Running a business often means juggling urgent priorities, reacting to change, and making key decisions on the fly. But what if you had a trusted advisor helping you see the bigger picture? That’s where Business Advisory Services (BAS) come in.
At Ward Goodman, our Business Advisory team works closely with business owners to understand their ambitions, challenges, and opportunities. Whether you’re aiming for rapid growth, preparing for exit, or simply want to run a tighter, more profitable operation, we’re here to help you take a step back and make strategic decisions with clarity.
This isn’t just about numbers – it’s about long-term vision. From scaling up operations to tax-efficient succession planning, the Business Advisory Services are designed to give you the insight, structure, and confidence you need to move forward.
What is Business Advisory?
Business advisory is a specialised service where experienced advisers support business owners in making informed, strategic decisions. These services cover everything from long-term planning and operational improvements to financial structuring, exit strategies, and succession planning. The goal is to help businesses grow, adapt, and succeed by offering expert insights, tailored recommendations, and ongoing support that align with the owner’s personal and commercial goals.
Unlike traditional accounting, business advisory is proactive and forward-looking – focusing on shaping the future rather than reporting the past.
Introducing the EAGERLY Framework
Ward Goodman’s EAGERLY framework is built around seven key pillars, each representing a core area of business development or transition. Together, they provide a structured way to think about your goals and take action with confidence.
- Expansion – We support businesses in extending their reach – this could mean launching a new product, entering a new industry, or moving into a different geographic market.
- Acquisition – If you’re looking to acquire another business, we guide you through every step – from identifying opportunities and valuing prospects to negotiating the deal and integrating operations.
- Growth – We focus on helping you build upon your existing offering by improving performance, increasing sales, and gaining greater market share within your current area of operation.
- Exit – When the time comes to step back or sell, we’ll help you prepare your business for a successful handover – minimising tax, maximising value, and ensuring continuity.
- Restructure – For businesses undergoing change, we provide expert support to reorganise your structure – whether for efficiency, compliance, or new strategic direction.
- Lifestyle – Business and personal life go hand in hand. We make sure your business plan reflects your personal goals, whether that’s more freedom, reduced stress, or a new direction.
- You – Ultimately, the business should work for you. We tailor our advice to your long-term ambitions so you stay in control of the journey.
This framework keeps your goals front and centre while giving you a practical route forward – whether you’re planning the next phase or navigating a complex transition.
Why Business Advisory Matters
Many businesses reach a point where growth slows, or complexity increases, and the path ahead becomes unclear. Our clients often come to us asking:
- How can we grow without risking what we’ve built?
- Are we structured in the most tax-efficient way?
- What’s the best plan for handing over or exiting the business?
- How do we turn ambition into a sustainable strategy?
With Business Advisory, you’re not navigating those questions alone. We help you:
- Gain objective insight beyond daily operations
- Align your financial and strategic goals
- Avoid costly mistakes through expert guidance
- Build a plan that’s realistic, measurable, and adaptable
What Does Business Advisory Look Like in Real Life?
Here are some real examples of how our team has helped businesses across Dorset and other parts of the UK:
- Expanding with Confidence
A client approached us with plans to expand into a new location while introducing two additional service lines. They wanted to streamline operations and ensure the financial viability of the expansion. We supported them with budgeting, forecasting, and setting clear KPIs and ROI targets – laying the foundations for lender confidence and sustainable growth across the South West.
Read the full case study → - The Dream Property Journey
When a client found their dream home with a commercial unit, we helped unlock company-held funds via a director’s loan and supported them in structuring the purchase. Our VAT and finance advice enabled them to move forward confidently – combining business needs with personal goals.
See how it worked → - Inheritance Tax Peace of Mind
We worked with a client looking to reduce a significant potential IHT liability and pass on wealth to future generations. Through careful planning, we helped restructure ownership, establish a discretionary trust, and make use of pension contributions to reduce the estate’s value. The result: over £400,000 in estimated IHT savings and a long-term plan aligned with their family’s goals.
Learn more → - Preparing for Exit
We supported a long-standing client in planning their business exit by aligning personal and commercial goals. Our team restructured the group, helped extract a key property tax-efficiently, and provided lifestyle-focused investment forecasts. Collaborative planning ensured a smooth transition and strong financial future.
See the results → - Reframing the Business for a New Lifestyle
We helped a client realign their business with their personal goals – relocating closer to the coast and simplifying operations. By restructuring remuneration, selling company vehicles, and using pension funding to purchase new premises, they improved cash flow and work-life balance.
Read the case study →
Common Questions About Business Advisory Services
Is business advisory just for large companies?
No. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often benefit the most, as they may lack in-house strategic support. Tailored advice can help unlock growth, improve cash flow, or plan for succession.
How much do business advisory services cost?
Costs can vary depending on the scope of the work, the level of expertise required, and the complexity of your business. Some advisers charge a flat fee for specific projects, while others work on a retainer or hourly basis, at Ward Goodman we are flexible and open to an approach that suits you.
How soon will I see results from business advisory support?
This depends on your goals and the nature of the engagement. Some improvements – like cost savings or process efficiencies – may be visible within months, while larger strategic shifts, such as restructuring or exit planning, can take longer.
Do I need to work with an adviser long term?
Not necessarily. Some businesses need help with a specific challenge or transition, while others benefit from ongoing guidance. It’s flexible and can be shaped around your needs.
When should I consider working with a business advisor?
If you’re going through a period of change – whether that’s scaling up, restructuring, facing operational challenges, or planning for succession – it could be the right time. Business advisors help bring clarity to complex decisions and align your strategy with both commercial and personal goals.
How can I measure the impact of advisory services?
Look at key business metrics like revenue growth, profitability, operational efficiency, or reduced tax liability. At Ward Goodman, we will help you define these KPIs at the start of the engagement.
What’s the difference between business advisory and accounting?
Accounting looks at past performance, whereas business advisory is forward-focused. It’s about strategic planning, identifying opportunities, and making informed decisions to shape the future.
What does a business advisor actually do?
A business advisor provides strategic insight and practical support across areas like financial planning, operations, succession, and growth. They help identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and ensure decisions align with your business and personal goals.
Can a business advisor help with both strategy and day-to-day operations?
Yes. While strategy is often the starting point, many advisors also assist with implementation – such as improving reporting processes, refining structures, or adjusting remuneration strategies.
Get in Touch
If you’re thinking about the next stage for your business – whether that’s growth, simplification, or succession – we’d love to talk.
Book a no-obligation discovery call with our experts today or explore our full Business Advisory Service.
