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Hello! We're Liz & Leila Willingham and welcome to "It Runs In The Family". We're the mother and daughter duo working within the public relations and communications agency, Liz Lean PR. Running a business is hard - really hard. Every business has its challenges and it's own ups and downs - but in a family business, this is often exaggerated by the willingness to speak your mind. But it also has some huge advantages that the corporate cultures just can't compete with. In this podcast, featuring a different family business guest in each episode, we're going to be digging into the stories, values and traditions of other family and multi-generational businesses. We'll explore their history, learnings and how they've developed through the generations and the unique advantages they've had over their competitors. We discover where human relationship migrates into business; the ups, downs, twists, turns and landmark moments that seal the fate of these fascinating organisations. You’ll get to hear some brilliant life stories too; some to make you laugh and others that’ll warm your heart. Many of our clients are family businesses who we've worked very closely with over a number of years - we've heard brilliant stories that reveal true values and fun operating as a family business. We want you to feel inspired by stories of others, find their honesty relatable and reach out to us with your own experiences. If you have any questions for future guests, have a story of your own or have any feedback please do feel free to get in touch on our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itrunsinthefamilypodcast/
122 Episodes
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The Sonas Hotel Collection’s story spans three generations, and a blend of spontaneity, resilience, and family values have transformed a single guesthouse into a beloved group of hotels. From the very first purchase with Anne’s late husband Ken, to the latest ambitious renovations, the Gracie family’s journey is filled with unexpected turns, laughter, and a deep sense of purpose. Anne and Jennifer are this week’s very special guests, as they open up about the joys and challenges of working si...
“You’re only as good as your last dish” - for the Crolla family, that means asserting excellence and creating lasting memories for everyone who comes through their doors. The Vittoria Group’s successes have seen them at the heart of Edinburgh’s Italian cuisine scene since 1970, and we’re delighted to have two generations join us to share how the family thrives together - Tony Crolla and his son, Alberto! This episode covers: Multi-generational succession and the evolution of leadershipBalanci...
The Brogan family are storytellers through and through; it’s only fitting that the story behind their own business is worth its weight in gold. Father Des Brogan started Mercat Tours, and under Kat’s watchful eye it continues to breathe life into the heart of Edinburgh and beyond. Join us for a heartfelt journey into a business started and grown with love, creativity and adventure at its core. This episode covers: How Mercat Tours pioneered a novel industry in Edinburgh, rooted in storytellin...
There’s a hilarious dynamic at the heart of the Wind family, which fuels their very serious passion for culinary excellence with Comptoir Bakery. Sebastien has carefully crafted the business into one that his children, Lola and Quentin, can not only be proud of, but actually become a PART of… So join us on an exploration of how they’ve found their skillset, survived adversity, and put love, tradition & quality into every pastry for over 15 years! This episode covers: The Wind family's jou...
A 9 year old Neve Macken posed a question 14 years ago about beekeeping… what grew from that moment set in motion a bee-auty brand with a difference. Neve’s Bees is the brainchild of Julie and Ross Macken’s real life child, and its soaring success hasn’t cost their integrity. Far from it; they’ve built it to work their way. Discover how the Neve’s Bees colony has grown with its product line, and what’s next for this brand with a buzz! This episode covers: Neve’s Bees’ mission to prioritise sk...
There’s no older shoe shop in the UK to have been passed down through 8 generations than a Southampton staple: the 222-year old W J French & Son! They remain faithful to tradition, but have moved with modern times to survive, thanks in no small part to Richard French and his daughter Caroline, who now heads up the business. Discover the heart, soul and magic behind this family’s footwear legacy on this week’s episode of It Runs In The Family! This episode covers: The story and legacy behi...
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 18 years, on a fascinating edition of It Runs In The Family. This episode covers: How Jo works tog...
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, and where the sisters hope to be thriving in the years to come, on It Runs In The Family! This ep...
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 world of Woolcool on It Runs In The Family. This episode covers: Navigating roles, communication, an...
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 share the journey with us on It Runs In The Family… This episode covers: Gradual transitioning lead...
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 an industry steeped in tradition! This episode covers: The core values of hard work and customer s...
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 and Kam’s story on It Runs In The Family! This episode covers: How parents' entrepreneurial spirit...
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 the most prestigious kids’ clothing brands in the world. This episode covers: Upholding 30 years...
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 The Family! This episode covers: The balance of complimentary skills between Charlotte and SaraK...
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 and Lucy share their journey with City Cruises on this week’s episode of It Runs In The Family! T...
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 ambitions for the future, as they join us on It Runs In The Family! This episode covers: The fami...
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 whether they share the same taste within the family… This episode covers: Unique challenges and benef...
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 discover the killer brands that Bumble & Goose supply, the dynamic between the family, and wha...
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 multi-generational family legacyResilience in the DNA of the family, who kept Morelli Ice Cream go...
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-Townrow, to share how the legendary firm has taken on challenges never faced in its 132 year histo...
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