Transition – in business and in life – is inevitable. Many family business owners hope to pass their business or accumulated wealth to the next generation of family members. These same owners often dream of a comfortable and fulfilling retirement, too.

However, research has shown that most incumbents do not properly plan for generational succession, nor are the next generation adequately prepared for the responsibilities involved. Statistically, a successful transition from first to second generation occurs in less than one-third of cases, and only one in ten make it to the third generation.

Family business owners can achieve the best transition outcome if they devote adequate time and resources to planning the succession process.

A plan for business continuity

We have developed the FREEDOM Framework to assist families in developing and implementing a successful succession plan.

Our unique consulting process uncovers the seven most common barriers to success, and utilises a tried and tested facilitation model to achieve family consensus and a defined action plan to light the pathway ahead.

F [Financial security]

Have the current owners' accumulated sufficient wealth outside of the business…or, will a transfer generate sufficient funds to properly redress the situation in an appropriate timeframe?

R [Refocus of life plan]

Do the current owners have meaningful activities outside of the business which will sustain them as they scale back their involvement?

E [Electing a successor]

Are the current owners able to choose a successor from the available candidates…and is the candidate willing to accept?

E [Education and support]

Does the next gen have the relevant qualifications and experience, and access to personal development, coaching and mentoring resources to guide them through transition?

D [Disasters & unplanned events]

Is there a plan which considers contingencies in the case of death, disability or other crisis events?

O [Objectives alignment]

Do the current and next gens have a shared vision or agreed family values in respect of the family business?

M [Managing communication]

Is there appropriate communication and trust between the current and next gens, enabling effective decisions and the sharing of information?

The consultation processGTAL_2020_Family_Succession_700px.png

GTAL_2021_SucessionPlanningGoals.png

Kirsten Taylor-Martin
Get in touch
Partner & National Head of Family Business Consulting
Kirsten Taylor-Martin
Contact Kirsten Taylor-Martin Learn more about Kirsten Taylor-Martin
Kirsten Taylor-Martin
Contact Kirsten Taylor-Martin Learn more about Kirsten Taylor-Martin
Kirsten Taylor-Martin
Partner & National Head of Family Business Consulting
Kirsten Taylor-Martin
+61 2 8297 2567

Supporting the transition of a family owned business

Client challenge
Client challenge
Client challenge
A 50-year-old family-owned business, was founded by a husband and wife team to become a successful business, employing almost 600 staff across three locations in eastern Australia. The business has many long term employees and children working in the business, but no consideration had been given to the future. Do they sell, or do they have the skillset or the desire in the business for the baton to be passed on?
The solution
The solution
The solution
A collaborative approach between Grant Thornton and the family helped ensure the transition was seamless and the succession was ensured. The process included facilitated family interviews, to ensure all family members’ opinions were heard, as well as a facilitated workshop. These conversations were led in view of the seven considerations Grant Thornton see as the key to Succession Planning.
The outcome
The outcome
The outcome
The process resulted in a 20 step action plan to ensure the family and business is succession ready. A tailored Family Governance structure was recommended to focus on creating a stronger future focus and improving communication, alongside the creation of a Family Council supported by an independent Grant Thornton partner as facilitator, to ensure the family is held accountable.
Find out more

Related content

View more
Small Business CGT Concessions eligibility for selling your business
Insight Small Business CGT Concessions eligibility for selling your business
If you have sold or are looking to sell your business, there may be significant Capital Gains Tax (‘CGT’) on the capital gain. However, if you are a family or privately-owned business owner, you may be able to reduce your CGT through the small business CGT concessions (‘SBCGT Concessions’).
Kirsten Taylor-Martin
Dharav Gandhi
| 4 min read | 16 Apr 2024
Is your business clear on ESG communication?
Press Release Is your business clear on ESG communication?
According to Grant Thornton’s Family Business Survey Report, 31 per cent of respondents revealed there is a lack of clarity and understanding when it comes to ESG, with misconceptions hindering the adoption of sustainability frameworks.
Michaela Pogson
Michaela Pogson
| 5 min read | 21 Feb 2024
Succession planning is still important for family businesses
Insight Succession planning is still important for family businesses
The results of the 2023 Family Business survey showed succession planning is still a topic of high importance to family businesses. The results revealed 72 per cent of family businesses believe succession planning would be an important topic for their business over the next two years.
Kirstin Stewart
Kirstin Stewart
| 6 min read | 14 Nov 2023
    View more

    Subscribe to receive our publications

    Subscribe now to be kept up-to-date with timely and relevant insights, unique to the nature of your business, your areas of interest and the industry in which you operate.