Preparing for the future of
your business

All business owners should have an exit plan thought out – the earlier you develop one, the better. Life is unpredictable, and you never know if circumstances will force you to leave your role sooner than planned. Not having an exit plan will make transitioning out of your company much harder than it needs to be.

There are a lot of steps and things to consider when developing an exit strategy. Although the specific process will depend on your circumstances, here’s a basic framework of the steps that we’ll follow to create your personal plan. We’ll work through the entire process with you, with help from other professional advisers.*

• • We’ll begin by identifying your personal and financial goals for exiting the business. This could be maximising financial returns, giving your employees job security, preserving the company’s legacy, or pursuing other personal ventures.

• • Next, we’ll help you assess all aspects of your business to understand its current financial health, market position, growth potential, and potential liabilities. This assessment will help you identify areas that need improvement before the exit, as well as potential selling points to attract buyers.

• • We’ll then evaluate market conditions, industry trends, and the overall economic landscape to determine the best time to exit your business. Timing can have a big impact on the value and marketability of your business, so it’s important to find out when the market is most favourable for selling.

• • We’ll talk you through the various exit options available, and recommend the one that best meets your goals. Options include selling the business to a third party, transferring ownership to family members or employees, merging with another company, or going public through an IPO.

• • We’ll advise you on ways to attract potential buyers and maximise your business’s value. This may involve improving financial records, strengthening management teams, enhancing operational efficiencies, and addressing any legal or compliance issues.

• • If you plan to transfer ownership to family members or key employees, we’ll help you develop a detailed succession plan.  We will work with other professional advisers who are experienced in identifying potential successors, providing them with necessary training and mentorship, and planning a smooth transition of leadership.

• • Once your exit strategy is developed, we’ll guide you through the process of implementing it step-by-step. This may involve engaging potential buyers, negotiating deals, preparing legal documentation, and addressing any regulatory requirements.

Throughout the process, we’ll work with you to continuously monitor how well the plan is working. We’ll help adapt your plan as circumstances change, such as market conditions, buyer feedback, or any unforeseen events.

* The services provided by these specialists are separate and distinct to the services carried out by St. James’s Place and include advice on how to grow your business and prepare your business for sale.

Thanks to our years of expertise, we know how to help create successful exit plans for businesses in any industry. We pride ourselves on our expert advice and personalised approach, no matter which sector you operate in.

We’re equipped to provide you with the support you need to navigate the selling process. We’ll work with you to develop a logical, yet flexible plan that best aligns with your specific goals, so you can have peace of mind that you’re fully prepared when the time comes to leave.