Celebrating Family Business Apprentices During NAW2026

Family Business United (FBU) is marking National Apprenticeship Week 2026 by shining a spotlight on apprentices working within family-owned businesses and the vital role they play in securing long-term success.

Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, said the campaign aims to highlight the breadth of opportunity available within the family business sector. “We wanted to showcase the depth and diversity of apprentices working in family firms across the UK,” he explained.

“Family firms are the engine room of the UK economy and take a long-term view, investing in all aspects of their businesses as they seek to build sustainable enterprises for generations to come. Investing in apprentices is a key part of that commitment, and it is a pleasure to share stories about apprentices working in family firms during National Apprenticeship Week.”

One of the businesses featured in the campaign is Princebuild Limited, a family-run company that has been caring for, maintaining and building properties since 1971.

Headquartered in Peterborough, Princebuild has grown steadily to serve clients across the East of England, while also delivering larger projects on a national scale.

Cheryl Browne, HR Support Manager at Princebuild, said the company now employs more than 220 people and operates across six specialist divisions: Construction, Small Works, Insurance, Maintenance, Building Services and Commercial Interiors. “We specialise in providing a diverse range of services across the construction industry,” she said. “Our people are central to achieving our business goals and delivering the high levels of service our customers have come to expect.”

Apprenticeships, she added, are central to the firm’s long-term strategy. “We invest in our apprentices because they are fundamental to the future of our family business, our communities and our industry,” she continued.

“They bring fresh thinking, strong skills and a shared sense of accountability. Bonds across our business are strengthened as everyone shares responsibility for their success."

"Growing from learners to leaders, many apprentices now form a dynamic, educated and experienced part of our senior leadership team.”

Among those building their careers at Princebuild is Kendal Thompson, a Pre-construction and Procurement Supervisor who is undertaking a Construction Quantity Surveyor apprenticeship.

He said the family business environment has played a key role in his development.

“Being an apprentice for a family business offers connections with individuals who help build skills and passions in interesting ways,” Thompson said. “Whether it’s working with Cheryl in HR on training, Paul on tendering, or Jack in Health and Safety, everyone is passionate about working together to achieve our goals and celebrate the victories along the way.”

He added that apprentices are encouraged to take ownership of their roles. “You carve out a place that makes you an irreplaceable member of the team, and you feel valued for your work and respected by everyone,” he said.

As part of Family Business United’s National Apprenticeship Week 2026 campaign, Princebuild’s story offers another compelling example of how apprentices can flourish within family businesses, developing their own careers while helping to shape the future of the organisations they serve.