Workers would prefer to earn less if they had guaranteed hours, a new major survey has discovered. When considering a job, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) is the least important factor, along with benefits and perks. The study was carried out by Berry Recruitment, a national recruiter with branches across the country. It employs mainly temporary workers in the hospitality, industrial, office/professional, driving, construction, rail and IT sectors. In the wide-ranging survey workers also said that the salary remains the most important reason for deciding whether they apply for a role – with benefits/perks and culture barely registering. When asked what the most valuable benefits an employer could offer were, training and funded courses were the most popular – with team events and activities deemed the least valuable. Lee Gamble, managing director of Berry Recruitment which is headquartered in St Albans, Herts, said: “We carried out the survey in order to help employers understand what workers want and value. Respondents said they would prefer to earn a little less in exchange for guaranteed hours." “In the survey, more than half of those questioned said their personal lives are regularly disrupted by last minute changes – it is a major driver of dissatisfaction and turnover. We go as far as saying that predictability is the new perk." “Results show that workers don’t feel valued because of grand gestures or flashy freebies, but by clarity, consistency, fairness and support. When asked about the most valued benefits, training and funded courses are most important, along with flexible working. Least important are team events and activities." “When deciding whether to apply for a job, the most important things are pay and work-life balance. DEI and benefits and perks are of very low importance. The results vary between sectors and age groups but there are some takeaways for employers." “Transparency, stability, more certainty of hours, better onboarding processes, improved communication, investment in training and progression opportunities are all things that can help improve retention and foster loyalty." “For many years we have had a candidate-driven market because of the lack of workers. But we are now seeing unemployment rise and this might be why the desire for guaranteed hours is so important. Choice of employment opportunities is narrowing so certainty becomes more important for workers.” The unemployment rate rose to a near five-year high of 5.2 per cent for the period of October to December 2025. The results of the survey that polled 444 workers across the country in December can be found here :

A leading independent brewer has partnered with a student run microbrewery to produce 500 casks of the students’ popular stout for this year’s Wetherspoon Spring Beer Festival. Stu Brew - Europe’s first student-led brewery, based at Newcastle University – travelled to St Austell Brewery’s headquarters in Cornwall in February to scale up production of Exam Room Tears (5.5% ABV), its rich maple and pecan stout that has become a firm favourite in the North East. The collaboration was sparked by Stu Brew’s long-standing presence in the Students’ Union-run Wetherspoons on campus, where it operates a permanent keg line and frequently supplies guest cask lines. After Wetherspoons invited the student brewery to take part in its national festival, it requested 500 casks of Exam Room Tears - a volume that would have taken Stu Brew more than a year to produce on its own brewing kit. To help meet demand, Dr Chris O’Malley, Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering and Head Brewer at Stu Brew, approached St Austell Brewery’s Head Brewer, Georgina Young, after previously meeting her while judging together for the British Guild of Beer Writers. St Austell Brewery stepped in to support the students, hosting them at its historic Victorian brewery in Cornwall where its iconic beers including Tribute and Proper Job are brewed. Georgina Young, Head Brewer at St Austell Brewery, said: “Working with the Stu Brew team was a great experience. Exam Room Tears is a fantastic cask beer and helping them bring it to festival scale felt like a brilliant way to support the next generation of brewers.” In addition to brewing the stout, Stu Brew made the most of their visit by creating a brown ale on St Austell Brewery’s small-batch kit ‘just for fun’. For students Kypros Lakovou and Will Tyson, who travelled down with Dr O’Malley, the trip marked their first-ever visit to St Austell Brewery - and to Cornwall itself. Will said: “Every brewery is unique, but St Austell really stood out - it was this maze of history, with different layers of the site built up over generations. You could see the heritage all around you while still watching a modern brewery in action. It was a special environment to learn in, and really interesting to see how different brewing on a much larger scale was.” Exam Room Tears is available in Wetherspoons nationally across the beer festival, which takes place between March 4th-15th.

