Hi. I'm Gavin and you've found my blog!
I'm the founder of Exitable.io which helps business owners build companies that run without them, so they can scale, sell or step back. I also built McGideon.com and WhatWePay. All bootstrapped without funding and run remotely.
I like to talk about building businesses, making companies worth more and whatever else is on my mind.
I'm most active on LinkedIn: gavingibbons and X: @gavingibbons
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- Nobody askedNewsletter
- Chosen by the founder in 2023 and voted off a key board in 2026.in
- The tax you're charging your own businessNewsletter
- The UK now has the most expensive diesel in Europe by 12p a litre - RACin
- It took Steve Jackson a day to become CEO again.in
- The expensive poundNewsletter
- Who replaces Warren Buffett?in
- What would it take to move your business to Athens?in
- The exit everyone wanted has gone quietNewsletter
- The 8,335 clubNewsletter
- The number of business owners asking me to recommend a fractional CFO exploded in 2026.in
- Your accountant did their job. That's the problem.Newsletter
- Nothing offends a business owner like a fair offer.in
- If you're in construction - retention money is being abolished.in
- What will it cost you to employ the same person three years from now?in
- The 3 numbers that can grow your revenue by 700%Newsletter
- Selling isn't the only way for owners to take money out of a business.in
- The perfect exit without being forced to sellNewsletter
- 52% of owners who sold in the last two years got less than they expected.in
- The "Gone Tomorrow" testNewsletter
- If AI made your business 20% more productive tomorrow, would you cut heads or add capacity?in
- Every product gets copied. One way or another.in
- Your next acquisition is already going wrongNewsletter
- Plenty of business owners assume that private equity buys businesses.in
- Your revenue went up. Your valuation probably didn't.Newsletter
- In 20 years, Claude and ChatGPT will look like Ask Jeeves.in
- We turned one company's messy business development process into a coherent sales pipeline.in
- "I own my own business" is usually code for "I own a job I can never resign from."in
- Most business owners spend 10-20 years building a business that can't survive a month without them.in
- How to fix your sales pipelineNewsletter
- One headline this week should make every business owner sit up:in
- Growing your business to the next level doesn't mean working harder.in
- The most dangerous place in business isn't bankruptcyNewsletter
- Block, the tech company just cut 40% of its workforce.in
- You have a decision problem.in
- A convenient excuse costing you millionsNewsletter
- Somewhere in your market, a competitor is rebuilding to run on AI.in
- 726,735 UK companies were dissolved last year.in
- The margin hiding in your systemsNewsletter
- The £50k test most leadership teams failNewsletter
- 95% of AI projects in companies show no measurable return, according to MIT.in
- AI can't make a single major decision in your business on its own.in
- Increase your company's value - without growing the businessNewsletter
- Foreign takeovers of UK-listed companies recently hit a record 86% of UK deal value.in
- The "Ferrari stuck in traffic" problemNewsletter
- You can't be pro-growth and high-energy-cost at the same time.in
- 8 valuation killers of your businessNewsletter
- Two of the UK’s best known names in property - Berkeley Group and Rightmove - are to be ejected from the FTSE 100.in
- The Wealth Tax you're paying for every "quick question"Newsletter
- Every owner exits. One way or another.in
- “Nearly 6,000 owners of high-growth businesses left the UK over the past two years, following changes to the UK’s tax regime and growing concerns over economic...in
