It Runs In The Family Liz & Leila Willingham

A 5 year old Christina Veal wanted ice cream, a simple request that set the wheels in motion on a 40 year legacy in the form of New Forest Ice Cream.
Christina and her sister, Niki Jenman, now head up the business whose charm is tangible in every tasty scoop. These siblings have such undeniable chemistry, and it’s a joy that they shared it with us in this delicious episode of It Runs In The Family!
This episode covers:
How the brand has evolved since its charming inception in 1983Standout moments with the family in the businessCarving out time for each otherThe unparalleled role of quality tester for some of the wildest flavoursMaintaining the business’ size alongside its lovely family culture

Greenhouses may not be an essential product, but that makes the charm and connection of family values a non-negotiable for the marvellous Alitex.
With celebrity clients from Sheeran to Sting and an indomitable presence at Chelsea Flower Show, it’s no wonder that Tom and Nelly Hall have such pride in their brand.
We join the duo on location this week, sheltering from the elements in one of their very own greenhouses, for a uniquely enlightening episode of It Runs In The Family.
This episode covers:
The impostor syndrome of being connected to the business through your family relationshipSharing complementary skills and combined valuesHow family life has influenced Tom’s approach to business ownershipFamous names on their roster, including David Beckham’s unforgettable visit to Alitex’s HQ

Some businesses’ products you simply can’t, or shouldn’t, live without - Lyfeguard sets out to make everyone’s lives simpler in a way that few other businesses ever can…
In the aftermath of a torrid experience handling two late friends’ estates, Gary Steward and son Fraser Co-Founded a company with care and heart at its core. 
Join us to hear their story, how they separate business from family life, and why for them being a family business is a double edged sword of sorts…
This episode covers:
Separating business and family livesCombining complementary skills between family members and team membersThe emotional pain that Lyfeguard directly aims to alleviateFraser’s experiences in Parliament

Forget all you know of a farm shop - Nick and Ash Sinfield have created an iconic location in the business they’ve Co-Founded together: Teals.
The couple have created a remarkable blend of commerce and hospitality with a food market, restaurant, and range of wellness classes to name a selection of factors that make Teals stand out.
We’re joined by Nick and Ash to share how their family dynamic changed when they became Co-Founders, the value of values, and how to keep the business from becoming all-consuming.
This episode covers:
Teals’ opening three years ago, and bumpy first few yearsThe difference between working together and founding a business togetherCreating a team dynamic where they enable their team, not inhibit themTheir responsibility as a budding B Corp to-beMaintaining a healthy dynamic when the business becomes overwhelming

Sri Lankan food culture brings people together and always lays a space at the table, and that family feel channels into The Coconut Tree’s 9 fantastic locations.
Rashintha Rodrigo’s emotional connection with the business has evolved over its 9 years in rather an interesting way - we catch up with him on It Runs In The Family about the chain’s success, and charming ambitions.
This episode covers:
The strength gained from having multiple Co-FoundersTheir ‘lay an extra spot at the table’ ethos funnelling into the businessHow The Coconut Tree expanded their reach to 9 restaurants in 7 yearsAn evolving emotional connection with the business over time

Glenmuir’s 130 year legacy stands it in great stead, but Managing Director Mikhel Ruia’s constant innovation and tempered approach keeps them moving ever-forwards.
We have the rare opportunity to speak with another business within the same family group as last episode’s Sock Shop; both being part of the Ruia Group and interestingly sharing an evidently effective family ethos…
This episode covers:
Receiving business mentorship from within your entrepreneurial familyMikhel’s pursuit of breaking the ‘3rd gen, rags-to-riches-to-rags’ tropeGrowing up in a culture of commitment and work ethicThe impressive digitisation that Mikhel has brought to the businessFinding extraordinary improvements in the ordinaryHow to have an awareness and tact when handling tense topics