Build and Exit

The untold truth - the emotional toll of selling a business with Luke Winter

Selling your business can feel lonely and emotional.
You are parting with the thing you have devoted a significant portion of your life to, and that can feel hard. But beyond that is an opportunity to re-invent yourself.
In this episode I speak with Luke Winter, a creative director who recently sold his shares in the video agency Wallbreaker. Luke shares with great honesty the emotional toll the sale has had on him. From the moment of knowing it was time to try something new to a final week full of doubt, Luke experienced it all.
Now, with the opportunity to explore his next steps, Luke emphasis the need for support and understanding during this transformative time.
 
"It was a lonely experience." – Luke
 
You’ll hear about: 
The emotional toll of selling is often underestimated.
It's important to have support during the selling process.
Many entrepreneurs feel lonely when selling their business.
Routine changes can impact mental health during transitions.
Navigating the sale requires clear communication between parties.
Connect with Luke Winters:
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-winter-75a2885a/
 
Connect With Julie Wilkinson
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/
Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/
 
Find out more about our brilliant sponsor Acquisition Masters here - https://www.acquisitionmasters.co.uk/
 
Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

1bn of acquisitions to grow the UK economy with Clive Margetts and Oli Luke

Over 612,000 Baby Boomer business owners will need to sell or exit their companies in the coming years. The question is—will they get the deal they deserve?
In this episode I am joined by Clive Margetts and Oli Luke, founders of Acquisition Masters, to explore how business owners can maximise their exit strategy and secure a profitable sale.
The UK economy is facing a serious threat if these businesses fail to sell or get swallowed up by the market leaders. Jobs will be on the line.
We explore the nuances of consulting for equity, exit strategies, and the importance of business structure and governance.
If you're a business owner looking to sell, scale, or structure your company for the future, this episode is packed with must-know insights to help you exit on your terms.
 
"612,00 businesses are operated by baby boomers" – Oli
 
You’ll hear about:
 
✅ Why so many Baby Boomers are struggling to sell their businesses✅ The real value of your business—and how to get the price it deserves✅ How consulting for equity can boost business value before selling✅ The transition from owner-operator to investor and why it matters✅ The biggest risks in M&A, from pricing mistakes to client concentration
 
Connect with Clive Margetts:
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clivemargetts/
The Business Success Consultant - https://thebusinesssuccessconsultant.com/
 
Connect with Oli Luke:
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oli-luke-3451b150/
Business of Hearing - https://businessofhearing.com/
Listen to Oli’s Podcast – The Business of Hearing - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-business-of-hearing/id1536591535
 
Connect With Julie Wilkinson
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/
Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/
 
Find out more about our brilliant sponsor Acquisition Masters here - https://www.acquisitionmasters.co.uk/
 
Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

15 acquisitions, lessons learned from one life changing deal with Charlie Norton

Imagine buying a business for £1 and it all goes wrong.
 
The previous owners have been paying themselves with the staff’s wages but not paying the staff. And this is just the tip of the iceberg.
 
This was the experience of my guest Charlie Norton. Charlie shares the whole story of how he went from a £1 business purchase to sinking £40k of his own money into the business just to pay off immediate debts, but that still wasn’t enough…
 
He discusses why due diligence could have saved him from ever going through this challenging acquisition that he says left him in poor health because of the stress. He has since gone on to successfully sell his group of businesses and move on from this experience.
 
Charlie's experiences highlight the complexities of business acquisitions and the importance of learning from failures to inform future decisions.
 
"One bad experience doesn’t define your whole life" – Charlie
 
Timestamps
 
01:56 - Charlie's Journey in M&A
05:49 - The Stressful Acquisition Experience
11:51 - Overcoming Challenges in Business Acquisition
18:08 - Lessons Learned from a Failed Acquisition
23:46 - Transitioning to a New Business Model
30:00 - Conclusion and Future Aspirations
 
Connect with Charlie Norton:
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-norton-767953227/
 
Vamos - https://vamosbusiness.com/
 
Connect With Julie Wilkinson
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/
Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/
 
Find out more about our brilliant sponsor Acquisition Masters here - https://www.acquisitionmasters.co.uk/
 
Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Covid crash to 8 figure success with Céline Aloé

What would you do if you faced losing everything?
 
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Céline Aloé, CEO of UKLC, saw her business revenue drop to zero overnight. But instead of giving up, she made bold moves to survive and thrive.
 
In this episode we dive into Céline’s journey of resilience, personal growth, and strategic reinvention.
 
Discover how investing in coaching, embracing acquisitions, and leading with empathy transformed her business.
 
