Welcome to the podcast that's dedicated to helping business owners prepare for exit so you can maximise value and exit like a boss. I'm Darryl Bates-Brownsword and I want to introduce you to the Exit Insights podcast presented by Fabric Business Solutions. The aim of the podcast is to share the message that if you want to get the most from your life's work, maximise the valuation and exit on YOUR terms, then you will need to prepare your business so that it's ready for exit, you are exit rea ...
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Darryl Bates Brownsword Podcasts
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Distribution Channels: The Untapped Intangible Asset in Exit Planning with Kevin Harrington
32:23
32:23
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32:23Send us a text What’s your route to market – and is it helping or hurting your business valuation? In this episode of Exit Insights, Darryl Bates-Brownsword and marketing strategist Kevin Harrington break down how to turn your marketing system into a valuable intangible asset. From understanding why relying on a single channel is risky, to learning…
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From Chaos to Control: The Exit-Boosting Power of Documented Processes with Kevin Harrington
30:59
30:59
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30:59Send us a text Are you ready to step back from the daily grind of running your business – without everything falling apart? In this episode of Exit Insights, host Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by Kevin Harrington to explore how documenting your systems and processes not only makes your business easier to run, but significantly increases its val…
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From Curtain Call to Boardroom: Knowing When to Move On with Dawn Farrow
37:10
37:10
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37:10Send us a text Could you walk away from a thriving business without selling it? This week on Exit Insights, Dawn Farrow shares her extraordinary journey from professional dancer to founder of a fast-growing marketing agency – and why she chose to shut it down just before the pandemic hit. Dawn opens up about: The emotional toll of burnout and ident…
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From Transactional to Transformational: Building a Team That Drives Exit Value with Kevin Harrington
30:15
30:15
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30:15Send us a text Your people could be your greatest intangible asset – or your biggest blind spot. In this episode of Exit Insights, Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by Kevin Harrington to explore the crucial role that people and culture play in business valuation, exit preparation, and long-term sustainability. If you're thinking about succession p…
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Why Not All Revenue Is Equal: What Buyers Really Want with Kevin Harrington
28:19
28:19
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28:19Send us a text If your revenue stopped tomorrow, would your business survive? More importantly – would anyone want to buy it? In this episode of the Exit Insights podcast, Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by Kevin Harrington to explore how the structure and quality of your revenue impacts your business valuation and exit options. 💡 You’ll learn: W…
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Intangible Assets: Why Positioning Is a Business Game-Changer with Kevin Harrington
29:30
29:30
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29:30Send us a text Most business owners focus on the numbers they can see – balance sheets, P&L, cash flow. But what about the value that doesn’t show up on your financial statements? In this episode, Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by Kevin Harrington to dig into positioning – one of the most powerful but often overlooked intangible assets. It’s the…
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Start with the End in Mind: Chris Everard on Building Exit-Ready Businesses
40:03
40:03
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40:03Send us a text Chris Everard knows what it takes to build a business that sells. After starting and successfully exiting seven companies, he’s now helping others do the same as a Business Architect at Fabric Business Solutions. In this episode of Exit Insights, Chris shares the practical lessons he learned from 20+ years of exits, including: Why st…
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Systemise to Scale: How to Grow Without Becoming a Corporate Clone with Kevin Harrington
30:51
30:51
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30:51Send us a text Is your business growing – or just getting busier? In this episode of Exit Insights, host Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by Kevin Harrington to explore how SME business owners can achieve scalable growth without copying the clunky habits of big corporates. Too many owners try to grow by adding more people, more processes, and more…
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SME vs Corporate: Finding the Right Growth Path with Kevin Harrington
34:02
34:02
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34:02Send us a text If you’re a business owner looking to scale, maximise your valuation, or plan your exit – this episode is a must-listen. Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by Kevin Harrington to discuss why many SMEs lose their edge when they try to behave like corporates – and how to avoid it. They unpack the key inflection points in business growth…
