One of the region's most well-known and longest serving family run businesses, M.H. Alshaya Co., the Kuwait based retail franchisee, recently won the “Best Family Business of the Year” award at the Middle East Business Achievement Awards, held in Dubai. M.H. Alshaya Co., the franchise operator of over 40 international retail brands, won the award in recognition of its successful long term growth, the way it has managed the relationship between family and business, its dynamic contributions to the community and industry, as well as for its innovative practices and strategy. The award was received on behalf of M.H. Alshaya Co. by Ayman Alshaya. Founded nearly 120 years ago, the Alshaya group is now being steered by the fourth generation to be involved in the family business. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of their retail division, which now has 1,500 stores, more than 15,000 employees and operates in 16 markets throughout the Middle East, Central Europe, Turkey and Russia. Mohammed Alshaya, executive chairman of M.H. Alshaya Co., commenting on the importance of being a family business in a region where there is a need for employment, said: “To be nominated for the Middle East Business Achievements Awards is a prestigious accolade for any business but we are especially pleased to win the family business category as it recognizes the role we play in providing jobs and livelihoods for so many, while also serving the community's retail needs.” “While we are a company with truly international ambitions, we are a family business at heart, with our success lying in strong family values and traditions. Awards like this bring recognition to the importance of family businesses in the region; they are an encouragement to strive harder and to continue our contribution to this region's economy.” “We consider ourselves to be innovative in our approach to developing our businesses while generating successful partnerships. We have a team of professionals drawn from a multi-cultural background who understand our traditional values, our innovative outlook and desire to expand internationally. We also take our social responsibilities seriously and encourage nationals in GCC countries to explore careers in retail through our internship and entry level programs,” Alshaya said. M.H. Alshaya Co. has built a significant and successful track record managing retail franchises since opening its first Mothercare store in 1983 in Kuwait. Some of the high profile brands that the company currently operates in the region include Starbucks, The Body Shop, Foot Locker, Mothercare, Debenhams, River Island and Boots. __
