A young entrepreneur from Coatbridge and his dad have attracted 3,000 customers in their first two months of trading after they opened a new mobile food business in September. The pair accessed expert start-up advice and support from Business Gateway to help get their business off the ground. Specksy’s Spuds, founded by Reece Muir and his dad Matthew in September 2025, serves up freshly prepared loaded baked potatoes from their fully equipped food van, with toppings including butter chicken, macaroni cheese, steak and garlic chilli chicken. Reece previously worked in sales and is also a musician and Matthew had previously worked in garages. Based in North Lanarkshire, the business aims to bring hearty, home-style comfort food to local communities and events, with a focus on quality ingredients and friendly service. The van travels to a variety of different locations across North Lanarkshire and has not yet been to the same location twice. Since launching, Specksy’s Spuds has already gained positive feedback from customers and is planning to expand its presence at local markets, community events and festivals across the region. The business currently operates three days a week and the pair sell out the van most days. Reece is also focussed on promoting the business on social media, sharing videos of the menu, any specials, customer feedback and behind the scenes. His main inspiration is Spud Bros in Preston, which has seen great success on social media. Reece, 25, had a clear idea for his business but wasn’t sure where to start. He made use of Business Gateway’s Planning to Start tool, which helped him identify the key steps needed to launch successfully and connected him with business adviser, Iona Collings, who helped him turn his idea into a reality. Through Business Gateway, Reece received tailored start-up support including advice on writing a business plan, financial forecasting, registering his food business and ensuring food safety compliance. He also learned about the licences and regulations required for running a mobile food operation. Reece and his dad also attended Business Gateway Lanarkshire’s in-person Start-Up Bootcamp, which gave them a solid understanding of how to plan, manage and promote their business effectively. Reece Muir, co-founder of Specksy’s Spuds, said: “I had the idea for Specksy’s Spuds for a while but didn’t know where to begin. Business Gateway really helped me break everything down into clear, manageable steps. From building a business plan to sorting out all the licences and safety checks, Iona guided me through every part of the process." "The Start-Up Bootcamp was also brilliant - I found out so much useful information that’s helped me get the business off the ground. It’s been amazing to welcome so many customers and I can’t believe the response we’ve had. I can’t wait to see where it goes next.” Iona Collings, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Reece has been fantastic to work with. He came to us with a great idea and the enthusiasm to make it happen. By engaging fully with the support on offer and putting in the work, he’s been able to turn his vision into a real business. It’s always inspiring to see young people in Lanarkshire taking the leap into starting a business and Specksy’s Spuds is a brilliant example of that.”

