Gibsons Games are the winner of this year’s Small Family Business of the Year Award at the Family Business of the Year Awards. Managing Director and great-granddaughter of the founder Kate Gibson accepted the reward on behalf of the company, who were thrilled to be recognised by Family Business United for their outstanding contributions. Gibsons Games is a family-run business – their enduring mission is to bring people together with the joy of puzzles and games. The company is distinguished for honouring its heritage while remaining fresh and relevant for modern audiences. Gibsons Games has been around since 1919 is are now into its’ fourth generation with Kate Gibson at the helm. Proud of their British heritage, Gibsons update their iconic Blue Box jigsaws with new designs several times a year, as well as introducing fresh new puzzle ranges alongside. Their products remain vibrant and exciting – testament to why Gibsons are still a household name. Most recently these have included a brand-new range of Team GB puzzles and games, which are now available for purchase ready for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Additionally, in November 2023, Gibsons were awarded their B Corp certification for upholding exemplary ethical, social and environmental practices. This has included charity initiatives, environmentally friendly manufacturing and distribution, a highly inclusive product range featuring dementia-friendly puzzles, and a positive working culture. Kate Gibson states, “We are absolutely over the moon to win this award! Being recognised as a Family Business of the Year is a real testament to the hard work and dedication of our whole team. We are hugely proud to part of the family business community that does so much for the UK economy.” Paul Andrews, Founder of Family Business United, states, “Family businesses are the backbone of the UK economy and often the unsung heroes too. Family firms are significant contributors to the economy in terms of jobs provided and income generated and behind each family firm are individuals driving them, making decisions and looking to the future. They take the long-term view and invest in their businesses and the communities in which they operate. We created the Family Business of the Year Awards to celebrate the contribution family firms make to the UK economy and it is a pleasure to crown amazing winners each year.” "As our winner of this award, Gibsons are the epitome of a family business, a force for good in business supported by a culture based on solid family values. They are a thoughtful and caring business that designs innovative product with a purpose and do business the right way." "This is a business with a good history and heritage dating back to 1919 who love 'creating joy' and they constantly innovate to remain relevant as a business too. Gibsons are a business with a good heart that make a difference and thoroughly deserve all the accolades that winning this award brings."

Arden Dies is the UK's leading Die maker providing cutting and embossing tooling for the packaging industry and they took home the award for Northern Family Business of the Year 2024 before going on to take the National Manufacturing title at the prestigious Family Business of the Year Awards organised by Family Business United. The awards were presented at a gala evening in London where over 150 guests convened to celebrate the very best of British family firms. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United explains, “This is always a fantastic evening where the family business community comes together to celebrate the very best of British family firms. Family firms are the engine room of the national economy and these awards celebrate all of their achievements. All of our winners are fantastic examples of great British family firms and it is a real honour to host these awards and celebrate with them.” Arden Dies were worthy winners of these accolades. As Colleen Gostick, Chairman of award sponsors Buckles and one of the judges explains, "Our winner is a manufacturing business with over 180 staff, whose products out-perform those of its competitors due to their knowledge, the people that work for them and a desire to push boundaries in terms of creativity, innovation and sustainability." "Like many family firms, they are one of the largest employers locally and they recognise the responsibility that comes with this and they play a major part in supporting local causes and the community where they can." The judges recognised the efforts that Arden Dies are making to change the faces of manufacturing, taking steps to change the demographic of their workforce and trying to make manufacturing of interest to a broader pool of people. 2024 sees Arden Dies celebrate 60 years as a family business manufacturer, built on strong family values with their success down to the contribution of every single person who has played a part in their journey over this time. Ben Fowler, Managing Director of award sponsors Western Pension Solutions and a fellow judge added, "Arden dies are a great family business which impressed the judges in terms of their commitment to employee engagement, sustainability and succession planning." "Their foresight is truly progressive and the essence of family drive and commitment shines through which has helped the businesses generate a global profile." "Another great family business, founded back in 1964 by two brothers, one saw and a workbench in the cellar of the family home which has become the UK's leading die maker providing tooling to the packaging industry. Arden Dies are worthy winners of these awards," concludes Ben. As Martin Poynter, Managing Director of Arden Dies confirms, "The Arden Group is built on strong family values, and family is at the heart of how we operate. Not only is Arden a family owned business, but we have worked with generations of other families (siblings, sons and daughters), providing not only a workplace, but an extended family, so it's a real honour for us to be recognised in these National Family Business Awards." "From the Stockport cellar where it all began 60 years ago, to the global organisation we are today is an achievement that we are rightly proud of, and our success is testament to the hard work of every single person who has played their part in the Arden story."

