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Latest NEWS
 | IFB BLOG: Responsible capitalism: is it a contradiction in terms? 26/01/2012 In his latest blog Grant Gordon examines David Cameron's latest speech on popular capitalism and shows how family business has led the way.
Read the blog here |
 | Midlands family businesses raise thousands for charity 24/01/2012 The 2011 Midlands Family Business Awards has raised over £4,000 for two charities supporting young enterprise and young people. |
 | University launches UK's first law course for family businesses 20/01/2012 Strathclyde University is to offer the UK's first course teaching legal services and advice specifically for family firms.
Read more |
 | IFB BLOG: Patient capital and mid-sized businesses - the elephant in the room 13/01/2012 Is the value of long-termism in business starting to be recognised by policymakers? Grant Gordon looks at the recent debates on this subject. Read the blog here |
 | IFB launches initiative to boost growth in mid-sized family firms 10/01/2012 The IFB has announced its nationwide initiative to enhance the performance of mid-sized family businesses.
It is one of a number of measures to unlock growth among the UK’s 10,000 mid-sized firms – of which nearly half are family businesses - announced by business minister Mark Prisk MP.
Read more |
 | IFB certificates - members show their support 22/12/2011 Michael and Elena Dickson, of MI Dickson Ltd, proudly display their personalised IFB Membership Certificate that will hang on the wall in the reception area at its headquarters in South Shields. |
 | IFB BLOG: Policy win for IFB on family business MBAs 14/12/2011 In his blog IFB Director General, Grant Gordon, looks at the progress the IFB has made working with Government to improve the resources available to family firms.
Read the blog here |
 | Get LinkedIn to the family business discussion 02/12/2011 The IFB now has a discussion group on LinkedIn dedicated to debating the topical issues of the day that are of importance to family business. The page includes links to thought provoking articles and a chance to network with other like-minded people. Join up today. |
 | IFB BLOG: How family firms can win in export markets 24/11/2011 In his latest blog IFB Director General Grant Gordon looks at how family businesses can be sucessful in export markets even when up against larger competitors. Read the blog here |
 | Family firms more likely to survive in recession 18/11/2011 Family businesses are more resilient in meeting the economic challenges created by the current recession, a study has shown.
A report by the universities of Nottingham and Leeds, on behalf of the IFB Foundation, shows that private family firms are consistently less likely to go out of business — either through insolvency or dissolution — than their non-family counterparts.
Read more |
 | Construction firm is Midlands Family Business of the Year 18/11/2011 |
 | Entrepreneurship in the family office 16/11/2011 IFB BLOG: Family offices are turning more to entrepreneurship. IFB Director General, Grant Gordon, discusses the ideas explored at the recent Family Office Forum Roundtable, including strategies around values and legacy. Read the blog here |
 | Family business is an example of 'responsible capitalism' - says Secretary of State 15/11/2011 Dr Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) has praised family businesses for their 'culture of long-termism'.
He was speaking at the first Annual Reception of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Family Business in front of an audience of MPs, Peers and family owners.
Read more here |
 | Family business revenues reach £1.1 trillion 14/11/2011 The Institute for Family Business (IFB) has today released a detailed report into the family business sector entitled The UK Family Business Sector: Working to grow the UK economy, which includes a foreword from Dr Vince Cable MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.
The report shows that family firms generate revenues of £1.1 trillion a year, and provide 9.2 million jobs in the UK – two out of every five private sector jobs or almost one in three of total jobs.
Read more here |
 | Talks with minister on family business stewardship 10/11/2011 An IFB delegation and officers of the APPG for Family Business have met with BIS minister Ed Davey to explain the benefits to the UK economy of long-term stewardship of family businesses and the policies that might support it further.
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 | IFB member hosts a fact-finding visit by Parliamentarians 10/11/2011 Members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Family Business have visited the Enfield factory of one of the UK's largest bakery firms, Warburtons. |
 | IFB wants key tax changes to aid family business growth 04/11/2011 Changes to legislation on inheritance tax, trusts and the way family firms finance growth will significantly improve the sector’s contribution to the UK economy, according to new proposals sent to the Chancellor, by the IFB.
