Books: Three of a kind - When your business is a family affair

Like Sir Gerry himself, this book gets straight to the heart of the matter. The twinkly-eyed troubleshooter condenses his TV series I'll Show Them Who's Boss into 'six secrets of successful management', including 'Doing the dirt' and 'Blood is thicker than water'. Robinson provides a tough-talking, no-nonsense guide to running a family business, and draws on the experience of his TV victims to illustrate his advice. A recommended read - just don't expect miracle cures.

Unconventional Wisdom; John Ward; John Wiley £24.95

If you're not a Gerry Robinson fan and want a more academic read, try this textbook. Written and edited by a leading expert on family business, it tackles the challenges that every owner of a family business will confront sooner or later - family rivalries, succession planning and strategy. The theory is well balanced, with plenty of practical advice. One to keep on the desk or kitchen table.