Hundreds of runners are set to come under starter’s orders for one of Staffordshire’s longest running races. Up to 400 runners of all abilities are expected to take part in the JCB Lakeside 5 and Fun Run on Thursday, July 11th at 7.15pm. – with all entrants receiving a special commemorative medal. The event first started in 1983 when just 95 competitors took part – including Race Director Mick Grindey, 62 and former JCB employee Charles Bevan, 77, of Abbots Bromley. Mick and Charles have competed in every single one of the events since – and will be on the starting line again this year. Mick said: “The JCB Lakeside 5 and Fun Run has been a popular fixture in the local running calendar now for 41 years and it’s always a great event supported by runners from across Staffordshire and Derbyshire." “Entries are now open for the 2024 event and anyone wishing to enter should do it now as we have a limit of 400 spaces. Spectators are also very welcome to cheer the runners along the route and join us on the field afterwards where the popular ‘beer bus’ is making a welcome return to help quench everyone’s thirst afterwards. Food will also be available.” The five-mile JCB Lakeside 5 follows a five-mile route around the picturesque JCB World Headquarters and the Fun Run is over two miles. Entry to the main race for affiliated runners and JCB employees is £14.60, £16.60 for non-affiliated runners and £6.80 for the fun run. Proceeds will be donated to JCB’s £2 million NSPCC appeal to help support the charity’s work in Staffordshire. Entry to the event is via this link here .

Family-owned British luxury bed and components manufacturer, Harrison Spinks, has made key senior appointments to drive international sales and enhance its growth strategy across the group. In a move to strengthen sales and export growth for both the beds and components divisions at Harrison Spinks, the business has made significant new appointments and promotions. Lee Hinshaw will be joining the business in the role of Business Development Director – a new hybrid role designed to strengthen the international presence of both Harrison Spinks and Spinks. Based in Bangkok, Thailand, with over 30 years' experience in the industry, Lee will be responsible for driving growth in the Asia Pacific region for the company’s finished mattresses and components. Ian Owen has been promoted to Sales Director at Spinks. Ian will lead sales activity for the spring manufacturing division, developing the sales team and assisting its agents and distributors across the globe. James Noble has been promoted to Export Sales & Development Manager for Harrison Spinks with the remit to oversee growth and export sales. Finally, Geert Geerkens has recently joined Harrison Spinks to support James and the team as a Strategic Consultant to help deliver the company’s bed export strategy and grow mattress sales internationally. Having gained a wealth of experience working in the mattress industry throughout his career, his appointment will bolster the company’s export plans in Europe. Geert is currently president of the European Bedding Industries Association (EBIA), as well as Valumat, a Belgian organisation supporting the industry to collect and process discarded mattresses. Darren Marcangelo, Managing Director at Spinks, said: “This is an exciting phase for Spinks, with both Lee and Ian having the passion and expertise to drive and deliver international sales for the business. We have some exciting new customer opportunities along with new product innovations that will see Spinks at the forefront of innovation and sustainability for our industry." "I welcome Lee to the business and look forward to working closely with him, and congratulate Ian for his well-deserved promotion to Sales Director as he has ambitious ideas for growing our business overseas.” Spinks directly sells and supplies its unique patented components in domestic and international markets, including revolutionary glue-less fine-wire pocket springs, which are also used within the luxury mattresses of the company’s beds division at Harrison Spinks. Nick Booth, Managing Director at Harrison Spinks Beds, said: “We’re committed to investing internationally and expanding on a global scale, so this is an exciting opportunity to focus on, strengthening our team to meet the increased interest in our unique, responsibly made, luxury bed and mattress offering." “Our growth reflects the increasing global demand for innovative, high-quality beds and mattresses and we’re delighted to have made significant appointments as part of our evolved export strategy, gaining further international business opportunities and expediting our brand and its sustainable ethos into new markets.” The British values of both Harrison Spinks and Spinks have already enabled success in the global marketplace, with the business active in many countries across the world. This is evidenced by the company’s 2023 King’s Award for Enterprise win in International Trade, which sits alongside its two additional King’s Awards in Innovation and Sustainable Development.

