Build and Exit

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, Tahar 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 Tahar 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!

How can customer service affect your business sale? Buyers looking at your business would have more confidence in their investment if they saw customer satisfaction was high. So, making sure you not only have satisfied customers but evidencing it is key. In this episode I am joined by customer service expert Geoff Ramm. He is the creator and author of Celebrity Service & Celebrity Service Superstars. And has challenged and inspired audiences across 50 countries, to create award-winning ideas to outperform the competition. Geoff shares ideas to take your customer service not only to the next level but to the heights you would go to if you were serving your celebrity idol. This not only impacts the success of your business but will give you an advantage when selling it. This episode is full of great ideas to improve the lasting impression you have on your customers.   “What sort of service would you deliver if a celebrity would walk through your doors today?"  – Geoff Ramm   Timestamps  01:09 - An introduction to Geoff 02:46 - How would you rate your service? 06:57 - Having the same excitement for all customers 11:00 - Staff and the customer service equation 20:39 - Using customer service in selling businesses 25:33 - Recognition from the customers   Connect with Geoff Ramm:  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/customerservicespeaker/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/geoff.ramm.5 X - https://x.com/GeoffRamm YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@geofframm Geoff's website - https://www.geofframm.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!

Have you planned for the worst?   Imagine you're at death's door and know you have no plan for what will happen to your business if you die.   This is the exact experience one of my guest's clients faced. And the worst did happen. Sadly, she passed with no plan for what would happen to the business once she was gone. Not a situation anyone wants to find themselves in.   In this episode I am joined by Paula Wingate, who is dedicated to helping 7 figure hardworking women unleash their explosive business potential without feeling overwhelmed or sacrificing their life in the process.   She shares stories that will make you think twice about your own business planning. She also turns the tables and interviews me about my own journey scaling Wilkinson Accounting Solutions, how to price right from the start and what every business owner should be doing to sell their business at maximum value.   There is a lot to learn from this one so get ready!   “Sometimes you've got to get that slap in the face to say, is this worth it?"  – Paula Wingate   Timestamps   01:23 – Introduction to Paula                                                                        02:08 - 7 figure tragedies in exits                                           06:56 - Going from 100 to 40 hours work a week                                         12:20 - Julie's journey employing others 16:50 - What would Julie do differently? 22:52 - Paying for the right people 26:58 - Pricing wrong from the start 36:12 - How Julie makes 3.5 return from expenses 42:41 - How to sell your business at max value   Connect with Paula Wingate:   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/7figurebusinesscoach/ Influential Minds - https://www.influentialminds.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/   Before you go, don't forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

What would you do to make your business a success?   Would it include jumping from a broken-down train to hitch hike to a product pitch?   Well, that's what my guest in this episode did for an idea that didn't even work out. Todd Sullivan grew up in an entrepreneurial household and has lived this way ever since. He is the CEO and Managing Partner of Exitwise, a company that helps businesses sell.   Todd shares some of the incredible ups and downs he has faced including a failed exit that resulted in losing all his staff and suppliers. After rebuilding he was able to go on to sell multiple other businesses. He also shares his entrepreneurial story including the incredible mission he and his brother went on to pitch to Toys ‘R' Us.   Todd shares his advice to aspiring entrepreneurs as well as the challenges of the M&A process and the importance of surrounding oneself with the right advice   “The entrepreneurial journey is a complete emotional and financial roller coaster” – Todd Sullivan   Timestamps   01:55 - An introduction to Todd 03:48 - Todd on an exit falling through 06:45 - How Todd got through the difficult times 12:18 - Jumping from a train to meet Toys 'R' Us 19:22 - Todd's journey to entrepreneurship 22:15 - Todd's advice for entrepreneurs 25:02 - How Julie got into entrepreneurship   Connect with Todd Sullivan:   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddfsullivan/ Exitwise on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/exitwise/ Exitwise - https://exitwise.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!

Selling a business comes with risks, but the buyer tyring to swindle you right at the end would challenge anyone's nerve.   My guest in this episode, Sam Oliver, shares his experience of successfully selling his business and going through an earn-out clause. He discusses the challenges he faced when the buyer suddenly changed the processes at the last moment.   He shares what happened with disputes over the deferred consideration and the lengthy and costly process of resolving them. He also provides insights into what he would have done differently to protect himself and offers advice for other entrepreneurs going through similar situations.   “I thought they wouldn't want to fire me, piss me off, and give me a shit offer” – Sam Oliver   Timestamps   02:08 - An introduction to Sam 02:53 - Did Sam plan to have an exit? 06:34 - Growing a company to 37% market share 11:57 - Why did the earn out go wrong? 14:25 - How did Sam challenge low payments? 21:14 - Could Sam have done anything differently? 24:49 - Why did the buyer have this strategy? 27:09 - Sam's new venture Openfi   Connect with Sam Oliver:   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam0liver/ OpenFi - https://www.openfi.tech/ Lead Pro - https://www.lead.pro/ Advance To Go - https://www.advancetogo.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!

