Publications
These publications present research, insight, and guidance by the IFB Research Foundation on family-owned businesses, their impact on the economy and society, and the challenges that they face.
All of our outputs are available to access free of charge and on an open-source basis.
2020
It reports that one in five of the largest businesses in the UK are family-owned, with over one in ten owned by UK families. The report also shows that the prevalence of family businesses amongst the UK’s largest businesses has been stable over the past few years, with around three-quarters of the large family firms identified by researchers in 2016 still operating family businesses with a turnover of more than £500m in 2020.
The State of the Nation: the UK Family Business Sector 2019-2020 (pdf)The report provides key insights into the UK family business sector. It includes evidence on the contribution the sector makes to the UK economy, and the challenges and opportunities faced by family businesses in the UK
Family Business and Community Engagement (pdf)This report from the IFB Research Foundation presents the findings from new research on the social and community impact of family firms in the UK, together with practice guidance for family businesses on how to engage and form partnerships with local communities and community-based organisations.
2019
A new report shedding light on the corporate governance arrangements of large UK family firms.
The State of the Nation: The UK Family Business Sector 2018-19 (pdf)The latest data and findings on the growing contributions, challenges and opportunities of the family business sector. An IFB Research Foundation Report.
Governance in Family Businesses - Evidence and Implications (pdf)This new report by Professor Carole Howorth and Dr Martin Kemp presents a comprehensive review of academic studies, national guidance and codes relating to the governance of family businesses.
2018
The latest data and findings on the growing contributions, challenges and opportunities of the family business sector. An IFB Research Foundation Report.
Long-Term Thinking in UK Family Business (pdf)The research findings offer new insights into UK family businesses in terms of their long-term objectives and strategies, non-economic goals, and long-term orientation in the context of continuity, perseverance and legacy.
2017
The latest data and findings on the growing contributions, challenges and opportunities of the family business sector. An IFB Research Foundation Report.
2016
The latest data and findings on the growing contributions, challenges and opportunities of the family business sector. An IFB Research Foundation Report.
Family Business Entrepreneurship Report 2016 (pdf)This report investigates how family businesses can improve performance and profitability through entrepreneurship and innovation. Providing case studies, conclusions and recommendations, this report is a useful tool for business families to harness their entrepreneurial power.
UK Large Family Business Report (pdf)This report presents the results of a study by the IFB Research Foundation to identify family-owned businesses among the top 1,000 UK companies.
Next Generation Engagement in UK Family Business (pdf)Access the latest findings on next generation engagement in UK family business: what are the challenges and opportunities?
European Family Business Barometer 5th Edition (pdf)Family businesses continue to demonstrate a high level of confidence and sustainable growth according to the European Family Business Barometer from European Family Businesses (EFB) and KPMG Enterprise.
2015
This report investigates the causes, benefits and challenges associated with openly promoting - or concealing - afirm's status as a family business. An IFB Research Foundation Report.
2014
The report is a comprehensive overview of the UK Family Business Sector in terms of its contribution to GDP, employment and national wealth. This is the most authoritative research in the UK on family businesses, and is compiled with Oxford Economics.
2013
This report looks at the relative strengths and weaknesses of the family business model when managing people capital compared to non-family firms. The report includes a number of recommendations for further improvement of family business Human Resources practices and performance.
2012
This white paper, sets out a four point agenda for embedding sustainable value creation principles into the family business to help drive long-term performance. The report includes a series of family business case studies
Family Councils: A Practical Guide (pdf)This practical guide to family councils was designed to help you navigate a course through the difficult area where family ends and business begins. It provides practical and honest advice about a key component of family business governance - the family council. It puts this area into perspective and covers all the questions which usually arise.
2011
This white paper sets out an agenda for family business stewardship and offers four principles that can help drive business performance. The report includes a series of family business case studies.
2009
The success of family firms relies on ensuring that the next generation are motivated to become engaged. This guide provides practical information to young family members as they step up to their responsibilities.
Natural Philanthropists; Findings of the Family Business Philanthropy and Social Responsibility Inquiry (pdf)A report on the scale, scope and impact of family business philanthropy. The report has examples of good practice and recommendations to encourage family business owners to start their own philanthropic journey.
2008
A survey exploring the bond between the next generation and the family business. The report explains many of the psychological complexities that make building family capital both a rewarding and challenging task.
Succession: Family Business Management Perspectives (pdf)The transition of a family business from one generation to the next confronts owners with a complex set of decisions. This guide explains the psychological complexities that can make inter-generational business transfers complex, but at the dame time provides family business owners with a thoroughly practical framework of advice and ideas to help them develop effective strategies for managing both leadership and ownership succession.
2007
A review of best practice aimed at helping family shareholders (and family members who will become shareholders) to achieve a more successful approach to the ownership of their business.
Ready, Willing and Able? The Next Generation in Family Business (pdf)This report captures the choices about what kind of business the family wants to build, the role of the family in a changing enterprise, and the next generation's potential involvement in relation to the family business.
2005
Insights of a panel of family business leaders and experts on the complexities of culture, strategy, and governance in the family firm. These issues are illustrated by examples of leadership challenges, methods and ideas.