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Family Business Succession Planning: The Definitive Guide & FAQs

Insights: Family businesses

Family business succession planning can be tiring and exhausting. Our definitive guide provides answers to all the questions about succession planning, including when to start, who to involve, and the dangers of getting it wrong.

Founder discusses succession plan with next generation.

Succession is an emotional and exhausting time for many family businesses. If handled incorrectly, it can have dire consequences for the reputation and stability of a firm. Statistics bear this out. According to research, roughly 75 percent of all businesses fail to survive past the first generation – and more than 85 percent fail by the third generation.

When succession events take place, the result can go one of two ways: the growth of your family’s business or its slow terminal decline. An ill-prepared plan, or even worse, a non-existent plan, could lead to the decline in value of your family business – and possibly even its collapse.

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There is a huge amount at stake. So, it is important to create a robust plan that can see your business sail smoothly into its next chapter, where it can grow in the careful hands of your successors.

This guide provides an overview of all the key questions that families may ask as they start to think about the succession process – as well as a backgrounder on all the fundamental concepts that underlie a successful succession process.

Contents

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is succession planning?

Succession is the process of handing a business – or a large amount of wealth – down to the next generation. This means not only thinking about the future of business operations but considering the future of management and ownership.

The process can be a daunting and overwhelming task for founders who may find it difficult to hand over control of the day-to-day management of the family business.

Does a succession event happen all at once?

No. ‘Succession’ is not simply the moment when the business changes hands – it is the long-term process of slow transition from one generation to the next. There is not a single moment when it happens. It is a gradual process.

Does management and ownership have to be transitioned at the same time?

No. The handing over of control and management of the business does not necessarily mean the handing over of ownership – both transfers do not have to happen at the same time, and many advisors will recommend separating out those processes. In fact, these two different parts of the succession process could take place years apart.

In most cases, one generation will handover management of the business to the next generation first. Transitioning ownership might not take place until the last member of the current generation passes away.

Family business succession venn

Venn diagram showing the overlap between family, business, and management. Source: KMPG Family Business Succession

How is succession in a family business different to other businesses?

Family businesses are noticeably different to other types of businesses. During succession events, complicated internal family dynamics are often at play – and these can lead to difficult, emotional, and challenging discussions amongst the family.

In many cases, the future of the business is not only a commercial decision but, instead, a deeper discussion about the family’s future itself: will they continue to lead the business? Will the family hire in new professional management? Will they sell the business? These are difficult, sometimes painful, questions that families need to ask when starting to think about succession.

Are next generation members part of succession discussions?

Absolutely. Next-generation engagement is crucial to the success of any business’s succession planning programme. The next-generation members of the family – whether the immediate next generation or the generation below that – are the future of the company, and it’s important that their views about the direction of the business are properly represented in the process.

Younger family members may want to take the business in a different direction, prefer hiring professional management, or simply not feel up to taking the business forward. It’s important that the current generation know this because they start making decisions about the future.

What is leadership succession planning?

‘Succession planning’ can also mean the process of identifying talent to lead a business in the future – this process applies to all businesses, and not just family businesses. For example, a publicly listed company will often undergo a process of identifying a list of candidates to takeover from an CEO when they step down or retire.

When researching succession planning, it is important for families and family businesses to distinguish between these two types of succession planning – it can be easy to confuse the two, which may lead to misunderstandings when talking about succession planning with partners, advisors, and peers.

Do I only need to start thinking about succession planning when I’m ready to retire?

Absolutely not. Succession events can take place completely unexpectedly, and it’s important that a family knows what to do in these unfortunate (and last-minute) circumstances. It may be that the current head of the family dies suddenly or, alternatively, that they are otherwise unable to run the business. This will be an exceptionally stressful time for the family, even without the added pressure of having to take difficult decisions around succession immediately.

Additionally, the succession process can take up to 20 years to complete successfully, so the earlier families start planning, the better.

Are other business families taking succession planning seriously?

Yes. Succession planning is a central focus of energy and anxiety amongst business families – because getting the process wrong can have long-term damaging impacts on the wealth of the family and the performance of their businesses. Research shows that nearly three in five families (57%) have started to draft a succession plan. On top of that, 67% say that succession planning and inheritance is their biggest business concern.

Why is succession planning important?

If the succession process isn’t handled well, it can have a hugely damaging impact on the financial affairs of the family and their businesses. A few of the potential implications:

Ultimately, if the succession process is not handled in a professional and smooth way, it can result in a very poor outcome for the business. According to results, 70% of families report failure in intergenerational wealth transfers.

Succession planning family growth

A family business could risk collapse without a strong succession plan. Source: PwC.

What advisors are usually involved in the succession process?

Business families may want to engage outside experts to help them prepare for the transition of the business to the next generation. These outside experts include:

Is there any excuse for not preparing for succession amongst business families?

Not at all. Firstly, there is countless research to demonstrate the negative impact that a succession event can have on a family, their businesses, and its collective finances. Secondly, it is already known well ahead of time that the current generation will one day step aside and pass down the business – and the family’s collective wealth – to the next generation.

Why don’t more families start planning early?

