Family, privately owned and owner-managed businesses across the UK are being invited to share their experiences and outlook as Armstrong Watson launches its 2026 industry survey.
Now in its sixth year, the Family, Privately Owned and Owner-Managed Business Survey is one of the largest of its kind, capturing insight from businesses of all sizes and sectors. The most recent edition attracted more than 850 responses, helping to build a detailed picture of the opportunities and pressures facing the sector.
The 2026 survey arrives at a time of continued economic complexity. Businesses are contending with persistent cost pressures, ongoing recruitment challenges and uncertainty around interest rates and wider economic growth. Alongside this, many are balancing investment in technology and innovation with evolving regulatory and tax demands, while also planning for long-term sustainability and succession.
Armstrong Watson aims to explore how firms are navigating these conditions, while identifying areas of resilience and growth. Key themes include recruitment and workforce challenges, digitalisation, innovation strategies and succession planning.
Paul Dickson, Managing Partner and CEO at Armstrong Watson, said: “Family, privately owned and owner-managed businesses are the backbone of the UK economy and the communities they serve. They are incredibly resilient, but they are also operating in a period of significant change, with persistent cost pressures, economic uncertainty and important decisions to make around growth, leadership and long-term planning.
“This survey allows business owners to share their views, the challenges they are facing, and the support they need to succeed. It is only by taking the time to listen and understand these issues that we, as advisers, can provide the most relevant and effective support.
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“We are keen to hear from as many businesses as possible so the findings reflect a broad and representative picture of the sector. The insights gathered will not only help us better support our clients and contacts, but will also contribute to a wider understanding of the concerns and ambitions of family and owner-managed businesses across the UK.”
Findings from the survey will be shared with participants and published in a full report later this year. Armstrong Watson also plans to share the insights with policymakers to help inform national decision-making affecting family and owner-managed businesses.
Businesses can complete the multiple-choice survey in around ten minutes via armstrongwatson.info/FamBiz26, with participants entered into a prize draw to win a £200 Amazon voucher.
