The spirit of generosity was alive and well last week as family businesses from across London and the South East came together at Hayman’s of London in Balham for the annual Family Business Festive Food Parcel event.

Hosted at one of the UK’s oldest family-owned gin distilleries, Hayman’s remains proudly family-run, with Christopher Hayman and his children, James and Miranda, at the helm. The event brought together guests, supporters and members of the wider community, all united by a shared purpose: to support families in need across London and the South East this Christmas.

In the days leading up to the event, and on the day itself, attendees donated hundreds of food items, filling boxes with essential groceries alongside festive treats. Guests also enjoyed the opportunity to step behind the scenes at Hayman’s, gaining insight into the distilling process and the rich heritage that has helped shape the business into a globally recognised British gin brand.

Following the event, teams from Family Business United and The Pantry worked together to assemble the food parcels, which have since been distributed through schools across the region to ensure they reach families who need them most during the festive season. Family Business United worked closely with Luke Consiglio and his team at The Pantry UK, who provide 40,000 meals to children in schools across the UK every day. Through their network of schools and the insight of headteachers, families most in need were identified as recipients of the parcels created through the campaign.

Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, expressed his appreciation for the incredible support shown by the family business community: “We were absolutely delighted with the response this year. The generosity shown by family businesses has been truly inspiring, and the items donated will make a real difference to families at what can be a particularly challenging time of year.

“Family is at the heart of everything we do at Family Business United, and it’s heart-warming to see our community come together to support other families in such a meaningful way.”

The event highlighted not only the strength of the family business community, but also its shared values of compassion, collaboration and a commitment to making a positive impact.

Concluding, Paul added: “We would like to thank everyone who helped make this event possible and all those who donated so generously."

"Your support will bring much-needed help and festive cheer to families who need it most this Christmas.”