It Runs In The Family

What happens when the family business is also your family home, your shared history, and a legacy you want to protect? 

The stakes are higher, and the rewards greater for sisters Natasha Edwards and Jo Boswell, who take us inside The Garlic Farm on the Isle of Wight.

Along the way, they share the honest conversations, outside advice, and shared values that help a family work through big decisions together. Tasha and Jo give us a warm and practical look at what it takes to grow a business - and keep their relationships at its h...

It started with a margarita and a beach bar floating away on the tide… Now, it’s a thriving family firm making quality drinks available anywhere.

Tim and Ria Ball tell us how their lockdown cocktail-making hobby became Bar Buoy, a growing canned cocktail business rooted in the Southwest. 

They share what it’s really like to build a company together: the excitement, the cash-flow worries, and the smaller, more domestic negotiations…

Bar Buoy Cocktails have also very kindly given our listeners a code for 15% off before the 31st of December! Listeners can use the c...

When a crisis hits a family business, there’s more at stake than just a brand – it’s your family name above the door and generations of hard work on the line. 

You might not want to imagine your family business in the headlines for the wrong reasons, but if it did happen, what would you do in that first critical hour?

In this special episode of It Runs In The Family, Liz and Leila unpack what a real crisis looks like, why the first 60 minutes matter so much, and how family businesses can prepare to prot...

At just 26 years old, Charlie Hawker has the reins of his father’s business, and he’s reinventing a ‘dinosaur industry’ in his own ambitious image.

Charlie takes us from counting sheets of labels in his parents’ spare room to steering A4 Labels through manufacturing, sustainability initiatives and ambitious global plans. 

We unpack the emotional reality of handing over the reins in a family business, the pressure of leading through three years of decline, and the quiet resilience it takes not to walk away when things get hard. 

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One fateful year for dairy farmers and a simple milk quota turned a Cotswolds dairy farm into a nationally-beloved, family-owned ice cream brand - Marshfield Farm Ice Cream.

In this episode of It Runs in the Family, Leila and Liz sit down with mother-son duo Dawn and Angus Hawking to explore how diversification and graft turned a side hustle in the late-80s into a multi‑generational business.

From robotic milkers and B Corp accreditation to Swizzles licensing deals and “Deliver‑Moo” home delivery, we bring you a candid, hilarious, and practical look at building a family...

What happens when your festival colleague is also your mum, your aunt or your dad behind the decks? 

In this We Out Here Festival special, Liz and Leila roam the show to find artist liaison dynamos, Tanzanian musical queens, and a producer–DJ team comprising father and daughter to hear how music, work and family blur into one big shared project. 

Together, they unpack the unspoken language of working with loved ones, the reality behind proving yourself, and the quiet graft that keeps artists feeling held on and off stage. 

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What does it feel like to grow up thinking your family farm is simply a shared passion, only to realise you’re now stewarding a cheddar recipe beloved in 160 countries? 

In this episode of ‘It Runs In The Family’, fourth-generation custodian Lucie Clothier lifts the lid on Wyke Farms’ journey, and the pressure – and privilege – of protecting a 165-year legacy. 

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Wyke Farms Website: https://www.wykefarms.com/

Wyke Farms LI: https://www.link...

What does it take to keep a 100+ year-old family business feeling fresh?

The fourth-generation CEO of The Fine Bedding Company, Claire Watkin, uncovers a century-long journey from feathers flying around a Liverpool factory to award-winning innovation, B Corp status, and a factory in Estonia with its own beehives. 

Join us for a fascinating look at a leader who became MD at 28, as Claire joins us on ‘It Runs In The Family’ to share how a strong values-led culture can carry a business across generations.

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Cornwall is a corner of the world which imprints itself on all who visit, and few businesses are quite as synonymous with their origins as Fat Willy’s, a perennial presence on the Cornish coastline.

In this episode, Liz and Leila sit down with Co-Owner and Director Marc Ward, to retrace the steps of how a surf shack dream from the 1980s became a Cornish institution, from Marc’s dad’s original vision to how the brand has grown while staying firmly rooted in Cornwall and family life.

