Family businesses need to marry tradition with ambition in order to survive, according to Everards managing director, Stephen Gould, who spoke at the Rutland Biz Club at The Falcon Hotel, Uppingham on Friday 21 September.
Stephen outlined the success of the family owned brewery that was founded almost 170 years ago by entrepreneur and farmer, William Everard in Southgate Street, Leicester. Its beer is now served in more than 175 pubs across the East Midlands.
Stephen said: “A company has got to have a heartbeat and know what it stands for. While the past informs what we do, we need to move forward and innovate. Building relationships is also key for family businesses to hand down a thriving company to future generations.”
Attendees heard about Everards exciting new ventures including a move from their base at Castle Acres, Fosse Park, to new offices set in 72 adjacent acres of green space at Everards Meadows. It will include a beer hall, café and a 10,000 sq ft cycle centre built in partnership with Rutland Cycling. Leisure activities will see cycling and pedestrian walkways linking to the national cycle network Sustrans and Leicester City Centre.
Stephen predicts the rise of artificial intelligence will see many professional careers become redundant. “The key asset in the future will be emotional intelligence and the ability to build good relationships based on trust. Trust can move mountains and make things happen quickly without bureaucracy. If the trust index goes down, then a business will be diminished. Everards will continue to maintain its reputation as a business that reflect the family values of accountability, meritocracy, humility and generosity.”
Biz Club President Geoffrey Pointon said: “Stephen’s speech really had the wow factor. His innovative and long-sighted business acumen highlights the need to spot new trends and to keep moving forward and innovate to survive”.
The Biz Club meets on the third Friday of each month for a lunch at The Falcon Hotel in Uppingham, with a visiting speaker to encourage enterprise and stimulate dialogue between politicians and business people. For more information visit www.thebizclub.co.uk