Family Business United has announced the publication of its latest insight guide, Creating a Family Charter: A Practical Guide to Building Stronger Family Governance, a comprehensive new resource designed to help family businesses establish clear governance, strengthen relationships and prepare confidently for the future. Written by Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, the guide explores one of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of family business success – creating a shared framework that defines a family's values, expectations and approach to decision-making across generations. As family businesses grow and ownership becomes more complex, the informal understanding that often exists in founder-led businesses can become increasingly difficult to maintain. The guide demonstrates how a Family Charter can provide clarity around issues such as family involvement, governance, succession, communication and conflict resolution, helping families navigate change while preserving both relationships and business continuity. Rather than presenting governance as a legal or administrative exercise, the publication focuses on the conversations that every enterprising family should have long before significant decisions need to be made. Packed with practical guidance, reflection questions and a step-by-step approach, the guide is intended to help families build consensus and create a Charter that reflects their own unique values and aspirations. Commenting on the launch, Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, said: "Family businesses are built on trust, shared values and a long-term commitment to creating something that lasts." "In the early years, much of what makes a family business successful exists in conversations rather than documents, but as families grow and generations evolve, those unwritten understandings need to become clearer. A Family Charter isn't about creating rules; it's about creating clarity." "Over the years I've spoken with countless family businesses that instinctively know what they stand for, yet have never found the time or opportunity to capture those principles in a way that future generations can understand and build upon." "This guide is designed to help families start those conversations with confidence. It isn't about creating the perfect document; it's about creating stronger communication, better governance and a shared vision for the future." The publication is suitable for family business owners, directors, shareholders, next-generation family members and advisers working with enterprising families. Whether a business is preparing for succession, establishing formal governance structures or simply looking to strengthen family communication, the guide provides a practical starting point. The launch forms part of Family Business United's ongoing commitment to providing practical resources that help family firms address the opportunities and challenges unique to family ownership. It joins a growing library of insight guides covering governance, succession, leadership and other issues affecting family businesses across the UK and beyond. Creating a Family Charter: A Practical Guide to Building Stronger Family Governance is available now as a digital publication from the Family Business United website here

Family Business United (FBU), the leading independent platform for the UK family business community, today announces the launch of The Family Business Glossary, a comprehensive new reference guide bringing together over 240 terms covering governance, succession, ownership, family dynamics and leadership. Family business is a world with its own vocabulary. Terms such as charter, cousin consortium and third generation curse are used often within the sector, yet they are rarely explained in one place. FBU developed the glossary to close that gap, giving family members, next generation leaders and advisors a single, accessible resource to draw on when navigating the sensitive and often complex conversations that come with family ownership. The glossary spans established governance frameworks, such as the family council and the three circle model, alongside legal and technical terms, and the values and behaviours, such as loyalty, trust and integrity, that shape family business life. It also includes a number of terms specific to the lived experience of family business, including imposter syndrome, leadership loneliness and short trouser syndrome, a term describing the tendency of family members to keep seeing a successor as the child they once knew rather than the capable adult they have become. “Families who communicate well, and who share a common language for the issues they face, tend to navigate the challenges of ownership and succession far more successfully than those who do not,” said Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United. “This glossary brings that language together in one place. I hope it gives families the shared vocabulary they need to have the right conversations, at the right time, with confidence.” The glossary opens with a foreword from Paul Andrews and an introduction setting out how the terms are organised and how the guide is best used. The introduction also addresses an observation made during the glossary's development: that some terms, particularly those relating to values and behaviours, are more contextual than others, and are best used as a starting point for family discussion rather than as fixed definitions. Family Business United worked with a number of friends and partners in developing the glossary, including John Broons, David Twiddle Daniel Trimarchi, James Munn, Nick Di Loreto, Paul Hunt, Rob Davies, Ellie Milner, Allie Taylor PhD, Jane Cowley and Victoria Robinson. The Family Business Glossary is available now from Family Business United.

