A Frome family business has marked 30 years of trading with regional business award success.
Still Sisters and Friary Drinks were named ‘regional runner-up’ at the HSBC UK and Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) Business Growth Awards.
The awards ceremony took place at the Harbour Hotel in Bristol on 23rd April, bringing together some of the region’s fast-growing small businesses.
Co-founder Tori said, “We’re incredibly proud to be recognised as a family business. Still Sisters was built on the foundations of what came before us but we’ve also worked hard to evolve it into something that reflects who we are today – community-driven, purpose-led and ambitious for growth.”
The business traces its roots back to 1996, when Friary Drinks was established by Ernie and Jo Jeffrey, alongside Martin and Ann Howard. Nearly 30 years on, the next generation, sisters Hannah and Tori, are building on that legacy through Still Sisters, a modern distillery brand rooted in Somerset.
Co-founder Hannah said, “Working together as sisters brings a different dynamic. We’ve grown up around the business, so there’s a real understanding of what it takes but we’ve also pushed each other to think differently, take risks and build something that feels relevant for today. Seeing our products on shelves and in people’s hands is incredibly rewarding.”
Still Sisters began with a 50-litre copper still and a focus on spirits using locally sourced ingredients. Early recipes featured watercress grown in Longbridge Deverill alongside botanicals from across the south west. The business has since expanded into a multi-site operation, with distilleries in Frome and Trowbridge, offering gin-making experiences, cocktail bars and community-led events.
More recently, it has launched a range of ready-to-drink canned gin and tonics, now stocked in Co-op stores, marking a step into the fast-moving consumer goods sector.
Alongside commercial growth, the business is also known locally for community initiatives, including work on women’s safety in the night-time economy and partnerships aimed at creating safer spaces.
The team are preparing to host ‘Friary Fest’ on 16th May at Ashton Park in Frome, bringing together customers, partners and the local community.
Pictured: l-r Tori Jordan, Martin Howard, Ann Howard, Ernie Jeffrey and Hannah Smith
