As the Family Business Community announce the finalists for the inaugural Yorkshire and Humberside Family Business Awards, they are also thrilled to share, that hosting the Awards 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 region, having previously worked as a land agent and wine merchant in Yorkshire and the surrounding areas. One son is at Leeds University, another has just left and the third might follow yet! Simply put, Yorkshire and Humberside are in Nigel’s DNA, and his understanding of family businesses comes from personal experience. Having watched his grandparents run Grimshaw’s Tannery in Leeds 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 Yorkshire & Humberside 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.

Family business owners tend to be resourceful, with farmers opening up their land to agri-tourism, be it farm shops, cottages or shepherds’ huts. Yorkshire textile businesses opting to specialise in mohair and cashmere and enterprising cheesemakers making award-winning cheese not just from cow’s milk, but also sheep, goat and buffalo milk. The enterprise is clear to see.

Nigel’s 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 Yorkshire – 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 sport, he has made numerous friends and many are involved in family businesses. Nigel likes a lively shirt and buys lots of them from Joe Browns, based in Leeds. He was at school with Simon Brown, who runs this successful clothes and homeware brand; a fine example of a flourishing family business.

Nigel’s really looking forward to meeting the amazing finalists in November, particularly as the evening is to be held at Headingley Stadium where he’s spent many happy hours watching cricket over the years.

Held on November 11th 2022 at Headingly Stadium in Leeds, the inaugural Yorkshire and Humberside Family Business Awards, organised by The Family Business Community look set to be a huge success and tickets are still available. As host, Nigel will bring a wealth of anecdotes and stories, and his own wonderful brand of humour and charm to the awards ceremony.

To book your tickets, please visit: https://www.trybooking.com/uk/events/landing?eid=30370&