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Five ways to stand out amongst a sea of business buyers

So you've got your heart set on a business that's up for sale, but there's a chance you're not the only one. Whether they've confirmed that you're battling an army of potential new owners or they're keeping their cards close to their chest, you need to make sure you're as attractive as possible to the current owner.

We've put together a list of five ways you can make yourself stand out fro... Continue Reading


Selling up: Methods of valuing your business

Just like when you sell your home, the sale of your business will require you to obtain an accurate valuation of your company. If you want a quick sale it can be tempting to undervalue your business, but it's also very easy to overstate its value if you're just taking a guess.

There are a number of methods you can consider to help you find the right balance, and it's never a bad idea to consider addressing more than o... Continue Reading


Selling a business: Is tax relief available?

Although it could make you some money, selling a business can be an expensive process. There are a number of significant costs involved in sorting and marketing your business, as well as the costs involved in dealing with the sales paperwork. And that's without considering the taxes you may have to pay upon a successful sale.

Thankfully, many small business owners actually qualify for tax relief when selling their business, whi... Continue Reading


Buying a business: Do I need to pay Stamp Duty?

There are many financial considerations that will need addressing when you buy a new business and unfortunately tax is one of them. The type of tax you pay may vary depending the size and type of business you buy, but Stamp Duty is a common addition to business purchase calculations.

There are three different types of Stamp Duty you may have to pay when you purchase a small business: Stamp Duty Land Tax, Stamp Duty Reserve Tax and S... Continue Reading


Selling a family business: What do I need to be aware of?

Selling any business can be emotion-fuelled and complex, but this is even more likely to be the case if you're thinking of selling a family business. Whether it's a new business that's been nurtured with a sibling, or an established industry brand that's been run under the family name for generations, it won't always be easy to keep your head ruling over your heart so it's vital that you're thoroughly prepared.<... Continue Reading


How can digital marketing make my business more attractive to buyers?

Digital marketing has become the new business 'it' term, dominating planning and spending for small and large businesses alike as companies attempt to connect with their target audience and boost their sales. However, demonstrable strength in this area could also be a valuable factor should you decide to sell your business.

We've explored how some of the main areas of digital marketing could make your business stand ou... Continue Reading


How to turn around your newly purchased business

Congratulations! You've found and purchased a business and you're ready to transform it into the company of your dreams. But where do you start?

Whether it's in need of modernisation, lacking in innovation or just in need of an efficiently distributed cash injection, the key considerations highlighted below could help you establish the best way forward as you work to turn your business around.

Cut down on... Continue Reading


Preparing your business for the unknown - a Brexit checklist

We'll admit we're still as uncertain as the next person when it comes to the future of Britain's relationship with the EU. But what we do know it's important that small business owners prepare as well as they can, as far in advance as they can.

Whether you're reliant on imports or exports, worried about legislative changes, or looking to buy or sell, you should ensure you have a contingency plan in place so ... Continue Reading


Could diversification be the right move for your business?

Diversification is a bit of a buzzword these days, dominating the news in industries such as farming and retail where many business owners are weathering financial turbulence.

For some of these companies, branching out into new markets has helped them establish new sources of profit and ensure the future of their business in a changing market. But there are still many business gurus who argue that standing your ground in a niche mar... Continue Reading


What legal documents do I need to buy or sell my business?

Buying or selling your business can be an exciting time but with so many aspects of the sale to deal with it can also become overwhelming.

To ensure the deal goes through as quickly and easily as possible it's vital that you stay on top of your paperwork. Specifically, all of your legal documents should be prepared as far in advance as possible and presented to the relevant parties as soon as they're needed.

We... Continue Reading


Four Valentine's marketing tips that will get your brand noticed

Valentine's Day isn't for everyone, but there's no arguing that it has become a significant date in the marketing calendar for small and large companies alike. Whether you're encouraging your customers to show their love, or providing them with the perfect way to avoid the hearts and roses as much as possible, this is a marketing opportunity not to miss.

To help you make the most of the occasion, we've put t... Continue Reading


Five ways to raise money for your business

So you've made it through the January lull but you may still need a bit of extra funding to help you achieve your 2019 business goals. We've put together a list of six popular methods of raising money for your business, so you can ensure your New Year's resolutions don't melt away with the snow.

Family and friends

It's not an option for everyone, but your own trusted contacts are a great source ... Continue Reading


Five ways to increase the value of your business

So, you’ve bought a new business or maybe you’re looking to sell. Whatever the case may be, you want to increase the value of your business. After all, what’s the point if your business isn’t growing in value?

You will need to be prepared to invest a good chunk of time and potentially inject some investment to grow the value of your business, but by doing it right, you are more likely to create a business that will be an attr... Continue Reading


Winter trading: how to beat the January lull

Christmas and New Year have come and gone, making the transition into January a rather dull and dreary one in comparison to the festive December season. And precisely for this reason, small enterprises may be feeling the pinch. Getting through the winter period is often tough when business is slow to pick up after the expensive year-end, but it needn’t be like that for too long. Here are some ways you can beat the January lull and pull your com... Continue Reading


Looking for a good investment opportunity?

We’ll let you in on a secret - pubs are making a comeback.

Just over the recent holiday season, pubs saw a sharp increase in festive sales, with reports of sales growth of 12.3 per cent over a two week period.

Statistics from Office of National Statistics (ONS) also shows a glimmering outlook for pubs, with employment being reported as on the rise in the sector, with a 6 per cent increase since 2008 and a more signifi... Continue Reading