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<\/p>\nHoward Moss will take the stage at TheBusinessDesk.com’s Yorkshire Family Business Conference this autumn, sharing the story behind one of Yorkshire’s biggest family business success stories.<\/p>\n
As owner and chief executive of\u00a0 cleaning products manufacturer Astonish, Moss has transformed the business founded by his father in 1971 into an international challenger brand, while keeping manufacturing firmly rooted in Yorkshire.<\/p>\n
Since taking over the business in 2006, he has overseen expansion into major retailers and global markets, growing Astonish from its agricultural show roots into a business producing more than 60 products from its Leeds factory. His keynote address will explore how family businesses can scale successfully while preserving the culture, independence and values that define them.<\/p>\n
The conference,\u00a0 in partnership with Saffery and The Private Office (TPO), will bring together owners, advisers and business leaders to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing family businesses today, from embracing automation and artificial intelligence to planning for succession, investment and long-term ownership.<\/p>\n
The exclusive event for family businesses will take place on Thursday 22 October at the Hilton Hotel in Leeds.<\/p>\n
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The first panel, Automation, AI and Digital Transformation Won’t Replace Your Business. But They Might Replace Your Competitor<\/em>, will examine how technology is becoming a strategic tool for growth rather than simply improving efficiency.<\/p>\n Among the panelists is Adam Swallow, managing director of Huddersfield robotics specialist Olympus Technologies. Adam will offer a practical perspective on how automation can deliver measurable commercial benefits, helping businesses identify where investment creates the greatest value. Joining him is Dan Prendergast, head of digitalisation at Phoenox Textiles, who is leading the digital transformation of the 70-year-old family manufacturer. Having overseen a \u00a39m\u00a0 investment in automation, cloud technology and connected systems, he will share Phoenox’s journey and explain how digital transformation is helping the business improve efficiency, strengthen customer relationships and build for long-term growth. Also on the panel is Jessica Armitage, programme manager at Made Smarter Yorkshire & Humber – a government-backed programme helping UK manufacturers adopt digital technologies, improve productivity and develop the skills needed for future growth.<\/p>\n The morning will include interactive roundtable discussions, giving delegates the opportunity to explore the challenges facing their own businesses and share experiences with fellow owners.<\/p>\n Attention will then turn to one of the biggest strategic decisions any family business faces during the second panel discussion, Built to Last… or Built to Sell?<\/em><\/p>\n The session will explore whether today’s family businesses should continue building for future generations or consider external investment and eventual sale in response to changing market conditions, tax policy and succession challenges.<\/p>\n Among the speakers is Jamie Keeble, co-founder of North Yorkshire food manufacturer Heck Foods, who has first-hand experience of both private equity investment and returning a business to family ownership. He will discuss the opportunities and challenges of taking on external capital, preserving family values through growth and what business owners should consider when weighing up independence against investment. The event will conclude with a Family Business Clinic, giving delegates the opportunity to speak directly with experienced advisers on issues including succession planning, tax, investment and business growth. Owners will be able to discuss their own challenges and seek practical guidance in one-to-one conversations with specialists.<\/p>\n TheBusinessDesk.com’s Family Business Conference is designed for family business owners, directors and senior leaders looking to future-proof their businesses while learning from others who have successfully navigated the opportunities and challenges that come with family ownership.<\/p>\n Stuart Phillips, CEO of The Private Office, said: “We’re pleased to be sponsoring the Yorkshire Family Business Conference and supporting an event that brings together family-owned businesses from across the region. As advisers who work closely with business owners, we understand the importance of planning for the future, whether that’s managing growth, preparing for succession or protecting the wealth created through years of hard work. We’re looking forward to connecting with delegates, hearing about the opportunities and challenges they face, and being part of the conversations that help family businesses thrive for generations to come.”<\/p>\n Rick Dunkley, partner at Saffery, said: “Family businesses are the backbone of the Yorkshire economy, combining entrepreneurial ambition with a long-term perspective that benefits generations. As advisers to many of the region’s leading privately owned businesses, we are proud to support the Yorkshire Family Business Conference and look forward to sharing insights on growth, succession, investment and the decisions that shape enduring family enterprises.”<\/p>\n Starting at 9am and running through until 1pm, there will be plenty of time for networking. Lunch will be provided for delegates.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.thebusinessdesk.com\/_files\/images\/aug_26\/swallow-300x300.jpeg\")
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