Family businesses to hotly contest Business of the Year Award

Did you know there are more than 5 million family businesses in the UK?

According to the Institute of Family Business, they generate nearly a third of UK GDP and employ 14 million people – that’s 50% of private sector employment.

And the North West region has some of the biggest family-run businesses in the UK.

From Boohoo to Uncle Joe’s Mint Ball and HMG Paints to Joseph Holts, the region has a remarkable and diverse range of family businesses.

TheBusinessDesk.com wants to hear from family businesses across the region for our North West Business of the Year 2023 awards.

The awards, which are being backed by headline sponsors CMS, LDC, PwC, RBC Brewin Dolphin, and Robert Walters, launched earlier this month.

Last year’s Family Business category was a heavily contested one.

Overall winner was RVA Surveyors which pipped Aqueous Digital, McGoff Construction, My Fabulosa and Seddon.

Together these businesses demonstrated the depth and breadth of family businesses across the region and demonstrated significant resilience amid the current economic uncertainties as they navigated successfully through the challenges.

Entries into this category must demonstrate how it is thriving because it is a family business, utilising the skills of different generations and having a long-term vision for sustainable success.

Bradley Russell, Divisional Director from award sponsor RBC Brewin Dolphin, said: “Here at RBC Brewin Dolphin, we have worked with many family businesses throughout multiple generations.

“We know all the stresses and strains that come with marrying business with family, as well as all the glorious, good times that come with the territory too.

“Here in the North West, we have a huge number of incredible family businesses, some of which are household names, and some keep a lower profile, but are still fantastic companies which we, as a region, should be proud of.

“These awards are a wonderful opportunity for family businesses, large and small, to shout about their achievements and to share their successes with the region, but also with their team, both family and otherwise.”

In total there are 15 categories to enter. As with previous years, the Ambassador will be chosen by the judges. Categories include:

•       Start Up
•       Innovation
•       Sustainability
•       Employer of the Year
•       International Trade
•       Investment
•       Community Impact
•       Property Business
•       Family Business
•       Small Business (up to 50 employees)
•       Medium Business (51-250 employees)
•       Large Business (251+ employees)
•       Fast Growth Business
•       Chief Executive of the Year
•       Ambassador

The deadline for entries is March 17, 2023.

For more information and to download your entry form please visit our dedicated awards website businessoftheyearawards.co.uk.