As Rowlinsons marks its centenary, the story of the business stands as a powerful example of how a family firm can evolve, diversify and endure, while remaining true to its roots. The Rowlinson story begins with determination and hard work. James Rowlinson left school at the age of just twelve and found employment sweeping floors for a timber merchant. His work ethic and aptitude soon saw him rise through the ranks to become a timber salesman. By the early 1920s, he had made the bold decision to work for himself, setting up a small family business as a brass plate sales agent, buying and selling timber. Growth followed swiftly. Land was purchased alongside the Manchester Ship Canal on Trafford Park Industrial Estate, and in 1926 James Rowlinson & Sons was formally established. At the time, the British Empire was exporting capital goods such as steam trains, cars and large consumer items around the world. Aside from timber used in housebuilding, almost everything exported required crates or packing cases. With a sawmill and timber yard already in place, the Trafford Park site began manufacturing timber crates and cases, an operation that would underpin the business for decades to come. Expansion and Diversification As the years passed, Rowlinsons expanded significantly, importing timber from across the globe and supplying products ranging from construction carcassing to the finest veneers for high-end motor vehicles. Manufacturing capability grew too, encompassing prefabricated housing panels, wirebound containers, agricultural buildings, roof trusses, pallets, shuttering and more. With expansion came new locations. Sites were developed across the UK and Europe, and in the 1960s a major acquisition was made: a 20-plus-acre former RAF aerodrome at Wardle in Cheshire. Today, Wardle is home to the Rowlinson Group’s head office and the key manufacturing site for both Rowlinson Garden Products and sister company Rowlinson Packaging. The Birth of Rowlinson Garden Products By the late 1970s and early 1980s, the business faced another turning point. The move from conventional freight to containerised shipping, alongside the decline of softwood crates and boxes, meant Rowlinsons needed to identify a new manufacturing direction. The answer came through Britain’s growing enthusiasm for DIY. The launch of the Rowlinson 6×4 shiplap shed, the first of its kind, proved transformational. Manufactured from kiln-dried South African pine and retailing at just £99.99, it was robust, affordable and perfectly timed. Demand surged, further products followed, and Rowlinson Garden Products was born. Rowlinson Garden Products Today ws on generations of timber expertise, manufacturing excellence and a passion for innovation. It is now a leading UK manufacturer and importer of garden buildings, structures and storage solutions. The range has grown far beyond sheds to include garden furniture, grow-your-own products and landscaping solutions. With more than 400 products available, the portfolio caters for everything from traditional cottage gardens to modern, contemporary outdoor spaces. Many designs are developed in-house and protected by design rights, registered designs and patents, evidence of a business that continues to innovate. Leadership, Transition and the Next Generation The Rowlinson Group is led by Chairman Jimmy Rowlinson, working alongside the next generation of the family, Will Rowlinson. Supporting the family is a strengthened leadership team, including Alistair Sharman, who joined the board eight years ago at a crucial moment. Reflecting on that period, Alistair explains: “I joined the business at a critical point in its development, with Jimmy beginning to think about some sort of retirement and Will feeling that he was not quite ready to take over the helm." "My background in finance and IT was also fitting, as the Finance Director had just retired, so there was a clear business need for my skills. I was also able to help support the transition process.” Will’s journey within the family firm has been equally distinctive. Like many next-generation family members, he grew up alongside the rapid evolution of the internet and technology. Entering the business at a young age, he was keen to make his mark. He established an online garden products business, which grew quickly and allowed him to build a reputation in his own right. In 2024, he became Director of Consumer Products on the group board. As Alistair observes: “Will has done an incredible job, taking responsibility for pricing and commerciality, introducing new products and reshaping the range." "That is helping to drive the next phase in the journey of the family business.” Evolution with Purpose Rowlinsons is a strong example of a family business that has evolved and diversified while retaining core activities. Packaging remains one such cornerstone, with wooden crates still produced to transport products worldwide, from tall computer servers to automotive