Build and Exit
Build and Exit
Podcast Description
As a chartered management accountant by trade, I uncovered my true potential at 37, moving from a well-paid corporate job to building my own accounting and consultancy firm. Having worked on 5-10 acquisitions or business exits each month for clients, I understand the key challenges business owners face, including getting the real value they want for their business, whilst having the right controls and processes in place so the business can run independently of the owners.
The Build and Exit podcast will include conversations, stories and real-life examples of day-to-day challenges business owners face, different methods of growth including acquisitions and top tips on how owners can transition from working in their business to working on it, enabling them to maximize their value on exit. I will also include episodes where I share my own learnings on business management and how Wilkinson Accounting Solutions are planning to continue to grow by acquisition.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on various themes including acquisition strategies, business management, transition processes, and personal growth stories. Specific episodes cover topics such as navigating the complexities of acquisitions, building resilient businesses, and overcoming financial challenges, with examples like Céline Aloé's pivot during the COVID-19 pandemic and Julie Wilkinson's personal acquisition journey.
As a chartered management accountant by trade, I uncovered my true potential at 37, moving from a well-paid corporate job to building my own accounting and consultancy firm. Having worked on 5-10 acquisitions or business exits each month for clients, I understand the key challenges business owners face, including getting the real value they want for their business, whilst having the right controls and processes in place so the business can run independently of the owners.
The Build and Exit podcast will include conversations, stories and real-life examples of day-to-day challenges business owners face, different methods of growth including acquisitions and top tips on how owners can transition from working in their business to working on it, enabling them to maximize their value on exit. I will also include episodes where I share my own learnings on business management and how Wilkinson Accounting Solutions are planning to continue to grow by acquisition.
Ever wondered what happens when an acquisition doesn’t go to plan?
In this episode, I speak with Gavin Page, a serial entrepreneur with 28 years in business and a decade of buy-and-build experience. Gavin grew a group of nine companies turning over more than £8 million, but one failed acquisition changed everything.
We dive into the reality of scaling through acquisition, from structuring deals and navigating distressed purchases to the unexpected fallout from Royal Mail strikes and rising energy costs. Gavin shares how overleveraging, weak management teams, and unforeseen market changes can bring down even the most carefully structured groups.
But this isn’t just a cautionary tale. Gavin reveals how he rebuilt after collapse, why he now mentors buyers and sellers to avoid the same pitfalls, and what he’s learned about resilience, due diligence, and leadership in high-stakes M&A.
If you’re considering buying a business or preparing your own exit you’ll want to hear this one to the end.
“Trust your gut — my biggest mistake was letting my ego say yes when my instinct said no.” – Gavin Page
You’ll hear about:
- Gavin’s first acquisition and how it all began
- Lessons from buying a £1 distressed company
- The Royal Mail strikes and Amazon refunds crisis
- How overleveraging can destroy a profitable group
- Energy price shocks and their impact on M&A
- The importance of strong financial due diligence
- Avoiding personal risk through smart deal structure
- Leadership, management teams, and accountability
- Rebuilding purpose after business failure
- Coaching others to buy and sell wisely
Connect With Gavin Page
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/expertdealmaker/
Transition 360 Partners – https://www.transition360partners.co.uk/
Connect With Julie Wilkinson
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliewilkinson-accounting/
Tik Tok – https://www.tiktok.com/@wasolutions
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUvq6gfNoP_4dfIJulL6C6A
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/wilkinsonaccountingsolutions
Website – https://wilkinsonaccountingsolutions.co.uk/
Find out more about our brilliant sponsor Acquisition Masters here – https://www.acquisitionmasters.co.uk/
Before you go, don’t forget to leave a comment and review if you got something out of this episode!
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