The NI Family Business Forum recently took to the road for its latest event, Family Business Unfiltered, held at Down Royal Racecourse and what a memorable day it proved to be.
With the sun shining over the racecourse, the setting provided the perfect backdrop for a day centered on openness, shared experience and honest conversation. The atmosphere in the room was warm and engaged from the outset, with family businesses from across Northern Ireland coming together to connect and learn from one another.
Creating Space for Honest Conversations
Family businesses are built on strong relationships, but with that comes a unique set of dynamics and challenges. Family Business Unfiltered was designed to create a safe and supportive space to explore those realities.
A standout element of the day was the live-acted scenarios, where professional actors brought common family business situations to life. These moments resonated strongly with the audience, prompting thoughtful discussion and genuine engagement as attendees reflected on their own experiences.
Guiding the day was Caroline O’Neill, Founder of Digg, whose thoughtful and engaging approach helped foster an open and welcoming environment for conversation.
Real Stories from Family Business Leaders
The event also featured two candid on-stage interviews with respected family business leaders.
Linda Stinson, Founder and CEO of Bellamianta, shared her journey of building the business and the decision to bring her parents into the company. Recognising their individual strengths, Linda highlighted how their involvement has played a key role in shaping the business into what it is today.
Colin Conway, Managing Director of Newell Stores, spoke about growing up within the business and the strong work ethic instilled from an early age. He reflected on how the business has evolved overtime, with both he and his siblings playing an integral role in its and success. On the day, Colin and his sister Petra were also recognised with the Community Champion Award.
Celebrating Family Business Excellence
The afternoon concluded with the presentation of the Family Business Honours, recognising individuals and businesses who have supported and strengthened the Forum over the past decade.
This year’s recipients included:
These awards reflect not only business success,but the collaboration, resilience and community spirit that define family enterprise.
Guests also enjoyed a celebration lunch, provided by Craft, offering further opportunity to continue conversations and strengthen connections within the network.
The NI Family Business Forum continues to be supported through a valued partnership with Ulster University, alongside the ongoing support of Barclays. Their contribution plays an important role in enabling the Forum to grow and deliver meaningful events such as this.
We also extend our thanks to Down Royal Racecourse for hosting such a fantastic event in a truly unique setting.
Looking Ahead
Events like Family Business Unfiltered serve as a reminder that family businesses do not grow in isolation. They grow through shared experience, open dialogue and strong relationships.
We would like to thank everyone who joined us on the day and contributed to such a positive and engaging event. We look forward to continuing the conversation at future NI Family Business Forum events.
