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UK family businesses

Remembering Roger Pedder, former Clarks chairman

October 16, 2015

Roger Pedder, the man credited with turning around shoe manufacturer and retailer Clarks, and helping it become one of the sector's top companies globally, has died from leukaemia aged 74.

Roger Pedder, the man credited with turning around shoe manufacturer and retailer Clarks, and helping it become one of the sector's top companies globally, has died from leukaemia aged 74.

He became chairman of UK-based Clarks in 1993 following disputes between family members over whether to sell amid stagnant turnover and falling dividends.

A retail specialist, Pedder heavily expanded Clarks' high-street presence, a move that paid off as operating profit increased from £27.6 million in 1993/94 to £94.2 million in 2005/06.

Lessons on family business succession from Rupert Murdoch

June 19, 2015

The Murdoch family likely had a considerable amount of discussion and debate about the succession of brothers James and Lachlan Murdoch to the helm of 21st Century Fox, a US family business expert says, and did well to keep those discussions contained.

Earlier this month it was revealed that Rupert Murdoch was standing back as chief executive of the movie and entertainment studio, appointing his sons to top positions within the company, with James becoming chief executive.

Audrey Baxter returns as CEO of family’s food group

February 27, 2015

Scotland’s Baxter Food Group, known for its soups and chutneys, has returned to the sole charge of fourth-gen businesswoman Audrey Baxter, following the sudden departure of a non-family chief executive.

Baxter, who has been chairwoman since 2002, will take over from Bill King, who had been chief executive since 2009 and joined the company in 2002.

The announcement coincided with the release of the company’s 2014 results, and news that it has acquired US convenience food and military ration company Wornick.

UK family business policy recommendations issued ahead of next year’s election

November 5, 2014

A list of 12 policy recommendations to support British family businesses has been published by a national sector organisation, ahead of the country’s elections next year.

A list of 12 policy recommendations to support British family businesses has been published by a national sector organisation, ahead of the country’s elections next year.

Notable family businesses in the UK include construction machinery manufacturer JCB, famed for its yellow diggers, and Associated British Food, which is controlled by the Weston family and owns discount retailer Primark.

Toye & Co descendent tries to turn family business private again

July 10, 2014

The chairman of one of the UK’s oldest family businesses has posted a formal offer to de-list the jewellery and medal maker and return it to full family ownership.

The chairman of one of the UK’s oldest family businesses has posted a formal offer to de-list the jewellery and medal maker and return it to full family ownership.

Bryan Toye, a direct descendent of the original founders of Toye & Co, took a controlling interest in the Birmingham company last week, and immediately announced a 35p per share offer to remaining shareholders.

Independent directors have recommended shareholders reject the offer saying it does not represent fair value for the company.

Let the games begin

June 12, 2014

A hereditary knack for creating highly addictive games has kept Jaques of London in business for eight generations, and despite the growth of computer games the family firm insists there’s an increasing demand for old-fashioned fun. CampdenFB reports

New chair appointed at UK family business organisation

May 1, 2014

The non-family chairman of an international facilities management company has been appointed chairman of the Institute for Family Business (IFB).

The non-family chairman of an international facilities management company has been appointed chairman of the Institute for Family Business (IFB).

Peter Armitage, who has been the chairman of OCS Group since 2005, will take up the IFB chairmanship in June. He joined the company in 1979, and became managing director of OCS International in 2001.

During that time the company has transformed from a largely UK-based business to a group operating in 40 different countries.

Hotelier father and son face off in court

November 19, 2013

The British hotelier behind Radisson Blu Edwardian is facing off against his son in court this week, accusing the next-gen of failing to share the family wealth that he helped to build.

Bal Mohinder Singh, moved into the hotel business, along with his eldest son, Jasminder, shortly after immigrating to the UK in 1973, gradually buying a portfolio of landmark properties, including Savoy Court and the May Fair in central London.

Merrythought commemorates royal birth

July 24, 2013

The royal baby boy, born to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on Monday, is to become the latest member of the British royal family to own a Merrythought teddy bear.

In honour of his birth, the family firm, now in its fourth generation, produced 200 limited edition commemorative bears and has gifted the first in the series to the latest addition to the royal family.