- Notice anything about the top 10 in the Sunday Times Tax List?in
- Good news for owners of valuable companies.in
- Key Lessons from a Direct Listing worth €47 millionin
- "We are in a world where the level of shocks to the system and the sources of shocks to the system are very broad.in
- LIVE WEBINAR @ 5pm GMT TODAYin
- For Business Owners…in
- EOTs are now subject to CGT, dropping from 100% relief to 50%. Let’s be honest: most of the appeal was tax efficiency, and even before this change EOTs had...X
- The Telegraph could fetch £500m in a sale to the Daily Mail’s owner. Yes, big economies of scale, but the real prize is the digital subscription upside.X
- Global M&A is roaring back, Q3 volumes jumped 43% YoY, the strongest rebound in a decade With ~$4tn in private-equity dry powder and receptive financing...X
- Pret has written off a third of its 2018 JAB acquisition value. Like Costa, it hasn’t innovated → rising costs + stronger competition mean high prices no...X
- Costa Coffee’s journey: 1995 → Whitbread £19m, <40 stores 2019 → Coca-Cola £3.9bn, 2,655 stores 2025 → Coca-Cola exploring £2bn sale, 4,000 stores For M&A...X
- Iceland says shoplifting costs £20m/year. Their fix? Alert staff and get £1 on your Bonus Card. Meanwhile, UK shoplifting hits 530,643 of fences (up 20% YoY) →...X
- S&P Global shows clear winners & losers in EBITDA multiples by sector since 2023. Some businesses are now worth less due to factors beyond their control...X
- Trade wars are pushing companies to rethink supply chains & manufacturing. For UK manufacturers with US clients, moving production to the US can cut energy...X
- The number of Brits leaving the UK has doubled in 3 years, P85 forms rose from 2,500/month in 2022 to 5,150 in 2025. It’s not just billionaires. Hard-working...X
- “All big UK companies will be forced to report on how long they take to pay suppliers, as ministers seek to crack down on late payments.” Many small businesses...X
- “When the top 5% (who pay 50% of all taxes) leave, the burden shifts to middle earners.” A Wealth Tax on unrealised gains? It kills UK business incentives...X
- The UK is set to lose 16,500 millionaires in 2024, double China’s outflow. Meanwhile, the UAE and US keep attracting wealth. Why is the UK pushing affluence...X
- How Many Billion Dollar Publicly Listed Companies Are In The UK, Compared To Other Countries?Article
- Your Reward For Overcoming Challenges As A Business Owner…Article
- UK has 218 public companies worth $1B+. China: 216 Japan: 404 US: 1,873 India? Up from 20 to 348 in 25 years. The shift is real. Credit: @visualcapitalistX
- Your reward for solving business challenges? Bigger ones. But each stage matters if you want max value & a future exit: No stabilisation = no scale No...X
- “My business can run without me”, sure, for 2 weeks. But can it grow without you for 6 months? Founder-led businesses rarely get premium valuations. Serious...X
- Too many owners think maximising revenue & EBITDA = max valuation. But the smart ones are using synergistic groups to scale faster. It boosts EBITDA and the...X
- So Many Business Owners Have Been Brainwashed Into Believing ThisArticle
- Not having an exit strategy is short-sighted. Why? Because when unexpected events force an exit, your team suffers most. A clear plan keeps you in control...X
- Why You Need An Exit StrategyArticle
- Annual Budgets Are Killing Your ProfitArticle
- Too many businesses are stuck in the financial Stone Age… They spend months on annual budgets, then markets shift, and it’s already outdated. 90-day budgeting...X
- AI is hyped as a game-changer for hiring - but is it really? We’re using AI across our businesses, but I’m sceptical about how it filters candidates. Hiring...X
- Stop Using AI To Find Your Next HireArticle
