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 in the UK?
Selling a business in the UK typically involves preparing financial information, obtaining a valuation, identifying suitable buyers and negotiating the terms of a sale. Most owners work with an M&A adviser to manage the process confidentially, approach qualified buyers and maximise the value achieved.
At Entrepreneurs Hub, we talk about five key areas that make the difference between success and failure when selling your business. Read more…
What is my business worth?
A business is typically valued by applying a multiple to its sustainable profit, often EBITDA or adjusted net profit. The appropriate multiple depends on factors including growth, recurring revenue, customer concentration, management strength, owner dependency, market conditions and buyer demand.
Determining what your business is worth involves more than applying a simple formula. Use our Business Valuation Calculator to obtain an initial valuation range, or read our simple business valuation guide to understand the factors buyers consider.
How long does it take to sell a business?
Selling a business in the UK typically takes around 12 to 18 months from initial preparation to completion, although some transactions may be quicker or take longer. The timeline depends on business readiness, buyer demand, deal complexity, due diligence and how quickly the legal terms can be agreed.
Preparing accurate financial information and organising key documents in advance can help reduce avoidable delays. Read our complete business sale timeline to understand what happens at each stage.
When is the best time to sell a business?
The best time to sell a business is usually when it is performing strongly, its future growth is clear and you are not under pressure to complete a sale. Buyers are generally more attracted to businesses with rising or stable profits, reliable financial information and credible opportunities for further growth.
Business owners are often in a stronger position when:
- Revenue and profits are growing or consistently strong
- Financial records are accurate and up to date
- Future growth opportunities can be clearly demonstrated
- The business is not overly dependent on the owner
- There is a capable management team in place
- The owner has started preparing well in advance
Market conditions can also affect buyer appetite and valuation. Factors such as sector growth, access to finance and competition between buyers may support stronger deal activity, but preparation and business performance are usually more important than trying to identify a perfect month to sell.
Ultimately, the best time to sell is when both you and the business are ready, and the company can demonstrate sustainable performance and future value to potential buyers.
Use our Exit Readiness Tool to assess how prepared your business is, or read our guide on when to sell your business for further guidance.
Do I need an adviser to sell my business?
You are not legally required to use an adviser to sell your business, but many owners appoint an experienced M&A adviser to help manage the process. An adviser can prepare the business for sale, identify and approach suitable buyers confidentially, coordinate negotiations and support the transaction through due diligence.
The right adviser can also help create competitive tension, protect your time and reduce the risk of avoidable mistakes. Read our guide to choosing the right business sale adviser to understand the different types of support available.
How do I prepare my business for sale?
Preparing a business for sale involves strengthening its financial performance, reducing risk and making sure it can operate successfully without heavy reliance on the owner. Buyers will also expect accurate financial records, clear contracts, organised documentation and evidence of future growth.
Preparation should ideally begin well before approaching the market, giving you time to address weaknesses that could affect value or delay the transaction. Use our Exit Readiness Tool to assess how prepared your business currently is.
How is confidentiality protected during a sale?
Confidentiality is protected through controlled information sharing, anonymised buyer approaches and non-disclosure agreements. Potential buyers usually receive limited information at the start of the process and must sign an NDA before commercially sensitive details are released.
Prospective buyers should be assessed before receiving further information, with documents shared gradually according to their level of interest and credibility. A well-managed process also allows the business owner to retain oversight of who is approached and what information is disclosed.
What documents do I need to sell my business?
The documents needed to sell a business commonly include financial accounts, management information, forecasts, customer and supplier contracts, employment records, tax information and evidence of intellectual property ownership.
Buyers may also request details of property, insurance, legal disputes, regulatory matters and company ownership. Organising this information before due diligence begins can reduce delays and help maintain buyer confidence. Our Business Sale Due Diligence Checklist explains the main information buyers are likely to request.
What’s the quickest way to sell a company?
Selling a business quickly is possible, but speed shouldn’t come at the expense of value or deal security Read more…
What’s the best way to sell a business online?
Yes, you absolutely can sell a business online. Many platforms specialise in connecting business sellers with buyers. Read more…
How can I increase the value of my business before selling?
You may be able to increase the value of your business by improving sustainable profits, developing recurring revenue and reducing reliance on individual customers or the owner. Buyers also value capable management teams, reliable financial reporting, scalable operations and clear opportunities for future growth.
The earlier you identify the factors affecting value, the more time you have to make meaningful improvements. Use our Business Valuation Calculator for an initial indication of value and our Exit Readiness Tool to identify areas that may need attention.