Building Britain for Generations: A Policy Agenda for Family Businesses
Work Readiness and Lifelong Skills A third (33%) of family businesses said that better practical, work- ready skills among school leavers would help meet the needs of their family businesses.
Apprenticeships and AI Apprenticeships
young people are given the best opportunity to thrive and succeed in the workplace. This is coupled with a view of family businesses that the UK’s next generation should be supported with key lifelong money skills. Knowledge of key areas such as debt, inflation, interest rates and pensions from an early age will help give greater confidence to students when they leave the education system.
Around £2.7bn of Apprenticeship Levy funding has gone unspent since 2017 22 . FBUK Members have informed us that they have found it difficult to utilise the funds and spend them on the skills that they require. The latest OBR analysis shows that by 2029/30, the current Apprenticeship Levy will raise more than £5bn. 23 However, there is still a lack of projection for what the Growth and Skills Levy will bring in terms of tax receipts. The removal of funding for Level 7 apprenticeships has caused concern among businesses regarding support for higher-level skills, particularly in the areas of digital skills, cyber skills and leadership and management skills. FBUK data shows that 37% of family firms will be investing in new technology/digital tools over the next 12 months, and 33% said that their plan is to upskill the workforce in that time. AI apprenticeships exist, but the uptake is small. For example, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Specialist standard is approved, but only has a small number of training providers. This policy needs to be built upon to support family businesses looking to invest in AI.
These softer skills of punctuality, enthusiasm, communication and positive engagement with people within the workforce are of huge importance to family firms. While businesses commit to investing in their staff, we need to ensure
Recommendation Encourage curriculum bodies and universities across the UK to weave ‘preparedness for work’ skills into their curricula.
Recommendation Exempt all businesses from paying Employer National Insurance Contributions for any Level 4 and above ‘artificial intelligence related’ or ‘leadership and management’ apprenticeship.
22 Lunchtime Reading: Does the Apprenticeship Levy need reforming? – HEPI 23 Fabian Society report Levying Up (2025)
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