The Strategic Exit Programme – for SME owners planning their next chapter

Ashtons Legal, in partnership with Chadwicks, is pleased to share details of The Strategic Exit Programme – guiding SME owners through confident, well-planned exits.

This new workshop series is designed for established business owners who are beginning to take a more strategic view of leadership, governance and long-term business planning – whether they are considering internal succession, exploring future sale options, or simply wanting to strengthen the overall resilience of their organisation.

Bringing together practical leadership insight with legal and governance expertise, the programme focuses on helping organisations reduce key-person dependency, build a more self-sustaining structure, and prepare confidently for whatever transition may come, whether it is soon or many years in the future.

Each session is delivered in a small-group format, limited to 15 participants, so discussion remains focused and practical.

The Programme includes three standalone workshops.

About the programme

The programme consists of three standalone sessions. You can attend individually or complete the full sequence for a more comprehensive experience.

Session 1 – Building the owner-independent asset

This session focuses on helping founders step back from day‑to‑day operations by strengthening management teams, improving decision‑making structures and reducing key‑person dependency.

Tuesday 19 May | 3.30pm – 6.00pm | Ashtons Bury St Edmunds office

Session 2 – Stress-testing the engine

Participants gain insight into how a buyer views a business, identifying legal, operational and governance weaknesses that could impact valuation or deal readiness

Thursday 4 June | 3.30pm – 6.00pm | Ashtons Bury St Edmunds office

Session 3 – Transitioning the legacy

The final session explores what happens after a sale, including knowledge transfer, protecting family wealth, and helping founders define their next chapter beyond ownership.

Wednesday 17 June | 3.30pm – 6.00pm | Ashtons Bury St Edmunds office

Who the programme is designed for

SME owners and directors with 10+ years in business who are not necessarily looking to exit immediately, but who want to strengthen their organisation, protect long-term value, and understand the steps involved in both succession and potential future sale.

Booking

This programme is not a sales seminar or a retirement event.

It is a leadership, resilience and value-creation initiative, focused on strengthening long-term organisational independence and preparing owners for a smoother transition – whether internal or external, soon or many years ahead.

To book your place for one workshop or to attend the full programme, please email Toby.Whittacker-Cook@ashtonslegal.co.uk.