components. For Will, joining the family business felt natural rather than inevitable: “It was probably more likely for me to join because of my background in maths, economics and finance, but it has been a totally organic experience. It started with garden products, my interest in technology and the desire to get my teeth into my own project.” That project soon gained momentum. “We started with a few products, added more and the online business really began to take off. The pandemic accelerated that growth as people invested in their homes and gardens." "The business is still growing and my role continues to expand, with a greater need for product knowledge and a clear understanding of where we are going as a whole business.” Looking Ahead As Will steps further into leadership, learning and strategy have become central themes, “For me, the past 12 months have been about strategy, what products work, which channels we use, and identifying new opportunities. It’s about understanding what garden products of the future will look like and where we need to be in the market.” Data, he believes, is critical. “The world we operate in today is very different from generations past. We need to use data to our advantage, to understand our customers, what they want now and what they will want in the future, as well as to manage the supply chain effectively.” Each generation, Will reflects, has played its part. “My great-grandfather started the business, my grandfather built the packaging services, my dad explored new products and markets and introduced many ‘firsts’. I’ve been able to develop our digital strategy as we futureproof the business for the next stage of our journey.” A Century Milestone Now employing over 300 people and generating around £50 million in annual turnover, Rowlinsons makes a significant contribution to the local economy and community. Family values are deeply embedded in the culture—people matter, long-term decisions are prioritised, and customer experience remains paramount. As the business celebrates 100 years in 2026, Will reflects: “This is a proud moment for us all. My dad sees himself as a steward of the business, ensuring its continued success and survival. While the history and heritage are incredibly important, my focus is firmly on the future, making sure we continue to thrive for generations to come.” “For us, it’s not only our products that define us. It’s also the people we are fortunate enough to work with and supply. We’re passionate about creating relationships that last and this will continue to be a key pillar to our future success.” A remarkable family business story, and one that looks well placed to flourish for the next hundred years and beyond.

Check out the short film from The Great British Family Business Conference 2026 where over 220 delegates from the world of family business came together to listen, share, learn and network. The film truly captures the essence of the day and the atmosphere throughout and provides a good flavour of the nature and content of the event as well as the underlying purpose of Family Business United too. Find out more about The Great British Family Business Conference 2027 and book your tickets to join us here

Award-winning brand Kent Crisps announced the launch of new Beef Brisket & Stout Flavour crisps, a mouth-wateringly rich and savoury hand-cooked crisp developed in collaboration with historic Kent Brewer, Shepherd Neame. Staying true to their ethos of working with local Kent producers and iconic destinations, the new flavour brings together three iconic Kent brands: Kent Crisps, one of the UK’s few remaining independent snack brands; Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer based in Faversham; and The Historic Dockyard Chatham, a symbol of Kent’s shipbuilding heritage. The launch took place onboard HMS Gannet at The Historic Dockyard Chatham yesterday (Wednesday 29 April 2026) where they were joined by trade contacts, press and Dockyard Veterans and ambassadors to celebrate the launch. The new flavour has been crafted using one of Shepherd Neame’s newest beers, Iron Wharf Stout – a dark, ruby-tinted nitro stout inspired by Faversham’s historic shipbuilding industry. The stout’s roasted malt character complements the savoury notes of brisket delivering a bold yet reassuringly traditional flavour. Linking into the county’s rich shipbuilding past, the collaboration features HMS Cavalier at The Historic Dockyard Chatham as the front of pack partner, celebrating Kent’s maritime history and reinforcing the brand’s strong regional identity. This partnership creates a compelling story for retailers seeking premium, provenance led products with clear consumer appeal both in the UK and internationally. Laura Bounds MBE, Kent Crisps Owner says: “We’re thrilled to be launching our new Beef Brisket & Stout Flavour crisps which represents months of hard work by the team and our partners." "The launch marks one of our most significant and exciting