Our Circles

 

“ Peer learning opportunities in a safe space ”

In line with the segmentation FBN International has developed overtime FBN Belgium has different Circles that bring together the roles in a family business that are key to our mission statement: share best practices and the knowledge and insights that promotes family cohesion and responsible ownership to help our members to develop the family business across generations.

These Circles meet once a year and commit to sharing their learnings during a plenary session when appropriate.

Logo Board Chair Circle

Nancy Dhollander
Nancy Dhollander

Chair Board Chair Circle

Logo CEO Circle

Photo rond-1
Didier Engels

Chair CEO Circle

Logo Family Council

PENELOPE MOORKENS - rond
Pénélope Morkens

Chair Family Council Circle

Logo Family Office

wim Hendrix
Wim Hendrix

Chair Family Office Circle

Logo Impact Circle-1

 

Natacha Lippens - photo rond
Natacha Lippens

Chair Impact Circle

flipchart-Mar-16-2023-07-16-40-8764-PM

Logo Board Chair Circle Nancy Dhollander

Chair: Nancy Dhollander, G2 Dhollandia, Board Member FBN Belgium

Open to: Board Chairs (family only) of our member Family Businesses

Mission: Promote and exchange good governance through peer learning during the circles sessions.

Frequency: Once a year

Invitation: By invitation only

Logo CEO CirclePhoto rond-1

Chair: Didier Engels, Engels G3, Board Member FBN Belgium

Open to: CEOs (family only) of our member family businesses.

Mission: Peer learning exchanges on topics that are part of their daily preoccupation in managing the family business

Frequency: Once / twice a year

Invitation: By invitation only

20230314 Picture CEO Circle Goudsmet - Copie-1
Family Charter (18) - Copie

Logo Family CouncilPENELOPE MOORKENS - rond

Chair: Pénélope Morkens, G3 Alcopa, Board Member FBN Belgium

Open to: Family Council Chairs (family & non-family) of our members Family Businesses and when explicitly indicated to:

  • 2 additional members of the council
  • All

Mission: Promote and exchange good family governance practices through peer learning exchanges

Frequency: Once a year

Invitation: Open to all or by invitation only (depending on the topic)

Logo Family Officewim Hendrix

Chair: Wim Hendrix , G2 Homeport Family Services, Board Member FBN Belgium

Open to: An exhaustive list of 16 Single* Family Offices represented by:

  • their Family Executive Director
  • their Non-family Executive Directors are welcome at the official request of the family and preferably accompanied by a family member

*Multi-family offices are in principle excluded, but he circle can decide to make an exception

Mission: Exchanges on Family Office related best practices and learnings.

Frequency: Once a year

Invitation: By invitation only

Why II
AS FBN Polaris - 056-1

Logo Impact Circle-1Natacha Lippens - photo rond

Chair: Natacha Lippens, G3 Finascure, Board Member FBN Belgium

Mission: Peer learning exchanges on sustainability, FBN Belgium is currently contemplating on which of the four drivers (see below) we will prioritize in this transformative journey. More information will be coming your way from us very soon.

Open to: All members

Frequency: Once a year

Since 2024, the Cerle Impact has been pulled by a dedicated committee:

Impact Team - 5 committee members

 

From left to right on the picture:

Sophie Lammerant Velge, G4 Bekaert

Els Thermote, G2 TvH

Natacha Lippens, G3 Finasucre & Chair Impact Circle

Caroline Thijssen, G6 Etex

Olivia Macharis, G4 VPK Group

FBN International rebranded in 2024 Polaris into Impact

The evolution of Polaris to Impact is with the intention of mobilizing the power of the FBN global community to act, in cooperation, towards creating systemic change. The Impact Community will deliver on this intent by focusing its efforts on 4 Drivers of Change 

1. Business: The Impact Community will continue to surf on the Polaris wave to transform our family businesses into more sustainable enterprises.

2. Investing: The Impact Community aims to accelerate efforts in impact investing, fostering an open space for member families to engage in discussions and initiatives related to this field.

3. Philanthropy: The community is dedicated to providing a conducive environment for philanthropic activities. Multiple partnerships are being actively pursued to enhance their philanthropic impact.

4. Advocacy: Emphasizing the societal importance of family businesses, the Impact Community seeks to raise awareness and collaborate closely with organizations like EFB to advocate for the role of family businesses in society.

FBN Belgium is currently contemplating which aspects of this recent development aligns with their objectives and will organise events accordingly.

Some History: Polaris Movement was launched by FBN International in 2014, with a primary focus on business transformation, particularly in sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of family businesses. Members across all regions took positive action on transforming their businesses into more sustainable enterprises, evidenced in the many success stories documented from across the globe. Family Business for Sustainable Development (FBSD), a platform they developed in partnership with the United Nations, delivered on an ambitious goal of getting scores of family businesses to begin reporting on sustainability indicators designed specifically for family firms. 

It is not too late to start to begin reporting on business sustainability: Read case studies here; take the pledge and begin reporting here.