At a fabulous evening in Central London, Family Business United brought the family business community together at the climax of National Family Business Day 2023 to recgonise the outstanding achievements of those who have dedicated their lives to making their family business a success.
Ten family business members were presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award in various sectors ranging from gin to aggregates, funerals, property restoration and manufacturing various products from beds to doors. Each a deserving winner based on a lifetime of service, dedication, innovation and entrepreneurial determination to succeed.
Our Lifetime Achievement Award recipients for 2023 are:
• Gerry Facenna – Allied Vehicles Limited
• James Croxson – Croxsons
• Alan Colleran – Duvalay
• Simon Shadbolt – Shadbolt
• David Barsby – G Seller
• Christopher Hayman – Hayman’s Gin
• Robyn Holmes – Prime Appointments
• Mich Stevenson OBE DL – Spenbeck
• Angela Morris – The Wool Packaging Company Ltd
• Pat Gallagher – Gallagher Group
In addition, the judges assessed the finalists and one was awarded the overall title of Supreme Champion Lifetime Award Winner for 2023. The winner of this prestigious title for 2023 was Pat Gallagher, Founder and Chairman of Gallagher Group, the South East's premier aggregates, groundworks, civil engineering and property development business.
As Paul Andrews, CEO of Family Business United, organisers of these awards explains, "This event is truly special with all of our recipients full of pride, passion and spirit for what they do, and in many cases, have done for over fifty years. The deliberations were not easy but pat came out as the worthy winner."
"Pat has an incredible back story which resonated with the judges. He is a unique and charismatic individual who has made an enormous impact on the community of Kent, both in business and with his extraordinary charity deeds. He remains one of the county’s most recognised and admired figures, responsible for putting Kent on the map in so many ways and in business, one of the finest examples of where hard work and determination can lead."
"Arriving in the UK from Ireland with nothing, he has successful founded, built and grown a multi-million pound business from the ground up and introduced a trading model based on fairness, loyalty and trust. Pat’s handshake is his bond."
Family run, Gallagher Group is a genuine success story. It has flourished as a result of Pat’s steady hand but also by him taking risks, overcoming challenges and at times putting everything on the line, the qualities of a true entrepreneur.
As Paul continues, "Pat has been instrumental in creating one of the South-East’s most respected aggregate and construction companies, Gallagher Group, which has earned an enviable reputation as an organisation that values quality and relationships. Pat has built the business form one man and a digger to a business built on robust foundations, creating hundreds of jobs and thousands more across the county through his construction projects."
"Pat has also proven himself as a superb ambassador for the development of the next generation, family and non-family, inspiring and developing those who wish to progress, as well as supporting others though acts of philanthropy. He is a pillar of the community, recognised within the sector they operate and the broader business community."
Pat is delighted with this award, adding that "I am incredibly humbled to receive this recognition, especially from Family Business United. I am a firm advocate of family businesses and all that they can achieve. In accepting this award, it is important to recognise that I would not have been fortunate to receive this award without the countless people that have stood by us, supported us, and encouraged us throughout the years."
"My heartfelt thanks go to my family for all they have done, our next generation firmly in place and taking it forward into the next generation and our entire team who make Gallagher the family business that we are, each and every day."
"Winning this award in 2023, fifty years after we started all those years ago is extra special, and an award that I am truly delighted and honoured to accept," concludes Pat.
"Pat is an incredible individual, that with the support of his wife and family has created an incredible business. He is humble about his achievements but the mark of his actions remains for all to see. Deserving of all the accolades that come with this award, please join us in congratulating our National Lifetime Achievement Award Supreme Champion for 2023, Pat Gallagher," concludes Paul.
Check out the a selection of images from the night below:
