Proud dad and business leader fondly remembered

Business News

School friends and business colleagues have fondly remembered Andrew (Andy) Duncan Sime who sadly died aged 43 unexpectedly on 8th March. Andy grew up in Stratford, where his family had deep roots. His grandfather owned a family tailoring business on Ely Street; his mother worked in the Warwick University Research Station, while his father was…

Eye on the Economy | Yellow Springs business owners respond to inflation, tariffs

Business News

EYE ON THE ECONOMY | This is the first in a revival of a recurring YS News series that examines the economic landscape in Yellow Springs. Click here to read past “Eyes on the Economy” articles.

As the temperatures have slowly started to rise, so too has foot traffic in downtown Yellow Springs: Tourist season is almost here.
Many Yellow Springs business owners are looking forward to the warmer weather ahead, when they hope to recoup their losses from what several reported was the slowest and most economically challenging winter in recent years.
In speaking with business owners, the News learned that the annual winter slump is only the tip of the iceberg — that nationwide macroeconomic forces such as inflation, lingering COVID-era supply chain issues and competition with nearby big-box stores all continue to compound the plight of running a small business in Yellow Springs.
Then, there are the tariffs. While President Donald Trump has so far implemented a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum on China, on top of pre-existing ones, Trump has threatened an additional global trade shake-up on April 2 — what he has dubbed “Liberation Day” — when he is expected to impose massive trade duties on any nations that have imposed duties on U.S. exports, such as Mexico and Canada.
As a number of Yellow Springs business owners told the News, the effects of these far-reaching tariffs will likely trickle down to the goods and products that line their shelves and appear on our dining room tables.
Worse yet, some economists are forecasting a national recession by the end of the year.
So how are our small-town shops, stores and services weathering this economic moment? To what extent have rising costs fallen on the consumer — villager and visitor alike? And what, ultimately, can be done to mitigate the worst effects?
What they’re up against
“Just like in any business, prices fluctuate — sometimes they go up, sometimes they go down,” Jeff Gray, owner of Tom’s Market, told the News this week. “Right now, the trend is yes, they’re going up. Anyone who’s shopped here can see that.”
Gray, like many small-town grocery store owners across the country, has seen firsthand the effects of rising costs of the products he stocks.
Nearly every category in the food pyramid costs a little more to stock these days, he said. Rising prices of meat and cheese have stunted the once robust deli counter, and the limited availability of products — produce, household items and more — from the store’s suppliers has reduced the number of brands available to his customers.
Most emblematic of the rising costs at Tom’s Market are the eggs in aisle four. The widespread H5N1 avian flu — which last year alone killed more than 40 million egg-laying birds, and which spurred the multiyear mass euthanization of 148 million birds in the U.S. — dramatically affected the availability and price of eggs at Tom’s Market and elsewhere.
Whereas cartons of eggs at Tom’s were previously priced at a relatively consistent average of $4 over the past few years, Gray said prices hovered between $8 and $9 in recent months — though, with a sigh of relief, he added that egg prices appear to be stabilizing closer to $6 a carton.
“So, yes, these prices do get passed on to the consumer, but as a single-owner grocery store, my buying power is low compared to these other places — Walmart, Meijer, Kroger — who can offset the effects of inflation and tariffs more easily,” Gray said. “I need to keep the bills paid, the lights on, the refrigeration equipment running, and I don’t have a multi-billion bankroll to help me through the storm.”
What could help him weather the storm, Gray said, may be a mindset shift among village residents who, in Gray’s view, can likely afford his competitive prices and who ought to eschew the conveniences of stopping by large corporate grocery stores on their way home from work — that is, if they want Tom’s Market to remain where it is.
“I get it, I really do. It’s easy to make a trip to Kroger when you’re headed back to town,” Gray said. “And now, you can sit at home, get on your phone, and have someone bring groceries to your front door. Honestly, there’s no way I can compete with that.”
Still, Gray has no intentions of closing his doors any time soon; he’s exploring new food vendors, suppliers and purveyors to keep prices as low and products as varied as he can.
