Ever wondered what happens when an acquisition doesn’t go to plan? In this episode, I speak with Gavin Page, a serial entrepreneur with 28 years in business and a decade of buy-and-build experience. Gavin grew a group of nine companies turning over more than £8 million, but one failed acquisition changed everything. We dive into the reality of scaling through acquisition, from structuring deals and navigating distressed purchases to the unexpected fallout from Royal Mail strikes and rising energy costs. Gavin shares how overleveraging, weak management teams, and unforeseen market changes can bring down even the most carefully structured groups. But this isn’t just a cautionary tale. Gavin reveals how he rebuilt after collapse, why he now mentors buyers and sellers to avoid the same pitfalls, and what he’s learned about resilience, due diligence, and leadership in high-stakes M&A. If you’re considering buying a business or preparing your own exit you’ll want to hear this one to the end.   “Trust your gut — my biggest mistake was letting my ego say yes when my instinct said no.” – Gavin Page   You’ll hear about: Gavin’s first acquisition and how it all began Lessons from buying a £1 distressed company The Royal Mail strikes and Amazon refunds crisis How overleveraging can destroy a profitable group Energy price shocks and their impact on M&A The importance of strong financial due diligence Avoiding personal risk through smart deal structure Leadership, management teams, and accountability Rebuilding purpose after business failure Coaching others to buy and sell wisely   Connect With Gavin Page   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/expertdealmaker/   Transition 360 Partners - https://www.transition360partners.co.uk/   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/   Find out more about our brilliant sponsor Acquisition Masters here - https://www.acquisitionmasters.co.uk/   Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

What really determines the value of a business? In this episode I sit down with Saul Cohen, CEO of The Expert Eye, to explore the mechanics behind valuation and why it is never just about the numbers. We look at how strong financial controls and a clear understanding of EBITDA give both buyers and sellers confidence, and how risk management can make or break a deal. Saul and I also unpack the role governance plays in SMEs and why culture and people are often the hidden drivers of efficiency and value creation. We discuss the responsibilities business owners must accept if they want to maximise their exit options, and challenge some common misconceptions around the role of brokers in the sales process. If you want to understand what makes a business truly valuable and how to position yours for the best possible outcome, you need to listen to this episode.   "Valuation is never just numbers, it’s people and risk.” – Saul Cohen   You’ll hear about: Why understanding financial controls is crucial for business valuation. EBITDA being a key metric in assessing business performance. How risk management directly impacts business valuation multiples. SMEs often overlook operational risks during due diligence. People and culture significantly affect compliance and operational efficiency. Systems and processes being essential for effective governance. Why business owners must take accountability for their financial literacy. Brokers can provide valuable insights, but owners must challenge their valuations. Financial literacy is lacking in the SME sector, impacting decision-making.   Connect With Saul Cohen   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cohensaul/ The Expert Eye - https://theexperteye.co.uk/   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/   Find out more about our brilliant sponsor Acquisition Masters here - https://www.acquisitionmasters.co.uk/   Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

What happens when a casual side hustle explodes into a million-dollar-a-month enterprise almost overnight? In this episode I am joined by Sam Penny, founder of Cheese Therapy, who scaled his cheese distribution business by 23x during the COVID-19 pandemic, in 18 months before choosing to exit. Sam takes us behind the scenes of his explosive growth, unexpected founder departure, and the moment he realised he was no longer energised enough to keep going. Sam opens up about the real cost of building a brand too dependent on its founders, and what he wishes he’d done differently to stay “sale ready.” Whether you're planning to grow through acquisition, raise capital, or exit entirely, Sam’s story is packed with hard-earned lessons that could save you time, energy, and equity. " You don’t sell your business when you’re exhausted, you sell it when you're energised.” – Sam Penny You’ll hear about: How bushfires and COVID catalysed a 23x surge in revenue• Why relying too heavily on founders can limit long-term business value• The importance of building SOPs and internal systems early• How co-founder departures can derail momentum• Why founder energy impacts valuations more than you think• The most overlooked steps to becoming “sale ready” before burnout hits   Connect With Sam Penny   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sampenny/ Sam’s Linktree - https://sampenny.com/pages/start   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/   Find out more about our brilliant sponsor Acquisition Masters here - https://www.acquisitionmasters.co.uk/   Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

