IFB Diary

Regular events are held for IFB members in each of the five regions: Scotland, North West, Yorkshire & North East, the Midlands and the South East. The annual series of Regional Forum Roundtables offers a compelling mix of live case studies and panel discussions focusing on specific family business related topics and issues. The purpose is to encouraging debate, networking and the invaluable exchange of ideas on the issues faced by IFB members.

Our speakers, among the world’s foremost experts in family business, will share their advice and practical frameworks. The latest Masterclass programme will be interactive including a family business case study as well as exercises on leadership processes and skills. IFB Master Classes are for family business owners and their directors. They are of benefit to all generations within the family firm.

Family Business Briefings is a new addition to the IFB’s regional education programme. The format is designed to deliver concise, up to the minute information on issues which are of particular relevance to family business owners, without taking valuable time out of your working day.

IFB International Quests offer an exciting and unique opportunity to experience family business issues in other countries. Senior business leaders can gain exclusive and fascinating insights into other economies, cultures and businesses. IFB members have joined the International Quests for a variety of reasons: to assess business and investment opportunities, to look at other countries from a philanthropic viewpoint and for a range of business and personal development reasons. International Quest goes beyond statistics to give participants a true understanding of the social, economic and political makeup of its destination.

The Next Generation Forum brings together younger IFB members (18-40 years) to discuss and explore the issues which are particular to them as younger family members. Speaker clubs, site visits, networking dinners and philanthropy forums are included in the ranges of activities for NxG members. The next generation of family business owners and leaders face unique and unusual challenges; this forum promotes camaraderie through peer to peer networking.

Now in its 9th year, the IFB's National Forum Conference brings together leaders in family business academia, training, research and advocacy as well as high-level family firm case studies. With a mixture of plenary keynote sessions, interactive workshops, site visits and social functions, the National Forum Conference offers IFB members an excellent opportunity to network, share experiences and find solutions to challenges.

Family offices, tax, trusts, risk, asset allocation and the role of trustees are just some of the issues explored at our regular Family Office Forums. Guest experts are joined by family business speakers to explore the most pressing investment issues facing family businesses and family offices. Critical industry reports are often represented and keynote speakers are drawn from the world of high net worth finance and investment. The emphasis is on case studies, sharing knowledge and finding solutions to investment challenges.

The Family Council Chair Forums are aimed at Council Chairs, members of the Family Council or those considering setting up a Council. The specific objectives of the meetings include providing a support network for Council Chairs and guidance on how to carry out this important role effectively. The forums explore ways in which to establish best practice and benchmark against other Councils.

The IFB Women’s Forum facilitates the opportunity for female members of family owned businesses to network, exchange knowledge and be inspired.