An open letter to founders of businesses this holiday season. As the holiday season unfolds—filled with family gatherings, travel, celebration, and well-earned comfort—I invite you to pause for a moment of reflection. Not on what you have built, but on what you are passing on. You did not begin with privilege. You began with uncertainty—sometimes with nothing at all. Poverty, rejection, humiliation, and relentless adversity shaped your character long before success arrived. You took risks when failure had real consequences. You endured seasons when quitting would have been easier than continuing. You were broken by circumstance, but never defeated. Through discipline, courage, and sheer hard work, you built something that changed the trajectory of your family forever. And somewhere along that journey, a quiet vow was made: “My children and grandchildren will never go through what I went through.” It is a vow made out of love. It is also where an unseen danger begins. What the Holidays Reveal The holidays have a way of making success visible. Children, grandchildren, and in-laws gather in beautiful homes, travel in comfort and luxury, and enjoy traditions made possible by decades of sacrifice. There is nothing wrong with this. You earned it. This comfort is deserved. But this season also reveals something quieter, and more dangerous. Many within the next generation, including grandchildren and those who marry into the family, are experiencing the rewards of wealth without fully understanding its origins. They enjoy the outcomes without ever having lived the struggle. They see stability, not fragility. Abundance, not risk. What was once extraordinary becomes normal. And what becomes normal is rarely examined. When Comfort Replaces Consciousness The problem is not luxury. The problem is comfort without consciousness. Over time, success can unintentionally train not only the next generation, but also their spouses, to become consumers of outcomes rather than stewards of systems. This is not about extravagance; it is about experience without responsibility. It shows up when: Money feels permanent Risk feels distant Businesses feel indestructible Consequences feel optional For in-laws especially, this risk is magnified. They may love the family deeply, yet have no real understanding of the sacrifices, fears, and discipline that built the enterprise. Without clarity, boundaries, and education, they can unintentionally influence decisions, expectations, and even values, without appreciating the fragility of what is at stake. No one intends this. It happens quietly, through protection, provision, and good intentions. But when an entire extended family grows comfortable without ever carrying weight, respect for value creation becomes theoretical. A Lesson from History History offers sobering reminders. The Vanderbilt fortune, built by Cornelius Vanderbilt, was once among the greatest fortunes ever created. The founder embodied grit, discipline, and relentless focus on building value. Within a few generations, much of the fortune was gone. Not because the heirs, or their spouses, were immoral or incapable, but because the family shifted, from builders to enjoyers, from stewards to consumers. The fortune did not collapse. It dissolved. A Holiday Call to Action As a founder, your greatest responsibility today is no longer building wealth. It is preparing the entire family system to carry it, children, grandchildren, and yes, in-laws. This holiday season, ask yourself: Have I protected my children from hardship—or from growth? Have I helped in-laws understand the values, discipline, and responsibilities behind this wealth? Do they all understand how fragile this success truly is? Have I taught them how to enjoy wealth, but not yet how to steward it? This is not a call to remove comfort. It is a call to add perspective, responsibility, and meaning. Luxury can be enjoyed. But stewardship must be taught. And if the holidays are about passing on what matters most, then now is the perfect time to begin that conversation—before comfort quietly becomes the greatest threat to the legacy you worked so hard to build. May this Christmas bring not only rest and joy, but the clarity to use time wisely, with family, with purpose, and with the legacy you were entrusted to carry.

Wexford’s O’Connor Nurseries is celebrating its 15th Christmas supplying Marks & Spencer stores in Ireland. Since 2010, the family owned nursery has been providing M&S customers with fresh, great quality poinsettias. This Christmas, M&S is stocking an incredible range of poinsettias in sizes from small to medium and large, including eye-catching red, white varieties and a brand-new exclusive Poinsettia tin. O’Connor Nurseries’ story began in 1969 as a tomato nursery run by Jim’s father. In 1994, the business pivoted to focus solely on flowers. It’s expertise in poinsettias spans 30 years – originating, as Jim recalls from a challenge: “Someone told us we wouldn’t be able to grow Poinsettias, so we thought we’d prove them wrong.” Today O’Connor Nurseries is a leading wholesale plant supplier and one of only three Poinsettia growers in Ireland. Growing M&S’s festive Poinsettias takes tender care and decades of expertise. Jim O’Connor, a father of four and the second generation to lead the business, has over 30 years of growing experience, cultivating the blooms in Wexford, Ireland’s Sunny South East, known for its ideal light levels. Combining this natural advantage with Jim’s skill and product knowledge allows M&S to offer customers truly vibrant, long-lasting Irish poinsettias each year. Reflecting on the partnership, Jim said: “We’re immensely proud of our 15-year partnership with M&S. Their commitment to sourcing the best local produce aligns perfectly with our values. This relationship allows us to deliver the fresh, great quality poinsettias that will last throughout the Christmas period and beyond." "Picking up a poinsettias is a simple way to brighten the home and bring in that wonderful festive feeling.” Jim also highlighted the importance of local production in protecting supply quality: “Poinsettias are notoriously delicate and do not travel well. Historically, many were imported from the Netherlands, but long journeys often led to leaf damage and shortened lifespan. Growing locally ensures superior quality and freshness for the customer.” To achieve that quality, the growing process is meticulous. The plants are nurtured indoors, planted in June, and require precise and gradually reduced temperatures before distribution. Integrated pest management and expert oversight are key to maintaining standards. Jim added: “I’m immensely proud that we produce here in Ireland, and especially proud of our team – including our grower, Mark Miskella, who is one of the best in the country. Our ambition is to continue being a reliable alternative to imports. Why import when you can get higher-quality poinsettias grown right here at home?” For customers picking up their Irish-grown poinsettia this Christmas, Jim has one key piece of advice for longevity: “Place it somewhere with daylight rather than artificial light and somewhere away from a draft and in ambient heat. And most importantly – don’t overwater it! That’s the quickest way to lose a poinsettia.” Michelle Allen, Produce Buyer at Marks & Spencer adds: “Having grown up in Wexford, it’s truly special to celebrate 15 years working alongside O’Connor Nurseries here in Ireland. Their passion for growing the best Irish poinsettias means our customers receive vibrant, long-lasting festive blooms. This partnership reflects our commitment to local suppliers and bringing the very best of Ireland to our stores.” Locally grown M&S poinsettias from O’Connor Nurseries are now available in M&S stores across Ireland.

Award-winning Scottish hospitality operator, Buzzworks, has announced the acquisition of a North Berwick hotel, marking the company’s first move into accommodation as part of its ongoing expansion plans. The Nether Abbey Hotel, which first opened its doors in 1957 and has been run by the Stewart family for more than 60 years, sits within a late nineteenth-century building and has long been known locally as a welcoming, high-quality destination for visitors, golfers and the community alike. With the handover set for mid-January, the hotel will close its doors to allow Buzzworks to begin preparations for a major seven figure redevelopment. The project will transform the site into one of the company’s signature House Collection venues, centred around a modern pub and vibrant restaurant, alongside 12 beautifully designed bedrooms and enhanced guest facilities. The acquisition builds on Buzzworks’ strong presence in East Lothian, where the company already operates some of the region’s most popular venues, including Herringbone North Berwick and Lido Musselburgh, alongside Thirty Knots and Scotts Port Edgar in South Queensferry, Edinburgh. The addition of accommodation represents the next step in delivering the high-quality hospitality experiences Buzzworks is known for. A key element of the redevelopment will be the creation of a vibrant pub and restaurant at the heart of the venue, which is an integral part of the Buzzworks experience. With planning expected this winter and construction due to begin in spring, the venue is scheduled to reopen in late 2026. As part of the acquisition, all current hotel team members from The Nether Abbey will be retained by Buzzworks, with roles being offered across its existing venues during the major renovation works. The BCorp company, which has recently been ranked on the UK’s Best Companies to Work for list for the tenth time, also confirmed plans to increase the number of hospitality jobs in the local area once the new venue opens, creating between 25 to 45 additional roles across front of house, kitchen, housekeeping and management. Kenny Blair, Managing Director at Buzzworks, said: “North Berwick is one of Scotland’s special coastal towns, and an outstanding location for our first move into accommodation. This hotel has been an important part of the community for decades, and we are committed to honouring that legacy while bringing a fresh, modern Buzzworks experience to both locals and visitors alike." “A central part of our vision is to build buzzing pubs and restaurants that people love, and the atmosphere of staying above one of Scotland’s most loved hospitality venues is something genuinely unique." “This acquisition is just the start of our journey into accommodation, and it supports our long-term aim to become Scotland’s most loved hospitality business, and we are excited to take this next step.” Stirling and Jela Stewart, from The Nether Abbey Hotel, said: “After more than 60 wonderful years in our family, we are incredibly proud of the legacy of The Nether Abbey Hotel and the role it has played in the North Berwick community." “Buzzworks shares our family values of providing quality, service and community spirit, and we’re confident the hotel is in excellent hands as it begins its next chapter.” The redesigned venue will blend aspirational, yet timeless interiors led by designer Jim Hamilton, with elements including a feature fire, open kitchen pass, modern pub, restaurant, and an updated terrace, alongside four bespoke room categories. Buzzworks currently operates 22 award-winning bars and restaurants across Scotland and was recently crowned Best Managed Pub Company in the UK (under 51 sites) at The Publican Awards. To find out more, visit here .

A Nottinghamshire wildlife rescue that cares for everything from mice to deer has received a £1,000 donation from The Wilkins Group, marking the final cheque in the company’s year-long ‘12 Months of Giving’ initiative.   The donation has been made to Mansfield Wildlife Rescue, a Mansfield Woodhouse-based organisation providing a lifeline for injured and abandoned animals, and will help cover vital winter costs including veterinary bills, animal feed and rising energy expenses as demand for call-outs continues across the county and beyond.   The cheque was presented by Aron Wilkins of The Wilkins Group, the family-run packaging firm headquartered in Colwick, Nottingham. Aron said: “This final donation felt like a very fitting way to round off our 12 Months of Giving campaign. Mansfield Wildlife Rescue does incredibly demanding work, often behind the scenes, and Cheryl and her team are there at all hours helping animals that would otherwise have nowhere to go." “These smaller, highly specialised organisations are so often overlooked, yet they make an enormous difference locally. We’re really pleased that this donation will help support the rescue through the colder months, when demand and costs are at their highest.”   Mansfield Wildlife Rescue was founded after Cheryl’s long career working in parrot rescue, which started 35 years ago, during which she travelled the UK attending steam rallies and events. Over time, members of the public began bringing injured and abandoned animals directly to her home, which eventually led to the creation of the rescue.   Cheryl Martins said: “Today we help rehabilitate all kinds of wildlife, from mice to deer. Some animals are able to return to the wild after a period of care, while others need permanent homes. Although most of our call-outs are local, people will travel from much further afield if they have an animal that needs help – in fact, we recently had animals brought to us all the way from Manchester!"   “We’re often called out in the middle of the night by the police or by drivers who have hit animals such as badgers or deer, and we always do our best to attend. Over the past year alone we’ve rescued everything from dumped kittens and puppies left at the roadside to foxes currently being rehabilitated on site and even piglets. Donations like this make a huge difference, helping us cover vet bills, feed costs and energy bills, especially during the winter months.”   “There are very few rescues locally that will take in all types of injured wildlife, and that means we receive a huge number of enquiries. Donations like this make a real difference, helping us cover vet bills, keep the lights on and make sure every animal is properly fed and cared for.”   The donation completes The Wilkins Group’s ‘12 Months of Giving’ campaign, which has seen the company donate £1,000 each month throughout the year to charities and community organisations across Nottinghamshire. In total, £12,000 has been donated to causes that are often small, niche or under-funded, but provide vital support in their communities.   The Wilkins Group produces food packaging for the likes of Pukka Pies, Pizza Express, Harrods, and Cadbury.   Photo: Cheryl Martins charity founder with the Wilkins Group team.

