Family Business Pulse Survey: June 2026
Business succession The Family Business Pulse shows that while Britain’s family-owned businesses often have clear succession plans in place, preparedness for leadership transition is less assured. Although three quarters (74%) of family businesses believe the next generation has the necessary skills and experience, a smaller proportion (68%) believe the next generation is adequately prepared to take on leadership responsibilities.
Business planning More than one third (35%) of family businesses are focusing on automating processes or adopting AI, while a further 33% are investing in new technology or developing digital skills. The key areas of focus for family businesses’ planning over the next 12 months.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements about leadership succession in your family business?
Key area of focus
Number Sector(s) most prevalent
Legal, IT and telecoms, finance, education, arts and culture Manufacturing, healthcare, travel and transport, finance
Automating processes or adopting AI Investing in new technology or digital tools
35%
The next generation are not interested in taking over the business
23.3%
59.0%
33%
13.1%
70.8%
There is no succession plan in place
Upskilling the workforce
31% HR, travel and transport
Manufacturing, IT and telecoms Architecture, engineering and building, finance HR, architecture, engineering and building Manufacturing and utilities, travel and transport Arts and culture, manufacturing and utilities
Improving processes or workflow efficiency Improving data systems or digital infrastructure Expanding training and development Investing in equipment or machinery Strengthening supply chain management Reviewing organisational structure Improving leadership and management capability Better use of apprenticeships or talent pipelines
There is a clear succession plan in place for leadership of the business
30%
73.8%
12.0%
27%
The current leadership is actively preparing the next generation for future leadership roles
72.8%
10.5%
26%
The next generation has the skills and experience needed to lead our business
73.8%
12.6%
25%
21%
The next generation is adequately prepared to assume leadership responsibilities within our business
67.8%
15.2%
20% Travel and transport
80%
100%
60%
0%
20%
40%
HR, sales, media and marketing
19%
19% Agriculture
(Net) agree
(Net) disagree
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