Exit Insights

Send us Fan Mail Most business owners focus on the numbers they can see – balance sheets, P&L, cash flow. But what about the value that doesn’t show up on your financial statements? In this episode, Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by Kevin Harrington to dig into positioning – one of the most powerful but often overlooked intangible assets. It’s the first in a mini-series about the off-balanc...

Send us Fan Mail Chris Everard knows what it takes to build a business that sells. After starting and successfully exiting seven companies, he’s now helping others do the same as a Business Architect at Fabric Business Solutions. In this episode of Exit Insights , Chris shares the practical lessons he learned from 20+ years of exits, including: Why starting with the end in mind gives you the best...

Send us Fan Mail Is your business growing – or just getting busier? In this episode of Exit Insights , host Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by Kevin Harrington to explore how SME business owners can achieve scalable growth without copying the clunky habits of big corporates. Too many owners try to grow by adding more people, more processes, and more pressure. The result? Bottlenecks, burnout, an...

Send us Fan Mail If you’re a business owner looking to scale, maximise your valuation, or plan your exit – this episode is a must-listen. Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by Kevin Harrington to discuss why many SMEs lose their edge when they try to behave like corporates – and how to avoid it. They unpack the key inflection points in business growth (£1M → £3M → £10M), what structures actually su...

Send us Fan Mail Most business owners have heard of an IFA or a wealth manager. But what’s a family office – and why is it a game-changer when preparing for a business exit? In this episode of Exit Insights , Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by Kevin Harrington to break down the real difference between IFAs, wealth managers, and private offices – and how Fabric brings together both business archi...

Send us Fan Mail Before you can maximise the value of your business or plan your succession, you need to know exactly where you stand today. In this episode of Exit Insights , Darryl Bates-Brownsword and Kevin Harrington break down the importance of a current state assessment – the essential first step in exit planning. They explore: Why risk is the biggest driver of business valuation. The red fl...

Send us Fan Mail What really drives business valuation – and how do you make your company truly exit-ready? In this episode of the Exit Insights podcast, host Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by regular guest Kevin Harrington to explore the crucial differences between financial optimisation and strategic value creation. Together, they break down: Why CFOs and business architects play complementar...

Send us Fan Mail What if you discovered you weren’t building a business, but a lifestyle job – just when it was time to sell? Brandon Harris, serial entrepreneur and now business architect at Fabric, joins Exit Insights to share his journey from cookie start-up and gym ownership to guiding other owners on their exit preparation journey.   In this episode, Brandon reveals: How family dynamics and f...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Darryl Bates-Brownsword and Kevin Harrington unpack why it takes three years to prepare your business for a successful exit – and why starting early can make all the difference. You’ll learn: ✅ Why clean financials and documented governance are essential ✅ The role of intangibles like culture, IP, and brand in boosting valuation ✅ How preparation can turn chaos...

Send us Fan Mail What if preparing your business for sale was like designing your dream home?  In this episode of Exit Insights, Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by Kevin Harrington to unpack the role of a business architect – a professional who helps you create a clear vision, long-term plan, and the right sequence of actions to maximise your valuation and achieve your ideal exit. Kevin explains...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when two like-minded firms unite to better serve business owners planning their exit?   In this special episode of Exit Insights , host Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by Kevin Harrington to share why Succession Plus has evolved into Fabric Business Solutions – and what it means for you as a business owner.   If you're looking to maximise the valuation of your...

Send us Fan Mail What really happens after a business becomes employee-owned? In this insightful episode, Caroline Summers, CEO of PBShop – a successful book distribution company – shares her five-and-a-half-year journey through an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) transition. From renegotiating a sky-high valuation to building a culture of ownership among long-serving staff, Caroline walks us throug...

Send us Fan Mail Most business owners have a number in mind for what they believe their business is worth - but is it realistic? In this episode of Exit Insights, host Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by Kevin Harrington to discuss the Business Insights Report, a powerful tool designed to help owners see their business through the eyes of a buyer.💡 Discover how this report can:✅ Identify gaps b...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by Adam Coffey, author of The Private Equity Playbook, to explore how private equity works and why business owners need to understand it, even if they’re not planning to sell. They unpack what PE firms are looking for, how rolling over equity can lead to multiple paydays, and the growing impact of PE on business valuations. You’ll...

