Family Businesses And Community Engagement

Earlier this year, the IFB Research Foundation research conducted with researchers at the Universities of York and Birmingham on the social and community impact of family firms in the UK. The research took an in-depth look at how family businesses engage and form partnerships with local communities and community-based organisations.

The report Family Business and Community Engagement sheds light on the ways family businesses engage with their communities, and highlights the long-term benefits that sustainable business-community partnership can have for all parties involved.

As the research shows, these partnerships not only benefit the communities themselves, but also can provide real upsides for family businesses and business families too - through enhanced trust and reputation, and providing opportunities for the personal and the professional development of employees and family members.

Practical Support for Family Firms

Alongside the report- the IFB Research Foundation published a practical checklist to help family businesses plan their community engagement activities, to have the greatest impact.

It includes advice and support on:

• Defining the purpose and scope of your community activities

• Planning activities

• Delivering your activities

• Monitoring and evaluating your impact

• Document and reporting

• Learning from your experiences and continuing to improve.

If you are looking to step up the community work of your family firm this report and checklist will be great resources to help you take things to the next level.