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.

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.

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.

Logistics provider Gebrüder Weiss is welcoming 113 new apprentices in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. The young professionals will receive hands-on training at an international logistics company that emphasizes long-term development, stability, and future-focused topics such as digitalization and sustainability. Monika Mandl, Head of Human Resources Development at Gebrüder Weiss commented: “Young people today are looking for more than just a place to train – they want security, career prospects, and meaningful work. That is exactly what we offer: a modern work environment, individual development opportunities, and the chance to actively help shape the future of logistics.” This also includes making transportation and logistics more sustainable. Many occupations within the industry are now considered “green jobs” because they help conserve resources and reduce CO2 emissions. From the very beginning of their training at Gebrüder Weiss, future freight forwarding and logistics professionals learn how processes and transportation routes can be optimized and how digital systems can be used to make supply chains more efficient and climate-friendly. This also makes an apprenticeship in logistics attractive to young people who place a high value on environmental protection and social responsibility. Sustainability is a strategic priority for Gebrüder Weiss. For many years, the company has been investing in renewable energy and alternative drive technologies to gradually reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining economically sustainable operations. The company’s strong commitment to developing its own skilled workforce supports this strategy. Gebrüder Weiss currently employs 290 apprentices at 40 locations across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, around 30 percent of whom are female. The company also provides vocational training for young people in Hungary, Serbia, and Bulgaria. Although the apprenticeship year has already begun, Gebrüder Weiss still has a few positions available. Interested candidates are welcome to apply. More information about apprenticeship opportunities at Gebrüder Weiss is available here.

Award winning accountancy firm Lamont Pridmore urges owner-managed businesses to begin succession planning to protect the long-term value of their asset. Owner-managed businesses often struggle with succession planning due to practical barriers and a reluctance to step back. A business performing well today could still be fragile and exposed to shocks if its future depends entirely on the owner. Chief Executive Graham Lamont highlighted the long-term risks associated with a lack of succession planning and founder-dependency. Graham said: “It might be easy for owner-managed businesses to focus on current success and turn a blind eye to future planning, but what happens if you wanted to change leadership or sell your firm?" “Owner-managed businesses might understand the importance of preparing for leadership transitions but could find it hard to commit to plans.” Founder dependency is a common issue, meaning that a change at the top position could grind operations to a halt. Chris Lamont, Partner and Managing Director, at Lamont Pridmore agreed: “Those who have built a business up from the ground have also developed important relationships and knowledge that can’t easily be transferred.” “While careful planning can allow their leadership to be replaced, a lot of business owners might feel reluctant to leave their duties behind.” Valuation uncertainty might cause problems as business owners are unaware of what a sale or exit would look like financially. Without this baseline, owners cannot plan to maximise value or know when a good time would be to hand over their leadership. “While these factors do play some part in succession planning avoidance, the emotional aspect of handing on a business can hit owners especially hard,” said Chris. “Building a business yourself is something to be proud of, which makes retirement from duties feel less like a reward and more like a like a loss of identity." After acknowledging how emotional a business sale can be, Chris Lamont warned of risks that owners were exposing themselves to without proper contingency. “Planning ahead safeguards your business, employees and family wealth. Family wealth can disappear without a plan, especially with the addition of a Business Property Relief cap and the increased exposure to Inheritance Tax.” Mr Lamont reassured business owners that no time is too late to begin succession planning. However, he added the best time to start was today. “Business owners should begin to identify critical roles in their firm, develop internal talent for leadership and create a clear transition plan for long-term continuity." “Keeping a succession plan that is regularly updated can build confidence among employees and stakeholders, even if a sale isn’t likely anytime soon.” He positioned Lamont Pridmore as the choice for owner-managed businesses wanting long-term strategic advice that can help businesses last generations. “As a family run firm, Lamont Pridmore understands how common the succession gap is, but the sooner the plans are put in place, the more options that remain." “You don’t need to decide to sell or commit to an exit, but you should have the options still available to you. So, get in contact with your local Lamont Pridmore branch today.”

Family Business United (FBU), a leading voice for the family business community, has today launched the 2027 National Family Business of the Year Awards, opening entries to family firms of every size, sector and region across the country. First introduced in 2012, the National Family Business of the Year Awards are the only awards in the UK dedicated exclusively to celebrating the family business sector on a national scale. Over the years the awards have become a fixture in the family business calendar, recognising firms that combine commercial success with strong values, resilience and a genuine sense of legacy. The 2027 awards evening will take place in London on Wednesday 9 June 2027, bringing together finalists, past winners and leading figures from the family business community for a night of celebration. A Truly National Celebration Open to family businesses of all sizes, sectors and regions, the awards provide a national platform to showcase the achievements, values and stories that make family enterprises unique. From emerging first generation businesses to established multi generational companies, the programme recognises those firms that combine commercial success with a strong sense of purpose, people and legacy. Awards are presented by region, by sector of the economy and through a range of national categories covering areas such as sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship and positive societal impact. Regional and national People's Choice awards, voted for by the public, sit alongside these, with the evening building towards Small Family Business of the Year and the night's ultimate accolade, the Supreme Champion Family Business of the Year. Last year's Supreme Champion was Shepherd Neame, the long standing Kent brewer, whose win underlined the calibre of family business now competing for the title. Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United and Chair of Judges for the 2027 awards, said, "These awards exist because family businesses deserve their own national platform. They are the engine room of the UK economy, and every year we are reminded just how much talent, ambition and long term thinking sits within this sector." "Winners over the years have come from all corners of the UK, large and small, multi generational and some early on in their journey, but collectively they all share the same underlying values and make a difference each and every day." "We can't wait to discover the stories behind this year's entrants and to welcome them all to London next June." Entries will be assessed by an experienced panel of judges drawn from across the family business world, from professional advisers and academics to family business leaders and previous award winners. How To Enter Family businesses wishing to enter the 2027 National Family Business of the Year Awards can find full details and submit their entry here. Nominations are welcomed from within a business or from customers, suppliers and members of the wider community, and entry is open to family firms of all sizes and sectors across the whole of the UK.

