Member Article

Keighley steel director hailed as one of UK's 'face of family business'

Mark Sugden, who is Managing Director at John W Laycock Ltd, has been selected along with ten other UK business leaders to take part in a project celebrating Britain’s family businesses.

The chief at the third generation steel business in Keighley will take part in the ‘Face Forward’ campaign, a collaboration between business and financial advisers Armstrong Watson and award-winning portrait artist Helen Perkins.

As part of the initiative, the faces of the ten selected business leaders will be committed to canvas by Perkins as part of a forthcoming national exhibition.

The steel business has a history dating back to the 18th Century when it specialised in making nails, a service which it still provides today, but has since expanded to encompass the manufacture of girders and sheet steel, grinding wheels and a wide range of engineering supplies.

Passing to the Sugden family in the 20th Century after the Laycock family lan petered out, the firm has now grown to include a workforce of 14 people from its Keighley base.

Commenting on being selected for the initiative, which will be toured around the country to celebrate Armstrong Watson’s 150th birthday, Mark said: “Sitting for your portrait really gives time for reflection and can change your perspective. Taking a different view on life is very positive, bringing new energy into the business.

“We’ve worked with Armstrong Watson for at least two generations, going back to the 1930s. Not only have they consistently provided us with sound advice, but they also take an innovative approach to supporting family businesses.”

Dave Clarkson, Business Development Director and Strategic Business Adviser at Carlisle-based Armstrong Watson, added: “In our 150th anniversary year, we wanted to not only celebrate the longevity of these often unsung heroes, but also to get under the skin of those running some of these stalwarts of the UK economy.

“We hope that the portraits, whether of a grandparent, parent or a young family member, will provide a unique way of giving a flavour of the past, present and future of family businesses.”

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