Family Business in East Lothian

Abstract

The proposed paper will present the results of a pilot study within East Lothian, Scotland which focuses upon patterns of family business ownership, including business size and ownership and their reasons for and commitment to the geographic area in which they are currently based. Perceptions of the role of the family within the business will be considered, alongside some exploration of the roles of business families and the business community locally. Previous interaction with formalised business support networks and the perceptions of business owners with respect to the appropriateness of the business support available will be explored and considered in the context of further research planned in this area.