Two blocks away and still in the heart of the downtown business district is the Yellow Springs Baking Company, which, as co-owner Rob Houk said last week, is doing its best to keep prices low despite the growing costs of doing business.
“Our egg prices have almost doubled recently,” Houk said, echoing Gray. “We almost raised our prices for customers, but we’re here to provide value for our customers. I don’t want any pushback, and I have faith that the prices will come back down.”
In addition to soaring egg prices — which, for a bakery, is not an insignificant ingredient — Houk and his partner Karina Tafolla have had to suffer the skyrocketing costs of paper packaging for their baked goods, which, according to Houk, have risen 33% in recent months.
Christine Monroe-Beard, owner of Ye Olde Trail Tavern, also cited mounting costs of containers and disposables.
“So, cutlery, straws, napkins, to-go containers, anything paper,” Monroe-Beard said. “We used to do all eco-products, but the prices are just astronomical anymore. It breaks my heart to use styrofoam, but it’s not logical to use all paper products anymore.”
Like the other local business owners, Monroe-Beard said she tries to be mindful of how and when to raise the prices on her German-oriented food menu. According to her, hiking prices too abruptly or without any consideration for what her customers can afford would likely hurt the Tavern’s customer base.
Her solution, at least for now: “Watching every single penny a lot closer.”
“We have a razor-thin margin,” Monroe-Beard said. “To save money, I’ve started doing a lot of my own maintenance and repair work that I would normally hire a local handy person to do. It’s things like that that allow us to keep our menu prices where they are, but really, it’s a fine line.”
It’s a similar story in the Millworks Business Center just down the road, where two markedly different businesses are keeping their eyes on Trump’s tariffs on imported aluminum.
For Yellow Springs Brewery, it’s their cans of beer; for Village Solar Co., it’s many of the constituent parts of their residential and commercial solar panels.
“We’re a little anxious about what comes next,” YS Brewery chief operating officer Jayson Hartings said. “If the price of aluminum goes up for our vendors, then it goes up for us.”
Hartings noted that this predicament is worsened by an over-saturated alcohol market in which craft beer no longer has the same appeal and cachet it did about a decade ago.
“It’d be tough for us to raise prices for our consumers when we’re already in a struggling market,” he said. “There aren’t any plans to pass costs on to the consumer, but we still have to see how these tariffs and a possible recession affect our bottom line.”
Likewise, Hartings added, the brewery’s hops and malts come from various European countries. Who knows, he mused, how mounting import costs could affect that facet of their production line.
Village Solar, also headquartered at Millworks, isn’t experiencing any effects from Trump’s tariffs “so far,” owner Alex Roland said, but that could change.
“We’re still purchasing existing inventory from our distributors and manufacturers,” Roland told the News. “I imagine we’re going to get hit with the impacts in a few months once existing inventory is exhausted and new equipment hot off the presses becomes the only option available. I try to use U.S.-manufactured equipment, but a lot of the raw material isn’t U.S.-sourced.”
According to Roland, the solar industry as a whole will likely experience the same thing. On most solar panels, a sizable portion of the hardware is steel; ground mounts are mostly steel; iron-ridge rails for roofs are aluminum; panel frames are aluminum; and electrical service wiring is by and large aluminum.
“It’s tricky to reach the domestic content requirements as the U.S. doesn’t produce many of the necessary components,” Roland said. “They are imported.”
Elsewhere in town is Dan Badger’s Yellow Springs Hardware, which, as many local residents have observed in recent years, and as the News has previously reported, is quite unlike most other conventional hardware stores.
“When my wife and I started talking about taking over the hardware store [in 2021], we knew the traditional model wasn’t working well enough to be sustainable,” Badger said. “We entered this business knowing that we were going to have to turn it into something else to make it viable.”
And they did. The hardware store is now — by Badger’s math — 70% hardware bits and bobs, and 30% a performance space, music venue, repair shop, classroom, community gathering hub and more.
“It’s that stuff that makes the business sufficiently profitable to cover the losses of the store,” Badger said. “In selling just hardware, we operate at a significant loss. All the other things we do are necessary to subsidize the retail side of things.”
With the big-box home improvement chain Menards just down the road, the inordinately inflated costs of plumbing, PVC and brass materials, as well as distributors’ volatility in providing the hardware store’s best-sellers — air filters and bird seed — the hardware store’s supplemental features have been imperative.
