Family Business Sentiment Falls As Uncertainty Grows

Family Business United (FBU) today released the results of its 2025 Family Business Survey, offering a detailed insight into the views, challenges and expectations of the UK’s family business community. Conducted in July 2025, the annual survey polled family business leaders from across the UK to assess confidence levels, trading conditions, and the wider outlook for the sector.

A headline finding from this year’s report highlights the growing sense of caution among family business owners. Seventy per cent (70%) of respondents said they feel less optimistic about their business prospects compared to last year, reflecting the impact of a changing political, economic and business landscape both globally and in the UK. In contrast, just 12% reported feeling more optimistic than in 2024, while 18% said their outlook remains broadly unchanged.

How do you feel about your family business prosects?

Response	% Of Respondents
Less optimistic than last year	70%
Same as last year	18%
More optimistic than last year	12%

Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, commented: “Family businesses are renowned for their resilience, long-term perspective and ability to adapt — but the results of this year’s survey clearly show that current levels of uncertainty are weighing heavily on confidence."

"From shifting political priorities to economic pressures and global instability, together with the ongoing uncertainty around the last Budget with regards APR and BPR, many family firms are finding it increasingly difficult to plan ahead with the same optimism that has traditionally defined this sector.”

“While short-term sentiment is subdued, the family business sector remains a cornerstone of the UK economy — employing millions and contributing significantly to regional growth."

"The resilience and commitment of family firms continue to be an essential part of the nation’s economic and social fabric, but they undoubtedly need the support of policies to enable them to continue to be the engine room of the nation and we hope that the forthcoming Budget affords them the opportunity to do so with more certainty and support."

The full results of the 2025 Family Business Survey will be published shortly in the forthcoming Family Business Survey Report.