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We were recently contacted by an industry organisation and asked if we would be interested in taking part in a new television programme. A production company were looking for family run businesses to feature in a new BBC 2 series, 'Business in the Blood'. The programme will be presented by 'Hotel Inspector' Alex Polizzi, the grand-daughter of Lord Forte, someone who has grown up in one of Britain's most famous family firms and who is "passionate about keeping family businesses alive."

Moss of Bath is a family business. Founded by Frank Moss in 1962 and now managed by his son Tim, we will be celebrating our 50th Anniversary in 2012 and thought that this could be a fantastic opportunity to show how, despite the economic downturn, some family firms are still surviving on the High Street.

We sent off our application and, whilst waiting for the response, planned how we would deal with our 15 minutes of fame.

The following is an edited version of their reply;  "We are looking for a business who is struggling due to the current state of the economy. Moss of Bath seems to be doing very well and are therefore not exactly what we are looking for."

We were disappointed, not only to be missing out on our very own Andy Warhol moment but also because we felt strongly that the series could have shown a more balanced view rather than focus entirely on the negative stories. How sad that this is all the media seem to be interested in.

Fortunately for those of us who run family and/or independent businesses in the city of Bath we have the Bath Life Awards to look forward to every year! Celebrating all that is good, successful and positive about businesses in the city of Bath, the awards confirm that Bath is a vibrant, eclectic and dynamic place with a unique mix of wonderful family and/or independent businesses.

Moss of Bath were voted 'Bath's Best Retailer' at the 2011 awards ceremony, an accolade that we were proud to receive and one which is a positive affirmation that we have' business in the blood'.

Nominations for this year's Bath Life Awards can now be made at www.bathlifeawards.co.uk

Links: www.bathlifemag.co.uk   www.bestofbath.co.uk