The best small business brokers do these things!

professional profile

April 04, 2025

by a professional from London Business School in London, UK

Hi everyone

I have just launched a video that I hope will help small businesses vet their brokers to avoid some of the headaches that we have all seen!

I have personally been involved (as potential acquirer) in two deals that failed as a direct result of the broker. As a searcher, this is frustrating. But for the small business owner, it's much worse.

So I created this video to help small business owners ask the right questions when appointing a broker.

I hope you find it useful - even if just to share with a vendor to help them out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMEj2bGVFXo

Heather

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Reply by a searcher
from University of South Africa in London, UK
Interesting. It's also interesting to check out Clinton Lee's work. He's very much an "advisor to sellers" so provides an interesting perspective.

Be warned, he doesn't hold searchers in the greatest of esteem - especially those he calls "one pound Charlies" (people who have been on courses teaching "how to buy a business for a £1").
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Reply by an intermediary
from University of Exeter in Derby, UK
Great video Heather. The only other point I would add is pick a broker whose upfront fees are not excessive. You want to make sure your broker is financially invested in selling your business. Alan
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