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

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

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

Polyvine Ltd, the UK’s Trade Varnish Experts, is proud to celebrate 40 years in business, marking four decades of independent manufacturing, innovation and trusted partnerships across the painting and decorating industry. Founded in 1986 by Peter and Anne Wells in Cheddar, Somerset, Polyvine began with a clear purpose: to develop high-performance, specialist water-based coatings for discerning professionals. Today, still independently owned and family-run, three generations of the Wells family continue to work on site — a rare distinction in modern manufacturing. From its beginnings as a specialist varnish manufacturer to its position today as a globally distributed brand, Polyvine has remained rooted in its founding principles: quality, integrity, longevity and service. For 40 years, all Polyvine products have been researched, developed and manufactured at its Somerset headquarters. With an on-site laboratory and dedicated R&D team, innovation has always sat at the heart of the business. Peter Wells, Founder and Technical Director, still works in the laboratory today alongside his grandson, while Managing Director Ian Wells oversees the continued growth and evolution of the company. The 40th anniversary follows an important milestone in the company’s history: a comprehensive 17 month rebrand completed in Spring 2025. The refreshed identity strengthened Polyvine’s position as “Trade Varnish Experts”, introducing bold, trade-focused labels, a refined corporate logo and a distinct Decorative Effects identity. Adding to the celebrations, Polyvine has recently been named a finalist in two categories at the Somerset Business Awards; Family Business of the Year and Manufacturing Business of the Year...recognising both its heritage and its ongoing contribution to UK manufacturing. Reflecting on the milestone, Managing Director Ian Wells said: “Reaching 40 years as an independent, family-run manufacturer is something we are immensely proud of. From our earliest customers to our newest global partners, every relationship has helped build Polyvine into the business it is today." "Our recent rebrand signals the next chapter. confident, focused and future-facing, but still firmly rooted in the values we were founded on in 1986. We are incredibly grateful to our stockists, distributors, suppliers, employees past and present, and the professional tradespeople who trust our products every day. This anniversary belongs to all of them.” As Polyvine enters its fifth decade, the focus remains clear: Continued innovation in specialist water-based coatings Investment in UK manufacturing and sustainability Supporting trade professionals with high-end, long-lasting finishes Strengthening partnerships across the UK and internationally Forty years on, Polyvine remains proud to manufacture in Britain, proud to be family-run, and proud to support the professionals who demand the very best from their finishes. With a successful rebrand behind it and award recognition affirming its progress, Polyvine looks forward to the next chapter with confidence and gratitude. About Polyvine Ltd Established in 1986 and based in Cheddar, Somerset, Polyvine Ltd is an independent, family-owned manufacturer of specialist water-based decorative paint systems, varnishes and protective coatings. With nearly four decades of expertise, Polyvine serves trade professionals and stockists across the UK and worldwide.

St Austell Brewery has unveiled a special commemorative glass celebrating its 175-year anniversary and Tribute, its much-loved pale ale that has been at the heart of the brewery's beer portfolio for more than a quarter of a century. Unveiled during Cask Ale Week alongside the return of the Tribute Ale Trail - which invites drinkers to explore more than 150 pubs across the South West - the glass forms part of St Austell Brewery's wider 175th anniversary celebrations. The design was hand-drawn by St Austell Brewery's Senior Designer, Jo Geeves, who has spent the past 13 years with the business. Filled with colourful illustrations and hidden details, the glass captures the ingredients, people and places behind Tribute, honouring the Cornish beer's history and the communities that continue to enjoy it. At the heart of the design sits a striking solar eclipse, a reference to Tribute's origins. The beer was first brewed in 1999 by the late Roger Ryman, St Austell Brewery's renowned Head Brewer, to mark the eclipse that crossed Cornwall. Due to its popularity, it became a permanent fixture in the brewery's portfolio two years later. "I wanted the design to reflect everything that makes Tribute special, from the ingredients and the people who brew it through to the communities who enjoy it," said Jo. "The colours were an important part of that too. I paired Tribute's signature purple with vibrant golds and oranges inspired by the brewing ingredients, creating something fresh and celebratory while still feeling unmistakably Tribute." After developing several initial concepts, one creative direction was chosen by colleagues from across the brewery before evolving into the detailed illustrated design seen today. Golden barley - much of it sourced from Cornish farms - and vibrant hops feature throughout the artwork alongside brewers and production teams, highlighting the ingredients, craftsmanship and local roots behind every pint of Tribute. Scenes of pubs, sport and social gatherings reflect Tribute's long-standing connection with communities across the South West and beyond. Among Jo's favourite details are a series of hidden 'Easter eggs' scattered throughout the artwork, including a light-hearted illustration of former Tribute mascot Trevor Tribute on a rugby pitch. "It's a bit of fun," she said. "Tribute has always had a connection with communities and sport, so it's nice to include those little moments that might make people smile while they're enjoying a pint." The commemorative glass arrives alongside the return of the Tribute Ale Trail, the first brewery-wide ale trail across St Austell Brewery's South West pub estate in more than 10 years. Together, they offer drinkers new ways to celebrate a landmark year for Tribute. "I'd spent so long looking at the design on screen that when the finished glass arrived it was a really proud moment," added Jo. "To see it brought to life and know it's helping celebrate such an important year for both Tribute and St Austell Brewery was incredibly special." The new Tribute glass is in pubs across the South West and available to buy online now.

