Author: Martin Greig

Latest magazine celebrates family business legacies

Posted on by Martin Greig

The latest edition of the Family Business UK magazine has been published. Coinciding with our 25th anniversary Annual Conference, this latest edition explores what legacy means to family businesses.

From the insights shared by four very different family businesses that share more than 1,200 years in business to the cricketing legacies created by the famous Gray-Nicolls family and the family business employee who’s made Paralympic history – we learn that legacy is easy to see but not always so easy to define.

You can read the latest edition online (best in full screen), or download it by using the digital edition below.

FBUK Magazine Issue 7 June 2026

Also in this edition, we talk to Duncan Grant about why the Grant family felt the time was right to exist from the Entertainer group and set up an Employee Ownership Trust.

We dive into the new FBUK Policy Agenda and hear from the Wates Group Chairman, Tim Wates, on the need to create a policy environment that empowers and supports mid-size family-owned businesses.

We meet some of the newest FBUK Members and celebrate a collective 500 years in business from three FBUK Members.

Why not get involved?

We are always keen to hear your news and opinions, and get your ideas for stories we should be covering in the magazine. Why not drop us a note by emailing our Communications Director Martin Greig

Advertise in our magazine

Showcasing your brand, products and services in the FBUK magazine is the perhaps the quickest way and most cost-effective way of reaching the families running Britain’s family businesses. If you’re interested and would like to speak to the team, contact our Marketing Manager Melissa Saunders.

FBUK joins government taskforce

Posted on by Martin Greig

Family Business UK Chief Executive, Neil Davy, has been invited to join a new government taskforce aimed at reducing the administrative burden on small and medium sized enterprises.

The Small Business Taskforce will be co-chaired by Blair McDougall MP, Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation and Tina McKenzie MBE, Chair of Policy and Advocacy at the Federation of Small Businesses.

The Taskforce follows a government consultation, supported by FBUK Members, to design a plan for small businesses. The taskforce will now take forward this work, engaging directly with businesses to identify improvements to regulation and ways in which administrative burdens can be reduced.

Commenting on FBUK’s involvement in the Taskforce, CEO Neil Davy said:

“In recent years we have worked hard to put the voice of family businesses at the heart of policymaking. Family businesses are a critical but often overlooked segment of our economy. It is vital their unique contribution to the economic and social fabric of the country is better understood and supported. That recognition must be consistent across government departments and the design of regulatory systems must fully understand the unique model of family ownership.

“Our policy work in recent months has highlighted a consistent theme among family firms—the cost and administrative burden of simply doing business must be reduced. It is just one of the key recommendations in our Policy Agenda—alongside putting family businesses first—creating a fiscal and regulatory environment that both supports them and incentivises them to invest for the future.

“I look forward to taking forward the work of the Taskforce, to hearing from our Members and family businesses across the country to identify ways in which government can better support them to continue building Britain for generations.”

Members of the Taskforce include:

  • Blair McDougall MP (co-chair), Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation
  • Tina McKenzie (co-chair), Chair of Policy and Advocacy at Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
  • Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain.
  • Polly Dhaliwal, Chief Operating Officer at Enterprise Nation.
  • Neil Davy, CEO of Family Business UK.
  • Charlotte Keenan, Managing Director at Goldman Sachs.
  • Dr Roni Savage, CEO and Founder of Jomas Associates, Business and Trade Non-Executive Director.
  • Joshua Toovey, Head of Policy and Research at the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self‑Employed (IPSE).
  • Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy and Insight at the British Chambers of Commerce
  • Iain Wright, Chief Policy and communications officer Institute for Charter Accountants for England and Wales (ICAEW)
  • Ed Woodall, CEO of Association of Convenience Stores (ACS)
  • James Caroll, No10 Special Advisor
  • Emma Jones CBE, Small Business Commissioner
  • Katie Martin, Business Advisor to the Financial Secretary to the Treasury

FBUK welcomes support for scaling businesses

Posted on by Martin Greig

FBUK has welcomed a new package of measures announced by the Government to help ambitious businesses start, scale and grow in the UK.

Unveiled by the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, at London Technology Week, the package is designed to strengthen the UK’s scaleup ecosystem and includes measures to improve access to talent, investment and government support for high-growth businesses.

Read the Government’s announcement here.

The package of measures include: 

  • a concierge service to help high-growth businesses navigate government support, regulation, finance, procurement and talent challenges,
  • a new visa reimbursement scheme to help scaling businesses attract world-class talent in sectors including digital technology, life sciences and clean energy,
  • a pilot programme to strengthen the UK’s scaleUp pipeline through a new private sector delivery partner.
  • The appointment of a dedicated government ScaleUp Adviser to help ensure support reflects the needs of growing businesses.

