Your exit plan is more than a tidy internal document. It is one of the first indicators of how prepared your business is for a sale. When buyers review your exit plan, they are not interested in your personal retirement goals. They look for signs of stability, continuity, and risk. A strong exit plan sends the right message. A weak one reduces confidence and value. A serious buyer studies your exit plan to assess how the business will operate when you are no longer involved.

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

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

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

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

Selling your business is more than just a financial transaction; it's a profound emotional journey that can impact your identity, relationships, and sense of purpose. For many entrepreneurs, their business is not just a source of income but a reflection of their dreams, hard work, and personal growth. Letting go can evoke a complex mix of emotions that are often unexpected and challenging. 1. Identity and Attachment Your business may have become an integral part of your ident

When selling a business, most owners focus on headline profit. But in the UK SME trade sale market, profit is only one part of the valuation equation. Smart buyers—and experienced M&A advisers—look deeper. Understanding the hidden factors that influence value can unlock stronger offers and create competitive tension in the sale process. Here are the most overlooked value drivers that can significantly impact the final sale price of your business. 1. Recurring and Contracted R

In mergers and acquisitions, speed, accuracy, and confidentiality are everything. The business sale process — historically reliant on manual tasks, printed paperwork, and face-to-face meetings — has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. Technology now plays a central role in streamlining transactions, increasing transparency, and ultimately helping sellers maximise value. 1. Modern Platforms for Buyer & Seller Matching One of the most visible shifts is the r

Choosing the Right Payment Structure for Your Business Exit When selling your small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), the payment structure in your business sale can significantly impact your financial outcome and long-term security. Different payment structures offer varying benefits and risks, and selecting the right one depends on factors such as business stability, buyer reliability, and your future involvement with the company. In this article, we compare the most common

In the dynamic realm of mergers and acquisitions, private equity (PE) often plays a leading role. With its promises of significant capital boosts, strategic exit plans, and financial proficiency, private equity can appear to be the ideal match for companies aiming for expansion or a sale. However, beneath the attractive figures, lurks a severe reality - a collaboration with private equity may not always be in tune with your long-term objectives, your business's moral compass,

In light of the UK government's latest budget declarations introducing escalated business taxation, SME business owners in the UK find themselves under increased pressure to ensure performance and preserve profitability. The year 2025 is expected to be a turning point – a year packed with obstacles and distinctive prospects prompting business owners to re-evaluate their objectives, define their future course and explore strategic alternatives. The eve of the new year demands

Selling your small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) can represent a pivotal juncture in your professional journey. Whether your motive lies in retirement planning, a career shift, or capitalising on your dedicated work, the sale extends beyond mere financial implications. The process is multifaceted, encompassing both financial and emotional facets. Here we will delve into these aspects of SME sales, offering a well-rounded perspective on what to anticipate throughout your jo

If you're an entrepreneur pondering about an exit strategy, an unexpected acquisition proposal from a potential suitor or investor can be an exhilarating and ego-boosting experience. However, it's essential to remember that this is just the commencement of a multifaceted process known as deal origination. Understanding the Mechanics of Deal Origination Deal origination essentially forms the bedrock of the procedures and tactics employed by potential acquirers to identify and

A successful business sale negotiation is not merely about getting the highest price, but also about understanding the nuances of various negotiation tactics like offer sequencing, a strategy often used by buyers during acquisitions. This article will dissect offer sequencing, why it is a favourite among acquirers, and how business owners can protect themselves from its potential drawbacks. This knowledge is vital for small-scale business owners, entrepreneurs, and Small and

When a business undergoes a change in ownership, the natural inclination of the new owner may be to implement immediate changes.

Selling a business is a monumental decision that comes with numerous complexities. While many business owners may lean towards publicly listing their business for sale, there is a compelling alternative that often goes overlooked: selling off-market, or confidentially. This strategy can significantly benefit both the seller and the business by preserving stability, maximising value, and reducing the risk of leaked information. This article explores the advantages of off-marke