visitor experience." “Business Gateway is proud to support entrepreneurs with the advice, insight and funding pathways they need to build resilient businesses and create lasting impact in their communities.” To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit here .

Nearly 6,000 high-growth business owners left the UK in just two years between 2024 and 2026, with the greatest proportion working in tech sectors, according to new analysis commissioned by Rathbones, one of the UK’s leading wealth and asset management groups. The findings reflect a marked rise in international mobility among UK business owners and amount to a significant outflow of entrepreneurial talent from the country, underscoring wider concerns about economic competitiveness, tax pressures and the attractiveness of alternative jurisdictions. The analysis of filings at Companies House show that 5,940 business owners left the UK between January 2024 and January 2026. During this time, 3,182 business owners also came into the UK creating a net outflow of 2,758. The data also shows that 8,423 companies in total saw a business owner leave the UK, as many business owners work across multiple firms. UAE was the most attractive destination for those leaving the UK, with Spain in second and the US in third. Portugal and France completed the top five. Certain industries were more affected than others by the exodus, with 10% of companies in software, more than three times the number of the next largest sector, property development, followed by marketing. The departures were also skewed geographically, with nearly half (46%) leaving London and 14% from the South-East, the next highest proportion. While the UAE, Spain and the US were attractive destinations, the analysis showed, the UK saw its strongest inward mobility from Hong Kong, Pakistan and France, followed closely by the US; Hong Kong, Pakistan, Türkiye and China were the only net importers. The data does not show the sectors in which these owners work. Commenting on the research, Michelle White, Head of Private Office at Rathbones Group said: “International mobility among business owners and wealth creators continues to accelerate, and these findings show a clear shift in where UK entrepreneurs choose to base themselves.” “We are talking to more individuals and families – particularly younger business owners – considering relocation in search of better opportunities, more favourable tax environments, and more optimism about long-term growth prospects. While the UK remains a strong global centre, these trends highlight the importance of ensuring that our economy, talent pathways and tax system remain internationally competitive.” These macro trends are mirrored in the experiences of internationally mobile individuals and families seen by Rathbones. One recent example involved a UK born senior professional working at a multinational technology company who relocated from London to New York to take up a global leadership role but still holds UK and international investments managed by Rathbones from the UK. William Luttrell-Hunt, Senior Investment Director who provides discretionary services to US resident clients through Rathbones’ Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) licence, said: “We are seeing more clients, including many Americans, looking to manage their tax, regulation, currency exposure and long-term financial planning across multiple jurisdictions. They include people leaving the US or wanting to manage at least some of their wealth elsewhere.” Earlier this year, coinciding with the opening of the World Economic Forum at Davos, Camilla Stowell, CEO Wealth, warned of the increasing and complex risks facing internationally mobile professionals and business owners. Rathbones has been developing its services to meet rising demand in this area.

Arco, the UK and Ireland’s leading safety experts, has opened a specialist centre to help oil, gas, and renewables sector companies minimise risk and maximise productivity across demanding onshore and offshore operations.   Strategically based in Aberdeen, the new £500,000 centre offers access to Arco’s more than 140 years’ safety experience through best-in-class safety training, face fit testing and respiratory servicing and product decoration services.   The centre also provides offshore kit drops which means any order placed before 3pm can be delivered the same day from its 13,700 sq ft base near Aberdeen airport.   Each week up to 100 kit bags are dispatched from the Aberdeen centre to the North Sea and beyond as Arco supports workers across the globe, including Africa and the Middle East.   The centre’s launch comes after the safety specialists announced in November a 37 per cent rise in pre-exception EBITDA in the past year to £11.4million - a third year of progressive improvement across financial, operational, innovation and service parameters, despite a challenging economic backdrop.   Alex Richards, Arco's  Energy and Export Director, said: “We've been keeping customers in Aberdeen safe for nearly 40 years, and this new centre signifies more than just a move to a new site." "Our £500,000 centre enables access to Arco’s more than 140 years’ safety experience through best-in-class training, respiratory servicing, face fit testing, and same-day offshore kit drops."   “We supply highly certified PPE selected specifically to combat hazards faced offshore, onshore and across complex industrial environments." “Our people are energy sector specialists, with deep understanding of industry regulations, working conditions and operational challenges. That knowledge allows us to provide informed guidance, the right solutions first time, and a level of service customers can rely on." “By keeping people at the centre, and offering products dedicated to the energy industry, we’ve built long-standing partnerships that help protect workers, reduce risk and maximise productivity across Aberdeen’s energy community.”

