#11: Wriglesworth Consultancy Sale to Instinctif Partners with Laura O’Connell

Welcome to The Exit Plan, a podcast for business owners interested in learning more about selling their business. In this episode, we dive into the world of PR and communications with industry veteran Laura O'Connell who is about to launch her consulting firm ‘Laura O’Connell Consultancy’. With a career spanning three decades, Laura guides us through her agency roots and her role as the inaugural head of Communications at Direct Line when she still works for them. Her entrepreneurial journey is a highlight, co-founding Wriglesworth Consultancy, which grew into an acclaimed agency with 30 employees and then sold it to Instinctif Partners. Laura shares her work experience when she was with Instinctif Partners acquisition. She shares insights into valuation, deal structuring, and the appeal for buyers. Laura emphasizes strong team building and structured management as key to successful transitions Laura's wisdom shines through as she reflects on the journey, offering advice to her younger self and aspiring entrepreneurs. She underscores the value of early planning, network building, and staying flexible.  Join us as Laura's experience in entrepreneurship, growth, and strategic transition becomes a source of inspiration for anyone navigating the ever-evolving landscape of business.   WHAT YOU WILL LEARN: The significance of having a clear vision and a strategic plan from the outset of business The role of advisors, coaches, and a strong network  The balance between retained and project work in a client portfolio The process of structuring a deal, valuing a service-based business, and understanding the appeal to potential buyers The complexities of ownership structure, integration, and the transitioning process in the post-acquisition phase The importance of recognizing when it's the right time to move on from a business and embark on new endeavors   CONNECT WITH LAURA O’CONNELL: Website | www.lauraoconnell.co.uk   THE EXIT PLAN The Exit Plan is for business owners that are interested in learning more about how to sell their business. Each episode Barnaby Cook interviews someone who has bought or sold a business - either a creative agency, or a production company. The conversation gets under the skin of why they wanted to sell, or were looking to acquire, how the deal was structured, how they agreed upon a valuation and what lessons they learnt along the way.