The network is expanding into Lancashire and Yorkshire this month and, as I reflect on all that has been achieved in this county so far, I feel extremely proud and excited for how the network and I can help in those counties too.

Do you know a family business over the border? Put us in touch! Fear not though, as the network expands, it also deepens, and Cumbria will continue to be the jewel in the network’s crown.

Cumbria is my home and every day I meet or interact with family businesses whose home it is too, perhaps Cumbria is the spiritual home of the family business.

It certainly felt like that last month as a record- breaking six Cumbrian companies picked up national awards in London.

Congratulations again to herdy, Stalkers Transport, Grasmere Gingerbread, Pioneer Foodservices, Roland Hill Ltd and The Bath House.

A gratifying moment for us all – can we top it in June 2019? If you’re curious, you’ll be able to hear from a few of the winners at upcoming events.

In September we have a Next Generation Workshop run by Lamont Pridmore, and an insight event with The Bath House.

Stalkers Transport will be the focus of a Cartmell Shepherd family business-themed Summer Social event in August, which will also be featuring the brilliant More Handles and Ryecorn Ltd.

In Cumbria we are spoilt for choice when it comes to family businesses to learn from and nowhere more so than at the upcoming Family Business Conference on October 11.

Open to family businesses from across the country, the agenda is packed out with value for all.

I’m delighted to welcome more fantastic names to the line-up, including Lynne Mallinson of Country Puddings; Professor Carole Howorth, chair of sustainable and ethical entrepreneurship at the University of York (sadly no relation!) and the founder of the Family Business Centre at Lancaster University, as well as being part of a third generation family business herself; and Mark Sugden, of John W Laycock, a family business based in Yorkshire which dates back to 1810.

I know if you come you’ll get so much out of it – more than 100 family businesses did last year.

In fact, some of the feedback about the network has really shown the impact it has on family businesses.

Tangible results around improvement in recruitment due to family businesses’ brands and profile being raised.

An increased openness to embrace new opportunities as family businesses now openly ask each other for help in diversification, exporting and other issues.

Not to mention the how businesses are support each other’s next generation, allowing job swaps and co-mentoring. All are heart-warming examples, but, most importantly for me, it makes me realise the value and legacy the network is now adding to family businesses across the region. I will strive to ensure it continues to evolve and deepen in Cumbria, and now our neighbouring counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire.