From Family Business to Honest Broker: Craig Talks With Cameron Young on Selling Smarter and Knowing Your Number

In this episode of The Know Your Numbers Podcast, Craig Alexander Rattray sits down with Cameron Young, Partner at Business Partnership - one of the UK’s largest independent business brokers - for a frank, funny and eye-opening conversation about selling businesses the right way.

Cameron shares his personal journey from family-run start-up to successful seven-figure sale and now into business brokerage, helping others navigate the same path with honesty and transparency - a rare trait in a sector with a well-earned bad reputation.

If you’ve ever thought about selling your business (even one day), or want to understand how to build real value in what you’ve created, this is a must-listen.

 

 

Key Topics Discussed:

✅ Cameron’s journey from school-hater to top of his class
✅ What it really takes to scale a successful e-commerce business
✅ How selling took over his life - and nearly the business
✅ Why many business brokers are doing sellers a massive disservice
✅ What a realistic valuation and timeline actually looks like
✅ Why "Know Your Number" applies just as much to your exit
✅ The power of honest advice - even if it means saying “you’re not ready yet”

  Key Takeaways:

✅ Don’t try to sell your business alone - it’s a full-time job
✅ Most business brokers focus on fees, not your future
✅ The best advice isn’t always what you want to hear
✅ You should be exit-ready years before you plan to sell
✅ A good sale is about more than price - it’s about legacy, team and fit
✅ Valuation starts with knowing your numbers - and your number

  Memorable Quotes:

“It was like a lightbulb moment: what if this is all just a distraction tactic from our competitors?”
“We had the best quarter in our company’s history because I got back to running the business.”
“Too many brokers will tell you what you want to hear. That’s not our job.”
“There shouldn’t be smoke and mirrors around selling a business. Business owners deserve better.”
“You’ve got to know your number - not just your numbers.”

  Timestamps:

00:57 Cameron's Early Life and Family Business

03:31 Joining and Transforming the Family Business

04:37 University and Applying Knowledge to Business

07:30 Navigating Business Growth and Potential Merger

10:45 Challenges of Selling a Business

14:18 Seeking Professional Help for Business Sale

15:41 Reflecting on a Record-Breaking Quarter

16:09 Transition to Head of E-Commerce

17:24 A New Opportunity in Glasgow

18:27 Joining the Business Partnership

19:56 The Honest Broker Approach

27:12 Advice for Aspiring Sellers

31:09 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

 

  Resources Mentioned:

📌 Business Partnership - Honest business brokerage with nationwide reach
📌 Know Your Numbers Website – Helping business owners grow with confidence
📌 Value Builder UK – Tools for growing business value and exit planning (talk to Criag for more on Value Builder)