bizval Newsletter | Forget about quick wins: 5 patient principles for increasing your company’s value

In just 12 days, we’ll be exhibiting at the golden jubilee of The Great British Business Show in London – an event that has epitomized the spirit of UK entrepreneurship for 50 years now.??As we prepare for this landmark event, we’ve been thinking a lot about what it takes to create, maintain, and eventually sell a business that not only endures but that leaves a legacy.

Contrary to what you might hear from business gurus promising instant success, building a business that outlives its founder is more of a marathon than a sprint. In today’s instant gratification society, it’s tempting to hunt for shortcuts, but as any battle-tested entrepreneur will tell you – building something truly sustainable requires grit, vision, and most importantly, time.

But here's the silver lining: when you build for longevity, the rewards can be extraordinary. Our internal data tells a compelling story - showing that when your company is built to last for decades, not just quarters – the valuation can soar.

Yet here's a truth that keeps us up at night: in our countless conversations with entrepreneurs, we've witnessed a recurring pattern. Too many brilliant minds find themselves trapped in the daily whirlwind of operations, heads down in the trenches of today, only to look up years later and realize they've built something that can't survive without them. It's a painful awakening that we've seen far too often.

The key? Plant the seeds of succession long before you dream of stepping away. When done right, this foresight unlocks not just value but validates every late night and tough decision you've poured into your venture.

5 Patient principles for increasing your company’s value

When seasoned investors evaluate a business, they’re looking for signs of staying power – evidence that your creation will thrive long after you've handed over the keys. Demonstrating these five components will increase the value of your company and give investors the comfort of knowing that things aren’t going to fall apart the moment you’re no longer involved.

Robust systems and processes. Think of these as your business's DNA - the intricate blueprint that keeps everything running smoothly. You want to show investors that you have systematized your operations so that you’re not reliant on any one employee, client, or workflow to generate consistent margins. Having well-documented processes that show thoughtful iteration and optimization over time goes a long way to ensuring that your investor can repeat and build on your success.

Accurate accounting records. This might seem obvious but you’ll be amazed at the range of different issues we’ve discovered when working with clients here at bizval. Structured financial reporting is an absolute non-negotiable when selling your business because it shows not only the financial strength of your business proposition but also a commitment to professionalism and scalability.

Verifiable and consistent track record. Building on our previous point, you need more than just a moment in the spotlight. Investors crave consistent excellence—proof that your business isn't riding a temporary wave but has mastered the art of sustainable success.

Low owner dependence. In the beginning, it's common for companies to rely heavily on their owners to wear many hats and to be intricately involved in all the day-to-day tasks. As you get closer to wanting to sell the business though, you need to carefully untangle yourself from daily operations. This process of removing the owner from the business needs to happen long in advance because you need to demonstrate that the business can run effectively without manual intervention from one key person.

Ability to navigate different market conditions. If you stay in business for more than a few years, you will undoubtedly have to face a wide spectrum of market conditions that occur over a business cycle. Investors like to see this because it shows that the business is resolute in the midst of any macroeconomic challenges that it might face.

By focusing on these five patient principles, you can fortify your business proposition and make your company that much more valuable – because it becomes clear that it can last for many decades to come. Yes, it's a demanding journey, but it's the surest path to capturing the true value of your entrepreneurial vision.

Come visit our booth at the Great British Business Show!

Mark your calendars for November 13-14 in London! We're thrilled to be part of the UK's largest gathering of entrepreneurs and SMB owners. With over 25,000 visitors and 750 exhibitors expected, it's the perfect place to make those all-important human connections.

Find us at Stand No. B1617.

We're eager to hear your entrepreneurial story and explore how we can help transform your business into an investor’s dream. Don't miss out –?get your free ticket here?and let's chat!

Tune in to the this @Civitas podcast with Graham Stephen , for invaluable insights on business valuation. Graham highlights why valuation isn’t just about selling, it’s vital for strategy and growth, especially in high-growth ventures. From building independence into your business to understanding valuation multiples, this episode covers the essentials of enhancing your business’s worth. Learn how to prepare for future growth, attract investors, and reduce risks.

Click here to listen.

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