[January 30, 2024]

Laithwaites is a family-owned wine company that was founded in 1969 by yours truly. Barbara joined me a year later and the company started growing. It’s now one of the largest direct-to-consumer wine retailers in the world, with operations in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, France, and the US. 

But … no one lives forever. Change is inevitable. 

The company has been going through a generational change in leadership in recent years, as our sons, Henry, Tom and Will, have over the last decade or so taken over the Board, allowing Barbara and now me, this very week, to step down. 

We are extremely proud of ours sons ... and their families. They’ve brought a new vision and strategy to the company, focusing on innovation, digital transformation, customer experience, and sustainability. They understand the modern world which I must admit, at 78, I often find baffling. 

As Henry, 43, says, this generational change in leadership has been a natural and gradual process. He and his brothers now admit (it wasn’t always so) they have learned from their mother and me. He said: "We've been involved from a young age, helping out in the warehouse, delivering wine, travelling round – and also working in – the vineyards. We've also set up our own businesses outside Laithwaites* so we well know the problems that all business owners always face”.

Tom says that the generational change in leadership has been beneficial for the company, as it has allowed them to combine the best of both worlds: the legacy and values of their parents, and the fresh ideas and skills of their generation. He said, with no arm-twisting whatsoever: "We have a lot of respect for what they’ve achieved and want to continue their vision of bringing fascinating wines to people at affordable prices. But we also want to embrace the changes and opportunities that are happening in the wine industry and the world at large. We want to be more innovative, more digital, more customer-centric, and, in particular, more sustainable." 

The generational change in leadership has also been well received by our staff. There’s more energy about the place than there’s ever been.  Our customers seem to have appreciated the continuity and stability of the family business, as well as the new direction and energy that the brothers have brought. Sales are good! Wine scores are going up! 

Will says "We have a fantastic team of people who are passionate about wine and our customers. They have been very supportive of us and the ‘family vision’. But what always astonishes us, is that we have so many, many loyal customers – loads have been with us for decades – who trust us and our recommendations. They have always been very open to trying new things and they give us lots of feedback. They sort of seem to steer the Company. That’s priceless." 

Tom – currently our Chairman (they rotate the job) – confirms that he and his brothers are excited about the future of Laithwaites, as they aim to grow the business while staying true to their core values. He said: "We have a lot of plans and projects in the pipeline; launching new products, expanding into new markets, improving our online platform, and reducing our environmental impact. We just want to make Laithwaites the best wine company in the world, for our customers, our employees, our suppliers, and our planet.”

Possibly also for Mum and Dad? I like to think so ... and by the way … We still work here!!  

*The boys’ own external businesses are:

• Henry: Harrow and Hope Vineyard, Marlow
• Will: Loose Cannon Brewery, Abingdon
• Tom: The Red Lion, Peppard.   

All worth a quick Google!