OUR STORY

We were founded in 2001 by a group of families getting together to help each other overcome common challenges. Today, we are the largest UK family business organisation and the UK Chapter or Family Business International (FBN).

Having worked closely with business families for the past two decades, we believe that a well-managed family business is the best model of business. One that brings benefits to communities across the globe. But most family businesses face a set of common challenges. 

We exist to provide them with a community where they can get support, make connections and access the knowledge and expertise they need to succeed.

We offer membership to family businesses and hold the space for families, managers, experts and relevant organisations to come together as a community.

As a not-for-profit organisation we put the needs of our members at the heart of everything we do.

OUR PURPOSE

To support and champion UK family businesses so that people, communities and the economy can thrive.

OUR VALUES

OPENNESS - We create safe spaces for people to share their challenges and successes openly.

INTEGRITY - We create a community based on honesty, trust and respect.

CARE - We make sure all family members feel safe, respected and cared for.

LEARNING - We help the whole family business community to pursue growth and learning.

WHAT OUR MEMBERS SAY

"COOK is a relatively new and fast growing business. We had no idea about the complexities that this would introduce into our family relationships and dynamics. Discovering the IFB was discovering that we are not alone. Others have walked this path and learned where the pitfalls are. We are incredibly grateful for the IFB and the members and their willingness to share openly their stories, to help us as we navigate the challenges and discover the joy of being a family who are building a business together" 

James Perry, COOK Ltd 

 

"Running a family business can be a lonely and often difficult experience, even – and sometimes especially – when other family members are involved. Before joining the IFB our family business thought that we were unique in the challenges we faced. Through membership of the IFB, and the unparalleled opportunity to network with other like-minded family business owners, we soon discovered that we would have been unique had we not been experiencing these issues" 

Andrew Wates, Wates Group

Testimonials from our community