Wealthy UK-based families are increasingly considering the Channel Islands as a “near-shore, offshore” option as they reassess where they live, work and structure their affairs following the abolition of non-dom status, according to Rathbones’ offices in Jersey and Guernsey. New statistics from HMRC this week, the final publication under the old regime, showed a fall in the number of non-domiciled and deemed domiciled taxpayers, down to 81,900 in 2024/26, with combined tax and National Insurance liabilities of £13.6 billion, a 9% year-on-year increase, underlining the economic significance of this internationally mobile group. The prospect of higher taxation and greater complexity is prompting some high net worth individuals to look again at where they plan, manage and preserve their wealth. Research by Rathbones earlier this year showed that nearly 6,000 entrepreneurs left the UK between 2024 and 2026. Rathbones Investment Management International, part of Rathbones Group, said the data release should be seen in the context of a broader shift in global wealth planning. Tax remains important, but families are also weighing political stability, legal certainty, safety, education, healthcare, connectivity and quality of life. Marc Nightingale, Senior Investment Director in Jersey, said: “The latest non-dom statistics are a useful moment to take stock of how international wealth is moving, but they are not the full story. The end of the UK’s non-dom regime has sharpened conversations about mobility, but tax is only one part of the decision." “Families are thinking more broadly about resilience, optionality and where they can build a secure base for themselves and the next generation. For some, that may be the Channel Islands; for others, it may be another international hub. The common theme is the need to bring tax, investment, succession, governance and lifestyle considerations together.” While a number of destinations have become known for welcoming the internationally mobile, Jersey actively seeks to attract entrepreneurs, business owners and investors who can make a long-term contribution to the island. Through its High Value Residency programme, applications are assessed not only on financial criteria but also on the prospective economic and social contribution individuals can make to the community. Rob Broughton, Senior Investment Director in Jersey, said: “Jersey is a good example of how priorities are changing. Clients expect a well-regulated international finance centre, but what often matters just as much is connectivity, schools, safety, lifestyle and access to high-quality professional services." “We are seeing entrepreneurs, business owners and investment professionals who want to remain internationally active while building a better long-term base for their families. The decision is rarely about one factor; it is about how wealth, work, family and future plans fit together.”

Award-winning Scottish hospitality operator Buzzworks has announced that The Bonnie Badger will return to its historic name, The Golf Inn, as the much-loved Gullane venue prepares for a major transformation. The venue will continue to operate until later this year, when it will close for refurbishment. Works are expected to take place across autumn and winter, ahead of reopening in spring 2027. Returning the venue to The Golf Inn name celebrates an important part of Gullane’s heritage, with the historic inn having served generations of local residents and visitors long before becoming The Bonnie Badger. The move reflects Buzzworks’ commitment to preserving that legacy while investing in the venue’s future. The Golf Inn will become part of Buzzworks’ signature House Collection, offering a stylish pub, restaurant and rooms experience where guests can eat, drink and stay while enjoying everything Gullane and the wider East Lothian coastline has to offer. The project also represents another step in Buzzworks’ expansion into accommodation. Once reopened, the venue’s bedrooms will provide an ideal base for golf breaks, coastal escapes, family visits and business travel in one of Scotland’s most popular destinations. Led by internationally acclaimed designer Jim Hamilton, the transformation will enhance the venue’s existing character while introducing the timeless, stylish and comfortable design synonymous with Buzzworks’ House Collection. Throughout the closure, The Bonnie Badger team will remain part of Buzzworks and be offered roles at the nearby Bass & Barrel in North Berwick, before having the opportunity to return to The Golf Inn ahead of its reopening. Kenny Blair, CEO at Buzzworks, said: “Returning this much-loved venue to The Golf Inn name feels like the right way to mark the beginning of its next chapter." “The Golf Inn holds a special place in the history of Gullane and remains a name that means a great deal to many people in the community. As we invest in the building, we want to recognise that heritage while creating a venue that will serve locals and visitors alike, whether they are popping in for a coffee, enjoying a meal with family or staying overnight." “This investment is about building on everything that has made the venue so special over the years. We want The Golf Inn to remain a place local people are proud of, while creating a memorable experience for guests visiting Gullane and the surrounding area. We look forward to welcoming everyone through the doors when The Golf Inn reopens.” The venue will offer four room types - snug, comfy, spacious and sumptuous - with each bedroom combining boutique styling and thoughtful touches including premium linen, statement artwork, Roberts radios and rainfall showers. The largest rooms will also be suitable for families. Buzzworks is a B Corp-certified business and has been recognised as one of the UK’s Best Companies to Work For for ten consecutive years. The group currently operates 25 award-winning bars and restaurants across Scotland and was named Best Managed Pub Company in the UK (under 51 sites) at the 2025 Publican Awards. To find out more, visit here.

