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FAMILY BUSINESS


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The fourth-generation family manufacturer supplies critical infrastructure sectors worldwide. Founded in 1895, the business now employs 38 people and generates more than £5m in turnover.


Managing director Ben Ritherdon joined the business as an employee in 2008 before taking over from his father, Howard, to lead the organisation.


Growth has been shaped by evolution, as Ben explains. He says: “The business continues to grow through innovation and technical expertise.


“We’ve developed a company strategy that combines support and product development with 21st-century marketing techniques.”


Future plans focus on scaling both production and global reach.


“We want to achieve continuous growth of at least 10 per cent per year and to contribute to the local community and drive global sales in 2027.”


Growth has been driven by innovation, investment and a strong customer focus. A shift to a non-indemnity commission model improved profitability.


Roger Swansbury, group finance director, says: “The business has also invested in its own headquarters, expanded its workforce and developed an industry-leading CRM system to enhance the customer journey.”


He adds that ST&R believes being a family business “means building a culture of trust, loyalty and long-term thinking”.


“For ST&R, it reflects a commitment to employees, customers and the local community, creating opportunities while maintaining strong roots.”


Roger adds: “ST&R plans to continue its strong growth by launching bespoke insurance products, expanding its CRM system and increasing market activity.


“It is also exploring licensing its technology, strengthening partnerships and growing its workforce to support expansion while maintaining its focus on innovation and customer experience.”


The journey of the family has been one of resilience and reinvention, as managing director Katie Locke explains.


She says: “We’ve grown stronger as a business, as an employer and as a team, adapting to unprecedented challenges including the COVID pandemic, global conflict and rising diesel costs.


“Now we’ve invested in our people, improved processes and built resilience for the future.”


Growth is very much part of that future as the business focuses on innovation and efficiency.


Katie adds: “We have recently developed a sourdough range and are really pleased with the response, with sales continuing to grow.


“We are also looking to invest in new bakery systems to enable us to produce better data and improve working practices, alongside further investment in staff training.”


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ST&R LIMITED Financial services


ST&R is an independent retail finance and insurance distribution business founded in 2012 by husband-and-wife team James and Natasha Slater. The company now employs more than 100 people, including their three daughters.


From a small local venture, it has grown into a national operator serving more than 100,000 customers, with turnover of £14m and EBITDA of £5m.


MORRIS QUALITY BAKERS Food manufacturers


Morris Quality Bakers is a long-established wholesale bakery supplying customers across retail, healthcare, education and hospitality.


Founded in 1912 as a butchery business by Walter Morris, it later evolved under Leonard and Gertrude Morris into a butcher’s and greengrocer’s before Leonard’s son Henry and his wife transformed it into the bakery it is today.


The fourth-generation family business now employs 146 people, with six family members involved, and has a turnover of £8.9m.


Ainsworth has consolidated its position as one


of the North West’s most respected independent jewellers by investing in people, partnerships, storytelling and immersive experiences


RIBBY HALL VILLAGE Leisure and tourism


One of Lancashire’s leading leisure, dining and tourism destinations, Ribby Hall Village combines holiday accommodation, leisure facilities and an award-winning spa in a countryside setting.


The family-run business employs around 600 people and is projected to generate turnover of £39.69m in 2026.


Its growth has seen the business transform from a 100-acre caravan site into a five-star holiday village spanning more than 130 acres.


Founded by Bill Harrison, Ribby Hall has undergone continuous expansion over three decades, driven by multi-million-pound investment in its leisure facilities.


Bill’s son Paul, who ran the successful Lancashire Homes building company, became involved in the development of the site. Following Bill’s death in 1997, Paul continued to grow the business and, together with his daughter Stephanie, remains involved in its day-to-day running.


Stephanie says: “Paul helped turn Bill’s legacy into what Ribby Hall is today.


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