Maybe families are so ‘trapped’ in the day-to-day business that they forget to find the time to devote to succession. For many families, succession is always a topic that dropped to the bottom of the list – many families do not feel a sense of urgency, so it is always left until tomorrow.

On the other hand, many families know that discussions about succession could lead to difficult discussions about the future of the business and, potentially, even conflict. As a result, they would rather avoid these difficult discussions rather than confront – and resolve – them directly.

How can you engage the next generation in the succession process?

The family can encourage next-generation engagement through the following activities:

What should next-generation family members do to ensure smooth transition during succession events?

The next-generation should build a hands-on, practical, and thorough understanding of all parts of the family business – and meet as many important partners as possible.

This will help tackle two potential risks of the succession process: firstly, the next generation not properly understanding all aspects of the business and how it operates, secondly, not having the strong and important relationships with partners and stakeholders that the current generation does.

In practical terms, what activities should the next-generation family members be involved in during succession?

In order to build a thorough understanding of the business as well as build strong relationships with partners, next-generational members might want to get involved in the following activities:

Succession planning family business component

The components of successful family business succession planning. Source: KPMG Family Business Succession Planning.

When should the current generation start to introduce younger members of the family?

As soon as possible. Founders can sometimes hold back on introducing younger generations to the business for fear they are not ‘old enough’, yet it is truly never too early to introduce them. Familiarity takes a long time to build, so the earlier that this process starts the earlier stakeholders will build confidence and respect for the next generation.

How early should you start to think about succession planning?

Within family business, it is important to start thinking about your succession plan up to 20 years in advance – this allows for the correct structures to be put in place. This might include taking steps to introduce the next generation of leaders to customers, shareholders, suppliers, and so on.

How can you ensure that the succession process is staying on track?

Regular meetings and ongoing communication are essential. It is sensible to have a quarterly meeting specifically about succession planning. These meetings might have to become more frequent the closer you get to the actual transition.

At each meeting, it is important to put to paper the next steps that need to be taken to further prepare the family for succession, whether that is getting the next-generation more involved, taking on further professional advice, or otherwise.

The family can also review the steps that were agreed in the last meeting to see if progress is being made – and the business and the family are moving in the right direction.

How can business families avoid the pitfalls of getting succession wrong?

One of the best ways to avoid mistakes is to talk to other business families who have navigated the succession process effectively. On one hand, this might mean taking the time to talk to people in your existing network who have managed this process successfully. On the other hand, it might mean tapping into pre-existing networks for business families – like the IFB or Family Business United – where people share best practice.

Succession planning family steps

Follow a step-by-step process when carrying out your succession plan. Source: Deloitte.

How do I ensure we have a strong internal family candidate to take over leadership of the company?

Firstly, it is important to understand exactly what makes the current leader of the business successful – this will usually be as a result of the skills, experience, commanding presence, and relationships that the current management bring to the business.

Now, sit down and thoughtfully answer the following questions about the current leadership:

Secondly, put to paper a ‘plan of action’ to ensure that the appropriate next-generation family member who will be taking over the business can develop those same skills, experiences, and networks that made the current leader successful. This plan of action might be a five-year pathway of technical education, experience, and exposure.

How do I pick the right individual to take the business forwards?

For a family business with multiple next-generation family members, this is a very difficult question, but it’s important to go through a fair and balanced process – and communicate the answer clearly across the family as early as possible.

It is not beneficial to any of the next-generation family members or the business itself for there to be an aggressive, hostile battle for the position. This could lead to a toxic work environment, one-upmanship, and other destructive behaviour.

Families should go through an objective and balanced decision-making process – and work hard to ensure that the process is not clouded by emotion. Families should answer the following questions:

Succession planning family tree

Ask yourself which family members have the genuine interest and skills required to succeed you. Source: Insperity.

How do you resolve tensions between next-generation members?

When choosing the next-generation leader of the business, there may be a degree of healthy competition between next-generation members. However, it is very easy for this healthy competition to descend into toxic, hostile in-fighting. Resolving these disputes will require emotional sensitivity and effective communication.

Usually, the best way to resolve these disputes is to emphasise that all next-generation members of the family that they each bring their own unique, compelling skillsets to the business – and, ultimately, everyone is pulling in the same direction: to create a growing, sustainable, and successful business that benefits everyone financially.

It is also important to clearly communicate to the next generation why different choices have been made – and show objective criteria for making these decisions.

After you have decided on the next-generation leader, what needs to be done?

Communicate the decision sensitively to all next-generation members. At this point, it is also important to stress that there are no guarantees, and the situation may change.

Investment in the professional development of those people who you have selected to lead the company into the future should now be stepped up. This is a good opportunity for your next-generation family members to gain additional knowledge and experience – you may consider connecting them with mentors within (and outside) the business who can boost their skills.

How do you ensure you have made the right choice?

Use any opportunity you might have to ‘trial run’ your plan and reconfirm your choices. This might be having a next-generation member assume some responsibilities of a more senior member who is on leave or taking control of a certain division of the business. The opportunity enables the individual to gain fresh knowledge and experience and, importantly, enables you to assess if that person might need some additional training and support.