Gender bias exists when applying for funding in the venture capital industry.   It's a fact, women are less likely than men to not only succeed in getting funding but for applying for it in the first place.   This disadvantage is something that has driven my guest in this episode, David B Horne, to help rectify. David is the Founder of Funding Focus, a social enterprise whose mission is to level the uneven playing field that female and underrepresented entrepreneurs face when raising capital.   He shares the shocking statistics behind this disadvantage and why women get less funding and don't want to go for it in the first place. He also gives his advice on how to level the playing field when pitching to investors.   This is not to be missed if you are a woman looking to apply for funding.   “The level of funding to female founders is currently 1.9%” – David B Horne   Timestamps   02:07 - Why do women get less funding? 04:50 - An introduction to David 07:52 - Why don't women go for funding? 14:20 - Advice to women starting the process 18:21 - David's advice for pitching to investors 21:01 - David's thoughts on pitching competitions 22:34 - Funding for the M&A journey 25:33 - How David helps female founders   Connect with David B Horne:   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-b-horne/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/davidbhorne/ Linktree - https://linktr.ee/DavidBHorne   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!

What's the worst thing that could happen during an acquisition?   Up there at the top must be finding fraud from the seller.   Kemi Egan is my guest in this episode, and she found just this during one of her acquisitions. A seller was using a fraudulent pension scheme discovered by HMRC. Even then during the legal process the seller, and their defence have denied any wrongdoing despite evidence to the contrary.   Kemi shares the stress this caused her and what has been happening since. She also shares her wealth of experience, having completed 30 acquisitions in the last 5 years with 10 exits. As well as what she learned from this experience.   “Every step it was just so irrational” – Kemi Egan   Timestamps   01:39 - An introduction to Kemi 03:26 - How Kemi got into M&A 11:04 - Kemi on discovering fraudulent activities 19:51 - Was the business owner aware of fraud? 21:19 - What Kemi learnt from the experience 23:52 - Is there anything that could have been done differently? 25:16 - Julie on how to track changes 28:29 - Kemi's current acquisitions                                          Connect with Kemi Egan:   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiegan/ Linktree - https://linktr.ee/kemiegan     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!

Many sellers have no idea how resilient their business is going into the sale.   This can massively impact the final valuation of the business, but you can avoid this if you have things set up the right way to sell.   In this episode I am joined by Al Zucker a Lawyer that helps entrepreneurs and firms raise, acquire and exit successfully. He has seen a lot of bad deals, and he gives insights into why this happens. From experiences with deteriorated assets to why no money down deals aren't what they are cracked up to be.   Al gives you the reasons why balance sheets, due diligence and heads of terms are so important for a deal going through and he shares his doomsday scenarios.   “Your balance sheet tells you how resilient you are” – Al Zucker   Timestamps   01:45 - An introduction to Al 03:26 - The difference between equity and debt 06:20 - Levels of equity 12:06 - Al's view on no money down deals 17:52 - The doomsday scenario 22:11 - Al experience with deteriorated assets 26:51 - Diligence and terms sheets 31:52 - Julie on linked companies   Connect with Al Zucker:   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajzucker/   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!

You can cash out of your business tax free, so you get the amount you need to retire and support your family's future.   The problem is many don't know how to get there.   In this episode I am joined by Marc Adams, a visionary entrepreneur, acclaimed author, who explains how to do just that. Marc is an expert in business transformation, and as the CEO of Acquisitions 4 U, Marc specializes in helping businesses unlock their full potential, multiply their value, and achieve tax-free exits.   Listen as Marc emphasizes the importance of saving money by outsourcing tasks and optimizing marketing efforts. He highlights the potential of acquisitions to quickly grow a business and increase its value. He also advises business owners to consider structuring their business sales to minimize tax liabilities and protect their assets.   And as a special bonus Marc offers his book for FREE to our podcast listeners, check out the offer at the end of the episode.   “You don't need to write big checks on day one to do an acquisition” – Marc Adams   Timestamps   01:20 - An introduction to Marc 08:56 - Saving Money and Increasing Profitability 15:32 - Effective Marketing Strategies for Business Growth 27:46 - Maximizing Value through Personal Tax Planning 32:05 - Protecting Assets for Future Generations 35:49 - Offer: Free Copy of Marc's Book   Connect with Marc   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/1marcadams/ Acquisitions4you - https://acquisitions4you.com/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@1marcadams   Read Marc's book - Secrets To 10Xing Your Business: And Cashing Out Tax-Free   https://rb.gy/4vzcee   Get your FREE copy by emailing Marc at marc@acquisitions4you.com   *This offer is only available within 2 weeks of the episode going live*   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!

