Nearly 90% of rural family businesses have paused investment, and in some cases, are actively devaluing their businesses to avoid triggering tax bills they can’t afford, stark new polling by the CLA reveals. Respondents describe being forced to cancel the creation of holiday homes, put off buying new machinery, stop growing crops, delay building reservoirs needed to cope with drought, and even allow buildings and land to deteriorate. As one respondent says: “I am doing everything I can to devalue my business to reduce the tax burden for my children.” Of those who say they’ve cancelled investment, more than a third have shelved projects worth over £150K, while 64% have abandoned plans worth over £50K. While government says the updated £2.5 million relief allowance means most family businesses will not be affected, nearly 85% of respondents said the allowance is not enough to cover the value of their business, citing the rising cost of machinery, livestock and crops. Instead, the findings reveal family-run businesses, typically asset-rich but cash-poor – would be forced into a cycle of asset sales or debt to cover this tax, undermining the long-term viability of the rural economy, jobs and communities. Nearly 50% say they’d have to sell at least a quarter of their land to cover the bill, with one in four saying they’d have to sell over half. This comes as farmers face dwindling incomes after a string of poor harvests, with the average farm earning just £29,800 in 2025. Seven in ten now say they are worried their family business will not survive the next ten years, with 29% saying they are seriously considering leaving the farming industry in the next five years. As the budget looms, the CLA is calling on Burnham and Chancellor Healey to scrap inheritance tax reforms, warning that the current policy is forcing family businesses to shrink simply to survive and undermining growth and job opportunities across rural Britain. Gavin Lane, CLA President, said: “We’ve warned for years that the logic behind this tax is perverse and self-defeating. Now the data proves why. Families who’ve spent decades building up their businesses are being forced to shrink them down again just to keep hold of them. They are scaling back ambitions, letting buildings deteriorate, and stripping out value, all to pass on businesses that may no longer be profitable." “Burnham says he wants growth in every postcode. But this will be impossible until he reverses the tax actively destroying it. Family businesses want a leader who can help them invest and expand and drive forward the economy." At the next budget, Burnham has a chance to prove he’s more serious on growth than his predecessors. He must reverse the tax, deliver a proper rural reset, and get the countryside moving again.”

Cleanology has welcomed Leader of the Opposition Kemi Badenoch MP to its headquarters in Vauxhall, South-West London, for a discussion on employment, economic growth and the contribution of businesses such as Cleanology to the UK economy. Mrs Badenoch was accompanied by Shadow Work & Pensions Secretary Helen Whately MP who met with Cleanology’s Chairman & Co-Founder Dominic Ponniah to discuss getting more young people into employment. During the visit, Mrs Badenoch and Ms Whately met members of the Cleanology team and heard about the company’s growth, its role as a major employer and the career opportunities available within the cleaning and facilities management sector. The discussion focused on some of the key issues facing employers today, including the cost of employing people, creating sustainable jobs and attracting people into the workforce. Cleanology, one of the UK’s leading commercial cleaning companies, also highlighted the wider economic importance of the facilities management sector, which supports businesses and organisations across almost every part of the UK economy. Dominic Ponniah, Chairman & Co-Founder of Cleanology, said: “Whatever your political persuasion, creating good jobs and building a strong economy should matter to everyone. As a business employing more than 1,000 people, we see first-hand the difference that employment can make – not simply in providing an income, but in giving people opportunity, skills, confidence and the chance to progress." Our industry provides an important route into employment and career progression. I want to see that contribution recognised much more widely and demonstrate that successful businesses like Cleanology can deliver both economic and social value.” Cleanology recently announced it had become what is thought to be the first UK commercial cleaning company to become B Corp certified and holder of an EcoVadis silver medal, affirming its position as one of the most sustainable cleaning businesses in the UK; and earlier this year, Cleanology won a Living Wage Champion Award in recognition of its commitment to fair pay, with its entire workforce now receiving the voluntary Real Living Wage or higher. Next month Cleanology is hosting its annual fundraising event – now in its sixth year – in aid of The Hygiene Bank. The successful fundraiser has established itself as an unmissable industry event, attracting almost 200 guests each year, and raising in excess of £151,000 in its first five years. This year the showpiece event is being held on Wednesday 11 November at the chic art deco-style Bloomsbury Hotel in Central London, just steps away from Tottenham Court Road station. Cleanology has led the way in sustainable, chemical-free cleaning for over 25 years, pioneering microfibre cloth and bio-enzyme products. Committed to achieving Net Zero by 2035, it prioritises eco-friendly purchasing, zero landfill, and plastic-free alternatives. It was the UK’s first cleaning company to introduce 100% sustainable uniforms with each one made from organic cotton and containing 2.5 plastic bottles. It has also invested in a fully electric van fleet saving 5,000 litres of diesel per year. For more information on Cleanology, visit here.

