Howards' Way

BRITBOX

When searing ambition meets family ties - stunningly set drama

Drama

Searing ambition and family ties collide in this stunningly set drama. Facing redundancy, family man Tom sinks his savings into a boat business - much to his loved ones' horror.

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Tom Howard wins the Commodore Cup with his boat, The Flying Fish.

Tom Howard wins the Commodore Cup with his boat, The Flying Fish. But at a celebration dinner with his family, he announces that he's been made redundant.

Jack is certain that Tom will invest in the Mermaid Boatyard. Tom meets with his banker.

Jack is certain that Tom will invest in the Mermaid Boatyard. Tom meets with the bank to obtain the loan he needs to buy into a partnership with Jack. Ken tempts Jan with a full-time job offer.

Jan and Tom's marriage becomes further strained. Jan accepts Ken's job offer.

Avril gives her father, Jack, good news and tries to conceal the real identity of the person purchasing Tom's boat. Jan and Tom's marriage becomes further strained. Jan accepts Ken's job offer.

Tom's design plans for a revolutionary boat ignite Jack's anger.

Jan plans a business trip to London for Ken. Tom's continued presence at the boatyard causes concern for Bill and other workers. Tom's design plans for a revolutionary boat ignite Jack's anger, particularly when Avril sides with Tom.

Jack and Avril clash over Tom's ideas. Feeling unloved and unwanted, Abby makes a move.

Jack and Avril clash over Tom's ideas. Detecting his interest in Jan, Dawn argues with Ken, leading him to order her out. Feeling unloved and unwanted, Abby makes a move. Jan makes love with Tom, but he wonders who really excites her.

Gerald inadvertently tips Ken off, leading Ken to send Dawn on a fact-finding mission.

Gerald Urquhart inadvertently tips Ken off, leading Ken to send Dawn on a fact-finding mission. Later, Ken takes great delight in sharing a secret with Jan.

Jan gets an earful from Dawn and an unwelcome visitor turns up at Avril's door.

Jan gets an earful from Dawn; An unwelcome visitor turns up at Avril's door; Polly and Jan attend an art exhibition where they run into Charles Frere; Polly stuns Jan with a shocking secret, and Jack gets bad news from Germany.

Tom's prototype is the only thing that can save the Mermaid yard, but he faces opposition.

Tom's prototype is the only thing that can save the Mermaid yard, but he faces opposition from Jack. Avril's unwelcome visitor returns and this time carries a thinly veiled threat.

A mysterious stranger arrives in Tarrant. Charles instructs Gerald to keep an eye on Ken.

A mysterious stranger arrives in Tarrant. Charles Frere instructs Gerald to keep a very close eye on Ken. Tom and Avril enjoy a private celebration as the prototype gets underway.

Tom becomes involved in an explosion near The Flying Fish. Ken receives more dirt on Tom.

Tom becomes involved in an explosion near The Flying Fish. Ken receives more dirt on Tom; Leo accidentally learns about Tom's actions, and Ken tells Jan his suspicions regarding Tom and Avril.

Jack learns from his solicitor that his case must go to court.

Jack learns from his solicitor that his case must go to court. Lynne wonders what she and Frere have in common. Frere discovers he has reason to get back at Tom. Kate urges Jack to tell Avril and Tom about Shellet.

Frere strengthens his hold on Lynne. Jack calls in a favor to dig into Shellet's past.

Frere strengthens his hold on Lynne. Jack calls in a favor to dig deeper into Shellet's criminal past. Tom presents his prototype design for The Barracuda. After a visit from gossipy Polly, Jan asks Ken to slow things down.

A distraught Polly watches as Abby is taken away by ambulance.

A distraught Polly watches as Abby is taken away by ambulance. Jan shares with Tom her fears about Lynne's infatuation with Frere. Lynne hears gossip suggesting Frere was once involved with Polly. Frere cancels a date with Lynne.

Shellet's criminal history is raised in court. When Lynne goes missing, Jan phones Frere.

Shellet's criminal history is raised in court. When Lynne goes missing, a worried Jan phones Frere's yacht. Jack's solicitor tricks Shellet into self-incrimination. Ken minimizes Jan's fears for Lynne. The Shellet-Rolfe court case is decided.

