Our Circles

Chair: Jean-Louis de Cartier (G7 & Chair Brepols, G2 & Chair Cartamundi, G4 & past Chair Etex, G4 Aliaxis & 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

Chair: Pénélope Morkens (Alcopa, G3 & 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)

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:

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.