Reasons to sell a business could be varied, like retire with equity, desire to travel, start a new venture or maybe move to a different phase of life. Finding the right buyer, with the passion to commit and scale the business to new heights is important. Likewise, the buyer benefits from lower risk than starting from scratch. Moreover, the buyer is looking at real profit and loss numbers from the company’s history and not just estimates. Additional contributions from existing intangible assets are also included in most cases. Buying or selling a business requires a professional intermediary to help find a range of interested parties, to help you shortlist the best available in the market. That in mind our Business Sales Director Safwan Ul Amin can engage with business buyers and sellers via WeSellAnybiz.com.

1. How did you start your business in selling?

My previous business experience in various industries resulted in a strong network of connections with many B2B companies in the UK, Europe and the Middle East region. Some of these business owners wanted my help to sell their business or know more about other business opportunities through my network. Initially, it was all done as a goodwill gesture. However, later I realised that my skill at selling a business can be leveraged as a business model. And that is how WeSellAnyBiz was formed in United Kingdom.

2. Where and how did the idea of your concept come from?

As previously mentioned the idea of the concept came via my connections from previous businesses. But I had to figure out a way of connecting business sellers with business buyers. What I realised was that I could manage only a small number of business sales myself as its quite extensive work talking to buyers and sellers and arranging viewings, sending each other documents, etc. So what I decided was that I needed a website that would connect the sellers and buyers and they communicate with each other instead of me being involved in each sale. So I designed and developed wesellanybiz.co.uk which allows the business owners to list their business for sale and connect directly with potential buyers. The platform also allows franchisers to advertise their franchise business to potential franchisees.

The website took almost six months to develop from scratch and after its launch, in May 2020 we have experienced a huge number of businesses being listed and a lot of visitors visiting the platform.

3. What are the services that you provide to your clients?

So basically the services we provide via wesellanybiz.co.uk are to sell business or franchise via our website. We have two options for a business sales:

Option A: The business sellers can list their business for sale for just £100 on our website and connect directly with interested buyers themselves without any input from us. There is no commission to be paid to us when the sale is complete.

Option B: The business sellers can ask me to get involved in the sale process, the benefits of this service the seller gets full professional service with myself to get the business sold and get them the desired price. I have sold businesses worth over 50 million and have total experience is business sales. I can provide free valuation, exit planning and and advice on accounting and legal side of the sale. This service costs £300, and the contract is valid for one year. Once the business is sold I will take 2.5% commission of the sale value. Also to add my team will create a full professional advert and tailor made marketing campaign for the business to make sure maximum exposure is reached to potential buyers.

Our website also allows to advertise franchise businesses, either UK based or International franchises who wish to offer franchisees in UK. The cost is just £300 for the year. We create the full advert on the franchisors behalf and provide a dedicated manager with telephone and email support.

4. What are the criteria that you look for to enlist a business?

There are no set criteria, anyone with any business or franchise can list their business for sale on our website for a small fee. The sale of the business would depend on how attractive it is to a potential buyer. That depends on factors such as turnover, profitably, location and future growth potential.

I would like to add that, selling a business could be for many reasons, and does not have to be seen as something negative. For instance, to free up capital for another opportunity. Markets and businesses change and so do consumer habits so it’s essential to have an exit strategy if you feel that your time, effort and resources can be more beneficial to another business or another brand new startup.

5. What sets you apart from your competitors?

Competition is always healthy in any walks of life as it makes you perform better. Further, it helps better yourself with learning, studying, and acquiring new skills to lead the way.

Our website is advanced and user friendly. It has many advance features which cannot be found in other business sales platform, thus enabling us to become a market leader in our field within a short period. We will continue to invest in the latest technology to make sure we stay at the forefront and lead the business sales platform in the world.

6. What are the essential qualities that you look for in a business buyer?

As our website is a listing platform that allows business sellers and business buyers to connect with each other we recommend both sides to do their due diligence prior to agreeing the sale. This includes the buyer’s previous business experience, buyer’s capability for access to capital to purchase the business. If they do not have the capital what are the chances for them to raise capital with their credit history.

As for franchisees offering franchises for their business, we recommend they have a clear plan, terms and conditions. Also, check the legal side of franchise agreements before entering into any partnership. Most importantly, check their financial capability and past business experience.

7. What was the major challenge you faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?

Well to be honest every day is a challenge in business, almost every day something goes wrong and nothing ever goes to plan or the way you want it. It tests your patience, resolve and character. That is why very few businesses survive. But as an entrepreneur we must overcome those challenges by adapting, learning, showing mental resolve and continue moving forward without giving up.

Recently we faced COVID-19, which has crippled many economies, industries and many businesses from small to the corporate level. We can and we will overcome those challenges too by firstly being patient, cutting costs, planning and being pro-active at marketing and advertising. So when business and the world does go back to normal and it will, then we will be in a position to maximise our revenue and get our businesses back on track.

8. What is your best achievement?

My best achievement would be that I have lasted as an entrepreneur since I left University in London, for over 15 years. I was £500 overdrawn in my bank account at that time. However, I turned that around and have been fairly successful ever since. But as you know in business there is no limit. And I aspire to achieve more, work hard, continue to learn and hope for more success.

9. How does your business day start?

I always wake up at 8am, every day, the more you sleep, the lazier you become. I also eat healthily and exercise daily which I find keeps my mind and body feeling healthy and fresh.

I follow football, cricket and golf. I support Chelsea in football. I played cricket for Surrey Youth Teams and Surrey County 2nd XI and played for British Universities also. I was also invited for trials for England Under 19 cricket team where I played along side some of the well known England players.

I’m still playing Golf and am a member of Wimbeldon Park Golf Club and have a 20 handicap score.

Currently I’m taking flying lessons and should get my Private Pilot License within next two years.

10. What was the best moment throughout your career?

I would like to say that pretty much all the businesses I have started none of them have ever failed. I have managed to launch many successful startups and delivered exceptional growth and profitability.

This has been due to hard work, integrity, honesty and skills learned on daily basis to keep making progress.

11. Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years?

I see WeSellAnyBiz as the leading business sales platform worldwide.

Our next phase of launch would be to have dedicated websites for UAE, Saudi Arabia, USA. The development work has already started and should roll out one by one within next year.

Currently, we are seeking investment from venture capital firms and private investors to raise capital for the development, marketing and advertising. We have had numerous positive meetings with investors who see massive potential in our business and believe this could be the next big thing.

12. Any tips and insights do you want to impart to our readers?

Do your best in anything you do and do not leave any stone unturned and everything will be fine.

And if you are looking to buy or sell a business and need some advice, just give me a call on 02037332315 where I will be happy to answer any questions and guide you in the right direction.

You can also connect with me on Linkedin by clicking this link: Safwan Linkedin Profile