Investment will accelerate innovation, deepen customer and supplier partnerships and expand Arco’s reach across the UK, Europe and North America. Arco, the UK and Ireland's leading safety specialist, announced that global investment firm H.I.G. Capital has acquired the business, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Arco’s 140-year history. The transaction represents a significant investment in Arco’s future, providing the capital and strategic support to accelerate growth, expand its capabilities and further strengthen its position across the personal protective equipment (PPE), workplace safety and training markets. Since his appointment as Chief Executive Officer in December 2022, Guy Bruce and his leadership team have delivered 38.4% EBITDA compound annual growth over four consecutive years. During this period, Arco has undergone a significant transformation, creating a more scalable and resilient business while reinvesting in its operations, customer proposition, product range and innovation capabilities. The transformation has been underpinned by a clear commitment to responsible growth and ESG, culminating in Arco achieving EcoVadis Platinum status – the highest available rating – recognising the company’s approach to sustainability. Having established the platform, capabilities and infrastructure to realise its full potential, Arco now enters its next phase of growth from a position of strength. Its market-leading safety proposition, deep supplier relationships and specialist expertise provide a strong foundation for continued investment and expansion across the UK, Europe and North America. Investing in Growth for Customers and Suppliers The acquisition marks the beginning of a new phase of investment for Arco, with significant opportunities to broaden its market reach and further enhance the value it provides to customers and suppliers. Arco intends to invest in expanding its proprietary and Arco-branded product ranges, while significantly broadening its portfolio of specialist safety training and services. The business will also have greater scope to pursue strategic acquisitions that complement its capabilities, extend its geographic reach and create new opportunities for customers and supplier partners. Most importantly, the investment provides a foundation for Arco’s long-term ambition: to build an even stronger business for its customers, suppliers and colleagues while preserving the culture, values, expertise and commitment to safety that have defined Arco for more than 140 years. A Strong Foundation for the Future Thomas Martin, spokesperson for the Martin family, said: "For generations, my family has been proud to lead Arco and to help build the business it is today. We have always seen ourselves as custodians of the company, with a responsibility to protect and develop it for the generations that follow." "We have received unsolicited approaches from potential buyers in the UK and internationally over many years. However, this was never simply about finding a buyer. It was about finding the right partner for Arco’s next chapter – one who shared our ambition for the business and our commitment to its people, customers and suppliers." "Arco is a stronger business today as a result of the professionalisation of its strategy, governance, Board and Executive team. Having considered the options carefully, we believe H.I.G. is the right partner to support and guide the next phase of Arco’s development. I am confident that we are entrusting the business to good hands." Building a Market-Leading Safety Business Guy Bruce, Chief Executive Officer of Arco, said: "Over the past three and a half years, we have transformed Arco, strengthened our operations and built a scalable platform capable of supporting significant future growth. We now have the infrastructure, talent and capabilities to support a substantially larger business." "The decision to partner with H.I.G. reflects a strong alignment of both value and values. They bring significant investment capability, proven expertise in distribution and a track record of working alongside management teams to build businesses for the long term." "The safety landscape is changing rapidly, and our customers consistently tell us that they need a reliable, capable and compliant partner to underpin their safety strategies and help them achieve their own business objectives. Arco’s expertise, supplier relationships and understanding of workplace safety have never been more relevant." "With H.I.G.’s support, we have an opportunity to build on those strengths: to deepen our customer and supplier partnerships, broaden our proposition, invest in our capabilities and pursue opportunities that will extend our reach." "We have an ambitious vision for Arco. It is about growing and evolving the business while retaining the expertise, values and customer focus that have made it successful for more than 140 years. H.I.G.’s experience and commitment to the sector make them an exciting partner for the next stage of that journey, and I am energised by what we can achieve together." Shared Ambition H.I.G. Capital is a leading global alternative investment firm with a strong track record of partnering with businesses to support sustainable growth, operational excellence and market expansion. The newly constituted Board of Directors will be chaired by Meine Oldersma, who brings extensive experience with H.I.G., significant knowledge of Arco from his previous role as a Non-Executive Director, and a strong track record working with multi-million-pound distribution businesses. Having worked with Guy Bruce previously and more recently at Arco, Meine’s appointment as Chairman also provides valuable continuity as Arco enters its next phase of development. The Board will also include Adam Taylor and Elliott Robinson of H.I.G., who led the firm’s investment team on the transaction, alongside Guy Bruce as Chief Executive Officer and Dan Carr as Chief Financial Officer. Under the leadership of Guy and his management team, Arco will continue its transformation, with the support and investment of H.I.G., while remaining firmly committed to setting the benchmark for safety, service and training excellence across the industries it serves.