Celebrated commercial painting and decorating contractor Bagnalls – who are based in Cleckheaton and have office across Yorkshire - has enjoyed further awards success at the 22nd Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025 regional heats. The company has been named Yorkshire and the Humber winner of The Aptem Equality Diversity and Inclusion – Employer of the Year Award 2025. A great accolade for Bagnalls, this award champions businesses that truly embody the spirit of social justice and enable social mobility. It recognises company efforts to support those who are disadvantaged or under-represented, providing them with a positive environment, within which they can achieve. Apprenticeship accessibility is vital in this space, with recent ONS statistics highlighting a particular skills gap of 100,000+ vacancies in the construction, manufacturing and electricity industries in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Of those apprentices starting their course with Bagnalls in 2024, 62% were aged 16-18. However, recent surveys reveal that a huge 60% of young people feel that entry-level jobs are not inclusive of junior-level skills and are designed to keep them out of the job market. This is especially true for young women, who also face a lack of role models within the sector, with women making up just 4% of the painting and decorating industry. Bagnalls is making great strides in this area, with an impressive 29% of their 2024 apprentice intake identifying as female. Bagnalls’ Leeds branch team is currently 22% women, a particularly significant split when compared to the industry average. This is largely due to young women joining the Bagnalls apprenticeship programme and choosing to remain with the company as their careers progress. It’s clear that Bagnalls is leading the charge as more women begin to access apprenticeships within this male-dominated industry, but work still needs to be done in order to balance the gender split. In 2024, almost 30% of Bagnalls apprentices also qualified for free school meals (FSM), highlighting an ambition amongst those from a low-income background to begin realising their earning potential straight away. Again, this intake level outstrips the national average of pupils eligible for FSM, which currently stands at 25.7%, with many of those in receipt of FSM less likely to have secure employment upon leaving school. This highlights Bagnalls’ ability to increase accessibility and financial security, in terms of encouraging apprenticeship applications from a range of economic backgrounds. Ensuring more of a focus on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and opening up opportunities for young people can only lead to further positive outcomes. Offering accessible apprenticeships that don’t require high-level knowledge or skills, are open to talent from all backgrounds and range of qualification levels, and allow apprentices to ‘earn while they learn’ is vital. Bagnalls’ apprenticeship scheme does just this, offering inclusive opportunities and going on to produce highly skilled and successful apprentices, many of whom have won awards and gone on to fulfil high-value vacancies. The company has plenty of experience in this area – having recently celebrated its 150th anniversary, Bagnalls has been training apprentices since 1877. The traditional painting and decorating apprenticeship available during the company’s earlier years has since evolved into a truly modern offering that incorporates IT skills, an understanding of the importance of sustainability and more. The national painting and decorating contractor is also passionate about making the recruitment process as simple as possible for those applying for their first jobs. Many of the company’s apprentices are school leavers, stepping from the world of education, straight into their apprenticeship. This allows them to begin earning straight away, while also providing them with the training and support of an apprenticeship. Bagnalls’ Group People Director, Ellie Jobes, had this to say about the win: “This regional award is a fantastic honour for Bagnalls. EDI is a key focus for our business, so to have our efforts in this field recognised is brilliant." “We’re thrilled that this recognition is linked to our apprenticeship scheme. Bagnalls is very proud of our Apprentice Academy in Doncaster and our ability to help train the next generation of talent. It’s great to see enthusiastic young talent come through our doors every year and push themselves to be the best they can be." “A huge thank you to the Apprenticeship and Skills Awards regional judging panel for selecting Bagnalls and to Aptem for sponsoring this wonderful award.” The national painting and decorating contractor hopes to continue championing apprentices via its award-winning apprenticeship scheme, ensuring that young talent is identified, nurtured and given the opportunity to succeed within the world of work. Bagnalls will now progress to the final of the Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025 to compete for the national title in November.

Businesses across the Solent region have the opportunity to spell out exactly what sort of support – including grants – they require to drive growth. Solent Freeport is staging a series of five sector focus groups next month with businesses across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight invited to take part. The two-hour facilitated sessions will be held at the Hilton Utilita Bowl in Southampton, looking at skills, international trade, innovation, decarbonisation and business growth. Each session will focus on a key sector in the Solent region – space, maritime, defence, life sciences and clean energy. The sessions will be facilitated by specialist organisations, including Innovate UK and Maritime UK Solent, and also Professor Doug Liddle, the Chair of UK Space. Brian Johnson, chair of Solent Freeport, said: “As an organisation dedicated to driving growth and prosperity across the region, it is imperative that we know what tailored support would be most beneficial to our businesses." “These sessions will help us deliver that support where it is needed most and in the form that is the most beneficial to accelerate innovation and growth and encourage investment. This could well be in the form of grants, so we need to know what level of grant schemes would be desired and what types of activity would that funding most benefit." “It may be that businesses are interesting in starting or expanding existing exporting journeys and need support to execute their plans. Our specialists have vast experience in the sector and can help open pathways towards international partnerships.” The sessions for particular sectors are running on these dates Tuesday 11 November, 10am-12pm – LIFE SCIENCES Tuesday 11 November, 1pm-3pm – DEFENCE Wednesday 12 November 10am - 12pm – CLEAN ENERGY Tuesday 18 November 10am-12pm – SPACE Tuesday 18 November 1pm-3pm – MARITIME

