Hercule van Wolfwinkle reaches the halfway point of his epic 500-mile charity walk 

‘Rubbish’ pet portrait artist Hercule van Wolfwinkle is supporting local people experiencing homelessness throughout March with another incredible fundraising activity – to benefit the work of Turning Tides Homelessness and StreetVet.

For 25 days, Hercule is walking 20 miles from his hometown in Worthing (where Turning Tides Homelessness is based), to Brighton – his nearest StreetVet outreach centre. A total of 500 miles. On arrival in Brighton (well Hove, actually!), Hercule draws his pet portrait for the day before setting off on the walk back home.

He’s now got more miles behind him than in front as he finishes his 14th walk. 

Hercule Van Wolfwinkle’s pet portraits have been described as ‘hilarious’, ‘cute’, ‘endearing’, and even ‘rubbish’. But however you choose to describe them, there is no denying that they have become something of a phenomenon since Hercule posted his very first portrait on Facebook back in the summer of 2020. 

Since then, he has raised over £475,000 for charity by drawing pet portraits for free, with the request that people donate to the charities if they are able to. The next target - £500,000 is in sight. And that 500 inspired his latest challenge. 

It's also, of course, the distance The Proclaimers would walk for someone they love......and Hercule loves these charities very much indeed! 

To support Hercule, Turning Tides’ Income & Engagement team are walking alongside him on several of the walks. And have also undertaken to walk 500 miles between them – another achievement reached on 16th March. 

Supporters wishing to donate to Hercule’s Turning Tides justgiving page – and be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to see The Proclaimers, can go to https://www.justgiving.com/page/hercule-van-wolfwinkle-500milesforturningtides?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=020 

Missing or Destroyed Wills: Presumptions, Proof, and the Probate Battles That Follow.

Few probate disputes are as emotionally charged or legally complex as those involving missing or destroyed wills.

When a person dies and their will cannot be found, families face uncertainty: Did the deceased intentionally destroy it to revoke it? Was it lost by accident? Did someone else interfere? Or was it simply misplaced in the course of life?

The law applies a powerful presumption: if a will was last known to be in the testator’s possession and cannot be located after their death, the court assumes it was destroyed intentionally.

This presumption can significantly alter how the estate is distributed, particularly if the testator’s intentions in the missing will differed from intestacy rules or previous wills.

These cases often involve suspicion, family conflict, and allegations of wrongdoing, requiring careful evidence gathering, sensitive handling, and a clear understanding of the legal principles involved.

Why Disputes Over Missing or Destroyed Wills Are Increasing

Several social trends have contributed to a rise in disputes involving missing or destroyed wills:

1. More people keep wills at home – Many store their wills in drawers or filing boxes rather than with solicitors, increasing the risk of loss or accidental destruction.
2. Increased mobility and multiple residences – Frequent home moves or multiple properties can lead to misplaced wills.
3. Cognitive decline and vulnerability – Elderly individuals with dementia or other impairments may unintentionally destroy or misplace important documents.
4. Family tensions and blended families – Strained relationships can lead to suspicions of interference or destruction.
5. Greater awareness of legal remedies – Families now understand that a missing will does not automatically mean intestacy, leading to more challenges and claims.

The Legal Presumption: Was the Missing Will Revoked by Destruction?

The starting point in any missing‑will case is the presumption of revocation.

When a will was last known to be in the testator’s possession and cannot be found after their death, the law assumes the testator destroyed it with the intention of revoking it.

Although this presumption is strong, it is not absolute.

It may be overcome by evidence showing that the will was lost accidentally, that the testator did not intend to revoke it, that someone else destroyed it, that the testator lacked the capacity to revoke it, or that a copy exists which accurately reflects the testator’s intentions.

The responsibility for proving that the missing will should still be upheld rests with the person seeking to rely on it.

Rebutting the Presumption: What Evidence Can Prove a Missing Will?

Courts take a holistic approach when deciding whether the presumption can be challenged.

They consider why the will went missing, the testator’s behaviour, and all available evidence.

