Welcome to The Exit Plan, a podcast for business owners interested in learning more about selling their business.

In this episode,  we are joined by Alex Goat, CEO of Livity, a London-based youth specialist consultancy and creative studio with 22 years of global experience working with brands such as Google, Nike, and more. They focus on connecting with Gen Z and beyond.

Alex shares her incredible journey, starting from her background in events to her time at Iris, working on projects from behavior change to global FMCG clients like Unilever. In 2012, she found her calling at Livity, a purpose-driven business founded 22 years ago. Livity uses marketing to make a positive impact on the world, especially with young audiences.

Tune in to hear Alex Goat's inspiring journey from events to leading Livity, as she discusses their impact on young audiences and their unique approach to marketing.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

• The importance of preparing for a sale and thinking strategically well in advance.

• The need to adapt in a changing landscape, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The surprising revelation that what potential buyers wanted most was Liberty's youth specialism.

• How the Liberty team found their perfect match with the Mission Group, a creative agency group that allowed them to maintain their identity and purpose.

CONNECT WITH DANNY BULL:

• LinkedIn | Alex Goat

• Website | https://livity.co.uk/

THE EXIT PLAN

The Exit Plan is for business owners that are interested in learning more about how to sell their business. Each episode Barnaby Cook interviews someone who has bought or sold a business - either a creative agency, or a production company. The conversation gets under the skin of why they wanted to sell, or were looking to acquire, how the deal was structured, how they agreed upon a valuation and what lessons they learnt along the way.

Welcome to The Exit Plan, a podcast for business owners interested in learning more about selling their business.

In this episode,  we are joined by Danny Bull, a commercially and strategically minded digital leader with over 25 years of industry experience spanning branding, user experience, and technical development.

Danny recounts his childhood experience like crafting makeshift catapults from discarded materials, a venture that showcased his creativity and drive to create value even in unconventional ways. 

Danny also shares his unique strategic approach to challenges. He founded his own digital agency, Digi Nut, successfully running it for 12 years before strategically selling the business to CI Group in 2018. Danny opens up about the human side of entrepreneurship – the negotiations, the cultural dynamics, and the value of introspection in leadership. 

Join us to explore how childhood experiences, agency dynamics, and the complexities of acquisitions collectively mold Danny Bull's exceptional career journey. 

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

• Danny’s transition from childhood ventures to working in agencies

• Danny’s journey as a developer in a software company during the rise of the Internet

• Danny’s decision to start his own business as a freelancer

• Danny’s involvement in complex web and mobile application projects

• Balancing cultural fit and maintaining performance during the merger

• The impact of the pandemic on agency dynamics and transitions

CONNECT WITH DANNY BULL:

• LinkedIn | Danny Bull

THE EXIT PLAN

The Exit Plan is for business owners that are interested in learning more about how to sell their business. Each episode Barnaby Cook interviews someone who has bought or sold a business - either a creative agency, or a production company. The conversation gets under the skin of why they wanted to sell, or were looking to acquire, how the deal was structured, how they agreed upon a valuation and what lessons they learnt along the way.

Welcome to The Exit Plan, a podcast for business owners interested in learning more about selling their business.

In this episode, Angela Law shares her journey from marketing to founding and selling a production company, highlighting the importance of finding a niche in attracting buyers. Angela also talks about the remarkable case where a company was sold to one to one of its own clients, propelled by innovative data analysis and a unique intellectual property.

Angela touches on pivotal aspects of business transitions, including the delicate balance between creative and operational elements, cultural alignment during acquisitions, and crafting the right deal structure. She emphasizes clean financial records, avoiding inflated valuations, and the early preparation needed for a smooth integration process.

Listen as Angela shares insights on specialization, strategic planning, and the value proposition that appeals to potential buyers. Whether you're building a business for growth or considering an exit, Angela's experiences provide actionable guidance for entrepreneurs and business leaders. 

