Most business owners have a number in their head. A figure they think their business is worth. But how accurate is it really?

In this episode, Jack Seymour sits down with Alex Reading, Head of Mergers & Acquisitions at The Best Group powered by Pinnacle Business Finance.

Alex works on deals every day and knows exactly where buyers and sellers come unstuck.

This is a straight-talking conversation about what business valuations look like in practice, how add-backs can be manipulated, and why the bank ultimately holds the cards on what a deal is worth.

What we cover:
• Why no two valuations are ever the same
• What EBITDA means 
• Add-backs - the legitimate ones, the grey areas, and the red flags
• Why information memorandums can be misleading and how to challenge them
• Getting independent valuations
• Why you need at least a 2-year exit plan

If you're thinking about exiting in the next few years, or actively looking to buy watch this before you do anything else.

Get in touch with Jack, Alex or the team: 📞 0117 251 0048 🌐 https://thebestgroup.co.uk 🌐

The Best Business Podcast is for UK business owners navigating finance, growth, acquisitions and exit. New episodes regularly. Subscribe here.

⏱ Timestamps
00:00 Why no two valuations are ever the same
01:45 What EBITDA actually means (and why it's not as simple as it sounds)
03:30 Add-backs - the legitimate ones, the grey areas, and the red flags
05:50 The CRM system that nearly inflated a deal valuation
07:20 Why information memorandums can be misleading and how to challenge them
09:00 Getting 3 independent accountant valuations before you go to market
10:15 Financing and M&A under one roof
11:40 Day one financing 
12:30 Why you need at least a 2-year exit plan
13:45 Reverse engineering your retirement number
14:10 Where to get in touch

#BuyingABusiness #SellingABusiness #MergersAndAcquisitions #BusinessFinance #BusinessValuation #HowMuchIsMyBusinessWorth #EBITDA #ExitStrategy

 🎙️ The Best Business Podcast - Hosted by Jack Seymour 

Learn more: 

thebestgroup.co.uk / pinnaclebusinessfinance.co.uk

Got a finance question? Call 0117 251 0048 

Most business owners spend years building their business, but very few prepare for the day they leave it.

In this episode, Alex Reading (M&A Consultant at Pinnacle Business Finance) sits down with Jamie Flook, Managing Director and Certified Financial Planner at Lab Financial Planning, to talk about what most founders never plan for, the personal and financial reality of life after the sale.

Jamie was named one of the Top 35 Next Generation Advisers 2024 by New Model Adviser and works with business owners to help them translate business success into lasting personal financial security.

In this episode:
• The three mistakes founders make when exiting and how to avoid them
• Why knowing what you need from a sale matters more than what it's worth
• The hidden personal cost of selling that nobody talks about
• The TALES model - a practical five-point framework for exit planning
• How cash flow modelling changes the way founders think about selling
• Where your income comes from once the deal completes
• Why the question "what are you going to do next?" catches so many founders off guard

This is the Financial Plan Every Business Owner Needs Before They Sell.

If you're thinking about selling, growing, or just want to understand how to translate business success into personal financial security, watch this episode. Subscribe for more episodes on business finance, buying, selling and growing a UK business.

Get in touch with Alex Reading - Pinnacle Business Finance / The Best Group 🌐 https://thebestgroup.co.uk 📞 0117 251 0048 🔗 www.linkedin.com/in/alex-reading-05a799215/

Get in touch with Jamie Flook - Lab Financial Planning 🌐 www.labfp.co.uk 📞 0117 427 8887 🔗 linkedin.com/in/jamieflook-labfinancialplanning

🕐 TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction - Jamie Flook & Lab Financial Planning
01:40 The 3 biggest mistakes founders make when exiting
02:35 Why you need to know your number before you go to market
03:47 The hidden cost of selling. Identity, purpose and what comes next
06:50 The TALES model explained
09:00 Team and timeline - Who you need around you
10:00 Amount - What can it sell for vs what do you need it to sell for
12:00 Cash flow modelling and flipping the script on valuation
16:00 Income after the sale - Where does it come from?
18:00 Layout and legacy - Making your capital work post-exit
19:25 What are you going to do next? The question founders don't ask
21:00 Wrap up

#SellYourBusiness #UKBusiness #FinancialPlanning #BusinessPodcast

 🎙️ The Best Business Podcast - Hosted by Jack Seymour 

Learn more: 

thebestgroup.co.uk / pinnaclebusinessfinance.co.uk

Got a finance question? Call 0117 251 0048 

What are your numbers really telling you? 
Is your business built to scale?