- Scaling isn’t just about hiring more staff or burning cash, it’s about collaboration. Joint ventures, partnerships, and mergers can drive growth and value...X
- Scale Your Business Through Radical CollaborationArticle
- Outlook For SME M&A in 2025...Article
- Will Your Business Be Disrupted Before You Exit?Article
- 2024 was a great year for M&A in the UK, with deals up 36%, totalling £250bn. 2025 looks more promising with tax changes driving more activity.X
- You can't plan 10 years in advance. What matters is whether you’ll stay relevant in an era of AI, quantum computing, and accelerated disruption.X
- The Hidden Killer That Derails ExitsArticle
- THE HIDDEN KILLER THAT DERAILS EXITS Time delays, not poor financials, often kill exits. Procrastination, fire-fighting, or simply losing momentum before and...X
- THE ESSENTIAL MILESTONES FOR EXITING YOUR BUSINESS A successful exit starts with shifting your mindset from "lifestyle" to "scale to sell." It’s about creating...X
- YOU'LL NEVER BE READY TO EXIT YOUR BUSINESS Some owners can't pull the trigger on an exit, even if it's the right move. Many wait for absolute certainty before...X
- You'll Never Be Ready To Exit Your BusinessArticle
- The Essential Milestones For Exiting Your BusinessArticle
- PLOTTING YOUR EXIT: WHICH ROUTE WILL YOU TAKE? 🔹 MBO. If you’ve got a capable team ready 🔹 Trade Sale. Maximise value with the right acquirer 🔹 Public...X
- Plotting Your Exit: Which Route Will You Take?Article
- AVOID STUMBLING INTO THIS EXIT TRAP Planning to exit soon? It’s not just about hitting revenue or EBITDA targets and waiting for offers. Know WHY your business...X
- Avoid Stumbling Into This Exit TrapArticle
- SHOULD YOU STAY ON AFTER SELLING YOUR BUSINESS? Want to leave right after selling? If your business runs without you, maybe. But most buyers prefer some...X
- IS YOUR COMPANY VALUATION WISHFUL THINKING? Is your valuation based on reality, or ego? Many owners don’t know what their company is truly worth or how to...X
- Should You Stay On After Selling Your Business?Article
- Is Your Company Valuation Wishful Thinking?Article
- IS YOUR EXIT CLOCK COUNTING DOWN? If you’re planning to exit in the next couple of years, start now. Last-minute changes won’t cut it. Buyers value what they...X
- Is Your Exit Clock Counting Down?Article
- EXITING YOUR BUSINESS WILL GET PERSONAL... Spreadsheets don’t buy businesses, people do. Knowing who will acquire your business and why is crucial. Valuation...X
- FIX YOUR BUSINESS BEFORE YOU SCALE TO AN EXIT Investors won’t back a flawed business model. Many founders overspend on customer acquisition, hoping costs will...X
- Exiting Your Business Will Get Personal...Article
- Fix Your Business Before You Scale To An ExitArticle
- Is Your Exit Plan A Total Fantasy?Article
- Why Are Business Investors Looking Elsewhere?Article
- Why Everything You Do Should Move You Closer To ExitArticle
- Is Your Customer Acquisition Cost Sabotaging Your Exit Valuation?Article
- Don't Let A Slump In Performance Sink Your ValuationArticle
- 4 Essentials To Scale Your Business And ExitArticle
- Crank Up Your Valuation In 6 MonthsArticle
- Have You Finally Maxed Out Your Business Valuation?Article
- What's Your Business Really Worth?Article
- 3 Steps To Unleash Unstoppable Growth (The Important Ones Anyway)...Article
- Eureka Moments Driving Exponential GrowthArticle
- Supercharging Growth Through PartnershipsArticle
- AI Fatigue Will Be The Death Of You...Article
- What Most Business Owners Miss When Valuing Their BusinessArticle
- What To Avoid With Management BuyoutsArticle
- Why A Growth Mindset Beats Hustle CultureArticle
- 3 Growth Killers That Will Tank Your ValuationArticle
- An Exit Strategy Doesn't Mean You're Selling...Article
- 3 Mindset Shifts To Scale And Exit Your BusinessArticle
- 5 Traits That Founders Need In The 2020sArticle
