Accountants, business and wealth advisers Kreston Reeves have been named as one of the 2025 eprivateclient Top Accountancy Firms.
eprivateclient is the leading website and news service for private client practitioners, including lawyers, accountants, trustees and fee-based IFAs. The eprivateclient ranking for accountancy firms is an annual list of the best UK tax advisory firms who provide advice to domestic and international private clients, their families and their businesses.
Daniel Grainge, Partner and Head of Tax at Kreston Reeves comments: “Once again we are incredibly proud to receive this accolade from such a highly regarded industry body. Making it onto this list means our whole team has been recognised for the quality of advice, depth of knowledge and breadth of expertise we provide to our clients. The impending changes to inheritance tax that will affect business and land owners highlight the importance of high-quality tax advice to ensure wealth is preserved for future generations. I would like to thank our whole team as it is their hard work which has enabled us to receive this accolade.”
Simon Levine, Solicitor, Partner and Joint Head of Legal Services at Kreston Reeves comments: “This is a very special accolade and our whole team should feel enormously pleased. Over the last 12 months the team have been working hard with our clients to help them navigate the fast moving and significantly changing financial landscape to build the best future for their family, the generations to follow and their businesses.”
The team at Kreston Reeves will be celebrating the accolade at a champagne reception at EFG Private Bank, London on 23 October 2025.
ACCA and Unifrog working together to provide students with an insight into working in accountancy
A leading global accountancy body and a school careers platform is forming a key partnership introducing the accountancy sector to UK 16-19 year-olds.
ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and Unifrog will work together explaining the world of accountancy to UK students and educators. The move comes at a time when many students feel anxious about their future and are daunted by the transition to the world of work.
With Unifrog’s reach into 3,000+ schools and colleges in the UK and 1,000 international schools, has over 2.2 million active students on the platform, ACCA is looking forward to engaging with schools and students from all areas and social background. As a start ACCA has produced an insider’s perspective video for the site helping students explore careers and compare opportunities.
Clive Jones, Head of Employer Business Development Relationships, ACCA UK, said: ‘The overarching aim of this partnership is to raise the profile of the profession, show how accountancy is open to all regardless of their background, and inspire new talent to join ACCA’s inclusive global community. As part of this collaboration, we’re really pleased to be launching Careers in Finance, an exciting online course which aims to dispel myths about accountancy and highlights the wide range of careers open to finance professionals.’
An important part of the agreement sees ACCA looking to sponsor a school in a disadvantaged area with the package including linking up with the careers lead, engaging with students and delivering workshops.
Caroline Collins, Head of Employer Partnerships at Unifrog, said: ‘We’re delighted to be partnering with ACCA to showcase the variety of careers within accountancy. The careers in finance course in particular demonstrates the range of pathways within the sector and the multitude of transferable and in demand skills that students can gain.’
Lloyd Powell, Head of Cymru/Wales, ACCA said: ‘By this move at ACCA we’re demonstrating our ongoing commitment to raising students’ aspirations and boosting the next generation’s employability skills.’
The job industries with the biggest increase in fatalities over the past ten years have now been revealed, and the findings highlight worrying trends in sectors not traditionally viewed as high-risk.
New data, revealed by Astutis, reveals that fatalities in Public Administration, Defence, Health and Education saw the steepest increase, with workplace deaths rising by 67% compared to ten years ago in the years 2014/15.
The second-highest increase in fatalities is by 25% by those that work in the Arts, Entertainment and Recreation industry, while the third-highest is an increase of 20% in the Wholesale and Retail Trade industry.
The four industries that saw increases in fatalities in the last HSE data compared to ten years ago, are:
Industry
Percentage Increase
Public administration, defence, health and education.
67%
Arts, entertainment and recreation; other service activities.
25%
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles; accommodation and food service activities.
20%
Information and communication; financial and insurance activities; real estate activities; professional, scientific and technical activities; administrative and support service activities.
18%
While fatality numbers remain highest in labour-intensive sectors such as agriculture, construction and transport, the sharp rises in these unexpected industries underline a broader reality: workplace risk is spreading.
