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Berry Bros & Rudd

Next-gen Geordie Willis on how Berry Bros & Rudd is weathering the coronavirus storm

May 12, 2020

The home of the family-run wine merchant and royal supplier Berry Bros & Rudd, at No 3 St James’s St in London, is shuttered for the foreseeable future. But Geordie Willis, creative director and eighth-generation family member, says business goes on—as it has for three centuries.

Shortlist announced for the European Families in Business Awards 2018

June 5, 2018

The annual European Families in Business Awards is a golden opportunity to see great examples of family businesses adapting and leading in their respective industries, while preserving proud traditions.

Automation, disruption, and the rise of artificial intelligence—all these 21st century technology trends can be seen as both challenges to existing family businesses and opportunities. Two vital ingredients to help business families prosper in the future and use these trends to their advantage are adaptation and leadership.

Geordie Willis: Nepotism’s a no-no

May 22, 2018

Geordie Willis, next-gen creative director at 320-year-old wine merchant and royal supplier Berry Bros & Rudd, spoke to Alexandra Newlove about being benevolently cast out, his grandfather’s love of screw-cap merlot, and why two families can be better than one.

Geordie Willis had been working in the cellars of his family’s iconic wine business for several years when one day, his uncle—then the chairman of Berry Bros & Rudd—called him upstairs.

Trust us, we’re a family business

November 16, 2017

In a world where public trust in businesses and other institutions is rapidly declining, family-owned companies are in a unique position to communicate and capitalise on their brands and values. Alexandra Newlove reports

Simon Berry: Good years for the rosé

August 31, 2017

Berry Bros & Rudd has quenched thirsts since 1698. Now, 319 years later, a wave of corporate governance changes is setting it up for the next three centuries. Peter Crush reports.

Berry Bros & Rudd has quenched thirsts since 1698. Now, 319 years later, a wave of corporate governance changes is setting it up for the next three centuries. Peter Crush reports

Every so often you catch glimpses of the fact Simon Berry really wanted to be an actor.

“This building [3 St James Street, London] dates to the 1530s,” he explains with vim, gesticulating flamboyantly at his surroundings.

Italy’s Starhotels crowned supreme European family business in 2017

June 21, 2017

Starhotels has taken out the top award at the sixth annual European Families in Business Awards, presented in Prague on 20 June.

Starhotels has taken out the top award at the sixth annual European Families in Business Awards, presented in Prague on 20 June.

UK’s oldest family businesses, a history of longevity

October 21, 2011

They were all founded between 1535 and 1728, but the UK's 10 oldest family businesses are showing no signs of ageing, such as slowing down.

Instead, companies like RJ Balson and Son show impressive levels of stability and longevity, according to a study by the Institute for Family Business.

Recruiting from within and beyond

July 1, 2006

Family businesses are increasingly being forced to look outside the family when recruiting the next generation of management. Grant Gordon discusses the results of a survey from the last IFB conference which reveals that family businesses are still an attractive option

Grant Gordon is Director General, Institute for Family Business (UK). www.ifb.org.uk

A corker – if you’re lucky...

March 1, 2004

Wine has long been a popular collectible and investment – but do nothing without competent advice in this expert’s market, says Melanie Stern

Melanie Stern is Section Editor of Families in Business magazine.

Wine has long been a popular collectible and investment – but do nothing without competent advice in this expert's market, says Melanie Stern

When one thinks of wine, images of wealthy chateaux owners in southern France springs to mind, walking barefoot over slate kitchen floors, a cellar-full of vintage Bordeaux quietly gathering dust.