Wright Johnston and Mackenzie Solicitors

Family Business Legal Support

Many estates and farms are family businesses which just happen to involve land, albeit land which may have been in the family for generations. Land-based businesses are not immune to the challenges faced by all family businesses, the most challenging of which is “who, if anyone, in the next generation will take over?”

Even in the closest of families, relationships within the family can become strained when succession within the business, and to the land, become an issue. Most families in business together recognise this issue: some choose to ignore it in the hope that all be fine “come the day”, other families plan well ahead to make sure there is a willing, well-trained and knowledgeable next generation primed to take over when the older generation wants to retire.

In partnership with WJM's Family Business team, our Agricultural & Rural sector team works with rural family businesses advising on how best to structure their business and personal affairs with an eye to the future, and for the benefit of current and future generations. Starting the succession conversation is never an easy matter; we can guide you on starting the conversation and advising you on the subsequent choices and challenges you may face.

In addition, WJM has established an independent specialist family business consultancy, Family Business Solutions, which works with families across the UK. Read more about FBS here.