SALISBURY-based family business specialists Francis Clark are calling on family-owned and managed businesses to take part in an online survey. The comprehensive family business survey aims to establish the full range of issues that challenge the sector.

Francis Clark partner, Paul Giessler, said: “The significant impact that family-owned businesses have on the UK economy cannot be underestimated.

“More than 65 per cent of UK businesses are family-run. They employ over nine million people, accounting for 40 per cent of all private sector jobs – but are they being sufficiently supported?”

Mr Giessler named succession planning, business structure, remuneration and incentives as potential challenges to family-run businesses and questioned whether they knew where to go for advice.

The partner says the data collected from the survey could be used to find solutions to the problems currently faced by family businesses.

“By analysing the responses to our survey, we will not only add to the existing body of knowledge but we will be able to provide evidence based solutions to the many challenges that are specific to this type of business,” he told the Journal.

The survey can be accessed at francisclark.co.uk/family-business-survey and for every survey completed, there is a chance to win a £250 voucher for Bovey Castle, Devon.

Mr Giessler added: “Answers will be anonymous and contact data supplied will not be shared with any third parties.”

The results are expected to be published in March.