A DIVERSE group of family business owners from across the Northwest will gather to share their journeys and experiences at a special conference event next month in South Cumbria.

The Family Business MidiCon – North West will take place at The Crooklands Hotel near Kendal on October 6.

Organised and hosted by The Family Business Community, the MidiCon will feature a series of engaging family business interviews, a parliamentary family business update from MP for Carlisle - John Stevenson, plus interactive sessions on topical family business issues as well as networking time.

The speaker line-up includes five family businesses from the area, including two generations of the Doherty family who own the Ulverston-based business The Plastic Bottles Company.

Mother and daughter business duo, Julie and Olivia Doherty, began on eBay selling spare plastic bottles; now The Plastic Bottles Company is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of plastic bottles, jars and caps with a worldwide client base.

Julie said: “Myself and my daughter, Olivia, are looking forward to sharing our family business story and experiences with a like-minded group at the MidiCon next month.

“Like all family businesses, having a good work/life balance is important to us but letting go of the reins can be difficult.

“We hope to share our experiences of succession planning and bringing in non-family leadership, which has enabled us to drive the business forward.”

The event, supported by Marsh Commercial and Cumbria LEP will run from 10am-3pm.

Sue Howorth, Co-Director of The Family Business Community said: “We’re really looking forward to holding our second North West MidiCon event this autumn. Our regional events are a great chance for family business leaders to meet and learn from one another in a relaxed environment.

“We know that many family business owners have common goals and challenges. Sharing these real-life experiences can really resonate with peers and often it can lead to some significant impact on their role within the business or even their future business strategy.”

Tickets are £65 plus vat including lunch and refreshments and can be booked online. Visit: https://tinyurl.com/4byucuj7