How a 334 Year Old Family Business Built Its Legacy Through Governance, Succession and Merit

In this episode of Business in Families, Alejandro Méndez speaks with Adrian Bridge, CEO of The Fladgate Partnership, one of the oldest family enterprises in the world, based in Porto, Portugal.— — — — —🤝 Sponsor of this episodeThis episode is supported by London Consulting Group.London Consulting Group works with family businesses and organizations to transform strategy into execution, professionalize operations and improve performance without losing entrepreneurial spirit.Contact: Luis Ortiz📩 luis.ortiz@londoncg.comDiscover real stories and results:https://news.londoncg.com/es/growth-stories— — — — —This conversation explores how a 334-year-old family business built its legacy through governance, succession planning, clear rules of engagement, valuation discipline, and a powerful principle: leadership should go to the best qualified person, not simply to the person with the right surname.Adrian shares how The Fladgate Partnership has remained relevant across generations, how the family created a protocol 25 years ago, and why structure, transparency and communication are essential for continuity.In this episode, we discuss:✅ How The Fladgate Partnership began over three centuries ago✅ Why family businesses must stay relevant across generations✅ How family protocols and clear rules of engagement protect continuity✅ Why valuation clarity helps family shareholders exit with dignity✅ The idea of “pruning the family tree” without breaking family unity✅ The role of advisory boards and independent directors✅ Why succession is never a one-time event✅ Why merit must matter more than bloodlineOne of the most fascinating parts of this conversation is Adrian’s own story. He was not born into the business. He was an investment banker in London when his father-in-law invited him to move to Portugal and eventually lead the company.His story raises a powerful question for every family enterprise:Should leadership belong to the surname… or to the best qualified person?If you care about family governance, succession, continuity, legacy and the future of family enterprises, this episode is for you.🎙️ Subscribe to Business in Families on YouTube🎧 Follow us on Spotify💬 Tell us in the comments: What family businesses should we learn from next? #FamilyBusiness #BusinessInFamilies #FamilyGovernance #SuccessionPlanning #Legacy #AdrianBridge #TheFladgatePartnership