On September 22 2025, ADS members gathered for a working session to explore how to build enterprise value and navigate the investment or sale process effectively. We teamed up with Audere Partners, to run a practical workshop for ADS members on building enterprise value (EV) while running the business day to day. Led by Tom Samuel and colleagues, the session focused on what truly makes a company attractive to investors and acquirers in the defence and security market and how to get there with purpose and pace.

What buyers really value

Audere walked the group through how investors evaluate businesses based on risk versus reward: a sharp problem statement, a defendable niche, resilient revenues and evidence that growth is repeatable. A key takeaway is that operational discipline matters alongside clean financials, robust governance, well documented processes and leadership depth. In the workshop we unpacked these hallmarks under “What makes a business attractive to investors and acquirers?”, linking them to practical diagnostics that members can run immediately. EV compounds when strategy, customers and capability development move in lockstep.

Prepare early for investment or sale

The ideal time to sell is when the business has a successful track record, strong prospects, a high-quality management team and a competitive purchaser landscape. Careful preparation and positioning are key to achieving premium valuations. Far better outcomes flow from preparation started 12–24 months before a transaction window, and this is where Audere are well positioned to support ADS members.

Should I get involved

Founder led and privately owned firms with an investment or exit horizon in the next 3–5 years will benefit from acting sooner. The session with Audere allowed for short briefs, structured discussion and live Q&A. This kept it “all content, no filler”, exactly as intended to provide a practical afternoon for attendees.

Next steps and future opportunities

We’re exploring two to three repeat sessions over the next year based on member demand, please reach out to Aimie Stone via aimie.stone@adsgroup.org.uk if you would like to join the next one!

If you’d like a quick EV health check or to discuss how these levers apply to your business, get in touch, Tom and the team will help you prioritise the few moves that matter most and turn preparation into premium. Please reach out to Tom Samuel via tom.samuel@auderepartners.co.uk to express your interest.