Why Are Family Firms Important?

Family firms are the backbone of economies the world over and the UK is no exception. With more than 6 million family firms in the UK employing over 13 million people, they are the engine room of communities across the country.

Family businesses are different because they have a purpose, an underlying driver to flourish for generations, taking a long term view and in many cases the current generation see themselves as custodians of the business for future generations, seeking to pass the business on as a ‘stronger entity’ than the one that they inherited. All across the UK family firms make a difference on a daily basis, through the provision of jobs, creation of income and generation of wealth. Many have been around for generations, like Balsons, the butchers on the high street in Bridport that dates back to 1515 and is now in the 26th generation.

Additionally, many family firms are embedded in a ‘place,’ often the location where they were founded, such as Walkers Shortbread in Aberlour and JW Lees Brewery in Manchester. These firms are part of the fabric of their community and it is not uncommon to find generations of families following a pattern of working for the same businesses.

Research has shown that being a family business adds a real point of difference, from the way that they engage and support loyal employees to the way they are perceived by customers and suppliers alike. Because they are in it for the long term, decision making is focused on these goals and not made purely for financial return in the short term. Family firms are special and their narrative, the journey from the day they started with an entrepreneurial dream add to the essence of who they are, and help with creating an association with the business. Research has also shown that family firms are more trusted and good employers and they continue to make a difference through their resilience, drive and desire to succeed. Entrepreneurial family firms that have stood the test of time are resilient and innovative, making the necessary changes to continue to remain relevant.

Family firms really are the backbone of the UK economy and a real force for good and that can only be a good thing. The obvious thing that makes family businesses stand out from their non-family counterparts is the ‘family factor’ and this is something that can be used to the competitive advantage of the business if harnessed in the right way.

Sadly, all too often family business is portrayed as ‘small business’ rather than the reality that those in the know understand: family firms can be big business, take JCB, Wal-Mart, BMW, ALDI and many others and the myth has been blown away, but fundamentally it is more important that family firms are recognised for the positive values they bring to the economies and communities in which they operate.

Rather than focusing on the sensational headlines around sibling disagreements, nepotism or inter-generational issues there are real positive attributes possessed and demonstrated by family businesses the world over on a daily basis which helps to show that family firms are a real force for good too.

Family firms are generally seen as good employers, trusted and respected businesses, even more so when the family name is above the door and the business has been around for generations and the benefits associated with being a family business can be great. These benefits can even result in the family business deriving competitive advantage as a result.

Here are ten benefits that family firms have:

1 – Values

Family values can be translated into the way that the business operates, the culture of the family firm, and these can be passed from generation to generation as well as from family members to other employees. There is an immense level of pride amongst family members to respect the business, their predecessors and in many cases to act as stewards to pass on the business to the next generation and the values that underpin the family and the family business add to the essence of the family firm.

2 – Long Term View

Family firms are recognised for taking the long term view, not always focusing on the short term financial performance and results of the business. A patient and often cautious approach can help to align resources and plans too.

3 – Loyalty

Research has proven that shared values and vision amongst family members with clear and open communication of their goals and objectives can result in greater loyalty from family members too.

4 – Retention

Employees of family firms are often cited by the family as an ‘extension of the family’ or as part of the ‘extended family’ and consideration and support of employees to such an extent can provide an incredibly loyal workforce who enjoy the work environment, the support of the family and the way that they are treated.

5 – Legacy

Making a difference and creating a legacy is something that can come from a family in business and there are lots of examples where family firms are integral to the community in which they operate. Building on the efforts of previous generations and continuing the family tradition, protecting the name and the values that it upholds are also drivers for subsequent generations to continue in the same manner and to continue to give something back.

6 – Trust & Integrity

Research has proven that the very nature of the family ownership can engender more trust from stakeholders and customers alike, and more and more family firms are celebrating their history and legacy in the brands that they are developing, recognising that it can be to their competitive advantage.

7 – Innovation

Due to their governance and ownership structures family firms can be more innovative. In many cases, they recognise the need for innovation as part of their strategic planning to keep the business relevant and current and as such are able to respond to change and take on opportunities as they arise more quickly than some of their non-family counterparts.

8 – Entrepreneurship

Successful family firms can be a breeding ground for entrepreneurship, supporting the next generation in their pursuit of new opportunities, either through opportunity, training, career progression or encouragement.

9 – Respect

Many family firms are massively involved in their local communities and give back in many ways which engenders significant respect from the communities in which they operate.

10 – Relationships

Whilst it may not be seen as the ideal situation for some, families that work successfully together get to spend more time together and sharing a drive towards goals for the business can be a bonding and fulfilling journey.

Successful family firms reap the benefits and have structures in place for clear and effective communication, helping to minimise the risk of disagreements or conflicts arising. This enables them to focus on the business, with shared goals and commitments to getting the right results and without any doubt, when it all comes together, family business is different but can be a resolute force for good and secure competitive advantage too, further generating better financial results and performance that is of benefit in the long term too.

Celebrate the strengths of family business. They are a force for good and provide significant benefits to communities around the world.