WORKING with family can be a nightmare for some people, but it has been the secret to success for the Davey family.

Gordon and June Davey, along with their children Shane, Brett, Craig and Nicole, started the Capricorn Model House more than 20 years ago.

They began selling items out of the back of their old ambulance at the Denison St markets in Rockhampton in 1993.

It wasn't long before the business had taken off and they were renting out a small store in William St.

Today their East St store is more than 10 times the size of their first shop and filled with an array of products, from costumes, figurines, puzzles, movie star memorabilia and more.

June and Nicole said family and business were much the same - they both had their ups and downs.

"But we've never really had any big fights," June said.

Family Business Australia says more than 70% of all businesses nation-wide were owned and operated by families.

Family Business Australia CEO Philippa Taylor advised families in business to be proactive in resolving disputes and know when to walk away.

June had only one other piece advice to add - remember to have a laugh with family at work every now and again.

CAPRICORN MODEL HOUSE

open: seven days a week

contact: 4922 1507

address: 55 East St, Rockhampton

website: capricorn modelhouse.com.au