Notably, the package includes a new concierge service for growing businesses, an approach advocated by FBUK in its recently published Policy Agenda, Building Britain for Generations, which calls on government to adopt a targeted strategy to support the growth and resilience of medium-sized firms

Commenting on the announcement, FBUK Chief Operating Officer Fiona Graham said:

“The UK has a significant untapped scaleUp opportunity sitting within its family business sector. Many family-owned firms have the ambition, resilience and long-term outlook needed to grow, invest and create jobs but too often they face barriers when trying to access support, finance or navigate government programmes.

“That is why Family Business UK has called for a dedicated concierge service for medium-sized businesses, providing a single front door to support programme, investment routes and regulatory guidance. We welcome the Government’s decision to move in this direction and are pleased that ministers have heard our calls. 

“If we are serious about boosting productivity and growing the economy, we need to ensure that family businesses are fully supported to scale. Unlocking that potential could deliver significant benefits for local economies and communities right across the United Kingdom.”

FBUK calls for rethink on high costs of employment

Posted on by Martin Greig
  • Employment costs and rising prices holding back family businesses
  • National Insurance plus National Minimum / Living Wage having biggest tax impact on family firms
  • Family Business UK says government must look to reduce these burdens to create environment for growth and investment
Family Business Pulse Q2 2026

New research published by Family Business UK paints a mixed picture of a family business sector being squeezed by higher costs. While firms remain confident and eager to invest for the future, increasingly high costs of employment and rising prices, driven by geopolitical uncertainty, are holding them back.

The research, which forms the basis of a new quarterly Family Business Pulse report which tracks sentiment and activity amongst Britain’s family firms, shows that almost half of family businesses (47%) say either higher National Insurance Contributions or the increased National Minimum and Living Wage are having the biggest tax impact on their business. Together with high wage expectations, rising employment costs represent the biggest barrier to family firms taking on new staff.

According to the research, more than two fifths of family businesses (41%) say that government support with high costs of employment would be the best way support them create new roles and recruit staff over the next 12 months. A further 35% want greater stability and predictability in employment regulation.

Recruitment and expansion amongst family businesses is also being hit by uncertainty caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. More than one fifth (22%) of family businesses say they have delayed hiring and expansion plans because of global instability while one in six (16%) has been forced to cut jobs.

Neil Davy, CEO FBUK said:

Family businesses have been building Britain for generations but, right now, they feel stuck in limbo being squeezed on all sides by the permanently higher costs of employing people, and temporary cost increases from ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

Family firms remain eager to grow employment, but cost and uncertainty are forcing them to make unpalatable choices—to cut back on recruitment more than they would like and, in some cases, reduce headcount.

If we are to reverse this situation and allow businesses to create the opportunities workers need there must be a renewed focus on reducing the burden of National Insurance Contributions along with careful management of the National Minimum and Living Wages. We would like government to commit to moving towards a fixed three-year review cycle and introduce stronger fiscal incentives to get young people into work.

The research for the Family Business Pulse report also shows the extent and impact on Britain’s family business sector of rising prices driven by conflict in the Middle East.

More than four in ten (43%) family businesses say instability has pushed up costs in areas including fuel, raw materials, shipping and insurance. Of these, one third (34%) say prices have risen between 10%-19% while one in five (22%) says prices are up between 20%-29%. Almost one in ten family businesses (9%) are reporting costs increases between 30%-39%.

More than a third (37%) of family businesses have adjusted prices to customers to reflect their own higher costs. Other impacts include:

  • 27% of family firms are reporting difficulties with supply chains
  • 24% of family businesses say ongoing uncertainty is affecting long-term planning
  • 19% report lower customer demand in key markets
  • 18% say finance costs have increased
  • 16% report difficulty accessing international markets

Inheritance Tax continues to cause major challenges for most family businesses, according to the research, with more than half (51%) saying they will still be affected despite investing time and money in legal and tax advice over the last 12 months.

Medium and large family businesses remain the most likely to be affected with more than 60% of all family businesses employing more than 50 people saying they will be hit.

Almost four in ten (38%) medium and large family businesses say the future growth of their business would be supported by reforming rules on Inheritance Tax, which were introduced on 6 April.

Neil Davy continues:

Just when growing the UK economy and supporting British enterprise should be the Government’s priority, this specific tax policy imposed on British family businesses is achieving the opposite—forcing them to look inwards rather than focus on growing their business and creating jobs across the country.

Family businesses are the lifeblood of local economies across the country and are critically important to thriving communities. With the Budget just five months away, the Government must look at the priorities highlighted in our Family Business Pulse report and create a fairer—and simpler—tax system that supports family businesses and unlocks their potential to deliver the increased opportunities and economic growth our country needs.

