Oldest Family Businesses in Britain
Family Business United are committed to compiling and maintaining a record of the oldest family businesses across the UK and below you will find the current listing of the oldest family firms in the country, going back generations and representing thousands of years of familial ownership and leadership.
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Stafffinders
Furniture Village
McAlpine Plumbing
Wholesale Domestic
Alba Facilities Management
Arbikie
Spectrum Service Solutions
Galt Transport
Douglas Laing
The Malcolm Group
Little's Chauffeur Drive Limited
Folkes Group Plc
Established in 1697, Folkes Holdings continues to expand under an entrepreneurial approach that has remained throughout the single bloodline ownership to this day, and now trades on an international scale across multiple markets, yet maintains the conservative values upon which three centuries of stability were founded. Today, the business holds its core focus in commercial real estate, and operates this throughout the UK, the Channel Islands and South Africa.
Year Founded: 1697
In compiling the listings, we have used various means to make it as comprehensive and accurate as possible. However, due to the fact that there is no legal requirement to disclose the status of the underlying ownership in business it is not an easy process. We used our networks, connections at trade bodies and extensive desktop research to determine the oldest family businesses but are not able to say unequivocally that there are not a few other hidden gems out there. From time to time another long-standing family firm is brought to our attention and after the necessary research and confirmations have been obtained, the business is added and the list updated. If you are aware of a family business that needs to be considered for inclusion then please do not hesitate to get in touch so that we can update the list accordingly.
Family firms are the backbone of the UK economy and this list demonstrates the successful longevity of the oldest family firms across the country. For generations they have continued to provide jobs, generate income and create wealth and had a massive impact on the communities in which they operate. They continue to be a force for good and we are delighted to be able to share Britain’s oldest family businesses with you.
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FBU continues to expand and has a growing membership base around the world. Recognised as THE family business champions we have also gained recognition in both of the Top 100 Global Family Business Influencers list compiled by Family Capital. We are also the VOICE of the family business community, celebrating their contribution throughout the UK and beyond.
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Family Business United (‘FBU’) is an unparalleled rallying point and voice for the global family business community and an invaluable source of insight into the sector. FBU is a resource for all, family businesses of all sizes and sectors, and their advisers, helping to raise the profile of the family business sector and to encourage greater awareness of the contribution that family firms make to the global economy through employment, income generation, wealth creation and charitable endeavours.
At FBU, everything we do is about the family business, creating the best resource available to help families in business get access to the resources and support they need to continue their family business journey, wherever it will take them.