In this episode, Jack sits down with Alexis Charkiw, co-founder of Blackline Academy, MAAT-qualified accountant, Xero expert, and business strategist for growing SMEs.

Alexis works with founders who are deep in the weeds of their business, emotionally attached, reactive, and unsure how to get to the next stage. Her work is about helping them step back, look at the numbers honestly, and make strategic decisions that move the business forward.

This is a really insightful conversation! Whether you're a business owner trying to grow or an adviser working alongside them.

Guest: Alexis Charkiw | Co-Founder, Blackline Academy 🔗 Find Alexis: www.linkedin.com/company/blacklineacademy

In this episode you'll learn:

Scaling from startup to a real business
What Alexis looks at first with every new client
Why your finances tell the real story
Case study: TikTok sales, hidden gross profit problem
When is the right time to seek funding?
The plaster analogy and the danger of loan stacking
Cash flow forecasting and good vs bad debt
Why external support makes a difference

 🎙️ The Best Business Podcast - Hosted by Jack Seymour 

Learn more: 

thebestgroup.co.uk / pinnaclebusinessfinance.co.uk

Got a finance question? Call 0117 251 0048 

Thinking about buying or selling a business?

In this episode, Jack Seymour sits down with Alex Reading, Head of Mergers & Acquisitions at Pinnacle Business Finance, to let you know what's really happening in the UK M&A market right now and what buyers and sellers need to know before they make their move.

Alex has brokered deals worth millions, facilitated five acquisitions for a single client's buy-and-build strategy, and achieved a sell-side value of over £18 million for a client. He's seen what works, what doesn't and knows how costly getting it wrong can be.

In this episode:
• Which industries are seeing the most buyer activity right now
• Why the boomer retirement wave is creating a surge of businesses coming to market
• What makes a credible buyer
• The truth about seller expectations and why most business owners don't know what their business is really worth
• How leveraged buyouts work and what that means for your deal structure
• Why working with a broker who understands finance gives you a serious edge

Whether you're planning your exit, looking to acquire, or just want to understand how deals get done, this one is worth your time.
 
📞 0117 251 0048
🌐 https://thebestgroup.co.uk 
🌐 pinnaclebusinessfinance.co.uk

 🎙️ The Best Business Podcast - Hosted by Jack Seymour 

Learn more: 

thebestgroup.co.uk / pinnaclebusinessfinance.co.uk

Got a finance question? Call 0117 251 0048 

Small mistakes could be costing your business thousands! In this episode, Matt Davies from The Online Accountant shares how to avoid common financial pitfalls and protect your profits.

Learn how last-minute compliance, poor planning and missed tax strategies can quietly drain your revenue and what you can do to stay ahead. 

From outsourced FD advice to practical tips for sole traders and small businesses, this episode gives you the insight you need to keep your finances healthy and your business growing.

Don’t leave money on the table, take control of your business finances today. If you need help with business finance, please visit www.thebestgroup.co.uk
.

In this episode of The Business Finance Podcast, Phil sits down with Jon Fry, Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) at Elite Financial Consulting in Bristol. They explore why business owners should seek financial advice early, covering pensions, protection, cash flow and building long-term wealth.

Jon shares practical tips for business owners on the following:

✅ Why thinking your business sale will fund your retirement is risky
✅ How to protect your business and family if the unexpected happens
✅ The truth about getting a mortgage when you’re self-employed
✅ Smart ways to build and preserve wealth for the future

Whether you’re a limited company director, self-employed trader, or small business owner, this episode is packed with insights on how to protect your business and your personal finances.

