New National Programme to Help Farming Families Plan for the Future: Together

A new UK-wide initiative is tackling one of the most important and often most difficult conversations in agriculture: succession planning.

The Succession Alliance has launched the Succession Families Forum, a six-month programme designed to help farming families across generations create clear, practical plans for passing on the farm business.

“Succession doesn’t happen by chance… it happens by choice,” says Michael Mack, founder of the Succession Alliance. “Too often, families leave these conversations until it’s too late, which can lead to conflict, uncertainty, and lost opportunities. This programme gives them the tools, space, and expert support to get it right.”

Heather Wildman, vice chair of the Succession Alliance, adds:
“These conversations can be emotional and complex, but they don’t have to be negative. With the right structure and guidance, families can make decisions that strengthen both the business and their relationships. This programme creates the space and confidence to do exactly that.”

How the Programme Works

The programme begins with a choice of two full-day, in-person workshops:

• Lanarkshire – 2 October
• Warwickshire – 4 October

These launch events give families time away from day-to-day pressures to:

• Understand the key elements of succession planning
• Hear from leading agricultural and legal experts
• Share experiences with other farming families facing the same challenges

Following the workshop, participants join five monthly online sessions. Each two-hour session is led by recognised industry experts including Matt Swain, Heather Wildman, Andy Guy, and Michael Mack, and covers practical, real-world topics such as:

• Asset planning – what to pass on, when, and to whom
• Fairness vs. equality – balancing business needs and family relationships
• Conflict resolution – how to address disagreements before they escalate
• Business structures – legal and financial frameworks for a smooth transition
• Retirement and evolving roles – making space for the next generation while supporting the outgoing one

By the end of the programme, every family will be able to developed a customised, actionable succession plan tailored to their farm and circumstances.

Programme Details

• Cost: £500 per family (covers the full six-month programme)
• Includes: 1 in-person workshop, 5 online workshops, expert facilitation, and tailored resources
• Booking: Families can register their interest online at https://www.successionalliance.com/how-we-can-help/succession-families-forum
• Selection: After registering, families will have a one-to-one call with a programme facilitator to confirm suitability before their place is secured.