1. Statements by the deceased – If the testator told others that the will was valid or expressed how they wanted the estate distributed, courts give weight to consistent and recent statements.
2. Evidence of accidental loss – Wills can be misplaced during moves, hospital stays, or periods of ill health.
3. Evidence of third-party interference – Courts may consider whether someone with motive and opportunity destroyed or removed the will.
4. The testator’s capacity – If the testator lacked capacity at the relevant time, they may not have intended to revoke the will.
5. Solicitors’ files and copy wills – Copies or detailed attendance notes can help reconstruct the testator’s intentions.
6. The testator’s habits and personality – Courts consider whether the testator was organised, careful with documents, or prone to misplacing items.

Proving a Copy Will in Probate

When a copy of a will exists, the court may admit it to probate if it is satisfied that the original was properly executed, that it was not intentionally revoked, and that the copy accurately reflects the contents of the original document.

Establishing this requires detailed supporting evidence, often including the solicitor’s file, witness statements, and any contemporaneous records that shed light on the will’s creation and the testator’s intentions.

Although courts approach missing‑will cases with caution, they remain pragmatic; where the evidence strongly indicates that the testator intended the will to remain effective, a copy may be admitted even in the absence of the original.

Common Scenarios in Missing Will Disputes

1. The will kept at home disappears – A testator kept their will in a drawer or filing cabinet but after their death, the family cannot find it. Accidental loss is plausible, but suspicion arises if a family member with motive had access.
2. The will destroyed by mistake – The testator may accidentally discard it, confusing it with old papers.
3. The will destroyed by someone else – Rare but serious; proving this requires evidence of motive, opportunity, and behaviour.
4. The testator believed the solicitor held the will – Some testators assume their solicitor holds the original when in fact they took it home. If the will cannot be found, the presumption may apply unless evidence shows the testator believed it was safely stored.
5. The testator lacked capacity – Cognitive decline may lead to accidental destruction without intent to revoke.

Evidential Challenges

Missing‑will cases present significant evidential challenges because the court must reconstruct events without the benefit of the testator’s own account.

This involves a careful examination of family dynamics, the testator’s behaviour, the chain of custody of documents, the credibility of witnesses, and the reliability of their memories.

Emotions often run high, and allegations of wrongdoing can permanently damage family relationships, which is why practitioners must approach these disputes with both sensitivity and objectivity.

The Role of Suspicion and Family Dynamics

Suspicion and strained family dynamics frequently play a central role.

Disputes are particularly common where one beneficiary stands to gain substantially from intestacy, where a family member had access to the will, where the will favoured someone outside the immediate family, or where the testator was vulnerable or isolated.

Courts are careful to distinguish suspicion from evidence and will only intervene when credible proof supports the allegations.

Practical Steps for Families and Executors

For families and executors facing a missing‑will situation, several practical steps can help.

A thorough search should be carried out, including the testator’s home, personal papers, solicitors’ offices, banks, and anyone who held earlier wills.

Evidence should be gathered as early as possible, as statements from friends, carers, and professionals can be invaluable. All relevant documents—such as copies, drafts, letters, or notes—should be preserved to assist in reconstructing the testator’s intentions.

Seeking legal advice promptly is essential to avoid missteps and ensure that evidence is properly protected.

Mediation is also worth considering, as it can help resolve disputes without escalating conflict or causing further family division.

Conclusion

Missing will disputes combine legal complexity with human drama.

Courts must balance presumptions, evidence, and fairness while navigating family tensions and emotions.

For families, a missing will can be bewildering and distressing. For practitioners, these cases demand meticulous evidence gathering, strategic thinking, and sensitivity.

The key lesson: a missing will does not automatically lead to intestacy.

With the right evidence and careful handling, it is often possible to prove the testator’s true intentions and ensure their wishes are respected.

If you are facing uncertainty about a missing will or a potential probate dispute, our team is here to help.

Speak to our contentious probate team by calling 01903 229999 or email info@bennett-griffin.co.uk today.

The Sherrards Academy UK Employment Law Course

CPD accredited training initiative which delivers bite-size employment law/HR related courses to line managers and HR professionals.

