THE challenges and opportunities facing the family business sector, one of Scotland’s biggest contributors to economic growth, will be explored at an event hosted by The Herald this month.
The Herald Scottish Family Business Breakfast takes place at Glasgow’s WEST on the Green on August 20, and is free to attend for anyone who runs or is part of a family business in Scotland.
With sponsorship from Business Gateway, Campbell Dallas, Clydesdale Bank, Strathclyde Business School, TL Dallas, Turcan Connell and Western Pension Solutions, the event will feature a panel discussion with contributions from leading Scottish business figures, such as Lord Willie Haughey, founder of Glasgow-based City Holdings Group.
Lord Haughey will be joined by Stuart Laing, executive chairman of jeweller Laings, Calum McRae, chief executive of Marzipan Media, and Paul Costello, co-founder of Upload Abode. The keynote address will be given by Andi Lothian, founding director of Insights, who will provide an overview of his career which began as a talent agent, representing artists such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, before building a multi-million-pound organisation with his son.
Mike Kennedy of Western Pension Solutions in Scotland, said: “As part of a fourth generation family business we appreciate the unique characteristics that family firms possess and understand the culture and values that make these businesses special. Family firms are an incredibly important part of the fabric of the Scottish economy and it is a privilege to be able to work with them.”
Bernard Dunn of TL Dallas, said: “TL Dallas is celebrating 100 years as a family business this year, with family values being a key ingredient of our long-term success. It’s well known that family businesses are the bedrock of the Scottish economy, both in terms of wealth creation and employment.”
Hugh Lightbody, Chief Officer Business Gateway National Unit said: “Almost two thirds of businesses in Scotland are family enterprises and are an important source of employment as well as being massive contributors to the wealth of the country.
"It takes a phenomenal amount of skill, perseverance and knowledge of your chosen sector to successfully grow a business and achieve ambitious targets. It is vital that family businesses have the opportunities they need to engage with industry experts and continue to develop their skills and knowledge, which is why we have chosen to support this important event.”
Fraser Campbell, Partner & Head of Family Business at Campbell Dallas, said, “The success of family businesses is fundamental to the prosperity of Scotland. The Herald Scottish Family Business Breakfast brings leading family businesses in Scotland together, as well as advisors to the industry, to collaborate on insight and learn from each other’s experience and knowledge.”
Deyrick Smith, Commercial Area Manager, West of Scotland at Clydesdale Bank, said: “Clydesdale Bank is committed to supporting SMEs and family businesses so we are proud to support the Herald Family Business Breakfast. We have exceeded the first two years of our commitment to lend SMEs £6 billion across the UK over three years, with a further £2 billion provided in 2018.”
Jack Gardiner, family businesses and entrepreneurs Partner at Scotland’s leading Private Client law firm, Turcan Connell, commented: “We see this event as an important opportunity for family businesses in Scotland to gather and share experiences and we look forward to the day with great anticipation.”
Call Holly Rutherford on 0141 302 6018 or email Holly.Rutherford@newsquest.co.uk to book your place. Visit www.newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/fambizbreakfast/ for full panel details.
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