What happens when a successful pharmacist gives up his career to buy a care business—just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic? In this episode, Chike Nwangwu, Managing Director of Nash Homecare and the BESDA Group, shares how he built a £4M care group through four strategic acquisitions in just five years. Chike breaks down the emotional and operational challenges of buying a business, from navigating sudden lockdowns to managing sceptical teams and sceptical family members. Discover how he transitioned from corporate stability to entrepreneurial uncertainty—and the strategies that helped him not only survive but thrive. "Building rapport with the seller can make or break an acquisition.” – Chike Nwangwu   You’ll hear about: How to transition safely from a corporate career into business ownership The critical role of team dynamics and internal leadership in acquisition success Lessons learned from completing two deals simultaneously, including a £1.2M+ acquisition Why building your team before you grow is the secret weapon to scaling How to avoid the trap of “buying yourself a job”   Connect With Chike Nwangwu   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikenwangwu/   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/   Find out more about our brilliant sponsor Acquisition Masters here - https://www.acquisitionmasters.co.uk/   Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Think Your Business is Worth More? Here’s What Buyers Are Really Looking At.   Sellers often feel let down by their business valuation. There is a key principle that they overlook from the start of building their business that has a huge impact – their financial literacy.   In this episode I am joined by Rob Goddard, seasoned M&A advisor, to unpack the real financial truths behind selling—or buying—a business.   We break down the myths and misconceptions around business valuations, why adjusted EBITDA is more than just a buzzword, and the critical role financial literacy plays in building business value.   You’ll also hear how real-world businesses prepared for sale, the impact of operations on valuation, and the key team members you need to get top offers when it’s time to exit.   If you're building to sell—or just want to run a smarter business—this is the financial deep dive you can't afford to miss.   "You need a robust financial report to sell.” – Rob Goddard   You’ll hear about:   The fact valuations often differ from perceived value due to various factors. Why a business's true value cannot be determined solely by financial statements. Financial literacy being a significant gap among many entrepreneurs. Robust financial processes are necessary for successful business sales. Why investing in financial management can lead to better business outcomes. How misleading ad backs can inflate business valuations unjustly. Outdated processes hindering business operations and financial accuracy. Building a competent team is essential for business growth and saleability   Connect With Rob Goddard   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgoddard/   S-Cubed Advisory - https://s-cubedadvisory.com/   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/   Find out more about our brilliant sponsor Acquisition Masters here - https://www.acquisitionmasters.co.uk/   Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Are you having a negative impact on the value of your business? So many business owners aren’t aware of the effect they are having on the value of their business before sale. They take on too many roles across the business, aren’t tracking what they pay themselves over the year, and all this impacts what they could be taking home from selling it further down the line. In this episode I go into the fundamentals of financial concepts all business owners should know to be able to sell their business for as much as possible. I cover EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and the impacts of salaries and dividends on valuations. With enough knowledge and a few adjustments, you can maximise what you can sell your business for.   Listen up to find out how!   "Are the decision you make maximising profit?" – Julie   You’ll hear about: Why adjusted EBITDA is crucial for understanding business value during sales. The accruals concept helps match income with costs for accurate financial reporting. Business owners often overlook the impact of their roles on company valuation. Dividends taken by owners can distort profit margins and business valuation.   