With the Employment Rights Act 2025 receiving Royal Assent in December 2025, the UK is preparing for one of the most significant overhauls of employment legislation in recent years. Although the new requirements will be introduced in stages, organisations need to be ahead of the curve — understanding the direction of reform, anticipating organisational impact, and ensuring policies and practices remain compliant.

As a leading specialist UK employment law firm, Sherrards brings unparalleled legal expertise directly into training opportunities. Each module of our Sherrards Academy UK Employment Law Course is delivered live by a highly qualified employment law solicitor with hands‑on experience advising employers on complex legal issues. This ensures every session is legally robust, fully up to date, and focused on the real‑world challenges faced by today’s HR teams.

The course comprises eight core modules, delivered across four one‑hour live webinars, each running from 12:00 to 13:00 via Zoom.

Course Schedule

Webinar 1 – Tuesday 28^th April                                                        

• Unfair Dismissal
• Discrimination and Harassment

Webinar 2 – Tuesday 5^th May

• Disciplinary Procedures
• Handling Grievances

Webinar 3 – Tuesday 12^th May

• Performance Management & Capability
• Short‑ and Long‑Term Sickness Absence

Webinar 4 – Tuesday 19^th May

• Flexible Working
• Redundancy

Why HR professionals and those in line management should attend:

• Delivered by specialist UK employment law solicitors, ensuring absolute legal accuracy and best‑practice guidance.
• Highly practical content, focused on applying the law confidently in everyday HR scenarios.
• Essential knowledge for all HR and line management roles, from early‑career practitioners to senior HR leaders and management keen for a formal refresher.
• Interactive and engaging format, with opportunities to ask questions and explore real‑world examples.
• CPD Accredited, certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to continuing professional development principles.

Cost

The cost of attending our 15th Cohort is frozen at £750 + VAT per delegate. We offer discounts on multiple bookings however please note a maximum of 3 delegates per organisation may attend each training cohort.

Find out more and secure your place today and ensure you are equipped with the up‑to‑date legal knowledge every UK HR professional and line manager must have.

www.sherrardsacademy.com

Local BAFTA-winning animator Laurie Rowan creates playful new identity for Worthing Festival 2026

Worthing’s biggest arts celebration returns this June with a bold new visual identity created by internationally recognised animator and director Laurie Rowan.

The team behind Worthing Festival has unveiled the official artwork and dates for 2026, marking the next chapter for the town-wide celebration following a successful inaugural year under independent leadership.

Fringe events will run from 1–30 June 2026, with the main Festival taking place 19–21 June 2026 in Homefield Park.

A playful portrait of Worthing

Created in Laurie Rowan’s trademark style of joyful, character-led illustration, the 2026 identity celebrates community, creativity and connection.

Rowan, who is based locally, designed a playful cast of characters representing the spirit of the festival and the people who make it happen. Known for building modular, expressive figures in animation software, Rowan adds an unexpected twist, layering real wood textures into his digital creations, so that even the most surreal animated forms feel grounded in natural material.

The result is a vibrant, tactile world that feels both contemporary and rooted – a fitting reflection of Worthing’s growing creative community.

Laurie Rowan said:

“I wanted to create something that felt joyful, welcoming and distinctly local. The festival is about people coming together – performers, audiences, families, artists – so building a playful community of characters felt like the perfect way to represent that energy.”

Laurie Rowan

Laurie Rowan is an animator, illustrator, director and art director known for his distinctive style and unique approach to characterisation and playful modular design.

He began his career as a studio-based creative lead before becoming a freelancer, creating work for major clients including the BBC, Channel 4 and Disney.

His projects have achieved numerous accolades, including a Children’s BAFTA win, nomination and a Lovie Award. In recent years, his work has gained international recognition, featured by leading design publications and included in “Ones to Watch” lists worldwide.

Rowan has created commissions for brands including Google, Microsoft, MTV, The New York Times and The New Yorker. His work has received critical acclaim, including a Young Directors Award nomination and multiple Vimeo Staff Picks, and has amassed more than 925 million views online.

He is represented by Nexus Studios for direction.Despite his international profile, Rowan remains closely connected to Worthing’s creative scene.

Worthing Festival, building on a breakthrough year

Worthing Festival builds on the success of 2025’s inaugural year after taking over from the local council.

Last summer saw Homefield Park transformed for two days of live music, art installations, local food and drink, and roaming entertainment, with the festival even visiting the local hospital children’s ward to bring performances directly to young patients.

The festival celebrations also included a community parade mid-June, culminating in a street party to celebrate the Worthing Festival month.

In 2026, the festival returns bigger and more ambitious, with more than 50 bands, performers and artist groups spanning locally-based, national and international talent — from local, emerging voices and young creatives to established professionals. Audiences can expect expanded creative workshops for adults and children, including dedicated children’s sessions at The Haven and a brand-new children’s tent within the festival site. Across the weekend, visitors can explore even more site-wide art installations, alongside the return and expansion of the immersive Sound Garden arts trail. The festival site will also open on Friday afternoon for a special neurodiversity-friendly, relaxed afternoon before the bands start on Saturday – offering access to the arts trail for people to experience the festival at a gentler pace. Enhanced bar facilities will increase capacity and speed of service, supporting a growing audience. The much-loved Fringe community parade and street party will return and kick off the month-long celebrations, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to building, growing and developing an inclusive cultural programme for the whole town.

A town-wide Fringe throughout June

Worthing Festival Fringe runs from 1–30 June 2026, supported by the Festival team.

The Fringe hosts events across venues throughout the town, all promoted via the official website to help increase footfall and visibility for local businesses and creatives. Anyone can register an event as part of the Fringe, making it one of the most open and accessible cultural platforms in the region.

Jennifer Left, Creative Director said,

“After the incredible response in 2025, we’re thrilled to be growing the festival for 2026. Laurie’s artwork perfectly captures the warmth, creativity and playful spirit of Worthing. This year is about celebrating our growing community and making June a month the whole town can be proud of.”

Dates for the diary

Worthing Fringe: 1–30 June 2026
Worthing Festival: 19–21 June 2026
(Homefield Park – Friday evening opening with art installations, food and drink)

Further programme announcements will follow in the coming months.

Bennett Griffin article 'Personal Guarantees for Directors – Voluntarily Piercing the Corporate Veil'

What Is A Personal Guarantee?

Many businesses will, at some point in their life, require finance, sometimes very quickly.

There are many reasons why financial support may be needed, including positive ones such as funding expansion or a strategic acquisition, and less positive ones, such as when the business is running out of funds and needs a capital injection.

Equally, there are many different sources of funding, from traditional High Street banks to specialist lenders operating in very specific market segments.

Funding often comes with conditions, and one we often see is that corporate borrowers (i.e. companies) need to provide personal guarantees as security to support borrowing.

In almost all cases, the guarantor will be one or more directors of the company.

But why are personal guarantees so common, and when will they be asked for?

Why Lenders Ask Directors For Personal Guarantees

Companies are often recommended as a vehicle for new businesses or for expanding sole traders or partnerships, due to their limited liability.

In most cases, an individual’s liability is limited to what they have invested in the business, with the legal principle of the Corporate Veil protecting individual directors and shareholders from personal liability for the company's debts and actions.

The principle of the Corporate Veil can generally be lifted or pierced only in limited circumstances by the Courts, and in many cases, there must be serious wrongdoing by the individual director before a finding of personal liability is made.

Furthermore, companies are treated as their own legal entities.

It is far easier for companies to simply disappear, through winding up or other insolvency routes, than it is for the people controlling those companies.

Hence, to mitigate the risk of being left with advanced funds to a company that no longer exists, lenders frequently demand personal guarantees.

Personal guarantees enable banks to avoid these risks by requiring the directors of companies borrowing funds to agree to being personally liable for their companies’ obligations to the bank, thus voluntarily circumventing the corporate veil.

When Are Personal Guarantees Most Likely To Be Required?