After the police inform them that Lynne has been found, Tom and Jan rush to the hospital.

After the police inform them that Lynne has been found, Tom and Jan rush to the hospital where they're devastated by what they find. Leo feels that things will change when Abby's American lover Orrin Hudson arrives in Tarrant.

Frere examines Ken's proposed wildlife reserve development, but privately cautions Gerald.

Frere examines Ken's proposed wildlife reserve development, but privately cautions Gerald to keep his involvement completely anonymous. Orrin wants to make an honest woman of Abby. Leo vows to stop Ken's land development.

Shellet noses around the marina and later concocts a potentially deadly surprise for Jack.

Shellet noses around the marina and later concocts a potentially deadly surprise for Jack. Avril finds Frere an unwelcome visitor in her home, and he's also warned away by Tom.

Tom discovers that Lynne has hijacked The Barracuda, and she refuses to return.

Tom discovers that Lynne has hijacked The Barracuda, and she refuses to return. Jan decides to go to the bank on her own if Ken won't agree to financing.

Frere decides that Ken's becoming a liability and schemes to squeeze him out.

Frere decides that Ken's becoming a liability and schemes to squeeze him out. Polly inadvertently creates a potential problem for Abby. A defensive Bill questions Tom's design specifications.

Leo, in hospital, finds himself facing criminal charges. Meanwhile, Frere threatens Ken.

Leo, in hospital, finds himself facing criminal charges. Jack sees a familiar face tending bar at the Jolly Sailor. Frere threatens Ken. Polly and Abby disagree about the best way to proceed with the court case.

Leo and Gerald reassure Abby that the decision she made was not a selfish one.

Leo and Gerald reassure Abby that the decision she made was not a selfish one. Gerald guesses why Frere changed his mind about the marina development and confronts Polly.

Bill is ready to gloat over Tom's premature return. Avril accuses her father of drinking.

Bill is ready to gloat over Tom's premature return. Avril accuses her father of being hungover again. Dawn introduces Ken to Mark Foster. Gerald assures Frere of his loyalty.

Jack's vow to keep Caroline as a client only is short lived. Polly and Abby quarrel.

Jack's vow to keep Caroline as a client only is short lived. Jaeger pays an ominous visit to the Urquhart home. Avril suggests that the board prepare to fight Frere, who they suspect is behind the takeover bid.

Kate reveals to Leo the depth of her debt. Abby surprises a bloodied Jaeger.

Kate reveals to Leo the depth of her debt. Abby surprises a bloodied Jaeger. Sir John questions the value of Frere's offer. Sarah changes her attitude when Ken joins her and Mark at the yacht club.

Avril learns about Frere's success. Ken enters into partnership with the Fosters.

Avril learns about Frere's success. Ken enters into partnership with the Fosters. Jan invites Kate to live with her. Jaeger spies on Southern Laboratories. Abby decides to leave home. Polly continues to evade Abby's questions.

Tom needs answers from Mrs. Travis to understand why the catamaran broke apart.

Tom needs answers from Mrs. Travis to understand why the catamaran broke apart. Kate listens to Tom, who fears Avril's relationship with Frere. Polly asks Frere to help her keep Abby away from Jaeger.

The arrival of Sir Edward Frere surprises Sir John. Polly issues a warning to Gerald.

The arrival of Sir Edward Frere surprises Sir John. Jan finds retailers dropping their options for her second line and realizes she must find another designer.

Frere rejects Sir Edward's offer. Jan meets with young design student Anna Lee.

Frere rejects Sir Edward's offer. Jan meets with young design student Anna Lee. Kate offers to listen to Polly's problems. Tom and Jack are disappointed with the verdict rendered by the coroner's court.

An enterprising Leo goes into business for himself. Amanda becomes Leo's first customer.

An enterprising Leo goes into business for himself. Gerald won't divulge to Polly details of his call from Dr. Reynolds. Tom accuses Frere of pursing a personal vendetta against him. Jan deals with Mr. Lee to acquire Anna as her new designer.

Jack finds himself in a position to ask Avril for help. Mark challenges Ken in the race.

Jack finds himself in a position to ask Avril for help. Mark challenges Ken in the upcoming speedboat race. Jan makes an impression on Sir Edward when she presents her business plan to the committee for the private venture capital.

