Northern Ireland’s family business community came together at Down Royal Racecourse for Family Business Unfiltered recently, a unique event designed to spark honest conversations around the realities of running a family business.
Hosted by The Northern Ireland Family Business Forum in partnership with HM Chartered Accountants, Barclays Corporate Banking and Ulster University, the event brought together business owners, successors, advisors and industry leaders for a day focused on the challenges and opportunities facing family-run enterprises.
With the sun shining over Down Royal Racecourse, the room was filled with energy, openness and collaboration throughout the day. Unlike traditional business conferences, Family Business Unfiltered tackled the often-unspoken conversations that happen behind the scenes in family firms, including succession planning, leadership transitions, communication challenges and balancing family dynamics with commercial decision-making.
A highlight of the event was a series of live-acted scenarios, which reflected real-life situations experienced within family businesses. The performances sparked honest discussion and meaningful engagement among attendees, creating a space for shared understanding and open conversation.
The event was hosted by Caroline O’Neill, Founder of Digg, whose warm and engaging approach helped guide the day and encourage candid discussions across the audience.
Attendees also heard from two inspiring business leaders who shared personal insights into their own family business journeys.
Linda Stinson, founder of Bellamianta, spoke about recognising the strengths of her parents and bringing them into the business to help shape the brand into the successful company it is today.
Colin Conway, Managing Director of Newell Stores, reflected on growing up in the family business, learning the value of hard work from an early age, and evolving the company alongside his siblings while continuing to build on the family legacy.
Speaking about the event, Darren McDowell from HM Chartered Accountants said:
“Family Business Unfiltered was created to encourage honest conversations around the realities of family business life. The engagement and openness throughout the day showed just how valuable these conversations are. Family businesses play such an important role in our economy and communities, and it is important that they have opportunities to connect, share experiences and learn from one another.”
The event also celebrated businesses and individuals who have supported the Northern Ireland Family Business Forum over the last decade and helped shape it into the thriving network it is today through the presentation of the Family Business Honours Awards.
Congratulations were extended to all award recipients:
- RTU – Decade of Dedication Award
- Paul Black, Alpha – Family Business Ambassador
- Colin Conway, Newell Stores – Community Champion
- Linwoods Health Foods – Legacy in Action
- Morelli’s Ice Cream Ltd – Generations of Excellence
- McKeever Hotels – Commitment to People
- Mash Direct – Tradition Re-imagined
- Henry Brothers Ltd – Collective Leadership
- Anne O’Reilly & Derek O’Reilly, O’Reillys Wholesale – Spirit of Collaboration
- Ian Smyth, Ulster University – Outstanding Contribution to Family Enterprise
These honours recognised not only business success, but also the commitment and sense of community that sit at the heart of family enterprise across Northern Ireland.
Family-owned businesses continue to play a vital role in the Northern Ireland economy, contributing significantly to employment, innovation and long-term economic growth. Events such as Family Business Unfiltered aim to support these businesses by encouraging openness, planning and collaboration.
HM Chartered Accountants also extended thanks to Down Royal Racecourse for hosting the event, and to Craft Event Co for providing the meal enjoyed by attendees throughout the day.
For more information about the Northern Ireland Family Business Forum and upcoming events, please contact victoria@hm-accountants.com.