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/   Find out more about our brilliant sponsor Acquisition Masters here - https://www.acquisitionmasters.co.uk/   Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Will the business you are building last beyond you? Many business owners are building a lifestyle business rather than one for generational wealth. If you want to create a legacy rather than a job it all starts with you. In this, my first solo podcast episode, I explore what it means to build a legacy with your business and what you need to do to prepare for the future if you aim to sell your business. From understanding what generational wealth means, to implementing effective governance structures. I highlight the challenges of scaling a business and the role of financial leadership in ensuring operational efficiency and long-term success. It’s not too late to create your legacy, listen up to find out how! "Are you building a legacy or a job?" – Julie   You’ll hear about: Educating business owners on acquisition and exit strategies. Financial controls are essential for scaling a business effectively. Generational wealth means creating a business that lasts beyond the owner. Many businesses fail to sell due to lack of preparation and knowledge. A CFO can provide strategic value, but timing is key.   Connect With Julie Wilkinson LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/   Find out more about our brilliant sponsor Acquisition Masters here - https://www.acquisitionmasters.co.uk/   Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Selling your business can feel lonely and emotional. You are parting with the thing you have devoted a significant portion of your life to, and that can feel hard. But beyond that is an opportunity to re-invent yourself. In this episode I speak with Luke Winter, a creative director who recently sold his shares in the video agency Wallbreaker. Luke shares with great honesty the emotional toll the sale has had on him. From the moment of knowing it was time to try something new to a final week full of doubt, Luke experienced it all. Now, with the opportunity to explore his next steps, Luke emphasis the need for support and understanding during this transformative time.   "It was a lonely experience." – Luke   You’ll hear about:  The emotional toll of selling is often underestimated. It's important to have support during the selling process. Many entrepreneurs feel lonely when selling their business. Routine changes can impact mental health during transitions. Navigating the sale requires clear communication between parties. Connect with Luke Winters:   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-winter-75a2885a/   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/   Find out more about our brilliant sponsor Acquisition Masters here - https://www.acquisitionmasters.co.uk/   Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Over 612,000 Baby Boomer business owners will need to sell or exit their companies in the coming years. The question is—will they get the deal they deserve? In this episode I am joined by Clive Margetts and Oli Luke, founders of Acquisition Masters, to explore how business owners can maximise their exit strategy and secure a profitable sale. The UK economy is facing a serious threat if these businesses fail to sell or get swallowed up by the market leaders. Jobs will be on the line. We explore the nuances of consulting for equity, exit strategies, and the importance of business structure and governance. If you're a business owner looking to sell, scale, or structure your company for the future, this episode is packed with must-know insights to help you exit on your terms.   "612,00 businesses are operated by baby boomers" – Oli   You’ll hear about:   ✅ Why so many Baby Boomers are struggling to sell their businesses✅ The real value of your business—and how to get the price it deserves✅ How consulting for equity can boost business value before selling✅ The transition from owner-operator to investor and why it matters✅ The biggest risks in M&A, from pricing mistakes to client concentration   Connect with Clive Margetts:   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clivemargetts/ The Business Success Consultant - https://thebusinesssuccessconsultant.com/   Connect with Oli Luke:   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oli-luke-3451b150/ Business of Hearing - https://businessofhearing.com/ Listen to Oli’s Podcast – The Business of Hearing - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-business-of-hearing/id1536591535   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/   Find out more about our brilliant sponsor Acquisition Masters here - https://www.acquisitionmasters.co.uk/   Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Imagine buying a business for £1 and it all goes wrong.   The previous owners have been paying themselves with the staff’s wages but not paying the staff. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.   This was the experience of my guest Charlie Norton. Charlie shares the whole story of how he went from a £1 business purchase to sinking £40k of his own money into the business just to pay off immediate debts, but that still wasn’t enough…   He discusses why due diligence could have saved him from ever going through this challenging acquisition that he says left him in poor health because of the stress. He has since gone on to successfully sell his group of businesses and move on from this experience.   