Veritage International has published a new global research report highlighting significant, often overlooked risks facing business families during wealth and ownership transitions. Titled The Missing Link in Family Business Transitions: How Emotional Disconnection Threatens Family Legacy, the report reveals a substantial disconnect between founders or current owners and the rising generation. The findings point to persistent gaps in communication, trust and emotional alignment that undermine effective succession planning and long-term family cohesion. Drawing on patterns reported by families of wealth worldwide, the research explores how both generations prepare — or fail to prepare — for the transfer of wealth and ownership. It examines concerns around letting go and taking over, alongside the emotional challenges that frequently remain unaddressed within affluent families. The report stresses that success in family enterprises cannot be measured by financial performance alone. Instead, it argues that enduring success depends equally on family wellbeing, unity and a shared long-term vision. According to the research, a family’s vision and its wealth strategy are inseparable, and both must be intentionally designed to support and reinforce one another. Veritage’s analysis identifies several categories of risk, including inadequate succession preparation, strained family relationships, unclear individual roles, questions of personal value, and low emotional engagement across the family system. These pressures, the report warns, can distort decision-making as family members react from unresolved emotional wounds rather than shared objectives. The study introduces the concept of “emotional governance” — the ability to regulate emotions so they become an asset rather than a liability — as a critical factor in sustaining both business continuity and personal wellbeing. It also highlights the consequences of generational disconnection, noting that a majority of next-generation members do not feel that a clear role has been defined for them in future ownership or wealth decisions. The findings suggest that families in which members feel heard and respected experience less internal friction and are better equipped to manage complex transitions and disputes with confidence and alignment. Veritage positions the report as a practical resource for advisers, family offices and business families seeking data-driven insights and tools to create safe environments for meaningful intergenerational dialogue. Veritage International says the research is intended to spark open discussion around the emotional challenges that are frequently avoided in families of wealth, particularly during periods of transition. The firm plans to share its findings through events, private briefings and educational sessions with families and advisers worldwide. Francesco Lombardo, Founder and Managing Director at Veritage International, described the report as a catalyst for change. “The biggest message is that there is a clear disconnect in communication between the generations,” he said. “A lack of honesty and integrity in these conversations due to a lack of emotional safety — or the absence of conversations altogether — is one of the greatest enemies of family businesses and family offices.” He added that, despite an unprecedented wave of intergenerational wealth transfers on the horizon, families are struggling to discuss what inheriting wealth truly means. “Both the retiring and rising generations often see the other as unprepared for the transition, yet the conversations needed to address this are simply not happening.” According to Lombardo, traditional governance structures alone are insufficient. “Governance systems do not handle emotions thoroughly enough to facilitate these transitions successfully,” he said. Thomas Clark, COO at Veritage, echoed this view, warning of a growing sense of disenfranchisement among next-generation family members. “The result is a generation that does not feel listened to,” he said. “There is a broader issue for the family business community in understanding the scale and impact of the emotional challenges currently at play.” Clark argued for a balanced reliance on conventional governance and greater focus on emotional dynamics. “By addressing the emotional layers and bringing generations together, advisers can then build detailed plans rooted in shared values, alignment, purpose and mutual respect.” The report concludes that a meaningful shift in advice and practice is needed, beginning with greater personal awareness of emotions and a willingness to address them openly. In some cases, it notes, families may need specialist support to move conversations forward constructively. “As advisers, we must help families feel safe to express what they truly want,” Lombardo concluded." “The first step is admitting there are communication issues, putting them on the table and being willing to address them honestly." "Only then can families put emotional governance into action and successfully navigate the intergenerational wealth transfers that will define the coming years.” Download the research report here:

