No visible means of support

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline issues regarding business support for family businesses in the UK. The paper is a commentary on the state of business support in the UK, and also poses questions regarding the provision of education and training for owners, managers and advisors of family businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is a commentary piece from a practitioner view about the business support provision for family businesses in the UK.

Practical implications

This commentary paper suggests that there are a number of gaps in business support provision for family businesses in the UK. It discusses the state of support for family businesses in other countries and highlights the influence that the media has on developments in this area. It also offers a number of recommendations regarding government support for family businesses and the professional development for family business advisors.

Originality/value

The paper provides an informed practitioner view of the state of family business support in the UK and as such is rare. It will be useful for academics, researchers and family business practitioners, policy makers and professional business advisors.

Citation

Stepek, M. (2011), "No visible means of support", Journal of Family Business Management, Vol. 1 No. 2, pp. 174-180. https://doi.org/10.1108/20436231111167237