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Weaving Business and Wealth: The Fabric Approach to Exit Planning
27:17
27:17
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27:17Send us a text Most business owners have heard of an IFA or a wealth manager. But what’s a family office – and why is it a game-changer when preparing for a business exit? In this episode of Exit Insights, Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by Kevin Harrington to break down the real difference between IFAs, wealth managers, and private offices – and…
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The Starting Point: Why Every Exit Begins with a Current State Assessment
35:35
35:35
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35:35Send us a text Before you can maximise the value of your business or plan your succession, you need to know exactly where you stand today. In this episode of Exit Insights, Darryl Bates-Brownsword and Kevin Harrington break down the importance of a current state assessment – the essential first step in exit planning. They explore: Why risk is the b…
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Beyond the Numbers: What Really Drives Business Valuation
24:11
24:11
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24:11Send us a text What really drives business valuation – and how do you make your company truly exit-ready? In this episode of the Exit Insights podcast, host Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by regular guest Kevin Harrington to explore the crucial differences between financial optimisation and strategic value creation. Together, they break down: Wh…
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From Cookies to Cash-Outs: Real Lessons in Building a Business That’s Exit-Ready
40:54
40:54
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40:54Send us a text What if you discovered you weren’t building a business, but a lifestyle job – just when it was time to sell? Brandon Harris, serial entrepreneur and now business architect at Fabric, joins Exit Insights to share his journey from cookie start-up and gym ownership to guiding other owners on their exit preparation journey. In this episo…
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From Confusion to Certainty: Why It Takes 3 Years to Get Your Business Exit-Ready
34:55
34:55
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34:55Send us a text In this episode, Darryl Bates-Brownsword and Kevin Harrington unpack why it takes three years to prepare your business for a successful exit – and why starting early can make all the difference. You’ll learn: ✅ Why clean financials and documented governance are essential ✅ The role of intangibles like culture, IP, and brand in boosti…
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From Vision to Valuation: How a Business Architect Can Transform Your Exit with Kevin Harrington
22:51
22:51
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22:51Send us a text What if preparing your business for sale was like designing your dream home? In this episode of Exit Insights, Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by Kevin Harrington to unpack the role of a business architect – a professional who helps you create a clear vision, long-term plan, and the right sequence of actions to maximise your valuat…
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A Smarter Way to Plan Your Business Exit: From Succession Plus to Fabric with Kevin Harrington
27:15
27:15
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27:15Send us a text What happens when two like-minded firms unite to better serve business owners planning their exit? In this special episode of Exit Insights, host Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by Kevin Harrington to share why Succession Plus has evolved into Fabric Business Solutions – and what it means for you as a business owner. If you're look…
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Inside an EOT Success Story: From Handover to Ownership with Caroline Summers
35:01
35:01
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35:01Send us a text What really happens after a business becomes employee-owned? In this insightful episode, Caroline Summers, CEO of PBShop – a successful book distribution company – shares her five-and-a-half-year journey through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) transition. From renegotiating a sky-high valuation to building a culture of ownership am…
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The Business Insights Report: Your Blueprint for a Profitable Exit with Kevin Harrington
27:57
27:57
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27:57Send us a text Most business owners have a number in mind for what they believe their business is worth - but is it realistic? In this episode of Exit Insights, host Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by Kevin Harrington to discuss the Business Insights Report, a powerful tool designed to help owners see their business through the eyes of a buyer.💡 …
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Unlocking Private Equity: Maximise Your Exit with Adam Coffey
46:42
46:42
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46:42Send us a text In this episode, Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by Adam Coffey, author of The Private Equity Playbook, to explore how private equity works and why business owners need to understand it, even if they’re not planning to sell.They unpack what PE firms are looking for, how rolling over equity can lead to multiple paydays, and the grow…