Sarah worries about Mark who has vanished. Jan moves forward with her retail shops.

Sarah worries about Mark who has vanished. Jan moves forward with her retail shops. Tom receives notice that his divorce is final. Charles takes a financial risk against Gerald's advice in order to fight Sir Edward.

Amanda attempts to apologize to Leo for her deception. Tom goes to Jan with an offer.

Amanda attempts to apologize to Leo for her deception. Sir John wonders about Ken's vulnerability now that Sarah own two-thirds of the business. Jan can't resist Sir Edward. Jack persuades Avril to ask Frere for money.

Jack's elation wanes when Tom informs him how Jan saved the Mermaid yard.

Jack's elation wanes when Tom informs him how Jan saved the Mermaid yard. Ken cautions Sarah, but she insists they both must pay. Anna decides that she has to leave. Leo has an unpleasant meeting with Amanda's parents at the yacht club.

Frere refuses to change his mind about the Barracuda. A journalist approaches Tom.

Frere refuses to change his mind about the Barracuda. A journalist approaches Tom. After Sarah's behavior in front of an important client, Ken erupts in anger. Gerald stuns Polly when he tells her how James died.

A personal diversion makes Jack late for the race but Richard Spenser comes to the rescue

A personal diversion makes Jack late for the race, but speed racer Richard Spenser comes to the rescue. Jan demands an explanation from Anna. Frere's reaction to James' death surprises Gerald. Ken sends Sarah off.

Mr. Lee visits Anna with an offer of a second chance, but she continues to disobey him.

Mr. Lee visits Anna with an offer of a second chance, but she continues to disobey him. Leo's jealousy is incited when Amanda flirts with Ken. Polly and Gerald enjoy their newfound happiness.

Ken reassures Sarah that he needs her. A nervous begins her first day at work.

Ken reassures Sarah that he needs her. A nervous begins her first day at work. Jan and Tom spend a day reminiscing at sea. Frere talks with his father. Ken meets Mr. Parker to discuss going public.

Frere questions Gerald about Hitoshi Serozawa, whose father was ruined by Sir Edward.

Frere questions Gerald about Hitoshi Serozawa, whose father was ruined by Sir Edward. Ken gloats over the publicity Relton received from Richard's accident. Jan informs Tom that Ken's check was returned.

Jack scoffs at Tom's nominee for a new employee at the Mermaid yard.

Jack scoffs at Tom's nominee for a new employee at the Mermaid yard. Frere speculates that something's wrong with David Lloyd's information. Mr. Parker threatens Leo. Sarah warns Ken that Sir Edward is using them to get at Relton.

Sir Edward and Jack are on tenterhooks awaiting word on Frere and Avril.

Sir Edward and Jack are on tenterhooks awaiting word on Frere and Avril. Gerald reassures Abby that he will always be her father. Paul Sumner suggests that Emma tell Tom about their relationship.

Avril's condition takes another turn. Mr. Parker attempts to negotiate a settlement.

Avril's condition takes another turn. Mr. Parker attempts to negotiate a settlement with Leo. Frere makes a stunning announcement at a press conference for the plane crash.

Charles is disturbed to learn that Avril has discharged herself from the clinic.

Charles is disturbed to learn that Avril has discharged herself from the clinic and even more worried about her state of mind when she arrives for work as if nothing has happened.

Sir Edward searches for oil with a total disregard for the bird sanctuary.

Sir Edward searches for oil with a total disregard for the bird sanctuary. Meanwhile, Ken has his own entrepreneurial ideas. Tom and Emma continue with their America's Cup design.

Ken learns of Sarah's duplicity and tries his hand at blackmail.

Ken learns of Sarah's duplicity and tries his hand at blackmail. He is also devastated to learn of Sir Edward's real business motivations. There is tension between Gerald and Avril but a nonchalant Charles refuses to become involved.

Sir Edward does some grovelling and provides Tom with some inside information.

Sir Edward does some grovelling and provides Tom with some inside information about the America's Cup. Meanwhile, when Jan runs out of stock, Sir Edward lends her a hand.

It's a race against time to save Jack's life.

It's a race against time to save Jack's life. Ken's dubious past means that he has to rely on Sarah to secure the Langcrest deal he's after. Jan is determined to find out who stole Anna's designs and Leo and Ken help her out.

