September 19 is the day to celebrate National Family Business Day, an occasion which recognizes the great contribution family businesses make to the NSW and Australian economy, community and its culture.
Family businesses have been historically the backbone of Australian business, with many of Australia's largest and most loved companies starting off as a small family business and are supported by the organisation Family Business Australia (FBA) whose purpose it is to help family business succeed.
Mr Paul Crowther, whose family's coach business was started by his grandfather Sid Crowther and has been in operation since the 1930s, said it would be natural to think multi nationals have the biggest impact on economic development in the country.
"Whilst big business play an important role, family businesses are a powerhouse accounting for approx. 70% of all businesses in Australia and approximately 50 percent of the Australian workforce is employed in family businesses-estimated at half million businesses."
Paul was joined at the Gunamatta Bay Wharf by other iconic family business operators based in the Sutherland Shire and St George to acknowledge this significant event which is officially celebrated this year on Thursday 19th of September.
These businesses included Tynan Motors, Sealevel restaurant, Bates Bicycles, AJ Beard Bedding Company, Waratah Air conditioning and the iconic Cronulla Ferries- a local family run business with three generations of knowledge of Port Hacking and the Royal National Park in one of the Sutherland Shires greatest tourist attractions.
Kieran Tynan whose father Michael started Tynan Motors 54 years ago said Michael also believed family business was the backbone of the economy.
"We now have the 3rd generation involved in Tynan Motors and will celebrate National Family business day as a family" Kieran said
The family business asset is very real said sports promoter and owner of Bates Bicycles at Carlton, Phil Bates whose business commemorates its 100th year this month.
Another well known business family is the Allouche's whose Sealevel restaurant and Next Door Cafe continues to be a dominant force in the restaurant game, recently winning the prestigious Australian Catering Awards for excellence in the Seafood restaurant- informal category division.
Waratah Air is another shire success story, having always taken a great deal of pride in being a family focused business,and now working with Rob and Leanne are their son, daughter and nephew.
Gary Beard, managing director of AJ Beard bedding company which was started by his great grandfather Enoch William Beard, will celebrate 120 years of business on November 25, 2019, and is also an advocate for business getting involved in the FBA who provide access to specialist family, business and technical services and generate opportunities for families in business.
"The FBA's purpose is to help family business succeed. They do this by assisting family businesses and harness their unique competitive advantage, leveraging 'family business' as an asset," Mr Beard said.
He said that this years 21st National Small Business Conference had a record attendance as well as the most successful state conference in its history.
Please contact Marie Larkin who is the NSW local Family Business Association coordinator if you want to take advantage of what the FBA has to offer-mlarkin@familybusiness.org.au
