This article appeared in the York Press on Monday 25th February 2008.

How are the North's family businesses faring?

That will be the subject of a detailed survey being carried out by York-based chartered accountants and business advisers, Garbutt & Elliott.

The firm is looking into the reasons for success and failure in the longer term.

Its survey is being undertaken in conjunction with The International Centre For Families In Business. The findings will be presented at a Family Business Conference at Hazlewood Castle, near Tadcaster, on Thursday, April 10.

In England, about 75 per cent of all firms are family businesses, employing about half the entire workforce, yet relatively few survive in the longer term. Research suggests only 15 per cent survive to the third generation.

Craig Manson, a director at Garbutt & Elliott, who specialises in advising family businesses, said: "Over the years, many family businesses have struggled as a result of conflicting family dynamics. Relationships within the family can often also deteriorate, so that there is neither a happy family nor a successful business."

Any family business wanting to take part in the survey should phone Mr Manson on 01904 464100 or at cmanson@garbutt-elliott.co.uk