FBUK Magazine Issue 5 December 2025

FBUK Member news

FBUK Member HMG Paints has played a pivotal role in restoring a significant piece of automotive history. As part of a unique project, HMG has identified perhaps the first use of metallic paint on a rare 1935 Aston Martin Mk2 Sports Saloon. The project was led by HMG’s Chairman John Falder, who is well known in classic Aston Martin circles. “The panels on this car have some of the very earliest we’ve seen finished in a metallic colour,” says John Falder. “It’s really rather exciting, not at all what I was expecting to see!” The discovery was made through detailed analysis at HMG’s Manchester facility and, following a full restoration, the car has gone on to win the prestigious Montagu of Beaulieu Trophy at the 74th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, in California – widely considered to be the world’s premier celebration of the automobile. The Charitable Trust of FBUK Member St Austell Brewery has donated six specialist waterproof jackets to its local West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team. The high-performance jackets will protect recruits who, once qualified, will be on call around the clock to assist in search and rescue operations. Established in 2003, the Trust has raised over £1 million to support charities and individuals across the South-West. In 2024 alone, it donated more than £150,000 to local causes, including air ambulances and hospitals.

Scotland, has appointed Mark Geary as non-family Chief Executive. Having served as Interim Chief Executive, Mark will now lead the company’s international growth strategy and strengthen its commercial and marketing capabilities across brands including The Cairn and Benromach distillery. Mark Geary’s appointment follows a multi-million-pound warehouse expansion and marks a key step in Gordon & MacPhail’s long-term growth and leadership plans. Family Business UK Members have been celebrating award wins across the country recognising their excellence, innovation and community impact. Alan Boswell Group was crowned Insurance Broker of the Year at the British Insurance Awards, with judges praising the Norfolk firm’s customer-first ethos and investment in people and communities. John Good Group took home the Purpose Beyond Profit award at the Yorkshire HR Excellence Awards, recognising the firm’s commitment to making the business a force for good through the Matthew Good Foundation. Noble Foods claimed two accolades at the Co-op Pioneer Awards: Supplier of the Year and Pioneer in Membership, celebrating innovation, collaboration and sustainability.

The rare 1935 Aston Martin Mk2 Sports Saloon.

St Austell Brewery’s Procurement Manager Laura Murphy (left) presenting jackets to the West Cornwall Search & Rescue Team

Alan Boswell Group Insurance Broker of the Year

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Gordon & MacPhail , the family-owned whisky specialist based in Elgin,

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Gordon & MacPhail’s CEO Mark Geary (left) and Chair Neil Urquhart

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