Last night, Shepherd Neame Limited from Faversham, Kent, was named ‘Best UK Family Business’ in the £25m+ turnover category of the Coutts Prize for Family Business 2009/10. The family beat off stiff competition at the national finals held at Coutts’ head office on the Strand in London.
From Left to Right: Frances Lester, Tom Falcon, Lucie Neame, Michael Morley,
Jonathan Neame, Bobby Neame, Yvonne Neame, June Mitchell
Established in 1698, Shepherd Neame is Britain’s oldest brewer. Now owned by the fifth generation of the family, the company brews and retails its own beers under a range of highly successful brands, which are sold both through its 369 pubs across the South East and its customer base of other retailers and public houses.
Roger Pedder, National Chairman of the evaluation committee commented:
"As a successful fifth generation family business, the things that impressed the evaluation committee about Shepherd Neame included;
Juliette Johnson, Head of UK Family Business, Coutts & Co added "We're delighted to provide recognition to this special family business and showcase their achievements for the benefit of other family businesses. What really shines through is the strength of the family's values and how these have acted as the glue binding the family and business together for over 300 years. These strong values, coupled with their innovative approach and long term vision, should give them the best possible chance to weather this current economic downturn."
With the current economic downturn, businesses are finding it increasingly difficult to survive, which therefore increases the value of recognising these family businesses and their work. The companies that scored most highly were the ones that were able to give examples of what they had achieved.
Jonathan Neame, Chief Executive at Shepherd Neame and fifth generation member of the Neame family said: ‘We are delighted to win this highly prestigious award. This is testimony to the hard work and dedication by this and previous generations of employees who have all shared our passion for our products and commitment to the business.’
The Coutts Prize for Family Business 2009/10
The Coutts Prize for Family Business, endorsed by organisations such as the British Chambers of Commerce, Cranfield University and the Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners recognises the best-run family businesses in England and Wales. It is the only regional and national awards programme in England and Wales celebrating the overall best-performing medium and large family businesses. The Prize complements Coutts’ successful family business educational forums that are held throughout the UK.
As part of the process, nominations are reviewed by an independent evaluation committee comprised of family business owners, academics and advisers.
The Coutts Prize recognises firms in two categories – medium (£5-25m) and large (£25m+) that demonstrate a combination of high standards of family and corporate governance; a competitive market position; consistent financial growth; and a track record of charitable giving or involvement in the local community.
Entrants have to be companies or firms headquartered in England or Wales that consider themselves to be a family business, wholly or mainly carrying on a trading activity, and that have been profitable in at least two of the past three years.
More specifically, the independent evaluation committee looks for examples of best practice including;
The independent evaluation committee is overseen by Roger Pedder who was Chairman of C&J Clark Limited (Clarks Shoes), one of the UK's largest private family companies, from 1993-2006. It was established in 1825 and is in its sixth generation. Clarks is the leading shoe retailer and brand in the UK and has significant positions in North American, European and Far Eastern markets. Roger remains Chairman or Non-Executive Director of several private family and private equity backed companies including, Spa and Salon International.
The evaluation committee includes: National Chairman Roger Pedder, Former Chairman C & J Clark Limited (Clarks shoes) and National Committee Members: Tony Bogod, Cordian Partners; Neill Brodey, Managing Director, Norbar Torque Tools Ltd; Gerard Cooper, Joint Managing Director, Allcooper Security and Fire; Andrew Drake, Consultant, Pemberton Greenish; Sam Gilpin, Senior Consultant, YSC; Jonathan Hagger, Non-Executive Chairman, Realty Insurances; David Johnson, Director, Leaders Matter; Peter Leach, Peter Leach LLP; Ian Marsh, Mediator and Founder, familydr; Edward Nicholson, Managing Partner, Mercator Partnership; Christopher Oughtred, Former Chairman, William Jackson & Son Limited; Chris Swaffin-Smith, Principal, Family Business Reflections, Andrew Wates, Director, Wates Family Holdings and Robert Wilson, Chairman, Nelsons.
The National Winners are invited to choose one of the following Prizes:
Read more about the Coutts Prize for Family Prize
For further media information on Coutts contact: Steve Ainger, PR Manager, Coutts & Co on 020 7753 1255 or e-mail steve.ainger@coutts.com
Notes to Editors
