Exit Readiness and Deal Support for UK Business Owners
Build optionality, maximise value, and reduce risk — before a deal forces your hand
“Without Mark leading the charge, I’m not convinced we would have got over the line”
Who We Help
Independent, founder-side support at every stage
Business Owners
Whether you’re actively considering a sale, planning to sell in the next 12 to 36 months, looking to de-risk your position, or building a more valuable, less founder-dependent business — we provide the strategic clarity and practical support you need.
- Exit planning and readiness assessment
- Value creation and risk reduction
- Deal navigation and decision support
Acquirers
We also provide independent deal reviews and commercial sense-checks for SME acquirers, searchers, and companies growing through acquisition.
What We Help You Do
From early exit planning to deal execution, we combine one-off diagnostics with ongoing founder-side support to make sure you pursue the right deal, on the right terms, at the right time for you
Improve Value
Strengthen the things that influence price, confidence, and negotiation leverage
Reduce Deal Risk
Identify issues buyers will challenge before they become expensive problems
Stay in Control
Make confident decisions with a clear process and the right support around you
How It Works
Assess
Understand where the business stands today, what buyers will notice, and what needs attention first
Improve
Focus on changes that reduce risk, improve value, and make your business more sale-ready
Execute
Move into decision support, buyer conversations, diligence, and completion with clear founder-side advice
How We Help
Four focused services to build optionality, reduce risk, and make high-stakes decisions with confidence
View All Services →Exit Readiness Assessment
Who it's for:
Owners planning an exit who want to maximise their eventual sale price and be confident they are truly buyer-ready.
From £2,500 | 4-6 weeks
Deal Readiness Review
Who it's for:
Founders in buyer conversations who need to prepare for the intensity of a live transaction.
Engagement pricing | 1-2 weeks
Founder Decision Support
Who it's for:
Owners at a strategic crossroads facing a specific high-stakes decision.
Fixed-fee | 1-2 weeks
Exit Partner Programme
Who it's for:
Owners who want a senior advisor alongside them for 6-24 months.
Retainer-based | 6-24 months
Real-world Experience, Founder-side Perspective
We have started, operated, bought, sold, and exited businesses
“In all my dealings with Mark I found him to be hard-working, considerate, honest and trustworthy”
“Without Mark leading the charge, I’m not convinced we would have got over the line”
“If you want a clear roadmap and a partner through every stage, choose ESS”
Exit Planning Essentials
Tools and resources to support your exit journey
Exit Readiness Calculator
Take our free assessment to understand your current exit readiness and identify areas for improvement.
Try Free Exit CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions UK business owners ask us most often about exit planning, value creation and the deal process.
Read the FAQReady to Get Started?
Founder-to-exit experience, on your side. Let’s discuss where you are, what you need, and how to get there — confidentially and without obligation.