“His entrepreneurial drive continues to influence the business, with further plans for investment, development and growth, including new padel courts and a £14m family entertainment centre in the coming years.”
With a growing family presence in leadership, Ribby Hall is focused on long-term growth and sustainability, while aiming to leave a better environment for future generations.
Our goal is to combine continued growth with
the personal, friendly service that our customers know and trust, ensuring we retain the family-run feel that sets us apart
Founded in 1995, the business employs nearly 2,000 people and generates £45m in turnover.
It has enjoyed a successful year, winning Contract Caterer of the Year and North West Family Business of the Year. Growth has been steady and values-driven, as Anna Bamber explains.
She says: “As an independent education caterer with Dutch heritage through our founders, Tim and Mark Timmerman, we combine friendly, passionate teams to create great-tasting meals.
MELLORS CATERING SERVICES Contract catering
Mellors Catering Services is a family-owned catering provider delivering more than 130,000 meals a day across schools and workplaces.
Expert View
WHY FAMILY BUSINESSES SHOULD PREPARE FOR NEW
ACCOUNTING RULES By Ann Bibby,
Tax partner, Menzies
Changes to FRS 102, the accounting standard used by many UK businesses, are approaching and could have implications beyond the finance function.
The changes will affect decision-making, the timing of tax payments, cash flow, financing arrangements and future growth plans. With the new requirements applying to accounting periods beginning on or after January 1 2026, now is the time for family businesses to understand their potential impact.
One of the most significant changes is the new lease accounting rules, which could alter the appearance of the balance sheet. Bringing lease commitments onto the balance sheet may increase reported debt levels and assets, potentially influencing discussions with lenders, investors and other stakeholders.
Changes to revenue recognition may also affect the timing of profits being reported. This could influence corporation tax payments, cash flow forecasts and performance measures used within the business.
Businesses with significant property
portfolios, vehicle fleets or equipment leases should consider whether they have sufficient information to identify costs that attract different tax treatments, such as capital expenditure, lease incentives or property-related taxes.
For larger family groups, changes to reported turnover, profits and asset values could affect compliance obligations and tax reporting requirements, creating additional administrative burdens.
Perhaps most importantly, business owners should view these changes as an opportunity to review existing lease arrangements and customer contracts. Understanding the commercial and tax implications now will help avoid surprises later and ensure the business remains well positioned for future investment, succession planning and growth.
Early preparation will give family businesses greater certainty over the potential impact on profitability, cash flow and long-term strategic planning.
For further advice contact Ann Bibby, Tax Partner,
abibby@menzies.co.uk
LJ&R FOOTWEAR Footwear wholesaler
LJ&R Footwear is one of the UK’s leading footwear wholesalers, with more than 40 years of industry experience.
The family-run firm employs 19 people, including five family members, generates around £10m in annual turnover and supplies retailers nationwide.
Richard Hargreaves began trading on outdoor markets in 1977, selling shoes.
Daniel Hargreaves Barlow, who is Richard’s son-in-law, says the business grew from market trading to “a portfolio of indoor markets with a small number of retail shops, focusing on providing quality footwear, great prices and excellent service, which is an ethos that has not changed”.
“Over time, the retail side of the business expanded significantly, growing to 13 stores. Building on this experience, the company diversified into footwear wholesaling.”
The business also expanded into ecommerce, with Daniel saying it “was one of the first in its industry to have a trade website”.
Future plans are focused on expansion and technology. Daniel says: “We’re investing in a new bespoke system to ensure we are ready for growth and further automation.
“Our goal is to combine continued growth with the personal, friendly service that our customers know and trust, ensuring we retain the family-run feel that sets us apart.”
Continued on Page 24 LANCASHIREBUSINES SV
IEW.CO.UK
“Innovation keeps us moving forward, from our award-winning ‘Crafted by Mellors’ range and vibrant ‘Tuk Truck’ to smoothie bikes.
“Extending our geographical reach beyond the North and Midlands into the South of England has been carefully considered and has led to continued site growth.”
the Awards Align your brand with
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Build valuable connections across the county
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Find out more here!
Awards Ceremony: Friday October 16 Park Hall Hotel & Spa, Chorley
#Sub36
Looking ahead, Mellors is focused on sustainable growth.
“Mellors is on track to achieve our five-year vision of 10 per cent year-on-year growth, growing sustainably while staying true to our family roots,” says Anna.
23
FAMILY BUSINESS
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