This week we welcome Michael and Gerard Boon, the father-son team behind Boon Brokers, for an inspiring conversation about legacy, innovation, and the journey of transforming a family business.

Michael’s hard work during his early days in the industry has laid the groundwork for Gerard’s tech-driven approach, all while maintaining the all-important human touch.

Tune in as we hear what lies behind Gerard’s vision and drive for innovation, the unique dynamics of working with family, the importance of work-life balance, and the lessons learned from decades of navigating change together.

🔑 Key Themes

• Family Legacy and Succession
• Innovation in a Business Transformation
• Balancing Work, Life and Personal Growth
• Maintaining Client Relationships Through Service Excellence
• Embracing Change and Learning from Failure

🔗 Connect with us

• Guest Website: https://boonbrokers.co.uk/
• Guest IG: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boon-brokers/
• Guest LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/boonbrokers
• Gerard LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerard-boon-7901baab/

Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/

Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/

Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/lizleanpr

https://www.linkedin.com/company/liz-lean-pr/

From a small sandwich shop, Luke Consiglio and his family have drawn up the recipe for a national catering powerhouse… without losing the family charm.

In this heartfelt episode of ‘It Runs In The Family’, we sit down with Luke, The Pantry’s Owner, to explore the remarkable journey they’ve had and the unwavering support of his family who not only helped build the business, but remain at its core.

Hear how Luke’s approach to leadership is rooted in authenticity as he shares the importance of celebrating each other’s strengths, how giving back has become such an integral part of their identity, and the lessons learned from successes and setbacks.

🔑 Key Themes

• The Power of Family in Business
• Growth Through Bold Decisions
• Community and Giving Back
• Preserving Values and Culture at Scale
• Building a Lasting Legacy

🔗 Connect with us

• The Pantry: https://www.thepantrycatering.co.uk/
• The Pantry (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-pantry-uk-limited/
• The Pantry (IG): https://www.instagram.com/pantry_uk/?hl=en
• Luke Consiglio (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-consiglio-693675a0/

Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/

Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/

Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/lizleanpr

https://www.linkedin.com/company/liz-lean-pr/

The Sonas Hotel Collection’s story spans three generations, and a blend of spontaneity, resilience, and family values have transformed a single guesthouse into a beloved group of hotels.

From the very first purchase with Anne’s late husband Ken, to the latest ambitious renovations, the Gracie family’s journey is filled with unexpected turns, laughter, and a deep sense of purpose.

Anne and Jennifer are this week’s very special guests, as they open up about the joys and challenges of working side by side as mother and daughter, and how their different personalities and skills have become the perfect balance for their business.

The episode delves into the emotional moments that shaped their path, and the strength they found in each other during difficult times. This behind-the-scenes look at the Sonas Hotel Collection uncovers the heart, humour, and hope that drive this extraordinary family forward.

🔑 Key Themes

• Family Legacy and Generational Involvement
• Resilience and Adaptability
• The Unique Dynamics of Family Business
• Heritage, Culture, and Sense of Place
• The Warmth and Philosophy of Hospitality

🔗 Connect with us

• Sonas Hotel Collection: https://sonascollection.com/
• Sonas Hotel Collection (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/sonas-hospitality-limited/
• Anne Gracie Gunn (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-gracie-gunn-6a253624/
• Jennifer Gracie (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-gracie-626063158/

Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/

Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/

Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/lizleanpr

https://www.linkedin.com/company/liz-lean-pr/

“You’re only as good as your last dish” - for the Crolla family, that means asserting excellence and creating lasting memories for everyone who comes through their doors.

The Vittoria Group’s successes have seen them at the heart of Edinburgh’s Italian cuisine scene since 1970, and we’re delighted to have two generations join us to share how the family thrives together - Tony Crolla and his son, Alberto!

This episode covers:

• Multi-generational succession and the evolution of leadership
• Balancing tradition and innovation to assert relevance in the hospitality industry
• The harmony that comes from strong, shared family values
• Building a legacy through passion, reputation, and a commitment to quality

Tony Crolla

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonycrolla/

Alberto Crolla

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alberto-crolla-085199198/

Leandro Crolla

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leandro-crolla-34985a16a/

Vittoria Group

https://www.vittoriagroup.co.uk/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/vittoria-group/

Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/

Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/

Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/lizleanpr

https://www.linkedin.com/company/liz-lean-pr/

The Brogan family are storytellers through and through; it’s only fitting that the story behind their own business is worth its weight in gold.

