A fully-funded interactive two-day workshop designed in association with Lancaster University Management School’s Centre for Family Business will help participants to develop strategies for growth and how to overcome trans-generational challenges that can hamper their advancement.

The programme takes place between 10am and 8pm on Wednesday, March 19, and 9.30am and 1.30pm on Thursday, March 20 at Lancaster University Management School.

Dr Alfredo de Massis, director of the Centre for Family Business at Lancaster University Management School, said: “Family businesses are very important to our economy. Some of the biggest names on the high street have started out as family businesses, and many of the region’s top companies are family-owned.

“The issues the workshop will address are deeply-rooted in our academic research. It will take a look at the specific problems that are faced by family businesses as they inspire to grow from one generation to the next.”

As well as Dr de Massis, speakers at the ‘Innovation Trade-offs and Goal Setting in Family Business’ event include:

Andrew Beale, managing director of Beales Hotels which was established in 1769. Mr Beale is the eighth generation of the family in the business.

Jaqueline Jackson is business engagement manager at the Centre for Family Business. She previously owned and operated a fourth-generation family business and acted as vice chairman of a family-held retail group representing more than 1,300 SMEs.

Gillian Hall is the third generation owner of Buters Farmhouse Cheeses. The business, which has been crafting superior cheeses since 1932, supplies retailers such as Marks and Spencers and Sainsbury’s.

Participants will also benefit from an evening masterclass delivered by Rachel Elnaugh, founder of experience gift company Red Letter Days and a former Dragon on BBC TV’s Dragons’ Den.

The ‘Innovation Trade-offs and Goal Setting in Family Business’ programme is designed for family businesses that have been running for two generations or more. First generation family businesses that are in transition are also welcome to join.

Family businesses interested in registering for the programme should contact Jen Melling by emailing ifg@lancaster.ac.uk or calling 01524 510769.

The Lancaster University Management School Centre for Family Business is internationally recognised for its research. More information about the centre can be found by visiting http://www.lums.lancs.ac.uk/departments/Entrep/family-business/