Family Business UK (FBUK)
Founded in 2001*, Family Business UK is the largest organisation in the UK dedicated solely to supporting, representing and championing family businesses, their owners, leaders, NextGens, shareholders and executives.
Our supporters range from some of the largest, oldest and most well-known British businesses, as well as first-generation businesses, from across every sector of industry and commerce, and from all corners of the UK.
*Founded in 2001 as the Institute for Family Business (IFB).
The attributes of Family Business
- Family businesses put people first;
- See values as an asset to be protected and nurtured;
- Have greater freedom to experiment and innovate;
- Take a long-term view;
- Put the interests of the next generation at the heart of business.
These attributes are essential for building resilience and long-term economic growth, and form a significant part of what distinguishes family business from many other models of business ownership.
The UK Family Business Sector
Family businesses are the backbone of the UK economy and the bedrock of our communities. For generations, family businesses have put people at the heart of business. They offer a model of sustainable and responsible business that others can learn from, be part of, work with, and even adopt.
Family business leaders inherently put the interests of the next generation in mind, take a long-term view, and as the owners and stewards of the business, have greater freedom to experiment, innovate, and invest in their people and communities. They see the values people bring to the organisation as an important asset to be protected and nurtured.
90%
of all private firms in
the UK are family businesses.
That’s 4.8 million
businesses.
13.9
million
Employed by Family Businesses in the UK.
£1.7
trillion
In turnover Is generated by UK Family Businesses.
£575
billion
Gross value added (GVA) to UK GDP by UK Family Businesses.
£200+
billion
Is contributed by Family businesses to the UK Exchequer through tax receipts alone. which is over a quarter (26%) of the government’s total receipts
UK regions
Scotland
In Scotland, 83.9% of businesses are family firms.
That means there are 286,805 family firms, who together employ 874,000 people.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, 84.1% of businesses are family firms.
That means there are 103,899 family firms, who together employ 318,000 people.
North East England
In the North East of England, 79.8% of businesses are family firms.
That means there are 122,936 family firms, who together employ 392,000 people.
North West England
In the North West of England, 87.7% of businesses are family firms.
That means there are 462,631 family businesses, who together employ over 1.1 million people.
Yorkshire and The Humber
In Yorkshire, 88.4% of businesses are family firms.
That means there are 365,311 family businesses, who together employ over one million people.
East Midlands
In the East Midlands, 90.6% of businesses are family firms.
That means there are 332,688 family businesses, who together employ over one million people.
West Midlands
In the West Midlands, 86.8% of businesses are family firms.
That means there are 386,839 family businesses, who together employ over 1.1 million people.
Wales
In Wales, 89.1% of businesses are family firms.
That means there are 184,818 family firms, who together employ over half a million people.
East of England
In the East of England, 88.3% of businesses are family firms.
That means there are 501,371 family businesses, who together employ almost 1.5 million people.
London
In London, 82% of business are family firms.
That means there are 854,270 family businesses, who together employ 2.4 million people.
South East England
In the South East of England, 85.3% of businesses are family firms.
That means there are 746,768 family businesses who together employ over 2 million people.
South West England
In the South West of England, 87% of business are family firms.
That means there are 454,534 family businesses, who together employ almost 1.4 million people.
Latest news
Jobs and the economy hit by changes to BPR
Jobs and the economy hit by changes to BPR Changes to Business Property Relief announced in the Autumn Budget 2024 could cost the Government more…
More Than 160,000 Family Businesses Call on Government to Consult on Inheritance Tax Change.