Leo pressurises Ken into letting him race for Leisure Cruise in the world championship

Leo pressurises Ken into allowing him to race for Leisure Cruise in the world championships, and Ken agrees but only with the condition that Parker supports him. Meanwhile, Sarah reveals some business secrets to Charles.

Jan's concerns for Polly's plans to go into direct competition cause further disquiet.

Jan's concerns for Polly's plans to go into direct competition cause further disquiet. There are problems when Emma takes the Orkadian for a trial run without Jack's knowledge.

Ken is secretly pleased when Mike uncovers some secrets from Sir John Stevens' past.

Ken is secretly pleased when Mike uncovers some secrets from Sir John Stevens' past. Gerald attempts to suppress the conflict between Charles and Avril over the Langcrest deal.

Robert Hudson arrives in Tarrant to discuss custody of William.

Robert Hudson arrives in Tarrant to discuss custody of William. When Polly supports Robert in apportioning blame on Abby, Gerald is livid with her.

Tom and Jack do some male bonding whilst out fishing.

Tom and Jack do some male bonding whilst out fishing. Polly is concerned to learn that Gerald has been cashing cheques from their account; they are virtually bankrupt.

Leo's racing ambition comes to a drastic halt while Ken celebrates a success.

Leo's racing ambition comes to a drastic halt while Ken celebrates a success. Sir Edward gives Tom a business offer he can't refuse. Charles is desperate to purchase a golf course from under his father's nose.

Leo begins to recover and Abby is there to help. Jan wants to expand her business.

Leo begins to recover and Abby is there to help. Charles is concerned about being investigated by the fraud squad and Avril questions Gerald about what's going on.

Jack tries to convince Tom that breaking up with Emma is not such a terrible thing.

Jack tries to convince Tom that breaking up with Emma is not such a terrible thing. Charles prepares his legal team in order to avoid a fraud prosecution. Ken asks Tom to design a boat for Leisurecruise.

Gerald is perturbed to discover the Fraud Squad is still trailing him.

Gerald is perturbed to discover the Fraud Squad is still trailing him. Jack finds Vanessa easy to talk to and he confides his daughter's problems in her. Jan and James forge ahead in their new business venture Howard Brooke.

Polly attempts to convince Abby to go to the States however Abby has other ideas.

Jack and Avril go with Laura to Jimmy's funeral. Polly attempts to convince Abby to go to the States however Abby has other ideas. In an effort to reconcile Abby and Orin, Polly organises for him to visit.

Charles is concerned his father and the Hudson's might attempt a take over bid for Frere.

Charles is concerned his father and the Hudson's might attempt a take over bid for Frere Holdings. Laura warns Ken to keep personal matters out of business.

Jan and James disagree over designs and the direction of the firm.

Jan and James disagree over designs and the direction of the firm. However, they later get close up and personal. Jack is annoyed with Vanessa when he learns about her secret business dealings.

Vanessa is given a new job but Tom is not convinced she's the right person for the job.

Vanessa is given a new job but Tom is not convinced she's the right person for the job. Gerald learns to cope without Polly. Avril focuses her attention on preventing Charles' take over bid. Orin confesses he framed Leo.

Charles is raided by the fraud squad and Ken tries to hide his guilt.

Charles is raided by the fraud squad and Ken tries to hide his guilt. Meanwhile, Kate is fully aware of his wrong doings and is determined to have him exposed.

Avril's business meeting in Malta does not go to plan when Sabio Fernandez delays things.

Avril's business meeting in Malta does not go to plan when Sabio Fernandez delays his decision and she is requested to return to the UK to give evidence in the Charles Frere fraud case.

Jan is livid with Ken for obtaining Howard Brooke shares by using blackmail.

Jan is livid with Ken for obtaining Howard Brooke shares by using blackmail. She is determined to stand by James, whatever the consequences. Charles' trial begins and Jack is convinced Avril harbours feelings for Charles.

Charles and Gerald celebrate their innocent verdict and set their sights on revenge.

Charles and Gerald celebrate their innocent verdict and set their sights on revenge. Jack has trouble coming to terms with his feelings for Vanessa. Kate is determined to stop the marina development.

Charles wins a boat race while Gerald tries to prevent any further decline in share price.

