Family Business Forum heads to Birmingham

A Forum dedicated to sharing the challenges facing family-owned and operated businesses is heading to the West Midlands for the first time.

Already an established event in the East of the region, the Family Business Forum is run by specialist insurance and financial advisers The Wilson Organisation, which is itself in the third generation of family ownership.

"The Family Business Forum aims to provide a supportive, sociable and informative discussion platform and networking group for the next generation in family businesses," says Charlotte Prow, managing director of Wilsons.

"Since early 2008, we have hosted quarterly Family Business Forum events across the East Midlands for the next generation of family business leaders. The informal format of the Forum has been incredibly well received and led to it being rapidly established as a series of events ideal for sharing the common challenges and situations, regardless of sector, of operating a family owned business.

"Based on the excellent feedback from the individuals and organisations attending these Forums, we see a real potential for rolling out this concept and expanding it into a region-wide Midlands initiative, which is focussed on and dedicated to supporting family owners.

"As a professional involved, alongside my sister, in running a family business I appreciate the real benefit of sharing experiences - working in a family business can sometimes be a lonely job and the Forum meetings have proved a good way to forge friendships and new business relationships. In the difficult economic conditions, family-run businesses have to maintain planning and communication throughout the organisation."

The first West Midlands Family Business Forum will feature guest speakers Amanda Allen and Ian Wright from Friend LLP, the Birmingham-based family-owned and run accountancy and business advisory practice, who will give a brief overview of the options for retaining and motivating non-family members of staff. The event will be facilitated by John Tucker of the International Centre for Family Businesses.

Forum events are held on a quarterly basis at Malmaison in Birmingham's Mailbox. To find out more and register your interest in attending this or a future Forum, contact Charlotte Prow, email: CProw@wilorg.com.