The first of a series of popular events for family business owners is to be held in Lancashire for the first time on 5th July.

Sue Howorth founder of The Family Business Network Ltd has been running ‘Family Business Insight Events’ in Cumbria for the past four years but is now taking the original format over the border.

At the events, family business owners are invited to get behind the scenes of a local family firm, hear their story and network with fellow family business owners. The first event takes place at Castle Industrial in Carnforth 10am to 12:30pm on 5th July.

Castle Industrial is a third-generation family business started over twenty years ago, the company now creates and distributes packaging to businesses across the country, employs over twenty people and distributes daily from their purpose-built Lancashire depot. Sue Howorth, the award-winning founder of The Family Business Network Ltd explains the premise of the events.

“The special thing about our Insight Events is how open and approachable they are. Running any business is hard work, but people face unique challenges when they are working with family members. It can feel quite lonely sometimes and I think the reason the network and our events are so popular is because they provide a safe and friendly environment where people can talk freely with others who are experiencing the same things.

“Family businesses play a vital role in the UK economy but there can be a lack of understanding by the business community as a whole about the distinct issues facing family businesses. I wanted to change that and give family businesses their own community and I am delighted to be able to bring this successful structure of support to Lancashire in partnership with Enterprise Answers.”

Sue Howorth has run family business events with some of the North West’s best family business owners, including; Jonathan Warburton of Warburton’s, Sam Rayner of Lakeland, Mark Cropper of James Cropper PLC and William Robinson of Robinson’s Brewery.

The network has no membership fee but a nominal fee is payable for attending the events. The network’s landmark event, The Family Business Conference has over twelve family businesses contributing, including Lancashire’s Hannah Barlow of Dunster’s Farm and takes place on October 11th at The Castle Green in Kendal. People can find out more about the support available and upcoming Lancashire events for family businesses at www.fambiznet.co.uk