Selling your business is rarely just a transaction — it’s a journey. And for many UK business owners, that journey is one they’ve never taken before.

In this episode of The Quiet Exit Podcast, Stephen McConachie walks you step-by-step through navigating the business acquisition process from a seller’s perspective — calmly, clearly, and without the noise.

You’ll learn how to approach each stage with confidence:

• Early Thinking: The questions to ask yourself before you even start conversations, and how to decide whether now is the right time to explore a sale.

• First Contact: What happens in that very first discussion with a serious direct buyer, and how to keep the tone relaxed and exploratory.

• Initial Information Sharing: How to decide what to share, when to share it, and why oversharing too soon can create unnecessary pressure.

• Heads of Terms: What they mean, why they matter, and the crucial details to understand before you sign.

• Due Diligence: Breaking down the process so it doesn’t feel overwhelming — including how to protect your time, energy, and team focus.

• Legal Completion: How to make sure the final agreements reflect your priorities, not just the financials.

• The Handover: Creating a smooth, quiet transition that respects your people, your clients, and the legacy you’ve built.

Throughout, Stephen explains not only the practical steps but the emotional currents that run alongside them — and how to navigate both without losing momentum or perspective.

This is not a crash course in “getting sale ready” or an aggressive push to market. It’s a calm, structured walk through the stages you will encounter, led by a direct buyer who has been on the other side of dozens of successful owner exits.

If you’ve ever thought about selling your business — or simply want to understand what the path might look like — this episode will give you clarity without the noise, and a framework you can revisit whenever you need it.