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Hear from Grant Menzies from Adina Watches on 3AW Australia Overnight with Tony McManus

Family Business Association (FBA) is proud to be promoting Australian Family Businesses through a fortnightly segment on 3AW's Australia Overnight with Tony McManus. On 3 April 2024, Grant Menzies from Adina Watches joined Tony McManus to discuss the family business, how it all started and the succession planning for the business.

Featured News & Articles

Why Family Business Matters? A Celebration of SSS Strawberries

KPMG and Family Business Association (FBA) work together to support family businesses across our nation. Family Businesses are the backbone of Australia's economy and make a significant broader contribution to the communities in which they operate.

Meet Our Member: Soniclean

We spoke with the team at Soniclean to learn more about their story and family business.

Why Family Business Matters? A Celebration of Allin Towbars

KPMG and Family Business Association (FBA) work together to support family businesses across our nation. Family Businesses are the backbone of Australia's economy and make a significant broader contribution to the communities in which they operate.

Meet Our Member: Pamela Jabbour from Total Image Group

We spoke with FBA member, Pamela Jabbour from Total Image Group, to learn more about their family business and the work they do in designing fit-for-purpose and fashion-forward uniforms.

Why Family Business Matters? A Celebration of the Smithbridge Group

KPMG and Family Business Association (FBA) work together to support family businesses across our nation. Family Businesses are the backbone of Australia's economy and make a significant broader contribution to the communities in which they operate.

Navigating Australia’s Privacy Act as a Family Business Owner

In response to the recent 2023 changes to the Australian Privacy Act, Peter Gatt at Majestic Computer Technology explores what these changes mean for your business and the family business community.

Last Chance to Register | Family Business Conference

Only two weeks to go until we all come together in Cairns! This is your last chance to register for the Family Business Conference 2024: Asia Pacific. 

Meet Our Member: Val Montagnana-Wallace from Hyphen

We spoke with FBA member, Val Montagnana-Wallace at Hyphen, to have a chat about her family business.

Why Family Business Matters? A Celebration of Kennards Hire

KPMG and Family Business Association (FBA) work together to support family businesses across our nation. Family Businesses are the backbone of Australia's economy and make a significant broader contribution to the communities in which they operate.

Meet Our Member: Brooks Hire Service

We spoke with the team at Brooks Hire Service to learn more about their history and family business as they celebrate their 45th anniversary.

Your Conference, Your Way | Family Business Conference

There is less than 4 weeks to go until we come together in Cairns for the Family Business Conference 2024: Asia Pacific!

Hear from Grant Menzies from Adina Watches on 3AW Australia Overnight with Tony McManus

Family Business Association (FBA) is proud to be promoting Australian Family Businesses through a fortnightly segment on 3AW's Australia Overnight with Tony McManus. On 3 April 2024, Grant Menzies from Adina Watches joined Tony McManus to discuss the family business, how it all started and the succession planning for the business.

Why family businesses should think about gender diversity and their bottom line

It’s now proven that diversity in business – and not just in top leadership positions – can improve overall performance. But exactly how does it lead to an improvement in the bottom line? Here’s what the research says.

Meet Our Member: Stockyard Beef

We spoke with Rebecca and Ali Hart from Stockyard Beef, FBA members in the premium beef industry, to learn more about their family business.

Family Business Association and KPMG’s New Partnership to strengthen support for New Zealand Family Businesses

Family Business Association (FBA) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with KPMG New Zealand (KPMG), a leading professional services firm with global reach and deep expertise across the family business sector.

Being in business can be lonely, a group of trusted peers can make it easier

After attending and running a workshop at an FBA Forum Group Program retreat, Accredited Advisor Dean Robinson reflected on the program, his experience at the retreat and shares key takeaways for family businesses.

Meet Our Member: CPR Hair

FBA State Representative, Lisa Jay, spoke with FBA member, Cass Donnelly to learn more about his family business and the rich history behind Australia's first haircare manufacturer.

Hear from Ray Borda from Macro Group Australia on 3AW Australia Overnight with Tony McManus

Family Business Association (FBA) is proud to be promoting Australian Family Businesses through a fortnightly segment on 3AW's Australia Overnight with Tony McManus. On 20 March 2024, Ray Borda from Macro Group Australia joined Tony McManus to discuss his family business, the history and the next generation.