The countdown clock is ticking down for creative Lake District bakers and confectioners to enter Cumbria's first Gingerbread House Festival. The event takes place at Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa over the weekend of 20-22 November 2026. Organised by English Lakes Hotels and Grasmere Gingerbread, it will showcase eye-catching and edible ‘gingerbread house’ designs created by a host of competitors from across the country. Endorsed by Cumbria Tourism, the Gingerbread House Festival is a friendly competition for bakers of all abilities to display their skills and imaginative designs. There are several different individual or group entry categories to suit all-comers, ranging from adult and child, under 11s and under 18s through to seniors, businesses, community groups and culinary professionals. And to get the ball rolling, Low Wood Bay pastry chef Jibin Thomas has created a scale size gingerbread house replica of the hotel. It took Jibin around 15 hours in all to create it and involved experimenting with a plywood template and using a range of different culinary and mechanical tools for the details of construction. The culinary competition will include a host of fabulous prizes, with the best entry taking away the top accolade of National Gingerbread House of the Year 2026. Participants in the Gingerbread House Festival will also be helping to raise funds for Shelter, the housing and homelessness charity. Managing director of English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues Ben Berry says: “There are only a few weeks left for budding bakers and contenders to finalise their ideas for the type of gingerbread house they wish to construct." “And thanks to Jibin’s skills and creativity, we’ve made our own gingerbread model of the main Low Wood Bay hotel building to set out the stall and hopefully inspire entrants to think about the architecture of their own designs. We can’t wait to see their ideas and how they build and bake them at the event." “We also want the Gingerbread House Festival to become a regular fixture that brings people together not only to celebrate culinary expertise and creativity, but also to provide a lot of fun along the way.” Grasmere Gingerbread co-director Joanne Hunter adds: "I cannot wait to see all the 'gingerbread house' designs at the Gingerbread House Festival in November as we already have some weird and wonderful entries." “People seem to be very excited about the event. I believe this is because it offers a little welcome escapism and fun as we head into the darker winter months. There are great prizes to be won and it is raising money for a wonderful charity.” Prizes on offer for competition category winners range from one-off £1,000 cash bonanzas to VIP luxury experiences at Low Wood Bay and sharing goodie boxes from Grasmere Gingerbread. Managing director of Cumbria Tourism Gill Haigh says: "Grasmere Gingerbread and Low Wood Bay are bringing some real kudos to the county with the introduction of this highly creative and quirky event." “It's a great way to celebrate our local heritage and it'll be a wonderful chance for participants to show their culinary skills and flair, and for visitors to marvel at all the different designs on show. We expect it will provide plenty of festive fun in the run up to Christmas." For further information about The Gingerbread House Festival and how to enter, visit here.

Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep has returned to Port Glasgow, where one lucky local shopper has raised £1,011.61 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) while also taking home the same value in Aldi favourites. Inspired by the iconic game show, the popular challenge arrived in Port Glasgow on 4 September, where competition winner Carol McGlynn was selected to take part in a five-minute trolley dash in support of CHAS. In addition to taking home a trolley full of goodies, Aldi Scotland matched the total value of Carol’s haul, donating all proceeds to CHAS to help support over 500 babies, children and young people across Scotland with life-shortening conditions and their families. In 2026 every penny raised through the initiative will go directly to CHAS, with £10,000 pledged in support. Jenn Stewart, Lead Nurse, Hospice Services, CHAS, said: "Every week in Scotland, families face the devastating reality of knowing their child may die young. Thanks to the generosity of Aldi, supermarket sweeps help raise vital funds so CHAS can continue to deliver expert palliative care, living well and experience opportunities and care around dying that families rely on, as well as emotional and bereavement support from our wider CHAS teams." “In the West of Scotland, CHAS currently supports 83 families, helping them make the most of every precious moment together. We are hugely grateful for Aldi's ongoing support and for everyone who takes part in these fantastic fundraising events." Tom Brearey, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland said: “Our Supermarket Sweep continues to be a highlight in the Aldi calendar, and we’re proud to partner with CHAS once again to support the incredible work they do. Congratulations to Carol for raising an incredible £1,011 for CHAS while enjoying a well-earned trolley full of Aldi favourites." “CHAS is a charity very close to our hearts which does invaluable work for families in Scotland. Through initiatives like Supermarket Sweep, we are pleased to help raise both funds and awareness so they can continue delivering care and support where it is needed most.” This April, CHAS launched its ‘More Than A Hospice’ appeal, seeking to raise £20 million to transform children’s palliative care across Scotland and ensure no family faces their child’s illness or end of life without the right care and support. The appeal aims to fund the crucial rebuilding and refreshing of CHAS’s hospices, as well as the expansion of care in homes, communities and hospitals, giving families real choice over where and how they are supported when they need it most. For more information about CHAS and how to support its work, visit here. To find your nearest Aldi, visit here.