Bad debts and payment disputes are a top cause of business insolvency, according to Purbeck Insurance Services, which has analysed personal guarantee insurance claims from small business directors, following insolvency. Failed acquisitions and not being close to business financials due to an over-reliance on accountants, were also major causes of business failure in the past year. Major causes of small business insolvencies revealed as political parties agree on urgent action on late payment: Bad debts and payment disputes key reasons for insolvency Key political parties concur on the need to tackle late payment 37% of loan applications were for working capital in Q1 2024 Solid steps can be taken to avoid insolvency pitfalls Personal guarantees can provide peace of mind for small business owners Todd Davison, MD of Purbeck Insurance Services said: “The major political parties agree tackling late payment of invoices should be a priority for any future Government. Late payment creates a vicious circle of debt down the supply chain and puts a stranglehold on small business growth." "Underlining the stress on small business finances that late payment can cause, in Quarter 1 2024, the main reason why small businesses applied for personal guarantee insurance (37% of applicants) was for a loan just to keep their business afloat.” According to Purbeck’s analysis, a common theme amongst directors claiming on their Personal Guarantee Insurance was also an overconcentration on one or more customers who were late payers. Todd Davison continues: “While we wait for the next Government to improve enforcement of the Prompt Payment Code, business owners can continue to tackle late payment themselves by carrying out customer due diligence, ensuring that they invoice promptly and correctly and keeping lines of communication open." “In acquisitions, firms window dressing their business to make it appear more secure than it can be common. Again, robust due diligence processes including arranging a financial audit, and scrutinising the validity of future orders is vital." “Finally, small businesses need to know that if their businesses does fail, a lender is not going to come knocking for the loan to be repaid from the director’s personal assets. This is where personal guarantee insurance plays such a valuable role. It’s not just there to pay out in a claim, it gives small businesses greater confidence to secure the finance they need.”

The team at a North Yorkshire farm shop and café are celebrating after their farm shop and café won a national family business award. Pickering’s Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Café won the Hospitality. Hotel and Leisure Award at the 14th National Family Business of the Year Awards that celebrate the best of British family businesses. Cedarbarn co-founder Mandy Avison said: “We have the best team at Cedarbarn, and this award is for them – every single one of our team of 50 deserves this award. I couldn’t be prouder.” The awards are organised by Family Business United. Founder and CEO, Paul Andrews said: "It is an absolute pleasure to organise these awards as a constant reminder and celebration of the important contribution that family firms make across the UK today, through the jobs they provide, the income they generate and the wealth they create. Family firms are also integral to the communities in which they operate the length and breadth of the nation.” Cedarbarn co-founders Mandy and Karl Avison were presented with their award at a ceremony at The Royal College of Physicians in London on 19th June. The Thornton Road business was also awarded Highly Commended in the Retail award. Cedarbarn Farm Shop and Café began as a small PYO strawberries operation from a caravan in 1995 and now is a thriving farm shop and café that sources a large percentage of its produce from its own farm and a neighbouring farm supplemented with local suppliers. As Paul concludes, "Cedarbarn were worthy winners of this award. They are a truly local family business which is a great example of diversification in practice. Their passion for family and what they do shone through in their submission and their business is clearly an asset for the local community and a hub to showcase local produce, much of which is supplied by other local family firms." David Twiddle of TWYD & Co presented the award on the night and was one of the judges for the awards this year, adding: "Cedarbarn is an example of what family businesses are all about – a heart warming submission, lovely organic growth and continued innovation. They are also proactively engaged in work on energy, waste reduction and sustainability, supporting local where they can and embracing the family aspect of their business in their marketing and social media presence." "A great Yorkshire business which is at the heart of the community and truly deserving of this award."