Family Business United and Good Business Travel today announce the launch of a new strategic partnership aimed at supporting UK family businesses with smarter, more responsible and more efficient business travel solutions. The partnership brings together Family Business United’s extensive insight into the needs and priorities of family-owned enterprises with Good Business Travel’s expertise in managing business travel in a way that balances cost, convenience and sustainability. Together, the organisations will work to help family businesses simplify travel management while aligning travel decisions with long-term business values. Family businesses often face unique challenges when it comes to business travel, including managing costs, ensuring employee wellbeing, and meeting growing expectations around environmental responsibility. Through this partnership, Family Business United members will gain access to tailored travel solutions, practical guidance and specialist support designed specifically with family firms in mind. “Family businesses think in generations, not just quarters,” said Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United. “This partnership with Good Business Travel reflects the sector’s desire to operate responsibly while remaining efficient and competitive. It’s about making business travel work better for family firms.” Good Business Travel focuses on helping organisations make informed travel choices, offering transparent reporting, proactive travel management and tools that support more sustainable decision-making without compromising on service or traveller experience. “Family businesses are values-led organisations, and that aligns strongly with how we approach business travel,” said Natasha Inglis from Good Business Travel. “By working with Family Business United, we can help family firms manage travel in a way that supports their people, their performance and their principles.” The partnership will include collaboration on insight-sharing, thought leadership, and practical resources, as well as access to tailored travel management services for Family Business United members. Find out more about the new strategic partnership and the benefits for family businesses here

Cost-effective alternative to ocean, air, and rail freight: Weekly transport service moves goods from across China via Central Asia to Tbilisi – ideal for smaller shipments. Gebrüder Weiss is expanding its transport services between China and Georgia. Effective immediately, a truck departs weekly for Tbilisi. The service is designed for companies in the South Caucasus that regularly import products from China, including electronics, consumer goods, and spare parts for machinery and vehicles. Goods are picked up nationwide across China and consolidated at several Gebrüder Weiss locations – from Shanghai in the east to Urumqi in the west. The shipments are then transported by truck to Khorgos at the Chinese-Kazakh border. From there, the route continues through Kazakhstan, across the Caspian Sea (via ferry), and through Azerbaijan to the Georgian capital. Transit time for the section from Khorgos to Tbilisi is approximately 22 to 25 days. Thomas Moser, Director and Regional Manager Black Sea/CIS at Gebrüder Weiss said: “The Caucasus region has been one of the fastest-growing import markets for Chinese goods in recent years. With our weekly groupage service, we are offering our customers an additional transport option. Compared to ocean freight, trucking offers shorter transit times, greater flexibility than rail, and significantly lower costs than air freight.” Designed for smaller shipments The new service is specifically tailored to smaller shipment volumes. Goods from multiple customers are consolidated in China and transported together, enabling cost-efficient shipping even for smaller consignments. Yongquan Chen, General Manager China at Gebrüder Weiss said: “We offer nationwide pickup across China and consolidate shipments through our key hubs in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Suzhou, and Urumqi. With a dedicated weekly truck departure to Tbilisi and the flexibility to scale frequencies as demand grows, we provide exporters with a reliable and competitive gateway to the Caucasus region.” At the company’s logistics terminal in Tbilisi – expanded for the third time in 2024 – shipments are distributed throughout Georgia and onward to neighboring Armenia and Azerbaijan, including customs clearance. Alexander Kharlamov, Country Manager Georgia at Gebrüder Weiss added: “Many companies are looking for stable transit times and predictable costs. Our groupage service provides a reliable solution that operates independently of fixed rail schedules or limited wagon capacity.” Strengthening the Central Asian Trade Corridor With this new connection, Gebrüder Weiss continues to expand its activities along the so-called Middle Corridor – a key trade route linking China and Europe via Central Asia and the Caucasus. The goal is to provide businesses in these growth markets with additional transport options and more diversified supply chains. In addition to its locations in China and Georgia, Gebrüder Weiss operates branches in Armenia, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.

Little’s Chauffeur Drive proudly marks its 60th year of service excellence with a major investment in its luxury fleet: the addition of two Mercedes-Benz Grand Tourer Sprinter coaches. Built by specialist company EVM UK, each vehicle is meticulously crafted with 16 luxury seats in bespoke leather, seven of them around two tables. Finished in our traditional burgundy livery, this significant upgrade reflects our long-standing commitment to innovation, exceptional client care, and an unwavering commitment to delivering refined, sustainable, seamless ground transport. Since 1966, Little’s has set the benchmark for reliability, discretion, and bespoke service - ensuring clients feel supported from the moment they depart until their return. This fleet expansion is a testament to the company’s forward-looking vision: combining advanced, eco-efficient technology with the same attention to detail, professionalism and client experience that have defined the business since day one. A Premium Grand Tourer Experience Built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis, the