Preparations are under way for the fourth Family Business Conference, which will be held in Carlisle in October.

Sue Howorth, conference co-host and founder of the Family Business Network, said: “The Family Business Conference is our flagship event and it’s one that we’re very proud to host.

“This time we are introducing some new interactive elements to the conference that are designed to encourage meaningful discussion around the purpose, values and structures of our family businesses. We’ll also have a new two-generation panel discussion taking place, alongside a packed agenda of inspirational speakers.”

The line-up for the conference, on October 10 at The Shepherds, comprises of highly respected family business leaders, multi-generational family businesses, family business ambassadors and influential figures that work with the sector.

More names revealed this week to join the already high-profile list include the Smith family, of award-winning Cumbrian business Thomas Graham, George and Colin Bryan, of Drayton Manor Park, and the Reynolds family of Dales-based country house hotel, The Traddock.

Wendy Bennett and son Oliver, of Augill Castle near Kirkby Stephen, and Ruth Power, of Financial Management Bureau with her nephew Ali Brown, will form part of the two-generation panel, hosted by Emma Porter of Story Contracting.

Co-host and director of The Family Business Network, Dave Clarkson, said: “Having run the conference for a number of years now, we know that its unique format and environment provides value to delegates through peer to peer learning and the sharing of knowledge and stories.

“This opportunity for family business owners to step out of the business and to listen and learn from others is what makes the conference a worthwhile investment of time.”

The conference will be supported by several regional sponsors including Cartmell Shepherd, RfM Accountants, Enterprise Answers, Be the Business, Western Pensions, Cumbria Share, Elton Business Support and The Cumberland.

A further two sponsors have recently been announced as Jelf Insurance Brokers and Rachael Bell Wealth Management.

Sponsor Rachael Bell said, “We are excited to support the Family Business Conference.

“As a recently joined partner of the Family Business Network, this will be the first event that we are involved with and we can’t wait to see what the conference has in store.”

More than 100 family businesses are expected to attend the event and tickets are £55.