How to Buy a Business in the UK: Essential Steps You Can’t Afford to Ignore
Discover how to buy a business in the UK… What are savvy buyers really looking for? And how to come away with a deal that’s good for both you and the seller.
At Entrepreneurs Hub, our expert team have supported clients on both sides of the M&A process – some of us even have personal experience on both sides of the process. As a company, we help owners achieve significant exits with the right buyers for them and their business. It’s not about being adversarial and ‘winning the fight’ it’s about making good deals.
This article outlines the key steps you can’t afford to ignore when buying a business in the UK.
The Initial Considerations
Assessing personal readiness for business ownership
Buying a business is a life-changing commitment for an investor and a business-changing commitment for a company. Before assessing each opportunity you should consider your time, energy, and risk tolerance. Decide if you want to be hands-on and integrate the business or act as a strategic investor building a portfolio of businesses operating under one organisation. These decisions shape the type of business you should pursue.
“Selling your business is a harrowing experience, well it certainly was for me… I was very happy with my engagement with EH. It is a very emotional ride, and Mike was to hand as and when required. Ultimately, we got the deal done together and I am satisfied I had made the right choice with EH. Long live retirement!” – Anthony Heaton, Brownsword
Defining your business goals
Clarity is everything. Are you looking to expand your existing operations, diversify into new markets, or establish a succession plan for family members? Defining your goals early ensures you won’t waste time chasing the wrong opportunities.
Exploring the Small Business Market
Researching industries and sectors
From technology start-ups to established manufacturing firms, the UK market is rich with opportunity. But not every business is the right fit. Investigate industry growth trends, customer behaviours, and barriers to entry. As we’ve highlighted in our Business Valuation Services guide, understanding market dynamics is critical in determining long-term value.
Criteria for selecting a business to buy
Don’t just focus on turnover. Look at profitability, scalability, culture fit, and leadership team strength. Remember: you’re not just purchasing numbers on a spreadsheet – you’re acquiring people, systems, and future potential.
Engaging with Business Brokers
How can they streamline the process
A good broker, such as Entrepreneurs Hub, doesn’t just show you a list of businesses for sale. We actively research the market for our clients doing in-depth analysis on who would be a good fit to acquire them. So you can be sure that if we are approaching you with an opportunity to acquire, there will be a good reason for it.
Questions to ask a broker
- How do you qualify businesses before bringing them to market?
- Can you share examples of past transactions and success stories?
- What support do you provide during due diligence and financing?
Our clients regularly tell us, in our testimonials, that our expertise and proactive approach made the difference between a good deal and a great one.
“By far the most important decision as a business owner when choosing to sell your business, is who to partner with… Entrepreneurs Hub stood out; they had a pedigree that we felt was unmatched by their competitors. They have been there with us every step of the way… You build your business with a winning team, so my personal recommendation is to maintain that eminence by adding Entrepreneurs Hub. They act as an extension of your business and deliver the results you need.” – Matthew Allen, Blue Graphics Ltd & Blue Graphics Europe Ltd
Business Valuation and Financial Health
Understanding asset vs. revenue valuation
When it comes to valuation, not all businesses are equal. Some are best valued on their tangible assets (property, equipment, stock), while others command higher multiples due to recurring revenue streams and strong intellectual property. Crucially, Entrepreneurs Hub ensures our clients go to market with realistic expectations of achievable valuation range. This means a sensible offer from you will always be taken seriously – but you also won’t get away with a cheeky one either…
Analysing financial statements
Many buyers stumble here. Scrutinise the P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow – but don’t stop there. Look at customer concentration, supplier contracts, and seasonal revenue cycles. Our clients are all thoroughly prepared for, and supported in, due diligence to ensure buyers have all the information they require at the right time.
“We engaged Entrepreneurs Hub back in 2014 to assist us with properly preparing and positioning the business for sale… We have no doubt that partnering with them added significant value to the business and helped us achieve our goal.” – John Simmons, Acheta
Financing Options for Business Acquisition
Internal vs. external funding
Using your own capital is simple but restrictive. External funding preserves flexibility and working capital – however, an external funder will have their own view on value which can risk losing out on an opportunity against an organisation with a better source of funding.
Alternative financing solutions
Earn-outs, vendor financing, and private equity involvement can all play a role in structuring deals. A well-advised buyer will be open to explore a variety of creative structures that benefit both parties.
Negotiation and Offer Process
Crafting a compelling offer
A strong offer isn’t just about price. Terms, timing, and transition support can often tip the scales. Sellers want reassurance that their legacy and their team will be in safe hands.
Key negotiation tactics to employ
Be clear on your red lines but flexible on structure. Always negotiate with a thorough understanding of the seller’s motivations – retirement, succession, or strategic divestment. Our 10 Expert Tips for Selling a Business gives further insight into what matters most to owners.
“This transaction would have been almost impossible without the support of Entrepreneurs Hub. With this sale we are confident we are leaving the company in good hands, and the trusted brand… will continue to thrive for generations to come.” – Nathan Giles, Alpha Laboratories
Completing the Acquisition
Ensuring thorough due diligence
Due diligence is where deals succeed or fail. Review everything – financials, contracts, IP, HR, compliance. Cutting corners here risks buying liabilities instead of opportunities. Once again, if you are acquiring a company represented by Entrepreneurs Hub you can rest assured they will be well prepared for this stage.
Legal compliance and closing procedures
Engage experienced legal and tax advisors. From shareholder agreements to regulatory approvals, every detail matters. This is the point where all your preparation pays off, or the deal falls over after months of hard work. Make sure your legal team is focused on getting the deal done instead of stalling or nit-picking.
“Choosing the right advisors to help me with the sale process was key from the outset… Entrepreneurs Hub provided a skilled team with a comprehensive approach, but more importantly, they were empathetic and trustworthy partners. Tanya and I are incredibly grateful for their unwavering support throughout this process. Their expert guidance has ensured a successful transaction, allowing me to focus on my philanthropic work while securing the best future for WOW Toys.” – Nadim Ednan-Laperouse OBE, WOW Toys
Are you a business owner looking to sell your company?
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FAQs – Selling your company
How do I sell my business?
At Entrepreneurs Hub, we talk about five key areas that make the difference between success and failure when selling your business. Read more…
How much can I sell my business for?
Determining your business’s value is more than just calculating a number it’s complex with key factors, that said the basic equation is actually quite simple. Read more…
How long does it take to sell my business?
The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the deal and how ready the business is for sale. On average, the process takes around twelve months – sometimes less, sometimes more.
While preparing your business for sale, Entrepreneurs Hub conducts in-depth research to identify potential acquirers. You’ll have the opportunity to review and approve this list before we make any approaches. Once the business is fully prepared – often the most time-consuming step, we begin marketing it. Typically, you’ll start seeing initial interest within a few months, with follow-up meetings happening shortly after.
As these meetings progress – coordinated and facilitated by Entrepreneurs Hub, you’ll begin receiving initial offers. At this stage, we’ll help you assess the strategic fit between your business and potential buyers. When you decide to move forward with an offer, an exclusivity period begins, during which the acquirer conducts Due Diligence (DD).
The DD phase typically lasts two to three months, depending on the complexity of your business. Once complete, the sale is finalised, and you’ve successfully sold your company.
How do I sell my business quickly?
Selling a business quickly is possible, but speed shouldn’t come at the expense of value or deal security Read more…
When is the best time to sell?
Selling your business is a major milestone, and the start of an exciting new chapter, whether that means new ventures or a well-earned retirement.
In our experience, the best time to sell is when you don’t need to – when your business is performing well – not necessarily tied to the calendar. That said, timing can still play a role.
Timing the Market
Strong economic conditions, sector growth, and buyer confidence boost valuations. Don’t wait for a “perfect” market – a well-prepared, well-performing business sells in any climate.
Plan Ahead (12–18 Months)
The best outcomes come from early planning: clean financials, solid forecasting and growth potential.
Spring & Autumn Are Active Periods
The M&A market is typically busier in spring and autumn while summer and winter tend to be slower due to holidays and year-end distractions. However, the unpredictability of deals and negotiations makes this hard to target. We do deals all throughout the year – the key is to work with someone who can keep driving the deal forward whenever it happens.
Financial Year- End
Selling your business well is a long process and aiming for your financial year-end milestone is a virtually impossible task. But it is worth bearing your financial year in mind as buyers will want to review the most up-to-date accounts available.
The best time to sell is when your business is ready, and you are too. With the right preparation and positioning the right timing follows naturally.
Can I sell my business online?
Yes, you absolutely can sell a business online. Many platforms specialise in connecting business sellers with buyers. Read more…