Written by JONATHAN LEE Picture by JOE RILEY

Last updated at 11:12, Tuesday, 13 December 2011

LUCY Cavendish sits at her desk. There’s no escaping the history or the family line.

WE ARE FAMILY: Lucy Cavendish, director of Holker Group

‘Lord Cavendish’ is the name on the slate on the door. ‘The Lord Cavendish of Furness’ is on the name block on the desk.

And around the room are horse racing trophies and sculptures in line with the family’s love of the sport and their nearby Cartmel Racecourse.

But this isn’t a museum. It’s every bit a working office. Hildon Water on the desk, notepad and pens.

And through the window which looks out over the courtyard to the car park beyond you can see the coaches dropping of visitors destined for Holker Hall’s shop and café.

Business is brisk. And Lucy looks comfortable in her surroundings.

The Cavendish family, and Holker Hall, being at the centre of its community is a natural starting point for her.

“It’s Holker’s integrity as a home, as part of the area’s history and community.

“It’s got this history and strong sense of community but there’s a vitality about it and it’s forward looking. I think Holker is full of potential.”

And her passion isn’t limited to the Holker Estate immediately around her. She’s carrying on her family’s commitment to regeneration in Barrow.

“We’re restoring buildings in Barrow. And I hope that shows, the degree of commitment to Barrow.

“We’ve always had a strong relationship with Barrow. My family have always loved industry. It’s always been very, very important.

“It (Barrow) did have hard times. But Barrow is a survivor. The work at Devonshire Buildings is part of our commitment to Barrow and to Barrow Island. There’s such a strong sense of community there.”

It’s this respect for the past, and excitement about where the future might take her and the Holker team which comes across.

The past is the bedrock on which Holker is built. “Holker’s reputation is a priceless asset built up over generations.

“It’s about integrity, honesty, about being trustworthy and that relates directly back to the family. It’s the opportunity to continue that tradition but also to try new things.

“Because we’ve got the right people here there’s a vitality to it. Everyone is coming up with ideas and contributions. It’s important to be open-minded.

“The tourism aspect is open to many new ideas. We have the space where the Motor Museum has been and we are discussing what is going to go there.”

Holker is also interested in looking outwards to help other businesses. “We are considering a venture capital fund where we would invest to help new businesses get off the ground.”

It’s a change of career direction for Lucy. But you get the feeling she is relishing the challenge.

“I was trained as a painter. And this is a new set of skills and experience. It’s immensely exciting.”

Chief executive Duncan Peake reveals that Lucy’s input is helping Holker steer a middle course, and successfully tread that fine line between tradition and new opportunities.

He says: “Lucy sees things from a different perspective. Sometimes something might be a bit too commercial.

“Lucy will add a different dimension. Between us we find the middle ground and do the right thing.”

For Lucy, the Cavendish family, and Holker itself, that ethos is always going to be the way to do business.

First published at 10:45, Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Published by http://www.in-cumbria.com