Drivers across Dorset now have easier access to cars from BYD, one of the UK’s fastest-growing vehicle brands, thanks to significant investment from Hendy Group in creating a dedicated new showroom in Poole, which is open now. Hendy is now the sole representative for BYD in Dorset, with the new Poole site on Wallisdown Road. The opening marks Hendy’s fourth BYD facility in the South of England – alongside Christchurch, Crawley and Tonbridge – and brings the total number of vehicle brands in Hendy’s portfolio to 26. Locals visiting the new BYD Poole showroom can explore the full model line-up, from the compact Dolphin and Dolphin Surf hatchback to the Atto 3 crossover SUV and the largest models in the range, including the all-electric Sealion 7 family SUV and the plug-in hybrid Seal U DM-i. Test drives will be available across the range, helping potential buyers find the model best suited to their needs and preferences. Customers at the Poole dealership can also benefit from dedicated aftersales support, with their workshop offering servicing, maintenance, repairs and MOTs for all BYD models. For added convenience, the dealership also has electric vehicle charging points available for customers to use while charging on site. Paul Hendy, Chief Executive at Hendy Group, said: "BYD has already proved hugely popular for other parts of the Hendy network, and opening a dedicated showroom in Poole gives local people the opportunity to see the amazing products available. As more people consider making the switch to plug-in mobility, having a local showroom where they can experience these vehicles first-hand and receive expert advice will make that decision even easier.” Further information is available here. Hendy Group currently represents 22 manufacturers along the south coast of England, offering new and used car and van sales as well as servicing, MOT testing, parts, fleet management and much more, Hendy Group has been providing a premium experience to customers for over 165 years.

Fresh from setting a new world land speed record of 406.320mph powered by its pioneering hydrogen technology, JCB is accelerating investment in its future, with major commitments to British manufacturing and new production capacity in the United States. The manufacturer is investing heavily in the transformation of its Staffordshire World HQ, while in the USA, JCB’s new factory in San Antonio, Texas - its largest in the world - opens next month, creating 1,500 jobs over the next five years. As JCB invests for its next chapter, George Bamford is to become Joint Chairman of the family company alongside his father, Lord Bamford. It is the first change at the top of JCB in more than 50 years, during which the business has grown from its Staffordshire roots into one of Britain’s largest privately owned manufacturers, with 23 factories and more than 20,000 employees worldwide. The announcement coincides with JCB reporting a resilient performance in 2025, despite mixed market conditions and geopolitical headwinds around the world. Sales turnover totalled £5.7 billion, profit before tax was £642 million and machine sales reached 113,498 units, while the business remained debt-free with no net borrowings. JCB also increased its global market share, despite flat demand in North America and a 12% market contraction in India. At the heart of JCB’s investment in Britain is the £100 million transformation of its Staffordshire headquarters – JCB’s home since 1950, when Joseph Cyril Bamford moved production into a former cheese factory in Rocester. A £60 million fully automated powder paint plant and a comprehensively modernised shop floor are part of the transformation, helping to secure the future of more than 8,000 UK jobs. In the USA, JCB’s new $1 billion factory in San Antonio, Texas – at one million square feet, JCB’s largest factory in the world – opens next month. It will build Loadall telescopic handlers and access equipment for North America, the world’s biggest construction equipment market. Investment in factories is being matched by investment in innovation. Hydrogen-powered machines are now in production following JCB’s £100 million programme to develop hydrogen combustion technology, making it the first construction equipment company in the world to bring a fully approved hydrogen-fuelled combustion engine to market. Last month, those engines powered JCB into the record books at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. The JCB Hydromax, driven by Wing Commander Andy Green OBE, recorded 406.320mph (653.909km/h) on the Salt Flats to become the fastest ever hydrogen-powered vehicle – more than doubling the previous hydrogen combustion record and beating JCB’s own Dieselmax diesel record, set 20 years earlier. JCB Hydromax was powered by two production-based hydrogen engines manufactured at JCB’s factory in Foston, Derbyshire, and went from idea to world record in just 18 months. Meanwhile, the JCB Academy, a pioneering project championed by Anthony Bamford to address the UK’s engineering skills shortage, goes from strength to strength. This year 708 students applied for 314 places available this September, maintaining the Academy’s long-standing reputation for being heavily oversubscribed. Since opening in 2010, it has educated around 3,750 young people and boasts a 100% record of leavers progressing into employment or further education. This month a total of 116 new apprentices, undergraduates and graduates, selected from more than 6,300 applicants, also joined