“Without any one of them, we would not be open,” Badger said.
So, what can be done?
Each of the business owners with whom the News spoke had their own distinct, yet related suggestions on how local residents can support the small-town economy of Yellow Springs.
There was some consensus between Badger and Tom’s Market’s owner Gray about the imperative of shopping local when and where villagers can — though, Badger acknowledged that becoming a growing “luxury,” with money getting tighter and tighter for everyone.
The Tavern’s Monroe-Beard called for greater collaboration and communication among downtown business owners — especially owners of other bars and restaurants who could potentially benefit from joint mass-orders of materials and resources, and who host special events.
“So let’s not have karaoke in three different places all at once,” she said. “Instead, what if we had an occasional pub crawl, a villagewide restaurant week? We need more collaboration — a unified marketing scheme for Yellow Springs appealing to nearby areas that says, ‘Hey! We’re here!’”
According to the Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Phillip O’Rouke, he’s listening.
“The number one thing the Chamber is doing is fostering opportunities to listen to feedback from our members and the community as a whole — understanding what resources are available to help and that can target some of these struggles,” O’Rourke said.
As O’Rourke detailed, the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce — which presently has 212 member businesses, including some in neighboring Clifton and Springfield — offers its members a number of cost-saving resources: healthcare benefits, discounted payroll services, shipping and handling through FedEx and other networking-related boons through the Southern Ohio Chamber Alliance.
The YS Chamber of Commerce also offers a number of seminars for local businesses — the next on Tuesday, April 8, dubbed “Underwhelm Yourself with Google Workspace,” wherein local resident April Wolford will train attendees on marketing strategies, general shifts in the social media landscape and workflow optimization for businesses.
“But what are your immediate needs?” O’Rourke rhetorically asked local businesses. “Once we can identify what you need — not just in the short-term, not just an immediate infusion of dollars to help you get through the winter — then we can come up with a customized plan.”
He continued: “Beyond bringing people to Yellow Springs — around 50,000 for Street Fair annually — the Chamber’s job, my job is not to run your business for you, but to provide the tools and educational resources to benefit your business, which benefits all of Yellow Springs.”
Like the Chamber of Commerce, Village government is also beginning to make moves to improve local economic development initiatives.
Earlier this year, Meg Leatherman — formerly titled the Village’s planning and zoning administrator — assumed the role of planning and economic development director and was recently joined by the Village’s newest hire, Aaron Arellano, in the new planning and economic development coordinator position.
“These being somewhat new positions,” Leatherman told the News, “we’re primarily focused on right now just trying to get the word out that we’re here for economic development and building relationships with our local businesses.”
Arellano added: “So we’re about to start going around and getting feedback from Yellow Springs businesses — what do they need and how can the Village help? A lot of people, when they hear about economic development, think about bringing in new businesses. But really, our focal point is business retention.”
So, how will the Village help retain existing businesses?
According to Leatherman and Arellano, while the Village is still in the nascent planning stages of these programs, the Village may soon roll out subsidizing efforts to help Yellow Springs businesses curb utility costs in the winter, and work with businesses in applying for grants and revolving loans.
“But first, we need to hear from businesses before we launch anything,” Leatherman said.
As Leatherman acknowledged, though, the extent to which the Village can help the downtown business district is dependent upon the same macroeconomic forces that all the businesses face.
“The Village is also a business in a way,” she said. “Tariffs would mean we’d also experience higher costs for putting in and maintaining utilities and infrastructure. But I’ve worked through two other recessions in my career — it just means scaling back, streamlining processes and making things more efficient.”
“And we know the cost of things will increase over time,” Arellano added. “That’s just basic economics. In the meantime, it’s important for local businesses that the Village wants to do everything in our power to help them. Come talk to us. Let’s build a relationship.”

