About us
About Kieran
30+ years’ experience
Kieran McCarthy
Kieran McCarthy is the Principal of Kieran McCarthy Consulting Limited, a specialist advisory practice dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized owner-managed and family-owned enterprises across Ireland and the UK. With over 30 years’ experience advising entrepreneurs and business families, Kieran brings a rare combination of technical expertise, commercial insight and an in-depth understanding of the human dynamics that influence decision-making in family enterprises.
Kieran is also a recognised thought leader in the family business space and author of Family Business – A Survival Guide, which reflects his experience of the real issues faced by entrepreneurs and business families. The book and his advisory work respond to a clear demand from SME owners for practical, experience-based guidance that helps them protect both the business and the family behind it. His approach combines rigorous professional standards with empathy and pragmatism, ensuring advice is relevant, actionable and tailored to the unique circumstances of each enterprise.
A qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA) and Tax Consultant, Kieran trained with a Big Four accountancy firm, where he developed a strong grounding in audit, tax and advisory services. He subsequently established and grew his own accounting practice, acting for a broad range of SMEs and working closely with founders and owner-managers as trusted adviser. This hands-on experience has shaped his practical, business-focused approach and gives him a deep appreciation of the pressures and responsibilities faced by entrepreneurs.
Having sold his accounting practice, Kieran chose to focus exclusively on the family business and SME market, recognising the growing need for specialist advice in this area. His work centres on helping business owners address complex and often sensitive challenges, including governance, succession and ownership planning, inter-generational transition, leadership development, and the balance between family relationships and commercial priorities. He is particularly valued for his ability to bring structure, clarity and objectivity to situations where emotion and business overlap.
Our services
Areas of Expertise
Non-Executive Chairperson
Acting as Non-Executive Chairperson in an owner-managed family enterprise requires…
Non-Executive Director
We provide a Non-Executive Director service to medium, small and start-up companies…
Conflict Resolution
Family businesses are built on relationships, shared values, and long-term trust…
Succession Planning
Transitioning leadership in a family business is one of the most critical and sensitive…
Estate Planning
Estate planning is a strategic process that ensures your assets are managed and…
Management Advisory
Effective management is the cornerstone of long-term business success. It involves…
Client Feedback
“The estate planning process gave us clarity and peace of mind.”
Founder & Majority Shareholder, Family-Owned Business
As a family business owner, I had always put estate planning on the long finger. Working through it properly helped me understand the financial and emotional implications for my family and the business. Everything was structured clearly, tax-efficiently, and in a way that protected both my legacy and my family relationships. I now know that whatever happens, the business and my family are secure.
“Succession planning turned uncertainty into a clear, workable roadmap.”
Chairperson, Second-Generation Family Business
We knew succession was coming, but we didn’t know how to approach it without causing tension or disruption. The structured succession plan allowed us to address governance, decision-making, and timelines in a calm, professional way. It gave confidence to the next generation while allowing the founder to step back without feeling sidelined. The business is now better governed.
“Handing the business to our children was handled with respect and structure.”
Founder, Multi-Generational Family Business
Transferring the business to our children was one of the most emotional decisions we’ve faced. Having an independent, experienced advisor helped us separate family emotions from business decisions. Roles, authority, and ownership were clearly defined, and difficult conversations were managed professionally. The handover strengthened family relationships.
Governance & Board Leadership
Independent chair and NED support to strengthen decisions, accountability and long-term direction.
Succesion & Ownership Planning
Practical planning for leadership transition, roles, and ownership—built to protect both business and family.
Family Conflict Resolution
Structured, confidential mediation to resolve tension early and keep relationships and performance intact
faq
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you charge for an initial scoping call. I am unsure if my business is in need of your services or if we are too small a client .
Please don’t worry about the size of your business — complexity in family businesses isn’t defined by scale alone. I do not charge for an initial scoping call. The purpose is simply to understand your situation, answer your questions, and see whether I can genuinely be of help. There is no obligation to engage me after the call.
If you’re open to it, perhaps you could share a brief outline of what prompted you to get in touch by email or we can discuss on a call.
How do you distinguish between family issues and business issues when they are deeply intertwined?
In family enterprises, issues are rarely purely ‘family’ or purely ‘business.’ I start by understanding the system as a whole—relationships, roles, ownership, and strategy. Once we see what’s structural, what’s relational, and what’s strategic, we can address each at the right level without blaming individuals or oversimplifying the problem.
How do you handle situations where emotions run high or conflict is already present?
This is a common situation in family businesses. Strong emotions are not a problem—they’re information. I help families slow conversations down, surface what’s really at stake, and create safe but honest dialogue. Avoiding conflict usually makes it worse. Addressing it well builds trust and resilience over time.
What experience do you have working with complex family systems (multiple generations, or inactive owners)?
Complexity is normal in family businesses. I’ve worked with families across generations, with active and inactive owners, and with differing expectations and values. Each situation requires patience, clarity, and tailored solutions rather than formulas. The key is helping families create structures that work for their reality.”
How do you separate ‘fair’ from ‘equal’ when dealing with ownership, roles, and rewards?
Fair does not always mean equal. Fairness is about transparency, rationale, and alignment with contribution and responsibility. I help families articulate what fairness means to them, so decisions feel understandable and legitimate—even when outcomes differ.
What is your approach to succession when the next generation isn’t ready or aligned?
Succession is a journey, not an event. Readiness is built over time through development, experience, and honest feedback. Alignment comes from clear expectations and open conversations—not pressure. My role is to help families move at the right pace while protecting both the business and the relationships.
How do you ensure you remain neutral when family members have competing agendas?
My responsibility is to the health of the family system and the enterprise—not to any one individual. I’m explicit about my neutrality, transparent in my process, and willing to challenge powerful voices when necessary. Trust depends on fairness and consistency.
How do you address underperformance or entitlement in family members working in the business?
Family members deserve clarity, not special treatment. I support families in setting clear role expectations, performance standards, and feedback processes. Addressing underperformance early and respectfully protects both the business and the individual’s dignity.
What governance structures do you believe are essential for long-term family business continuity?
Good governance evolves with the family. I focus on practical, right-sized structures—such as family councils, boards, and shareholder agreements—that clarify roles, decision-making, and communication. Governance should reduce friction, not create bureaucracy.

