It Runs In The Family

We’re treated to so many accounts of family businesses working with non-family members, but what’s life like on the other side of the equation…? The irresistible charm of Kite Clothing’s ranges is made possible by a brother-sister duo of Roger & Ally, and our guest today, third Co-Director Jo Spragg! We champion her unique perspective on family business, and how this one has thrived for over 1...

When picking a fellow business to partner up with, it’s rare to find collaboration with kin, but that’s the exciting reality for sisters Charlie and Henrietta Tomlinson… Wild & Seek has recently opened its doors neighbouring Wild Root, and the two businesses represent a coming together which truly proves the power of these siblings’ relationship. Discover how such a surprise setup came to be,...

From a simple idea for wool-insulated packaging, the revolutionary Woolcool was born… Two decades after that creative spark, Angela Morris and her daughter Josie head up a brand which puts people, purpose and the planet at the heart of everything they do. The story behind their growth, and what’s next for such an innovative family firm, is an extraordinary joy to share as we dive deep into the wor...

Fairacres Group began with Mike Kean’s father making boiled sweets. Decades later, it’s an icon on the South Coast with its roles in property, hospitality and a legendary ferry. The business, much like Mike himself, is being brought into the new generation by his daughter Rosie, and the story behind the succession is a charming tale of responsibility and reinvention! Join Rosie and Mike as they sh...

H Harrold & Sons have the fine privilege of being Sheffield’s only Master Locksmiths, a testament to the longevity of this 5th generation family firm. Now with Directors Jordan and Harry in the fold, we’re able to paint the picture of a family whose values are as strong as the very locks they tend to. Join us on It Runs In The Family as we dive deeper into the story of a family keeping alive a...

Walfinch is a thriving homecare franchise which blends entrepreneurial ambition with family-focused care. Who better to care for families than a family business? Amrit Dhaliwal and Kam Gill are siblings on a mission to bring their award-winning care to more, and help those that they support to thrive. Entrepreneurialism and family care is deeply rooted in the family, so join us to discover Amrit a...

When Prince George was crowned on GQ’s ‘Best Dressed Men’ list aged 4, it’s in no small part to this week’s guests, Rachel Riley and Rose Jouanneau! Rachel created her namesake clothing brand for children, and both she and her daughter are committed to creating magical moments for kids, and becoming a part of every family’s story. Join us for a charming episode of It Runs In The Family with one of...

At the heart of the TLC Sport story are a mother and daughter whose passion for empowering the women who wear their clothing is felt in every thread… The mission remains just the same now as when they were founded in 1984, for their customers to feel confident in their clothes and in themselves, and we’re delighted to see how this works today as Sara and Charlotte join us on this week’s It Runs In...

Gary Beckwith has had an extraordinary business journey, one from which every generation of any family firm can learn… From firing his father in order to grow the business, to working with his children, to maintaining a love for his business even after selling it, the story of City Cruises’ Founder Gary, and his daughter Lucy, is steeped in emotional insight and invaluable wisdom. Join us as Gary...

Sharpham Dairy is the UK’s first B-Corp cheesemaker, a seemingly daunting challenge, but as a family business, the B-Corp values were already their own… Cheesemaking at Sharpham began over 40 years ago, and the story written by current owners Greg and Nicky Parsons is one that they hope lasts for generations to come. Greg & Nicky share the story behind their first 6 years in charge, and their...

There’s an art to family businesses, and if it’s mastered half as well as Graham & Brown have mastered their wallpaper designs, they’ll be thriving for generations to come. The 4th gen is now firmly in place, thanks to Iona and the watchful eye of her father Andrew, and they join us on It Runs In The Family this week to share their long-term perspective, the respect for legacy design, and whet...

We’ve yet another Northern Irish-based family brand to bring you, this time in the form of luxury bakehouse Bumble & Goose, whose care and handmade quality are second to none. There are few Founders more deserving of such success as Lynsey Bleakley, whose personal and entrepreneurial hurdles haven’t halted her ambitions for a business she’ll one day pass down to daughter Yazmin. Join us to dis...

Morelli Ice Cream’s humble beginnings lie with Peter, one of nine brothers, and several generations later the business thrives with four siblings writing its legacy. Taking us behind the innovative flavours and their stellar supermarket presence, Arnaldo and Daniela Morelli join us for a flavoursome new episode of It Runs In The Family! This episode covers: The ingredients behind maintaining a mul...