Acquisitions can be an opportunity to change your career.   But what if you quit your job and the deal falls through?   You're left with no job and no deal.   This is exactly what happened to my guest in this episode, Steve Lawrence. The seller decided not to go ahead at the last-minute leaving Steve in the lurch.   Steve shares the ups and downs of his acquisition experience from his first failed acquisition to then finding the company he went on to buy through a Google search. He talks about the struggles and the positives after the acquisition went through, as well as his huge learning curve of why heads of terms are so important.   “The deal just completely fell out” – Steve Lawrence   Timestamps   01:49 - Steve's failed acquisition 03:39 - An introduction to Steve 07:32 - Did Steve get any reimbursements? 08:30 - Steve's successful acquisition 13:48 - The importance of heads of terms 17:41 - Post acquisition struggles 24:14 - Advice on small term loans 27:03 - Post acquisition positives         Connect with Steve   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/uncomplicatedsteve/ Uncomplicated Group - https://www.uncomplicatedgroup.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/   Before you go, don't forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Imagine not even knowing you are about to go bankrupt.   Many business owners don't know what is going with their accounts. With £5 million pounds of debt and another £1 million in stocks that anyone could have taken, this was the reality for one business.   In this episode I am joined by Judith Hamilton and Christine Nicholson, 2 brilliant women working in the exit planning and financial world. We share our experiences working with businesses and what needs to be in place for a well-structured exit.   We also discuss what corporate governance is and why it matters for businesses and exit plans, what you should be looking for in people and why you need to keep your processes simple.   “By the time I opened all the envelopes, have discovered that this business was £5 million in debt” – Christine Nicholson   Timestamps   00:58 - An introduction to Judith and Christine 04:50 - What does processing systems mean? 08:39 - Start with simple processes 12:13 - The key things around controls 20:09 - Governance information needed at exit 26:45 - What you should be looking for with people 31:06 - The 2 biggest things Julie's sees in exits   Connect with Judith   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/judith-hamilton/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/judith_evimero/   Connect with Christine   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-nicholson/ Christine's website - https://christinenicholson.co.uk/ Get Exit Ready - https://getexitready.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/   Before you go, don't forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Most businesses are built from people's dreams. The challenge is taking it from that dream to reality.   In this episode I am joined by Nigel Carley who has achieved this through creating The Pinelli Group, as he approached retirement. A company that sells properties in Italy through fractional ownership.   Nigel fell in love with Italy over his career with Alfa Romeo and through hard work and investing his time he found the right properties that would allow him to create the business he dreamed of.   He shares his story on how he created the business, found the properties and transitioned from retirement to business owner.   “Everyone I spoke to literally said, you're absolutely bonkers” – Nigel Carley   Timestamps   02:16 – A personal story of how The Pinelli Group started 11:07 – Successful businesses are built off of dreams 17:30 – Transitioning from retirement plan to business 23:00 – Making it affordable for investors 30:20 – How Nigel's mindset changed 34:44 – You have to put in the hard work to create change 37:47 – Did Nigel face any negativity? 40:34 – What properties does Nigel currently have   Connect with Nigel   The Pinelli Group - https://thepinelligroup.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thepinelligroup Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thepinelligroup/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigel-carley-94a024298/   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!

Financial freedoms means different things to everybody. Achieving it means living the life you want but imagine having it and then losing it all.   In this episode I am joined by Meena Adnani, who worked hard against the expectations those around her had. She was judged, because of being a woman and also because of her cultural background. All of which she blocked out to reach her dreams and achieve financial freedom.   She reveals how she lost everything to then build her life back up and reach 7 figures. And she shares how she achieved this, the connection between self-worth and net worth and the importance of a growth mindset.   “All the money that I saved until I was 46 was gone” – Meena Adnani     Timestamps   02:09 – The importance of adversity to Meena 05:50 – Meena's constant need to prove herself 12:03 – Meena on coping with financial loss 18:07 – Julie's personal healing journey 22:03 – Meena on overcoming financial loss 28:25 – The importance of a growth mindset   Connect with Meena   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/meena-kumari-adnani/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/STRONGANDSHINE Strong and Shine - https://www.strongandshine.com/ Linktree - https://linktr.ee/meenakumariadnani The Comeback Masterclass - https://www.strongandshine.com/the-comeback   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 going from waitress to financial freedom all through acquisitions.   That is exactly what my guest in this episode, Della Kirkman, achieved. She found a way to buy small businesses and grow them organically to build and exit. She is now on a mission to supports 10,000 women to build wealth through acquisition.   In this episode Della reveals how she achieved financial freedom through acquisitions, and how she changed her career from waitress to business owner. She also shares her experiences in making the deals and what her top tips are for anyone looking to take the leap into entrepreneurship.     “I bought a job and grew that organically and was able to exit” – Della Kirkman   Timestamps   01:47 – From waitress to business owner 04:38 – What the deal structure looked like 07:30 - Buying and selling with creative financing strategies 10:55 – How Della's deal worked 12:30 – The power of confidence in making deals 16:55 – Della's top tips for becoming a business owner   Connect with Della   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dellakirkmancpa/ Shift-n-Gears - https://www.shift-n-gears.com/ Shift-n-Gears Newsletter - https://www.shift-n-gears.com/newsletter 9 Steps to selling your business - https://www.shift-n-gears.com/9-steps-to-selling-your-business Della's Acquisition Expressway - https://www.dellakirkman.com/a/2147831762/qLE3Joz6   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutio4018 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!