Groundbreaking Discovery: Scientists Develop Method to Electrically Control Spin in Ultra-Compact Devices with Altermagnetic Quantum Materials

Science and Health

In recent years, the field of spintronics has emerged as a promising frontier in the world of electronics. This revolutionary approach to technology moves beyond the traditional reliance on electron charge to leverage the intrinsic spin of electrons for data storage and processing. Spintronics offers the tantalizing prospect of creating devices that are not only faster than their conventional counterparts but also remarkably more energy-efficient. However, one of the critical barriers that researchers have faced in this domain lies in the necessity of magnetic fields to manipulate electron spins, a requirement that complicates the integration of spintronic components into tiny devices. Breaking new ground, a research team led by the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) has presented an innovative methodology that circumvents this limitation. In a landmark study published in the journal Materials Horizons, the team unveiled how an altermagnetic bilayer system could be driven by an external electric field to control spin polarization. This groundbreaking approach holds the potential to redefine the landscape of spintronic devices, equipping them with capabilities that could transform the future of computing. At the core of this transformation lies the intriguing concept of altermagnetism, a unique form of magnetism wherein the spins of electrons within a material orient in opposite directions. This distinct arrangement results in the cancellation of any substantial macroscopic magnetization, a characteristic that sets altermagnetism apart from conventional magnetic materials like ferromagnets and antiferromagnets. The dual-spin configurations allow for non-collinear spin currents, making altermagnetic materials particularly suited for applications in advanced spintronic technologies where precise spin manipulation is paramount. The team’s experiments focused on a bilayer system composed of ultra-thin layers of chromium sulfide (CrS), a material recognized for its altermagnetic properties. Through meticulous application of an electric field, the researchers discovered that the spin polarization could be fully reversed, achieving an impressive spin polarization rate of up to 87% at room temperature. This remarkable finding showcases the potential for all-electrical manipulation of spin states in a practical, room-temperature environment, which could lead to a new generation of compact and efficient spintronic devices. The pivotal mechanism behind this discovery centers around what the researchers term “layer-spin locking.” In their bilayer structure, each layer can conduct currents of opposite spin polarization independently. When an electric field is applied, it selectively modifies the energy levels in the structure, allowing for finely tunable spin-polarized currents. The experimental setup resembles two conveyor belts operating at different speeds, each carrying electrons with opposing spins. By varying the voltage applied, one layer can dominate over the other, effectively flipping the spin state of the electrons and providing unprecedented control over spin currents. The excitement surrounding this finding is palpable. Dr. Rui Peng, the lead author of the study, emphasizes the significance of controlling spin solely via electrical means, a breakthrough that could eliminate the complications of integrating magnetic fields in small-scale devices. This finding brings to life a vision of ultra-compact spintronic devices that promise higher efficiency and performance, marking a significant stride towards realizing functional applications in everyday technology. The implications of this research extend far beyond theoretical exploration. The potential applications are vast, including next-generation computing systems that rely upon rapid data processing and memory storage capabilities, as well as innovations in quantum technologies that demand precise control over quantum states. The altermagnetic materials and methods put forth by this research could stimulate novel approaches in material design and integration strategies for spintronic devices. As exciting as this discovery is, the research team is already laying the groundwork for further investigations. The next step involves experimental validation and the prototyping of devices that harness this newly discovered ability to control spin with electric fields. The researchers are delving into the possibilities of integrating their bilayer system with real-world electronic circuits to demonstrate its feasibility within commercial applications. The ambition behind this work is clear: to develop practical, manufacturable spintronic devices that can outperform the capabilities of existing silicon-based electronics. Assistant Professor Yee Sin Ang, who co-led the research, underscores the potential of this study to serve as a blueprint for transforming the landscape of modern computing. With a focus on efficiency and speed, the team is poised to make a significant impact in a field characterized by rapid advancement and technological promises. The urgency to develop such transformative technologies could not be higher. As the world grapples with the demand for faster computing and increased energy efficiency, all-electrical spintronics emerges as a central player in the unfolding narrative of technological innovation. This research stands as a testament to the pioneering spirit of scientists working at the intersection of materials science and engineering, illuminating a promising path toward ultra-fast, energy-efficient computing. Moreover, the collaborative efforts between SUTD and other esteemed institutions—including the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology, Zhejiang University, and A*STAR Singapore—highlight the global nature of this scientific endeavor. By pooling expertise from various sectors of research, the team maximizes its potential to realize breakthroughs that can yield real-world benefits. This research not only represents a major step forward in understanding and leveraging altermagnetism for spin control but also places the spotlight on the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing pressing technological challenges. As the quest for next-generation spintronic devices unfolds, the innovations developed in this study may serve as a catalyst for future advancements in electronics that redefine how we understand and utilize information storage and processing. In summary, the team’s pioneering research into altermagetic bilayers and the all-electrical control of spin currents signifies a watershed moment in the evolution of spintronics. The prospects for integration into practical applications underscore the potential to transform computing philosophies, paving the way for a future characterized by exceptional efficiency and unprecedented performance. With the momentum building around these discoveries, the global scientific community eagerly anticipates the outcomes of ongoing research and prototype development in the realm of altermagnetic materials. As this field continues to evolve, it may very well shape the future of electronics as we know it. Subject of Research: Electric field control of spin polarization in altermagnetic bilayersArticle Title: All-Electrical Spin Control: The Rise of Altermagnetic SpintronicsNews Publication Date: October 2023Web References: Materials HorizonsReferences: Not availableImage Credits: Credit: SUTD Keywords Spintronics, Altermagnetism, Electron Spin, Electric Field Control, Room Temperature Spintronics, Chromium Sulfide. Tags: advancements in magnetismaltermagnetic quantum materialsaltermagnetism in device applicationselectrically controlled spin manipulationenergy-efficient data processingfuture of computing with spintronicsinnovative methodologies in spintronicsmagnetic field alternatives in electronicsSingapore University of Technology and Design researchspintronics technologytransformative electronics researchultra-compact spintronic devices