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Dominion is a three-generation print business which nearly began as the UK’s first McDonald's franchisee - that ‘sliding doors’ moment set the trajectory for a far greater journey for the firm’s family…

In this episode, Liz and Leila sit down with Verity Fox, Managing Director of Dominion, the three‑generation print business that’s been part of her life for as long as she can remember. 

Verity shares what makes the business like a “hungry sibling”, sudden succession, balancing grief with leadership, and the quiet strength of a team that rallies when the family is in crisis...

When your dad tells you that life is a do-it-yourself project, what would you feel empowered to build? 

A single, overlooked byproduct of coffee roasting has become Tepi Naturals, a family-run skincare brand headed up by the ambitious and driven Brent Thomas.

Brent joins us to share the leap from biotech to farmers’ markets, the realities of working alongside his parents and sister, and the pressure and purpose that come with building something of your own.

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When a late‑night phone call in Bucharest led Anca Tomescu’s mother to rescue 300 dogs in a single day, she had no idea she was founding one of Eastern Europe’s oldest and most remarkable shelters. 

In this episode of ‘It Runs In The Family’, we meet Anca and her daughter Sara, the second and third generations behind Adăpostul Speranța Shelter, now home to over 500 elderly, disabled, and rehabilitated dogs. 

They share what it’s like to grow up in a shelter, how Sara is now blending business skills with a lifelong love of animals...

When Sophie and Axel Steenberg walked away from corporate life to start an organic spice business, they bet on their values, their patience, and their family. 

Steenbergs is a business grown from a tiny North Yorkshire unit with just two kilos of each spice; now it’s a tried, tested and trusted brand, known for doing the right thing at all costs…

Sophie and Axel join us to explore the reality of doing business ‘the nicer way’, and how your business’ ethos is a stark reflection of the family who runs it.

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The Headland Cornwall is an unmistakably iconic hotel overlooking Fistral Beach, and the family in charge have their eyes set on the long term…

Veryan Palmer is the hotel’s director, and has wanted to be a hotelier since the age of 10 - her passion for the building, the team, and the area is second to none.

Discover a building steeped in history, and learn what it takes to keep it running as more than a hotel, but as a living piece of Cornish history.

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The idea that glass can be worked in a small studio, rather than a closed-off factory, was once novel. Thanks to Peter Layton, it’s become an icon of London.

He discovered studio glass in the US, and has since built one of the UK’s most influential glass studios, thriving for over 50 years and now boasting a site on Bermondsey Street.

We’re joined by Peter and his daughter, Sophie, who share how family, community and a deep love of craft have kept the fires burning through recessions, big commissions and the handover to the ne...

Food is more than food for the Founder of Xi Home Dumplings Bay - whether it’s love or an apology, it’s the strongest language shared by this family.

Wenjun Xiang launched her career while she was still in school, starting the business with her mum at age 17, and while Forbes 30 Under 30 is a mighty accolade to achieve in that time, it’s not the only definition of success for her.

Join us for a truly unvarnished take on the family business journey with Wenjun, as she describes what makes the relationship with her matern...

Velfrey Vineyard began life as a field beside a family magazine business. Reinvention took the Mounsey family to pastures new.

Fiona is a Director in the business alongside her son, Ryan, and both of their spouses, making their award-winning wine business a wide-spanning family affair.

Ryan and Fiona join us on the podcast this week to share how a chance tasting of local wine, a well‑thumbed vineyard handbook, and a willingness to “just get it going” led them from animal feed trade titles to an internationally acclaimed vineyard in Pembrokeshire. 

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Step inside a London salon story 50 years in the making. It begins with Hari Salem’s vision for a salon which cares for its staff like family - a core value that remains today.

They’ve expanded their team and their locations, but for 2nd gen leaders Lucan and Tassie, it must never lose its charm…

In this episode of It Runs In The Family, the new guard shares how their dad built a quirky, much‑loved Chelsea hair institution – and how they’re now steering it into its next chapter. 

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Imagine turning one of the hardest moments in your life into the catalyst for a whole new family business.

That’s how the mother–daughter duo of Nikki and Emilia Jeffery, along with sister Olivia, brought  The Staging Experts to life.

