To mark the 130th anniversary of one of Robinsons Brewery's longest-standing and most iconic beers, Unicorn, formerly known as Unicorn Best Bitter, will be available for just £1.30 in more than 170 Robinsons pubs across the North West and North Wales on Saturday 26th September, while stocks last. Brewing in the heart of Stockport since 1838, Robinsons has built a reputation for producing quality cask ales, with Unicorn remaining at the heart of its brewing heritage. First brewed in September 1896, the beer has become a firm favourite among generations of drinkers and remains still one of the brewery's most popular pints. What makes Unicorn really special is its recipe, that has remained unchanged for well over a century, preserving the character and quality that have made it a staple of pubs across Stockport and beyond. September will be a month of celebration for the family brewer, with the anniversary offering beer lovers the chance to enjoy a pint of Unicorn for just £1.30. Robinsons will also be hosting a competition for 13 lucky winners to win limited-edition Stockport County football shirts from 1996-1997. Head Brewer at Robinsons Brewery commented: "Unicorn has been part of Robinsons’ story for over a century, enjoyed by generations of loyal customers in Stockport and far beyond. As we celebrate 130 years of this iconic British cask beer on Cask Ale Week, we wanted to invite our customers to join us for a £1.30 pint on the 26th September.” So, whether you are a big Unicorn fan, love cask ale or want to try it for the first time, visit a participating Robinsons pub to claim your £1.30 pint on Saturday 26th September while stocks last. Don’t forget to follow Robinsons on social media for your chance to win a Stockport County shirt. Find a pub offering £1.30 pints here. Link to Robinsons Instagram here.

Government ambitions to reindustrialise Britain risk being undermined unless ministers act on tax pressures, high energy costs and skills shortages facing the family-owned firms that form the backbone of UK manufacturing, according to a new report published by Make UK and leading audit, accountancy, tax and advisory firm Bishop Fleming. The report, Who Inherits UK Manufacturing? The impact of tax policy on family businesses in manufacturing, finds that family-owned manufacturers account for 65% of manufacturing businesses, contribute an estimated £94bn to the UK economy and support around one million jobs. It also outlines how manufacturers are showing a clear commitment and acting proactively to invest in skills, innovation, resilience and growth, but high costs around taxation and energy, alongside economic uncertainty and skills shortages, are limiting their ability to expand and pass businesses on to the next generation. Energy is cited as the biggest barrier to growth by 59% of manufacturers, followed by taxation (cited by 47%). For family-owned firms, these pressures are also feeding into longer-term concerns over succession, with 78% worried about the impact of inheritance tax and Business Property Relief changes on passing businesses to the next generation. The report warns this could push owners to delay investment, restructure ownership or consider a sale because of tax liabilities rather than long-term business needs. More than one in five family-owned manufacturers are considering selling to an overseas buyer in response, while 18% are considering a UK-based sale, raising questions about who owns the UK’s manufacturing base as ministers seek to rebuild vital domestic industrial capability. The report’s publication is particularly timely following Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s recent pledges to reindustrialise Britain through a new 10-year plan and make greater use of procurement to back British industry. Make UK said delivery will depend on whether policy supports the family firms sustaining domestic capacity, skilled jobs and long-term investment. Fhaheen Khan, Senior Economist at Make UK, said: “Family-owned manufacturers are not a niche part of the economy. They anchor skilled jobs, long-term investment and the industrial know-how Britain needs to make reindustrialisation a reality, something the Prime Minister is right to put back at the centre of the economic debate." “But ambition must now be matched by action on the barriers holding firms back, from the highest industrial energy prices in the G7 to rising tax pressures and skills shortages." Inheritance tax changes are causing real concern for family-owned firms, and if policy pushes owners to restructure, delay investment or sell overseas to reduce tax bills, the UK risks losing valuable domestic capability at the very moment it is trying to rebuild it. “Reducing energy costs, reviewing inheritance tax changes, strengthening apprenticeship funding and turning the Industrial Strategy into practical support on the ground are now essential if Britain is serious about securing the future of its manufacturing base.” Dan Phillips, Head of Manufacturing at Bishop Fleming, said: "What struck us most from both the survey and our conversations with manufacturing leaders is that succession