HMG Paints, the UK's leading independent paint manufacturer, has played a pivotal role in an exciting discovery, confirming that a rare 1935 Aston Martin Mk2 Sports Saloon, chassis F5/585/L, was originally finished in a metallic green polychromatic paint. The finding marks one of the earliest known uses of metallic paint on an Aston Martin and is a significant piece of automotive history.   The discovery was made during a detailed investigation at HMG Paints' Manchester facility, attended by Aston Martin historian Steve Waddingham. The investigation involved a painstaking analysis of original panels from the vehicle, which had been restored. The HMG team, led by Chairman John Falder, included the HMG colour library and Classic vehicle specialists, used a variety of techniques, including film thickness measurements, detailed chemical analysis, and both visual and microscopic inspections.   The team's detailed inspection revealed a paint system consisting of a dark turkey red oxide primer, followed by coats of pale grey primer filler, and finally, several layers of the green topcoat. All layers were identified as a nitrocellulose system. After a thorough analysis of the different paint layers on the car, which included original and re-sprayed areas, the HMG team, in collaboration with Aston Martin historian Steve Waddingham, concluded with certainty that the vehicle's original finish was metallic green. "We were not expecting the polychromatic green to be the original colour, but all the evidence points to that being the case," said John Falder. "These panels are some of the very earliest HMG have ever seen finished in a metallic colour. This clearly would have been a special order when the car was constructed, and in our view, this is an extremely rare and very early use of polychromatic (metallic) paints." The collaboration between HMG Paints and Aston Martin highlights HMG's deep-rooted expertise in paint systems and its ability to provide in-depth historical analysis for classic car restoration. This project showcases HMG's commitment to supporting the preservation of automotive heritage and its role as a trusted expert in the industry.   "It’s really rather exciting!" Falder added. "It was a fascinating day and a surprising result… not what I was expecting to see." The 1935 Aston Martin Mk2 Sports Saloon, which has now been fully restored, was one of the stars of the show at the 74th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California. The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is the flagship of Pebble Beach Automotive Week. Commencing in 1950 and now considered to be the world’s premier celebration of the automobile, this is the ultimate event for every car enthusiast.   During the show experts critique the elegance, technical merit, and history of each car and crowds come from all corners of the globe to see icons of motor history. During this years show the 1935 Aston Martin Mk2 Sports Saloon, chassis F5/585/L was recognised with the Monatagu of Beaulieu trophy, which is awarded to the most significant car of British origin.   This is not the first time HMG have been involved in a project with a vintage Aston Martin. They previously worked with Ecurie Bertelli, the pre-war Aston Martin specialist, for a one-of-a-kind project conserving a 1934 Aston Martin MKII.   The 1934 Aston Martin MKII chassis number 402, affectionately known as “Hedgehog” was preserved using a special stabilising and sealing solution developed by HMG that allowed the Ecurie Bertelli team to seal the worn paint work and prevent further degradation. This unique approach allows 402 to ensure its vintage charm and character remains for years to come with its original paint work.

Girls across Glasgow are getting ready to rock the mic, as they record and release their own music through local initiative Girls Rock Glasgow. Since 2014 the Community Interest Company has supported would-be rock stars aged 8-17 through instrument tuition, band formation, song writing, and workshops on stagecraft. Girls Rock Glasgow offers individuals from low-income communities, and those who have faced other challenges, an opportunity to build self-confidence and learn music in an enjoyable, artistic environment where self-expression is actively encouraged. The classes take place during their nine-day Summer Rock School where up to 50 pupils are supported by a team of musicians, volunteers and mentors. It all comes to a head with a graduation show, where the budding young rockers debut their original music and unleash their inner rock stars on the stage in front of a live audience. Previous students at the rock school have spoken of the impact it has had on them, saying it helped them to learn new things and was a great opportunity to make new friends. Others said the programme was the highlight of their summer and was a safe space where they could be themselves and ‘rock out’. Parents also see an incredible impact on their kids after attending GRG, highlighting an increase in self-esteem, improved confidence, and better handling of mental health challenges. With their children describing being able to be ‘authentic’, parents have even hailed the programme as 'life changing.’ Earlier this year Girls Rock Glasgow moved into its own studio space is expanding its repertoire by launching a participant-led record label. The new setup will allow young musicians to record and release their own tracks, host launch gigs and even tour a community album across the country. In the true spirit of rock and roll, the project hopes to amplify underrepresented voices and open up accessible pathways into the music industry. Still in development, with a hopeful launch date toward the end of 2026, the studio’s progress has received a welcome boost in the form of a £530 donation from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, which will cover the cost of some microphones and an external hard drive – equipment crucial for getting the studio running. Beth Black, Director of Girls Rock Glasgow said: “We're so grateful for this money from Allied Vehicles and we're excited to be able to start setting up our studio to allow our bands to record the amazing tracks that they're writing. Look out, music industry: the Girls Rock Glasgow rockstars are coming!” David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, said: “Girls Rock Glasgow is doing brilliant work making the music industry accessible to young people who might otherwise be excluded. We’re proud to support their new studio and can’t wait to add their first community album to the office playlist.” With the studio development underway, the young starlets of Girls Rock Glasgow are ready to turn their creativity – and their futures – up to 11!

