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September 19 is National Family Business Day

Announcement posted by Family Business Australia 19 Sep 2018

Family businesses including Kennards Hire, Haighs Chocolates recognised by FBA awards

National Family Business Day, organised by Family Business Australia (FBA), celebrates the massive contribution family businesses make to Australia and sees the FBA 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: http://www.plasdene.com.au/

NSW – Richard Crookes Constructions, a leading construction company: http://richardcrookes.com.au/

NSW – COS Working Spaces, office fit-out specialists: http://www.cosworkingspaces.com.au/

NSW – Flower Power Group, garden centre operator: https://www.flowerpower.com.au/

QLD – Darwalla Group, Queensland’s largest poultry group: https://www.darwalla.com.au/

SA – Van Schaik’s Bio Gro, providing solutions to professional plant growers and landscapers: http://www.biogro.com.au/

VIC – ABBE Corrugated, packaging solutions and cardboard manufacturer: https://www.abbe.com.au/

WA – JWH Group, WA’s third-largest home builder: https://www.jwhgroup.com.au/

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

·       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 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.”

About Family Business Australia:

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.

Visit www.fambiz.org.au