Built for Accountants, IFAs & Business Advisors
Help Your Clients Exit with Confidence
FREE tools to uncover risks, improve value, and guide clients to a smoother, more profitable business exit.
Practical Support. Real Results.
Why Advisors Use This Toolkit
Supporting a business owner through an exit isn’t just about numbers — it’s about clarity, timing, and trust.
This toolkit helps you lead the conversation, reduce risk, and stay at the centre of the client relationship.
Use it to:
Start smarter, future-focused conversations
Spot exit risks before they become dealbreakers
Add immediate value without adding workload
Stay visible and relevant during key client decisions
Access expert support when needed — without losing the client
REAL-WORLD TOOLS. PRACTICAL OUTCOMES.
Built by an M&A Advisor Who Supports Advisors
Hi — I’m Ased Iqbal, founder of Thinkerz.
I’ve helped dozens of business owners and advisors through exits, valuations, and strategic transitions.This toolkit was built to make your job easier —
So you can guide your clients through smoother exits, uncover hidden risks early, and deliver value long before they decide to sell.Even if you’re not an M&A expert, these tools make you look like one.
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Start Here – Your Guided Advisor Toolkit Journey
Not Sure Where to Start?
Use this simple 3-stage journey to guide your clients from early doubt to exit-ready — using the right tools at the right time.
Stage 1: Start the Conversation
Spot the signs. Open the door to exit planning.
Business Fit Score →
See if the business still fits the owner’s life and goals.
Should I Quit →
Self-assess emotional readiness and future direction.
What's My Time Worth →
Quantify owner time and role value.
Discovery Session Template →
Run a 30–45 min first conversation.
Advisor Talking Points →
Openers, key questions, and language prompts.
Stage 2: Diagnose & Plan
Assess the business. Spot gaps. Plan forward.
Exit Readiness Assessment →
Understand how close to exit-ready they are.
Owner Dependency Audit →
Evaluate key man risk.
Sellability Score →
Quick client-facing view of market appeal.
Financial Health Check →
Check liquidity, margin, and balance sheet.
Valuation Tool →
Sector-adjusted benchmark valuation.
Deal Structure Calculator →
Test funding splits and deferred terms.
M&A Risk Profiler →
Spot risk factors that can derail a deal.
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Stage 3: Support & Execute
Guide your client through the exit process.
12-Week Action Planner →
Give your client weekly priorities and tasks.
Exit Planning Checklist →
Step-by-step roadmap toward a sale.
Client Handouts (Value, Timing, Risk) →
Ready-made PDFs for client education.
Cash Flow Forecast Template →
Model different deal payment structures.
Exit Workbook →
Everything in one editable resource.
Advisor GPT →
Instant answers, scripts, and tool guidance.
Not Sure Where to Begin?
Use our quick Tool Recommender to find the right starting point based on your client’s situation.
Guided Advisor Toolkit Journey - (a visual map)
This quick visual shows how to begin — and how the core tools fit together. Share it with clients or use it as a simple engagement roadmap.
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Guided Framework PDF
Everything in One Place – Use the Toolkit with Confidence
Want a simple summary of how to use the Advisor Toolkit with clients?
This 2-page printable guide maps out all the tools and resources by stage, showing exactly when and how to use them.
See the full 3-stage journey
Match tools to where your client is
Understand what each tool does
Get practical guidance in plain English
Need Workbooks, Scripts, or Templates?
Explore practical, ready-to-use resources to guide your advisory sessions — from full client workbooks to checklists, explainer guides, and conversation scripts.
Need help choosing the right tool?
Want support with a client conversation?
Ask Advisor GPT
Advisor GPT is your AI assistant — trained on all six Advisor Toolkit tools and resources.
It helps you match the right tool to the right moment and gives you practical, no-fluff support for real-world advisory work.
Free to use. No login required.
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Thinking About Stepping Back?
Before your client talks numbers, they often need to explore what they’re really feeling. These tools help start the conversation — gently.
