Before I move onto my traditional overview of the year, I wanted to give a personal note of thanks for all your support. I am proud to be your family business ambassador and proud to champion you, your business and your future generations. Thank you for allowing me to do this, trust me it is such a privilege!

This year has certainly been a year of change for me, both professionally and personally and amongst some real highs, there has of course been some lows as change is never easy. However, changing and evolving the business models and restructuring both my businesses has throughout the year always felt the right thing to do. I might add that I could not have done any of it without the amazing people around me, who continue to support and push me to be the best version of me…you know who you are, so thank you!

My focus going forward is to move full time to my work with The Family Business Network with the support of my day to day team and Dave Clarkson. Together we can strengthen what we do across the regions as we continue to grow and evolve. There are also some exciting ‘Sue Howorth’ projects to be thrown into the mix, complimenting my business acumen and advisory and mentoring skills. In addition, a more recent but very natural role for me as an interviewer and presenter has come about, more news on this to follow in due course!

One of my personal goals in 2018 ways to enhance my own professional development, and I feel fortunate to have embraced a trustee role with The Cumbria Community Foundation and become Non-Exec Director for Enterprise Answers. Both do brilliant work and I am excited to be part of their team. To completely round 2018 off, I have also just heard that I have been appointed to the Editorial Advisory Board for the Journal of Family Business Management, it looks as though 2019 shows no signs of slowing down.

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2019

Sue x