Leading British spring and comfort technology manufacturer, Spinks, has announced the expansion of its portfolio of innovative spring solutions across North America through HS2 – its long-standing joint venture with U.S.-based Hickory Springs Manufacturing (HSM). Building on more than 13 years of successful collaboration, Spinks and HSM will introduce a broader range of spring technology to North American mattress manufacturers, expanding beyond HS2’s established microcoil expertise to include new pocket coil technologies, open-coil systems, and advanced spring components. At the heart of the expansion will be the introduction of several new innovations designed to add value for HS2’s customers through meaningful differentiation and greater product uniqueness in an increasingly competitive market. Many of these new coil concepts are patented or patent-pending, giving customers confidence that the innovations underpinning their products will be protected from imitation. HS2 will also offer opportunities for customer exclusivity linked to agreed volume commitments, enabling qualifying manufacturers to secure distinctive technologies and create clearly differentiated mattress collections, while helping to improve their customers’ margins. The expanded portfolio combines Spinks’ proven expertise in advanced spring design, engineering, and product innovation with HSM’s extensive North American manufacturing capabilities, market knowledge, and customer reach. Together, the partnership aims to establish one of the most comprehensive platforms of spring technologies, designed specifically to support the evolving needs of the North American bedding market. The expansion comes at a pivotal time for the U.S. bedding industry, amid a changing competitive landscape. HS2 will offer mattress manufacturers greater choice, stronger product differentiation and access to innovative spring solutions supported by domestic manufacturing and supply. Darren Marcangelo, Chief Commercial Officer of Spinks, commented: “We are delighted to bring more of our exciting spring technologies to the North American market through HS2. Our partnership with HSM has been extremely successful, and this expansion allows us to combine our strengths in a much more powerful way." "We have a great team in place, both operationally and commercially, enabling us to work closely with our key partners and deliver what they are looking for.” Tim Becker, President of HSM’s Hickory Springs Wire and Bedding divisions, commented: “Expanding our partnership with Spinks is superb news for our customers and the North American bedding industry. Together, our businesses can offer a compelling combination of manufacturing expertise, responsiveness and genuine product innovation—something mattress manufacturers are increasingly demanding." “HS2 will give our customers more opportunities to differentiate their products, create meaningful consumer benefits and bring new mattress concepts to market.” The expanded portfolio will build upon HS2’s established microcoil expertise while creating a comprehensive range of products for the development and commercialisation of new comfort, support and sustainability focused coil technologies specifically for the North American market. For more information, visit here.

