Helping business owners plan smarter, sell better, and exit well
Hilton Smythe launches BuiltoExit™, a new structured service designed to help business owners plan, prepare, and position their businesses for a more confident and valuable sale.
Selling a business is one of the biggest decisions an owner will ever make, yet too many leave it too late to plan properly. BuiltoExit™ changes that.
The service helps owners understand their current position, identify what is holding them back, and take the right steps to build value ahead of a sale. It brings together Hilton Smythe’s experience in valuations, sales, and advisory support to provide business owners with both strategy and practical delivery support.
“At Hilton Smythe, our focus has always been on helping clients sell their business the right way,” said Gareth Smyth, CEO of Hilton Smythe.
But for many owners, the challenge starts long before they are ready to sell
BuiltoExit™ bridges that gap. It is for those who want to sell in the future but need a clear plan and hands-on support to get there.
“At Ryans, we always encourage business owners to start planning for a sale as early as possible, ideally several years in advance,” said Dale Pollitt, Director and co-owner of Ryans Chartered Accountants Bolton.
Early preparation allows you to strengthen key areas of the business, maximise its valuation, and ensure a smoother transition when the time comes.
“We have worked closely with the team at Hilton Smythe for many years, and their expert experience in business sales and valuations has been invaluable in helping our clients achieve the best possible outcomes.”
“Early exit planning is essential for a smooth and value protected exit.”
“By addressing shareholder agreements, reviewing key contracts, and ensuring compliance and governance frameworks are robust, sellers can significantly reduce risk and streamline the due diligence process. This proactive approach also limits the number of indemnities required in the sale agreement, a critical factor, as extensive indemnities increase the likelihood of post completion claims that can erode the agreed sale price over Ime. In short, thorough legal housekeeping well ahead of a transaction not only builds buyer confidence but helps preserve the full value of the deal,” said Nikki Whittle, Head of Corporate at Brabners.
A structured three-phase journey
The BuiltoExit™ service guides business owners through three clear, sequential phases.
Phase 1
The Exit Review, where readiness, risks, and value potential are assessed.
Phase 2
Plan Build, during which a detailed roadmap is created to enhance both the value and saleability of the business.
Phase 3
Delivery and Progress, supports the implementation of the plan and tracks results, guiding owners through the final steps to a confident business exit.
Each phase is tailored to the owner’s goals and timeline, ensuring the right level of support, whether they are six months or two years from sale.
Supporting owners with honesty, integrity, trust, and commitment
BuiltoExit™ is built on the same principles as Hilton Smythe’s Client Charter, grounded in honesty, integrity, trust, and commitment, offering honest advice, trusted partnerships, professional integrity, and unwavering commitment to every client we support.
“We do not just help clients sell their business,” added Gareth. “We help them build the kind of business a buyer actually wants to buy. That is what BuiltoExit™ is all about, combining commercial insight with practical action to deliver real results.”
A new chapter for Hilton Smythe
The launch of BuiltoExit™ marks the next step in Hilton Smythe’s continued growth as a full-service business advisory partner, supporting owners from valuation to completion and beyond.
The service has already seen strong early interest from business owners and professional partners, including accountants and solicitors, who are seeking to help their clients prepare for a successful sale.
A survey by Capital on Tap revealed that 79 per cent of UK SMEs have no exit strategy, and 75 per cent of those who do sell later regret their decision due to a lack of preparation.
BuiltoExit™ was created to close this gap, helping business owners plan early, sell confidently, and exit well.