Lincolnshire-based chartered accountancy firm Nicholsons, as the regional, exclusive member of The Corporate Finance Network, welcomed Canadian author, John Warrillow, to speak at its national 'Built to Sell' event at the East Midlands Airport Hilton Hotel on Tuesday (December 7th).

John spoke about his experiences of selling his business to a public company, how business owners need to plan for the sale, and signed copies of his recent book 'Built to Sell'. With his new book due out in April, attendees were keen to hear his tips, and a lively question and answer session completed his presentation. 

To complete the whole picture of selling a business, other speakers also presented sessions on tax, legal documentation, attracting an unsolicited offer, how to market the business for sale and the key differences with MBOs.

Kirsty McGregor, chairman of The Corporate Finance Network, commented: "It was a very successful event and one that I've been keen to run for some time. Most business owners don't commit to an exit planning strategy, and just carry on running their business in the way that suits them, which isn't necessarily the best way to attract purchasers - yet it's an area of huge importance!"

Richard Hallsworth, a partner at Nicholsons, agreed. He said: "A business is generally an entrepreneur's most valuable asset, and so when they choose to exit, they must know that they have done as much as they can to maximise the cash they walk away with. 

"We have recently collaborated with 'Built to Sell' and now our exclusive Exit Planning programme includes these methodologies. We tailor the specific work that needs doing for individual businesses and also identify the ideal date of sale for that company and the business owner. In this economic climate, it's more important than ever to prepare your business properly."