Search Results

When sibling hoteliers in Blackpool both vie for a prestigious award there will be no need for rivalry because this time they are proud joint finalists for Best Family-Run Hotel. Nigel Seddon and Liz Brown’s dream is to share in the Lancashire Tourism Awards spotlight for the first time, for their businesses The Elgin and Hotel Sheraton, both on the Queen’s Promenade. It marks a proud milestone in the family’s long history as hoteliers, which began some 56 years ago. In 1969 Irene and John Seddon moved from Greater Manchester to Blackpool to take over The Elgin, with the help of John’s mother, Dodo, who was involved in all aspects of the business until the age of 70. It was ten years later that 21-year-old Nigel gave in to his ambitions to travel Australia to become the third generation of Seddons to join the business, taking on the role of General Manager at The Elgin – and has not looked back, working hard to build on the success of the hotel. His proudest achievement, securing the much-coveted Top Spot on TripAdvisor! He said: “My main job was to get people through the door and then develop the hotel, because at that time we had 55 rooms and only two bathrooms. People queued down the corridor for a bath and it was 10p in the meter for heating and you’d get a hot water bottle in your bed!" "Slowly, but surely, over ten years, we turned 55 rooms into 40 ensuite rooms and then, in 2001, we bought the hotel next door, The Bolingbroke, and more than doubled our capacity, going to 89 bedrooms." “Not long after I'd started, dad got quite ill and mum needed to look after him and I just had to get on with it. I was pretty autonomous really."   “Dad died 36 years ago but mum carried on working until we bought the hotel next door and then retired. She is very much a matriarch and still likes to be involved - and the long-standing guest and staff members love chatting to her.” In 1985, Elgin Tours was also launched, offering ABTA-bonded, travel-inclusive holidays, which is still popular today. Whilst proud of his raft of awards - including The Lancashire Tourism Awards’ Large Hotel of the Year last year - Nigel hopes to share the latest spoils with his sister when they vie for the Best Family-Owned Business – together. He said: “There’s a bit of healthy competition between my sister and I. It’s like the old cliché - the best thing that happened to Coke was Pepsi!" “But we learn from each other. We like to think we complement each other really. We have different strengths. For example, Liz will do all the interior design for here, and I sign the bills off at the Sheraton. But it was important we didn’t go up against each other in these awards.” In 2015, the Hotel Sheraton was purchased; a milestone moment marking Liz’s long-anticipated official entry into the family business, with valuable contributions from the fourth generation, Liz’s son, Ollie, who is part of the management team - wife Laura also supporting sales and marketing. Together, the hotels employ around 150 dedicated staff and generate a combined annual turnover of around £8.5 million with 10% of turnover reinvested each year into annual refurbishments. Liz wasted no time in making her mark in the local hotel scene, adding to the family business accolades, most recent of which was the prestigious ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Award from VisitEngland. And she’s now snapping at Nigel’s heels in the TripAdvisor Number three spot, the Sheraton’s highest ranking to date. Liz said: “Providing a high level of customer service was instilled into us from a very young age but in recent years it's been more about delighting the customer by anticipating their needs, simply being proactive as well as reactive." “Our little secret is that hospitality begins with the team and we care about our team just as much as we do about the guests. We try and anticipate their needs too and help in whichever way we can so our family values of kindness and generosity are show to each other, to our guests, and to our very valuable team members.” Indeed, both Liz and Nigel claim it’s their family-led approach and dedication to outstanding customer and staff care that most drives their success. Liz said: “One of the biggest advantages of being a family business is the ability to make thoughtful decisions quickly. There’s a shared commitment to protecting the legacy and ensuring the business remains sustainable; not just financially, but also in terms of its people, its community relationships and its environmental impact. Decisions are made with a sense of stewardship, not just strategy." “It’s this blend of leadership, loyalty, and heart that sets the business apart and it's why so many guests, staff, and partners feel part of something much more than just a hotel stay.” Nigel added: “Since acquiring the hotels the Seddon family has proudly upheld a tradition of hospitality rooted in warmth, trust, and community spirit. Succession planning is not a formal process; it’s a lived experience." "From an early age, the next generation has been immersed in the business; from Liz and I helping in the restaurant growing up, to my daughters, Sophie and Emma, working in reception during their school holidays."   “All have been encouraged to explore the business and its values, learn the ropes and identify whether a passion for hospitality emerges. Leadership is never handed down or forced; it is nurtured through mentorship, shared responsibility and earned respect.” “We follow customer feedback very closely. The best advice you'll get is from your own guests or your own staff, which is as true now as it was when I started out. We're always striving for 100% customer and staff satisfaction.” Irene said: “I was so pleased both Nigel and Liz entered the family business and enjoy it immensely and for the last 10 years I have my grandson Oliver in the business too." “I realised at the age of 88 how lucky I am to be able to discuss the businesses with them and help them make decisions. We are all very lucky that we have got each other.” Ultimately, say Liz and Nigel, the legacy is about people - the guests, the team and the family. By instilling pride, purpose, and a shared vision, the Seddons have built more than a business; they’ve created a living legacy that they believe will stand the test of time for generations to come.