Read the IFB Autumn Submission here. |
 | VIDEO: Why mid-sized family businesses are vital to the UK 27/10/2011 Director General Grant Gordon explains why family firms are vital to the UK mid-sized businesses sector. The IFB was consulted by the CBI for its review of mid-sized businesses, Future Champions which was published this week. |
 | IFB BLOG: Four ways to gain the best non-family executive talent 27/10/2011 |
 | Stability through the centuries - the UK's oldest family businesses 27/10/2011 The downturn may have taken its toll on the UK economy, but the UK’s oldest family businesses have seen it all before with many trading more than 300 years ago, according to a study by the IFB. |
 | Missed opportunity by Government to help family business start-ups 05/10/2011 Government proposals to help investors in business start-ups will not do enough to encourage greater investment in new enterprises by family firms, according to the Institute for Family Business. Read more here |
 | IFB family businesses provide much needed boost for Liverpool young people's charity 15/09/2011 Leading members of the IFB have praised the work of the Fairbridge programme, part of national youth charity The Prince’s Trust, during a cheque presentation at its Liverpool base. Read more here |
 | Family businesses think long-term - Director Magazine 12/09/2011 In his column in Director Magazine, sustainability guru John Elkington focuses on the way family businesses build for the long-term citing the IFB Family Business Stewardship report. Read more here |
 | Family businesses feature among Telegraph 1000 12/09/2011 The Telegraph celebrates the 1,000 mid-sized companies which have weathered the economic storm and are set to be the foundation of the UK recovery. The list includes IFB members such as Berry Bros, Bettys & Taylors, John Good and Wing Yip. Read more here |
 | IFB BLOG: Family firms to the fore at PwC Private Business Awards 2011 09/09/2011 IFB member Samworth Brothers carried off the PwC Family Business of the Year Award last night. The IFB Blog looks at their achievement and the other family businesses that won awards. Read more here |
 | How family businesses find a competitive advantage 06/09/2011 A review of private companies in the Financial Times asks the IFB about the competitive advantages of family business Read the article |
 | IFB BLOG: Family business and the UK riots 26/08/2011 The UK riots showed that at moments of crisis family businesses and local coummunities can work together for mutual benefit. Read more here |
 | Top 10 Family-owned Family Businesses 2011 - top firms continue to show growth 18/08/2011 While the economy struggles to recover the UK’s top family-owned businesses have seen increased sales in the last year, according to the annual Top 10 UK Family-owned Business survey conducted by the IFB. Read more here |
 | IFB BLOG: Murdoch lessons: Business before family 15/08/2011 IFB Director General Grant Gordon suggests how the Murdoch family can restore trust in News Corporation, following the recent scandals. Read the blog here |
 | Next generation programme is a must for emerging family business leaders 26/07/2011 The only UK national programme for new and emerging family business leaders will start this autumn, the Institute for Family Business (IFB) has announced.
The IFB Leadership Programme aims to prepare the next generation for greater responsibility and give them an awareness and readiness for the business challenges that lie ahead. |
 | IFB BLOG: The enterprising family office 19/07/2011 What does it take to grow the wealth in a family office? IFB Director General Grant Gordon comments on a recent speech to IFB members by Mark Haynes Daniell. |
 | Family firms have the UK's most satisfied workforces. 19/07/2011 Staff in family businesses show more loyalty and have a greater sense of job security than counterparts in other parts of the UK economy, according to new research. |
 | IFB South West appoints a new regional chair 08/07/2011 Seventh-generation family business leader Anthony Woodhouse, Managing Director of Dorset-based brewers Hall & Woodhouse, makers of the distinctive Badger Ales, has been appointed IFB South West regional chair.
