When James Denholm began in business more than 150 years ago, wooden sailing vessels were the backbone of merchant shipping, with overseas trade underpinning Britain’s position as the world’s superpower.

Much has changed since then, but one constant has been the family behind what is today the Glasgow-based, widely diversified shipping, logistics, seafoods and industrial services group J&J Denholm.

Led today by John Denholm and employing directly about 1,200 people, the group is about to undergo a generation transition with the succession of Ben MacLehose, a great-great-grandson of the founder.