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Family Business Planning

Family Business Succession Planning Lawyers

Family run business make up a large proportion of the Scottish economy, with over 55,000 in operation. While there are many success stories, with some businesses now into their fourth generation of family management, there are some that will not make it into the second generation.

Most families in business together know that, at some point, they are going to have to sit around a table and talk about plans for the future of the business. Many, however, don’t know where to start and put off having discussions about family business succession which can often mean that it never gets done. As a result, the business often only passes over to the next generation upon the death of the previous generation. Where there has been no succession planning, and there are many people involved, this can cause strained relationships and disruption to the profitability of the business itself.

Our expert family business succession planning solicitors can provide you with specialist and practical advice to ensure you make the right decisions about the future of your business. Call us today on 01465 713118 or fill out our online enquiry form.

Things to Consider When Thinking About Succession Planning:

Who is Going to Take Over?

For a business to continue successfully it is vital that you have the right people ready to take over. Not all family members will want to be part of the business, and therefore it is not wise to put them all in a position of management. While it can be difficult, it is important to sit down with the relevant family members and discuss the extent to which they want to be involved in the business, if at all. Once you have made this determination, you can then take the next step forward with your succession planning.

Are They Ready?

While those involved may have confirmed to you that they want to be part of the business going forward, it is imperative that you ask yourself if they are ready. While they may have worked for the business for several years, there are considerations you should take into account; do they have the management experience necessary and do they understand how the finance works? This is a further discussion that needs to take place with those that are going to take over. Training both in-house and externally should be considered to help the next generation develop the skills necessary to keep the business going.  It is also advisable that there is a period of handover where the new management work alongside old management to learn the appropriate skills required to keep the business running well and remaining profitable.

Will you Still Play a Role in the Business?

If you have been running your business for a long time, it will be difficult to step back and let others lead. After all this business has been your “baby”, you have helped it grow and had to deal with the challenges it has presented as it has developed. If you wish to continue to play a part in the business after handing over the reins, it is vital that you put this into any succession agreement. This can be a complicated and confusing process and it is highly recommended that you seek expert legal advice.

Management Buy Out

For some family businesses, there may not be any family members willing to take over control. In those circumstances, it can be necessary to look towards the staff themselves and see if there are some of them that wish to take over the business. In these circumstances, you may have to look at how best to assist them in raising any finance necessary to help with the buyout.

Can the Business Continue?

One of the most important questions in succession planning is whether the business can continue or not. As a founder of a business, you have its best interests at heart and want to see it continue to thrive. However, there comes a point where you must be objective and ask yourself if the business can continue and remain profitable, or has it reached the end of the road and should be wound up. This is a difficult subject and should be discussed with the help of experts such as an accountant.

Contact The McKinstry Company Family Business Succession Planning Lawyers, Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway

Before any substantial discussions can begin, the family needs to sit down with their solicitor and accountant to understand their current legal position.

Our Partner, Debbie Dunlop, has the STEP advanced certificate in Advising Family Businesses and can provide expert legal advice concerning family business succession. To arrange an appointment with Debbie and discuss your circumstances, either in Ayr or Girvan, please call 01465 713118 or email debbie@mckinstry.co.uk.

Graeme McKinstry Chairman
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Graeme founded The McKinstry Company in 1984, after successfully negotiating an earn-out from his previous partnership. He has overseen the development and consolidation of the practice from a predominantly litigation based service, to a thriving High Street firm across several legal sectors. His primary role now is Chairman, undertaking strategic review and development, while holding the Partners to account.

Outside of McKinstry, Graeme has a Practice Management Consultancy where he focuses on management issues in small to medium sized legal firms. His business acumen and experience in the commercial world was recognised in 2015, when he was appointed President of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In his spare time, Graeme can regularly be seen looking for his ball in the gorse of rough at Royal Troon or Turnberry Golf Course.

Frances Evans Partner
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Frances joined Team TMC as a Partner in 2017, and heads up the Property and Business Law team. Having trained at a large Glasgow firm, Frances has worked in commercial property since 2000. She is highly experienced in a wide range of commercial property work, including investment acquisitions and disposals, leasing and secured lending. She acts for a broad range of clients, including landlords, tenants, developers and industry.

Frances enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and is an avid reader.

Robert Honeyman Partner
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Robert is Head of our Litigation Department, where he oversees all contentious cases. His remit includes employment, contract disputes, commercial court work and all aspects of personal injury litigation. With extensive experience of handling cases in the Employment Tribunal, Sheriff Court and Court of Session, Robert was recognised by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and the Law Society of Scotland in 2010, as a Specialist in Personal Injury Litigation.

Having joined the firm in 1997, Robert is well respected among clients and peers, and is widely regarded as an organised, proactive and diligent litigator, who will go the extra mile to get the best results for his clients.

Robert is a keen golfer (although not reflected in his handicap) and enjoys running. He also supports a number of charitable and community projects, and is Past President of Largs Cronies Burns Club.

Debbie Dunlop Partner
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Based in our Girvan office, Debbie is a Partner who is highly experienced in Private Client work, particularly in the agricultural and farming sectors. She used to enjoy travelling the world, but now married to a farmer, she spends her weekends in wellies, feeding cattle or on the back of a quad bike. Debbie is also a member of the Agricultural Law Association.

Having lived in Rome for a number of years, Debbie also studied Law at the Université d’Auvergne in Clermont-Ferrand – as a result, she is fluent in both Italian and French. She can also speak a bit of Spanish, thanks to travelling around various Central and South American countries, including walking the Inca trail. She has managed to convince her husband that the cattle in Argentina will be worth a look at some time soon!

A keen runner, Debbie has competed in 10Ks and half marathons, even completing the Rome Marathon. This now comes in handy during lambing time chasing after ewes.

Ayr Sandgate

Queen’s Court House
39 Sandgate
Ayr, Ayrshire
KA7 1BE

01292 281711
enquiries@mckinstry.co.uk

  • Disability access
  • Parking close by

Girvan

146-148 Dalrymple Street
Girvan, Ayrshire
KA26 9BQ

01465 713118
enquiries@mckinstry.co.uk

  • Disability access
  • Parking close by
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We’re still open for business.

Our team of solicitors and support staff are still here for you. However we have postponed any face to face meetings, restricting communications to telephone, Skype and email. You can contact the Ayr office on 01292 281711 and the Girvan office on 01465 713118