Overall, in my experience, the availability of options for exit has not usually been the biggest constraint for those needing/wanting to sell – although it may have become more so in the post-Covid period. The constraints tended to be of the would-be seller’s own making.
Being able to end a career by selling a business, made valuable through hard work and sustained, high-quality service, represents a much-deserved outcome for those primarily responsible. However, a happy outcome is more likely when the prevailing mind-set is, seller (as well as buyer) continue to 'beware'.
Keith Carby has worked in senior executive roles at numerous financial advice businesses, including managing director of Allied Dunbar and one of the three founders of J Rothschild Assurance (renamed St James's Place). He is chairman or founder of seven other retail financial services companies.
If you have a question you would like to put to Keith or any other expert please email it to melanie.tringham@ft.com.
