The family business that's getting fired up over technology

Northern Kilns’ Jen Cross shares how digital transformation holds the key to growth for the Lancashire-based SME.

With more than half a century of history, 12 people’s livelihoods and three generations of our family tied up in the business, it feels like there’s a lot riding on the decisions we make”, says Jen Cross, operations manager at Pilling-based Northern Kilns.

Alongside her brother, production manager Adam, Jen is the third generation of her family to lead the business which makes pottery kilns for industry, education and home crafters.

Together with their father, managing director Adrian, Jen and Adam have steered their 12-strong staff team through the dual trials of the pandemic and Brexit.