Family Business United is delighted to announce that voting is now open for the prestigious Scottish People's Choice Family Business of the Year Award. Voting is open until April 30 to vote for your favourite family firms from those shortlisted to take home a regional title and be in the running for the National People's Choice Award 2026. Family firms have been shortlisted for the awards by region so simply vote for your favourite in this region. One vote per person per device (any duplicates will not be counted and will be removed during the validation process) and the winners will be announced at the National Family Business Awards  Gala Evening taking place in London on June 17. Vote here:

Family Business United is delighted to announce that voting is now open for the prestigious North of England People's Choice Family Business of the Year Award. Voting is open until April 30 to vote for your favourite family firms from those shortlisted to take home a regional title and be in the running for the National People's Choice Award 2026. Family firms have been shortlisted for the awards by region so simply vote for your favourite in this region. One vote per person per device (any duplicates will not be counted and will be removed during the validation process) and the winners will be announced at the National Family Business Awards  Gala Evening taking place in London on June 17. Vote here:

Family Business United is delighted to announce that voting is now open for the prestigious Midlands & Central People's Choice Family Business of the Year Award. Voting is open until April 30 to vote for your favourite family firms from those shortlisted to take home a regional title and be in the running for the National People's Choice Award 2026. Family firms have been shortlisted for the awards by region so simply vote for your favourite in this region. One vote per person per device (any duplicates will not be counted and will be removed during the validation process) and the winners will be announced at the National Family Business Awards  Gala Evening taking place in London on June 17. Vote here:

Family Business United is delighted to announce that voting is now open for the prestigious London & South East People's Choice Family Business of the Year Award. Voting is open until April 30 to vote for your favourite family firms from those shortlisted to take home a regional title and be in the running for the National People's Choice Award 2026. Family firms have been shortlisted for the awards by region so simply vote for your favourite in this region. One vote per person per device (any duplicates will not be counted and will be removed during the validation process) and the winners will be announced at the National Family Business Awards  Gala Evening taking place in London on June 17. Vote here:

Family Business United is delighted to announce that voting is now open for the prestigious East & East Anglia People's Choice Family Business of the Year Award. Voting is open until April 30 to vote for your favourite family firms from those shortlisted to take home a regional title and be in the running for the National People's Choice Award 2026. Family firms have been shortlisted for the awards by region so simply vote for your favourite in this region. One vote per person per device (any duplicates will not be counted and will be removed during the validation process) and the winners will be announced at the National Family Business Awards  Gala Evening taking place in London on June 17. Vote here:

As part of a commitment to protect and enhance the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, Perdue Farms has renewed its support of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay with a $20,000 investment it its annual Project Clean Stream initiative. Lauren Sauder, capacity building projects manager for the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay commented: “Project Clean Stream is a community-based initiative and wouldn’t be possible without people volunteering to pick up litter before it reaches their local waterway. It is paramount to have companies like Perdue investing in this project." “It enables the Alliance to ensure cleanup supplies remain free, lowering the barrier to environmental stewardship and enabling people to readily take local action. Perdue has become a pillar in this initiative. Thank you to the Perdue team for empowering their employees, continuing to support Project Clean Stream, and for their ongoing commitment to the Chesapeake Bay.” The grant is funded through the Franklin P. and Arthur W. Perdue Foundation, the company’s charitable giving partner, and aligns with Perdue’s Delivering Hope To Our Neighbors® outreach to improve quality of life and build strong communities. Project Clean Stream is the Alliance’s annual program that links thousands of volunteers from communities and companies in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to collect trash before it reaches creeks, rivers and streams. Perdue associates have contributed many volunteer hours in cleanups across its watershed communities. Since 2008, Perdue has provided $100,000 in financial support to Project Clean Stream, and its associates have delivered more than 24,000 volunteer hours. They are among the thousands of volunteers who participate in Project Clean stream cleanups annually throughout the watershed states of Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, and Washington D.C. Ben Hildebrand, director of environmental sustainability for Perdue Farms commented: “Our renewed commitment to the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and Project Clean Stream is about putting our stewardship and teamwork values in action. " "By combining financial support with the time and energy of our associates, we’re able to help protect local waterways in the Bay watershed and strengthen the communities where our associates and neighbours live, work, and raise their families.”