North Yorkshire furniture specialist Hill Cross Furniture has presented £1,500 to Overgate Hospice after taking on a 1,042-mile cycling challenge inspired by the team’s work on the hospice’s new Inpatient Unit. Colleagues from the family-owned furniture business completed the virtual distance from Land’s End to John O’Groats on static bikes as part of Overgate Hospice’s Big Bikeathon corporate challenge. The fundraising followed Hill Cross Furniture’s involvement in Overgate Hospice’s landmark Big Build redevelopment in Elland, West Yorkshire. Working alongside healthcare interior designer Elaine Lewis, Hill Cross supplied furniture for the hospice’s new 16-bedroom Inpatient Unit, including patient bedrooms and the Family Lounge, as well as bespoke modular seating designed specifically for the north and south wings. The new unit has been designed to provide a comfortable, welcoming environment for patients and their families while meeting the practical demands of a busy hospice setting. Each bedroom includes an en-suite bathroom, private terrace overlooking the gardens and a sofa bed so loved ones can stay overnight. For the Hill Cross team, seeing the work of the hospice first-hand provided the motivation to do something more. Matt Waters, Group Finance Director at Hill Cross Furniture, said: “Working on Overgate’s new Inpatient Unit gave us a real appreciation of the care and thought that goes into creating the best possible environment for patients and their families." “Our team wanted to do something to support the hospice beyond the furniture project, so taking on the Big Bikeathon felt like a brilliant way to get everyone involved." “Completing 1,042 miles certainly took some determination, but knowing what we were raising the money for kept us going. We’re delighted to be able to present Overgate with £1,500 and would like to thank everyone who sponsored us.” Rebecca Ryan, Head of Fundraising at Overgate Hospice said: “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone at Hill Cross Furniture for taking on the Big Bikeathon and raising £1,500 for Overgate Hospice. It’s been wonderful to see their support extend beyond their work on our Big Build, with the team really getting behind the challenge." “Every pound raised helps us continue to provide vital care and support for patients and their families across Calderdale.” Hill Cross Furniture has developed growing experience within hospice environments, working with Elaine Lewis on projects including Martlets Hospice, St David’s Hospice and Severn Hospice, with further schemes currently underway at North London Hospice and Hospice in the Weald. Its approach involves more than supplying furniture. For hospice projects, the company has also developed a Sample Showcase process, bringing furniture together for patients, families and multidisciplinary hospice teams to try before final specifications are agreed. Feedback from nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, housekeeping teams and others helps inform decisions around comfort, ergonomics, durability and practicality. The relationship with Overgate Hospice is also continuing. Hill Cross Furniture is supporting Phase Two of the Big Build redevelopment, which will include a new Activity Room, Social Hub and Therapy Rooms. Hill Cross Furniture is a family-owned contract furniture specialist based in North Yorkshire. For more than 25 years, the company has supplied furniture for hospitality, leisure, healthcare and commercial interiors across the UK and internationally. The company provides loose, fixed and bespoke furniture alongside design, sourcing, project management, delivery and installation services. Overgate Hospice provides specialist palliative and end-of-life care for people in Calderdale and their families. Photo Credit: Overgate Hospice interior photography: Alisdair McIntosh

A luxury garden specialist has enjoyed a 30 per cent rise in sales this summer as a series of heatwaves and soaring temperatures across the UK have encouraged homeowners to embrace their gardens like never before. Crown Pavilions is celebrating one of its strongest summers to date as people continue to invest in their gardens and create outdoor spaces designed for entertaining and relaxing throughout the year. With forecasters warning that hotter summers and more frequent periods of extreme heat could become increasingly common, the company believes the appetite for comfortable, versatile outdoor spaces is likely to continue long after this summer's temperatures fall. Unsurprisingly, air-conditioning is top of the extras’ list, with smart thermostats enabling homeowners to manage the heat from afar. Luke Dejahang, Co-Founder of Crown Pavilions, said the strong performance reflects both the exceptional weather and a much wider shift in the way people view their gardens. “It's been an incredible summer for outdoor living, and we're seeing that reflected in the demand for our products, including gazebos and garden rooms,” said Luke. “Sales are up just over 30 per cent, which is a fantastic result, but what is particularly exciting is what that tells us about the way people are thinking about their gardens." “People aren't simply buying something to sit under on a sunny afternoon anymore. They're creating spaces where they can entertain friends, work, exercise, cook, relax and spend meaningful time with their families." “After a summer of heatwaves, people have really seen the value of having somewhere comfortable to enjoy their gardens without being exposed to the full intensity of the sun. And if hotter summers are going to become more common, that is only going to become more important.” Luke said attendance at shows across the UK had also boosted sales, with niche events such as New Forest and Hampshire as successful as the big RHS events. Now he’s investing in his Oxfordshire workshop to ensure his craftsmen can cope with the demand. “We know this summer has been exceptional but all the forecasts predict this won’t be a one-off, and so I’m ensuring our team is ready with new products, machines and innovations to seize on this sales spike." “One of our biggest strengths as a family company with our own manufacturing site is our ability to respond to the trends in the market, so we’re excited about the future.” Once considered an occasional space for a barbecue or a few hours in the sunshine, gardens are increasingly being treated as an extension of the home, with bespoke pavilions, garden rooms and outdoor entertaining spaces becoming destinations in their own right. Luke said: “We believe this is much more than a short-term summer trend. People have invested heavily in their homes and outdoor spaces over recent years and are now thinking about how they can get even more from them." “While air-conditioning has been top of the extras list for the summer, we also know that customers want instant heating to enable them to maximise their space in the winter. They want year-round enjoyment.” The company's show season has already delivered an impressive collection of industry recognition, including Four Star Tradestand Awards at both RHS Badminton and RHS Sandringham, following a Five Star Tradestand Award at RHS Malvern Spring Festival, Best General Trade Exhibit at the South of England Show and Highly Commended at Hertfordshire County Show. For Crown Pavilions, the shows have provided an opportunity to showcase not only its craftsmanship but also a new generation of products and features designed around the changing way people use their gardens. Among the latest innovations is the company's Smokeless BBQ Collection, which combines Crown Pavilions' handcrafted timber structures with integrated smokeless grilling technology. Designed as a social dining environment, the collection allows homeowners to cook and entertain outdoors while reducing smoke and extending the barbecue season beyond the traditional summer months. Luke said: “We've had an amazing response at the shows this summer, from RHS Badminton and the Great Yorkshire Show through to RHS Sandringham and the New Forest & Hampshire County Show. People are genuinely excited about their gardens, our products and the possibilities they offer.” Recent research by Oxfordshire-based Crown Pavilions, which has show sites in London, Surrey, Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Cheshire, has highlighted just how dramatically garden use has changed. The company found that garden rooms are increasingly being transformed into workspaces, hobby hubs, private retreats and spaces for teenage or adult children, while the average amount invested in a garden room has risen significantly as homeowners opt for larger, better-equipped spaces designed for year-round living. The company has also seen the average garden room increase in size over the past decade, while features such as triple glazing, air conditioning, kitchen appliances and bars have become increasingly popular. “People are becoming much more imaginative about what their outdoor space can be,” Luke added. “It's no longer about simply making the garden look beautiful; it's about making it useful, comfortable, and somewhere you genuinely want to be." “Whether that's a spectacular pavilion for entertaining, a garden room for working or a dedicated space for cooking and relaxing, we're seeing people invest in creating something that adds to the way they live.”

