Are you ready to sell your business?

Ready to sell?

Success is where preparation and opportunity meet. By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

After years of hard work, being able to sell your business seems like a daunting prospect. However, with some hard work, and careful planning your efforts will pay off, and you will find yourself settling down to a quieter life.

Craig Graham, Operations Director.

Selling a business

Never too early to plan to sell your business

When you set up your business, you probably spent a long time working on the perfect business plan. Now that you are thinking of selling, you should spend as much time as possible working out an exit strategy and making sure you have everything in check. Selling the business will take time, and you will need to be fully prepared to make the sale as quickly and as smoothly as possible. The more time you give yourself, the more time you can prepare and finding the right business broker is critical to successfully closing the deal as soon as possible, that’s where Hilton Smythe can help you.

Prepare your team

Ensure your employees are fully updated and onboard throughout the selling process. This is especially important if you are selling an existing business on to a new owner, such as if a café is changing hands. Keep your staff informed and prepare them for their new employer. If they are comfortable and confident, the buyer’s transition period will go smoother for all.

If you took on multiple roles beyond Managing Director, now is the time to expand and hire people to fill the gap you will leave. Restructuring your company might seem superfluous, but it is an important step. You want your employees to be able to work successfully without you, coming up with great ideas and following their own initiatives successfully. A business that can run without you is attractive to buyers as it tells them they will not need to fix any workplace problems you may be leaving behind . The new owner will be able to come in and find their ideal place to settle in naturally among the successful workers you have guided.

Be realistic

Your business has been a significant part of your life for years. It is only natural that you are proud of it and want to achieve a sale that you think reflects your years of hard work and dedication. However, this can hamper your deal. Take a step back and examine your business as a potential buyer would. Any problems you find will need to be fixed. Consult an independent advisor to help you through the process if you are having difficulty. Their insight will help you identify where you need to apply attention.

Even when you have attracted a potential buyer, there are still hurdles to be crossed. Do not get frustrated if a deal falls through. Selling a business takes time and patience. Remember a buyer will want to scrutinise every aspect; if they find something they do not like, they are allowed to walk away without making an offer.

All in the value

If you are not happy with your valuation, there are several approaches you can take to raise it. The most attractive businesses have reliable and consistent financial performance. If yours is not as consistent as you would like, take a look at how to improve it. This plan may include introducing more short-term strategies which can be implemented purely to raise your company’s value.

You can also prepare for the long-term. Write up proposals for company growth over the next few years. While a buyer may have their own ideas about what they wish to do with the company, they will appreciate knowing your vision and may include some of your ideas in their plans for the business.

Why choose Hilton Smythe to sell your business

If you don't like the truth, we're probably not right for you. We will tell you how it really is and get the job done.

Access our database of tens of thousands of active, registered buyers.

We truly market your business for sale in all of the right places aimed at getting results.

Thinking of selling a business? Talk to an expert...

Popular sold business searches in the UK

What our customers say…

Recently sold businesses

  • 1

    New and used motorbike dealer

    Oxfordshire

    POA

    Discover Business
  • 1

    Catering supplier

    Nottinghamshire

    POA

    Discover Business
  • 10

    Licensed Cattery 107 Cats With Accommodation

    Haywards Heath, West Sussex

    £1,300,000

    Discover Business
  • 1

    Precision Engineers, Merseyside

    Merseyside

    £1,092,132

    Discover Business
  • 3

    Busy Metal Fabrication Business in Rainham, Greater London For Sale

    Rainham, Havering

    £1,050,000 +SAV

    Discover Business
  • 3

    Freehold Furniture Sales With Development Opportunity

    Chatham, Kent

    £995,000 +SAV

    Discover Business
  • 1

    Precision Engineering Business in the West Midlands For Sale

    West Midlands

    £950,000 +SAV

    Discover Business
  • 4

    Popular Caravan/Camping Park in Blackford Near Carlisle For Sale

    Carlisle, Cumbria

    £949,950 +SAV

    Discover Business
  • 1

    Well Respected Fire Safety & Security Business

    Hampshire

    £910,000 +SAV

    Discover Business

Find out the value of your business in under 60 seconds

Use our Business Valuation Calculator to get an instant business valuation in just 3 easy steps.

Start Valuation

Less than 1 minute to complete

Answer a few simple questions

Get your FREE instant valuation

Start Valuation

The Hub

Business Insights

Our Guide to the Mergers and Acquisition Process

Are you about to merge with another company or acquire a startup? Navigating the complexities of the M&A process is tricky even for experienced business people, so we cover everything you need to know about completing your next M&A deal.

Business Insights

Merger and Acquisition Valuation Methods

Mergers and acquisitions are a complex business requiring in-depth due diligence into the financials and operations of the seller’s company. If you plan on jumping in, here’s what you need to know about the art of M&A business valuation.

Business Insights

What is the Difference Between a Merger and Acquisition?

Merging with or forcibly acquiring another company can be a poignant strategic move. Even though these terms are bundled together, they’re not the same. We discuss everything you need to know about mergers and acquisitions.