How to Plan an Exit Without Regret

5th Sep 2025

Table of contents

Introduction
Why Exit Planning Is No Longer Optional
What We See in Real-World Exits
Three Exit Paths and What They Mean for Tax and Control
What a Wright Vigar Exit Plan Looks Like
Want a No-Pressure Exit Planning Chat?

Most business owners leave exit planning too late. We help you create a long-term exit strategy that leaves you free, not frustrated.

Why Exit Planning Is No Longer Optional

In 2025, more SME owners are approaching retirement, succession, or sale, but too few have a clear exit plan.

The result? Rushed deals, missed tax reliefs, undervalued businesses, and unnecessary stress.

Whether you plan to sell, pass the business to family, or explore a management buyout (MBO), early planning is essential. HMRC’s tightening rules around Business Asset Disposal Relief, inheritance tax, and share transfers mean timing and structure matter more than ever.

Exit planning is not just about selling, it is about protecting your legacy.

What We See in Real-World Exits

We often meet business owners who say:

“I am not ready to sell, but I want options.”
“I want to pass the business to my children, but I do not know how.”
“I do not want to pay more tax than I need to.”

These are common and completely valid concerns. But without a plan, even the best businesses can lose value at the point of exit.

We have seen owners:

Miss out on BADR because of poor timing
Overpay CGT due to deal structure
Struggle with succession because of unclear roles or shareholdings

That is why we always say: start planning before you think you need to.

Three Exit Paths and What They Mean for Tax and Control

Here are the most common SME exit routes and what you need to consider:

1. Trade Sale

Selling to a third party can unlock capital, but it must be structured carefully.

We help you:

Maximise valuation
Qualify for BADR (14% CGT rate on up to £1m gains)
Prepare financials and legal documents

2. Family Succession

Passing the business to children or relatives requires careful planning, especially around inheritance tax (IHT) and share transfers.

We help you:

Use IHT reliefs (e.g. Business Property Relief)
Structure shareholdings and trusts
Avoid family disputes

3. Management Buyout (MBO)

Selling to your internal team can preserve culture and continuity, but needs funding and legal clarity.

We help you:

Structure the deal tax-efficiently
Support valuation and funding models
Support the review of shareholder agreements and exit terms in collaboration with legal advisers

Imagine this:

You have a clear exit strategy. Your tax position is optimised. Your business is ready for sale, succession, or handover. And you are in control not reacting under pressure.

That is what happens when you plan early, structure smartly, and get the right advice.

At Wright Vigar, we help clients: