For over 30 years, McQueens has been built on family – from early mornings on the rounds to the relationships formed with customers along the way. At the heart of that story is Anna McQueen, who has watched her parents build the business from the ground up and remains closely involved in shaping what it is today.
From her earliest memories of life around McQueens to balancing family life with a hands-on role in the business, Anna’s journey offers a unique perspective on how far things have come – and what still matters most.
What are your earliest memories of McQueens, and what did the business feel like when you were growing up around it?
Some of my earliest memories are being around the office with my mum and dad when the business was just getting started. I remember the early mornings, the hard work and everyone mucking in. It never felt like “a business” to us as kids – it was just part of family life. Looking back now, I realise how much determination and belief it took for my parents to build it from the ground up in 1995.
Growing up with 4 siblings, did you learn early how to hold your own – and does that show in your work today?
Absolutely. Growing up with four big brothers meant you learned pretty quickly to speak up, work hard and not expect any special treatment. I was never treated differently because I was the only girl – and I’m grateful for that. It definitely shaped the way I work today: get stuck in, pull your weight and don’t be afraid to have your say.
As a mum to two boys and a girl, and someone deeply involved in the business, what do you hope they pick up from watching you juggle work, family and leadership?
More than anything, I hope they see the value of hard work and supporting the people around you. Running a business and raising a family can be a juggle, but I want them to grow up knowing that commitment, resilience and teamwork matter – and that family always comes first.
Looking ahead, which parts of McQueens’ family story and culture feel most important to protect and pass on?
The sense that everyone pulls together. From the very beginning it’s been about hard work, loyalty and looking after our customers and our team. If we can keep that family spirit at the heart of what we do, while continuing to grow and adapt, then we’re doing right by the people who started it all.
