One of the most common and least planned for exit scenarios is this: one shareholder wants to leave, and the other does not. It happens more often than most business owners care to admit. Priorities change. Health intervenes. Retirement looms. Or one partner simply wants their money back while the other still has appetite to grow. Handled badly, this situation destroys value and relationships. Handled properly, it can be resolved without destabilising the business. The uncomf

For many business owners, selling the company outright feels like the natural end point. Build the business, find a buyer, and move on. In reality, a full exit is not always the best outcome financially, strategically, or personally. In some situations, selling everything can create unnecessary pressure, compromise value, or lead to regret later on. The mistake many owners make is assuming the choice is binary. Either sell the whole business or keep going as things are. In pr

For many founders, the business is more than a commercial asset. It represents identity, sacrifice, pride, and a lifetime of personal milestones. When the time comes to consider a sale, these emotions surface with unexpected force. Owners who approach exit planning believing it will be a rational, financial exercise often find themselves wrestling with hesitation, doubt, nostalgia, and even fear. At BusinessExits, we see this repeatedly, and the pattern is always the same: th

A business exit is rarely just a financial event. For most owners, it is a life-changing transition affecting not only themselves but also their family. Yet many owners keep the details of the exit process private until the last possible moment. While understandable, this often leads to confusion, anxiety, and unnecessary disruption at precisely the time when stability matters most. If you are planning to sell or transition out of your business, your family needs clarity. Wit

Not every business owner wants or needs a complete exit on day one. For many, a staged exit can be a more practical, more valuable, and less disruptive way to secure their financial future. A phased sale allows an owner to reduce risk, release capital, and bring in a partner while still retaining a role, influence, and continuing share of the future upside. At BusinessExits.co.uk , we often meet owners who are not ready to walk away but want to begin de risked succession plan

Many business owners dream of selling one day — but few plan for it properly.They tell themselves they’ll sell “in a few years,” when the timing feels right or the numbers look better. Unfortunately, by the time that day arrives, the business is often past its peak, market conditions have changed, or the owner’s energy and health are no longer what they once were. This is the retirement trap — and it silently destroys more business value than almost any other factor. 1. Timin

Exiting your business should be a proud moment — not a messy one. After years of hard work, you want to step away knowing everything will continue to run smoothly. Yet too many owners underestimate how much disruption a poorly managed exit can cause. From confused staff and disrupted clients to missed deadlines and lost momentum, the aftermath of a chaotic exit can undo years of effort. The good news is that with planning, structure and communication, you can exit cleanly, co

If a broker claims to have hundreds of “active buyers ready to acquire”, be cautious. Genuine trade buyers, corporate acquirers, and private investors don’t sit on mailing lists waiting for another sales email.

You’ve probably heard the phrase “stick to your knitting.” It’s an old saying, usually wheeled out by grandparents or old-school bosses whenever someone starts meddling in things they don’t understand. It means stick to what you know best. And when it comes to selling your business, that advice might just make your grandmother a better buyer than the financial investor who’s just emailed you.

Selling your business is one of the most significant moments in your professional life. Beyond the legal, financial, and operational steps involved, one of the most sensitive—and often overlooked—aspects of the process is how you communicate the sale to your stakeholders. Handled well, communication can preserve trust, protect morale, and ensure a smooth transition. Managed poorly, it can lead to uncertainty, rumours, and disruption at the worst possible time. At BusinessEx

There are no shortcuts and no free lunches when you’re selling your life’s work to a stranger. Below are the five biggest lies you’ll hear, why they’re used, how they show up, and where they quietly cost you value. No theatrics. Just the tell.

When selling your business, understanding the tax implications is essential to maximising your net proceeds. A successful sale is about more than just achieving a strong valuation — it’s also about structuring the deal efficiently and taking advantage of the reliefs available. Early planning, combined with specialist advice, can make a significant difference to what you ultimately retain from the sale. Why Tax Planning Matters Before You Sell Tax considerations should never b

The truth is simple: the most valuable businesses aren’t defined by their past, they’re defined by their future. And while some buyers will only ever look in the rear-view mirror, others, the right buyers, will focus on what lies ahead.

Selling your business is a major milestone. Years of hard work and commitment culminate in a deal that provides both financial reward and freedom. But what comes next? Post-sale planning is just as important as the sale itself, helping you secure your future, protect your wealth, and enjoy the next chapter with confidence. Why post-sale planning matters For many owners, the business has been central to their life and identity. Once the deal completes, there can be a mixture o

When selling a business, one of the most debated topics is the earn-out. Love them or hate them, they remain a common feature of SME business sales and M&A transactions.

Selling a business is one of the most important financial and personal decisions an owner will ever make. Yet too often, business owners underestimate the complexity of the process and attempt to go it alone. While this may seem like a way to save money, it can result in lost value, delays, or even failed deals. An experienced exit adviser can transform the outcome of a sale — helping you achieve maximum value, avoid costly mistakes, and protect your legacy. 1. Preparing the

When it comes to selling your business, price is important — but structure can make all the difference. The way a deal is put together often determines how much value you walk away with, how smoothly the transition takes place, and how secure your future is after the exit. A poorly structured deal can mean unexpected tax liabilities, delayed payments, or future disputes with the buyer. By contrast, a well-structured sale can maximise value, protect your interests, and create

Why employee trust matters in a business sale When selling your business, the numbers matter — but so do the people. Your employees have helped build your company’s value, and during a sale, they’ll often feel anxious, uncertain, and vulnerable. How you handle their concerns can make or break both the deal and your business legacy. At BusinessExits.co.uk , we support UK business owners through every stage of their exit journey, including the often-overlooked challenge of mana

Finding the right buyer is one of the most important factors in achieving a successful business sale. The best buyer is not always the one who offers the highest price – they are the one who can complete the deal, secure your legacy, and ensure the ongoing success of your business. At BusinessExits.co.uk , we work closely with business owners to identify and attract serious buyers who recognise the value of your business and are ready to move forward. Here is how you can appr

Selling a business is one of the most important transactions you’ll ever complete — and the legal framework behind it can make or break the outcome. Whether you're preparing for retirement, exploring a strategic exit, or passing the baton to a new owner, understanding the legal implications of a business sale is critical. From early-stage preparation to final completion, getting the legal side right helps reduce risk, protect value, and prevent costly delays. At BusinessExits