Businesses exit strategist, Sussex & Surrey

At some point, everyone has to exit their business. Exit planning puts you in control of when and how it happens, and the price you get for the sale.

As a business exit strategist, I help you put the company in an ideal position for a seamless transition. It’s a chance to proactively define the terms of your exit, rather than leaving it to chance.

You may want to retire, or start a new venture. Perhaps you’re unsure about the next move. Whatever your reasons for exiting, you’ll get actionable insights which make a tangible difference to the next stage in your life.

Business exit strategy — How it works

There are many ways to exit a business. I’ll help you choose the option that suits your future plans because, after all, exiting the company is not the end of your life. It’s the start of the next phase.

The exit strategy itself will be a clear plan for increasing the value of your business. I’ll help you make it as attractive as possible to potential buyers.

Here’s how my exit strategy planning process works:

• Strategic review — We define your post-exit goals and identify any obstacles standing in the way of the maximum sale price.
• Exit roadmap — Specific actions and activities to remove those obstacles and make the business appealing to buyers.
• Business valuation — I bring in an independent third party to value your business.
• Generating interest — While I don’t sell the business for you, I raise its profile to potential buyers. If time is an issue, I work with leading UK companies who specialise in business sale and acquisition.
• Financial and legal — You have full access to a team of experienced, qualified experts to guide you through due diligence regarding financial, legal and shareholding requirements.
• Transition coaching & support throughout — You won’t be going through it alone. I give you support, advice and reassurance throughout the process. Importantly, I also help you focus on life after the sale.

Why a business exit strategist is a smart move

A well-planned exit strategy gives you control over your company’s future. It protects your legacy.

There are a number of advantages to having a well-defined exit strategy in place early — before you’re ready to leave.

• It’s a roadmap for long-term business stability 
• Your company becomes more attractive to investors
• It’s a chance to scrutinise your company’s strengths and weaknesses
• It safeguards your most valuable assets — including your staff
• It generates a healthy income for the next stage in your life

The end result is financial security and peace of mind. I’ll help you plan an exit strategy which suits the way you want to live in the future.

---

FAQs

You’ll probably have a few questions so I’ve answered some of them below. If your question isn’t there, please feel free to call me on 07815 134 432. I’d be happy to answer it.

What kind of businesses do you work with?

All kinds of business, both large and small. This includes not-for-profits such as charities.

Over the last 20 years, I’ve worked with start-ups and established businesses in a huge variety of sectors — from financial and legal services and to tech, manufacturing and creative industries.

Put simply, no matter the industry sector, I can help you.

Does it matter that you’re not an expert in my particular industry?

Not at all. In fact, it’s an advantage because as an outsider, I can quickly see issues which may not be obvious to an industry expert.

When you’re close to a business, it’s difficult to view it objectively. It’s my job to offer a fresh perspective.

I don’t need to be an expert in your industry. In my experience, no matter the sector, the key issues nearly always revolve around people.

Which services do you offer?

My services cover four key stages in business: 

• Start-up consultancy if your enterprise is in its early stages 
• Business development consultancy when want to grow an existing business 
• Business exit strategy for control over when and how you move on

Transition coaching which helps you work through the feelings, concerns and choices you’re facing

Do you offer online consultancy?

Yes, I can deliver consultancy services online.

However, face-to-face consultancy generally works more effectively. When I’m there, seeing you in your working environment, it helps me get a proper feel for the business. It works both ways because we can build a proper relationship.

How long does the process take?

It’s up to you. Right from the start, we’ll discuss the timescale so that we’re both happy with how long the process will take.

I’m not the sort of business consultant who will stick around for the sake of it. Once the new strategy is bedded in, and everyone is happy with it, that’s my job done.

Will you tailor your services according to what I need?

Always. Each business is different, as are the individuals within it. What works for one business will not necessarily work for another, so my services are bespoke.

Do you deliver staff training?

Yes. If we’ve introduced new skills and processes, I’ll make sure everyone is fully trained and completely happy with implementing them. If there’s a change of role, I’ll help the individual make a smooth transition.

Training can include financial planning (for non-experts), communication skills, one-to-one performance coaching, leadership skills and several more that I don’t have space to mention.