Keeping it in the family
Keynote speaker: Robert Stewart, founder of Stevenage Packaging (SPL)
The challenges of running a family business:
- SPL employs three generations of the family, ages ranging from 16 - 78 yrs
- Longevity is really important
- Wanted to build something that will last
- Values are important in running a family business. SPL has a Values Director and everything must go past him, he also steers the Board so that SPL lasts for decades
- Being a member of the family is no guarantee that you will work for SPL, they have to be the right people. 'workright not birthright'
- Not always easy running a family business but you have to make sure that family comes before business. There have been many difficult conversations over the years with family members involved in the business
- Family members make personal and financial sacrifices to make sure the business continues to grow
- The prize is centuries of growth for the business.
