Is your family business facing some big decisions? Do you sometimes long for an outside perspective or the support of experienced business experts? Are there opportunities that you don’t know how to take advantage of? Would it be useful to step outside of your family business to assess its performance?

Our Advisory Board programme runs in partnership with Be the Business offers just that, and best of all, it’s free!!

The programme is designed to give family businesses without a formal board structure the support of a handpicked, experienced advisory board of industry experts to support, challenge and help you with your plans and strategies. You’ll benefit from fresh perspectives and insight, have a sounding board for your ideas and business strategy, as well as experienced support through challenges and critical decisions.

Advisory boards perform a similar role that non-executive directors play in large businesses, ultimately helping them to be more efficient, productive and competitive.

The programme is fully-funded and runs over a 12-month  period including four quarterly online board meetings and ongoing advice aimed to take businesses into another gear of competitiveness.. The meetings are run to an agenda and minutes will be taken, with actions to be implemented.

We have places currently available for SME family businesses who may be interested in joining the next round of the programme. To register your interest, simply email [email protected] and we will gladly arrange a further conversation. 

WATCH THIS SHORT FILM that highlights some of the key benefits of the Advisory Board Programme from family businesses who have participated in the programme already.

Co-Director of The Family Business Network, Sue Howorth said, “We’re delighted to be able to offer family businesses the opportunity to join this highly acclaimed Advisory Board Programme.  The programme has been running successfully for over 12 months so far with an overwhelmingly positive response from participating businesses.”

Dave Clarkson, Co-Director of The Family Business Network further commented, “Everything we do at the Family Business Network is about adding value to those working with and within family firms and that is why we have continued to offer this programme in partnership with Be the Business. From the offset, every stage of the Advisory Boards is a learning process and provides a unique chance for family businesses to access impartial, non-executive director style support, advice and reassurance.”

CASE STUDY: Simon Stirling, owner of Direct2Florist took part in the programme which ran in the North West, saying, “Before the programme started, I didn’t know what to expect. We are a small family business and we know it inside out, so it was strange to talk about our plans and ambitions with anyone outside the company. But having the support of a board has been transformational. They really helped us move things up a level.

“They were able to look at the business with a completely independent and impartial view. It made me reassess things I thought we didn’t need to change and really helped to focus our efforts on where we wanted to improve as a business and create a roadmap of how we get there.

“This meant that when Covid hit, we knew our business was in the right place to help local florists get through a really tough time.”

Graham Howarth, Chairman of Wakefield BID is one of the Advisory Board Members who joined the programme, willing to offer his help and expertise to local family businesses in Yorkshire. He commented, “Be the Businesses’ Advisory Boards initiative is vitally important for small companies in our region. As an entrepreneur myself, I know how difficult it was to bounce ideas and find that external advice so often needed especially in an uncertain economic climate. I look forward to being able to provide advice and support to local businesses as they navigate unprecedented challenges.”

Business leaders who wish to apply for the scheme should visit: bethebusiness.com/advisory-boards

Businesses who are interested in participating can click HERE to find out more or email [email protected] for an Application form.