🎙️ Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to The Business Finance Podcast
00:27 – Meet John Fry, Elite Financial Consulting
02:30 – How IFAs help business owners
05:00 – Why your business isn’t your pension
07:30 – Protecting your business and family
09:00 – Getting a mortgage when self-employed
11:00 – John’s 3 financial tips for business owners
15:00 – Real case study: working with The Best Finance Group
17:00 – Final thoughts: why protection matters

🔗 Connect with John Fry & Elite Financial Consulting:
Website: https://elitefinancialconsulting.co.uk

Facebook: @EliteFinancialConsulting

🌐 Connect with The Best Finance Group:
Website: https://www.thebestgroup.co.uk 

Is your accountant only talking to you once a year?

If all you’re getting is basic bookkeeping and a year-end tax return, you’re missing out on the real value that modern accountancy support can bring to your business.

In this episode of The Business Finance Podcast, we’re joined by Sarah Travell, Founder and CEO of Virgate.co.uk. Virgate is a trusted partner of The Best Finance Group, they are an accountancy practice that does far more than standard compliance work. 

Sarah explains how her team acts as the internal finance department for their clients, managing daily bookkeeping, supplier payments and producing detailed monthly management reports.

This episode is packed with practical insights for business owners who want real-time visibility over their finances, better cash flow management, and support that actually helps them grow, not just file tax returns and keeping them compliant.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

Why traditional “once-a-year” accountants are no longer enough.

The difference between accounting and financial management.

How Virgate helps business owners make data-driven decisions every week.

The key metrics every owner should track: sales, cash, debtors and KPIs.

How great financial reporting can make getting funding faster and easier.

The top 3 tips to improve your business finances immediately.

🧠 Episode Highlights:

“Most accountants only do year-end accounts, that’s just 10% of what we do.”
“You can’t make good business decisions without accurate, up-to-date numbers.”
“Cash flow visibility isn’t optional, it’s critical.”
“Automation isn’t the future, it’s happening now.”

🔗 Mentioned in this episode:

Sarah Travell – Virgate Accountancy - www.virgate.co.uk

The Best Finance Group  – Specialist in Business Finance - www.thebestgroup.co.uk

🏆 Ideal For:

Business owners relying on basic bookkeeping

Companies preparing for growth or funding

Entrepreneurs who want better control of their finances

Anyone frustrated with slow, reactive accountants

If you've enjoyed this episode, please leave a comment and tell us about your experiences with accountants, or just like and subscribe, it's a big help as we try to grow our channel and reach more business owners.

Please contact us if you need any help with Business Finance by emailng [email protected] or visit our website www.thebestgroup.co.uk

Thanks for listening!

Welcome back to The Business Finance Podcast, brought to you by The Best Finance Group. 

We are your weekly go-to source for expert insights, real-life case studies, and the latest updates in the world of UK business finance.

In this episode, Phil Murphy and Jack Seymour share a real-life business acquisition success story that nearly didn’t happen, until the right funding structure made all the difference.

You’ll discover how a recruitment company in the construction sector was successfully acquired after two previous buyers failed to complete due to lack of funding.

Jack and Phil disect the full deal — including:

✅ How the £6.5 million funding package was structured using invoice discounting and a cash flow loan
✅ How The Best Finance Group overcame sector funding challenges
✅ Why having the right M&A and finance experts is key to completing acquisitions
✅ What makes a successful buy-and-build strategy
✅ How you can start your own journey to acquiring a business

Plus, Jack reveals an exciting new initiative! The Business Buyers Group, powered by Pinnacle Business Finance. This exclusive buyers group is designed to help entrepreneurs get the knowledge, support, and connections to make their first business acquisition happen.

We hope you find this video interesting, if so please help our channel grow by liking and subscribing, we would really appreciate it.

If you are interested in finding out more about The Business Buyers Group or would like to discuss an Acquisition, MBO, or business exit, please get in touch via email - [email protected] or via our website www.thebestgroup.co.uk 

Thanks for watching, check out our other podcasts 😊

🚨 NEW PODCAST EPISODE LIVE: 🚨
Inside a £5M Business Acquisition: How the Deal Was Structured & Closed

Ever wondered what really happens in the deal room? Get the inside story on Episode #26 of The Business Finance Podcast

We’re back with another episode of The Business Finance Podcast, brought to you by The Best Finance Group. This week, Phil and Jack are giving you a front-row seat to the inner workings of real business funding deals, from initial enquiry to completion.

