By Liz Jackson MBE, above, Director, Initium Corporate Finance
For many entrepreneurs, the sale of a business represents the culmination of years of hard work, late nights, and strategic decision-making. It’s an emotional and monumental moment in any entrepreneur’s life. Yet, in reality, selling a business is not the final destination; it’s merely the beginning of a new chapter, one that involves significant life transitions, new opportunities, and the careful management of wealth.
Selling a business is about much more than walking away with a payout – it’s about ensuring that the sale aligns with future goals and aspirations, both personal and financial. As with any major milestone, this transition requires preparation and thoughtful planning.
Here, I explain how business owners can prepare for this momentous occasion and highlights the personal shifts and opportunities that follow beyond the financial transaction.
The importance of preparing early
Entrepreneurs who achieve successful exits understand that the process of selling a business should never be rushed. Planning for a sale involves years of strategic decisions, from maximising the value of the business to securing personal financial stability. Business owners should begin preparations well in advance, ideally several years before the sale is even on the table.
This preparation isn’t solely about securing a favourable sale price – it’s about ensuring that the entrepreneur’s personal finances are in top shape to handle the influx of capital from the sale. Maximising personal pensions, reviewing and updating estate plans, engaging with tax advisors, and understanding the tax implications of the sale are critical steps in this process. By doing this, entrepreneurs can avoid costly surprises and protect the wealth they’ve worked so hard to accumulate.
Furthermore, engaging with financial and legal advisors early on allows for the opportunity to structure the sale in the most advantageous way. It’s vital to have experts who can help navigate the complexities of capital gains tax, inheritance tax and wealth preservation strategies, ensuring that the financial outcomes post-sale are optimal. After all, managing life-changing sums of money is no small task – it requires expert guidance and a long-term perspective.
What does life post-sale look like?
One of the most important questions entrepreneurs need to ask themselves is: “How much is enough?” While the sale of a business brings financial security, it also brings the opportunity to rethink life goals and ambitions. For some, the focus post-sale will be on personal passions, such as rewilding land, investing in environmental causes, or perhaps exploring a long-dormant hobby. For others, it may involve supporting their family through investments in their children’s or grandchildren’s education, or charitable causes close to their hearts.
The transition from running a business to managing personal wealth can feel overwhelming, but it also opens doors to new possibilities. A key consideration is to ensure that the wealth earned from the sale is in alignment with future ambitions. Whether it’s travel, philanthropy, or pursuing new business ventures, clear financial planning is essential to make sure that the wealth will last and serve these goals effectively.
Protecting wealth and liquidity
After the sale, many business owners face liquidity risks that they may not have anticipated. One common misconception is assuming that all the proceeds from the sale are fully protected by the banking system. The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), for example, only guarantees up to £85,000 so it’s essential to spread the wealth across multiple accounts to ensure it is fully protected. For business owners who have just sold their companies, the proceeds are likely to far exceed this threshold.
To mitigate the risk, it’s critical to work with a trusted financial advisor who can help spread the wealth across different accounts and institutions, ensuring that liquidity is safeguarded while simultaneously protecting assets for the long term. Entrepreneurs should aim to build a strategy that not only preserves their wealth but also offers growth opportunities over time.
Finding a new identity
For many entrepreneurs, selling their business may provoke an unexpected emotional response. A sense of loss can emerge when the company that defined their daily life, identity and professional purpose is no longer part of their routine. This identity shift can feel disorienting, and it’s not uncommon for business owners to feel a sense of detachment post-sale.
In this period of transition, it’s helpful to seek out support networks, such as the Fellows group, where former business owners can connect with others who are experiencing the same emotions. These networks provide a sense of camaraderie, much like joining a parents’ group like the NCT, or a school or college alumni. Entrepreneurs can share their experiences, navigate the emotional aspects of transitioning out of their businesses, and even explore potential opportunities that resonate with their new identity.
The sense of belonging in such networks can be critical in redefining purpose and finding new meaning in life post-business. It also offers a platform to discuss financial, philanthropic and personal ventures that are now possible, helping entrepreneurs reshape their identities beyond the role of business owner.
Beyond the sale: creating an impact
Today’s entrepreneurs aren’t just walking away from their businesses with a sense of financial security; they’re also looking to make a lasting impact on the world. Many are choosing to channel their wealth into ethical investments and green banking, ensuring their wealth contributes positively to society. Business owners are becoming more conscious than ever about the legacy they leave behind, not just in terms of financial success but also in terms of their contributions to society and the environment.
For these entrepreneurs, the sale of their business isn’t the end – it’s a stepping stone to something even more significant. Whether through philanthropic efforts, sustainability initiatives, or mentorship for the next generation of business leaders, they see their wealth as a tool for making a positive difference. By strategically investing in causes that matter to them, they can ensure that their legacy is one of impact and purpose, rather than just profit.
