Top tips for business owners considering an exit ahead of the Budget

With the Budget delayed until November and possible tax changes looming, many business owners are putting exit plans on pause. Recent research from Barclays shows that more than half of UK businesses are delaying investment decisions until after the Budget, underlining the current sense of caution.

Yet, for those considering succession or a cash-out, now is a valuable window of opportunity. Jamie Roberts from YFM Equity Partners shares practical top tips for founders to stay ahead.

Act while certainty remains
Tax policy is always subject to change. Announcements made in the Budget could impact how much value owners ultimately receive from a transaction. With the current government still in place, there is a clear advantage in moving forward now. Getting a sale underway before any changes are introduced helps secure clarity and protect the value of years of hard work.

Build a clear personal financial plan
For many founders, an exit is as much about personal goals as business ones. Taking time to understand how much capital you need, what your lifestyle plans are and how an exit fits into that can help shape the best route. Early planning ensures the agreement structure meets both your business and personal objectives.

Explore your options
Exits do not always mean selling 100% of the business. Founders can explore a range of routes, including a full sale to a buyer, partial cash-outs with private equity, or a management buyout (MBO) where the existing leadership team takes ownership. Each route has different implications for control, culture and future growth. Assessing these carefully with advisers ensures you select the path that aligns best with your goals, whether that is securing legacy, retaining some involvement or maximising immediate value.

Prepare your team early

Buyers and investors place a considerable amount of weight on the strength of the management team. Ensuring your leadership is well-prepared, aligned on strategy and clear on their roles through an exit process is crucial. Early conversations with key staff help build trust and reduce uncertainty. A well-briefed team can maintain business performance during negotiations and give buyers confidence in the company’s ability to thrive post-transaction.
Working closely with corporate finance advisers and legal teams ensures you are prepared to act quickly should new measures be introduced

Choose investors carefully
Uncertainty can slow dealmaking, so selecting investors with committed funds provides confidence and the ability to move swiftly. It is also vital to make sure you choose an adviser and investor with a proven track record of completing investments within your desired timeframe, and that you can reference.

Stay close to market trends
Monitoring sector developments, transaction activity and investor appetite helps founders make more informed decisions. Understanding how peers are approaching exits and where investment is flowing provides useful context for timing and valuation. Keeping close to advisers and investors ensures owners are not caught off-guard and can act decisively when opportunities arise.

Market cycles, politics, and tax rules will always bring uncertainty. The Barclays research shows that over half of UK businesses are delaying decisions until after the Budget, but following the herd could mean missing out. With so many waiting on the sidelines, founders who act decisively now have the chance to get ahead of the crowd and secure value on their own terms.

Jamie Roberts biog

Jamie Roberts is the managing partner at YFM Equity Partners, where he serves on both the Board and the Investment Committee, playing a pivotal role in shaping YFM's strategic direction.

Since joining YFM in 2012, Jamie has been instrumental in driving the firm's growth, directly leading and supporting numerous investments across all funds. He has also held positions on various company boards, guiding them through to successful exits. His leadership has been central to YFM's success in identifying and nurturing high-potential businesses.

Beyond his professional responsibilities, Jamie is passionate about social inclusion. He initiated YFM's first internship program and collaborates with charities focused on providing opportunities to less advantaged students, helping them explore career paths beyond their immediate networks.

Outside of work, Jamie is a dedicated family man with two young children. He is an avid runner and completed the London Marathon in 2021 to raise funds for his children's Scout Group. Additionally, he enjoys skiing during the winter months whenever possible

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