In celebration of Mother’s Day this Sunday, what better mother-daughter relationship to explore than that of our Managing Director Tanya Henderson and mum Avril Williams.
Tanya and Avril worked alongside each other for seven years at KFE, with Avril as Sales Coordinator and Tanya progressing from roles in accounts and service before becoming Sales & Marketing Manager for their final two years together.
When did you first work together?
We first worked together at The Boundary Fish Bar in Market Deeping which we owned at the time. I was around 13 and I worked after school a few nights with Mum and then at the weekend with my grandparents. Mum was such a brilliant boss, she was well respected by the staff and was an amazing frier. She always led by example by getting stuck into any job first.
Did you think you would end up working together again later on?
Nikki, Mum and I actually all worked together before KFE at the travel agent Thomas Cook. Mum was the top seller for Ski and Cruise, and I was the top seller for Affinity. Once she took me on a cruise she won to the Caribbean!
What was the best and hardest part about working together?
Childcare. When I had my first child, if they were off nursery sick, Mum would help out, but when we started working together that wasn’t possible. When I had my second child, Mum stepped back and took over nanny day care so, although I no longer worked with her, I still saw her daily. If I didn’t, I know I would have missed that. Being in fish and chips, we lived above the shop until I was 18, so not having that close contact with both my parents would have been hard. I think that is why working with them was so easy. I know when my husband joined KFE, his family and friends thought it odd that we all worked together, but within our industry this is the norm.
How did you balance the personal and professional sides of your relationship?
We are a family business, so work talk does spill into home life, but a lot of our good friends are also within the industry so it’s natural. Mum’s family got us into fish and chips over 50 years ago, and she worked with her parents so she is used to it. But Mum is also aware of when it can get too much and ensures that we have time where work talk is off limits. We have lots of girlie days and family breaks away, I am very lucky to have the best of both worlds.
What has working with your mum taught you?
Growing up in the shop and watching Mum work it would certainly be her work ethic – she was a grafter! Anyone running a fish and chip shop whilst having young kids knows the challenges, so I very much respect her for this. There was a time when my dad was ill for over a year and she did everything single-handed. She may have dropped me to school in her PJs but we just laughed at that!
When Dad won his Outstanding Contribution to Industry Award at The National Fish & Chip Awards earlier this year, Mum was quick to remind him that behind every successful man is a strong woman so partly claims the award for herself! She is right though, without her being there to support dad KFE wouldn’t be what it is today.
Anyone who knows Mum says what a fun person she is, and she is exactly the same at work. This has made me realise that you can work hard whilst having fun. Work is a huge part of your life, so if you don’t enjoy it, change. Life is too short, so make sure you do something you love – and we all love the industry we are in and the team at KFE.
Have you ever had a mother-daughter disagreement at work?
Interestingly, no. The most challenging part has been picking the act for the next KFE Annual Ball, but I have free reign now – look out May!
What advice would you give to other mother-daughter duos working together?
Be open and honest with each other and remember to have fun.
Like my mum, there are wonderful examples of other leading women in our industry inspiring the next generation, such as Carol Fusco, Fran Ord and the late Jean Ritson. Also, women like Carol Hulme and Kelly Barnes who, like me, involve their children in work early to instil a strong work ethic. This is certainly something my mum learned from her parents, and I want to continue.
Do you miss working with your mum?
Although I no longer work alongside Mum, I treasure the moments we spend together. I am lucky to have come from a long line of strong women, and hopefully will make her proud as we continue the business for them.
How are you celebrating Mother’s Day?
Nikki and I are actually in Holland for a dealers meeting, so we are celebrating early with drinks and a nice meal with the kids. Mum is very much about experiences rather than presents, so I am looking forward to August and watching Mariah Carey in Norfolk with her and some friends from the industry!
Wishing all mums a Happy Mother’s Day, especially those working hard in fish and chip shops!