Question 2 of 10

When is the right moment?

The commercially best moment is when results are stable or rising and nothing forces the pace. That is rarely the moment an owner most wants to leave, which is why exit planning is worth starting before the decision is taken.

Seasonal businesses have a narrower window. Bringing a shop to market straight after its peak means the full cycle is visible and the stock position is at its lowest, which simplifies everything about the numbers.

The worst moment is under pressure: illness, a partnership dispute or a deadline that the other side can see. Buyers price urgency, always.