Charlie's experiences highlight the complexities of business acquisitions and the importance of learning from failures to inform future decisions.   "One bad experience doesn’t define your whole life" – Charlie   Timestamps   01:56 - Charlie's Journey in M&A 05:49 - The Stressful Acquisition Experience 11:51 - Overcoming Challenges in Business Acquisition 18:08 - Lessons Learned from a Failed Acquisition 23:46 - Transitioning to a New Business Model 30:00 - Conclusion and Future Aspirations   Connect with Charlie Norton:   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-norton-767953227/   Vamos - https://vamosbusiness.com/   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/   Find out more about our brilliant sponsor Acquisition Masters here - https://www.acquisitionmasters.co.uk/   Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

What would you do if you faced losing everything?   When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Céline Aloé, CEO of UKLC, saw her business revenue drop to zero overnight. But instead of giving up, she made bold moves to survive and thrive.   In this episode we dive into Céline’s journey of resilience, personal growth, and strategic reinvention.   Discover how investing in coaching, embracing acquisitions, and leading with empathy transformed her business.   If you're an entrepreneur facing uncertainty, Céline’s story will show you that even in crisis, opportunities await.   Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with actionable insights!   "Once I opened my mind to growing through acquisition opportunities began to present themselves" – Céline Aloé   Timestamps   01:43 - An introduction to Celine 07:23 - Investing in herself at challenging times 10:43 - Not taking the work into her personal life 16:50 - Finding the route into acquisitions 21:53 - Building groups by acquisition 23:53 - The impact of bringing in the right people 25:55 - Celine's vision for the future   Connect with Céline Aloé:   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/c%C3%A9line-alo%C3%A9-ceo-at-uklc-education-group-b665541/   UKLC - https://uklc.org/   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/   Find out more about our brilliant sponsor Acquisition Masters here - https://www.acquisitionmasters.co.uk/    Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

The tables are turned in this episode.   I am in the hot seat revealing all about my own acquisition story.   I am joined by Astan Morarji, a Multi-Exited Founder and Leader, who interviews me on the importance of acquisitions in business growth and the challenges faced during my recent acquisition.   We discuss the significance of understanding client relationships, the learning process in acquisitions, and the drive to help business owners maximise wealth and create generational wealth through strategic business decisions.   Financial literacy is so important for business owners, especially in acquisitions. So, we explore the common concerns sellers have during the acquisition process, the significance of warranties and fair terms, and the misconceptions surrounding no money down deals.   This was a lot of fun to be hot in the hot seat, I do hope you enjoy this episode!   "Acquisitions should be a growth vehicle" – Julie Wilkinson   Timestamps   01:27 - An introduction to Astan 03:13 - Julie's background and journey into business 08:25 - How her background shaped her as a business owner 09:59 - The details of Julie's acquisition 12:30 - How long did the acquisition process take? 15:07 - The complexities of the asset sale 20:52 - The seller's relationship with the clients 24:08 - De-risking concerns with the deal 30:50 - What has Julie learned from this deal? 36:10 - Are buyers always visionaries?   Connect with Astan Morarji:   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/astanm/   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/ Find out more about our brilliant sponsor Acquisition Masters here - https://www.acquisitionmasters.co.uk/   Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Financial literacy is the biggest barrier to successful M&A.   Both sellers and buyers need to know how the numbers work to ensure they get the best deal.   In this episode I am joined by Erin O'Leary, an M&A and exit advisor. We explore the intricacies of business acquisitions and exits. Erin shares insights from her extensive experience, including a case study of a legacy bus company and the factors influencing business valuation.   We also share our experiences as women in the M&A space, from representation of women to the strengths women have as CEOs.   This episode is full of insights into what buyers and sellers need to know to get the best out of their deals.   " Valuation is relative to the buyer's situation " - Erin O'Leary   Timestamps   01:53 - An introduction to Erin 03:50 - The biggest issues in acquisitions 07:26 - The lack of financial expertise in acquisitions 13:37 - Why founders need to be financially literate 17:55 - A laborious bus company acquisition 22:15 - Where adjustments in the valuation happen 28:01 - Erin's current projects   Connect with Erin O'Leary:   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinolearymba/   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/   Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Imagine selling your business for 9 figures. Would you start imagining what you could do with it all before the deal is done? My guest in this episode not only imagined he started spending it. Only to find that half of it fell through between the letter of intent to the final deal. Alexis Sikorsky shares his journey of building and exiting a software company for a nine-figures. He discusses the challenges he faced during the financial crisis, and the role of private equity in his business growth. We also highlight the differences between lifestyle and growth companies and offer insights into how entrepreneurs can maximize their business value. "From the letter of intent to an actual sale half of the deal fell through" - Alexis Sikorsky   Timestamps 01:45 - An introduction to Alexis 07:48 - From hard times to 9 figure exit 12:27 - How bringing in expert knowledge helped 14:08 - Did Alexis have to get creative with cashflow? 14:36 - The timescale to sell after bringing in the PE firm 17:39 - Alexis on his experience with the PE firm 24:32 - The big issue with pre-negotiations 31:05 - Moving away from a lifestyle business sooner   Connect with Alexis Sikorsky:   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-sikorsky-consulting/ Website - https://www.asikorsky.com/   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/   Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

There are simple things you can do to get your acquisitions completed faster.   So many people aren’t prepared in the way they should be, which dramatically slows down the process of buying or selling a business.   In this episode I am joined by Jamil Anakkar, the CEO of Tandy Ventures, who shares where he sees the massive opportunities in M&A right now.   Jamil outlines the challenges he faced during his first acquisition, and the importance of effective communication and financial health in the acquisition process. To be best prepared you need to deal in person with the seller as much as possible before handing over to solicitors.   Leave too much to them and it will slow you down.   If you want to find out how you should be prepared for your business acquisition, listen up!   "Bigger deals are generally easier. " - Jamil Anakkar   Timestamps   01:46 - An introduction to Jamil 06:57 - How many owners are hands off in their business? 09:07 - Jamil on closing his deal in 6 months 13:05 - Agree as much as possible with sellers before solicitors 16:02 - Identifying big risks at heads of terms 26:54 - The biggest trend in businesses below audit level 30:26 - Not investing in the right people 36:48 - Jamil's future aspirations   Connect with Jamil Anakkar:   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamil-anakkar/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC21gxYXKncu-ir8zbiqRgqA Tandy Ventures - https://www.tandygroup.net/   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/   Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Is your business too dependent on you?  Far too many companies are lifestyle businesses that would fall apart without the owner.  This can jeopardise your exit, so detaching yourself from working in the business is essential.  In this episode I am joined by Michèle Hecken, who built, operated, scaled, and exited a successful business in the translation industry. After completing a high-7-figure exit she now serves as an Advisor to high performers wanting to run businesses that serve them and live lives they dream of.  She shares how she scaled and exited her translation company, learning the art of off-boarding as she went. She also gives strategies you can use to create a business that can operate independently of you.    Off-boarding tasks and jobs can maximise the value of your exits.    So, let’s hear from Michèle!    "The art of off-boarding is a game changer" - Michèle Hecken    Timestamps    01:29 - An introduction to Michèle Hecken  03:20 - Working on the business not in it  05:26 - How Julie stopped working in her business  10:23 - Julie's story developing her business  12:47 - The steps Michèle took to step back in her business   18:33 - The problems with service-based businesses   26:11 - Focusing on governance and controls  33:59 - The power of the finance team  36:23 - Tying systems to KPIs    Connect with Michèle Hecken:    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelehecken/  Michèle’s website - https://www.michelehecken.com/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mhecken/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mhecken/    Check out special Michèle's offer just for you the Build & Exit listeners! https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/buildandexit/podcast/special/offer   Connect With Julie Wilkinson    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/  Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A   Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions  Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/    Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!  

