Next Generation Leaders

Next-generation family business leaders currently working in the business or are early in your directorship. You might be a son or daughter, or another family member being prepared for greater leadership responsibility. You’re likely feeling pressure to prove yourself on merit rather than just family connection.

Although we designed the programme with those not yet at board or executive management level in mind, most of the content will still be relevant to people who are early in their directorship – and you’ll be able to share your experience with others.

Yes, family members can participate together. It can be valuable for siblings or cousins to go through a learning journey alongside each other. We’ll ensure the group dynamics work well and that each individual gets their own development focus.

If you’re working in the family business and being considered for future leadership responsibility, you’re ready. The programme is designed for people at your stage – preparing for greater responsibility rather than already having it.

A minimum of nine days across the year. The programme starts with the two-day residential, then there are a further 7 planned learning days across the following months. Each learning day starts at around 10, and finishes by 4 to allow plenty of time for travel.

We understand emergencies happen, and we will always share materials or information with someone who misses a session, but we cannot rerun the session or business visit.

The learning session dates in the programme are currently being finalised, but once confirmed, they will be fixed. The two-day residential is planned for March 4/5.

Very little. We might ask you to read a short article, watch a brief video or complete an action planning or reflection template, but we recognise you are busy. The focus is on what we learn during the sessions.

Yes, the £5,950 fee can be paid in full or in quarterly instalments: January, April, July, and October.

All learning sessions, business visits, materials, 1:1 coaching session, accommodation and meals for the Lake District residential, lunch and refreshments during learning days, digital programme handbook, self-assessment tools, and access to the participant network.

Yes, participants are responsible for their own travel costs to session venues. Accommodation is only required for the March residential (which is included in the programme fee).

Many of our learning sessions are at business premises that are some ways from the nearest train station. However the programme team will ensure that you are able to get to the venue, either by arranging a lift or a car-share.

The deposit paid on signup is non-refundable. If you need to withdraw from the programme at any point, no refund will be due, however future quarterly payments will not be claimed.

Most leadership programmes are designed for corporate environments. Ours specifically addresses the unique challenges of family business leadership – like building credibility when everyone knows you’re “the bosses child,” navigating family dynamics in business decisions, and learning from other businesses facing similar succession challenges. Every example, case study, and exercise is rooted in family business reality.

Yes, three business visits are included where you’ll meet other family business leaders who’ve successfully navigated the next-generation transition. These aren’t case studies – they’re real conversations with people who’ve been where you are now.

The programme is delivered by the Family Business Community team, most of who work exclusively with family businesses.

This is one confidential session with a qualified coach, typically in July/August. This focuses on your individual development, how you’re applying the learning, and maximising value from the remaining programme sessions.

Our team will review your application to make sure this is the right programme for you, then assuming it is, we will be in touch to welcome you to the programme and arrange to collect your deposit.

We review applications to ensure our group has a good balance of industries, experience levels, and personalities.