134% Swings: Welcome to the Subjective World of Valuations with Rob Goddard
Think Your Business is Worth More? Here’s What Buyers Are Really Looking At.
Sellers often feel let down by their business valuation. There is a key principle that they overlook from the start of building their business that has a huge impact – their financial literacy.
In this episode I am joined by Rob Goddard, seasoned M&A advisor, to unpack the real financial truths behind selling—or buying—a business.
We break down the myths and misconceptions around business valuations, why adjusted EBITDA is more than just a buzzword, and the critical role financial literacy plays in building business value.
You’ll also hear how real-world businesses prepared for sale, the impact of operations on valuation, and the key team members you need to get top offers when it’s time to exit.
If you're building to sell—or just want to run a smarter business—this is the financial deep dive you can't afford to miss.
"You need a robust financial report to sell.” – Rob Goddard
You’ll hear about:
The fact valuations often differ from perceived value due to various factors.
Why a business's true value cannot be determined solely by financial statements.
Financial literacy being a significant gap among many entrepreneurs.
Robust financial processes are necessary for successful business sales.
Why investing in financial management can lead to better business outcomes.
How misleading ad backs can inflate business valuations unjustly.
Outdated processes hindering business operations and financial accuracy.
Building a competent team is essential for business growth and saleability
Connect With Rob Goddard
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgoddard/
S-Cubed Advisory - https://s-cubedadvisory.com/
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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49:34
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49:34
The hidden truth behind business valuation with Julie Wilkinson
Are you having a negative impact on the value of your business?
So many business owners aren’t aware of the effect they are having on the value of their business before sale. They take on too many roles across the business, aren’t tracking what they pay themselves over the year, and all this impacts what they could be taking home from selling it further down the line.
In this episode I go into the fundamentals of financial concepts all business owners should know to be able to sell their business for as much as possible. I cover EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and the impacts of salaries and dividends on valuations.
With enough knowledge and a few adjustments, you can maximise what you can sell your business for.
Listen up to find out how!
"Are the decision you make maximising profit?" – Julie
You’ll hear about:
Why adjusted EBITDA is crucial for understanding business value during sales.
The accruals concept helps match income with costs for accurate financial reporting.
Business owners often overlook the impact of their roles on company valuation.
Dividends taken by owners can distort profit margins and business valuation.
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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29:46
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29:46
Triple Business Value by Changing Operational Structures with Julie Wilkinson
Will the business you are building last beyond you?
Many business owners are building a lifestyle business rather than one for generational wealth. If you want to create a legacy rather than a job it all starts with you.
In this, my first solo podcast episode, I explore what it means to build a legacy with your business and what you need to do to prepare for the future if you aim to sell your business.
From understanding what generational wealth means, to implementing effective governance structures. I highlight the challenges of scaling a business and the role of financial leadership in ensuring operational efficiency and long-term success.
It’s not too late to create your legacy, listen up to find out how!
"Are you building a legacy or a job?" – Julie
You’ll hear about:
Educating business owners on acquisition and exit strategies.
Financial controls are essential for scaling a business effectively.
Generational wealth means creating a business that lasts beyond the owner.
Many businesses fail to sell due to lack of preparation and knowledge.
A CFO can provide strategic value, but timing is key.
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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24:44
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24:44
The untold truth - the emotional toll of selling a business with Luke Winter
Selling your business can feel lonely and emotional.
You are parting with the thing you have devoted a significant portion of your life to, and that can feel hard. But beyond that is an opportunity to re-invent yourself.
In this episode I speak with Luke Winter, a creative director who recently sold his shares in the video agency Wallbreaker. Luke shares with great honesty the emotional toll the sale has had on him. From the moment of knowing it was time to try something new to a final week full of doubt, Luke experienced it all.
Now, with the opportunity to explore his next steps, Luke emphasis the need for support and understanding during this transformative time.
"It was a lonely experience." – Luke
You’ll hear about:
The emotional toll of selling is often underestimated.
It's important to have support during the selling process.
Many entrepreneurs feel lonely when selling their business.
Routine changes can impact mental health during transitions.
Navigating the sale requires clear communication between parties.
Connect with Luke Winters:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-winter-75a2885a/
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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33:23
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33:23
1bn of acquisitions to grow the UK economy with Clive Margetts and Oli Luke
Over 612,000 Baby Boomer business owners will need to sell or exit their companies in the coming years. The question is—will they get the deal they deserve?
In this episode I am joined by Clive Margetts and Oli Luke, founders of Acquisition Masters, to explore how business owners can maximise their exit strategy and secure a profitable sale.
The UK economy is facing a serious threat if these businesses fail to sell or get swallowed up by the market leaders. Jobs will be on the line.
We explore the nuances of consulting for equity, exit strategies, and the importance of business structure and governance.
If you're a business owner looking to sell, scale, or structure your company for the future, this episode is packed with must-know insights to help you exit on your terms.
"612,00 businesses are operated by baby boomers" – Oli
You’ll hear about:
✅ Why so many Baby Boomers are struggling to sell their businesses
✅ The real value of your business—and how to get the price it deserves
✅ How consulting for equity can boost business value before selling
✅ The transition from owner-operator to investor and why it matters
✅ The biggest risks in M&A, from pricing mistakes to client concentration
Connect with Clive Margetts:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/clivemargetts/
The Business Success Consultant - https://thebusinesssuccessconsultant.com/
Connect with Oli Luke:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/oli-luke-3451b150/
Business of Hearing - https://businessofhearing.com/
Listen to Oli’s Podcast – The Business of Hearing - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-business-of-hearing/id1536591535
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!
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.
South Africa