Eastleigh residents will soon be among the first to get behind the wheel of the Geely EX5 the all-electric SUV from new Chinese brand Geely, thanks to Hendy Group opening the first Geely dealership in the city this month on Leigh road. Geely is one of the world’s biggest manufacturers of electric vehicles (EVs) and owns a number of iconic vehicle brands including Polestar and Volvo. The Geely EX5 is a feature-packed C-segment SUV that will be available in three trim levels, beginning with the entry-level SE from just £31,990 OTR. The mid-range ‘Pro’ trim adds Goodyear tyres mounted on 19-inch alloys as standard, while the top-spec ‘Max’ benefits from metallic paint, a power tailgate and panoramic sunroof. Hendy Group will mark the launch of its Geely showroom with an open day for the local community, giving attendees the chance to explore the full line-up and schedule test drives. The opening of the new site has created several new roles, including the recent appointment of a sales advisor. Interested applicants are invited to visit the careers page on Hendy’s website for more information. Paul Hendy, Chief Executive at Hendy Group, commented: “As Geely continues to grow its presence internationally, we see real potential for its product range in our local market. We’re pleased to be bringing the brand to Eastleigh and the Southeast, and look forward to playing a role in its ongoing expansion.” Adam Harkin, Dealer Development Director at Geely said: "We’re proud to partner with Hendy Group, a family-run business with 165 years of heritage, as we bring Geely to the South Coast. The Geely EX5 represents the beginning of our journey to make advanced new energy vehicles accessible to all, combining technology, value, and quality in one exceptional package." "Working with a trusted partner like Hendy enables customers in Exeter, Southampton, and beyond to experience Geely first-hand, as we continue to build a national network." To find out more about the new Geely Eastleigh site, please visit here .

The St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust has donated six specialist jackets to West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team (WCSAR), helping to equip new volunteers with the essential gear they need to respond to emergencies across the region. The jackets, designed to withstand the harshest elements the team often face, will be used by 13 new recruits currently undergoing training with WCSAR. Once qualified, these volunteers will be on call 24/7, 365 days a year, ready to respond to incidents across the TR postcode area. Founded in 2003 as the Cornwall Rescue Group, WCSAR was established to relieve pressure on Devon-based teams. Today, its volunteers range in age from their mid-20s to mid-70s, united by a commitment to helping others in times of crisis. The donation was made possible by the St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust, which has been supporting charities, communities and individuals in need across the South West since 2003. To date, the Trust has raised over £1 million which has benefitted the communities in which St Austell Brewery operates its pubs and two breweries, in Cornwall and near Bath. Piers Thompson, External Affairs Director at St Austell Brewery, said: "We’re proud to support West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team, a charity that plays a critical role in keeping our communities safe. As one of the region’s largest employers, we’re deeply rooted in Cornwall and passionate about supporting causes that make a real difference locally." "These volunteers give their time selflessly, often in dangerous conditions, and we’re pleased to help ensure they have the right equipment to carry out their life-saving work." Andy Brelsford, Chair of West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team, added: "We’re incredibly grateful to St Austell Brewery for their generous donation, which has enabled us to purchase new Mountain Equipment waterproof jackets for our volunteer call-out members. These jackets will make a real difference to our team, ensuring that our volunteers stay warm, dry, and protected while responding to incidents in all weather conditions across Cornwall. Support from local businesses like St Austell Brewery helps us continue to provide a vital service to our community." In 2024 alone, the St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust raised more than £150,000. Recent beneficiaries have included Young Lives vs Cancer, Great Western and Cornwall Air Ambulances, the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust and The Cornwall Bicycle Project CIC. The Trust also provides grants for individuals needing life-enhancing support, including mobility equipment and wheelchairs. Those interested in applying for a grant can do so by visiting: https://staustellbrewery.co.uk/charitable-trust . Photo: St Austell Brewery’s Procurement Manager Laura Murphy (left) presenting the jackets alongside a member of the West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team

Electric vehicles drive growth as EU new car registrations rise 0.9% in 2025; HEVs are the most popular choice for consumers. “New EU car registrations increased by 0.9% compared to the same period last year, marking the third consecutive month of growth and continuing the market’s stabilisation,” said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), commenting on the latest figures released by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) captured 16.1% of the EU market share, representing a 3% increase compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) accounted for 34.7% of new car sales, clearly highlighting consumers’ growing preference for hybrids. Among the four largest EU markets, growth was strong: France (28.8%), Spain (28.1%), Germany (10.6%), and Italy (9.2%) all recorded notable increases in new registrations. In contrast, petrol car registrations declined by 18.7%, while diesel fell by 24.7%, mirroring the continued downward trend also seen in the UK new car market. Sue Robinson added: “It is encouraging to see the European new car market continue its recent momentum, with electric vehicles driving growth across the continent." "While BEV uptake is increasing as in the UK, hybrid vehicles remain the preferred choice for many consumers, albeit still reflecting a gradual but positive transition toward full electrification.”

