Family business dynamics under the microscope
THE influence and importance of family businesses to the UK economy can’t be over-stated.
Collectively they employ 9.4 million people and generate around 25% of all GDP.
Among the best known North West examples are Warburtons, Bruntwood, jewellers Boodles and Beaverbrooks, the upmarket grocer Booths, and a clutch of regional brewers such as JW Lees, Joseph Holt, Hydes and Frederic
Robinson.
We explore managing a successful succession – not every company has been
as effective as Cheshire-based Morning Foods, which has navigated numerous changes in leadership since it was founded in 1675.
We also look how the Seddon Group, a long-established and respected Bolton-based construction, development and engineering company in the hands of its fourth generation, managed to avoid civil war when the families partitioned the business into three separate entities.
We also explore, in depth, the impact marital breakdown can have on a 
business, and also some of the options regarding alternative ownership
structures that businesses may want to consider.
In our latest supplement, in association with business advisers Grant Thornton and national law Mills & Reeve, we look at what makes for success in family businesses. Click here to download it .
