BBC2 has recently been showing the second series of Alex Polizzi, The Fixer. It shows how family businesses are struggling and how, with the help of an expert, can be turned around.
Who is Alex Polizzi?
The name Alex Polizzi may sound familiar.
As well as being the business expert on this BBC2 series, she’s also featured as The Hotel Inspector.
She comes from the Forte family who built a chain of hotels. She and her husband have their own bakery business.
You can read more about Alex Polizzi’s background at Wikipedia.
Alex Polizzi vs Family Businesses
I didn’t watch series 1 but I have been watching series 2 and I intend to write blog articles about the lessons that can be learnt, from the perspective of the problems and solutions.
vs Alf Onnie
A traditional curtains business with a shop and a made-to measure sideline run by three warring brothers and a retired father.
vs Peachy Pics
A mother starts a photography business after recovering from cancer and employs her three daughters.
vs David Holmes
A father with more than 20 years experience starts his own funeral directors business and involves his two sons, neither of whom are committed (at the start).
vs Martinis
A hairdressing and beauty salon started by one daughter, partly financed by her mother and employing a second sister.
vs Pisces
A struggling fish and chip shop.
vs Oak Garden Centre
A garden centre finding things tough at the moment.
The Common Problems Of Family Businesses
- Separating the role of family member (often caring mother or father) from the boss.
- Unclear individual responsibilities (a problem also common to other, non-family small businesses)
- Family members employed because no one else would have them, meaning low commitment and low expectations of performance.
- Poor marketing.
- Shortage of money – inevitably there is a circular issue here. They don’t make money because they don’t spend money and don’t spend money because they don’t make it.
I’m planning to write lessons to be learnt from each of the episodes I’ve watched.
There are special issues about running a family business and I’ve seen it, even when the businesses get very large.
What Do You Think About Alex Polizzi The Fixer?
Do you enjoy the show? If you own a small family business, do you find it helpful?
Do you see your own situation in the businesses that are shown?
Would you ever volunteer to feature in one of these shows?