partnerships to date. Our ethos has always been to champion the very best of Kent, from exceptional local producers to the county’s world-class visitor destinations and this launch brings all those elements together in a way that truly reflects our values – I couldn’t be prouder.” Shepherd Neame Chief Executive, Jonathan Neame said: “At Shepherd Neame, we’re passionate about creating beers that reflect both our heritage and our spirit of innovation, so collaborating with Kent Crisps on this new flavour has been a natural fit. Iron Wharf Stout was inspired by Faversham’s shipbuilding past, and it’s been exciting to see its rich, roasted character brought to life in a completely new way." "This partnership is a great example of how local producers can come together to create something distinctive that celebrates the very best of Kent.” Richard Morsley, CEO of Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust adds: "This partnership is a true celebration of Kentish pride. By linking The Historic Dockyard Chatham with two of the county’s most respected producers, we are showcasing the very best of what Kent has to offer." "We are delighted to see Medway’s maritime legacy celebrated in this way. We look forward to seeing the Dockyard represented on shelves across the country and welcoming crisp lovers to come and see the real HMS Cavalier for themselves." This is the eighth flavour in the Kent Crisp’s range and uses Red Tractor Assured British potatoes which are hand-cooked for premium quality and texture, whilst being free from MSG and the top 14 allergens, making the crisps suitable for a wide range of consumers. Kent Crisps has a highly loyal customer base and marks their first new product launch since 2021, making it highly anticipated by both consumers and the trade. Photo: (l-r) Veteran David Adams LREM, Shepherd Neame Chief Executive Jonathan Neame, Kent Crisps owner Laura Bounds, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust CEO Richard Morsely veteran.

St Austell Brewery is marking its 175th anniversary with the release of 1851, a special edition commemorative ale brewed to honour the year the brewery was founded. Created using historic brewing records from the brewery’s archive, 1851 draws inspiration from a recipe first produced to celebrate St Austell Brewery’s 150th anniversary. The original recipe was recorded by former brewer Merv Westaway in handwritten brewing journals that continue to inform and inspire the business and its beers today. Georgina Young, Brewing Director at St Austell Brewery, said: “We wanted to create something that genuinely reflected our history - not just a beer to mark a milestone, but one that connects us directly to the brewers and practices that shaped the business.” Faithful to those historic notes, 1851 uses pale Cornish malt alongside amber malt, wheat malt and a small addition of Caramalt. The brewing journals also record that the barley was originally malted at Tucker’s Maltings in Newton Abbot, a respected regional malting that played an important role in the brewery’s past prior to its closure. Traditional Fuggles hops provide the beer’s characteristic earthy, piney bitterness, with the original records even noting the hop grower by name - Cooper’s Farm in Kent. Later hop additions include Styrian Goldings, now known as Celeia, sourced from Slovenia, adding soft floral notes that balance the malt profile. While deeply rooted in brewing heritage, 1851 has been produced using modern brewing techniques to ensure consistency and quality. The brewing team carefully translated the historic recipe into a contemporary process, preserving its character while meeting today’s standards. Pouring a deep mahogany colour, it is a 5.1% ABV ale, offering gentle biscuit notes from the wheat, subtle dryness from the amber malt and a rounded, balanced bitterness. “It’s a very honest beer,” Georgina added. “It reflects the way we’ve always brewed - with care, attention to detail and respect for the process.” 1851 forms part of St Austell Brewery’s wider 175th anniversary cask beer collection, which has revived and reimagined brews from the brewery’s archive. Drawing on recipes dating back to the 1800s, the collection celebrates some of the most well-loved beers in the brewery’s history alongside reworked versions of its current core range. Proudly independent and family owned since 1851, St Austell Brewery today supports more than 160 pubs across the South West, including 45 managed pubs, and is the region’s leading drinks wholesaler. Brewed exclusively for the anniversary year, 1851 is available for a limited time on cask only in select pubs across the South West. About St Austell Brewery St Austell Brewery was founded as a family-owned company in 1851 and has been fuelled by Cornish spirit and independent thinking ever since. Celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, it is the South West’s leading brewing, hospitality and drinks wholesale business.

