Jonathan Fell, Chief Executive Officer, The Ice Cream Farm “In the mid-1980s, when milk quotas were introduced, we needed to do something with the excess milk at our dairy farm. My dad was very forward thinking and my parents explored various options – they decided to start producing ice cream. “These days, I look after the visitor attraction and my brother makes the ice cream. I have worked for the family since I left school aged 16. My brother went to university and then worked in food production before running our ice-cream-manufacturing operation. Mum and Dad live close and are great sounding boards, but they leave us to it. “Running a family business gives you an element of control – you can make decisions and implement strategy quickly. But it’s hard to turn off work, it’s a lifestyle – we try not to talk about work all the time. It has been a challenge to reach a size where we must rely on our management team – you eventually realise that you don’t have to be there 24/7. Keep it in the family “As a family, we can relate to what does and doesn’t work for families and at different times in your family’s life. Our purpose is to inspire happiness and create memories to last a lifetime, which is what all families strive for. “If you’re thinking of starting a family business be clear about everyone’s role from the start. And get in some family time, don’t just live and breathe work.” Jonathan Fell, pictured with his family, runs the visitor attraction at the farm What’s it like to work with your nearest and dearest? Two of Cheshire’s successful business leaders give us the low-down The Phesant InnHigher Burwardsley, Tattenhall CH3 9PF The Ice Cream FarmDrumlan Hall, Newton Ln, Tattenhall, CH3 9NE 26/36