Although brothers, Edward and Thomas are two very different characters. Thomas is the responsible, churchgoing family man while Edward is the black sheep; selfish, hedonistic and craving excitement. Betraying both his wife, Gladys, and his mistress, Evelyn, who bears his illegitimate child, he settles for a time with Marcella, a London night club singer. But he wanted more. Some dubious second hand car deals eventually lead to a court appearance and three years in Wakefield Prison. His behaviour rocks the world of his hardworking Catholic family, scandalising his sister-in-law, Catherine, who cannot forgive him for the shame the episode brought. Set in Lancashire during the interwar and post war years, 'family business' is about an enterprising family aspiring to improve its lot through building a road haulage business.