JCB. JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “Last year JCB celebrated its 80th birthday and, as we look ahead, we are investing heavily in the future of the business – from the transformation of our Staffordshire headquarters and pioneering hydrogen technology, to our new factory in Texas. As part of that next chapter, I’m delighted that my son George will become Joint Chairman of JCB." "We have never been a company that stands still, and these investments will ensure JCB is well placed to seize the opportunities ahead.” George Bamford said: "From the day my grandfather founded JCB in 1945, innovation and investment in Great Britain has been at the heart of everything we do. JCB Hydromax showed the world what British engineering can achieve. That same spirit is in every machine we build." "While JCB has expanded globally over the years, our home has always been here, and the record investment we are making in our facilities and in new products is good news for Britain and good news for JCB." JCB CEO Graeme Macdonald said: “While 2025 was a more challenging year with mixed market conditions around the world, JCB delivered a robust performance overall. Machine sales were down by around 5%, but turnover remained broadly stable due to a more favourable market and product mix." "Despite nil market growth in North America and a 12% market contraction in India – both important markets for JCB – we increased our global market share during 2025, which is an encouraging result. The overall outlook for 2026 is for moderate growth, despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, and with new capacity coming on stream in Texas and Staffordshire we are well placed to take advantage of it." JCB 2025 annual results at a glance: 2025 (in £s Sterling) 2025 (in US$) 2024 (£) Turnover £5.7 billion $7.64 billion £5.8 billion Profit before tax £642.0 million $860.2 million £687.3 million Machine sales (units) 113,498 $1.34/£1 119,848

Family Business United (FBU), the independent media, membership and advocacy platform for the family business community, today announces the launch of the Family Business Top 100, a new campaign to find and celebrate the 100 people making the greatest difference to family business across the UK. Nominations are now open to anyone working within a UK family business, whether a member of the owning family or not. Up to three nominations can be made per family business in the UK. Entries can be submitted by colleagues, relatives, business contacts or the nominees themselves, and will be assessed by an independent judging panel of family business leaders, advisers and academics. Recognising The People Behind The Names Above The Door Family businesses are the backbone of the British economy, providing employment, anchoring local communities and taking the long term view that so many other businesses aspire to. Yet the individuals who drive them forward often go unrecognised. The Family Business Top 100 sets out to change that, shining a spotlight on the leaders, innovators and quiet achievers who are shaping the future of family enterprise. Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, said: "For more than a decade we have told the stories of family businesses across the UK, and time and again what stands out is the people. Behind every successful family firm are individuals who have made brave decisions, protected what matters and built something to hand on to the next generation. The Family Business Top 100 is our way of saying thank you to them and of showing the wider world just how much talent and commitment exists within this community." Nine Categories Reflecting What Makes Family Business Special Nominees can be entered into any of nine categories, designed to reflect the distinctive strengths and challenges of family business: Inspiring Leader recognises those who have created wealth and stable employment while staying true to the values that built their business. Succession Champion celebrates those who have led a successful transition between generations. Governance Champion honours those who have brought structure and clarity to how their family business is run. Innovator recognises those who have reinvented products, processes or markets, proving heritage and innovation go hand in hand. Sustainability Steward celebrates those driving progress towards Net Zero and responsible practice. Values and Purpose Champion honours those who put purpose, people and community at the heart of their business. Unsung Hero recognises those, often from outside the family, whose loyalty and expertise underpin the success of others. Next Generation Pioneer celebrates those aged 35 or under already making an impact beyond their years. Lifetime Contribution honours an individual whose career has shaped both their business and the wider family business community. Paul Andrews added: "Family businesses think in generations, not quarters, and that is exactly why this campaign matters. We want to hear about the leader who steered the firm through a difficult succession, the long serving manager who has become part of the family, and the young person already bringing fresh energy to a business their grandparents founded." "If you know someone who deserves to be recognised, please nominate them. These are the people who will define the next chapter of UK family business." How To Nominate Nominations are open now and close on November 30, 2026. To submit a nomination, visit simply download, complete and return the form below. The Family Business Top 100 will be revealed in Spring 2027.

