Finance Your Next Move: Get Serious About Growth or Get Left Behind
Let’s be clear: whether you're gearing up to grow or eyeing an exit, your
next business move will rise or fall, on financial planning.
This isn’t just about spreadsheets and forecasts. It’s about control. It's
about leverage. And it’s about ensuring that when opportunity knocks, or
buyers come calling, you’re ready, not scrambling.
Growth or exit? Either way, finance is your power play. Use it, or lose it
1. Stop “Winging It” – Define the Outcome You Want
Are you trying to scale aggressively? Or are you laying the groundwork to
sell in the next 1–3 years?
Too many founders drift toward their future without a clear financial target.
Decide:
- What kind of outcome are you aiming for?
- What does “success” look like in terms of revenue? value? freedom?
- How much capital will you need, and where will it come from?
This clarity drives your entire strategy. No guesswork. No vague goals. Just
precision.
2. Cash Flow is King, Treat It That Way
Growth consumes cash. So does preparing your business for sale. Without
discipline, you’ll run out of steam or stall the deal.
Key ways to strengthen cash flow:
- Review burn rate monthly
- Lock in predictable revenue streams
- Renegotiate supplier terms
- Collect payments faster
- Cut unnecessary expenses
- Solid cash flow isn’t just survival, it’s what makes you investable and
- sellable.
3. Forecast Like Your Future Depends on It, Because It Does
Most SMEs don’t forecast properly. That’s a problem.
You need:
- 12–24 month financial forecasts
- Realistic, not optimistic, revenue assumptions
- Scenarios for best case, base case, and worst case
Why it matters: Investors and buyers pay for predictability. If you can’t show
where you’re headed with numbers to back it up, they’ll walk.
Finance your next move
4. Reinvest with Ruthless Intent
Don’t just throw money at marketing or tech because it sounds good. Every
pound reinvested should move the needle on:
- Profitability
- Scalability
- Exit-readiness
Smart investments include:
- Automating systems
- Documenting key processes
- Reducing reliance on the founder
- Building recurring revenue
These aren’t just growth levers, they’re value multipliers at sale.
5. Know How to Fund Your Next Play
Your next move might need capital. Be ready with options:
- Business loans (traditional and alternative)
- Asset-based finance
- Angel or VC investment
- Seller financing (if acquiring)
- Government growth schemes
Funding without a plan is debt. Funding with strategy is leverage.
6. Tax Planning: Don’t Wait Until You’re “Ready to Sell”
If you're considering an exit in the next few years, speak to a tax advisor
now and not when you're six months from signing a deal.
Smart structuring can:
- Save you thousands
- Make your business more appealing
- Avoid last-minute legal or financial hurdles
Even if you’re focused on growth, tax efficiency improves profitability, and
that drives valuation.
7. Get a Financial Expert; Not Just a Bookkeeper
This is about more than filing returns. You need strategic financial
leadership, whether that’s a part-time CFO, an experienced accountant, or
a sales-savvy advisor.
A good financial partner will:
- Improve your cash position
- Maximise valuation
- Prevent costly errors
- Position your business to attract buyers or funding
Your future isn’t DIY. Surround yourself with experts who know how to get
you there.
Final Word: Money Drives Momentum
If you want to grow, finance it right. If you want to sell, make sure your
numbers tell a compelling story. Either way, the delay will cost you.
Time doesn’t forgive sloppy financials. And buyers don’t pay top dollar for
uncertainty.
The next move is yours. Ensure your finances are in order.