Finance Connect Podcast: Hugh Curley

Hugh explores why a profitable, successful business can still be difficult to sell, particularly when it relies heavily on its founder.

The discussion follows the publication of his new book, 'The Unsellable Business: Why Good Businesses Fail to Sell - and How to Change the Odds', which draws on his experience across asset finance, structured finance, business investment and equity raising.

Hugh discusses the risks that can make a company less attractive to potential buyers – and why owners should start thinking about their exit long before they actually want to sell.

The episode explores:

• Why a successful business isn't necessarily a saleable one
• The risks of founder dependency
• What buyers look for when assessing a business
• The importance of recurring revenues and robust processes
• Succession planning and creating multiple exit options
• Preparing financials and documentation for due diligence
• Hugh's TRANSFER framework for assessing sale readiness

The conversation is particularly relevant to the asset and equipment finance sector, where many businesses remain founder-led.

For Hugh, preparing for an eventual sale isn't just about getting a business ready for buyers. It's about building a company that can operate successfully without its owner, giving founders greater flexibility and more choice over their future.

Listen now: