Business Evolution

According to research, over 40% of business owners are looking for an exit strategy in the next 5 years, but only a small fraction have formal plans for how they are going to achieve that goal. Given it can take 3 to 5 years to develop a comprehensive plan and groom your business, it is vital to start the Business Evolution process as soon as possible.

Business Evolution is about building, retaining and passing on your wealth from generation to generation. It involves recognising and dealing with many complex family, individual and business issues such as clarifying your goals, management succession, estate planning, taxation and wealth management. Working through the Business Evolution process may point to realising the best possible value for your business, but this depends on your individual needs and circumstances and can be determined once your goals have been established.

The term "Business Evolution" was originally created by Pitcher Partners, Melbourne (members of Baker Tilly International alongside Staples Rodway). They have been using the process for several years, establishing a strong track record of successful business transitions.

The 7 Steps of Business Evolution

There are 7 key steps or things to consider in the succession planning (business evolution) process, and we've identified them as:

  • Goal Setting
  • Importance of family
  • Where is your wealth?
  • Continued success of your business
  • Your Legacy
  • Choosing your advisor
  • Your plan
read more When to start and how long does it take?

The short answer is as early as possible! Some business advisors suggest that you should be considering your exit options when you start your business, and ensure that it is always ready for transition. However many business owners are too preoccupied with running the day-to-day business to spend time on planning for an event that they don't expect to occur for many years.

read more Resources to help along the way

Through our work on Business Evolution we have built up a comprehensive database of professional advisors who can help with the Succession Planning process.

We also offer short courses and seminars on the topic of Succession Planning, contact your local office to find out more about what's happening in your area.

read more Getting Started

The hardest part of the process can be making a start. Often once you have begun the goal setting process, the remainder will start to flow.

read more Recent Articles on Succession Planning

Here are some useful articles that give you more information, and case-study scenarios based around succession planning...

The various articles touch on the subject areas of general succession planning, retirement, preparing the business for sale, and taxation.

read more
An office near you Contact a Business Evolution specialist
Hawke's Bay Dave Sawers
+64 6 878 7004
Christchurch Ross Erskine
+64 3 343 0599