Are you curious about the different paths to a successful business exit?
Deciding when and how to exit a business can be one of the biggest decisions for an entrepreneur. To understand this experience we spoke to 100 UK business owners at all stages – those who have already exited, those planning to exit, and those not currently considering exit.
Whether you are preparing for your own exit or simply exploring what is ahead, our upcoming report offers fresh perspectives, sharing firsthand stories, and valuable insights.
Real experiences. Regional insights. Balanced perspectives.
We connected with 100 entrepreneurs with SME businesses who all had their own unique story to tell.
Business stages
Includes those who have exited, plan to exit, or aren’t considering it, offering varied perspectives.
Representation
Nearly equal gender representation adds depth to the insights.
Nationwide perspectives
Three in four are based outside London, contributing diverse regional viewpoints.
Wellbeing matters as much as money
Health, family, and personal fulfilment drive many entrepreneurs' exits, leading to smoother, well-timed transitions.
Why do entrepreneurs exit?
- Life comes first: 32% leave for personal wellbeing, family, or health.
- New challenges: 24% seek fresh opportunities.
- Milestones achieved: 24% exit after reaching their goals.
Not everyone has access to advice
Many business owners need help finding the right specialists to guide their exit, often relying on trusted personal connections instead.
What are the challenges to finding the right advice?
- General difficulty: 46% of owners, who have exited, found it challenging to find specialist advice.
- Female owners face more barriers: Only 44% of women would turn to their financial adviser for guidance, often relying on family and friends for support.
- Knowledge gap: Women are also far less likely to seek advice from past exiters, potentially limiting their access to exit advice, insights, and lived experienced.
Exiting brings real anxiety for many
While exiting can be an exciting time, opening up new possibilities, it also brings stress and anxiety.
How does exiting impact entrepreneurs emotionally?
- Anxiety and uncertainty: 30% felt peace after exiting.
- Stress and overwhelm: 27% faced pressure during the transition.
- Excitement for the future: 24% looked forward to new opportunities.
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