Showcasing Apprentices Driving Long-Term Growth For NAW2026

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

Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of FBU, said the campaign highlights the depth of talent emerging from family businesses and the long-term mindset that sets them apart. “Family firms are the engine room of the UK economy and focus on the long term, investing in all aspects of their businesses as they seek to build sustainable businesses for generations to come,” he said.

“Investing in apprentices is a key aspect of this investment, and it is a pleasure to share stories about apprentices working in family firms this week in particular.”

Among the companies taking part is the John Good Group, a sixth-generation business founded in 1833. What began as a ship chandlery in Hull has evolved into a diverse organisation spanning logistics, shipping, travel and e-commerce. Guided by its philosophy of Growing Businesses Together, the group prides itself on combining commercial performance with purpose-led initiatives, including a strong ESG focus and charitable work through the Matthew Good Foundation.

CEO Adam Walsh said apprentices are instrumental to ensuring the company continues to evolve. “We invest in apprentices because they are the future of our organisation,” he explained.

“In a family business with over 190 years of history, longevity relies on constant evolution. Sustainability in a family business isn’t just about the balance sheet or environmental responsibility; it’s about the talent pipeline. We embrace apprenticeships because they stop us from standing still. These young professionals bring a raw ambition and digital fluency that challenge our established ways of working in the best possible way."

"Investing in them allows us to find and mould the future leaders of the John Good Group, ensuring they carry our core values forward while possessing the modern skills required to deliver on our ambitions."

One of those shaping the company’s future is Andy Sison, Commercial Insight and ESG Manager at the John Good Group, who is undertaking a Data Technician Apprenticeship delivered by BPP, in partnership with Grant Thornton. The programme is designed to develop practical, workplace-ready data skills that support modern business decision-making, combining academic learning with hands-on application.

“For me, an apprenticeship has always offered a genuine competitive edge,” Sison said. “It has significantly supported my professional development while strengthening the organisation I work for. Accessible at any career stage, I first embarked on an apprenticeship nearly three decades ago to start my journey in the travel industry. Today it remains just as valuable, especially in a strategic subject area that aligns with current business needs.”

Sison said the family business environment amplifies the impact of apprenticeship training. “Being part of a family business fosters a profound sense of purpose and connection,” he noted.

“The enduring stewardship and dedication to long-held family values create an environment where everyone is encouraged to grow, contribute and make decisions that yield long-term benefits for colleagues, customers and the wider community. This makes our group’s investment in apprenticeships particularly significant.”

He added that the programme has sharpened his technical and strategic capabilities. “My apprenticeship has significantly enhanced my ability to adopt best practices and deliver more effective data-driven insights. It has improved my time management, critical thinking and problem-solving skills while boosting my confidence and broadening my perspective.”

Sison believes apprenticeships are especially valuable within family businesses, where continuity and culture are essential. “These programmes enable organisations to cultivate talent from within, reducing the need for external recruitment at higher levels and fostering employees who are well-versed in the business culture,” he said.

“They play a crucial role in nurturing future talent, particularly in a family business where long-term sustainability is vital.”

As National Apprenticeship Week continues, stories like Sison’s reinforce the message at the heart of FBU’s campaign: apprentices are not only building their own futures, but also helping to secure the legacy of the UK’s family businesses for generations to come.