Category: News & Blogs

Winter update for businesses

18 November 2019

Although we are only just starting to see the really cold weather and storms start to bite across some parts of the UK, it is important that businesses understand the problems winter can bring.

There are some common issues that can affect every business and these are covered in our Winter Update for businesses.

You may also find our Winter Driving Tips helpful for all your staff, it also includes a reminder of what drivers should do in the event of an accident, so a worthwhile read whatever the weather.

For those situated in an area at risk of flooding we’ve also prepared a flood guide to help prepare and reduce the risk of excessive damage.

For further advice and assistance with any aspect of your business insurance, contact your usual Client Manager.

 

Winter update for home owners

18 November 2019

Cold weather, snow and storms during the winter months is likely to bring the usual problems for you and your home.

Take a look at our practical advice for some of the most common issues in our Winter Update. You may also find our Winter Driving Tips helpful when you venture out of your home this winter.

For further advice and assistance with any aspect of your home insurance, contact our Private Client Team.

 

Flooding – be prepared!

4 November 2019

Flooding is impossible to prevent and difficult to predict, but to try and help we’ve created a flood guide to help prepare for a flood and reduce the risk of excessive damage.

Floodwater may be contaminated, especially by untreated sewage. Contamination remains after the floodwater has gone and can be hazardous unless simple procedures are followed:

• Wear rubber boots and gloves in and around the affected property
• Wash all cuts and cover with waterproof plasters. Anyone receiving a puncture wound during flood recovery should have a doctor determine whether a tetanus booster is necessary
• Small children, pregnant women and people with health problems should avoid floodwater and flooded areas until the clean-up is complete
• However, if you do feel unwell or if you accidentally ingest (swallow) mud or contaminated water and you become ill, you should consult your doctor and telling them that your house was flooded

Floodwater can damage buildings severely, particularly if it has been flowing quickly, is over 1 m deep or has been in a property for a long time.

• Before entering property that has been flooded, the building should be checked for signs of damage
• Be careful when moving any debris that may have been carried onto your property or the surrounding area. Avoid heavy objects (e.g. trees) that may be unstable and could suddenly move and trap or crush you. Do not attempt to move anything yourself that cannot be lifted comfortably
• Be careful when moving in and around property that has been flooded. Standing water and mud can hide holes, damage to structures and sharp objects. This could include uncovered manholes and drains or roads and paths, as well as broken bottles or glass. Be aware of cuts from standing or falling onto hidden hazards and slippery sediment

 

Conference Line-up Announced!

19 June 2019

An exciting and varied line-up of guest speakers are set to take centre stage at the inaugural Lincolnshire Family Business Conference on Thursday 4th July.

Held at the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln, the conference has been organised by The Family Business Network, in partnership with Streets Chartered Accountants, sponsors of the People’s Choice category in the Midlands Family Business Awards, alongside Langleys Solicitors.

Forming the guest speaker line-up are family business owners and next generation successors, who have agreed to share their unique stories and experiences of running a family firm and lessons learnt along the way.

Alongside Cal Bailey, former Director at NG Bailey and Phoebe Bagnall, the sixth generation to join Bagnalls Painting and Decorating contractors is Guy Schanschieff of Northampton-based Bambino Mio, the largest reusable nappy company in the world. Speaking about his involvement in the upcoming conference, Guy Schanschieff said, “The conference will be a great event for companies looking to network with and learn from established family businesses of different shapes and sizes. With our recent successes, I hope that the insights I share will contribute to these learnings and inspire other family businesses.”

Another member of the speaker line-up is Lincolnshire-based Melanie Tillett of Tillett’s Clothing, a business established by Melanie in 2006 to provide quality ladies clothing at affordable prices.  Melanie has two daughters, Grace and Nancy who work within the business and who together have ambitious plans for the future of Tillett’s.

Speaking about the conference, Melanie said “I am so excited to be involved in the first Family Business Conference to take place in Lincolnshire. As the Managing Director of a family owned business myself, I know how vital these events are to encourage development and share knowledge with one another. Running a business, you will encounter many challenges along the way and attending a conference like this alongside people who are facing those same challenges can be truly inspiring and rewarding.”

The latest additions to the speaker line-up include family business owners, Jon Perkins and Jason Freezer.  Jason is the co-founder of Bright Side Vets, a forward-thinking veterinary practise based in Swadlincote which he set up with his wife Kelly, a qualified Vet.

Jon Perkins is the Managing Director of hospitality businesses Perkins Family and Baresca Tapas Limited.  Responsible for finance, creative design and project managing their new site openings, Jon has a hands-on approach to the business. Working alongside his brother, David Perkins and Sarah Newham, they have opened three venues in Nottingham and West Bridgford since taking over the reins of their parents’ business, Perkins Bar Bistro in 2002.

Sue Howorth, founder of The Family Business Network explains, “We have found from running these conferences in the past, that one of the most beneficial aspects are the ideas and lessons that family businesses take away with them.  Peer to peer learning is at the heart of what we do at the Network and this includes creating a safe environment for businesses to share experiences”.

