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

Almost half of companies (46) in the FTSE 100 made prior year adjustments to their previously reported climate and sustainability metrics this year, according to analysis by Deloitte. Deloitte’s analysis looked at the climate and sustainability disclosures in the most recently published annual and/or sustainability reports as of 31 December 2023. Of the restatements made, 89% related to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) metrics, with the remainder (11%) comprised of a variety of

Conflict within family businesses is often viewed with apprehension, yet it is a ubiquitous aspect of their dynamics. Unlike purely corporate entities, family firms merge personal relationships with business interests, creating a unique environment where conflict can be both a source of tension and an opportunity for growth. In fact, many see conflict as an inevitable component of family businesses but also something that can potentially drive the business forward. The Natur

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

Amid intensifying geopolitical tensions, ransomware attacks in 2024 are set to reach record levels, escalating the risks faced by companies worldwide. There is a shift toward more sophisticated extortion tactics, emphasizing the urgent need for coordinated global action and robust incident response strategies as organizations confront increasingly aggressive and persistent cyber threats, says GlobalData , a leading data and analytics company. GlobalData’s latest Thematic Inte

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

Brendan Clarkson, Business Advisory Director at PKF Littlejohn , spoke to Josh Levy, CEO of Ultimate Finance about the challenges of starting up and scaling up your business, and discussed all things asset-based lending. Since opening its doors in 2002, Ultimate has provided more than £10bn in funding to support their customers’ growth ambitions. How can asset-based lending help with both starting out and scaling up? Every business’ journey is unique, but they do have pivotal

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

In today's digital age, social media is an indispensable tool for businesses of all sizes. For family-owned businesses, leveraging these platforms can be particularly beneficial. They provide a cost-effective way to connect with customers, build brand loyalty, and expand your reach. Here’s how you can make the most of social media for your family business, along with essential tips for success. 1. Choose The Right Platforms Not all social media platforms are created equal, an

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

More than half of businesses plan to adopt AI within the next two years according to the latest research findings with leading cybersecurity expert claiming that adoption of AI in businesses is both exciting and concerning. Key Findings: 57% of organisations plan to implement AI solutions. Two-thirds (66%) of organizations said that their total IT budget will be increasing in 2024. Purchase of cybersecurity solutions/services/apps (61%), were the most popular IT investments a

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,

When we envision a family business, the images of unity, prosperity, and success often come to mind. However, the untold realities paint a different picture—one that includes tough conversations, disagreements, and the potential for disharmony. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of navigating tough conversations within family businesses, providing a guide for family members to master difficult dialogues and foster harmony. Tough Conversations: The Expected Reality

Should you join the growing number of family businesses that proudly promote the fact that they are (and have been) family owned – for decades, some even for centuries? Or do you prioritize your family’s privacy over leveraging your family’s involvement in the business for the benefit of a distinct family business brand? Drawing on evidence from research and practice, this article provides some insights as to the circumstances under which it makes sense to brand a company as

In branding, storytelling has emerged as a potent tool; for family businesses, it's not just an option but a necessity. In today's competitive landscape, where consumers seek authentic connections with brands, the narrative behind a business holds unparalleled significance. With their rich history, values, and personal touch, family businesses are uniquely poised to leverage the power of storytelling to solidify their brand presence and foster lasting relationships with custo