New association to support Greater Manchester’s family-owned businesses

A new initiative to help family businesses has been launched in Greater Manchester.

Representing a collaborative effort between Stockport-based Gorvins Solicitors, accountancy and business advisory firm BDO and NatWest, the Greater Manchester Family Business Association will work to provide support and advice for family-owned firms from startups to more established enterprises.

The joint head of Gorvins’ family business team, partner Christian Mancier, said: “Gorvins Solicitors already has a strong and successful record working with family owned and managed businesses – businesses which we recognise are the cornerstone of the economy and the post-austerity revival.

“By launching the association such businesses will now have a forum where they can share their experiences with other family businesses, share and promote best practice and seek professional advice about all aspects of their business needs.”

The association’s inaugural event was attended by representatives of 60 family companies and took place at the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground.

BDO Accountants partner Ian Bingham believes his firm has strong credentials in supporting and advising the region’s family-run firms.

He commented: “Our goal is to work with the families to ensure they continue to succeed and to help to secure the future of the business for further generations.

“What BDO does well is highlighting where we can add value and provide the expertise to fill any gaps in knowledge and experience.

“We are proud to be part of the Greater Manchester Family Business Association which is a perfect forum for open and honest discussions as well as educating on the latest legislation and business news.”

According to the latest figures from the Institute of Family Businesses, the UK is home to almost 3m family-run firms, employing 9.2m people and accounting for two-thirds of the nation’s private sector enterprises.

NatWest’s director of Greater Manchester commercial, Dave Meredith, said: “The Greater Manchester Family Business Association will strive to help current management achieve their ambitions from both business and personal perspectives.

“The positive feedback from our initial event indicates that getting like-minded business people together and giving them the opportunity to debate these issues and share experiences is a powerful experience and we are looking forward to future events.”

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