Grand Tourer offers an elevated standard of travel, blending practicality with luxury for corporate groups, touring parties and VIP transfers. The model includes: Executive-class seating for 16 passengers + chauffeur Premium leather seating, delivering a refined, comfortable cabin environment, with side-slides on double seats to provide additional seat width and extremely generous leg room Saloon tables ideal for meetings, work on the move, or premium touring experiences Panoramic windows, creating a bright, open interior perfect for sightseeing or executive travel Full-length luggage racks and almost 3.0m³ luggage capacity, ensuring generous space for passenger belongings USB ports at every seat for convenient device charging Fold-down tables providing flexible workspace and improved passenger functionality Magazine pockets for storage of reading materials Small vanity fridge stocked with CanO Water Fully functioning PA system for clear onboard communication A professional chauffeur is provided, and specialist driver-guides or additional tour guides can be arranged for itineraries requiring hosted commentary. Whether clients are travelling for corporate events, golf tours, luxury sightseeing, conference transport, or VIP transfers, Little’s ensures a smooth start and end to every journey with warm, personal, and highly coordinated client care. The Sprinters combine advanced fuel-saving technology with reduced emissions, offering a cleaner and more sustainable option for group travel. The vehicles are available for full-day and half-day reservations, with a professional meet-and-greet service provided as standard when you arrive at an airport or train station. “Celebrating 60 years is a proud moment for our team,” said Heather Matthews, Managing Director of Little’s Chauffeur Drive. “The new Grand Tourer Sprinters represent both our heritage and our future - expanding our fleet capacity while helping us operate more sustainably. As we step into our next decade of service, our commitment to quality, safety, and client experience has never been stronger.” Kenneth Good, Head of Special Operations and Director, added: “Introducing these new vehicles gives us greater flexibility to support our clients’ diverse travel needs. With the option of full-day or half-day hire and our personalised meet-and-greet service, we can ensure every group enjoys a smooth, comfortable and expertly coordinated experience from beginning to end.” High Demand Expected - Limited Availability With only two vehicles added, Little’s expects exceptionally high demand, clients are encouraged to enquire early to secure availability. Enquire Now To book one of the new Mercedes-Benz Grand Tourer Sprinters or to request a tailored travel quotation: Email: enquiries@littles.co.uk

Farmers’ fields and country lanes are being buried under piles of waste, with new figures showing fly-tipping in England has hit record highs. From sofas and fridges to large-scale builders’ waste, illegal dumpers are turning farmland into rubbish tips — leaving their victims paying to clear up the mess. The latest statistics released, reveal councils dealt with 1.26 million fly-tipping incidents in 2024/2025, though these figures only account for waste illegally dumped on public land that has been reported to the authorities. It is a nine per cent increase on the year before. Many fly-tipping incidents occur on privately-owned land, painting an even more damaging picture of the financial burden and environmental impact fly-tipping brings. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) represents farmers and rural businesses. President Gavin Lane said: “Farmers and land managers have had enough. The countryside is increasingly being targeted by organised crime gangs – often violent – who know that rural areas are under-policed and resourced." “It’s not just litter blotting the landscape, but tonnes of household and commercial waste which can often be hazardous – even including asbestos and chemicals – endangering wildlife, livestock, crops and the environment. Farmers are victims yet have to pay clean up costs themselves." “We need to see penalties being enforced that better reflect the severity of the crime, and the seizure of vehicles must be the default penalty to send a clear signal that criminals will face real consequences if they are caught fly-tipping.” There have been several high-profile incidents recently, from the 30,000 tonnes of waste dumped in ancient woodland at Hoad’s Wood in Kent, to 20,000 tonnes next to the River Cherwell and A34 in Kidlington, Oxfordshire. The CLA is also calling for: The appointment of a national fly-tipping commissioner to co-ordinate agencies, monitor incidents on private land and benchmark enforcement performance. The enforcement of fines for businesses and homeowners whose waste is found dumped. More support for victims via a new permit scheme to allow farmers who did not cause or knowingly permit the fly-tipping to dispose of it at a waste disposal site free of charge. A CLA survey found almost three quarters of farmers who responded are affected each year, with some targeted multiple times each month. Each incident costs on average £1,000 to clear up, with 85% saying they have invested in measures such as CCTV, lighting and other security. CLA members speak out Colin Rayner, whose family farm in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Surrey, said: “We have been experiencing ongoing fly-tipping every week, highlighting the persistent nature of the problem and the need for urgent action." “Fly-tipping is out of control in the countryside. We wake up to loads of rubbish in the field or farm gateways. From car tyres to household waste, hazardous waste is often found." “Our public