Getting Exit-Ready: How to Prepare Yourself AND Your Recruitment Business for a Future Sale

Nitin Sharma speaks with Poonam Mawani of Azuki Accounts and Christian Mather of One Day Wealth about preparing a recruitment business for sale. Most recruitment founders delay exit planning until burnout or crisis forces their hand, often resulting in distressed sales where buyers capitalise on their urgency. Poonam and Christian explain how planning two to five years ahead can significantly increase business value, and reveal the financial red flags and messy operations that kill deals during due diligence.

The conversation covers the four main exit routes—Trade Sale, MBO, Private Equity and EOT—and which suits different founders. They discuss hidden liabilities, tax inefficiencies and the importance of separating personal finances from business operations. The episode also addresses the emotional and practical reality of life after selling, including why most founders do not retire, and how to calculate a personal "freedom number" to set realistic financial targets.