Whilst family businesses in the UK are the backbone of the SME sector, only 40% of these companies get beyond the first generation; 13% of family businesses are handed down to the grandchildren and just 3% go on to become fourth-generation businesses.
At La Quinta, a popular family-run restaurant and nightclub based in Benfleet, Essex, the original founders — brothers Simon and Rupert Duke — have recently handed the reins to Gina Duke, Simon’s daughter.
Of course, it can be tempting for the children of successful family businesses to be parachuted in to management positions, but mother-of-three, Gina – who left school at 16 with eight A-grade GCSEs –started out waiting tables and washing up.
Not wishing to rest on laurels, Gina has recently launched G&I Spirits Group, which produces a range of drinks that includes vodka, gin and three flavoured tequilas; we have been sent samples and a review is in the pipeline.
The original spirits — 88 Vodka and 88 Gin — have been joined by a new brand of flavoured tequilas called Mis Amigos, which will help boost the company’s projected turnover to over £4m by the end of the year.
Whilst Gina oversees the day-to-day operations of the business, she is now travelling to countries around the world to promote G&I’s products — meeting international representatives and and attending global trade shows.
Commenting on her career successes, Gina said: “Learning from the ground up was invaluable in the long run, it was crucial to helping me understand the business and identify that there was real demand across the market for flavoured short drinks, particularly by women of all ages.”
‘I also felt big international brands, run by people in suits, lacked the personable experience to truly serve the end consumer.
‘I saw an opportunity to work with master distillers to create a range of alcoholic spirits that aligned with my vision.’
Demand for G&I Spirit Group’s products has been exponential and shows no sign of slowing down, as they open up new markets in China, India and the USA.
In India, for example, three tons of tequila was shipped in November 2023 and was sold before the boat docked. Another 12 tons was sent to Mumbai early in 2024, which also sold out. Gina sent over 44 tons in May 2024 as the market continues to thrive.
In the USA, 88 tonnes of tequila were sold and the family is looking to secure distribution across 24 states.
Although Gina’s rise from waitress to CEO has taken just 10 years, her feet are firmly on the ground: “To go from waiting tables to heading up a multi-million-pound tequila business is surreal at times, but I’m really proud of the business.
“I make sure to stay grounded, I am passionate about being a devoted mother but also a successful CEO.”
For more information visit: www.gi-spiritgroup.co.uk