Family run businesses are booming in Co. Sligo

ALL THE major franchises you see today, McDonalds, Coca- Cola and Cadbury all started out as family businesses and over time have grown into the global juggernauts they are today. But the idea of a family run business is one that is becoming rarer as the days go by.

An economic downturn, the rise of multinational corporations and global supermarket chains have made it very difficult, nearly impossible for a family run business to succeed in today’s economic climate.

Sligo businesses are bucking the trend when it comes to successful and sustainable family run businesses compared to other parts of the country.

Sligo however has found itself as a sanctuary for family run businesses with a number of them finding themselves not only surviving but thriving in a town that has a sense of pride in its family run businesses.

Mullaneys and Moffits are prime examples of family businesses thriving in Sligo. For years now both shops have been a mainstay of the Sligo shopping community. Both have withstood the test of time and have become some of Sligo’s most recognisable businesses. Even during times of economic distress they have thrived and have proven that the family business model is still productive.

Barton Smiths is also a family name long associated with Sligo. Now with two shops, one an outdoor shop and the other a lock and key smith, along the river they have adapted over time and their business model is now as strong as ever. Barton Smith has become a part of the furniture along the river after years of service to the people of Sligo.

Newer Businesses around the town are also proving that family businesses are the way to go with Salon2 paving the way for businesses around town. Their intimate service skills lets you know that this is a family owned business.

Renowned for being one of the most successful salons in the province, Salon2 has shown that family businesses can cut it at the highest level with numerous awards for its staff and the salon itself.

Family Businesses still have the ability to expand and there is no better example than The Zip Yard. Starting off as a small family business it now has numerous branches located around the country and have even more plans for expansion.

Family Businesses don’t have to be located in the town for them to be successful, Joe Kelly Fresh Fruits have thrived where others haven’t and it is perhaps their unique business model that separates them from other businesses in the fruit and veg sector.