Family Business United (FBU) has today released the findings of its 2025 Family Business Survey, providing a detailed snapshot of the challenges and priorities currently shaping the UK’s family business landscape. Conducted in July 2025, the survey canvassed opinions from family firms of all sizes and sectors across the UK, revealing a community that continues to demonstrate resilience but faces mounting pressure from a complex and uncertain trading environment. When asked to identify the key challenges currently facing their businesses — the issues that together define the prevailing UK family business agenda — respondents highlighted a broad range of economic, operational, and generational concerns. The top-ranked challenges for 2025 are: The economic climate – 68% Government regulation, red tape and legislation – 60% Taxation – 53% Inflation and rising costs – 42% Profitability – 36% Succession planning – 27% Survival of the business – 24% Recruiting, retaining and motivating staff – 23% Global political uncertainty – 19% The next generation – 18% Preserving wealth and creating a legacy – 17% Cyber security – 16% These findings follow a key headline from the same survey showing that 70% of respondents feel less optimistic about their business prospects compared to last year, reflecting the wider challenges facing family firms in the current political and economic climate. Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, commented: “Family businesses are the backbone of the UK economy — deeply rooted in their communities, creating jobs, and driving innovation. However, the 2025 survey clearly illustrates the scale of the pressures they are currently under." "From navigating an unpredictable economic climate and increased regulation to dealing with taxation, inflation, and rising costs, it’s no surprise that confidence levels have dipped this year.” "It is also worrying to see that just under a quarter of family business leaders across the UK have expressed concern over the actual survival of their business and a third concerned over profitability. This should be of significant concern to policy makers as it reflects the deep levels of uncertainty within the family business community at present." “Despite these challenges, we know that family businesses are determined and resilient and will do their utmost to survive by adapting and evolving, although this detracts them from working on long term plans for growth and sustainability. Issues such as succession planning, staff engagement, and legacy preservation remain central to their long-term vision. These are businesses that think beyond the next quarter — they think in generations — and that long-term mindset continues to be one of their greatest strengths but this needs to be understood by those making decisions that at present are seeing significant and difficult decisions being made that are essential for the long term survival of many family firms across the UK." The results also suggest that while economic and regulatory challenges dominate the short-term agenda, strategic family issues such as next-generation involvement, succession, and wealth preservation continue to feature prominently, highlighting the unique dynamics that distinguish family businesses from their non-family counterparts. Andrews added: “Understanding the evolving family business agenda is vital." "It helps inform policymakers, advisers and stakeholders so that support and policy frameworks can be better aligned to the realities that family firms face day-to-day. Family businesses want to thrive, but they need an environment that enables them to do so.” The full 2025 Family Business Survey Report will be published shortly.

The results of the 2025 Family Business Survey, compiled by Family Business United (FBU) and conducted in July 2025, reveal overwhelming dissatisfaction among the UK’s family business community with the level of government support for the sector. When asked whether they felt the government was doing enough to support family businesses, a resounding 92% of respondents said no — a clear signal of growing frustration within a sector that forms the backbone of the UK economy. Respondents were also asked what single policy amendment or change they would most like to see to better support family enterprises. The most frequently mentioned areas were Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), with many expressing deep concern about recent and proposed changes to inheritance tax, national insurance increases, VAT on school fees, and the ongoing impact of business rates. One respondent commented: “Reconsider the punitive BPR changes which will damage family businesses that have healthy balance sheets, built up over decades, with limited liquid assets where the intention was passing on a viable business to the next generation.” This sentiment was echoed by another who added: “Look at BPR, which seriously undermines family business plans and the ability of family firms to invest more for the future, employ more people with confidence and support local communities. A longer-term outlook has shifted to short-term with less investment as a result.” A third respondent urged policymakers to take a more informed and empathetic approach: “We need those in power making decisions to really understand the way that family firms operate — their long-term vision and desire to do business the right way, creating growth and opportunities across the country." "Too many increases are causing difficult conversations in family business boardrooms across the country, and there will undoubtedly be casualties as a result of the increasing costs and taxes being applied to these businesses.” Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, said: “These results are deeply concerning. Family businesses are the lifeblood of communities across the UK — they provide jobs, reinvest profits locally, and take a long-term view on sustainability and growth. Yet the message from this year’s survey is crystal clear: many feel ignored and increasingly burdened by government policy.” “The strength of family businesses lies in their values, resilience, and commitment to doing business the right way — but these qualities can only go so far when faced with mounting tax pressures and constant policy uncertainty." "The government needs to recognise the unique contribution that family firms make and ensure that tax and regulatory frameworks support, rather than hinder, their ability to invest, grow, and plan for the next generation.” The findings on government support follow other data from the 2025 Family Business Survey, which also revealed that 70% of family business owners feel less optimistic about their business prospects than last year, underlining the difficult environment the sector continues to navigate.