When most people think of the global economy, their minds turn to multinational giants, public corporations, or tech start-ups. Yet behind the scenes, it is family-owned businesses, from small local firms to vast international conglomerates, that quietly form the backbone of prosperity, employment and innovation across the world. Recent studies shed light on just how immense their collective impact truly is. An Economy Within An Economy According to the latest global index compiled by the University of St Gallen and EY, the 500 largest family businesses generate an astonishing US $8.8 trillion in annual revenues and employ more than 25 million people in 44 countries. If they were a single nation, their combined output would make them the third-largest economy in the world, behind only the United States and China. But the influence of family firms extends far beyond the elite few. Research from McKinsey & Company suggests that family-owned enterprises contribute over 70 per cent of global GDP and provide around 60 per cent of the world’s employment. These are not marginal players, they are the beating heart of the global marketplace. The Scale Of Their Footprint Across the major economies, the figures are striking. In India, nearly four-fifths of GDP is generated by family-owned firms, compared with 70 per cent in Spain and Mexico, 68 per cent in Italy, and roughly two-thirds in the UK and Canada. The Family Business Research Foundation (FBRF) reports that in Britain alone, family firms produced £985 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2023 and employed 15.8 million people, representing 57 per cent of all private-sector jobs. Even more tellingly, they make up over 93 per cent of all private enterprises in the UK. From small rural workshops and family farms to global engineering and retail brands, they are an essential thread in the nation’s economic fabric. Built To Last Longevity is another hallmark of family ownership. Of the world’s top 500 family enterprises, 34 per cent have been in operation for more than a century, and a remarkable 85 per cent for over 50 years. Their ability to weather economic cycles and political change is underpinned by a long-term mindset, one that prioritises stewardship and sustainability over short-term gain. This same outlook is helping family firms to adapt to modern challenges. Deloitte forecasts that the collective revenue of family businesses with turnover above US $100 million will grow by 84 per cent between 2020 and 2030, outpacing their non-family counterparts. The next generation of owners is also embracing technology with enthusiasm: PwC’s 2025 Global Family Business Survey found that 60 per cent view artificial intelligence as a key growth opportunity, and nearly two-thirds list digital transformation as a top priority. A Diverse Yet Unified Story Across Europe, family businesses account for between 70 and 80 per cent of all companies, employing nearly half of the continent’s workforce. This pattern is mirrored in Asia, the Americas and the Middle East, where family ownership remains the dominant model for entrepreneurship and capital formation. Yet despite their diversity, family firms share common values: a deep connection to place, a sense of legacy, and a commitment to employees and communities that transcends quarterly results. These qualities, often underestimated by policymakers, are precisely what make them resilient. The Road Ahead Family businesses are not without challenges. Rising employment costs, succession pressures, and shifts in inheritance taxation are testing their stability, particularly in the UK. But with the right policy environment — one that rewards long-term investment and preserves key reliefs such as Business Property Relief — they can continue to anchor local economies and drive national growth. As governments grapple with the twin demands of fiscal discipline and economic renewal, recognising the scale and significance of the family-business sector is no longer optional. It is essential. Because whether it’s a third-generation manufacturer in Manchester, a family-run vineyard in Tuscany, or a global retail empire still bearing its founder’s name, these enterprises remind us that the story of capitalism is, at its heart, a family affair.

Thousands of beer lovers, who descended on St Austell Brewery’s much-loved Celtic Beer Festival in November last year, have helped raise £18,000 for charity. All funds raised will go directly to St Austell Brewery’s Charitable Trust, which supports vital causes across the South West. Since its launch in 2003, the Trust has donated over £1 million to charities and individuals in need across the region. In 2025 alone, the Trust supported projects ranging from youth mental health services and air ambulance operations, to providing essential care equipment for families and adaptive surf gear for charities. The day-long beer festival transformed the brewery’s historic Victorian cellars into a vibrant venue, with five bars serving more than 100 beers from over 50 UK breweries, which generously donated their beers. Live music filled the space throughout the day, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for beer lovers and the local community. A new Friday night event was introduced this year too – a pre-festival preview kicking off with a beer tasting, hosted by the Craft Beer Channel’s Jonny Garrett. Georgina Young, Brewing Director at St Austell Brewery, said: “The 24th Celtic Beer Festival was a true celebration of beer and community spirit, complete with a brilliant line-up of entertainment and music. It’s a chance for our brewers to show case their creativity and, most importantly, every pint poured helped us raise a huge amount of money, which will make a meaningful difference for charities, individuals and organisations here in the South West.” The Celtic Beer Festival remains St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust’s flagship fundraising event, alongside other initiatives including pub quizzes, sponsored walks and its annual charity gala, which raised £47,000 last year. Teams across the company’s 160+ pub estate also take part in challenges throughout the year, to boost fundraising efforts. The Trust accepts applications for grants year-round from Cornwall up to Somerset. For more information or to apply for a grant, visit here.