Tesla EV Deliveries Plummet 13% in First Quarter

US & Canada

Elon Musk’s Tesla reported a worrying 13 percent drop in EV deliveries for the first quarter of 2025, marking the company’s largest sales decline in history. CNBC reports that Tesla, the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, experienced a significant setback as its sales plummeted by 13 percent in the first three months of 2025. The company…

Air France Brings Sofitel Bedding to Business Class

Business News

If you thought that Air France had overlooked its Business Class in light of the long-awaited unveiling of La Première, there’s good news for you. The French airline is also enhancing its long-haul business class experience by adding a layer of comfort to its premium cabins.
The airline has partnered with Sofitel, the French luxury hospitality brand from the Accor group, to introduce exclusive Sofitel MY BED mattress pads. Starting in July, these pads will be progressively rolled out across the airline’s long-haul flights.
Tailor Made For Air France
The Sofitel MY BED mattress pad has been specifically designed for Air France’s business class cabins, featuring the luxury bedding expertise of the hospitality brand within the airline’s premium space.
Photo: Courtesy of Air France
The mattress pad fits effortlessly over each business class seat, adding an extra layer of plush support. Air France assures passengers that they can anticipate a significantly enhanced sleep experience, whether reclining for a long-haul rest or simply relaxing in a partially reclined position.
Photo: Courtesy of Air France
“We are delighted to join forces with the expertise of Sofitel MY BED, an exceptional partner, to continue making Business cabin travel a true haven of well-being in the sky,” said Fabien Pelous, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience at Air France.
“The introduction of a new mattress pad will further enhance the comfort offered on board, ensuring even more restful nights before arrival at the destination, as well as greater relaxation during daytime flights.”
Where to Find The New Mattress?
The new gray-colored mattress pads will be placed on each business class seat before boarding, enhancing the existing amenities, which include high-quality pillows, blankets, and slippers.
Photo: Courtesy of Air France
As noted by Air France, using the mattress pad is straightforward. Passengers must position the fitted end over the headrest and smooth it down against the backrest and seat cushion.
Specially designed notches ensure the pad stays in place throughout the flight, accommodating various business class seat configurations across Air France’s fleet, including the Boeing 777, Boeing 787, and Airbus A330 and A350 models.
Photo: Courtesy of Air France
Xavier Royaux, Chief Marketing Officer of Sofitel Legend, Sofitel, MGallery, and Emblems, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “Sleep has always been a cornerstone of the Sofitel experience. With the creation of Sofitel MY BED in 2003, Sofitel has provided an unmatched quality of rest, grounded in expert knowledge and true manufacturing craftsmanship.”
He added, “Thanks to our partnership with Air France, we are excited to extend this experience into the skies, offering each traveler unique comfort and softness for a truly restorative sleep.”
Photo: Courtesy of Air France
By the end of 2025, every business class passenger on an Air France long-haul flight will have access to these mattress pads, regardless of departure time or flight duration. After each journey, the mattress pads will be thoroughly cleaned and repackaged to ensure the highest hygiene standards.
Business Class Upgrades
Air France has long been synonymous with sophisticated, French-style travel. Select Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350 aircraft are already equipped with the airline’s latest business class seats, which feature fully lie-flat beds that are nearly two meters long.
These seats offer direct aisle access and sliding doors for added privacy. For passengers traveling together, the center seats come with a retractable partition that allows for a shared space.
Photo: Courtesy of Air France
Additional features include a large 4K HD anti-glare screen, noise-reducing headphones, Bluetooth connectivity, multiple charging ports, and onboard Wi-Fi. From the moment passengers settle into their seats, they are greeted by the airline’s iconic winged seahorse emblem—an enduring symbol of its rich aviation heritage.
Photo: New IFE on Business Class. Courtesy of Air France
With premium materials such as wool, brushed aluminum, and full-grain French leather, Air France ensures that the business class cabin exudes comfort at every touchpoint. The dining experience is equally refined, featuring menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs and a carefully selected list of wines and champagnes.
Long-Haul Growth in 2025
The French flag carrier is not only enhancing its onboard experience but also expanding its global network. During the Summer 2025 schedule, which runs from April to October, the airline plans to operate up to 900 flights per day, serving nearly 190 destinations worldwide.
This expansion includes a 4 percent increase in long-haul capacity compared to summer 2024, reflecting a strong demand for international travel.
Photo: Downtown Riyadh. Courtesy of Ekrem Osmanoglu / Unsplash
This year, the airline is introducing two new routes. The first route will connect Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with up to five weekly flights operated by Airbus A350-900 aircraft starting on May 19.
The second route will link Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Orlando (MCO), featuring four weekly flights, also operated by an A350-900, beginning on May 21—just in time for the busy summer travel season.
Photo: Walt Disney World, Orlando. Courtesy of Jocelyn Hsu / Unsplash
Air France will also strengthen its presence in North America with significant service increases. This includes a seventh daily flight between Paris and New York (JFK), five of which will feature the airline’s new La Première cabin.
The Phoenix route, which was inaugurated in 2024, will increase to five weekly flights using Airbus A350-900 aircraft. Additionally, the Papeete route (via Los Angeles) will be upgraded to daily service.
Photo: Courtesy of Air France-KLM
Furthermore, Air France will operate special direct flights between Los Angeles and Nice from May 12 to May 26, 2025, in partnership with the Cannes Film Festival, to further strengthen its relationship with the entertainment industry.
With the introduction of Sofitel MY BED mattress pads, Air France continues to raise the bar for in-flight luxury. By blending the expertise of a world-renowned hospitality brand with the airline’s signature commitment to comfort, this latest enhancement ensures that business class passengers will experience unparalleled rest in its premium cabins.

