Your business reflects years of hard work, dedication and passion. You’ve built something you’re proud of, and you might be starting to plan for the future. You might be considering whether it’s time to sell or are simply curious about what your business might be worth.
Before you sell, it’s important to take a step back and assess where your business is today versus where you want it to be in the future. Taking the time to align your business financial goals with your personal financial aspirations can make a significant difference for your future and help decide when and how much you sell your business for.
Consider what matters most
Life moves fast, and it’s easy to get caught up in the daily demands of running a business. However, pausing to reflect on what matters most to you—and your family—is essential.
Ask yourself:
• Does my business still align with my long-term personal goals?
• Are there changes I could make today that would have a lasting impact on my future?
• How is my work-life balance?
• How do I envision life after selling or retiring from the business?
• What legacy do I want to leave behind—not just through my business, but for my family, values, and long-term vision?
Thinking through these questions can help you identify gaps and opportunities within your personal and professional goals.
How much can I sell for?
Naturally, every business owner wants to know what their business is worth before deciding to sell. We can provide a simple, free snapshot of how your business would appear to potential buyers right now. We’ll also help you understand how to structure your exit to minimise unnecessary tax costs.
Ready to Sell? Here’s What Comes Next
Once you decide to move forward, setting up the right team for your exit is key. You’ll need to:
• Understand your business’s current value.
• Identify growth opportunities that could boost your valuation.
• Consider your desired selling price.
For most business owners, we recommend starting your exit planning around five years ahead of your ideal retirement or sale date. Some important questions to think about include:
• Will your family inherit any part of the business?
• Would you consider a management buyout—through a sale of assets or company shares?
• If you own shares, do you intend to retain some after retirement?
• How can you organise your business and personal finances now to create a more secure, tax-efficient future?
You’re busy, let us help
We understand how demanding running a business can be. That’s why we’re here to provide clarity and support. Let’s work together to ensure your business and personal financial goals are aligned, so you can move forward with confidence.
Business exit strategies may include the referral to a service that is separate and distinct to those offered by St. James’s Place.
Call: 01306 742200
Email: hjpcfp@sjpp.co.uk
Website: hjpcfp.com