- The Road To A Successful Exit Is Paved EarlyArticle
- How To Beat Business Owner Fatigue…Article
- What's Happening To Hybrid Work?Article
- What To Consider Before Exiting Your Business...Article
- Scaling To An Exit - It's Not Just About Getting InvestmentArticle
- Building A Business To Sell: 6 Ways To Get It Right From The StartArticle
- Should You Target A Trade Sale Or Private Equity Exit?Article
- How To Increase The Value Of Your BusinessArticle
- Where Business Owners Go Wrong With ExitsArticle
- Time To Rethink The 2 Pizza RuleArticle
- The Dos and Don'ts When Partnering To Scale Your BusinessArticle
- Use Hidden Leverage Points In Your BusinessArticle
- Why SaaS Businesses Will Reign Supreme In 2024Article
- A Full Or Partial Exit? That Is The Question...Article
- 3 Steps To Accelerate Growth Before You ExitArticle
- Valuation 101: Increasing Your Business ValueArticle
- Rapid Expansion Through Growth HackingArticle
- The Power Of Leverage In 2024 To Scale And ExitArticle
- Maximise Your Business Valuation In 2024Article
- Questions For Business Owners Exiting In 2024-5Article
- 3 Tips For Unstoppable Sales MomentumArticle
- The Blind Spots Blocking Your Growth PotentialArticle
- The Overlooked Risks Of Acquiring Another BusinessArticle
- Scaling To An Exit Before It's Too Late...Article
- How To Overcome These 4 Big Challenges To Scale Your BusinessArticle
- What Delivers Next Level Growth?Article
- 4 Common Acquisition Myths BustedArticle
- EXIT 101: A Practical Guide for Ambitious Business OwnersArticle
- Rethink Your Business Model To Unlock GrowthArticle
- Taking Your Company Public - Is It Worth It?Article
- What Buyers Want To See In Your BusinessArticle
- Have You Optimised Your Revenue And Margins?Article
- Creating Maximum Profit Momentum Before You ExitArticle
- Why Unit Economics Is Everything When Scaling Your BusinessArticle
- What's The Ideal Route To Exit Your Business?Article
- What To Avoid When Scaling To An ExitArticle
- The Biggest Warning Signs You're Not Ready To Scale UpArticle
- Less Haste, More Speed: The Paradox Of Slowing It DownArticle
- Why You Should Partner With A Competitor Instead Of Fighting ThemArticle
- Are You Falling Victim To The Value Gap?Article
- Scale And Exit Your Business With A Beginner's MindsetArticle
- Corner The Market: Dominating Your NicheArticle
- Do You Own A Scalable Business?Article
- Weathering The Storm: Building Resilience For SMEsArticle
- Towards An Exit: Identifying The Right Investment Partners For Your BusinessArticle
- Avoid The Growing Pains Of Constant ExpansionArticle
- The Law Of Diminishing Returns: When Small Is More Sustainable For SMEsArticle
- Business Owners: What's Missing From Your Exit Strategy?Article
- Is Your Business Ready For The Next Recession?Article
- When Is The Perfect Time To Exit Your Business?Article
- The Drawbacks Of SPACs As Your Exit StrategyArticle
- The Importance Of Value Creation Before An ExitArticle
- The Dangers Of DIY Exits For Business OwnersArticle
- Finding The Right External Partners For Exiting Your BusinessArticle
- 10 Crucial Questions To Answer Before Selling Your BusinessArticle
- Mastering The Art Of Pricing Your Business For Maximum ValueArticle
- Get The Most Out Of Working With Minority InvestorsArticle
- Managing The Aftermath Of Your Exit...Article
- Selling Your Business - What's In It For The Buyer?Article
- Is Being Acquihired the Future for Exiting Business Owners?Article
- Avoid Drifting If You're Thinking About An ExitArticle
- Busting A Few Myths About Owner-Founder ExitsArticle
- Using Strategic Acquisitions To Accelerate SME GrowthArticle
- 7 Signs It's Time To Think About Your Exit...Article
- Are You Too Closely Tied To Your Business?Article
- Don't Be Relying On Theoretical Valuations For Your Exit Strategy...Article
