Family-run businesses

Running a family business - Mash Direct (video)

Case study

Martin and Tracy Hamilton, owners of Mash Direct, discuss how they run their family business.

Mash Direct is a family-owned farming and food production enterprise launched in 2004 in County Down, Northern Ireland. With six generations of farming expertise, Mash Direct provides quick-serve vegetable and potato dishes to local and UK markets.

Here Martin, Tracy and their sons Lance and Jack, explain how they combine family expertise, clear roles and long-term planning to create an award-winning business.

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Case Study

Mash Direct

mash direct

Hamilton family's top tips:


  • "Trust is inherent to building a strong business made up of family and non family members - it builds confidence and inspires loyality."
  • "Know your business inside out."
  • "Invest in people - recognise what you aren't good at and invest in somebody to fill that role."