footpaths that cross our fields are another source of unsightly littering. Our verges are used to dump garden waste and abandon white goods and even dead dogs." “We just clear up the fly-tipping waste and bear the high disposal costs at the registered landfill site, which significantly impact our farm's finances. My team must litter pick the footpaths weekly, adding to our ongoing expenses.” Cambridgeshire farmer George Hurrell said: “Fly-tipping is a constant problem for us with waste frequently dumped in our fields and gateways. We get everything from washing machines, mattresses and builders’ rubble to large scale processed waste." “Not only is it a hazard for people and wildlife, but we also incur significant costs in having to clear the fly-tipping on our land. If we don’t remove it, we face being prosecuted. How can it be a fair to have a system that punishes those who are victim of a crime?” James Guernsey, of the Packington Estate in Warwickshire, said: “Fly-tipping continues to place a growing strain on private landowners across the country, as we are left responsible for clearing the waste that is dumped illegally on our land." “We, as landowners are guardians and play an important role in protecting the environment for all to enjoy, but the current system is broken, allowing criminal gangs to dump waste all over the countryside with little to no enforcement." “This frequently leaves us bearing the financial and practical burden of clearing potentially hazardous waste weekly. We need greater support, clearer accountability and stronger enforcement to ensure this blight on the rural environment is stopped.” A spokesperson for Colesbourne Estate in Gloucestershire said: “We have experienced regular fly-tipping for several years, but we have suffered particularly over the last few months. Since November we have had three lorry loads of cannabis waste – mostly soil and roots – as well as household waste tipped on our land. This isn’t just small amounts – it’s been 75 bags each time." “We’ve also had three lots of old motor tyres discarded, which were taken into the far end of the fields. Again, this was between 50 and 60 tyres dumped on each occasion. There’s also been a lot of building waste, particularly plaster board, which gets dumped because skip hire companies will no longer take this, and a large amount of damaged plastic car body work." “It costs a lot of money for us to clear it up each time. The problem is aggravated because you need an appointment to go to the local authority recycling centres and they are closed for longer periods during the winter months. The long, dry period last summer made it easier for lorries to get on the field. We aren’t always able to put barriers in gateways where access is frequently needed to stop people from gaining getting on the fields." Francis Fitzherbert-Brockholes from Claughton Hall in Lancashire said: “Our most recent fly-tipping incident was a trailer load of old roofing timbers dumped in a gateway. It took one of our estate workers and I – with the aid of a JCB Load – about three hours to remove and dispose of the rubbish properly." “These fly-tipping figures barely scratch the surface of a crime that’s blighting rural communities, with incidents on private land going unrecorded on a mass scale. We are calling for local authorities to help clear fly-tipping incidents on private as well as public land, while the various enforcement agencies must be properly trained and resourced.” Beilby Forbes Adam from Escrick Park in North Yorkshire said: “We usually experience between 20 and 30 fly-tipping incidents per year, which, aside from being an annoyance, is costly to clear up. It ranges from trailer loads of garden waste to van-loads of rubble and rubbish from house renovations to smaller loads gas canisters and tyres." “Our team at Escrick Park collects fly-tipped materials, and once a skip is filled, we would pay for the disposal of it. Fly-tipping is particularly frequent on Skipwith Common, a National Nature Reserve." “With the current government increasing the Landfill Tax Standard Rate by 26% and the Lower Rate by 162% since entering power, an unfortunate byproduct of the policy is that fly-tipping in the countryside will only increase." “Ministers should look urgently at making it easier for councils to crack down by meting out proper penalties for convicted fly-tippers and providing funding for them to take on the responsibility of clearing up fly-tipping.” Ralph Rayner, a landowner in Devon, says he experiences at least one incident of fly-tipping every month, ranging from household, garden and builders waste to white goods. He says it often results in hours of work for two people to clear away as well as the cost of security and recycling. He said: “Illegal dumping has worsened dramatically following tighter recycling rules, which have effectively shifted the burden onto private landowners. No one accepts injustice lightly, yet entirely innocent victims are now routinely held responsible for the actions of criminals." “Many landowners will recognise the indignity of receiving a threatening letter from their local authority warning them of prosecution for ‘unlicensed waste storage’, when in fact they are the victims of illegal dumping on their own land. Unfortunately, the law and its enforcement remain poorly aligned." “At the very least, landowners should be permitted to load dumped waste into a trailer and take it to recycling centres free of charge. Yet this proposal is dismissed on the grounds that it might encourage farmers and landowners to dispose of their own waste there. Until government makes a genuine effort to work with landowners and develop practical solutions, fly-tipping will only continue to increase.”