Enhance Your Experience | Family Business Conference

Only six weeks until the Family Business Conference 2024: Asia Pacific gets underway in Cairns. We are looking forward to coming together once again as a family business community to connect and learn across 30 April - 3 May.

Meet Our Member: Uroxsys Limited

We had a chat with Uroxsys Limited, new FBA members in the chemical manufacture and polymer development industry, to learn more about their family business.

Navigating the Complexities of Family Business: Building a Solid Foundation for Success through the Accountability Chart

Running a business can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. One of the toughest hurdles is finding and keeping the right people in the right roles, especially as the business grows and evolves. This challenge is compounded when family members are part of the mix.

Record fines reinforce the importance of compliance with consumer protection laws

Significant penalties are being used by the Courts to ensure businesses both correctly market their goods and services and maintain adequate processes and systems to ensure that promises to customers are carried out. In this article, we discuss recent cases and key learnings to help family businesses comply with consumer protection laws.

Who owns the assets when inter-family asset protection arrangements are disputed?

Kylie Wilson and Deborah Johnson from Sparke Helmore Lawyers highlight what can happen when inter-family asset protection arrangements are disputed. So what should you do if you are thinking about a restructure?

Your Last Chance: Early Bird Offer

There’s less than two months until the Family Business Conference 2024: Asia Pacific gets underway in Cairns. We’re excited to bring a line-up of family business experts from across Australia and the world, who will share invaluable insights on sustainable growth and harmony.

Meet Our Member: AgXtra

We spoke with FBA member, Richard Porter from AgXtra, to learn more about his family business and the contributions the business is making to local communities.

Celebrating Women in Family Business this International Women’s Day

This International Women's Day we are so proud to celebrate all the incredible women in family business, and the contributions they make to their businesses, families and the wider community. Hear from seven women in family business as they open up about their experiences in family business and give advice for how we can empower the next generation of female leaders.

Your Family Business success hinges on the amalgam of Health, Wealth and Technology

Peter Gatt, Business Development Manager at Majestic Computer Technology shares insights into how three domains - health, wealth and technology – are important in the family business context and how they can help achieve your objectives.

Hear from Emily Hammon from Scenic World on 3AW's Australia Overnight with Tony McManus

Family Business Association (FBA) is proud to be promoting Australian Family Businesses through a fortnightly segment on 3AW and 5AA Australia Overnight with Tony McManus. On 6 March 2024, Emily Hammon from Scenic World joined Tony McManus to discuss their family business and their plans for the future.

Introducing the Full Program: Family Business Conference

Introducing the full program for the Family Business Conference 2024: Asia Pacific! A jam-packed program tailored specifically for family businesses, aimed at achieving sustained harmony and growth for both the business and family.  

Meet Our Member: Steve Plarre from Plarre Food Group

Our VIC/TAS State Representative, Tim Smith, paid a visit to Steve Plarre at the Plarre Food Group to have a chat about their family business growth and being an early adopter of sustainability.

Introducing: Self-Paced Online Strategic Business Planning Course for Family Businesses

In a first for Family Business Association, family businesses can now access an on-demand, self-paced online course to develop a tailored strategic plan. Introducing the Strategic Business Planning Course for Family Businesses, available now.

FBA Partners with Andreyev Lawyers to Enhance Support for South Australian Family Businesses

Family Business Association (FBA) is proud to announce a new South Australian state-based partnership with Andreyev Lawyers, a renowned legal firm supporting the family business sector.

Your Conference: Uniquely Family Business Specific

As the only conference in the Southern Hemisphere dedicated to family business, the Family Business Conference: Asia-Pacific 2024 is a rare opportunity to come together with family businesses from across Australia and New Zealand, and delve into all aspects of business, with a family business lens.

Meet Our Member: Liam and Madeline at Wet Paint Maintenance

We had a chat to new FBA members, Liam and Madeline at Wet Paint Maintenance, to talk about their family business.

10 tips for creating a great family business

FBA Accredited Advisor, John Broons provides a list of key strategies and tips to help family businesses thrive and succeed across generations.

Meet Our Member: Danielle Robertson from DR Care Solutions

We sat down with FBA member Danielle Robertson, Founder and CEO of DR Care Solutions, to learn more about her experience in private care services and what led her to start her own family business.

