UK
Ireland
Navigating a business exit
Fireside chat and panel: Insights from JustPark Founder Anthony Eskinazi and former FatFace CEO Louise Barnes on navigating business exits.
Exploring the next chapter for your business? Whether you’re thinking about selling or curious how others achieved successful exits, join our expert panel for real-world insights and strategies. Register for your place today.
As a long-term partner to entrepreneurs, founders and CEOs of dynamic, fast-growing businesses, accountancy and advisory group S&W supports firms at every stage of their journey – from scale-up to exit.
We’re delighted to host this exclusive event focused on the complex and often challenging process of selling a business.
We will be joined by British entrepreneur Anthony Eskinazi founder of the parking platform JustPark which was sold in 2024, as well as Louise Barnes former CEO of FatFace, who oversaw the rapid scale up and growth of FatFace, culminating in its sale to Bridgepoint for £360m in 2007. Alongside our special guests, you’ll hear from a panel of experienced partners who work closely with privately owned businesses to navigate growth and plan successful exits.
Selling a business is a deeply personal decision, and early preparation can make all the difference.
After the discussion, attendees will have the chance to question the panel and connect with fellow founders, CEOs and business leaders over networking drinks and canapés.
Agenda
The panel will explore:
- The key business considerations before, during and after a sale – including practical tips and common pitfalls
- How to get your business market-ready – from securing the right advice and crafting a compelling narrative to anticipating buyers’ questions
- Maintaining momentum during the exit process – ensuring your business and team stay focused and aligned throughout
- The importance of pre-sale tax planning – your reasons for selling and longer-term objectives will shape how you structure the deal and define your non-negotiables
- Planning for life after exit – efficient tax planning of any sale proceeds and preparing for new ventures
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View profileTerry Shephard
Partner
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View profileBen Laing
Partner
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View profileEmma Queen
Partner
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Nick Travis
Partner, Head of Entrepreneurs, Evelyn Partners
Nick assists a broad range of clients in structuring their long-term financial plans and discretionary portfolios. He works closely with tax and financial planning professionals to ensure that all elements of a client’s wealth (often including their businesses) are considered. Nick’s client base is broad and includes entrepreneurs, angel investors, NEDs, C-Suite Directors, and charities. Nick is particularly focused on supporting business owners in structuring their personal financial affairs while they grow and eventually exit their businesses. -
Louise Barnes
Lousie Barnes has had extensive expertise as a leader in the retail sector, both as a Chief Executive and Chair. She was appointed CEO at FatFace in 2003, where she led the organisation through significant growth and two successful exits including its sale to Bridgepoint for £360m in 2007. Louise then served two years as Chair of both Joules and Fenn Wright Manson, gaining experience with one brand floating successfully on AIM and the other entering administration. In 2014 she became CEO of Crew Clothing Company, tasked with revitalising the brand and preparing it for sale - a goal she achieved in 2017. Her most recent project involved transforming Beaufort & Blake, a founder-run lifestyle brand, which she professionalised and expanded before selling it back to one of the founders in 2024 -
Anthony Eskinazi
British entrepreneur Anthony Eskinazi is best known for launching the parking platform JustPark in 2006. After leaving a graduate scheme at Deloitte just six weeks in he built the business from the ground up. Under his leadership, JustPark has evolved from a small start-up connecting drivers with unused driveways into the UK’s most useful parking app. Today, more than 14 million drivers use JustPark to find both private and commercial parking spaces across the country. In 2024, he sold JustPark to the North American parking company ParkHub, which has now rebranded as JustPark, taking the company international.
