Selling Your Business With Confidence

Selling a business is probably the biggest financial decision you'll ever make. Get it right and you walk away with the reward your years of work deserve. Get it wrong and you leave money on the table, or worse, sell to the wrong buyer at the wrong price.

I've been on both sides of this. I built Midshire Business Systems from scratch to £35 million in turnover and sold it to a multinational. I know what it feels like to sit where you're sitting. And I know exactly what buyers look for, what sellers get wrong, and how to close a deal that genuinely reflects the value of what you've built.

That's why I do what I do now.

Top view of business women shaking hands in corporate office, sitting at desk, working in corporate bulding. Celebrating success of contract agreement negotation.
Group business people handshake at meeting table in office together with confident shot from top view . Young businessman and businesswoman workers express agreement of investment deal

Preparation is everything

Most business owners start thinking about selling too late. The businesses that attract the best buyers and the strongest offers are the ones that have been deliberately prepared, clean financials, clear processes, a management team that doesn't depend entirely on the owner, and a compelling story about future potential.

I work with business owners well before they go to market. We look hard at what's working, what needs fixing, and what will make the difference when a buyer sits across the table from you.

Finding the right buyer

Trade buyers, private equity, management buyouts, private investors, the right route depends on your business, your goals, and your timeline. There's no one-size-fits-all answer. I help you identify the most realistic and most rewarding options, and I help you approach the market in a way that creates competition rather than desperation.

Business handshake in the office meeting, Financing Accounting Concept. businessman investment consultant analyzing company financial report balance sheet statement working with digital graphs.
business people shaking hands at work teamwork

Negotiating and closing

Negotiation is where deals are won or lost. I've seen too many owners accept the first offer because they're tired, nervous, or just want it over. My job is to keep you steady, keep the process professional, and make sure you walk away with a result you're genuinely satisfied with.

Let's talk

If you're thinking about an exit, whether it's six months away or a few years out, get in touch. The earlier we start the conversation, the stronger your position will be.

The salesperson of the housing estate in the project and the customer shake hands after successfully signing the contract. Concept of selling housing estates and real estate.

What Working With Me Looks Like?

I don't run a volume operation. I work with a small number of clients at any one time, and every one of them gets my direct involvement,  not a junior team member, not a process. Me.

I've won NW Entrepreneur of the Year and Stockport Business Person of the Year. More importantly, I've sat in the same chair you're sitting in now. I know what the journey feels like from the inside, and that shapes everything about how I work.

If you're thinking about an exit, even if it's still a year or two away — the best time to start the conversation is now.

Book a confidential consultation with Julian Stafford

Projects I’ve worked with recently

I'd whole heartedly recommend Julian as a business coach and advisor. He's been incredibly helpful to myself and the team at Populate.

Daniel Simmons
Founder, Populate Social

I'm happy to help

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