New research by Family Business United (FBU) shows that the top 100 family businesses in Scotland collectively generate turnover of £20 billion, create £1.3 billion in profits and employ over 112,000 people.
“All of the businesses in the Top 100 generate turnover in excess of £25 million which alone makes them significant businesses, and with Arnold Clark reporting turnover of £3.7 billion and being one of the largest private businesses in Europe, the scale of these firms can be instantly quantified,” said the report.
Paul Andrews, managing director of FBU, said: “The contribution of family firms across Scotland needs to be recognised.
“Family firms are the engine room of the Scottish economy as providers of jobs, creators of wealth and supporters of communities throughout the country.
“This report clearly quantifies their contribution and economic importance, something that needs to be more broadly recognised.”
Top 10 Scottish Family Businesses Ranked By Profit Before Tax
- William Grant & Sons Holdings Ltd
- Arnold Clark Automobiles Limited
- The Edinburgh Woollen Mill
- James Jones & Sons Limited
- Community Wind Power (Holdings) Limited
- D.C. Thomson & Company Limited
- Ian Macleod Distillers Limited
- Robertson Group Holdings Limited
- City Facilities Management
- Klondyke Fishing Company Limited
Top 10 Scottish Family Businesses Ranked By Revenue
- Arnold Clark Automobiles Limited
- William Grant & Sons Holdings Ltd
- The Edinburgh Woolen Mill
- City Facilities Management
- Park’s of Hamilton
- John Clark (Holdings) Limited
- Roberston Group Holdings Limited
- Farmfoods Limited
- Eastern Holdings Limited
- Peter Vardy Holdings Limited
Mark Christie, partner at Carbon Financial, sponsors of the research for the third year, said: “Not only does the top 100 quantify the importance of family firms to our economy but these businesses represent a great mix of the old and the new, family firms that have been around for generations such as Walkers Shortbread, Johnstons of Elgin and Baxters and others that are starting out on their journey.”
“What they all have in common is a story to tell, a narrative and history that clearly differentiates them from their non-family counterparts, and can create competitive advantage too.
“Family firms across Scotland make a real difference each and every day and are a fantastic resource and deserve to be recognised for all that they continue to achieve.
“Family firms are the bedrock of communities across Scotland, not just in the urban areas but making a real difference in rural communities too.”