A new not-for-profit organization, The Succession Alliance, has been launched to address
the growing need for guidance and support in farm succession planning across the UK.

Recognizing the complexities and sensitivities involved in passing on a farm business, the
initiative aims to raise awareness, provide education, and offer expert support to help
families navigate the transition successfully.

“Farm succession is not just a financial or legal exercise; it’s about securing the future
of farming businesses and ensuring the well-being of the families behind them,” said
Michael Mack, Chairman and Custodian of The Succession Alliance. “We are here to
promote a collaborative, thoughtful approach that prioritizes sustainability and family
harmony.”

Key Goals of The Succession Alliance:
1. Raise Awareness: Highlighting the importance of starting the succession process
early to ensure business continuity and family harmony.
2. Provide Education: Delivering workshops, public talks, and resources to equip
families and support organizations with the knowledge needed to make informed
decisions.
3. Facilitate Access to Experts: Connecting farming families with a trusted network
of skilled professionals, including succession coaches, business consultants, and
family communication specialists, to guide them through the process.

A Collaborative Approach
The Succession Alliance emphasizes collaboration within the farming community and with
expert advisors. Unlike traditional one-on-one consulting, the organization focuses on
building a network of resources and raising the profile of succession planning as a vital
issue for the agricultural sector.

“Succession planning challenges families to create the strongest farm, nurture sturdy
family bonds, and secure a lasting legacy for future generations,” said Amy Fry,
Business Coach & Facilitator at The Succession Alliance based in Cheltenham. “Taking
the first step requires courage and leadership, but it's a vital process to ensure your
family's future success.”

Research-Driven Support
The Succession Alliance's approach is grounded in extensive research on farm succession
and retirement. Professor Matt Lobley, Co-Director Centre for Rural Policy Research

Department of Politics University of Exeter and Co-Director of the International
FARMTRANSFERS Project and a leading expert in rural policy research, has contributed
significantly to understanding the dynamics of farm succession. “Farmers today are far
more aware of succession planning than they were 10-15 yearsx ago. However,
awareness alone isn’t enough — thinking about it needs to shift towards actually
taking action and putting concrete plans in place.” noted Professor Lobley.
researchgate.net

Why Now?
Recent pressures on farming businesses such as last years budget and the loss of Single
Farm Payments have made succession planning more critical than ever. By starting early
and engaging in structured conversations, families can protect their legacy, maintain family
harmony, and ensure the long-term sustainability of their farm businesses.

“Many families struggle to even start the conversation,” said Heather Wildman,
Succession Coach and Business Consultant based in Scotland. “We help break down
these barriers, making succession an ongoing dialogue rather than a crisis-driven decision.”

How to Get Involved
The Succession Alliance offers workshops, public speaking events, and resources
designed to equip families with practical succession strategies. The organization also
provides ongoing support to help families address their unique succession challenges.

For more information, visit https://www.successionalliance.com  or contact
info@successionalliance.com.