The Family Business Network has announced an exclusive evening event; ‘An Audience with Peter Hensman OBE’, which is set to take place at the Percival Lecture Theatre in Ambleside on Wednesday 11th September.

Peter Hensman OBE is widely known and respected throughout Cumbria and beyond for his role as Chairman of one of the county’s largest tourism and leisure businesses, Lake District Estates.  With a compelling history dating back to 1938, this family-owned business operates a wide portfolio of companies including Ullswater Steamers, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, caravan parks and self-catering properties and the Peter Rabbit and Friends shops.

Peter’s other business and personal interests have included holding several non–executive roles in both the private and public sectors, his current role as a trustee of the Lake District Foundation and being awarded an OBE in 2014 for services to the rural economy in Cumbria.

In an exclusive live interview hosted by Cumbrian businesswoman, Sue Howorth of The Family Business Network, Peter will share his story for the first time.  Never having talked openly about his family business before, Peter will give an insight into the challenges and key defining moments of his life and career.

Speaking about the forthcoming event, Sue said, “I feel truly honoured to be trusted by Peter to help him share his personal story. I am very much looking forward to giving people the opportunity to learn first-hand about Peter’s life and career and his hopes for the future, as well a unique insight into the family business.  Many will be familiar with the different companies operating within the group, but not be aware of the fascinating history behind the business and how it has developed through the generations”.

The event takes place at a historic moment for Peter, following the 80th birthday milestone of his family’s property and tourism business last year and following recent celebrations to mark 160 years of Ullswater Steamers, a business acquired by his grandfather, Lord Wakefield in 1954.

The event will commence at 5:30pm in the Percival Lecture Theatre of the Ambleside Campus (University of Cumbria) with drinks and canapes for a 6.30pm start, concluding at approximately 8.30pm.

Hosted by The Family Business Network, the event takes place in partnership with Cartmell Shepherd and supported by Enterprise Answers and RfM Accountants. The event supports the work of both the Lake District Foundation and the Cumbria Community Foundation.

Tickets for the event are £15 each and can be booked here