September 19 was National Family Business Day

| September 19, 2018

National Family Business Day, organised by Family Business Australia, celebrates the massive contribution which family businesses make to Australia. The FBA used the day to announce new inductees to the FBA Family Business Hall of Fame and announce winners of the Family Business National Awards.

Greg Griffith, CEO of FBA, says the National Family Business Day recognises the hard work, passion and innovation driven by family business. “Family Business Day is a wonderful opportunity to recognise family businesses for their contribution to our nation’s economy, community and culture.”

This year’s National Awards winners include Andy Kennard, of hire equipment company Kennards Hire, and Alister Haigh, CEO of Haighs Chocolates, who each received Life Membership Awards.

The coveted Distinguished Family Business of the Year Award was presented to Kyvalley Dairy, owned by the Mulcahy family for over 160 years and based in Kyabram, Victoria.

2018 FBA Hall of Fame inductees include:

NSW – Plasdene Glass, which supplies quality glass and plastic containers:

NSW – Richard Crookes Constructions, a leading construction company:

NSW – COS Working Spaces, office fit-out specialists:

NSW – Flower Power Group, garden centre operator:

QLD – Darwalla Group, Queensland’s largest poultry group:

SA – Van Schaik’s Bio Gro, providing solutions to professional plant growers and landscapers:

VIC – ABBE Corrugated, packaging solutions and cardboard manufacturer:

WA – JWH Group, WA’s third-largest home builder:

WA – Sherwood Overseas, swimming pool supply specialists

FBA’s Greg Griffith said: “Most family businesses are Australian-owned and provide critical investment, workplaces and employment for our cities and towns. A healthy family business sector equals a healthy economy.”

He said recent statistics show family businesses are the heartbeat of Australia’s economy:

Family businesses account for approximately 70 per cent of all businesses in Australia – estimated at half a million businesses and approximately 50 per cent of the Australian workforce is employed in family businesses. The average family business has a turnover of $12 million, and employs 37 people but the Australian family business sector as a whole is worth approximately $4.3 trillion.

Mr Griffith encouraged Australian consumers to look out for the logo ‘A family owned Australian business’, which appears on participating family business products. “When you spend money on a family owned Australian business it remains in our communities.”

Family Business Australia is the peak body for family businesses in Australia. Its purpose is to contribute to the long-term success of family business by providing resources and channels to promote success, sustainability and longevity.

We provide access to specialist family, business and technical services and generate opportunities for families in business to learn and grow by networking and sharing with their peers.

Ombudsman backs Family Business Day

“With more than 1.4 million family businesses operating in Australia, Family Business Day is a timely reminder to recognise and celebrate the contribution they make to the nation’s economy,” said the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell.

“Family businesses come in all shapes and sizes. There are our iconic Australian family businesses, such as A. H. Beard, Akubra Hats, Ugg Australia and Haighs Chocolates.

“The franchise sector is full of family business stories – franchisees and franchisors. Think bakery giant Bakers Delight, respected skincare company Ella Baché and multinational automotive company Pedders – all family franchisors.

“Rural and remote family businesses have a significant local economic impact on employment and incomes, and add to the breadth of a region’s business mix.

“Research indicates family businesses are highly trusted in the community, and family businesses in Australia are known for their long-term view and sustainable approach to growth.

“There is a greater sense of commitment and accountability because the needs of the family are at stake, and family members often wear several ‘job’ hats to ensure the success of the company.

“We encourage everyone to recognise and celebrate Australia’s family enterprises today and every day.”

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