If you're an entrepreneur facing uncertainty, Céline’s story will show you that even in crisis, opportunities await.
 
Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with actionable insights!
 
"Once I opened my mind to growing through acquisition opportunities began to present themselves" – Céline Aloé
 
Timestamps
 
01:43 - An introduction to Celine
07:23 - Investing in herself at challenging times
10:43 - Not taking the work into her personal life
16:50 - Finding the route into acquisitions
21:53 - Building groups by acquisition
23:53 - The impact of bringing in the right people
25:55 - Celine's vision for the future
 
Connect with Céline Aloé:
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/c%C3%A9line-alo%C3%A9-ceo-at-uklc-education-group-b665541/
 
UKLC - https://uklc.org/
 
Connect With Julie Wilkinson
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/
Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/
 
Find out more about our brilliant sponsor Acquisition Masters here - https://www.acquisitionmasters.co.uk/ 
 
Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Julie Discloses All: The Asset Sale Exposed

The tables are turned in this episode.
 
I am in the hot seat revealing all about my own acquisition story.
 
I am joined by Astan Morarji, a Multi-Exited Founder and Leader, who interviews me on the importance of acquisitions in business growth and the challenges faced during my recent acquisition.
 
We discuss the significance of understanding client relationships, the learning process in acquisitions, and the drive to help business owners maximise wealth and create generational wealth through strategic business decisions.
 
Financial literacy is so important for business owners, especially in acquisitions. So, we explore the common concerns sellers have during the acquisition process, the significance of warranties and fair terms, and the misconceptions surrounding no money down deals.
 
This was a lot of fun to be hot in the hot seat, I do hope you enjoy this episode!
 
"Acquisitions should be a growth vehicle" – Julie Wilkinson
 
Timestamps
 
01:27 - An introduction to Astan
03:13 - Julie's background and journey into business
08:25 - How her background shaped her as a business owner
09:59 - The details of Julie's acquisition
12:30 - How long did the acquisition process take?
15:07 - The complexities of the asset sale
20:52 - The seller's relationship with the clients
24:08 - De-risking concerns with the deal
30:50 - What has Julie learned from this deal?
36:10 - Are buyers always visionaries?
 
Connect with Astan Morarji:
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/astanm/
 
Connect With Julie Wilkinson
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/
Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/
Find out more about our brilliant sponsor Acquisition Masters here - https://www.acquisitionmasters.co.uk/
 
Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

When the Numbers Don’t Add Up: A Failed Acquisition with Erin O’Leary

Financial literacy is the biggest barrier to successful M&A.
 
Both sellers and buyers need to know how the numbers work to ensure they get the best deal.
 
In this episode I am joined by Erin O'Leary, an M&A and exit advisor. We explore the intricacies of business acquisitions and exits. Erin shares insights from her extensive experience, including a case study of a legacy bus company and the factors influencing business valuation.
 
We also share our experiences as women in the M&A space, from representation of women to the strengths women have as CEOs.
 
This episode is full of insights into what buyers and sellers need to know to get the best out of their deals.
 
" Valuation is relative to the buyer's situation " - Erin O'Leary
 
Timestamps
 
01:53 - An introduction to Erin
03:50 - The biggest issues in acquisitions
07:26 - The lack of financial expertise in acquisitions
13:37 - Why founders need to be financially literate
17:55 - A laborious bus company acquisition
22:15 - Where adjustments in the valuation happen
28:01 - Erin's current projects
 
Connect with Erin O'Leary:
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinolearymba/
 
Connect With Julie Wilkinson
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/
Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/
 
Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

Turning Setbacks Into Exits: A 75% Loss to 9-Figure Win

Imagine selling your business for 9 figures.
Would you start imagining what you could do with it all before the deal is done?
My guest in this episode not only imagined he started spending it. Only to find that half of it fell through between the letter of intent to the final deal.
Alexis Sikorsky shares his journey of building and exiting a software company for a nine-figures. He discusses the challenges he faced during the financial crisis, and the role of private equity in his business growth.
We also highlight the differences between lifestyle and growth companies and offer insights into how entrepreneurs can maximize their business value.
"From the letter of intent to an actual sale half of the deal fell through" - Alexis Sikorsky
 
Timestamps
01:45 - An introduction to Alexis
07:48 - From hard times to 9 figure exit
12:27 - How bringing in expert knowledge helped
14:08 - Did Alexis have to get creative with cashflow?
14:36 - The timescale to sell after bringing in the PE firm
17:39 - Alexis on his experience with the PE firm
24:32 - The big issue with pre-negotiations
31:05 - Moving away from a lifestyle business sooner
 
Connect with Alexis Sikorsky:
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-sikorsky-consulting/
Website - https://www.asikorsky.com/
 
Connect With Julie Wilkinson
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/
Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/
 
Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

The £18M Leap: From Corporate Grind to Business Mastery with Jamil Anakkar

There are simple things you can do to get your acquisitions completed faster.
 