Acquisitions would be far easier if all sellers were educated on what's involved.   Knowing what happens post-acquisition is part of the learning that needs to happen to secure a successful deal.   In this episode Kush Birdi and I discuss the importance of KPI based target setting and why you should audit the legal aspects of your deals. We also share why being truthful is so important for the seller to ensure the buyer sees your business as a good deal. We also talk about the fact that selling in full is not your only option for a happy retirement.   “You've got to know the truth” – Julie Wilkinson   Timestamps   02:41 - What post acquisition integration involves   04:52 - Why targets need to come from KPIs 06:39 - Auditing your legals 08:52 - Why sellers need to know the truth 11:09 - Why you need to invest in the right resources          14:51 - Becoming a more educated seller   Connect with Kush Birdi   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kushbirdi/ X - https://twitter.com/KushBirdi Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BirdiandCoSolicitors/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnxnIW2dWuwRRMTLC4-tUhg  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/birdiandcosolicitors/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@birdiandcosolicitors Birdilaw - https://birdilaw.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/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutio4018 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 being in £100K of debt because of a scam.   This is a nightmare situation for any business owner who puts their trust into others and is exactly the position my guest, Kath Jones found herself in.   She is the founder of Think Wine Group and ended up losing £100K after her agent scammed her and the funding she got to salvage the situation never came through.   Kath shares how all of this has impacted her mental health as well as the business and the lessons she has learned from it. She also discusses the steps she is taking to ensure this never happens again.   “Nobody knew where he had gone, the winery couldn't find him, it was just crazy” – Kath Jones   Timestamps   01:58 - Kath on starting her wine business 06:21 – Kath's experience with investment scams 10:55 – The consequences of being scammed 15:29 - Dealing with anxiety and denial in a business deal 19:32 – What Kath wishes she had done differently 26:40 – The most important lesson to learn     Connect with Kath Jones   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-jones-638682a0/ Think Wine Group - https://www.thinkwinegroup.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/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutio4018 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!

Not being aware of the financial or legal implications of a deal can have disastrous consequences.   From intellectual property protection, staffing issues to outstanding debts, there are many aspects of a deal that need to be checked as part of your due diligence.   In this episode Kush Birdi and I discuss where due diligence can impact deals and our personal experiences working with both sellers and buyers throughout the due diligence process. We cover where lawyers and accountants fit into the process and the biggest problems we have seen throughout our time working in the acquisitions space.   “On the legal side due diligence is so important” – Kush Birdi   Timestamps   02:41 - How Julie supports acquirers with due diligence 05:09 - Where due diligence impacts deals 08:11 - Why due diligence is important for legals                 11:15 - Julie's experiences post acquisition 15:12 - Due diligence and lawyers 18:38 - The completion accounts process 20:25 - The biggest problem in acquisitions    Connect with Kush Birdi   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kushbirdi/ X - https://twitter.com/KushBirdi Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BirdiandCoSolicitors/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnxnIW2dWuwRRMTLC4-tUhg  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/birdiandcosolicitors/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@birdiandcosolicitors Birdilaw - https://birdilaw.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/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutio4018 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!

Heads of terms are a key aspect of any acquisition.   The buyer and seller need to agree on these to show serious intent for the deal. But there are many key issues both parties need to be aware of. In this episode Kush Birdi and I discuss our experiences working with heads of terms.   We also share how the buyer and seller can become aligned and why this is so important. The common problems that can arise whilst creating heads of terms and crucially what you need to make sure is in them.   Kush Birdi is the Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Birdi & Co. An independent, multi-service law firm that believes by bringing energy and positivity to everything they do, working across commercial, corporate law, employee and finance law specialising in M&A.   “Most people don't understand the importance of heads of terms” – Julie Wilkinson   Timestamps   02:41 - Julie's experience with heads of terms          06:32 - The importance of a good advisory team      07:59 - The buyer and seller need to be aligned        12:40 - Why you should get 3rd party advisors         15:55 - What needs to be in heads of terms?            12:24 - The importance of exclusivity in acquisitions 24:12 - Common issues with heads of terms 26:28 - People want to buy an asset not a job                                                 Connect with Kush Birdi   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kushbirdi/ X - https://twitter.com/KushBirdi Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BirdiandCoSolicitors/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnxnIW2dWuwRRMTLC4-tUhg  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/birdiandcosolicitors/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@birdiandcosolicitors Birdilaw - https://birdilaw.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/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutio4018 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 many risks to consider as a buyer in acquisitions.   Not being prepared can have severe consequences. You need to do your due diligence and plan every aspect to ensure its success.   In this episode I am joined by Kush Birdi to tell you all you need to know about the legal consequences buyers can face and how to ensure you are covered all the way through your acquisition process. From risk planning, corporate governance to due diligence we cover it all, as well as our views on no money down deals.   Kush Birdi is the Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Birdi & Co. An independent, multi-service law firm that believes by bringing energy and positivity to everything they do, working across commercial, corporate law, employee and finance law specialising in M&A.   “Good bookkeeping is the foundation to all accuracy” – Julie Wilkinson   Timestamps   01:42 - An introduction to Kush                     02:48 - Financial information companies need 07:26 - What are buyers looking for? 12:46 - Getting the right deal team 16:21 - The importance of risk planning 20:38 - No money down deals 25:56 - The more you plan the easier it will be   Connect with Kush Birdi   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kushbirdi/ X - https://twitter.com/KushBirdi Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BirdiandCoSolicitors/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnxnIW2dWuwRRMTLC4-tUhg  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/birdiandcosolicitors/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@birdiandcosolicitors Birdilaw - https://birdilaw.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/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutio4018 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 checked your brand's intellectual property?   Imagine having £7million of investment held because you found another business already had your name. This is exactly what happened to a company my guest in this episode, Matthew Cusack, is working with.   Matt is Managing Director of National Business Register Group Limited (NBR), an Intellectual Property business, and is responsible for driving the business' strategy and growth plans. He firmly believes that “people buy people” and relationships are key to the growth of any successful business.   In this episode he discusses the importance of IP (Intellectual Property) to businesses and the risks of not protecting your brand. He also shares what to have in your shareholder agreements and what to do if you are concerned about your IP.   “Every transaction is unique, and every transaction throws up its challenges” – Matthew Cusak   Timestamps   01:35 – An introduction to Matthew 03:10 – What IP is and why it's important 05:40 – The risks of not protecting your brand 10:28 – What to have in a shareholder agreement 15:10 – Why you need to understand accounting principles 21:27 – The unique challenges of every transaction 23:49 – What to do if you are concerned about IP   Connect with Matthew Cusak   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-cusack-8a209534/ National Business Register LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/start-biz-nbr/ National Business Register Linktree - https://linktr.ee/corinelliott     Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutio4018 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!   Download the RacketPal app and get a 50% discount with this podcast when you enter WILKPAL at sign up.   RapketPal on the App Store - https://shorturl.at/iDFIS   RacketPal on Google Play - https://shorturl.at/givA2

