Gunner and Co. Workshop – Preparing Yourself and Your Business for a Successful Sale.

Programme.

• 10am: Coffee & Registration

• 10:15am - 10:20am Chairman's opening remarks

  An introduction to the day, the speakers and some general housekeeping.

  Louise Jeffreys, Gunner & Co.

• 10:20am - 11:40am: Round table: Ask the Experts

  A great opportunity to meet industry acquirers to understand the buyer perspectives, the options for sellers, and insights into different acquisition strategies.

  Buyers details will appear here shortly

• 11:40am - 11:50am: Current Market Overview

  This session will cover the current market insights and trends, including the valuation trends, and regulatory changes. More importantly, we will talk through their impact on the M&A market and therefore what you can do now to build value in your business to be as attractive as possible in the marketplace.

  Louise Jeffreys, Gunner & Co.

• 12:00pm - 12:30pm: Emotional Reality of Selling Your Business

  Selling a business is one of the biggest decisions of your career, and it impacts wealth, identity, purpose, and legacy. Most owners prepare their numbers, but few prepare themselves for the emotional and human aspects of a sale.

  This session will explore the mindset needed for a successful business sale, including defining your personal “why,” understanding what value truly means to you and prospective buyers, and navigating the psychology of letting go. You will also learn how your motivations and mindset influence deal structure, timing, and negotiations, helping you achieve the best possible outcome for both you and your business.

  Louise Jeffreys, Gunner & Co.

• 12:30pm - 1:00pm Preparing Your Business For Sale – The Broker’s Inside Tips

  Hear it directly from the horse’s mouth – everything you need to know to prepare for an IFA business sale. This session is more strategic and practical for you to understand how to be as attractive as possible in the marketplace.

  Gwill Evans, Gunner & Co.

• 13:00pm - 13:45pm: Networking Lunch And Refreshments

• 1:45pm - 2:10pm: How to Prepare For and Navigate Due Diligence When Selling Your Business

  Due diligence is one of the most demanding and decisive stages of a business sale, and understanding it from the buyer’s perspective can make all the difference.

  This session will explain the due diligence process, what buyers really look for, common red flags, and how to prepare your business efficiently. You will leave with practical steps and checklists to manage due diligence smoothly and maintain buyer confidence.

  Mel Holman, Compliance & Training Solutions (CATS)

• 2:10pm - 2:35pm: Structuring the Deal – How to Maximise Take-home after Tax

  The commercial structure of the deal will have an impact on the tax position. This talk will give you a broad idea of how you can structure your company and the sale of your IFA business in the most tax efficient way.

  Gemma Read, Hazlewoods

   

• 2:35pm - 2:50pm: Networking Break and Refreshments

• 2:50pm - 3:15pm: Legal Compliance and Planning When Selling Your Business

  Preparing a business for sale involves navigating complex legal requirements alongside running your day-to-day operations.

  This session will cover the essential legal steps for selling your business, including documentation, regulatory obligations, and risk mitigation strategies. You will learn how to structure your sale, address potential legal issues in advance, and ensure a smooth, compliant transaction.

• 3:15pm - 3:40pm: Using AI to Optimise Back-Office Operations and Support Sales Planning

  Efficient business operations and accurate data management play a key role in maximising value ahead of a sale.

  This session will show how AI can optimise back-office processes, support sales planning, streamline workflows, and improve decision-making. You will learn practical ways to implement AI that enhance consistency, simplify due diligence, and strengthen your business for prospective buyers.

• 3:40pm to 4:00pm: Closing Q & A Session

  The day will conclude with a dedicated Closing Q&A Session, providing attendees with the opportunity to raise any questions that may have arisen throughout the programme and have not already been addressed.

  This open forum allows for further clarification, deeper discussion, and practical insights.

• 4:00pm: Wine and networking

  Wine and networking