THE CHRISTMAS DECORATORS, WORCESTER

Established: 2016

Employee numbers: 14

Generations in the business: 2

The Christmas Decorators, set up by Paul and Ali Chesters, specialises in the design and installation of interior and exterior festive lighting and Christmas decorations for businesses and residential properties. It also specialises in creating winter wonderland weddings and themed Christmas parties.

Last year, after securing an Enterprising Worcestershire grant, the company began raising its profile through marketing, and has since secured some major new clients such as Worcestershire Cricket Club.

Rather than encouraging the next generation to come into the business, (it’s a bit too soon as their son Charlie is still a baby), Paul and Ali have instead encouraged their parents to come on board.

Initially filling in as free labour, Ali’s dad and Paul’s mum are now on the payroll. Ali’s dad is often found delivering and collecting stock for upcoming installations. Paul’s mum has joined the decorating team, creating and preparing Christmas decorations in the workshop before they are installed.

For Ali personally, the reassurance of having a parent’s wisdom and commitment settled her early day nerves and acts as a comfort to her in unknown situations.

“I’ve experienced the business as both the junior family member and now as a senior member of the family and it can be a strain on family relationships, especially when you hit a bump in the road. But overall it is a fantastic experience and probably unlike any other family connection.

“We have complete trust in each other’s abilities. That doesn’t mean there are never crossed words, raised voices or disagreements, but these are usually aired and perhaps talked through in greater detail away from work so we can quickly move on.”

Paul added: “We are also aware that the stability, tradition and values that our parents bring to the business also impact us greatly. We feel that this applies even more so when delivering a service at Christmas time, as we feel strongly that family and friends matter most during this time, to us and to our clients.”

SUTCLIFFE & CO, INSURANCE BROKERS, WORCESTER

Established 1984

Employee numbers: 22

Generations in the business: 2

Sutcliffe & Co is a Worcester broker focusing on the Three Counties.

“Being an independent insurance broker means Sutcliffe & Co is not tied to any particular insurer,” explained Duncan Sutcliffe.

The insurance industry continues to grow exponentially. “You can get insurance for pretty much anything now, which is great,” said Duncan. “And insurers do adapt well to changes in technology, markets and society in general. It keeps us on our toes.”

He is a fourth-generation insurance broker, but Duncan admits that it wasn’t his first choice of career. “However, having got the insurance bug I am passionate about my business and looking after clients. I have two boys and a fair number of nieces and nephews, so there is a lot of potential brokers in the making, and enough time to persuade them to follow in the Sutcliffe family footsteps.”

Would you ever sell the business?

“That isn’t on the cards. Sutcliffe & Co is an independent family business and we plan to keep it that way.”

HILLSIDE BREWERY AND EVENTS, LONGHOPE

Established 2014

Employee numbers: 5, plus temporary staff Generations in the business: 2

Since Peter and his son Paul Williamson established Hillside Brewery, the business has grown by at least 25 per cent a year. This growth has come from the original brewery business and its newer events offering.

“We are a small business but we have won more than 50 awards so far, including the Best UK Rural Drink Producer and the Best Food or Drinks Producer in Gloucestershire,” said Peter. “These have encouraged us as we seek to develop the business successfully.”

Hillside started as a brewery but the margins in beer are low and the UK is oversupplied with beer. “We have more breweries per head in the UK than any other country,” he added.

So father and son developed an extensive events business alongside the brewery, converting some of the agricultural buildings on the family’s

SMITHS (GLOUCESTER) LTD

Established: 1982

Employee numbers: 525

Generations in the business: 2

It’s now one of the largest construction and waste management companies in the South West, but when Alan Smith started the

40-acre farm into high-quality facilities and event spaces, using some of the land for camping and other activities.

As a result, Hillside has welcomed more than 30,000 visitors to the brewery since 2014.

Peter has strong views on family businesses. “Having observed other family businesses, and this is not a criticism, views can differ significantly between generations and while it needs to be clear who ultimately makes the decisions, this can involve significant frustration and create conflict.

“Our business was set up jointly by a father and son. We began by me taking most of the decisions and for a few years Paul working alongside me as we tried to make decisions jointly.

“However, we have now agreed that Paul should become Managing Director. He leads the business and manages it day to day. I have deliberately stepped back to help facilitate this. I work one or two days a week, but it is clear that I work for Paul. He makes the key decisions and manages all the staff.” business in 1982 it was just him and one machine.

“Now there are lots more mouths to feed and plenty more pairs of eyes, all with an enthusiastic approach to the ways that we can shape the business,” he said. “We have undergone controlled growth for a number of years and continually invest in new machinery, lorries and staff training.”

The company has adapted to prevailing business conditions. “When presented