Australian family businesses are the backbone of our economy. They are built on trust, shared history and a long-term vision that often spans generations. But those same strengths can create complexity when it comes to decision-making, growth and succession.
This is where an independent advisor plays a critical role.
With more than 30 years’ experience working closely with family-owned businesses, Matthews Steer understands that successful outcomes require more than technical expertise alone. They require clarity, structure and an advisor who truly understands the dynamics of family business. An advisor who can guide conversations objectively and strategically, while remaining respectful of the family relationships at the heart of the business.
Why family business discussions are different
Family businesses are unlike any other business structure. Commercial decisions are often intertwined with:
- Family relationships and emotions
- Differing values, expectations and risk appetites
- Legacy and long-term intentions
- The livelihoods and identities of family members
Without the right support, important conversations can stall, escalate or be avoided altogether – often at the expense of the business and the family. Having an advisor who is independent from the family, yet deeply experienced in family business, helps create the space for productive, future-focused discussions that protect relationships while supporting sound business outcomes.
Objective guidance for confident decision-making in family businesses
We see firsthand how family-run businesses bring something special: passion, resilience, integrity and values. It’s how they do things – the pride in workmanship, the dedication to clients and the care for employees, that makes them so successful.
Family members are deeply invested in their business — financially, personally and emotionally. Their commitment is a powerful strength, but it can also make it difficult to step back and view decisions clearly.
An independent, objective perspective helps families consider options calmly and thoroughly. This independence allows conversations to remain constructive and forward-looking, even when the issues being discussed are complex or sensitive.
Understanding the role of the business in the family dynamic
We know that in many family businesses, the business is more than an income source, it’s part of the family identity.
Advisors working in this space must understand:
- The emotional significance of the business
- The roles different generations play within it
- The broader impact business decisions can have on family relationships
By recognising these dynamics, Matthews Steer advisors help families navigate important discussions with care, ensuring that commercial decisions are made with a clear understanding of their wider implications.
Supporting growth and long-term success in family business
As family businesses grow and evolve, new questions naturally arise:
- Who will lead the next phase of the business?
- How will growth be funded and sustained?
- How can business needs be balanced with personal and family goals?
Stepping back and seeing the bigger picture, helps families to make confident, well-informed decisions that support sustainable growth.
Succession planning with clarity and confidence
Succession planning is one of the most sensitive and critical challenges family businesses face, yet all too often we see it delayed until options have become more limited.
Open discussions about succession can be difficult, particularly when multiple generations, expectations and emotions are involved. Independent guidance helps create a structured and respectful environment where these conversations can take place.
With the right support, succession planning becomes a proactive process that prepares both the business and the family for the future, rather than a reactive response to unexpected change.
A trusted sounding board and neutral mediator
Family business leaders often carry the weight of decision-making alone. Having access to an experienced advisor who is independent from the family provides a valuable sounding board for ideas, concerns and challenges.
When differences of opinion arise, an advisor can also act as a neutral mediator — helping keep discussions constructive, focused and aligned with shared objectives, while maintaining mutual respect.
Why experience matters in family business advisory
Advising family businesses is a specialist discipline. It requires technical capability, commercial insight and a deep understanding of family dynamics.
For over 30 years, Matthews Steer has worked alongside family businesses across generations — helping them grow, manage change, and succeed. We understand that no two families are the same, and our experience allows us to tailor advice to each family’s unique circumstances, ensuring practical outcomes that stand the test of time.
The Matthews Steer difference
Matthews Steer Advisors offer more than independent business advice. Experts in business advisory, our speciality is family-owned businesses, and we have both the experience and the passion to see them grow and succeed – and for owners and families to achieve their desired outcomes.
Engaging an independent advisor is not about giving up control. It’s about gaining perspective, structure and confidence.
Our clients benefit from:
- Objective, trusted guidance during complex discussions
- A strong understanding of family dynamics and commercial realities
- Support across strategy, growth and succession planning
- Access to broader professional networks and specialist expertise
- A long-term partnership focused on both business success and family continuity
By working with Matthews Steer, family businesses gain a steady, experienced advisor who helps guide important conversations, protect what matters most, and build a strong foundation for future generations.
For a confidential, no-obligation and cost-free consultation, contact us to be put in touch with one of our experienced family business advisors.