Celebrating national family business day
The third Thursday of every September marks National Family Business Day, and we’re very proud to celebrate it. Not only do we have our co-owners and directors, Blake and Travis, flying the flag for family in business, but we’ve also got several other families spread right across Davis Trackhire.
And before you roll your eyes and think, “Here we go… another company banging on about how they’re one big happy family”, we get it. It does sound cliché. Some corporate businesses even manage to make it feel a bit cult-like. But honestly? For us, it’s real. Families working alongside each other is part of our DNA, and it genuinely shapes the atmosphere and togetherness across the whole company.
Why family businesses matter
Family businesses aren’t just a nice idea, they’re actually a serious part of the UK economy. In fact, they account for 88% of private sector firms and employ over 12 million people. That’s pretty huge.
So what are the benefits?
– Resilience:
Historically, family-run businesses tend to withstand tough economic times better than most. Why? Because they’re not just chasing pound signs, protecting their business means protecting their name, their legacy and of course, their family.
– Innovation:
More voices are heard. It’s not the same old boardroom faces making the same lackluster decisions, fresh ideas come through quicker.
– Culture:
When people are genuinely happy where they work, efficiency goes up, staff turnover goes down and the whole place feels authentic.
We see all of that play out at Davis Trackhire. Of course, it’s not always smooth sailing; working with family can be tricky at times. But the benefits far outweigh the challenges, and that’s exactly why we’re proud to shout about it today.
Families of Davis Trackhire
Blake & Travis Davis (Co-owners & Directors)
“At Davis Trackhire, our culture has always been rooted in the values of a family business – trust, integrity, and respect. From the very beginning, we set out to build more than just a company – we wanted to create a workplace where people feel valued, supported and proud of what they do.
As a family-run business, we understand the importance of loyalty and long-term relationships and we strive to uphold the highest ethical standards in our operations. Ultimately, our goal is simple: to foster a culture where people genuinely care for one another, work with honesty, and take pride in delivering a service that reflects the values on which Davis Trackhire was built.” – Blake Davis
The Rossi Family
Tino (Driver Operator), Leo (Depot Operative), Val (Project Engineer)
“Having family members work alongside me at Davis Trackhire is incredibly rewarding. It gives us all a sense of trust, understanding and mutual support that enhances both my personal and professional life. We can share experiences, collaborate on projects, and offer each other guidance in ways that strengthen not only our work relationships but also our family bond. The ability to work together as a team provides a unique level of team spirit and makes navigating challenges at work feel less daunting. It’s truly a privilege to have that kind of support system right within the workplace.” – Val Rossi
The Wright Family
Craig (General Manager), Evan (Depot Operative), Phill (UK Operations Manager)
“The key benefits of working for a family-run business are that the focus is on being more personable, believing in your employees to help create the “family” ethos of trust and loyalty. Contributions and ideas from staff are more visible, heard and acted upon without layers of red tape. One of the main plus points for me personally is that a long-term approach is taken by the owners that focuses on the benefit to the company rather than short term gains.” – Craig Wright
The Murphy Family
Lewis (Depot Operative), Steph Pedrick (née Murphy, Logistics Coordinator), Tommy (Driver’s Mate)
“I feel like a person not a number working for Davis Trackhire. My efforts are always appreciated, and we all work as a team towards the same goal. Everyone mucks in – even Blake & Travis!” – Steph Pedrick
The Jones Family
Matt (Driver Operator) & Chris (Driver Operator)
“Working for an independent family run business means you’re not just regarded as a number. You’re valued, respected, treated as part of that family and you wear that name with pride! We get invested in and that shows in every aspect of our work and the equipment we use!” – Matt Jones
The Hedley Family
Craig (Driver Operator) & Jason (Project Engineer)
“Working for a family business like Davis Trackhire just feels different. You’re not just a number here, people know you by name and actually care. It’s more friendly and relaxed, and you feel part of something that matters. Everyone looks out for each other, and that makes coming to work easier. It’s not just a job, it feels like you’re part of one big family.” – Jason Hedley
The Cockburn Family
Margaret (Hire Desk Controller) & Callum (Depot Operative)
“At Davis Trackhire, we’re more than a team, we’re a family. Everyone pulls together with the same goal, to help the business thrive and be the very best we can be. Now with my son Callum joining us, it feels even more special. A proud moment that makes our bond even stronger.” – Margaret Cockburn
So yes, Davis Trackhire is a family business, run by brothers and made even stronger by the other families who choose to work here too. It’s not always easy, but the loyalty, resilience and genuine care it creates is something we wouldn’t swap for anything. National Family Business Day feels like the perfect excuse to shout about that.