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BUSINESS SALE & EXIT PLANNING IN PETERBOROUGH

SPECIALISING IN BUSINESS EXIT & SALE PLANNING

As a business owner, you will likely have considered exiting or selling your business, whether it has formed part of your succession plan, or you would like to maximise the value of years of hard work and dedication, and you are now ready for the next step in your life. Having a solid business exit strategy is essential to a smooth transition.

CHALLENGES OF EXITING OR SELLING YOUR BUSINESS

Exiting or selling a business in the UK can be a complex and emotional process. Owners often face challenges around valuing the business and maximising the sale price, finding the right buyer, and navigating lengthy legal and due diligence requirements.

Tax planning is critical, with considerations such as Capital Gains Tax and Business Asset Disposal Relief impacting how much of the proceeds you keep. Timing the sale in relation to market conditions can also affect outcomes, while the personal transition of stepping away from something you’ve built should not be underestimated.

Perhaps the biggest challenge is ensuring you have a clear plan for life after the sale, so the wealth you’ve created supports your next chapter with confidence.

STEPS TO PLANNING YOUR SALE OR EXIT

STEP
01

DEFINE YOUR SALE OR EXIT

Before your initial meeting with us, it’s helpful to take some time to consider what the ideal scenario looks like to you: trade sale, management buyout, management buy-in, or employee ownership trust.

We will discuss what you are looking for, such as when you would like to exit and how you would like to do so. For example, would you like to do a gradual handover to the acquirer? We will also work with your accountant to clarify how you will be paid – both for the earn-out and, if you plan to consult during this period, what that arrangement will look like.
STEP
02

ASSESS THE SITUATION

After our initial meeting, we will put together a proposal for your financial plan to ensure that your goals are achievable with any sale. When combined with the wealth you accumulated through running your business, will the sale provide enough to support the lifestyle and plans you have in mind? By using cashflow modelling, we can assess whether your goals are achievable.
STEP
03

MEETING POTENTIAL ACQUIRERS

Once both you and the potential acquirer(s) have agreed you would like to meet, we can sit in the meetings with you and act as a sounding board.
STEP
04

REVIEWING YOUR OPTIONS

Following on from your meeting(s), we will discuss all your options, the pros and cons of each acquirer, and answer any questions you may have.
STEP
05

RECEIVING OFFERS

You may have met with acquirers several times at this point, and they may now be ready to make you an offer on your business. We will help you identify which offer best aligns with your goals. Some offers may not meet your expectations, and you may choose not to pursue them further. At this stage, we can revisit the cashflow forecasting to confirm that any offer you do consider will still enable you to achieve your plans after the sale.
STEP
06

DECIDING TO SELL

Once you have accepted an offer from an acquirer, you will sign Heads of Terms, the first formal step in the sale process. This step puts you into an ‘exclusivity period’ whilst contracts are negotiated. You can expect this period to last for around three months, although this may vary. During this period, you can no longer continue conversations with other acquirers.
STEP
07

SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENT

As you approach completion, you work through the final steps of due diligence, usually including your accountants, HR advisors and us. If you do not have one, we can recommend specialist solicitors to support you with this crucial stage.
STEP
08

ONGOING SUPPORT

With the contracts signed and your business sold, our support doesn’t end there. Whether it’s planning your retirement or preparing for your next venture, we’ll be here to guide you through the next stage of your journey.
  • "Excellent firm providing a first class service. Helpful and friendly staff. Thank you."

    - S, Peterborough

  • "I would like to share some feedback. I have for the last few weeks been dealing with Henson Crisp to sort out my finances. I was dreading this as I have recently lost my son and a few years ago my husband. So a very emotional task for me. I don’t know why I worried. 

    Everybody was so pleasant and helpful, particularly Jonathon and Beth who was an angel. Nothing was too much bother. Within a couple of visits you feel like part of the family.

    Henson Crisp were recommended to me by very good friends I now know why. A big thank you to all."