Mr Woodhouse said: ‘Family businesses are the backbone of the UK economy. I’m certain that the South West region will help family firms share knowledge on the challenges they have in common and improve their prospects of business success.’ Read more |
 | Family business is Business in the Community company of the year 2011 08/07/2011 Wates Group, the construction firm, has picked up the top accolade at BITC's Awards for Excellence recognising its work with disadvantaged youngsters and its carbon footprint. Read more |
 | Midlands Family Business Awards - deadline extended 29/06/2011 The deadline for family businesses to enter the 2011 Midlands Family Business Awards has been extended by two weeks. Entries for the Awards’ 10 categories are free and can now be made up until midnight on 15 July click here. |
 | Family Business Stewardship - a quick guide 20/06/2011 For a summary of the main points about the IFB Family Business Stewardship report, including the Four Types of Capital and the Principles of Stewardship, Mark Goyder of Tomorrow's Company has produced this quick guide. |
 | IFB BLOG: The Freedom to Lead 17/06/2011 In his latest blog IFB Director General Grant Gordon looks at recent acquisitions of family-owned companies and asks questions about what it takes to retain ownership of a family firm in the competitive world of business today. |
 | Supplement in The Times looks at the IFB Family Business Stewardship report 15/06/2011 To coincide with the launch of the IFB Family Business Stewardship report a Raconteur supplement in The Times looks at the subject. It includes an introductory article by IFB Director General Grant Gordon and a feature on ten of the best family business exemplars of stewardship. Read the supplement here |
 | IFB Family Business Stewardship report shows firms the way to long-term business success 08/06/2011 Family firms can find enduring business success and withstand the problems caused by too much focus on short-term results, a new IFB report highlights today. Family Business Stewardship in partnership with the think-tank Tomorrow’s Company, was launched today at the IFB 10th National Conference in Liverpool. |
 | IFB submits evidence to the Commission on Ownership 03/06/2011 The IFB has submitted evidence to the Commission on Ownership chaired by Will Hutton, Executive Vice Chair of the Work Foundation. It is examining the effect different types of company have on wider society.
Click here for the IFB submission which sets out the facts about the ownership of family businesses and the important part they play in the UK economy. |
 | IFB BLOG: Taking the long-term view 25/05/2011 IFB Director General Grant Gordon discusses in his blog the stock market's obsession with short-term performance and how Rolls Royce has bucked the trend and found success through long-term planning - a strategy frequently followed by family businesses.
Read more |
 | Midlands Family Business Awards 2011 22/05/2011 Entries are now open for the Midlands Family Business Awards. You can nominate your own business or make a submission on behalf of a client, contact or friend in one of 10 categories. In 2010 the awards raised £7,000 for charity and drew 130 entries. |
 | VIDEO: Focus on Family Business Stewardship - John Elkington 10/05/2011 The second of our Family Business Stewardship video series features John Elkington, a leading authority on corporate responsibility and sustainable development and the founding partner and Executive Chairman of Volans. A 2009 survey of the Top 100 CSR leaders placed John fourth in the world.
View the video here
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 | VIDEO: Focus on Family Business Stewardship - Prof Nelson Phillips 28/04/2011 In the first in our video series on Family Business Stewardship we talk to Professor Nelson Phillips, Head of the Organisation and Management Group at Imprerial College Business School, London, about the importance leadership plays in the integration of stewardship into a business.
Professor Phillips is a keynote speaker on day two of the IFB 10th National Conference. Watch the video here. |
 | IFB adds its 200th member 21/04/2011 The IFB has gone through the 200th member mark with the addition of Stentor Music Co Ltd. The distributor and manufacturer of orchestral stringed instruments was founded in 1895 and now with third and fourth generation family members in the business.
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 | IFB BLOG - Social enterprise and its impact on family firms 20/04/2011 After a fascinating visit by the IFB Women's Forum to the School for Social Entrepreneurs, IFB Director General Grant Gordon reflects in his blog on the impact that social enterprise is having on UK businesses today.
Read more |
 | Make pre-nuptial agreements legally binding says IFB 19/04/2011 The IFB's final recommendations have been lodged with the Law Commission following its consultation on pre-nuptial agreements.
The main point made to the Commission is that marital agreements (pre-nups) should be legally binding.
The IFB has argued that where a business is involved, the implications of the end of a relationship can be very serious possibly resulting in the business being damaged.