Should I Quit?
A light-touch self-assessment to help clients reflect on work satisfaction, stress, and direction. Great for clients feeling stuck, restless, or burned out.
Business Fit Score
Helps owners reflect on whether the business still fits their goals, energy, and life. Use before diving into exit planning.
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What’s My Time Worth?
A quick calculator that shows the true value of a business owner’s time based on income goals, working hours, and personal targets.
Why it Matters
Without the Toolkit
Missed risks that could kill a deal
Vague conversations around exit timing or value
Lower perceived value from your advice
No structure to move the client forward
The Diference A Toolkit Makes
With the Toolkit
Spot risks early — before due diligence does
Lead confident, value-driven conversations
Become the advisor they trust to guide big decisions
Help clients exit well — without adding more to your plate
Want to explore partnership?
Here’s the next step
Access the Advisor Pack
See how we support accountants, IFAs, and consultants with hands-on, strategic exit planning — without adding to your workload or risk.
Want to Talk Exit, Strategy, or Support?
Get In Touch
Have a client preparing for exit? Curious about using the toolkit in your practice? Reach out — no hard sell, just a helpful conversation.
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Advisors Toolkit
Tools to help you assess value, identify risks, and prepare for a stronger exit.
Owner Dependency Audit
Find out how replaceable your client really is — and what that means for value.
Get a clear score, traffic-light risk level, and practical next steps to reduce buyer concerns.
Sellability Score Tool
Quickly gauge how attractive the business is to a serious buyer — and what’s holding it back.
Get a clear score across 10 key value drivers and simple recommendations to improve buyer appeal.
Business Valuation Tool
Find out what the business could realistically be worth — in minutes.
Use sector-adjusted multiples and your client’s EBITDA to generate a quick, commercial valuation — no logins, no spreadsheets, no fluff.
Exit Readiness Assessment
Find out how far the business really is from a successful exit — and what’s missing.
Get a clear, shareable score across financial, operational, legal, and personal factors, plus actionable steps.
Financial Health Check
Quickly assess your client’s financial strength — no spreadsheets, stress, or number crunching needed.
Answer 12 yes/no questions to generate a Financial Health Score and highlight key areas that may need attention or improvement.
M&A Risk Profiler
Spot potential deal risks early — before legal fees, time, or credibility get wasted.
Get an instant red flag profile across five core risk areas including financials, legal, operations, market factors, and integration risks.
“Finally — practical tools I can use with clients that don’t need logins, subscriptions, or hand-holding.”
– Designed for busy professionals
“This toolkit helps me have smarter, faster conversations around succession, value, and risk.”
– Built from real-world M&A experience
“Advisors are the first people business owners turn to. These tools make sure we’re ready when they do.”
– Focused on real outcomes, not theory
See How It All Fits Together
The Exit Journey – Tools for Every Stage
Which Tool Should I Use?
| Tool | Use It When... | Best For... | Use Tool |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner Dependency Audit | The owner is deeply involved in daily ops | Succession planning, identifying key-person risk | Use Tool → |
| Sellability Score Tool | You want to assess buyer appeal | Exit conversations, value driver benchmarking | Use Tool → |
| Exit Readiness Assessment | You want a big-picture readiness score | Planning the exit timeline, prioritising gaps | Use Tool → |
| Valuation Estimator | The client wants a quick value benchmark | Early-stage valuation planning | Use Tool → |
| M&A Risk Profiler | Assessing a live or potential deal | Deal review, early red flag scanning | Use Tool → |
| Financial Health Check | You need a basic financial pulse check | Client onboarding, quick financial clarity | Use Tool → |
Advisor Exit Workbooks
Structured workbooks to support advisors at every stage of the client journey — from planning to action.
Reference Edition
A full walkthrough of the Advisor Toolkit — includes tools, guidance, and when to use what.
Ideal for onboarding, training, or planning your approach.
Interactive Edition
A fillable client workbook to track progress, notes, and outcomes — designed for advisors to use live.
