Lasting Legacies: An exit strategy you can be proud of

What we’ve learnt from over 3700+ Business Sales

In the last 30 years, St. James’s Place has honed a Business Sale and Purchase model that empowers business owners to choose their exit plan while providing entrepreneurs with opportunities for growth. With an average of over 30 sales per month, the model ensures a seamless transition, allowing clients to enjoy the same high-quality service without disruptions. Importantly, we understand the significance of leaving you in control. You decide the pace at which you hand over your business, ensuring the value of your hard work is realised on your terms.

Retaining control: Your exit, your way

It's part of our DNA to create opportunities for advisers to build future capital. With over £1.4 billion in business value changing hands, our model stands as the largest capital creation vehicle in UK wealth management. More than 350 advice professionals have chosen to align with SJP – both from directly authorised and network backgrounds – driven by the desire to continue delivering quality service, reduce business risk, and secure a certain and strategic exit that you truly believe in.

Stuart Shearer, Director of Tailored Solutions Wealth Management, found peace of mind in aligning his business with SJP. As a business owner, it was important for Stuart to be in control of his exit strategy.

“It has been brilliant to watch my business grow in value. I know with absolute certainty that my clients are in good hands and that my team supporting the business will keep their jobs. Over the next two years, we’ll meet the clients and transition the rest of the business across to their new adviser - a process supported by SJP. I would never have had this opportunity as an IFA. I would’ve had to sell my business to someone I probably didn’t know. I’m now confident my clients will be in great hands and looked after in the future. The business name is going to continue. I just won’t be there anymore. I can now relax and enjoy retirement, knowing that I’ve fulfilled my career goals.”

The power of a clear, well-defined plan

Handing over a business you've built can be emotionally challenging, but as financial advisers often tell their clients, "Financial decisions should not be anchored in emotion and sentiment." A clear, well-defined exit plan is crucial, akin to succession planning or transitioning into the next phase of your life.

Think of your exit strategy as a carefully designed blueprint, just like the process of building a house. Each phase requires expertise, and it's vital to identify the right individuals to carry your business forward. It’s likely that there’ll be more than one individual who is the right person to take forward and evolve your business.

With more than 350 professionals aligning with SJP in the last five years, we emphasise the importance of accurate business valuation and having a team of dedicated experts in areas such as contracts, legal, and HR consultancy to support and advise you.

Support at every step of the way

At SJP, we understand the multifaceted nature of executing a successful exit strategy. You need a team of experts to explore all options, consider every factor, and make informed decisions. Our comprehensive support, developed over many years and 30 businesses exits a month, guarantees peace of mind for you and your clients.

With a transparent plan you can trust, we're here to help financial advisers with their exit strategy. If you’re considering the next steps for your financial advice business, trust in St. James’s Place for a strategic exit that leaves a lasting legacy.