With almost 40%1 of people in north Glasgow living with food insecurity, three local organisations are stepping in to do their bit to help families in the area. Young People’s Futures (YPF) run an after-school club, where primary-aged children can enjoy a healthy menu, as well as breakfast at home the next morning, provided by The Courtyard Pantry and funded by the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust. By using food as a force for change, The Courtyard Pantry tackles poverty in the local community. They offer healthy, affordable meals and create job opportunities, training and volunteer roles for those who struggle to find work. By working with local services, the The Courtyard Pantry also helps people to connect socially and access vital support services, easing the stress of financial difficulties. Their innovative ‘Health by Stealth’ menu, developed with the University of Glasgow’s Public Health Nutritionist team, ensures children receive nutrient-dense, tasty meals designed to meet Scottish dietary requirements. Since the menu launched, attendance at the YPF club has tripled – clear proof of the impact good food has on children’s engagement and wellbeing. The project had initially been funded with ad-hoc donations and reserve funds. These began to run out, however, and Young People’s Futures – though delighted with the programme’s success – weren't in a position to cover the costs themselves. With food provision under threat at YPF due to lack of funds, The Courtyard Pantry turned to the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, which stepped in with a £5,600 donation. The donation will fund 14 weeks of meals for around 80 children each week and provide breakfast bags for them to take home after the club. Dale Todd, Managing Director of The Courtyard Pantry said, “We are grateful to the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust for funding our after-school club food programme. With food insecurity in the community reaching 40%, ensuring children have access to nutritious food is crucial. Thanks to the Trust’s support, we can continue to assist primary-aged children attending Young People’s Futures After School Club in Wester Common.” David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group, added, “The Courtyard Pantry has made a real difference in this community for years, and we’re proud to help them tackle food insecurity. No child should learn on an empty stomach – and with this initiative, children can focus on school without hunger holding them back.” This funding means children in Wester Common will have access to healthy meals and a brighter start to each day.  Photos: Community Market at the Courtyard Pantry Community-grown vegetables at Courtyard Pantry Dale Todd, Managing Director of Courtyard Pantry Enterprise David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles Group

Family businesses have long been the backbone of economies across the world, yet they often operate quietly, modest in posture, mighty in impact. In 2025, amid technological acceleration, shifting workforce expectations, and growing pressures around sustainability, family-run enterprises have emerged as some of the most resilient and adaptive organisations of all. Their stories, from small workshops to century-old conglomerates, reveal lessons that many publicly listed giants are only now beginning to appreciate. 1. Long-Term Vision Beats Quarterly Panic Where stock-market-driven companies still dance to the tune of quarterly earnings, family businesses tend to think in decades. This long-range perspective has proven crucial in navigating the turbulence of recent years, from supply-chain disruptions to evolving consumer expectations. Families are increasingly formalising their long-term strategies, often anchored in legacy. The question they ask is not “What will drive next quarter’s profit?” but “What world do we want this business to exist in 30 years from now?” This mindset encourages sustainable investments, renewable energy adoption, responsible sourcing, and careful expansion—rather than frantic cost-cutting although financial performance is on the agenda today possibly moreso than it has been for many years. 2. Purpose Isn’t a Slogan, It’s Survival The era of purpose-driven business has fully arrived, but family firms have lived this ethos long before it became fashionable. Whether it’s protecting a craft passed down through generations or maintaining a personal relationship with the community they serve, their purpose is not crafted by a branding agency: it is inherited. In 2025, younger family members entering the business are amplifying this sense of purpose, tying it to modern concerns such as environmental stewardship, fair labour practices, and inclusive governance. For them, purpose is not an accessory, it’s the core business model. 3. Succession Is Now a Skill, Not an Event Succession planning has historically been one of the most challenging aspects for families in business, often steeped in emotion, tradition, and unspoken expectation. Today, more and more families are approaching succession with the same professionalism as mergers and acquisitions. Formal leadership pathways are being established, external mentors are brought in, and next-generation leaders are encouraged to gather experience outside the family firm before returning. Many families now treat succession as a multi-year apprenticeship, a transition rather than a coronation. And crucially, they recognise that the most capable leader may not always be the eldest child. 4. Professionalisation Doesn’t Mean Losing Soul One of the defining trends of 2025 is the surge in hybrid leadership structures. Family owners remain deeply involved in setting vision and values, while seasoned external executives are brought in to run operations or scale innovation. Rather than diluting the family ethos, this blend tends to strengthen it. Professional managers bring discipline, systems, and modern governance models; the family brings consistency, identity, and a long-view commitment. The result is a business that feels rooted yet agile, something many corporate boards wish they could replicate. 