In September 19th 2012, Australia will celebrate National Family Business Day, a day designed to recognize the invaluable contribution family businesses make to the Australian economy. Family businesses are the backbone of Australia, with many of Australia’s largest and most loved companies starting off as a family business. Iconic Australian brands such as Coopers Brewery, Akubra Hats, Raine and Horne, Haighs Chocolates, Maggie Beer, Myers, Ugg Australia and even our most famous Aussie cossie – Speedo, started life as a family business.

The family business sector accounts for around 70 per cent of all businesses in Australia. The average family business turnover is $12 million per annum  and the sector employs 50 per cent of the Australian Work Force. View the statistics here.

As the peak body for the Family Business Sector, Family Business Australia is celebrating at a formal function at Parliament House, 19 September 2012. The event will be attended by iconic Australian family business brands such as Raine and Horne, Kennards Hire and Akubra, representatives from Australia’s peak body for family business, Family Business Australia, advisers and educators in the family business sector, politicians and members of the Press Gallery.

The day will recognise the contribution family business has made to the economic, cultural and social fabric of Australia. Supporters of the sector are encouraged to recognise their local family owned Australian businesses.

Concurrent official events are being held in every state with Queensland’s  being held at the Ship Inn at Southbank from 10.30 to 11.30. Members of the FINH Team will be there to celebrate along with some of our family business clients. Those family businesses who are unable to make it to the official event are being encouraged to recognize the day within their own workplace with family members and staff.