Who is responsible for developing a succession plan? Who should be involved?

The owners and top management of a family business are responsible for developing and implementing a succession plan. It’s essential that the leadership of the business is involved at all stages. The task cannot be outsourced solely to outside advisors or HR – instead, there needs to be buy-in at the very highest levels of the company. Without this commitment, succession will not work effectively.

While strategic decisions will be made at Board level, HR will typically be responsible for carrying out, monitoring, and implementing the process. This will be done with the full involvement of the CEO, other senior leaders, and the Board.

How can succession planning help you better articulate your values?

Succession planning also provides families with an important opportunity to articulate the values of the founder (or current generation of leadership), the family, and help to cultivate agreement on these values. These are the values that have enabled the business’ success over recent decades – and the values that the next generation will take forward into the future.

What is a family charter, and how can it help with succession?

A family charter is a single, collectively agreed document that puts to paper a common understanding of key issues between a family. A family charter may codify the purpose of the family, the family’s values and aims, as well as articulate a very clear plan for the future of the business, including who is expected to take the business forward.

This can be very helpful during succession events because it spells out in crystal clear detail what the future looks like and expectations about the next generation. Getting collective buy-in for the document also mitigates against the risk of dispute, misunderstandings, and strategic drift.

What is the most common mistake when it comes to succession planning?

Ultimately, the biggest mistake is the complete absence of a succession plan in the first place. A rushed approach to the succession planning process also has very damaging results. It is like going into a storm without a map, plan, or strategy. You run the serious risk of failure.

Succession planning family mistakes

Be aware of the common mistakes when creating your family succession plan. Source: TRG Talent.

What should you get to paper as part of succession planning?

It’s important not to approach the succession planning process informally. It’s better to have a proper formal plan to paper, which will enable you to see problems, challenges, and opportunities.

Your succession plan should align with the strategic goals of your business and should include:

Does succession planning only happen at the CEO level?

Absolutely not. A successful succession plan will span across all levels of your company. The current generation of the family may hold leadership and technical roles across the whole business, including marketing, HR, and accounting. There must be a clear plan to replace these people, either with next-generation members of the family – or newly recruited professional individuals.

How do succession events impact reputation?

A bumpy handover of a senior leader to a next-generation family member can severely impact the reputation of your organisation. The current leader of the business – especially if they are a first-generation entrepreneur who founded the company – are often the most recognised representative of the firm by employees, suppliers, banks, and other important stakeholders.

In fact, many important stakeholders might associate the business solely with that individual and believe the success of the company depends on them.

If stakeholders believe the business cannot stand on its own two feet once the first-generation member has stepped aside, you might start to see banks pulling in credit, long-standing loyal employees leaving, and suppliers ending their dealings with the company. This could lead to a collective crisis of confidence in the company – and the start of a vicious downwards cycle.

How do you control reputation risks during succession?

There are many ways to mitigate against the risk of a succession event leading to a crisis of confidence in the family business. These include:

How can you raise the profile of the next generation?

The best way to raise the profile of your next-generation members is to proactively include them in more of your communications, public relations, and stakeholder engagement activity. Some examples that have worked for other families include:

Family business succession planning values graph

How many families have codified their values. Source: PwC Family Business Survey 2021

Is it best to just not say anything to stakeholders at all?

Absolutely not. Instinctively, some businesses might assume it is best not to say anything at all when it comes to a succession event. This is the wrong approach.

When companies ‘go silent’, they hope that important stakeholders will just not notice the transition – but they always do. Employees will start asking questions. So, will banks, suppliers, and others. It is best to answer those questions before they arise.

What stakeholders should we think about during succession events?

You should take the time to proactively list all the groups of people and individuals who you rely on to make your business a success. These will likely include:

Can succession events also improve a business’ reputation?

Absolutely. Succession isn’t all bad news. In fact, succession events are also opportune times to improve the brand and image of the company. Next-generation members of the family will often bring new skills and approaches to a business. For example, they might bring greater understanding of IT, digital, and social media marketing.

During the succession event, there is an opportunity to showcase to important stakeholders that the business is onboarding these important new skills that will help the business continue to grow into the future.

Can you give me an example of a succession event gone wrong?

In 2021, the co-founder of cosmetics company Natura Siberica passed away unexpectedly without a clear plan for who was going to takeover the business. Following his death, a hostile, toxic battle broke out between various potential successors, including children from previous marriages and his widow. This led to several significant, high-profile lawsuits between different members of the family.

In August 2021, the media reported that 57 staff members quit and 101 left for a holiday in just 48 hours. This could potentially lead to a wider, broader crisis in confidence in the company – and a downwards vicious cycle that could damage its long-term value.

Can you give an example of a smooth succession event?

Usually if a succession event has been handled smoothly, we will not know about it. Instead, the business will have been handled over without attracting any untoward and unnecessary negative attention. Many of the oldest family businesses in the UK have been handed over in such a quiet and smooth way, including Hoare’s Bank, Folkes Holding, Shepherd Neame, Berry Bros & Rudd, Aspall Cyder, and many others.

Further reading

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