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.
What really determines the value of a business?
In this episode I sit down with Saul Cohen, CEO of The Expert Eye, to explore the mechanics behind valuation and why it is never just about the numbers.
We look at how strong financial controls and a clear understanding of EBITDA give both buyers and sellers confidence, and how risk management can make or break a deal.
Saul and I also unpack the role governance plays in SMEs and why culture and people are often the hidden drivers of efficiency and value creation.
We discuss the responsibilities business owners must accept if they want to maximise their exit options, and challenge some common misconceptions around the role of brokers in the sales process.
If you want to understand what makes a business truly valuable and how to position yours for the best possible outcome, you need to listen to this episode.
“Valuation is never just numbers, it’s people and risk.” – Saul Cohen
You’ll hear about:
- Why understanding financial controls is crucial for business valuation.
- EBITDA being a key metric in assessing business performance.
- How risk management directly impacts business valuation multiples.
- SMEs often overlook operational risks during due diligence.
- People and culture significantly affect compliance and operational efficiency.
- Systems and processes being essential for effective governance.
- Why business owners must take accountability for their financial literacy.
- Brokers can provide valuable insights, but owners must challenge their valuations.
- Financial literacy is lacking in the SME sector, impacting decision-making.
Connect With Saul Cohen
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/cohensaul/
The Expert Eye – https://theexperteye.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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