You must get used to hearing “No” when trying to raise funds to start a business idea. Knowing that eventually you will hear the yes you need is all the motivation you need to keep going.   That was the belief my guest in this episode had to get his idea off the ground. Robert Riza is the Co-Founder and CEO of RacketPal, a platform built out of a love for racket sports.   He talks about what it took to get funding for the project and how getting the funding was only the start of the challenges he faced. He also gives advice on what you need to generate funding and the information he reports to investors.   “I just knew that the next person I called the next person I reached out to, the next person I emailed could change my life” – Robert Rizea   Timestamps   02:12 - An introduction to Robert 03:55 - Making a plan for the money needed 09:53 - The challenges of phoning for funding 14:22 - What you need to start a funding round 18:59 - Pricing founder salaries into funding 20:50 - Reporting financials to investors 27:25 - What is the future for RacketPal?   Connect with Robert Rizea   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-rizea/?originalSubdomain=uk Twitter - https://twitter.com/robertrrizea?lang=en-GB RacketPal website - https://racketpal.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/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutio4018 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!   Download the RacketPal app and get a 50% discount with this podcast when you enter WILKPAL at sign up.   RapketPal on the App Store - https://shorturl.at/iDFIS   RacketPal on Google Play - https://shorturl.at/givA2

This is part 2 of a special episode of The Build & Exit podcast where the tables get turned and Julie is in the hot seat. Julie was interviewed live on NTV to tell her personal and business story.   In this episode Julie gives the business side of her story, talking about how her business journey started, the advice she has for people looking to become entrepreneurs and the fundamentals that every business owner should have in place when running a business.   “Try and step outside of your comfort zone” – Julie Wilkinson   Timestamps   05:18 – Julie hands in her notice 07:28 – How Julie got into acquisitions 09:39 – Why Julie started her podcast 12:46 – The importance of valuing a business 17:24 – How Julie built a company quickly 22:47 – Julie's tips for aspiring entrepreneurs   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutio4018 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 first 72 hours of taking on a new business is always eventful. But a salesperson syphoning leads, and the police called in to stop diggers tearing down buildings at a school must be up there with the hardest first days of any business owner.   This was the reality for my guest in this episode, Adrian Knight. He had a lot of firefighting to perform within his acquisitions that led him to really focus on the back end, something many people don't do.   He talks about this experience as well as his integration strategies, how having no processes can impact the customer and why even the smallest things can have big financial impacts.   “The police came to stop diggers tearing it down” – Adrian Knight   Timestamps                                     02:10 - An introduction to Adrian 04:49 - Why Adrian focused on the back office 07:12 - Did Adrian have an integration strategy? 13:24 - Did no processes impact the customer? 16:34 - Small things can cause big financial problems 19:51 - Adrian's acquisition story 22:00 - Adrian's future acquisition plans   Connect With Adrian Knight   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianjohnknight/ Spectacular LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/spectaculargroup/   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions 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!

Achieving financial freedom is the ambition of many that are building to sell their business. But knowing how to get there is a whole different ball game. Understanding the financial side of how to build and exit a business is key to making this dream a reality.   My guest in this episode is Fiona Hudson-Kelly, who has sold businesses for multi-million pound deals. She has experienced selling through venture capitalists and independently.   Fiona discusses the light bulb moment that happened after she finally understood how the financial side of her business worked. She compares the differences between her venture capital and independent deals as well as the importance of resilience in those looking to build and exit their business.   “I sold my business and never had to worry about money again” – Fiona Hudson-Kelly   Timestamps   02:04 - An introduction to Fiona 05:42 - Venture Capital vs Independent 08:15 - The importance of resilience in exiting 10:26 - The difference between profit and cash 16:15 - The problem with financial information 23:20 - Why people need to invest in financial knowledge 27:58 - Julie's experience with management accounts 32:18 - Fiona's investment tips   Connect With Fiona Hudson-Kelly   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/fionahudsonkelly/ Website - https://www.fionahudsonkelly.co.uk/ X - http://twitter.com/fhudsonkelly Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070806951159   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions 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!

This is a special episode of The Build & Exit podcast where the tables get turned and Julie is in the hot seat. Julie was interview live on NTV to tell her personal and business story.   In this episode Julie gives the personal side of her life story. You'll find out about her passions from dogs to being out on the open water. She tells all about how the loss of her mother at an early age impacted her life and how her wellness routine has transformed not just how she starts every day but her mindset towards everything.   This is part 1 of the live interview with Victoria Beale on NTV.   *** Join Julie's Masterclass How To Understand Accounting Lingo on Tuesday 5th September 12pm BST. Get your ticket here - https://shorturl.at/bsQZ5 ***   “Take control of what you want” – Julie Wilkinson   Timestamps   03:13 - The start of Julie's story 04:27 - How the loss of Julie's mum impacted her 06:52 - Julie's experience travelling 08:09 - Julie's career after travelling 12:22 - How Julie met her husband 13:39 - Julie's tell all about her dogs 15:47 - Julie's outdoor hobbies 16:35 - Julie's interests in wellness 20:34 - Julie's transformation due to wellness 21:07 - How this has impacted Julie's entrepreneurship   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions 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!