The results of the 2025 Family Business Survey, compiled by Family Business United (FBU) and conducted in July 2025, reveal that confidence and growth expectations within the UK family business sector have weakened, as firms also prepare for a major generational handover of leadership. According to the latest findings, only 41% of family business leaders expect their businesses to grow over the next 12 months, reflecting the challenges posed by the current political and economic climate. This cautious outlook aligns with wider concerns expressed across the sector in this year’s survey, which highlighted the pressures of regulation, taxation, and market uncertainty on business performance and planning. The survey also indicates a significant period of transition ahead for the family business community. 43% of respondents are planning a leadership transition within the next five years, as the older generation of leaders begin to step back and retire from their day-to-day roles. Encouragingly, 51% of businesses expect the next leader to be a family member, underlining the continued importance of family values and succession within the sector. For many, the sense of continuity remains strong. 82% of current leaders see themselves primarily as custodians or stewards of their business, focused on protecting the family legacy and ensuring the business is passed to future generations in a stronger position than they inherited it. However, achieving that goal is becoming increasingly difficult. Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, commented: “Family businesses are built on long-term vision, purpose and commitment — qualities that have enabled them to weather many storms over the years. But this year’s findings show that optimism is under pressure, and many leaders are finding it harder to plan for the future with confidence.” “Succession is a defining moment for any family firm, and it’s encouraging to see so many preparing for leadership transition and seeking to keep the business within the family. However, the prevailing political and economic environment — with rising costs, shifting policies and market uncertainty — is making that stewardship role more challenging than ever." "The determination to pass on a stronger, more sustainable business remains, but the path to doing so is increasingly complex.” “Family firms remain at the heart of the UK economy, and supporting them through this next chapter is crucial." "Policymakers and their advisers need to recognise the long-term value they bring — not just in terms of employment and economic output, but also in terms of investment, community engagement, values, and sense of purpose.” The 2025 Family Business Survey provides an annual insight into the attitudes, priorities and challenges facing family firms across the UK and beyond, serving as a barometer of the health and sentiment of this vital sector.

Employees experience the greatest motivation and wellbeing when their three key psychological needs are balanced, finds a new study led by Manchester Metropolitan University Business School: Autonomy: Having the independence to make decisions Competence: Feelings of mastery or efficiency Relatedness: Feelings of connection and belonging Drawing on the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the study explores how support from leaders and colleagues can fulfil these needs and enhance overall wellbeing. The researchers conducted a diary study of 85 employees across 10 work days, finding that wellbeing is enhanced when all three needs are satisfied equally, rather than when just one or two are prioritised. For example, if an employee feels autonomous but lacks social connection, their well-being may improve more by addressing the social connection need rather than further increasing autonomy. The study also found that managers and colleagues can support in different ways. Leaders are better at supporting autonomy and competence, while colleagues are more effective at fulfilling the need for relatedness. “We find that employees experience the highest levels of balanced needs satisfaction on days where they receive both higher leader and colleague support,” says Dr Ioannis Kratsiotis, Lecturer in Organisational Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University Business School. Finally, they found that positive experiences at work, such as balanced needs satisfaction and positive emotions, can positively influence well-being at home, improving vitality and overall well-being. The study offers practical tips for organisations: Leaders should focus on supporting the least satisfied need to achieve balance, rather than over-emphasising already fulfilled needs. Encourage teamwork and social interactions to enhance relatedness. Implement policies that promote balanced support, such as mentoring, training, and collaboration opportunities. The research, led by Dr Ioannis Kratsiotis alongside colleagues from Trinity College Dublin, Neapolis University Pafos, and Bergische Universität Wuppertal, highlights the interconnected nature of work and home life, and draws attention to the vital roles that colleagues and managers play in enhancing employee motivation.