Celebrating Family Businesses – Small to Big!

On Tuesday, 19 September, we celebrate National Family Business Day in Australia and New Zealand, a day dedicated to recognising and honouring the invaluable contributions made by family-owned businesses to our economies, cultures, and communities.

From iconic names like Linfox in Australia to Whittaker’s Chocolate in New Zealand, there is a rich tapestry of family-owned enterprises that have made indelible marks on our nations. Yet, it's not just the giants that leave an impact; it's also the local corner store where you grab your morning paper, the caring local vet, or the dependable plumber who fixes your leaky faucet. Especially in these times of economic recovery, our support for these businesses is more critical than ever.

In both Australia and New Zealand, family businesses remain the bedrock of our societies and economies. Today, it's estimated that approximately 70% of all businesses in Australia are family-owned and operated, employing roughly 50% of the workforce. Similarly, in New Zealand, family businesses hold a special place in consumers' hearts, with 75% of them placing their trust in these enterprises over non-family-owned ones.

This year, Kennards Hire has proudly celebrated its 75th anniversary as a third-generation family business. Since its humble beginnings in Bathurst in 1948, the company has grown exponentially, now with over 200 branches and over 1,800 team members across two countries. Our guiding values of 'One Family,' ‘Fair Dinkum’, ‘Every Customer a Raving Fan’ and ‘Taking Hire Higher’ have been the cornerstone of Kennards Hire's success, guiding the building of the iconic equipment hire company we all know today.

Today is a day to celebrate family businesses in all their forms, whether it's the local tradesperson in their van, the florist who adds beauty to your special occasions, or the grocer at your neighbourhood farmers' market. Let's come together and show our support for these local family enterprises.

If you're interested in learning more about National Family Business Day visit the Family Business Association website.