There is a common myth that family businesses tend not to innovate, are risk averse and poorly managed.  However as I have been building the annual WA State Conference program, researching case studies and recruiting guest speakers I have uncovered that even in the current economic landscape we have some innovative, entrepreneurial and inspiring family business success stories. 

The result is that we have a day packed full of family business stories, expert adviser presentations, guest speakers and a networking lunch as we welcome our new Family Business Hall of Fame inductees .  It will be the highlight of the WA family business calendar and as always will provide you and your family business with invaluable insights and a tangible list of processes and practices to implement in your business and ensure long term success. 

This year’s conference theme, “Innovation, Inspiration and Insights for family business success” is a subject of equal relevance to small and large businesses, old and new and to every person working in it; whether involved in the day to day operations or as governing owners.

Craig Bedell of Thrifty Car Hire is a regular attendee of the FBA events and said ‘the Family Business Conference always inspires and re-energises me. A day out to refocus and hear from like-minded local business people experiencing the same family in business stresses provides real comfort and support not just to keep going, but to keep improving and focusing on the long term good for the whole family’s sake’. 

I encourage you to bring your family members and senior manager, to engage with family business peers and expert advisers as we explore the many ways family businesses are being innovative, and demonstrate how family businesses of all kinds develop unique ways of staying ahead of the game, to build a strong legacy for future generations.

Last month’s Adviser breakfast tackled ‘Cultural Influences on a Family Business’ and the attending advisers shared some valuable experience and information.  See the attached article discussing the competitive advantage of culture in a family business. Thank you Lyall Bear of CBSW Pty Ltd for sharing.  These monthly events always provide insight and information valuable to those working in the family business space, why not join us for the next FBA Adviser Breakfast in May?

See you soon,

Lorraine Willis