- Exiting From A Family-Owned Business...Article
- What Makes A Business Irresistible To Buyers And Investors?Article
- Decoding The Future of Content Marketing And The AI Explosion...Article
- Locking Down Your Intellectual Property Before An ExitArticle
- Can Industry Consolidation Benefit Your Exit Plan?Article
- Find The Right Partnership To Exit Your BusinessArticle
- Achieving A Successful Exit With The 4 Hour Work WeekArticle
- The Pros And Cons Of A Trade Sale As Your ExitArticle
- What Are The Most Overlooked Constraints To A Successful Exit?Article
- The Benefits of Partnering With Minority InvestorsArticle
- Partners With Skin In The Game: How To Maximise Your Business Exit ValueArticle
- How ESG Can Boost Your Business Value Before An ExitArticle
- Don't Rush To Exit Your BusinessArticle
- The 8 Biggest Threats To Established BusinessesArticle
- Minority Investors Vs Business Brokers: What's Best For Your Exit Strategy?Article
- Getting To Grips With A Business TurnaroundArticle
- The Million Dollar Question: When Should A Business Owner Exit?Article
- Steering Clear of Financial Distress: 5 Challenges For UK SMEsArticle
- How SaaS Pricing Models Continue To Evolve...Article
- Not Having An Exit Plan Can Spell DisasterArticle
- The Most Common Financial Red Flags When It Comes To An ExitArticle
- Rethink: How Partnerships Can Fast-Track Your Exit StrategyArticle
- 10 Reasons Why UK Business Owners Must Stay Ahead Of The CurveArticle
- What's The Flip Side Of Rapid Business Growth?Article
- Are You Steering Your Business Towards A Successful Exit?Article
- Is A Merger The Key To Your Growth And Exit Strategy?Article
- How To Leverage Failure Without Risking It AllArticle
- A Small Price Increase Can Make a Huge Difference to Your Profitability and ValuationArticle
- Successful V Unsuccessful Exits In BusinessArticle
- Vital Ingredients Of A Joint Venture Or Strategic PartnershipArticle
- Do You Own A Lifestyle Business Or A Scalable Asset?Article
- 5 Reasons Why Most Business Plans FailArticle
- Overcoming Business Challenges and Unlocking GrowthArticle
- 5 Tips For Bridging Your Capability Gaps Before An ExitArticle
- How To Screw Up A Successful Business ExitArticle
- 3 Ways Hyperautomation Can Unlock Bigger ValuationsArticle
- Boost Your Conversion Rates And Win More BusinessArticle
- A Quick Guide To Due Diligence When Exiting Your BusinessArticle
- Turning Business Uncertainty Into OpportunityArticle
- The Risks Of Not Securing Your Intellectual PropertyArticle
- Do Entrepreneurs Ever Really Retire?Article
- Effective Cost Containment Techniques For Your BusinessArticle
- Why Are Business Valuation Methods So Confusing?Article
- What's Your Exit Strategy?Article
- Business Owners: Ask Yourself These QuestionsArticle
- Why Do Most Business Turnarounds Fail?Article
- What Are The Benefits Of A Diverse Workforce?Article
- The 5 Most Under-Rated SME Strategies To Improve Customer ExperienceArticle
- The Basics For Business Owners Thinking About An Exit...Article
- Is Franchising The Right Model For Your Business?Article
- Is A JV Or Partnership Right For Your Business?Article
- Survival Of The Fittest: Warning Signs Your Business Needs A Rapid TurnaroundArticle
- 7 Key Value Drivers To Sky Rocket Your Business ExitArticle
- Prepare For The Unexpected: What SME Owners Need In Their Contingency PlansArticle
- Future-Proofing Your SME For Long-Term SuccessArticle
- Why Do Business Owners Delay Their Exit?Article
- How To Supercharge Your Pricing Strategy Without Losing CustomersArticle
- Freelancer Roulette: Minimising The Risks Of Hiring And OutsourcingArticle
- 6 Strategies To Overcome Risks To Business GrowthArticle
- What Business Owners Are Getting Wrong Since Covid...Article
- How To Evaluate Strategic Partnerships For Your BusinessArticle