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Selling to an EOT: What Comes Next? with Kevin Harrington
34:30
34:30
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34:30Send us a text You've sold your business to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT—now what? Many founders think their job is done, but the reality is that the longest earn-out period often begins after the sale. In this episode of Exit Insights, Kevin Harrington and Darryl Bates-Brownsword dive into the post-exit journey, uncovering how former owners ca…
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From Chaos to Clarity: Designing a Business That’s Exit-Ready with Kevin Harrington
23:39
23:39
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23:39Send us a text Are you constantly solving problems, putting out fires, and feeling like your business would collapse without you? You’re not alone. Many business owners build their companies around people instead of structure - leading to inefficiencies, stress, and an unattractive business when it’s time to sell.In this episode of Exit Insights, K…
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Exit-Ready Essentials - How to Institutionalise for Maximum Value with Adrian Mendoza
42:59
42:59
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42:59Send us a text What makes a business irresistible to investors? Adrian Mendoza, founder of Mendoza Ventures, shares his playbook for scaling and selling businesses. Learn why institutionalising finances and governance is a game-changer, how to identify repeatable revenue streams, and why documenting your business model can make or break your exit. …
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The Optimism Trap: Why Entrepreneurs Struggle with Exit Planning with Kevin Harrington
26:11
26:11
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26:11Send us a text Many entrepreneurs are natural optimists - it’s what drives them to start and grow successful businesses. But when it comes to exit planning, that same optimism can lead to overconfidence, unrealistic expectations, and costly mistakes.In this episode of Exit Insights, Darryl Bates-Brownsword and Kevin Harrington explore:✅ Why entrepr…
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How Capacity Planning Can Boost Your Business Valuation and Efficiency with Kevin Harrington
34:01
34:01
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34:01Send us a text What’s holding your business back from reaching its full potential? In this episode of the Exit Insights podcast, Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by Kevin Harrington to dive into the transformative power of capacity planning.Learn how to:✅ Spot and fix operational bottlenecks.✅ Ensure sustainable growth without cash flow crises.✅ T…
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Exit Options: How to Choose the Right Path for Your Business with Len Bruskiewitz
40:34
40:34
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40:34Send us a text Ready to step back from your business, but not sure where to start? In this episode, Darryl Bates-Brownsword sits down with exit planning expert Len Bruskiewitz to discuss your options, from family succession and employee buyouts to third-party sales. Discover why planning ahead can increase your valuation by up to 300% and how reduc…
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Profit vs. Multiplier: The Key to Doubling Your Business Valuation with Kevin Harrington
35:14
35:14
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35:14Send us a text Maximising your business valuation goes far beyond just cutting costs. In this episode ofthe Exit Insights podcast, Darryl Bates-Brownsword and Kevin Harrington reveal the secret formula: Profit x Multiplier = Valuation—and how to work smarter, not harder, to double your business’s worth.Discover why focusing on the multiplier can ma…
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The Blueprint for an Exit-Ready Business: Maximise Value, Minimise Risks with Kevin Harrington
35:32
35:32
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35:32Send us a text What does it mean to have an "exit ready" business? In this episode of the ExitInsights Podcast, Darryl Bates-Brownsword and Kevin Harrington unpack theessentials of exit planning for business owners who want to maximise value andtransition on their terms.🎯 Key takeaways include:The difference between a "sellable" business and one th…
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Beyond the Exit: How to Embrace Your Fourth Quarter with Purpose with Scott Couchenour
36:54
36:54
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36:54Send us a text This episode of Exit Insights features Scott Couchenour, a “fourth quarter” coach who helps business owners prepare for life beyond the sale.Scott shares his Four Life Quarters framework, explaining how business owners in their 60s and beyond can make a meaningful impact post-exit. If you’re starting to plan your succession, don’t mi…
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Beyond the Sale: Crafting a Purposeful Life After Your Business Exit with David Buck
29:15
29:15
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29:15Send us a text What happens after you exit your business?David Buck joins us to discuss the often-overlooked side of exit planning—personal and relational readiness. From setting a new purpose to planning a fulfilling post-exit lifestyle, David’s insights will help you transition smoothly and find joy beyond the deal. “Don’t just exit—prepare for w…
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The Ladder to Equity: How to Motivate Employees and Prepare for Exit with Kevin Harrington
