Going back to his roots: Reggae Reggae Sauce star Levi Roots joins Barclays in "Family Affair" search

Barclays is offering a grand total of £17,500 in prize money for those families that are bound together in business.  The winner from the Midlands will then go on to compete against eight other regional winners for the chance at scooping the national prize.  As well as the recognition of their achievements, the overall winner will also enjoy the support and strategic advice of a Barclays ‘business angel’ free for one year.

Any family in business can enter the competition by answering a brief set of questions at www.barclays.co.uk/familyaffair

The closing date for entries is the 31st March.

Levi Roots’ Reggae Reggae Sauce business empire is truly a family affair.  Made from a secret recipe passed down by generations of his relatives, Levi was persuaded to enter Dragon’s Den by his mum - and his brother, sister, and seven children have all played a key role in his business success.

Commenting on the search for the region’s most enterprising families, Levi said: ‘‘Nobody knows better than me the importance of family when it comes to every aspect of creating and sustaining a successful business. With my grandmothers’ special recipe and the help of my children, I’ve been able to create a thriving international company!’

‘Now I’m looking to find the UK’s most exciting and enterprising family-run businesses in order to help them along the way. With the help of Barclays Local Business, we are going to inject a bit more spice into the prospects of these fantastic enterprises in 2009.’

John Davis, marketing director for Barclays Local Business, said:  ‘Family businesses are the backbone of Britain’s economy, and it’s important for us to recognise and support their ongoing efforts. Levi’s family have played a crucial role in the success of his business, so we’re delighted that he has joined Barclays Local Business, to help find the Midlands’ most enterprising family.’

‘I encourage every family firm in the region to enter.  This is your chance to show off the hard work and success that lies behind every good business.’

Family businesses are a crucial part of the Midlands’ and the UK’s economy. There are just under 3 million family firms in the UK – about two-thirds of all the UK’s private companies.¹  Estimates of their contribution to UK GDP vary, but around a third of the UK’s wealth is produced by family firms, and they have a combined turnover of over £1 billion. ²

For further information:

Lisa Kennedy
01676 521046
07775 548426
Lisa.kennedy@barclays.com

1. A Family Affair, Today’s Family Business, Barclays Bank, 2002; The UK Family Business Sector Report, Capital Economics for the Institue of Family Business, 2008
2. UK Family Business Sector Report, Capital Economics for the Institute of Family Business, 2008; Scottish Family Business Association, www.sfbs.co.uk