FBRF appoints expert steering group and commissions Cebr for Business Property Relief research
London, 23 October 2025
The Family Business Research Foundation (FBRF) has commissioned Cebr to assess how reforms to Business Property Relief (BPR), taking effect on 6 April 2026, will impact UK family firms and the wider economy. The research will be overseen by a recently established independent Steering Group.
The newly commissioned research aims to assess the impact of the reforms on family businesses before and after their implementation, with a particular focus on changes due to come into effect on 6 April 2026. The outputs of this research will be reported in August 2026. This research is part of a wider programme of work that combines policy analysis, firm-level data analysis, sector case studies and macroeconomic cost-benefit modelling to assess the effects of the reforms.
To support the FBRF’s programme of work on BPR, an independent BPR Steering Group has been established to provide oversight, strategic guidance, and expert input across linked projects. Chaired by William Barnett, the Steering Group includes representatives from industry and membership bodies, family businesses, and academics. It is expected to operate for 18–24 months.
Sir Michael Bibby, Chairman of the Family Business Research Foundation, commented:
“Family businesses are central to jobs, investment and sustainable communities. It is vital to understand how the recent reforms to BPR are affecting — and will affect — family firms in the UK. The FBRF’s research will bring independent evidence and expertise to the current debate about BPR and provide evidence-based insights to inform policy”
Owen Good, Director and Head of Economic Advisory of Cebr commented:
“Cebr is delighted to be working with the FBRF on this important project. Strong, independent research, guided by the insights of family businesses themselves, is essential to understanding firm-level responses to Business Property Relief changes. The findings from the research will ensure that the voices of this key segment of the UK economy are heard, which in turn supports policymakers in understanding the economic effects of the changes.”
For more information about the Family Business Research Foundation and its work, please visit www.fbrf.org.uk.
Contact for Media Inquiries: Family Business Research Foundation (FBRF) Email: info@fbrf.org.uk Website: www.fbrf.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
About the Family Business Research Foundation (FBRF): The Family Business Research Foundation is a UK charity (No. 1134085) dedicated to improving understanding of the family-owned business sector and its contribution to the economy and society. See www.fbrf.org.uk for more information about the charity and its work.
About Cebr: Cebr (Centre for Economics and Business Research) is an independent London-based economics consultancy providing economic impact assessment, forecasting and policy analysis for public and private sector clients
External links:
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) (2025) Agricultural property relief and business property relief reforms. Policy paper, 21 July 2025 [Online]. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reforms-to-agricultural-property-relief-and-business-property-relief/agricultural-property-relief-and-business-property-relief-reforms
Masala, F., Keep, M. and Seely, A. (2025) Changes to agricultural and business property reliefs for inheritance tax. Research Briefing CBP-10181. London: House of Commons Library. Available at: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10181