New inductees to Family Business Hall of Fame announced

National Family Business Day on Tuesday, September 19, recognises the great contribution family businesses make to the Australian economy, community and culture. The day is organised by Family Business Australia (FBA), the peak body for family businesses in Australia.

The main event for Family Business Day is announcing new inductees to Family Business Australia’s Hall of Fame.

Greg Griffith, CEO of FBA, says the National Family Business Day is about unsung heroes. “These are businesses which have made an outstanding contribution to their community, their industry and the economy over a long period of time”, Mr Griffith said.

Mr Griffith congratulates the following 2017 Hall of Fame inductees (listed by state):

NSW – ActronAir, an air-conditioning specialist, which designs and manufactures in Australia, and has provided cool air to Aussies since 1984. Visit www.actronair.com.au

NSW – King Living, manufactures and retails award-winning furniture, which is designed to last, since 1977. Visit www.kingliving.com.au

QLD – White Industries, established in 1960 as a specialist repair shop servicing the local farming community, producing components for many leading vehicle brands. Visit www.whiteindustries.com.au

SA – Bremerton Wines, an award-winning winemaker and exporter based in Langhorne Creek, South Australia. Bremerton has been producing wine since 1988. Visit www.bremerton.com.au

VIC – Kyvalley Dairy Group, a 160-year-old business providing innovative fresh milk products to the Asia Pacific region. Kyvalley is one of Australia’s largest family-owned dairy businesses. Visit www.kyvalleydairy.com.au

VIC – Luv-a-Duck, a family owned and operated business, which has provided an extensive range of duck products to local and overseas markets for over 45 years. Visit www.luvaduck.com.au

WA – Catalano’s Seafood, sourcing the best quality fish and seafood from Australia and around the world, since 1969. Visit www.catalanos.net.au

One of these businesses will in the running for the FBA’s Distinguished Family Business of the Year Award for next year.

The 2017 Distinguished Family Business of the Year Award recipient is Ennio International, a South Australian-based specialist in packaging for meat and smallgoods, and has an international client base.

Ennio is a stunning example of a business which successfully changed direction – initially a knitwear manufacturer in the fashion industry, the company saw an opportunity to specialise in food packaging, and is one of the first companies in the world to incorporate seamless netting into its products. Visit www.ennio.com.au

Just how important are family businesses to Australia? Recent statistics show:

·        Family businesses account for approximately 70 per cent of all businesses in Australia – estimated at half a million businesses

·        Approximately 50 per cent of the Australian workforce is employed in family businesses

·        Australian family business sector is worth approximately $4.3 trillion

·        The average family business has a turnover of $12 million, and employs 37 people

Mr Griffith said: “With half of the workforce employed by Family businesses, they have long been the backbone to Australia’s economy and deserves the recognition for their contribution to our nation’s community and culture.”