Family Business United is delighted to celebrate the success of family-owned dairy producer Tims Dairy, which has secured new accolades at the 2026 Great Taste Awards, further cementing its reputation for producing exceptional Greek-family dairy products. Tims Dairy has been awarded a prestigious 2 Star Great Taste Award for its Greek Family Vanilla Kefir, one of the highest honours presented by the internationally recognised Great Taste Awards. Organised by the Guild of Fine Food, the Great Taste Awards are regarded as the world's most trusted food and drink accreditation scheme. Products are judged solely on taste by a panel of more than 500 expert chefs, buyers, food writers and food critics, making a two-star award a significant endorsement of quality and flavour. The latest success means that both of Tims Dairy's Greek Family Kefirs have now achieved 2 Star Great Taste Awards, highlighting the family's commitment to producing premium kefir with a rich, creamy texture, a gentle cultured flavour and the added benefit of being naturally lactose free. Adding to the celebrations, the company's popular Greek Family Blackcurrant Yogurt has also received a 1 Star Great Taste Award, recognising its outstanding taste and further demonstrating the consistency of quality across the Tims Dairy range. Founded on family values and generations of dairy expertise, Tims Dairy continues to champion traditional methods alongside innovation, using fresh British milk and family recipes to create products that are both delicious and nutritious. Commenting on the awards, the team at Tims Dairy said: "We are absolutely thrilled that our products have once again been recognised by the Great Taste Awards. To see both of our Greek Family Kefirs achieve two-star status, alongside a one-star award for our Blackcurrant Yogurt, is a fantastic achievement and a tribute to the passion and care that goes into everything we make." "We would like to thank everyone who chooses Tims Dairy and the Great Taste judges for recognising what matters most – outstanding taste." Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, added: "Family businesses are renowned for their commitment to quality, craftsmanship and consistency, and Tims Dairy is a wonderful example of that ethos in action." "These awards are thoroughly deserved and reflect the passion, dedication and attention to detail that family-owned businesses bring to everything they produce. Congratulations to the entire team on this fantastic achievement." The latest awards reinforce Tims Dairy's position as one of the UK's leading producers of premium Greek-family yogurt and kefir, with products that continue to win over consumers and industry experts alike through exceptional flavour and quality.

GAP Hire Solutions, the UK’s largest independent hire company, has again been awarded the prestigious Gold Medal by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). This achievement recognises nine consecutive years of Gold-standard health and safety performance. GAP is proud to receive this year’s award in the 70th anniversary year of the RoSPA Health and Safety awards, a milestone marking seven decades of progress, leadership and life-saving work. Internationally renowned as the symbol of excellence in workplace safety, RoSPA Awards recognise organisations, teams and projects for their unwavering commitment to setting the benchmark for safety across their sector. Sustaining Gold-level recognition for nine years running reflects a safety culture built into every part of GAP’s operations, from depots to major project sites nationwide. The award demonstrates GAP’s long-standing record of excellence, built on its dedication to high safety standards and the wellbeing of employees, customers and communities, values that have underpinned the business since 1969. Allister Maxwell, Head of Safety & Risk at GAP, commented: “Safety is core to GAP’s culture. Nine consecutive RoSPA Golds is a testament to every colleague across the business for making safety their responsibility every single day. To be recognised in RoSPA’s 70th anniversary year makes this award mean even more special.” GAP Hire Solutions leads the UK's equipment hire industry, offering an extensive range of construction equipment for all sectors. With our specialist divisions and over 200 locations nationwide, we provide reliable solutions in Plant, Tools, Welfare Services, Non-Mechanical Plant, Pump, Power & Environmental Services, Trenching & Shoring, Tanker Services, Lifting Services, Survey & Safety and Event Services. As a family-owned business with over 55 years of experience, GAP reinvests a higher percentage of our turnover into our fleet than our competitors, ensuring customers benefit from access to world-class equipment. Our independence allows us to make quick, long-term decisions, delivering effective solutions.