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

• Angela's journey from marketing to founding a consultancy

• The importance of finding a niche to attract buyers and stand out in the market

• How Angela worked with a company that sold to its client 

• The delicate balance between creative aspects and operational efficiency during business transitions

• Importance of cultural alignment between acquiring and selling entities, and crafting the right deal structure

• Emphasizing the need for clean financial records, avoiding inflated valuations, and early preparation for integration

CONNECT WITH ANGELA LAW:

• Website | www.everysense.co.uk

• LinkedIn | Angela Law

THE EXIT PLAN

The Exit Plan is for business owners that are interested in learning more about how to sell their business. Each episode Barnaby Cook interviews someone who has bought or sold a business - either a creative agency, or a production company. The conversation gets under the skin of why they wanted to sell, or were looking to acquire, how the deal was structured, how they agreed upon a valuation and what lessons they learnt along the way.

Welcome to The Exit Plan, a podcast for business owners interested in learning more about selling their business.

In this episode, we have Thom Gonyeau and Stephen Pruitt, owners of Mountain View, a full-service creative agency based in Atlanta, USA. They share their journey from being employees at the company, which was founded in 1981 by Jim Tusty, to becoming owners through a management buyout.

Thom and Stephen also discuss the details of the closing, the paperwork, and the financial aspects involved. They also touch on the significance of timing, as their purchase occurred just before the 2008 financial crisis, and how managing finances tightly and diversifying services led to the company's growth.

Join us as we explore the journey of Mountain View, a creative agency that thrives on a combination of hard work, luck, and a shared vision for success.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

• The history of Mountain View

• The belief and interest shown by Thom and Stephen in taking over the company and their negotiations with Jim

• The role of the Small Business Administration in providing an SBA loan to secure the funds for the buyout

• The financial aspects of the buyout

• Thom and Stephen's plans for the future

• Valuable advice for others considering a management buyout

CONNECT WITH MOUNTAIN VIEW:

• Website | www.mountainviewgroup.com

• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/mountainviewgroup

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/mountainviewgroup

• Twitter | @mvgtweets

• Instagram | @mountainviewgroup

CONNECT WITH THOM:

• LinkedIn | Thom Gonyeau

• LinkedIn | Stephen Pruitt

CONNECT WITH ME

• LinkedIn | Barnaby Cook

THE EXIT PLAN

The Exit Plan is for business owners that are interested in learning more about how to sell their business. Each episode Barnaby Cook interviews someone who has bought or sold a business - either a creative agency, or a production company. The conversation gets under the skin of why they wanted to sell, or were looking to acquire, how the deal was structured, how they agreed upon a valuation and what lessons they learnt along the way.

Welcome to The Exit Plan, a podcast for business owners interested in learning more about selling their business.

In this episode, we have Paul Harrison from Carve, now part of Radancy. Paul shares the genesis of Carve, born out of an unexpected job loss in 2006, which led him and his wife to take a leap of faith and start the company, initially offering blog services before evolving into a successful social media consulting firm.

Paul discusses Carve's acquisition by Radancy, detailing the exploration of various offers and the positive meeting in New York City that led to the acceptance of Radancy's offer. 

Join this episode to learn how Paul's unwavering dedication, combined with a shared vision between Carve and Radancy, has led to an exciting new chapter for both companies, poised for even greater success in the dynamic world of social media and recruitment marketing.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

• Paul Harrison's background and founding of Carve

• Carve's unexpected origin and early growth

• Challenges faced during Carve's growth phase

• Consideration of selling the business and finding the right fit with Radancy

• Radancy's perspective on the value of Carve and its potential for growth

• Structure of the deal, including cash, shares, and revenue incentives

• Reflection on the deal and lessons learned

CONNECT WITH PAUL:

• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/paulharrison

• Radancy Website | radancy.com

• Twitter | @PaulCHarrison

• Facebook | Carve Consulting: Social Media Strategy

CONNECT WITH ME

• LinkedIn | Barnaby Cook

THE EXIT PLAN

The Exit Plan is for business owners that are interested in learning more about how to sell their business. Each episode Barnaby Cook interviews someone who has bought or sold a business - either a creative agency, or a production company. The conversation gets under the skin of why they wanted to sell, or were looking to acquire, how the deal was structured, how they agreed upon a valuation and what lessons they learnt along the way.

Welcome to The Exit Plan, a podcast for business owners interested in learning more about selling their business.

