Author Archives for Chris Spratling

|||

How to Keep Your Competitive Edge While Scaling

July 21, 2025 12:00 am Published by Comments Off on How to Keep Your Competitive Edge While Scaling

One thing I always make sure clients understand is that scaling isn’t a victory lap; it’s a new playing field where the stakes are higher and the competition sharper. Growth can give you momentum, but it also makes you a... Read more


Why ESG Credentials Are Becoming Critical to Attracting Buyers

July 17, 2025 12:00 am Published by Comments Off on Why ESG Credentials Are Becoming Critical to Attracting Buyers

Once a concern reserved for big corporates and listed companies, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) has now moved firmly into the spotlight for SMEs and entrepreneurial businesses looking to sell. In 2025, buyers are scrutinising more than your balance sheet:... Read more


The Secret of Scaling: Burnout Will Kill Your Business If You Let It

July 15, 2025 12:00 am Published by Comments Off on The Secret of Scaling: Burnout Will Kill Your Business If You Let It

Let’s be honest: rapid growth isn’t glamorous behind the scenes. Rather it’s stressful, exhausting, and if you don’t manage it properly, it can break both your business and your people. Forget the hustle-culture nonsense. Work-life balance isn’t a luxury; it’s... Read more


||||||

Buyer Psychology: How to Use Market Positioning to Command a Premium Price

July 9, 2025 12:00 am Published by Comments Off on Buyer Psychology: How to Use Market Positioning to Command a Premium Price

Most entrepreneurs preparing to sell their business focus on the numbers; profit, EBITDA, revenue multiples, and the “hard” data that drive valuations. But seasoned dealmakers know that buyers are people too, and psychology plays a critical role in how businesses... Read more


Why Most SMEs Kill Innovation When They Scale (And How to Avoid It)

July 7, 2025 12:00 am Published by Comments Off on Why Most SMEs Kill Innovation When They Scale (And How to Avoid It)

Innovation has become a buzzword that everyone loves to throw around, but few actually understand how to nurture, especially when a business is scaling fast. For SMEs, the pressure to grow often sidelines creativity in favour of efficiency and short-term... Read more


The Strategic vs. Financial Buyer: Which One Should You Target?

July 2, 2025 12:00 am Published by Comments Off on The Strategic vs. Financial Buyer: Which One Should You Target?

One of the most important decisions you’ll make when preparing to sell your business is deciding who your ideal buyer really is. Should you aim for a strategic buyer, such as a competitor, supplier, or customer in your industry? Or... Read more


Ignoring These Legal Pitfalls Will Stop Your SME From Scaling

June 30, 2025 12:00 am Published by Comments Off on Ignoring These Legal Pitfalls Will Stop Your SME From Scaling

Scaling a business is exciting; the momentum, the milestones, the promise of what’s next. But without legal foresight, that growth rests on shaky ground. Too often, SMEs charge ahead, prioritising speed and success, only to seek legal guidance when something... Read more


What Buyers Want: Key Factors Driving Acquisition Decisions in 2025

June 26, 2025 12:00 am Published by Comments Off on What Buyers Want: Key Factors Driving Acquisition Decisions in 2025

The world of business sales is evolving rapidly, and so too are the priorities of those writing the cheques. As we head deeper into 2025, buyers are more discerning, data-driven, and risk-aware than ever. Whether you’re courting private equity, a... Read more


Why Strong Governance Is a Must for Today’s Sellers

June 18, 2025 12:00 am Published by Comments Off on Why Strong Governance Is a Must for Today’s Sellers

In the past, buyers might have overlooked the lack of formal governance in an entrepreneurial business if the numbers stacked up and the opportunity looked compelling. Today, things have changed. With increased regulatory scrutiny, more sophisticated buyers, and the rise... Read more