Business Advisory

Creating Your Initial Succession Plan to Maximise Business Value

Posted by: Ewen Fletcher on June 27, 2024

A succession plan is about maximising the value of your business to achieve a better outcome when it’s time to exit. Many business owners don’t consider a succession plan until they are ready to sell. However, defining and executing an effective succession plan takes three to five years (minimum). That’s something to keep in mind! Here are the steps to get started:

Clarify Your Business and Personal Goals

Start by establishing what you want the business to deliver to you personally. Then, set business goals to enable you to achieve your personal goals. This planning helps you extract the value required to enjoy the lifestyle you wish to lead upon succession.

Define Your Vision for the Business

Succession planning forces you to clarify and discuss your vision for the business, which is crucial when transferring to new ownership. A clear vision fosters a more effective working culture, aligning and preparing your team for succession.

When your team understands the vision and how their responsibilities contribute to it, they become more engaged. This develops a stable environment receptive to new leadership and ownership.

Establish Your Business Support Network

It’s important to take time away from running your business to work on developing it. Engaging your key business advisors provides fresh, impartial perspectives during this potentially emotional time. Independent advice ensures you achieve your desired results with a level head, all intending to maximise business value. Read more about getting the right independent advice here.

Solicitor

Involved in the planning phase, drafting and signing the sale and purchase agreement, and handling post-settlement matters.

Accountant

Essential for due diligence, valuation, and grooming stages. Our broad business knowledge and expert tax advice can significantly increase your business’s value.

Mentor/Coach

Helps you remain accountable to your leadership role, which greatly influences your succession strategy and outcome. We offer accountability coaching to help groom your business for maximum value by increasing growth and profitability, improving efficiency and capacity, and managing risks.

If you’d like to start your succession planning journey to ensure you maximise business value for when you are ready to sell, contact us.

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Sharp Accounting Ballarat

Based on 70 reviews

KB Exercise Physiology

22:51 04 Nov 23

We made the change to engage an accounting firm from outside of our home town and Sharp Accounting came highly... recommended. Ewen has been our accountant for more than 3 years and the changes within our business models have reflected his invaluable input. Ewen has provided support and recommendations on setting ourselves up for the future whilst continuing to run well established businesses. We highly recommend Ewen and the team at Sharp Accounting. Matt and Katherine Bissettread more

Jess Lieberman

03:13 03 Nov 23

The Sharp Accounting Team have been nothing but professional, very supportive and extremely prompt with any queries... since transitioning across to them 12 months ago. Their knowledge and expertise has definitely helped me grow my business and I couldn’t have done it without them. Highly recommend for both personal or business needs.read more

Carol Micallef

02:10 03 Nov 23

Sharp Accounting and Tarynn in particular are wonderful to deal with - she is incredibly professional, passionate and... thorough in all our dealings. She cares about her clients and always goes above and beyond. I cannot recommend her highly enough - she is an asset to our business and it is like having an extra employee on our team - she is always available and helpful whenever we have a question. Thank you Tarynn for all the hard work you put in.read more

Brooke Tamanika

01:03 01 Nov 23

We initially approached Sharp Accounting as we weren't entirely pleased with our previous accountants. Since we engaged... Ewen and Tarynn from Sharp Accounting, our business has made a steady profit every year. They changed the way we structured our accounting practices, and have listened to what we want to achieve every year. Somehow, even though our yearly goals were ambitious, they were able to get our business to our desired target within that financial year. We would highly recommend Sharp Accounting!read more

Tree Tech Management Tree Tech Management

03:13 30 Oct 23

Sharp Accounting has been an invaluable support to my business during the uncertainties of the pandemic. Glen and... Matt's responsiveness and expertise have been instrumental in guiding my business's growth. Without their help, my business wouldn't be where it is today. Whether small or large, Sharp Accounting stands out as the best in the business!read more

Matthew Fontana

10:46 16 May 21

Dealt with David on an ongoing basis, very professional and knowledgeable man who has been a tremendous benefit to my... business. I can recommend Sharp accounting to any serious business owner wanting to take their business forward.read more

dustin mcmurray

01:33 10 Mar 20

Sharp have always been a pleasure to deal with and offer honest straight forward advice, you can tell the advice comes... from experience and a team who love supporting Ballarat localsread more

