Family businesses experience unique employment issues.

• Should family members employed in the business be treated the same as non family employees?
• Should family members be guaranteed a job in the family business regardless of merit?
• Should family members be excluded from employment in the family business altogether?

It is vital for the success of a family business that parties know where they stand and that the employment relationship is clearly defined. Sensitively drafted contracts and policies need to be backed up by day-to-day practical advice and support. Veale Wasbrough Vizards work closely with family businesses to understand their individual needs and to help avoid conflict or misunderstandings.

Our family business employment specialists can guide you through these and other issues and advise you on how your employment policies are affected by employment legislation.

For further information on all our employment services, please contact Gareth Edwards on 0117 314 5220.

Family Trusts

Trusts are a popular method of holding shares in family businesses.

The Veale Wasbrough Vizards' private client team is experienced in helping family businesses find the right trust structure for their own family.

Julia Hardy is an expert in Family Trusts, please contact her on 0117 314 5632 to discuss either setting up a Family Trust or reviewing an existing one.

Handling disputes

Unfortunately the complex family relationships underpinning family businesses can lead to disputes. In circumstances where a dispute has already arisen, we work with the business to find the best solution possible for the family and the business.

We recognise that prevention is better than cure and work with family businesses to put procedures in place to manage relationships including the day to day running of the business. One way of doing this is through a Family agreement. This reduces the risk of a dispute arising and, in the event that it does, it ensures that a procedure is in place to allow the sensible resolution in a manner which minimises the upset for individuals and disruption for the business.

Our approach to family business disputes is one of resolution through collaboration. We have expertise in alternative dispute resolution and one of our partners, Huw Morgan on 0117 314 5293, is a qualified mediator.