Brenig Moore, Technical Director at Astutis, workplace health and safety training providers, has explained that labour-intensive industries are no longer the standard in regards to workplace fatalities, which should be a wake-up call for employers to invest in safeguarding their employees.
“These figures are a stark reminder that hazards are no longer confined to the traditional ‘high-risk’ industries. Fatality rates in health, education, and professional services in particular should be a wake-up call.
Compliance is not enough; organisations must adopt stronger safety cultures that embed risk awareness, leadership accountability, and continuous training at every level.”
Even in consumer-facing sectors, risks are escalating. Wholesale, retail and hospitality recorded a 20% increase in fatalities since 2014/15, reflecting the long hours, physical strain, and high-pressure environments many employees face.
Arts, entertainment and recreation reported a 25% rise, underscoring that risk is not limited to heavy industry.
At the same time, progress in some of the UK’s most hazardous sectors shows what can be achieved with robust safety practices.
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing remains one of the deadliest industries, with 23 fatalities recorded in 2024/25, but this is a 28% reduction compared with a decade ago.
Manufacturing has also made significant strides, cutting fatalities by almost 39% through modernised systems and improved safety management.
Construction, however, remains a stubborn outlier. With 35 deaths recorded in 2024/25, the same as in 2014/15, the industry has shown no improvement despite advances in technology and greater awareness.
“Workplace risks are evolving; stress, fatigue, lone working and new technologies are shaping today’s challenges, and unless addressed, the rise in fatalities will continue. Every sector, whether traditionally high-risk or not, must recognise that proactive training and modern approaches to safety are critical for protecting workers.”
One of Worcestershire’s leading home improvement specialists has pledged its commitment to the city and surrounding areas by investing £250,000 into its showroom.
5 Star Windows & Conservatories, which celebrates a decade of being open in Carden Street this month, has extended its lease for another ten years and, to mark this milestone, has channelled fresh spending into new customer service technology and installing new demonstrations for consumers.
This has seen the launch of the latest forte door collection and the opening of a comprehensive ‘hup!’ display that showcases the latest modular build technology promising to make building conservatories, orangeries and living spaces quicker, easier and more energy efficient.
Several new jobs have also been created in Worcester in the last twelve months as the company sets course for its best year.
Richard Manser, Managing Director of 5 Star Windows & Conservatories, commented: “We wanted to celebrate 10 years of our showroom being open in Worcester and what better way to do that than by giving it a facelift, adding exciting new ranges and, importantly, reinforcing our commitment by extending our lease until 2035.
“Worcestershire is a fantastic place for home improvements, with an eclectic mix of housing and consumers who are keen to try new styles, whilst marrying traditional features. Customers are very loyal – once they receive a high-quality service and the trust is in place then they will keep coming back and back. Our sales tend to be 65% repeat business.”
He continued: “Our 5000 sq ft Carden Street showroom showcases bi-folding doors, French doors, Juliet balconies, a comprehensive range of windows, six fully furnished living spaces and the entire ‘Ultraframe’ collection of roofs.
“There’s also lots of design technology in place to make the buying and selection process as easier and enjoyable as possible.”
5 Star Windows & Conservatories has established a strong reputation across its showrooms in Worcester and Kidderminster, having completed more than 40,000 successful installations during the last twenty-three years.
The company, which offers an industry-leading 20-year guarantee, provides a complete end-to-end service for clients, from initial consultation and support with designs to installations being completed by one of its dedicated fitting teams and access to an extensive aftercare package.
A dedicated training centre ensures all its 80-strong team keep up to date with the latest legislation and construction techniques, whilst the firm continues to leverage its involvement as one of the most successful retailers in the Conservatory Outlet Network.
Polly and Richard Manser (both 5 Star Windows & Conservatories) with some of the Worcester Warriors squad.
Richard went on to add: “We are very passionate about building strong partnerships in the locations where we operate and, this year, we have signed our largest sponsorship deal ever with Worcester Warriors.
