I have just done my first public speaking event in Leicester, in front of a group of accountants from a national network. I was invited to talk about “What does a buyer look at when considering buying fees”.
I covered:-
• How much of the practice is being sold.
• Time frame from start to finish.
• What happens if the sale is delayed.
• Age range of clients.
• Charge out rates.
• Staff costings.
• Profitability.
Each one was sprinkled with current and previous case studies.
I was interested in the comments from the attendees:-
Q – What did you find most interesting?
A – How to calculate the value to make a good sale.
Q – What did you find most interesting?
A – The intricacies of the fee structures.
Q – Were the case studies helpful?
A – Yes, to see actual examples of current cases helped a lot.
My point really is that if you are thinking of buying or selling accountancy fees then the more you understand about the process, current multiples and the state of the market then the more chance you have of getting what you want.
Even if you are not thinking of buying or selling now, this year or even in the next few years, learning about the process can be helpful because you never know when something unexpected may happen and you may have to sell quickly. Being prepared for this eventuality can be useful.
I know some accountants who have put my business card in with their will just in case something awful happens and their next of kin has to deal with the sale of their practice. It really helps to talk to a professional whose job it is to make deals happen.
Yes I would like to do more public speaking so if you are interested in having me talk to your group of accountants then let me know. You can contact me Nicola Draper on 01788 816440 or email me at n.draper@draperhinks.co.uk. Alternatively contact Diane Crawley, my office manager, at d,crawley@draperhinks.co.uk or on 01788 816440.
Please remember everything discussed will be kept in the strictest of confidence.