07.09.2026

Family-owned manufacturers are at the heart of the UK economy. They anchor skilled jobs, invest for the long term and help sustain the industrial capability the country needs to grow, innovate and compete.

This new report from Make UK, published in partnership with Bishop Fleming, explores the pressures facing family-owned manufacturing businesses and what they mean for investment, succession planning and the future ownership of UK industry.

Why this report matters

Family-owned firms make up a significant part of the UK manufacturing base, supporting jobs, communities and supply chains across the country. But many are now facing a challenging mix of high energy costs, rising tax pressures, skills shortages and wider economic uncertainty.

At a time when Government is talking about reindustrialising the economy by rebuilding domestic industrial capability and strengthening UK supply chains, the report highlights why supporting these businesses is essential to delivering long-term growth and resilience.

What the report explores

The report examines how current economic and policy pressures are shaping decisions within family-owned manufacturing firms, including:

  • Succession planning and passing businesses on to the next generation
  • The impact of tax policy on investment and ownership decisions
  • Barriers to growth, including energy costs and skills shortages
  • The risk of losing domestic capability and industrial know-how
  • What manufacturers need from Government to invest with confidence

Supporting the future of UK manufacturing

The findings underline the need for a policy environment that gives family-owned manufacturers the confidence to plan, invest and grow.

Make UK is calling for action to review the impact of tax changes on family-owned firms, reduce industrial energy costs, strengthen the skills pipeline, and ensure the Industrial Strategy delivers tangible benefits for manufacturers on the ground.

Read the full report to understand the challenges facing family-owned manufacturers and the steps needed to support the next generation of UK industry.

Available resources