Fifth Family Business Apprentice Employers Report Published

Family Business United’s Family Business Apprentice Employers Report 2026 reveals the scale of apprenticeship investment among leading family firms, with Bagnalls named the UK’s top family business apprentice employer.

Family businesses across the UK continue to demonstrate their commitment to developing skills, creating career opportunities and investing in the next generation, according to the fifth annual UK Family Business Apprentice Employers Report published by Family Business United.

The 2026 report brings together the apprenticeship achievements of 27 leading family businesses, revealing that they collectively employed 1,087 apprentices and 28,388 staff, welcomed 518 new apprentices during the year and saw 315 apprentices successfully graduate from their programmes.

Spanning sectors including manufacturing, construction, brewing, hospitality, motor retail, engineering and professional services, the report highlights the significant role family firms play in developing talent, addressing skills shortages and creating long-term employment opportunities.

Bagnalls, the sixth-generation painting contractor established in 1875, takes the top position in the overall rankings. The business employed 82 apprentices, welcomed 61 new apprentices during the year and celebrated 43 completions.

Frederic Robinson Ltd, the independent family brewery based in Stockport, takes second place, with apprentices accounting for 28.57% of its workforce, the highest proportion among the businesses featured.

Harrison Catering Services ranks third, reflecting its commitment to creating apprenticeship opportunities, with 64 new apprentices joining the business during the year.

JCB leads the rankings for the largest number of apprentices employed, with 176, while Harrison Catering Services tops the table for new apprenticeship starts. JCB also leads the rankings for successful completions, with 77 apprentices graduating during the year.

Investing In People, Skills And The Future

The report, which first launched in 2022, celebrates its fifth edition in 2026. It provides a snapshot of the contribution made by family businesses that employ at least four apprentices, with entries assessed against the scale of apprenticeship provision, the creation of new opportunities and the number of apprentices successfully completing their programmes.

Paul Andrews, Founder & CEO of Family Business United, said: “Family businesses have always understood that building a successful business is about more than the here and now. It is about investing in people, developing skills and creating something that can thrive for generations to come."

"Apprenticeships are a natural fit with that long-term mindset, providing a practical way to bring new talent into a business while passing on the knowledge, experience and values that make it distinctive."

“This fifth edition of our report demonstrates the scale of that commitment. More than 1,000 apprentices are employed across the businesses featured, with hundreds more starting their apprenticeship journeys and hundreds successfully completing their programmes. Behind every number is an individual gaining skills, confidence and experience, alongside an employer investing in its own future.”

The report highlights the benefits of apprenticeships beyond qualifications alone. Apprentices can help businesses address skills shortages, improve productivity, bring fresh perspectives and digital capabilities into the workplace, and build stronger talent pipelines. For family firms, they also provide a valuable means of transferring specialist knowledge from experienced colleagues to the next generation.

Andrews added: “Apprenticeships offer a compelling combination of commercial value and opportunity. They enable businesses to grow their own talent, support people into rewarding careers and strengthen the communities in which they operate. They can also help protect the specialist knowledge that might otherwise be lost when experienced employees retire or move on."

“We want more family businesses to recognise that apprenticeships are not just for large employers or particular industries. They can play an important role in businesses of different sizes and across a wide range of sectors. The companies featured in this report demonstrate what is possible when employers take a long-term view of their people and make skills development a priority.”

A Commitment That Spans Generations

The businesses featured in the report have a combined trading history of 2,818 years, underlining the enduring nature of family enterprise and its commitment to continuity, skills and long-term success.

Their apprenticeship programmes extend across traditional technical and practical roles as well as newer disciplines, including digital and professional services. This breadth reflects the changing nature of apprenticeships and the opportunities available to employers seeking to develop the skills their businesses will need in the years ahead.

The report also highlights how workplace learning can open doors for people who may not have considered a traditional academic route, while enabling existing employees to develop new capabilities and progress in their careers.

Andrews concluded: “Family businesses are an essential part of the UK economy, and their contribution goes well beyond the products and services they provide. They create jobs, support local communities and help develop the people who will shape the future of British industry."

“Our congratulations go to Bagnalls on taking the top spot this year, and to every business included in the report."

"Their commitment deserves recognition, and we hope their stories will encourage more family firms to explore the opportunities apprenticeships can bring. Investing in the next generation is one of the most practical ways a business can build a stronger future.”

The UK Family Business Apprentice Employers Report 2026 is published by Family Business United and is available to order here