Typically, lenders are less likely to ask companies to provide personal guarantees when they can demonstrate a track record of healthy trading.

There is a greater likelihood, therefore, where, for example, a company seeking funding is newly or recently incorporated, or where funding is being sought in times of financial distress.

Should a personal guarantee be signed? Unfortunately, it is normally the case that the directors have little option but to agree to a personal guarantee if they wish the funding to progress.

There are, however, some key things which need to be considered, including:

Key Points To Check Before You Sign

“All monies” guarantees

·    The personal guarantee is likely to be expressed as “all monies”, covering any liability which the company has to that particular lender at any time. It may therefore not just be guaranteeing the facility being obtained, for which the personal guarantee is required. With the more specialist lenders, this may not be a problem if the company has no other facilities, but with High Street lenders, there is a much greater chance of pre-existing or future facilities being personally guaranteed, even if at face value such facilities were not intended to be guaranteed.

Can the guarantee be capped?

·    Ideally, the personal guarantee will be capped, and the cap may not necessarily be the full amount of the facility it supports. If a lower cap can be agreed, so much the better, although it must be remembered that this cap will only apply to the capital sum, and interest costs, etc., will usually be repayable on top of this.

Multiple guarantors, and who the lender can pursue

·    If there are multiple personal guarantees, the bank will be under no obligation to share the risk. It will be at the bank's discretion to pursue whichever guarantor(s) are most likely to pay the sum due. Equally, the lender does not need to pursue the company itself first but can rely on the personal guarantee straightaway.

Guarantees usually aren’t time-limited

·    Personal guarantees are generally not time-limited. Specific events such as insolvency, loss of capacity or even death will not end the guarantee, and in all cases, a negotiated exit will be required.

Getting written confirmation of release

·    Linked to the above, personal guarantees are unlikely to lapse automatically when the facility is repaid in full. I always advise guarantors to expressly request a written confirmation of release upon repayment of the facility. Otherwise, it is possible for personal guarantors to lie dormant and potentially come back to life years later, for example, if another facility is taken out with the same lender and that facility ends up being guaranteed, even if that was not intended.

Why Independent Legal Advice Is Often Required

Personal guarantees, therefore, need to be treated carefully.

Indeed, following a series of cases in the 1990s where guarantors successfully claimed that they had no knowledge of the obligations they were being asked to guarantee or had been pressured into signing the guarantee by other parties, most guarantees will require a certificate to be completed by a lawyer confirming that the potential guarantor understands:

• ·       what they are signing
• ·       the consequences of entering the personal guarantee
• ·       and confirming that there are no signs of pressure or coercion or similar.

How We Can Help

Due to the risks associated with providing such advice, many solicitors do not offer this service.

Bennett Griffin however, can and does provide this service.

If you are a director or business owner in Worthing or the surrounding area and would like advice before signing a personal guarantee, our team would be pleased to assist.

Please contact either Nick Tompkin (nt@bennett-griffin.co.uk) or Lauren Baillie (lmb@bennett-griffin.co.uk) to discuss how we can help.

D-Day veteran Ron celebrates 103rd birthday at Care for Veterans

A WWII veteran who helped liberate Europe following the D-Day landings has celebrated his 103rd birthday in Worthing.

Ron Parker, was joined with family, other residents, and staff from Care for Veterans - a Royal Star & Garter Home, when he marked his birthday on DATE.

The Home provides long-term nursing, rehabilitation, respite and end-of-life care to veterans and their families living with disabilities, including acquired brain injury and degenerative neurological conditions. It is now part of the Royal Star & Garter group following a merger with the charity.

Ron was born on 24^th February 1923 and was just 18 when he was conscripted into the Army in 1942, joining the Royal Engineers. Trained in clearing mines, repairing equipment and building vital infrastructure, he was part of the follow-up forces sent to France after the D-Day landings in June 1944. Ron came ashore at Sword Beach, weighed down with equipment and ammunition, before digging in to create defensive positions and machine gun posts.

Recalling his time in Normandy, Ron has spoken of the difficulty of sleeping as artillery fire shook the ground through the night and the constant focus on survival. Despite the danger, he remained quietly determined, playing his part in the Allied advance across Europe.

