Research to discover how family businesses are coping with the key issue of management succession will be carried out throughout Yorkshire.

Many family-run firms in the county have ageing owners and managers. The process of transition to the next generation is seen as a key issue and crucial to the wellbeing of the UK economy.

The study will be part of a national survey by Praxity, the global alliance of independent accountancy and business advice firms.

Craig Manson, head of the family business team at York-based accountants Garbutt & Elliott and a key associate of Praxity, said: “This research will set out to discover how they are structuring their ownership and management succession plans and explore just how the family business community is tackling this very complex issue.”

Results of the research will be published later this year. Mr Manson said: “We are extremely hopeful that the results will give us even more understanding of the issues facing family business in the region.

“Family businesses are still the most prevalent type of business in the UK and it is important that we recognise their importance to the local and national economy.”