How This Husband-and-Wife Team Run A Successful Business Together
- Amanda Hughes
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Running a Business as Husband and Wife You know how people always say they could never work with their partner? I hear it all the time: “If we were running a business as Husband and Wife we’d drive each other mad!” and yes, I've said it myself too!
But for some couples, running a business together doesn’t create chaos, it creates connection.
This week on Small Business Growth Addicts, I sat down with Natalie and John from Ralston Contracts, a husband-and-wife duo from Ayrshire who are proof that love and labour can mix beautifully. Together they’ve built a thriving hard-landscaping business whilst raising two kids, and somehow manage to stay calm, communicative, and (mostly) mud-free along the way.
It got me thinking about how partnership in business mirrors partnership in life. The trust, the teamwork, the late-night “did you email that client?” chats over dinner… it’s all intertwined. And yet, when done with intention, it can actually strengthen both.
The morning hustle (and the quiet teamwork behind it)
When I asked how their days begin, I expected chaos kids, coffee, lost shoes, deadlines. But nope. Natalie starts her morning at the gym. Alone.
That early hour, she says, keeps her sane. Meanwhile, John handles breakfast and nursery/school runs.
By the time Natalie is home, they swap roles seamlessly, one off to site, one into the office. No friction, no “who’s doing what?” just running a business as Husband and Wife in a nice flow.
It sounds small, but that’s the thing about strong partnerships: you barely notice the hand-offs because they’ve become second nature.
Listen Now
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Clear roles save relationships
John’s world is site work, planning, sequencing, managing the team. Natalie’s is strategy, client experience, business development, finances.
They both stay in their lanes, but those lanes run side by side.
“If we were both landscapers,” Natalie laughed, “we’d probably argue about how to do everything”
And honestly? That’s such a simple yet powerful insight for anyone thinking about starting a family business. Complementary skills matter more than identical interests.
When business meets life (and kids join the team)
The kids know Mum and Dad’s logo by sight. They visit sites, ask clients questions, and even join in on brand photography days.
“They’re patient,” Natalie told me. “They don’t realise it yet, but they’re part of this too.”
It reminded me how many of us start businesses for our families but along the way, our families become part of them.
They see us juggle, problem-solve, and persevere. They watch flexibility in action. That’s a legacy worth far more than any sales target.
Money talk: the lesson every new business learns
Like so many small businesses, their first year felt steady, but year two brought bumps.
Instead of panicking, they sat down with their accountant and introduced monthly management reports a simple shift that gave them back control (and something todays sponsor KM Tax Returns specialise in!)
Now they can spot trends, plan for seasonality, and (most importantly) sleep at night.
Because let’s be real it’s hard to dream big when you’re worried about payroll.
How they handle disagreements
I half-expected stories of shouting over invoices or tools left out on site. Nope.
They talk, they listen, they move on.
“There’s no point arguing,” John said. “You’ve got to deal with it anyway may as well skip the fight.”
It’s the kind of quiet maturity that makes you realise this is what working well together really means. Not perfection. Just perspective.
Advice for couples who are thinking about working together
Natalie and John don't sugar-coat it: business ownership is tough but they also believe if your relationship is already strong, the business can strengthen it further.
Here’s what they shared:
Start from a solid foundation. If you’re already arguing, business won’t fix it.
Bring different strengths. Overlap causes friction; diversity drives growth.
Keep talking. About money, time, stress all of it.
Get support. An accountant, a mentor, a network to stay on track.
Remember why you started. Flexibility, freedom, family, hold onto that.
Listen Now
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What struck me most
As I listened, I couldn’t help but smile. There was no drama. No “he said, she said. ”Just a couple who genuinely like each other and have built a business that reflects that.
They’ve created a rhythm that works for them: early gym sessions, coffee over quotes, kids on site, and quiet confidence that whatever happens, they’ll figure it out together.
And isn’t that the heart of small business? Doing work you love, with people you love, for a life you actually want.
Connect with Ralston Contracts for Garden Landscaping in the Ayrshire Area
They also offer Sleeper Planter Gift Vouchers the perfect present for anyone who loves their garden but has everything else.
Sponsor Spotlight: KM Tax Returns
A huge thank-you to this month’s sponsor, KM Tax Returns.
If you’re tired of only hearing from your accountant once a year, you’ll love their monthly check-ins helping you always know your numbers, stay on top of tax, and avoid end-of-year panic. No surprises, just peace of mind. Find out more at kmtaxreturns.co.uk
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