After the war, Ron returned home to Worthing, married his wife Joyce and went on to enjoy a long career at Barclays Bank. He has a daughter, three grandchildren and a lifetime of memories shaped by service, hard work and family life.

Following Joyce’s death in 2021 and a period of ill health, Ron came to Care for Veterans for respite care before becoming a permanent resident. At the Home he is known for his gentle humour, love of a morning coffee in the garden and close friendship with his fellow veterans.

Vicky Strange, Home Manager at Care for Veterans, said: “Ron is an extraordinary gentleman, and it is a real privilege to care for him. His life story is a powerful reminder of the courage and resilience of his generation, and we are honoured that he is part of our Care for Veterans family. It was a joy to celebrate this incredible milestone with him.”

Care for Veterans is welcoming new residents. For more information on this or to work at the Home, visit: www.careforveterans.org.uk 

New roof for medieval All Saints Church in Lindfield

Work will begin to fix the leaking roof of Grade II* listed All Saints Church in Lindfield after heritage specialist Pilbeam Construction was asked to step in.

A structural survey revealed repairs were needed to the medieval timber framed building, which houses The Tiger office, church office and provides space for youth groups.

This vital work will future proof the historic building, known locally as The Tiger, which is one of the oldest buildings in the West Sussex village and was originally an open hall house built around 1400.

Pilbeam Construction managing director Alan Corbett said: “It’s a real privilege to work on this landmark building again. As a local Sussex contractor our team love making a difference to their local community.

“Our roofers have hands-on experience working with Horsham stone, while our carpenters have a deep understanding of how complex historic cut and pitch roofs are constructed. This work will protect this important community asset for years to come.

“Horsham Stone is not readily available due to the closure of the historic quarries so we will need to reuse what we can and source more.”

The £300,000 project is set to kick off on 23 February and will take around five months to complete.

Specialist work will include repairing junctions and rebuilding features which will reduce the risk of future problems. 

Sussex contractor Pilbeam will build a temporary roof, then take up existing clay tiles, battens and set aside any salvageable tiles for reuse.

Heritage specialists will then remove the existing Horsham stone, shadow slates and battens and set these aside for reuse, then remove redundant flues and repoint chimneys.

New battens and felt will be introduced, together with new lead valleys and flashings, barge boards, cast iron guttering and downpipes, as well as installing insulation over the kitchen.

The Horsham Stone will then be re-bedded on a lime-rich hot mix and reinstatement of the clay tiles will follow.

Exterior refurbishment work will include repairs to the facades including the west facing wall.

Ashley Bence, facilities manager at All Saints said: “We’re very happy to welcome Pilbeam back to the church to carry out these essential works.

“The project will be carried out under a bat licence following ecological surveys that identified protected species in the roof space, with an ecologist on site throughout the roof-stripping process.

“To ensure the work is carried out safely, a temporary road closure will be required while the scaffold and temporary roof are put up, and a section of the footpath will be closed during the works. We appreciate the community’s understanding while these important repairs are completed.”

Other partners in the scheme include quantity surveyor Phil King from MBM Consulting Ltd, structural engineers The Moreton Partnership, Bosence Associates and Sally-Ann Hurry of Mountfield Ecology on the scheme.

Chartered building company Pilbeam Construction, which is based in Southwick, West Sussex, previously installed underfloor heating at The Tiger, a technique which preserves interiors of heritage buildings, but also keeps them warm for modern day use. 

For more information please go to: https://www.pilbeamconstruction.co.uk/

Carpenter Box hosts Investment and Tax Seminars to share practical actions for the tax year end and beyond

Carpenter Box is hosting two breakfast briefings  on 5 and 12 March in Horsham and Chichester for individuals and business owners keen to hear how they can best navigate the current tax and investment landscapes. Tax and financial planning experts will share clear, actionable guidance on the key steps to consider as we move into the 2026/27 tax year, including investment, pension and inheritance tax planning opportunities that are available now or shortly after the year end.

