Business leaders to discuss value growth at Ramside Hall

Taking place on Thursday, May 14, at Ramside Hall Hotel, the event will explore the theme Maximise Your Business Value and is part of a popular series hosted by Sunderland-based wealth management firm Northern Spire.

David Cook, founder and managing partner of Northern Spire, said: “This is the latest in our series of briefings and tickets are being snapped up quickly.

“As usual, we have some top panellists to discuss our topic, looking at growing your business and then exiting it when the time is right.”

The session will be jointly hosted by Mr Cook and financial adviser Suzanne Watson and will begin at 8.30am.

Panellists include Kate Cooper Fay, group CEO at Cooper Fay Harris; Jon Malton, founder of the Lighthouse Business Club and former managing director at Ringtons Ltd; Luke Philpott, corporate partner at BHP Law; and Carl Swansbury, partner and head of corporate finance at Ryecroft Glenton.

Mr Malton said: “I was delighted to be invited to join the panel.

“I see too many business owners working really hard without reaping the rewards for their efforts, the risks they have taken, and the responsibilities they carry – not just for the business, but also for their employees and their families.

“It can be a heavy burden and a lonely place.

“For proud business owners, it can be hard asking for help, so by being a panel member I hope in some small way, I can share my knowledge and experience which may prove useful.”

He brings a wealth of experience to the table.

Mr Malton said: “I’ve been lucky in my career – I trained in the corporate world, worked in family businesses, and owned and operated my own businesses.

“I think it’s fair to say that maximising a business’s value is harder now than ever before.

“Whether an owner is looking to sell or stay, I’d suggest they focus on making themselves dispensable by developing their leadership team, improving systems and processes, and building strong financials.

“If they sell, their business will be highly saleable; if they stay, they’ll enjoy their business rather than being a slave to it.”

The event will include a Q&A session, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with the panel.