Send us Fan Mail You've sold your business to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT—now what? Many founders think their job is done, but the reality is that the longest earn-out period often begins after the sale. In this episode of Exit Insights, Kevin Harrington and Darryl Bates-Brownsword dive into the post-exit journey, uncovering how former owners can reduce risk, accelerate payments, andensu...

Send us Fan Mail Are you constantly solving problems, putting out fires, and feeling like your business would collapse without you? You’re not alone. Many business owners build their companies around people instead of structure - leading to inefficiencies, stress, and an unattractive business when it’s time to sell. In this episode of Exit Insights, Kevin Harrington and Darryl Bates-Brownsword exp...

Send us Fan Mail What makes a business irresistible to investors? Adrian Mendoza, founder of Mendoza Ventures, shares his playbook for scaling and selling businesses. Learn why institutionalising finances and governance is a game-changer, how to identify repeatable revenue streams, and why documenting your business model can make or break your exit. "The goal is to find the landmines before t...

Send us Fan Mail Many entrepreneurs are natural optimists - it’s what drives them to start and grow successful businesses. But when it comes to exit planning, that same optimism can lead to overconfidence, unrealistic expectations, and costly mistakes. In this episode of Exit Insights, Darryl Bates-Brownsword and Kevin Harrington explore:✅ Why entrepreneurs often underestimate the challenges of s...

Send us Fan Mail What’s holding your business back from reaching its full potential? In this episode of the Exit Insights podcast, Darryl Bates-Brownsword is joined by Kevin Harrington to dive into the transformative power of capacity planning. Learn how to:✅ Spot and fix operational bottlenecks.✅ Ensure sustainable growth without cash flow crises.✅ Transition from focusing on revenue to drivin...

Send us Fan Mail Ready to step back from your business, but not sure where to start? In this episode, Darryl Bates-Brownsword sits down with exit planning expert Len Bruskiewitz to discuss your options, from family succession and employee buyouts to third-party sales. Discover why planning ahead can increase your valuation by up to 300% and how reducing owner dependence makes your business more at...

Send us Fan Mail Maximising your business valuation goes far beyond just cutting costs. In this episode ofthe Exit Insights podcast, Darryl Bates-Brownsword and Kevin Harrington reveal the secret formula: Profit x Multiplier = Valuation—and how to work smarter, not harder, to double your business’s worth. Discover why focusing on the multiplier can make a bigger impact than profit alone. Learn how...

Send us Fan Mail What does it mean to have an "exit ready" business? In this episode of the ExitInsights Podcast, Darryl Bates-Brownsword and Kevin Harrington unpack theessentials of exit planning for business owners who want to maximise value andtransition on their terms.🎯 Key takeaways include:The difference between a "sellable" business and one that maximises valuation. How...

Send us Fan Mail This episode of Exit Insights features Scott Couchenour, a “fourth quarter” coach who helps business owners prepare for life beyond the sale. Scott shares his Four Life Quarters framework, explaining how business owners in their 60s and beyond can make a meaningful impact post-exit. If you’re starting to plan your succession, don’t miss Scott’s tips on avoiding regrets, finding ne...

Send us Fan Mail What happens after you exit your business? David Buck joins us to discuss the often-overlooked side of exit planning—personal and relational readiness. From setting a new purpose to planning a fulfilling post-exit lifestyle, David’s insights will help you transition smoothly and find joy beyond the deal. “Don’t just exit—prepare for what’s next.” Discover how to create a balanced...

Send us Fan Mail What’s the secret to aligning your employees’ goals with your business success? DarrylBates-Brownsword and Kevin Harrington discuss The Ladder to Equity, exploring performance bonuses, profit sharing, and equity options. Discover how these strategies foster loyalty, reduce turnover, and prepare your business for a high-value exit. Key insight: “When employees understand business f...