30:45
30:45
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30:45Send us a text What’s the secret to aligning your employees’ goals with your business success? DarrylBates-Brownsword and Kevin Harrington discuss The Ladder to Equity, exploring performance bonuses, profit sharing, and equity options. Discover how these strategies foster loyalty, reduce turnover, and prepare your business for a high-value exit.Key…
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Why 80% of Businesses Don’t Sell – And How Yours Can, with Kevin Harrington
27:12
27:12
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27:12Send us a text Did you know only 20% of businesses that go to market end up selling? In this episode, Darryl Bates-Brownsword and Kevin Harrington break down what makes a business sellable, explore strategies to increase your business valuation, and share tips to ensure a favourable exit.💡 “Buyers want momentum—businesses standing still are often g…
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How Productizing Your Services Can Boost Your Business Valuation with Eisha Tierney Armstrong
35:27
35:27
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35:27Send us a text In this Exit Insights episode, Eisha Armstrong from Vecteris discusses about productizing professional services. Eisha shares key strategies for business owners looking to productize their service offerings to increase scalability and valuation. The discussion emphasizes the importance of transitioning from selling time to offering s…
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Planning to Exit from Day One: Denise Nurse on Building a Sellable Business
48:00
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48:00Send us a text How do you build a business that’s both profitable and attractive to buyers? In this episode, Denise Nurse, founder of Halebury and TV presenter, shares her roadmap to creating an exitable business.Denise’s story is packed with insights, from establishing systems to negotiating earn-outs and managing life post-exit.Tune in to learn h…
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Scaling Smart: How to Build the Foundations for Sustainable Business Growth with Kevin Harrington
27:12
27:12
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27:12Send us a text What’s the secret to growing a business from £1M to £10M and beyond? In this episode,Darryl Bates-Brownsword and Kevin Harrington reveal the triple revenue rule: the key to scaling sustainably. Learn how investing in systems, building leadership, and evolving your role as a business owner can make the difference between stalling and …
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Why Business Owners Postpone Exit Planning—And How to Stop with Kevin Harrington
32:01
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32:01Send us a text Is procrastination keeping you from maximising your business’s value? In this episode of Exit Insights, Kevin Harrington and Darryl Bates-Brownsword tackle the common excuses that hold business owners back from preparing their businesses for sale.Discover how mitigating risks, separating yourself from daily operations, and planningah…
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Maximise Your Business Valuation for a Winning Exit with Doug Lawson
45:42
45:42
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45:42Send us a text How do advisors value a business, and what can you do to boost yours? In this episode, Doug Lawson, co-founder of MarktoMarket, takes us behind the scenes of business valuations, sharing practical insights for owners preparing to exit. Discover the top factors that increase your valuation, why clean financials matter, and how to make…
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Employee Ownership Trusts with Kevin Harrington: Navigating New Legislation for Fair Valuations
25:46
25:46
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25:46Send us a text In this timely episode, Daryl Bates-Brownsword and Kevin Harrington discuss the recent UK legislation requiring Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) to secure independent third-party valuations. Discover how this impacts business owners looking to exit and why fair market valuations are crucial to protecting employee interests. Hear how …
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Exit Like a Boss: Preparing Your Business for a Successful Sale with Kevin Harrington
26:53
26:53
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26:53Send us a text Is Your Business Ready to Sell? Discover the Sellability Score!In this episode, Darryl Bates-Brownsword and Kevin Harrington explore how to prepare your business for a successful exit. They discuss the essential elements of exit planning, including the owner’s readiness, business resilience, and financial goals. ‘Exiting a business i…
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How Henry Woodman Built His Business for a 20x Exit
38:26
38:26
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38:26Send us a text What’s the secret to a seamless business exit? In this episode, Henry Woodman shares how he built his company to be completely independent of him—making it more attractive to buyers. From documenting processes to delegating leadership, Henry walks us through how he prepared his company for sale and ultimately sold it for 20x EBITDA. …
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The Key to a Business that Thrives Without You—Insights from Brad Sugars
36:14