    - E, Peterborough

  • "Fantastic, friendly and knowledgeable service. I would highly recommend as we always do to our family and friends."

    - V, Peterborough

  • "Every step of the way was explained carefully and thoughtfully by Jonathon at Henson Crisp. Nothing has ever been too much trouble. I have always felt very confident with Jonathon's advice and expertise. I would highly recommend him to all."

    - K, Huntingdon

  • "Excellent service and personal advice from a very friendly team, who are consistently helpful and keen to forge a relationship with, and provide tailored advice to, this younger and smaller client. 

    Jonathon has also advised family members for many years, consistently going above and beyond in a variety of situations."

    - J, Leighton Buzzard

  • "Lovely, helpful people that keep you up to date with your finances. Celebration at Peterborough Cathedral was a great touch for our services. Thank you Jonathon."

    - I, Irchester

  • "I have been with Henson Crisp (Jonathon) now for a number of years and cannot fault them in any way. It has been a very turbulent time over the last few years with all that has gone on, financial crisis, Brexit and Covid19. However I have had an honest approach to my finances which have faired very well in a difficult climate. This in turn has enabled me to consider my retirement much earlier than I had planned. 

    I have recommended them to a number of people and would not hesitate to do this again in the future.The service they provide is open and friendly and the advice they give, is of a benefit to me as opposed to Henson Crisp."

    - R, St Neots

  • "Jonathon at Henson Crisp has been by my financial adviser for close to 20 years and has always given clear and precise advice on financial planning for my both myself and my wife. With his guidance we have developed a mixed portfolio that extends beyond traditional pensions. 

    He and his team are very responsive and always happy to help with any questions that arise. If you are looking for straight and honest independent financial advice I can highly recommend Jonathon and everyone at Henson Crisp."

    - R, Hemingford Grey

  • "Outstanding is the only word I can find to describe the service provided by Jonathon Crisp and his team at Henson Crisp. The word 'service' also falls short to describe the team's commitment to providing not only first-class financial planning and management but also to supporting our family as a whole, looking at every aspect of our wellbeing and needs beyond the parameters of simple pounds and pence - put simply - they care, they encourage and they inspire.

    Practically, I have never encountered a more efficient group of people who respond straight away to - and then follow up - any query great or small; when you receive an email from Henson Crisp you also receive an image of the smiling face of the person with whom you are dealing!

    It is no exaggeration at state that Jonathon and his team have transformed our lives during the last twelve months, they are a delight to work with and I can highly recommend them to anyone who is seeking help with any aspect of financial management and planning. Thank you very much indeed!"

    - C, Derby

  • "I’m writing to you, to say thank you for everything you have done for us over the years. I tend to forget to say that when you are with us, I’m too busy with the figures. 

    Nevertheless we are very thankful for the day you first came to see us and for all the years in between. Most of all, of course, the time you said “You can afford to retire now” and proved to be absolutely right. But I know that we would not be in the financial situation we are now without your guidance and we want to thank you for that."

    - G & M, St Neots

  • "We have worked with Henson Crisp from the formation 15 years ago. The fact that they view me and my wife as one ‘financial unit’ has allowed us to work towards key goals and to modify the plan depending on our changes in circumstances. They are always willing and able to have open and honest discussions about the options in plain language. 

    Once decisions are made, the implementation has been hassle-free with appropriate levels of communication and documentation from the team. As a result, we have no issues in giving recommendations to others."

    - G & L, Letchworth

  • "We have known Jonathon for over 15 years and have valued his advice and knowledge of the markets. Together, we have built a comprehensive plan that over time has met all its objectives over the medium and longer term. 

    We are more than happy to endorse Jonathon’s services and his expertise. My wife and I regard Jonathon not only as a professional financial adviser but as a valued and trusted friend."

    - W & C,Huntingdon

  • "When the time came to look closely at my pension plans I knew that I would need help. I am used to dealing with quite complex financial matters, but pensions are different with constantly changing rules / laws, and great care needs to be taken to ensure that you get the best result for your future needs. It is an extremely important decision which I felt required expertise from people used to dealing with such matters. 