North West accountancy firm Lamont Pridmore has raised concerns about how prepared family businesses are for succession, retirement and planning future tax liabilities, with many lacking a clear understanding of what their company is worth. Hymans Robertson recently released survey results revealing that 68 per cent of family businesses have only an informal sense of their value. Graham Lamont, Chief Executive at Lamont Pridmore, says this lack of clarity is unsurprising: “It does not surprise me that so many family businesses do not know their true value, given the realities of running a family enterprise, where commercial decisions are often closely tied to personal relationships." “Businesses need to understand what they are worth and who will run them in the longer term, yet those conversations can be difficult to start.” A formal share valuation is often recommended, although the cost can deter some owners, particularly when the process brings wider issues to the surface. “A valuation tends to unravel other questions that need to be addressed at the same time, especially around succession and future ownership." “For instance, is there anyone in the family who can be the successor? Do they actually want the role and are they capable of it? Sometimes you have to assess skills and potentially choose one family member over another, which can be uncomfortable, but the best way to answer these questions is usually by openly talking about the topic with each other at as early an age as possible,” Graham says. “Families can find those discussions hard because they involve both business and personal relationships, and nobody wants to cause a fallout. So instead, they choose to avoid having the conversations in the first place because they think this is the easier route, but this is one of the most common mistakes I see people make." “If you do have concerns about addressing these questions with your family, a trusted adviser can help guide you through those discussions." “A family constitution or charter can be developed which will support these conversations and help family members agree their shared values, vision for the future and the way both the business and the family relationships should be conducted to provide continuity.” Graham explains that misunderstanding the company’s worth can have serious financial consequences, particularly where owners expect a future sale to fund retirement. “Many business owners assume they can rely on selling the company to support their plans, although in a challenging market that may not deliver the value they expect,” he says. “Planning at least five years ahead gives time to develop a strategy, obtain a valuation, strengthen performance and profits if needed and ensure the business is effectively marketed for sale.” Accurate information is even more essential where most family wealth is tied up in the company rather than held personally. “It is impossible to plan properly without clear information,” Graham says. “Owners need to know whether the business is generating enough to support those planning to retire and those continuing to work in it." “They will also need to answer questions such as how shares will be passed to the next generation, how family and non-family members are appointed to the board and what family members who are not involved in the business can expect." “The answers can be documented in a Shareholder Agreement to avoid confusion and future disputes.” When planning for family succession, Graham also encourages clients to consider how to make the transfer of ownership as easy as possible. “Can the next generation afford to fund the transition, and do they have the right skills or experience? These are issues that need to be considered early so they can be addressed where possible." “For instance, if the future successor lacks the experience required to take the reins successfully, they can work outside the business or shadow the current owner to learn first-hand what they will be expected to handle.” Upcoming changes to Inheritance Tax and Business Property Relief are prompting many higher-value businesses to review their position, particularly where company valuations exceed £5 million. “With the Government choosing to raise the threshold for Business Property Relief to £2.5 million each for husband and wife from the originally planned £1 million, some family-owned businesses may find they fall outside the changes, although higher value firms still need to plan carefully around Inheritance Tax and succession,” Graham says. Decisions such as gifting shares can reduce Inheritance Tax if the owner survives seven years, although this may transfer a pregnant Capital Gains Tax liability to the next generation. “It is important to look at taxes together because they affect one another. An accurate valuation is needed to understand the overall position,” says Graham. A lack of clarity can create serious difficulties if a business owner dies unexpectedly, leaving uncertainty around both tax exposure and the company’s ability to continue supporting family members and employees. Graham shared that enquiries from business owners concerned about Inheritance Tax have significantly increased at his firm. He encourages all family business owners to obtain an accurate valuation and plan early to gain more control over what happens next. “Valuations should be reviewed whenever significant changes are being considered, including restructuring, redistributing shares or preparing for retirement, as well as when trading conditions shift materially in either direction." “Without early planning, some businesses risk having to sell assets or even the company itself to meet unexpected tax liabilities.” Lamont Pridmore is family run firm and offers a full range of accounting, tax, and business advisory services from its offices in Barrow, Carlisle, Carnforth, Kendal, Keswick, Penrith, Whitehaven, and Workington. For more information about the firm, please visit here .