- 6 Business Exit Mistakes That Can Set You Back YearsArticle
- Create a Game-Changing Unique Value Proposition (Take a Look at These Examples)Article
- The Basics Of Using 'Profit First' Principles In SMEsArticle
- Post-Exit Success Stories: UK Entrepreneurs Who Sold Their Business And Made A ComebackArticle
- A Simple Guide To A Successful Business Exit...Article
- The Anti-Bucket List Top 10 For Business...Article
- Going Green With Simple Digital SustainabilityArticle
- Unlocking Productivity For Your Remote Teams...Article
- Maximising SME Potential: The Power Of Business MentoringArticle
- 5 Simple Ways To Ignite Innovation In SMEsArticle
- Creating a Winning Business Plan: Tips and Tricks for SMEsArticle
- 5 Proven Business Growth Strategies For SMEsArticle
- How To Navigate A Year Of UncertaintyArticle
- Marketing Health Check For SMEs: Boosting Sales In 2023Article
- Uncovering The Benefits To SMEs Of Going PublicArticle
- A Few Of My Favourite Ways To Stay FocusedArticle
- The UK's Most Entrepreneurial Hotspots In 2023Article
- 10 Social Media Fails Which SMEs Should AvoidArticle
- Top 10 New Year Resolutions (Which Don't Survive Past January)Article
- A Few Of The Trends Unfolding For SMEs In 2023...Article
- What's Behind The High Rates Of SME Business Failure?Article
- Applying Sports Psychology Principles In Your BusinessArticle
- Thoughts On Risk-Taking, In Life And BusinessArticle
- Common Challenges In The UK SME Space...Article
- How Do You Maintain Business Continuity In A Remote Work Environment?Article
- Going From Start-Up To Scale-Up...Article
- 7 Basics For Improving Your Sales OperationsArticle
- The Overlooked Benefits Of Investing In The SME SpaceArticle
- The Financial Trends Hitting Your Business In 2023Article
- 7 SME Challenges Over The Next Year...Article
- The Pros & Cons Of Your Team Running Side-HustlesArticle
- 5 Drivers Of The Freelance Revolution...Article
- What Would Make 20 Million UK Workers Jump Ship?Article
- Simple Ways To Influence Staff Retention Rates...Article
- 4 Tips For Improving Debtor ManagementArticle
- Top 6 SME Business Risks In 2022Article
- 3 Risks With Hybrid Workplace Models...Article
- 6 Lessons From Millennial CustomersArticle
- How To Value Your BusinessArticle
- Successful Businesses Are Founded On Solid PrinciplesArticle
- Leveraging The Supply Chain In A RecessionArticle
- 3 Trends Shaping How We Work...Article
- Guide To Starting A Small Business In 2022Article
- Why Small Businesses Matter For The World EconomyArticle
- Lo & No-Cost Advertising for SMEsArticle
- A Few SME Counter-Inflation Tactics...Article
- SMEs And The Road To Growth...Article
- Most Companies Fail Within 5 Years - Don't Be One Of Them...Article
- Artificial Intelligence: Your Business's New Best FriendArticle
- Building Kaizen Into Your BusinessArticle
- How To Protect Your Business Against InsolvencyArticle
- Common Mistakes Made by Business OwnersArticle
- The Problem With KPIs In Small Businesses...Article
- Thoughts On SMEs Looking To Grow GloballyArticle
- Can Digitalisation Drive SME Growth?Article
- Overcoming The Challenges Of Business GrowthArticle
- When Is The Best Time To Exit Your Business?Article
- De-risking Long-Term Investing With Climate IntelligenceArticle
- Road Testing Your Business Strategy - 3 Things To ConsiderArticle
- Inflation And The Impact On SMEsArticle
- Achieving SME Business Growth Through Merger Or AcquisitionArticle
- 7 Ways That SMEs Can Benefit From Mergers & AcquisitionsArticle
- 9 Ways To Boost Sales By 20% In Any BusinessArticle
- Improving Your Credit Control ProcessesArticle
- Solving The Productivity PuzzleArticle
- 4 Reasons Why Cash Flow Is CriticalArticle
- Raising Finance To Grow Your BusinessArticle
- Life lessons from Gerald Ratner and Rob Moorein