Distressed business deals can be a quick and high earning way to grow by acquisition. It took Steven Pettigrew 4 days to close a distressed deal and since then has grown a business of 80 people.   In this episode Steven gives his insights into how to grow through distressed acquisition deals, managing seller relationships, and the strategies behind industry deals.   Steven Pettigrew is an entrepreneur with over 13 year's experience across multiple industries. He has been involved in M&A since 2014 which opened up an exciting new chapter in his career. He also works with a select group of joint venture partners, allowing him to be dynamic in his approach with business owners in order to achieve a win-win scenario for all parties.   *** Join Julie's Masterclass How To Understand Accounting Lingo on Tuesday 5th September 12pm BST. Get your ticket here - https://shorturl.at/bsQZ5 ***     “If I were to do it again, I would acquire a business rather than start one” - Steven Pettigrew   Timestamps   01:45 - An introduction to Steven 03:18 - How quickly did the business grow to 80 people? 05:55 - What you need to do a distressed business? 07:06 - Was the seller relationship hard? 07:59 - Was the acquisition planned? 10:48 - Is there a strategy to industry deals? 12:48 - Why did Steven start his own business? 18:52 - Can you utilise staff across acquisitions?   Connect with Steven Pettigrew   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-pettigrew/ Opulentia Capital - https://opulentiacapital.com/ Opulentia Capital on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/opulentia-capital/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLg_vCxtwB7LV7IgzPtxasw Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/opulentiacapital/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D     Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions 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!

Knowing the right way to exit a business is not easy if you don't know what your options are. Having the information you need to find the right exit strategy is what will make your exit plan both achievable and enjoyable.   Paul Avins has a wealth of experience in the acquisitions space and in this episode he gives his insight into why the hard work starts after acquisitions, the different types of exit strategies available and the importance of doing your research on who you are buying from.   Paul Avins is an award winning business coach, speaker and mastermind mentor who is highly sought after in the UK by entrepreneurs and business owners to help them breakthrough the Scale Up Ceiling to create Shareholder Value worth Millions!     *** Join Julie's Masterclass How To Understand Accounting Lingo on Tuesday 5th September 12pm BST. Get your ticket here - https://shorturl.at/bsQZ5 ***     “Nothing is passive in business” – Paul Avins   Timestamps   03:22 - Paul's background in acquisitions 10:27 - The hard work starts after acquisition 12:04 - How to fund acquisitions 18:58 - How to make an asset safer to buy 24:48 - The importance of bringing people on board 28:12 - Why to Google who you are buying from 36:17 - How to interview for an FD     Connect with Paul Avins   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulavins/ Paul Avins' Website - https://www.paulavins.com/businessgrowthcoach Paul's free business growth strategies - https://www.paulavins.com/67-growth-tips Listen to Paul's podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/grown-up-business-podcast/id1536822833   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions 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!

Generating £125m from acquisitions in a year is the M&A specialist's dream. That is exactly what the guest in this episode has achieved. Mathew Wainwright discusses what it takes to start out in the acquisitions space as well as going into the nitty gritty of how Opulentia achieved that incredible milestone. He also covers what leveraged buyouts are, how to mitigate risks in acquisitions and what cash flow problems he has faced.   Mathew Wainwright is the Director of Operations within Opulentia Capital. In the last 18 months Opulentia have grown their turnover portfolio by 125M GBP in revenue. Their trademarked model: "Buy, Build, Sell™️" is to buy or take equity stakes in Small & Medium Sized enterprises inside fragmented industries that they believe they can consolidate through inorganic & organic growth, by working with Owners that want to exit to them or want to partner with them in their next growth spurt and build the group to 50-100M+ pa.   “It's easier to get bigger deals done that it is smaller ones” – Mathew Wainwright   Timestamps   01:49 - An introduction to Mathew 03:43 - What is a leveraged buy out?                                     07:03 - How to mitigate risks in acquisitions 15:16 - Julie's thoughts on dividend payments 22:00 - What to do before going to financiers 28:22 - Has Mathew ever had acquisition cash flow problems?   Connect with Mathew Wainwright   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathew-wainwright/ Opulentia Capital - https://opulentiacapital.com/ Opulentia Capital on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/opulentia-capital/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLg_vCxtwB7LV7IgzPtxasw Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/opulentiacapital/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D     Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions 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!

