Author Archives for Chris Spratling

How to Develop Resilience in Your SME Team

July 16, 2026 10:00 am Published by Comments Off on How to Develop Resilience in Your SME Team

Introduction Resilience is a key trait for teams navigating the challenges of scaling. A resilient team can adapt to change, overcome obstacles, and maintain productivity during uncertain times. This blog explores how to build resilience in your SME team. Foster... Read more


How market uncertainty actually changes buyer behaviour

July 9, 2026 10:00 am Published by Comments Off on How market uncertainty actually changes buyer behaviour

Market uncertainty doesn’t stop deals. It changes how buyers behave. When conditions feel less predictable, buyers don’t disappear, they become more selective, more structured, and far less tolerant of ambiguity. Uncertainty sharpens scrutiny. Why uncertainty feels more dramatic to founders... Read more


How to Balance Short-Term and Long-Term Goals While Scaling

July 2, 2026 10:07 am Published by Comments Off on How to Balance Short-Term and Long-Term Goals While Scaling

Balancing short-term and long-term goals is a challenge for SMEs during scaling. Focusing too much on immediate needs can derail long-term objectives, while neglecting short-term demands risks stalling growth. This blog explores strategies for maintaining balance. Prioritise Goals Start by... Read more


The working capital trap that catches founders at completion

June 25, 2026 10:04 am Published by Comments Off on The working capital trap that catches founders at completion

Working capital adjustments often surprise founders at completion. Not because they are unfair, but because expectations were never aligned. The result is frustration and sometimes a lower net outcome than anticipated. Completion mechanics matter.  Why this trap is so common... Read more


How to Create Scalable Financial Systems for Your SME

June 18, 2026 10:00 am Published by Comments Off on How to Create Scalable Financial Systems for Your SME

Financial systems are the backbone of a successful scale-up. Without scalable systems, managing increased transactions, reporting, and budgets becomes overwhelming. This blog explores how SMEs can build scalable financial systems to support growth. Adopt Cloud-Based Accounting Software Cloud-based accounting tools,... Read more


Earnouts: when they work and when they quietly destroy value

June 11, 2026 10:00 am Published by Comments Off on Earnouts: when they work and when they quietly destroy value

Earnouts can bridge gaps in valuation expectations. They rarely eliminate risk. When poorly structured or poorly aligned, earnouts shift uncertainty onto the seller and quietly erode value long after completion. Earnouts delay certainty. Why earnouts are so common Earnouts feel... Read more


The Role of Networking in Scaling Your SME

June 2, 2026 10:00 am Published by Comments Off on The Role of Networking in Scaling Your SME

Networking is a powerful tool for scaling SMEs. Building strong connections can open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and resources that drive growth. This blog explores how SMEs can leverage networking to support their scale-up journey. Attend Industry Events Industry... Read more


Why good EBITDA isn’t enough anymore

May 28, 2026 10:00 am Published by Comments Off on Why good EBITDA isn’t enough anymore

EBITDA still matters. But on its own, it rarely determines valuation or deal certainty. Buyers increasingly look beyond headline profit to understand how that profit is generated, how repeatable it is, and how exposed it might be to change. Quality... Read more


The Importance of Scalability in Marketing Technology for SMEs

May 19, 2026 10:00 am Published by Comments Off on The Importance of Scalability in Marketing Technology for SMEs

Marketing technology, or martech, plays a critical role in scaling SMEs. Investing in scalable martech tools ensures your business can handle increased marketing demands without losing efficiency or effectiveness. This blog highlights the importance of scalability in martech for SMEs.... Read more


What buyers really mean by “too founder-dependent”

May 14, 2026 10:00 am Published by Comments Off on What buyers really mean by “too founder-dependent”

When buyers describe a business as “too founder-dependent”, they are not criticising the founder’s capability. They are highlighting a transferability risk. Founder dependence isn’t about effort or commitment. It’s about what would happen if ownership changed tomorrow. Buyers don’t fear... Read more