Despite growing momentum behind female-founded businesses, the gender gap in UK business exit values remains significant.
Quoted in WealthBriefing, Bowmore Wealth Group’s analysis of HMRC data found that male entrepreneurs generated over three times as much in exit proceeds as female founders in 2022/23, £25.3 billion compared to £8.2 billion.
Gill Millen, Managing Director of Bowmore Financial Planning, commented: “It’s positive to see so many female entrepreneurs now building and selling high-quality companies. However, many female entrepreneurs report that the playing field is still not level.”
Even after a successful exit, female entrepreneurs are often less likely to receive high-quality financial advice or reinvest in tax-efficient strategies, ultimately limiting their long-term financial outcomes.
Millen also noted: “If female entrepreneurs are not getting the right levels of financial advice and are not being advised on the right tax-efficient investment strategies, then that is really going to impact the quality of their life once they sell their businesses.”
This research highlights the urgent need for more inclusive funding pathways and accessible, expert-led financial advice for female entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.
WealthBriefing: Male Entrepreneurs Generate Three Times As Much From Selling Their Business As Women – Study
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