Germany Leads, Italy Expands, and U.S. Stays #1 for European Business Travelers

Business News

Flight and car rental data indicate that European business travelers were most commonly bound for Germany last year, while the U.S. remained the biggest intercontinental destination for expense account travelers.
That’s according to BCD Travel, which has drawn on client data to produce its Cities & Trends 2025 Europe Report. The Dutch company is Europe’s second-largest travel management firm behind Amex GBT.
Italy Grows in Business Travel
It’s little surprise that Germany, Europe’s largest economy, is the biggest magnet for European business travelers. It was followed by the United Kingdom, which has retained its second-place position despite Brexit increasing friction at borders for visitors from the continent. The Netherlands attracted the third most travelers.
Italy retained its fifth position but saw 21 percent growth in inbound business travel from Europe, driven by its economic recovery and improved airline connectivity.
Photo: Courtesy of SEA / Milan Linate Airport
“The expansion of airlines’ operations in Italy has improved connectivity, making it more convenient for business travelers to reach Italian cities,” said Edoardo Priori, managing director for BCD’s operations in the country.
Low-cost carriers Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizzair, Eurowings, and Norwegian all added new European routes to Italian business hubs Milan (MXP and BGY) and Rome (FCO) last year. Meanwhile, Lufthansa’s €325 million deal to take a 41 percent stake in Italian flag carrier ITA has the German carrier poised to boost its presence on the peninsula this year.
Photo: Courtesy of Lufthansa
Under the terms of the deal reached with the European Commission, Lufthansa and ITA have yielded slots at Milan Linate (LIN) to EasyJet, which will expand operations at the urban airport, the hub closest to the city’s Porta Nuova business district.
Italy has also benefited from the increased popularity of trips that combine business and leisure, known as “bleisure travel.”
“Italy’s rich cultural heritage and diverse attractions make it an ideal destination for professionals seeking to combine work with leisure,” Priori said.
Top European Countries for Business Travel

Germany

United Kingdom

Netherlands

France

Italy

Spain

Switzerland

Denmark

Sweden

Austria

5 Key Steps To Find The Right Business Broker

Business News

Selling a business is a once-in-a-lifetime event for most small business owners. The stakes are high, the process is complex, and the right business broker can mean the difference between a great deal and leaving money on the table.