Ideal for working sessions and building client clarity.
Advisor Learning Path (Self-Guided)
A practical walkthrough of each tool and workbook — what it does, how to use it, and when to introduce it with clients.
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Advisor Toolkit Resources
Structured guides, templates, and handouts to help you support your clients at every stage of the exit journey.
Using the Toolkit
Toolkit Application Scenarios
Choose the right tool for the right client situation.
Exit Conversation Starter Guide
Open the exit discussion with confidence — without overwhelming your client.
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Toolkit Quick Reference Sheet
One-page summary of all 6 core tools — what they do and when to use them.
Advisor Talking Points Guide
Phrases and prompts to introduce exit conversations naturally.
Running Advisory Sessions
Discovery Session Template
A 30–45 minute structure for your first exit conversation.
Owner Transition Planner
Help clients systemise and delegate ahead of exit.
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Exit Readiness Discussion Script
Walk through readiness without pressure — light framing with tool links.
Advising Time-Poor Business Owners
Ways to engage busy clients without adding pressure.
Client-Facing Handouts
Client Exit Prep Checklist
A self-check guide for early-stage preparation.
How Buyers Fund a Deal
Explains how buyers structure acquisition funding — bank debt, equity, etc.
Explaining Earn-Outs to Clients
Clear guidance for understanding how performance-based payments work.
Understanding Owner Dependency Risk
Explains why high reliance on the owner reduces value, and what business owners can do to fix it.
Deal Structure Explainer
Breaks down SME deal types — earn-outs, deferred, seller finance.
Realistic Value vs. Cash at Close
Helps manage expectations — value ≠ cash day one.
What to Expect in the Exit Process
A clear walkthrough of the four key phases in an SME exit: preparation, go-to-market, negotiation, and transition.
Timeline Considerations for Exit
Helps clients understand how long exit planning really takes — and why starting early makes all the difference.
What Buyers Want – Client Handout
A summary of what serious buyers look for (beyond the numbers).
Post-Exit Planning Questions for Advisors
Support clients post-deal — financial, emotional, and lifestyle prompts.
5 Key Factors That Impact Business Value
Highlights the top drivers that influence valuation — from recurring revenue to growth potential.
Closing the Value Gap
Explains the difference between current and potential business value — and how owners can work toward a more profitable, strategic exit.
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Timeline & Journey Resources
Why Exit Planning Starts Early
Why planning 2–3 years ahead unlocks better exits.
12-Week Exit Action Planner
Light weekly structure to improve readiness and reduce risk.
M&A Journey Map + Tool Match
A full breakdown of the exit journey — with tool alignment.
Helping Clients Adjust After Exit
Guidance for navigating post-sale life and emotional shifts.
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Exit Planning Checklist
A broad checklist to assess how exit-ready a business is.
Industry-Specific Guidance
Exit Planning for Manufacturing Businesses
Reduce owner reliance, document key processes, and prepare for asset-heavy due diligence.
Exit Planning for B2B Product-Based Services
Address customer concentration, supplier risk, and improve working capital structure.
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Exit Planning for Professional Services
Minimise personal goodwill risk and build scalable systems around delivery and talent.
Broker & Deal Stage Guides
Working With Brokers – What to Expect
Helps clients understand what a broker does (and doesn’t).
What to Expect After Heads of Terms
Explains what happens post-HoT and how to support the client.
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Questions to Ask a Broker
Filters the good from the bad — before signing a mandate.
Deal Red Flag Checklist
Helps clients identify issues that scare off buyers.
Advisor Tool Implementation Guides
Exit Readiness Assessment
Understand what the score means across the five pillars of readiness, and how to prioritise next steps in your client’s exit journey.
Financial Health Check
Assess the strength of a client’s reporting, controls, and readiness for due diligence — and highlight financial blind spots.
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Owner Dependency Audit
Identify where a business is overly reliant on the owner and guide the client toward a more transferable, succession-ready model.