Family Business United (FBU), the UK's independent media, membership and advocacy platform for the family business community, has confirmed that National Family Business Day 2027 will be celebrated on Tuesday 16 September. The annual day recognises the vital contribution family businesses make to the UK economy, from the smallest independent traders to the largest multigenerational enterprises, and provides an opportunity for families in business, their employees and the wider community to celebrate their achievements. Family businesses represent the backbone of the UK economy, generating significant turnover and employing millions of people across every sector and region. National Family Business Day offers a moment to pause and reflect on their resilience, values and long term thinking. Commenting on the announcement, Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, said: "National Family Business Day is one of the highlights of our calendar. It is a chance to shine a spotlight on the families who pour their heart, history and hard work into building businesses that last for generations. Setting the date for 2027 early gives family businesses across the country plenty of time to plan their own celebrations, share their stories and mark the occasion in a way that means something to them." FBU will be releasing further details on how businesses can get involved in the lead up to the day, including resources, events and ways to share their stories.

Swansway Motor Group is celebrating 23 years in business this September, marking more than two decades of growth, diversification and change across the UK automotive retail sector. Founded by Chairman Michael Smyth in 2003, Swansway began when the Smyth family acquired LC Charles Ltd, bringing Audi, SEAT and Volkswagen dealerships into the newly formed Group. Since then, the business has grown into a multi brand automotive group with more than 30 rooftops across the North West, Midlands and North Wales. Swansway represents 10 automotive brands across its retail network, alongside its Fleet division and used car business, Motor Match. The Group also operates an accident repair centre and five TPS (Trades Parts Specialists) Centres, supporting both retail and trade customers. The family owned business now employs around 1,200 people and generated £1.1 billion in turnover in 2025, demonstrating the scale of the Group’s growth since its formation in 2003. That growth has taken place against a rapidly changing automotive landscape. Over the past 23 years, Swansway has expanded its manufacturer portfolio, invested in new and refurbished facilities, launched Motor Match, developed its Fleet operation and embraced the transition towards electrification. The Group has also continued to add new automotive brands, including BYD and OMODA JAECOO in recent years. Five of Swansway’s current dealerships, Crewe Audi, Crewe SEAT, Crewe Volkswagen, Stafford Audi and Stoke Audi, are also celebrating 23 years with the Group this September, having been part of Swansway since the beginning. Despite the scale of its growth, Swansway says its approach to customers and its family values remain at the heart of the business. David Smyth, Director at Swansway Motor Group, said: “We’re proud to be celebrating 23 years as a family run business. When you look at how much Swansway has grown since 2003, it’s a huge achievement, but what makes us most proud is the people who’ve helped us get here.” David added: “The automotive industry has changed enormously over the past 23 years and we’ve had to change with it, whether that’s through new brands, new technologies or changing customer expectations. What hasn’t changed is our focus on looking after our people and our customers properly." “We’ve never lost sight of our family values and they’ll continue to guide us as we look to the future.” As Swansway enters its 24th year, the Group says it will continue to invest in its people, customer experience and the communities it serves, while evolving alongside the automotive industry. Photo: (L-R: Peter Smyth and David Smyth, Directors at Swansway Motor Group)

