FEATURE TAKING OVER THE BUSINESS
“But we are very open-minded,” Rob continues, “and I didn’t want to do what I have seen in other family businesses, especially in farming communities, when the old men are in their 80s and their sons are in their 60s and hand over the reins of the business. It’s too late for them to make a mark for themselves. So, Jack, Nick and Flic are now at a perfect age to go forward. With our support from a distance, the business is in good hands.”
A gradual handover Gradually stepping away from the
business means the process is stable, with no one feeling overwhelmed. “We have had external training and identified with the team what is needed,” Sue explains. “We have plans in place but we always talk together, openly discussing each other’s needs and where we all want to go. It’s a very open debate.” Flic, whose first job in construction was with RJ Bacon, says Sue has taught her a great deal, such as leading from the ground up, and encouraging flexibility and autonomy. “Sue and Rob are only a phone call away if we need to solve a problem or get advice. We’re all communicating with each other. They’re like, ‘We’re here if you need our help, but equally, if you don’t need us then fine’.” Nick says with the foundations laid, training completed and trust given, it’s a case of following the natural progression that Rob and Sue have set out for them. “Obviously, I’m not family,” Nick says to a chorus of “you are family” from Sue and Rob. “But,” Nick adds, “I do feel very much like family, inside and outside of work, because of the open conversations, trust and communication.” The fantastic five, Rob, Sue, Flic, Nick and Jack, have a real buzz about them, jovial, engaging and full of excitement. So is it always like this in the family business? They share a collective chuckle before Jack answers: “It’s never bad because we all get on. Sometimes, though, it can get a little heated between the family members.” Rob adds: “The hard thing with family members is – and I know you shouldn’t feel this way – but you feel you can speak in a way or air a discussion quite heavily with them although you’d speak differently to someone who isn't your blood. You have to
(l-r) From Terry Harris & Sons: Julian Harris, Emily Harris, Melissa Harris, Kevin Gimblett, David Thomas, Stephen Harris
Terry Harris & Sons (& Granddaughters) First, two brothers took over their father’s business. When the time comes, their daughters will do the same, ensuring three generations of Harris family members at the helm. Arguably one of the biggest perks about working in a family business is that it’s more than just a job. weren’t family members. We’re having fun while maintaining professionalism.” Most of the time, everyone gets along, but Emily notes that one of the challenges of a family business is you’re not always objective when dealing with each other. So balancing home relationships can sometimes add a
different dynamic to navigate at work but it’s never really been an issue. She says: “We get on well, respect each other’s time and views.” With Emily and Melissa in line to take over the business when the time comes, they are learning as much as they can to stack on top of their collective experience of nearly 20 years. “There are two other lads who are directors but aren’t family members,” Emily says. But they’ve worked here since their apprenticeships, so close to 15 years. Melissa and I are running the office and the lads are on site.” Together, though, they follow the advice passed down to them from the preceding generations: “Strive to do your best, follow through on what you say you're going to do, be open and honest in all communication and when someone rings, pick up the phone or get back to them as soon as you can because there’s nothing worse than keeping people waiting.”
“You feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself,” says Emily Harris, Director at Terry Harris & Sons, a Quantity Surveyor, and granddaughter of company founder Terry. “It’s special to be part of a legacy and to keep that momentum going.” Emily has been at the company for eight years, cousin Melissa for 11 and their fathers Julian and Stephen since the early 1990s. Then, some of the non- family team members have been around since Emily was five years old. “We’re supportive of each other,” Emily explains. “If you get stuck, we can expect a lot more from each other because we’re family. We all muck in and get things done. “The strength of our relationships really shines through when we meet clients, encounter challenges and interact with our team. It's nice for the guys on site to see us all joking and taking the mick out of each other. That’s a dynamic we wouldn't have if we
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