Family Investments - A potted history

Family Investments was the brainchild of eloquent Scotsman Bob Morrison who realised, whilst serving in the army during the 1960s, that there was a need for a new type of friendly society. From that flash of inspiration, Family has today grown into a leading provider of long-term savings plans for children.

There have been numerous milestones in Family’s history since that time. Here are just a few of them:

1975 – Bob Morrison launches Family Assurance Friendly Society. Family’s single product is the Family Bond, a tax-exempt 10 year savings plan.

1980 – Family increases its membership to 30,000, with almost £6 million of funds under management and premium income of £4.7 million.

1982 – John Reeve becomes the Society’s second employee when he is appointed internal auditor.

1985 – Family moves to New Road in Brighton.

1987 – John Reeve is appointed General Manager.

1992 – John Reeve takes over the role of chief executive, the post he holds today. Family moves into its present headquarters at West Street, Brighton.
Family Assurance welcomes its 500,000th member.



1993 – Family Assurance launches the Ethical Bond, investing in the Family Charities Ethical Trust Fund.

1997 – Family establishes a wholly-owned investment subsidiary, called Pavilion Asset Management, to provide investment management services.

1999 – Family begins selling its ISA Bond and equity ISA.

2001 – Family is the first Friendly Society to offer online Bond applications.

2003 – Family sells its remaining 25 per cent holding in Pavilion to Seymour Pierce for £4.9 million.

2004 – Family Assurance relaunches as Family Investments, ready for its entry into the Child Trust Fund market.

2005 – Family Investments becomes the leading provider of Child Trust Fund accounts, with 20% market share.