Award winning accountancy firm Lamont Pridmore has highlighted effective planning as a tool to combat financial uncertainty. While business success rarely relies on luck, many SMEs underestimate how important planning can be to aid long term growth. For a business to be successful and profitable, the value of planning is often understated, especially amidst current economic uncertainty and rising costs. Graham Lamont, Chief Executive of Lamont Pridmore, is looking to raise awareness of business planning as a buffer against economic uncertainty. Graham said: “Planning gives SMEs direction because they know where they are going, what they want to accomplish and how they intend to compete in a marketplace.” He highlighted five areas SMEs should cast their attention: cash flow, tax efficiency, workforce development, operational resilience and succession planning. Partner and Managing Director, Chris Lamont, agreed: “Businesses cannot plan for the future if their cash is due to run out next week. Creating a cash flow and profit model is the absolute priority because it acts as an early warning system for crises. This means what-if scenarios can be simulated to help businesses prepare for economic downturns.” A large part of keeping cash flow healthy is unlocking cash tied up in inefficient tax plans. Chris warned: “You might have a lot of cash available, but you’ll never be able to access it if you don’t use your capital allowances, optimise your income structures or effectively plan your expenses throughout the tax year.” He shifted his attention towards areas businesses should prioritise once their cash flow plans are in place. Chris explained: “Planning to develop the team of people around you mean staff can handle multiple roles, so businesses can weather sudden labour shortages and budget constraints.” “Well-trained employees are more efficient and more likely to stick around, so you can boost productivity and reduce the money being spent on ongoing recruitment.” Once businesses have established efficient operations, they should then look to remain resilient and push for growth. Using the cash flow modelling your business has in place, steps can be taken to identify whether your business is overly reliant on a small number of clients. Graham said: “Having a resilient client base can allow you to plan for innovation, such as launching targeted products and services that solve specific clients’ problems.” An important aspect of business planning that is often overlooked is the creation of succession and personal retirement plans. Succession and retirement plans, according to Graham, help to “protect personal wealth if a business was to fail, while making sure your company survives if you were to walk away.” “Planning ways to extract profits into retirement funds and training successors who might someday take the reins of your business can help secure your financial future.” He concluded by urging business owners to get in touch with one of Lamont Pridmore’s experts to start planning for long-term success. “If you want to strengthen your business against uncertainty, contact Lamont Pridmore for expert planning and tax advice.”

Wholesale Domestic is delighted to announce the promotion of Anne Scullion to Head of Commercial. Anne joined Wholesale Domestic in December 2020, during the depths of the pandemic, starting out as Marketing Manager. She was promoted to Senior Brand and Marketing Manager in May 2024, and has now stepped up to Head of Commercial as of July 2026 - a reflection of the impact she's had across the business over the past six years. Anne has been instrumental in shaping the company's growth journey, playing a pivotal role across Sales, Marketing and Brand. In her new position, she will also take responsibility for Ecommerce, bringing together all of the business's customer-facing areas under one commercial function – Sales, Marketing, Brand, Ecommerce and its showrooms across Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. The appointment reflects Wholesale Domestic's continued ambition to evolve, strengthen collaboration across the business and deliver an even better customer experience. Commenting on her new role, Anne said: "I'm looking forward to leading Commercial across Wholesale Domestic Bathrooms and Top Radiators, with a clear focus on growth. Customers don't think in channel, whether they're browsing online, visiting a showroom, or speaking to our team, it's all part of one overall customer experience and journey." "Getting that omnichannel experience right, so it feels genuinely joined-up at every step, will be central to how we grow. We've got a fantastic product range and a team that already delivers real value and inspiration for customers, and I'm looking forward to connecting that more tightly with our digital experience and building on it from here." From the first online interaction, to visiting one of its showrooms, to completing a bathroom transformation, Anne's leadership will help ensure a consistent and exceptional experience at every touchpoint. With more than 60 years of experience behind the business, Anne's new role will be instrumental in building on Wholesale Domestic's strong foundations and supporting its continued growth into the future.