This year marks a special milestone for the Northern Ireland Family Business Forum as we celebrate ten years of connecting, learning, and sharing insights from across the province. To mark the occasion, HM Chartered Accountants, in partnership with Business Eye, hosted a round table event at The Ivy in Belfast city centre, bringing together leaders from some of Northern Ireland’s most dynamic family businesses.
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The conversation offered a fascinating snapshot of where our family firms have come from over the last decade—and where they are headed in the years to come.
Participants reflected on the challenges of the past ten years, from the financial pressures of expansion to the disruption of Covid-19. Many businesses spoke of resilience, pivoting business models, embracing digital transformation, and investing in new facilities. Clearhill, for example, responded to the decline in cash transactions by introducing contactless payment technology, while McShane Packaging pushed through sectoral shifts by diversifying and planning for new governance structures.
The role of family remains central. Several businesses spoke about the entry of a new generation, sons, daughters, and even grandchildren, taking up leadership positions and driving the future. Others discussed the realities of succession planning, and the importance of introducing formal boards and external expertise to strengthen governance and scale for growth.
Looking forward, a common theme emerged: the need for people. Whether in construction, hospitality, or manufacturing, leaders highlighted the challenges of recruitment, skills shortages, and the importance of developing in-house talent through apprenticeships and training. Alongside this, investment in technology and sustainability was front of mind, with firms recognising that digital innovation and responsible growth will shape competitiveness in the next decade.
As Darren McDowell of HM Chartered Accountants noted, the stories shared at the round table exemplify the spirit of Northern Ireland’s family businesses, building on strong foundations, adapting to change, and investing for the future. Dr. Ian Smyth added that the recurring themes of growth, succession, technology, and talent reflect both the challenges and opportunities family firms face.
The round table not only celebrated ten years of the Family Business Forum, but also set the stage for the next decade. Family firms remain the backbone of our economy, innovative, resilient, and deeply rooted in their communities.
We look forward to continuing the conversation at our next event in Belfast on 17th October, where we will gather again to celebrate ten years of the Forum and to look ahead to the future of family business in Northern Ireland.
To secure your seat at the conference please click the link below:
Buy tickets – 10 Years of Stories...Generations of Impact – W5 Belfast
