The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Family Business was established in 2011 to promote and facilitate communication and understanding between the UK family business sector and members of both Houses. Family firms make a significant economic contribution to the UK economy. 4.8 million businesses, employing over 12 million people, generating a quarter of GDP and contributing nearly £150 billion in taxes annually. Some 87% of rural SMEs are family owned.
Discussion and research covers a number of areas, including the provision of housing, broadband and mobile coverage, access to people, training and skills, financing growth, business support services, regulation and compliance.
John said, ‘I am delighted to be re-elected to Chair the APPG for Family Business. Family firms play a huge role in both our economy and their local communities, and have a particularly important part to play as we recover post pandemic. I am keen that family businesses continue to engage with Parliament and Government to ensure that there is an awareness of the very real issues family businesses face so that support and legislation can be facilitated that specifically assists and recognises the contribution of family businesses throughout Britain.
Here in Carlisle we have a number of family run businesses across a number of different sectors. These businesses make a great contribution to our local economy and also to our community. I am pleased to raise their contribution in Parliament.”