1

Getting your business ready

There are two key changes that need to happen in this phase: you as the Founder have to let go (which is hard) and you must ensure the foundations are in place to enable massive growth. We’ll start by understanding your “Why?” and looking at the people, systems, processes and structure in your business.

Testimonial: “David was an essential advisor to The Centre (of which I was a co-founder), helping with its set-up, ongoing operations and growth prior to sale over its 7 years of independent business. He was astute, constructive and diligent and a pleasure to work with throughout – in short, highly professional. I would highly recommend him.”

Martin Porter, The Centre International Limited

2

Implementing the FACE model

With the foundations in place, this is where the magic really starts. Using tried and tested methods from the world of corporates and publicly listed companies, we bring the same opportunities for explosive growth to Founder-led businesses.

Our differentiator is that we do it with you, as part of your team. Looking carefully at which funding options are available and make the right sense for you and your business. Helping you decide the right things to acquire – whether that’s another company, a team of people or some specific assets, and helping you structure the acquisition in the right way. Putting it together with your business is the consolidation piece, and this is the hardest part. We’ve done it many times and have made plenty of mistakes, so you can avoid them. And finally the exit, which might be a trade sale, an IPO or maybe just taking a little cash off the table. In every engagement, FACE is tailored to you.

Testimonial: “David Horne was instrumental in helping me raise £55 million and acquire 7 companies over a three year period, resulting in 10-fold growth in the business.”

John van Kuffeler, Founder, Huveaux plc

3

Achieving your “Big Why”

“Because it is there.” The words uttered by George Mallory, when asked in 1924 why he was attempting to climb Mt Everest. Or the famous “I have a dream!” from Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. This is what transcends just you and your business.

Entrepreneurs are different from most people. Most successful entrepreneurs have a vision that goes far beyond the product or service they are selling. It’s like The Muse has reached inside of you and ignited a spark. That spark glows and keeps you driving forward against the odds, sometimes in spite of the odds.

We all know about the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Warren Buffett, and Mark Zuckerberg. Billionaires who have pledged 99% of their wealth for philanthropic endeavours. But you don’t have to be a billionaire. One friend and former client now post-exit focuses all his time and effort on climate change. Another entrepreneur we know gives 10% of the profit from his business to fund a rural school in a village in southern Thailand.

You’ll have your own thoughts on giving back. The logical conclusion to the FACE model is that you have the time and financial resources to do just that. Let us help you achieve your Big Why.