Solihull business keeps it in the family - The Solihull Observer

Solihull business keeps it in the family

Solihull Editorial 16th Nov, 2015 Updated: 21st Oct, 2016   0

A RESEARCH study has revealed that over half – 57 per cent – of small businesses employ family members and that 16 new family businesses open every day.

The news comes just weeks before Small Business Saturday on December 5 – a grassroots campaign which highlights small business success across the UK.

American Express, principal supporter of Small Business Sunday, has revealed the stories behind some of the UK’s family run shops.

For customers, the personal nature of family run businesses is an important motivator for shopping with them – nearly a third of people said they are on first name terms with their local family shop keeper.




It was also learned that six in ten Brits would consider going into business with a relative.

Jurnie, a children’s clothing and gift shop in Solihull high street, is owned and run by Trish Willetts and her daughter Jessie Hancox.


The pair have experienced first hand the benefits of a family run business with more than half of people admitting they are more generous when it comes to spending in a family owned shop.

Trist and Jessie also work with Trish’s husband and father as well as hosting Solihull Hour on Twitter to encourage local small businesses to network.

Talking to The Observer about their experience working together, mother Trish said: “We’ve been in business together for a couple of years now – at first it was difficult but now we feel like we discuss well and work together as a team.

“We don’t live together anymore so in a way its nice to work with each other as we have the most fantastic relationship.

“Often families will come into our store and we’ll see children who were just toddlers when we first started now making their first steps at school – it’s nice to build that strong bond with our customers.”

Daughter Jessie said customers will often phone in to ask if they are working on the day they plan to shop in town.

She added: “Working with my Mum is amazing, sometimes decision making is hard but that is the same with any other business.

“Whilst planning to open up our new store I was studying for a business degree – it was definitely the best route to go down.”

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