The focus of my entire career since 2000 was building Riveredge Cosmetic Dentistry in Sunderland. Our goal was always to provide the highest quality treatments. Over the years we have won multiple awards and earned an outstanding reputation. When it came time for me to consider an exit strategy I had concerns that the practice would have little value because I had been ever present and without me the practice may have been considered a risky purchase. At my first meeting with Lily Head, I shared these concerns. Lily’s response was immediate and definite. She said ‘Let me be the judge of that. I know people who would be very interested in your practice’. Lily earned my trust and never let me down. Lily and I discussed the high clinical standards I wanted. What I was not prepared to put up with whilst realising the true value of the practice. Unfortunately, Lily and I decided to pull out of one deal during the due diligence because we found the buyers were not right for me, my team and my patients. What I can say is that Lily and her team always worked in my best interests even though it meant more work and a longer transaction time for them. Lily negotiated an excellent deal with excellent terms and I am proud that Riveredge is now part of the Dentex Health Group.