Ice-Cream Institution Reaches Finals of National Family Business Awards

Jannettas Gelateria has emerged as a finalist in The Herald Scottish Family Business Awards.

The fourth generation business, which dates back to 1908, has been shortlisted in the Scottish Family Business of the Year (Small/Medium) category.

The awards, held in association with Business Gateway, honour family-owned companies which make impressive contributions to the economy at home and abroad, as well as to their local communities. Now in their fifth year, there are 11 categories in this year’s awards, ranging from fastest-growing business to the family business of the year (small/medium and large).

The contest will culminate with a gala dinner and prize-giving ceremony in Glasgow on Wednesday 7 December 2016.

Run by husband and wife team Owen and Nicola Hazel, the gelateria is one of the oldest retail businesses in St Andrews, founded by Bennett Jannetta, Nicola’s great-grandfather. It is truly a family affair, with Nicola’s father still helping out, and their children becoming increasingly involved.

Owen said, “As a family and a business, we are deeply rooted in our community and local area, with strong personal ties. We believe this influences much of Jannettas’ success – from creating new gelato flavours inspired by local products to investing in our staff and engaging across the community.

“We are very proud of our local area and our business reflects that. We also play our part in local events and initiatives and work with many groups, including businesses and schools across the region, to promote St Andrews and Fife as an exciting food destination and, more generally, the brilliant industry which we work in.”

The shortlisting is also a pat on the back for the firm’s wider ‘business family’, their staff.

Owen explained, “It is the people involved who make our family and our business what it is. Investing in them is a vital part of making Jannettas the friendly, welcoming place it is. We recruit locally and, through training, help develop our team, benefitting the business and the local food industry as a whole.”

Hugh Lightbody, chief officer at Business Gateway National Unit added, “The contribution Scotland’s family businesses make to the country’s economy continues to be significant.
The sector, which accounts for almost three quarters of Scotland’s companies, plays many different roles including employers, exporters of high quality products and services.”

For more information, visit www.jannettas.co.uk.