Peter Sparkman

22:53 17 Dec 19

Couldn't be more helpful, efficient and anxiety relieving! Fast, absolutely professional and polite, Sharp Accounting... is a well-oiled machine that actually almost makes tax time fun! I'd highly recommend them to anyone - and have been doing so for people with woeful stories of alternative accounting businesses...read more

Ookami Kids

03:38 11 Nov 19

We could not recommend Sharp Accounting highly enough! Working closely with Sam, we've been up-skilled and empowered... to feel more confident when it comes to managing our finances and making financial decisions for our growing business! We don't actually know where we would be without you! Thank you, from the Ookami Kids Team!read more

Michelle O'Loughlan

08:46 06 Nov 19

Sharp accounting are friendly, affordable and professional. They always deliver a great service and have the flexibilty... to cater for clients appointments, times & needs. From a Happy long term client. Keep up the great work Sharp Accounting Team Cheers Michelleread more

Gravity Tree Worx

07:45 06 Nov 19

Fantastic accounting team. Have been essential in helping to get my small business off the ground. Would highly... recommend.read more

GH girls Channel

07:09 06 Nov 19

Where do I start???? After going through the most traumatic time of being in business for over 17years .... I honestly... would’ve closed my doors if it hadn’t have been for the support, knowledge and expertise of Ewen and his team. I now actually know “all my numbers” and am slowly getting back in front. Working closely with Sharp accounting has saved my business( and my sanity ). Thanks Sharp Accounting 😊 Petaread more

Ballarat Soil Testing

06:58 06 Nov 19

Glenn and the team at Sharp Accounting have supported our company's growth for over 14 years with a caring and... personalised service that we value. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff who have even assisted us after hours from time to time. We can't recommend Sharp Accounting enough.read more

Rian Potter

01:46 20 Aug 18

Sharps Accounting have always delivered prompt, professional, accurate advice and services. Whether it's for a tax... return or guidance in business finance we've always recommended the team at Sharps accounting before any others. Keep up the good work!!read more

Wayne Squire

07:19 12 Jul 18

Moving our Business across to Sharp Accounting has been one of the most beneficial decisions we have ever made. The... experience and knowledge they bestow on our Company has seen us grow from strength to strength in the time we have been with them. They are always accessible and provide the correct advice and direction when needed. The staff are helpful, courteous and they follow through on their promises. Sharp Accounting contribute significantly back into the community in many varied ways, they are a vital part of my business and are a company I cant recommend highly enough.read more

Simon Fletcher

03:39 11 Jul 18

Sharp have given fantastic, professional and prompt service since day 1. Several years ago they provided us with... invaluable assistance in the purchase of a business and all the challenges that entailed. We couldn't have done it without them. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone for their business or personal accounting needs.read more

Jenny O'Keefe

01:22 11 Jul 18

Ewen at Sharp Accounting is our trusted family accountant. He has changed my life for the better - so encouraging and... instrumental in establishing a new small business, I’ve been so well taken care of and never feel like any question I’m asking is too silly or a waste of his time. Ewen and the team at Sharp have given me a great deal of confidence in business, and with my personal finances. I know they always have my back. Thanks Ewen!read more

Steve Friend

01:25 14 Jun 18

I have been associated with Ewen and the Sharp Accounting staff since agreeing to purchase a business some 12 months... ago. Sharp Accounting stepped me through the purchase process, established all company regulatory requirements and just made the process painless for a first time business owner. Now we are up and running, Sharp Accounting were retained by our business, despite being 300km away. Sharp Accounting now look after all of my personal and business tax and business accounting needs. They are all easily approachable, extremely timely in responding to questions and on top of my key dates, ensuring I have everything I need to have lodged, done well in time. I highly recommend Sharp Accounting to any prospective clients.read more

Paul Ballinger

00:20 08 Mar 16

The team at Sharp Accounting have looked after us from both business and personal perspective for the past 10 years.... Their professionalism is beyond reproach. We have always had sound business advice and find the team easy to communicate with. Sharp Accounting deliver great service I highly recommend them.read more

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