You’ve built it, grown it, owned it, but how do you say goodbye?
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The Coutts Business Exit Programme
Learn more about the programme
We cover proactive and practical topics, with advice from hundreds of leading business owners, to help prepare you and your family, both mentally and financially, for a successful business exit.
With our expert guidance, you’ll learn the following:
How to think about selling
- Why mindset is key.
- Identify your goals.
- Develop an exit plan that fits.
- Find the right time to sell.
- Discover the value drivers in your business.
Ways to prepare your exit
- Who’ll buy and why?
- Maximise your buyer interest.
- Do your due diligence.
- Give your team the tools to carry on.
- Choose who will help you.
Tips to navigate your finances
- How financial planning helps.
- Know your options and when you should take them.
- What’s behind good exit choices.
- Think about life after exit.
All content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute a personal recommendation or advice of any nature.
Watch our Chair of Entrepreneurs Michael Hayman MBE talk about how we can help get you ready to make the most of this life-changing opportunity.
Watch our series of video masterclasses
Our series of digital masterclasses are split into three different chapters so you can choose to watch them all or skip to the chapter most relevant to you.
Featuring Coutts Head of Specialists and Business Exit Programme Greg Kyle-Langley and a series of industry-leading experts, they’re designed for all business owners, at any stage of the journey.
Whether you’re just thinking about selling, in the swing of preparing your exit strategy, or simply looking for tips to help navigate your finances and prepare yourself for this life changing opportunity — we’re here to help.
Masterclass one: The exit mindset
1. Business exit options
Learn about key business exit routes to consider and finding the approach that’s right for you and your business.
2. Preparing for exit
It takes time to build the right team to lead the business through the sale and to shape the business to maximise value in the eyes of potential buyers. Give yourself the best chance to sell well by starting early.
3. Timing the sale
Consider internal factors like your team’s bandwidth to work on a deal, and future growth opportunity — as well as external factors such as the strategic focus of trade buyers, or FX markets.
Masterclass two: Setting the wheels in motion
1. Preparing the management team
Learn about key business exit routes to consider and finding the approach that’s right for you and your business.
2. Boosting value
It takes time to build the right team to lead the business through the sale and to shape the business to maximise value in the eyes of potential buyers. Give yourself the best chance to sell well by starting early.
3. Optimising the buyer universe
Consider internal factors like your team’s bandwidth to work on a deal, and future growth opportunity — as well as external factors such as the strategic focus of trade buyers, or FX markets.
Masterclass three: Life after exit
1. The art of business exit, and life after
Many entrepreneurs told us they wished they’d thought more at the outset what they really wanted to get from the exit — whether it’s the most money possible, a clean break, or protecting their legacy. But thinking those through today will ensure you know where you can give a little in negotiation — and when you need to walk away.
2. Navigating new wealth
Almost everyone thinks that swapping your complicated business, with all the risk it entails, for a large amount of cash in the bank, must be the end of all worries in life. But it comes with its own complexities. That’s why it’s so important to work with professionals that are used to supporting people like you.
Any questions?
Reflecting on the lessons shared by entrepreneurs, the outstanding theme is how much business owners can do, alongside a team of great advisers, to increase the chances of a successful business sale. And how many don’t take the time to understand the full range of options.
The clear priority for any entrepreneur, as their business grows, should be to close that gap.
Developing the habit of seeking out the advice, and experience, of those who have been through the business sale process, will not only help you increase the value of your business — but also reduce the risk of a deal going wrong.
We could help you with all of this.
Speak to your contact at the bank, or read more about our support for entrepreneurs.
All content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute a personal recommendation or advice of any nature.