How do I plan to hand my print shop to my daughter over two years?

Start with what she already knows. Has she worked the presses, the prepress desk or the counter? Plan the first stage around the gaps, perhaps pricing jobs, ordering paper and keeping the machines running, and let her own one function at a time rather than everything at once.

Next, customers. Print shops depend on repeat clients who trust a particular person with their deadlines. Introduce her on live jobs, not at a party, and step back when a client is comfortable. Your longest-standing accounts deserve extra care.

Then the money. She should see the books, the supplier terms and the cash flow forecast for the coming year, so decisions she makes are informed. Ask your accountant how to structure the transfer, since the way ownership moves affects both of you. Set review points through the handover. Ask what has worked, what feels rushed and whether you are still holding on to things you said you would release. Also plan your own role afterwards, because some founders linger, and staff may keep coming to you rather than to her. Finally, write down what happens if the plan changes.

Key takeaways

• Divide the handover into stages with a function she owns at each stage.
• Introduce her to clients on live jobs and show her the books and cash forecast.
• Plan your own role afterwards and write down what happens if the plan changes.