So, where do you start?

…we need to talk and agree to meet.

What would we talk about?

We would briefly discuss your business, the current situation and your ambitions.

If, over the course of that conversation, we find there is the right chemistry between us, we can move on to our first face to face meeting.

There is no fee for this first face to face meeting.

The agenda for this meeting splits in two:

Firstly...

… we need to explore your personal situation. What are your goals and ambitions and where are you on your way to being able to realise them?

And what importance does achieving a good realisation from your exit from business play in their achievement.

Secondly...

… we would discuss the business and go through the Exit Assessment (link) in detail.

And the topics are...

Ownership
Finances
Strategy
Sales
Marketing
Leadership
Management team

Following our meeting, we would agree what needs to happen in your own, personal, Path to Exit.

We would agree to a fee structure, and we’d get down to work.

My work style is very hands-on fuelled by 40 years of business experience, of which 30 years were at board level.

A cautionary note on pre-sale valuations

My advice on Pre-Sales valuations runs counter to the popular advice. Treat them with caution.

One of the most common issues that ultimately undermines arriving at a mutually acceptable deal is price and, surprisingly, it’s the sellers’ inflexibility that is often at the root of the problem, and ultimately costs them the deal.

If the vendor gets a pre-sale valuation, it can easily become lodged in the mind. They won’t budge. There’s no deal to be done.

Pre-sale valuations (particularly for smaller businesses) can be a distraction as they can dangerously inflate seller price expectations. Lower offers being seen as somehow insulting.

Best to think in terms of a range of potential values rather than a single number…..so £3-4m gives scope rather than ‘it’s worth £4m’.

Ultimately, the business is worth what you can persuade someone to pay for it.

Click here to complete the questionnaire and assess your own exit readiness.