The Johnsons keep success in the family

A family-run firm has won a top business award.
Left to right, Peter Douglas, from Brewin Dolphin; Johny Johnson, from Stablewood Leisure Ltd; and Jon Culshaw.Left to right, Peter Douglas, from Brewin Dolphin; Johny Johnson, from Stablewood Leisure Ltd; and Jon Culshaw.
Left to right, Peter Douglas, from Brewin Dolphin; Johny Johnson, from Stablewood Leisure Ltd; and Jon Culshaw.

Belford-based Stablewood Leisure Limited, owned and run by the Johnson family, was named as the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Family Business of the Year.

The award was presented by comedian Jon Culshaw at the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London.

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The Johnson family is Kevin and Tina, and their three sons, Martyn, Danny and Johny.

The business has been developed from the ground up since 2011. After sales in year one of business reached £120,000, Tina’s thoughts broadened into the bigger picture of how to provide a long-term sustainable future for her three boys.

The rate of growth has been significant, increasing to £1,500,000 in 2017.

FSB national chairman Mike Cherry said: “My congratulations to the Johnson family who have gone from strength to strength building up their family business in a short space of time.

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“Stablewood Leisure is a strong example of how starting up and running a small business can be a wonderful life choice, as well as adding to the local and national economies.”

Starting as a collection of five holiday cottages at Budle Bay, the business now consists of Stablewood Leisure Limited; Stablewood Coastal Cottages and BM Leisure; Stablewood Eateries: The Apple Inn and The Apple Core; Stablewood Equestrian and Events Ltd: and Alnwick Ford Equestrian, including 26 holiday cottages.

Johny said: “We’re thrilled to be awarded the FSB UK Family Business of the Year. For the entire family it means a huge amount and it represents the hard work and sacrifice that all of us have made to get us where we are today.”