The rugged landscapes of Northern England are the focal point of a new art exhibition in the latest gallery display at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa.   The Spring 2026 ‘Art in the Atrium’ exhibition at the spa resort near Windermere is celebrating the work of two renowned artists with close connections to the Craven district of North Yorkshire.   The gallery is featuring Katharine Holmes, who currently works from her studio at the Malham cottage where her mother and grandmother lived and painted before her, and Anna Adams, whose watercolour paintings of Ribblesdale, as well as her ceramics and poetry, won widespread acclaim.   Working with Lancaster based Gavagan Art, English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues has developed the ‘Art in the Atrium’ gallery at Low Wood Bay into a quarterly exhibition which is introducing an array of contemporary and historic fine art to new audiences.   Katharine, who paints outside in all weathers, is best known for her paintings and drawings of her native Yorkshire landscape. One of her most prominent exhibitions was ‘A Malham Family of Painters’ in conjunction with Leeds University and her work is found in many private and corporate collections too.   The distinctive limestone environment around Malham Cove and Gordale Scar feature in many of Katharine’s paintings. Her large oil painting, ‘Limestone and Rain’ forms the centrepiece of the latest exhibition.   As part of the gallery’s ceramics showcase section, a host of ceramics, small scale paintings and a selection of Anna Adam’s poetry books will also be on display. Anna and her husband, the painter Norman Adams RA, made a farmhouse close to Pen-y-ghent in the Yorkshire Dales their main base from the mid-1950s.   Executive chairman at English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues Simon Berry says: “This is already the eighth independent, free and open art exhibition that we have put on here in the atrium at Low Wood Bay in the last two years. They continue to prove highly popular with both guests and visitors." “Just like the spectacular landscapes of the Lake District, the dales have their own distinctive limestone formations, rolling hills and valleys which have inspired and attracted artists such as Katharine and Anna for hundreds of years. It’s a pleasure to be able to put their works on display here for more people to see and to learn about the artists and their careers.”   Mary Gavagan from Gavagan Art adds: “There is much to see and marvel at with Katharine and Anna’s work exhibited in the latest gallery at Low Wood Bay." “It is a pleasure to present Katharine’s work to a new audience. She is fascinated by the effects of light and her paintings are as much about atmosphere as they are about the physical features of the landscape.   “She works in a range of media from ink, watercolour and gouache on paper to oil or acrylic on canvas. And alongside her Yorkshire works, the exhibition includes drawings and paintings of other locations around Britain. “Anna’s sensitive figurative works in clay, especially her ceramic birds, are a striking example of her ability to capture the essence of the world around her. The display includes birds, animals and examples of her watercolour paintings and prints.“ Having graduated from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Katharine returned to live and work in the Yorkshire Dales in 1990. Beyond home and the familiar landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales, she loves to paint and portray the wilder fringes of Britain and Ireland, especially the Scottish highlands and isles and South West Cornwall.   Anna Adams (1926-2011) was educated at Harrow Art School and Hornsey College of Art. She worked as a designer, a freelance artist and an art teacher before devoting her creative energies to writing prose and verse in the 1960s.   Anna’s first poem was printed in 1969 and Peterloo Press published her first book, A Reply to Intercepted Mail, in 1979 as part of its Peterloo Poets series. Anna was poetry editor of The Green Book from 1989 to 1992, and also a member of the Poetry Society and the Piccadilly Poets Committee.   Anna published a number of books with her husband Norman, including ‘Life on Limestone: A year in the Yorkshire Dales’, featuring her writing along with his watercolours. An earlier publication was Island Chapters, documenting their visits to the island of Scarp in the Outer Hebrides.   The latest exhibition in the ‘Art in the Atrium’ gallery at Low Wood Bay runs until late May. For further information, visit here .