planning is no longer simply a tax discussion." "Business owners are thinking longer term about future leadership, attracting talent, protecting jobs and ensuring the businesses they have spent decades building remain successful for generations to come." “The manufacturers we spoke to continue to invest in people, digital capability and operational resilience despite significant economic uncertainty. The challenge is ensuring those businesses have the confidence and flexibility to continue making those long-term decisions.” The report also highlights concerns over the skills pipeline. Although 63% of manufacturers are planning moderate to significant investment in training, rising apprenticeship costs and delays to funding reform risk weakening a key route into skilled manufacturing work. Lack of technical skills is already a barrier for 32% of businesses, at a time when more than one million young people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, employment or training. According to the report, 91% of manufacturers say they have yet to see benefits from the Government’s Industrial Strategy one year on. Make UK said the strategy remains welcome, but delivery must now address concerns around energy costs, tax, skills, finance and investment incentives. The report argues that family-owned manufacturers are not only important employers, but custodians of industrial capability, specialist expertise and long-established supply chains, with today’s decisions shaping the UK’s future productivity, resilience and competitiveness. Make UK is calling on the Government to review recent inheritance tax changes, including the Business Property Relief cap, after 42% of manufacturers said they want them reversed. It said tax policy must not discourage long-term investment or create barriers to succession. It is also calling for action to reduce industrial energy costs, a review of employer National Insurance Contributions, apprenticeship funding reform and stronger investment incentives, including extending capital allowances to software and refurbished second-hand plant and machinery.

Noble Foods, the UK’s leading egg producer, has unveiled Kudos, a new consumer food-to-go brand designed to meet growing demand for nutritious, convenient and great-tasting snacks. Launching in Sainsbury’s stores from 1st September, the initial Kudos range will include Feta & Tomato Egg Bites, available in 410 stores, and Shakshuka Saucy Egg Pots, available in 423 stores. Both products will be available as meal deal snack options, helping introduce the brand to shoppers looking for convenient and protein-rich food-to-go choices. The new brand marks another major milestone in Noble Foods’ continued investment in value-added foods from its Leicester-based Innovation Hub, which has doubled in capacity since 2025. While Kudos launches initially within the food-to-go category, the brand has been created with long-term growth in mind, and with ambitions to expand into additional food-to-go and chilled categories in the future. Developed over 18 months and shaped by extensive consumer research, Kudos has been built around a simple proposition to deliver “rewarding nutrition” through delicious, convenient food made with quality ingredients. At its heart are free-range British eggs, with products that are high in protein and designed for modern lifestyles. The initial launch products include Kudos Egg Bites with Feta & Tomato and Kudos Saucy Egg Pots, with Shakshuka flavour. Additional variants, including Ham Hock and Jalapeño Chilli Egg Bites, alongside Mexican Bean and Chickpea Masala Saucy Egg Pots, are planned for future rollout. Designed for today’s increasingly flexible eating habits, the products combine free-range British eggs with globally inspired flavours, offering consumers a fresh alternative within the growing food-to-go market. The launch comes as the UK retail food-to-go category continues to grow, now worth £4.8 billion and increasing by 5.4% year-on-year [1]as consumers seek more convenient, nutritious eating options. Research conducted during the development of Kudos identified a clear opportunity for innovation within egg-based snacking. While 91% of consumers view eggs as a healthy source of protein, 55% said they wanted greater variety in egg snacks and 50% were looking for more flavour choice. The findings reinforced the opportunity for Noble Foods to create a modern brand that better reflects changing consumer expectations and eating habits. As one of nature’s most versatile foods, eggs are uniquely positioned to meet these changing needs. Despite strong consumer recognition of their nutritional credentials, egg-based products remain relatively underrepresented within modern food-to-go fixtures. Kudos has been developed to help bridge that gap. For Noble Foods, the launch represents a strategic investment in creating additional demand for British eggs by expanding their role across new food-to-go and snacking occasions. By introducing eggs into new eating moments, including snacking, lunch and food-to-go, the business aims to unlock new sources of demand while showcasing the versatility of