Date posted: February 10, 2013

MEDIA RELEASE

February 12, 2013

Family businesses across Australia to benefit from partnership AMPLIFi Governance and Family Business Australia to team up

Family businesses across Australia will benefit from an exciting partnership announced today between family board director specialist firm, AMPLIFi Governance and one of the most highly regarded organisations in the sector, Family Business Australia (FBA).

The arrangement will see AMPLIFi Governance underpin FBA’s Family Business Director Register offering the over 2,500 FBA member businesses access to a wealth of experience with regard to the appointment of non‐ executive directors to enhance the future success and sustainability of the family business.

The partnership, according to AMPLIFi Governance Managing Director, Susanne Bransgrove, largely evolved thanks to the organisations’ shared emphasis on the value of well functioning family business boards and the importance of good governance.

“In our experience it’s very common for family businesses to get to a point where they can really benefit from the establishment of a board with an independent director so we are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Family Business Australia ‐ it really was a natural progression given we are so closely aligned,” Ms Bransgrove said.

“Our team has been working with family and private businesses for over a decade and understand the challenges they face. Whether the business has grown to a point where it requires an injection of new expertise to progress to the next level; there are issues with family conflict or succession planning or if there is a need to improve accountability and governance, our model has a proven track record.”

Philippa Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of Family Business Australia reinforced the synergies between the two organisations identifying their shared understanding of the culture of family owned businesses as a key component.

“At Family Business Australia we have always recognised the importance of achieving a cultural and experiential fit when appointing non‐executive directors to a family business board, understanding the balance sheet is one thing but understanding family culture is critical for success,” Ms Taylor said. “As our members seek to professionalise their business practices, they inevitably turn to us when seeking qualified non‐family directors. The partnership with AMPLIFi will meet this need.”

“The team at AMPLIFi not only share this view but also have access to an impressive pool of independent directors. Importantly, these directors are experienced in introducing a boardroom culture, without compromising on the ethos and philosophies which form the foundation of family businesses.”

Family Business Australia is the country’s peak body supporting the family business sector, which accounts for around 70% of all Australian businesses and employs around 50% of its workforce. The organisation offers extensive education courses, networking opportunities and access to accredited advisers who specialise in family businesses.

AMPLIFi Governance will manage a register of qualified and accredited directors on behalf of FBA to deliver ongoing support, selection and development of non‐executive directors for family businesses who are seeking new board appointments. The two organisations will also be closely aligned in regard to training with both the FBA’s Directors Course and the AMPLIFi Associate Program providing the necessary tools for non‐executive directors to be recognised and placed on the Family Business Directors Register.

To find out more information about family business boards please contact Karen Doyle from Family Business Australia on 02 9592 3880 or visit www.fambiz.com.au. For more information on AMPLIFi Governance and the introduction of boards into family and private businesses, please contact Susanne Bransgrove on 1300 301 399 or visit www.amplifigovernance.com.

Ends.

Media contact: Maya Gurry – Fresh PR & Marketing P: 0410 109 102 E: maya@freshprm.com.au

Media interviews:

Susanne Bransgrove

AMPLIFi Governance
Mob: 0410 501 099
Email: sb@amplifigovernance.com

Philippa Taylor

Family Business Australia
Please contact Toni Barton ‐ 03 9867 5322