Glasgow - People facing food insecurity in Maryhill will continue to receive emergency assistance and essential supplies during a period of rising need, thanks to the work of a trusted local foodbank. B.J.O Amara Association was set up in response to increasing food poverty in the area. It offers a welcoming environment where people are treated with dignity and respect, acting as a point of contact where local people can access wider support when needed. Founded in 2016 by Karen Amara and named in honour of her late father, what began as a small, community-led initiative has grown into a well established service supporting individuals and families experiencing financial crisis. In the decade since it was founded, the charity has built strong partnerships with local organisations, schools, and other charities, enabling a more coordinated approach to supporting local people in need. This collaborative work has helped extend the reach of the foodbank and boost community resilience, but demand has risen sharply in recent years. As the cost of living continues to squeeze household finances, more people are turning to the service due to low income, unemployment, or sudden changes in circumstances. To help B.J.O Amara Association meet rising demand, the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust has made a donation of £2,000 to strengthen the foodbank provision in Maryhill and ensure essential food and supplies remain available to households who need them most. Karen Amara, founder of B.J.O Amara Association, said: “We are incredibly thankful for this support, which comes at a crucial time for our community. The £2,000 donation enables us to respond to rising levels of need, ensuring that no one in our community has to face food insecurity alone." "This funding will allow us to continue delivering essential support in Maryhill while maintaining a welcoming, dignified service for everyone who relies on us.” Gerry Facenna, founder and owner of Allied Vehicles Group, said: “Local foodbanks are under real pressure just now, and organisations like B.J.O Amara Association are doing everything they can to support people through very challenging circumstances. We are pleased to provide this funding to help them continue their great work in Maryhill and make sure practical support is there for families when it is needed most.” The funding from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust will help ensure that people across Maryhill can continue to access food and practical support close to home, at a time when many households are facing sustained financial pressure. Top Photo: Gerry Facenna, Allied vehicles Group

M&S has become the first UK retailer to launch its much-anticipated Jersey Royal potatoes, thanks to its longstanding 10-year relationship with the Le Maistre family. The family has been farming the soil on Jersey since 1841 and is led by sixth-generation farmer Philip Le Maistre, who works alongside son Phil Jnr and brother Peter, as well as a team of local experts. Despite one of the wettest and more challenging planting seasons on record, the team’s potatoes have this week hit the shelves across 80 M&S stores in the UK, with their signature unique and nutty flavour. Customers can also find the Jersey Royals in M&S stores across the island, including its King St St Helier, St Brelade, St Clement, St John, St Peter and St Martin stores – operated by Sandpiper. The Le Maistre family is one of eight Select Farmers M&S is working with across Jersey this season, spanning 2,500 fields. M&S has a dedicated team on-site on the island to ensure customers experience exceptional flavour and quality. Every field is sampled and only packed for M&S if it passes a rigorous taste panel test. To help guarantee the highest quality, M&S uses a unique hydro-cooling process to chill the potatoes within hours of being harvested. This rapid cooling locks in freshness, ensuring each potato reaches stores in peak condition. Philip Le Maistre Jnr said of the launch: “It’s a real tradition for us to get the first harvest of the season onto M&S shelves. While my dad, uncle and I have never seen a planting season with such continuous rain, we’ve taken great care, planting more by hand and using the same traditional methods my great-grandfather did, to ensure the potatoes get the best possible start." "Our team works incredibly hard to deliver the very best taste, and we’re proud that families across the UK will be able to enjoy a product that is as fresh as it can possibly be.” The Le Maistre farm is part of M&S’ Plan A Farming for the Future programme and are LEAF Marque certified growers, combining traditional and modern methods to grow potatoes more sustainably. Harry Wilder, Senior Agronomist at M&S, added: “The arrival of Jersey Royals in our stores is always a highlight for us, signalling that spring and the very best of British produce season is here. Our relationship with our growers is what makes this possible and the Le Maistre family's passion and expertise, passed down through generations, is remarkable. Their hard work means we can be the first to bring these delicious, seasonal potatoes to our customers." The new season Jersey Royal potatoes are now available in 80 M&S stores across the UK, extending to over 100 stores from 1st April, just in time for Easter. M&S also has a dedicated Jersey Royal recipe section on its website, available here, from Honey harissa roast salmon and Jersey royal roasties to Jersey Royal focaccia.