In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Olly Fawcett, the 26-year-old founder and CEO of 303 London, a thriving creative agency specializing in digital and creative production. From starting the agency at 17 to scaling it into a comprehensive powerhouse, Ollie shares insights into their revenue growth, the acquisition of Ralle Media, and their vision for the future. 

Join us for an episode filled with valuable lessons and inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and creative professionals.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

• Olly's background and the founding of 303 London at 17 years old

• Transition from theater shows to focusing on digital content and online sales

• Structure and functions of 303 London, including the digital and creative production teams

• Revenue growth and financial performance of the company over the years

• Target clients and focus on the premium sector

• The decision to acquire Ralle Media and the reasons behind it

• Future plans for additional acquisitions and the importance of integration and strategic planning

• Lessons learned and reflections on the acquisition process

CONNECT WITH OLLY:

• LinkedIn | Olly Fawcett

• Instagram | @303.london

• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/303london

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/303.london

CONNECT WITH ME

• LinkedIn | Barnaby Cook

THE EXIT PLAN

The Exit Plan is for business owners that are interested in learning more about how to sell their business. Each episode Barnaby Cook interviews someone who has bought or sold a business - either a creative agency, or a production company. The conversation gets under the skin of why they wanted to sell, or were looking to acquire, how the deal was structured, how they agreed upon a valuation and what lessons they learnt along the way.

In the ever-evolving world of business, entrepreneurs embark on journeys filled with challenges, successes, and unexpected turns. 

In this episode, Erwan, founder of a video production agency, shares his journey from starting the company to growing it to revenues of $5 million within three years. Erwan unveils the strategies and insights that enabled him and his business partner to scale their venture rapidly, with a sales-oriented approach and a laser focus on animation videos. Moreover, Erwan provides valuable advice on building a successful sales team, finding potential buyers, and navigating the intricacies of a post-acquisition landscape.

Discover the secrets to scaling and exiting a successful video production company from Erwan's journey! 

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

• Erwan’s journey from starting the company to selling it within three years after reaching revenues of $5 million

• Strategies for scaling the business rapidly

• Insights into building a successful sales team and finding potential buyers, 

• Deal structure with upfront payment and earn-out

• Price negotiation based on revenues instead of using an EBITDA multiplier

• Smooth integration process for production but challenges in sales due to different commission structures

• Erwan’s advice when looking for buyers, shortening earnout contracts, adopting an investor mindset, and building relationships with sponsors for successful integration

ABOUT ERWAN DROUET

Erwan Drouet has been helping companies grow their numbers to 6-7 figures for over 10 years. He combines powerful lead generation systems with the strongest sales process closing every deal that is closable. He is the living proof of his systems running several successful businesses.

• Linkedin | Erwan Drouet

• Twitter | @erwandrt

CONNECT WITH ME

• LinkedIn | Barnaby Cook

THE EXIT PLAN

The Exit Plan is for business owners that are interested in learning more about how to sell their business. Each episode Barnaby Cook interviews someone who has bought or sold a business - either a creative agency, or a production company. The conversation gets under the skin of why they wanted to sell, or were looking to acquire, how the deal was structured, how they agreed upon a valuation and what lessons they learnt along the way.

The world of entrepreneurship is a dynamic and ever-evolving realm, where success stories and trials intertwine to shape the destinies of countless ventures.

In this episode, Gus Colquhoun talks about selling his business, Jacaranda. Gus discusses the history of Jacaranda, their clients such as The Body Shop and Rio Tinto, the growth of the business over time, and their decision to sell. He also talked about finding a buyer through Rockworth advisors and unexpected interest from a printing company.

Explore the intricacies of Jacaranda's growth, witness the emotional process of parting ways, and witness the unexpected twists and turns that the business sale journey can bring. In doing so, we gain valuable insights into the complex world of entrepreneurship and the indomitable spirit that propels businesses to new heights.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

• Overview of Jacaranda's business before the sale

• Process of selling the Jacaranda

• Closing the deal and post-sale

• Building a new business and Gus’s future plans

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Gus specialises in communicating strategic insights - translating complex concepts into engaging stories - through print, online and film.