Hear from Michael Stillwell from Stillwell Group, and special guest David Mann on 3AW Australia Overnight with Tony McManus

Family Business Association (FBA) is proud to be promoting Australian Family Businesses through a fortnightly segment on 3AW and 5AA Australia Overnight with Tony McManus. Listen to the second segment from 7 February 2024, featuring Michael Stillwell from Stillwell Group and special guest, David Mann.

Early succession planning can help avoid expensive and draining litigation

The Australian Financial Review explores how family businesses have the potential to become a battleground, when the next generation disputes who gets what. Family Business Association (FBA) CEO, Catherine Sayer, spoke with the Financial Review to shed light on the importance of succession planning for family businesses to avoid disputes over verbal agreements.

Family Business Association Welcomes WA Leaders as Alliance Partner

Family Business Association (FBA) are thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter in the growth and support of family businesses across Western Australia through our new Alliance Partner, WA Leaders.

Meet Our Member: Tory and Amanda Greer at Stainless Steel Wire & Mesh (SSWM)

We had a chat with Tory and Amanda Greer, from Stainless Steel Wire & Mesh (SSWM), who have been members of FBA since 2019 and are also active members of FBA's Forum Group Program, to learn more about their family business, the Greer family history in the wire industry and the incredible work they do to protect Australians from bushfires.

Family Business Association Strengthens Regional Ties through Partnership with BSW Connect

Family Business Association (FBA) welcomes a new Alliance Partner in Western Australia, BSW Connect, highlighting the commitment of both organisations in ensuring that family businesses in the Southwest of Western Australia grow and thrive.

Hear from Catherine Sayer on 3AW Australia Overnight with Tony McManus

Family Business Association (FBA) is proud to be promoting Australian Family Businesses through a fortnightly segment on 3AW and 5AA Australia Overnight with Tony McManus. Listen to the first segment from 24 January 2024, featuring Catherine Sayer, FBA CEO.

Opinion Piece: Much more is needed to help small businesses

Family Business Association CEO, Catherine Sayer, and Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) CEO, Luke Achterstraat, jointly wrote an opinion piece on the impact the proposed Industrial Relations (IR) changes will have on small and family businesses. Published in The Daily Telegraph.

Family Business Association and Hood Sweeney join forces in inaugural state partnership

Family Business Association (FBA) has signed a partnership agreement with Hood Sweeney, forging its first state-based partnership in South Australia.

Meet Our Member: Jimboomba Turf

We sat down with Lynn Davidson, Managing Director of Jimboomba Turf, an FBA member in Queensland, to talk about his business, family and why he values being a member of FBA.

Vale Richard Owens AM

FBA Chair, Angus Kennard reflects on the life of family business legend, Richard Owens AM.

Get a Global Perspective: The Family Business Conference 2024

We are thrilled to share our line-up of international family business experts presenting at this year's conference. Whether they are travelling from across the world, or across the ditch, these global experts bring a wealth of family business experience and knowledge that transcends borders.

Meet Our Member: Adelaide Direct Stationers

We caught up with our member, Tim Whittaker at Adelaide Direct Stationers to hear how FBA has supported his second-generation family business journey over the years.

A Letter To the Editor: Family businesses – the ‘Silent’ sector

Family Business Association (FBA) advocates for the family business sector in relation to the proposed industrial relations (IR) legislation.

Helping businesses make better insurance decisions

Insurance brokers play a vital role in providing comprehensive insurance guidance, helping businesses to make well-informed decisions about their policies.

Meet Our Member: Heartland Chips

We sat down with Heartland Chips & Fallgate Farm, an FBA member in the food manufacturing and agriculture industry in New Zealand, to talk about their business and family.

Risk in Family Business

Business risk is something we think about, and which keeps us up at night, but we don’t always approach it in a proactive and structured way. A gambler takes risk (and enjoys the ride); an entrepreneur manages risk. Family businesses have certain attributes that lead to additional risks compared to other businesses. Indeed, some of the perceived strengths of family businesses are a double-edged sword that have corresponding risks.

The 2024 Events & Education Calendar – See what’s on for the year!

We’re delighted to release the 2024 Events & Education Calendar. It’s jam packed full of education, networking and social activities that are sure to enrich you and your family business.