Aldi has recorded its best-ever Christmas, with sales of £1.65 billion (+3% vs. 2024) in the four weeks to Christmas Eve, as millions of shoppers turned to the UK’s lowest-priced supermarket to make their money go further during the festive season. The supermarket said that price had been the biggest priority for shoppers in 2025, with customers seeking ways to celebrate on a budget without compromising on quality. Ahead of the big day, Aldi committed to beating rivals on the price of a traditional Christmas dinner – part of a £325m investment to lower hundreds of prices throughout the year. The UK’s fourth-largest supermarket saw total sales increase by over 5% in the week leading up to Christmas, as customers spent around £500m with the discounter. Aldi said 22nd December marked its busiest trading day – as millions of customers flocked to stock up on seasonal items ahead of the big day. Aldi colleagues handled over 57m transactions over the four-week period to Christmas Eve, its highest ever number. Demand for its Specially Selected premium own-label range also increased by over 12%, showing that customers were still keen to treat themselves but in a way that offered better value for money. Popular products included award-winning festive lines such as Aldi’s Specially Selected The Ultimate Wagyu Fat Roast Potatoes, Specially Selected Double Wrapped Pigs in Blankets, as well as Specially Selected White Chocolate Ganache Pinecones. Shoppers also celebrated with a glass of fizz, with Aldi selling over 5.5m bottles, or 33m glasses, of sparkling wine over the festive period. Aldi also saw strong demand for home-grown produce, with sales of British-sourced meat and vegetables up as customers supported British during their Christmas shop at Aldi. As a result, shoppers bought 56 million potatoes, 37 million carrots, and half a million turkeys – all sourced from Aldi’s long-standing British supplier partners. Giles Hurley, CEO of Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “This Christmas proved once again that a great quality Christmas can still be affordable. We delivered a Christmas without compromise, offering customers award-winning British products at unbeatable prices." "We’re grateful that more people than ever chose Aldi for their Christmas shop and trusted us to deliver both quality and value during what remains a challenging time for many. I’m immensely proud of our amazing colleagues who, once again, went above and beyond to deliver a wonderful Christmas for our customers." “As we move into 2026, our focus remains unchanged – keeping prices low and quality high, so that every household in Britain can enjoy amazing food all year round.” Aldi has been named the UK’s Cheapest Supermarket by consumer champion Which? for the past four years and also retained its Christmas Retailer of the Year crown at the Quality Food Awards 2025 for the sixth consecutive year. Meanwhile, Aldi also continued its partnership with Neighbourly to support those in need during the festive season, donating an estimated one million meals to local charities, food banks and community groups across the UK.

Family-owned businesses are in the news this week. With Russell & Bromley, the fifth-generation family-owned premium footwear retailer, reaching a pivotal crossroads. According to reports, disagreement among its family shareholders over the company’s future has intensified in recent weeks, with some advocating for a sale to Next in partnership with Retail Realisation and others favouring a private equity pathway through Auralis. A report by Fashion Network (citing The Times) reveals that certain Bromley family members are leaning towards a sale to Next alongside Retail Realisation – a specialist in stock clearance. Under this plan, Next would reportedly acquire the Russell & Bromley brand and intellectual property, while Retail Realisation would handle the closure and liquidation of the brand’s 37 physical stores and excess stock. Others within the family are advocating for a deal with Auralis, a private equity-backed consortium led by Total Capital Partners and headed by Weird Fish CEO David Butler. This option promises to safeguard most of the retailer’s 450 jobs, its full store estate, and its distribution centre – potentially ensuring operational continuity and brand heritage. The family-owned company was founded in 1880 and is currently run by fifth-generation family member Andrew Bromley. The Telegraph reported that last year, the company embarked on a five-year turnaround plan dubbed ‘Re Boot’ after posting an operating loss of £9m the previous year. In a statement in October, Mr Bromley said: “We are currently exploring opportunities to help take Russell & Bromley into the next phase of our ‘Re Boot’ vision.” Next is reportedly working with Retail Realisation, signalling that its interest lies primarily in Russell & Bromley’s brand and online presence, not in maintaining its retail footprint. Under this model, Next would absorb the brand, while Retail Realisation would manage a structured store closure and asset disposal. On the other side, the Auralis-led private equity interest proposes a far different route – keeping the substantial UK store network intact, along with key staff and infrastructure. Next’s plan could result in the loss of all 37 stores and threaten up to 450 roles, though brand continuity would persist via Next’s platforms. The private equity approach would safeguard these jobs and sites, maintaining community presence. The family owners will have to decide between immediate liquidity and a clean transition to UK’s leading retail group Next or preserving family legacy through continued ownership or stewardship under a like-minded investment firm. Birketts LLP understands the issues facing family-owned businesses. Our corporate, insolvency and dispute resolution teams are experienced in ensuring if such issues arise, there are measures in place to ensure they are resolved with minimal risk, cost and disruption to the business. We regularly advise on shareholders’ agreements, and potential exit structures. About the Author - Hayley Songhurst is a Senior Associate in the Dispute Resolution at Birketts LLP. Find out more about the work they do with family businesses on their website here

