We often talk about succession as if it is a baton race. One hand lets go, the other takes hold, and the race continues. Simple. In practice, it is rarely like that. The handover is messy. The baton wobbles. And more often than not, the founder is still running alongside long after they said they would stop. What we do not talk about enough is why. Why Founders Struggle To Let Go For many founders, the business is not just something they built. It is who they are. Their role

South Korea’s economic story in the latter half of the twentieth century and into the twenty-first is often told in terms of its chaebols — large family-controlled conglomerates such as Samsung, Hyundai, LG, SK, and Lotte. Yet family businesses in South Korea are much more than the chaebol giants; they permeate the entire spectrum of the economy, from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in provincial towns to globally competitive exporters, and their influence extends far bey

In a world of global travel and promises of ‘first-class’ service that often fail to meet their billing, there is something quietly...

Nestled in the heart of Paisley, a town just outside of Glasgow, lies one of Scotland’s most enduring names in recruitment: Stafffinders....

For family businesses, passing wealth and control to the next generation can be both a strategic and an emotional journey. However, evolving tax legislation is putting increasing pressure on these transitions especially in light of upcoming changes to Business Property Relief (BPR) and rising tax burdens such as National Insurance increases. These developments are prompting many families to reassess their business structures and succession planning. In this article, we will

A national survey commissioned by UK law firm Brodies LLP has revealed that UK residents aged 50 and over are underprepared for the upcoming changes to inheritance tax (IHT), with only 26% fully understanding how the new rules will impact their wealth transfer plans. The representative YouGov survey of 2,001 adults highlights concerning gaps in estate planning and family communication, raising alarms about the risks of inadequate succession strategies in the wake of the new

Why families stall around people and leadership—and what helps move things forward Most families don’t call us in a crisis. They get in touch when something’s been hanging in the air for a while. Talked about. Circulated. Tension rising—but no real movement. You know the kind of thing: “We’ve talked about it loads—but nothing’s actually happened.” “We think we need someone—but we’re not sure what for.” “We need to sort succession—but it’s never the right time to bring it up.”

Leading a business in the UK today demands more than just commercial acumen. In a climate shaped by uncertainty, evolving workforce...

In a world where business often prioritises quarterly profits and rapid expansion, family-owned enterprises stand out. They carry a...

Family businesses are often viewed through the lens of tradition—steadfast, familiar, and consistent. But beneath the surface lies a quiet revolution. Increasingly, it is the interweaving of different generations within these firms that is driving innovation, digital transformation, and strategic evolution. Where one generation brings experience, resilience, and long-term thinking, the next brings fresh perspective, digital fluency, and a desire for change. Together, they cre

Family business succession under pressure as one in four lack clear heir, new research finds 92% of family business owners want to keep...

In an era of fleeting trends and throwaway retail, one Taunton business stands as a remarkable thread of continuity. Hatchers, the...

Succession planning is often one of the most delicate and decisive phases in the life of a family business. While many enterprises thrive...

Family businesses form the backbone of Britain’s economic and social landscape. Often modest in appearance, they represent a powerful...

Recent news that Prada has agreed to buy Versace in a £1.1billion deal, that brings together two of Italy’s biggest luxury fashion...

Birketts are East & East Anglia Regional Partners of Family Business United. What We Do Birketts LLP is a UK Top 50 law firm with a dedicated Family Business Team. We advise family-owned businesses on key strategic decisions relating to the growth and sale of family businesses. We also advise on non-family recruitment and day-to-day operational issues. Services Offered To Family Businesses Our expertise covers succession planning, sales and acquisitions, governance issues, em

The latest survey by Family Business United has highlighted the key challenges family business leaders are tackling in boardrooms across...

Bagnalls, based in Cleckheaton celebrates 150 years as a family run and managed business on March 13th, 2025. Originally established in...

Succession planning has always been a difficult topic for many due to the need to confront issues around death and the loss of someone special who has passed. But as the saying goes, ‘there is nothing more certain than death and taxes,’ and the proposed Budget has put the spotlight firmly on family businesses and in particular, Inheritance Tax on the passing of shares from one generation to the next. Ownership succession and the implications are now firmly on the family busin

Gary Beckwith is a pioneer of the UK tourism industry and family business owner. He is the author of How To Make A Million In Business ,...