Rathbones, one of the UK’s leading wealth and asset management groups, previews the Spring Statement (on 3 March 2026), setting out what it could mean for the UK economy and personal finances. John Wyn Evans, Head of Market Analysis, at Rathbones, says: “A low key Spring Statement may be the most market friendly outcome." “Ahead of the Spring Statement, the UK’s fiscal position is stable but far from comfortable. Public sector net debt remains elevated at close to 90–95% of GDP - high by historical standards - even if recent borrowing figures have offered the Chancellor some near term breathing space." "Much will hinge on whether updated forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility continue to show debt falling as a share of GDP over the medium term, which is central to maintaining fiscal credibility." “That credibility will also depend on the size and durability of the Chancellor’s remaining fiscal headroom once the OBR updates its assumptions. Recent strength in tax receipts has been welcome, but much of it reflects one off or timing related factors rather than a clear structural improvement, leaving the public finances exposed if growth or revenues disappoint." “Growth, meanwhile, remains modest rather than dynamic. The economy is expanding, but not at a pace that naturally erodes the debt burden quickly. Sub trend GDP growth limits the scope for rising tax receipts and means even relatively small downgrades to growth assumptions could have an outsized impact on borrowing projections." “While debt interest costs have eased alongside lower inflation and bond yields, the UK’s large stock of index linked and relatively short maturity debt leaves the public finances highly sensitive to any reversal in market conditions. That makes policy credibility particularly important at this stage of the cycle." “Markets will be focused less on political messaging and more on trajectory. If the Spring Statement reinforces a credible path for stabilising debt and confirms easing inflation pressures, gilt yields could edge lower, reflecting confidence that the fiscal framework remains intact and that the Bank of England retains scope to ease policy." "However, any suggestion that growth is faltering or that debt servicing costs are drifting higher could prompt a reassessment, pushing yields up and tightening financial conditions.” Personal Finances Rebecca Williams, Financial Planning Divisional Lead at Rathbones, says: “The Spring Statement may lack the theatrical weight of a full Budget, but it can still shape the financial landscape in meaningful ways. Its real impact often lies in the fine print of forecasts and expectations. When it comes to your money, the ripple effects can be subtle - but significant." “The central consideration is the economic backdrop. Updated forecasts for growth, inflation and borrowing will shape expectations for interest rates, which in turn feed directly into mortgage pricing, loan costs and savings rates. The outlook from the Office for Budget Responsibility will also determine how much fiscal headroom the Chancellor has. A weaker set of numbers could increase pressure for revenue raising measures further down the line, while a stronger outlook may buy time." “As for what could be announced, don’t expect a blockbuster - but there are several areas to watch. There could be tweaks to spending plans, particularly if borrowing projections shift. We may also see signals on welfare uprating, public sector pay, or business tax incentives aimed at supporting growth." “Markets will be particularly sensitive to the inflation narrative, given its influence on the Bank of England policy path. If the Statement reinforces expectations of falling inflation and interest rate cuts, mortgage holders could see relief ahead. Savers, however, may need to brace for lower returns if rates begin to ease more decisively." “Households should also pay close attention to what is not announced. Sometimes the continuation of existing policy - such as frozen tax thresholds or unchanged spending envelopes - can have just as much impact as a new measure." “In practical terms, people should take stock of how any announcements might affect their take home pay or monthly costs, and review financial plans adjust their budgets accordingly.”

