Chapter One: The Turning Point
Struggling with burnout as an SME owner? Lee, a seasoned business owner, realises the thrill of running his company has faded. As he grapples with the weight of his legacy, the question looms: What’s next? Discover how a business veteran contemplates transition and reinvention.

Chapter Two: Family Ties
Balancing business and family is never easy. Lee, after decades of dedication to his SME, realises the cost of his choices—missed birthdays, strained relationships, and growing distance. Is it too late to reconnect? Explore the journey of an SME owner trying to rebuild family bonds.

Chapter Three: A Head Full of Options
When is the right time to step back from your business? Lee weighs his options: a family succession, a management buyout, or a full sale. Each choice carries risks, but one thing is clear—change is coming. If you're an SME owner thinking about your future, this is a must-read.

Chapter Four: The Consultant Dilemma
Should SME owners trust business consultants? Lee hesitates after witnessing a mate’s disaster with a jargon-heavy advisor. But with no roadmap for selling a business, where should he turn? Follow his journey to find guidance that actually makes sense.

Chapter Five: The Call to The Anti-Consultant
Meet the ‘Anti-Consultant’—a straight-talking business advisor who actually gets it. Lee takes a leap and reaches out for help, discovering that stepping back doesn’t have to mean losing control. Could expert guidance be the key to a smooth business transition?

Chapter Six: The Brief and The Initial Conversation
What does it take to sell a business? Lee begins mapping his business health with John, the ‘Anti-Consultant,’ uncovering hidden challenges and opportunities. The first step to a successful exit is clarity. Are you ready for yours?

Chapter Seven: What Is It Worth?
What’s your SME really worth? Lee faces the reality of a professional business valuation—validating years of work while bringing new challenges to light. Selling isn’t just about numbers; it’s about preparing for the next chapter.

Chapter Eight: The Review Conversation
A five-year plan to exit a business the right way—Lee and John review the numbers and build a roadmap for succession. Strengthening management, securing long-term contracts, and stepping back gradually. This is how smart SME owners plan for the future.

Chapter Nine: The Dilemma
Who should take over your business? Lee faces a tough choice: pass it to his management team, gamble on his son, or sell to an outsider. Each path carries risk—so how do you make the right call? If you’re an SME owner, this dilemma will feel all too familiar.

Chapter Ten: Back to First Principles
Overwhelmed by exit planning? The key is to focus on first principles. Lee realises he doesn’t need all the answers today—just a plan to prepare his business for sale, no matter the outcome. If you’re feeling stuck, this is your roadmap.

Chapter 11: Building Lee’s Future
How do you prepare an SME for sale? Lee and John create a five-year programme focusing on leadership development, systemising operations, and strengthening financials. Whether selling or stepping back, planning is key. Are you ready?

Chapter Twelve: Testing the Waters
Can a business owner boost revenue before exiting? Lee implements efficiency strategies and sees a 10% sales increase and a 12.5% profit boost. Preparing for an exit isn’t just about selling—it’s about maximising value.

Chapter Thirteen: The Ideas Board
How can SME owners grow without massive change? Lee rethinks his business model—selling more to existing clients, expanding to new markets, and systemising operations. Stay in your lane, but widen it.

Chapter Fourteen: What Do the Customers Think of Us?
Customer insights can make or break a business. Lee takes a hard look at customer feedback to uncover hidden truths about his company’s strengths and weaknesses. What do clients really think, and how can SME owners turn feedback into growth?

Chapter Fifteen: The Brutal Truth
Lee faces some of the harsh realities of running an SME. What hard lessons did he learn along the way, and how can others avoid making the same mistakes? This chapter dives into the unfiltered truths of business ownership.

Chapter Sixteen: Hearing It Firsthand
What happens when you truly listen to your customers? Lee conducts in-depth interviews to understand the real customer experience, gaining insights that could shape the future of the business. Are SME owners really hearing what their customers have to say?

Chapter Seventeen: The Customer Feedback Loop
Feedback is a gift—if you know how to use it. Lee explores how continuous customer engagement can drive business improvements. Discover how real-time feedback can refine operations and enhance customer loyalty.

Chapter Eighteen: The Supplier Review
Suppliers can make or break a business. Lee reviews his supplier network, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and potential risks. How can SMEs ensure supplier relationships align with their long-term goals?

Chapter Nineteen: Stepping Back, Letting Go
The transition of a business owner isn’t just operational—it’s emotional. Lee reflects on what it means to let go and how business owners can prepare for their exit mentally and practically.

Chapter Twenty: The New Leadership Challenge
With Lee stepping back, the next leadership team must rise to the occasion. What challenges will they face, and how can they be best prepared to lead successfully?