Message fron Andy Kennard: We are proud of being an Australian Owned Family Business

Family businesses in Australia account for over 70% of all businesses, employ 50% of the working population and contribute greatly to the economy. From international surveys consumers generally prefer to buy from family owned businesses which have a good reputation. Family Businesses have strong financial health with stronger balance sheets, lower levels of debt and higher growth. Around the world economies are dependent on the innovation and growth that family business provide.

We at Kennards are proud to be a 3rd generation family business. Our founders, Wally and Theo Kennard would be amazed at the reputation and size of the business now – from 1 store in rural Bathurst NSW in 1948 to over 120 stores Australia wide and now moving into New Zealand.

We are proud to be the best-known hire business in Australia with an excellent reputation for quality and friendly customer service.

We are proud to have so many loyal and hard working people with us. We have more than 50 people who have been with us for longer than 10 years, many over 20 years. Most of these are in a position of responsibility and authority and started as service people or hire controllers and worked their way up. But we have many long-term people who continue to maintain the quality of the equipment and provide excellent customer service directly.

This is what makes us a great family company. It is you who make us proud.

Wednesday 19th September is National Family Business day. We are having a morning tea at all branches to celebrate what family businesses contribute to the Australian economy..

I will be attending a morning tea at parliament House in Canberra and around 25 politicians from all parties will attend. I have been asked to say some words on behalf of family businesses nationally. It is important we get the attention of the politicians – not so we get handouts or benefits, but to ensure they understand the size and benefit of our sector in the economy and to consider us as the important allies we are.

On behalf of the Kennard family – Prue, Angus, Kirsty, Rory and Cam, and their spouses – Angela, Andy, Jackie and Anna and their 13 children, let me say thank you all.

Have a great day.

Andy.