After over 25 years in business, husband and couple Mark and Maria Whitehead MBE have decided to hand over the reins of their award-winning preserves firm to the next generation.
Over the years, the multi-award winning Hawkshead Relish brand has become synonymous with the Lake District, and many people have tried it while visiting England’s favourite national park. Since selling their first jar of relish in 1999, the pair behind the firm has devoted themselves to its development, and in recent years they have been striving to establish a succession plan to assure the company’s future beyond them.
Jonathan Robb, the current General Manager, has been named as the new Managing Director of The Hawkshead Relish Company. Jonathan will continue to collaborate closely with Mark and Maria, as well as their daughter Izzy Whitehead, who is the company’s Brand Manager and a fellow Director.
“Since Jonathan joined the business eight years ago, he’s really embraced it and has become one of the family,” Maria Whitehead MBE said of the change. He absolutely grasps our vision and where we want the company to go.”
Jonathan’s promotion was a logical development and part of our long-term plan, allowing Mark and me to move back from day-to-day operations. Jonathan and Izzy have both taken on greater responsibility and been significantly involved in strategic decision-making since the outbreak. Working as a four-person team has been a huge success, so we thought it was time to formalise our ideas.”
Hawkshead Relish collaborates closely with The Family Business Community’s specialist family business advisors, and Co-Founder Sue Howorth said, “The family have worked hard to put in place a robust succession plan for the business that not only gives them continuity as a family, but also helps to develop and support the new generation in the business.”
Hawkshead Relish presently manufactures over 100 handcrafted products from its factory at Esthwaite Water, including their traditional Westmorland Chutney and their inventive, best-selling Black Garlic Ketchup. With over 80 Great Taste medals to its name, this family-run firm takes pride in the quality of their goods as well as excellent customer service.
“We’re really proud of the great team we have at Hawkshead Relish,” Maria remarked, “and with Jonathan at the helm, we know it’ll be in capable hands!” We congratulate Jonathan and look forward to seeing him build the firm into the next generation.”
More information about The Hawkshead Relish Company can be found here.
Kath Beattie studied Journalism at The University of Central Lancashire and now writes for several Travel publications. She recently moved to The Lake District and enjoys walking her 3 dogs every day across the fells.