He has 25 years of writing and film production experience, working with some of the world’s leading brands including BP, Barclays, British Airways, HSBC, Rio Tinto and Virgin Group. His unique experience enables Kinetic to develop narratives to  explain client’s strategies, engage their staff and create inspiration and focus throughout the organisation.

International recognition for his work includes New York Festival Gold Awards, the U.S. International Film Festival Gold Camera Award and the IVCA Grand Prix Award. Gus is a Trustee of The Body Shop Foundation.

• Linkedin | Gus Colquhoun

CONNECT WITH ME

• LinkedIn | Barnaby Cook

THE EXIT PLAN

The Exit Plan is for business owners that are interested in learning more about how to sell their business. Each episode Barnaby Cook interviews someone who has bought or sold a business - either a creative agency, or a production company. The conversation gets under the skin of why they wanted to sell, or were looking to acquire, how the deal was structured, how they agreed upon a valuation and what lessons they learnt along the way.

In the dynamic world of business, growth and expansion are often the keys to success. But how does a small video production company evolve into a thriving multi-channel agency with over 420 employees spread across the UK and Europe?

In this episode, Dale Parmenter, the founder of DRP Group shares his acquisition journey. Dale emphasizes the importance of strategic acquisitions that bring new expertise, clients, and market opportunities to the DRP Group. He discusses the impact of acquisitions on team size, services offered, and financial success. Dale also covers deal structures, integration challenges, and future growth plans.

Listen now and gain valuable insights into sourcing deals, maintaining acquired brands' identity, and the significance of trust-building with acquired teams. Don't miss this episode!

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:

• Dale's acquisition journey and DRP Group's growth

• Importance of finding acquisitions that bring new expertise, clients, or market opportunities

• Impact of acquisitions on team size, services offered, and financial success

• Valuing potential rather than current worth when considering acquisitions

• Integration challenges, including understanding culture and fostering collaboration among teams

• Sourcing deals through networks and brokers

• Importance of good advisors in acquisitions and ensuring a win-win situation

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dale has been in the presentation and communication industry for over 40 years. He left school with one goal to run his own business, after just 3 years the opportunity arose and Dale took it, operating at first from a small outbuilding at his parent’s home as a filmmaker.

Today DRPG is recognised as one of the leading integrated, full service presentation and communication groups, winning agency of the year multiple times. The drpg team comprises over 420 specialists across seven locations in Worcestershire, London, Windsor, Manchester, Germany, Ireland and the USA.

DRPG designs and produces communications solutions globally. Working with a wide range of clients to effectively communicate to internal and external audiences, all through award-winning film & video, events, experiential, print, design, digital, exhibition and creative solutions.

Dale is passionate about sustainability and believes businesses should be fully

integrated into the community. DRPG was the first agency globally to gain the ISO14001 and ISO20121 accreditations plus more recently being awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Growth.

• Website | www.drpgroup.com

• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/company/drpgroup 

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/DRPGteam

• Twitter | @drpgroup

CONNECT WITH BARNABY

• LinkedIn | Barnaby Cook

THE EXIT PLAN

The Exit Plan is for business owners that are interested in learning more about how to sell their business. Each episode Barnaby Cook interviews someone who has bought or sold a business - either a creative agency, or a production company. The conversation gets under the skin of why they wanted to sell, or were looking to acquire, how the deal was structured, how they agreed upon a valuation and what lessons they learnt along the way.

Welcome to The Exit Plan Podcast!

Join Barnaby Cook on a podcast tailor-made for business owners interested in how to sell their business. In each episode, we dive into the world of buying and selling creative agencies and production companies. Hear from industry experts who share their motivations, deal structures, and lessons learned.

In this trailer, you'll catch sneak peeks of the upcoming episodes, offering insight into the wealth of knowledge and expertise that The Exit Plan’s guests have. From understanding how to find the right buyer to negotiating favorable deal terms, "The Exit Plan" covers it all. 

Each episode Barnaby Cook interviews someone who has bought or sold a business - either a creative agency, or a production company. The conversation gets under the skin of why they wanted to sell, or were looking to acquire, how the deal was structured, how they agreed upon a valuation and what lessons they learnt along the way.

Get ready to make informed decisions and craft your successful exit strategy. Don't miss out on The Exit Plan.