From Behavioural Science to M&A: My First 30 Days at Entrepreneurs Hub
A New Beginning
After graduating from Durham University with a BSc in Behavioural Science, I was filled with excitement—my future felt like a blank canvas, full of possibilities! The beauty of Behavioural Science is its versatility. It touches every aspect of society, making it applicable to virtually any domain. While this variety was thrilling, it also left me feeling slightly overwhelmed; there were so many paths I could take.
I’ve always been driven by my curiosity about human behaviour—why do people make the choices they do? More importantly, how can I influence those decisions? Our cognitive mechanisms shape everything we do, from brewing a simple cup of tea to negotiating high-stake business deals. When I began looking at corporate finance through this lens, I was immediately hooked. I became fascinated by the underlying reasons companies pursue mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and I saw how my academic background could bring a unique perspective to these pivotal decisions.
My Reflections
The transition from university to the workplace is more than just adapting to a new routine; it’s a complete mindset shift. Gone are the days of late-night study sessions, skipped lectures, and those lovely 10 a.m. lie-ins—this is where adult life truly begins.
At first, I felt out of my element. Moving to a new town, settling into a new home, and getting used to a different routine all felt overwhelming. But every time I walked into the Entrepreneurs Hub office, the team’s infectious energy and genuine support quickly calmed my nerves. I soon found myself asking questions freely, diving into the work, and feeling like I truly belonged.
So far, my time at Entrepreneurs Hub has been filled with learning and discovery—getting to know the company inside out, building connections with my new colleagues, and getting comfortable with the world of corporate finance. One of my biggest challenges has been adjusting to the specialised language and tools of the industry. Corporate finance is a space dominated by numbers, trends, and financial jargon. But to my surprise, I found that the same skills I used during my degree—analysing data, observing trends, and understanding human behaviour— were incredibly useful.
For example, researching potential buyers for M&A deals felt like a natural extension of the methodologies I used in my academic work. Whilst the stakes are undoubtedly higher in the corporate world, the core skills I rely on remain strikingly similar. But the decisions I’m involved in here, carry a lot more weight than anything I tackled in my university dissertation!
Looking Ahead
I’m excited to see what the future holds and feel fortunate to have joined a company that not only values technical expertise, but places people at the heart of its business. Entrepreneurs Hub is a place where growth and innovation are encouraged, and I’m eager to continue contributing to that culture. As I deepen my understanding of the M&A space, I look forward to leveraging my insights to help Entrepreneurs Hub succeed. I can’t wait to see how I can continue bridging the gap between human behaviour and corporate finance, making decisions that leave a lasting impact.
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FAQs – Selling Your Company
How do I sell my business in the UK?
Selling a business in the UK typically involves preparing financial information, obtaining a valuation, identifying suitable buyers and negotiating the terms of a sale. Most owners work with an M&A adviser to manage the process confidentially, approach qualified buyers and maximise the value achieved.
At Entrepreneurs Hub, we talk about five key areas that make the difference between success and failure when selling your business. Read more…
What is my business worth?
A business is typically valued using a multiple of its profit, usually EBITDA or adjusted net profit. The multiple depends on factors such as growth potential, recurring revenue, customer diversification and management strength. Professional valuation provides a realistic price range and helps position the business effectively for buyers.
Determining your business’s value is more than just calculating a number it’s complex with key factors, that said the basic equation is actually quite simple. Read more…
How long does it take to sell a business?
Selling a business in the UK typically takes between six and nine months from preparation to completion. The timeline depends on business readiness, buyer demand and the complexity of due diligence. Early preparation and clear financial reporting can help shorten the process.
When is the best time to sell a business?
The best time to sell a business is when it is performing strongly, growth prospects are clear and you are not under pressure to sell.
Business owners often achieve the strongest outcomes when:
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Profits and revenue are growing
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Financial records are clear and well prepared
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There is visible future growth for buyers
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The owner has planned the sale 12–18 months in advance
Market conditions can also influence valuations. Strong buyer demand, sector growth and favourable economic conditions can increase acquisition activity, but a well-prepared business can attract interest in most markets.
Deal activity often increases during spring and autumn, although transactions complete throughout the year. In practice, preparation and business performance usually matter more than trying to perfectly time the market.
Ultimately, the best time to sell is when both the business and the owner are ready, with the company positioned to demonstrate strong value to potential buyers.
Do I need an adviser to sell my business?
Many business owners choose to work with an M&A adviser to manage the sale process. Advisers help value the business, approach qualified buyers confidentially and negotiate terms. This structured approach can increase the likelihood of achieving a higher value and a successful transaction.
How is confidentiality protected during a sale?
Confidentiality is protected through controlled information sharing, anonymous buyer approaches and strict non-disclosure agreements. Potential buyers receive limited information initially and must sign an NDA before any sensitive details are released. Business owners approve prospective buyers and maintain visibility over all documentation throughout the process.
How do I value my business before selling?
Valuing a business before selling usually involves analysing profitability, identifying valuation multiples and assessing key value drivers such as recurring revenue and customer concentration.
What’s the quickest way to sell a company?
Selling a business quickly is possible, but speed shouldn’t come at the expense of value or deal security Read more…
What’s the best way to sell a business online?
Yes, you absolutely can sell a business online. Many platforms specialise in connecting business sellers with buyers. Read more…