Succession planning in construction
Succession planning is the process of devising a strategy to ensure an organisation and its business will transition smoothly and effectively from one leader or leadership team to another. This is an important consideration in all industries, as leadership positions will change due to retirement, resignation, dismissal, health issues, and so on. It is particularly important in construction in the UK, where more than 90% of all firms are family-owned. Construction is also facing an ageing workforce, with large numbers of ‘baby boomer’ leaders and business owners set to retire in the coming years.
Succession planning can be a complex and time-consuming issue, and one that many feel can be put off to a later date. However, failure to effectively plan can be a critical factor in the future success of a business, particularly where there are no clear candidates currently within the organisation that are considered capable of taking over.
Successful succession planning can prove beneficial for an organisation, as it can provide a renewal of focus and direction, a change in management style, and can maximise company value.
Some key steps in formulating a succession plan include:
- Time schedules.
- Understanding the current state of any succession planning.
- Identifying the leader’s objectives for the plan.
- Identifying the company’s objectives for the plan.
- Identifying actions to move towards those objectives.
- Identifying and training the next generation of leaders.
- Agreeing how the any shares will be managed.
- Agreeing the level of influence and involvement the current leaders will continue to have.
- Agreeing when the plan should be reviewed and revised.
- The personal financial resources and retirement planning of the leader.
- Income tax considerations.
- Sources of funding.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings for people to come home to... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.
Futurebuild and UK Construction Week London Unite
Creating the UK’s Built Environment Super Event and over 25 other key partnerships.
Welsh and Scottish 2026 elections
Manifestos for the built environment for upcoming same May day elections.
Advancing BIM education with a competency framework
“We don’t need people who can just draw in 3D. We need people who can think in data.”