Family Business United today announces the launch of its 2026 Family Business Survey, an in-depth research initiative designed to capture the priorities, concerns, and future direction of family-owned firms across the UK. The survey aims to identify the key strategic themes shaping the sector while placing a particular emphasis on one of the most pressing challenges facing family businesses today: cybersecurity. As family enterprises continue to play a vital role in driving economic growth, employment and community impact in the UK, Family Business United is calling on family business leaders of all sizes and across sectors to contribute their insights. The findings will inform a comprehensive report that seeks to define the UK family business agenda for 2026 and beyond. “Family firms are built on long-term vision, resilience and stewardship — but the environment they operate in is evolving rapidly,” said Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United. “This year’s survey will uncover the issues that matter most to family business leaders — from governance and succession to digital transformation and cyber risk — ensuring the collective voice of the sector is heard and understood, and help us to determine the current family business agenda and work on creating resources to help address the challenges family businesses face.” A growing body of evidence highlights that cyber risk is no longer a peripheral issue for family firms. Research on broader business cybersecurity indicates that many are experiencing cyberattacks and grappling with gaps between awareness and practical preparedness. Despite increasing investment in security tools and training, incidents continue to occur, often linked to human-centric vulnerabilities and evolving threats like AI-assisted attacks. “Cybersecurity is no longer just an operational consideration — it’s a business-critical imperative,” Andrews added. “For family businesses — where reputation, trust and legacy matter — understanding the state of cyber risk readiness is essential.” All family business owners and executives in the UK are encouraged to participate. Responses will be anonymous and aggregated to protect individual business confidentiality.

The Yard has received a generous £2,070 donation from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust to fund three wheelchair accessible picnic benches for its new adventure play centre in Linn Park, Glasgow. Since 1986, The Yard has created safe, inclusive spaces where disabled children and young people can play, learn, and grow. Across Edinburgh, Dundee and Fife, the organisation supported more than 2,700 people in 2023–24, offering play experiences and wraparound family support that help combat isolation and provide vital community connection. The new centre at Linn Park marks The Yard’s long awaited expansion into Glasgow, an area where support for disabled children and their families has been identified as a significant service gap, with some of the highest disability rates in Scotland among children and young people. The Yard Glasgow will offer year round inclusive play sessions for families and local schools. The team aims to support 400 children in its first year, rising to 500 annually by 2026 as services expand to include youth clubs and early years programmes. The donation from the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust will fund three wheelchair accessible benches for the outdoor play area. These benches will ensure that children and young people who use wheelchairs can sit, play, and socialise alongside their non wheelchair using friends, strengthening The Yard’s commitment to truly barrier free play. Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive at The Yard said: "We are absolutely thrilled that we are going to be able to have picnic tables outside for our children and families to enjoy in the summer weather, and the winter weather no doubt as well. We want to say an enormous thank you to the Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust for their support in making it possible." David Facenna, Corporate Culture Director, Allied Vehicles added: “We’re absolutely delighted to support The Yard as they bring their unique brand of inclusive play to Glasgow. Creating spaces where every child can feel part of the fun is incredibly important, and these accessible benches will help make that possible." "The work The Yard does for families across Scotland is exceptional, and we’re proud to play a small part in helping more children enjoy the freedom, laughter and connection they deserve.”

An industry report by leading I&L property company Potter Space, in partnership with Savills, has revealed the scale of a decade of undersupply of sub-100k sq ft I&L space, also referred to as small to mid-box. Small to mid-box accounts for 95% of I&L units. However, occupiers are still struggling to find space as the undersupply is failing to meet resilient demand. At a national level, from 2014 to 2024, demand has been suppressed by 35%. This means that had it been available, businesses would have taken 35% more space to meet their needs, equating to 60 million sq ft, over the last decade. It is estimated that meeting this demand could have facilitated 48,000 jobs and £3.3bn of Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy. The BIG Things in SMALL Boxes report is authored by Potter Space in partnership with Savills. It identifies essential steps to support the small to mid-box sector and calls on the Government to recognise sub-100k sq ft I&L properties as essential economic infrastructure in its growth strategies and proposed planning reforms. Jason Rockett, MD of Potter Space, said: “It is encouraging to see the Government acknowledge I&L as an integral part of the economy through the Modern Industrial Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)." “However, as our latest BIG Things in SMALL Boxes research clearly demonstrates, the Government is missing a trick if it does not recognise the potential of the sub-100k sq ft I&L sector." “For years we have championed sub-100k sq ft I&L and celebrated its economic contributions and role as an engine for growth, yet it continues to face significant