Included in your FBA membership. This event is for Family Business Members and Advisor Members.
Get an inside look at Fore Design + Flex Planning. Fore Design is a multi-disciplinary residential and commercial design practice delivering end-to-end solutions for projects spanning a diverse range of sectors, scales and applications, and Flex Planning are Adelaide Town Planners with an agile approach. Meet the Ashcroft family, learn about their 35-year history and discover how they have successfully rebranded and onboarded a non-family member executive.
Founded in 1990 by John and Miriam Ashcroft Fore Design + Flex Planning, originally known as Beyond Ink, has been successfully delivering multiple large scale projects across South Australia including the Murray Bridge Racecourse, The Lane Vineyard and Winery, the striking Grünthal Restaurant and currently they are working to restore and renovate Hans Heysen's family home The Cedars, which is also the location of this Meet the Owner event.
During this special event, you will join the Ashcroft family, including Founder John Ashcroft and 2nd-generation family member Jordana Ashcroft O'Sullivan, at The Cedars for a look behind the scenes at their most recent project. They will give you an in-depth look at the business rebranding and the decision to split Beyond Ink into two independent but intertwined businesses.
What to expect:
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Rebranding: Learn from the Ashcrofts why they decided to rebrand and gain insight into the decision to transition from Beyond Ink into two distinct but complementary businesses.
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Celebration: This Meet the Owner event will be a chance for the community to celebrate National Family Business Day together with the family.
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Inside Look: Guests are welcome to arrive early and tour The Cedars home. Hear directly from the Ashcroft family about the vision, process and significance of this special project.
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Non-Family Executive: Understand why the business hired a non- family executive and the impact it has had on the business.
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Succession: Hear from the Ashcroft family how they have successfully involved the next generation of the family.
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Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow family business owners and industry peers, share experiences, and build valuable relationships that can support your business's future growth.
Meet Fore Design + Flex Planning
Fore Design + Flex Planning is a South Australian business delivering integrated design and town planning services across residential and commercial projects. Based in Hahndorf, the business combines multi-disciplinary design expertise with specialised planning knowledge to support projects from concept through to approvals and delivery. Fore Design provides end-to-end design solutions across a diverse range of sectors, scales and applications, while Flex Planning offers independent town planning consulting services with an agile approach, helping clients navigate council approvals and regulatory processes across South Australia.
Founded in 1990 by John and Miriam Ashcroft, the business originally operated as Beyond Ink and has built a strong reputation over 35 years for delivering significant projects across the state. Its portfolio includes the Murray Bridge Racecourse, The Lane Vineyard and Winery, Grünthal Restaurant, and the restoration and renovation of Hans Heysen’s family home, The Cedars. In 2025, the business entered a new chapter with the official launch of Fore Design + Flex Planning, reflecting the evolution of the business into two distinct but closely connected operations.
Today, the Ashcroft family continues to lead the business into a new era. Founder and Principal John Ashcroft works alongside second-generation family member Jordana Ashcroft O’Sullivan, General Manager. The family have hired a non-family member executive and continues to grow and expand with their new brand.
Why Come Along?
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Gain exclusive insights into the operations of a successful family business.
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Learn first-hand from the family behind the business about their opportunities and challenges.
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Expand your network within the FBA community and enjoy a relaxed environment for learning, sharing, and connecting.
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Find inspiration and practical ideas for your own business.
Event Details
This event is being held at The Cedars house in Hahnford.
All visitors are welcome to spend time in the charming garden that changes with the seasons, or to wander along the Artist’s Walk and discover some of Heysen’s favoured painting sites. Arrive early and head to the venue at 2:15pm for a 2:30pm start.
If you have any questions, need assistance with registration, or require support on the day, please contact Sue Ackland at sackland@familybusiness.org.au. Alternatively, you can reach FBA's Office by calling 1800 249 357.
