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Halewood to remain a family business
Halewood International has announced it will remain under the control of the family of its late chairman and CEO John Halewood.
Self-made millionaire Halewood (left) died at his home in Cheshire over the weekend.
Andy Smallman, managing director of Halewood International, said: “In losing its inspirational chairman, CEO and majority shareholder, the Group has undoubtedly suffered a huge loss.
“The directors, however, following meetings yesterday have confirmed that the ownership and control of the businesses will remain with Mr Halewood’s family in accordance with Mr Halewood’s wishes.
“Our aim remains the same as before: to develop our sales and brands in the UK and overseas. We have a strong team in place to deliver Mr Halewood’s and the family’s vision.
“There will inevitably be a period of adjustment following our loss but we believe, as Mr Halewood himself believed, that the group has a bright future.
“We are operating in a very challenging trading environment but, due to the strength of our brands, they are out-performing the market.
“Mr Halewood’s family will continue to build on that strength to retain the position as market leaders both in the UK and overseas.”
Halewood, who was 64 when he died, was responsible for the launch of Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer and the transformation of labels such as Lambrini, having set up the UK-based company with his mother in 1978.
I have known John from the days when he was a sherry rep in the Midlands, always a good companion, well able to keep his word and work honestly through adversity – of which he had his fair share. Few in the drinks industry have managed to succeed so well, yet remain without aloofness.
Will miss you John……………………..Michael
John was my cousin, and I too remember his days as a “Sherry Sales Rep” for Gonzalez Byass. I also remember when working out of his parent’s garage, how my Father and I, and my Uncle Jack, would make deliveries of his products all over England. It was a working vacation for my Dad, but I ate it all up when the business first got started.
John was always an inspiration to me from my early years as a toddler, and later on when I began my further education at St. John’s University as a Management and Marketing major. I was so proud and impressed by my older cousin, and remained so until his recent untimely passing this past Saturday.
His entrepreneurial brilliance is unmatched, and akin to that of Richard Branson, another one of my business heroes. I will miss you immensely John, but you will be forever in my heart and those of all of us in your extended family.
My thoughts and prayers are with all the people that had the opportunity to meet you, and whom you left your indelible mark upon. Rest in peace, and may God Bless you, your family, and all those that had the distinct honor and pleasure to meet you and get to know you. With love and affection, your cousin Digby.
As a fellow member of the Gonzalez Byass sales team in the early 1970’s, I invariably only met up with John in London during sales meetings, at the then headquarters at 91 Park Street, London W1.
As I recall John, from those good old wine-trade days, he was a conscientious hard worker and always seemed ambitious with warm infectious sense of humour.
Given today’s awkward economy and the associated competitive edge, it is good to know that the Halewood enterprise with remain a family business.
Although John & I only met once, briefly within the last 3 years at the London Wine Trade Fair, he hadn’t changed one bit and above all, I will never forget his shrewd sort of smile.