A Bedale-based business has said that family values are key to a happy team, as it celebrates Yorkshire Family Business Day today (February 8). 

Organised by Family Business United, the leading organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting family-owned enterprises, this Yorkshire Family Business Day is designed to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of family businesses to the national economy.

Family businesses play a crucial role in fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and maintaining a strong sense of community.

Yorkshire Family Business Day provides an opportunity for these businesses to showcase their stories, share their experiences and highlight the unique aspects that make family enterprises thrive.

HECK! Food co-founder, Jamie Keeble said: “We’re a family and friends business but, more importantly, bring family values to the workplace, which encourages a culture of supportiveness.”

“We launched 10 years ago with my parents and my three siblings and go over and above the normal benefits offered to the team.

"We all make sure we eat together every day in the canteen, we walk together on our renovated railway line every day and also bring our extended family, babies and even dogs to work on occasion."

Paul Andrews, CEO of Family Business United, added: "Family businesses are the backbone of the economy, and Yorkshire Family Business Day is a fantastic annual occasion to shine a spotlight on their achievements. These businesses embody resilience, innovation and a commitment to their communities, and we are proud to celebrate their success."

"Each year the day gets bigger with more and more activity on social media and we are looking forward to a fabulous #YorkshireFamilyBizDay which shines the light on this sector and all that it does to support the nation.”

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HECK! Food started in 2013 and has gone from zero to £30m turnover in 10 years. Now the UK’s no. 1 premium sausage brand and the only independent manufacturer of this size in the market, it employs 130 people and has recently unveiled a packaging revamp across its range as part of a £1m investment to grow its sausage and burger brand in 2024.

New carbon labelling will also be included on pack for the first time, as will the Heck Care Code – an initiative to communicate the company’s commitment and action across the environment and the local community.

Additionally, the brand has invested in new machinery, including a new automatic sleeving kit. A raft of new product launches is also planned which will start rolling out in the spring.