European Family Business Barometer 2019

Know what is going on within the family business

Our annual Barometer, a collaboration between KPMG Enterprise and European Family Businesses (EFB), shows that innovation, training and education, and diversification are key priorities for European family businesses as they adapt to a fast-changing world.

Confidence and optimism remain high

In its eighth edition, the survey received more than 1,600 responses from family business owners across 27 countries in Europe and proved that despite ongoing challenges, family businesses remain positive about the future at a time of rising economic and geopolitical uncertainties.

Priorities are apparent from the Barometer

Despite the high trust, many family businesses are preparing for a completely different crucial phase in their existence: succession, a top priority for European family businesses.

Several highlights emerged throughout the reports analysis, including:

• 62 percent of respondents are confident or very confident about their business’s outlook for the next 12 months. In Nederland is dit zelfs 67%.
• 59 percent of respondents report rising turnover over the past 12 months, while another 28 percent said that turnover remained steady.
• 72 percent say innovation is a key priority for the next 2 years, along with workforce education and training (64 percent) and diversification (50 percent).
• 63 percent of respondents feel the war for talent is their top business concern, up from 53 percent last year. 62 percent of respondents are also concerned about declining profitability, and 60percent are worried about regulatory change.
• 37 percent of respondents report increased international activity over the past 12 months.

Download the European Family Business Barometer 2019

Read the final report to gain access to the full analysis of the results and trends identified from the business families that completed the report.

How we can help you

Do you have questions about the Barometer? Or do the trends and developments from the report make you think? Contact one of our specialists. From identifying and anticipating on these trends, up to discussing and implementing a sound approach: we understand the dynamics of the family business like no other.