eggs beyond traditional formats. The result is a bold, modern brand identity designed to stand out in a crowded category. Featuring vibrant blue and yellow branding, positive messaging and an upbeat, honest tone of voice, Kudos has been created for consumers seeking balance rather than perfection, helping make everyday food choices feel accessible, enjoyable and achievable. James Howes, Category & Brand Marketing Manager at Noble Foods said: “Kudos represents a significant investment for Noble Foods and an exciting new chapter for eggs as healthier, convenient options in different categories.” “Consumers are increasingly looking for healthier food that fits around real life, delivering on taste, convenience and positive nutrition without feeling restrictive or bland. Through Kudos, we’ve brought together free-range British eggs and bold flavours in products that offer rewarding nutrition and fit easily into busy lifestyles." "Just as importantly, Kudos creates new opportunities to introduce eggs into new eating occasions, drive demand for British egg production and demonstrate the versatility of eggs beyond traditional formats.” [1] Source: Kantar’s ‘Who-cares-who-does-2024’ report – Global

Caribbean has signed the Family Business Pledge, reinforcing its commitment to long-term relationships with its trade partners and the installer network that supports its business across the UK. The Family Business Pledge, created by Family Business United, sets out principles designed to encourage family businesses to take a long-term approach to ownership, people and responsible business. Caribbean is among the family firms to have signed the voluntary pledge. For Caribbean Managing Director Stuart Dantzic, signing the Pledge reflects the principles that have guided the family-owned business since it was founded by his parents, Ray and Angie Dantzic, in 1987. As Stuart adds: “Being a family business means taking a long-term view of the decisions we make and the relationships we build. That is particularly important when it comes to our trade partners." "Our installers are a vital part of the Caribbean business and we want to be a manufacturer they can rely on for the long term." “That means continuing to invest in the products, training, sales support and expertise that help our partners grow their businesses and deliver the right solutions for their customers. We understand that when our trade partners succeed, Caribbean succeeds with them.” Caribbean manufactures external shading solutions at its facility in Sudbury, Suffolk, and continues to invest in product development, manufacturing capability and support for its trade network. To find out more about becoming a Caribbean trade partner visit here.

Step inside The New Inn in Tywardreath and it quickly becomes clear this is no ordinary village pub. From the unusually low bar built with Cornwall's miners in mind, to the faded photographs on the walls and the giant Cornish flag hanging across an entire wall, stepping inside The New Inn feels a little like walking into a mini-museum. The 17th-century pub has quietly earned national acclaim, having been named among The Telegraph's best pubs in the UK for two years running. It's also hosted a then little-known Sam Fender long before he was selling out stadiums. For the business partners who run the St Austell Brewery pub - brothers Christian and Stephen Hanks - that's all part of the charm. "This isn't really a destination that shouts about itself," said Christian. "People come in and discover something they weren't expecting." "You've always got people noticing something new. There are hundreds of years of history in this building, from the walls themselves to the old beer bottles lining the ceiling shelves. Despite the years passing, locals still occasionally arrive at the pub carrying bottles they have discovered in sheds, lofts or garages, adding them to the growing collection displayed around the bar. It's become a bit of a tradition." One of the most notable features in the pub is the bar itself. At first glance it looks unusually low - and for a bar it is. Tywardreath was once a thriving mining community. Local miners would head to the pub after spending long days underground, with the low bar making it easier for them to lean against after hours spent crouched down. Still embedded in the wood of the bar are two brass slots, remnants of a time when miners were paid with tokens that could be exchanged locally for food and drink. "It's one of those little pieces of history that's still here," said Christian. "You can actually see how the village's past is tied into the pub." There are old photographs showing Tywardreath in years gone by, including one of a butcher standing outside the pub with his horse and cart. Another image draws plenty of attention from visitors, showing a child in the pub's doorway with what appears to be a ghostly figure looming behind them. The pub's striking Cornish identity was also singled out by The Telegraph, which highlighted the enormous Cornish flag that dominates one wall. The flag has a story of its own. It was found and embroidered by Stephen and Christian's