Afterlife

What is Afterlife?

Making the transition out of running a family business is a significant change, and one that’s filled with both opportunities and challenges.

‘Afterlife’ is an initiative we developed for family business owners who are planning their transition out of operational roles, and for those who have already taken a step back.

It’s about creating a supportive community where you can share experiences, offer guidance, and explore what life can look like post-exit.

Hosted by The Family Business Community in partnership with Rathbones, Afterlife is a space for honest conversations to happen and ideas to take form.

"Thank you for an excellent event at Low Wood Bay yesterday – thought provoking as always and an event which generated a lot of discussion between us on the way back. Informative speakers and debate, a great venue and lovely food made for a thoroughly enjoyable day."
John Skinner - Finance Director and Company Secretary - WE Jameson
"Thank you all for a really insightful event and one that as ever helps to make us aware of how far we have come from thinking about our exit strategy to now living it. There is some way to go, but a few others did say they were in the same boat, and having the freedom to actually do nothing is doing something!"
Maria Whitehead - Hawkshead Relish
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What happens
at Afterlife

Our events bring together people who understand the emotions that are involved in leaving a family business, as well as some of the practical challenges.

Through guest speakers and guided discussions, we tackle issues our family business leaders are wrestling with, such as:

  • The emotional and practical challenges of stepping away
  • Lessons learned from those who’ve successfully navigated their exit
  • Strategies for ensuring smooth succession whilst preserving family legacy
  • Finding new purpose beyond the business—whether through philanthropy, investments, advisory roles, or simply doing the things you’ve never had time for
  • Building a peer network for ongoing support and collaboration

Who is it for?

Afterlife is for the owners and leaders of family business at any stage of transition.

You might only just be starting to think about succession. Perhaps you’re actively planning your exit, or already have stepped back and are navigating what life looks like on the other side.

This is for you if you find yourself thinking:

  • How do I let go of something that’s been my whole life?
  • Can the values and culture I’ve built survive without me?
  • What if the next generation (or new owners) take things in a different direction?
  • How do I stay involved without interfering?
  • What will I actually do with myself when work has always been my purpose?
  • How do I find contentment in this transition, both for myself and for those taking over?

We’d also invite you to bring along your successors – if you think it’s helpful for them to be part of the conversation.

CONTACT US

Who is it for?

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Previous Events

Afterlife February 2026 Crooklands Hotel, Kendal

The focus of our February Afterlife at Crooklands was the experience of the next generation. We kicked off with Greg from Rathbones providing insights into the use of trusts, including the fascinating origin of trust law as a way for medieval knights to protect their assets – for themselves and their families – whilst they were off fighting in the Crusades.
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Afterlife June 2025 Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa, Windermere

The Afterlife group of family business owners dug into a really big question at our June event: how do you step away from something you’ve devoted your whole life to? Simon Berry, Executive Chair of English Lakes Hotels, shared his story of preparing to hand the business over to the next generation. His advice to others? “Talk, talk, talk…and get a really good FD.”
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Afterlife October 2025 The Crooklands Hotel, Kendal​

It was a brilliant morning at our October Afterlife event, which explored what life beyond the business really looks like when a non-family leader comes in. Our keynote speaker, John Holliday from Gretna Green Ltd, delivered insights that were both thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining. A former professional footballer turned media executive, John took his talents to Gretna Green, a fifth-generation family business best known as the “wedding capital” of Britain.
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FAQs

Each event features a guest speaker who shares their own story, followed by facilitated roundtable discussions where you can talk openly with other business owners. We also often have a panel of professional advisors. It’s informal, honest, and grounded in real experiences.

While we may reference the theme of discussion in a social media post, what’s shared in the room stays in the room. We create a safe space for honest conversation because we know these topics are deeply personal as well as professional.

We hold Afterlife events several times a year at different venues. Each one explores similar themes but with different speakers and fresh perspectives from the group.

No, Afterlife events are open to all family business owners, whether you’re already part of our community or not.

Nothing, thanks to the support of our sponsors, Rathbones.

Yes please! If you, or someone you know has a good story to tell and is happy to speak to a group, let us know.

Absolutely. If you think your successor, your spouse or someone else would benefit from being part of the conversation, we’d welcome them.

Your experience is valuable to others still navigating the transition. We actively encourage people who’ve stepped back to attend and share what they’ve learned.

Have a question not answered here? No problem, just get in touch.

CONTACT US