Family, Privately Owned and Owner-Managed Business Survey 2026

Our 2026 survey brings together the views of more than 840 business owners, revealing how businesses are responding to rising costs, recruitment challenges, new technology and the need to plan for long-term growth and succession.

This year’s report explores four key areas:

• People – how businesses are tackling recruitment, retention and rising employment costs.
• Technology – the rapid growth of AI adoption alongside increasing concerns around cyber security.
• Innovation and growth – how businesses are balancing ambition with economic uncertainty, taxation and rising costs.
• Planning for the future – the growing importance of succession and exit planning as more business owners consider their long-term plans.

Download our Family, Privately Owned and Owner-Managed Business Survey 2026