Before Starbucks in 1971 came the first coffee shop in 1919… and decades before that, Robert Stokes launched a brand which would span centuries. Now under 4th generation leadership with great-grandson Nick, the Stokes Tea & Coffee brand is the perfect example of a family firm sticking to its roots, while moving with the times. Nick joins us alongside Business Development Manager Emma Olivier-T...

Welcome to our 100th episode of It Runs In The Family, and what a celebration we have for you - we present the quintessential family business story. Matthew Barker’s journey with the family firm is a thrilling ride that pulls on the heart strings, and proudly exhibits what makes family businesses so undeniably special… Join us for a moving story which cuts to the very core of what this podcast is...

As parents, working in such a family-oriented field is bound to blur lines between work and home - such a line is one that the Le Van family walk effortlessly… Steve Le Van is the 2nd generation leader of Le Toy Van, working in complementary harmony with wife and Creative Director, Marie.  The charm of Le Toy Van’s products flows through the duo effortlessly, as they share the business’ 30 year hi...

Dr Robert Graham’s story begins in a farmhouse, being born just one year after the inception of the business he’d go on to live and breathe. Graham’s Family Dairy is over 70 years strong, and farming runs firmly in the family’s lineage, so how did a humble Scottish brand find themselves launching products in Dubai? It’s a staggering story, which we hear from Dr Robert and his daughter, Carol, in t...

We were delighted to speak about growing family businesses through PR and reputation at the Northern Ireland Family Business Forum - wouldn’t you love to be a fly on the wall for that? Luckily, this episode of ‘It Runs In The Family’ is exactly that! We looked back on 26 years of experience and expertise, our journey to this point, what PR means in today’s changing world, and our top tips for how...

Susie Cumming’s first venture into headhunting unveiled an awareness of the greatness that could be achieved when the whole family combines their skills… Combining her entrepreneurialism with the creativity and analysis of sons Ned and Oliver has brought such success to their business Nurole, now under 2nd generation leadership! The skills, the dynamic and the trust between these three is fascinat...

Millwood is the only, and therefore the #1 B Corp in its field. For most, that’d be the dream, but Co-Owner Matt Wood wishes for the opposite… That might sound counterintuitive, but for a business leader whose drive is purpose and impact (as with so many family firms), it reflects a dream synonymous with his values. The 31 year story behind this inspirational 2nd generation firm is not to be misse...

The Avenue Cookery School has left its imprint on countless aspiring chefs, thanks in no small part to the full force of the Horsford family behind it. Diana was joined by her children Richard and Sophie, who have elevated the school to new heights, and for a family with such energy, it’s a joy to explore their equally enrapturing journey in this week’s ‘It Runs In The Family’! This episode covers...

4 generations have seen a clock business with royalty among its customers become an iconic household name, and it’s Chloe Pestell at the helm of the 102 year old brand. Stackers was born of parent company LC Designs, and with so much of Chloe’s family involved, it’s a fascinating dynamic that we’re able to explore in this week’s episode of It Runs In The Family! This episode covers: The company’s...

There is no traditional dynamic between the Co-Founders of Humanness, but the way the father-son duo thrive together is an extraordinary story. With a strive for purpose and contentment at their core, Quinn Stainfield-Bruce and his father, Duncan Bruce, have a unique outlook on the family business world brimming with mantras that’ll change your perspective on life itself. Sounds dramatic, but from...

Sustainit Solutions exists thanks to the forward-thinking nature of its Founder - no wonder its 2nd gen CEO is just as cognizant of the family firm’s future… Pip Stockford is this week’s special guest, and as one of the first families to spot the need for sustainability in business, we learn what makes them tick! Join us on ‘It Runs In The Family’ to discover how the Stockford family keeps their n...

Nothing can test a family bond quite like being in business together, a gauntlet run by the two generations who’ve helmed Frettens Solicitors. Matthew Fretten is a Managing Partner whose path saw him join his father’s firm (the manner of which is a point of contention between the pair…), and the business’ journey has been far from simply smooth sailing. Resilience is a quality shared by so many fa...