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Web Exclusives

Trust in traditional family business values

September 24, 2009

As the end of the recession draws nearer and family businesses attempt to assess how they fared, www.campdenFB.com talks exclusively to Roger Pedder, head of the evaluation committee for the Coutts Prize for Family Business, about why he believes the family business model is so strong, the virtues of following an ethical code and the importance of continuity in business success.

"I think you will find, come the end of the recession, that family businesses prospered rather better than many public companies," says Roger Pedder, former head of C&J Clark Ltd (Clarks shoes) and head of the evaluation committee of the Coutts Prize for Family Business.

Introducing the Institute for Wealth Management Standards

September 17, 2009

The aftermath of the financial crisis has seen many people talk about the world changing forever, but few have come up with any credible, long-term solutions that are ready for implementation.

The aftermath of the financial crisis has seen many people talk about the world changing forever, but few have come up with any credible, long-term solutions that are ready for implementation, writes Marc Smith.

As policymakers and regulators grapple with how best to curb excessive risk taking, improve warning systems and generally clean up a bloated, rotten system, families of substantial wealth have been coming to terms with losing significant sums of money.

Campden FB/Mishcon de Reya survey: family businesses reveal views on economic turmoil

September 9, 2009

Campden FB and Mishcon de Reya carried out an exclusive global survey on the views of family business owners to the current economic climate between May and August. The results, published today, show family businesses are feeling the effects of the recession but it has not made the majority more willing to sell up.

Campden FB/Mishcon de Reya survey: final results

September 9, 2009

The Campden FB/Mishcon de Reya survey canvassed opinion from family businesses all over the world as to their views on the economic climate. The final results are presented here

Campden FB/Mishcon de Reya survey: how views differ from region to region

September 9, 2009

The main results of the Campden FB/Mishcon de Reya survey provided some telling insights into the general mood of family business. However, responses differ from region to region (four were surveyed: Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America and South America) and show some cultural variations that affect how families and their businesses operate.

Why fast expansion is not always a good strategy for families

September 3, 2009

Two Indian family businesses agreed last week one would acquire part of the other. The timing proved perfect for both Wockhardt and Fortis as each was facing growth-related difficulties, however other businesses should not take such risks, cautions Professor Kavil Ramachandran

Fortis Healthcare, the India-based family-controlled healthcare group, acquired 10 hospitals from the Wockhardt hospitals chain for $193 million last week. Wockhardt, another family business, sold at a price that was much lower than it had planned for a year ago at the time of a failed IPO.

Family name keeps sales growing at Napa winery

August 27, 2009

When the Trefethen family began their Napa Valley winery 41 years ago there was no need to emphasise the family qualities of their business because almost all vineyards were family run. Now the Trefethen’s display “family” on its wine labels to differentiate it from corporate wine makers and as a mark of quality, as Bryce Hubner discovers

When the Trefethen family began their Napa Valley winery 41 years ago there was no need to emphasise the family qualities of their business because almost all vineyards were family run. Now the Trefethen's display "family" on its wine labels to differentiate it from corporate wine makers and as a mark of quality, as Bryce Hubner discovers

Toy story: How family companies are bucking the trend

August 20, 2009

Two iconic family companies explain to Katie Barker how they are thriving in a competitive industry despite the recession thanks to the introduction of professional management and the continuation family values.

When Lego turned to Jorgen Vig Knudstorp as CEO in 2004 he became only the second non-family member to lead the company in its 77-year history. Third-generation Kirk Kjeld Kristiansen had been running the iconic toy giant for 25 years but acknowledged he had lost his way. The business was suffering under a weight of debt and stagnating with management that believed the company was in better shape than it actually was.

Discover tranquility at an upstate New York castle

August 13, 2009

Fewer then 10% of family businesses in America succeed to the fourth generation, but Mohonk Mountain House in New York State, celebrating its 140th Anniversary this year, is run by not only fourth but also fifth generation members. Since 1869 this spacious Hudson Valley resort has been owned and operated by the Smiley family, beginning with Alfred Smiley who came to visit and bought the property with his twin brother Albert.

Family man takes on The Lady

August 6, 2009

Ben Budworth, fourth-generation publisher of The Lady magazine, knew he was taking on a challenge when he joined his family’s business last year. But modernising a magazine that has been around since the 19th century is no easy task, as he exclusively reveals to Katie Barker.

Ben Budworth, fourth-generation publisher of The Lady magazine, knew he was taking on a challenge when he joined his family's business last year. But modernising a magazine that has been around since the 19th century is no easy task, as he exclusively reveals to Katie Barker.