Ifac Family Business Report 2026

6 in 10 Irish family businesses have no succession plan — and most owners have everything at stake

Welcome to ifac's Family Business Report 2026.

The inaugural Family Business Report from ifac reveals the real pressures facing Irish family firms today — from succession and ownership transition to rising costs, family disputes, and the growing impact of AI.

Based on research across Irish SMEs, conducted by Amárach Research, this report gives family business owners an honest picture of where the sector stands, and practical guidance on what to do next.

Inside the report, our ifac specialists cover succession planning, retirement and exit strategies, AI adoption, HR and payroll compliance, sustainability, and growth planning — with real case studies and actionable advice for owners at every stage.

An introduction from James Farrell, Head of SME at ifac

“A huge number of family business owners have most of their personal wealth tied up in the business, yet many still do not have a clear succession or exit plan in place. That creates real risk, not just for the owner, but for the wider family and the long-term future of the business itself. Conversations around succession are often difficult because these businesses are deeply personal. In many cases, they represent decades of work and sacrifice, but delaying those discussions usually limits options later.

The businesses that tend to transition most successfully are the ones that start planning earlier, put proper structures in place, and take a long-term view of the future. With the depth of expertise and structured support we now offer through our dedicated SME unit, our ifac advisors can help owners to plan effectively.”