Yorkshire based family business Bagnalls took three titles at the Family Business of the Year Awards, including the crown as Supreme Champion Family Business of the Year 2024 in a prestigious event that celebrates the significant contribution of family firms to the UK economy. The family business community came together in London in the delightful surrounds of the beautiful medicine garden in the grounds of the Royal College of Physicians to celebrate the very best of British family firms and to crown the winners of the Family Business of the Year Awards 2024. Bagnalls were recipients of the Yorkshire Family Business of the Year Award before taking the national Property and Construction title before winning the ultimate accolade with the Supreme Champion title at the end of the evening. As a business, Bagnalls heritage dates back to 1875 when Alfred Bagnall, the company’s founder, was commissioned to paint a railway bridge in Charlestown, Yorkshire.  Alfred Bagnall established a business in Yorkshire, which has remained family owned and managed ever since. The company has now been passed down through five generations of the Bagnall family, with Stephen Bagnall, Alfred’s great, great grandson at the helm, all, whilst remaining a specialist in painting, decorating and industrial protective coatings. There are numerous notable events in their history, including undertaking camouflage painting work for the War Ministry and painting hospitals in France in WW1. This work continued in WW2 with military camps and airfields also being painted as part of the war effort. Probably the most legendary building they have ever painted was the original Wembley twin towers stadium (then called the Empire Stadium) in 1922, ready for the Empire Exhibition and the FA Cup final in 1923. As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business Untied who have organised these awards since 2012 adds, "Bagnalls is a fantastic business that deserves all the accolades that come with winning this title. They are an inspirational business, founded back in 1875 and will be celebrating 150 years as a family business in 2025." "Bagnalls is an incredible family business that have already done so much, in their sector doing what they do, for the communities in which they operate, and more broadly for the family business community as a whole." "In the words of the judges Bagnalls are deserving winners of the Supreme Champion award as they are: A family business with a rich heritage packed with incredible stories that demonstrate their success over the years A family firm with strong credentials, governance and family values at their core A brilliant business using their culture and scale to commit to supporting next generations A business with a fantastic culture and a great example of stewardship through the generations A family that cares and wants to do business the right way A truly great family business that is brilliant in what it does "They are without exception, a shining example of a great British family business with all the positive attributes in place. Proud of its heritage, committed to its values and its people with family members leading by example, not to mention the quality of their craftsmanship," continues Paul. "With a passion for painting since 1875 and a fifth generation leader who is immensely proud to be the current custodian of this family business, committed to working hard to provide an ongoing legacy befitting of his forefathers, Bagnalls are worthy winners of this accolade," adds James Trigg of headline sponsors and presenter of the award from Brooks Macdonald. As Stephen Bagnall, fifth generation Managing Director of Bagnalls adds: "I am immensely proud to receive this award, which is testament to the five generations of the Bagnalls family and its employees who have contributed so much to the company's past 149 years of success." "We continue to make great strides in becoming a company that people want to work for and customers want to do business with." "Bagnalls celebrates 150 years as a specialist painting and decorating company in 2025 and this award will be shared by each and every one of my colleagues as a thank you for their hard work, dedication and commitment to Bagnalls." "As we move 'together towards 150' I continue to be immensely proud to be the current custodian of this splendid family business and I will continue to work hard to provide a legacy befitting of my forefathers." These awards were established back in 2012 to celebrate family businesses and the contribution they make. You can see the full list of winners from the 2024 Family Business of the Year Awards here )