Father Des Brogan started Mercat Tours, and under Kat’s watchful eye it continues to breathe life into the heart of Edinburgh and beyond.

Join us for a heartfelt journey into a business started and grown with love, creativity and adventure at its core.

This episode covers:

• How Mercat Tours pioneered a novel industry in Edinburgh, rooted in storytelling and history
• The significance of legacy in the Brogan family, and in the tours they run
• Navigating personal and professional transitions through loss, leadership and change
• The enduring importance of authentic storytelling and human connection in both business and community

Kat Brogan

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-brogan/

Mercat Tours

https://www.mercattours.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mercat-tours-ltd/

Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/

Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/

Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/lizleanpr

https://www.linkedin.com/company/liz-lean-pr/

There’s a hilarious dynamic at the heart of the Wind family, which fuels their very serious passion for culinary excellence with Comptoir Bakery.

Sebastien has carefully crafted the business into one that his children, Lola and Quentin, can not only be proud of, but actually become a PART of…

So join us on an exploration of how they’ve found their skillset, survived adversity, and put love, tradition & quality into every pastry for over 15 years!

This episode covers:

• The Wind family's journey of bringing their skills together to build the business
• Creating genuine connections with customers and being authentic through their social media channels
• How the family survived difficult times by working together and being flexible
• Sebastien's intentional progression plan, involving his children Quentin and Lola in the business
• The family's deep passion for food, hospitality, and creating elevated experiences

Comptoir Bakery: https://www.comptoirbakery.co.uk/

Sebastien Wind: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seb-wind-043ba788/

Quentin Wind: https://www.linkedin.com/in/quentinwind/

Lola Wind: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lola-w-a8a2951b6/

Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/

Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/

Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/lizleanpr

https://www.linkedin.com/company/liz-lean-pr/

A 9 year old Neve Macken posed a question 14 years ago about beekeeping… what grew from that moment set in motion a bee-auty brand with a difference.

Neve’s Bees is the brainchild of Julie and Ross Macken’s real life child, and its soaring success hasn’t cost their integrity. Far from it; they’ve built it to work their way.

Discover how the Neve’s Bees colony has grown with its product line, and what’s next for this brand with a buzz!

This episode covers:

• Neve’s Bees’ mission to prioritise skin health and sustainability over profit margins
• Transitions from high-powered corporate careers to a meaningful, purpose-driven endeavour
• Ross & Julie’s decision to grow the business organically, staying true to their original vision
• Running a business with personal integrity and enjoyment at the core

Julie Macken

https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-macken-a234177/

Ross Macken

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-macken-b9653719/

Neve’s Bees

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nevesbees/

Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/

Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/

Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/lizleanpr

https://www.linkedin.com/company/liz-lean-pr/

There’s no older shoe shop in the UK to have been passed down through 8 generations than a Southampton staple: the 222-year old W J French & Son!

They remain faithful to tradition, but have moved with modern times to survive, thanks in no small part to Richard French and his daughter Caroline, who now heads up the business.

Discover the heart, soul and magic behind this family’s footwear legacy on this week’s episode of It Runs In The Family!

This episode covers:

• The story and legacy behind the eight generations who’ve been guardians of the business
• The 300+ years of combined experience between W J French’s master shoe fitters
• Balancing traditional retail practices with modern technology, while preserving the shop's historic character.
• Personalised service at the heart of the business’ connection with multiple generations of local families
• The resilience of retail, and staying true to the French family’s passion for exceptional customer service

Richard French

https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-french-9817063b/

Caroline Osman

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-osman-a412a819/

Liz Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/lizzielean/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-willingham-09273a3/

Leila Willingham: https://www.instagram.com/leilawillingham/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-willingham-821530a1/

Liz Lean PR: https://www.lizleanpr.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/lizleanpr

https://www.linkedin.com/company/liz-lean-pr/