See the IFB submission |
 | Perween Warsi, CEO of S&A Foods, gives her business tips to Growing Business 05/04/2011 Watch IFB member Parween Warsi, CEO of S&A Foods, discuss innovation, dealing with fast growth and being a woman in business in this video interview. |
 | Budget will aid the future growth of family firms, but further work is needed 31/03/2011 In a letter to HM Treasury the IFB has welcomed measures put forward in last week’s Budget which will to help the growth prospects for the UK’s 3 million family businesses, but has called for more work to be done.
IFB Director General Grant Gordon, said: “We welcome the overall thrust of the Budget, however there is more work to done and would like to see further changes in particular the introduction of Family Business Trusts.” Read more and see the IFB letter |
 | All-Party Parliamentary Group for Family Business launched at the House of Commons 31/03/2011 The new All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Family Business, launched this week at the House of Commons, will give the UK’s 3 million family firms the chance to highlight to MPs their importance to the economy and the unique challenges they face.
The APPG will be chaired by Chris Kelly MP, himself a member of a family business - pictured left signing the official papers to launch the group. read more |
 | IFB BLOG: Business leaders and good stewardship 25/03/2011 IFB BLOG: Ken Costa, Chairman of Lazard International addressed the IFB Next Generation Forum on the need for business leaders to act in a morally, spiritually and financially responsible fashion. Read more here . |
 | UK family businesses appoint more women directors than other types of business 21/03/2011 An IFB survey of more than 1 million UK private businesses has shown that family firms are leading the way in the appointment of women to senior positions compared to non-family businesses.
The survey of unlisted companies, conducted on behalf of the IFB, jointly by the University of Leeds and the University of Nottingham, revealed that family firms have a greater total percentage of women directors (44%) than non-family firms (32%).
Read more |
 | Joining the family business - a personal view 21/03/2011 IFB member and Chief Executive of Nottingham-based The Wilson Organisation gives her view on what it is like to join the family business to Insider magazine. |
 | Find out more about the obstacles to growth in family firms 09/03/2011 In the latest issue of Finance & Management, IFB Director General Grant Gordon, looks at the challenges family firms face in their quest for growth and success.
The cover article, in the magazine of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), looks at the obstacles that face each generation as the business evolves and advises on how to overcome them. |
 | IFB Women's Forum to visit inspiring social enterprises 07/03/2011 Members of the IFB Women's Forum will have a unique opportunity to visit the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE) next month.
After visiting two social enterprises in London's East End there will be a discussion over lunch. Click here for more information on the event. |
 | Family business sector sets out its agenda for growth to the Chancellor 02/03/2011 A set of recommendations that will ensure the future growth and stability of the UK’s 3 million family businesses has been presented to the Chancellor of the Exchequer ahead of the Budget by the IFB.
At the heart of the recommendations in the Pre-Budget Submission are five basic points on taxation.
Read more here and see the submission |
 | Royal opening for JCB Academy 25/02/2011 The JCB Academy, officially opened by Prince Charles, is the first school of its kind in the UK for 14-19 year olds which focusses on engineering.
JCB is its main sponsor and Sir Anthony Bamford said at the opening ceremony: "Our hope is that the engineers and business leaders of the future will pass through the doors of this historic building." |
 | Family businesses can play a key role in the Big Society agenda 17/02/2011 The IFB believes positive action by the Government can unlock the potential of the UK’s 3 million family firms to support the Big Society agenda.
In a letter to the Government Adviser for Big Society, Lord Wei, the IFB has recommended tax breaks and funding incentives to encourage greater giving of time and money by family firms for social and philanthropic initiatives by their owners and employees.
See the letter to Lord Wei and press release |
 cropped.jpg&width=110&pad=false&constrain=true) | IFB BLOG - BBC programme has useful lessons on succession planning 14/02/2011 BBC2's Can't take it with you presented by Sir Gerry Robinson looks at the most recurring problem family firms with ageing owners face: a void in succession planning.
Read the blog here and see the programme |
 | National Conference 2011 looks at Family Business Stewardship in 21st century 10/02/2011 The Institute for Family Business will debate one of the hottest business topics of the decade at its National Conference, in June.
The two-day IFB National Conference 2011 Family Business Stewardship: A Model for Business Success, in Liverpool 9-10 June, will be attended by some of the biggest family-owned firms in the UK.
