The case study business family is located within a rural area of the UK near a majorcity. As in many other countries, SMEs and family businesses are relatively evenlyspread across the geographic population whilst major companies are far more likely tobe found in the areas of greater population density (Scottish Government, 2007). Atthe time of the case study the parents have been resident in the region for just over 20years. One child is a student staying at home during holidays but in studentaccommodation in another major city during term time. The other two children haveleft home – one based in London working in the financial sector, and the other havingrecently graduated and being employed in a different major city in a temporary postwithin the tourism sector.