AN ALTRINCHAM businesswoman who was one of the candidates in last year's series of The Apprentice will be one of the headline speakers at a new initiative for family businesses.

Rebecca Jeffery, who runs a marketing and design agency with her sister, will join Nick Bianchi of fourth generation family business Arighi Bianchi to speak at the inaugural Greater Manchester Family Business Day on June 29.

The event, which has been organised by The Greater Manchester Family Business Association (GMFBA) in conjunction with Family Business United, aims to provide support and networking opportunities for companies.

During the day, there will be virtual networking and collaboration opportunities such as social media hash tags.

In the evening a reception will take place at the Marriot Hotel in Hale where both Rebecca and Nick will speak about their own experiences running family businesses.

“Family businesses make such a vital contribution to our recovering economy," says Christian Mancier, a partner at Gorvins solicitors whose law firm founded the GMFBA alongside BDO Accountants and the NatWest Bank 12 months ago.

`This event is unique since it will involve both virtual communication between those taking part during the day and an evening event where family businesses will come together to listen to inspirational speakers and network with others who face similar challenges in running a family business.

"Advisers such as Gorvins, BDO and NatWest Bank will also be on hand on the night to offer guidance too."

Rebecca set up Fi & Becs Design and Marketing which now works with clients across the world.

Furniture retain business Arighi Bianchi was founded 164 years ago in Macclesfield and is still owned, run and managed directly by the fourth generation of the family.

Christian added: `Family businesses have their own unique challenges and requirements. The Greater Manchester Family Business Day will be an opportunity – like our association, the Greater Manchester Family Business Association – for local family businesses to network, collaborate, share ideas and work together both for their own benefit and the benefit of the whole of the region."

• To sign up to the Greater Manchester Family Business day, receive a marketing pack and book a place at the evening event, contact Paul Longmire at Gorvins solicitors on 0161 930 5278 or email paul.longmire@gorvins.com