“As an official kit partner, the 5 Star branding is proudly displayed on the lower right sleeve of the new match shirts and we have also taken naming rights to one of Sixways Stadium’s most iconic hospitality spaces.
“The Pitchview Suite will now be known as the 5 Star Windows Suite, giving us the ideal location to entertain clients, partners and celebrate the achievements of our staff.”
Andrew O’Neill, Sales & Operations Director at 5 Star, concluded: “Our decision to partner with Worcester Warriors is about more than just sport – it’s about community. Like the Warriors, we believe in resilience, local pride and striving to be the best version of ourselves.
“We’ve followed the club’s journey closely and, as they step into a new era, we’re thrilled to be by their side, supporting the team, the fans and everything they stand for.”
For further information, please visit www.5starwindows.co.uk or follow the company across its social media channels.
Image Caption: Polly and Richard Manser (both 5 Star Windows & Conservatories) with some of the Worcester Warriors squad, and proudly showing the new Worcester Warriors shirts.
Pubgoers from across the Hydes estate are preparing to swap their bar stools for the spotlight as the brewer gears up for the return of its annual singing showdown. After weeks of live heats in pubs across the North West, the stage is now set for a grand final in Cheadle this October.
Now in its fourth year, Hydes’ ‘Pub Factor’ competition has grown into a highlight of the family-owned brewer and pub company’s calendar, giving customers the chance to showcase their vocal talent and compete for a £1000 prize.
Originally launched as a fun way to bring local communities together, this year’s competition saw heats take place in 14 Hydes pubs throughout September. Each heat winner received £100 and secured their place in the grand final, which will be held at The Cross Keys in Cheadle on Thursday 9 October.
The grand final promises a lively night of entertainment as all the heat winners perform their chosen songs in front of an enthusiastic crowd of family, friends and fellow customers. From there, the judging panel will select the top three who will sing again, before one is crowned Pub Factor champion 2025 and awarded the £1,000 grand prize.
Hydes’ operations director, Neil Lawrence will act as compère and head judge for the final, supported by guest judges, finance director Simon Mollitt and head of marketing, Marianne Rose. The Cross Keys team will host proceedings, providing their trademark warm hospitality to welcome finalists and supporters from across the Hydes pub estate.
Adam Mayers, managing director of Hydes Brewery, said: “Pub Factor has become one of the highlights of the year for our customers. It’s fantastic to see so many of our regulars getting involved, supporting their local pubs and enjoying a fun, inclusive event. The atmosphere created by travelling customers cheering on their local pub’s winner makes for a brilliant final, and it’s a great way to celebrate the community spirit at the heart of all Hydes pubs.
“With three champions crowned so far, Pub Factor continues to grow in popularity, uniting pubs across our estate and giving customers the chance to shine. This year’s final looks set to deliver another unforgettable night of music, competition and community spirit.”
Founded in 1863, Hydes Brewery remains independently owned and operates more than 40 pubs across the North West and North Wales, continuing to invest in its pub estate while supporting the communities it serves.
Employee-owned wholesaler Parfetts has been named Large Business of the Year at the Stockport Business Awards 2025.
The Stockport-based company, which has grown turnover by 110% in the past six years to reach £800m, collected the award at last night’s ceremony. Parfetts now supports more than 1,650 independent retailers nationwide through its Go Local fascia as it continues its national expansion.
Founded in 1980, Parfetts has become one of the UK’s fastest-growing wholesalers, with new depots extending its reach well beyond its North West roots. The business model is underpinned by employee ownership, which has allowed the company to reinvest in growth while rewarding staff through sales and profit-share bonuses.
Guy Swindell, joint managing director of Parfetts, said: “We’re proud to be recognised in our hometown of Stockport. This award is a testament to the dedication of our colleagues, whose hard work has driven our growth, and to the independent retailers we support every day. From new depots to expanding our Go Local fascia, Parfetts is proving that employee ownership and long-term investment create real strength in the wholesale sector.”
The Stockport Business Awards, founded and organised by CN Chartered Accountants in 2011, celebrate business excellence across the borough. Each year the awards highlight the companies and entrepreneurs that make Stockport one of the most dynamic business communities in Greater Manchester.