Manchester-based HMG Paints has continued to demonstrate its strong commitment to charitable causes and community projects through a series of fundraising events and paint donations, supporting both national charities and local organisations. As the business marks its 95th anniversary, it has taken the opportunity to reflect on its long-standing commitment to supporting charitable causes and giving back to the communities it serves, reinforcing the strong values that have remained central to the business over the years. A strong emphasis is placed on employee involvement at HMG, with staff playing a central role in shaping the company’s charitable activities. Employees are given the opportunity to vote on the charities the business supports, ensuring the causes chosen to reflect those that matter most to them. This inclusive approach helps to drive engagement across the organisation, whilst also reinforcing HMG’s identity as a 95-year-old family business, where community, collaboration and shared responsibility remain at its core. A key initiative saw employees take on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, with a team of 24 staff travelling to the Yorkshire Dales to complete the demanding route in under 12 hours. The challenge, which included climbs of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, raised over £1,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support. The event held particular significance for those involved, with participants pushing their limits while supporting a cause close to many across the business. In addition, staff also undertook the traditional Three Peaks Challenge, raising more than £2,500 for staff-selected charities including Cancer Research and Francis House Children’s Hospice. This challenge saw participants climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon over the course of three days, highlighting both individual determination and strong team collaboration. These fundraising efforts brought colleagues together to support causes that resonate personally across the business. The level of support received from the wider community further reflected the impact of these initiatives. Speaking on the fundraising efforts, Kate Puć, Fundraising Officer at Francis House Children’s Hospice, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to HMG Paints for their fantastic fundraising efforts. The support shown by the team makes a real difference to the children and families we care for across Greater Manchester, helping us to provide vital services.” Alongside these challenges, internal initiatives have also played a role, including a charity Christmas bake-off that brought together employees from across the business to create and share festive treats, judged by volunteer staff members, as well as other various fundraisers held throughout the year. Beyond fundraising, HMG has continued to support local community projects through practical contributions. One such example includes involvement in the restoration of the Bromley Underpass as part of the Great British Spring Clean, where the company supplied products including C71 Speedline and Solvent Based Masonry Paint, working alongside the Central Neighbourhoods Team in Collyhurst. Further local support has been provided to the Lalley Centre, where HMG supplied HydroPro Garden paint and staff volunteered their time to help revitalise the charity’s allotment space, creating a more welcoming and vibrant environment for those who rely on its services. These initiatives highlight HMG Paints’ continued commitment to supporting the communities it serves, combining time, expertise and resources to make a meaningful impact beyond its day-to-day operations. The business looks forward to building on this work, with further fundraising challenges, community projects and partnerships planned as part of its ongoing commitment to social responsibility.

Bestway Wholesale has appointed Charles Abraham as Food Service Director, strengthening its senior leadership team as the business accelerates its growth across catering, foodservice and the on-trade markets. Charles has extensive senior leadership experience across the foodservice and wider food and hospitality related industries, delivering growth and transformation in commercial, operational and strategy roles. Most recently Charles had been working with Gate Gourmet, supporting growth and operational change in the UK. Prior to that he worked for Sodexo as the Director of Foodservices, where he was responsible for the food strategy and transformation programme in the UK&I business. Speaking of his appointment, Charles said: “I am delighted to join Bestway and excited by the opportunity to grow and develop the foodservice wholesale business, and after 30 years working in foodservice and hospitality, I understand the needs of the customer which is even more critical in these challenging times for the industry” Dawood Pervez, Managing Director of Bestway Wholesale, added: “We are delighted to welcome Charles to the Bestway team. His leadership and extensive industry knowledge will ensure we deliver greater value, insight, and strategic support to our catering customers nationwide.” Bestway Wholesale operates one of the UK’s largest independent wholesale networks, serving retailers, caterers and licensed operators through its nationwide 70-depot estate and delivered infrastructure. Charles’ appointment reinforces Bestway’s continued investment in specialist capability as it expands its presence in high-growth hospitality and foodservice channels.

