Amanda Browning, CEO of Amber River Shipman Wealth, explains what founders should prioritise to maximise wealth and how financial planning aligned with fractional C-suite solutions enable more profitable growth.
LC: What tax shifts should business owners be preparing for in 2026 and over the next three to five years?
AB: The Chancellor has already signalled further reform to business and personal taxation from 2026, including changes to Inheritance Tax thresholds and potential adjustments to Business Relief. While the final detail is still awaited, we expect tighter qualification rules for certain trading companies and clearer distinctions between investment activity and genuine trading. Early conversations can help owners align personal wealth, business value and estate planning so the eventual transition, whether by sale or succession, remains tax efficient.
While policy will continue to evolve, several themes are clear: Increasing tax pressure on wealth, including potential changes to capital gains tax, inheritance tax, and reliefs. Greater scrutiny on business structures, particularly around profit extraction and tax efficiency. Pension policy shifts, as governments look to balance long-term fiscal pressures. Intergenerational wealth planning becoming more important, with more focus on how wealth is transferred, not just created. A continued move toward transparency and compliance, reducing opportunities for aggressive tax planning. For founders, the key is not reacting to every change, but building flexible, resilient structures that can adapt over time.
LC: What areas of financial planning do you help founders prioritise, especially if they are preparing for exit?
AB: Preparing for exit is not a transaction, it is a multiyear strategy. We help founders understand their “number”, not just whether expected sale values support long term financial goals but delivers the life they want. Then its tax structuring early on as reliefs, share structures, and timing decisions can materially impact outcomes. Ensuring personal wealth is well diversified, tax efficient and structured to your needs, so the business sale proceeds will help you in your next stage of life and planning. We help with risk management, ensuring both personal and business matters are protected against illness, death, or business disruption.
LC: Why is Amber River different to other financial planning firms, and how do you help founders make the most of your advice?
AB: Life Landscaping is our approach to financial planning that starts with the life you want to live. It helps clients see their “whole life on one page” and understand how today’s decisions impact tomorrow’s lifestyle and business ambitions. What sets us apart is the combination of Chartered financial expertise, behavioural insight, and a technology supported framework. Our planners build long standing relationships with clients and their families, often spanning decades and major life events. This depth of understanding allows us to guide founders with clarity and confidence through complex decisions, including exits, succession planning and stewardship of multi-generational wealth. To get the best outcomes, we encourage founders to engage early, be open and transparent, especially about personal goals and concerns.
LC: How are fractional C suite solutions supporting your client businesses?
AB: Our clients tend to be founder led businesses. Fractional leadership teams are powerful for mid-tier businesses that are scaling quickly but can’t justify fulltime executive roles. Fractionals can accelerate strategy, professionalise the organisation and prepare it for investment or exit. The greatest impact comes when fractional leaders work in tandem with financial planners, ensuring that commercial decisions support business growth and also strengthen the founder’s personal financial position and long-term goals. The key is not just having advisors but having aligned advisors who collaborate effectively.
Amber River Shipman Wealth is a Programme Partner supporting Liberti Club’s growing client community of scaling businesses, helping founders to maximise wealth and plan for the best life after exit. To find out more about Amber River Shipman Wealth, visit www.amberriver.com or contact [email protected].