The Recipe to Creating a Lasting Legacy with Vittoria Group’s Tony and Alberto Crolla #119

“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 leadershipBalancing tradition and innovation to assert relevance in the hospitality industryThe harmony that comes from strong, shared family valuesBuilding a legacy through passion, reputation, and a commitment to qualityTony Crollahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tonycrolla/Alberto Crollahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alberto-crolla-085199198/Leandro Crollahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/leandro-crolla-34985a16a/Vittoria Grouphttps://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/

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 historyThe significance of legacy in the Brogan family, and in the tours they runNavigating personal and professional transitions through loss, leadership and changeThe enduring importance of authentic storytelling and human connection in both business and communityKat Broganhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-brogan/Mercat Tourshttps://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/

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 businessCreating genuine connections with customers and being authentic through their social media channelsHow the family survived difficult times by working together and being flexibleSebastien's intentional progression plan, involving his children Quentin and Lola in the businessThe family's deep passion for food, hospitality, and creating elevated experiencesComptoir 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/

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 marginsTransitions from high-powered corporate careers to a meaningful, purpose-driven endeavourRoss & Julie’s decision to grow the business organically, staying true to their original visionRunning a business with personal integrity and enjoyment at the coreJulie Mackenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-macken-a234177/Ross Mackenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-macken-b9653719/Neve’s Beeshttps://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/

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 businessThe 300+ years of combined experience between W J French’s master shoe fittersBalancing 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 familiesThe resilience of retail, and staying true to the French family’s passion for exceptional customer serviceRichard Frenchhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-french-9817063b/Caroline Osmanhttps://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/

We’re treated to so many accounts of family businesses working with non-family members, but what’s life like on the other side of the equation…?The irresistible charm of Kite Clothing’s ranges is made possible by a brother-sister duo of Roger & Ally, and our guest today, third Co-Director Jo Spragg!We champion her unique perspective on family business, and how this one has thrived for over 18 years, on a fascinating edition of It Runs In The Family.This episode covers:How Jo works together with two sibling Co-Directors, while never feeling like a third wheelEthics and morals at the heart of Jo’s motivations for starting the businessHow Kite grew organically from humble beginnings without rigid long-term planningThe importance of flexibility, family involvement, and creating an environment that allows for personal growth and work-life balanceJo’s father's entrepreneurial background and influence on her career pathKite Clothinghttps://www.kite-clothing.co.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/company/kite-clothing/Jo Spragghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jo-spragg-04210614/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/

When picking a fellow business to partner up with, it’s rare to find collaboration with kin, but that’s the exciting reality for sisters Charlie and Henrietta Tomlinson…Wild & Seek has recently opened its doors neighbouring Wild Root, and the two businesses represent a coming together which truly proves the power of these siblings’ relationship.Discover how such a surprise setup came to be, and where the sisters hope to be thriving in the years to come, on It Runs In The Family!This episode covers:How two sisters have created complementary businesses showcasing the effect of family collaboration in a unique wayCreating a business based around wellness and providing nurturing spaces for children and familiesOvercoming challenges working together, and putting the sisters’ relationship above all elseWild Root and Wild & Seek’s ambitious growth plans togetherCharlie Tomlinsonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-tomlinson-548680169/Henrietta Tomlinsonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/henrietta-tomlinson-899305101/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/

From a simple idea for wool-insulated packaging, the revolutionary Woolcool was born…Two decades after that creative spark, Angela Morris and her daughter Josie head up a brand which puts people, purpose and the planet at the heart of everything they do.The story behind their growth, and what’s next for such an innovative family firm, is an extraordinary joy to share as we dive deep into the world of Woolcool on It Runs In The Family.This episode covers:Navigating roles, communication, and mutual respect across generationsWoolcool’s roots in sustainable innovationThe importance of preserving core business values while allowing for evolution Creative problem solving at the heart of Woolcool’s futureAngela Morrishttps://www.linkedin.com/in/angelamorriswoolcool/Josie Morris MBEhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/josie-morris-mbe-354b5b57/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/

Fairacres Group began with Mike Kean’s father making boiled sweets. Decades later, it’s an icon on the South Coast with its roles in property, hospitality and a legendary ferry.The business, much like Mike himself, is being brought into the new generation by his daughter Rosie, and the story behind the succession is a charming tale of responsibility and reinvention!Join Rosie and Mike as they share the journey with us on It Runs In The Family…This episode covers:Gradual transitioning leadership to a next generation, and the importance of understanding the business from the ground upGenerational perspectives on business, and how Rosie’s helped introduce ideas around diversity, inclusion, and work-life balanceFairacres Group’s evolution from making boiled sweets to managing a ferry, hospitality, and propertyBoth Mike and Rosie’s deep emotional investment in the family business as custodians for future generationsHow Rosie and Mike commit to maintaining their relationship above the businessLiz 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/

H Harrold & Sons have the fine privilege of being Sheffield’s only Master Locksmiths, a testament to the longevity of this 5th generation family firm.Now with Directors Jordan and Harry in the fold, we’re able to paint the picture of a family whose values are as strong as the very locks they tend to.Join us on It Runs In The Family as we dive deeper into the story of a family keeping alive an industry steeped in tradition!This episode covers:The core values of hard work and customer service present from the very start of the businessGenerational transitions between family business ownershipPreserving old-school locksmithing skills, while slowly adapting to modern technologiesLack of regulation in the locksmithing profession, and why family values matter in their industryJordan Harroldhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-harrold-97304a357/Harry Harroldhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/harry-harrold-56798032b/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/