Carpenter Box Partner and Head of Private Client Services, David Crowter, commented: “Planning ahead of the tax year end is one of the most effective ways to improve financial outcomes, yet many opportunities are missed without timely advice. This seminar will focus on the current economic climate and practical financial and tax planning actions you can take around the end of the tax year, helping you make informed decisions, protect your wealth and plan with confidence for the year ahead.”

Joining Carpenter Box’s David Crowter, the speaker line-up brings together specialists from CB Financial Advisers and LGT Wealth Management, offering a joined-up perspective across tax, investment and financial planning. 

The sessions will provide a concise overview of recent tax announcements, including relevant measures from the upcoming Spring Forecast and the 2025 Autumn Budget, to give context to planning decisions. This will include commentary on the recent announcement to increase the planned inheritance tax threshold for business owners and farmers, with insight into how this may influence longer-term planning.

The events will be held at South Lodge Hotel, Horsham: 8-10am on Thursday 5 March, and Harbour Hotel, Chichester: 8-10am on Thursday 12 March. More information and booking is at https://www.carpenterbox.com/event/investment-and-tax-seminar-2026/

Photo caption

Left to right: David Crowter (Carpenter Box) and Roy Thompson (CB Financial Advisers).

Turning Tides Pioneer New Alcohol Recover Method

At Turning Tides, the organisation believes that everyone deserves access to recovery. That belief has driven their Recovery Project to adopt a bold and ambitious approach to alcohol recovery—one that is now achieving outcomes that quietly outperform national averages.

The program was launched over 10 years ago by Turning Tides after the team recognised that people who were most heavily dependent on alcohol were being excluded from treatment. Head of Operations, Niall Read, explained:
“At the time, the main treatment providers would not assess people who couldn’t blow under the drink-drive limit, which is .35 on a breathalyser. Because some of the clients we work with are so highly alcohol dependent, the first thing they do when they wake is drink due to severe withdrawal symptoms. There was no kind of treatment option for them.”

For people who are alcohol dependent, stopping drinking suddenly brings on severe withdrawal symptoms such as seizures and, unlike any other drug, it can cause death. A new treatment method was needed if Turning Tides was to help those suffering with alcohol dependency.

The Managed Alcohol Withdrawal (MAW) Program

The Managed Alcohol Withdrawal (MAW) programme gradually and safely reduces alcohol intake under close clinical supervision within a trauma‑informed residential setting.

Turning Tides’ Recovery Project became the only service in the UK to support people to recover from alcohol addiction using alcohol itself, rather than replacing it with addictive medication such as benzodiazepines. This approach provides both reduced withdrawal symptoms and avoids introducing another addictive substance.

Following Turning Tides’ success, other services are now adopting this method in different settings, and the organisation’s work was recently featured by ITV. The latest coverage includes interviews with Recovery Project Manager, Grant Purser, and former client Mark Hounsome, who shares his journey and his love for sobriety.

Person‑Centred Care That Works

The MAW programme is carefully tailored to each individual. Only one person completes the programme at a time, enabling intensive, round‑the‑clock support.

Before entering the programme, clients work with the organisation’s Substance Misuse Nurse and their GP to assess medical history and physical health. They complete a drinks diary—sometimes using bottle tops to calculate amounts if a diary feels overwhelming—so that reduction can be planned safely and realistically.

Once in the programme:

• Alcohol is provided in measured amounts throughout the day in a clinical setting
• Only one type of alcohol is used, agreed with the client
• Reduction happens gradually over 20 days
• Withdrawal symptoms and wellbeing are constantly monitored

Substance Misuse Nurse Louise Slaney explains:
“Alcohol is the most dangerous substance to withdraw from. It has to be done slowly, with constant monitoring. By reducing alcohol itself rather than replacing it with medication, we often see fewer severe withdrawal symptoms and a better psychological experience.”

This is person‑centred care in action—meeting people where they are, listening to their needs, and building recovery with them, not for them.

Clients who complete the MAW programme then move into the main Recovery Project house, staying between nine months and two years. From there, they progress into Turning Tides’ lower‑support accommodation and, ultimately, into their own homes.