barriers. Our latest report shows that this is not only leaving occupiers struggling for space but also hindering the UK’s prosperity.” The report identifies the challenges restricting sector growth, including unclear Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards timelines, a strained planning system, poor understanding of sub-100k sq ft I&L among planning professionals and policy makers, and spiralling business costs. Jason continues: “More than ever, we need to recognise the role of sub-100k sq ft I&L as a facilitator of growth." “Getting small to mid-box in the NPPF, Planning and Infrastructure Bill and the upcoming Freight Plan is a starting point. Doing this will facilitate a joined-up local and national planning system which prioritises policies that redress supply shortages and help unlock the sector’s full potential.” Regional analysis shows that suppressed demand is not limited to a particular part of the country. In the South East, annual suppressed demand is at 34%, which equates to an additional 689,000 sq ft of missed occupation each year. The North West could have leased an additional 838,000 sq ft annually if it had been able to meet occupier demand. Resulting low availability has meant that on average, rents for sub-100k sq ft I&L units have increased by 79% on average since 2014, adding significant cost pressures to occupiers. Mark Powney, Savills director, Planning Economics: “Recognising suppressed demand strengthens the case for treating I&L as critical national infrastructure. It reinforces the need to support the sub-100k sq ft market in requiring local authorities to plan effectively for business needs in their area to support their local economic growth." "This includes recognising the particular locational needs of the sub-market and realising its importance to supply-chains facilitating the Government’s Industrial Strategy for a strong and growing British economy.” Clare Bottle, CEO of the UK Warehousing Association, added: “Warehousing is not just space, but a key factor in business decision-making. Within this, the sub-100k sq ft I&L space has a key role, providing essential employment land for businesses of all sizes and across all sectors, and it is vital that the market has champions." “That is why we welcome the latest BIG Things in SMALL Boxes report from Potter Space and Savills, which clearly sets out the challenges and helps the sector, and policy decision-makers, navigate a path forward.” For more information and to download the full BIG Things in SMALL Boxes report, visit here . For further information please contact potterspace@prohibitionpr.co.uk . About BIG Things in SMALL Boxes 2026: In its fourth iteration of BIG Things in SMALL Boxes, Potter Space takes an in-depth look into the economic role of the mid-box I&L sector alongside the complex supply and demand dynamics affecting the market. Featuring data, analysis, opinion and occupier perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing this underappreciated market, the report is available to download free here .

Wales’s next government must put the country’s 200,000 small businesses at the heart of its strategy in order to protect jobs, communities and the Welsh economy, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned. It comes as the UK’s largest small business group launches its Senedd election manifesto ahead of the hotly-contested May elections, which will decide who runs Wales for the next five years. The manifesto sets out how tackling rising costs, regulatory burdens, skills shortages and the decline of the high street could unlock Wales’s small business potential. FSB Wales is now calling on all parties to make the 2026-2031 Senedd term the Small Business Term, as new research reveals that 65 per cent of Welsh business owners say passion, not profit, is their main motivation for running a business. The manifesto is built around five pillars: Putting Small Businesses at the Heart of Government - Introducing a new Economic Development (Wales) Bill as well as a fresh economic strategy, and creating a dedicated agency to make sure SMEs are considered in every government decision. Reducing the Cost of Doing Business – Reforming business rates, mandating a 30-day payment term on public contracts, cutting red tape by 25 per cent, and better digital support for SMEs. Revitalising High Streets and Communities – Creating a business rates multiplier for retail, hospitality and leisure, more funding for town centres, taking action on anti-social behaviour and creating a Planning Act to revive high streets. Real World Productivity - Bigger infrastructure investment, better access to finance, creating a Minister for Digitalisation and establishing a new Net Zero Business Wales scheme to increase efficiency and sustainability. Successful People - Building a start-up strategy, increasing apprenticeship funding, creating a leadership development and creating an employment incentive to address skills mismatches and build resilient workforces. John Hurst, Chair of FSB Wales, said: “This is a manifesto for small business by small business. We must put small business at the very heart of the next Welsh Government, rejuvenate our high streets, enable businesses to thrive, reduce costs and support the wider workforce." “From an innovative Economic Development Bill for small business growth to targeted rates relief and making sure businesses can get the skills they need, our proposals will empower SMEs to overcome barriers and thrive." “As we approach the 2026 Senedd election, we urge all political parties to adopt these measures to unlock Wales's entrepreneurial potential for resilient communities and a prosperous future." “Our members across Wales have created this manifesto and it is a direct reflection of their current situation and challenges and also highlights what is needed for them to continue to support the communities in which they operate, and the wider Welsh economy.” About FSB FSB is a non-profit, non-party-political grassroots business organisation that provides its members with a wide range of vital business services. These include advice, financial expertise, legal support and a powerful voice heard in Government for over 50 years.