*Content warning* – this post discusses suicidal feelings   How do you see your life after selling your business? You may see happiness, wealth, and security. But just because you sell your business doesn't mean they are guaranteed. In this episode Chris O'Connell shares his story of selling his business for £25 million only to find his life unravel afterwards. From losing his home, his children, divorce and 3 suicide attempts, Chris' story is one not to be missed.   After exiting his last business, Chris now coaches leaders on how to build purpose-led businesses that perform. Chris helps businesses solve problems by solving people problems. Because people without a purpose have no centralised reason driving them to perform. He works on best processes, vision execution and harmonising your life with your work.   If you need support for the topics raised in this episode call The Samaritans on 116 123   “Money, scaling and growing a business is not the key to happiness” – Chris O'Connell   Timestamps   01:43 - The highs and lows of Chris' story 05:20 - How Chris came through the other side 07:01 - Was the business ready to sell? 08:42 - Chris' involvement after the sale 10:17 - What happened when it all went wrong? 12:36 - Company problems caused by culture 14:03 - What does Chris do as a coach? 20:16 - The power of a decent board pack 22:13 - Chris' experience with meditation & manifestation   Connect with Chris O'Connell   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/itschrisoconnell/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/chrisoconnellcoach/ Basmindset website - https://basemindset.com/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisoconnellcoach   Listen to Chris' show The Purpose Led Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/72edQlrSeUvLmC2LsqOrQG       Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions 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!

Knowing how to maximise your wealth through acquisition and exit planning is something you need to consider. A financial planner can help you to see things you would otherwise miss that will increase your wealth potential. Kam Kaur Singh is here to show you how a financial planner can benefit your exit planning as well as prepare for the worst-case scenarios. She also gives her advice on investments and what the consequences of not planning your finances are.   Kam has an extensive banking career as well exploring the entrepreneur world for 10 years, successfully planning and implementing financial planning solutions for over 50 business owners and entrepreneurs.   “The exit is also its own fantastic space” – Kam Kaur Singh   Timestamps   03:20 - Why financial planning is important when exiting a business 05:40 - Conversations to have at the start of your business 08:35 - Consequences of not financially planning on exit 09:53 - Planning for worst case scenarios 11:50 - What happens after exit? 13:41- Why to consult a financial planner before acquisition 16:43 - Day to day financial planning 21:18 - Kam's investment advice 22:16 - How employers can help with financial planning?   Connect with Kam Kaur Singh   St James's Place - https://partnership.sjp.co.uk/partner/kamkaursingh LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamkaursingh/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KamKaurSWealth/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/KKSWealth   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions 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!

Knowing how to turn around a quick acquisition and exit can be very lucrative for a business buyer. Being able to do that with 6 at the same time is what this week's guest was able to do. In this episode Jamie Simpson reveals how he bought and sold 6 businesses in a matter of months and what he learned in the process. This episode is a must for anyone looking to start on their acquisition journey.   Jamie has been starting, growing, fixing, buying and selling businesses since his early 20's. He has been involved in 15 transactions to date and expects that to reach 20 by the end of 2023. He spends most of his time sourcing deals and helping to grow his portfolio companies. Jamie is open to JV and consulting for equity opportunities with UK based businesses with £1m+ turnover.   “I quickly realised I didn't like the industry so I need an exit strategy” – Jamie Simpson   Timestamps   02:38 - How did Jamie acquire 6 Hair Salons? 05:53 - What was good about the acquisitions? 07:38 - Compete vs non-compete deals 08:28 – Acquisitions with poorly run businesses 12:39 - Jamie's acquisitions after the hairdressers 14:17 - How Jamie went from taxi driver to business buyer 17:03 - Did Jamie have a Managing Director? 18:01 - Are independently run business acquisitions preferable?     Connect with Jamie Simpson   Website - https://jamiesimpson.co/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiesimpsonprivateinvestor/   Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions 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!

Understanding the culture of a business is critical to the success of an acquisition. Many buyers don't perform their due diligence to ensure the structure of the team is going to make the acquisition succeed. Stephen Brogan has experienced both sides of the coin in successful and unsuccessful acquisitions for this very reason. In this episode he gives insight in how to make sure yours goes well.   Stephen Brogan is the Founder and Managing Director of Ascot Capital. With a distinguished career spanning 25-years in the drinks industry, Stephen left his role as senior director in Heineken UK and took the plunge setting up his own drinks export business in 2008 in the midst of the financial crisis.   Under Stephen's management, the start-up grew rapidly to £70m in just 8 years and won multiple awards along the way. This was not without the ups and downs that came with owning and running a high growth, demanding SME and his experience through this time, along with the other businesses that he created alongside, stands him in good stead to assess the health and requirements of SMEs that he can support.   “Understanding the culture and personnel is critical” – Stephen Brogan   Timestamps   02:51 - What makes a good team structure for acquisitions?                                               05:34 - Did the business run well from day 1 of acquisition?                                    06:43 - How often should you review finances?                                            07:42 - The impacts of poor acquisition team structures                                          11:53 - Questions to ask during due diligence                                               14:06 - Is HR part of Stephen's due diligence?                                               16:44 - How team structure impacts strategy implementation                                                 Connect with Stephen Brogan   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmbrogan/ Ascot Capital - https://www.ascotcapital.co.uk/ Drinks21 - https://www.drinks21.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/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions 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!