Two leading Yorkshire horticultural companies, Johnsons Nurseries Ltd and Palmer Landscapes, have joined forces to enhance the grounds of the newly established £9 million Highfield Care Home on the outskirts of Tadcaster. Johnsons Nurseries Ltd, centrally located between Harrogate and York, supplied a diverse selection of plants chosen to complement the landscaping to the value of £30,000. This included 800 Euonymus Greenspire, over 1,000 bare root hedging transplants, 260 Santolina ‘Nana’, 100 Salvia ‘Caradonna’, 275 Pachysandra terminalis, 200 Hebe's, and 32 trees. Meanwhile, Palmer Landscapes, headquartered in Pudsey, Leeds, took charge of soft landscaping for the project. Their contributions included supplying and installing over 450m³ of topsoil and 1,478m² of compost and wood bark for shrub beds. They also implemented irrigation systems, tree anchors, and root barriers for all the trees. In addition, Palmer Landscapes seeded and turfed over 6,000m² of land and carried out planting to enhance the project's green spaces. The duo have transformed the grounds of Highfield Care Home into a vibrant oasis, where residents can enjoy a new home amongst beautiful grounds. Set amidst serene and picturesque open parkland, Highfield Care Home offers a tranquil retreat with captivating views overlooking a serene lake. It is nestled in close proximity to the historic Roman Catholic church of Scarthingwell Park. Highfield Care Home boasts 65 bedrooms, each designed to provide comfort and privacy for residents. The newly constructed two-story facilities feature spacious lounge areas, elegant dining spaces, and inviting communal areas, meticulously crafted to foster a sense of community and warmth along with recently transformed grounds. Dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of its residents, Highfield Care Home offers round-the-clock residential care alongside specialised support for individuals living with dementia. Johnsons Nurseries key accounts manager, Jack Witham, said: “It has been great to work with Palmers Landscapes again, this time to enhance the grounds of Highfield Care Home." "Seeing our plants flourish in a beautiful setting has been hugely rewarding knowing that we’ve contributed to creating a peaceful environment for residents, staff and visitors to enjoy for many years to come.” Liza Murphy, General Manager of Barchester’s Highfield Care Home, commented: “We are so grateful to the teams from Johnsons Nurseries and Palmers Landscapes for all of their hard work and generosity in helping us to create such a beautiful environment for our residents to enjoy." "Our gardens look and smell wonderful with all the gorgeous planting. We are over the moon with how the gardens have turned out and we know how much joy the plants will bring to our residents not just in the summer months but throughout the year.” Sam Isles, Contracts Manager at Palmer Landscapes added: “Great all-round effort starting from the office team, the suppliers and finishing with the installation team. Hats off to Jack Tordoff and his team for creating such an impressive quality finish in a stunning and peaceful location. Its lovely to see theses spaces created for the residents to enjoy.” Johnsons Nurseries was founded over 100 years ago and is one of the UK’s largest commercial nurseries. Johnsons has supplied plants and trees to a range of well-known sites, including Grantley Hall in Ripon, Forth Road Bridge, Scotland and the National Trust’s Studley Royal Water Garden.

The family business community came together once more in London in the delightful surrounds of the beautiful medicine garden in the grounds of the Royal College of Physicians to celebrate the contribution that family firms make to the national economy and to crown the winners of the Family Business of the Year Awards 2024. What a night and what a fabulous celebration of the contribution of family businesses to the national economy. Thank you to everyone involved, the judges, the sponsors and above all the business that entered, our fabulous finalists and of course congratulations to the winners. Events like these are special and the evening had a palpable mix of excitement, anticipation and community – the essence of being part of a bigger community, the collective sense of pride in being a family business and recognition for some families of their endeavours over numerous generations. It was a great night and the fact that the sun shone as the day drew to a close helped to create a fantastic atmosphere too. Family businesses are the engine room of the UK economy and with 5 million family firms employing around 12 million people in all corners of the country they make a massive impact each and every day. Incomes are generated, jobs provided and wealth created but as one of the family members said to me last night, “That is just the tip of the iceberg. Family businesses care and want to be seen as doing the right thing, doing business the right way. It has been a pleasure to be involved with these awards. The atmosphere in the room was amazing, a real vibrancy, sense of belonging and comradery with plenty of pride, passion and emotion too." That is undoubtedly true and reflected in may of the submissions as well as the conversations taking place throughout the evening with family business members meeting like minded peers from a community steeped in history, heritage, purpose, values