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 use the skills of each family member 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."