When to Engage a Broker or Exit Adviser – Why Earlier Is Better

Selling a business is one of the most significant financial and personal decisions a business owner will ever make.And yet, many owners only call a broker or exit adviser when they’re already ready to sell — sometimes just weeks before they want to go to market.

The truth is, the earlier you bring in an experienced adviser, the better your chances of securing a smoother, faster sale — and a higher price. At BusinessBrokers.co.uk, we’ve seen first-hand how early engagement can transform the outcome of a sale. Here’s why timing matters.

More Time to Prepare Increases Value

A rushed sale often means you don’t have time to:

• Resolve issues that could lower your valuation

• Improve profitability and margins

• Secure long-term contracts or diversify your customer base

When we’re engaged 12–24 months in advance, we can help you identify and fix “value blockers” before buyers see them — making your business more attractive and more valuable.

Better Positioning in the Market

The right buyer will pay more if the business is positioned well and marketed strategically. Early involvement allows us to:

• Identify your ideal buyer profile

• Build competitive tension between multiple interested parties

• Time your sale to market conditions and sector trends

Waiting until the last minute limits your options and negotiating power.

Stronger Financial Presentation

Buyers want clean, well-organised accounts. Early engagement gives you time to:

• Separate personal and business expenses

• Prepare adjusted earnings figures (EBITDA)

• Present financials in a way that’s easy for buyers to understand and trust

We can also help prepare a professional Information Memorandum to showcase your strengths.

More Discreet and Controlled Marketing

The earlier we’re involved, the more we can plan a marketing approach that maintains confidentiality and avoids “shop window fatigue” — where a business sits on the market too long and loses buyer interest.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Last-minute sellers often face:

• Lower offers due to unresolved issues

• Reduced buyer pool and competitive tension

• Extended completion times due to poor preparation

By starting early, you give yourself time to prepare, position, and negotiate from a position of strength.

How BusinessBrokers.co.uk Helps

Whether you’re looking to sell in 6 months or 3 years, we can:

• Conduct a confidential market-readiness review

• Recommend changes to increase value before going to market

• Manage the process from introduction to completion

Thinking about selling?

The best time to speak to a broker is before you’re ready to sell. Contact BusinessBrokers.co.uk today for a confidential, no-obligation discussion.