and integrity. The audience assembled and the winners were announced and celebrated. Photos taken. Speeches delivered, honest, simple but poignant and certainly heartfelt – celebrating not only those in the room but as representatives of family firms across the UK, recognising that it is the broader family engagement and the teams of people that work in the businesses that help to make the business magic too. "These awards were created to make families in business appreciate the significant impact they have, whether they are large or small, first generation or multigenerational and to recognise the collective importance they have to the economy and communities the length and breadth of the nation," adds Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United. "Doing business the right way is what they do. And do so well. Crowning the winners was great and it remains a pleasure and a privilege to run an organisation that has these businesses at our core, businesses that make a difference and have a real sense of purpose, community, a narrative and real authenticity. We have been delighted and somewhat overwhelmed, once more, by the response and impact that these awards have had and whilst celebrating the conclusion of the 2024 campaign, are already excited about what the future and 2025 Family Business of the Year Awards have in store," he concludes. Our Regional Winners For 2024: Yorkshire – Bagnalls North of England & Northern Ireland – Arden Dies East & East Anglia – KFE Midlands & Central – Landermeads London & South East – Furniture Village Scotland – Scot JCB South, South West & Wales – The George Bence Group Our Sector Winners For 2024: Manufacturing – Arden Dies Food & Drink – Dina Foods Professional Services – Matthew Douglas Limited Property & Construction – Bagnalls Transport & Logistics – Challenger Site Services Hospitality, Hotel & Leisure – Cedarbarn Farm Shop & Cafe Homes & Gardens – Brewers Decorator Centres Retail – Furniture Village Health & Welfare – Landermeads Our People’s Choice Winners For 2024: Yorkshire People’s Choice – Heck Food East & East Anglia People’s Choice – Source One Consulting Midlands & Central People’s Choice – Cleenol London & South East People’s Choice – Allan Reeder Ltd North & Northern Ireland People’s Choice – Dunsters Farm Scotland People’s Choice – Hattie's Autobody South, South West & Wales People’s Choice – Healthcare Matters National People’s Choice – Allan Reeder Ltd Our National Winners For 2024: Innovation - The Wilkins Group Sustainability – The John Good Group Entrepreneurship – The Pantry UK Ltd Positive Societal Impact - Quality Life UK Community Support & Involvement – Regal Food Products Group Plc Essence of Family Business – Dunsters Farm Ones to Watch – Lemongrove Productions and The Pizza Post Small Family Business of the Year – Gibsons SUPREME CHAMPIONS – BAGNALLS A great night that was capped off with the announcement of the Supreme Champion Family Business of the Year 2024, an accolade that was accepted on behalf of Bagnalls by Stephen Bagnall. As Paul continues, "Bagnalls is a fantastic business that deserves all the accolades that come with winning this title. They are an inspirational business, founded back in 1875 and will be celebrating 150 years as a family business in 2025." "Bagnalls is an incredible family business that have already done so much, in their sector doing what they do, for the communities in which they operate, and more broadly for the family business community as a whole." "In the words of the judges Bagnalls are deserving winners of the Supreme Champion award as they are: A family business with a rich heritage packed with incredible stories that demonstrate their success over the years A family firm with strong credentials, governance and family values at their core A brilliant business using their culture and scale to commit to supporting next generations A business with a fantastic culture and a great example of stewardship through the generations A family that cares and wants to do business the right way A truly great family business that is brilliant in what it does "They are without exception, a shining example of a great British family business with all the positive attributes in place. Proud of its heritage, committed to its values and its people with family members leading by example, not to mention the quality of their craftsmanship." "With a passion for painting since 1875 and a fifth generation leader who is immensely proud to be the current custodian of this family business, committed to working hard to provide an ongoing legacy befitting of his forefathers, Bagnalls are worthy winners of this accolade," adds James Trigg of headline sponsors and presenter of the award from Brooks Macdonald. As Stephen Bagnall, fifth generation Managing Director of Bagnalls adds: "I am immensely proud to receive this award, which is testament to the five generations of the Bagnalls family and its employees who have contributed so much to the company's past 149 years of success." "We