The Food and Drink Federation's (FDF) latest Trade Snapshot reveals that UK food and drink export volumes fell by more than a tenth (11.7%) in the first half of 2026, reaching their third lowest level on record. At 4bn kg, food exports were only marginally above levels at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and in the aftermath of the 2001 foot and mouth disease outbreak. Meanwhile, in spite of global conflict disrupting trade flows, food and drink imports reached record highs. Import volumes reached their second highest level, at 19.1bn kg, only behind H1 2025. This highlights a concerning trend of the UK’s food and drink trade gap widening, with UK food production becoming less competitive globally, while international competitors are gaining ground in the UK market. While imports play an important role in UK food and drink production, if this gap continues to widen it risks undermining UK food security because a strong farming sector and a strong food manufacturing sector go hand in hand. UK Food Loses Out On The Global Stage Exports to the EU remained on a downward trend, falling 0.9% in value terms, including a decline to the UK’s top two export markets, Ireland (-4.9%) and France (-4.6%). This is rooted in the additional costs and complexity of trading with our nearest partners since Brexit, with inconsistent application of rules across member states adding to the burden. As well as the decline in EU exports, there was a fall in non-EU exports, which dropped 6.9% in value terms. This was, in part, driven by falling food and drink exports to the Middle East as a result of the ongoing war with Iran. For example, exports to UAE fell by nearly a quarter (23.4%). The 10% tariff imposed by the US also had a major impact, with food and drink exports to the country down 16.5%. This is likely to fall further, with the latest round of US tariffs giving EU producers a more advantageous position than UK businesses. Mind The Trade Gap The volume of non-EU imports to the UK were up 22% compared to H1 2023 – after the government eased controls on imports to the UK from the rest of the world5. Overall, the UK’s food and drink trade deficit now sits at -£21.1bn in H1 2026 – the largest it has been since 2000. The UK business environment is playing a role. High energy and regulatory costs, alongside policy uncertainty is making the UK a less attractive place to invest, and available funds are likely going overseas instead. A CBI report on business costs estimates that burden of taxes and packaging regulations on food and drink manufacturers was nearly £10bn in 2025, equivalent to 23.8% of the sector’s GVA. This is worsening the already large trade gap and makes the UK more reliant on imports for finished products during a period of considerable geopolitical instability. Government needs to ask itself how far it will allow this trend to continue. With the UK suspending tariffs on a range of manufactured foods this year, the government is exacerbating an already widening trade gap and undermining UK producers by improving competitors’ access to the UK market. Instead of making it easier for international businesses to sell their goods here, it should focus on addressing the competitiveness and concerns of UK manufacturers. As part of this, the government must reduce tariffs on key ingredients used by food and drink manufacturers, rather than packaged products. This would help to reduce the cost of making food here in the UK so that manufacturers can become more competitive both at home and abroad. With the government currently in discussions with the EU about its future trade relationship, it is also vital that UK manufacturers have adequate time to adapt to this significant change. Karen Betts, Chief Executive, The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), said: “Our food and drink trade deficit is growing and is now the largest it’s been in over 25 years. In a world beset by conflict and the ever-increasing impacts of climate change, this poses some stark questions about our food security." “The pressures on manufacturers are significant and growing, with the cost of everything they need to make food going up, from energy and ingredients, to logistics, packaging and labour. Constantly changing regulation and high compliance costs are adding to this and making UK businesses uncompetitive both here and abroad." “When the government then chooses to remove tariffs on, for example, biscuits imported from China, it’s not surprising that they’ll be sold more cheaply here than biscuits made in the UK using British ingredients. But this is putting British products and British jobs at risk." “As we head to Liverpool this weekend, we’re calling on Andy Burnham and his government to act on this stark evidence, working in partnership with the food industry, to ensure food producers – from farmers to the manufacturers who buy from them – can run viable businesses in postcodes right across the UK.” Tom Bradshaw, President, NFU, said: "These figures should be a wake-up call. At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, we cannot afford to take our food production capacity for granted." “The pressures facing farm businesses are immense, from rising costs and regulatory burdens to extreme weather and global market volatility. If government is serious about food security, economic growth and national resilience, it must create the conditions that give businesses the confidence to invest, innovate and grow." “A strong food manufacturing sector depends on a strong farming sector. This widening food trade deficit underlines the need for a clear, long-term plan that backs British production and recognises a simple truth that food security is national security.”

