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

We now live in a world where the environment is front and centre, discussions are taking place in board rooms around the world about carbon emissions, reducing our collective carbon footprint and making sure we are doing business in as many ways as possible to reduce the environmental impact of our actions too. In this world where environmental concerns are at the forefront, the circular economy has emerged as a beacon of hope, reshaping the way we produce, consume, and disca

Businesses must adopt new ways of thinking to fully understand the threats posed by climate change and to create more effective, impactful ways of reducing their carbon footprints, according to new research from Imperial College Business School. The study, conducted by Dr Simone Cenci and Matteo Burato of the Leonardo Centre for Business on Society at Imperial College Business School, explored how organisations currently think and act in regards to tackling climate change, an

ScotlandShop was founded back in 2002 by Anna White and despite being a relatively young family business is a business that is steeped in the history of Scotland and the tartans for which the nation is known globally. Over the past 20 years so much has happened. Paul Andrews caught up with founder Anna White in their new head office in Duns in the Scottish Borders to find out more. This is a story of entrepreneurship, dedication to a business and a desire to succeed but und

As a family business owner, you’ve dedicated years of hard work and commitment to building a legacy. Now, you’re facing a pivotal moment: the decision to sell your family business. Navigating this complex process can be daunting, but you can confidently move forward with the right corporate finance advisor. Understanding The Role Of A Corporate Finance Advisor Corporate finance advisors are experts who specialise in providing financial consulting solutions tailored to busines

BE Uniforms, formerly known as Border Embroideries, was founded by Billy and Shirley Anne Smillie in 1989 using a single head embroidery machine purchased with the help of the Prince's Trust. With around 30 years of experience supplying schools, businesses and clubs across the UK and beyond, BE Uniforms have become one of the UK's leading specialist uniform suppliers from their purpose-built factory based in the Scottish Borders. Paul Andrews went to meet William and Ross Sm

When Clement Brewer opened the first Brewers Decorator Centre in 1904, his ambition was to supply the professional decorator with everything they needed for the perfect finish. Fast forward over a century and Brewers are open to all at over 220 locations and online, supplying decorators from professionals through to DIY customers, with the right products for decorating across the UK. Simon Brewer is the fourth-generation family member to lead the business which remains true

As a fourth generation family business, the family of innovators at The Fine Bedding Company have spent more than 100 years investing in better bedding. Woven in the finest luxury materials, and responsibly manufactured in their European Eco-factory, their bedding is premium quality and made to last. A certified B-Corporation, Paul Andrews met the next generation to lead the business, Claire Watkin, to find out more and gain a better understanding of the substance behind th

In 1973, a young Pat Gallagher, encouraged and supported by his good friend Pat Burke, purchased his first digger. Fast forward fifty years and it is incredible to see where the journey has taken them and resulted in the creation of one of the largest and most recognizable family-run businesses in Kent. Pat is still heavily involved in the business today. Paul Andrews caught up with him to find out more. Pat was born in 1949 in Ballinamore in Ireland to hardworking parents

After it was revealed almost nine in ten cyber-attacks are caused by human error, experts have named five ways organisations can guard themselves against staff mistakes. IT experts from HostingSystems.co.uk have issued a warning to UK businesses after it was revealed 88% of cyber breaches were caused by preventable employee mistakes. Now they have named the five most common, and easily preventable, mistakes made by businesses which could leave them exposed to criminals. T

World Photography Day takes place on Saturday 19th of August. The photography industry is constantly changing and developing, witnessing some remarkable development since Joseph Niépce captured the first-known photographic image in the early 19th century. World Photography Day presents an opportunity to look how far photography has come and celebrate some of the most influential figures in the industry. “It’s amazing to think just how much photography has developed over a rel

Marion Darlington started making her award-winning range of products in the 1980’s and now in her 80’s she still verses all recipe creation in the family business which is now run by her daughter, Sarah. Paul Andrews went to meet Sarah to find out more. This is a family business that literally started around the kitchen table. A surplus of eggs from the family farm led Marion to use them up by making batches of Lemon Curd. As Sarah explains, “At that time 100 jars was a ty

Kent’s original vineyard, Biddenden, is now run by the second and third generation of the Barnes family, drawing on many years of pioneering activities making wines at Biddenden. Originally home to a 40 acre apple orchard, the family started to consider diversifying the farm in the late 1960’s as apple prices began to decline. In 1969, one third of an acre of vines was planted and Biddenden Vineyards was born. Paul Andrews spoke to Julian and Tom Barnes, the second and third

From a one-man start up in 1971 to becoming one of London’s leading dairy suppliers the Allan Reeder story is simply incredible. A family business full of entrepreneurial spirit, drive, perseverance and desire to succeed and despite their success they have never lost the personal touch, something that means so much to the family and the business to this day. Paul Andrews spoke to founder Allan Reeder and his daughter Heidi to find out more. Since day one, they have always dea

Prime Appointments (‘Prime’) are a family-owned and family-run recruitment agency, who believe in doing things differently. They’re committed to building long-term partnerships that boost their clients business and contribute to the growth of the economy in their local area. Paul Andrews spoke to the family to find out more. The Prime journey began over a glass of wine in the local pub when two Witham girls decided to make their dream a reality. Robyn Holmes’ and Margaret Lo