2017 is the year for family business in NSW & ACT and FBA will do great things – just wait and see! I can say this because I know what is on the program, and I can’t wait to share it with you all. The action all starts this month our first Show & Tell at Bright Print. This program was so successful here last year that FBA is rolling it out nationally as the Family Business Insider program – we will have another program of wonderful family businesses that will show us their business, tell us the story of how it came to be and their aspirations for the future.

Recent growth in activity amongst our adviser community has led to the launch of a 2nd, monthly Adviser Connect series which will be based at Parramatta. We have long recognised the need for our services for the large family business community in western Sydney and this program is just the beginning to address this need. We thank Coleman Greig, Spry Roughley and Vivente for hosting this series and making it possible. This group compliments the existing Adviser Connect Program in the CBD, where we thank Swaab Attorneys for again making this program available.

For those of you who are not aware (and I do get this question occasionally), FBA runs a highly sought-after Accreditation process for FBA Advisers – the Advisers who hold this qualification have been through an extensive process of education as to the unique qualities of families in business and have undergone a rigorous reference check. The difference between an Accredited Advisers and one who is not yet, is that you can only find the Accredited Advisers through FBA, so if you want to be sure that you are getting someone with experience in this sector, look for the Accredited Adviser listing on our website. Or contact me for further information.

The next really exciting news for February is that we are re-launching our ACT activities on Monday 27th. We have a great group of members in Canberra and surrounds and we are pleased to be able to offer them a program of local activities in 2017.  Our launch activity will include Kate Carnell – the Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman as well as a number of local government and business partners. If you happen to be in Canberra that evening – or would like to make the trip – you would be welcome to join us for a drink and celebration. Click here to register or call or email me with your interest.

In fact – call or email me anytime about anything! I work from home in relative isolation and nothing makes my role more meaningful than to hear from a member –especially if there is something tangible that I can do to help you.

Many of you know Lorena from the FBA office – she is going to be away until mid-March, as she is going to visit family in her native Chile. This is a long awaited trip and – on behalf of all members – I wish her a safe and happy journey. May memories be made – and we look forward to your return!

Wendy Foster
NSW & ACT Manager