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Pictured: (left to right) Noel Parkinson and Guy Swindell, joint managing directors of Parfetts.
Best known for bringing the prehistoric world to life through interactive live shows and educational experiences across the UK, Ranger Chris has entertained and inspired thousands of children and families. From giant walking dinosaurs to fossil displays and baby dinosaur encounters, Dinomania has become one of the UK’s most recognised dinosaur shows.
Now, for the first time, Ranger Chris swaps dinosaurs for Dragons. In the Den, he pitches to Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies, Steven Bartlett, and special guest Dragon Joe Wicks.
“Walking into the Den was one of the most nerve-wracking things I’ve ever done,” said Ranger Chris. “I’m used to standing in front of huge audiences with a T. rex at my side, but facing the Dragons was another level entirely. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.”
For Ranger Chris, the show was an opportunity to share his story and his dinosaurs on a national stage.
Viewers will see what happens when the world of prehistoric creatures collides with the business world. Will Ranger Chris impress the Dragons enough to take a step closer to his dream, or will they prove harder to tame than any dinosaur?
Tune in on Thursday 9th October at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer to watch Ranger Chris take on the Den.
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Dinomania is one of the UK’s largest dinosaur education and entertainment experiences. Founded by Ranger Chris, the company brings realistic walking dinosaurs, baby dinosaur puppets, and fossil displays to schools, theatres, museums, festivals, and live events. With millions of online followers, sell out tours, and previous appearances on Blue Peter and reaching the Britain’s Got Talent semi final in 2022.
Dinomania is dedicated to sparking curiosity and excitement about prehistoric life for audiences of all ages. To learn more, visit www.dinomania.co.uk
06.10.2025 – YFM Equity Partners (YFM), the UK’s leading growth-focused investor, has appointed Neil Inskip as Head of New Investments, North across their Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham offices, strengthening its regional leadership team and supporting the firm’s continued expansion in backing entrepreneurial businesses.
In his new role, Neil will oversee YFM’s new investment activities across the North, supporting the regional teams and will sit on Investment Committee. With nearly 20 years of private equity experience, Neil was previously at BGF, where he headed up teams covering the North-West and Midlands regions, having also been responsible for leading over a dozen of its investments, including several significant exits.
Commenting on the appointment, Neil said: “YFM has a great platform, a strong reputation in the regions and an exciting market opportunity. I’m looking forward to working with the Partners, growing our team, driving new investment activity, and building on the fantastic portfolio of entrepreneurial businesses the firm already backs. The North is home to a significant number of entrepreneurial businesses, and it’s where our roots lie. There’s huge potential to back talented founders and Management teams, and to create a supportive environment to enable their growth.”
Jamie Roberts, Managing Partner said: “We’re delighted to welcome Neil to YFM. His extensive network across the North and his strong track record of backing ambitious businesses in and around the regions will further support what we have been doing in our Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham offices. Neil’s appointment strengthens our regional presence and networks, enabling us to invest more equity into ambitious businesses and support their next stage of growth”.
About YFM Equity Partners
YFM invests between £3m and £15m in fast-growing UK businesses. With offices in London, Leeds, Manchester, Reading, and Birmingham, and over 40 years of experience, YFM manages over £750 million in funds and supports ambitious teams across a range of sectors. More info:www.yfmep.com
Jack Daniel’s REVIVE LIVE is partnering with leading music industry organisations, including Music Venue Trust, Metropolis Studios, Record Store Day, and Soho Radio, to reignite the UK’s music scene and support the venues, artists, and fans who keep it alive.
The campaign will bring unforgettable live performances to grassroots music venues across the UK, alongside exclusive Live to Vinyl sessions at Metropolis Studios with artists including Kokoroko, The Snuts and Nilüfer Yanya.
Celebrating the spirit of independence, REVIVE LIVE will also mark Record Store Day 2026 with special events that champion local record stores and their communities.
Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey has today unveiled REVIVE LIVE, a bold nationwide campaign to help protect and celebrate the UK’s independent live music scene, which is facing some of the toughest challenges in its history.
The partnership with Music Venue Trust aims to expand the touring circuit by bringing live shows to grassroots stages across the country- crucially in towns that are not typically being selected by agents.
There will be a new series of Live to Vinyl sessions with Metropolis Studios, and support for Record Store Day 2026 via a partnership with Soho Radio , to celebrate the culture of independent record shops.
One-quarter of grassroots music venues (24.9%) are under threat of closure, according to a Music Venue Trust (MVT) report. Music Venue Trust also found that the number of primary and secondary touring circuits has been falling for over 30 years.
To put this into context, the average length of tours today (11 shows) has halved, compared to 22 shows in 1994. This leaves fewer opportunities for emerging artists to perform and for fans to experience live music in their own communities.
Through REVIVE LIVE, Jack Daniel’s believes it will unite fans, artists and industry partners to create unforgettable live moments, champion emerging talent, and protect the cultural spaces where music history is made.
Eduardo Toledo, Head of Jack Daniel’s UK, said, “ Jack Daniel’s has always been deeply connected to music, and REVIVE LIVE is our way of keeping it alive where it matters most, whether it is on stage, in the studio or behind the counter of a record shop. Live music has the power to create defining memories and reflects the independent spirit at the heart of both music and our Tennessee Whiskey.”
Music Venue Trust: Saving Our Venues
Jack Daniel’s launched a nationwide tour in partnership with Music Venue Trust, bringing live shows to grassroots venues across the UK earlier this year. In 2025, MVT and Jack Daniel’s have already hosted two tours, with The Hunna in April and the Fickle Friends in June.
The series will showcase talent including Fickle Friends, The Hunna, and more acts will be announced in the coming weeks. In addition to these performances at MVT venues, the Snuts will be performing at a live gig in Newcastle, also at a date to be confirmed.
By shining a spotlight on the independent venues that have shaped the UK’s music culture for decades, Jack Daniel’s and Music Venue Trust say that it offers a platform for the next generation of artists to connect with audiences in an authentic, up-close setting. Their vision is that each show will be a celebration of the independent spirit, uniting local communities, music lovers and the unmistakable energy of live performance.
Rebecca Walker, Head of Live at Music Venue Trust, said, “Grassroots venues are under more pressure than ever, and without them, the future of British music is at risk. This partnership with Jack Daniel’s will help bring live music back to communities that have been missing out for far too long. Together, we will keep these stages open for the next generation of artists and fans.”
This marks the latest chapter in Jack Daniel’s partnership with Music Venue Trust. Together they have supported grassroots music through fundraising, sponsorships and advocacy, hosting exclusive shows with artists including Biffy Clyro, Hardy Caprio, Ezra Collective, Pale Waves, Maverick Sabre and Nova Twins.
Toledo continued: “Jack Daniel’s key core brand values of authenticity, independence, integrity, and originality run through the heart of REVIVE Live to help singers and songwriters push creative boundaries and develop their unique brand identities. That is our mission and one we are excited about achieving to keep the best and brightest making records in the UK for many years to come.”
Fans can follow Jack Daniel’s (@jackdaniels_uk) and Music Venue Trust (@musicvenuetrust) for artist announcements, tour dates and ticket information.
Live to Vinyl at Metropolis Studios: A New Way to Experience Live Music
Jack Daniel’s is bringing fans closer to the music than ever before with the return of its Live to Vinyl series, in collaboration with Metropolis Studios. This unique experience invites small audiences into the legendary recording space to witness intimate performances being captured directly onto vinyl in real time.
The 2025 series feature an exciting line-up of emerging talent, including:
Kokoroko– November 15th, 2025
Following the summer release of Tuff Times Never Last, the London‑based Afrobeat and jazz collective continue to expand their horn‑driven, genre‑spanning sound.
Nilüfer Yanya – December 6th, 2025 Having released her latest album “My Method Actor” and follow up “Dancing Shoes EP” and toured the world with Alex G – and also Lorde set for November, Nilüfer continues to cement her place in the alternative world with electrifying live performances.
