Family-owned businesses generate 25 per cent of the UK’s entire GDP. But what do we really know about the people behind this beating heart of British business?

Over the next 12 months in this new family business section online and in the in-Cumbria magazine, we will paint a picture of what drives those family businesses to succeed across the generations.

We will show family business owners in a new light through the eyes of award-winning portrait artist and former business journalist Helen Perkins.

Through the portrait painting process Helen will get behind the people running a range of different businesses in diverse sectors to unveil both the common threads running through family businesses and their unique challenges and opportunities.

Financial experts Armstrong Watson have been supporting, advising and protecting family businesses of all shapes and sizes for generations.

As the company prepares to mark its 150th anniversary next year it will share its expertise, knowledge and tips on the family-owned business sector with in-Cumbria readers.

By unveiling the people behind family businesses, we aim to show how, with the right financial advice and support, this sector has a bright future for many more generations to come.