Over 150 guests enjoyed a memorable evening at The Law Society in the heart of legal London when they raised over £34,000 to help The Hygiene Bank charity play a major role in beating the stigma of hygiene poverty. The ever-popular annual fundraiser hosted by multi-award-winning office and commercial cleaning company Cleanology has established such a strong following that it has now raised over £151,000 in its first five years. Dominic Ponniah, event organiser and Co-Founder of Cleanology, said: “Yet again our many friends and colleagues in the FM industry have been incredibly generous to ensure this event remains as successful as ever. Sadly hygiene poverty remains a real blight on society but this event is proof that there are many determined and spirited people who want to play a part in beating it." Ruth Brock, CEO of The Hygiene Bank, said: “Cleanology’s continued commitment to ending hygiene poverty is truly inspiring. Partnerships like this show what’s possible when businesses and social causes come together with a shared purpose. Cleanology's annual fundraiser is a powerful example of collective action in practice, and, thanks to everyone's generosity, we will be able to make a real difference to thousands of people across the UK who are struggling to afford basic hygiene products."  "I am so grateful to Dominic and all his wonderful team at Cleanology, and to the sponsors who made this event possible. They truly make me believe that hygiene poverty is solvable, if we choose to, and if we do it together.” The event – held on October 9 at the Grade II iconic venue in Chancery Lane – was sponsored by field service management software company BigChange, insurance brokers Brown & Brown, janitorial suppliers and distributors Bunzl, cleaning and hygiene products manufacturer Evans Vanodine, cleaning supplies and solutions provider Foremost, sustainable hygiene solutions firm Katrin, global manufacturer and provider of personal care products, Kimberly-Clark and washroom services firm Liberty Hygiene. The exterior of the venue, The Law Society, was also illuminated in yellow as part of the charity’s National Hygiene Week campaign to focus attention on hygiene poverty. At the fundraiser, guests enjoyed drinks, bowl food and live music by talented vocal harmony trio The Bluebirds. The event also took a different format this year, with a panel discussion, chaired by Dominic Ponniah, and featuring Laura Yorke from Bunzl, a corporate supporter, Phil Smith of Indigo FM, a volunteer, and Lorraine Waters, a volunteer and trustee of The Hygiene Bank, as well as their CEO Ruth Brock. The evening saw competitive bidding for auction and raffle prizes such as a golf day for four in Hampshire, a boat trip for 10 people on the River Thames hosted by networking group The Hill Club, a guided wine tour and tasting experience for two at Chapel Down Winery in Kent and two tickets to the Stratus Hospitality Suite at Tottenham Hotspur FC’s stadium in North London. The Hygiene Bank is a people-powered charity and social movement, committed to tackling hygiene poverty in communities across the UK. It believes that no one should have to choose between staying clean and meeting other basic needs. Through their network of projects, they provide essential hygiene products to those experiencing poverty or crisis. Cleanology – headquartered in Vauxhall, South West London, and with regional offices in Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Scotland – runs campaigns throughout the year to raise funds and awareness for hygiene poverty and staff participate in fund-raising opportunities such as marathons.

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.