Family Business Top 100 Recognition For William Lees-Jones

We are delighted to announce that William Lees-Jones of JW Lees Brewery has been included within the inaugural Family Business United ‘Family Business Top 100,’ which recognises the exceptional contribution of individuals and their work within a family business.

Recognition in respect of:

• Inspirational Leadership

• Champion of Change & Innovation

• Family Business Steward

• Multi-Generational Family Business Leader

William is the Managing Director of JW Lees Brewery and a staunch advocate and voice for the family business sector. JW Lees is a family brewery company, founded in 1828 by retired cotton manufacturer John Lees. They’re based in Middleton in the North West of Manchester and own JW Lees Brewery, JW Lees Pubs, The Alderley Edge Hotel, The Trearddur Bay Hotel and Willoughby’s Wine Merchants.

They’re a sixth-generation family business which employs over 1,300 people, 140 at the brewery and site in Middleton Junction and over 1,100 in their 43 managed pubs, inns and hotels. They also let a further 100 pubs to a number of Pub Partners. They have pubs in Manchester close to their Greengate Brewery, stretching all the way to North Wales.

William is an inspiration to many and actively campaigns for the hospitality and family business sectors to ensure their voice is heard. He leads from the front and continues to drive the business forward. As a multi-generational family firm leader, Will is also prepared to support his peers, share his insight and help others to address some of the unique challenges facing family firms.

Will is passionate about his business and continues to support the investment in the brand, business and its people. He is an incredible individual who is constantly challenging the norm and making sure that the family business continues to evolve. He was an outstanding voice of the sector during the pandemic and continues to make his family business voice heard. He is the leader of a long standing family business and a friend of the family business sector and he thoroughly deserves his place in the Family Business Top 100.