Organisers of the renowned Family Business Conference in Cumbria begin their final preparations for the fourth annual business event to be held in the county.

Conference co-host and founder of the Family Business Network, Sue Howorth said “The Family Business Conference is our flagship event and it’s one that we’re very proud to host. It originated in Cumbria and this year it’s being held at The Shepherds in Carlisle”.

“This time we are introducing some new interactive elements to the conference that are designed to encourage meaningful discussion around the purpose, values and structures of our family businesses. We’ll also have a new two-generation panel discussion taking place, alongside a packed agenda of inspirational speakers”.

The speaker and contributor line-up for the conference (taking place on October 10^th) comprises of highly respected family business leaders, multi-generational family businesses, family business ambassadors and influential figures that work with the sector.  More names revealed this week to join the already high-profile list include the Smith family of award-winning Cumbrian business Thomas Graham, George and Colin Bryan of Drayton Manor Park and the Reynolds family of Dales-based country house hotel, The Traddock. Wendy Bennett and son Oliver of Augill Castle near Kirkby Stephen, and Ruth Power of Financial Management Bureau along with her nephew Ali Brown are to form part of the two-generation panel hosted by Emma Porter of Story Contracting.

Speaking about the diverse agenda for the 2019 conference, co-host and Director of The Family Business Network, Dave Clarkson said, “Having run the conference for a number of years now, we know that its unique format and environment provides value to delegates through peer to peer learning and the sharing of knowledge and stories. This opportunity for family business owners to step out of the business and to listen and learn from others is what makes the conference a worthwhile investment of time.”

The conference will be supported by several regional sponsors including Cartmell Shepherd, RfM Accountants, Enterprise Answers, Be the Business, Western Pensions, Cumbria Share, Elton Business Support and The Cumberland. A further two sponsors have recently been announced as Jelf Insurance Brokers and Rachael Bell Wealth Management. Speaking about the event, sponsor Rachael Bell said, “We are excited to support the Family Business Conference. As a recently joined partner of the Network, this will be the first event that we are involved with and we can’t wait to see what the conference has in store”.

With over one hundred family businesses expected to attend the event, people are encouraged to book their tickets in advance. The event will be held at The Shepherds in Carlisle on Thursday 10^th October. Tickets cost £55 each and are available to book online.

Image: Interactive discussion hosted by Jacqui Jackson of Thomas Jardine & Co at the 2018 Conference held at the Castle Green Hotel, Kendal