Siblings can be incredibly brutal with each other, but the thick skin that comes from brother-sister banter can be the perfect foundation for business partners… Bundle Beds is the brainchild of Lucy Bartlett, and while she may have begun with a different business partner, she’s making waves with her Co-Director Rob Solari, combining their separate skill sets into a fantastic venture. Lucy and Rob join us to detail their dynamic, how to make sure you can work with a sibling, and their award-winni...
Feb 15, 2023•37 min•Ep. 53
For some, retirement is not the end of a career, rather a new beginning with limitless potential. That much is certain for Shashi Aggarwal… Founding the now-global business Spice Kitchen from the humble beginnings of an eBay listing, on the suggestion of her son & Co-Founder Sanjay, it’s just one of many ventures for this indomitable force of a woman. Learn how the pair balance their roles, remain opportunistic, serve the community proudly, and use the freedom of retirement to fulfil their u...
Feb 01, 2023•49 min•Ep. 52
Nick Ashley-Cooper’s family business story is utterly unique, truly captivating, and demonstrates the power of human spirit in the face of adversity. Placed at the helm of St Giles House & Estate after the loss of two family members in just 6 months, Nick proudly follows a legacy while giving back to the local community through other charitable endeavours. This episode of It Runs In The Family features a story that’s equal parts tragic, moving, and uplifting as we share how this family busin...
Jan 18, 2023•57 min•Ep. 51
While their product range is always growing, if you know sausages then you most likely know HECK. There are some incredibly strong family roots behind a brand that’s using its power to highlight great causes, something that’s clear to see from spending time with Andrew & Jamie Keeble. Balancing father-son and boss-employee dynamics, Founder Andrew and Head of Sales Jamie join us on It Runs In The family for a peek behind the scenes of a business with such a strong long-term outlook. This epi...
Jan 04, 2023•50 min•Ep. 50
What was once only an arable farm is now host to a leisure venue buzzing with events and experiences, which demonstrates the creativity and commitment of Alderford’s incredible team. With 2nd generation Manager Rob Bebbington at the helm, Alderford is gearing up for a magical Christmas event, and we speak with Rob about how the family business manages feedback, retains their core values, and brings joy to all that visit! This episode covers: The legacy behind Alderford, and how they’ve incorpora...
Dec 21, 2022•47 min•Ep. 49
What is Christmas without Turkey? It’s the essential centrepiece of Christmas dinner, and there’s a world of care, commitment and craft that’s often taken for granted. While the award-winning Copas Traditional Turkeys was established in 1957, the family has been in the area for around 350 years! Leading that lineage now as Director and Sales Manager are Tom & Verity Copas. The couple share how much devotion goes into their craft, how they balance traditional methods with new ambitions, plus ...
Dec 07, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 48
A ball pit bar - what a novel concept. Great for a one month popup, but to still be going years later shows that it’s more than a simple gimmick. What sets Ballie Ballerson apart from anyone who dares to copy their idea is their dedication to the art of hospitality, a passion which comes from MD Wenny Armstrong and her brother, Director of Operations George. Join us for an episode almost as fun as their business, where we discuss their nostalgic edge, commitment to an incredible experience, grow...
Nov 23, 2022•54 min•Ep. 47
Gift giving seasons sneak up on us far more than we’d care to admit, which is exactly why Don’t Buy Her Flowers’ unique-yet-relatable premise has thrived throughout its 8 year run so far. Founding the business after a barrage of bouquets for her first child, Steph Douglas and her brother, Head of Operations Chas Earley, join us on a lovely episode of It Runs In The Family. We dive into the need for uplifting rapport among teams, what Steph & Chas have learned from their working relationship,...
Nov 09, 2022•58 min•Ep. 46
Lisa & Alana MacFarlane are identical mirror twins, have reached dizzying heights as DJs on Love Island and Virgin Radio, and since 2017 have been transforming our relationship with gut health. It seems like there’s very little that the Co-Founders of The Gut Stuff can’t do when they set their mind to it. Join us on ‘It Runs In The Family’ to discover the unexpected inception of the business, their apparent telepathy, the source of their fearlessness, and why they have regular WhatsApp messa...
Oct 26, 2022•56 min•Ep. 45
A business established in the 16th century carries with it an enormous heritage. Rather than seeing that as an anchor, Mary and Jane Quicke consider it an empowering inspiration. Quicke’s Traditional started life in 1540, and as it continues under the 14th and 15th generation custodians who join us on It Runs In The Family, we’re afforded a glimpse of their values, vulnerability and vivacious passion for the business. This episode covers: The empowering sense of guardianship in the 14th & 15...
