talks this month about the developments for the Network’s headline inaugural Lincolnshire family business conference next month.

TICKETS are on sale for Lincolnshire’s first Family Business Network Conference at the International Bomber Command Centre on Thursday, July 4. The line-up of guest speakers has almost been finalised and they all have one thing in common according to Dave Clarkson FBN champion and Business Development Director for Langleys Solicitors (top picture, right),  “They all have a fantastic story to tell about their family businesses…how they came about, how they developed, the challenges they have faced and it’s these stories that resonate with people.”

The conference has been organised by Family Business Network founder Sue Howorth, who has run similar successful events in Cumbria.

As reported last month Cal Bailey, former director at NG Bailey and Phoebe Bagnall, the sixth generation to join Bagnalls Painting and Decorating Contractors had already agreed to share their experiences. They will now also be joined by Melanie Tillett (pictured top left) who started her business supplying ‘real clothes for real women’ in Cleethorpes in 2006.

She works with daughters Grace (left) and Nancy and the development of Tilletts Clothing has seen them open another outlet in Louth and launch a website, which takes orders from all over the world including Australia and the USA.

Northampton-based Bambino Mio was set up more than 20 years ago by husband and wife team Jo and Guy Schanschieff (bottom picture) and is now the largest reusable nappy company in the world. Guy will explain how the company has grown to cover 50 countries, earned 60 awards – along with his MBE in 2011 – and still retains its core family values.

Dave Clarkson further commented, “We feel we have got some inspirational speakers for our first conference who

will provide some wonderful insights for those attending and it’s their narratives that sets the conference apart from other business events – people find them so valuable ”

“Peer to peer learning is at the heart of everything the Family Business Network does – we want to create a safe environment for family businesses to share their experiences and that means not being sold to.”

The format will also include interactive discussions about relevant topics as well live interviews, which will see Petwood Hotel director Emma Brearley take charge of the questions and the microphone – Emma’s family own the Woodhall

Spa landmark.

Organisers have been delighted by the diverse range of businesses expressing interest in July’s event and the work of the Network with one exception – families in food production. “This is such a big part of Lincolnshire’s economy that we would like it to be represented, so we’d be delighted if a family business in this area would get in touch,” said Dave.

Videos of previous conferences in Cumbria can be found on the Conference page and the link to book tickets can be found here

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