The Snuts – One of the UK’s most exciting live acts, with three Top 3 albums in as many years, including their No.1 debut. Now releasing music independently, they continue to deliver unique fan experiences, from headlining arenas to intimate stripped‑back shows.
Kokoroko and Nilufer Yanya sessions offer just 40 fans the chance to witness a Live to Vinyl performance, studio tour, insight into the process of making vinyl, Q&A with the band, bonus performance, hang out with the band and a Jack Daniel’s cocktail at the bar afterwards. Fans will also have the limited-edition vinyl sent to their front doors.
The Snuts will also host a very exclusive evening of music for Music Venue Trust, all ticket proceeds going to their “Liveline Fund“, further details to be announced soon.
Fans can secure their spot at these exclusive sessions via lottery by following Jack Daniel’s (@jackdaniels_uk) and looking out for announcements.
The Live to Vinyl series celebrates Jack Daniel’s long-standing connection to music and taps into the enduring appeal of vinyl, a format that continues to grow in popularity with fans and collectors alike. Metropolis Studios, famed for hosting artists such as Adele, Amy Winehouse and Stormzy, provides the perfect setting by combining its rich heritage with new innovative studio experiences.
Gavin Newman, Partnerships Director at Metropolis Studios, said, “We are delighted to continue our music journey with Jack Daniel’s this year, a brand that understands the importance of protecting independent artists, venues, studios and record stores whilst preserving the rare art of translating music into physical product.
“Bringing all of these elements together in a series of fan experiences is a huge collaborative team effort demonstrating the brand’s long-term commitment to our industry.”
Jack Cochrane, Singer / Guitarist of The Snuts, said, “We grew up playing in grassroots venues and are vocal in our opinion that new and developing artists need the grassroots spaces to be able to play in front of small audiences as their fan base develops. Without these venues, a vital step in creative development is missed out.”
Record Store Day 2026: Celebrating Music in its Purest Form
Jack Daniel’s will also support Record Store Day on Saturday 18th April 2026, the annual celebration of independent record shops that sees over 280 UK stores unite for exclusive vinyl releases, in-store performances and special events.
Last year, vinyl album sales grew by 10.5% to a value of £196 million, underlining the format’s enduring appeal.
Jack Daniel’s and Metropolis are capturing and documenting all our fan experiences/moments in time onto vinyl and distributing them as official RSD hero releases next April, helping to make 2026’s event bigger and better than ever.
Veritas Solicitors, a Manchester claimant law firm, has marked a year of rapid expansion with a 257% increase in turnover and a doubling of its workforce.
The firm’s first fully audited accounts for 2022/23 reflect a period of strategic investment in staff, technology, and infrastructure during a year of transformation and progress.
Turnover for the year rose from £2.8m to £10m, while staff numbers increased from 66 to 132, with additional office space being acquired, improved case management systems, and additional investment in IT supporting the firm’s expansion.
The firm also revealed it has built a case portfolio valued at £150m, which it says will provide significant returns in the future.
Veritas Solicitors is widely recognised as a leading name in housing disrepair, financial mis-selling, personal injury, clinical negligence, and other forms of grievance, championing access to justice for clients across the UK.
Managing Partner, Faraz Fazal, said the firm’s audited results mark an important milestone.
“This has been a year of transformation for Veritas, and we are proud to present our first set of fully audited accounts,” he said.
“To have doubled our workforce, tripled our turnover, and established a £150m case portfolio is a significant achievement that positions us for long-term success.
“Our strategy has always been about investing in people, technology, and the infrastructure that allows us to serve clients better. These investments have
strengthened our foundations and given us the confidence to look forward to the future with real momentum.”
Fazal added that the results reflect the firm’s mission to provide reliable access to justice.
“Veritas exists to fight for clients who might otherwise struggle to be heard, whether in housing disrepair, medical negligence, personal injury, or other areas.
“This period of growth is not just about numbers; it is about expanding our ability to deliver outcomes for more people.”
