A first-of-its kind, national awards campaign is celebrating Britain’s five million family-run businesses.

‘Changemakers & Groundbreakers’ is the first awards to exclusively recognise growth and innovation in family-run companies. As well as championing great British entrepreneurship, the awards also shine a light on the extraordinary lengths family firms have gone through during Covid to stay afloat, protect jobs and contribute to their local communities.

‘Changemakers & Groundbreakers’ is open to any family businesses, regardless of size, industry or location.

The Awards will culminate in a celebration book, with every family business that enters the awards featured inside. It will be distributed around the UK and ensure that family firms take centre stage for many years to come.

Amalia Brightley-Gillott, managing director of Family Business Place, which is organising the awards, said: “Very few people realise that behind some of the most successful and dynamic businesses in the UK, are brilliant, enterprising families. Many of them have been beavering away for generations, building their empires and employing talented local people. What’s most impressive is their ability to adapt and change – even some of the oldest companies continue to embrace innovation with every new generation that takes the helm.”

Francesca Hampton, CFO of Cynergy Bank, which is sponsoring the awards, added: “The UK has a thriving business community, jam-packed with entrepreneurial spirit. Family-run companies in particular have some of the most extraordinary stories you can imagine. As a bank, our roots are in supporting entrepreneurs and family businesses, so we’re delighted to be part of ‘Changemakers & Groundbreakers’ and help these wonderful family firms have their stories told.”

Family businesses can enter free online until 10th June at www.familybusinessplace.com/changemakers