Carlisle MP John Stevenson has shared his delight at the contribution of family-run businesses who contribute to the city’s economy.

This week, family businesses are joining together across the country to celebrate ‘Family Business Week’, and the role family businesses play in local communities. There are over five million family firms in the UK and help employ over 14 million people. Mr Stevenson is the chairperson of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Family Business (APPG FB).

Discussing the celebrations, Mr Stevenson said: “It is a great pleasure to chair the APPG FB, recognising the important contribution family businesses make to the economy, making up a third of the UK GDP and employing 50% of the UK workforce.

“We have many incredible family businesses in Carlisle, with successful stories of investment and business growth. They are key to our local economy and pay an integral part in the Government’s levelling up agenda, employing, retaining and developing local people, creating opportunities for our young people through apprenticeship schemes and generating employment opportunities in other sectors.

“In addition, many local businesses are active within our community raising funds for charity and taking part in community schemes. We should all be proud of the contribution these family businesses make.”