Home Boost Business Lancashire logo

A Fireside Chat – Resilience, Legacy and Leadership

October 15, 2026

18:00 - 19:30

Lancaster

Lancaster University Management School

Join us for a powerful conversation with Gillian Hall, third-generation cheesemaker and owner of Butlers Farmhouse Cheeses. In 2023, disaster struck when a devastating fire destroyed part of the family’s Lancashire dairy business - a company built over three generations since 1932.

For many businesses, it would have been the end. For Gill and her team, it became a defining moment. Rooted in strong family values and guided by an unwavering commitment to quality, Gill led the response with honesty, determination and resilience. While protecting the heritage recipe created by her mother and the standards instilled by her father — “It’s your quality that has got you where you are today and it’s your quality that will keep you there” — she also faced the realities of crisis leadership: uncertainty, responsibility and rebuilding trust.

This fireside chat will explore what it truly means to lead when everything feels at risk - from navigating operational shock and supporting your people, to rebuilding stronger and more innovative than before. Expect a candid discussion about resilience, stewardship of a family legacy, and finding opportunity in adversity.

Registration: 5.15pm - 6.00pm | Fireside Chat: 6.00pm - 7.30pm Please note this is an IN PERSON event

Venue address

Lancaster University Management School Bailrigg Lancaster LA1 4YX

Sign up to our newsletter

For insights and events to help your business thrive.

In completing this form, you understand that Lancashire County Council (Boost) has a requirement to process your personal data. Lancashire County Council will only ever process your personal data where it has a clear lawful basis for doing so in full compliance with data protection legislation - UK GDPR and The Data Protection Act (2018). We will ensure the security and confidentiality of your personal data at all times. For full details of how Lancashire County Council handles your personal data please see our privacy notice here . Some information relating to this public funded project may be declared to third parties under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
BGS_logo_network partner stacked Sml
Funded by local govmt
Lancashire County Council

The website uses cookies.

Some are used for statistical purposes and others are set up by third party services. By clicking 'Accept all & close', you accept the use of cookies. For more information on how we use and manage cookies, please read our Cookie Policy.