As the Family Business Community returns to the Concorde Conference Centre at Manchester Airport on the 19th May with the 2023 North West Family Business Awards, they are thrilled to share that Co-hosting the Awards once again will be the renowned food and drink broadcaster and writer, Nigel Barden.

With numerous radio and TV shows under his belt, Nigel works on the Simon Mayo Drivetime Show on Greatest Hits Radio and specialises in promoting British ingredients and artisan producers, particularly in his role as chairman of judges for The Great Taste Awards and as a host at Tom Kerridge’s ‘Pub in the Park’ festivals.

Nigel has a great affinity with the North West, having grown up on a Lancashire farm and previously working as a land agent and wine merchant in the surrounding areas. Simply put, the North West is in Nigel’s DNA, and his understanding of family businesses comes from personal experience. Having watched his grandparents run Grimshaw’s Tannery and working with numerous breweries, farmers, food producers and bars and restaurants over the years, his insight into what makes them a success is immense.

Commenting on what makes family businesses so special, Nigel feels that there’s an inherent ability to ‘graft’ and to go that step further when required, alongside being able to communicate effectively with colleagues and the wider business ‘family’.

He also stresses that being able to adapt, modernise and diversify is crucial to success and staying the course – get that right and a family business really can fly – just like the finalists of the North West Family Business Awards.

Nigel sees that many family business owners are generous with their time and knowledge, being keen to pass on their experience by taking on mentoring roles.

He is aware that running a family business can have its pitfalls, however, the ones that succeed are often those that are prepared to extend their ‘family’ to bring in a wider group of individuals with additional skills. It is a strength to recognise weaknesses and get people in to help – the sign of a truly modern family business.

Nigel’s very aware that the region is home to a wonderfully diverse and cosmopolitan range of communities. Family businesses are carrying on age-old traditions from across the globe, while also creating new ones. It is this cultural melting pot which gives the region its unique sense of place in the UK of today.

Over the years, Nigel has also been heavily involved in the sporting scene in the North West – playing rugby, cricket and golf all over the region. He’s also currently recording a new football video game, for which he’s the commentator. Through sports, he has made numerous friends and many are involved in family businesses.

Nigel’s really looking forward to meeting the amazing finalists in May, particularly as it returns to its spiritual home at the Concorde Conference Centre – a stunning venue which really has the wow factor.

The North West Family Business Awards are organised and run by The Family Business Community, and provide a fantastic opportunity for us to celebrate with family businesses from across the North West. As Co-host, Nigel will bring a wealth of anecdotes and stories, and his own wonderful brand of humour and charm to the awards ceremony.

To find out more about the event visit: https://www.northwestfamilybusinessawards.co.uk/about/

The 2023 awards are being held on Friday 19th May at the Concorde Conference Centre, Manchester Airport and tickets are still available.

To book your tickets, please visit: https://fambizcommunity.com/event/north-west-family-business-awards-2023