M&A Risk Profiler
Use the colour-coded risk categories to guide smarter deal decisions, avoid surprises, and focus due diligence where it matters most.
Sellability Score Tool
Unpack the qualitative drivers of buyer interest and show clients how to improve their sale appeal beyond just financials.
Valuation Tool
Frame valuation discussions around logic and market expectations — not emotion. Learn how to interpret the result and set realistic positioning.
Financial Templates
Downloadable Excel and Word tools to support deal prep, structure, and presentation.
Normalised EBITDA Template
Adjust reported profit for add-backs and normalisations — includes footnotes and multi-year structure.
Heads of Terms Template (UK)
Editable Word doc covering key deal elements — price, conditions, exclusivity, and timeline.
Earnings Quality Checklist
Evaluate how reliable and defensible a business’s reported earnings really are — a key factor in valuation and buyer confidence.
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Deal Structure Calculator
Break down a deal into upfront, deferred, and earn-out components. Includes £ output.
Financial Summary Pack Template
One-page buyer-ready summary: financials, metrics, staff, and deal highlights.
Net Proceeds Calculator
Helps sellers understand what they’ll actually receive after debt, tax, and deal costs — not just the headline price.
Working Capital Adjustment Template
Track assets and liabilities across 3 years and calculate surplus/shortfall vs. target.
Exit Planning Progress Tracker
A structured tracker to monitor client progress across all 7 exit stages. Use it to guide priorities, log notes, and keep both client and advisor aligned.
Cash Flow Forecast
A simple 12-month projection tool to help advisors and clients track inflows, outflows, and net cash position in preparation for exit.
Need help choosing the right tool?
Want support with a client conversation?
Ask Advisor GPT
Advisor GPT is your AI assistant — trained on all six Advisor Toolkit tools and resources.
It helps you match the right tool to the right moment and gives you practical, no-fluff support for real-world advisory work.
Free to use. No login required.
Support for Clients in Distress
Helping a Business Owner Under Pressure?
If your client is facing financial stress, team overwhelm, or just needs a clear path forward — the Turnaround Toolkit gives them exactly that.Free tools, guides, and a 12-week restructuring workbook they can use immediately.
Created to support small business owners under real pressure.
Growth Strategy
Unlock Stalled Potential with the Biz Growth Toolkit
For clients who’ve hit a ceiling, this step-by-step toolkit helps identify bottlenecks and reignite momentum across Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Finance — using the proven MSOF framework. A powerful resource to support stuck or plateaued businesses back into forward motion.
FEEDBACK
Have a Thought or Suggestion?
We’re building this toolkit to support real advisors like you — if there’s something missing, confusing, or worth improving, we’d love to hear it.
ValuBiz - how it works
Get a quick estimate of your business value
1.
Provide a few details.
Input your last 3 year average EBITDA
Select your MAIN Sector from the dropdown
Select your SUB Sector from the dropdown
2.
Get an estimated valuation range.
You will see two values:
EBITDA Multiple (x): the multiple for your business
Enterprise Value (£) the value for your business
3.
Contact us for an in-depth valuation.
Get in touch for a detailed valuation which will take a close look at your accounts, from the P&L and Balance Sheet and any adjustments/normalisation.
Want advisor guidance on how to use this?
Terms of Use & Disclaimer
The Advisor Toolkit and all associated tools, templates, and resources are provided for general informational purposes only. They are designed to support advisors in guiding their clients through business exit conversations and planning — but they do not constitute legal, financial, tax, or other regulated advice.By using this site and its tools, you acknowledge that:No client-advisor relationship is formed with Thinkerz or Ased Iqbal.You remain solely responsible for any decisions made or advice given to clients.The tools are provided “as-is” with no guarantees, warranties, or liability for outcomes.All financial templates and assessments are illustrative. They are not substitutes for formal due diligence, legal documentation, or regulated advisory processes.If you are unsure about any legal, financial, or tax matter, you should seek appropriate professional advice.
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