Scottish Family Business Conference 2026: Insight, Honesty & Optimism

Family business owners, advisers and next generation leaders gathered in Glasgow today (September 9) for the Scottish Family Business Conference 2026, in what proved to be a day of genuine insight, honest reflection and real optimism for the sector.

Closing the conference, Paul Andrews, Founder and CEO of Family Business United, reflected on a packed agenda that brought together some of the most respected voices in the Scottish family business community.

The day opened with Brian Toward, who offered a compelling example of what next generation energy can bring to an established business. Toward's work growing Wholesale Domestic was held up as a genuine entrepreneurial success story, with an evidently exciting journey still ahead.

Nathalie Agnew turned attention to brand, encouraging attendees not to downplay their status as a family business in the boardroom or the marketing plan. Rather, she argued, it is a genuine source of competitive advantage when told with confidence and authenticity.

Rebecca Bell brought clarity to one of the sector's most difficult conversations, succession, offering practical insight into how a succession process can actually be implemented, rather than simply planned and shelved.

Tamlin Roberts helped demystify the technology agenda and AI, a subject that, for some in the room, raised as many questions as it answered given the sheer pace of technological change currently being felt across the sector. Attendees left with a clearer footing on a subject many are still coming to terms with.

An expert panel then grounded the conversation firmly in the present, examining the current economic and policy climate, its impact on family firms across the country, and the work underway to address the challenges many are now facing.

Iain Stirling shared the remarkable story of four hundred years of farming family history, and the ongoing work of shaping that heritage into a globally sustainable brand for the future, a reminder that tradition and innovation can, and should, sit side by side.

Closing out the individual sessions, Mairi Mickel delivered what was widely regarded as a masterclass on CEO transition, giving delegates plenty to reflect on as the conference drew to a close.

"Summarising the day, there was a clear thread running through every session: a story of ambition and resilience, of families willing to confront succession honestly rather than avoid it, of brands built on generations of trust, and of heritage used not as a comfort blanket but as a launchpad for future growth."

"Family businesses are the quiet backbone of this country, and days like today remind us why that matters," Paul told delegates, thanking speakers, sponsors, partners and the organising team for making the conference possible, alongside every delegate who gave their time to attend.

The conference closed on a note of optimism, with organisers and attendees alike leaving with renewed confidence in the resilience and ambition of Scotland's family business community.