Yet, many entrepreneurs rush the broker selection process, relying on word-of-mouth referrals, skipping due diligence, and signing agreements without fully understanding the terms. The result? Undervalued deals, slow sales, or businesses that never sell at all.

If you’re thinking about selling, follow these five key steps to avoid costly mistakes and maximize your business’s sale price.

Step 1: Understand Why Choosing the Right Broker is Critical
The Risk of Choosing the Wrong Broker

Too many business owners default to the first broker they meet or pick someone based on a referral, without vetting them properly. That’s a mistake. Here’s what can go wrong:

Lack of industry expertise: Not all brokers understand your business model or sector.
Quick, low-value sales: Some brokers push for a fast close instead of securing the best deal.
Hidden fees & misaligned incentives: If a broker profits from a quick sale, they may prioritize speed over value.

How to Fix It:

Treat hiring a broker like hiring a key executive—you wouldn’t fill a leadership role without due diligence.
Define what “good” looks like – Consider your business size, industry, and exit goals before selecting a broker.

Action Step: Before reaching out to brokers, write down your ideal exit scenario and the expertise you need in a broker.
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Step 2: Ask the Right Questions to Screen Brokers
Why This Matters
Most business owners don’t know what to ask a broker, which means they default to generic conversations. The result? They sign with someone who isn’t a true fit.

3 Questions to Separate the Best Brokers from the Rest

“How many businesses like mine have you sold in the last year?”

Ensures they have recent, relevant experience in your industry.
Helps avoid brokers who haven’t closed deals recently, since market conditions change fast.

“Who’s buying businesses like mine right now?”

A top broker should know the market trends and what types of buyers are most active.
Gives insight into whether you should sell now or wait for better conditions.

“What’s the #1 reason businesses like mine don’t sell?”

Helps you identify red flags before listing.
Gives you an early advantage in fixing potential deal-breakers (e.g., owner dependency, weak financials).

Action Step: Interview at least three brokers and ask these questions before deciding.

Step 3: Verify Their Track Record & Buyer Network
Why This Matters
Just because a broker says they specialize in your industry doesn’t mean they can prove it. Many brokers talk a big game but:

Lack actual experience closing deals like yours.
Don’t have a real network of buyers—they just list businesses and wait.
Have a poor track record of securing top-dollar deals.

How to Verify a Broker’s Credibility

Ask for recent case studies or references from past clients.
Check if they have an active buyer network—are they proactively finding buyers or just hoping for inbound interest?
Look at online reviews, past deal structures, and client testimonials.

Action Step: Call past clients from their reference list and ask one key question: “Would you use this broker again?”
Step 4: Align the Broker’s Incentives With Your Goals
The Big Problem: Misaligned Incentives
Many brokers prioritize their commission over your best outcome. Some push for:

Fast, low-value sales to close deals quickly.
Earn-outs or bad deal structures that benefit buyers, not sellers.
High retainers and hidden fees that don’t guarantee results.

How to Ensure Your Broker is Working for YOU

Look for success-based commissions. A good broker gets paid when the business sells, not before.
Demand transparency. Avoid brokers who bury fees in the fine print.
Ask if they’d advise waiting. A great broker will tell you to pause your sale if the market isn’t right.

Action Step: Review the broker’s contract carefully and question any upfront fees before signing.
Step 5: Prepare Your Business for a Smooth Sale
The Harsh Reality
Even the best broker can’t sell a business that isn’t ready. Many businesses fail to sell because of:

Messy financials. Buyers want clean, transparent records.
Owner dependency. If your business can’t run without you, it’s risky to buyers.
Bad timing. Selling in a downturn can reduce your valuation.

How to Maximize Your Sale Price

Organize your financials. Clean books = a higher valuation.
Reduce owner dependency. Systematize operations so your business runs without you.
Time your sale strategically. Selling when your industry is trending upward can add significant value.

Action Step: Take a free exit-readiness test to identify any red flags before listing your business.
Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Exit Strategy
Choosing the right broker isn’t just about closing a deal, It’s about maximizing your business’s worth and securing a life-changing exit.
Here’s what to remember:

Don’t settle for the first broker you meet. Interview multiple candidates.
Do your due diligence. Ask the tough questions.
Get your business exit-ready. Clean financials, strong systems, and smart timing all increase your valuation.

Your business is valuable. Let’s make sure your exit is too by using the above 5 steps to find the right business broker.