FBUK comments on King’s Speech

Posted on by Martin Greig

His Majesty King Charles III has formally opened the next session of Parliament in a speech setting out the Government’s plans for the year ahead. The King’s Speech set out 37 Bills with a theme of stability. You can read full details of the speech below.

Read the King’s Speech 2026

Responding to the State Opening of Parliament, Neil Davy, CEO FBUK said:

There was a substantial focus on the economy in this speech, but family businesses will have listened with concern at the lack of certainty amid ongoing political turbulence. Family businesses are built on long-term stewardship; they plan in decades, not in political ‘moments’ or election cycles. Above all they value stability and certainty as a fundamental tenet of long-term planning.

On late payments:

We welcome the announcement to tackle late payments. This remains a persistent challenge for family businesses, with significant impacts on both cash flow and competitiveness. It is vital that all firms adhere to the new rules and are held accountable. Clearer limits on payment terms, stronger enforcement mechanisms and greater transparency are important steps toward better supporting family businesses.

On the Public Procurement (British Goods and Services) Bill:

Family businesses are inherently local. They reinvest in their communities and have been helping to build Britain for generations. We are keen to act as a convenor in support of the Government on public procurement. Family businesses deliver significant social value: 87% actively support their local community in at least one key area. Ensuring they are fully embedded within the procurement framework will be integral to its success.

Regulating for Growth Bill:

Family businesses will welcome efforts to create a more streamlined and growth-focused regulatory environment. Many family firms, particularly SMEs, face growing compliance and administrative burdens despite lacking the in-house resources of larger corporates. Proportionate and practical regulation will be essential to supporting long-term investment, productivity and business confidence.

On further EU Alignment:

Many family businesses will welcome measures that make it easier to trade with our EU partners. Greater digital support is needed to facilitate smoother interoperability with overseas systems. This should include practical training and guidance for family businesses, targeted grants to help businesses adapt their systems, and affordable solutions for smaller e-commerce exporters struggling with cross-border logistics.

On the Energy Independence Bill:

Family businesses welcome measures to tackle high and volatile energy costs, which continue to place significant pressure on firms across the UK. Our research shows that 30% of family businesses say energy costs or volatility are now the main barrier to growth.

Speeding up the delivery of clean energy technologies and grid infrastructure has the potential to strengthen energy security and give businesses greater confidence to invest for the long term. It is also important that businesses receive fair and proportionate support alongside households as the transition progresses.

FBUK year in review-2025

Posted on by Martin Greig

2025 was a year of significant growth for FBUK, marked by expanded membership, increased engagement across our network and a strengthened voice for family businesses nationwide.

Our annual review, which you can read in full below, brings this progress to life summarising both our financial performance and the key activities, initiatives and impacts delivered throughout the year including;

  • Unprecedented growth in membership in 2025, with 92% membership retention, and a 10% net increase
  • We are delighted to have many esteemed Patrons and Partners working with us, collectively our Patrons represent 1% of the UK private sector workforce
  • In our Advocacy department, we led the national conversation on the future of Inheritance Tax, we released our landmark study – Taxing Futures – and published our international trade policy paper
  • We appeared in the media 2,184 times including prominent national press coverage in all UK titles including the Financial Times, The Daily Telegraph, Daily Express, The Times and The Guardian.
FBUK Annual Review 2025

 

FAMILY first approach in new FBUK policy agenda

Posted on by Martin Greig

FBUK has published a new policy agenda for family businesses. Coming ahead of local elections around the UK and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, Building Britain for Generations highlights key areas for policymakers, prioritising stability, long-term growth, investment and stewardship – all traits of family businesses.

The policy agenda calls for government, politicians and all policymakers to adopt a ‘FAMILY first’ approach that encompasses:

  • Fair taxation system
  • Accessing finance and business support
  • Mid-sized family business focus
  • Investing in local communities
  • Lowering the cost of doing business
  • Younger generation focus
FBUK Policy Agenda - Building Britain for Generations

The policy agenda, which was launched at an event in London, proposes a comprehensive set of recommendations that place the UK’s five million family businesses, and the benefits of family ownership, at the heart of efforts to grow the economy and tackle critical issues including youth unemployment.

Policy asks include:

  • Appointing a family business czar in every devolved nation and region to support long-term investment in communities and support greater fiscal devolution,
  • Targeted measures to tackle youth unemployment including an exemption from employer NICs for all family businesses offering Level 4 and above apprenticeships in AI, leadership and management,
  • A clear ‘tax roadmap’ – that gives family businesses confidence about the direction of travel, removes the fear of sudden, damaging surprises and enables long-term investments,
  • Full reinstatement of 100% Inheritance Tax reliefs (BPR and APR) for family firms, with no thresholds,
  • A simplified procurement system that places greater weight on long-term investment and delivery, regional investment and social cohesion.