continue to make great strides in becoming a company that people want to work for and customers want to do business with." "Bagnalls celebrates 150 years as a specialist painting and decorating company in 2025 and this award will be shared by each and every one of my colleagues as a thank you for their hard work, dedication and commitment to Bagnalls." "As we move 'together towards 150' I continue to be immensely proud to be the current custodian of this splendid family business and I will continue to work hard to provide a legacy befitting of my forefathers." These awards were established back in 2012 to celebrate family businesses and the contribution they make. Last night was certainly a great celebration and recognition of firms that are great ambassadors for the sector too. Family businesses are at the heart of what we do here at Family Business United. Congratulations go to all the finalists and of course the winners. Enjoy the celebrations! And finally a massive thank you to all of our judges, presenters and the FBU team for making it happen and to our award sponsors Western Pension Solutions, Birketts, Buckles, Forsters, Turcan Connell, TWYD & Co, Goodman Jones and Brooks Macdonald. We cannot wait to follow the next steps in the journey of your businesses and of course, return next year to announce the winners of the 2025 Family Business of the Year Awards too! If you want to find out more and be notified about the 2025 awards or want to find out more about becoming a judge or an award sponsor we would love to hear from you. Simply complete the contact us form at the bottom of the home page on our website here and we will be in touch. Check out the full gallery of images from a fabulous evening here:

Back in 2013, FBU compiled the first ever report into the oldest family businesses in Scotland and uncovered some real gems in the process. The oldest family firm in Scotland dates back to 1715, John White & Sons Limited, who in 2015 celebrated their Tercentenary. Scotland is awash with family firms and since producing the first report we have continued our research and add new firms to the online listing on a regular basis. Whilst the inaugural report was published in 2013, the updated list revealing the oldest family businesses in Scotland is below: Scotland's Oldest Family Firms John White & Son Limited (1715) Macnaughton Holdings Limited (1783) Montrose Rope and Sail (1789) Thomas Taylor (Bowls) Ltd (1796) Johnstons of Elgin (1797) J. Hewit & Sons Ltd (1806) Christies (Fochabers) Ltd (1820) James Jones & Sons Ltd (1838) Thomson's Coffee Roasters (1841) C&W Summers Glazing (1848) Stuart's of Buckhaven (1857) James Porter & Son (1858) Smith Anderson Group Ltd (1859) James Donaldson & Sons Ltd (1860) Gordon Timber (1862) James Walker (Leith) Ltd (1863) The Royal Burgh Bakery (1865) Glenfarclas (1865) The Denholm Group (1866) Baxters Food Group (1868) Kinloch Anderson (1868) Crieff Hydro Limited (1868) James Cordiner & Son Limited (1870) Mathieseons Bakery Limited (1872) JC Peacock & Co Ltd (1874) As Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United explains, "Just like countries all over the world, Scotland is awash with family firms making a huge impact not only on the Scottish economy, but further afield too." "All too often, family businesses are discredited for the contribution that they make and dismissed as small business but the inaugural report in 2013 and subsequent revisions goes a long way to disproving some of the myths surrounding family businesses, their ability to stand the test of time and their achievements in terms of size and impact too." "Family firms are the backbone of the Scottish economy and we have uncovered some real gems in compiling this list. Not only do they all contribute significantly to the economy in terms of employment, income generated and wealth created but they have a major impact on the communities in which they operate, as they have done for may years and across multiple generations of their families too." "These businesses have been around for generations and hopefully will remain as family businesses for many generations to come." In compiling the inaugural report the team at Family Business United used various means to make it as comprehensive and accurate as possible. However, due to the fact that there is no legal requirement to disclose the status of the underlying ownership in business it is not an easy process. We used our networks, connections at trade bodies and extensive desktop research to determine the oldest family firms in Scotland in 2013 but were not able to say unequivocally that there were not a few other hidden gems out there. From time to time another long-standing family firm is brought to our attention and after the necessary research and confirmations have been obtained, the business is added and the list updated. If you are aware of a family business that needs to be considered for inclusion then please do not hesitate to get in touch so that we can update the list accordingly.

