Why succession plans should not be kept secret
9th March 2016
For most us there comes a time when we begin to think about retiring or at least doing less. For those of you running an advice firm there are other people to think about: your fellow directors or partners (if you are not operating on your own), your advisers and staff, and, not least, your family.
It is all too easy to put off making a decision but this can lead to issues that can be avoided with forward planning. Supposing, for example, you become ill and need to retire. You will need to pass on the running of the business at short notice, sometimes with unattractive financial terms, as you will not have time to ensure it is fully prepared.
An alternative may be to pass your business on to your directors or partners, or, if you are a sole trader, your colleagues. But will they be ready and equipped to take it on, with the means to finance a deal?
Also, if you are not able to undertake the discussions, do your family know what your preferences are and will they be able to manage negotiations on your behalf even with the assistance of your professional advisers?
This uncertainty can be avoided with a combination of planning and sharing your intentions with those around you. This still leaves you the flexibility to decide on the actual timing in terms of your retirement from the business or deciding to sell it.
The obvious starting point is to make your family aware of what your preferences are. It is vital you are clear who should negotiate on your behalf if you are not able to do so.
If you are in business with others, there should be a shareholders or partnership agreement in place. If it has not been reviewed in the last few years you should do so now and consider how practical it is for your fellow directors and partners to buy your shares and the means of funding available. This is especially important if you are the major shareholder and the business has grown substantially over the years.
Insurance may be in place to address the position in the event of death or disability but, in most instances, funding will be needed to facilitate a retirement. If it is not practical, then a sale needs to be considered at that point.
If you are of a similar age to your fellow directors and partners, you need to be clear of your respective intentions. You do not want to find them deciding they want to depart at the time you were planning to.
Sole trader
Where you are a sole trader or sole director, you need to decide if it is practical to pass on the business to others in your firm. Is one or more of the advisers or staff interested and capable of running the business? Or could they be if you planned ahead?
Last but by no means least, are you mentally ready to pass the business on and to retire? Have you thought about what you will actually do when you are no longer working? Adopting a phased approach is, for many people, the right thing to do but it is for you to decide.
If you need help to make these crucial decisions, then seek input from others. It is not a sign of weakness but common sense. You have built a business and you and your family have a right and expectation to realise the benefits. That comes from good planning and being open about your intentions and wishes.
This article was originally published on Money Marketing