Programme
The IFB Annual Conference returned with an online experience in June 2021 to provide a forum for family business owners, managers and experts from the UK and internationally to reflect on their experiences and prepare for the road ahead with curiosity and imagination.
There were both plenary sessions and workshops as part of the programme and a number of new exciting features such as virtual networking and booths where delegates could meet other delegates and connect with our sponsors.
IFB Annual Conference 2021 programme
The welcome & opening by Sir James Wates, Wates Group / IFB Chair and Elizabeth Bagger, IFB Director-General.
Keynote Opening Speech by Mark Stevenson, Futurist, entrepreneur and writer. This opening speech set the scene for the conference, addressing key themes, challenges and opportunities for the future of family business.
Topic: How Do Family Businesses Respond to a Changing World?
As family businesses cope with unprecedented levels of disruption, the qualities of long-term sustainability and resilience are in high demand. In this session, we explored the conditions for long-term success, as well as the responses and strategies family business leaders whose businesses have survived through multiple generations, have implemented during cycles of slow growth and change.
Speakers included Cól Campbell - Bewleys, Rennie Hoare - C. Hoare & Co. The panel discussion was facilitated by Bryony Cove, Farrer & Co.
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Parallel Workshops Topic: The Power of Identity in Family Business: who we are, how we relate to each other, and who we are becoming In this workshop we explored how the different identities family business members have in relation to each other form a sub-conscious system that can be powerfully motivating or cause deep conflict. Participants were provided with the tools and methods required to transform these identities into an incredible strength by learning how to relate to them in a constructive and meaningful way. The workshop was facilitated by Nick Mayhew and Roseanna Farish, Alembic Strategy Topic: Advancing a Next-Generation Retreat Awayday, offsite, retreat: whatever it is called, how do you actually plan one and fill it with constructive and enjoyable activities? Mobilising the zeal and ideas of your next generations to form an inclusive plan is often the surest starting point. Including case studies and an interactive discussion, this workshop explored the benefits and potential pitfalls of running a family retreat and provide you with tips and ideation techniques. Joined by Chloe Benest of Benest, a fourth-generation shareholder of the Yorkshire based Bettys and Taylor’s Group. The session was facilitated by Rupert Phelps, Partner at Smith & Williamson Topic: Redefining Family Success There comes a point in many business-owning families when despite the ongoing growth and success of the business, the family starts to question its purpose and their role and abilities as future owners and leaders. This interactive workshop dived into ownership purpose and the question of ‘why’, helping families to question what collectively really matters and what they truly define as real family success. This workshop was facilitated by Juliette Johnson Topic: Family & Non-Family at the Helm How can family and non-family work together more efficiently and capitalise on the skills and talents of everyone involved? How can non-family executives help your family business and what are the top challenges? In this interactive workshop, we were joined by Lawrence Price and Dominic Riley of Morgan Motor Group who revealed the secrets of their successful working relationship. The session was facilitated by Jim Aveline, Burges Salmon |
Sustainability: Go Green or Go Home?
Facilitated by Mary Johnstone-Louis, Oxford Said Business School. Speakers included Ingrid Faber, CEO of Faber Halbertsma Group and James Wright, Managing Director at Jude's. Environmental risks are seen by business as three of the top five risks by likelihood and four by the impact. These have the potential to undermine existing business models or create new, exciting opportunities. In this session, we reviewed how family businesses are responding to these challenges.
The Role of Family Business in the Future Economy
Fireside Chat with Sir James Wates, Wates Group and Paul Scully, Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets and Minister for London.
In conversation with H.S.H. Prince Hubertus von und zu Liechtenstein
Facilitated by Ben Snee, LGT Vestra
Closing Keynote Speech - Purpose, Culture, Innovation and Growth, EMR the Third Generation with Chris Sheppard, CEO, European Metal Recycling (EMR)
Warrington-based European Metal Recycling (EMR) is one of the largest family-run businesses in the UK. They recycle anything from a mobile phone to an aircraft carrier. With revenues of around £4 billion, around 4000 colleagues globally and a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, they are setting a course for their next phase of growth. In this closing keynote session, Chris Sheppard, Group CEO and third-generation family member shared his family business journey and his thoughts on approaching the next decade and beyond.