Andy Kennard Receives Family Business Australia Life Membership Award

Family business legend, Andy Kennard, has been presented with a 2018 Family Business Australia’s (FBA) Life Membership Award. The accolade is an acknowledgment of Andy’s role in forging the family-centric business that Kennards Hire is today, and his contribution to the family business sector in Australia.

Wednesday, 19 September is National Family Business Day. Organised by FBA, the day honours the significant contribution family businesses make to investment, workplaces and employment across Australia.

There are more than 1.4 million family run businesses in Australia, making up 70% of all businesses nationally. The annual day of acknowledgement sees the announcement of new inductees to their Family Business Hall of Fame, as well as the winners of the Family Business National Awards.

Andy’s Life Membership Award is well earned. His contribution to the sustainable growth of Kennards Hire, the equipment hire industry and the Australian family business sector is without peer. He also served on the FBA board as Chairman from 2012 through to 2014 and funded the development of FBA’s Directors Course.

Andy Kennard says it was a special honour to receive the recognition from Family Business Australia.

“As a business founded on firm family values, it has always been incredibly important that our employees feel part of the business. From the beginning, it is our fair-dinkum values that have enabled Kennards Hire to grow as a multi-generational business in Australia, a country that places great emphasis on hard work and innovation.”

“All our branches are part of local communities. From Tamworth in regional New South Wales through to Karratha in Western Australia, it’s a privilege to be able to contribute to local economies through investment, employment opportunities and community activities. When you spend money with a family-owned business, it helps our communities. And that’s a great thing to do,” Andy said.

Greg Griffith, CEO of FBA, says the National Family Business Day recognises the hard work, passion and innovation driven by family business.

“Family Business Day is a wonderful opportunity to recognise family businesses for their contribution to our nation’s economy, community and culture.”

In operation for 70 years, with a network of over 170 branches and more than 1,600 employees in Australia and New Zealand, Kennards Hire is a third generation family-owned and operated business. Its current CEO is Andy’s son, Angus. Proud members of FBA for 15 years, the business is an FBA Hall of Fame inductee and took home the FBA 2014 Distinguished Family Business of the Year Award.

Australian consumers are encouraged to continue their support of family-owned business and be on the lookout for the ‘A Family Owned Australian Business’ logo, appearing on participating family business products and service offerings.

For more information on Family Business Australia visit familybusiness.org.au