sister before being given pride of place inside the pub. While history gives The New Inn its character, music has helped shape its more recent story. Tucked just off the main bar is a room that serves as both a dining space and live music venue, hosting regular gigs throughout the year. Over time it has welcomed countless musicians, including one who would go on to become one of Britain's biggest stars. Before selling out arenas and headlining festivals, Sam Fender played a gig at The New Inn. That commitment continues today, with live music at the pub taking place at least once a month. Outside, the pub opens into unexpectedly large gardens. A stretch tent and outdoor bar provide the setting for summer events, live music and community gatherings. Recently, the pub hosted a firewalk, with participants walking barefoot across hot coals. For Christian, who grew up in nearby Fowey with his family, pubs have been part of life for as long as he can remember. He started out washing pots in a local pub at just 14 years old. Although he later earned a degree in mining engineering, life eventually led him back behind the bar. After spending time working in hospitality in London, he returned home to Cornwall and now runs both The New Inn and The Lugger Inn in Fowey with Stephen, employing more than 30 people across the two St Austell Brewery owned pubs. "People sometimes think hospitality is a temporary job, but it's a career I've spent most of my working life in pubs and I've never really looked back." Despite the national accolades, the growing reputation and the famous former performers, Christian believes The New Inn's greatest strength remains remarkably simple. "It's the people. You might put on a gig, a charity event or it's a normal Friday night, and when the pub is busy and everyone is happy, that's the best feeling." The New Inn is just one of 120 leased and tenanted pubs in St Austell Brewery's pub estate, run by independent business partners. Those interested in running their own pub, with the backing of one of the region's most established hospitality companies, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, can find out more here. Photo: Christian Hanks behind the bar at The New Inn

People across Glasgow living with trauma, poor mental health, and the effects of addiction and social isolation will have the chance to spend time in nature and form meaningful connections thanks to the work done by Fire & Peace. The charity supports people facing complex life challenges by creating safe, supportive spaces in natural environments. Fire & Peace’s unique approach uses nature, fire and shared outdoor experiences to help people reconnect with themselves, others and the world around them. Participants come together for activities including outdoor cooking, fire lighting, shelter building and guided reflection. These are designed with the aim of encouraging trust in each other, and building a sense of belonging and personal growth. The charity’s wellbeing day trips form part of Fire & Peace’s wider work across its Youth Movement, Women's Empowerment Movement and Young Asylum Seeker Project. They offer a welcome break from life’s daily pressures, allowing participants to slow down and spend time outdoors engaging with peers in a calm, non-judgemental environment. Ksenia Milek, Charity Officer at Fire & Peace, said: "Around the fire, people are not defined by what they have been through. They are welcomed, listened to and reminded of their own strength. Trips may each last only a day, but the confidence, friendships and sense of belonging created can stay with participants long after they return home." The programme has been given a boost thanks to a £1,200 donation from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, which will fund two fully supported outdoor wellbeing day trips. Thanking the Trust for the funding Ksenia added: "A Fire & Peace day trip is far more than a few hours outdoors. For someone carrying trauma, struggling with their mental health, living with addiction or feeling completely isolated, it can be the first time in a long while that they have felt safe, included and able to breathe." "The £1,200 awarded by Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust will enable us to provide two fully supported outdoor wellbeing day trips across our projects. It will help cover transport, food, equipment and the practical resources needed to ensure that financial circumstances are never a barrier to taking part." David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director at Allied Vehicles, said: "Fire & Peace is doing brilliant work to support people facing some of life's toughest challenges. These outdoor wellbeing trips offer a safe space where people experience the positive impact that nature can have on our wellbeing." "We are proud that the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust can help make them accessible to more people across the community." By helping remove financial barriers to participation, the funding will ensure more people can access supportive outdoor experiences that foster connection and improve wellbeing.

Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame is getting in the mood for autumn as its popular seasonal cask ales, Late Red and Hop Pocket, return to pubs this month – and they have a refreshing new look too. The pump clip for Late Red (4.5% ABV) - a favourite among ale-drinkers - has been redesigned with a more modern look and feel. Taking inspiration from the much-loved original, the new design has been reimagined to balance a contemporary feel with the Brewery’s heritage. The limited-edition Hop Pocket (4.5% ABV) has also been updated with a bold new design that captures the vibrancy, freshness and seasonal character of a green hop ale. Late Red, a crimson-copper ale typically available from September to November, blends pale ale malt and gently kilned crystal malt with UK Cascade and Goldings hops, resulting in the perfect balance between rich, dark malt flavours and a citrussy hop finish. This seasonal ale is triple-hopped to enhance its taste and aroma - twice in the brewhouse with Goldings and Cascade before being dry hopped with Cascade – to produce a complex and full-flavoured beer with hints of toffee, tropical fruit and a peppery finish. Shepherd Neame is also pleased to announce the return of Hop Pocket, a green hop ale brewed specially to coincide with the Faversham Hop Festival, a two-day celebration of Kent’s hop-picking heritage with live music and family entertainment in the Brewery’s hometown. Beer is usually brewed with dried hops, but green hop ales are made using fresh green hops which go from bine to beer in a matter of hours. Packed with freshly picked Kentish hops from Parsonage Farm in Boughton-Under-Blean, just a few miles from the Brewery, this fragrant golden ale boasts a truly unique flavour. Head of Brands Rose Davis said: “We are excited to bring back two of our popular seasonal ales. Late Red has been a firm favourite for many years, and we hope customers will enjoy this special ruby ale as autumn approaches." “We are also blessed to be in the heart of England’s hop county here in Kent, so it’s a fantastic opportunity to make the most of our local farms and produce Hop Pocket, a green ale that goes from garden to brewhouse in less than half a day." “I am sure that festival-goers will enjoy both of these limited-edition brews at this year’s Hop Festival!” Both ales are now available in selected Shepherd Neame pubs across Kent, London and the South East. The beers will also be available at the Hop Festival, sponsored by Shepherd Neame, which takes places in Faversham on Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6. To find a Shepherd Neame pub near you, visit here. Customers are advised to call ahead to confirm availability.

From Tiptree jam and Walker’s Shortbread to Barbour jackets and the private bank Hoare & Co, some of the UK’s most trusted trading names are still owned by their founding families. How have they survived for two or three centuries when so many other companies fall by the wayside? Could it be that family businesses, with their focus on long-term thinking, conservative approach to financing and broader definition of success, offer a compelling alternative to the approach of the big PLCs? Family businesses are the backbone of the UK economy. There are five million of them, accounting for 90 per cent of all private-sector employment. Yet their importance is often overlooked. Focusing in detail on a dozen great survivors, from household names to the silk weaver which made the fabric for Princess Diana’s wedding dress and a 300-year-old chain of funeral directors, Nigel Cope distils their experience into lessons from which other companies can learn – and which could be vital in helping our economy grow. In his new book, The Great Survivors, Nigel Cope uncovers the stories behind some of the oldest family businesses in the UK, many of whom are still in the hands of their founding families to ask what lessons we can learn from them. Family firms included in the book: C Hoare & Co (1672), RJ Balson and Son (1515), J Barbour & Sons (1894), Walker's Shortbread (1898), Lock & Co (1676), Shepherd Neame (1878), Berry Bros & Rudd (1698), CPJ Field (1690), Stephen Walters & Sons (1720), Timpson Group (1865), Wilkin & Sons (1885), and Samworth Brothers (1896). About the Author - Nigel Cope Previously, he covered business news for ten years at The Independent, latterly as City editor, before spending nearly twenty years as head of media relations for Kingfisher plc, the retail group that includes B&Q. He is previously the author of Retail in the Digital Age (1996), an analysis of the impact of the internet on retailing. It was one of the first UK books on the subject. Find out more about the book and the stories behind some of the oldest family firms in the UK and buy a copy of The Great Survivors here

Businesses relying on subcontractors, agency labour and complex workforce supply chains are being urged to review their compliance procedures now, with sweeping changes to Right to Work rules due to come into force on 1 October 2026. The new rules, introduced under the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025, will significantly expand Right to Work obligations beyond traditional employees and could expose firms to civil penalties of up to £60,000 per illegal worker if they fail to carry out the required checks. The changes mean businesses may no longer be able to rely on the assumption that individuals classed as self-employed or engaged via subcontracting arrangements fall outside the regime. Instead, liability could extend across labour supply chains, placing greater scrutiny on how workers are supplied, managed and verified to work. Mandeep Khroud, Head of Immigration at Irwin Mitchell, said: "Many firms operate through subcontractor networks and flexible labour arrangements. From 1 October, businesses will need to look much more closely at who is actually carrying out work on site and whether appropriate Right to Work checks have been completed." "The Home Office has made clear that it will focus on the reality of working arrangements rather than the labels used in contracts. Businesses that assume a worker is outside the regime simply because they are described as self-employed could be taking a significant risk." Under the new framework, Right to Work obligations are expected to apply to a wider range of arrangements, including: Individual subcontractors Individuals engaged under worker contracts Certain outsourced labour arrangements Platform-based and online matching services Contracts containing substitution rights Businesses could also find themselves exposed where they sit higher up the contractual chain and fail to implement the necessary compliance measures. To establish a statutory excuse against liability, businesses are expected to need robust contractual controls, processes for verifying workers' identities, and measures to manage substitution arrangements. Failure to comply could result in: Civil penalties of up to £60,000 per illegal worker Criminal sanctions in serious cases Suspension or revocation of sponsorship licences Public naming by the Home Office Mandeep added: "With just one month until implementation, firms should be reviewing subcontractor arrangements, auditing onboarding processes and mapping their labour supply chains. Organisations that leave preparations until October may find themselves exposed to significant financial and reputational risks." Experts are advising businesses to use the remaining weeks before the changes take effect to review contracts, assess workforce structures and ensure they have appropriate systems in place to verify the immigration status of anyone carrying out work on their projects.

