• 30% of the UK’s GDP is produced by family enterprises;
• 50% of the private sector workforce in Scotland is employed by family businesses;
• 73% of Scottish businesses describe themselves as family businesses, reflecting the European norm where 75% of businesses are family firms;
• 25% of the 100 largest businesses in Europe are family firms.

• There is more likely to be a woman at the head of a family business compared with the general trend in firms;
• Family firms represent more than one third of the UK’s leading private firms;
• During a five year period studied, the Family Business Index outperformed the FTSE All Share Index by 40%.

• 73% of family businesses want to keep the business in family hands from one generation to another

• Only 33% make it to the second generation and 9% to the third;

• Family businesses face unique challenges and issues such as succession or family relationships;
• 54% of Scottish businesses are still controlled by the founding generation;
• 57% of family firms have no defined plan for succession although 39% expect the CEO to retire or leave within the coming years.

By recognising, and planning for these issues, family businesses can thrive and flourish for generations, achieving more for themselves and for the Scottish economy.