5. Innovation Thrives in Trust-Based Cultures Because relationships in family businesses are grounded in trust, they often create environments where experimentation is encouraged and failure is tolerated. This cultural advantage is particularly relevant in 2025, as artificial intelligence, automation, and digital platforms remake entire industries. Family firms are proving surprisingly effective at integrating new technology while preserving the human element that customers still value. Whether it’s a heritage textile manufacturer using AI to reduce waste or a regional bakery experimenting with data-driven forecasting, innovation is happening without losing the craftsmanship or authenticity that built the brand. 6. The Human Touch Remains Their Superpower In an age of remote work, algorithmic management, and faceless corporate interactions, the human warmth of family businesses feels increasingly rare, and increasingly powerful. In fact, for many family businesses it can evolve into a superpower. Staff often describe feeling part of an extended family, and employee loyalty tends to be far higher than the national average. This cultural cohesion has helped family firms weather economic storms with minimal layoffs, keeping teams intact and morale steady. Customers notice this too: authenticity, continuity, and personal service continue to be selling points that technology alone cannot replace. The Future Belongs to Businesses That Remember Their Roots Family enterprises in 2025 are not relics of an old economic order; they are laboratories of resilience and purpose. They show that long-term thinking can coexist with innovation, that values can be competitive advantages, and that a business does not need to be the biggest to leave the most meaningful mark. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United concludes, "As global companies grapple with the demands of transparency, sustainability, and ethical governance, the lessons from family businesses are becoming harder to ignore. In many ways, the future of business may look more like its past, rounded in trust, community, stewardship, and the simple belief that a company should leave things better for the next generation." "If the giants of industry want to thrive in the decades ahead, they might do well to ask: What would a family business do?"

A North Lancashire hotel’s cultural links with Portugal and the production of the country’s renowned Port wines has been brought alive through the modern refurbishment of its bar and lounge.   Lancaster House Hotel has completed the renovation of its Sandeman Bar with a contemporary upgrade which gives a nod to its connections with the House of Sandeman from which it draws its name.   The new look for the bar has been inspired by Tammy Barwell, the restaurant and bars manager at the venue, who embarked on a fact finding mission to Porto arranged by the House of Sandeman.   Tammy returned from Portugal with the idea to showcase the Sandeman Bar with colour schemes to match the company’s history, as well as new artwork and images featuring the Sandeman Cellars to elevate the look and feel of the bar. It was also Tammy’s idea to introduce a timeline graphic of the history of the company dating back to 1790.   The refurbishment of the hotel bar includes an array of contemporary artwork and decoration in bold colours, upholstered chairs and tables, new curtains and wallpaper. Another feature is the Sandeman branded barrel with a plaque explaining how the company was the first to brand a cask of Port in 1805.   The hotel became inextricably linked with the world-famous Portuguese sherry and port wine producers due to a chance meeting on a continental flight in the early 1990s.   When the hotel first opened, its hospitality team were searching for a suitable name and theme for the main bar area. A conversation between an English Lakes Hotels board member and a Sandeman executive proved inspirational, with the result that the Sandeman Bar was named and themed after the port producer.   Tammy explains: “The close links between the House of Sandeman and Lancaster House Hotel have their roots from a Spanish holiday over 30 years ago. English Lakes Hotels was closing in on the completion of its new hotel in Lancaster, but there was a quandary about what to call the main bar at the venue." “Whilst returning home from Jerez, the hotel group’s operations director Douglas Dale struck up a conversation on the plane with a fellow passenger who was very interested to hear about the new hotel venture. That was David Sandeman, the managing director of the House of Sandeman at the time."   “The pair got on so well that Douglas tabled the idea of naming the bar after the Portuguese wine company and theming it accordingly. David graciously accepted the offer to come and open ‘The Sandeman Bar’, bringing with him various items of company memorabilia that are still on display here today.”   The partnership has endured and flourished for over 30 years, with a feature of the hotel bar being its Port and cheese nights and stocks of Sandeman Port sweet red wines, including Ruby, White, and Tawny Ports.   These are all produced from grapes grown in the vineyards of the Douro Valley in Portugal. The nearby city of Porto is renowned for its historical commercialisation and bulk transportation of fortified port wines in the 17th century – hence the eponymous link.   Tammy adds: “My trip to Portugal was a wonderful opportunity to discover more about the grapes, valleys, Ports, and vineyards of the area, as well as immersing myself in the history of the House of Sandeman." “Experiencing their traditions first-hand made a lasting impression on me, and it shaped the vision for our new bar design. I wanted to create a space to celebrate that craftsmanship and invite guests to enjoy its character and charm in a relaxed, welcoming setting. I’m thrilled to have been so closely involved in this thematic refurbishment of our main bar at the hotel.”

