With just over two weeks to go until the annual Family Business Conference takes place in Carlisle, organisers ‘The Family Business Network’ have revealed the final speakers along with details of this years’ agenda.

Since its inception in 2016, the event has become hugely popular amongst family businesses around Cumbria, Lancashire and the North West and is considered a highlight of the calendar for anyone who owns, works in or works with a family business.

Conference co-host and founder of The Family Business Network, Sue Howorth said, “The conference offers an agenda of inspirational speakers, peer learning and interactive sessions geared towards topical issues facing the sector.”

“It’s known for being a day of intense learning and insight and our aim is for everyone that attends to take away something valuable that can ultimately benefit their family business.”

“This year the overall theme of the agenda centres around family values and ethos and how these are instilled and retained by family businesses, as well as looking at the challenges of putting these values into practice.”

The final speaker at the conference has been named as Michael Osborne, Director at ARUP – a global design and engineering firm operating in more than 34 countries. Additionally, father and son Stuart and Brandon McKenzie of Carlisle-based K & S McKenzie, and mother and daughter Jess Doherty and Johanne Miller of toy and educational resource manufacturer, Twoey are the latest participants to be announced  as part of a unique two-generation panel hosted by Emma Porter of Cumbrian family business, Story Contracting.

Other speakers that feature within the high-profile line-up include Cal Bailey, a writer on responsible business, George and Colin Bryan of Drayton Manor Park and family business expert, Mairi Mickel.

Mairi spent 10 years as a fourth-generation director in her Scottish construction family business, Mactaggart & Mickel Group before going on to establish a consultancy supporting family businesses to future proof themselves. Mairi’s session at the conference will focus around the topical issue of the role of non-exec directors within family firms.

Co-host and director of The Family Business Network, Dave Clarkson said, “The conference is about championing and encouraging family businesses of all sizes and sectors through a diverse programme of talks and sessions. It is one of many events run by the network to support the sector, which accounts for more than 25% of UK GDP and employs more than 12 million people.”

“Despite being held in Cumbria, our speakers and panellists come from all around the UK and we warmly welcome delegates connected to the family business sector from any region or county to join us.”

The Family Business Conference is supported by a collective of local and national sponsors including Cartmell Shepherd, Be The Business, Western Pension Solutions, Enterprise Answers, RFM, Jelf, Rachael Bell Wealth Management, Lamont Pridmore, The Cumberland, Elton Business Solutions and Cumbria Share.

The conference takes place at The Shepherds in Carlisle on Thursday 10^th October. Tickets cost £55 each and are still available to book online.