There are three segments in our 10 minute shows:

🔹 On The Desk
 We talk live deals in progress:
 • Corporation Tax Loans
 • VAT Funding Solutions
 • The rise of Revolving Credit Facilities as an alternative to Invoice Finance

Plus, hear how a Bristol coatings company is navigating cash flow pressures and the impact of funding withdrawals for construction firms and couriers.

🔹 The Deal Room (New Segment!)
Ever wondered how a £5 million business acquisition is actually structured? We take you inside the deal room for an exclusive look at a Midlands-based recruitment agency buyout, involving invoice finance, unsecured lending, credit insurance and the specialist advisors that made it happen.

🔹 Deal of the Week
Big congrats to our ace broker Elliott Sharp for securing a £200,000 unsecured loan for a UK manufacturer, consolidating multiple loans into a single, growth-focused facility, delivered in just 5 working days.

🎧 Listen now and stay ahead of the funding curve: 

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for weekly insights on how businesses are funding growth, acquisitions, and navigating the changing finance landscape.

Hello!

In this episode of The Business Finance Podcast, we sit down with Chris Spratling, author of the Amazon Best Selling Book - The Exit Roadmap, this is the best book we have ever read on the subject of selling your business.

Chris is a seasoned entrepreneur, business growth and exit advisor and now an Amazon Best Selling Author. With decades of experience building, scaling, and successfully exiting businesses, Chris now helps business owners navigate the complex process of selling their companies through his consultancy, Chalkhill Blue. Chris has been in the trenchesboth as a seller and a buyer, he now brings real-world insights that cut through the theory and get to what actually works when selling a business.

We met with Christ to uncover why so many business owners fail to maximise their company’s value when selling. Chris shares eye-opening statistics about business sales, the pitfalls of poor preparation, and the critical factors that determine whether a deal succeeds, or falls apart.
We discuss:

🔹 Why 60% of businesses never sell
🔹 The real reason owners regret their exit
🔹 How long it actually takes to prepare a business for sale
🔹 The key value drivers buyers look for
🔹 Understanding the different types of buyers (Individual, Strategic, Financial, Family Office and Internal Buyer)
🔹 How to structure deals for maximum return and minimal headaches

If you’re a business owner considering an exit in the next few years, this is a must-watch conversation that could add serious value to your future sale. We HIGHLY recommend you get a copy of this book, it could make you many moire £000's when it's time to exit (See below for our Free Book Givaway, 10 copies available!)
 
If you would like a FREE, comprehensive report about how ready your business currently if you were to sell today, take 7-8 minutes to go through the Exit Readiness Survey:

🎯 Take the FREE Exit Readiness Survey here today:
 
https://chalkhillblue.org/exitreadiness-survey/

📘 Get Chris's fantastic book 'The Exit Roadmap' here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F5YB9YWQ

To find out more about Chalkhill Blue and how they can help you with your business growth and exit, visit their website here: https://chalkhillblue.org/  

To connect with Chris on Linkedin, visit here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisspratling/ 

If you would like a FREE COPY of 'The Exit Roadmap', we have 10 copies to give away, thanks to Chris!!!

If you would like a copy please email [email protected] with the Email Title ‘The Exit Roadmap’ and just include your business name and address. First come, first served so send us an email today to claim your free copy!

🔔 Don’t forget to kindly support our channel, please do LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more interviews and insights on business finance, growth, and exit strategies.

If you need help finding a buyer for your business, if you have someone looking to acquire your business that needs help with finance or if you need funding to acquire another business, we can help. Please feel free to get in touch by calling 02921 900000, by visiting www.thebestgroup.co.uk or by emailing us to arrange a call back here: [email protected] 


#BusinessSale #ExitStrategy #ChrisSpratling #TheExitRoadmap #BusinessFinancePodcast #SellingABusiness #MergersAndAcquisitions #BusinessValuation #SMEs #Entrepreneurship