FaMily business oF the year
GEORGE MORRIS, executive chairman of Morris & Spottiswood, believes there are many family businesses doing a great job in Scotland – so he’s doubly delighted that this company has been shortlisted.
“About half the population is employed by family businesses and there are some great companies out there, so it’s amazing to be nominated,” he said.
“The secret to a successful family business? It’s communication, like so much else!”
Morris & Spottiswood provides housing, maintenance, mechanical, electrical and fit-out services and clients include B&Q and NHS Scotland.
“Being a family informs everything we do,” he says.
Morris & Spottiswood has a few quirks you’re more likely to find with a family business.
“Morris & Spottiswood is a great combination and our vans celebrate other great combinations,” George says.
“So we have mince and tatties on one and another that says salt and sauce! One of the best is Ecclefechan and Upper Slaughter, a celebration of quirky Scottish names. And, of course, legend has it Oor Wullie once got a day off school for being able to spell Ecclefechan!” THERE was no pressure on Judith D’Ambrosio to join the family business once she left school.
But her parents David and June Browne have such a passion for the company they formed, it’s no surprise that Judith was glad to join the firm.
David and June established The Scottish Shutter Company in Broughty Ferry three decades ago. As a child, Judith went to meetings and was impressed by mum’s skills.
“I saw how great she was at her job – I knew I wanted to be part of it,” she says.
Judith is in charge of driving the business forward and loves IN 1962, once her children were all at school, Janet Henderson set up a farm shop. She had no idea her new venture would go on to become an Edinburgh institution. A café soon followed. Back in the 1960s, being vegetarian was much more unusual than today. But Janet’s delicious vegetarian food and warm welcome was a winning combination – and customers flocked.
The Henderson family went on to open a restaurant in a derelict basement in Edinburgh – and they’ve recently opened another. working with her mum, dad and husband David.
But she realises it wouldn’t be for everyone.
“I love being around my entire family each day but not many of my friends would be able to deal with doing the same with their families!” she laughs.
Whether Judith’s daughters Olivia and Chloe follow her footsteps into the business remains to be seen. But the signs are good. “They are in the showroom almost daily and they have even come with us when we’re interviewing for staff. They wanted us to offer a job to one girl because she had lovely hair!”
Janet’s grandson Barrie is now at the helm.
He says: “With a family business, customers get a more personal service.”
And the business isn’t just a Henderson family affair.
Christine Smith is 74 and has worked for the Henderson family for decades.
Dad was company baker and now Christine’s grandchildren are part of the team, too!
It’s all part of a winning formula that has made this one of Edinburgh’s most-loved restaurants.