Christine Nicholson is not your typical business consultant. With a role as the “Chief Officer of Happier Endings” at Nicholson Hall Advisory, she helps business owners exit their companies on their own terms. Specialising in exit and succession planning, Christine ensures that business owners not only achieve a sale but do so at the optimal value. It’s not just about handing over the keys – it’s about creating a smooth transition that leaves the owner (and the business) in a better place.
A Personal Mission: Making Businesses Saleable
Christine is on a mission to tackle a sobering reality: 90% of businesses are unsaleable. Her advisory service turns this around, preparing companies for sale and helping owners step out of the day-to-day grind. Whether it’s guiding them through the process of delegating control or navigating the complicated sale journey once an offer is on the table, Christine has seen it all. Her work helps people ensure that their business is not only saleable but sold when and how they choose.
She founded Nicholson Hall Advisory in 2013 and works with a close-knit team of four, though her reach is global – thanks to technology, she can advise clients from anywhere in the world, all while based in the UK.
A Business Built on Practical Advice
For Christine, the best business advice has always been practical. It’s simple: “Pick up the f*&@ing phone and talk to people!” In a world of emails, automations, and social media posts, it’s easy to forget the power of a good old-fashioned conversation. This down-to-earth approach is at the core of her business philosophy – relationships matter, and so does taking action.
As someone who’s clearly focused on getting results, Christine doesn’t believe in waiting around for perfection. Her advice to anyone starting out in her field? “Prolific beats perfect.” It’s all about getting out there, making mistakes, and learning as you go – a tip borrowed from Daniel Priestley.
Defying the Naysayers
Ironically, Christine’s niche of exit planning was once dismissed as “too small to matter.” However, as it turns out, she’s proven the doubters wrong. That same person who told her there was no market for exit planning is now, funnily enough, a competitor.
Her experience is a reminder that sticking to what you believe in – and ignoring the noise – is often the best path to success.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter
With several successful books already under her belt, Christine is gearing up for the release of her latest: How to Successfully Sell Your Business. This new book will build on her previous work, offering advanced insights for business owners who are ready to take that leap and sell. It’s part of her ongoing mission to demystify the sale process and give owners the confidence to step away when the time is right.
The Final Word: Be Yourself, and Get Started
Christine Nicholson’s career is a testament to the power of being authentic. She advises business owners to “focus on being you,” because no one can copy that. For her, success comes from being true to yourself, taking action, and not being afraid to admit when you don’t have all the answers.
It’s this honesty, coupled with years of hard-won expertise, that makes Christine a trusted advisor to business owners around the world. When you’re thinking about your business’s endgame, she’s the person who’ll make sure you get a happier ending. Find out more by connecting with Christine on LinkedIn or on her website.