How does it feel to sell your business to a multinational chain? Edin Basic did just that. Building his chain of restaurants up to 17 sites before selling it to Pizza Express. But when the deal was done, he didn’t go out celebrating, he was left with the feeling of “was that it?” For him the journey of building the business had been the real enjoyment of the whole process. He talks candidly about how he felt at every step of the way and afterwards. He shares the complexities of exiting as well as the importance of preparation and governance. Edin emphasizes the significance of understanding the market dynamics and being ready for unexpected changes that can influence your decision of when is best to make the deal. Now helping other business owners with their own growth and exit strategies there is a lot to learn from Edin.   "It's all about the journey rather than the destination." – Edin Basic   Timestamps  01:05 - An introduction to Edin 03:06 - Scaling to exit position 07:28 - Getting clear about what you want 13:25 - How did the exit with Pizza Express happen? 18:36 - Knowing the right time to exit 22:25 - How Edin felt after selling 25:55 - Did the deal change before the end? 32:03 - The emotional side of selling a business 37:04 - Working after the exit   Connect with Edin Basic:   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edinbasic-help-food-and-beverage-founders-grow-and-exit-their-business/ We Amplify - https://we-amplify.co/   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/   Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Are you intentional about scaling your business for exit?   So many organic business owners don’t have a plan and don’t know what the end goal is. If they did their loved ones would thank them so much more for doing things right when things passed onto them.   In this episode I speak with Rachel Murphy, a two-time exit founder, about her entrepreneurial journey and 8x multiplier exit.   Rachel gives insight into the importance of intentional business scaling, and the challenges and opportunities faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also emphasizes the need for better exit strategies and support services for business owners, particularly female founders.She is currently the founder of The Grafter, a business consultancy that helps professional services businesses grow, scale, and exit, maximizing their value in the process.   So there is a lot to learn from Rachel otherwise known as “The Legend”.   "I was really clear and intentional that it was going to be an in and out in five years." – Rachel Murphy   Timestamps   01:13 - Rachel's background in business exits 03:13 - Was Rachel always going to sell her business? 05:47 - The end intentions of organic business owners 10:56 - Getting the staff on board during acquisitions 14:36 - The opportunities brought by Covid 18:49 - The exit from the 8x multiplier 22:23 - Rachel's view on the exit planning market 29:34 - Entrepreneurship through acquisition   Connect with Rachel Murphy:   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachthegrafter/ The Grafter - https://thegrafter.com/ Rachel’s Linktree - https://linktr.ee/RachMurphy   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/   Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Have you considered becoming an investor? The mindset you need differs significantly from being an operator of the business. One that my guest in this episode, Taha Afshar explores with us. Taha started his journey working in a family-run tea business to then make the shifts needed to diversify their income. He shares his experiences moving to the world of investments. Where he has now successfully acquired and managed multiple businesses. Taha delves into the importance of diversification in investment portfolios, the challenges of navigating the acquisition process, and the strategies for managing acquired businesses. With this approach to investments as a form of diversification Taha has given his family a solid foundation for future growth.   “I had a 115% return in the first year.” – Taha Afshar   Timestamps  01:10 - An introduction to Taha 02:16 - Why Taha decided to diversify 08:47 - How Taha found the first business he bought 12:05 - Taha's experience in the sector he bought 13:32 - Acquisition number 2 18:20 - Does Taha work full time in investments? 20:47 - Getting the systems and processes right 25:20 - Evolving and learning 29:22 - Has investing given Taha what he wanted?   Connect with Taha Afshar:   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tahaafshar/ X - https://twitter.com/tahaafshar?lang=en-GB   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/   Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

The journey to business owner is never straight forward. In this episode that journey started due to my guest, David Longford, taking over the business from the owner just before he passed away. This transition from employee to business owner required respect and a focus on the long-term growth of the business. David talks about the process involved in taking over from an owner in these difficult circumstances. David shares how he successfully exited without an earn-out and avoided insolvency. He also highlights the need for clear communication and trust-building with potential buyers during the exit process. This episode provides valuable insights into the acquisition and exit journey.   “You’ve just got to recognise your weaknesses” – David Longford   Timestamps  01:13 - An introduction to David 02:34 - Transitioning from employee to buyer 05:54 - How David got the company shares 10:34 - The pressures you put on yourself as a new CEO 13:07 - Why no money down deals don't work 21:15 - The key thing in David's exit process 28:25 - What the sale structure looked like   Connect with David Longford: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/longford/   Connect With Julie Wilkinson LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/   Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!