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      Brussels, 27 October 2025 - FBN Belgium (Family Business Network) is proud to launch the inaugural edition of the Family Business Impact Award, powered by KPMG in Belgium. This initiative marks the 20th anniversary of FBN Belgium and celebrates the enduring societal contributions of Belgian family businesses.

      The world is facing significant challenges, from social inequality over climate change to overburdened healthcare systems. “Family-owned businesses, standing out for their resilience, play a crucial role in addressing these issues. In Belgium, they are vital to our communities, creating long-term value and a positive socio-economic impact. That’s why we are so proud to power the Family Business Impact Award and celebrate the legacy of Belgian family businesses in driving societal change”, says Harry Van Donink, CEO at KPMG in Belgium.


      Celebrating purpose-driven leadership and commitment

      The Family Business Impact Award is more than a competition. It aims to shine a light on the sometimes under-recognized impact of family businesses, and to inspire others with their leadership and values. It honors the full scope of their legacy, showcasing how their shared values, long-term vision, and committed leadership redefines responsible entrepreneurship and contribute to a more sustainable future for Belgium and beyond.

      This award recognizes contributions that go far beyond financial donations or internal sustainability efforts. It celebrates initiatives where families are directly involved - mobilizing their resources, leading impactful projects, and engaging in meaningful change through core business activities, impact investments, philanthropy, and public policy advocacy.

      There are three key criteria that need to be fulfilled to win the award: 1) active family involvement in initiatives that drive systemic change; 2) a commitment that transcends ESG compliance, PR efforts, or short-term projects; and 3) a focus on long-term transformation, addressing root causes and influencing industry standards. An independent and diverse jury comprised of four members and a chairperson will evaluate submissions. “To help the jury assess all applications, our KPMG team developed a structured framework that covers critical aspects, such as vision & strategy, execution capability, governance, and tangible results,” explains Michael Wagemans, Head of Sustainability at KPMG in Belgium

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      “Our 20th anniversary provided the ideal moment to launch this award and highlight three inspiring laureates. Even though Belgian family businesses pride themselves on humbleness and discretion, we are deeply grateful to the nine families who applied, each demonstrating the ambition to create lasting positive impact”, says Anne Mörk Soenen, CEO of FBN Belgium.

      The nominees

      Celebrating the unique synergy between a family and its business, this award is a tribute to those who lead with purpose and leave a lasting impact on society. Below are the laureates for 2025, whose projects will be revealed during the 20th Anniversary Celebration of FBN Belgium:
       

      1. Immobel
       

      Rooted in a 160-year legacy and a strong humanist family vision, Immobel has evolved from traditional real estate into purpose-driven urban development. Under Executive Chairman Marnix Galle, supported by a skilled management team and two of his sons, the company has grown into a leading European urban developer, active in six countries with over 100 employees.

      Guided by values of sustainability, long-term impact, and city center transformation, Immobel creates inclusive, resilient, and future-proof urban environments – For Cities, For People. The Galle family embraces a long-term vision where financial returns are paired with societal value creation.
       

      2. La Lorraine Bakery Group
       

      La Lorraine Bakery Group (LLBG) is a 100% family-owned Belgian milling and bakery company, offering a wide range of authentic, fresh products. With over 5,300 employees, LLBG produces and sells high-quality goods to consumers, supermarkets, and the foodservice sector across more than 35 countries, with production sites in 10. The company operates in four areas: Frozen Bakery, Fresh Bakery, Store Concepts, and Milling.

      Driven by long-standing expertise, new technologies, and passionate employees, LLBG is transforming the bakery market. Its financial focus is on long-term value creation and qualitative growth through innovation and entrepreneurship. With a commitment to sustainability and a passion for quality, LLBG strives to grow not only bigger, but above all better - for generations to come.
       

      3. Vandersanden
       

      Founded in 1925 by Jaak Vandersanden, the family business grew under his son Constant’s people-oriented leadership into a strong player in Belgian construction. In the 1990s, son-in-law Jean-Pierre Wuytack expanded Vandersanden into an international pioneer in sustainability and innovation.

      Today, 100 years later, Vandersanden is the largest family-owned manufacturer of facing bricks and paving stones in the Benelux, with 800 employees. The company is 100% family-owned, with four active family members and a family-led board. True to their family values, the company is driven by long-term and ethical thinking and positivity, working together on innovation, and investing unconditionally in their care for people, society, and the environment.

      The Family Business Impact Award will be presented on 25 November, during the 20th Anniversary Celebration of FBN Belgium. The winning family business will be announced on 25 November in an FBN Belgium newsflash and a KPMG press release on 26 November.

      About KPMG in Belgium

      With 2000 employees across the country, KPMG in Belgium offers your company personalized and multidisciplinary support in audit, accountancy, tax and legal advice. We also support a wide range of management services: from operational efficiency and cost management, to digital transformations, risk management and deal advice. Our local consultants will support you thanks to their knowledge and through the use of innovative tools to help you face each of your challenges.

      About FBN Belgium

      FBN Belgium is the Belgian chapter of the world’s leading organization of business families: FBN International. Founded in 2005, they are a vibrant community of 110 business families – encompassing 1,200 individual members of which 36% are the next generation. FBN Belgium offers entrepreneurial families a platform for sharing knowledge and best practices to promote family unity, responsible shareholding and the development of the family business across generations. 

      Press contacts

      Audee Van Winkel

      PR Manager

      T: +32 473 32 73 44
      E : avanwinkel@kpmg.com

      Anne Mörk Soenen

      CEO

      T: + 32 495 229 030
      E : anne.soenen@fbnbelgium.be