The conference agenda will include live interviews with family businesses, topical discussions, networking with like-minded family businesses and of course the guest speaker talks.

James Pinchbeck of event partner, Streets Chartered Accountants will host one of the panel sessions alongside guests Christopher Oughtred – former fifth-generation chairman at the UK’s William Jackson Food Group, Professor Ted Fuller the UNESCO Chair on Responsible Foresight for Sustainable Development at Lincoln International Business School,  Peter Denby of Denby Transport, Sam Kirk of J-Flex and David Williams of 3W Growth. The session will explore the role of non-family members holding senior positions in family businesses.

The Conference will run from 9:30am – 4pm on Thursday 4th July 2019 at the International Bomber Command Centre, Canwick Avenue, Lincoln LN4, 2HQ and tickets can be booked online costing just £45 each including lunch.

The conference is being run in partnership with Streets Accountants and Langleys Solicitors and is supported by The Wilson Organisation, Western Pensions Solutions (part of the family owned Vestey Group), Wrapped Agency, Family Business United and Camilla Carlbom of Immingham based Carlbom Shipping Ltd.

 

Wilsons supporting the Family Business Network conference

22 May 2019

The inaugural Lincolnshire Family Business Conference is to take place on Thursday 4th July at The International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln.

We are delighted to be supporting this new conference for family businesses in Lincolnshire. Following in the wake of the established and highly successful Cumbria Family Business Conference also run by The Family Business Network, founder Sue Howorth is launching the conference in Lincolnshire for the first time, in partnership with Langleys Solicitors & Streets Accountants – sponsor of our People’s Choice Award.

With an inspirational line-up of speakers, interactive topical discussions and live interviews, the conference is designed to highlight the strengths of family businesses, look at challenges facing this important sector and to offer valuable family business insights through peer to peer learning. The conference is aimed at family business owners and leaders and those associated with the sector, that supports 12 million jobs in the UK.

Sue Howorth explained: “I’m incredibly excited about bringing the conference to Lincolnshire for the first time. I’ve been thrilled with the level of support and interest that we’ve received from both family businesses and supporting partners, which will in turn help us to continue to build the profile of The Family Business Network in the county and surrounding areas.

“The family business sector is such a vital part of the UK economy and whilst the economic and political climate present challenges ahead, the role of our Network and events like the Family Business Conference is to offer a unique environment for family businesses to hear other family business stories that we hope will inspire current and future generations, as well as the opportunity for peer to peer learning through our interactive discussions and interviews on the day.”

James Pinchbeck of Streets Accountants added, “The vibrant, diverse and highly experienced line up has been chosen for the first Lincolnshire conference to help generate fresh thinking and includes Guy Schanschieff MBE, founder and Managing Director of Bambino Mio, one of the worlds most widely used reusable nappy brands, Cal Bailey of NG Bailey, the UK’s leading independent engineering and services business, Phoebe Bagnall, a next generation successor of 140 year old family business Bagnalls, and Melanie Tillet, Director of Tillets, the independent family owned ladies clothing business.

Guest speaker, Cal Bailey was the group sustainability director of engineering firm NG Bailey until choosing to take early retirement to concentrate on academic and philanthropic interests. He said, “My great desire is to see business re-infected with purpose. As a custodian of a multi-generational family business, I’m very much looking forward to being a part of The Family Business Conference and offering my perspective as part of an interactive discussion.”

Guest presenters will also join the line up of speakers on the day, including local business women Emma Brealey of the family owned Petwood Hotel – Highly Commended in our Director of the Year category in 2018, who will be putting another family business in the spotlight in a frank and honest interview.

The conference is being run in partnership with Streets Accountants and Langleys Solicitors and is supported by The Wilson Organisation (founders of the Midlands Family Business Awards) Western Pensions Solutions (part of the family owned Vestey Group), Wrapped Agency and Camilla Carlbom of Immingham based Carlbom Shipping Ltd.

Tickets for the Lincolnshire Family Business Conference on Thursday 4th July 2019 9:30am – 4pm taking place at the International Bomber Command Centre, Canwick Avenue, Lincoln LN4, 2HQ can now be booked online

 

It’s a family affair!

6 May 2019

Entries are now open for the 2019 Midlands Family Business Awards, with three new categories added to mark the 10th anniversary.

Organised and backed by The Wilson Organisation, the awards celebrate and recognise the success, achievements and innovations of family-run businesses and raise funds for local charities at the awards dinner.

This is the only independent and not-for-profit awards of its kind and with ten free-to-enter categories including Family Business of the Year, Fastest Growing Family Businesses, Employer of the Year, Best Small Family Business, Manufacturing Excellence, Corporate Social Responsibility and Service Excellence, there is an accolade suitable for every business.

Exciting new categories this year include – Next Generation Family Business Leader, Construction & Property Excellence and an extra special category called Rising Stars. Rising Stars celebrates newly established family businesses that have a bright future, recognising achievements to date and providing a professional support package for 2020 to assist growth.

Taking place on 7th November at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, the black-tie awards dinner attracts over 300 guests including awards finalists, independent judges and sponsors.

The judges are an independent panel, led by a family business leader, industry expert and the category sponsor, and all finalists are entered into the People’s Choice Award, voted by the public.

Our Group Managing Director oat Wilsons, Charlotte Perkins, said: “Having launched the awards back in 2010, our aim has always been to shine a light on the region’s talented and successful family businesses and to play our part in creating a community of likeminded and supportive individuals.

“The awards have grown year on year and I think that is testament to the volume and calibre of brilliant firms in our region, and the fact that family businesses embrace celebrating their own success and that of others.

“We are proud to be in our tenth year and we look forward to receiving entries and meeting other regional family businesses in November. We also have a few fun surprises for our finalists and guests to get involved with on the evening. I wish all the businesses who enter the best of luck!”

Category sponsors for 2019 include OrderWise (headline sponsor), Buckles Solicitors, PwC, Shakespeare Martineau, Streets Chartered Accountants and Ward Recycling.

David Hallam who is Managing Director at OrderWise, winners of the 2017 Midlands Family Business of the Year Award said: “Receiving recognition at the Midlands Family Business Awards, as well as sponsoring it last year and for the 10th Anniversary this year, has raised our profile regionally. As veterans of many award submissions, we can also say it is one of the more straightforward to enter thanks to their simple-to-use online entry form.”

If you’re a growing family business with a recent success story to tell, these awards provide a great platform for this to be recognised and I’d certainly recommend entry in 2019.”

Donald Ward, Commercial Manager at Ward said: “We are proud to be a sponsor of the Midlands Family Business Awards as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. We were excited to win two awards last year, which has been tremendous for our business.

“Being recognised as a fast-growing family business that has ambitious plans for the future was testament to our hard-working team. And for us, taking home the top prize, Family Business of the Year was truly special, so we encourage other family businesses to enter this year, celebrate their successes and get the recognition that their efforts deserve.”

In 2018 the awards drew over 130 entries from a range of family businesses across the Midlands. Innovation and commitment to excellence was clear across all winners, alongside strong family values.

The much-deserving Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance and The Midlands Air Ambulance are the charities that the awards will be supporting this year.

Nominations for the 2019 awards close 12th July and can be submitted via the awards website www.familybusinessawards.co.uk

 

 

Family Business Awards’ deadline extended

18 July 2018

The deadline for entries to the 2018 Midlands Family Business Awards, organised by Wilsons, has been extended by two weeks to midnight on Friday 27 July.

Entries to the Awards – the Midlands only initiative dedicated to showcasing the work and success of the region’s family businesses – are free of charge and can be made via the Awards website with ten categories to choose from, including the headline Family Business of the Year Award.

“After receiving a number of requests for more time, we have pushed back our final deadline by two weeks,” explains Charlotte Perkins (pictured) of third generation family business The Wilson Organisation, which organises the Awards, “to ensure that family run and owned businesses don’t miss the chance to showcase their work and achievements, and to give them a little more time to polish and perfect their submissions.

“The entry process is really easy – simply head to the Awards website, register and start the online submission in up to two categories. Entries can be saved and revisited at any time before making the final submission by the new deadline of midnight on Friday 27 July.

“Guidance on what the judges are looking for and the entry criteria can also be found on our website, and the Awards team are always on hand to answer any queries,” she adds, “from which category may be best, to when and where the judging days will be held.”

The full line-up of categories and their sponsors in 2018 is:

• Family Business of the Year – sponsored by OrderWise
  • Best Small Family Business – sponsored by John Pye Auctions
  • Director of the Year – sponsored by Goldfish
  • Employer of the Year – sponsored by Buckles Solicitors
  • Fastest Growing Family Business – sponsored by PwC
  • Innovation – sponsored by Morningside Pharmaceuticals
  • Service Excellence – sponsored by Shakespeare Martineau
  • Manufacturing Excellence
  • Retail Excellence
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • People’s Choice Award – sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants and decided by public vote.

Now in their ninth year, the Awards are the only initiative dedicated to celebrating and recognising the success, achievements and innovations of family run and owned businesses across the Midlands.  100 percent independent and not-for-profit, the Awards have raised over £30,000 for Midlands-based charities since their launch.

Charlotte adds: “The Awards are all about honouring the family business community across the Midlands. We are grateful for the support of all our sponsors, some of which have been with us from the start, for their incredible generosity.

“The Awards are firmly established as a highlight in the Midlands calendar and we hope that with the extra two weeks until our extended deadline, even more family businesses from across the region will take the opportunity to shout about their work and enter this year’s Awards.”

Six finalists in each category will be chosen to go forward and meet the judging panel, with informal interviews taking place from mid-September to mid-October.

Each judging panel is led by a leading family business person, supported by a sponsor representative, an industry expert and representative from the Awards team, with the results a tightly kept secret until the Awards ceremony and black-tie dinner on Thursday 22nd November 2018 at Leicester’s Athena.

For further details or help with entering the Awards, visit www.familybusinessawards.co.uk or contact: Ped Briggs email:  [email protected] T: 0115 942 0111.