Padel players can now take to the court at Crieff Hydro as the Perthshire resort officially opens its brand-new Padel Barn. The new facility features three purpose-built indoor courts and is now welcoming hotel guests, Country Club members, local residents and day visitors from 7am until 10pm daily. Padel Barn brings one of the world’s fastest-growing sports to Crieff, with the indoor setting allowing players to enjoy a game whatever the Scottish weather has in store. Games can be booked for either 60 or 90 minutes, with up to four players per court. Racquets are provided for players, while balls can be purchased from a vending machine within the Padel Barn. Bookings are available through the Playtomic app, allowing players to view availability and secure a court directly from their phone. Richard Leckie, associate director at Crieff Hydro, said: “We’re delighted to officially open Padel Barn and welcome our first players onto the courts. Padel is such a fun and sociable sport and one of the great things about it is how accessible it is." "You don’t need to be an experienced player to pick up a racquet and have a go, so we hope the courts will appeal just as much to people trying padel for the first time as those who already love the game." “Sport and activity have been part of Crieff Hydro for generations, so it feels fitting to create another way for guests, members and the local community to get active and spend time together.” The opening of Padel Barn marks the latest chapter in Crieff Hydro’s long-standing commitment to sport, movement and wellbeing. When Dr Thomas Henry Meikle founded the Strathearn Hydropathic Establishment in 1868, the resort was built around the belief that exercise, nature and fresh Perthshire air could restore the body and mind. That sporting tradition has continued throughout the generations, with Crieff Hydro’s tennis club established in 1913 and the resort today offering an extensive programme of indoor and outdoor activities. Padel combines elements of tennis and squash and is typically played in doubles on an enclosed court, where the surrounding walls form part of the game. Its accessible and highly social format has helped fuel its rapid rise in popularity across the UK and globally. Court hire at Padel Barn is priced at £40 per court per hour for Country Club members and £50 per court per hour for hotel guests and non-residents, with up to four players able to share each court. Free parking is available on site. For more information, visit here.