A Warrington-based farm, run by the same family for more than 500 years, has revamped its management structure after completing the 90% Government-funded Help to Grow: Management Course to turn half a million annual visitors into long-term, sustainable growth. The Cheshire farm, which has been worked by the same family since the 15th century, is set to welcome half a million visitors in 2026. As well as its award-winning farm shop, cafe and plant shop, Kenyon Hall Farm attracts people all-year-round to its range of fruit picking, Maize Maze, Junior Farmers Club and Pumpkin Festival activities. Visitor numbers have tripled in the past five years but managing that growth in a sustainable way had proved challenging for the business owners. James Bulmer returned to Kenyon Hall Farm to support his parents ten years ago, following a successful career in IT. He is now one of four owners of the farm, which has been worked by the family for over five centuries. What was once a traditional farm, Kenyon Hall Farm now welcomes thousands of daily visitors at peak times, with strawberry picking tickets selling out in minutes. Kenyon Hall Farm is open to the public 360 days a year with a full calendar of seasonal events such as a sunflower field and themed maze - this year’s was a disco maze. Its Pumpkin Festival is back from Saturday 26th September. While the rapid increase in footfall was welcome and presented a significant opportunity, the expansion quickly outpaced the farm’s organisational structure. The four business owners were consistently working seven days a week in areas outside their core expertise to try and manage the growth. James reached out to a local university to understand his options and subsequently enrolled on the Help to Grow: Management Course, recommended and delivered by Salford University in 2024/25. James Bulmer, Manager and Owner of Kenyon Hall Farm, said: “The business’ growth was out of control. We had too many customers and not enough structure to support that. The Help to Grow: Management Course helped me to realise that we needed experienced managers in place to help us to grow the business sustainably." "As a direct result of going on the course, we now have a management tier in place. Now I get to spend more time at home with my family and I don't have to be on site all the time. The most valuable lesson from the course is the realisation that growth doesn't just mean growth in customers or size. It can be the growth of your systems, and of the foundations and structures in place that you need to run a business.” James explained that the Help to Grow: Management Course’s mentoring and peer network are continuing to shape the business two years on. He added: “I would say to someone in a family business: you can get support to help you to run your business. It doesn't have to be all on your shoulders. It's been life-changing to see what can happen as a result of this new way of thinking." "It's very rewarding to see what the farm has become. My mum and dad have put in their whole life’s work into making it what it is, and I'm very proud to be able to continue that. And I'm also proud that looking into the future, the growth is going to be more sustainable, and less stressful. It feels as though we're heading in the right direction.” Flora Hamilton, Executive Director of the Small Business Charter, which delivers the Help to Grow: Management Course, said: “Kenyon Hall Farm is a brilliant example of what family businesses can achieve when they combine generations of expertise with the right structure to support future ambitions. Businesses that scale quickly can feel out of control without the right systems in place, and that’s exactly the gap that the Help to Grow: Management Course is designed to close." “It’s wonderful to see how James and his family have put the organisational design modules into practice, building the structure needed to grow sustainably on top of five centuries of farming knowledge.” The Help to Grow: Management Course is a 90% government-funded leadership programme for SME business leaders, delivered by a network of Small Business Charter accredited business schools. The course runs over 12 weeks and includes online and face-to-face sessions, 10 hours of 1-to-1 mentoring and peer networking. Its mission is to increase economic growth and productivity through improved management and leadership practice.

Family-run Loch Lomond Brewery has sold over 77,000 more beers through Aldi Scotland in a year, and lands three new exclusives this autumn. Loch Lomond Brewery has seen sales with Aldi Scotland climb 57% in a year, as more than 77,000 extra beers have been sold across Scotland in 2026. The growth comes as the family-run brewery adds three new exclusive beers to Aldi Scotland shelves: Climb Every Mountain, a 5.5% Vienna Lager; Grand Tour, a 5.5% West Coast IPA; and Sunset Grill, a 5.5% Red IPA. Loch Lomond Brewery has supplied Aldi Scotland since 2013, growing from occasional listings into a regular fixture on shelves. In that time, it has brewed 36 different beers for the supermarket and sold more than 750,000 bottles and cans, around a third of them in the past year alone. Production has scaled up to match, from roughly 150,000 pints a year at the start of the partnership to close to 1.5 million today at its home near Dumbarton. The family-run brewery now expects it one-millionth Aldi beer to reach shoppers during 2027. Its first beer for the supermarket was Kessog, a 5.2% dark ale. More recently, Lost in Mosaic, a 5% New World IPA, has been the brewery's best seller with Aldi Scotland, followed closely by Bonnie & Clyde, a 4.5% West Coast IPA. Changing tastes have shaped the range too. The brewery has seen growing demand for low and no-alcohol beers, stouts and flavoured lagers. The new exclusives reflect that appetite for variety. Climb Every Mountain, a Vienna Lager, has been created to coincide with Oktoberfest, while Grand Tour fulfils a long-held ambition to bring a West Coast IPA to Aldi Scotland shoppers. Sunset Grill, a Red IPA, completes the trio, giving customers a richer, maltier take on the IPA for the colder months. Fiona MacEachern, Managing Director at Loch Lomond Brewery, said: “We’ve had a great time crafting these three beers, and we can’t wait to see them land ahead of the winter months, when we hope they'll become firm favourites with shoppers. A Vienna-style lager for Oktoberfest was a natural next step for our Aldi partnership, and a proper West Coast IPA is one we’ve wanted to make for a while." “We love working with the Aldi team. What began as the odd listing has grown into an ever-present and evolving range, and we're already looking ahead with them to plan the beers we’ll bring to shoppers in spring 2027.” Alan Leslie, Buying Director at Aldi Scotland, said: “A 57% rise in sales in a single year is a real achievement. It says everything about the quality Loch Lomond Brewery brings to our shelves and the appetite our customers have for great Scottish beer." “It's been brilliant to watch the brewery grow over the years while keeping that family feel, and we're looking forward to hitting the one-millionth beer landmark with the team next year. These three new beers are a fitting way to mark another strong year, and exactly the kind of local, high-quality products our customers love to find in store.” Climb Every Mountain (440ml, £1.99), Grand Tour (440ml, £1.99) and Sunset Grill (440ml, £1.99) are now available across all 113 Aldi Scotland stores, while stocks last.