UK businesses are being urged to strengthen their cyber resilience as new figures reveal the growing scale of digital threats. More than 40% of UK businesses reported experiencing a cyber-attack or security breach in the past 12 months, highlighting the increasing risks facing organisations of all sizes. The warning comes amid a series of high-profile cyber incidents affecting major brands including Jaguar Land Rover, Marks & Spencer, Co-op and Harrods, with attacks causing widespread disruption to operations and services. Experts say these incidents underline the importance of cyber awareness, preparedness and robust response planning to protect business continuity. To address these challenges, a webinar titled “Cyber resilience for businesses: risks, protection, & insurance benefits” will take place on 4 February at 10am. The webinar is being hosted by award-winning independent chartered insurance brokerage, family business and Family Business United members Alan Boswell Group, in partnership with CFC Underwriting. CFC is a specialist cyber insurer with more than 25 years’ experience and over 100,000 cyber insurance policyholders worldwide. The webinar will examine the most prevalent cyber threats expected in 2026, the risks they pose to businesses, and the role cyber insurance can play in supporting both proactive prevention and rapid technical response following an attack. Commenting on the issue, Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, said: “Cyber security is no longer just an IT issue – it is a fundamental business risk, particularly for family firms where reputation, legacy and long-term sustainability are paramount." "Family businesses must continue to address cyber security risks proactively, ensuring they have the right awareness, protections and plans in place to safeguard both the business and the family behind it.” Find out more and book your complimentary place to attend the webinar here

Dan Drogman and Tom Drogman, co-founders of Smart Spaces, have been made Freemen of the City of London, in recognition of their contribution to the City, innovation in the built environment, and international business leadership. The two brothers attended their ceremony at Guildhall. The Freedom of the City of London is one of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies in the UK, dating back to the 13th century, and is often given by the City of London Corporation to individuals who have made a significant contribution to London’s civic, commercial, or cultural life. Founded in 2010 in the City of London, Smart Spaces was born from the Drogman brothers’ shared vision to transform how people experience and manage workplaces. The company’s smart building software now powers over two million square feet of office space in the City of London, including 22 Bishopsgate, the tallest building in the City, and is deployed in more than 30 countries worldwide, supporting landlords, occupiers, and employees with more connected, efficient, and human-centric buildings. Born and raised in East London, Dan and Tom Drogman have long credited the City’s entrepreneurial spirit, diversity, and global outlook as foundational influences on their journey. From early beginnings building technology solutions locally, Smart Spaces has grown into an internationally recognised platform at the forefront of workplace and smart building innovation. “Being made Freemen of the City of London is a huge honour for us both,” said Dan Drogman, Co-Founder of Smart Spaces. “We started Smart Spaces here, we grew up just beyond the City’s boundaries in East London, and the City has played a defining role in our lives and our business.” “This recognition means a great deal to us personally,” added Tom Drogman, Co-Founder of Smart Spaces. “London is where our story began, and we’re incredibly proud to contribute technology that supports the City’s buildings, businesses, and global reputation for innovation.” James Tumbridge, of the City of London Corporation, stated: “Small and medium-sized enterprises are, essentially, the life blood of London. Having worked on the City of London Corporation’s SME strategy and seen at firsthand how Smart Spaces has evolved into a world-leading provider of smart building technology, I am delighted to support Dan and Tom Drogman’s nominations, which recognise their ingenuity, commitment, and hard work.” Recent notable recipients include two-time Academy Award-winning actor and humanitarian, Cate Blanchett; leading trauma surgeon, Professor David Nott; one of the last surviving ‘Chindit’ soldiers from the Second World War’s Burma campaign, Sidney Machin; and former Shadow Home Secretary and Attorney General of England and Wales, Dominic Grieve. As Smart Spaces continues to expand globally, the Drogman brothers remain committed to London as the company’s spiritual and operational home, championing British innovation on the world stage.