An impressive line-up of speakers, includes the Duke of Westminster and Chris Hodge, of the Financial Reporting Council. For the full programme and to register click here or on the sidebar link and see press release. |
 | IFB BLOG - The pros and cons of young entrepreneurs seeking family financial support for new ventures? 08/02/2011 Grant Gordon looks at a topic that was hotly debated at the sell-out IFB Next Generation International Convention, in London, at the end of January. Read the blog here |
 | Don't ignore family businesses in the push for growth, says IFB Chairman 07/02/2011 New IFB Chairman, Ross Warburton, wants government to do more to recognise the contribution of family businesses to the UK economy.
In an interview with the Financial Times he said that the 'style of ownership is relevant' as family businesses tend to produce more stable growth, steady employment and good governance.
For FT article click here |
 | IFB recommends ‘family business trusts’ to aid the long-term growth of family firms 02/02/2011 The IFB is calling for the simplification of the legislation on trusts and for HM Treasury to introduce a 'family business trust' to help family firms plan for succession and ensure the survival of the business.
The association made its recommendations in a submission to the Office of Tax Simplification as part of the department's investigation into tax reliefs.
Click here to see the press release and the IFB submission to the Office of Tax Simplification. |
 | Angus Macdonald - Entrepreneurship Video Series (i) 25/01/2011 Entrepreneur Angus MacDonald, chairman of SWR waste management company, tells us what he's looking for in a business investment opportunity. Next Generation members will hear more from Angus on first day of the IFB Next Generation International Convention 2011, this Friday, 28 January.
See the video here |
 | IFB BLOG - Family Business Stewardship - a model for buisness success 10/01/2011 Throughout the recession the family business sector has been held up by observers, such as the CBI, as a source of stability. Arguably one of the reasons for the success of family firms during tough times is their adherence to the principles of stewardship. Read the blog to find out more |
 | IFB BLOG - Strengthening the family business corporate brand 20/12/2010 Sir Michael Bibby, chief executive of the Bibby Line Group, has stressed the importance of the family business corporate brand as a magnet to help recruit and retain employees.
Read the IFB Blog about his speech at a recent IFB forum. |
 | UK's leading online entrepreneur set to inspire IFB Next Generation 14/12/2010 Brent Hoberman, founder of one of the world's most successful online companies, has confirmed that he will join delegates at the IFB Next Generation International Convention 2011, in January, to share his experience of internet entrepreneurship. Click here for more information |
 | IFB BLOG: Family business thrives in Brazil 30/11/2010 Following a fact finding visit to Brazil, IFB director general Grant Gordon reports signs of strong growth in the family business sector and a move to greater social enterprise as well.
Read his blog here |
 | Guidance on corporate governance for unlisted companies 23/11/2010 The first ever guidance on corporate governance for UK unlisted companies has been published by the Institute of Directors. Good governance is essential whatever the company’s size in order to promote economic competitiveness and sustainable growth. |
 | IFB director general interviewed by BBCTV's Show Me The Money 18/11/2010 Grant Gordon, IFB director general, was interviewed by BBC TV News Channel programme Show Me The Money about family conflict. |
 | IFB member SBS Worldwide wins Freight Forwarder of the Year award 18/11/2010 SBS Worldwide, the logistics specialist, has been named Freight Forwarder of the Year at the prestigious IFW Awards at the Hilton Hotel in Park Lane, London. Now in their 14th year, the awards are recognised as one of the premier accolades in the freight industry. |
 | Engineering company is Midlands Family Business of the Year 18/11/2010 Penny Hydraulics, of Chesterfield, Derbyshire, has been crowned the Midlands Family Business of the Year in the region's first-ever awards initiative to spotlight the most talented family businesses and their leaders. |
 | Family business confidence and competitiveness remains high despite downturn - PwC survey 16/11/2010 In its first survey of UK family businesses since 2007, PwC has found that firms remain confident about their competitiveness despite the economic downturn. There are concerns about recruitment and cash flow, but 69% of firms believe being part of a family business has helped it through the crisis. Read the report here and an overview that was presented to MPs and family businesses at Westminster here |
 | Alec Reed wins prestigious Beacon Prize for his charitable giving 10/11/2010 IFB member Alec Reed CBE, founder of Reed the recruitment specialists, has been awarded The Beacon Prize for his longstanding support of charities. His his latest project is The Big Give website which helps donors find charitable causes in their field of interest. Read more here |
 | IFB Blog - Entrepreneurship, the pursuit of opportunity 10/11/2010 Grant Gordon looks at some of the key business tips made by Professor John Mullins in his book Getting to Plan B and looks forward to his keynote speech at the IFB Next Generation International Convention in January 2011.
