COUPLES AT W O R K I was travelling with the Grand Prix for Ferrari and McLaren, and so, as this was pre-email, we wrote to each other for seven months. When did you go into business together? The same year we met – I headed out to Hong Kong where Adrian was working in a Thai restaurant. It could have ended up being a disaster, but it was totally exhilarating. We bought a hotel in the Cotswolds in 2000, and, after that, we ran the El Fenn in Marrakech together. We’ve been working together at Society since 2011. Share your secrets to success as a couple who works together... Respect, gratitude, kindness, and keeping the weekends for the family. Favourite spot to spend your time off together? The Dark Horse, Corkage, and No.15 Great Pulteney.
BATH WATER
Married couple Rachel and Mark Allen are the directors of a bottled water company How did you meet? We were set up on a blind date in Bath and immediately hit it off. We’ve now been together for 13 years and have a nine-year-old daughter. Tell us more about Bath Water… It plays to our love of Bath and of food and drink. While at lunch one day, we ordered water, and a bottle from Scotland appeared. We asked ‘why doesn’t Bath, a city synonymous with water, have its very own brand of water?’ And Bath Water was born. What are your secrets to working together? Partnership and trust. Oh, and our office dog, Rosie, helps. Have you found a good work-life balance? As full-time working parents, it’s not easy. We try to work ‘on the move’ when our daughter has activities.
Bath Water’s directors hit it off after a blind date
MOSS OF BATH
Husband and wife Tim and Annie Moss work together at their television, home-entertainment and hi-fi store How did you meet? We first met when I (Annie) visited the shop to buy a mobile phone. The next time I went in – to get a TV remote control – Tim asked me out for lunch. He still charged me for that remote control, though. We’ve been together 25 years, now, and have two children.
IT’S DIFFICULT WHEN WE HAVE TO TELL EACH OTHER OFF, EVEN AFTER Technology featured in your first meeting. Did 28 YEARS that continue?
What are your favourite places to visit when you’re not in work? We’re fond of The Bath Priory (where we had our wedding reception). Also, Mark is a keen Bath Rugby fan and is pleased to have negotiated our Bath Water sponsorship as official hydration partner of Bath Rugby. Queen Square, Bath; www.bathwater.co.uk
The owners of Society Café went into business together the same year they met
PHOTO BY JACK STEAD
Kingsmead Square, Bath; www.society-cafe.com
Yes. I’m quite practical, and when Tim proposed I suggested that he could buy me a new PC instead of a ring. Our good friend Nic (Wylde) is still waiting to make the engagement ring! When did you start working together? Tim has worked in the business since 1980 and I joined about 10 years ago to maintain the website and deal with marketing and advertising. Any secrets to making it work? I have absolutely no idea how to wall-mount a television, and Tim doesn’t know the password to access the website dashboard. We have absolute respect for one another’s roles. Your favourite spots at which to spend time as a couple? Woolley Grange (where we had our wedding reception); and most days off consist of a long dog-walk, good coffee and, ideally, a home fixture watching Bath Rugby play at The Rec. St James’ Parade, Bath; www.mossofbath.co.uk
PHOTO BY DAVID SHOUKRY
CURTAIN UP THEATRE SCHOOL
Sarah and Tristan Carter, who are married, teach children how to sing, dance and act How long have you been together? We met in sixth form and got married 27 years ago. Why did you start working together? I was an oncology pharmacist, and Tristan a jobbing actor. Tristan didn’t w 32 I BATH LIFE I www.mediaclash.co.uk