Stockport based lawyer Christian Mancier has been named as one of the world`s most influential figures working with family businesses. A partner in the Corporate/Commercial Law department at Gorvins solicitors, the father of two has been listed in the top five of The Family Business Influencers Global Power List. The 41 year old lawyer specialises in acting for and advising owner-managed and family owned businesses in the SME sector ,with a particular emphasis on succession planning.
He is also one of the co-founders of the Greater Manchester Family Business Association which Gorvins established alongside BDO Accountants and the NatWest Bank two years ago. The organisation provides a forum for local family businesses in and around Greater Manchester to network, collaborate, share ideas and work together both for their own benefit and the benefit of the Greater Manchester region.
“Family Businesses are the bedrock of our recovering economy, said Christian, yet often the contribution they make is somewhat overlooked even though they cover so many different sectors and areas of business. That’s why it is so important, when advising family businesses, to recognise their unique needs: These are places where politics and dynamics allied with history and heritage all play a part in influencing how family members engage (or in some cases don’t engage) with one another and the rest of the business Rather than focusing on commerciality, profit and return on investment – as you would if you were advising, say, a new start up or a company with a three to five year exit plan – family businesses often take a long term view and are often more concerned about legacy, trust, people, succession and purpose. And this has to be borne in mind with the approach taken when advising family businesses”
A report earlier this year by the Institute for Family Business (IFB) Research Foundation, revealed that family businesses’ gross value added contribution to UK GDP has increased by £100 billion since 2010 – to £519 billion – meaning family firms now generate a quarter of UK GDP. Family firms also account for 88 per cent of all private enterprises in the UK, as well as more than 12.2 million jobs – up by 2.3 million since 2010. The Family Business Influencers Global Power List is compiled by Family Business United, which champions the family business sector.
The list identifies the top 100 people/organisations that have the greatest Family Business presence and influence on social media. Adds Christian: “Having worked with family businesses for a number of years and been instrumental in bringing the expertise we offer here at Gorvins to the market through our dedicated Family Business team and the Greater Manchester Family Business Association, it`s an honour to be recognised so highly at a global level. Especially alongside some of the most respected advisors and influencers to Family Businesses worldwide.”