Read the blog here and comment. |
 | John and Alex Timpson win award for family business philanthropy 21/10/2010 John Timpson and his wife Alex have been awarded this year’s Beacon Prize for Family Business Philanthropist. The prestigious award recognises the significant philanthropic contribution the Timpsons have made over many years, giving time, money and skills to a wide variety of causes. |
 | Legal ruling is encouraging news for family businesses 21/10/2010 Yesterday’s ruling in the Supreme Court on pre-nuptial agreements (Radmacher v Granatino) is a significant step forward in the IFB's campaign to change the law to make pre-nuptial agreements legally binding. |
 | IFB calls for more competition in the finance sector to aid the funding of family businesses 13/10/2010 In its submission to the Department of Business, Innovation & Skills consultation Financing a Private Sector Recovery, the IFB has listed a series of recommendations that will assist family buisnesses. |
 | Family business sector needs greater representation in government, says IFB 13/10/2010 Family-owned businesses should be more fairly represented in Government policy making. The recommendation is part of the IFB's Autumn Submission to the Treasury, launched at the Commons yesterday. Read more here |
 | IFB calls for key tax changes to stimulate the enterprise economy 13/10/2010 Two key tax changes to encourage new business ventures and kick-start the UK economy are among the proposals put forward by the Institute for Family Business (IFB) in its annual submission to the Treasury, which was launched at the House of Commons yesterday. Read more here |
 | IFB blog - Why family firms lead the way in innovation 11/10/2010 There were many examples of how family firms are successfully introducing innovation into their businesses at the FBN International Summit, in Chicago. We look at a few of them and consider some of the key learning points from the conference. Read the blog and comment |
 | NxG International Convention 2011 - see the website 06/10/2010 Find out more about the first IFB Next Generation International Convention 2011, in London, 28-29 January at our dedicated website. Delegates from around the world will be able to hear inspirational speakers developing the theme Entrepreneurship - the pursuit of opportunity. |
 | IFB blog - Finding a better path in business 20/09/2010 How banker Stephen Green's new book sheds new light on the motivations for any successful business and the need to focus on sustainability as well as profitability. Read the blog and comment here |
 | IFB Blog - The life cycle of family firms - comparing the UK and the Continent 20/09/2010 Why are there significantly more large family-owned businesses, as a percentage of all companies in Continental Europe, compared to the UK? Read our director general's take on a fascinating study. Read the blog and comment here |
 | Andrew Wates interview 16/09/2010  IFB Chairman, Andrew Wates, talks to Business Voice the magazine for CBI members, about the association, family business entrepreneurship and how the government could do more to encourage it.
