Imposter syndrome, the persistent belief that one’s success is undeserved and likely to be exposed, has moved from the realm of psychological curiosity to a strategic concern for family businesses.

Behind the polished boardrooms and annual reports lies a daily balancing act, one that requires deft navigation between the imperatives of business and the emotional dynamics of family life.

Family businesses frequently inherit values that predate the modern obsession with publicity, demonstrating humility in the way they operate.

Many people don’t realise that a couple can get divorced with just one lawyer to take out the adversarial approach by both working with the same lawyer to receive the same advice.

Next generation members in family businesses face lots of challenges and one that's increasingly being recognised is the role of imposter syndrome in future leaders.

Post-nuptial agreements, legal contracts signed after marriage, can play a vital role.

The core components of family governance that underpin the success of family businesses

Family businesses, often regarded as the bedrock of the global economy, embody a unique blend of loyalty, legacy and long-term vision....

Differences in remuneration between siblings or family members can create tensions and ultimately lead to significant issues within family businesses.

Family businesses are the backbone of economies worldwide, from small high-street shops to sprawling multinational conglomerates. But why...

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.”

In family businesses, trust isn’t just a virtue—it’s the cornerstone of success. While strategy, financial discipline, and innovation all play critical roles, it is trust—deep, often unspoken—that underpins the resilience, cohesion, and longevity of family-run enterprises. Unlike corporate environments where contracts, formal hierarchies and performance metrics define relationships, family businesses often operate within a more informal framework. Decisions are influenced not

Kiran Kandade, Nan Jiang and Joyce Ko from the Family Business Team at Brunel University share their thoughts on the importance of...

Navigating the intricate landscape of a family business is a journey filled with both rewarding milestones and formidable challenges. Among the most daunting of these challenges is initiating and engaging in difficult conversations. These discussions often unearth past traumas or unresolved issues, making them particularly sensitive and complex. However, addressing these topics is essential for the health and longevity of both the family and the business. The Reluctance To En

Those with family assets to protect are keen to ensure that they pass down the bloodline rather than face claims from a spouse, which may involve other family members if they too hold shares. Where the couple's assets are in excess of their respective needs, the starting point is a 50:50 share of the marital assets. In order to meet a spouse's claim, the Family Court has the power to order a sale of a family-owned company (if owned wholly by one or both spouses) or a sale of

For family businesses, the question of “what’s next?” can be as complex as it is personal. Many families are currently weighing whether to transition the business to the next generation or consider a partial or complete sale. With recent changes to Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR), there’s a renewed need for thoughtful planning. Enter “patient capital,” a form of investment that offers family businesses the time, flexibility, and stability

Family business-built connections with the family and business are created through the essential elements of trust. Entrepreneurial...

Family businesses are often seen as the backbone of many economies, with success stories that span generations. Built on strong personal bonds, shared values, and a deep level of trust, these businesses thrive on the unique dynamic that comes from family involvement. However, introducing in-laws into the mix can significantly shift this balance. While in-laws can bring fresh perspectives and valuable skills to a family business, their involvement also risks creating complicat

Running a family business offers a unique blend of professional and personal rewards, but it also comes with its own set of challenges...

For generations, daughters were often overlooked for succession in family businesses, with gender playing a decisive role in leadership choices. Males were traditionally favoured, and if daughters joined the family enterprise, they were typically relegated to lower-level tasks, far from the helm of leadership. Daughters entered family businesses for varied reasons, including family loyalty, filling undesired roles, seeking flexible schedules, and enhancing job satisfaction. D