A quiet revolution is unfolding in the world of British business, a subtle shift in tradition that speaks volumes about changing times. Across the UK, a growing number of companies are proudly declaring themselves as “& Daughter,” challenging a centuries-old convention of “& Son.” It’s a small change in wording, but one brimming with significance.
Inez Capps, Managing Director and co-founder of Kinton & Daughter Funeral Services, remembers starting the business with her parents when she was just 19. The East Midlands-based company wasn’t just a livelihood; it was a leap of faith, born from a desire to offer compassionate care to grieving families. Her father, Nigel, already worked in the funeral industry, and together they envisioned a bespoke service built on empathy and understanding.
Initially apprehensive, Inez found her calling in witnessing her father’s gentle approach to those in mourning. It sparked a profound realization: she wanted to provide that same comfort. The decision to include “& Daughter” in the company name wasn’t merely about uniqueness; it was a deliberate statement, a quiet rebellion against a norm that rarely acknowledged women’s contributions to the profession. Fourteen years ago, female representation in funeral care was notably scarce.
Inez quickly discovered that challenging tradition wasn’t without its obstacles. She faced skepticism and outright dismissal, with some questioning her experience and ability to offer the same strength as a male colleague. But she met these challenges with grace and determination, refusing to let prejudice diminish her passion. She pushed through barriers, building a funeral home renowned for its warmth and welcoming atmosphere.
“You can’t buy a woman’s touch sometimes,” Inez reflects. Her funeral home intentionally avoids the stark formality often associated with the industry, offering a comforting space with coffee, cake, and even a festive tipple of Baileys at Christmas. It’s a place where she can offer a comforting arm, a reassuring smile, and a gentle hug – small gestures that can make all the difference during times of immense grief.
Meanwhile, in Northampton, Sharan Rugge is forging a similar path with “Sharan & Daughters,” an IT consultancy launched earlier this year. This venture isn’t just about building a successful business; it’s about instilling confidence in her two young daughters, aged six and eight. Sharan wants them to grow up believing they are capable of achieving anything, regardless of gender.
Sharan’s daughters are actively involved in the business, contributing to branding decisions and even accompanying their mother to the bank to learn about finance. Growing up as one of eight girls, Sharan experienced firsthand how opportunities could be overlooked in favor of male heirs. She’s determined to break that cycle for her own children, demonstrating that women can be powerful entrepreneurs.
The choice to use her first name, rather than her surname, was a conscious decision to defy expectations and establish her own identity. She’s building a legacy of empowerment, showing her daughters that they are not limited by societal norms. It’s a powerful message, one that resonates deeply with Inez’s hope for a future where “& Daughter” becomes as commonplace as “& Son.”
Both Inez and Sharan represent a growing wave of women who are not only succeeding in business but also actively reshaping the landscape, one company name at a time. It’s a testament to their resilience, their vision, and their unwavering belief in the power of female leadership. The shift isn’t just about names; it’s about a fundamental change in perspective, a recognition that women are not just participants in the economy, but driving forces behind it.