Lancashire based foster care and special needs provider Family Care has teamed up with The East Lancashire Railway to provide a British Sign Language Interpreter for children on its Santa Special trains later this year for the very first time. The innovative new facility will be available for families to book from November on select dates, promising to make Christmas even more accessible. The new festive interpreter will travel on specific Santa specials run by the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) between Rawtenstall and Bury from 29 November, helping to ensure that the magical ride is as inclusive as possible for every young traveller on board. The new interpreter service has been made possible by a special new partnership between Family Care and ELR, with Family Care sponsoring the new facility. This latest innovation reflects the ELR’s continuing commitment to making its famous Santa Special events a welcoming and magical experience for as many people as possible. In 2023 the railway ran its first-ever Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Santa Special train. This Christmas experience was adapted to make it an accessible adventure for those with special educational needs. This involved several careful refinements, all made with expert advice. The lights on the station footbridge (the Winter Wonderland Walkthrough) were toned down, with fewer flashing bulbs. The Characters were more spaced out and low-key, and the arrival window was extended to avoid the usual hustle and bustle of boarding. Once on board, visitors could avail themselves of special quiet carriages and were given signage to indicate if they wanted the characters to keep their interactions to a minimum or be more enthusiastic. The SEND Train proved to be hugely popular with local families, and it has since been expanded to multiple trains on multiple dates.This year, in order to expand the offering further, the ELR, working with Family Care, will introduce a British Sign Language interpreter to give families even more opportunities to get the most out of this event. Marie Marshall has been working as a BSL Interpreter for 26 years, having previously worked in education and covering Community BSL Bookings. She has been involved with Football interpreting in both mainstream and Deaf Football and even took part in the 2025 Tokyo Olympics with Great Britain’s Deaf Women’s Football Team. For four years, she spent her summer months providing Performance Interpreting for music events. She had this to say: “I am really looking forward to being part of the Santa Express team so deaf children can have the same experience as other children.” Phil Williamson, Director at Family Care Group, which will provide the funding for ELR to offer the interpreter service, said: “We’re proud to be supporting the ELR with their dedicated SEND Santa Specials which provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for families to enjoy this amazing trip." “As a family-owned and community focused organisation, we have a real passion for providing opportunities for all children in the Lancashire and North West, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities. Our new partnership with East Lancashire Railway reflects our own strong commitment to supporting SEND children in the work we do.” Chairman of the ELR Mike Kelly said: “We are incredibly proud to have been the first heritage railway to introduce dedicated SEND Santa Specials in 2023, creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where families could experience the magic of Christmas together." Since then, we have expanded the programme each year, ensuring even more children and families can enjoy this special experience. In 2026, we are delighted to extend our reach further by providing the support of a professional British Sign Language (BSL) signer, making our events even more accessible." "As we look ahead to the 40th anniversary of our Santa Specials in 2027, our vision is simple: that every visitor, whatever their additional needs or challenges, can experience the wonder and excitement of Christmas and create treasured memories that will last a lifetime." The East Lancashire Railway will continue its efforts to make sure that everyone can have the most magical experience possible on the Santa Special train. The Santa Specials run from late November through to Christmas Eve. Visitors can look forward to a magical Winter Wonderland walkthrough before boarding their steam train and setting off on their adventure. During the journey, they will meet colourful Christmas characters, enjoy performances from traditional brass bands, and of course be visited by Father Christmas himself, who will be handing gifts out to the little ones. Find out more about the Santa Specials by visiting here. To learn more about Family Care Group and its fostering and SEND services, visit here.