Launch starts countdown for Family Business Awards 2012

The 2012 Midlands Family Business Awards launched this week in Birmingham and for the third year will celebrate the performance, successes, growth, economic contribution and innovation of the region’s family businesses and their leaders.

Over half of the Awards’ sponsors return for a second consecutive year, including accounting and business advisory firm Smith Cooper, sponsor of the headline Midlands Family Business of the Year.

Smith Cooper’s return is joined by that of Aviva, Barclays Corporate, PwC, and Unum, alongside brand new sponsors Geldards LLP, Royal Sun Alliance, Thomas Miller Investment & First Actuarial, and Harvey Ingram which is to sponsor the ‘Manufacturing Excellence’ category that is new for 2012.

The Midlands Family Business Awards, which launched in 2010, are underwritten by Nottinghamshire insurance and financial advisory firm, The Wilson Organisation, a third generation family business. They are a not-for profit initiative which since their launch have raised more than £11,000 for Midlands-based charities supporting young enterprise and young people. The Awards’ chosen charity for 2012 is The Prince’s Trust (www.princes-trust.org.uk).

As well as the headline Family Business of the Year and the new Manufacturing Excellence categories, the full line-up of Awards for 2012 is The Best Small Family Business (turnover less than £5m for 2011/12), Fastest Growing Family Business, Service Excellence, Business Innovation, Commitment to the Community, Leading Adviser to Family Businesses, Sustainability, and Outstanding Contribution.