The Family Business Network have joined forces with Cumbrian organisations to bring family business networking to the fells!

The FamBiz Netwalk event will offer the family business community a day of great company and conversation with other family businesses, hiking amongst the stunning scenery of the Lake District.

Organised through collaboration with family-run ‘Walx Helvellyn Ullswater’, Cumbria Tourism, Cumbriashare and Ullswater Steamers, the event will take place on Friday 1^st October and will offer walkers a choice of two iconic trail options, led by experienced mountain guides, Nicola and Charles Sproson.

Sue Howorth, Co-Founder of The Family Business Network said, “We’re delighted to be partnering with regional organisations and family businesses in our forthcoming FamBiz Netwalk event. Our Network was originally founded upon collaboration, support, signposting and networking here in Cumbria and it’s great to be getting back to our roots with this event.”

“I’m very pleased to be collaborating with my own extended family; my cousin Charlie and his wife Nicola who run the Walx Helvellyn Ullswater business. Our family business community have really missed that face-to-face engagement with like-minded peers during the pandemic, and after so many months of being cooped up we thought a networking event in beautiful outdoor surroundings would be the perfect antidote.”

The event aims to provide an opportunity for those working within the family business sector to get together in a relaxed environment.

Nicola Sproson of Walx Helvellyn Ullswater said, “We’re passionate about getting people out and about in nature and taking people’s outdoor journeys that bit further. We’ve found that walking is a great way to encourage individuals to talk openly and I think events such as this really help to push those corporate persona’s aside.”

“We’re really looking forward to guiding Sue, Dave and their family businesses along some spectacular trails next month!”

The event is also being supported by Cumbria’s official tourist board, Cumbria Tourism as well as Cumbriashare and Ullswater Steamers.

Cumbria Tourism’s Managing Director, Gill Haigh said “The Lake District is famed for providing an inspirational environment to many; not only to artists and poets but to the thousands of innovative and successful business owners based within the county. We are pleased to be supporting this unique family business event that will encourage peers to share their valuable experiences and learnings.”

Nick Hood of Cumbriashare said, “We are delighted to support the FamBiz Netwalk event in October. Events such as this are wonderful for bringing people together, helping to create opportunities and opening doors. With such a beautiful backdrop, why wouldn’t you want to join us?”

On the day, walkers will meet near Glenridding for coffee and cake, before embarking upon their chosen route.

The first route option will lead walkers gradually up to the summit of England’s third highest mountain, Helvellyn via Whiteside (another of the famous Wainwright fells) to take in the magnificent views from above Red Tarn and the famous Striding Edge and Swirral Edge.

The second route option will follow a scenic 8 mile trail close to Ullswater, beginning with a trip aboard one of the beautiful Ullswater Steamers, disembarking at Howtown and following some of the iconic Ullswater Way.

Dave Clarkson, Co-Founder of The Family Business Network said, “We’re looking forward to bringing people from our family business community back together for our fun and informal FamBiz Netwalk. We can’t wait to see familiar faces and welcome new ones next month, so dig out those hiking boots and join us for a day you’ll be sure to remember!”

Tickets for both walks, along with more details on each walk are now available to book online, via The Family Business Network website events page.

The cost for each walk is £30pp (plus an additional ferry charge for those walking the Ullswater Adventure). All walkers will receive full details in the week prior to the event.

For any questions on this event, please email the organisers via [email protected]