Aldi Scotland has invested £6,500 in seven local sports clubs across South Scotland as part of its annual Scottish Sport Fund initiative.  The fund reinforces the supermarket’s dedication to building a healthier Scotland by supporting the work of community sports clubs. Applications open throughout the year in different regions across Scotland, calling on local teams to apply for funding up to £2,500.  Solway Sharks Ladies Ice Hockey Team was awarded £2,500 – the highest funding available.    Founded in 2013, Solway Sharks Ladies Ice Hockey Team is an all-female side based at the Dumfries Ice Bowl, where girls aged 14 and over can discover their passion for the sport in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Players start at open development sessions, mastering the fundamentals of skating and hockey, and can progress through the club’s pathway to compete at the highest level in the Women’s National First Division (WNIHL 1). The club has a proud record of nurturing talent, with several players going on to represent Great Britain at under-16 and under-18 level. The club plans to use the funding from Aldi Scotland to help cover on and off ice running costs such as game and referee fees, transport to away fixtures, kits and training aids. Elsewhere in the region, South Ayrshire Volleyball Club and Stewarton Tennis Club both received £1,000, while Kilmarnock Amateur Swim Club, Irvine Meadow 2012, Annan Athletic Community Football Club and Wilton Park & Hawick Tennis Club each received £500. Aldi Scotland introduced its Scottish Sport Fund in 2016 to support individuals of all ages and abilities to get involved in physical activity in their local communities. The past decade has seen Aldi Scotland support over 650 clubs across Scotland, giving away almost £500,000, with the fund improving community access to sport across the country. Lee Simpson, Solway Sharks Ladies Ice Hockey Team said: “ "We are incredibly grateful for the generous support from Aldi Scotland. Our team is more than just a club, it is a place where girls can develop their skills, build confidence, and enjoy being part of a supportive community. Watching our players grow from their first steps on the ice to competing at a national level is something we are immensely proud of." “This funding will help cover essential on and off ice running costs and allow us to look at holding training camps and further development sessions in 2026. Thanks to Aldi Scotland, we can focus on providing our players with the best possible experience and inspiring more young women to take up the sport.” Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said:  “Since launching in 2016, the Scottish Sport Fund has supported a diverse range of clubs with vital funding to invest in much-needed equipment and resources." “It’s inspiring to see the impact this support has on clubs like Solway Sharks Ladies Ice Hockey Team, and how it contributes to encouraging active, healthy lifestyles in communities across Scotland.” Top Photo: Solway Sharks Ladies Ice Hockey Team received £2,500 funding as part of Aldi’s initiative

Holdsworth Foods are expanding their fleet of multi-temp vehicles with 16 new DAF XB210s, 2 new DAF XB290s, and 1 new DAF XD340 trucks, taking their multi-temp fleet to over 140 vehicles. All 19 vehicle bodies are being built by Solomon Commercials and are fitted with the latest safety and fuel efficiency features, including enhanced aerodynamics, non-slip seamless flooring, heavy-duty load restraint systems, and premium stainless-steel fittings for durability. Driver safety and operational efficiency have been prioritised through a comprehensive 4-camera MDR system with in-cab 7” monitor, white-noise reversing alarms, and strategically positioned LED lighting for optimal visibility during loading and