The last few years have not been easy for any business and family firms are by no means exempt from the economic challenges they face on a daily basis, and with the increase in interest rates and ongoing political and economic uncertainty on critical business areas such as energy costs and supply chains it looks as though we are entering stormy waters with little clarity on how long these times will last.

 

Family firms are the engine room of the economy and fully uphold the very British mantra of ‘keeping calm and carrying on’ but that alone is sadly not going to be enough for some who have been living through challenging times for a number of years now and need to see some light at the end of the tunnel.  Family firms do take the long term view and tend to be cautious in their approach which for many will be of benefit during these challenging times, whilst others will continue to innovate and adapt to the conditions in order to weather the storm.

 

Family firms across the UK are also entrenched in their local place of work, with PLACE meaning so much to so many of them.  Communities have been built up around family businesses and as the businesses have grown over generations, the community has become integral to the business too, a relationship that all too often can be forgotten.  Family Business United was created to support the family business sector and with around 5 million family firms across the UK, many of which are household names, there are plenty of opportunities to support a family firm – the local post office that has been in a family for generations, the bakery, the garden centre, the local pub, the independent restaurant, and many others.  

 

We've launched the ‘Family Business Postcard’ campaign a couple of years ago and it still remains relevant and important today.  We use the campaign to encourage everyone to consider where they shop and how they can offer their support to family businesses in their local community.  A complimentary selection of social media banners is available to family businesses who want to get involved with the campaign. 

 

To take part in the campaign, simply answer the questions below and submit your story and we will do the rest.  Please add examples and anecdotes to help others understand the very essence of your family business story too.​