People talk about family businesses like they’re a thing of the past, but they still make up over 90% of private businesses in the UK.

And last weekend was a bit of a reminder of that.

We headed to the North West Family Business Awards, not really knowing what to expect if I’m honest. I had never heard of said awards before and my daughter was the one that put us up said awards without telling anyone. And long behind we got accepted for 5 awards!

Top tip for people applying for awards, if you can, send a video in. It may be easier to send a written piece but honestly it is so more authentic. Two times my daughter applied for an award with a video and both those times we have been nominated.

Fast forward to the night and we were up for five awards: People’s Choice, Social Impact, Next Generation, Food & Drink, and Tourism & Leisure.

And we ended up winning Tourism & Leisure.

We were made up! We were up against some massive names, including Brit Fest, and to even be in said category for the North West was an achievement in itself.

Since winning said award and being in a room full of other family businesses including the likes of businesses that have been in the family 70+ years, it’s incredible to see. It’s resilience, loyalty and connection all in one place.

Because family businesses don’t always shout the loudest.

They’re usually just getting on with it. Running day to day. Solving problems. Spinning a hundred plates at once. Most of the time you’re not stepping back and thinking about how it looks from the outside, you’re just trying to keep things moving forward.

Being nominated across a mix of categories wasn’t just about one part of what we do, it reflected everything, the food, the hotels, the people, the next generation coming through it. That’s what a real family business looks like. It’s not one lane, it’s layers.

It’s also not always easy.

Family businesses come with their own pressures. Work and life blur into one.

Decisions are personal, not just numbers on a spreadsheet. You carry reputation, not just responsibility. And when things are tough, like they are across hospitality right now, you and your family feel it properly.

In an industry that’s under constant pressure, family businesses are still showing up. Still adapting. Still competing. Still creating places people want to be.

So yes, we are so happy we have won an award, especially one where the whole family gets on stage.

But more than anything, it’s just made us stop for a second and realise what we’re actually part of.

Because UK family businesses aren’t disappearing.

They’re still here. Still doing the work. And still shaping a huge part of this industry, whether people realise it or not.

And we’re proud to be right in the middle of it.

Read more news from Steven Hesketh of the Savvy Collective here: https://www.thehospitalityhero.com/profile/mail63087/profile