Cybersecurity and the supply chain—Are your suppliers your weakest link?

Many companies entrust third parties with access to their data and systems but if they haven’t implemented the right cyber security measures, they could put a company at risk of a serious breach.

Navigating the Impact of Inflation on Commercial Contracts

After decades of low inflation, New Zealand finds itself in a high inflation world where rapid price rises have become the new normal and many businesses are suffering from margin compression. Many longer-term contracts have been negotiated with little thought about the possibility of high inflation returning. Some will become difficult or unprofitable to perform. By being proactive, family businesses can take steps to protect themselves from the negative effects of inflation and margin compression.

Intergenerational Discretionary Trusts

Discretionary trusts, often called family trusts, are important structures frequently used in intergenerational family business. As multiple family members are usually beneficiaries of such trust entities the treatment of the assets of these trusts are often considered in family law proceedings.

To AI or not to AI, this is not the question. Balancing Strategy and Insurance

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are revolutionising the business landscape and driving unprecedented changes across industries. Businesses are leveraging these technologies to create scalable solutions, improve production processes, automate tasks, and optimize customer service. However, this digital transformation is not without its challenges. It brings with it a host of reputational, regulatory, and legal risks.

The value in joining FBA's Forum program

Learning through shared perspectives and having a trusted ‘’safe space’’ to workshop challenges are 2 pillars of FBA’s highly successful Forum program. Our Forum Group program helps members become part of a trusted advisory board, leading to improved family business dynamics and personal and professional enrichment.

What do award-winning family businesses do to keep the family & the business happy?

Let’s look at some of the things that world-leading family businesses do to keep things clear & achieve the best results. The best family businesses have clearly defined & separated their family from the family business & ownership of family assets.

Celebrating National Family Business Day

Every September, Australia and New Zealand celebrates National Family Business Day – a day designed to recognise the significant contribution family businesses make to the Australian economy, community and culture. This year, National Family Business Day will take place on Tuesday, 19 September 2023.

Crombie Lockwood’s global insurance expertise for Fix and Fogg's spreading success

Awards from the Wellington business community are a far cry from what started as a ‘weekend hobby’ in 2013. Former lawyers Roman and Andrea Jewell started making jars of their now-famous range of spreads on Friday nights to sell on the weekends at local farmers markets in Wellington...

More zebra, less unicorn: the story of Pronto Software

Chad Gates, Managing Director of Pronto Software, was invited to deliver a welcome address at the recent Family Business Conference 2019. Here are excerpts from his presentation.

ANZ Private Investment Insights

Amidst the volatility that has characterised markets for much of 2022, ANZ Private recently hosted client events across Australia.

Right size, bite size

“There are so many things that can go wrong in a kitchen, and just as quickly as you make money, you can lose it. Having that security blanket in place is super important...

Tribute to Raymond Michell

Raymond together with his wife Rosemary were FBA life members and Raymond was instrumental in the origins of Family Business Australia...

Learn how to improve profit with these basic principles

So you want to improve the profitability of your business but don’t know where to start?

60 seconds with Mimmo Lubrano - CEO of Sandhurst Fine Foods

Here at Brands of Kin we are rather partial to good food, and even more so to a story of a generational family business...

Turning the wheels of our financial systems towards a sustainable future

The Sustainable Business Network (SBN) and Grant Thornton New Zealand recently released their report into the barriers New Zealand’s current financial system creates for meaningful progress towards a low carbon circular economy.

How inflation could affect your insurance claim

Inflation rates are at record highs in developed economies around the world and are not only devaluing the dollar but also potentially...

Do you know who has ultimate control of the income and assets of your family trust?

A family trust can often be the right vehicle to carry on your family business and manage family wealth...

Shaping your legacy - five mistakes to avoid

Would your assets end up in the right hands if you passed away suddenly?

Navigating the new .AU domain and why it matters

Building and maintaining your brand these days can begin and end with your online presence...

Crombie Lockwood’s expertise helping winemakers conquer the world

Maude Wines owner and winemaker, Dan Dineen, is pragmatic about the various risks commercial winemakers face at every step of the growing, producing and transporting process.

Three Ways to Make Others Feel Good When Giving Feedback

If you’re a leader looking for the best ways to give constructive feedback, you’re in good company...

A Great Culture Needs an IT Operational Backbone to Ensure Success

Leaders are the backbone of a family business...