Oct 12, 2022•59 min•Ep. 44
We’re long overdue a rewrite of the narrative surrounding women’s health, motherhood and their careers, and it’s the twin Co-Founders of Hertility who’re holding the pen. Helen & Deirdre O’Neill were born just minutes apart, and despite their complete physical similarities, it’s their unique skill sets that makes them the perfect pairing. Join us for a truly fascinating conversation on the twins’ journey, founding a business while 3 months pregnant, and their admirable work on the reproducti...
Sep 28, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 43
Surinder & Safia Hothi-Bellamy are two incredibly busy Directors leading Pure Punjabi’s remarkably diverse growth, from events & ingredients to private dining & cookery classes. The business’ humble beginnings only add to the spectacle of their award-winning offering. We hear from the mother-daughter duo this week on ‘It Runs In The Family’ to uncover the ingredients for success within this prolific pairing. This episode covers: The keen initiative that led Surinder to start the busi...
Sep 14, 2022•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 42
Over 30 years ago, the Fell family began experimenting with the production of ice cream. Now, they’re running the world’s largest ice cream parlour. This staggering evolution has carried with it a huge degree of tact and trust, a few sizable hurdles, and two generations of a family devoted to an unparalleled experience that extends beyond the ice cream itself. We hear from 2nd generation Managing Director Jonathan Fell about how he’s gradually taken the reins and continues to grow their family’s...
Sep 01, 2022•54 min•Ep. 41
For a brand to be so well known to those outside its typical demographic is a sure sign that you’ve made a notable name that’ll last - among those in the world of tools is 103 year old Draper Tools. The business is now in the care of 4th generation Directors Tom and Joe Draper, who join us on It Runs In The Family to share their close-knit culture, how they cover each other’s weaknesses, and when to hire a non-family MD to steer your ship. This episode covers: Growing up around a business with g...
Aug 17, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 40
The unique elements that make Darts Farm such a pillar come from their dedication to championing local food and drink, an aspect driven by the family business behind it. On this week’s episode of It Runs In The Family, we hear how Michael Dart and his son, George, are carrying forward a business that shares not only their family name, but their commitment to supporting the community around them, both geographically and to their fellow local suppliers & producers. This episode covers: Small b...
Aug 03, 2022•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 39
The Cornishware brand’s iconic striped design is a hugely recognisable hallmark of a company over 150 years into its journey, and having taken the reins in 2007, Charles & Rebecca Rickards are retaining its magic. The pair contribute to the continued success as Managing Director and Graphic Designer, and exude pride in the opportunity to work as a father-daughter duo. On this week’s It Runs In The Family, we dive into their complementary skill sets, strong ties to the community, and the inta...
Jul 20, 2022•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 38
Robin Hutson’s extraordinary impact on the hospitality industry earned him an OBE in 2022’s New Year’s Honours, being part of one of the country’s most impactful family hotel chains. With Judy Hutson alongside bringing an influential eye for design, and son Ollie Hutson’s mastery of a quality kitchen garden, this family’s clearly well-versed in combining their extraordinary skills. The trio join us on It Runs In The Family to discuss their approach to viewing the team as a huge extended family, ...
Jul 06, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 37
With 35 episodes under our belt since February 2021, we’re delighted to announce that It Runs In The Family has been named Best Podcast at the CIPR Excellence Awards 2022! It’s an unparalleled pleasure to share such an experience within a family business, and now seems as good a time as any to look back at the wonderful experiences and incredible guests that made this award possible. Join us for a very special episode where we pick out our highlights, share some hilarious stories, and even bring...
Jun 22, 2022•39 min•Ep. 36
Between the heritage behind 5th generation Director Phil Ainsworth and the expertise of award-winning gemmologist & wife Helen Dimmick, Ainsworth Jewellers is in safe hands. Phil’s 30 years at the helm of a business formerly responsible for the FA Cup winner’s medals, married with Helen’s experience with the famed Tiffany & Co, create a dedicated pairing in an industry founded on love & care. On It Runs In The Family this week, we hear from the dazzling couple on their connection to ...
Jun 08, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 35
Peaky Blinders may have wrapped up, but the marvellous marital team behind Perky Blenders is showing no signs of slowing. Adam and Victoria Cozens are the Co-Founding team behind the growing roasters, doing so with an admirable degree of collaboration and care for the community. The couple join us in this week’s It Runs In The Family to discuss how they attracted Levi’s & Google, the future of the coffee movement, and the family business story that’ll help them stay on the forefront of it. T...