unloading. For the XB290s and the XD340, the family business are particularly proud to be investing in the purely electrically driven ECOOLTEC TM182 transport refrigeration units, which suit a larger, rigid, multi-temp application. These units are revolutionary and unique in the transport refrigeration industry, delivering economic efficiency and being environmentally friendly. The TM182 makes use of the natural refrigerants R1270 and R744, unlike F-gases, they do not contain any PFAS which are harmful to the atmosphere. Furthermore, these refrigerants have a negligible Global Warming Potential. The ECOOLTEC TM182 units require reduced maintenance, hold zero ozone depleting potential, and deliver on performance as well which is certainly a win win! The reduction in CO2e by choosing these ECOOLTEC Transport Refrigeration Units (TRUs) over traditional TRUs, is over 14.5t of CO2e per vehicle. That’s a reduction of 43.65t CO2e over the 3 vehicles! Unlike widely used diesel refrigeration machines, the ECOOLTEC unit produces neither local pollutant nor CO2 emissions in battery operation, and up to 98 per cent fewer emissions via the alternator drive. As an independent family business, Holdsworth Foods is proud to be working with other independent family businesses in their industry supply chain. Solomon Commercials have been operating for almost 50 years and Michael I Holdsworth Limited were one of their first customers. ECOOLTEC was founded by Peter Großkopf, well known and respected in the transport refrigeration industry as the founder of Frigoblock. All of the vehicle refrigeration units are being fitted by CC Refrigeration, another independently owned business who Holdsworth Foods have worked with for many years. The XB210s are fitted with Frigoblock EK13 refrigeration units. These units now offer reduced CO2 emissions as well as reduced noise pollution, whilst maintaining reliable performance on our 12t vehicles during their demanding daily, multi-temp, and multi-drop roles. As Millicent Holdsworth, Compliance Director at Holdsworth Foods concludes, "We are committed to operating and investing in the future of our business in a sustainable manner." "Investing in new technology that helps to reduce our environmental impact, improve our operational safety, as well as maintaining relationships with, and supporting, independent businesses in our industry."

Alan Boswell Group (ABG) are delighted to have been awarded the ‘Large Business of the Year’ at the Eastern Daily Press Business Awards 2025. Held at the Norfolk Showground on the 27th November, the awards celebrate excellence within Norfolk’s business community. Across ten categories, they recognise a range of achievements: outstanding business performance (for small, medium, or large businesses), growth and innovation, customer service excellence, sustainability, employer practices, and positive community impact, among others. Within the ‘Large Business of the Year’ category, Alan Boswell Group was a finalist alongside well-respected Norfolk-based businesses Mills & Reeve, Norfolk Passport, and Blakely. As well as winning the ‘Large Business of the Year’ category, ABG was also named as runner-up for the ‘Norfolk Business of the Year’ award. Alan Boswell, Executive Chairman commented, "This award is a testament to the ethos of the whole company and the hard work our team put in every day to deliver excellent service to our clients." "It's an honour to be recognised alongside so many great Norfolk businesses; congratulations to all the finalists and winners." This follows other awards success for the Group this year, including ‘Insurance Broker of the Year’ at the British Insurance Awards 2025, ‘Best Landlord Insurance Provider’ at the National Landlord Investment Show Awards, and a third Which? Best Buy award.