Inheritance Tax liabilities have passed £7bn for the first time, according to new HMRC figures out today which show the growing pressure on families, business owners and high-net-worth individuals. The latest Inheritance Tax liabilities statistics show that tax liabilities created in respect of the 2023 to 2024 tax year reached £7.03bn, up £330m, or 5%, on the previous year. The proportion of UK deaths resulting in an IHT charge also increased to 4.72%, the highest level since 2006 to 2007, although the total number of taxpaying estates fell by 1,100 to 30,400. The average IHT bill paid by taxpaying estates increased by 9%, rising from £212,000 to £231,000. The figures also show that the combined value of Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief set against assets rose to £5.96bn, up 13% on the previous year. The value of BPR rose by 15% to £3.85bn, while APR rose by 9% to £2.11bn. Andrea Jones, Partner and National Head of Private Client Advisory at Irwin Mitchell, said: “Inheritance tax has passed another major milestone, but the real story is the growing complexity families now face." “For higher-value estates, the figures show how quickly the position can change. Once an estate exceeds £2m, valuable allowances start to taper away, which can leave families facing a much higher effective tax burden than expected." “The figures also provide an important pre-reform benchmark for business and agricultural reliefs. Almost £6bn of relief was set against assets in the latest year, showing how central these reliefs have been to succession planning." “But the landscape has now changed. Families with businesses, farms, AIM portfolios or other qualifying assets should not assume plans made under the old rules will still achieve the same result." “With unused pension wealth also due to come into scope from 2027, estate planning needs to be reviewed now, not left until it’s too late.”

Family Business United has congratulated Andy Burnham on his appointment as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and has called on the new administration to place the family business community at the heart of its plans for economic growth. Mr Burnham was appointed on Monday 20 July 2026, succeeding Sir Keir Starmer, who stepped down as Labour leader and Prime Minister in June. The former Mayor of Greater Manchester, who won the Makerfield seat in a by election in June, has pledged to bring stability back to British politics and has made the rebalancing of economic power across the regions and nations of the UK a central theme of his leadership. A Community Ready to Engage Family businesses account for the overwhelming majority of private sector firms in the UK, employing millions of people and contributing hundreds of billions of pounds to the economy every year. They are found in every sector and in every constituency, and they are particularly significant employers in the towns and regions beyond London and the South East, the very communities that the new Prime Minister has spent much of his career championing. Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, said: "On behalf of our family business community we would like to extend our congratulations to Andy Burnham on his appointment as Prime Minister. We look forward to positive engagement with the new Prime Minister and his team in the weeks and months ahead." "Family firms are the engine room of the UK economy. They are the businesses that stay, that invest for the generations that follow and that keep their people and their communities at the centre of every decision they make. That long term outlook is a national asset and it deserves to be better recognised, understood and supported by government." "What family businesses need now is a policy environment that helps them get on with the job. That means action to reduce the cost of doing business, greater certainty and stability in the tax and regulatory landscape, and a clear commitment to backing investment in skills, technology and productivity. Give family firms the confidence to plan for the long term and they will deliver growth, jobs and prosperity right across the country." Call for a Review of the Inheritance Tax Changes Family Business United has also renewed its call for the government to review, and ideally reverse, the recent amendments to Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief, which have caused widespread concern among families in business and in farming. As Paul continues: "There is one area where we would urge the new administration to act quickly and that is the changes to the inheritance tax rules affecting families in business. The reforms to Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief have created real anxiety across the community and are already influencing decisions about investment, succession and, in some cases, whether to continue in family ownership at all." "We recognise the fiscal pressures that any government faces, but this is a measure that risks raising very little whilst doing lasting damage to the businesses and farms that underpin our regional economies. We would respectfully ask the Prime Minister and the Treasury team to look again at these provisions, to engage properly with the families affected and to find a way forward that protects the ability of family firms to pass from one generation to the next. "Family Business United stands ready to work constructively with the new government, to share the evidence and to make the case for the family business sector. Our door is open and we hope theirs will be too."