Read the article here |
 | IFB research reveals the UK's top 10 family businesses 06/09/2010 From shipping and construction to bread and newspapers the latest study by the Institute for Family Business shows that Britain’s top family businesses are at the forefront of some the country’s key industries. |
 | Family businesses oppose new capital gains tax rules 06/09/2010 The Institute for Family Business has written to Exchequer Secretary David Gauke with its concerns about proposed changes to capital gains tax and in particular the new rules for Entrepreneurs' Relief. The Financial Times quotes IFB director Grant Gordon on the effect it will have on family firms. |
 | A practical guide for the Next Generation 30/07/2010 Understanding Family Business: A Practical Guide for the Next Generation, by Andrew Drake, is essential reading for anyone who is invited to become involved in their family business, whether as a shareholder, employee, or member of the board. Read the latest review in STEP Journal. |
 | IFB Blog - The debate on family business branding 12/07/2010 Following a debate last week at IFERA, the world summit for family business academic experts, we look at whether family business branding can bring a competitive advantage. Read the blog and comment here |
 | UK business schools must do more for family business education, says IFB 09/07/2010 A lack of focus on family business issues in UK business schools and a failure of business advisers to understand the challenges to the sector are among the factors that prevent the growth of many family firms, the IFB told a world summit of academic experts today. |
 | Leadership for the Next Generation 22/06/2010 A programme to develop the leadership skills of younger members of family businesses is looking for suitable candidates. Held in London and spread over five days between September 2010 and June 2011 the IFB Next Generation Leadership Programme will focus on organisational behaviour – the ‘people’ side of leadership. The closing date for applications is 15 July 2010 for more information contact info@ifb.org.uk READ MORE |
 | Three companies triumph in J.P. Morgan IFB Family Business Honours 21/06/2010 Family firms from the world of beer, milk and wine have won this year’s J.P Morgan IFB Family Business Honours 2010. |
 | Public survey on trust in business endorses family-owned firms 08/06/2010 An IFB survey shows that the public recognises family firms often provide better customer service (62%) than other types of business and their important role in economic growth and employment (68%). See our press release |
 | Family business supplement is published in The Times 07/06/2010 Articles looking at how innovation and enterprise can help family business survive and thrive include the IFB Enterprising Business Families survey and an interview with IFB members Michael and Rupert Heseltine, of Haymarket Media Group. To read the supplement click here |
 | IFB urges the Treasury not to raise CGT on business assets 28/05/2010 The IFB has written to Mark Hoban MP, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, setting out our views on the proposed changes to capital gains tax (CGT) and its potential effect on family businesses. |
 | Why family-owned companies deliver better returns - Investors Chronicle 21/05/2010 In the cover article of The Investors Chronicle, John Hughman looks at how some of the fundamental attributes of family-owned enterprises give them an edge over their more widely owned counterparts. For the full article click here |
06/05/2010 Alternative content
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 | Budget 2010 - Family Business 31/03/2010 For an overview of the recent budget and how it will impact the Family Business Sector please click here. We are grateful to Katherine Bullock and PricewaterhouseCoopers for providing this information. |
 | Press release - CBI director-general will speak on trust in UK business at IFB National Conference 25/03/2010 Richard Lambert, CBI director-general, will warn of a greater threat of regulation for business if it doesn’t rebuild trust with its stakeholders, when he speaks at the Institute for Family Business (IFB) national conference in June. |
 | Grant Gordon on BBC Bristol radio 18/02/2010 IFB Director General Grant Gordon appeared on BBC Bristol radio on 17 February, in an interview about family farming businesses and the sector in general. Grant said that the future looked good for family businesses, it is the largest sector in terms of employment and has a big part to play in entrepreneurship and new business activity. |
 | IFB invited to address the Oxford Farming Conference 11/01/2010 The prestigious Oxford Farming Conference included a formal debate on succession and the farming business. Delegates voted narrowly at the Oxford Union on January 5th in favour of the motion “Farmers should retire at 60”. The conference heard from a variety of experts on succession including IFB Director General, Grant Gordon, who called for a greater awareness of the need in all sectors, including agriculture, for the succession process to well planned.
Click here to listen to BBC Radio 4 programme Farming Today featuring Grant Gordon. |
 | European Commision recognises importance of Family Business 09/12/2009 A European Commission report finds that family firms are important, not only because they make an essential contribution to the economy, but also because of the long-term stability they bring, the specific commitment they show to local communities and the values they stand for. The report that cites IFB Research also notes that according to a German study the UK leads 14 countries in terms of the relative competitive environment for family business. Click here to view the overall report and the UK report |
 | Understanding Family Business: A Practical Guide for the Next Generation. By Andrew Drake 08/12/2009 This new guide will help the next generation to understand something about their rights, duties and responsibilities and about how family businesses are typically run. Click here to download an order form |
 | IFB calls upon the Treasury to encourage entrepreneurial Britain 26/11/2009 Family businesses constitute the majority of the SME sector where a high proportion of new business start up activity and innovation occurs. The IFB has therefore requested that Alastair Darling takes steps in his pre budget report to extend the Enterprise Investment Scheme, as well as consider eight other family business related policy recommendations. |
 | Business Families and Family Businesses 14/08/2009 This new book, The STEP Handbook for Advisers, offers a volume of information for family business owners. Click here to read a review of the book by Grant Gordon Click read more for further details on the book and an IFB Member discount |
 | Institute for Philanthropy and IFB launch Next Generation programme 16/07/2009 New Dates for 2010....
