From Behavioural Science to M&A: My First 30 Days at Entrepreneurs Hub
A New Beginning
After graduating from Durham University with a BSc in Behavioural Science, I was filled with excitement—my future felt like a blank canvas, full of possibilities! The beauty of Behavioural Science is its versatility. It touches every aspect of society, making it applicable to virtually any domain. While this variety was thrilling, it also left me feeling slightly overwhelmed; there were so many paths I could take.
I’ve always been driven by my curiosity about human behaviour—why do people make the choices they do? More importantly, how can I influence those decisions? Our cognitive mechanisms shape everything we do, from brewing a simple cup of tea to negotiating high-stake business deals. When I began looking at corporate finance through this lens, I was immediately hooked. I became fascinated by the underlying reasons companies pursue mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and I saw how my academic background could bring a unique perspective to these pivotal decisions.
My Reflections
The transition from university to the workplace is more than just adapting to a new routine; it’s a complete mindset shift. Gone are the days of late-night study sessions, skipped lectures, and those lovely 10 a.m. lie-ins—this is where adult life truly begins.
At first, I felt out of my element. Moving to a new town, settling into a new home, and getting used to a different routine all felt overwhelming. But every time I walked into the Entrepreneurs Hub office, the team’s infectious energy and genuine support quickly calmed my nerves. I soon found myself asking questions freely, diving into the work, and feeling like I truly belonged.
So far, my time at Entrepreneurs Hub has been filled with learning and discovery—getting to know the company inside out, building connections with my new colleagues, and getting comfortable with the world of corporate finance. One of my biggest challenges has been adjusting to the specialised language and tools of the industry. Corporate finance is a space dominated by numbers, trends, and financial jargon. But to my surprise, I found that the same skills I used during my degree—analysing data, observing trends, and understanding human behaviour— were incredibly useful.
For example, researching potential buyers for M&A deals felt like a natural extension of the methodologies I used in my academic work. Whilst the stakes are undoubtedly higher in the corporate world, the core skills I rely on remain strikingly similar. But the decisions I’m involved in here, carry a lot more weight than anything I tackled in my university dissertation!
Looking Ahead
I’m excited to see what the future holds and feel fortunate to have joined a company that not only values technical expertise, but places people at the heart of its business. Entrepreneurs Hub is a place where growth and innovation are encouraged, and I’m eager to continue contributing to that culture. As I deepen my understanding of the M&A space, I look forward to leveraging my insights to help Entrepreneurs Hub succeed. I can’t wait to see how I can continue bridging the gap between human behaviour and corporate finance, making decisions that leave a lasting impact.
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FAQs – Selling your company
How do I sell my business?
At Entrepreneurs Hub, we talk about five key areas that make the difference between success and failure when selling your business. Read more…
How much can I sell my business for?
Determining your business’s value is more than just calculating a number it’s complex with key factors, that said the basic equation is actually quite simple. Read more…
How long does it take to sell my business?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the deal and how ready the business is for sale. On average, the process takes around twelve months – sometimes less, sometimes more.
While preparing your business for sale, Entrepreneurs Hub conducts in-depth research to identify potential acquirers. You’ll have the opportunity to review and approve this list before we make any approaches. Once the business is fully prepared – often the most time-consuming step, we begin marketing it. Typically, you’ll start seeing initial interest within a few months, with follow-up meetings happening shortly after.
As these meetings progress – coordinated and facilitated by Entrepreneurs Hub, you’ll begin receiving initial offers. At this stage, we’ll help you assess the strategic fit between your business and potential buyers. When you decide to move forward with an offer, an exclusivity period begins, during which the acquirer conducts Due Diligence (DD).
The DD phase typically lasts two to three months, depending on the complexity of your business. Once complete, the sale is finalised, and you’ve successfully sold your company.
How do I sell my business quickly?
Selling a business quickly is possible, but speed shouldn’t come at the expense of value or deal security Read more…
When is the best time to sell?
Selling your business is a major milestone, and the start of an exciting new chapter, whether that means new ventures or a well-earned retirement.
In our experience, the best time to sell is when you don’t need to – when your business is performing well – not necessarily tied to the calendar. That said, timing can still play a role.
Timing the Market
Strong economic conditions, sector growth, and buyer confidence boost valuations. Don’t wait for a “perfect” market – a well-prepared, well-performing business sells in any climate.
Plan Ahead (12–18 Months)
The best outcomes come from early planning: clean financials, solid forecasting and growth potential.
Spring & Autumn Are Active Periods
The M&A market is typically busier in spring and autumn while summer and winter tend to be slower due to holidays and year-end distractions. However, the unpredictability of deals and negotiations makes this hard to target. We do deals all throughout the year – the key is to work with someone who can keep driving the deal forward whenever it happens.
Financial Year- End
Selling your business well is a long process and aiming for your financial year-end milestone is a virtually impossible task. But it is worth bearing your financial year in mind as buyers will want to review the most up-to-date accounts available.
The best time to sell is when your business is ready, and you are too. With the right preparation and positioning the right timing follows naturally.
Can I sell my business online?
Yes, you absolutely can sell a business online. Many platforms specialise in connecting business sellers with buyers. Read more…