Family Business Pledge

The Family Business Pledge

Family businesses are the backbone of the global economy. From corner shops to century-old enterprises, family firms represent the oldest and most enduring form of business; built on trust, shaped by values, and driven by a desire to create something that lasts. Family businesses are employers, innovators, community anchors, and custodians of generational wealth and wisdom.

Yet the world is changing. The pressures of short-termism, globalisation, and rapid technological change can pull even the most principled businesses away from what matters most.

That is why we, as an organisation that champions family businesses, have created a pledge to enable family businesses to stand together, to affirm what they believe, to confirm some core principles and to demonstrate that doing business the right way and doing business successfully are not in conflict. They are one and the same.

By signing this Pledge, family businesses commit to the following principles, not because they are required to, but because they reflect who they are.

All of the family firms signing this Pledge will receive a complimentary certificate from Family Business United and a marketing campaign pack for their own use which includes a customisable campaign news story, social media banners and other collateral.

First name

Last name

Company name

Number of Employees

Company Reg (if UK)

Country

Logo

We Pledge To:

Stewardship over short-termism — We commit to making decisions with the next generation in mind, prioritising the long-term health of our business over short-term profit.
People before profit — We foster a people first culture built on trust, respect and long-term relationships where employees are valued as individuals, not just resources.
Rooted in our community — We actively invest in the communities where we operate, recognising that our success is inseparable from the wellbeing of the places and people around us.
Governance with integrity — We hold ourselves to transparent, ethical governance — separating family interests from business interests where needed, and welcoming accountability at every level.
Sustainability for future generations — We take our environmental responsibilities seriously, knowing that the world we leave behind matters as much as the business we leave behind.
Preserving the founder's spirit — We honour the values, purpose, and entrepreneurial drive on which our business was founded, ensuring they remain alive through every transition and generation.
Sharing knowledge, lifting others — We share our experience and expertise with other family businesses, mentoring the next wave of family entrepreneurs and strengthening the global family business community.