As part of its 175th anniversary celebrations, St Austell Brewery has revived one of the most popular beers from its brewing archives. The South West's largest independent family brewer has brought back Admiral's Ale (5.0% ABV) as a limited-edition release in its 2026 special cask ale range. The commemorative collection combines revived favourites from the brewery's archives with new brews inspired by 175 years of Cornish brewing. Originally brewed in 2005 to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, Admiral's Ale is inspired by a remarkable story that links St Austell Brewery to a defining moment in British history. According to local legend, King George III's messenger, carrying official news of Nelson's triumph from Cornwall to London, stopped for refreshment at St Austell Brewery’s Blue Anchor Inn. The visit created a lasting connection between the pub and one of the nation's most celebrated historical events. Two centuries later, St Austell Brewery commemorated the occasion by creating Admiral's Ale. Now, the beer is making a comeback as part of the business's milestone anniversary year. Brewed with Celia and Cascade hops, Admiral's Ale delivers floral, pine and berry notes, resulting in a full-flavoured ale with a bold character worthy of its namesake. Georgina Young, Brewing Director at St Austell Brewery, said: "Reaching our 175th anniversary has given us the chance to celebrate the beers, people and stories that have shaped St Austell Brewery, while continuing to look ahead to the future." "We're deeply rooted in tradition. It's hard not to be when you're brewing in an original Victorian brewery where we still mill our malt in the tower. At the same time, we're always looking forward, continuing to innovate while celebrating the beers and stories that have shaped us." "This year's special cask range draws inspiration from recipes and brewing records dating back to the 1800s. The collection pays tribute to some of the most popular beers we've produced over the years, bringing back old favourites while introducing brews that reflect both our past and present." Also making a return as part of the special cask range for the remainder of the year are Tinners Best Bitter (3.4% ABV) and Tribute Extra (5.3% ABV), the bigger sibling of St Austell Brewery's bestselling Tribute pale ale. The special cask range is one of several initiatives marking St Austell Brewery's 175th anniversary, alongside events, collaborations and celebrations of the pubs, people and communities that have shaped the business since 1851. Admiral's Ale will be available from 1st September for a limited time across St Austell Brewery's 45-strong managed pub estate in the South West, as well as in selected leased, tenanted and freehold pubs across the UK.

Swansway Motor Group announce a significant investment in a major new Fleet Super Hub in Cheshire, supporting the continued growth of its rapidly expanding fleet division and increasing demand from businesses across the UK. The development will provide capacity for up to 3,000 vehicles, creating an infrastructure required to support continued growth. Located in Wardle, just outside Nantwich, the purpose built facility is expected to be completed in quarter 1, 2027 and will significantly enhance Swansway Fleet's operational capabilities, creating a centralised hub designed to support future growth and evolving customer requirements. The new site will provide substantial vehicle storage capacity alongside dedicated pre-delivery inspection (PDI) facilities, enabling vehicles to be prepared and delivered more efficiently for customers UK wide. Designed with sustainability in mind, the development will incorporate rooftop solar panelling, electric vehicle charging and employee focused amenities including cycle to work facilities, reflecting Swansway's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while supporting the transition towards Fleet electrification. The investment comes at a time of continued growth for Swansway Fleet, which supports businesses of all sizes, from local SMEs through to national organisations and leasing partners. Sarah Eccles, Fleet Director at Swansway Motor Group, said: "The creation of our new Fleet Super Hub represents one of the most significant investments we've made in our fleet operation and demonstrates our confidence in the future of the division." "We continue to see strong demand from businesses looking for flexible, reliable fleet solutions, alongside growing interest in electrified vehicle fleets. This investment will give us the infrastructure, capacity and operational efficiency needed to support future demand, for many years to come.” The facility will strengthen Swansway Fleet's ability to support customers throughout the vehicle supply process, from vehicle sourcing and preparation through to delivery, while providing the scalability required to accommodate future growth. Sarah added: "Importantly, the development has been designed with sustainability in mind, supporting our environmental responsibilities while creating a modern, future ready facility that supports both our customers and colleagues." The family owned automotive dealer group, continues to invest in its people, facilities and technology, ensuring customers benefit from market leading services and expertise across the business. Photo: L-R: Sarah Eccles Group Fleet Director, alongside John Smyth, David Smyth and Peter Smyth, Directors at Swansway Motor Group