Yorkshire's John Good Group has been crowned the winner of the Family Business of the Year for Sustainability award. This accolade is presented by Family Business United, an organisation created to champion family firms. The awards ceremony was held at The Royal College of Physicians on June 20, 2024. The event was a celebration of the dedication and achievement of family businesses in the United Kingdom. Adam Walsh, CEO of John Good Group, says, “It’s particularly pleasing to win the Family Business of the Year Sustainability Award as it shows the recognition of our continued efforts to try and take responsibility for our own actions, in the face of this global challenge." "Our sustainability programme is in its infancy but we will always put the planet at the forefront of everything we do in the business and with our wider stakeholders." "Thank you to Paul Andrews for hosting a great awards evening, it was a pleasure to be amongst such forward-thinking family-run businesses.” "John Good Group also takes this opportunity to extend congratulations to all the winners and those shortlisted for the Family Business of the Year Awards 2024," concludes Adam. Paul Andrews, the founder of Family Business United, underscored the importance of family businesses in the UK’s economy, “Family firms are the backbone of the UK economy and contribute significantly in so many ways. Family firms deserve all the recognition they can get for all the good that they do in terms of employment, income generation, and wealth creation, not forgetting their continued charitable endeavours and investment in the communities in which they operate.” "John Good Group, our winners of the sustainability award are engaging, pioneering and driving the planet first agenda which the judges referred to as inspiring. This is a multi-generational family firm being driven to deliver on their sustainability and philanthropic endeavours which are making an impact on many levels." "John Good Group is a fantastic winner of this award that continues to put the planet, people and communities at the heart of all their choices and deserving recipients of this award," concludes Paul.

Ahead of the United Nations’ 100-year anniversary in 2045, HSA Group – a family business and one of the largest multinational companies in the Middle East – has set out its commitment to supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals through its participation in the landmark VISION 2045 documentary series, hosted on Reuters Plus. Celebrating several decades of collective action through UN programmes, VISION 2045 will consist of a series of documentary films, hosted and distributed by Reuters, that illustrate how businesses, including HSA Group, are helping to lead sustainable action and drive social change through their business operations. HSA Group’s contribution - “Private Sector Action on the SDGs is Imperative” - focuses on how innovation and a commitment to sustainability creates opportunities to drive development, foster economic growth, empower vulnerable communities, and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world for all. The series showcases the critical role the private sector plays in supporting social change, leveraging its expertise and capabilities to drive sustainable development and increase climate resilience. As Yemen’s largest company, HSA Group is playing a leading role in addressing climate challenges, recently coordinating with Yemen’s Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Climate Change Unit (CCU) at COP28 to develop projects that promote and support climate change mitigation in Yemen. The Group is also improving social outcomes in Yemen, launching a joint school milk initiative with Tetra Pak in coordination with the Yemeni Ministry of Education and the World Food Programme (WFP) to address food security challenges for young people and encourage school attendance. HSA Group incorporates the principles of VISION 2045 in its broader sustainability strategy, which guides the company’s endeavours to deliver a positive impact across its operations through a combination of economic development initiatives, humanitarian programmes, and purpose-driven innovation that responds to the needs of the communities it serves. Nabil Hayel Saeed Anam, Managing Director – HSA Group, Yemen Region: “HSA Group is delighted to participate in the VISION 2045 initiative, which will bring together thought-provoking content from leaders and subject matter experts in sustainable development and social impact." “HSA Group looks forward to continuing to play a leading role in tackling climate challenges and generating long-term positive impact for the communities we serve around the world.” Watch our Vision 2045 campaign here on Reuters About HSA Group The Hayel Saeed Anam (HSA) Group was established in Yemen in 1938 by four brothers from the Saeed Anam family and is now one of the largest multinational conglomerates based in the Middle East, employing over 35,000 people across its operations. HSA Group remains a family-owned business and operates across various markets, including Yemen, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and Africa. As a key player in global trade networks, HSA Group is the parent organisation for over 70 operating companies. The Group’s commercial activities include producing market-leading food and beverage brands, packaging, household goods and healthcare products, importing and manufacturing essential foodstuffs and commodities. In its work to support diverse development and humanitarian initiatives in the Middle East and beyond, HSA Group partners with UN agencies and humanitarian organisations, such as the WFP and WHO, to support the delivery of public health, nutrition and food security programmes in Yemen.