London-based family business Dina Foods supplies an artisan range of Mediterranean flatbreads and luxury confectionery to foodservice operators across the UK, offering versatile, high‑quality products that work across multiple menu formats. Project Director Wilda Haddad said: “Caterers tell us they need reliable shelf life, clear allergen labelling, cost consistency and products that work across multiple menu formats. Our authentic bakery and confectionery lines have been developed with those factors in mind, so they support smoother operations and more predictable margins.” Dina Foods’ bakery range taps directly into key growth trends in foodservice, including the rise of plant based consumption and globally inspired flavour profiles, delivering the operational efficiency, versatility and authentic experience required by operators. Provenance Dina Foods’ authentic Eastern Mediterranean bakery range is rooted in its culinary heritage. The company has its roots in the restaurant trade; its founders opened the UK’s first Lebanese restaurant, Fakhreldine in the 1980s. Wilda Haddad added: “Operators tell us that provenance matters, and some now highlight our story because it gives them a point of difference. Our products are inspired by time-honoured recipes handed down through generations.” Dietary requirements All Dina Foods’ breads are suitable for vegetarians and vegans. “At the menu level, the biggest shift we continue to see is the demand for all-purpose meal solutions, particularly vegetarian and vegan options,” comments Wilda Haddad. “That’s becoming a baseline expectation across restaurants, cafés and food to go.” Growing demand for plant-based eating is reflected in Dina Foods' sales patterns. Year-on-year growth in vegetarian lines has been strong, rising 23% in 2025 as caterers lean into meat-free formats. Innovation Dina Foods has a vibrant new product development programme, engaging with emerging customer trends on platforms such as TikTok while remaining focused on long-term relevance rather than novelty. “Our range stays aligned with consumer expectations while supporting the practical realities of running a busy kitchen,” comments Haddad. Aligned with product range, Dina Foods has targeted investment in clean-label innovation, including sourdough flatbreads, complemented by added-value products, such as seeded pittas and vegetarian deli foods. A recent launch, sourdough khobez under the Dina Foods brand Paninette®, taps into growing consumer interest in sourdough’s perceived gut‑health benefits. Wilda Haddad comments: “In this time of economic pressure, we want to help our customers stand out by delivering high-quality and innovative products. We are always looking at new ideas across our whole business.” Versatility and day part-flexibility Dina Foods range offers total day-part flexibility, giving operators a major commercial advantage. “Products such as our baklawa continue to outperform because they work across multiple occasions, as counter treats, coffee accompaniments, desserts, and even gifting items,” comments Haddad. The same applies to Dina Foods’ flatbreads, which are widely used for wraps, sandwiches, and sharing dishes, offering speedy and consistent solutions. “Our bakery products can move seamlessly from breakfast through to dessert, the breads can be eaten with sweet or savoury toppings or as a meal accompaniment,” says Haddad. Supply efficiency In a market where waste reduction and frequent ordering have been priorities (particularly since Covid) Dina Foods can offer operators the flexibility they require. That has helped it exceed pre-Covid sales volumes and continue to expand its footprint in the catering sector. Haddad comments: “We also supply traditional Eastern Mediterranean deli items such as falafel as well catering sizes of dips such as houmous, and clean label breads, so our range can allow countless combinations to create menu variety at a low cost-per-serving. In current times, where budgets are tight, our Mediterranean Foods provide great high-quality menu solutions." Shelf life remains an operational priority for caterers, and Dina Foods has invested in packaging improvements. This supports more efficient stock management in the catering sector’s tight labour and cost environment. Dina Foods’ bakery range Dina Foods’ traditional Mediterranean bakery range includes wholemeal, white, and seeded flatbreads, wraps and pitta breads, ultra-thin lavash flatbreads, and its versatile, best-selling doubled-layered khobez flatbreads (sold under the Dina Foods brand Paninette®), which can be sliced, used as a wrap or as an alternative to a pizza base. Breads are baked in bespoke stone ovens in the AA+ BRCGS accredited factory. On the confectionery side, indulgence is the order of the day, with high-quality, clean-label ingredients, such as ghee, used as standard. As the leading baklawa producer in the UK, Dina Foods uses authentic recipes passed down through the generations. Its range includes pistachio baklawa, chocolate enrobed and fruit selections such as apricot baklawa. About Dina Foods Dina Foods, established in 199, specialises in authentic, handmade Mediterranean foods, including artisan flatbreads, savouries and confectionery. Dina Foods’ well-equipped manufacturing facilities in Park Royal, London, operate to the highest safety standards. The company holds the highest accreditations for food safety including BRCAA+, IFS Higher Level and Sedex Registered. Its customers include major national food-to-go brands, wholesalers, airlines, and coffee shop groups. Its founders, the three Haddad brothers first came to the UK in the 1970s, opening the first Lebanese restaurant in the country, Fakhreldine at 85 Piccadilly, London.

