In business, relationships matter. Many companies are founded on trust, shared vision, and a handshake between friends, colleagues, or family members. But as time goes on, even the strongest partnerships can face tension, especially when directors or shareholders no longer see eye-to-eye on the future of the business.
If you’re currently facing a situation where you’re in conflict with a fellow director or shareholder, or if you’re simply looking to exit a business while others want to remain, you’re not alone. These situations are far more common than most business owners realise, and they can be resolved successfully with the right guidance.
Opposite Goals
Conflicting plans for the future of a business don’t necessarily mean one party is right and the other is wrong. Sometimes, it’s as simple as one person wanting to scale the business aggressively, while another prefers stability and sustainability. Or perhaps one director is ready to retire or cash out, while others are still deeply invested in long-term growth.
These divisive personal goals can create stress, misunderstanding, and unfortunately, disputes. If not handled carefully, they can damage relationships, drain company value, and even derail the business entirely.
The High Cost of Getting It Wrong
When tensions rise and communication breaks down, it’s easy for emotions to take over. This can lead to reactive decisions such as taking legal action too soon, undervaluing your share of the business, or agreeing to terms that don’t reflect your true interests.
In my years advising directors and shareholders on exits and transitions, I’ve seen too many good people walk away feeling disappointed, short-changed, or burned out. The stakes are high, not just financially, but emotionally and reputationally. Which is why investing in experienced, impartial advice is not just wise – it’s essential.
Why Expert Support Makes All the Difference
Navigating a business exit during a dispute or misalignment is a delicate process. It involves:
- Understanding share structures and legal rights
- Valuing the business fairly
- Structuring an exit that protects everyone’s interests
- Managing communications to avoid escalation
- Preserving relationships where possible
These aren’t tasks you want to figure out through trial and error. A specialist with years of experience in exit planning, conflict resolution, and business valuation can help you find the calm in the storm.
I work closely with directors and shareholders in exactly these kinds of situations. My role is to listen carefully, understand each party’s position, and guide the process toward a solution that is fair, efficient, and forward-looking. Often, what seems like a deadlock can be unlocked with the right approach – and an expert who knows where the pressure points are and how to navigate them.
There Is a Way Forward
Whether you’re considering an exit, feel stuck in a stalemate, or simply want to explore your options, my advice is simple: don’t go it alone.
Bringing in a trusted advisor doesn’t mean you’re escalating a dispute, it means you’re committed to handling it with professionalism and care. It’s about protecting the value of your business, your own financial future, and the hard work that got you this far.
Every business relationship is unique. Every exit is different. But with the right support, every director or shareholder can find a positive, dignified way forward, even when paths diverge.
Ready to Talk?
If you’re facing a conflict, considering an exit, or simply want a confidential sounding board to explore your options, I’m here to help. Let’s have a no-obligation conversation about where you are, where you want to go, and how to get there, on your terms. Contact me via email: g.pinder@themgroup.co.uk
Geoff Pinder is a specialist business advisor with over twenty years of experience helping company directors and shareholders navigate exits, transitions, and disputes. Known for a calm, strategic approach, Geoff supports clients through some of the most sensitive and pivotal moments in their business journey.