May 25, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 34
Harking from Lake Como, the Bianchi family behind Arighi Bianchi began their journey way back in 1854. Carrying that heritage forward, this 5th generation business is headed up by a thriving family with strong bonds all round. Managing Director Sarah, Director Nick and Head of Comms Lucy, all share tales of a business proud of their legacy. The luxury home furniture & decor brand continues to excel on firm foundations, and we hear how those foundations of trust with customers, togetherness i...
May 11, 2022•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Thomas Robson-Kanu’s professional football career nearly met an insurmountable hurdle through injury, but he and his father, Rechi Kanu, created a product worthy of the world’s top athletes. What started as a solution to the Welsh international’s injury became The Turmeric Co., a business brimming with passion and commitment as it’s grown immensely. Thomas & Rechi join us to break down the similarities between the entrepreneurial mindset and that of elite footballers, the commitment to an ho...
Apr 27, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Chemical reactions form the basis for a few key aspects of Two Drifters Distillery: their carbon negative operations, deliciously crafted rum, and the love shared between its Co-Founders. Gemma and Russ Wakeham are the husband-wife duo whose belief that the world shouldn’t suffer as a result of their business has been central since before day one. The pair join us on It Runs In The Family to share their heartwarming story, how they’ve overcome challenges together, and why it’s paramount to set y...
Apr 13, 2022•53 min•Season 1Ep. 31
There’s nothing more quintessentially ‘family business’ than married Managing Directors providing products to fellow families. Such a brief is marvellously fulfilled by baby & toddler brand Hippychick. Jeremy Minchin’s jump from the police to becoming Joint MD of the brand with his wife & Founder, Julia, signals the duo’s commitment to helping families, working with local businesses, and providing an award-winning service. Hear more from them on balancing business with parenthood, creati...
Mar 30, 2022•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Since 1989, Timothy Everest has been fusing traditional bespoke tailoring with a contemporary eye for creative design, dressing some of the biggest names on the planet. The creative minds within this family cover a breadth of skills together, with Carina’s PR expertise and Alyssia’s extensive background in graphic design. Timothy and the daughters leading the next generation of the business join us on It Runs In The Family, sharing the ‘shorthand’ dynamic unique to family businesses, how they co...
Mar 16, 2022•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 29
For so many current or potential vegans, cheese is a vital factor that holds back the joys of plant-based pizza. The father-son team of Mike & Joe Hill, Co-Founders of One Planet Pizza, are making that their challenge to solve. We’ll soon be seeing One Planet Pizza in some of the country’s biggest supermarkets, so it’s a perfect opportunity to discover the story behind Mike & Joe’s journey. We learn about how they integrate non-family into strategic roles, their family dynamic at work, a...
Mar 02, 2022•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Motivations for entrepreneurs come in many different forms, but one of the most pertinent is that of helping the environment, and The Scottish Bee Company’s partners in business and marriage are a perfect example. Coming from completely different industries, they’ve grown the startup from its inception in 2017, and grappled with the challenges of hiring, juggling parenthood & startup life, and the heart-warming pride that the Co-Founders have in each other’s unique skill sets. This episode c...
Feb 16, 2022•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 27
The beauty behind KINN Living is that it’s born from passion, honesty & transparency in a world where sustainability grows in importance and greenwashing becomes more prevalent. Marie & Sophie started the business with a wonderful, mother-daughter, Co-Founder rapport which helps them to tackle challenges together. This week on It Runs In The Family, the duo join us to consider the landscape of sustainable cleaning products, the process behind their innovations, and minimising the parenta...
Feb 02, 2022•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 26
Cornwall is a county brimming with character & pride, and it’s also home to the 250-strong team behind Trewithen Dairy. Part of the pride in the business from Owner Bill Clarke and 2nd generation MD Francis, comes down to their focus on bringing customers and the wider farming community together on their ambitious, exciting journey. Bill & Francis join Liz & Leila on “It Runs In The Family” this week where we hear about the incredible team that Francis has assembled with brother and ...
Jan 19, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Welcome back to It Runs In The Family, returning in 2022 with a series first: a dynamic duo of cousins behind discovery platform Yard & Parish! While Co-Founders Samantha Newell & Alesha Bailey may be cousins, their bond is so close that their complementary skills are akin to what we’ve seen from siblings. Samantha & Alesha join us on episode 24 for a dive into their endearing sense of community for the independent, black-owned businesses they share with their users, how they’ve gain...
Jan 05, 2022•58 min•Season 1Ep. 24
