Business valuations explained
If you are thinking about selling, the first question is usually: “What is my business worth?” A valuation answers it. But the figure is only a starting point.
What you really care about is finding the right buyer, securing the right price, and completing a clean exit, and that depends on how you run the sale. It takes more than a valuation. It takes a consultation where we discuss your motivations, establish a realistic sales figure, and create a tailored plan to get you the outcome you want.
That is exactly what BTG Eddisons Business Sales offers, and we believe it is the level of service you need to sell your business for the best price possible. Our initial consultations are free, and we value your business as part of our complete approach. Start the process today by contacting our experts.
How is a business valued?
A business is usually valued in three parts. We weigh each one to build a realistic, defensible figure.
- Trade value: What the business earns. We look at turnover, staff costs, and EBITDA to understand profitability and future growth potential.
- Property value: The premises, whether freehold or leasehold. Building condition, location, and current market data all shape the figure.
- Asset value: Equipment, stock, and plant, each inventoried and valued based on its condition, market data, and scarcity.
What information is used in a valuation?
The more complete the picture, the more reliable the figure. A valuation typically draws on:
- Turnover, staff costs, and EBITDA
- Property and tenure
- Assets and stock
- Current market conditions
- Growth potential and risk to a new owner
How long does a business valuation take?
It depends on the size and complexity of your business. A smaller, focused business can often be valued in under two weeks. Larger businesses, or those with several sites or asset types, may take up to six weeks.
Do I want a valuation or sale?
Most owners who ask what their business is worth are really asking a bigger question: how do I get the best outcome when I sell? A valuation answers part of it. A sale answers the rest.
|
Service |
A valuation on its own |
Selling with BTG Eddisons Business Sales |
|
What you get |
A figure and the reasoning behind it |
A figure, plus a fully managed sale |
|
Finds a buyer |
No |
Yes, potentially through our 50,000 registered buyers |
|
Price tested in the market |
No |
Yes |
|
What happens next? |
You have a figure, but no sales plan |
Our director works to ensure a successful sale |
|
Best for |
Lenders, investment, disputes, or planning |
Owners who want the best outcome from a sale |
A valuation tells you where you stand. Our job is to turn that into the right buyer, the right terms, and a clean exit.
Why should I start with a consultation instead of a valuation?
We do not sell standalone valuations as a product. We find owners get far more from a free, confidential consultation, where we talk through your goals, give you a realistic sense of value, and show you exactly how a sale would work.
There is no obligation to proceed. You can instruct us in the meeting, or take your time to decide. Either way, you leave with a clear picture of what your business is worth and what it could achieve on the open market.
Ready to find out what your business could sell for?
Book a free, confidential consultation. We will discuss your goals, value your business as part of the process, and show you exactly how a sale would work. There is no obligation to proceed.
Why choose BTG Eddisons Business Sales?
Selling the business you plan to retire on is one of the biggest decisions you will make. Here is why owners trust us with it:
- Director-led throughout: You work with the same director from instruction to completion, with no handover between departments.
- Established in 1956: Nearly seven decades selling businesses across the UK.
- £1bn of businesses sold: A proven track record across a wide range of sectors.
- 50,000 registered buyers: Your business matched discreetly to serious acquirers.
- Confidential and discreet: Most of what we sell never appears publicly, protecting you, your staff, and your customers.
- Group-backed finance: If a buyer’s funding falls through, we can arrange business finance through the BTG Group to keep your sale on track.
- Asset sales when they help: Sell surplus plant, equipment, or stock separately through BTG Eddisons Asset Sales to maximise the total value of your exit.
- Authorised and regulated by the FCA: Professional standards you can rely on.
Speak to our team to find out what your business could really sell for
Whether you are ready to sell now or simply weighing up your options, the best first step is a conversation. Contact our team today for a free, confidential consultation and find out what your business is really worth and what it could achieve on the open market. Call 0113 340 9840 or complete the enquiry form, and we will come back to you within one working day.
Sell your Business today
Please submit your enquiry and get started selling your business. We will be in touch to learn about your specific requirements.
Frequently asked questions about business valuations
Is a valuation the same as the price I will sell for?
Not exactly. A valuation is a well-reasoned estimate based on your accounts, assets, and the market. The final price is set by what a buyer will pay, which is why testing the business against a large pool of buyers matters.
