Hilton Smythe

08/06/2026

Meet Tommy 👋

Over the next few months, Tommy will be sharing useful insights for intermediaries working with business owners across M&A, business finance, valuations, expert witness work, and more.

The aim is simple: clear, practical information you can use when supporting clients who are considering their next move.

Keep an eye out for Tommy’s updates.

03/06/2026

Is your Advanced or Precision Engineering business actually ready to go to market?

A strong business does not automatically mean a smooth sale.

Before speaking to buyers, owners need to be clear on the numbers, reduce reliance on themselves, tidy up key documents, prove the strength of their pipeline, and understand what buyers will look for during due diligence.

Because in M&A, preparation does not just help you sell.
It helps you protect value.

Read the full article here: https://hiltonsmythe.com/5-things-advanced-and-precision-engineering-business-owners-must-do-before-going-to-market/

5 things Advanced and Precision Engineering business owners must do before going to market

28/05/2026

Thinking about selling your business?

The best exits rarely happen by accident.

They happen when the business is prepared, the numbers are clear, the risks are understood, and the right buyers can see the value.

At Hilton Smythe, we work with business owners who want straight talking advice, clear guidance, and a proper plan for their next move.

Whether you are ready to sell now or simply want to understand what your business could be worth, starting early gives you more options.

Want to know where your business stands?

Take our free Exit Readiness Score and get a clearer view of how prepared your business is for sale.

Because the businesses that sell well are usually the ones that prepare well.

Discover how prepared your business really is for a future sale with the Exit Readiness Scorecard. This quick assessment evaluates key areas buyers look at when acquiring a business, from financial performance and operational structure to growth potential and owner dependency. Receive your score ins...

19/05/2026

A higher business valuation usually comes down to 3 things:

🔵 Reducing owner dependency
🔵 Increasing predictable revenue
🔵 Preparing properly before going to market

Most deals don’t fail because the business is bad.
They fail because the business wasn’t exit-ready.

If you’re planning an exit in the next few years, preparation matters more than most owners realise.

11/05/2026

Ask any business owner what they think kills a sale.

Most will say price. Or finding the right buyer. Or market timing.

➡️ Almost none say due diligence.

But that's where deals actually fall apart.

We see it happen all the time when sellers go to market unprepared. The owner shakes hands on a number. The buyer goes through the books. Suddenly, the deal is being repriced, restructured, or quietly walked away from.

It's almost always for the same handful of reasons. All of them fixable. But not in the six weeks before you go to market.
If you're thinking about selling in the next few years, this is the bit to get right.

Guide in the comments.

05/05/2026

Ready to find out how exit-ready you are?

Click here:https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0v3hJj0

22/04/2026

Thinking about selling your business in the next few years?

Here’s the problem…
Most owners think they’re ready.
Buyers don’t.

That gap is where deals fall apart.

We’ve made it simple to find out where you stand.

In 2 minutes, our Exit Readiness Score shows:

• What’s holding your value back
• Where the risks are
• What to fix before it costs you

👉 Take the free score:

Discover how prepared your business really is for a future sale with the Exit Readiness Scorecard. This quick assessment evaluates key areas buyers look at when acquiring a business, from financial performance and operational structure to growth potential and owner dependency. Receive your score ins...

16/04/2026

🚨 Is your business exit ready?

Take our 2-minute Exit Readiness Score and get clear on where you are and what needs fixing before you go to market.

https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0ttdwy0

Discover how prepared your business really is for a future sale with the Exit Readiness Scorecard. This quick assessment evaluates key areas buyers look at when acquiring a business, from financial performance and operational structure to growth potential and owner dependency. Receive your score ins...

14/04/2026

Reshoring isn’t just an operational decision. It’s a valuation play.

Bringing production back to the UK doesn’t just improve control and margins. It reduces risk, strengthens your story, and makes your business far more attractive to buyers.

And in today’s market, lower risk = higher value.

If you’re thinking about an exit in the next few years, this is the kind of move that can materially change your outcome.

Read more here:

Is reshoring your secret to a higher business valuation?

13/03/2026

Buyer appetite for Advanced and Precision Engineering businesses remains strong, with strategic acquirers actively looking for specialist capability, capacity, and skilled teams.

For owners in the sector, understanding what drives value and what buyers are really looking for can make a significant difference when planning an exit.

Our latest insight explores current market appetite and what it means for engineering business owners considering their next move.

Read more:

Advanced and precision engineering insight