SOME of Bolton’s biggest family-run businesses will be sharing the secrets of their success at an exclusive event on June 20.

Bolton accountants Cowgills have teamed up with The Bolton News to stage the Family Business Forum at Bolton Art Gallery.

A total of 11 family-run businesses, with a combined turnover in excess of £400m, will be sharing their stories.

They include Jonathan Seddon, CEO, Seddon Group; David Smart, managing director, Greenhalgh’s; Matt Carr, director, Carrs Pasties; and Vimal Ruia, of Ruia Group.

They’ll be joined by Graham Rothwell, of Rothwell Plumbing Services; Antony Bennett, of Barry Bennett; Dave Sweeney, of Bank Top Brewery; and Brandon Pilling, whose grandfather founded Astley Dye & Chemical Co, which became known as Acdoco. Three female entrepreneurs from across the North West will also be talking about the highs and lows of working in a family business. They are Tracey Dawson, of Leeds-based Daletech Electronics; Annette Weekes, managing director of PDS (CNC) Engineering, in Nelson; and Laura Beattie, co-founder of Co-Founder of luxury, ethical womenswear brand Careaux.

The speakers range from start-ups to third generation family firms and they will discuss everything from succession planning, shareholder agreements and pivoting the direction of the business. The event has been organised by Cowgills together with Handelsbanken and KLB Solicitors and will be a great opportunity to network and learn from some of the region’s most successful businesses.

A handful of places are still available for the exclusive event, which will be chaired by leading North West business editor Chris Maguire. If you are part of a local family business and would like to secure a place please email Claire.OGorman@cowgills.co.uk . The event starts at 5pm and finishes at 8pm.