They’re a fledgling business, but they share all the values and relationships that have made so many family firms so successful - and so special. Join us as we explore what lessons Nikki and Emilia have learned about each other, which could only have been learned from the family business…

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The Booth family’s farm is a place where the humble fruits have remarkable potential, and the food waste is actually a land of opportunity.

Sandy Booth heads up New Forest Fruit Snacks, a business with family values at its core, and a whole lot of help from the kin within!

Join us this week for a look into an innovative, sustainable family farm growing not just the strawberries in their snacks, but the people within the business too…

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What began as a temporary move to "help dad out" during a global crisis quickly evolved into a high-stakes mission to reinvent women’s health.

Lucy Hope’s family journey is rooted in a century-old story, sparked by the loss of her great-grandfather in the 1919 flu pandemic.

She’s been a huge part in the story of Virustatic for years, and is now branching into her own field, founding The Daughters of Mars.

Join us to explore how Lucy is pioneering her family’s scientific research for a new age, the emotional reality of your...

Sisterhood is a superpower. 

Once Olivia and Tanyka Davson understood each other as both siblings and as professionals, the foundations were laid for them to finally go all-in with Cubbi.

Their business was born out of personal experiences in motherhood, which places family values at the heart of their business before it’s even taken its first steps.

So join us for a look at how these Co-Founders took the leap together, why their dynamic is far different from any normal Co-Founder duo, and the bright future ahead for Cubbi!

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Just because something’s labelled ‘small’, that doesn’t mean it’s incapable of achieving great things - it’s all about opportunities, not limitations for Small Family Business.

Elliot and Eva Harris represent two of the three generations that comprise Small Family Business, whose name alludes to the way they operate - not to the limits of their success.

Join the father-daughter duo on this week’s episode to explore how reclaiming ‘small’, leading with compassion, and combining generational wisdom is a golden recipe.

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When they’re not changing lives in their hair clinic, Dr Matee and Dr Kaleem Rajput are changing lives by going out into the community, where it REALLY matters.

Family legacy and compassion guide every decision, and as Matee will tell you, that’s all you need to make a success of any industry you enter.

These two brothers carry forward their parents’ philanthropic spirit, blending their medical expertise and a shared sense of purpose to make a tangible difference both at home and around the world.

Join us as we explore what makes...

What happens when a business becomes inseparable from the family which runs it, and dares to bear its family influence through every strand of its existence?

You get Ta’mini Lebanese Bakery… and while Nermin and Ali might be newcomers to running their stores, their family recipes date back several generations.

Everyone who enjoys their cuisine owes it not just to the husband-wife duo, but to their family before them, bringing a new perspective on legacy in family business…

Tune into ‘It Runs In The Family’ for a look into a business with its family...

After the heartbreaking loss of his brother Robin to germ cell cancer at just 24, Toby Freeman and his family turned grief into action, founding a charity that has become the UK’s leading voice for young people’s cancer awareness.

This candid conversation reveals the raw emotions behind the inception of the charity, detailing both the challenges and the triumphs that come with building a family-led mission in the wake of such profound loss.

We’ve seldom heard such a moving story of a family bringing together their combined strengths to save lives, with familial love a...

This week we welcome Michael and Gerard Boon, the father-son team behind Boon Brokers, for an inspiring conversation about legacy, innovation, and the journey of transforming a family business. 

Michael’s hard work during his early days in the industry has laid the groundwork for Gerard’s tech-driven approach, all while maintaining the all-important human touch.

Tune in as we hear what lies behind Gerard’s vision and drive for innovation, the unique dynamics of working with family, the importance of work-life balance, and the lessons learned from decades of navigating change together.

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From a small sandwich shop, Luke Consiglio and his family have drawn up the recipe for a national catering powerhouse… without losing the family charm.

In this heartfelt episode of ‘It Runs In The Family’, we sit down with Luke, The Pantry’s Owner, to explore the remarkable journey they’ve had and the unwavering support of his family who not only helped build the business, but remain at its core. 

Hear how Luke’s approach to leadership is rooted in authenticity as he shares the importance of celebrating each other’s strengths, how giving back has become...

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 side by side as mother and daughter, and how their different personalities and skil...

“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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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…

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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!

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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!

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