Protect and Preserve

I recently visited and observed a once vibrant and profitable business that had descended into mediocrity...

Confused about enterprise agreements? Give it the BOOT

Something that sets family businesses apart from others is a focus on family values...

2022 winners of the Family Business Excellence Awards

CONGRATULATIONS to the 2022 winners of the Family Business Excellence Awards...

The New Matriarchs

The days of male-line primogeniture (where the eldest son inherits the entire estate) are waning, as a result of generational shifts in attitudes...

Selling a house vs selling a family business

The family business is the greatest financial asset owned by the family and starting a divestment process can be quite daunting...

Property and construction forums reveal huge challenges – and a few bright spots

A recent series of property and construction sector forums hosted by Grant Thornton New Zealand provided insights into some of the biggest talking points across the sector.

The Skills Shortage: Attract & Screen Incredible Talent for your Family Business

More than ever we are in a war for great talent, the uncertainty of the last couple of years has left a lasting impact on the job market, with fewer candidates applying across all industries...

Australia’s Summit for Women in Family Businesses is back for 2022

After a three year hiatus, the Women in Family Business Network (WIFBN) National Conference now called “Elevate Summit” is back on...

NZ’s progress on environment & sustainability: A view from the year 2030

The year is 2030. I’m sitting in my home office in an apartment that’s ironically located in what used to be an office building...

Six generations of sparkle - A 200 year old jewellery dynasty

Few businesses in New Zealand can claim to have as prestigious a history as Partridge Jewellers. Family-operated since the 1800s, with the sixth generation now working in the business, it is a veritable dynasty —a fact that isn’t lost on its current leader, Grant Partridge...

How family business have proved their resilience

Family businesses in Australia have outperformed other organisational models in riding out the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, due to...

It’s Not What You Know, It’s What You Can Prove In Court

Small and family business employers may not be aware of stringent record-keeping obligations under the Fair Work Act 2009...

Competitive SA Industry Leaders Fund Scheme Opens 2022 Round!

South Australia’s Industry Leaders Fund has opened its 2022 study grant scheme...

When does the survivor under a mutual will agreement have trustee obligations?

A recent case has provided a detailed analysis of the law on mutual will agreements and its effectiveness as an estate planning tool in modern blended families...

Are You Hindering Your Business Potential Without Knowing IT?

Most owners think they are doing a great job in IT, but in reality, a hidden problem looms silently, until one day it all comes crashing down

Diversifying your investment strategy for changing times

With cash looking set to deliver negative real returns in the years to come, savvy investors are seeking alternative opportunities to achieve diversification and growth within their portfolios...

Sound Governance - It's Not a Choice; It's Essential

Governance in a public company is challenging enough.When Governance is working within your family business, family members and all people working in your business are clear about...

Bond Test News Article

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Letting Go of the Reins

Only about 3% of all family businesses operate into the fourth generation or beyond...

Family Constitutions - Is the Hype Real?

We have all heard the statistics that 70% of wealth transfers to the next generation fail. When this moves past 2nd generation and into the 3rd generation and beyond, this failure rate is above 90%.

Get to know Fellow FBA Member - Dracula's Cabaret

Dracula's Cabaret Operations and Production Manager, Luke Newman, gives his personal insight into the pros and cons of working in a family business in the interview below...

One Plus One Equals Three

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Mixing Family and Business, or Love and Work: Candy Cane or Dynamite!

Family businesses are also made up of two components: 'family' and 'business'...

Get to know fellow FBA member - Bennetts Steel

Bennetts Steel General Manager, Shiree Bennett, gives her personal insight into the pros and cons of working in a family business in the interview below...

Tips to help family business owners embrace their entrepreneurial spirit

ntrepreneurs are by nature innovative, creative, and risk takers. But, not all entrepreneurs are successful business owners...

What insurance does my small business need?

Insurance is crucial for small businesses as it provides valuable support for many potential negative impacts and can represent the difference between survival or closure in crucial times...

When your attorneys are not enduring

An enduring power of attorney allows a person to appoint someone they trust to make decisions about their personal, health or financial matters at...

Get to know fellow FBA member - Birdsnest

Birdsnest founder, Jane Cay, gives her personal insight into the pros and cons of working in a family business in the interview below...

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