As one of three Co-Founders, Emma Brooks deals not only with a sibling in business, but a spouse too - a unique blueprint to say the least! Emma is Managing Director of iampro alongside husband Ben, Head of Production, and sister Charlie, whose face you might recognise from over one thousand episodes of EastEnders! We’re joined by Ben & Emma in this week’s podcast to share how their platform trains acting talent, how to keep work talk out of the home, and the importance of boundaries...

Sustainability is the seed at the heart of Teemill, and it’s only grown to such an extravagant extent through the shared vision and values of Mart and Rob Drake-Knight. The siblings behind the brand have leveraged ‘Isle of Wight mentality’ to go full-send with their venture, and it’s a delight to speak with Mart on this week’s It Runs In The Family. Join us in episode 60 for a dive into why your mistakes are your value, separating ‘your toys from theirs’ in business, and dropping...

It’s been 58 episodes of family business revelations so far on It Runs In The Family, and it’s time we take an exploded view on our marvellous guests, with a forensic look into our very own family business DNA too… As we celebrate an incredible 25 years of Liz Lean PR, we’re recalling some of our favourite moments from the podcast so far, and pulling the common threads to share what we see in their success and in ourselves. This episode covers: Some of our favourite highlights from the huge...

Few kitchens in the UK will be unfamiliar with COOK, a business whose youthful ambitions fuelled the success of their award-winning brand. There’s a delightful culture and commitment to quality shared by Co-CEOs Edward Perry and Rosie Brown, who share just a slice of that passion on this week’s ‘It Runs In The Family’. Join us as we dive into the parental roots of their entrepreneurialism, how naivety was a superpower in the early days, and the lasting confidence that external hires bring to...

When it comes to home decor, one should seldom skim on quality, and that passion seeps through every facet of Yester Home and its 2nd generation Managing Director, Edward Styles. Sharing a glimpse into an entrepreneurial family in which he Co-Founded the business with his parents, Ed joins us on a heartwarming and homely episode of It Runs In The Family. This episode covers: The inception of Yester Home with Ed’s family’s entrepreneurial groundingWorking alongside parents and growing into...

Open Study College began life in a garage 16 years ago, long before remote learning was rife, which makes their multi-million pound growth that much more staggering. Co-Founder Samantha Rutter-Bryant now bears the torch, working closely with sister and Director, Shawna Baker, a dream team whose family spirit manifests throughout the business.  The duo join us on It Runs In The Family to share their complementary dynamic, and the caring educational community they're creating.  This episode...

Chocolate: a medium in which 99% of products look near-enough identical. Choc on Choc are proud producers of that dazzling, awe-inspiring 1%. From edible dumbbells and banquets to 6ft chocolate tables and faces of royals, the creative spark behind the business belongs to the father-daughter duo of Kerr Dunlop and Flo Broughton. Get under the skin of this charming, innovative brand as Kerr and Flo join us on this week’s episode of It Runs In The Family! This episode covers: The evolving...

Sometimes it’s adversity that can most effectively generate the determination and drive to really succeed. Such is the case with award-winning Henley Distillery. Jacob and Alan Wilson are a formidable father-son duo who have Co-Founded and grown their brand over the last 18 months, a torrid time for most businesses to say the least. So how have they upheld the resilience to push through and create a gin with world acclaim? We hear from the Co-Founders themselves on this week’s episode of It...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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,...

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...

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...

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 &...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...