The right board of directors (see question 11) will have a mix of skills and experience to help you run the business.
You will also need professional support in specific areas. It is often effective to arrange legal and accountancy services on a retainer basis (and sometimes by employing suitably qualified individuals or appointing them to the board). In other areas you may simply use professional advice as and when it is needed: for example, using a chartered surveyor when you are considering relocating.
Many chief executives also find it helpful to have a mentor to talk over ideas and problems with. This relationship usually works best if the mentor is not associated with the family or the business. A typical mentor might be an experienced business advisor or a retired chief executive who has seen it all before.
