Family Business Insights

With around 5 million family businesses in the UK today it is easy to see why family firms are referred to as the engine room of the UK economy. The recent Family Business United survey, Determining the UK Family Business Agenda, sponsored by AAB, highlights the issues of importance and top of board agendas the length and breadth of the UK. Listen as we explore some of the issues.

Tom has over 20 years of experience as a leadership coach, facilitator and speaker and regularly works with family businesses to help transform leaders and their organisations. Tom believes that leadership is a choice, not a title, and that it is the responsibility of leaders to make a positive difference to the lives of those around us. Here we discuss the challenges facing family business leaders today, the need for entrepreneurship, evolving leadership skills, purpose and the development of a way to capture, nurture and inspire the next generation of family business leaders.

Based on decades of research and experience Greg shares his thoughts on how family businesses can better position themselves to succeed in today’s fast changing world through the development of a family enterprise mindset, the need for capacity within individuals, honest conversations and resilience to handle change, stress and complexity.

Taking the topic of legacy and the positive impact that appreciation of legacy and all the capitals that shape it can have on individuals, families and businesses. Creating a shared understanding around legacy can solidify family engagement and enable alignment on vision, values and purpose for generations to come.

Family enterprises fork the majority of businesses in every country around the world. At the same time, few are unable to sustain themselves across the generations. Overcoming the challenges of longevity were the tenet of his book, Borrowed from Your Grandchildren: The Evolution of 100-Year Family Enterprises, which examines the thoughts from over 100 family businesses around the globe and forms the basis of this insight. Values, shared purpose, responsible ownership and stewardship come to the fore along with the continued entrepreneurship and innovation brought by subsequent next generation members in the successful businesses.

Sian had an illustrious career in the world of family business at PwC where she worked with family businesses around the world. Early in 2020 she set out on the next phase of her journey and set up her own practice. Here she shares her thoughts on all things family business, the need for purpose, importance of values, good governance, future proofing the family firm, remaining relevant and succession planning amongst other things!

Reynolds are the leading fruit and vegetable suppliers to the foodservice sector. Founded back in 1945 by William Reynolds, the business set out to supply customers with the very best produce, an ambition that continues today through William’s grandson Tony and his wife Sarah, and his great-grandsons Tom and Nick. Join us to hear from the fourth generation Tom where we talk about all things family business including his journey, growing up in a family business, joining and taking on more responsibility, gaining a voice and trying to balance the family and the business.

Sam stepped up as the second generation leader a couple of years ago and shares his insight on the journey to date - moving from a management to leadership culture, documenting the vision and values of the family firm and empowering people to add value.

Since their incorporation in 1930 HMG Paints has been a family business and has grown to become the largest independent paint manufacturer in the UK. Generations of families have worked through the business and grown up together passing on their knowledge, expertise and passion to future generations. Whilst of course excellent paints and surface coatings are the lifeblood of their success, there is so much more to it than that. This is a family business where the values of trust, decency and exceptional service are at the core of the family business. Paul Andrews spoke to next generation family member, Rebecca Falder, to find out more about the business, her role, the values, the future and more besides.

The trailer got the new podcast from Family Business United.