Next Generation Philanthropy is a programme in strategic philanthropy for 18-30 year olds stepping up to a deeper engagement in their personal, family or corporate philanthropy. Next Generation Philanthropy is the first course of its kind in Europe; a donor education programme that builds the skills, knowledge and networks of young people, so that they can achieve more impact in their giving.
Click here to download the programme |
 | Natural Philanthropists Inquiry Launched at National Forum Conference 09/06/2009 05/06/2009
The IFB launches new research commissioned in collaboration with the Community Foundation Network. The report, entitled Natural Philanthropists, aims to throw light on how the family business sector is acting in terms of social responsibility and philanthropy. To download the report please click here |
 | Research Reveals the Powerful Impact of Emotional Ownership on Family Businesses 01/10/2008 29/09/2008
The IFB has launched the first-ever study on Emotional Ownership (EO). Written by Åsa Björnberg and Nigel Nicholson of the London Business School, Emotional Ownership - The Critical Pathway Between the Next Generation and the Family Firm reveals a surprising place and age to jumpstart the Next Generation’s involvement in the family business – the family “dinner table” at the young age of six. Fostering EO at an early age gives family members a sense of identification and attachment to the family business, which ultimately helps ensure the success, sustainability and longevity of family firms. Please click here to read an overview of the report
Please click here to download the full report. |
 | Family Ownership Beats Private Equity 12/03/2008 29/02/2008
Grant Gordon, Director General of the Institute for Family Business, has said that family firms in the UK are "a crucial breeding ground for entrepreneurial talent", have longer-term horizons than alternative forms of corporate ownership, and have a collective turnover worth double the private equity sector. |
 | Family Wars- Grant Gordon & Nigel Nicholson 05/03/2008 13/03/08
IFB's Director General Grant Gordon & London Business School's Nigel Nicholson launch their new book Family Wars. |
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Forthcoming Events
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 | Extraordinary Performance READ MORE | |  | Adapting Your Family Business for a Sustainable Future:
Growth – Innovation – Governance
READ MORE | |  | With guest speaker Mr Gary Lydiate, Chief Executive, Kilfrost Ltd READ MORE | |  | With guest speaker Richard Reed, Co Founder, innocent READ MORE | |  | Jointly presented by IFB and CBI READ MORE | |  | Maximising the success of your Council through effective governance READ MORE | |  | An evening of discussion and debate amongst MPs and Family Business Owners from the region READ MORE | |  | Adapting Your Family Business for a Sustainable Future:
Growth – Innovation – Governance
READ MORE | |  | With Guest Speaker Jim O'Neill, Chairman, Goldman Sachs Global Asset Management READ MORE | |  | Pre-nups, Post-nups and Mid-nups:
What are the implications for your family business?
READ MORE | |  | Jointly presented by the IFB and the CBI READ MORE | |  | Let's succeed. Get ready for success(ion)! READ MORE | |  | Jointly presented by IFB and CBI READ MORE | |  | Pre-nups, Post-nups and Mid-nups:
What are the implications for your family business?
READ MORE | |  | Jointly presented by IFB and CBI READ MORE | |  | Jointly presented by the IFB and CBI READ MORE | |  | As part of the IFB’s Regional Forum programme Andrew Merriam has generously agreed to host a ‘Meet the Owner’ event exclusively for IFB members and selected guests at Bradford & Sons Ltd READ MORE | |  | Jointly presented by the IFB and CBI READ MORE | |  | Jointly presented by IFB and CBI READ MORE | |  | "Truly fantastic and a MUST for any emerging leaders in the family business." Rose Damen, Damen Shipyards
READ MORE | |
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