The new policy agenda also calls on government to adopt a new definition of medium-sized businesses to support the forgotten engine of the UK economy. This should be companies with revenues between £10million-£100million and between 50-499 employees (mid-size is currently defined as fewer than 250 employees and less than £54million revenue).

FBUK research shows there are 10,000 mid-sized family businesses in the UK which employ 1.5 million people and create £140 billion economic output. But these established businesses remain largely invisible to policymakers and are held back by a policy environment designed for either small or large companies.

Neil Davy, CEO Family Business UK said:

“Family businesses are established pillars of Britain’s towns and cities in a way that global brands can never be – they have built a brand, reputation and workforce there, and often it’s the family name above the door.

“Yet the current policy system often favours foreign investment over established, British family businesses with the lure of lucrative tax breaks and other incentives not available to family firms. That has to change if the UK is serious about a robust domestic economy that delivers sustainable, long-term growth.”

The new family business policy agenda, which is launched on the eve of the most significant change to the taxation of British family businesses in 50 years (BPR and APR), also highlights the ongoing impact of the change to inheritance tax reliefs on family businesses:

  • The majority of family businesses (57%) say they will still be materially affected by IHT (despite changes announced by government on 23 Dec),
  • Just 1 in 10 family businesses believe they will escape the tax entirely,
  • Just 74% of family businesses are confident they can remain family-owned in 10 years’ time (down from 91% in the next 3 years) with increasing concerns that the burden of IHT will force businesses to sell up or sell assets – often to foreign-owned corporations – creating further instability for the domestic economy.

But FBUK’s research also shows the positive impact that fully reinstating BPR and APR could have, with almost half (48%) of Britain’s large family businesses saying they would reverse hiring decisions and actively recruit more staff.

Neil Davy continues:

“Recent, sudden policy shifts have forced Britain’s family businesses to pause and recalculate long-terms plans for the future. Some have reduced jobs, other have cut investment and, for the first time, some are asking whether keeping the business in the family is still viable.

“This is a consequence of a choice made by the Government-whether it intended to or not. This policy agenda sets out how it can make a different one. The asks are not complicated, nor are they concessions to a special interest. They are simply the conditions under which a critical part of the British economy will be allowed to thrive.”

Initiative to boost youth employment & apprenticeships a positive step

Posted on by Martin Greig

FBUK has welcomed a package of measures aimed at creating 200,000 jobs for young people – addressing the increasing numbers who are not in employment, education or training.

The announcement, which is backed by £1billion of extra funding is aimed at reversing the trend of young people neither earning nor learning, and to transform apprenticeships. Almost one million young people aged between 16-24 are classified as not in employment, education or training according to the latest data. Of these, more than half are classed as economically inactive (not looking for work).

Measures announced by the Government include:

  • Youth Jobs Grant: Businesses will receive a hiring incentive worth £3,000 for each young person they employ aged 18-24 who has been on Universal Credit and looking for work for six months.
  • Apprenticeship incentives: £2,000 for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in England when they take on new apprentices aged under 25.
  • Expanding the Jobs Guarantee: to 22–24-year-olds, meaning all eligible 18–24-year-olds across Great Britain will benefit from a fully funded six month guaranteed paid employment opportunity.
  • Further reforms to the Growth and Skills Levy to prioritise young apprentices

New research from Family Business UK shows the importance of flexible, lifelong skills training to family businesses:

  • A quarter (26%) of family businesses view labour and skills shortages as the main barrier to growth.
  • A third of (34%) family businesses feel that more flexible training options for upskilling existing staff would better meet the needs of their family business.

Responding to the announcement, Neil Davy, Chief Executive Officer, FBUK, said:

“A shortage of skilled workers is a key barrier to growth for more than a quarter of family businesses and a third believe that more flexible training options are needed to help build a future-ready workforce. So, we welcome today’s announcement of an additional £3,000 incentive for family businesses that take on 18–24‑year‑olds who have been on Universal Credit for more than six months.

“We also back the move to make short, bite‑sized training courses accessible through the new Growth and Skills Levy. Family firms have often struggled to utilise funding through the previous Apprenticeship Levy, and this change is one we have been calling for.

“It is essential the apprenticeship system remains flexible enough for family businesses to support the next generation of the workforce – including those who may become future leaders. We are keen to work with the Government on the implementation of these initiatives to ensure the needs of all family businesses – and workers – are met.”