Charles wins a boat race while Gerald tries to prevent any further decline in the price of Frere Holdings shares. Kate organises a formal protest against the marina development.

Avril is concerned about a take over bid when she learns that Ken has sold out to Charles.

Avril is concerned about a take over bid when she learns that Ken has sold Charles his shares. Following his overdose, James' life hangs in the balance. Later, he gets revenge on Ken.

Leo and Abby christen their son Thomas Leo in honour of Leo's father, who died at sea.

Leo and Abby christen their son Thomas Leo in honour of Leo's father, who died three weeks previously. Jack, who is struggling to come to terms with Tom's death, needs some time on his own.

Ken and Avril's business relationship is in jeopardy when it emerges Laura has control.

Ken and Avril's business relationship is in jeopardy when it emerges Laura has a controlling share of Leisurecruise. Charles, still adamant he will out do Avril, decides to manipulate Ken in order to gain ownership of the Mermaid, and Relton.

Sir Edward Frere returns and is prepared to support Jan's business proposition.

Sir Edward Frere returns and is prepared to support Jan's business proposition to expand into the perfume industry. Leo, Bill and Jack prepare for their journey on the Xanada, despite everyone's concerns.

Orin re-organises Leisurecruise and discusses the possibility of a Relton takeover bid.

Orin re-organises Leisurecruise and discusses the possibility of a Relton takeover bid with Laura. The Xanadu returns with Lynne on board. Charles' suspicions are aroused when a new Frere Holdings-Leisurecruise alliance is suggested.

Sir Edward's health declines and Jan learns that he has rejected all medical intervention.

Sir Edward's health declines and Jan learns that he has rejected all medical intervention. Avril is concerned that the Mermaid cannot fulfil its orders and is at loggerheads with Orin over the slow completion of the Leisurecruise commission.

It's the day of Sir Edward's funeral but Polly doesn't attend.

It's the day of Sir Edward's funeral but Polly doesn't attend. Neither does Charles who is unexpectedly shaken by his father's death. Vanessa reveals that the mysterious new arrival in Tarrant is her brother, David Relton.

Charles assures the press that his father's death has not had a negative impact on shares.

Charles assures the press that his father's death has not had a negative impact on Frere Holdings, but share prices continue to fall. Abby's turmoil continues following the reading of Sir Edward's will.

When Relton doesn't return from Malta, Laura, Ken and Avril realise the mistake they made.

When Relton doesn't return from Malta, Laura, Ken and Avril realise the mistake they made doing business with him. Charles has trouble convincing Abby that it's in her best interest to allow him to contest his father's will.

Leo and Abby go their separate ways. Charles also finds himself at odds with Gerald.

Leo and Abby go their separate ways. Ken is overjoyed to learn that Relton has duped both Laura and Avril. Jan and Charles have a heated row about his involvement with Leo and Abby. Charles also finds himself at odds with Gerald.

When news of the fraud hits the press, Avril is implicated.

Vanessa apologises to Avril for her brother's behaviour. When news of the fraud hits the press, Avril is implicated; it seems Charles may be behind the leak. Avril is convinced it is to blacken her name and have her removed from the Relton board.

The Mermaid continues to struggle to complete its orders on time.

The Mermaid continues to struggle to complete its orders on time. Ken offers Pierre a role on the Poelma Corporation board while Avril speculates how Ken obtained the majority share. Robert begins to manage Charles' financial affairs.

Ken blackmails Laura into selling her shares in the House of Howard to him.

Ken blackmails Laura into selling her ever increasing number of shares in the House of Howard to him. In Bermuda, Gerald supports Orin in his confrontation with Charles over William.

Abby tells Charles that he has been usurped as Chairman of Frere Holdings.

Abby tells Charles that he has been usurped as Chairman of Frere Holdings and admits she backed the move. Jack finally decides to leave the Mermaid; he wants Leo to take over.

Howards' Way

Howards' Way

Series 1

Episode 1

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 3

Episode 4

Episode 4

Episode 5

Episode 5

Episode 6

Episode 6

Episode 7

Episode 7

Episode 8

Episode 8

Episode 9

Episode 9

Episode 10

Episode 10

Episode 11

Episode 11

Episode 12

Episode 12

Episode 13

Episode 13