Conflict within family businesses is often viewed with apprehension, yet it is a ubiquitous aspect of their dynamics. Unlike purely corporate entities, family firms merge personal relationships with business interests, creating a unique environment where conflict can be both a source of tension and an opportunity for growth. In fact, many see conflict as an inevitable component of family businesses but also something that can potentially drive the business forward. The Natur

William Whiteley & Sons has been around for a long time, since 1760 to be exact. The business officially began during the forefront of the industrial revolution, although the family believe that it traded even earlier than this. Since 1760, William Whiteley & Sons have been designing and manufacturing beautifully hand-crafted scissors from their home in Sheffield, the birthplace of British steel. Whiteley’s is still family-owned and run today, in the hands of the eleventh a

Amid intensifying geopolitical tensions, ransomware attacks in 2024 are set to reach record levels, escalating the risks faced by companies worldwide. There is a shift toward more sophisticated extortion tactics, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated global action and robust incident response strategies as organizations confront increasingly aggressive and persistent cyber threats, says GlobalData , a leading data and analytics company. GlobalData’s latest Thematic Inte

Founded in 1860, The Ice Co is Europe’s leading ice manufacturer and the UK’s number 1 ice brand, with bestselling products such as Super Cubes, Polar Cube and Party Ice. Almost 160 years later, The Ice Co still operates with the same entrepreneurial spirit and passion for ice that the business was founded upon. Now led by the sixth generation of the Marr family, keeping their customers cool is still at the forefront of everything they do, which is celebrated in the range of

Brendan Clarkson, Business Advisory Director at PKF Littlejohn , spoke to Josh Levy, CEO of Ultimate Finance about the challenges of starting up and scaling up your business, and discussed all things asset-based lending. Since opening its doors in 2002, Ultimate has provided more than £10bn in funding to support their customers’ growth ambitions. How can asset-based lending help with both starting out and scaling up? Every business’ journey is unique, but they do have pivotal

Source One Consulting is a business run by a small team comprising first and second generation family members who are full of entrepreneurial spirit.  Paul Andrews went to meet them to find out more. Source One Consulting was launched by Pat and Lisa Lewis in 2002 with the ambition of creating one of East Anglia’s leading office design and refurbishment businesses. Since those early days, they have grown and expanded, developing their service to offer a couple of desks and c

In today's digital age, social media is an indispensable tool for businesses of all sizes. For family-owned businesses, leveraging these platforms can be particularly beneficial. They provide a cost-effective way to connect with customers, build brand loyalty, and expand your reach. Here’s how you can make the most of social media for your family business, along with essential tips for success. 1. Choose The Right Platforms Not all social media platforms are created equal, an

Charles Clinkard is an established name in the retail industry, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. And, like any successful business, it’s learnt to be adaptable. Here, Rachel Clinkard from Charles Clinkard shares her insight into business agility. In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to adapt and thrive in the face of constant change has become crucial for successful enterprises. Whether it's embracing technological advancements, acknowledgin

In the heart of Bolton, amidst its bustling streets and vibrant culture, lies a culinary gem cherished by locals and visitors alike: Carrs Pasties. Since 1938, Carrs has been synonymous with the epitome of traditional British comfort food, serving up delectable pasties that tantalise taste buds and warm the soul. Paul Andrews spoke to Joe Carr to find out more. Carrs Pasties has stood the test of time, rooted in a rich heritage dating back to when Grandma Nell made the first

EGM Golf is an independent British company who design, manufacture, and supply a complete package of golf driving range equipment. The desire to constantly evolve products is driven from the top by company owner Adrian Yallop who started the business in 1982. Paul Andrews spoke to the second generation, Harvey Yallop, to find out more. As Harvey explains, “It all started back in the 1980’s by my father. His career began in the repair and sales of motorcycles and cars before b

More than half of businesses plan to adopt AI within the next two years according to the latest research findings with leading cybersecurity expert claiming that adoption of AI in businesses is both exciting and concerning. Key Findings: 57% of organisations plan to implement AI solutions. Two-thirds (66%) of organizations said that their total IT budget will be increasing in 2024. Purchase of cybersecurity solutions/services/apps (61%), were the most popular IT investments a

Michael Atkinson discovers Scotland's last remaining medallist - nearly 200 years of history making medals for some of the world's greatest institutions. In the magnificent St Giles' Cathedral on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh is the Thistle Chapel, chapel of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, the greatest order of chivalry in Scotland. Each member of the Order is allotted a stall in the chapel and when a new knight is appointed by the Monarch, a stall plate,

When we envision a family business, the images of unity, prosperity, and success often come to mind. However, the untold realities paint a different picture—one that includes tough conversations, disagreements, and the potential for disharmony. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of navigating tough conversations within family businesses, providing a guide for family members to master difficult dialogues and foster harmony. Tough Conversations: The Expected Reality

Should you join the growing number of family businesses that proudly promote the fact that they are (and have been) family owned – for decades, some even for centuries? Or do you prioritize your family’s privacy over leveraging your family’s involvement in the business for the benefit of a distinct family business brand? Drawing on evidence from research and practice, this article provides some insights as to the circumstances under which it makes sense to brand a company as

In branding, storytelling has emerged as a potent tool; for family businesses, it's not just an option but a necessity. In today's competitive landscape, where consumers seek authentic connections with brands, the narrative behind a business holds unparalleled significance. With their rich history, values, and personal touch, family businesses are uniquely poised to leverage the power of storytelling to solidify their brand presence and foster lasting relationships with custo

Around the world family-owned enterprises play a pivotal role. Today, family businesses are confronted with a multifaceted agenda that reflects the dynamic nature of the modern world. Two prominent themes that resonate across continents are sustainability and digital transformation. Both topics feature highly on the family business agenda worldwide, emphasising the delicate balance between tradition and innovation. One crucial aspect on the family business agenda is the chall

In the intricate tapestry of family businesses, the threads of tradition, resilience, and shared history are often interwoven through the art of storytelling. Beyond the balance sheets and profit margins, the narratives passed down from generation to generation serve as the lifeblood that sustains these enterprises, providing a unique value that extends far beyond mere financial gains. At the heart of family businesses, stories act as bridges between the past, present, and fu

With the right strategy, PR can be a powerful catalyst that supercharges your family business’ marketing efforts. After all, every family business has a unique story. Whether it's the founding story, generational transitions, or overcoming challenges, these stories create an emotional connection with your customers and your wider target market. What’s more, PR is a versatile tool that can be tailored to businesses of all sizes, enabling smaller firms to punch above their weig

In recent years, there has been a significant societal shift in the traditional family structure, giving rise to the increasing prevalence of blended families. Blended families, also known as stepfamilies, are formed when partners with children from previous relationships come together to create a new household. This evolving family dynamic reflects the changing landscape of modern relationships, challenging conventional notions of what constitutes a "typical" family. One dri

The increasing opportunity for women in family businesses marks a significant shift in traditional gender roles within the realm of entrepreneurship. Historically, family businesses were often considered patriarchal entities, with leadership roles predominantly occupied by men. However, contemporary dynamics are witnessing a noteworthy transformation as women are progressively taking on more prominent roles and responsibilities in family enterprises. It is great to see so ma