News & Blog 
James Kirby
Proprietor
Hungerford Hill Wines
Business Industry/Description:
A boutique wine producer, based in the Hunter Valley, producing world class wines from premium NSW wine regions.
Website:
www.hungerfordhill.com.au
What generation is your family business?
In the Kirby family business I’m the 3rd generation. In Hungerford Hill I’m the first. My 2 kids are just now at drinking age and are keen to learn more about wine but won’t join the business until they have developed their own careers.
How many family members in your business?
In the Kirby family are my father, 3 siblings and 2 cousins, so a total of 7 active in the property and investment business.
What is your role in the family business?
I’m full time CEO of the wine business and a director of our property and investment business and our family foundation.
Who is a major influence for you in the family business? Why?
My father, who is 86 years young, is fully retried but still a great mentor to me.
What keeps you up at night?
I sleep well, but the wine business continues to be held back by the high A$, oversupply and discounting.
What’s the key benefit of your FBA membership?
I have been a member of a forum group for 13 years and this group has had an enormously positive impact on my business success.
[/special_functionality_column][special_functionality_column lg=”6″ md=”6″ sm=”6″ xs=”12″ ]FBA Accredited Adviser
David Lucas
CEO
Self Managed Family Office
Business services description:
SMFO offer packages to empower families to set up and manage their own family office. The family can seek outside assistance from SMFO+ its own advisers+ the SMFO adviser network as and when needed. Advisers also see the packages as a cost-effective “kick start’ to encourage their own clients to start the process.
Website: www.smfo.com.au
How long have you been working with family businesses?
As a practising business lawyer specialist, I have been working with families for over 30 years, and so am now helping 2nd and 3rd generations.
What’s one of the most common mistakes you see in family businesses?
Not finding the time to devote to thinking and planning and using the excuse “too busy now – try later”. I urge “spend some time doddling”.
What is your “uh ha” moment with your clients?
When they realise “YES. We as a family can do this” and take control of their family dynasty plans.
[/special_functionality_column][/special_functionality_row]