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published its latest statistics on workplace pension participation and savings trends. Commenting, Rebecca Williams, Financial Planning Divisional Lead at Rathbones, one of the UK's leading wealth and asset management groups, says: “The latest workplace pension figures are a timely reminder that automatic enrolment has been one of the UK's most successful pension reforms. Since its introduction in 2012, it has helped millions more people start saving for retirement while benefiting from valuable employer contributions that might otherwise have been missed." “The fact that around nine in 10 eligible employees are now saving into a workplace pension is a significant achievement. With employers accounting for more than 60% of workplace pension saving, automatic enrolment continues to play a vital role in improving long-term financial security." “However, the conversation now needs to move beyond participation and focus on pension adequacy. Getting people into pensions was only the first step. The bigger challenge is ensuring they are saving enough to achieve the retirement they want." “Our research suggests today's Generation Z could require pension wealth of more than £3 million for a comfortable retirement, or around £2.4 million when applying the 4% withdrawal rule. While these figures may seem daunting, they reflect the reality of longer life expectancy, inflation and rising living costs over time." “It's also notable that opt-out rates have edged higher. Cost-of-living pressures continue to squeeze household finances, making long-term saving harder for some people to prioritise. Meanwhile, lower participation among some groups and employees working for the smallest businesses shows there is still work to do to make retirement saving truly universal." “Too many people still treat pensions as a 'set and forget' product, despite them often being among their most valuable financial assets. Automatic enrolment has normalised pension saving. The next step is to normalise pension engagement, helping people understand whether they are on track, review contributions regularly and make informed decisions throughout their working lives. Otherwise, too many risk reaching retirement only to discover they have saved too little, too late.”

The future of a popular North Curry village pub has been secured after St Austell Brewery acquired The Bird in Hand, with local operators Ravi Keshri and James Eyre remaining at the helm. The independent South West brewing, hospitality and drinks wholesale company has purchased the pub as part of its growing presence in Somerset, ensuring one of the village's most important community assets remains thriving for years to come. For many residents, the news marks another chapter in the remarkable revival story of The Bird in Hand. Just over a year ago, the pub stood closed and deteriorating before Keshri and Eyre stepped in and brought it back to life. The pair, who run other award-winning pubs in the local area, were inspired to act after seeing first-hand how much the closure affected North Curry residents. After discovering the pub had been sold subject to contract, James Eyre wrote a letter to the owner and left it on a car windscreen in the hope of opening a conversation. The gamble paid off and, in January 2025, the pair took over the site and began transforming it. Community backing was immediate. During renovations, villagers flocked to a temporary trailer operating from the pub car park, where drinks and street food were served while work took place. Hundreds of people queued across successive weekends, eager to support the return of their local. Today, The Bird in Hand has once again become a focal point for village life, serving locally sourced food, supporting community groups, sponsoring sports teams and helping with local events. The pub is operated by NNI Management Limited - with day-to-day operations led by Rebecca Tilleray and her team - who remain committed to delivering excellent service and creating a welcoming experience for guests while continuing to support the local community. Gareth James, Operations Director, St Austell Brewery, said: "As we continue to pursue the right acquisition opportunities, The Bird in Hand is a great strategic fit, and exactly the type of quality pub we look for within our 120-plus strong leased and tenanted estate. It's a thriving community local in an area of Somerset where we see real opportunity to strengthen our presence." "Ravi and James are exceptional operators. Their passion for pubs, the local community, and delivering great beer and food aligns perfectly with our values. We're delighted to be working alongside them – as well as Rebecca and her team - and look forward to supporting The Bird in Hand’s continued success for many years to come." James Eyre said: "One of the biggest attractions for us was the opportunity to partner with a business that genuinely understands and supports great pubs. St Austell Brewery has an outstanding reputation, a fantastic beer portfolio and a model that allows operators like us to continue doing what we do best while benefiting from the strength of an established South West company.” Guests visiting The Bird in Hand will now be able to enjoy St Austell Brewery favourites including Tribute Pale Ale, Proper Job and korev alongside the pub's existing offer. The operators are also looking to the future, with plans to restore an historic outbuilding as a traditional skittle alley, creating another space for local people to come together and helping preserve an important part of Somerset's pub heritage.

