Exploring the family engagement in family businesses managed by Pakistani community in Edinburgh and aspirations for the future generations

Abstract

The research project explores the engagement of family members in family businesses owned and managed by Pakistani community in Edinburgh and investigate the future of those businesses with the next generation born and brought up in Edinburgh. The literature discusses the migration of the Pakistani community into the United Kingdom and the reasons they start small businesses. It explores the competition such businesses face and different aspects of family management of small businesses, including succession planning. Qualitative research method was used to conduct the research since it is about the behaviour of certain community. Snowball sampling was used to contact potential participants for the research project. This was thought to be the most useful method for the type of small businesses contacted. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews. Ten participants were interviewed and all were small business owners of Pakistani origin. Most were based in Leith and Liberton. Analysis of the data shows that family members play an important part in the running of this type of small business and often in its financing. Other themes which emerged were that the traditional convenience store and newsagent sectors are in decline, and that the uncertainty this creates has an impact on hopes and plans for the coming generations.