Food and drink exports to the EU are down almost a quarter (23.4%) over the last five years when compared to the five-year period prior to Brexit, according to new data from the Food and Drink Federation (FDF). When looking at Q1-Q3 between 2021 and 2025, food exports totalled 5.1 billion kilograms. This is nearly a quarter lower than the 6.7 billion kilograms exported over the same period between 2016 and 20201. The SPS Agreement: Tackling Barriers To Trade With European Neighbours The latest FDF Trade Snapshot shows how exports to key European markets have plummeted, highlighting the full extent of the challenges food producers have faced in recent years when selling to our nearest and largest trade partner. Between 2021-2025 food and drink exports to Germany dropped almost 60% (59.1%), more than halved (51.9%) to Poland, and were down almost two fifths (39.9%) to Belgium, compared to 2016-2020. The new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement will be a positive step towards reducing some of the current cost and complexity associated with trading with the EU. But it won’t remove all barriers to trade and will require renewed support for businesses which will need to change their operations following negotiations. This includes providing businesses with sufficient transition periods and timelines during negotiations, to ensure industry can adapt to new trading conditions and the agreement delivers on its potential. The SPS agreement is also just one part of the puzzle. It will address key issues like food safety and plant health, but there’s still wider regulation causing friction when trading with Europe. Developing complementary policy on areas like packaging and labelling, alongside continuing to support businesses navigating customs procedures will also be vital to improving our trade relationship with the EU following negotiations. Home And Away: A Plan For Export Growth Meanwhile, the Trade Snapshot shows that global food export volumes have risen 5.8% since the start of 2025. This has been led by growth in exports to markets beyond the EU, which have outpaced EU exports, rising 6.2% year-on-year in value terms. New global trading relationships provide the opportunity to boost this growth, including with India, where exports have grown nearly a tenth (9.6%) so far this year, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where food exports have increased 6.3%. Meanwhile imports from non-EU countries have also seen a notable surge, up 17.1% year-on-year, contributing to the UK’s food security – with total food and drink imports reaching new high this year to date, totalling £49.6bn. FDF has outlined its ambition to work with government to grow UK food and drink exports to £35bn by 2035 and protect supply chain resilience. This includes prioritising the SPS agreement while also ensuring that EU negotiations don’t hinder the significant progress that UK producers have made with finding new customers and ingredient suppliers across the rest of the world. In particular, with new trading agreements such with the GCC expected to be announced, and the new improved agreement with South Korea which was recently announced, increased support and guidance for UK suppliers, particularly smaller businesses, will help them make the most of new opportunities. This includes a £2.6 million fund to promote global export opportunities and promote British products abroad. This would replicate existing initiatives run by the Scottish and Welsh Governments, focusing on support for SME exporters, and promotion at targeted trade shows. Karen Betts, Chief Executive, The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), said: “At a time when food and drink businesses are facing rising production costs, regulatory pressures, and weak consumer confidence at home, easing barriers to trade and growing our exports could not be more important." “A new SPS deal with the EU will help remove barriers to trade with our largest trading partner. But the SPS agreement isn’t a silver bullet, and government will need to work closely with industry to ensure it works for business." “We’ve seen exports to the rest of the world outpace the EU in the last year, and there’s much more government can do to work with exporters, particularly SMEs, to ensure we maintain that momentum. We’re calling on government to work with us on a 10-year export growth plan, backed by £2.6mn of government funds to help businesses expand to new markets." "This will support the government’s ‘number one’ growth mission, as well as building the resilience and competitiveness of UK food and drink manufacturing.”

When it comes to Christmas trimmings, the people of Hampshire know what they want - and shoppers are certainly bringing home the bacon this year with record numbers of pigs in blankets being snapped up from farm shops in Wickham and Winchester. The tasty Christmas classics - a farm-shop-made chipolata wrapped in locally-sourced bacon - have been ordered in record numbers by customers at Westlands Farm Shop’s two branches. Staff at the two shops have been up to their elbows in sausages and bacon wrapping 4,800 sausages already this year. With over 700 Christmas orders already placed and over a week still to go, the shop has reported that 481 packs of 10 pigs-in-blankets have been reserved for local Christmas dinners. Among this year's orders, 213 customers have chosen free-range turkeys from Portchester, putting the business on course to surpass 2024's total orders with several weeks still to go until the big day. The numbers tell a bigger story about changing consumer values. Customers are increasingly prioritising transparency and traceability over convenience, choosing to know exactly where their food comes from and who has produced it. For many, the answer lies in supporting businesses where they can see the entire supply chain, from farm to table. Operations Manager Harry King said: "We're seeing more and more people wanting to know exactly where their Christmas dinner has come from. There's a real move towards conscious shopping and supporting local producers, especially this year." The trend comes during what has been a particularly challenging year for British farmers, with many facing difficult conditions and economic pressures. By choosing local farm shops, customers are actively supporting regional jobs and keeping money within local supply chains. "It's been a tough 12 months for farmers across the UK, so it's encouraging to see this level of support from our customers. They're buying local, and actively seeking out traceable, high-quality produce and asking questions about how it's been reared." The farm shop expects to exceed last year's 800 orders, crediting the increase to customers prioritising transparency and supporting regional food networks. For those yet to place their Christmas orders, Westlands Farm Shop is still taking bookings for the festive period.