A team of four cousins from the Cottesmore team took home the Junior title at the Hurst National Schools Jumping Championships at Hickstead. The winning team comprised of Mia Breen and Drewmain Miera, Douglas Bunn and Thorn 55, and brothers Wolfie Breen (Avalon Du Carpont) and Dougie Breen (One Saharah). Douglas Bunn is the son of Hickstead Director John Bunn and his wife Lucy, Mia is the daughter of international showjumpers Trevor and Caroline Breen, and Wolfie and Dougie are the sons of Shane and Chloe Breen, who run Breen Equestrian at Hickstead Place. All four riders produced double clears to secure victory over runners-up Hurstpierpoint College Red, who finished on four faults. Mia Breen also finished second individually on Drewmain Miera, a nine-year-old mare that she’s only been riding for a couple of months. “It was good to win here again, as we last won in 2022 when I was on the team,” said Mia. Taking the individual title was Elsie Drea and Fallowfen Socrates, representing Barrow CEVC Primary School. They finished 0.28sec ahead of Mia to take the title, with Wolfie Breen taking third place. Elsie gave full credit to her pony, describing him as: “Amazing, he’s the best.” The pair recently won the Bronze League 138cm & Under Championship Final at the British Showjumping National Championships. The Breen family had further cause for celebration when Darcy Breen – Wolfie and Dougie’s elder sister – took the Senior Individual title for Seaford College. Riding Just Jack, Darcy produced a quick jump-off time of 29.36sec to go more than 2sec faster than second-placed Lamorna May and Theodora, from Exeter. “I mainly wanted him to jump round nicely because I am jumping him here at the All England September Tour, so I didn't want to do anything too crazy,” said Darcy, a team gold and individual bronze medallist at last year’s Pony European Championships. “But then he's naturally really fast, so I can trust him to go quite quick anyway. It feels really good to win here today because I don't think Seaford have won this class before.” In the team competition, it was Mayfield Red who took the win with a team total of zero faults. Their team strategy of ‘go fast, have fun!’ paid off as they produced the only clean sheet to take the honours ahead of the Bloxham Black team. The team comprised 17-year-old Hope Kramer (Chiquitita), 13-year-old Iona Jobber (Bayhill Clover), 16-year-old Issie Pincus (Starburst) and 13-year-old Olivia Brookes (Nighthawk). “My mare hadn’t jumped on grass before, so I was a bit nervous going in. But everybody just said ‘have fun’, and that's what we did!” said Hope." "The first class of the day was the Hickstead Elite 1.10m NSEA Individual Championship, which went to Genevieve Bradbury from Queen Mary's School, riding Ballygill Plier. It was an extremely tight finish, with Genevieve crossing the tape in a time of 34.47sec, and runners-up Jasmine Willis and Aurora from Herefordshire Sixth Form finishing just 0.02 seconds in arrears." “I've had him for two years now, and in the time we've had together, I feel like we've come on so far,” said Genevieve. “He's kind of got me to where I'm today, and I'm very lucky to have him. It's definitely like a really good way to end the season.” Photo Credit: Julian Portch Photography

Parents are increasingly discussing problems paying fees with independent schools as they look for ways to keep children in private education, research from School Fee Plan, a leading provider of finance for school fees, shows. Its study with independent school parents found nearly six out of 10 (59%) who have found it difficult to pay fees have raised the issue with schools – more than double the 29% who said they had done so in a survey last year. School Fee Plan’s research found around two out of five (39%) parents say they currently or have in the past found it difficult to pay fees, and around one in eight (12%) are planning to withdraw children from independent schools as a result. However not all children will leave their schools – nearly half of parents (47%) planning to or thinking about withdrawing children from independent schools say at least one of their children will continue in private education. Around four out of five (79%) headteachers and bursars of independent schools say they are aware of parents withdrawing children from schools but continuing to pay for at least one of them to stay in private education. The main reason for parents keeping at least one child at independent schools is exams – with 36% saying children were about to start GCSEs, and 30% saying they were about to start or are going through A levels. Around one in three (33%) believe one child is better suited to an independent school. The School Fee Plan research found independent schools are focused on being as flexible as possible despite pressures on their finances, as well as parents, following the introduction of VAT on school fees in January last year. Headteachers and bursars questioned estimate that on average, fees at their school will rise by around 3.7% at the next review, with more than a fifth (21%) expecting to keep fee rises below 3%. Across the independent sector as a whole, however, more than four out of five (82%) expect fees to rise faster than the historic rate of between 3% and 6%4 over the next three years. Around one in six (16%) think fees will rise significantly faster than the historic rate, while just 15% believe fees will not change much over the period. The total amount lent through Premium Credit’s School Fee Plan (SFP) last year is around 9% higher than in 2023 and the average amount of funding through SFP is now around £24,288 – which is 12% higher than in 2024 and 24% higher than in 2023. Stewart Ward, Director Education Sector & Head of School Fee Plan, Premium Credit said: “Independent schools are working hard and trying where possible to limit necessary fee increases. Parents clearly value independent schools, but some are having to make difficult decisions on keeping one child in private education. They could benefit from schemes which help improve cashflow and make budgeting easier by switching to monthly payments.” “Schools can help by working with companies which can offer these schemes, enabling parents to spread lump sum payments each term into monthly payments.” For further information on SFP, please visit School Fee Plan, Premium Credit.