Call to action as majority of female entrepreneurs lack succession plan
NEARLY three-quarters of female business owners in the UK have no succession plan and don’t know where to turn for advice, a stark warning that has prompted a newly launched Glasgow law firm to call on female entrepreneurs to act now before it’s too late.
The insight comes at a time when Glasgow-based legal specialists Matheson Lawson Solicitors is marking its arrival on the city’s legal scene.
Founded by Maureen Matheson and Victoria Lawson, the firm brings a fresh focus to private client work and a particular passion for helping women in business take control of their futures.
Polling by Will Aid shows that nearly three-quarters of UK female business owners have no succession plan in place. With many uncertain about where to turn for advice, the consequences of failing to act can stretch well beyond business disruption, with personal estates, family wellbeing and long-term legacies all at risk.
With more than 40 years of combined experience in the legal industry, Maureen and Victoria are stepping in to close this gap.
Their boutique firm is already making a name by offering a friendly, flexible and proactive service, including wills, powers of attorney, residential conveyancing and estate administration.
Maureen Matheson, Co-Founder and Director of Matheson Lawson, said: “This isn’t about scare tactics, it’s about empowering people to take simple steps that make an enormous difference.”
“As female business owners ourselves, we understand the pressures. That’s why we’ve built a firm that offers both legal expertise and the kind of flexibility – whether that’s evening appointments or video calls – that busy professionals need.”
In 2022 alone, more than 150,000 new UK businesses were started by women, over twice the number launched in 2018. This rapid growth underlines the importance of proper legal planning to match the pace of success, ensuring businesses are built on strong foundations that can stand the test of time.
Victoria Lawson, Co-Founder, said: “We’re seeing more women than ever building brilliant businesses. But growth needs to be matched with planning.
“We often hear people say, ‘I’m too young for that,’ or ‘I’ll get to it one day’. But illness or unforeseen events don’t wait for a convenient time.
“The reality is that having your affairs in order is one of the most empowering things you can do – for your business, your family, and yourself.
“The legal side doesn’t need to be intimidating, in fact, it’s often a relief for people to get it sorted. Our role is to make the process as easy and human as possible.”
The firm, headquartered in Glasgow’s Bothwell Street, prides itself on a personable, jargon-free approach. That has already earned Matheson Lawson a growing client list, many of whom come through word of mouth.
Maureen and Victoria, who first met more than 20 years ago while working in Glasgow’s legal sector, most recently held senior positions at McKee Campbell Morrison. Now, with a handpicked team and shared values, they’ve created a practice grounded in clarity, collaboration and client care.
In addition to legal support, the firm also aims to foster conversations and awareness around estate planning, particularly for underrepresented groups such as women in business, solo founders, or those from marginalised communities.
For more information, please visit www.mathesonlawson.co.uk