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36:14Send us a text Is your business ready for an exit? In this episode of Exit Insights, Brad Sugars, founder of ActionCOACH, shares his top tips for planning your exit and maximising your business valuation. From systemising your business to transitioning from CEO to chairman, Brad offers invaluable insights to help business owners create a saleable a…
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When to Bring in HR to Boost Your SME's Value Before Exit with Charlotte Bate
43:55
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43:55Send us a text In this episode, Charlotte Bate from MAD-HR highlights the importance of preparing your SME for the future by structuring your business effectively. She discusses why building a strong leadership team, solidifying your organisational design, and documenting key operational processes are essential steps for success.These foundations n…
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Blueprint for Exit: Scaling and Systemising Your Business with Bradley Hamner
38:45
38:45
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38:45Send us a text Are you still at the centre of everything in your business? Bradley Hamner, founder of Blueprint OS, shares his system for scaling businesses in the £500,000 - £3,000,000 revenue range. In this episode, Bradley reveals how to transition from doing everything yourself to leading a well-oiled machine. Learn the five key principles for …
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Strategic Finance for SMEs: Key Reports & Growth Tips with Claire Hancott
40:05
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40:05Send us a text Are you focusing on the right numbers in your business? Measuring what truly matters is essential for effective management. Businesses often overlook the importance of tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) that drive success.In a recent podcast with Claire Hancott, the phrase "what gets measured, gets managed" came up, highlight…
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Pricing Your Business for Maximum Value with Jenny Millar
43:07
43:07
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43:07Send us a text How does a pricing strategy impact a business's exit plan? In a recent podcast discussion with pricing expert Jenny Miller, the critical role of pricing in maximising business value and ensuring sustainable profitability, even under new ownership, was uncovered.One key lesson from the conversation highlighted the significance of syst…
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Mastering the Art of Selling Your SME: Insights from M&A Expert Bill Snow
47:37
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47:37Send us a text When preparing to sell your business, thorough financial and tax planning is vital. Understanding the tax implications of different sale structures, such as stock deals versus asset transactions, can make a significant difference to your final proceeds.Bill Snow emphasises the importance of having your accountant run actual calculati…
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Building an Exit Strategy for Massive Business Growth with Richard Walsh
56:49
56:49
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56:49Send us a text Are you focused on the end game? Building an exit strategy may seem counterintuitive when just starting out, but it can serve as the ultimate guide to success and freedom. Richard Walsh highlights the importance of focusing on the end goal to maximise business value and create the freedom to live life on your terms.One of the key ins…
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Building, Growing, and Exiting a Law Firm: Insights from Jay Sahota
43:26
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43:26Send us a text Considering an exit strategy for your law firm? In this podcast episode, valuable insights are shared from personal experience of successfully exiting a legal practice, with guest Jay Sahota offering his expertise. Jay, a seasoned legal professional with a diverse career journey, has a wealth of experience from his early days at a pr…
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Streamline Your Business with Kris Ward: The Power of Super Toolkits
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40:50Send us a text Does it feel like your business is running you instead of supporting the life you want? In this episode, Kris Ward from "Win the Hour, Win the Day" talks about how to change that. She shares tips on overcoming common challenges when trying to grow and organise a business and introduces her "Super Toolkits" concept. These toolkits hel…
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Exit Strategies for Entrepreneurs: Insights from Jamie Waller's Journey
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43:45Send us a text Are you considering selling your business? It’s essential to plan for your future, not just the future of your business.In a recent podcast conversation with Jamie Waller, the discussion focused on the importance of preparing for life after selling a business. As an entrepreneur, it's easy to become absorbed in getting the business r…
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Michael Zipursky’s Guide to Accelerating Business Growth
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47:27Send us a text Many businesses rely solely on referrals for growth, but while referrals are valuable, they may not be enough to sustain long-term success.With over 20 years of experience in building consulting businesses, Michael Zipursky is a trusted advisor to thousands of consultants worldwide, empowering them to achieve profitability and scale.…
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