All the equestrian jobs at Vale Brothers have been saved as the manufacturer has been bought, having gone into administration last year. Baaj Capital has bought the parent company of brands Harry Dabbs, Jeffries Saddlery, Thermatex and NuuMed, which filed for administration four months ago. Katie Burke, senior marketing executive for the group, told H&H: “We would like to reassure our loyal customers that the future of our brands has been secured and we are incredibly grateful to be in a position where we can start to look with optimism to what the future holds.”
Five equestrian businesses have been included on a list of those that had breached minimum wage legislation. The Government published the list, of businesses investigated by HMRC, which have since paid back the amounts owed to staff, and financial penalties. The minimum wage will increase again on 1 April, and employers have been warned to avoid potential pitfalls that could result in staff being underpaid. “Even though not all cases of non-compliance of the NMW is intentional, it is important to raise awareness of the consequences of not doing so,” Equestrian Employers Association president Tullis Matson told H&H.
Bramham Horse Trials is delighted to confirm its new title sponsor. Defender has been confirmed as the event’s backer, in a “milestone agreement”. The horse trials will run from 6-9 June. “Signing this milestone agreement with JLR [Jaguar Land Rover] really is the perfect way to mark our 50th anniversary,” said event director Nicholas Pritchard. “We couldn’t be more delighted to have the Defender name alongside Bramham.”
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
