Tips on future-proofing your business at our succession planning seminar

According to research^[1], nearly 6 out of 10 family businesses in the UK don’t have a succession plan in place.

Just like making a will, it’s often one of those tasks which is shelved for ‘some other time’, sometimes until it’s too late.

However, should a key director retire, or crucial personnel suddenly depart, how would your organisation cope?

Some of our lawyers will be sharing advice on succession planning for businesses, from family-run and SMEs to national organisations, at our upcoming October breakfast briefing at National Star College, Ullenwood.

Employment law partner Matthew Clayton, corporate & commercial associate Sophie Martyn and wills, trusts & probate associate Rachel Sugden will take you through the primary legal issues. They will reveal how you can safeguard the continued smooth running of your business should there be a change of personnel or ownership, whether planned or unexpected.

They will be covering topics such as the legal issues around retirement, preparing junior staff for taking on more responsibility, different ways for introducing equity stakes for existing staff, bringing in new investors, owners or management team and passing on business shares and assets in your will.

The seminar is aimed at business owners, managing directors, CEOs, HR and finance directors, and there will be opportunities for networking with fellow delegates before and after the session.

Partner Matthew Clayton, speaker and head of our Legal 500-rated employment law division, commented: “It’s hard to overestimate the importance of having a good succession plan in place, and it’s surprising how many businesses do not already have one (particularly family-run operations and SMEs).

“Having a succession plan in place is key to achieving a well-managed ownership transition – benefiting the employees, shareholders and all who rely upon the smooth running of the business.”

The workshop runs from 7:30am to 9am on Wednesday 2 October and tickets cost £18.50, to include a light breakfast.

[1] Source: Legal & General study.