Recent news that Prada has agreed to buy Versace in a £1.1billion deal, that brings together two of Italy’s biggest luxury fashion...

Nestled in the rolling hills of the Scottish Borders, Stobo Castle Health Spa stands as a majestic symbol of history, luxury, and rejuvenation and is now recognised as one of the most renowned destination spas in the UK. The story of Stobo Castle’s transformation into a wellness retreat is one of vision, perseverance, and a deep respect for the history that has shaped it. Paul Andrews spoke to Stephen Winyard and his wife Mandy, the current owners of Stobo Castle and the next

The James Donaldson Group, one of Scotland’s longest-standing family businesses, has grown from a small sawmill in Fife into a diversified group of companies that are leaders in timber distribution, manufacturing, and construction. Over its 160+ year history, the company has not only evolved with the times but has also managed to stay true to its roots—a testament to its ability to adapt while remaining grounded in family values. Paul Andrews spoke to Michael Donaldson, Chair

Bridgman Furniture, a name synonymous with luxury and quality, has carved out a distinguished place in the furniture industry over decades. Known for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative designs, Bridgman's journey from a modest beginning to a celebrated brand offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of fine furniture making. Paul Andrews spoke to the third generation CEO, Alex Bridgman, to find out more. The story of Bridgman Furniture begins in the early 197

At RoniB's Kitchen, they aim to bring products that feature the bold and complex flavours of the Philippines. All of their products are lovingly recreated from family recipes and for Roni, who founded the business, her own memories of home. Made with the best local and Southeast Asian ingredients, their products are all-natural and free from artificial flavourings, colourings and preservatives. Paul Andrews spoke to Roni to find out more. The business was founded in 2017 sta

Nestled in the picturesque Borders of Scotland, Thorburn Group has established itself as a prominent name in the construction and civil engineering sectors, delivering quality steel frame buildings and fabrication services to agricultural, industrial, and commercial industries. Paul Andrews spoke to Euan Thorburn to find out more. Thorburn Group has a rich history spanning several decades, the company has not only contributed to the development of the region but has also demo

William Whiteley & Sons has been around for a long time, since 1760 to be exact. The business officially began during the forefront of the industrial revolution, although the family believe that it traded even earlier than this. Since 1760, William Whiteley & Sons have been designing and manufacturing beautifully hand-crafted scissors from their home in Sheffield, the birthplace of British steel. Whiteley’s is still family-owned and run today, in the hands of the eleventh a

Jackson Woodturners has been established as expert woodturners for more than 100 years. Based in Sheffield, the family firm is now in its fourth generation which provides customers with a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise. Paul Andrews spoke to director, Lucie Levesley to find out more about the stair part specialists. As Lucie explains, “The business was started by my Great, Great Grandfather, Alfred Jackson back in 1910, predominantly making tool handles. My

Founded in 1860, The Ice Co is Europe’s leading ice manufacturer and the UK’s number 1 ice brand, with bestselling products such as Super Cubes, Polar Cube and Party Ice. Almost 160 years later, The Ice Co still operates with the same entrepreneurial spirit and passion for ice that the business was founded upon. Now led by the sixth generation of the Marr family, keeping their customers cool is still at the forefront of everything they do, which is celebrated in the range of

Nestled in the heart of Macclesfield, Cheshire, Arighi Bianchi stands as a beacon of retail excellence, boasting a 170-year legacy of...

Source One Consulting is a business run by a small team comprising first and second generation family members who are full of entrepreneurial spirit. Paul Andrews went to meet them to find out more. Source One Consulting was launched by Pat and Lisa Lewis in 2002 with the ambition of creating one of East Anglia’s leading office design and refurbishment businesses. Since those early days, they have grown and expanded, developing their service to offer a couple of desks and c

Charles Clinkard is an established name in the retail industry, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. And, like any successful business, it’s learnt to be adaptable. Here, Rachel Clinkard from Charles Clinkard shares her insight into business agility. In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to adapt and thrive in the face of constant change has become crucial for successful enterprises. Whether it's embracing technological advancements, acknowledgin

In the heart of Bolton, amidst its bustling streets and vibrant culture, lies a culinary gem cherished by locals and visitors alike: Carrs Pasties. Since 1938, Carrs has been synonymous with the epitome of traditional British comfort food, serving up delectable pasties that tantalise taste buds and warm the soul. Paul Andrews spoke to Joe Carr to find out more. Carrs Pasties has stood the test of time, rooted in a rich heritage dating back to when Grandma Nell made the first

EGM Golf is an independent British company who design, manufacture, and supply a complete package of golf driving range equipment. The desire to constantly evolve products is driven from the top by company owner Adrian Yallop who started the business in 1982. Paul Andrews spoke to the second generation, Harvey Yallop, to find out more. As Harvey explains, “It all started back in the 1980’s by my father. His career began in the repair and sales of motorcycles and cars before b

Michael Atkinson discovers Scotland's last remaining medallist - nearly 200 years of history making medals for some of the world's greatest institutions. In the magnificent St Giles' Cathedral on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh is the Thistle Chapel, chapel of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle, the greatest order of chivalry in Scotland. Each member of the Order is allotted a stall in the chapel and when a new knight is appointed by the Monarch, a stall plate,

In recent years, there has been a significant societal shift in the traditional family structure, giving rise to the increasing prevalence of blended families. Blended families, also known as stepfamilies, are formed when partners with children from previous relationships come together to create a new household. This evolving family dynamic reflects the changing landscape of modern relationships, challenging conventional notions of what constitutes a "typical" family. One dri

The increasing opportunity for women in family businesses marks a significant shift in traditional gender roles within the realm of entrepreneurship. Historically, family businesses were often considered patriarchal entities, with leadership roles predominantly occupied by men. However, contemporary dynamics are witnessing a noteworthy transformation as women are progressively taking on more prominent roles and responsibilities in family enterprises. It is great to see so ma

We now live in a world where the environment is front and centre, discussions are taking place in board rooms around the world about carbon emissions, reducing our collective carbon footprint and making sure we are doing business in as many ways as possible to reduce the environmental impact of our actions too. In this world where environmental concerns are at the forefront, the circular economy has emerged as a beacon of hope, reshaping the way we produce, consume, and disca

ScotlandShop was founded back in 2002 by Anna White and despite being a relatively young family business is a business that is steeped in the history of Scotland and the tartans for which the nation is known globally. Over the past 20 years so much has happened. Paul Andrews caught up with founder Anna White in their new head office in Duns in the Scottish Borders to find out more. This is a story of entrepreneurship, dedication to a business and a desire to succeed but und

BE Uniforms, formerly known as Border Embroideries, was founded by Billy and Shirley Anne Smillie in 1989 using a single head embroidery machine purchased with the help of the Prince's Trust. With around 30 years of experience supplying schools, businesses and clubs across the UK and beyond, BE Uniforms have become one of the UK's leading specialist uniform suppliers from their purpose-built factory based in the Scottish Borders. Paul Andrews went to meet William and Ross Sm