Book your place at our next FamBiz Afterlife Event, in partnership with Rathbones

We are delighted to once again invite you to our next FamBiz Afterlife event, in partnership with Rathbones, taking place on Tuesday, 7th October, at the Crooklands Hotel, Kendal, Milnthorpe LA7 7NW

In our June Afterlife peer group session, we explored the process of stepping away from a business to which you have devoted your life. Simon Berry, Executive Chair of the English Lakes Hotel Group, shared his journey of preparing for succession — highlighting the importance of open communication (“talk, talk, talk”) and the value of a strong Finance Director.

Across the group, there was clear consensus on the importance of preserving company values and culture, not only for future leaders but also for the staff who uphold and benefit from them. Many participants voiced concerns about whether successors or buyers would genuinely maintain these principles. Others shared their hopes of finding contentment in the transition — from gaining the mental freedom to take a true holiday, to pursuing personal goals such as travel, hobbies, voluntary work, purpose-driven ventures, or even new independent businesses. For many, however, fully stepping away remains a challenge when work has been a lifelong passion.

With our next event, we are excited to welcome John Holliday, Executive Chairman of Gretna Green Ltd, who will share his insights on working with a family business from a senior, non-family perspective. John Holliday is Executive Chairman of Gretna Green Ltd, where since April 2023 he has been leading the transformation of the family business into a world-class visitor destination.
Before returning to Cumbria in 2019, John spent two decades in London with four blue-chip media brands—ITV, BBC, Sky News and Bloomberg—where he spearheaded several successful ventures, including taking a UK-focused broadcast technology global, developing the world’s smallest TV studio-in-a-box, and creating The Home of the Expert. An ex-professional footballer with Carlisle United and Mansfield Town, John is also a proud farmer’s son from Langwathby near Penrith, now dedicated to growing businesses in the Eden Valley and beyond.

This session will also feature a panel of experts offering their knowledge and experience to support those navigating transitional stages in their businesses. It will be a valuable opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and gain perspectives from peers within the family business community.

Following the discussions, we will enjoy a buffet lunch, providing further opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and continue building relationships within our growing Afterlife peer group.
Whether you are in the early stages of planning your transition or have already taken the leap, this is a unique opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals who truly understand the journey.

We would love for you to join us and be part of this valuable conversation. Please RSVP at your earliest convenience.