Recovery is not a single moment; it is a journey that is not always linear.

Accountable, Evidence‑Led Results

The programme has been running successfully for over 10 years, with extremely low drop‑out rates. Since 2019, 34 people have completed managed alcohol withdrawal through the Recovery Project:

• 79.41% remained sober for at least three months
• 41% achieved long‑term sobriety of a year or more

By comparison, national data suggests that only around 46–47% of people exit alcohol treatment successfully, and long‑term sobriety rates are significantly lower among people with complex needs, including homelessness.

The MAW model has been developed in collaboration with local GPs, addiction specialists, and independently reviewed by respected clinicians, including Dr Marian de Ruiter MB BS MRCPsych.

This reflects Turning Tides’ commitment to accountability—continually reviewing, refining and validating their work to ensure it is safe, effective and genuinely life‑changing.

Why This Matters Now

Demand for homelessness and addiction services continues to rise across the Southeast, while pressure on NHS services grows.

Turning Tides believes it is vital to ensure that recovery remains possible for all who want it.

As Niall Read notes:
“It’s about using an approach that actually works for people who are usually written off as ‘too difficult to treat’. We would love to reach more people and open up more Recovery Projects like this across West Sussex.”

With the right support, investment and collaboration, this model has the potential to save lives and change the national conversation around addiction, homelessness and recovery.

https://www.turning-tides.org.uk/

Kreston Reeves announces new chapter as it joins AAB to accelerate growth

Accountants and business advisers Kreston Reeves and AAB have today announced a landmark deal, creating an accounting and advisory powerhouse with national and international reach for ambitious organisations and individuals. This will take the combined business beyond £200 million in annual revenue. 

With seven offices across London, Kent and Sussex and more than 550 people, Kreston Reeves is highly regarded for its high-touch, personalised client service and its strong supportive culture. 

 AAB, supported by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, is one of the fastest growing mid-market professional services firms having secured 18 deals across the UK and Ireland in the last four years.  

The joining of Kreston Reeves and AAB reflects the evolving and increasingly competitive accounting landscape. It will further strengthen Kreston Reeves’ investment in its people, technology and tools enabling the firm to deliver an even better service to clients wherever they are based. For AAB, the partnership gives the firm a growing London and South East presence with Kreston Reeves becoming their hub in the region. 

Richard Spofforth, Managing Partner at Kreston Reeves, said: 

“This is a significant milestone for our business, people and clients. Building on the strengths we have at Kreston Reeves, it will create new opportunities for our talented colleagues. For our clients, it will provide them with access to broader specialist expertise together with greater geographic reach.  

  “Most importantly, AAB shares the same values as Kreston Reeves, giving us a combined platform for sustainable long-term growth." 

Emma Lancaster, Chief Executive at AAB, said: 

“This is a major milestone for AAB and a clear demonstration of our ambition to become the leading professional services firm serving the mid-market. Growing the group beyond £200 million revenue is not about growth for growth’s sake - it’s about building a resilient, sustainable business that delivers long-term value for our clients, our people and our communities.

“This is our third deal since our investment deal with Goldman Sachs Alternatives was completed two months ago, and we are hugely excited about the future opportunities ahead as we continue to scale by combining businesses who share our dedication to putting clients at the heart of everything we do.”

Jose Barreto, Partner, and Mihir Lal, Managing Director, Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, said: 

"We are very excited about the strategic combination of AAB and Kreston Reeves. This partnership accelerates our vision for a national presence across the UK and Ireland, delivering essential scale in the South-East of England. The deep cultural alignment between AAB and Kreston Reeves will strengthen the collective offering for both customers and employees."

AAB’s strategic expansion plan is set to continue with further investment opportunities already under discussion to strengthen its regional and national footprint. In combining with Kreston Reeves, AAB will employ over 1,800 people across 23 locations in the UK and Ireland.
 
The partnership is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in Spring 2026.

Kreston Reeves was advised by Rothschild & Co (financial adviser) and Shoosmiths (legal adviser).