Your Business Exit

A couple of weeks ago I had a great conversation with Joel Nixon Higgs LLP about one topic that too many business owners leave too late… exit planning.

One thing we both agreed on: the best time to prepare your business for sale is several years before you want to sell it.

My advice to any business owner is actually start with the end in mind.

Building for exit isn't just about finding a buyer. It's about creating a business that consistently performs, has clear KPIs and SLAs, protects its IP, and is legally and structurally set up to maximise the value you ultimately take home.

Tax planning can make a significant difference too.

The most successful exits rarely happen by accident. They're the result of good planning and trusted advisers working together over time.

It's exactly why I always say: Build for tomorrow, not just today.

If an exit is something that you are working towards, start getting into good habits now. Take the time to understand your brand’s valuation methodology and prospective buyer pool and identify the key characteristics that can make your business more attractive – focus on those as a priority as there is a reason they add value to your business! Similarly, in a changing tax landscape that is putting pressure on entrepreneurs, it is never too early to explore implementing optimum structures with your advisors in readiness to maximise the benefit of your years of hard work in readiness for exit.

Start the conversation today, I promise it's never too early but it's often to late!