The Exit Roadmap: How to Sell Your Business for Maximum Value w/ Chris Spratling

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The Exit Roadmap: How to Sell Your Business for Maximum Value w/ Chris Spratling

5d ago 59:29

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In this episode, Christian Rodwell welcomes Chris Spratling—seasoned entrepreneur, advisor, and author of “The Exit Roadmap: The Insider’s Guide to Selling Your Business Profitably.” With over 30 years’ experience in scaling, buying, and selling businesses, Chris shares vital insights on preparing for a successful business exit, maximising value, and planning for life beyond the sale.

Key Topics & Takeaways

Chris’s Background & Relationship with WealthBuilders
- Over 30 years’ experience in business exits and scaling
- Longstanding collaboration with Kevin Whelan and the WealthBuilders community
The Seven Pillars of Wealth & Business as a Pillar
- Importance of integrating business, property, and intellectual property in wealth strategies
- Using SSAS pensions and commercial property for long-term planning
Who Chris Helps
- Focus on ambitious SME owners (turnover £2M–£30M)
- Chalk Hill Blue’s approach to scaling and preparing businesses for exit
Why Most Business Owners Struggle to Exit Successfully
- 80% of personal wealth often tied up in the business
- Less than 20% of businesses listed for sale actually sell
- Common pitfalls: overestimating value, lack of preparation, misunderstanding buyer motivations
Stages of Preparing for a Business Exit

Seller Readiness: Clarifying motivations, financial needs, and post-exit plans
Business Readiness: Building value through 10 key drivers (growth, scalability, recurring revenue, differentiation, reduced reliance on individuals/customers, strong processes, etc.)
Process and Systems: Importance of automation, AI, and streamlining tasks to ensure business runs without the owner

Quick Wins for Business Owners
- Assess current financial position and retirement gap
- Use Chalk Hill Blue’s free Exit Readiness Survey for personalised feedback
- Focus on one or two value drivers for immediate impact
The Role of AI and Automation
- Embracing AI for efficiency, productivity, and future-proofing business operations
- Real-world examples from Chris’s clients and his own accountancy practice
Family Business Transitions
- Importance of education and tailored succession planning
- Creating freedom and options before selling or stepping back
Timeline for Selling a Business
- Realistic prep: 2 years to get “sale-ready,” plus 9–12 months to complete a sale
- Most deals involve staged payments and handover periods
Finding Buyers and Structuring the Deal
- Importance of assembling a deal team (IFA, tax, legal, corporate finance)
- Different exit routes: trade sale, management buyout, employee ownership trust, family office, etc.
- Creating competition to maximise sale price
Life After Exit
- Planning for the “next chapter” to avoid post-sale regret or loss of identity

Practical Tips

Start exit planning early—ideally at least 2 years in advance
Focus on building recurring revenue and reducing reliance on the owner
Use automation and AI to streamline processes and increase business value
Educate and engage the next generation for family business continuity
Assemble a strong advisory team for the exit process

Resources Mentioned

Grab a copy of Chris Spratling's book: “The Exit Roadmap: The Insider’s Guide to Selling Your Business Profitably”
Check if you are you truly ready to exit. Take the Exit Readiness Survey It's a free, personalised exit readiness report.
Contact Chris:
- Chris Spratling on Linkedin
- Chris Spratling Website
WT103 - Employee ownership trusts w/ Chris Budd
WT38 - The 8 Drivers Of Business Value - Richard Perry

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