Think Your Business is Worth More? Here’s What Buyers Are Really Looking At.

Sellers often feel let down by their business valuation. There is a key principle that they overlook from the start of building their business that has a huge impact – their financial literacy.

In this episode I am joined by Rob Goddard, seasoned M&A advisor, to unpack the real financial truths behind selling—or buying—a business.

We break down the myths and misconceptions around business valuations, why adjusted EBITDA is more than just a buzzword, and the critical role financial literacy plays in building business value.

You’ll also hear how real-world businesses prepared for sale, the impact of operations on valuation, and the key team members you need to get top offers when it’s time to exit.

If you're building to sell—or just want to run a smarter business—this is the financial deep dive you can't afford to miss.

"You need a robust financial report to sell.” – Rob Goddard

You’ll hear about:

• The fact valuations often differ from perceived value due to various factors.
• Why a business's true value cannot be determined solely by financial statements.
• Financial literacy being a significant gap among many entrepreneurs.
• Robust financial processes are necessary for successful business sales.
• Why investing in financial management can lead to better business outcomes.
• How misleading ad backs can inflate business valuations unjustly.
• Outdated processes hindering business operations and financial accuracy.
• Building a competent team is essential for business growth and saleability

Connect With Rob Goddard

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgoddard/

S-Cubed Advisory - https://s-cubedadvisory.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!

Are you having a negative impact on the value of your business?

So many business owners aren’t aware of the effect they are having on the value of their business before sale. They take on too many roles across the business, aren’t tracking what they pay themselves over the year, and all this impacts what they could be taking home from selling it further down the line.

In this episode I go into the fundamentals of financial concepts all business owners should know to be able to sell their business for as much as possible. I cover EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and the impacts of salaries and dividends on valuations.

With enough knowledge and a few adjustments, you can maximise what you can sell your business for.

Listen up to find out how!

"Are the decision you make maximising profit?" – Julie

You’ll hear about:

• Why adjusted EBITDA is crucial for understanding business value during sales.
• The accruals concept helps match income with costs for accurate financial reporting.
• Business owners often overlook the impact of their roles on company valuation.
• Dividends taken by owners can distort profit margins and business valuation.

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!

Will the business you are building last beyond you?

Many business owners are building a lifestyle business rather than one for generational wealth. If you want to create a legacy rather than a job it all starts with you.

In this, my first solo podcast episode, I explore what it means to build a legacy with your business and what you need to do to prepare for the future if you aim to sell your business.

From understanding what generational wealth means, to implementing effective governance structures. I highlight the challenges of scaling a business and the role of financial leadership in ensuring operational efficiency and long-term success.

It’s not too late to create your legacy, listen up to find out how!

"Are you building a legacy or a job?" – Julie

You’ll hear about:

• Educating business owners on acquisition and exit strategies.
• Financial controls are essential for scaling a business effectively.
• Generational wealth means creating a business that lasts beyond the owner.
• Many businesses fail to sell due to lack of preparation and knowledge.
• A CFO can provide strategic value, but timing is key.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!