Family Business
Family is the foundation of people’s lives, and family businesses are the backbone of Australia, with many of Australia’s largest and most loved companies beginning life as a family business. On the 19th of September, Australia celebrates National Family Business Day – a day designed to recognise the invaluable contribution family businesses make to the Australian economy, community and culture. Family businesses account for around 70% of all Australian businesses, employing over half of Australia’s workforce and creating a tide of Australian business ownership that makes us the successful and diverse nation we are today. COS® is proud to be Australia’s largest privately-owned office products supplier. Established in 1977 by Dominique Lyone, the family-owned-and-operated business is now in its second generation, employing over 400 staff across the country in 9 locations. Dominique began his small start-up business with nothing more than entrepreneurial spirit and a dream and has expanded to supply a next day delivery service to over 5000 customers across Australia. COS® has done well for its 42 years, although that’s nothing compared to Faber-Castell!
Faber Castell
Faber-Castell is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of high-quality products for writing, colouring and creative design. A famous name all over the world, Faber-Castell was founded in 1761 by cabinet maker Kaspar Faber, making this family-owned business over 250 years old. This well-known company may not have originated in Australia, but their products are beloved by artists and professionals all over the world. Kaspar Faber went on to invent the hexagonal pencil and produce standards for pencil size and lead grades that are still the industry standards of today. One of the world’s oldest industrial companies that is still family-owned in its 9th generation, each item produced is the result of centuries of accumulated knowledge.
Vittoria Coffee
Over 60 years ago, Italian brothers Orazio and Carmelo began importing Italian products to support a growing post-war migrant population in Australia. When it came to coffee though, the family knew that fresh beans produced a far better taste and craved a cup of fresh, Italian coffee. In 1958 the company began roasting in Australia. Since then, Vittoria Food & Beverage have passionately driven the growth of espresso coffee and pioneered the development of an Australian café culture. They have now evolved from an importer of European brands to a truly global player, remaining a proud third-generation family business, where their expertise and entrepreneurship has been passed down from one generation to the next.
Fellowes
For over 100 years, the US based Fellowes family has brought entrepreneurial leadership to its business. Founded in 1917 by Harry Fellowes, the privately held, family-owned and operated company is now in its fourth generation. Purchased for just $50 from acquaintance Walter Nickel, the business was originally known as “The Bankers Box”, after the specialised corrugated filing box designed for bank records. The Fellowes company is known for innovative workplace solutions, and are now an internationally recognised brand, headed by fourth generation John E Fellowes II.