National painting contractor Bagnalls has been named on the shortlist for the Employer of the Year category at the British Business Awards 2026 – one of the most competitive business awards in the UK. The announcement places Bagnalls among seven other shortlisted organisations in the Employer of the Year category, including Sodexo, Stagecoach and Highland Spring Group. The competition received a record number of more than 400 entries this year, with shortlisted companies independently evaluated across five core pillars: business performance, innovation, workforce and culture, customer impact, and contribution to society and the wider economy. The awards ceremony takes place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on 30 April 2026, with up to 2,000 business leaders expected to attend. This year's event features a fireside conversation with Oscar-winning actor and humanitarian George Clooney, a keynote address from Sir Bob Geldof, and co-hosting from Rob Brydon and Elaine C Smith. The ceremony will also raise funds for Social Bite, the UK homelessness charity. Shortlisted businesses also form the inaugural British Business Leaders List, published in partnership with The Times and The Sunday Times, recognising organisations setting the standard for modern enterprise across the UK. With over 150 years in the painting and decorating industry, Bagnalls has built a reputation that extends well beyond the quality of its paintwork. Last year, the company's Community Paintbrush scheme reached more than 49,000 people across the country through charitable painting projects and donations. Alongside this, Bagnalls runs one of the most highly regarded apprenticeship programmes in the sector, with a significant proportion of its current management team having begun their careers at Bagnalls as apprentices. That commitment to growing talent from within was formally recognised last year, when Bagnalls won the Aptem Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Award at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025 – beating household names including Tesco and Kier Group to take the national title. The company also received a prestigious Princess Royal Training Award in 2025, in recognition of its apprenticeship and Management Trainee schemes. The commitment to EDI was again recognised at this ceremony, with Bagnalls also taking home an EDI Commendation – one of only seven companies, out of a total 57, to be honoured in this way. Stephen Bagnall, Group Managing Director at Bagnalls, commented: "Being shortlisted for Employer of the Year at the British Business Awards is a huge honour – and one that belongs to every member of our team. Our people are what set Bagnalls apart, and this recognition reflects the culture we have worked hard to build: one that champions apprenticeships, values diversity, rewards hard work and gives individuals the opportunity to build long and rewarding careers." "To be shortlisted alongside businesses of this calibre, in a year that attracted more than 400 entries, tells us we are definitely doing something right! We look forward to representing the painting and decorating industry in Edinburgh on 30 April."

Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep is back for another year, giving shoppers in South Scotland the chance to raise vital funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS). Inspired by the iconic game show, the high-energy challenge is set to bring a buzz to the aisles, offering one lucky DG or TD postcode holder the chance to race through their local Aldi store in South Scotland and fill the trolley with their favourite products. Now in its eleventh year, the initiative has raised over £60,000 for charities across Scotland. First launched in 2016, the Supermarket Sweep invites participants to take part in a five-minute trolley dash, collecting as many items as possible before the clock runs out. Once time is called, the winner takes home their haul, while Aldi matches the total value as a donation to CHAS. Each year, CHAS supports more than 500 babies, children and young people across Scotland with life-shortening conditions, along with their families. In 2026, every penny raised through Aldi’s Supermarket Sweep will go directly to the charity, with £10,000 pledged in support. This April, CHAS launched its £20 million More Than A Hospice appeal, a once in a generation opportunity to transform children’s palliative care across Scotland and redesign how the country cares for children with life shortening conditions and their families. The appeal will fund the crucial rebuilding and refreshing of CHAS’s hospices, alongside 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. Residents in South Scotland can apply to take part in the Supermarket Sweep from Monday 27 April - Sunday 10 May. Sandy Mitchell, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Scotland, said: “We are proud to once again be partnering with CHAS, following the success of last year’s Supermarket Sweep campaign. It is always a highlight to bring this initiative to communities across Scotland, and we’re looking forward to giving one lucky South Scotland resident the chance to enjoy a truly unique supermarket experience." “CHAS is a charity very close to our hearts, providing vital support to families across the country. As the Supermarket Sweep returns for 2026, we are pleased to once again raise important funds and awareness for the incredible work they do.” Iain McAndrew, Director of Income Generation and Engagement, CHAS said: “Last year’s partnership with Aldi Scotland was a huge success, with the team going above and beyond to raise vital funds and awareness through its Supermarket Sweep and a range of generous initiatives. That support has had a real impact on the families we care for and means so much to everyone involved." “This year, we have really ambitious plans. Our bold £20 million More Than A Hospice appeal comes at a critical time and will allow CHAS to meet rising pressure on children’s palliative care services by transforming how Scotland cares for its most vulnerable children and families. “Across Scotland, we support babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions, as well as their families, through a range of services including specialist palliative care, respite stays, emotional support and bereavement care. Every contribution makes a difference, and we are incredibly grateful to Aldi Scotland and everyone taking part for helping us reach more children and families across the country.” Entry is free and customers can apply by emailing their name and chosen store to supermarketsweep@aldi.co.uk before Sunday 10 May. Further details and full T&Cs can be found here. For more information about CHAS and how to support its work, visit here.

David and Abbie Coslett, Co-Founders of Hello Social Avenue, have hired a full-time team for their social-first digital marketing agency after a period of significant business growth and client wins, which saw business turnover grow by 74%. The duo, who got married in 2021, started the business from their kitchen table in January 2023, utilising their previous experience working in digital marketing and social media careers. They offer a range of marketing services for businesses, including content marketing, digital marketing strategy, social media support, video production and editing, and marketing training and courses. They were fortunate to receive two grants towards their initial business startup costs, to help with purchasing equipment for the studio, based in Chesterfield’s Clowne Business Centre. Within three months of launching, customer demand for Hello Social Avenue’s services grew exponentially, and the agency owners hired two full-time members of staff, a Head of Client Success and a Videographer. They were later joined by a Business Development Manager and Social Media Videographer, who will support the agency’s roster of clients, including Bolsover District Council, ActionCoach Sheffield, Anderson Entertainment, Stancliffe Homes, and Dalton Roofing. Before entering the world of marketing, David worked in the music industry, performing gigs up and down the country as a singer and songwriter, launching an EP album that reached number seven on the iTunes charts. He attributes much of his musical success to digital marketing, and spent a large proportion of his time as an artist building a community, nurturing relationships and growing a social media presence. Co-Founder, David Coslett, explains, “One of my most important marketing questions came from playing in an empty room. I’d hired venues that were far too big because I assumed the audience would come, and they didn’t. I realised I needed to build audience interest, scale slowly and build a community of fans that loved the music, and that’s when everything changed. I lived and breathed marketing when I was working in music, which sets me apart. I was actually doing it and seeing it was working.” “Hello Social Avenue started with a vision to remove the guesswork from marketing, and it’s grown into a business built on trust, results and relationships. Our turnover increased by 74% in 2025, and we are honoured to have supported over 150 businesses through strategy, content, events, and training." “As we continue to evolve, one thing has become clear, the next stage of the business isn’t about doing more ourselves. It’s about bringing in the right people to do it better.” David and Abbie have big plans for their business in 2026. They are launching a new CRM platform for service-based businesses to simplify their marketing, and will be hosting several online and in-person events to support more people with their digital marketing and social media. Their next event is a Marketing Mixer that will take place in May, with guest speakers Katy Leeson, Growth Mentor and ex Managing Director of Social Chain, and Ben Hacker, Co-Founder of Content Jungle. To top it off, they’ve recently been ranked #65 in the Elite Business Top 100 SME Businesses for 2026.