When buying a business through acquisition knowing the people involved is crucial to its success. That's where HR comes in. Knowing what you are inheriting from a legal and cultural perspective is something anyone buying a business needs to understand.   Rachel Collar is the Founder of Haus of HR, an HR consulting and executive coaching business. After a life-changing event during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rachel decided to use her extensive corporate experience to help SMEs and Start-up businesses grow and thrive through their people. In this episode you'll hear Rachel cover the most important HR considerations for acquisitions, the importance of understanding your people's skills and comparing experiences with corporates and SMEs.   “There are some real challenges that businesses face at the moment, which is why HR is so key” – Rachel Collar   Timestamps   3:51 - Why is HR so important in business? 6:28 - Common HR misconceptions 12:59 - 3 key HR questions to ask when buying a business 15:26 - Julie's experience in her acquisition 20:53 - The importance of understanding your people's skills sets 23:14 - Rachel's experience with female led businesses 28:58 - Differences in discrimination: corporate and business   Connect with Rachel Collar   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelcollar/ Haus of HR - https://hausofhr.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hausofhr/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hausofhr/     Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions 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 ever thought about acquisition through joint ventures? Having the right infrastructure and information is key to make this work. In this episode Adam Lawrence talks about his successes and failures in joint ventures as well as why people should consider the joint venture option.   Adam has acquired more than a dozen limited companies including trading businesses, asset-backed businesses and has companies that support the property sourcing and management process. The investment group has been built around a joint-venture model. The group balance sheet is approaching £50m in assets, with a loan-to-value under 60%. The trading businesses have an EBITDA that runs into 7 figures. The central tenets are risk management and sustainable growth in a sector which is crying out for reform, efficiency, and ethical business people.   “Don't put your own needs before the business” – Adam Lawrence   Timestamps   1:54 - An introduction to Adam 4:33 - Adam's successful acquisition story 10:31 - Adam's unsuccessful acquisition story 14:48 - What makes a successful infrastructure? 17:00 - Is the Joint Venture route easier? 21:57 - What price should you buy at? 25:41 - The importance of having the correct information 27:58 - What is Adam's end game?     Connect with Adam Lawrence   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamglawrence/     Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/   Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions   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!

Cyber security attacks can cost your business millions. £1.4 million to be exact. In this episode you'll find out why cyber security is not only important for your business but also to ensure it is safe to buy a business. Francis West is here to share his experiences when the worst can happen as well as how to make your business cyber safe.   Francis is on a mission to inform and advise a million business owners on how to stay cyber safe, so they can maximise the advantages of technology whilst minimising the risks. He sits on 5 Cyber Security Panels and is the Cyber Security National Lead for the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses). As a mentor for CompTIA, he is also involved in educating the technology gurus of the future.   “Data is the new gold” – Francis West   Timestamps   2.10 – The need for cyber security 4.36 – The £1.4 million pound security breach 9.40 – How to know if you are at risk of cyber crime 14.24 – How to reduce your risk by 99% 16.16 – Why you need to look after date more than money 20.47 – The importance of email security 26.54 – Why you need a cyber security specialist 28.01 – 3 cyber security questions to ask when buying a business   Connect with Francis West   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/franciswest/?originalSubdomain=uk Twitter - https://twitter.com/francis_west Westtek - https://www.westtek.co.uk/ Westtek YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdeWRaGNA7e7ywC8NTuJsXQ Security Everywhere Cyber Security Health Quiz - https://www.security-everywhere.com/   Contact Details: +44 203 195 0555 Francis.w@secrity-everywhere.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/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions 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!

Asking the right questions is essential for anyone thinking of selling their business. It is the only way to find out if your brand is truly ready for sale. In this episode Perry Newton discusses his experiences within the acquisition space to help you make sure your brand is well positioned to sell.   Perry Newton is a Marketing and Sales expert with over 25 years of experience who creates results, greater monetary and people efficiencies and a sustainable consistent and growing bottom line. He created a luxury Sunseeker Motoryacht fractional and charter company and headed a large, branded hotel group sales and marketing interest whilst holding the MD role. All of this means his insights into acquisition strategy are second to none.    “As we've grown, we've acquired other businesses that have added value to the individual parts of what we've done.” – Perry Newton   Timestamps   4:20 – Understanding strategy is important from the start 9:50 – Where to spend money on marketing 12:20 – The importance of brand impressions 17:19 – Acquisition strategy without costing the world 21:07 – Perry on selling to a bigger corporation 26:58 – What information should you have in due diligence?   Connect with Perry Newton   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrywnewton/?originalSubdomain=mt twentysixsix - https://www.twentysixsix.com/#1 Twitter - https://twitter.com/KevPezGoDakar     Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions 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!

Management Buy Outs (MBOs) can be full of challenges when buying a business. You need to be able to convince the owners it's the right move for them, as well as ensure you have the right skills to make it work. In this episode Jason gives insights into how to manage the risks of Management Buy Outs and make it successful.   Jason Quaife went from working in a company to leading a management buy-out (MBO) of the business with a multi-million-pound equity investment along with an asset-based lending facility. Overcoming poor historic financial information and unrealistic owner expectations meant Jason eventually got the MBO agreement & after 3 years.   “Make sure you've got the right people around you that can, can steer you and guide you.” – Jason Quaife   Timestamps   2.01 – How Jason got involved in a company purchase 4.02 – How did the idea of a Management Buy Out start? 7.03 – Did Jason have the right skills to run a business? 9.41 – Convincing the owners a Management Buy Out was the right move 19.01 – Key things for a Management Buy Out 20.58 – How long from buying the business to selling it? 23.53 – Managing the risk of Management Buy Outs.   Connect with Jason Quaife   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonquaife/ Orion Power - https://www.oriontools.uk/ Quaife Innosight Ltd LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/quaife-innosight/     Connect With Julie Wilkinson   LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@wilkinsonaccountingsolutions 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!