    At all times I knew where I stood regarding fees etc. All of the intricacies of the pension plans were explained to me carefully, efficiently, and in a friendly manner."

    - Mr & Mrs N, Ely

  • "Henson Crisp has looked after my financial portfolio since 2012. I have no hesitation in recommending them. They work efficiently and keep me informed on the current state of my finances. I feel very much that they are taking care of my money, therefore my future, thinking of me and not the product that gives them the best return. 

    I am happy with all the financial suggestions and decisions they have made with and for me."

    - J, Luton

  • "Following a personal recommendation, I became a client of Henson Crisp. The aim was to resolve some complex pension matters and establish a clear way forward in regards to my financial planning. 

    Throughout a difficult process the Henson Crisp team have shown themselves to be, timely, efficient and knowledgeable. They have a clear ability to make the most complicated of matters understandable. All conducted with a relaxed style that enables good communication but never detracts from the approach that the client “comes first”. 

    I became a client of Henson Crisp on recommendation and I would have no hesitation in offering recommendations to others."

    - M, Peterborough

  • "Many thanks also for all your efforts over the years with the investments and pension fund, I am sure I wouldn’t have been able to retire a few years early if it hadn’t have been for you and your team."

    - G & D, Market Deeping

  • "Jonathon Crisp has been providing me with financial advice for over 10 years. The advice he has provided has covered a wide spectrum of needs. These needs have included personal; company investment planning and pension planning. 

    His work has always been of the highest integrity and professionalism and I trust his guidance implicitly. I have recommended his work to a number of companies and individuals I have worked alongside. Like myself, they have all been delighted with the sound advice he has given. I would have no hesitation in making further recommendations."

    - L, Lindication Ltd

  • "I wanted to thank you for having been my financial adviser for what must be coming up to 20 years. I always appreciated your professionalism and common sense."

    - C, Scotland

  • "Whilst working as a Financial Director I was first introduced to Jonathon Crisp over 15 years ago as I required guidance on personal pension planning issues. I found Jonathon to be very personable coupled with an ability to explain complex issues clearly, and with his expertise and sound advice he supplied over a number of years I was able to achieve my goal of early retirement. 

    His Company continues to manage my fund in a thoroughly professional and transparent manner and Jonathon is always happy to respond to any queries I may have whenever I seek general advice on pension-related issues. He has remained a constant of knowledge and trust and it has been my pleasure to have been able to recommend his services on a number of occasions. I cannot speak highly enough of him."

    - A, Lincolnshire

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When should I start planning to sell my business?

The earlier the better. Planning ahead - ideally a few years before you intend to exit - allows time to strengthen your business, maximise value, and prepare for a smoother sale. But even if you’re thinking about selling soon, it’s never too late to get advice.

How is the value of my business calculated?

Your business’s value depends on profitability, future growth potential, and market conditions. Buyers will also look at how reliant the business is on you personally. We’ll help position your business so that it’s attractive to the right buyers.

Do I need other professionals involved besides a financial planner?

Yes. Selling a business usually involves a team — including solicitors for contracts and accountants for detailed financials. We work alongside them to ensure your financial goals are protected throughout the process. If you do not have either of these, we work with a number of specialist accountants and solicitors.

What happens if the offers I receive are lower than I expected?

This is common. We’ll help you evaluate each offer and make sure you’re comfortable with the outcome. Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible result for your hard work.

What if I’m not sure what I want to do after selling?

That’s completely normal. Many owners focus so much on building their business that they haven’t thought about life after it. We’ll work with you to plan for your next chapter - whether that’s retirement, investing, or exploring new ventures.
Henson Crisp Limited

Telephone: 01733 355120

Email: enquiries@hensoncrisp.com

Henson Crisp Ltd is directly authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, financial register number: 469175. Company is registered in England & Wales 06266686; (Registered office: Ground Floor, Bank House, The Lawns, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE3 6AB).

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