HOW TO RUN A BUSINESS WITH YOUR SPOUSE
TO SOME, working with a spouse is a recipe for divorce. Thankfully, more than 20 years after buying a bankrupt business in Cornwall selling sheepskin boots, we’re still happily married – and Celtic Sheepskin is one of Britain’s largest sheepskin footwear and natural clothing companies. Here are some lessons we’ve learned about keeping both relationships on track.
LISTEN TO EACH OTHER
Being married helped change the entire focus of our range. When we took over the company in 1990, our stock amounted to just seven pairs of sheepskin boots – all in grungy dark colours. Although the boots had been specifically designed for men, Kath felt, with a few tweaks, they could be ideal for women. So we introduced a range of brighter colours, smaller sizes and two different heights – and that’s when sales really took off.
BUT DON’T BE TOO DEPENDENT
Although we both have very different ways of looking at things, we can still rely on quick gut decisions individually where necessary. That’s been a huge advantage over the years. Suppliers have asked: “Don’t you need to check that with someone?” And we’ve often said: “No.”
KEEP A SENSIBLE DISTANCE
In the past we’ve worked in different premises, albeit a minute’s walk away. It can sometimes help not to be under each other’s feet all day. But we’re able to share the same office too. In fact, we do so today – and we’re still alive to tell the tale.
SHARE A VISION
We both share exactly the same goals: to look after the brand and the customers. That’s all we’ve ever wanted and that hasn’t changed since the beginning. If you do what’s right for the customer, the rest will follow. Working together also helps in the eyes of our staff, as it encourages a stable and happy working environment.
LEAVE TIME FOR THE (OTHER) CHILDREN
We’ve always looked upon the business as a third child – it’s just as demanding and you can’t neglect it to look after the kids, any more than you can neglect the kids to look after work. So all three were always at the forefront of our minds. But now the other two have left home, number three is getting even more attention.
DISCUSS SOMETHING ELSE
Unlike most couples, one discussion we never have at the end of the day is: “What have you been up to today?” The answer is always: “Same as you.” So we do make sure we talk about non-work related things too.
Kath and Nick Whitworth are the owners of Celtic Sheepskin. Adapted from 25 Years, 25 Insights, published by Piper Private Equity to mark its 25th anniversary. In May 2011, Piper, a specialist in consumer brands, invested in Celtic Sheepskin www.piperprivateequity.com.