OHS (Online Home Shop Limited), the family-owned e-commerce homeware retailer based in Worsley, Greater Manchester, has reported record gross sales of £100 million for 2026. The milestone is a 68% year-on-year increase to 31 January 2026 and helped triple operating profit from £5m to £15.3m over the same period. This second consecutive record-breaking year is attributable to the growth of the OHS website, increasing customer base and repeat purchases and continued growth in key marketplaces. The company continues to grow its core business in home textiles and is continuing its expansion across recent new product categories, including garden, furniture, soft furnishings, and clothing. This growth journey is supported by the recent announcement of opening a new 327,000 sq. ft fulfilment centre in Trafford Park, Manchester. This will continue to help OHS enhance stock management, improve distribution efficiency, and better serve customers as demand continues to grow significantly. The company now employs more than 200 staff and with the continued expansion and new fulfilment centre, headcount is expected to double to over 400 staff in the current financial year. During the first half of the current financial year sales are up over 50% year-on-year, and this growth is forecast to continue for the remainder of the year. Moshe Cohen, CEO of Online Home Shop, said: "We are delighted to announce another strong set of results, reflecting the exceptional talent, commitment and hard work of everyone across OHS." "Our continued investment in our people and infrastructure has strengthened the business and positioned us for sustainable long-term growth. By attracting and developing the very best people, we continue to deliver high-quality, trend-led homeware products at unbeatable prices, while providing an outstanding shopping experience for our customers." "As we look ahead, we remain focused on building on this momentum and delivering the next phase of our growth.” Photo credit: B8RE.

Hendy Foundation, the independent charity affiliated with leading car dealer business Hendy Group, has confirmed that eight charities will benefit from more than £16,000 raised through its fundraising efforts in the first half of 2026, including local charity, Access Dorset. Access Dorset supports people with disabilities and additional needs, as well as older people and carers. Through a range of social, recreational and life-skills activities, alongside information, advice and support, the charity helps individuals build confidence, reduce isolation and strengthen community connections. Hendy Foundation’s grant will help Access Dorset to continue to deliver these important services to those who face barriers to wellbeing and inclusion. The additional eight charities to benefit are: The Frances Andrews Memorial Trust (Kent) Loveworks (Surrey) Cancer United (West Sussex) Together Collective (East Sussex) Making Space (Hampshire) Off The Record (Hampshire) Waste Not Want Not (Wiltshire) Since its launch in 2018, Hendy Foundation has granted over £420,000 to more than 320 charities local to Hendy Group sites across Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, West Sussex, East Sussex, Surrey and Kent. Rebecca Hendy, Chairperson at Hendy Foundation, commented: “Supporting communities within Hendy Group’s footprint is our way to give back, and we’re grateful that the generosity of our colleagues and customers allows us to support some brilliant new causes this year.” Within each grant window, Hendy Foundation typically receives between 50 and 100 applications, which are then carefully reviewed by the board of volunteer trustees to decide on the allocation of funds. In early 2026, Hendy Foundation welcomed a cohort of new volunteer trustees to maximise the impact of its fundraising efforts for the benefit of local projects, people and events. Launched in 2018, Hendy Foundation is a dedicated charity that provides grants to local charitable projects, people and charitable organisations. It aims to surpass a milestone of £500,000 in donations by the end of 2026.