Strong leadership makes a measurable difference to business performance and apprenticeships can help create future family business leaders.

As National Apprenticeship Week 2026 kicks off, Make UK is calling on the Government to commit to a Skills Investment Pledge to address the decline in apprenticeship starts and rise in those not in education, employment or training (NEET).

Apprenticeships are playing an increasingly vital role in family businesses across the UK, offering numerous benefits to both employers and aspiring professionals. This growing trend is reshaping the landscape of skill development and workforce management in family-owned enterprises.   Bridging the Skills Gap Family businesses are recognising the value of apprenticeships in addressing critical skills shortages. By taking on apprentices, these companies can train individuals w

According to GOV.uk, total UK apprenticeship participation is 740,000 for 2021/22, forming a sizeable chunk of the UK workforce. Despite making a significant contribution to the economy, apprenticeships have had a stigma attached to them for many years. Prevailing stereotypes still linger of the badly paid apprenticeship for the under-qualified and inferior to traditional degree-type qualifications. In recent months, however, a clamour for more cost-effective apprenticeships

The story of JCB is one of innovation, ambition and sheer hard work. From small beginnings building agricultural tipping trailers in 1945, to the global force in manufacturing the company has become today, JCB has constantly pushed the boundaries in their desire to be the best. Today, JCB has 22 plants on four continents and more than 750 dealers around the world. As Lord Bamford explains, “These are exciting times. In just 75 years we have gone from one man in a garage in Ut