Family Business Week 2026: in conversation with Midlands family business leaders
Hosted by Family Business UK and KPMG
An interactive discussion with Matthew Ayres, Bennie Group, and fellow Midlands family business leaders.
About the event
From the manufacturing businesses that helped build the Midlands to the family enterprises shaping its future, family businesses have long been at the heart of our region’s economic success. As part of Family Business Week 2026, join Family Business UK and KPMG for an interactive breakfast discussion exploring how family businesses are supporting local growth across the Midlands.
Our guest speaker Matthew Ayres, fourth-generation family business leader and Group Managing Director of Bennie Group, will share his experiences of leading a multigenerational family business and the opportunities and challenges of investing, growing and creating employment in the region.
Matthew’s insights will set the scene for a wider roundtable discussion, bringing together family business owners and leaders to share their perspectives on local priorities, challenges and opportunities, and explore how family businesses can continue driving growth across the Midlands.
What we’ll cover
- Supporting local growth: How family businesses contribute to employment, investment and economic prosperity across the Midlands.
- Regional opportunities and challenges: The issues affecting business confidence, investment and growth in different parts of the region.
- Balancing heritage with ambition: How family businesses navigate change and growth while maintaining their values and long-term outlook.
- Peer Learning: Sharing experiences, practical approaches and ideas that could support family business growth across the Midlands and beyond.
Who should attend?
This event is designed for family business leaders; owners, CEOs, managing directors, next and now generation leaders as well as senior executives working within family-owned businesses across the Midlands.
Whether you’re leading an established multigenerational business or helping shape the future of a growing family enterprise, this is an opportunity to contribute to the conversation, share experiences and connect with others who understand the unique dynamics of family ownership.
Event details
Date: Tuesday 24 November 2026
Time: 9.00am – 11.00am
Venue: KPMG, One Snow Hill, Birmingham, B4 6GH
Both Family Business UK members and non-members are welcome.
Proposed agenda
9.00am – Arrival, breakfast and networking
9.30am – Welcome and introductory conversation with Matthew Ayres
9.50am – Facilitated roundtable discussion
10.45am – Closing reflections
11.00am – Close
Register now
Places are limited and advance registration is required.
Secure your place today.