So many people aren’t prepared in the way they should be, which dramatically slows down the process of buying or selling a business.
 
In this episode I am joined by Jamil Anakkar, the CEO of Tandy Ventures, who shares where he sees the massive opportunities in M&A right now.
 
Jamil outlines the challenges he faced during his first acquisition, and the importance of effective communication and financial health in the acquisition process. To be best prepared you need to deal in person with the seller as much as possible before handing over to solicitors.
 
Leave too much to them and it will slow you down.
 
If you want to find out how you should be prepared for your business acquisition, listen up!
 
"Bigger deals are generally easier. " - Jamil Anakkar
 
Timestamps
 
01:46 - An introduction to Jamil
06:57 - How many owners are hands off in their business?
09:07 - Jamil on closing his deal in 6 months
13:05 - Agree as much as possible with sellers before solicitors
16:02 - Identifying big risks at heads of terms
26:54 - The biggest trend in businesses below audit level
30:26 - Not investing in the right people
36:48 - Jamil's future aspirations
 
Connect with Jamil Anakkar:
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamil-anakkar/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC21gxYXKncu-ir8zbiqRgqA
Tandy Ventures - https://www.tandygroup.net/
 
Connect With Julie Wilkinson
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/
Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/
 
Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!

From Family Priorities to Profitable Exit: Building a Business That Pays Off - Michèle Hecken

Is your business too dependent on you? 
Far too many companies are lifestyle businesses that would fall apart without the owner. 
This can jeopardise your exit, so detaching yourself from working in the business is essential. 
In this episode I am joined by Michèle Hecken, who built, operated, scaled, and exited a successful business in the translation industry. After completing a high-7-figure exit she now serves as an Advisor to high performers wanting to run businesses that serve them and live lives they dream of. 
She shares how she scaled and exited her translation company, learning the art of off-boarding as she went. She also gives strategies you can use to create a business that can operate independently of you. 
 
Off-boarding tasks and jobs can maximise the value of your exits. 
 
So, let’s hear from Michèle! 
 
"The art of off-boarding is a game changer" - Michèle Hecken 
 
Timestamps 
 
01:29 - An introduction to Michèle Hecken 
03:20 - Working on the business not in it 
05:26 - How Julie stopped working in her business 
10:23 - Julie's story developing her business 
12:47 - The steps Michèle took to step back in her business  
18:33 - The problems with service-based businesses  
26:11 - Focusing on governance and controls 
33:59 - The power of the finance team 
36:23 - Tying systems to KPIs 
 
Connect with Michèle Hecken: 
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelehecken/ 
Michèle’s website - https://www.michelehecken.com/ 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mhecken/ 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mhecken/ 
 
Check out special Michèle's offer just for you the Build & Exit listeners!
https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/buildandexit/podcast/special/offer
 
Connect With Julie Wilkinson 
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/ 
Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions  
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A  
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions 
Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/ 
 
Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!  

Life After the Exit: The Silence Following My Sale to Pizza Express with Edin Basic

How does it feel to sell your business to a multinational chain?
Edin Basic did just that. Building his chain of restaurants up to 17 sites before selling it to Pizza Express.
But when the deal was done, he didn’t go out celebrating, he was left with the feeling of “was that it?”
For him the journey of building the business had been the real enjoyment of the whole process. He talks candidly about how he felt at every step of the way and afterwards. He shares the complexities of exiting as well as the importance of preparation and governance.
Edin emphasizes the significance of understanding the market dynamics and being ready for unexpected changes that can influence your decision of when is best to make the deal.
Now helping other business owners with their own growth and exit strategies there is a lot to learn from Edin.
 
"It's all about the journey rather than the destination." – Edin Basic
 
Timestamps
 01:05 - An introduction to Edin
03:06 - Scaling to exit position
07:28 - Getting clear about what you want
13:25 - How did the exit with Pizza Express happen?
18:36 - Knowing the right time to exit
22:25 - How Edin felt after selling
25:55 - Did the deal change before the end?
32:03 - The emotional side of selling a business
37:04 - Working after the exit
 
Connect with Edin Basic:
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/edinbasic-help-food-and-beverage-founders-grow-and-exit-their-business/
We Amplify - https://we-amplify.co/
 
Connect With Julie Wilkinson
 
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/
Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Website - https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/
 
Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!