Family Business Discussed at Number 10 Meeting

At a recent meeting with Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake and the Prime Minister’s Business Adviser Franck Petitgas, key issues of interest to family businesses were discussed at length in Downing Street.

The meeting followed a joint letter from Family Business UK, Federation of Small Businesses, Employee Ownership Association, IPSE and Small Business Britain calling on the Prime Minister to ensure he and his team are hearing from a diverse range of businesses about the challenges and opportunities facing our economy.

The very constructive meeting covered a wide range of issue, including prompt payment, skills and apprenticeships, digitisation and access to finance, with an intention from all parties that the group to meet regularly to share insights and work constructively together to ensure government policies deliver for the whole business community.

Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake::

“Government will always back small businesses, they are the hearts of our communities and local economies. I was pleased to discuss in No10 how we’re tackling key issues for SMEs such as access to finance and late payments, and we look forward to continuing this engagement with the small business community.”

Neil Davy, Family Business UK CEO

Each model of business ownership faces unique challenges; each requires specific support to help grow and reach its potential.  We all agree we want the UK to have a thriving economy and a supportive regulatory and tax environment that enables businesses, communities and families prosper for generations to come, and we look forward to continuing to work together to deliver that.  This meeting was a great first step to achieving that”

Tina McKenzie, Policy & Advocacy Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses

“Building on the pro-small business measures announced in the Autumn Statement, this project is welcome progress from previous big business-focused consultative groups. We’re excited to be working with No10 on proposals we’ve put to them which we think would better understand entrepreneurs, the versatile set-up models that work for them and their employees, and overcoming barriers to expanding a business.”

James de le Vingne, Chief Executive of the EOA

“We were delighted to contribute to a conversation that takes learning from all sections of the UK economy. We hope these conversations can continue so we can be part of the drive to have the best impacts on people, planet and place.”

Andy Chamberlain, Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed

“It’s essential that key policy makers engage with all business, from the biggest to the very smallest. This was a positive meeting and we look forward to working more closely with No 10 on the issues facing those who work for themselves.”

Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder, Small Business Britain

“Following our positive conversation, we’re looking forward to continuing our work with Number 10 to support UK small businesses, particularly in key areas of growth and opportunity such as sustainability, diversity and inclusion. Ensuring small firms – particularly the very smallest micro-businesses and start-ups – have access to the right skills to take the first steps of growth is a key priority for 2024 that we look forward to working with Government on.”

Opening Keynote Announced for FBUK Annual Conference 2024 – The Faces of Family Business

Family Business UK’s Annual Conference for 2024 – The Faces of Family Business – is now open for registrations.

Taking place in London from the 5th to 7th June 2024, the Conference will focus on how family businesses can harness the power of people to help create and sustain competitive advantage.

One of the unique advantages of family businesses is the value they place on people. Recognising that every person, be they family or non-family, bring a unique set of skills and capabilities to the table.

Managed well, the dynamics between people in the business create a culture of continuous improvement, enable people to fulfil their potential, allows for all stakeholders to contribute, and positively attracts and retains the talent to grow, often leading to generations of employee families working in the same business.

It is an undoubted competitive advantage. But in an age of increasing disruption and uncertainty, it is not going to be easy to sustain.

Announcing our Opening Keynote

James Reed CBE, will provide us unique perspective on recruiting talent at a time when shifting expectations of the nature of work, wellbeing in the workplace, job satisfaction and reward, and the role of ESG and responsible business make finding and retaining great talent one of the most pressing business issues of the day.

James is the Chairman and Chief Executive of Reed, the largest family-owned recruitment company in the world. Founded in 1960 by James’s father, Sir Alec Reed, the company now boasts 4,000 employees in 200 locations globally.

James first joined the company in 1992 after graduating from Harvard Business School. James was appointed Chief Executive in 1997 and Chairman in 2004.

James is a regular media commentator on work and labour market issues, with recent appearances including BBC News, Sky News, BBC Radio 2 and The Apprentice. He has contributed insight to a wide range of publications including the Financial Times, Harvard Business Review and the Sunday Times.

Take part in the Annual Conference 2024

Join 180+ family business owners, leaders, execs & non-execs, their next gen, peers and supporters, at the Family Business UK Annual Conference 2024, to discover how to harness the power of people, for generations to come.

Access our Early-Bird and Member Group rates, and download the Conference programme.

 

“One’s perspective as a non-family attendee can provide fresh insights and ideas to the conference discussions. Participating alongside family members from one’s own business and engaging with the broader family business community creates great opportunities to gain valuable insights and learn from other successful family businesses.”

Eoghan O’Lionaird, CEO, Wates Group