The psychological study project - Enough Now: The psychology of selling your business - will see business owners who have recently exited, as well as those about to sell, take part in independent qualitative and quantitative studies aimed at identifying “specific psychological pressures” they experience during the sale and transition process.

Alderley Edge-based Clarion Wealth Planning specialises in working with business owners and has commissioned the pioneering research to gain “greater understanding” of the psychological stresses they face when going through the process of selling their business.

The independent research will be conducted by business psychologists Carter Corson, based in Wilmslow who have 18 years’ experience helping organisations including BAE Systems, Unilever and the House of Commons.

Ron Walker, founding director at Clarion Wealth Planning, said: “From our 30 years of working with business owners we know the process of selling a business can be extremely stressful for the owner and their close family. We have commissioned the independent research to understand the key factors that influence their thinking, as well as the central pressures they face.

“The research will give both business owners and their professional advisors a unique, first hand insight into the complex emotions involved in selling what is often the result of decades of hard work.”

Hazel Carter-Showell, managing director at Carter Corson, said: “This is the first time any research into this fascinating subject has been undertaken. The findings have the potential to be hugely important for business owners and professional advisers across the UK, as well as globally.

“The study will help successful business owners understand and prepare for the intricacies of selling a business and will also allow professional advisers to better support them through the challenging process.”

As part of the ground-breaking research, business owners who are planning to sell their business within the next few years, and would like to participate in the study, are invited to visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Pre-sale to complete a short survey.

Business owners who have recently exited their business and would like to share their insights to help future sellers can contact Carter Corson to take part in the independent research. Visit: www.cartercorson.co.uk