Celebrating Arco's Apprentices As Part of National Apprenticeship Week 2026

Family Business United (FBU) is marking National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (NAW2026) by celebrating the vital contribution apprentices make within family-owned businesses across the UK.

The campaign shines a spotlight on the role apprenticeships play in developing talent, building skills and supporting the long-term sustainability of family firms.

Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, said the initiative reflects both the depth of talent within the sector and the long-term mindset that defines family businesses.

“Family businesses are the engine room of the UK economy,” he said.

“They take a long-term view, investing across their operations as they seek to build sustainable businesses for generations to come. Investing in apprentices is a key part of that commitment, and it is a pleasure to share the stories of apprentices working in family firms during National Apprenticeship Week.”

One of the family businesses featured in the campaign is Arco, the UK’s only integrated safety products and services business.

Alice Marren, Learning & Development Partner at Arco Ltd, explains: “We’ve made it our mission to make your world safer. As leading experts in safety, our size, scale and reputation in the sector are why we have such an impressive portfolio of customers.”

As a family business Arco:

• Distributes over 170,000 quality-assured safety products

• Provides specialist safety training, consultancy and site services for some of the UK’s biggest brands, attractions and landmarks

• Employs around 1,500 people across the UK, with annual sales exceeding £300 million

“As a family business, we believe investing in the future means investing in people,” Alice adds. “Apprentices bring fresh thinking, ambition and new skills, while gaining the experience and qualifications to build long-term careers with us."

"Through our apprenticeship programme, we’re closing critical skills gaps and creating real opportunities for progression, innovation and leadership."

"When we invest in our apprentices, we’re investing in loyalty, growth and the long-term success of the Arco family.”

William Webb, a QSHE Apprentice at Arco Professional Safety Services, is gaining hands-on experience across quality, safety, health and environmental functions. His role supports safe working practices, compliance with industry standards and continuous improvement across client sites, combining structured learning with real-world experience.

“Being a QSHE apprentice at Arco Professional Safety Services has given me the opportunity to learn directly from experienced professionals while gaining a recognised qualification,” William said.

“Working within a family business means there is a genuine focus on people, development and long-term careers. I feel supported to build my confidence, develop new skills and take on real responsibility, knowing the organisation is invested in my future.”

Brett Thompson, Digital Marketing Manager, is undertaking a Marketing Management – Level 6 apprenticeship. For him, the family business ethos makes a clear difference.

“Being an apprentice in a family business means you’re developed for the long term, not just the next quarter,” he said. “Arco can put people first and invest in doing the right thing, even when it doesn’t deliver the quickest profit. That mindset creates real opportunities through apprenticeships, secondments, promotions and lateral moves."

"I’ve been trusted to learn on the job and take on responsibility and budget much earlier than I would expect in a PLC. It’s been a genuine springboard for my growth.”

Leanne Bulman, a Contract Support Coordinator, is undertaking a Level 2 Facilities Services apprenticeship.

“Being an apprentice in an Arco family business means learning more than a trade—you’re learning values, responsibility and pride in your work,” she said.

“It’s the opportunity to grow with the support of experience around you, to turn hard work into real skills, and to build a future where you’re trusted, invested in and given the chance to succeed from the ground up.”

As National Apprenticeship Week 2026 continues, stories like these reinforce the message at the heart of Family Business United’s campaign: apprenticeships not only help individuals build successful careers, but also play a vital role in securing the future and legacy of the UK’s family businesses for generations to come.